Download a printable version of this document (Microsoft Word, 2000 document), click here.  

What is an SEP?

Your SEP is a Student Education Plan and is like a roadmap pointing you toward graduation or, in other words, an outline of all the classes you need to take in order to earn a certificate or diploma or degree in a particular program.  Your SEP is a good source of information to consult when scheduling classes…the back of it has a list of recommended classes to take during each semester (this topic is explained more in the How do I know what classes to take? section of this document). For those students receiving Financial Aid (910-678-8242) or Veterans Services (910-678-8296), the SEP is a required document to release any monies given to you.  

Back to Top

What is a Developmental Sequence SEP?

Developmental Sequence plans are for those students whose ACCUPLACER results suggest that they would benefit from completing remedial courses in all three areas (i.e., Math, Reading, and Writing) before attempting college courses.  Financial aid does not cover developmental studies plans so the payment must be from the student’s own personal income.  Students that have remedial classes in only two areas (e.g., Math and Writing) can still receive a college level student education plan.  When students have remedial classes in all three areas (Reading, Writing, and Math or Writing and Math) then they receive a “Developmental Sequence” SEP. 

Developmental studies students may request an opportunity to retest (910-678-8394) through a counselor.  The testing office has some tips on how to study for the ACCUPLACER; the continuing education office (910- 678-8488) too has some programs available to help some students who qualify.  The learning center (910-678-8266) located near the library can also help students score higher on the ACCUPLACER thus quickening their entry into a curriculum program.

Back to Top

How do I move from a developmental sequence SEP into a curriculum?

Entry into a curriculum from developmental studies is largely dictated by grades a student earns while taking developmental studies classes.  His or her progress is monitored during the semester by the academic advisor. l The advisor checks to determine if a student is following the proper developmental sequence and is progressing satisfactorily in courses being pursued.  It is really the student's responsibility, though, to see a counselor at or near the end of his or her developmental sequence in order to discuss approval into the student's chosen curriculum.  

During such a meeting, the counselor reviews the student's transcript to insure that developmental prerequisites have been or are being met.  If such is the case, formal approval for entry into a curriculum is noted on the student's folder.  The folder is then given to the appropriate secretary in the Registrar's office for completion.

Formal approval of those students aspiring to enter a health area curriculum is delayed until such time that the student has completed the health programs admissions process to include participation in an information session with the appropriate health program chairperson or designee(s).  Health program information session dates are scheduled by the program chairperson.  Approval and the processing of final documents are managed by the Director of Admissions.

Back to Top

Who is my advisor?

Your advisor is an expert in your chosen curriculum and therefore, the best person to consult with questions or anything you need.  Sometimes students ask:  What is the difference between a counselor and an advisor?  You may visit this site  (www.faytechcc.edu/stuserv/counseling/online/counselor_or_advisor.htm)for information regarding the division of labor.  Your advisor takes care of you from the moment you receive your SEP until the time you graduate.  Notice your advisor’s phone number and office location written to the right of his or her name (to find your advisor's e-mail address, click here or call registrar's office at 910-678-8476).  Your advisor may be hard to reach but be persistent; you may wish to visit our virtual advisement center (http://www.faytechcc.edu/infodesk/vcampus/advise.html)!  It is important to develop a good relationship with your advisor from the beginning of your studies; your advisor is the one that certifies whether you are ready to graduate, may help you obtain employment or entrance into another college or university, and your advisor may be a good person to request letters of recommendation from!

As an advisee, you share some important responsibilities with your advisor regarding your success in navigating towards graduation.  Visit this site (salc.wsu.edu/Advising/advisingman/SelfHelp/MostAcademicAdvising.htm) to learn more about your responsibilities.  

Back to Top

What do the "Conditions" on my SEP mean?

You may have certain remedial courses written on your SEP in one or more of the following areas:  Math, English, Reading, or Sciences.  These remedial courses are recommended based upon your COMPASS results and/or examination of your high school/college transcripts.  It is important that you complete these remedial classes as soon as possible and definitely before you attempt the English and Math requirements in your program.  You may not have to take these remedial classes if you instead, retest on the COMPASS placement test.

Back to Top

How do I know what classes to take?

Once you become familiar with your SEP, the answer to the question:  How do I schedule my classes is easy.  However, at first, your SEP may appear a maze of confusing course listings.  The SEPs for the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science are especially confusing, at first.  Again, the solution is to study your SEP closely.  Here’s how:

·       The first section of most SEPs lists “General Education Courses.”  These are courses such as English, Speech, Math, Social Science, and Humanities/Fine Arts. 

·       The second section of most SEPs lists “Major Courses.”  This section may consist of “Required Core Courses” and “Other Major Courses.”  These are important courses that most directly pertain to your designated curriculum. 

·       The third and typically final section of your SEP lists “Other Required Courses.”  These are courses such as ACA 115 (Success and Study Skills) and possibly a blank line on which any course (numbered 110 or higher) may be listed. 

·       You may have a “Co-op Option” listed on your SEP.  If so, then after you complete 12 credit hours of college (and meet other requirements) you may visit the Co-Op office (room 109 in the Student Center; 910-678-8396) to apply for Co-Op.  Cooperative Education consists of your working in your chosen field of study and getting paid while also earning college credit (learn more).

Also note that on the back of your SEP is a recommended class schedule (for the days and times the classes meet, you may consult the listing of classes available in the Registrar's office).  You do not have to follow the plan recommended on the back of your SEP, but talk it over with your advisor if you make changes to this recommended plan.  There are some classes that are critical for you to take at designated times else you fall far behind!

Back to Top

What kinds of SEPs are available at FTCC?

FTCC offers numerous SEPs; some lead to a certificate, some to a diploma, and some lead to an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Science.  Check out the catalogue for details about all of the SEPs available.  Not sure which SEP is for you?  Visit our career services center (910-678-8205) or  this site (http://www.columbus.iupui.edu/iupucss/howto.htm) that discusses how to choose a "major;" a "major" is another way of saying...how do I know what education-based career to pursue?

Back to Top