Dual Credit Help Center

Choose Find the Right Application.
Answer the questions carefully.
Make sure you qualify for the Undergraduate (2-Year) application. If you do not, Frank Phillips College will not appear in the school search.

Step 3 – Complete Your Application

Search for Frank Phillips College.
Select the appropriate admission term.
Click Start Your Application.
Complete all required sections.
Select your major.
Review your application.
Certify the application and submit it.

Important: You may be asked to select a payment method. Choose Credit/Debit Card, but do not enter any payment information. Simply complete the submission process.

Step 4 – Confirm Submission

Your ApplyTexas dashboard should show that your application has been submitted.

What Happens Next?

Once you're accepted:

Your counselor will submit your enrollment paperwork.
Your college account will be created.
You'll receive your FPC login information.

Quick Guide #2: Logging Into Your FPC Accounts

Before You Begin

After your ApplyTexas application has been processed, you'll receive an Acceptance Email at the personal email address you used on your ApplyTexas application.

Your acceptance email contains:

Your FPC student email address
Your student ID number
Instructions for accessing your college accounts

Check your Spam or Junk folder. It can take up to 5 business days for your application to be processed and your acceptance email to arrive.

Step 1: Activate Your Plainsmen Email

Your Plainsmen Email must be activated before you can access the Plainsmen Portal or Brightspace.

Username

Use your FPC student email address:

username@student.fpctx.edu

Temporary Password

Your temporary password uses the following format:

Student ID Number + Capitalized First Initial + Capitalized Last Initial + !

Example: If your student ID number is 123456 and your name is Emily Johnson, your temporary password would be 123456EJ!

After signing in, you'll be prompted to create your own password.

Important: You cannot access the Plainsmen Portal or Brightspace until you have successfully activated your Plainsmen Email.

Step 2: Log Into the Plainsmen Portal

Once your Plainsmen Email has been activated, you're ready to access the Plainsmen Portal.

Username

Use your FPC student email address:

username@student.fpctx.edu

Password

Use the new password you created when activating your Plainsmen Email.

The Plainsmen Portal allows you to:

View your class schedule
Check your account balance
Make payments or set up a payment plan
Access other student resources

Step 3: Log Into Brightspace

Once you're enrolled, your course(s) will appear in Brightspace. However, you won't be able to access the course content until the Friday before the semester begins. (See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.)

Username

Use your FPC student email address:

username@student.fpctx.edu

Password

Your Brightspace login instructions will be sent to your Plainsmen Email.

In Brightspace you can:

Access course materials
Submit assignments
Take quizzes and exams
View grades
Communicate with your instructors

Remember the Login Order

Activate your Plainsmen Email
Log into the Plainsmen Portal
Check your Plainsmen Email for Brightspace login instructions
Access Brightspace when it becomes available

Need Help? If you're having trouble accessing your accounts, start with these resources:

Your Facilitator (if your class has one)

Many dual credit classes have a facilitator—a teacher or staff member at your high school who is assigned to support students in the college course.

Your High School Counselor

Your counselor can assist with registration questions, enrollment issues, and connect you with the appropriate college resources.

Your Dual Credit Advisor

If you still need assistance, contact Kamron Britten, your Frank Phillips College Dual Credit Advisor at kbritten@fpctx.edu.

Quick Guide #3: Using Your FPC Student Platforms

As a Frank Phillips College dual credit student, you'll use three online platforms throughout the semester. Each one serves a different purpose.

Plainsmen Email: Your Official College Email

What is it? Your Plainsmen Email is the official email account used by Frank Phillips College to communicate with you.

When should I use it? Use your Plainsmen Email to:

Read important college announcements
Receive registration information
Receive Brightspace login instructions
Communicate with instructors and college staff
Receive billing and financial information
Stay informed about scholarships and campus updates

How do I access it?

Go to www.fpctx.edu
Select Student Access → Plainsmen Email
Log in using your FPC student email address and password.

Check your Plainsmen Email regularly. This is the primary way the college communicates with you.

Plainsmen Portal: Your Student Account

What is it? The Plainsmen Portal is your student account where you can manage your enrollment, finances, and other college records.

When should I use it? Use the Plainsmen Portal to:

View your class schedule
Check your account balance
Make payments
Set up a payment plan
View financial information
Request an official transcript
Print an unofficial transcript
Access other student resources

How do I access it?

Go to www.fpctx.edu
Select Student Access → Plainsmen Portal
Log in using your FPC student email address and password.

Brightspace: Your Online Classroom

What is it? Brightspace is where you'll complete your college coursework.

When should I use it? Use Brightspace to:

View course content
Read announcements from your instructor
Submit assignments
Take quizzes and exams
Check grades
Participate in discussions
Communicate with your instructor

How do I access it?

Go to www.fpctx.edu
Select Student Access → Brightspace | Or visit: www.fpctx.brightspace.com
Use your FPC student email address and password to log in.

Your course(s) will appear in Brightspace once you're enrolled. Access to the course will be available beginning the Friday before the semester starts. (See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.)

Need Help? If you're having trouble accessing one of your student platforms:

Ask your facilitator (if your class has one). Many dual credit classes have a facilitator—a teacher or staff member at your high school who is assigned to support students in the college course.

Talk to your high school counselor. Your counselor has access to your Frank Phillips College student email address and student ID number and can help you locate your login information or connect you with the appropriate college office.

Contact your Frank Phillips College Dual Credit Advisor. If you still need assistance, contact Kamron Britten, your Frank Phillips College Dual Credit Advisor at kbritten@fpctx.edu.

Quick Guide #4: Registering for Dual Credit Classes

Meet with Your Counselor

Your counselor will help you:

Select courses that fit your graduation plan.
Verify prerequisites and testing requirements.
Submit enrollment forms and qualifying test scores.
Register you with Frank Phillips College.

The college and your counselor work together to complete your registration.

After Registration

Once processed:

✔ Your schedule appears in your Plainsmen Portal.

✔ Your course(s) will appear in Brightspace once you're enrolled. Access to the course will be available beginning the Friday before the semester starts. (See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.)

Quick Guide #5: Paying for Dual Credit

Important: Before making a payment, check with your high school to see if your district covers any or all of your dual credit costs. Payment is due the Friday before classes begin.

Option 1 — Pay in Full

Log into the Plainsmen Portal

→ My Finances

→ Make Online Payment/View 1098T

→ Make a Payment

Option 2 — Payment Plan

Log into the Plainsmen Portal

→ My Finances

→ Make Online Payment/View 1098T

→ View Payment Plan Options

FAST Program: You may qualify for FREE dual credit through the FAST Program if you participated in the free or reduced-price lunch program during any of the previous four school years.

FAST covers:

Tuition
Fees
Textbooks
Required materials

No application is required. Your high school and Frank Phillips College complete the paperwork for you.

Scholarships: Students who do not qualify for FAST may apply for a Frank Phillips College Dual Credit Scholarship. Go to www.fpctx.edu/dual-credit-scholarship-app/ to complete your Dual Credit Scholarship Application.

Quick Guide #6: How to Be Successful in Dual Credit

Taking a dual credit class means you're taking a real college course. While the expectations are higher than high school, you can be successful by staying organized, asking for help, and taking responsibility for your learning.

✔ If there's one piece of advice every college student should remember, it's this: Read the syllabus! Everything you need to know about your class is in the syllabus. Before emailing your instructor with a question, check the syllabus first—there's a good chance you'll find the answer.

What is a syllabus? Think of a syllabus as the road map or instruction manual for your course. College instructors use it to explain everything you need to know to be successful in the class. Your syllabus typically includes:

Course expectations
Required textbooks and materials
Assignment and exam schedules
Due dates
Grading policies
Attendance requirements
Late work policies
Instructor contact information and office hours
Course policies and procedures

Unlike many high school classes, college instructors may not remind you of every assignment or deadline. They expect you to use the syllabus as your guide throughout the semester. Tip: Download or print a copy of your syllabus and refer to it often. It should be one of the first places you look whenever you have a question about your class.

✔ Check Your College Accounts Regularly. Make it a habit to log in several times each week.

Plainsmen Email – Read important college communications.
Brightspace – Check announcements, assignments, and due dates.
Plainsmen Portal – Monitor your schedule and account information.

✔ Stay on Top of Deadlines. College instructors expect you to keep track of your own assignments.

Use a planner or calendar.
Start assignments early.
Don't wait until the last minute to complete coursework.

✔ Attend Class and Participate. Whether your class is online, hybrid, or face-to-face:

Attend every class whenever possible.
Participate in discussions and activities.
Complete all required coursework.

✔ Ask for Help Early. Don't wait until you're failing to ask for help. If you're struggling:

Contact your instructor.
Ask your facilitator for guidance (if your class has one).
Talk with your high school counselor.
Reach out to your Dual Credit Advisor if needed.

The sooner you ask for help, the more options you'll have.

✔ Communicate Like a College Student. In college, you are responsible for communicating with your instructors.

Check your Plainsmen Email regularly.
Respond to emails promptly.
Ask questions when you need clarification.
Be respectful and professional in your communication.

✔ Be Responsible. College professors won't remind you about every assignment or deadline. You are expected to:

Complete assignments on time.
Keep track of due dates.
Manage your own schedule.
Take responsibility for your success.

✔ Use Your Resources. You're never expected to do it alone. Take advantage of:

Your instructor
Your facilitator (if assigned)
Your high school counselor
Your Dual Credit Advisor
Other dual credit students for study tips, time management strategies, reminders about deadlines, and encouragement throughout the semester.

✔ Take Your Classes Seriously. Everything you do in a dual credit course becomes part of your permanent college record. Your grades can affect:

Your college GPA
Scholarship opportunities
Financial aid eligibility
Future college admissions

Treat every assignment and exam as an investment in your future.

Remember: Successful dual credit students don't know all the answers—they stay organized, communicate, ask for help when they need it, and take responsibility for their learning. Those habits will help you succeed not only in dual credit, but in college and beyond.

Quick Guide #7: Struggling in a Class?

College courses can be challenging, and it's normal to need help. The sooner you ask for assistance, the more options you'll have.

Step 1 – Talk to Your Instructor

Your instructor should always be your first point of contact. They can answer questions, explain assignments, clarify expectations, and help you develop a plan for success.

Step 2 – Reach Out to Your Facilitator (If Your Class Has One)

Many dual credit classes have a facilitator—typically a teacher or staff member at your high school—who is there to support students enrolled in the college course.

Your facilitator can:

Help you understand assignments and course expectations.
Answer general questions about the class.
Help you stay on track with deadlines.
Connect you with your instructor or college staff if additional help is needed.

While facilitators are an excellent resource, they do not replace your college instructor. You are still responsible for communicating directly with your instructor when you have questions or concerns about your coursework.

Step 3 – Talk to Your High School Counselor

If you're continuing to struggle or are considering dropping the course, speak with your high school counselor. Your counselor can discuss your options and work with Frank Phillips College to determine the best course of action.

Remember: Don't wait until you're failing to ask for help. Reaching out early gives you the best chance to improve your grade and successfully complete the course.

Quick Guide #8: Understanding FERPA

What is FERPA? When you enroll in a dual credit course, you become a college student. That means your educational records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Even if you are under 18 years old, your college records belong to you. While Frank Phillips College may share information with designated administrators at your high school as needed to support your dual credit enrollment, the college cannot share your grades, attendance, schedule, academic progress, or other educational records with your parents or guardians without your written permission.

Want Your Parent or Guardian to Have Access?

If you would like your parent or guardian to be able to discuss your college records with Frank Phillips College, you may complete a Permission Release Form. This is completely optional. You are not required to give anyone access to your records.

How to Give Permission

Pick up a Permission Release Form from Student Central.
Complete the form.
Sign the form yourself.
Return the completed form to Student Central.

Because your college records belong to you, you must obtain, complete, sign, and submit the Permission Release Form yourself. A parent or guardian cannot complete or submit the form on your behalf.

Student Central

Library Room 18

806-457-4290

StudentCentral@fpctx.edu

Without a Permission Release Form...

Frank Phillips College staff cannot discuss your:

Grades
Attendance
Class schedule
Academic progress
Financial account information
Other educational records

with your parents or guardians. However, Frank Phillips College may communicate with your high school regarding your dual credit enrollment and academic progress as necessary to administer the dual credit program.

Remember: One of the biggest differences between high school and college is that you are responsible for communicating with the college and managing your own educational records. FERPA gives you the right to decide whether your parent or guardian has access to your college information.

Quick Guide #9: Dropping or Withdrawing from a Class

You cannot drop yourself from a dual credit class.

Because dual credit is part of your high school schedule:

Talk with your instructor.
Meet with your high school counselor.
The college and your high school will process the paperwork together.

Drop vs. Withdrawal

Drop

If you leave a course before the official drop deadline, the course is removed from your schedule and will not appear on your college transcript.

Withdrawal (W)

If you leave a course after the official drop deadline, you will receive a "W" (Withdrawal) on your college transcript.
A "W" does not affect your GPA, but it does remain on your transcript and may impact future financial aid or other college opportunities.
The good news is that a withdrawal is not permanent. You may retake the course at any time, and once you successfully complete it, the earned grade will replace the "W" in your GPA calculation. The "W" will still remain on your transcript as part of your academic history, but it will no longer impact your GPA.

Before dropping or withdrawing from a course, always talk with your instructor and your high school counselor. They can help you understand your options and determine the best path forward.

Quick Guide #10: Summer Classes

Dual Credit students are eligible to enroll in summer courses.

Summer Dual Credit:

Talk with your high school counselor if you're interested in taking a summer dual credit course.
Summer dual credit enrollment must be approved and coordinated through your high school.
FAST eligibility applies to summer courses. If you qualify for the FAST Program, your tuition, fees, textbooks, and required course materials may be covered.

Tip: Summer courses are fast-paced, so be prepared to stay on top of assignments and deadlines.

Quick Guide 11: Resetting Your Password

Step 1: Go to the Password Reset Page

Visit: www.fpctx.edu/password-resets/

Step 2: Complete the Password Reset Request

Select the account you need to reset:

Plainsmen Email
Plainsmen Portal
Brightspace

Complete and submit the password reset request. Important: Password resets are processed manually, so it may take up to 24 hours before you receive an email with instructions to reset your password. Please plan ahead and don't wait until an assignment or exam is due.

Step 3: Check Your Email

Once your request has been processed, you'll receive an email with instructions for creating a new password. Be sure to check your Inbox, Spam, and Junk folders.

Step 4: Create Your New Password

Follow the instructions in the email to create your new password.

Tip: Your Plainsmen Email and Plainsmen Portal use the same password. Once you've reset your password, use it to log in to both accounts.

Still Need Help?

Ask Your Facilitator (if your class has one)

Many dual credit classes have a facilitator—a teacher or staff member at your high school who is assigned to support students enrolled in the college course.

Talk to Your High School Counselor

Your counselor can help verify your enrollment and connect you with the right college office if additional assistance is needed.

Contact Your Dual Credit Advisor

If you still need assistance, contact Kamron Britten, your Frank Phillips College Dual Credit Advisor at kbritten@fpctx.edu.

Remember: Request a reset as soon possible. Waiting until the last minute could prevent you from accessing assignments, quizzes, or other important course materials.