DirectConnect is a nationally recognized program that guarantees admission into ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ for students graduating from one of the four institutions. The state college partners – Eastern Florida State College, Lake Sumter State College, Seminole State College and Valencia College – prepared about 70 percent of the more than 10,000 students who transferred to the university in 2012-2013.

The new touch points for students include things such as completing a career-assessment plan; confirming early major declaration; completing a tour of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½; and completing skills workshops related to academic planning, financial literacy and other topics.

β€œThis enhanced pathway provides an intentional and guided support structure, where students are engaged with advising and services that will help them clarify their career goals and academic plans,” said Jeff Jones, vice provost of Regional Campuses, which oversees 10 Central Florida sites.

The milestones are critical to the early success of students desiring to DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½. Additionally, once a student transfers to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, the university’s commitment is to engage them further during their first two semesters.

The students’ touch points at that level include meeting with their college advisor; attending advanced skill workshops involving resume writing, internships, and job search; meeting with community leaders; and other guidelines.

The pathway teams include professionals and students from each institution and include areas such as advising, student services, and enrollment services.

β€œThey collaborate and coordinate the various needs and milestones of students as they transition from the state college to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” said Pam Cavanaugh, assistant vice provost for student services and advising.

Student focus groups that have been conducted at each of the state colleges during the summer have produced feedback on what students prefer as incentives to participate. Also, a new badging program has been designed to reward and showcase the skills and achievements of the students along the pathway. Students can display the badges in their digital world β€œso we can create value for these achievements as we acknowledge them institutionally,” Cavanaugh said.

A new online portal also has been established for students to be able to track their progress, and pathway teams can verify and acknowledge their successes and progress.

β€œFrom a university perspective, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ benefits from having stronger partnerships with our partnering institutions and from having students that are successful both in their academic programs and as ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ graduates,” Jones said.

The event provided an opportunity for the hopeful future Knights to experience ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, meet with academic advisers and learn about the different fields of study available to them. The event was hosted by ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Transfer and Transition Services and Student Development and Enrollment Services in partnership with Valencia College.

β€œWe decided to put together this program as a way to get students excited about coming to the university, getting involved, discovering what they can do to enhance their degree at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, learn about housing, and really get a look at the university experience they can look forward to,” said Sharisse Kenney, coordinator for transfer advising at Valencia College East Campus.

The visit was an initiative of the DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ program, which offers graduates of state college Β partner institutions guaranteed admission to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and comprehensive advising from state college and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ advisers to help make the transition a smooth one.

The day’s agenda included presentations and workshops to help students decide what academic track fits their career aspirations and a behind-the-scenes look at some of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s facilities.

The students were welcomed to campus by Mr. and Miss ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and quickly jumped into a career exploration presentation. The students took brief tests to narrow their interests and provide guidance on what major to consider, and then students met with different colleges and advisers who could answer questions about majors and programs that might be a good fit.

β€œAs they are going through the process of exploring careers and majors of interest, we are making a really intentional connection between the two institutions and helping the students make the connection and develop a pathway for success,” said Leonard Bass, dean of learning support at Valencia College East Campus.

Students also received some information about being active at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ outside of the classroom. Leaders from the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement shared information about the opportunities ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has for students to be involved on campus.

β€œWe found that many of our students, despite living just down the street from ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, have never been on campus,” said Bass. β€œFor more than half the students here today, this is their first time being on campus. So they are really excited to learn more about the university.”

After the presentations and tours, the students capped off their day with a surprise visit by members of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl-winning football team.

β€œI’m just happy to be at this event because it opened my eyes to a lot of things about ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ that I didn’t know before. I’ve learned about housing, how the transfer process works and the lifestyle here at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” said Valencia College student Stephanie Albizu. β€œI’m really excited to join the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ family and create memories that will last forever.”

Since DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ began in 2006, more than 31,000 students have been admitted to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ through the partnership with Eastern Florida State College, Lake Sumter State College, Seminole State College and Valencia College.

Thirty-six percent of new undergraduates in 2012-13 were DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students, and the program is one of the least expensive ways in the country to earn a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, visit .

Presentations on two Bachelor of Science programs will be highlighted at the open house: Sport and Fitness at 5:15 and 6 p.m. in Room 103; and Elementary Education at 5:15 and 6 p.m. in Room 102.

In addition to learning about all the programs offered on campus, prospective students can find out about the DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ program that allows guaranteed university admission for Lake-Sumter graduates.

Enrollment caps at the state’s universities, the addition of the Altamonte Springs and Heathrow campuses, additional classroom space on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, and the continuing downturn in the economy have contributed to 10 straight terms of double-digit credit enrollment growth at Seminole State, according to a Seminole State release.

Given its current enrollment numbers, the college expects to see another double-digit increase for the spring term, which starts Jan. 10.

The annual listing was based on an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data. Community College Week’s numbers were based on overall headcounts.

Among Florida institutions, Edison State College in Fort Myers experienced the highest growth, at 23 percent.

Source: Orlando Business Journal,

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Today Note: Seminole State College is an important and strategic partner with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ in the successful program.

In addition, Valencia also leads all two-year schools in the number of associate degrees awarded to minorities, an 18 percent increase from the year before.

The report was compiled using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics and focused on degrees conferred during 2008-2009.

In that academic time period, Valencia awarded 5,128 associate degrees, including 1,956 earned by minority students.

β€œValencia’s focus on improving student success, particularly in the critical first year of college, is paying off,” said Valencia President Sanford C. Shugart. β€œThe rankings also underscore the role Valencia plays as the primary entry point to a college education in our region.”

Valencia also ranked first in the number of degrees awarded in general studies, 10th in nursing and 15th in engineering technology.

Source: Orlando Business Journal, , Friday, June 18, 2010, 3:14pm EDT

[ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Today Note: Valencia is an important education partner in the initiative]

In addition to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½Β classes, the Partnership Center houses the DirectConnectΒ to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½Β Center where students can meet with a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ advisor, explore degree programs, and connect with admission and financial aid representatives.

Since 2006, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has guaranteed admission to all Seminole State graduates through . The partnership provides students a seamless transition to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ through shared academic programs, advising and financial aid resources.

A grand opening ceremony for the Partnership CenterΒ is scheduled for late Spring. To learn more about ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Sanford/Lake Mary, or callΒ 407.708.2471.

Though such guaranteed transfer programs are not new, the sheer number of students making use of the option to enter ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is attracting the attention of university officials and presidents of the participating community colleges. More than 35,000 students are currently in the DirectConnect pipeline for eventual transfer to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, said David Harrison, vice provost for the university’s regional campuses. This fall, more than 60 percent of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s 5,337 transfer students enrolled via DirectConnect.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ officials distinguish DirectConnect from Florida’s statewide “2+2” articulation program, which guarantees community college graduates admission to one of the state’s 11 public universities, but not necessarily one of their choosing. In contrast with those utilizing the 2+2 program, students in DirectConnect meet periodically with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ advisers and other officials to help create and keep up with a four-year academic plan, making for a seamless transfer and increasing familiarity with their eventual baccalaureate institution.

“The state 2+2 was designed to get students into four-year institutions, but DirectConnect was designed to help them graduate,” Harrison said. “ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ officials work with students as soon as they declare their intent to transfer, and they stick with them through graduation.”

Demand-Driven Program

The access- and completion-oriented program grew out of Florida’s recent enrollment boom, in which demand for seats in higher education has nearly exceeded supply.

“Florida was under-built for higher education and didn’t realize it for a long time,” said Sanford Shugart, president of Valencia Community College, a DirectConnect partner. “There was no strategic planning by the state, so in those parts of the state that drive the economy the game plan was for the regional universities to grow like crazy. They thought that all growth is good. Well, they reached a point where big is good, but prominence is better. And, prominence comes from being more selective, not huge, and growing graduate programs. That’s what happened at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.”

In 2000, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ admitted 63 percent of its applicants. This academic year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ admitted 43 percent of its applicants. In addition to becoming more selective during the past decade, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has also become more residential. It now has more than 10,000 beds, an increase of 5,700 since 2000. This institutional shift, however, pushed out some students from the local Orlando area, as the university began admitting more students from around the state.

“Once ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ changed its strategy, it was nearly full, and the demand for freshman seats far exceeded supply,” said Shugart, noting that ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s freshman class has been frozen in size for the past three years. “A lot of really good students in our area couldn’t get into ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ after it began the transition from what some have called a β€˜commuter school on steroids’ to a more residential college. Local students aren’t living in those dorms; students from elsewhere in the state are.”

Though Shugart said it is too early to judge the success of DirectConnect in graduating local community college transfers — given the program’s youth — he noted that it has increased the access his students have to a baccalaureate degree. What Shugart did not expect, however, was for DirectConnect to make his community college more popular among students from outside of its service area.

In the three-year period before DirectConnect was introduced, the number of out-of-district students at Valencia increased by only 2 percent. But, in the three-year period since DirectConnect was introduced, the number of out-of-district students at the college increased by 30 percent. This upswing comes at a time when the number of “commuting students” from neighboring districts has steadily decreased. As a result, Shugart believes that th lion’s share of the new out-of-district students at Valencia have uprooted and moved to the area because of benefits such as the guaranteed admission to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

Shugart also believes that DirectConnect may also serve as an alternative to the recent movement among many Florida community colleges to offer four-year degrees.

“Everywhere in the state where community colleges are aggressively fighting for bachelor’s degrees, there are open tensions with their local universities,” Shugart said. “While everyone else in the state was concentrating on what they could do as an institution, we focused on what we could do for our students to have immediate and complete access to all bachelor’s degrees.

“Given that those who have sought the authorization to offer very specific occupational or boutique four-year degrees have led to eroding relationships between institutions, we thought this was more important. That’s what DirectConnect is about: It’s helped us meet the policy issue of under-built supply and overwhelming demand without damaging our 2+2 articulation.”

While they laud the access to baccalaureate degrees that DirectConnect provides their students, Valencia and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s other community college partners are not entirely opposed to the idea of offering of four-year degrees themselves. Shugart acknowledged that there was some interest in offering four-year degrees in programs that ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has recently discontinued for cost-cutting purposes, such as electrical and computer engineering technology. He noted, however, that the college has no intention of adding dozens of baccalaureate programs as some other two-year institutions in the state have done, citing the strain these can put on relationships with nearby state universities.

E. Ann McGee, president of Seminole State College of Florida, a DirectConnect partner, noted that her institution already offers industry-specific baccalaureate degrees in fields such as interior design – in which Seminole State has a thriving two-year program but ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has no intention of offering a four-year degree. She believes the college’s partnership with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ helps the institutions from clashing over the offering of these baccalaureate programs.

“We have a very deliberate partnership,” McGee said of the consortium of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and the four communtiy colleges. “When ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has gotten rid of certain baccalaureate degrees, it has caused us to think about how we can partner among ourselves to serve the needs of our students and the community.”

Regarding DirectConnect, McGee has seen the transfer program dramatically grow in popularity at her institution. In two years, the number of students enrolled in the program at Seminole State more than tripled. In fall 2007, more than 2,100 students were enrolled; now, more than 6,500 are enrolled.

“There’s been a huge increase in the number of students who transfer to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” McGee said. “I think that’s because, before DirectConnect, hometown kids weren’t getting into their hometown college. And that’s become even more critical with the downturn in the economy. It was prophetic that we had this program in place before the economy crashed. The only thing I worry about is the pressure, in terms of the number of students, we are putting on ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½. If you had told me that the number of Seminole students in this program would triple in two years, I wouldn’t have believed you. I just wonder when the pressure of these students may become too great for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.”

Source: Inside Higher Ed, by David Moltz (david.moltz@insidehighered.com), January 8, 2010; for more about Inside Higher Ed or to see original story visit Waiting in the Wings.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and Valencia are cornerstones of the most productive university-community college partnership in the country – DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.Β  Graduates of Valencia and three other area community colleges are guaranteed admission to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ through the program. Joint advising helps students make the transition to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and earn their degrees more quickly.

Nearly 38,000 Valencia students have enrolled in DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ since 2006, and more than 16,000 Valencia students enrolled this fall are in the DirectConnect pipeline.

The new University Center building will enable ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to offer more classes and programs in West Orlando, expanding opportunities for residents to earn bachelor’s degrees in a convenient, affordable way close to home.

β€œThe opening of this facility is an opportunity to celebrate a powerful and effective partnership,” said ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Provost and Executive Vice President Terry Hickey. β€œThis relationship continues to evolve to the benefits of both parties and, most importantly, to our community.”

The University Center opened for classes in August, when 775 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students began studying there. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ offers complete bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Electrical Engineering, Applied Science, Business Administration , Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology at Valencia’ s West Campus. Valencia’s engineering programs also are housed in the building.

“Increasing access to higher education strengthens the overall talent of our workforce and opens new doors to economic opportunity and security,” Crist said. “This innovative partnership will provide Floridians greater opportunities to earn a wide variety of four-year degrees and ultimately achieve great things.”

David Harrison, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s vice provost for Regional Campuses, said he hopes the expanded access to a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ education will help more Valencia students achieve their educational goals.

β€œOur students work hard. Many of them work more than one job. A lot of them have family responsibilities and many of them are paying for their own education,” Harrison said. β€œHopefully, this facility will help lighten the loadΒ for many of those students and their families by making access to bachelor’s degrees — ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½Β bachelor’s degrees — more convenient to students in this part of the county.”

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ trustees Pat Christiansen and Phyllis Klock joined several Valencia trustees and vice presidents of both schools at the ceremony. After the ribbon-cutting, Provost Hickey read a plaque honoring ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s founding president, Charles Millican. The plaque recognized Millican’s efforts in support of Valencia’s founding and in initiating the partnership between the two schools.

Valencia President Sanford Shugart highlighted the University Center’s many environmentally friendly features. Valencia and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ have applied to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at the gold level for the building. The environmental features include:

The University Center includes more than 40 classrooms, a state-of-the-art testing center, computer labs, study rooms, facultyΒ office and a cafΓ©.

Originally posted by ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ News & Information on October 29, 2009. View original article.

The 100,000-square foot University Center opened its doors to 775 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students in August. The $23 million shared facility has more than 40 classrooms, a state-of-the-art testing center, computer labs, study rooms, faculty and staff offices and a cafΓ©. The new facility enables ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to expand it bachelor’s and graduate degree offerings in West Orlando.

Since 2006, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has guaranteed admission to all Valencia graduates through DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, the most productive community college/university partnership in the nation. Nearly 27,000 Valencia students are currently participating in DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony are open to the public. The event will be held at the University Center (Building 11) and begins at 9 a.m. followed by tours of the facility.

For more information, call 407.582.5500.