More than 150 students from Valencia College were introduced to the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ in style during a daylong event focused on preparing them to join the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ family.<\/p>\n
The event provided an opportunity for the hopeful future Knights to experience Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½, meet with academic advisers and learn about the different fields of study available to them. The event was hosted by Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½\u2019s Transfer and Transition Services and Student Development and Enrollment Services in partnership with Valencia College.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½, learn about housing, and really get a look at the university experience they can look forward to,\u201d said Sharisse Kenney, coordinator for transfer advising at Valencia College East Campus.<\/p>\n
The visit was an initiative of the DirectConnect to Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ program, which offers graduates of state college \u00a0partner institutions guaranteed admission to Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ and comprehensive advising from state college and Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ advisers to help make the transition a smooth one.<\/p>\n
The day\u2019s 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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½\u2019s facilities.<\/p>\n
The students were welcomed to campus by Mr. and Miss Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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,\u201d said Leonard Bass, dean of learning support at Valencia College East Campus.<\/p>\n
Students also received some information about being active at Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ outside of the classroom. Leaders from the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement shared information about the opportunities Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ has for students to be involved on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found that many of our students, despite living just down the street from Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½, have never been on campus,\u201d said Bass. \u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the presentations and tours, the students capped off their day with a surprise visit by members of Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½\u2019s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl-winning football team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just happy to be at this event because it opened my eyes to a lot of things about Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ that I didn\u2019t know before. I\u2019ve learned about housing, how the transfer process works and the lifestyle here at Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½,\u201d said Valencia College student Stephanie Albizu. \u201cI\u2019m really excited to join the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ family and create memories that will last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since DirectConnect to Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ began in 2006, more than 31,000 students have been admitted to Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ through the partnership with Eastern Florida State College, Lake Sumter State College, Seminole State College and Valencia College.<\/p>\n
Thirty-six percent of new undergraduates in 2012-13 were DirectConnect to Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students, and the program is one of the least expensive ways in the country to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n