Bridges To Success

Two Plus Two

  1. TWO PLUS TWO PROGRAM
  2. SELECTION PROCESS
  3. ORIENTATION - REGISTRATION
  4. DEGREES
  5. ATLAS
  6. ACADEMIC REQUIRMENTS
  7. NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
  8. EXPECTATIONS
  9. SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID
  10. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
  11. SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

 

TWO PLUS TWO PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION:
Valencia Community College and ten prestigious southeastern institutions have combined their efforts to facilitate the transfer of college credits earned at Valencia Community College into upper-division course work.

Two Plus Two is a scholarship program available to eligible high school students from Orange or Osceola County . Selected students will receive a two-year (31 credit hours each year) academic scholarship from Valencia Community College and a two-year transfer scholarship from one of the Two Plus Two participating institutions (amount varies with institution).

ELIGIBILITY FOR TWO PLUS TWO:

  • Be a graduating senior of a high school in Orange or Osceola County
  • Must complete a Two Plus Two Scholarship Program application
  • Submit a high school transcript (post graduation)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation, one from your high school principal
  • Have a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
  • Must submit a Valencia Community College admissions application (submit to Admissions Office)

SELECTED STUDENTS:

  • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a 75% completion rate.
  • Must attend four academic success seminars
  • Must complete 30 hours of community service each semester
  • Must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours (4 courses) per semester in Fall Term and Spring Term, including enrollment in the Student Success course (SLS 1122) and
  • (SLS 2930).
  • Student will receive a two-year academic scholarship from Valencia Community College .

Upon receipt of the Associate in Arts degree from Valencia Community College you must meet the requirements of the participating institution; complete an admission application and transfer to the participating institution.

The scholarship will automatically be renewed the second semester if your session grade point average is at least a 3.0, and you complete at least 75% of your coursework. Also, you must meet your workshop and community service requirements.

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Two Plus Two Selection Process

Selection Committee
Selection of students to participate in the Two Plus Two Program is conducted by a selection committee. The Two Plus Two Selection Committee will consider only completed applications. The minimum requirements to participate in the Two Plus Two Program are to be a current-year graduate, have a regular high school diploma, and at least a Grade Point Average of 3.0. However, students are selected based on a point system. Points are assigned for a completed application, two letters of recommendation, grade point average, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Acceptance Form
Students will also receive a letter of acceptance and an Acceptance Form. The Acceptance Form must be signed by the student (student and parent if the student is under 18 years of age) and returned by the deadline. Failure to submit this form by the deadline is an automatic disqualification from further consideration. The form must be returned to Valencia Community College, Office of Bridges To Success, by mail to P.O. Box 3028, Orlando, FL  32802-3028 or dropped off at our office located at 1800 South Kirkman Road, on the West Campus, in the Student Services Building (SSB) 248.

Procedure Check List
Selected students will receive a Procedure Check List which identifies the procedures newly selected Two Plus Two Program students must complete and the corresponding deadlines.

The procedures are to:

  • Submit a general Valencia Community College Admissions Application

  • Submit an official high school transcript

  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (Pell Grant)

  • Take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT)

  • Take the LOEP Test (English is your second language)

  • Sign and return the Acceptance Form

  • Attend a Counseling Advisement session

Assessment
To evaluate your level of preparation, the College requires entry assessment for your initial placement in English, reading, and mathematics courses. Valencia will accept assessment scores from CPT, ACT, or SAT that are less than two years old. However, Two Plus Two Program requires that each student take the CPT. Students whose first language is not English must take the ELPA/LOEP assessment test.

Fees
There is a Valencia Community College Application fee of $25.00 that must be paid by the student. There may be fees assessed through the college that students may be required to pay. However, there is no fee to participate in the Two Plus Two Program.

Deadlines/Due Dates
It is the responsibility of the student to meet all deadlines/due dates. The Two Plus Two Program has posted deadlines/due dates on the Website (valenciacc.edu/bts), in the Two Plus Two application, calendar, and Procedure Checklist. Because there is a large number of students who apply for the Two Plus Two Program and there is a short window of time to replace students if you miss a deadline/due date, you will be automatically replaced without notice.

Valencia Community College General Admission
The Two Plus Two Program Application does not substitute for the Valencia Community College General Admissions Application. All Two Plus Two students are required to submit a Valencia General Admissions Application with a $25.00 fee (Valencia General Admissions Application is not required for consideration to the Two Plus Two Program).

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ORIENTATION - REGISTRATION

Two Plus Two Student Orientation
Two Plus Two Program students are required to participate in the Two Plus Two Student Orientation before final acceptance into the program. The Two Plus Two Student Orientation includes a campus tour, information on educational planning and college resources, and group advising. Orientation for Orange County graduates is held on the West Campus and for Osceola County graduates on Osceola Campus.

Two Plus Two Student/Parent Workshop
The Two Plus Two Program workshop is mandatory for students and their parent or guardian to attend. This workshop is designed to acquaint Two Plus Two students and parents with the Two Plus Two Program. This workshop will facilitate a partnership and bond between Valencia, student, and parent.

Students will learn:

  • What is involved in the Two Plus Two Program
  • What is covered by the scholarship
  • What is expected of a Two Plus Two Program student
  • Requirement for successfully completing the Two Plus Two Program
  • Who the program staff are

Advisement
Two Plus Two Advisement Team provides developmental advising which includes educational and career planning, interpretation of assessments, strategies to address academic difficulties, programs to develop student success skills, preparation for university transfer, and work force preparedness.

Student will meet with a member of the Two Plus Two Advisement Team for assistance with educational and career plans.

Registration
Registration is the process of enrolling in courses and obtaining your class schedule for the next session. Specific information about registration for a particular session is given in the schedule of credit classes which is available about four weeks prior to the beginning of a session.

Two Plus Two participants must complete a Two Plus Two Course Request form and have it signed by a counselor or Two Plus Two representative. Two Plus Two Programs will not pay for courses that have not received approval from a counselor or a Two Plus Two advisor prior to registration.

Students can register using Atlas (computer system), or using the Out Post (located on each campus).  

Academic Plan
Two Plus Two participants must develop an educational plan with Atlas and review it with an academic advising staff member. Your approved educational plan is required before you can register each semester. If you register without an approved plan, the Two Plus Two scholarship will not pay for the course(s). Also, you are required to have your plan reviewed by an advisor at the beginning of each academic year.

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DEGREES

Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
The A.A. is designed for the student who plans to transfer to a Florida public university as a junior to complete a bachelor's degree.

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate in Science (A.S.)
The A.A.S. and A.S. Degrees are designed to prepare students to enter careers upon completion of the degree, with no further study required. Certain A.S. Degrees articulate with bachelor's degree programs in Florida's State University System. These degrees, called Articulated A.S. to B.A./B.S. Career Path Degrees, are designed for students who seek immediate employment in the specified field and who decide to continue to a Florida public university as a junior to complete a bachelor's degree in the specified field.

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ATLAS

Atlas
Valencia 's Web-based learning support system links students, faculty and staff to one another and to information that supports student learning and career goals. As an enrolled Valencia student, you will receive an e-mail account through Atlas. Atlas also gives you the ability to register online, check grades and join online learning communities.

E-Mail
One of the primary means of communicating with our Two Plus Two students is through Atlas E-mail. Your Atlas E-Mail will permit you to e-mail questions and make comments that you otherwise would not have an opportunity to address. A response to your e-mail should be received within 48 hours.

Two Plus Two Online Learning Community Group
It is mandatory that you sign up for the Two Plus Two Online Learning Community Group. This group allows students and staff to communicate with each other and the group. Important due dates/deadlines, workshop schedules, community services, and other information will be posted to the Message Board.

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ACADEMIC REQUIRMENTS

Attendance
You are expected to attend all sessions of all courses for which you are registered. Regular attendance and regular class participation are significant factors which promote success in college. In the event of absence, you should contact your professor as soon as possible to indicate the reason and to inquire whether make-up work is possible.

It is mandatory that Two Plus Two student attend every class. If a student has three unexcused absences, you must submit a letter stating the reason why. The letter must be submitted to the Two Plus Two office within five days of your third unexcused absence. If you fail to submit your letter or have more than three unexcused absences, you may lose your scholarship and must go before the Appeals Committee for consideration of reinstatement.

Assignments
You are expected to complete and submit all assignments in accordance with your course syllabus. If you fail to submit your assignments or submit them in a timely manner, you may be required to attend weekly conferences, participate in tutorial sessions, or other appropriate activities.

Mid-Term Evaluation
Two Plus Two Program conducts a mid-term evaluation each semester as a part of its Tracking program. The Two Plus Two office will send out Academic Progress Report forms to each Two Plus Two students' professors and ask them to complete the form and return it by a specific date. Students with evaluations below average will be required to visit with one of our counselors on a bi-weekly basis and may be required to participate in other activities.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
Two Plus Two Program participants are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average and a 75% completion of your course work attempted. Students who fall below a 3.0 must submit a Two Plus Two Appeals Form. The minimum 3.0 is for Valencia Community College but your transfer requirement for your four-year institution may be higher.

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NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Community Service Hours
Two Plus Two students are required to complete 30 hours of community service per semester (Fall and Spring Term). Two Plus Two students must follow the guidelines/deadline dates as outline in the Two Plus Two table. Community service placement is determined by the Two Plus Two Program. Students are required to complete and submit a Community Service Progress Report and a Community Service Student Evaluation Form. A Community Service Agency Evaluation form is also submitted by the Community Service location.

Workshops
Two Plus Two students must attend 4 approved workshops each semester (Fall and Spring Terms). A list of workshops is provided on the Website (valenciacc.edu/bts), in the Two Plus Two Group, and in the Valencia Skillshop publication or the website (valenciacc.edu/studentdev/leadership). At the conclusion of each workshop, Two Plus Two participants are required to have the presenter sign the Certificate Of Attendance. Also, you must complete the evaluation on the back of the certificate. The Workshop Certificate must be submitted to the Two Plus Two Program office.

Group Meetings
Two Plus Two students are required to attend 2 group meetings each semester. If you miss a meeting you will be required to schedule a meeting with the Two Plus Two office to receive information missed and also required to do an additional 5 hours of community service. This requirement, if not fulfilled, is an automatic loss of your scholarship. You will be required to request reinstatement and appear before the Appeals Committee.

Field Trips
The Two Plus Two Program sponsors and endorses academic and cultural enrichment field trips for its participants. Students will receive a list of field trips at the beginning of each academic year. You should identify trips that you would like to participate and make sure that you inform your instructors in advance. Field trips are not mandatory and should only be taken with the approval of your professors. Approval means that the professor is willing to permit you to make-up any missed work.

Two Plus Two Recognition Program
The Two Plus Two Program sponsors a recognition award ceremony. Two Plus Two students and their parents are invited to participate in the ceremony to recognize the Two Plus Two Program students who have successfully completed each program year. Also, students will receive their academic award scholarship certificate to cover the next academic year. It is mandatory attendance for all Two Plus Two students who will receive the academic scholarship for the next academic year.

Parking
Students should familiarize themselves with parking regulations, student parking location and restrictions. Parking decals are free, required for all vehicles and available in the Security Offices on the East, West, Osceola, and Winter Park Campuses.

While on campus, students must park in designated student parking areas only. Student parking is designated with white stripes. Failure to park in assigned parking areas will result in a parking fine.

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EXPECTATIONS

Class Room Expectation
Valencia Community College has a Student Code of Classroom Conduct that you are expected to read and become familiar with the policies and procedures. In addition, the Two Plus Two Program also expects you to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. Therefore, listed below are some important examples of activities that are not acceptable.

  • Tardiness, leaving and returning during class, and early departure without authorization
  • Interruption of the learning process
  • Side discussions which are irrelevant to the subject matter of the class, that distract from the learning process, or impede, hinder or inhibit the ability of other students to obtain the full benefit of the educational presentation
  • Utterances of "fighting words" or epithets directed specifically toward other persons with the purpose or effect of creating a hostile educational environment or which may reasonably be expected to incite imminent or immediate violence

Two Plus Two Expectations
Valencia Community College and the Two Plus Two Program expect every Two Plus Two student will:

  • Read and understand the course syllabus

  • Build a "master calendar"

  • Do not skip class (unless you are really sick or have a real emergency)

  • Do all readings and assignments on schedule

  • Sit up front

  • Talk to his/her professor

  • Ask about/Investigate student support services

  • Not drop a course without first talking to his/her professor and representative of the Two Plus Two Program (mandatory)

  • Set measurable academic and personal goals each semester

  • Accept personal responsibility for his/her academic progress

  • Get to know your classmates

  • Study his/her notes and review highlights from text frequently rather than waiting until the day before a test

  • Check with Two Plus Two Office at least once every two weeks

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SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID

Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Grant may be awarded if you demonstrate a financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are eligible for this program (PELL) if your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is below a certain level and you are seeking a degree in an eligible program. The annual award amount is determined by your Estimated Family Contribution and may range from $400 to $4,200.

Two Plus Two students must complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (Pell Grant) by June 30, for each academic year. You may file a paper application or go online to file. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for your application to be processed. If your application has not been processed by August 1, you will be required to pay for your courses and fees. If you do not pay for your courses and fees, you will be withdrawn from your courses and dropped from the Two Plus Two program. Students that are dropped from the program will be required to pay the college for the courses.

Two Plus Two Program Scholarship
The Two Plus Two scholarship award covers the cost of in-state tuition and fees for up to 31 credit hours per academic year and is renewed if requirements are met. The total scholarship award for the Two Plus Two Achiever Scholarship Program is 62 credit hours. The Two Plus Two Program participants are required to attend consecutive terms (except summer terms) until graduation to maintain eligibility.

Books
The Two Plus Two Program does not cover the cost of books.

Road Map to Success Award
Awarded to students enrolled in the course Student Success (SLS 1122) who complete "best practices for being a successful student." Students work with an advisor to complete college-preparatory coursework, participate in a developmental advising curriculum, and attend elective programs that earn points toward the award. Students have three terms to complete the award requirements and each award recipient receives $500.00

Valencia Community College Foundation Scholarships
The Valencia Foundation offers a number of privately-funded scholarships that are donated by organizations and individuals interested in supporting Valencia 's students. Two Plus Two participants must submit a Valencia Community College Foundation application each academic year. To view a complete listing of all Foundation Scholarships, visit the Foundation web site at http://www.valencia.org

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Government Association
As a student at Valencia , you are automatically a member of the Student Government Association (SGA). Officers of SGA are elected annually by the student body and are the official liaisons between you and the administration.

Student Organizations
Valencia Community College recognizes student organizations on campus which exist to promote the social, physical and educational well-being of students. Types of student organizations on the campuses are:

  • Career - Organizations established for students with an interest in a specific career.
  • Honorary - Organizations established for students who have met certain prescribed standards, usually requiring a high academic average.
  • Service - Groups which combine social activities with educational goals and service projects.
  • Social - Groups which combine social activities with educational goals and service projects.
  • Special Interest - Groups which seek to unite people who have common interests in areas such as politics, religion, hobbies, etc.

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Suspension/Expulsion 

Two Plus Two students who fail to make satisfactory progress may be suspended or expelled from the program. Student can be suspended or expelled for the following reasons:

  • Grade point average is below the minimum required 3.0 GPA

  • Completion ratio is less than 75% of attempted course work

  • Failure to attend minimum required workshops

  • Failure to complete minimum number of community service hours

  • Other reasons as outlined in this document and or the Student Handbook

 

Two Plus Two Appeal Process
Students who fail to maintain satisfactory progress may appeal by submitting a Satisfactory Progress Form. Form must be submitted to the Bridges To Success office located on the West Campus, Student Service Building (SSB), Room 248.

A committee will review your appeal. You must include evidence to show that your academic record/non-academic progress was affected by unusual circumstances beyond your control and that any steps needed to correct the problem have been taken. You will be notified of the appeal decision in writing.

If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on Two Plus Two Program probation for your next session. You must sign a contract agreeing to the conditions of your probation. When placed on Two Plus Two Program probation, you are allowed to receive your scholarship for one additional session. At the end of your probation session, you will be expected to be in compliance with all requirements. If you are in compliance, you must submit a Two Plus Two reinstatement form. If you are not in compliance at the end of your probation session, your eligibility for the scholarship will be suspended. You may continue to receive all other benefits as students in compliance.

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