ABOUT US

In 1995, Valencia Community College launched an institutional transformation initiative focused on collaborating to become more learning-centered. One of the first elements was the definition and endorsement of the Developmental Advising Model that was developed by a collaborative group of faculty and student services staff who studied together through the U.S. Department of Education, Title III grant project. This model was defined as, "a system of shared responsibilities between students and the college that results in social and academic integration, education and career plans, and the acquisition of study and life skills." LifeMap is the "public face" or "brand name" for Valencia's Developmental Advising Model.

Associate in Science (AS) students are often not afforded the relative leisure that many students enjoy when developing their educational plan as a pathway to the University transition. Associate in Science students have comparably a shorter period of time to make appropriate preparation to transition to the workplace since they are often expected to be involved in their professional preparation as early as their first term. Those students who did not have an effective career and educational plan were often unable to make a timely progression into the intermediate and advanced courses. It was this understanding, as well as the consideration of performance-based funding, that facilitated the introduction of the Career Program Advisors to the learning community.

The implementation of the Career Program Advisors (CPA) leadership team has greatly enhanced the efforts of the LifeMap campaign. The additional presence of professional advisors dedicated to meeting the needs of AS students has increased the opportunity for those students to develop a personal relationship with an Advisor that would positively effect their learning outcomes.

The efforts of the CPA Leadership Team have been to act as a liaison between the Academic Offices of the various AS degree areas, Student Services, and the rest of the learning community. This has assisted in maximizing the communication between students, faculty, and staff by providing a consistent presence of support. The strategies being implemented by the CPA leadership have also had a direct effect on the overall learning process.

MISSION STATEMENT

Provide expert educational guidance for students who are seeking career opportunities through A.S. Degrees, Certificates and Life Long Learning.

The mission and vision statements were established and agreed upon by the Career Program Advisors (CPA) Leadership Team while defining its purpose through the development of a Strategic Alignment in 2002.

VISION STATEMENT

Provide expert leadership and support to students pursuing A.S. Degree and/or Certificate programs by:

• Providing exploration and clarification of career and educational options.
• Providing expert academic advising and planning.
• Providing awareness of business and industry needs and opportunities.
• Developing a culture that appreciates lifelong learning.
• Preparing students for placement in a high wage / high skill career.

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