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Introduction to College Programs and Services
For more information about any of these programs, go to or
call the Answer Center on any campus. (Valencia general telephone
number is 407-299-5000.
Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP
Students who transfer AP credit from high school are awarded
college credit for specific courses. Students can take CLEP
examinations in specific subject areas and earn college credit
based on appropriate scores and satisfy degree requirements.
Both programs provide accelerated mechanisms for degree completion
at Valencia.
Advising Presentations
Counselors and Academic Advisors make classroom presentations
to students enrolled in Student Success and in English for
Academic Purposes courses. These presentations include degree
completion requirements and specifically prepare students
for enrollment in courses for the next term.
Bridges to Success
Recent high school graduates selected for this program enroll
in courses during the summer term as a transition to their
first year in college. Students participate in workshops and
support services designed to assist with college transition.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible
for a two-year scholarship at Valencia.
Skillshops
Skillshops are offered to assist students succeed in college
and life. These interactive workshops include topics such
as time management, stress management, study skills, note
taking, math and speech anxiety, career planning, and diversity
awareness.
CPT Preparation
The CPT is the standard assessment test used in all Florida
community colleges. Valencia has designed a multi-layer preparation
program for entering students which is described in packets
distributed in the Answer Center and Student Services. Options
include sample test questions in the packet, practice tests
designed by Valencia faculty on reserve in the library, CPT
preparation workbooks available for sale in the bookstore,
links on the Assessments website and CPT Review Sessions
My Education Plan
This education planning tool enables students to plan
their courses for a specific degree at Valencia. Students
can save several educational plans and make adjustments to
their course loads in order to successfully progress through
their degree requirements.
My Career Planner
This career planning tool enables students to make career
decisions. This tool guides students through assessments to
explore self, majors, and occupations; examine options and
then set goals. Students can share their outcomes with the
Career Advisors and Counselors.
Navigating Leadership
Leadership programs and workshops are offered to students
who want to become involved in campus life and to develop
their leadership skills. After completing a specified sequence
of leadership programs students earn a Leadership Certificate.
Honors Program
Students who qualify for the Honors Program and have not
yet applied are identified through the New Student Orientation
program and offered the opportunity to apply for acceptance.
Students enrolled in the Honors Program receive special advising
and registration prior to our regularly scheduled registration
period. Honors courses are small and offer in-depth study
of subject matter. Honors graduates have special opportunities
for transfer scholarships and admission to competitive four-year
colleges and universities.
Learning in Community (LINC)
Students enroll as a cohort into the same set of courses
(usually 2 or 3 courses) that are taught collaboratively by
faculty who coordinate their syllabi and learning activities.
Learning communities support student success through shared
support systems and complimentary curricula that enrich the
learning experience.
Math and Communications Support Centers
Instructional assistants provide specialized learning
systems including computer-based tutorials, supplemental instructional
materials, practice assessments, and tutoring to support student
success in these academic areas.
New Student Orientation
All degree-seeking students are required to attend an
orientation session in which the curriculum introduces them
to Valencia, core competencies and LIFEMAP, degree options
and requirements, support services, and prepares them for
registration in first semester courses. Students can register
for courses based on an assigned registration time ticket.
RoadMap to Success Award
Students enrolled in Student Success classes are given
the opportunity to complete criteria based on "best practices"
for academic success and to earn a $500.00 award. Students
must meet with an Educational Advisor, Career Program Advisor
or Counselor to certify their completion of the criteria.
Student Development
Student Government Associations, a wide variety of student
clubs and organizations, campus activities, intramural sports,
and Valencia Volunteer programs are actively available for
students who want to get involved in
campus life. Opportunities are promoted through Welcome Tables,
Student Success classes, club and activity fairs, Matador
Day week, and advertisements on campus.
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is the "text" for LIFEMAP. It describes
what LIFEMAP is, and provides self-assessments and information
to guide students through Life Goals, Career Goals, Educational
Plans, Building a Schedule, and Academic Success Skills. College
information is provided in the chapter that is relevant to
each topic. A weekly calendar provides key college dates and
allows students to record their assignments and academic schedule.
"To Do" cues are provided each week for students according
to their LIFEMAP stage.
Student Success Course
The Student Success course is a 3-hour, elective college
level credit course in which all new students are strongly
encouraged to enroll. The curriculum focuses on career and
educational planning, understanding self and learning styles,
and academic success skills. Student Success faculty employ
active and collaborative learning strategies to engage students
in the learning process. Students develop a Learning Portfolio
which starts the documentation of their learning and achievement
of Core Competencies at Valencia. Faculty who teach Student
Success participate in faculty development workshops to prepare
for the course and improve their teaching.
Atlas Access
These laboratories have computers for student access to
Atlas and the LifeMap tools (My Education Plan, My Career
Planner, My Portfolio, My Financial Planner and My Job Prospects),
the Internet, and e-mail. Student Success classes use the
Atlas Access as learning laboratories for certain class periods.
Students are welcome to drop-in to the Atlas Access at any
time.
Tutoring Centers
Free tutoring is available for students who need additional
academic support through one-on-one tutoring in specific courses.
Supplemental Instruction models are implemented on some campuses.
Tutors who are hired have the opportunity to earn a supplemental
income while working on campus.
Preparatory Students
Students who are not ready for college level course work
in English, reading, and mathematics are placed in college
preparatory courses based on their assessment scores. Policies
and procedures are in place to ensure appropriate placement
into these courses. Faculty design and implement creative
instructional strategies to improve student success. Support
services such as the Math and Communications Support Centers,
tutoring, students with disabilities services, and academic
success workshops assist students in completing these courses.
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