Progression to Degree 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.

Academic Warning System
Students whose grade point average and completion of course rates fall below 2.0 G.P.A. are placed on academic warning or probation and receive special advising intervention and coaching in success strategies to assist them in improving their academic performance. Students who are re-admitted after academic suspension must meet with an Educational Advisor or Counselor and are required to have their educational plan and to meet with them during the term.

Professional Development Days
Collegewide staff development programs for Student Affairs are held three times a year to correspond with the preparation for the next registration period. During the half-day workshop, staff participates in learning activities to enhance their understanding of LIFEMAP and develop improved strategies to assist students.

AA Degrees with Pre-Majors
In an effort to assist students with their long-term career plans, Valencia has created around 50 pre-majors. These pre-major programs are designed for easy articulation into Florida’s State University System. They also facilitate a student’s academic progress through Valencia by providing a well-developed plan of action from term to term.

Benchmark Calling Campaigns
Enrollment Services staff make friendly “checkup” calls to 15-18 hour and 30-33 hour completers. These calls are scripted to remind students of the resources available to help them succeed in their classes. Students are also reminded of class schedule release dates and registration dates for the coming term.

Career Development Services
Career Development Services assist students with the opportunity for take assessments and make career decisions. Those students who have already taken the Student Success class may choose to use My Career Planner and My Job Prospects to be sure they are aligned with current skills and training requirements for today’s fast-paced job market. Students may also check current transfer requirements for their chosen University or College.

CLAST
Florida Statutes and rules of the State Board of Education require students seeking an AA Degree and those who will be transferring to a state university with 60 or more credit hours to demonstrate proficiency in communication and mathematics. Students are eligible for CLAST (College Level Academic Skills Test) after successfully completing 18 or more credit hours of college-level work, including Freshman Composition I and II and a Gordon rule Math course. Students who present a 2.5 combined GPA in either area will be awarded the CLAST alternative. Appropriate scores on SAT or ACT may also fulfill the CLAST requirement.

Core Competencies
As students progress toward their degrees, they are given repeated opportunities to employ Valencia’s Core Competencies – THINK, VALUE, COMMUNICATE, ACT. The goal of the college is to assist students to THINK clearly, critically, and creatively; to analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of human life; to make reasoned VALUE judgments and responsible commitments; to COMMUNICATE with different audiences using varied means, and to ACT purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly.

My Portfolio
My Portfolio enables students to work with faculty and staff to document mastery of the Core Competencies: think, value, communicate, act. The portfolio enables students to capture demonstrations of learning (via assignments, written work, art work, co-curricular activities) from specific courses and experiences throughout their educational program.

Ethnically Diverse Student Programs
The Coordinator of the Recruitment and Retention of Ethnically Diverse students has developed a number of strategies to specially assist these traditionally under-represented students. Letters are sent to all students at the beginning of the academic year to inform them about special services, collegewide workshops, and strategies for success. Career interest forms are included which students are invited to return. Follow-up with the students that return the interest cards includes academic warning interventions, congratulations on academic achievement, and invitation to special programs based on career interests.

Honors Program
Valencia’s Honors Program provides the academically gifted and highly motivated student with an enriched program of course work and extra-curricular activities. The program focuses on developing the student’s critical thinking skills and helping the student become an independent learner.

Internships
A major premise of Valencia’s educational model is that learning takes place in many different settings, both in and out of the classroom. Through the Workplace Learning and Placement office, the college provides students with learning experiences that enable them to realize their full potential in work, education and everyday life. Students have the opportunity to explore various career options, confirm career plans, apply classroom learning to real work situations, practice and strengthen interpersonal and technical skills, and develop industry contacts.

Leadership Development
The Student Development office sponsors the “Navigating Leadership” Program to foster the development of leadership skills. Two of the most notable events are the annual Student Leadership Symposium and the Connections Workshop; these are opportunities for students from all campuses to explore leadership theories and practices and to interact with each other.

Student Leaders
Peer Educators are student leaders who are recruited for a one-year term to work at Valencia. They assist with office responsibilities, become educators in health and wellness issues, such as alcohol awareness, personal safety, safe sex, and general wellness practices, and serve as ambassadors to the college.

Welcome Team are student leaders who assist with individual tours, orientation tours and assist the Student Development Office with other college-wide activities. They assist students in the Information Station and provide assistance with college-wide and campus events.