Introduction to College
LifeMap Stage
Students enrolled in their first 15 credit hours of college course work are making important transitions and connections that will impact success at Valencia. Valencia assists students in the beginning of their college career to make the connections and directions needed to plan a successful college experience.
Success Indicators
- Develop, save, and follow an educational plan that will guide course selection toward degree completion using My Education Plan.
- Successfully complete (with an A, B, or C) all coursework in which enrolled.
- Reduce the number of remaining preparatory courses each term by enrolling in the next level of the sequence until completion.
- Create and follow a study plan for each enrolled course.
- Use campus resources (writing centers, tutoring, library, Skillshops, etc.)
- Identify Life Goals by completing the LifeMap Student Handbook exercise.
- Identify and research a potential career path using My Career Planner.
- Engage with students, staff, advisors, and faculty on campus.
- Participate in campus activities or organizations.
- Write down intended graduation date.
Programs and Services
For more information about these programs, go to the Answer Center on any campus.
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.
PERT Preparation
The PERT is the standard assessment test used in all Florida community colleges. Valencia has designed study guides for entering students. You can find the study guides and review sessions on the Assessments website under PERT.
My Education Plan (MEP)
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. Login Required.
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. Login Required.
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.
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, Spirit 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.
Atlas Access Labs
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. Learning Support offers tutoring on each 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.