UNF and FSCJ partner to create more graduates with bachelor's degrees

Times-Union

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2015-05-05/story/unf-and-fscj-partner-create-more-graduates-bachelors-degrees

UNF and Florida State College at Jacksonville announced they forged a closer partnership designed to draw more students to their institutions and increase chances they’ll finish with a degree.

Called Connect, the program lets students who did not meet initial eligibility requirements at UNF begin taking college courses at FSCJ and then to transfer to UNF later. It will help students who are wait-listed or who are deferred by UNF, because by applying to FSCJ and Connect they can reserve a future spot at UNF.

The way it works is students enroll at FSCJ and declare their intent to attend UNF by signing the Connect agreement.

They take a full course load and must maintain passing grades at FSCJ to be eligible to transfer.

“We see the Connect program as an opportunity to deliver a united strategy to encourage higher level education and provide access to a broader population of students,” said FSCJ President Cynthia Bioteau.

Also, for a nominal fee, Connect students can use UNF amenities, such as the Student Union, Student Wellness Complex, and Thomas G. Carpenter Library and can attend events.

Currently, most students who leave FSCJ for UNF do so through the state’s 2+2 articulation program, but they don’t get some of the Connect benefits, said Jill Johnson, an FSCJ spokeswoman.

The projection is about 50 students will start the program this fall but that is expected to grow, Johnson said.

Students can enroll or find out more from contact advisers at FSCJ by emailing admissions@fscj.edu or at UNF by emailing transfer@unf.edu.

Denise Amos: (904) 359-4083