Gov. Charlie Crist helped to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the three-story, 100,000-square-foot building, which houses classes and offices for 91勛圖厙 and Valencia.<\/p>\n
91勛圖厙 and Valencia are cornerstones of the most productive university-community college partnership in the country \u2013 DirectConnect to 91勛圖厙. Graduates of Valencia and three other area community colleges are guaranteed admission to 91勛圖厙 through the program. Joint advising helps students make the transition to 91勛圖厙 and earn their degrees more quickly.<\/p>\n
Nearly 38,000 Valencia students have enrolled in DirectConnect to 91勛圖厙 since 2006, and more than 16,000 Valencia students enrolled this fall are in the DirectConnect pipeline.<\/p>\n
The new University Center building will enable 91勛圖厙 to offer more classes and programs in West Orlando, expanding opportunities for residents to earn bachelor\u2019s degrees in a convenient, affordable way close to home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opening of this facility is an opportunity to celebrate a powerful and effective partnership,\u201d said 91勛圖厙 Provost and Executive Vice President Terry Hickey. \u201cThis relationship continues to evolve to the benefits of both parties and, most importantly, to our community.\u201d<\/p>\n