Valencia’s S.E.E. UCF Program Recognized for Exemplary Collaboration
ShareFrom left to right: Sharisse Kenney, UCF coordinator of Direct Connect transfer advisor and Leonard Bass, East Campus dean of learning support
A message from Stacey Johnson, President, East and Winter Park Campuses
At the 16th Annual University of Central Florida (UCF) Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES) Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, the Successful Early Exploration (S.E.E.) UCF program received the honor of being named an exemplary collaborative program for its unique approach to supporting transfer students through intentional and strategic partnerships.
In February 2013, transfer and transition services at UCF partnered with Valencia’s East Campus learning support, student support and student services divisions to host its first annual S.E.E. UCF program.
The program was designed to connect Valencia transfer students, early in their educational journey, with UCF, while focusing on five learning outcomes for students related to academics, campus connections, faculty/student expectations, engagement and career exploration.
In its first year, 54 Valencia students participated in the S.E.E.UCF program and provided very positive feedback of their experience. One student noted that “this really helped me with choosing a career.”
In its second year, with assistance from DirectConnect and the inclusion of Osceola and West campuses, participation in the program grew by nearly 200 percent to 157 students.
Given the program’s positive impact on students and the strength of the partnership, the program continues to grow and support students in new and exciting ways, as expressed by this student who replied, “I loved and appreciated everything. The tour around campus, advising sessions and information about the majors, clubs and resources available at UCF was very helpful.”.
The list of departments involved in the partnership is extensive, and the recognition at UCF’s 16th Annual SDES Awards Ceremony underscores the power of meaningful collaboration.