Inside Seminole State - Volume Two

Mechatronics +ROBOTICS

HANDS-ON LEARNING page 3

AFC

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

RN-to-BSN Nursing Program

TRAINING FOR A DIVERSE INDUSTRY page 4

DEGREES WITH A DIFFERENCE page 5

Professor of the Year

PAYING FOR

COLLEGE

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION page 6

GO FOR LESS page 7

Inside SEMINOLE STATE AN INSIDE LOOK AT NEWS AND EVENTS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE

VOL. 2

Engineering Technology: Mechatronics + Robotics

CREATING A SMARTER

FUTURE PHOTO BY COURTNEY KIEFER

Seminole State College 100 Weldon Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32773-6199

HANDS-ON LEARNING

PHOTOS BY COURTNEY KIEFER

CREATING A SMARTER FUTURE TRAINING IN MECHATRONICS AND ROBOTICS MEETS WORKFORCE DEMAND. SEMINOLE STATE'S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics Specialization, will be creating a workforce for the jobs of the future. Mechatronics, which combines electrical, mechanical and computer science engineering, covers advanced manufacturing, automation and electromechanical devices in almost every discipline from biomedical to theme park ride and show systems.

Mechatronics and robotics play a large role in

Seminole State’s Engineering Technology degree

industries around the world including advanced

program, which offers a mechatronics and robotics

manufacturing, biomedical technology, aerospace,

specialization, is unique because it integrates

and animation. The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s

project-based learning into the educational

Florida 2030 report estimates that the state will

experience to provide a broad range of knowledge

need to fill two million new jobs in the next decade

and skills. The projects allow students to go

and of those jobs, 200,000 will require some type

beyond the classroom and tackle current global

of mechatronics, robotics or animation skills.

issues such as affordable housing, renewable and clean energy, and clean air and water.

Mechatronics and Robotics expertise are the skills of the future for many industries including: · Advanced Manufacturing · Biomedical Devices · Biotechnology · Theme Park Ride Automation · Theme Park Animation · Operations and Maintenance · Aerospace 2

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE

The College’s Lee Campus at Oviedo houses the Mechatronics and Robotics Lab as well as the Engineering Mechanics Lab; Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Lab; Fabrication Lab; and Computer Design and Analysis Labs, all offering students hands-on learning.

Students who complete the Engineering Technology

school students through the College's partnership

program will be able to find high-paying jobs and

with the Academy of Engineering at Lyman

establish careers. As of May 2018, the median annual

High School. Seminole State also partners with

wage for computer and information technology

local industry to offer training in this field.

occupations was $86,320, which was higher than the median annual wage of $38,640 for all occupations.

These partnerships focus on preparing the students for prestigious careers and college programs within

The Engineering Technology degree has allowed

the engineering field and meeting workforce demand.

Seminole State to partner with Seminole County Public Schools magnet programs to introduce hundreds of students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related fields.

There are currently over 300 dual enrolled high

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEMINOLE STATE’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, MECHATRONICS AND ROBOTICS SPECIALIZATION, VISIT SEM.ST/ENG-TECH.

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

PASSION. VISION. EMPOWERMENT. Inside the Presidency of DR. GEORGIA LORENZ WHEN DR. GEORGIA LORENZ FIRST SET FOOT on the Seminole State College of Florida campus in her role as president last August, she recalls feeling – in a sense – a homecoming. remains the best teaching and learning environment for students to reach their academic and career goals in collaboration with faculty, staff, alumni and other students.

TAKING THE

LEAD

Seminole State College is leading on a number of fronts, from our exceptional pass rate, to our inclusive culture, to the impressive number of students who graduate and realize their dream of a fulfilling job or career. For us, these aren’t just numbers. They are the reflection of hard work and tireless commitment on the part of our faculty, staff and students.

In her youth, Dr. Lorenz was a competitive synchronized swimmer for over 15 years, and it was during that time she developed her empowering leadership style. At SMC, at Seminole State, and PHOTO BY COURTNEY KIEFER

in almost every situation in which she has held a leadership role, Dr. Lorenz has made it her mission to listen to those she serves, finding ways to advance company culture so that all parties feel heard and represented. As Seminole State begins to develop a strategic plan to carry the College through 2025, she has assembled the Strategic Outlook and Review

93

%

93% of Associate in Science Graduates were Employed in their Field or Continuing Education One Year After Graduation

(SOaR) Team, which is comprised of internal and As only the third president in the College’s 54-year

external stakeholders to review indicators and trends

history, Dr. Lorenz understands she has big shoes to

affecting the College.

fill. She follows Dr. E. Ann McGee, who was president of the College for the preceding 22 years, and Dr. Earl

Dr. Lorenz considers herself fortunate to have landed

S. Weldon, who was the College’s founding president

at an institution where the local community is so

and served in the role for 30 years.

invested, noting that the strong relationship between the College and the community is something she

Dr. Lorenz comes to Seminole State from Santa

wants to build upon. She recognizes that Seminole

Monica College (SMC) in the Los Angeles area

State College helps provide local businesses with a

where she served as vice president for Academic

diverse and talented workforce pool, supporting the

Affairs. She started at SMC in 2005 as the director

region’s employers with a continual, qualified base of

of Instructional Services and was named associate

graduates. She also loves the extended relationships

dean of Instructional Services in 2006. From 2008

developed with both Seminole County Public Schools

through 2014, Dr. Lorenz served as the dean of

and the University of Central Florida, providing a

Instructional Services. As she ascended to the

continuum of excellent education for students to,

role of vice president of Academic Affairs, she was

should they choose, stay local and continue to build

responsible for providing leadership and administrative

the economy here in Central Florida.

oversight to the college's instructional programs, including curriculum, 21 academic departments,

She recognizes the challenges that lay before her,

satellite campuses, learning resources, distance

particularly funding-related challenges that seem

education, continuing education and health sciences.

to crop up every year when the legislature attempts

She was focused on quality of learning, completion of

to balance the state’s budget. She faced similar

meaningful academic programs, employment results

struggles in California and vows to never lose sight

and equitable access and outcomes for traditionally

of why she – and other state college administrators –

underserved groups. When she considered applying

feel so compelled to do what they do every day. The

for the presidency of Seminole State College, she

value of an education for students at any age or level

was encouraged to recognize the College had so

cannot be undermined as the United States looks to

many similarities to SMC. Seminole State College was

continue to lead the world’s population in innovation

also a large, complex organization with many of the

and growth.

same opportunities and challenges to which she had become accustomed. Perhaps that’s why Seminole

Yet, while she knows there will be challenges, Dr.

State so quickly felt like home.

Lorenz can’t help but feel positive about the future of Seminole State College. “The foundation has been

When a new president begins their tenure, one of the

laid; I’m excited to continue to build upon the great

first questions often asked is what their vision and

work that has already been done and bring the best

goals are for the future. Dr. Lorenz wants to build upon

in academics and leadership to this great community.

the College’s strong foundation, one that has deep

The welcome has been warm, and I’m delighted to be

roots in the community, to ensure that the College

in such a special place. Now, let’s get to work.”

5th

Ranked Nationally with 19 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholars

#

16

Ranked in the Nation for Associate in Arts Degrees Awarded COMMUNITY COLLEGE WEEK

5 YEARS

Earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for last five consecutive years (2013-2018) INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY MAGAZINE

seminolestate.edu

3

TRAINING FOR A DIVERSE INDUSTRY

NEW DEGREE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT EMPHASIZES LEADERSHIP, REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH FLORIDA REPORTING

a record

number of visitors in 2018, Seminole State aims to educate the next generation of leaders in the growing hospitality industry.

Conveniently located in Central Florida, a premier travel destination and home to some of the world’s best-known attractions, Seminole State College of Florida is the perfect place to prepare for a leadership role in the hospitality industry. With its new Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Hospitality Management, the College is giving students that opportunity.

The A.S. in Hospitality Management gives students more than a taste of the industry. It’s designed to provide real-world experience through internships and networking opportunities. The program will also offer study abroad opportunities in hospitality and selected PHOTO BY COURTNEY KIEFER

culinary experiences so students can be well-versed in the global aspects of the industry.

“We want to give students the foundation they need to succeed in starting or enhancing their careers,” said Dr. Cheryl Cicotti, associate vice president of the School of Business, Health and Public Safety at Seminole State. “We will be working with our hotel and restaurant partners and business advisory committee to stay current with industry trends and to ensure our

formats, providing the flexibility that students with work,

restaurant management. It’s not just the job titles in this

program equips students with exceptional, employable

family or other obligations need.

industry that offer variety; it’s the work environments too. From luxury hotels and cruise ships to theme parks

skills. These partnerships will also allow our students to receive hands-on training and make valuable

Hospitality/tourism is one of the largest and most diverse

connections in the industry before they graduate.”

industries in the world and the top industry in Florida,

and sports venues, the options are plentiful.

which saw a record number of visitors in 2018 at 126.1

“Central Florida is a hotbed for tourism, and continues

While other hospitality programs tend to be more

million with 75 million of those visiting Central Florida,

to be the most-visited destination in the U.S.,” Cicotti

focused on the culinary side of the industry, Seminole

according to Visit Florida and Visit Orlando respectively.

said. “With more visitors coming to the region each

State’s A.S. in Hospitality Management is geared

Long-term projections for careers in the industry in

year, the demand for hospitality managers is increasing

toward the business and leadership aspects. With

Florida show expected growth of 19 percent for food-

dramatically in many areas of the industry. Our program

specializations in hotel management and restaurant

service managers and 14 percent for lodging managers

is designed to give students the leadership skills and

management, the degree can be tailored to suit students’

from 2016 to 2026, according to the Projections

knowledge to move into hospitality management

interests. With either path, students will learn essential

Managing Partnership funded by the U.S. Department of

positions throughout the region.”

management skills in finance, customer service theory,

Labor, Employment & Training Administration.

human resources, and marketing and communication.

Plus, courses in the program are offered in online and

Leadership roles in hospitality encompass everything

hybrid (a mix of online and classroom instruction)

from careers in front office reception to hotel and

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEMINOLE STATE’S HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT SEM.ST/HOSP-MGMT.

Dr. Michael Petrillose

Hospitality Management Program Manager With a career that spans the globe, Dr. Michael Petrillose is bringing his expertise to Seminole State as the program manager for the College’s new hospitality management program. He comes to the College after managing million-dollar refurbishments of hotels in major cities like Las Vegas and Chicago. Over a 12-year academic administrative career he has served as dean for the College of Hospitality Management at Johnson and Wales University. Additionally, he brings international, real-world experience to his role to better serve Seminole State students.

In his previous role as academic director for the Dubai Tourism Commerce Marketing, Petrillose oversaw the creation of a college that will provide vocational education to better serve a city with over 200 different cultures. During this time, he also analyzed and developed hospitality academic programs in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates using new technology, such as interactive 3D computer games, for training purposes.

“I understand and connect with the fundamental mission of Seminole State College as one committed to providing educational opportunities to students from diverse geographic, economic and cultural backgrounds, which resonates with me personally as the first in my family to attend and graduate from college,” said Petrillose. He believes that, as a faculty member, his job is to “connect with students, serve as a role model and mentor and build relationships on a daily basis.” Petrillose says he is excited to return to his “first love” of teaching and inspiring students in the classroom at Seminole State.

4

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE

GO STATE. GO FAR.

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DEGREES WITH A DIFFERENCE

HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT A Career with a Heart HEALTHCARE IS AMERICA’S fastestgrowing service industry and as the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there will be an increased demand for healthcare services.

PHOTO BY COURTNEY KIEFER

RN-TO-BSN ANSWERS INDUSTRY’S CALL FOR NURSES WITH ADVANCED TRAINING WITH CENTRAL FLORIDA’S SHORTAGE OF NURSES, particularly those with bachelor’s degrees, this program is enhancing career opportunities for registered nurses.

More highly trained, qualified nurses are bringing

Health and Public Safety at Seminole State.

advanced skills to the Central Florida workforce as

“Students need flexible options if they are interested

Seminole State College of Florida graduated the first

in becoming a nurse. Ninety percent of Seminole

students from its RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science

State’s RN-to-BSN program is offered online,

degree in Nursing) program in Spring 2019, just a

enabling students to continue working while pursuing

year after the degree was first offered.

their baccalaureate degree.”

Of the College’s first seven RN-to-BSN graduates –

Seminole State’s role in the local community is to help

Claudia Bosdal, Melissa M. Carrion, Linden L.

industries meet their hiring goals. As such, the College

Ferguson, Odetta A. Julien, Erica D. Latimer, Grace

has expanded its nursing enrollment by more than

Ogochukwu Aralu and Kyle R. Woodruff – six are

300 percent over the past decade and has worked

already working in the field. Woodruff and Julien both

closely with the University of Central Florida and sister

worked full-time at Advent Health and said being able to

colleges to address the area’s shortage of registered

work and go to school at the same time was beneficial.

nurses, particularly those with bachelor’s degrees.

“I would absolutely recommend this program. It

According to the American Association of Colleges

is convenient, and I was able to do my studies on

of Nursing, there are a number of contributing factors

my off days,” Woodruff said. “Knowing that the

impacting the nursing shortage, among them: nursing

professors were easily accessible, and they respond

school enrollment is not growing fast enough to

to you quickly helped me get through the program.”

meet the projected demand for nursing services; a significant segment of the nursing workforce is nearing

The RN-to-BSN program, with an estimated program

retirement age; and changing demographics signal a

cost of $5,194 for in-state students, complements

need for more nurses to care for our aging population.

Seminole State’s top-rated Associate in Science degree in Nursing and provides graduates with high-

Nursing is one of the principal programs at Seminole

growth, high-paying jobs. In fact, the Job Placement

State’s expanding Altamonte Springs Campus, where

Rate (2016-17 FETPIP data) of Seminole State’s

students have access to state-of-the-art healthcare

nursing graduates is at a monumental 98 percent.

labs, high-tech patient simulation and clinical

The College’s nursing program has been ranked as

experiences. Plans are underway for an expanded

one of the best in the nation by the National Council

health science and education facility at the campus,

of State Boards of Nursing. The ranking is based on

which will accommodate the existing and anticipated

the passage rate for the National Council Licensure

growth of the College’s nursing program. Nursing

Examination (NCLEX).

also complements Seminole State’s allied health programs, including its bachelor’s degree in health

“At Seminole State, students have a flexible and

sciences, physical and respiratory therapy, pharmacy

affordable option to seamlessly transition from

and paramedic programs.

an associate to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing,

The U.S. Department of Labor projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 20 percent by 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduates of Seminole State’s Health Services Management program have numerous employment options in healthcare facilities ranging from patient records management and insurance claims to healthcare finance.

HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT A.S. DEGREE Seminole State’s Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Health Services Management prepares students for employment as health services personnel. The content through the program includes communication skills, leadership skills, human relations and employability skills, principles of management, introduction to computer literacy, healthcare organization, medical ethics, legal aspects, and health and safety.

MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE Seminole State's Technical Certificate in Medical Office Management is a 32-credit hour program that prepares students to become proficient in the latest software used in medical offices. Medical office personnel play an integral part in the dayto-day operations of a medical practice. Medical office personnel may be responsible for but are not limited to: monitoring the office budget, ordering medical supplies, and implementing office policies and procedures. Graduates will also be trained to understand the complexities of healthcare insurance regulations and payment systems.

Credits from this certificate can be applied to the A.S. degree in Health Services Management, which will enhance numerous career opportunities with healthcare facilities such as doctors’ offices, hospitals and nursing care facilities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEMINOLE STATE’S HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT SEMINOLESTATE.EDU/HSM.

A.S. GRADUATES EARN AN AVERAGE

ANNUAL STARTING SALARY OF

MORE THAN $50,000

trained by our excellent, caring faculty members committed to their success,” said Dr. Cheryl Cicotti, associate vice president of the School of Business,

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEMINOLE STATE’S RN-TO-BSN PROGRAM AT SEMINOLESTATE.EDU/RN-TO-BSN. seminolestate.edu

7

PHOTO BY COURTNEY KIEFER

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

F A C U LT Y S P O T L I G H T

AFC PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR Professor Amee Mehta

Seminole State College of Florida professor Amee Mehta was awarded the Association of Florida College’s 2019 Professor of the Year award.

Mehta is a professor of biological sciences at the College and has been a part of the Seminole State faculty for 12 years. During this time, she has earned two of the College’s most prestigious awards: the Ken Sylvester Faculty Excellence Award in 2014 and one of four Endowed Teaching Chair Awards in 2018.

A Bachelor's Degree without the

PRICE OF ONE From WESH Story Studio

FROM HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS to well-meaning parents, they just want the best for you. After all, unlike your parents warning you that you could get stuck doing a funny face forever, the benefits of a bachelor’s degree aren’t just folklore.

“She is a passionate and knowledgeable educator who is dedicated to helping her students reach success,” said Dr. Laura Ross, vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer, who nominated Mehta for the award. “Students appreciate her teaching methodologies and caring nature. Many of these students go on to enter our nursing program or they transfer to a university to pursue professions in the medical field, and I am confident they are well prepared.”

In a recent study done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was discovered that the levels of educational achievement and unemployment rates share a direct correlation. Unemployment rates are lowest among the higher educated population, while highest among the least educated population. Statistics show that those with a higher education benefited with higher job security as well as higher median weekly earnings with each educational benchmark achieved.

After being nominated, Mehta presented on antimicrobial resistance to demonstrate her teaching style to the Association of Florida College’s Faculty Commission.

She was evaluated on the strength of her recommendations, her teaching philosophy, her presentation and her professional service.

The difference of these categories showed a jump even when comparing an associate degree holder to a bachelor’s degree holder.

Those that earned a bachelor’s degree showed an unemployment rate of only 2.2% and higher median weekly earnings of $1,198.

Mehta credits her award to the help she received from colleagues and students who gave feedback and guidance regarding her presentation. “I am really thankful to everyone.

I am proud of us, and it was an honor to represent our College at the Association of Florida Colleges conference,” Mehta said.

She discovered her passion for teaching while working as a teaching assistant when completing her Master of Science in molecular and microbiology in India. She tries to bring the real world into the classroom as much as she can by starting each class with a question.

Mehta stresses that it is important for the students to understand her thought process and feel comfortable to rework their own ideas.

When she came to Seminole State, Mehta remarked that it was a “melting-pot” of students and faculty who came from various backgrounds, demographics and learning styles. “Our diverse student body is one of our most valuable resources,” Mehta said. “The more we engage with them, the more we benefit as an institution.”

The College Board’s Education Pays study from 2017 found that a college education not only benefits your pocketbook more, but is an indicator of healthier behaviors and greater civic involvement.

While the benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree may be measured and clear, there’s something that is often left out: that getting a four-year college degree is much easier said than done. It’s not only difficult to get admitted; it also requires a significant investment of money. A single year of tuition at a four-year university can range from $9,410 per year for students attending in-state public universities to $32,410 for those enrolled in private colleges.

One of the schools that best understands the challenges of attending a four-year university is Seminole State College of Florida. With seven bachelor’s degree programs as well as partnership programs with both the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of Florida (UF), there’s a path to a bachelor’s degree for every student and circumstance.

Depending on what you’re interested in studying, Seminole State’s bachelor’s degree programs

8

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE

may offer an affordable and accessible solution.

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in select high-demand careers such as nursing, construction, information system technology and more. Seminole State offers students small class sizes, personalized instruction, and flexible class schedules all at a significantly lower cost compared to a university. Best of all, at an average of $3,131 per year, the annual cost of tuition and fees at Seminole State is less than half that charged by other state universities, including UF, FSU and UCF. For those looking to pursue other areas of study, Seminole State’s associate degrees and university transfer programs offer students two pathways to four-year universities: UF Online and DirectConnect™ to UCF. To make sure all Florida residents have the opportunity and resources needed to obtain a bachelor’s degree, Seminole State has partnered with UF Online. Once students complete their associate degree at Seminole State, they can transfer to the University of Florida's fully online baccalaureate degree program. Since the program is entirely online, it is designed particularly for individuals who are juggling their studies with other commitments, including careers and children. It is also an economic choice since, at $3,876 per year, UF Online costs almost 40% less in yearly tuition and fees than in-person coursework at the university.

Sure, obtaining a bachelor’s degree might not be quite as straightforward as they say it is.

However, with Seminole State’s bachelor’s degrees and transfer programs, getting a fouryear degree doesn’t have to include the traditional obstacles. Seminole State’s programs meet students where they’re at—and ensure that every individual who comes through their doors has the resources to obtain the education they want.

Interested in Seminole State’s bachelor’s degree programs? Check out the bachelor’s degrees, UF Online and DirectConnect™ to UCF.

GO FOR LESS

WHY MONEY SHOULDN’T STOP YOU

FROM GOING TO COLLEG E From WESH Story Studio

FINANCES PLAY A HUGE DECIDING FACTOR in where and if students go to college. While the thought of mounting debt may be overwhelming, students and their families should know how much financial support exists for those serious about pursuing their higher education. In fact, many students finish with little to no debt at all, especially when they seek the right help.

“We really want to help you. We really do. If you’re a

available to students. There are scholarships like

To maximize educational and career opportunities

serious student, you’ll be able to get financial aid,”

Bright Futures, based on high school academic

and financial support and learn more about Seminole

says Roseann Amato, director of student financial

performance; others focused on subsidizing

State College, visit seminolestate.edu, meet with

resources at Seminole State College. Amato

vocational pursuits; and still others that cater to

a success specialist in Student Services at any of

has worked in the industry for over 30 years.

various student groups under special circumstances.

the College’s four campuses or talk to a high school

Seminole State College prides itself on securing

Seminole State College offers its own funding to

the most financial support for as many students

qualifying students, including recruitment scholarships

as possible every year. Through a combination

for high school students with a good GPA and solid

of programs including Pell Grants, Federal

test scores and can be used in conjunction with

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants,

other aid like a Bright Futures Scholarship. Moreover,

Florida Student Assistance Grants, scholarships,

Seminole State provides scholarships to help

federal work-study, and loans, the College helps

students with the transition into college and its own

many students achieve associate and bachelor’s

Foundation-backed scholarships that go to students

degrees, despite their initial circumstances.

with good academic standing or those pursuing

guidance counselor.

degrees in specific fields like software engineering.

“This semester, I plan on making honor roll even with two jobs and a very busy schedule,” says Charnese

On top of federal, state and college grants and

Williams, a full-time Seminole State student and

scholarships, students may qualify for federal

scholarship recipient who works as a dishwasher

work-study. At $8.46 an hour, students work in a

on the weekends and a high school tutor on the

variety of on-campus roles in schedules tailored

weekdays. Williams plans to finish her associate

around their classes, midterms and finals.

degree at Seminole State before transferring to Florida State University to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Loans are another option. There are two types of direct loans: a subsidized

Students like Williams, as well as others with

loan, in which the government pays the

difficult circumstances, have generous financial aid

interest while the student attends school

opportunities available to them. Students should

and for a six-month grace period after leaving

start by filling out the Free Application for Federal

school, and a non-subsidized loan in which the

Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.

government doesn’t cover the interest. Qualifying for a subsidized loan depends on student need.

Once a student completes the FAFSA, the government

Students who aren’t eligible for government-

determines the student’s Estimated Family Contribution

backed loans or maintain poor academic

(which can be zero), and then allots each qualifying

standing can apply for private loans. However,

student a Pell Grant. A full-time student can receive almost

they’ll need to have good financial credit.

$6,000 a year, while part-time students can qualify for a prorated equivalent. Students can also turn to a second

Seminole State provides easy ways to pay,

federal grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational

including installment plans to spread the

Opportunity Grant, the award amount of which is based

cost of tuition over several months and ease

on the level of funding that the College receives.

cash flow, mobile apps to track financial aid status and payment due dates, and free skill

State-sponsored opportunities like the need-

sessions so students can learn to manage

based Florida Student Assistance Grant are also

their finances and budget more effectively.

WHY WAIT? GO NOW With 11 sessions each academic year, new students can begin virtually anytime.

Depending on your program, you may be able

to apply and begin classes at Seminole Sate all within the same month. How’s that for flexible?

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE COST COMPARISON EXPENSES

SEMINOLE STATE

UF

FSU

UCF

Tuition and Fees

$3,131

$6,380

$6,480

$6,379

Room and Board

$0

$10,220

$10,666

$10,010

Books and Supplies

$1,000

$850

$1,000

$1,200

TOTAL

$4,131

$17,450

$18,146

$17,589

Tuition costs are based on Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 terms, with 15 credit hours per term for Florida residents. Dorm fees, meal plans and books are estimates based on website information from each university.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SEMINOLE STATE’S TUITION AND FEES, VISIT SEMINOLESTATE.EDU/TUITION. seminolestate.edu

9

SUCCESS STORIES

WHY IT'S SMART TO START

AT SEMINOLE STATE:

SEMINOLE STATE BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Seminole State College offers bachelor’s degrees in seven unique programs that are in high demand in the state of Florida:

R A I D E R AT H L E T I C S 2019 National Champions: Seminole State College Women's Golf Team

THE 2019 SEMINOLE STATE

Under the leadership of Coach Christa Teno, the

• • • • • • •

Business and Information Management Construction Engineering Technology Health Sciences Information Systems Technology Interior Design RN-to-BSN (Nursing)

Raiders shot a three-round team total of 900 (300-

Women's Golf Team capped a historic

297-303) to top the other 18 teams and won by 23

season with a decisive victory to be

strokes. This is the second national championship

crowned national champions.

for the Raiders who also won the title in 2015.

Following a season of high-level play, the Raiders

The Raiders also had the individual champion,

won the National Junior College Athletic Association

Tai Anudit, and she was named the Mid-

(NJCAA) Women’s National Championship

Florida Conference Female Athlete of the

Tournament at LPGA International Golf Club -

Year, making her the most decorated student-

Hill Course in Daytona Beach, May 13-16.

athlete in the history of Raider Athletics.

Going Far: Seminole State and UCF alumna

OFF TO DUKE FOR PHD

After receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in 2016, Maasarani utilized DirectConnect™ to UCF and transferred into the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics & Photonics (CREOL) to pursue her bachelor’s degree in photonic science engineering and graduated in May 2019 with honors.

She is attending Duke University for a doctorate in biomedical engineering.

“As a Seminole State student, I took part in the

LATIFAH MAASARANI

GO HERE. GO THERE. More than 8,600 Associate in Arts degree graduates from Seminole State have transferred to UCF since the DirectConnect™ program began in 2006. Today, nearly 12,000 DirectConnect students are enrolled, and there are several good reasons for that.

On average, DirectConnect™ students take 20 percent more courses annually, and earn their university transfer (A.A.) degrees two terms faster than non-DC students.

The average GPA for a Seminole State transfer in their first Fall Term at UCF is the highest among the DirectConnect™ colleges.

Grindle Honors Institute which allowed me to pursue

sort of laughs when she

independent research on optics with my physics

considers that she is

professor, Dr. Sherry Savrda. The skills I learned

moving toward a STEM

during my independent research courses prepared me to participate in the DirectConnect program,” said

career, given that she

Maasarani. “Having direct admittance to UCF allowed me

never really considered

to pursue my dream degree in a world-renowned college.”

science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a pursuit or passion until she

While at UCF, she was able to transfer into the Burnett

arrived at Seminole State College of Florida.

Honors College and also continued her leadership

She knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur, having founded a clothing company at 18, so she initially thought she would track toward a business degree.

However, a chemistry course sparked an interest in drug discovery and working with various diseases to try to make a difference, and thus, her trajectory changed. She even served as president of Seminole State’s STEM Club during the 2015-16 academic year.

Optics Students at UCF, which led to her involvement

Fast forward a few semesters and Maasarani was sitting

Astronaut Scholarship and the UCF Founder’s Day

in an honors physics course, when she was introduced

Award, which is given to only one student per college,

to the concept of optics and photonics for the first time.

nominated by the dean of that college for their

She knew this was what she was meant to do.

academic achievements and leadership abilities.

activities by becoming the president of the Society of in and recognition by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. In SPIE, she was part of the Engineering Science and Technology Policy Committee, working on public policy as well as research and development funding.

She also received the 100 percent merit-based

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START A RAIDER. FINISH A GATOR. UF Online, the University of Florida's fully online bachelor's degree program offers Seminole State Associate in Arts (A.A.) graduates easy transfer bachelor's degree programs.

UF Online's numerous programs start three times a year and are designed for students in a variety of life and educational stages: first-time-in-college students, adults returning to college who want the flexibility of online study and students pursuing a second bachelor's degree.

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