New DSC President
On behalf of the entire Daytona State College community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of our academic year. Here, you belong to a diverse body of students whose academic needs, preparation, interests and goals are as varied as the four seasons. But whether you’re a new or returning student, know this: We believe in you and want to see you succeed.
This year, we’ve launched a number of initiatives to help you get the most out of your college experience, both academically and socially:
•Our OnTime Finish Plans provide a clear path to get the right classes and graduate on time with your associate of arts university transfer degree. You decide whether you want to complete your degree in two years or three, depending on your life circumstances, and we’ll help you make sure it happens with pre-planned schedules, guaranteed classes and lots of academic guidance along the way.
•Through our Direct Connect to UCF partnership, DSC associate of arts degree students have a clear path to transfer to UCF. Direct Connect guarantees admission to UCF for AA graduates and adds touch points that follow students from freshman year at DSC through senior year at UCF to ensure a path toward success. Speak with your DSC academic advisor early in your freshman year for details.
•A new course, SLS1122 Managing Your Success, will acquaint you with college culture and academic expectations. In addition to learning techniques that can be applied to all facets of life, you’ll become familiar with academic resources (Library, Academic Support Center, Writing Center), technology used in class, and discover non-academic resources available at DSC. This 3-credit hour college-credit course is required for most students enrolled in the AA university transfer program.
•We’ve refined our mathematics and English courses to make sure every student is placed in a course best suited for their academic level and program of study. Again, your academic advisor can help you select the courses that are right for you.
•We expect to begin design for our $32 million Student Services/Classroom/Workforce Transition facility on the Daytona Beach Campus. The new building will serve as a hub for academic support and workforce-transition services, and provide a modernized space for food service and student gatherings.
•The Daytona State College Foundation has increased its efforts to provide more scholarship assistance. Last year, the Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships, and the goal is to help even more students this year. Visit DaytonaState.edu/Foundation to learn if you, too, can benefit from the hundreds of available scholarships the Foundation offers.
•Finally, this year we begin our efforts to bring men’s and women’s soccer to our slate of Falcon athletics beginning fall 2016. Team coaches will join the college community this year to begin recruiting 50 full-time students in the first year, who are expected to follow the high academic performance shown by DSC student-athletes.
Daytona State’s primary mission is to give you a high-quality, convenient, affordable and technologically superior college experience. Let us help you be successful in your academic program. Apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with college costs. Gain insight and encouragement from our academic advisors and counselors. But while you’re on your academic path, have fun, get involved! Enjoy our outstanding athletic and cultural programs. Join a club or student organization and make new friends.
I hope this academic year is one that sees you moving toward successful completion of your academic program. Remember, we’re here to help you stay on track and get to the finish line – on time.
Regards,
Dr. Thomas LoBasso
President
Daytona State College