Greetings from the President
Welcome to the start of another academic year. For generations, people of all ages and backgrounds have turned to Daytona State College to take advantage of the wide array of educational programs, workforce training and student services we offer.
More than 28,000 will attend classes here this year, each with their own personal story, their own dreams, goals and desires. Whether you are a new or returning student, be assured you are an important part of this community of learners. At Daytona State, every student matters.
Daytona State College
Moving into the new academic year, you will notice some changes and new initiatives, all intended to improve your chances of academic success, provide you more choices, make college costs more manageable and enhance your overall student experience.
Perhaps most noticeable is that we’ve made attending DSC more cost effective than ever. A 3.5 percent reduction in student fees being implemented this fall combined with last spring’s 2-percent tuition cut will result in a significant cost savings for DSC students each semester. This fee reduction is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that DSC remains affordable and accessible to all who seek to improve their lives through a college education.
We expect to begin construction this year on our 80,000-square-foot Student Center / Workforce Transition Building. The new building will be the crown of the Daytona Beach Campus, serving as a hub for academic support and providing a modern space for food service and student gatherings.
Daytona State continues to be a national leader in online program offerings. In fact, our online bachelor’s degrees in supervision and management, engineering technology and information technology have been rated among the nation’s Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for four years running.
We’ve enhanced our free Career Services offerings for students and alumni. In addition to hosting more job fairs each year, Career Services can help you explore your interests and options, prepare resumes, practice interviewing skills and more.
The college this semester offers a new Advanced Technical Certificate in Project Management, a credential that is highly prized by employers seeking skilled managers in a wide range of industries. The creation of this program is a direct result of Daytona State working with our local business partners to help our area economy grow and diversify.
We’re also developing a new two-year Associate of Science in Broadcast Television Production degree that will leverage our WDSC-TV station and athletics program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience producing live sporting events. Prior to the anticipated start of the new associate degree program in fall 2017, the college will pilot some of the course content as part of its existing three-semester Television and Studio Production certificate program.
Daytona State is the lead institution in a regional consortium that has been awarded a four-year, $3.7 million TechHire Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide short-term skills training in manufacturing and information technology-related fields. The initiative aims to provide training to as many as 400 young adults, long-term unemployed and incumbent workers seeking to advance their skills.
Finally, fall marks the inaugural season of men’s and women’s NJCAA soccer at Daytona State. This is a very exciting time. These student athletes are going to be a part of a lot of firsts. We are going to see our first goal scored, our first shutout, hopefully, our first winning season and maybe even our first championship, and I encourage all our students, staff and faculty to catch the Falcon Fever and support all our student-athletes.
Immerse yourself in your Daytona State College experience. Take advantage of our support services to gain an edge on your academics. Apply for financial aid to help defray the cost of your education. Stay on track with the help of our academic advisors. Enjoy our outstanding athletic and cultural programs. Join a club or student organization and make friends that will last a lifetime.
This is your time. College is a place to learn and grow. We’re here to help you discover your possibilities, to improve your life and help you move toward successful completion of your academic program.
Regards,
Dr. Tom LoBasso President
Daytona State College