More than 500 new freshmen, transfer and graduate students will join Florida Poly this fall, nearly doubling the University’s student population over its inaugural academic year. The incoming class has an average GPA of 3.9, an average ACT score of 26 and an average SAT score of 1775.
“I continue to be very impressed with the caliber of students deciding to enroll at Florida Poly,” said University President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Like their peers in the Inaugural Class, I’m confident these students will dive right in to our applied, industry-inspired curriculum and continue to build the innovative culture and reputation of Florida Poly. I’m proud and excited to welcome these students to our campus.”
Florida Poly plans to offer even more hands-on learning opportunities with faculty and its growing list of nearly 90 industry partners during the upcoming academic year. Last year, Florida Poly students participated in a wide range of applied learning activities including hackathons, appathons and an RFP process in which student teams were challenged to research and propose product concepts that meet the demands of industry. One of those teams has already filed a provisional patent for their proposed product and will continue developing it in the fall.
The University also has hired 20 new faculty members to accommodate its growing student population and enrich innovative learning. Florida Poly professors typically possess both industry and academic experience, matching the school’s model of preparing students for real-world employment after graduation.
“We’ve continued to refine and elevate our academic offerings in the College of Engineering and College of Innovation and Technology,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Ghazi Darkazalli. “Our faculty is dedicated to providing students the education and tools they need to be successful when they enter the workforce.”
Full-time students attending Florida Poly in the 2015-2016 academic year will benefit from robust scholarships. Amounts vary from student to student and are based on both merit and need. Most scholarships cover the full cost of tuition for each Financial Aid Year, for four years.
Scholarships have been key to recruitment, and the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation has been instrumental in raising funds to support those scholarships. The Foundation recently received an anonymous $1 million challenge match contribution to encourage donors to contribute in support of STEM education.
“Florida Poly students arriving for classes this year will be pleased with all of our new offerings, ” said Director of Student Affairs Dr. Steven S. Warner. “In addition to offering scholarships to ease the financial burden of college, we’re also building out our campus and student activities in a way that enhances University culture and promotes fun, camaraderie and learning.”
A new recreational field is one of the major campus projects students can expect. Slated for completion in the fall, the field will include basketball courts, volleyball courts and an outdoor common area. Construction is also underway on a second on-campus Residence Hall that will be completed in August 2016.
Florida Poly will celebrate the start of its second academic year with Purple Fire Week – a spirit week that begins on August 24, and includes daily activities that immerse students in college life. Planned festivities include College Night at Joker Marchant Stadium, home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball team, a karaoke night, and a chance for students to design their own Florida Poly T-shirts.