LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Polytechnic University hosted its first virtual event, a Google+ Hangout, on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. The event featured a panel of Florida Polytechnic staff and faculty members who answered questions about the new University’s campus, curriculum and culture. Prospective students and their parents were able to submit questions live via Google+ and in advance through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and email.
“This was a great example of Florida Polytechnic’s commitment to exploring and using new technology, and it was a great way for students and parents to learn more about the University in an easy-to-access setting,” said Crystal L. Lauderdale, Florida Polytechnic’s Director of Marketing and Communications, who hosted the event. “We were really impressed by the depth and diversity of questions we received from both students and parents. From curriculum to culture, they’re really trying to get a sense of what life will be like as a member of Florida Polytechnic’s inaugural class.”
More than 130 participants joined the live conversation, which could be viewed through Google+ and Facebook. While the panel was unable to respond to every question during the live event, due to time constraints, a list of frequently asked questions and responses has been posted below along with a recording of the Hangout.
Watch the full Google Hangout above, or use the links below to navigate to a specific question. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions.
Questions about Academics
Questions about Accreditation
Questions about Scholarships & Tuition
Questions about Student Life
Academics
Where can I learn more about my professors? How can I get a copy of the course catalog?
Florida Polytechnic just launched our new website, which includes profile pages and
biographies for each of our faculty members and key staff members.
We expect to have our course catalog on the website by April. In the meantime, you
can view a list of degree programs and concentrations in the Academics section of the website.
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What’s the average class size at Florida Polytechnic?
We are expecting an average of 20 students per class.
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Can Florida Polytechnic really offer me help and assistance starting my career after
graduation? What connections does Florida Poly, a new institution, have?
Florida Polytechnic partners with industry-leading firms that emphasize advanced
technologies to ensure its curriculum prepares students for the dynamic and rapidly
evolving high-tech workforce. Our list of industry partners includes high-tech giants
such as Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Bright House Networks, and Harris Corp.
But preparing students for successful technology careers starts long before graduation
at Florida Polytechnic. We provide a hands-on approach to STEM learning that immerses
students in their majors as soon as they start as freshmen. This allows them to gain
experience in their fields much more quickly than they would at most other universities.
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But how will you integrate academics and work experience in the classroom?
Florida Polytechnic works closely with industry-leading firms to ensure that our
curriculum matches industry need and prepares students for the high-tech workforce.
Our industry partners will help to provide students with an integrated learning experience
by participating in joint teaching and research efforts and by providing internship
opportunities relevant to Florida Polytechnic’s unique curriculum.
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Will students be required to complete a lot of general education courses before focusing
on their concentration?
Yes, there are general education courses and prerequisites that are foundational
courses every student must complete. But, unlike many other universities, Florida
Poly students will be immersed in their majors and taking major-specific courses as
soon as they begin.
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What is the academic score of the typical admitted student?
The average academic scores of admitted Florida Polytechnic students are: 1800 SAT,
26 ACT, and 3.9 GPA.
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Does Florida Poly accept the IB diploma and AP credits?
Yes, we do. Scores of 3 and higher are accepted on AP exams. IB diploma holders can
receive up to 30 hours of credit for scores of 4 or higher on both higher level and
subsidiary level examinations. A maximum of 30 semester hours may be granted by combining
AP and IB credits.
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Accreditation
Is Florida Polytechnic University accredited?
No, Florida Polytechnic is not accredited. However, the institution plans to apply
for regional accreditation at the earliest time possible.
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When will Florida Polytechnic University be accredited?
Regional accrediting agencies do not permit institutions to make predictions about
accreditation dates. Florida Polytechnic University plans to apply for regional accreditation
at the earliest opportunity.
It’s not unusual for accrediting agencies to require universities seeking accreditation
to graduate a class first, so graduating its first class is a top priority for Florida
Polytechnic University.
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Is accreditation retroactive?
Yes. For instance, the Southern Association on Colleges and Schools/Commission on
Colleges (SACSCOC, which is the regional body that grants accreditation in Southern
states) has the following policy: Once the Commission grants an institution initial
accreditation it is retroactive to January 1 of the year in which accreditation is
granted.
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Scholarships & Tuition
Does Florida Polytechnic University offer scholarships?
Each member of the inaugural class will receive a scholarship that, for in-state
students, covers almost all tuition and fees.
Full-time undergraduate students get scholarships of $5,000 per year for the first
three years the University is open and $3,200 the fourth year. Full-time graduate
students will receive a $9,300 scholarship per year for the first two years the University
is open.
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*Can I use my Bright Futures or Florida Prepaid benefits at Florida Poly? Can I use
those plans and still be eligible for the inaugural-class scholarship?
The short answer is, in most cases, yes. Be aware that there are varying Bright Futures
and Florida Prepaid plans. If a plan allows for housing and meals to be covered, they
can be applied to those costs. The Florida Polytechnic inaugural scholarships can
be used only for tuition and fees.
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Is there a work-study program that will enable me to work in my field and cover some
of my living costs while going to college?
Plans are in place to have a program for hiring students workers. In fact, our Admissions
Office has begun working with future students to put a program in place. Florida Polytechnic
students also will have internship opportunities with our industry partners.
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Student Life
Do freshmen have to live on campus?
Yes, we have a freshman residency requirement. Freshmen who live beyond a 30-mile
radius of campus are required to live in the Residence Hall. Housing costs range from
$3,715 to $4,050 per fall or spring semester, depending on the options of your suite
(e.g., shared or private room, shared or private bath).
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Does Florida Polytechnic have meal plans?
Yes. There will be on-campus food services when classes start in August 2014. We
will have meal plans, too. The costs have not yet been finalized.
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Can we have a gaming community at Florida Polytechnic? What about a bowling team?
The Student Affairs Office will assist our students in establishing campus clubs
and organizations for the student body. Students will have the opportunity to submit
proposals for organized activities, clubs, organizations, academic societies and so
much more. But we want you, as part of our inaugural class, to take the lead in creating
the foundation for them.
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* This information has been updated:
Bright Futures is expected to be available for our Inaugural students, and can be used in conjunction with the Inaugural Scholarship. Unfortunately, Florida Prepaid College Plan benefits cannot be utilized at Florida Poly at this time. However, Florida Poly has developed a program to assist students with Florida Prepaid Plans that are attending.
For more information on this program please visit:
http://staging-floridapoly.kinsta.com/about/offices-and-services/bursars-office/florida-prepaid-program/