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Catalog 1999-2000 |
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Congratulations on your decision to attend Polk Community College. You are joining a group of 833,000 students who are enrolled in Florida's 28 community colleges. Under Florida's 2+2 system, community colleges are designed to be the primary entry point into higher education. Graduates with an A.A. degree are guaranteed admission in a state university as juniors, where they earn GPA's that are equal to or higher than other university students.
Florida's 2+2 higher education system not only saves taxpayers money, it offers community college students tuition that is 50% less than state universities and a fraction of private college tuition. Highly credentialed faculty who are dedicated to teaching, combined with small classes, provide teaching and learning opportunities equal to the universities for freshmen and sophomores. Frequently our graduates go beyond the bachelor's degree to earn graduate and professional degrees. Graduates of PCC are now leaders in banking, business, engineering, government, law, medicine, and other professions.
Many of our students enter with the goal of acquiring an A.S. degree that will enable them to begin their careers in only two years. Many of the 350,000 information technology jobs in the nation are open to A.S. graduates. Beginning salaries in the computer field and in careers in nursing, physical therapist assistant, and occupational therapy assistant often exceed those for many careers requiring a four-year degree. Others will enroll in certificate programs that provide more rapid entry into the job market in selected areas.
Welcome to PCC. I hope you will devote your attention on academics, but also take advantage of student organizations, cultural events, and athletics programs because they are components of a well-rounded education. I wish you great success at PCC.
J. Larry Durrence, Ph.D.
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