Polk State, USF “reignite Fuse” on articulation agreement
Through a collaborative effort between Polk State College and the University of South Florida, administrators saw to it that the transition from Polk County’s largest-serving higher education and workforce training institution to one of the nation’s top 25 public universities remains a seamless one.
During a joint ceremony at USF in Tampa on Monday, USF reignited the Fuse Program with Polk State, Hillsborough College, St. Petersburg College, College of Central Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Santa Fe College, South Florida State College and State College of Florida – Sarasota-Manatee, celebrating the continuing partnerships and welcoming Florida SouthWestern State College. Fuse builds upon the statewide 2+2 articulation system, which guarantees Florida College System Associate in Arts graduates admission to a State University System school, by ensuring acceptance into specific USF programs.
The Fuse Program, which boasts a 90% retention rate, guarantees Polk State AA graduates admission to USF in the following programs: Arts and Sciences, Behavioral and Community Sciences, Business, Education, Information Technology, Health Sciences, and The Arts. Specific pathways are in place for Polk State students to complete all their prerequisites, earn their AA degrees and seamlessly enroll at USF.
“Partnerships like this create clear, meaningful pathways that help students move confidently from one exemplary institution to the next,” said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “By working closely with USF, we are making it easier for our graduates to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at one of the nation’s leading public universities while building on the strong foundation they received at Polk State.”
The ceremony signifies the second articulation agreement ceremony for the College in two months. On July 30, Polk State and Florida Polytechnic University announced the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway Program, creating a transition pathway into 10 STEM-related bachelor’s programs.
Ranked as a top 50 public university by U.S. News & World Report and recently named the No. 23 public university in the U.S. by NICHE, USF is known for “academic excellence, groundbreaking research, service to surrounding communities, and wide-ranging student opportunities.” Founded in 1956, USF holds the prestigious designation of being an Association of American Universities institution and serves nearly 50,000 students annually from its campuses in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
“Strong partnerships with exceptional Florida College System institutions are essential to creating seamless pathways for students to continue their education and achieve their goals,” said USF President Moez Limayem. “Our partnership with Polk State reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring that talented students have a clear path from their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree at USF.”