South Florida State College and the University of South Florida renewed their partnership through the Fuse guaranteed admissions program, which provides a transfer path for students pursuing an associate degree before moving to specific USF majors.
South Florida State College was one of nine Florida College System institutions represented at the University of South Florida in Tampa for the renewal contract signing on Monday, Sept. 21. The partnership announcement was made Oct. 5 as Fuse enters its 10th year.
How the Fuse program works
Fuse students receive guaranteed admission into specific University of South Florida majors when they meet the program’s criteria. The pathway supports students while they obtain their associate degree at a participating Florida College System institution.
Students accepted into the program attend a special South Florida State College and University of South Florida orientation during their first year. They also have access to resources from both institutions, including Fuse scholarships, advising, academic services, activities and sporting events.
“Fuse students arrive at USF prepared not only to transfer successfully, but to thrive in their chosen academic programs,” said Allison Crume, associate vice president and dean of undergraduate studies. “From day one, students follow a clearly defined pathway that positions them for success.”
Fuse expands to 50 majors
The Fuse program has grown from 14 pathways to 50 majors since its creation. It was piloted in fall 2016 with 40 students at Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College.
The program now includes College of Central Florida, Florida SouthWestern State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, Polk State College, Santa Fe College, South Florida State College and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. South Florida State College is among the Florida College System institutions participating in the renewed partnership with the University of South Florida.
“We were thrilled to attend the 10th Anniversary USF FUSE MOU Signing Ceremony,” said Dr. James Hawker, dean of arts and sciences at SFSC. “This has been a great partnership to help our students seamlessly transfer to USF to continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field. We proudly work with USF to provide our students this opportunity.”
FSB Take
The renewal gives South Florida State College students a defined transfer connection to the University of South Florida while they work toward an associate degree. The program’s expansion from 14 pathways to 50 majors, along with its orientation, advising, scholarships and academic services, provides the key structure described in the partnership.
Source: Original report