The Florida Board of Governors yesterday approved the University of South Florida's request to offer lower-division undergraduate courses and enrollment at the University of South Florida Polytechnic. USF Poly has previously offered upper-division coursework and baccalaureate and master's degrees.

"This is a huge win for USF Polytechnic and the USF system -- and for the state of Florida," says Dr. Marshall Goodman, VP and CEO of USF Polytechnic. "This provides additional access to public higher education at precisely the moment the state is seeing surges in demand and as our economic situation compels us to produce a more advanced workforce."           

According to Dr. Judith Ponticell, senior associate VP at USF Poly, the move is also crucial to developing the distinctive polytechnic model: "This allows us to more effectively manage our pipeline for those students who will be more fully immersed in our undergraduate programs."

USF Polytechnic has traditionally been a "transfer-only" upper level campus, relying on incoming students from other institutions. Ponticell indicates that the campus will continue to welcome transfers, "But now Florida's students have another high quality option too."

The USF Polytechnic Campus Board and the USF System Board of Trustees had previously approved the proposal to add freshman- and sophomore-level classes. USF Polytechnic plans to offer freshman enrollment and classes in fall 2012, when the university will open its new campus in northeast Lakeland at I-4 and the Polk Parkway           

The University of South Florida Polytechnic, located in Lakeland, is the state's first and only polytechnic. As an integral part of the USF system, USF Polytechnic delivers bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as a variety of online, certificate and continuing education programs. The polytechnic model emphasizes applied learning and research and intensive collaboration with economic development partners in the region. A vibrant student life and challenging multi-disciplinary programs in fields such as information technology, engineering, business and education provide a distinctive educational experience at the heart of Florida's High Tech Corridor.           

Created in 2003, the Florida Board of Governors operates, regulates, controls, and is fully responsible for managing the state's 11 public universities. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each university and ensuring the well-planned coordination and operation of the state university system.