Valencia College

2430 Welbilt Boulevard, Trinity, FL

Valencia College, formerly "Valencia Community College" is a top-ranking two-year college for the number of Associate's degrees earned.  Students attending Valencia will receive the same quality of education as they would at a state university at a lower cost and with smaller classes.  In addition to offering daytime classes, Valencia also offers night and weekend classes at four campuses or online.  The "Flex Start" program allows students to begin their course of study at any time. 

Students may qualify for a job upon completion of their two-year degree or transfer to a four-year university as a junior.  In fact, students who complete an Associate's Degree at Valencia may join the "Direct Connect to UCF" program for joint academic advising and guaranteed admission to the University of Central Florida (UCF).

History

Valencia College was established more than 40 years ago to serve individuals, businesses and public agencies in the Central Florida area.

Academics

Valencia College follows the semester system, though they are referred to as "terms" (fall, spring and summer terms).  The fall term begins in late August and runs to late December. The spring term runs from early January to early May.  The summer term runs from early May to early August.

Valencia offers several "pre-major" programs and the Associate of Arts degree that guarantees admission to Florida State University.  Additionally, Valencia has 33 Associate of Science degree programs offered as transfer plans to pursue a bachelor's degree or as a direct-to-career plan with a job placement rate of 93 to 95 percent.

In addition to providing a two-year Associate's Degree in many majors, Valencia College helps companies, government agencies and individuals reach their career and corporate goals through its corporate consulting, corporate training and continuing education divisions.

Colleges and Schools

Valencia College offers several majors and degree programs that can be completed under the following schools or departments:

• General Studies
• Arts and Entertainment
• Business
• Communications
• Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies
• Education
• Engineering / Architecture
• Health Sciences
• Horticulture
• Hospitality / Culinary
• Information Technology
• Science and Mathematics
• Social Sciences

Student Life

Valencia College has more than 60 student groups, clubs and organizations.  In addition to career interest groups or organizations for African-American, Latino, Caribbean and Muslim students, there are also groups for leadership development and those that focus on movies, books, art or animals, among many others.

Because Valencia College is a commuter school, it does not offer student housing at any of its campuses or centers.  Students are responsible for finding their own housing around any of Valencia's campuses.  Additionally, Valencia holds housing fairs on campus every year where students will find rental information and roommate listings.  This information is also available through Valencia's Student Development office.

Students who don't live within walking or biking distance of one of Valencia's campuses will need to have a car or use the Lynx bus system that operates in Orange and Osceola counties.

Traditions

Matador Day is a festival held on the Valencia College campuses each fall.  Even though Valencia doesn't currently have competitive sports teams, the matador is still Valencia's mascot and Matador Day is a popular event that includes music, food, games and contests.

Athletics

Valencia College does not offer competitive sports at this time, but offers intramural sports as well as health and physical education classes and campus fitness centers.

Valencia College's intramural sports are open to all Valencia students on a voluntary basis as participants or spectators, with facilities at the East or Osceola campuses. Valencia Intramural Sports offers programs, sports leagues, and tournaments in the following areas:

• Basketball
• Bowling
• Canoeing
• Dodge ball
• Flag Football
• Racquetball
• Rock climbing
• Skating
• Soccer (indoor and outdoor)
• Softball
• Tennis
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Valencia College has eight campuses in Orlando, Florida and the outlying areas.  It has four main campuses, two satellite campuses and two centers throughout Orange and Osceola counties.

In Orlando:

Criminal Justice Institute

East Campus

West Campus

Collegiate Academy at Lake Nona High School

Sand Lake Center (Valencia Enterprises)

Downtown Center

In Winter Park, FL:

Winter Park Campus

Kissimmee, FL:

Osceola Campus

Community Life

The downtown area in Orlando, Florida offers plenty of arts and music venues, along with numerous restaurants and popular shopping spots and outlet stores.  The football stadium is located close to Valencia  College's East Campus, and the new downtown sports arena is scheduled for completion in the near future.

Valencia College students will also enjoy Orlando's theme parks such as Disney, Universal, Islands of Adventure and Sea World.  The local beaches and year-round sunshine are also a draw for students, tourists and residents.