FAMU goes to TCC to recruit students

FAMU made its presence felt at TCC on Wednesday.
Photo submitted by Nubian Jean-Charles.

Orange and green filled the student union at Tallahassee Community College on Wednesday.

TCC students encountered orange and green table covers, displays and different materials for distribution promoting FAMU programs.

FAMU faculty and staff hosted the Fall 2018 FAMU Advising Day at Tallahassee Community College’s Ballroom from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At this event, FAMU showcased various academic programs and student organizations, giving TCC students the opportunity to browse and interact with FAMU associates.

Members from different academic and social organizations were present to engage with the students, informing them about student life at FAMU.

First-year TCC student, Ledjine Sadira said, “I learned a lot of information at the fair today, such as the Transfer Club FAMU offers for transfer students. Sometimes I have a problem with being involved, joining could be a way for me to step out of my comfort zone. One day I hope to major in social work at FAMU.”

Representatives from various schools and colleges at FAMU also participated in this session to recruit and advise potential transfer students.

Potential students were provided with academic updates on admissions criteria and various major curriculums.

FAMU transfer admission specialist Crystal Flowers said: “We encourage students that decide to transfer to FAMU, to transfer after obtaining an associate’s degree. Students who transfer to four-year universities with an associate degree have often developed the maturity to prioritize as a result of good time management skills.”

According to the article Graduate, Transfer, Graduate at Inside Higher ED, 71 percent of transfer students with an associate’s degree or certificate completed their bachelor’s degree program in four years, and 9 percent remained enrolled, working toward their degree.

In addition to FAMU representatives, TCC faculty, advisors and staff were in attendance to provide assistance with the transfer requirement process.

In partnership with the Florida College System, FAMU offers a transfer student program titled, “IGNITE” aimed at students at TCC and the state’s the 27 colleges.

According to a FAMU News article, FAMU’s new transfer program has a statewide impact. “The 2+2 system (two years at community college, two years at the university) helps students to reduce the overall cost of attending a four-year university,” according to FAMU News.

This program aids to FAMU’s implementation of its strategic plan, “FAMU Rising,” which focuses on increasing the university’s transfer population.

The university’s goal is to increase transfer student enrollment to 1,100 by 2020 after it reached 854 at the end of the Spring 2018.

John Tornes, FAMU Ignite program assistant director in the Division of Student Affairs, said:  “I believe FAMU advising day was a successful event, I was pleased to see the participation and contribution from each school as they were able to aid to any questions prospective students had. We encourage students to apply to FAMU, but we also want them to be certain in making a decision that will impact the rest of their lives.”