Florida Polytechnic University has suspended classes after 3 p.m. on Wednesday in preparation for severe weather brought on by Hurricane Irma. The university will close campus from Thursday at 5 p.m. through Tuesday morning, at the earliest.
“The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our primary concern,” said Maggie Mariucci, Director of External Affairs. “We are closely monitoring Hurricane Irma’s path across Florida and we will continue to communicate with students and staff as we know more.”
School officials are working with local and state emergency response teams to prepare for the storm. An announcement of when campus will reopen will be made once campus officials are more certain of the storm’s path and potential effects. Students should check their email, University social media channels and Blackboard Connect (My Poly Alert) for the most up to date information from the University.
For more information about Florida Polytechnic University, visit www.floridapoly.edu.
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Poly Awarded Duke Energy Foundation Scholarship Grant
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation for scholarships. The funds will be directed towards the University’s competitive scholarship program to provide financial support to qualified students.
The Duke Energy Foundation grants are dedicated to enhancing educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), childhood reading proficiency and workforce development.
“Supporting educational initiatives is an integral mission of the Duke Energy Foundation,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida president. “This grant provides Florida Polytechnic University students with the opportunity to realize their full potential and create models of success that will have implications for years to come.”
A check was presented to University President Dr. Randy K. Avent during a small ceremony on campus Friday, July 14. Each scholarship offered to students will be on a variable scale from $1,000 to $16,000.
“It is important to ensure that financial constraints do not hold back our students,” said Dr. Avent. “This institution is focused on graduating highly-skilled experts who bring new thinking and innovation to the economy of the State of Florida. Scholarships like the ones made possible by Duke Energy allow us to do just that. My most sincere thanks goes to Duke and our Foundation Board for this gift which will directly impact the lives of our students.”
The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors, whose members play a significant role in the development of the University as a major educational, cultural and economic resource. The foundation is responsible for creating community and industry investment to support the University and to provide financial support for our students throughout their academic career.
“Our Foundation is thrilled to receive this grant,” said Ford Heacock, President and Owner of Heacock Insurance and Foundation Board Chair. “Through the support of generous donors, like the Duke Energy Foundation, we can continue to enhance the opportunities available for Florida Poly students who will transform the future of technology and impact Florida’s economy.”
The Duke Energy Foundation offers more than $30 million, and approximately $3 million in Florida, annually in charitable gifts to support and address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
Florida Poly Granted Initial Accreditation
Florida Polytechnic University was granted initial regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a significant milestone the University has diligently worked toward since its founding.
This decision means future Florida Poly graduates, and those who graduated earlier this year, will have a degree from a regionally accredited university.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I was proud in 2012 to sign the bill creating Florida Polytechnic University and today’s announcement furthers the university’s goal of providing students with a world-class education. Florida Polytechnic’s focus on STEM is helping create a new generation of innovative leaders in Florida and I applaud its achievement of initial regional accreditation by the SACSCOC.”
“Our University has achieved a number of significant milestones in our short history, but this is the biggest yet,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Accreditation signals to prospective students and faculty that we are serious and legitimate contenders in the world of higher education.”
“Achieving accreditation was our last Legislative mandate,” said President Avent. “Today’s announcement allows us to move forward from the start-up phase and into new territory as we work to build a stronger Florida and lead the charge to develop future high-tech business leaders, create jobs and grow Florida’s economy. Adding accreditation to our credentials greatly enhances our ability to advance our STEM-focused mission,” said President Avent.
Regional accreditation brings many benefits to the University, including fulfilling our commitment to the State of Florida that they would have an accredited university focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Regional accreditation is necessary for our students, on an ongoing basis, to receive federal financial aid such as Pell Grants and federally guaranteed student loans; accreditation is also required for universities to receive federal research funding that supports students as a part of university research programs.
“It is my pleasure to advise that the SACSCOC Board of Trustees approved the initial accreditation of Florida Polytechnic University at its June meeting,” said SACSCOC Vice President Dr. Mary Kirk. “Becoming an accredited university is not easy, but Florida Poly has met the high standards we require for educational quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.”
The University was named a candidate for accreditation a year ago by SACSCOC after meeting the initial set of standards. During this past year, Florida Poly worked to complete the final step for accreditation by submitting detailed documentation demonstrating the school’s compliance with all principles of accreditation. Representatives of SACSCOC also visited campus in February for three days of reviewing facilities and meeting with faculty and staff.
“Today’s announcement validates years of hard work,” said Frank T. Martin, chairman of the Florida Poly Board of Trustees. “As an original board member, I’ve been involved in every stage of this university’s growth. We have achieved tremendous accomplishments and certainly faced our challenges, but today is truly a landmark day for Florida’s 12th State University and I’m proud of this achievement as we prepare our students to become the next generation of STEM leaders.”
SACSCOC is the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees. The Commission on Colleges’ Board of Trustees is the representative body of the College Delegate Assembly and is charged with carrying out the accreditation process. For information contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4558.
About Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.
Florida Poly and Fulbright Canada Open Student Exchange and Research Programs
Florida Poly President, Dr. Randy K. Avent, left, and Dr. Michael Hawes, President and CEO
of Fulbright Canada, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
Florida Polytechnic University and the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (Fulbright Canada) have formed a partnership bringing new educational opportunities for students and professors.
The partnership establishes Killam Fellowships, as well as a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Florida Poly – creating study abroad programs, research exchanges, and teaching opportunities at Florida Poly for Fulbright Scholars.
“I am thrilled to be in Lakeland to officially welcome Florida Poly to Fulbright’s select network of partner universities,” said President and CEO of Fulbright Canada, Dr. Michael Hawes. “I believe that Florida Poly has demonstrated a strong commitment and a real capacity for STEM studies and is an ideal institution for these opportunities.”
To build the program, Florida Poly and Fulbright Canada will focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines – including computer science, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, operations research, health informatics and big data, and autonomous vehicles.
“These distinguished initiatives will further advance our focus on applied research and learning in STEM,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Our students, and Canadian students, will have the opportunity to apply and discuss international ideals for innovation, all while driving their studies and careers forward.”
The prestigious Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and Florida Poly to spend up to a semester as an exchange student in the other country. The Killam Fellowships Program offers a cash award of $10,000 ($5,000 per semester), along with an allowance to offset the cost of health insurance.
“We are honored to partner with Fulbright Canada,” said Florida Poly Provost Dr. Terry Parker. “Their commitment to developing future leaders and enhancing mutual understanding through learning and research is well aligned with Florida Poly’s mission to train the next generation of high-tech leaders in the fields of technology and engineering. Working together, we can offer students and faculty even more opportunities for success.”
Hawes and Parker signed the memorandum of understanding during a ceremony on Thursday, May 11 in Florida Poly’s Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building.
The Fulbright Visiting Research Chairs are intended for Canadian citizens who are exceptional scholars and/or experienced professionals who wish to conduct research and/or lecture in the United States.
This partnership builds on Florida Poly’s overall Fulbright Program. Currently, Florida Poly has two Fulbright Scholars from Germany who are completing graduate programs.
For more information on Fulbright Canada, visit http://www.fulbright.ca/about-us.html.
Florida Poly to hold second graduation ceremony
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Florida Polytechnic University will hold its second graduation ceremony on April 28 at 3:30 p.m. inside the Innovation Science and Technology (IST) Building on the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
More than 20 graduates, including four students who will finish courses over the summer, will receive degrees in either Innovation and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, or Science and Technology Management.
This is Florida Poly’s second graduating class since it opened its doors in August 2014. The first class graduated in January. Currently, the University has more 1,300 students enrolled.
WHO: The graduation ceremony will feature Florida Poly leadership, students, faculty, and staff – with remarks by:
· Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent
· Florida Poly Board of Trustees Chairman Frank T. Martin
· Florida Poly Provost Dr. Terry Parker
· Commencement speech by Former Member of the Florida House of Representatives Seth McKeel
· Florida Poly Graduate Constanze Knahl
WHEN: Friday, April 28, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University
IST Building
4700 Research Way
Second Floor Commons
Lakeland, Fla. 33805-8531
VISUALS: Students, faculty, staff, commencement speakers and guests.
Photos of students receiving diplomas and leadership delivering remarks.
Interview opportunities with University leaders, students and speakers.
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal L. Lauderdale
Director, Marketing and Communications
863.874.8444 (office)
[email protected]
Autonomous Model Vehicles Built by Florida Poly Students Compete in Grand Prix-style Final Exam
WHAT: Self-driving model cars designed and built by Florida Polytechnic University students who are enrolled in the University’s first “Autonomous Systems and Self-Driving Vehicles” course will race in an exciting, Grand Prix-style final exam.
The exam will take place on Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. inside the Innovation Science and Technology (IST) Building on the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
Three teams of students will test the self-driving model vehicles they’ve spent the semester engineering on two challenging courses inside the IST Building. Before the exam, students will practice and map the courses using simultaneous mapping and location (SLAM) technology. Once the exam begins at 2 p.m., each car will be required to drive the course on its own demonstrating fast autonomous navigation in complex environments.
WHO: Dr. Dean Bushey, Autonomous Systems course professor; various students who took the course.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, Noon – 3 p.m.
Noon – 2 p.m.: Students will map the Simultaneous Mapping Location (SLAM)
2 – 3 p.m.: Final Exam Grand Prix
WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University
IST Building –First-floor Commons –Room 1067/1068
4700 Research Way
Lakeland, Fla. 33805-8531
VISUALS:
Autonomous model vehicles, engineered by students, racing the two courses; Interviews and photo opportunities with Dr. Bushey and students.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.
Autonomous Model Vehicles Built by Florida Poly Students Compete in Grand Prix-style Final Exam
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Self-driving model cars designed and built by Florida Polytechnic University students who are enrolled in the University’s first “Autonomous Systems and Self-Driving Vehicles” course will race in an exciting, Grand Prix-style final exam.
The exam will take place on Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. inside the Innovation Science and Technology (IST) Building on the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
Three teams of students will test the self-driving model vehicles they’ve spent the semester engineering on two challenging courses inside the IST Building. Before the exam, students will practice and map the courses using simultaneous mapping and location (SLAM) technology. Once the exam begins at 2 p.m., each car will be required to drive the course on its own demonstrating fast autonomous navigation in complex environments.
WHO: Dr. Dean Bushey, Autonomous Systems course professor; various students who took the course.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, Noon – 3 p.m.
Noon – 2 p.m.: Students will map the Simultaneous Mapping Location (SLAM)
2 – 3 p.m.: Final Exam Grand Prix
WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University
IST Building – Second-floor Commons
4700 Research Way
Lakeland, Fla. 33805-8531
VISUALS: Autonomous model vehicles, engineered by students, racing the two courses; Interviews and photo opportunities with Dr. Bushey and students.
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal L. Lauderdale, Director, Marketing and Communications
863.874.8444 (office)
[email protected]
Florida Polytechnic University Students and Leaders Head to Tallahassee for Florida Poly Day
WHAT: Students, faculty, staff and lawmakers will meet at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, April 4 for Florida Poly Day. This annual event is focused on promoting the state’s newest public university and the only one dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Nearly 50 Florida Poly students and representatives will meet with lawmakers to discuss Florida Poly’s mission, applied research initiatives, industry partnerships and the school’s overall economic impact on the state.
Florida Poly will also set up a display booth in the Senate Portico to share information and answer questions.
WHO: Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent, students, faculty, staff and legislators.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Florida State Capitol
Senate Portico
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Florida Poly Launches First International Conference with Panjab University in India
Florida Polytechnic University is pleased to announce its first international conference hosted in partnership with Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. The conference will take place at Panjab University April 20-22, 2017, and will bring various experts together to discuss Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies (GCET) for sustainable development.
The purpose of the event is to provide a forum to address global challenges in the GCET field while facilitating an exchange of expertise, research, and outreach opportunities between the two countries.
About 200 international and national delegates are expected to attend. Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent will lead the University’s contingent alongside two undergraduate students, Ms. Holly Pafford and Ms. Laura Wemple, who are members of the advisory committee for the event.
“This is a perfect opportunity to showcase Florida Poly’s potential on an international level,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “We are preparing students to become high-tech professionals capable of working on global issues in a global community, and we hope our international partners see that Florida is rising as a hotbed for high-tech talent and innovation.”
The three-day conference will include scientific sessions and lectures by research scholars and prominent scientists from India and the U.S. and a panel discussion with industry leaders, who will share their input and guidelines for future graduate programs at both universities.
“As a university focused on STEM learning and applied research for near-term impact, we must constantly stay in tune with the world’s most pressing challenges to ensure we’re building a curriculum and preparing students to meet them,” said Dr. Terry Parker, Florida Poly Provost. “Sustainability is obviously an enormous concern for nations and businesses around the globe. It’s exciting for Florida Poly to take part in this international conversation.”
The conference is funded by the U.S.-India 21st Century Knowledge Foundation (USIEF), which aims to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships between U.S. and Indian institutions of higher education.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with Panjab University,” said Dr. Jaspreet Singh Dhau, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Florida Poly, Conference Convener and Project Director. “Through this conference, we hope to generate future collaboration to include joint research projects and possibly student exchange programs between universities and to involve industry leaders in shaping this program.”
Located in Chandigarh, India, Panjab University was established in 1882 as University of Punjab. It is the first among Indian Universities and 38th in Asia according to the 2015 Times Higher Education Asian University rankings. Panjab University has 188 affiliated colleges spread over Punjab, one rural Regional Centre at Kauni, and three Regional Centers at Muktsar, Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur.
For more information about the Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies (GCET) for Sustainable Development conference, please visit http://greenchem.puchd.ac.in/conferencedetail.php.
Florida Poly Hosts Florida Academy of Sciences 81st Annual Meeting
Florida Polytechnic University this weekend hosted the Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS) 2017 Annual Conference at the Innovation, Science and Technology Building. Faculty, post-doctoral research fellows, graduate and undergraduate students came together to exchange new scientific discoveries and recognize significant breakthroughs that are building the development and economy of Florida.
During the two-day conference, attendees from across the state of Florida shared their research.
“We have some of the most brilliant minds in science right here in our state,” said Dr. Jeremy Montague, Professor of Biology at Berry University in Miami Shores and Current President of Florida Academy of Sciences. “Our goal is to recognize their scientific achievements and celebrate their passion for science, especially in our student presenters at the Senior Academy on Friday and the younger participants in the Florida Junior Academy of Science on Saturday.”
The event featured student oral and poster presentations, booth displays from several sponsor companies and a banquet dinner with the 2016 FAS medalist as speaker, Dr. George A. Maul from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent delivered the Gale plenary address on “The Future of STEM Education and Research.”
“Florida Poly is preparing the next generation of leaders with the technical and critical-thinking skills to advance technology and engineering well into the future,” said Avent. “We guarantee our graduates are job-ready to build Florida’s economy. Events like this help us stay current and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom as experts share their work and findings with students.”
A school competition and award ceremony was also held under the banner of the Florida Junior Academy of Science, the student division of FAS. A combination of high and middle school students visited the IST building for their participation and presentation.
“This was such an exciting event, particularly for the students,” said Dr. Sesha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor of Physics at Florida Poly and FAS 2017 Conference Chair. “We aim to provide all students with the opportunity to network with their peers and professionals with common careers goals. It is the best way to help them reach breakthroughs in their research activities.”
Prior annual conferences were held at Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where Florida Poly students received outstanding presentation awards and recognition.
“I am always amazed to see the kind of projects our students come up with,” said Dr. Kathryn Miller, Florida Poly Vice Provost, Academic Support Services and FAS 2017 Conference Co-Chair. “Through these gatherings and with the help of industry leaders, we can continue to fuel their interest in science, research and other high-tech fields.”
The Florida Academy of Sciences was founded in 1936 as a non-profit organization to promote scientific research and foster public and governmental understanding and appreciation of the sciences and the industries that apply them. The Florida affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science represents all disciplines of sciences. To learn more, please visit www.floridaacademyofsciences.org/annual-meeting/.
About Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.
