MCC INTENDS TO OFFER BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS
September 17, 2008Dear MCC Family,
I want you to be the FIRST to know the exciting news: The MCC Board of Trustees at this morning’s meeting approved MCC sending to the Florida Department of Education a letter of intent to offer baccalaureate programs.
The letter of intent complies with the state’s Baccalaureate Proposal Approval Process for Community Colleges and signals that MCC is exploring the possibility of submitting proposals (to the state) to offer one or more of these three baccalaureate programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Math/Science Education (middle/high school)
Bachelor of Applied Science in (tracks)
Environmental Studies
Exercise Science and Nutrition
Health Care Management
Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Radiologic Sciences
Technology Management
This list of programs emerged as the College’s first potential four-year degrees based on an ongoing dialogue with the area’s workforce, community and business leaders. A regional needs assessment, authorized by the MCC Board of Trustees at the same time the letter of intent was approved, will confirm student and employee demand for these programs. Based on the outcome of the assessments, we anticipate submitting formal proposals within six months.
Since the topic was discussed at our last Board of Trustees meeting, we have heard extremely favorable and encouraging comments from many faculty and staff, current and potential students, and leaders of Manatee and Sarasota counties. Like many of you, we would like this momentous advancement for Manatee Community College to move forward swiftly. Realistically, since this is the first step in the process the state has outlined, we expect to offer four-year degree programs in a year to 18 months.
Anticipating that you and the community will have a lot of questions, we will answer them as the process unfolds. Updates will be posted on the MCC Web site atwww.mccfl.edu/4-year.
One aspect that I am happy to assure you will not change is the College’s close ties to the community we serve. Our open-door policy will remain firmly in place along with our mission to provide an accessible, dynamic learning environment.
What a wonderful time to be part of the MCC family! I am honored to be your President.
Lars A. Hafner, Ph.D.
President
Manatee Community College
