Institution Florida International University State Florida Academic Level Baccalaureate Issue Area Transfer Website https://admissions.fiu.edu/how-to-apply/connect4success/index.html Key Personnel Janie Valdés Program Focus Dual Degree/Dual Credit/Early College High School Overview Florida International University (FIU) Connect4Success (C4S) launched in 2016 as a redesigned, rebranded, and strategically funded pathway from its original (2006) conception, Dual Degree Program. The Connect4Success (C4S) pathway builds on Florida’s 2+2 framework with evidence-based transfer affirming and transfer receptive approaches to impact student outcomes in transformational ways. Program Description The program upholds students’ transfer goals and assert their commitment to helping them meet those goals through strengths-based, personalized advising and coaching and in maintaining students’ 4-year identity and momentum. Staff are advocates and myth busters who spotlight the talents and assets their students possess. The program's goals are to increase (1) access to the baccalaureate degree, (2) timely completion of the baccalaureate degree, and (3) the percentage of Florida College System (FCS) students who graduate without excess credits. Goals 2 and 3 are rooted in preparing all FIU-bound students from their three C4S partners—our largest sending partners—to be transfer/major ready. Outcome Of C4S students who start at a partner college in a given cohort (approximately 1,200), 32% transition to FIU in three years or less with the AA degree, and another 12% transfer in the fourth year (44% in four years or less). At least 80% of students from each cohort meeting C4S criteria earned a bachelor’s degree at FIU within 3 years or are actively enrolled. These graduation rates are highest for Latino students (62%). In broadening their reach, FIU increased Florida College System (FCS) Transfer-In with AA rates (78% to 83%); the percentage of transfer students graduating from FIU without excess credit hours (78% in 2014-15 to 86% in 2019-20); and 2- and 3-year completion rates. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Florida Return to Growing What Works Database
