Goal Four: Summary of Progress and Work Underway (October 2010)
Goal 4: Partner with the Community
 Coordinate student needs and College goals with community partners.
 Actively respond to community needs and goals
Objective 4.1: Community Investment - By 2013, Valencia will emerge as a first-tier
investment for the philanthropic community, supporting the missions of the Valencia Foundation
and the College.
Objective 4.2: Alumni Involvement - By 2013, significantly increase the membership and the
active involvement of alumni in giving of their time and resources to support Valencia.
Objective 4.3: Community Engagement - Significantly increase documented college
engagement with community organizations and businesses, contributing to meeting community
needs and increasing community awareness of the College’s mission and service, authentically
raising our profile in the community and leading to Valencia becoming an investment of choice.
Objective 4.4: Workforce Development - Increase reported satisfaction by Valencia graduates
with their preparedness for upper division studies and the workforce, and increase the numbers
of companies and individuals served by Valencia Enterprises, contributing to meeting key
workforce needs of the community.
The 2009-10 goal team projects that the current practices will be influential in helping the
college achieve these objectives. Concerns were noted in several teams regarding the
availability/creation of baseline data as well as the need to staff appropriately and employ
technology to support the work. The team established short-term measures that will assist in
monitoring progress toward these ultimate aims:
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Establish Valencia as a first tier investment opportunity for community partners and
subsequently received increased gifts from private wealth donors who wish to invest in
the community.
Increase the membership and the active involvement of alumni in giving their time and
resources to support Valencia.
Ultimately, we want the community to think first of Valencia when it needs a partner to
accomplish its objectives and to show the community that Valencia students, faculty,
staff, alumni, and retirees are committed partners in meeting the needs of our region.
Valencia’s constituents report the highest levels of satisfaction with our students,
programs, and services.
Overview of Selected Efforts to Achieve the Goal
Engaging and Investing in our Community – It is often said that Valencia is the “best kept secret in
Orlando.” The college is working to disprove that statement in a variety of ways.
We will identify and secure new or renewed partners to increase our resources and raise the profile of
the college. The college will expand viability studies to tell the story of the program, with a
communication plan for each industry and project programs that don’t exist and for which there are
workforce needs.
The Foundation Board will begin to lay plans for the next capital campaign, while continuing to pursue
individual and corporate giving in 2010-11, including the continuation of events such as Taste for
Learning and the annual donor gala. The Foundation will continue its efforts to share the college’s story
as well, helping to raise the profile of the institution.
Industry forums will continue, along with initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and the
president will hold meetings with selected, key community leaders to discuss the college and our future
plans.
Increasing Alumni Involvement – The Alumni Relations office has focused on increasing the
connection with and participation of alumni through targeted efforts.
Vitae will continue to be published and grow in its readership. In addition, the use of social networking
tools such as Facebook will continue to feature news about and for our alumni.
Scholarship funds will continue to be raised for the existing scholarship accounts, and the awards made
in Spring 2011.
The 6th Annual Valencia Alumni 5K Walk, Run & Roll will continue to grow and offer opportunities
for volunteerism and serve as an Alumni Association friendraiser/fundraiser.
Alumni chapter networks will continue to be developed. A Bridges to Success alumni reunion took
place in July 2010 and a Nursing 40th Anniversary alumni reunion will take place in Spring 2011. The
Association of Honors Alumni will have a gathering in August, 2010.
A major new activity will be launched in Fall 2010: Valencia Homecoming. This will enable alums and
retirees to have opportunities to come back to campus to network with former classmates, colleagues,
professors and staff.
Supporting Workforce Development – The college is seeking to improve support for workforce
development through two angles: satisfaction with preparation for the workforce as reported by
graduates as well as a commitment to continuing education through the work of Valencia Enterprises.
To that end:
Meetings will be scheduled to review the data collected in the initial phase and to make adjustments (if
necessary) to the Valencia Enterprise strategy and direction.
Focus groups and/or follow up surveys with graduates will assist in determining the level of student
satisfaction with their preparation for career and/or upper division studies.