Get Started with the University Partnership Center
Step One: Program and degree selection
The University Partnership Center (UPC) is an alliance with 16 colleges and universities offering
over 100 bachelor's, graduate degree programs and certificates in Pinellas County. After reviewing the information listed and deciding upon a program to pursue, call the UPC and we will direct you to a Program Advisor from our partnering institutions who will send you detailed information. These program advisors serve as a liaison between the UPC and the institutions they represent. They will be able to answer questions about their programs, prerequisite requirements, transfer information, transcripts and fees.
Or, if you are unsure about a program to pursue, contact the UPC and we will arrange a face-to-face meeting to assist you in finding an appropriate degree program to capitalize on your background, previous education and training, and personal and career interests.
Step Two: Information gathering
The University Partnership Center will hold information sessions periodically; check this site occasionally for dates and locations of upcoming information sessions. Representatives from each of the partnering institutions will be there to give information to prospective students, to answer questions about their programs, and to advise students preparing for admission. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the programs being offered through the UPC and to have your questions answered.
Step Three: Admission, registration & tuition
To become a University Partnership Center student, you must meet the admission requirements and be admitted to one of the 16 partner colleges and universities. You apply to the college or university from which you intend to receive your degree. This becomes your "home" campus even though you will never need to go to that campus until you walk across the stage at graduation. All classes leading to your degree will be taught at the UPC in Pinellas County.
Generally speaking, you are eligible to become a UPC student when you have completed your AA or AS degree or have completed 60 hours of of college-level credit, although each university partner and a specific program may have specific requirements for admission.
Each institution has different registration requirements. The UPC will direct you to a program advisor from your "home" campus who will send you an application and other pertinent information regarding their registration process. They also will advise you where to send your transcripts and dates for application deadlines.
Tuition to attend the University Partnership Center is the same as that of the college or university offering the program (your "home" campus). When you obtain your degree, it will be from the institution from which you have completed your coursework, not the UPC.
Step Four: Financial assistance
Students interested in financial aid should contact the office of financial assistance at the college or university offering the program (your "home" campus).
Step Five: Registration
Please contact your
college or university "home" campus for registration deadlines.
Some of the partner institutions also will have a couple of
days each semester that you may register with your "home"
campus at the UPC. Please continue to check this website
or your "home" university for registration information.
Step Six: Class aids
UPC ID Cards: While each partner institution may choose to issue
an ID card, you must also obtain a UPC ID card. This card will allow you access to
all SPC facilities and services. These include our libraries on all campuses, use of
computer labs and workout rooms. This ID card will allow you to have all the same benefits
as an SPC student. These cards are free and can be obtained in the UPC office, UP203, Seminole Campus.
Library Access: Students can use their UPC ID card to borrow books from other Florida public universities and colleges and of course you can borrow materials from SPC’s library.
Computer Labs & Wireless Network: Students may be issued computer accounts through the university in which they are registered. These accounts are necessary for access to the "home" university’s computer system. Additionally, students registered for partner university courses offered through the UPC may use SPC's computer labs, network & other resources by using their UPC login and password, that is issued when they obtain their UPC ID card.
Rules and Regulations: All UPC students are governed by the same rules and regulations that apply to SPC students. There is a PDF version of the Student Handbook for UPC students. Students also are expected to comply with additional rules and regulations of their "home" partner institution.
Step Seven:
Attending classes
The University
Partnership Center recognizes that many students are already working full
time and maintaining families. We offer courses primarily in the evenings, catering to
students who have commitments during the day.
Location: University Partnership Center classes meet on the following
campuses:
Seminole Campus (main site)
9200 113th St. N
Seminole (Directions)
Caruth Health
Education Center
7200 66th St. N
Pinellas Park (Directions)
Downtown Center
244 2nd Ave N.
St. Petersburg (Directions)
EpiCenter
13805 58th St. N
Largo (Directions)
St. Petersburg/Gibbs
Campus
6605 5th Ave. N
St. Petersburg (Directions)
Allstate Center
3200 34th St. S
St. Petersburg
(Directions)
Class Types: Classes offered through the University Partnership Center are delivered in a variety of methods. They include:
- Traditional classroom setting where students come to class on a designated campus and an instructor from the "Home" campus teaches the information to students.
- Two-Way Interactive: Students learn by sitting in a classroom and viewing an instructor from another location. Video cameras allow you to see the instructor at a different location teaching a class and they can see you. Students can ask questions and talk with the instructor and vice/versa. It’s just like being in the classroom with the instructor because they can see you and you can see them and you still communicate by raising your hand and being called on.
- Web-based with Mentors (also called Internet Supported): If a student has access to the Internet, he/she can take these courses online. Some Web-based programs offered through the UPC allow students who don’t have time to meet in a classroom setting to take their courses online. The value-added component that the UPC offers is the opportunity to meet with a mentor periodically from your "home" campus through your web-based course.
- Videotape: Students take courses that have been videotaped by an instructor. The student may then communicate with the instructor on line and also at scheduled times when the instructor attends the UPC for mentoring. Exams are given through the UPC.
- Blended: A combination of any of the above methods of course delivery.
University Partnership Center staff contact information.
