Florida Polytechnic University

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Institution type	Public

About Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University is the newest university in the State University System of Florida. It is also Florida’s only public university wholly dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Florida Poly, which opened for classes in August 2014, provides students with hands-on learning, applied research opportunities, industry connections and the ability to work on real-world problems under the guidance of distinguished faculty with experience in both industry and academia.

Florida Poly’s curriculum focuses on the core STEM subjects of Technology and Engineering and includes both undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Courses are designed to prepare 21st-century students for employment and entrepreneurship in high-demand technology fields.

MISSION
The mission of Florida Polytechnic University is to prepare 21st century learners in advanced fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to become innovative problem-solvers and high-tech professionals through interdisciplinary teaching, leading-edge research and collaborative local, regional and global partnerships.

VISION
Florida Polytechnic University will be a world-renowned “University of Innovation” for producing a dynamic pool of info-tech talent with real-world solutions and the capacity to lead global high-tech industries through customized undergraduate and graduate STEM-enriched academic curriculum, operating space and facilities, entrepreneurial research and interactive business industry partnerships.

Campus information

The Innovation, Science and Technology building was designed by famed architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, who also designed the new World Trade Center transit hub in New York City. The IST Building sits on a 170-acre campus and has 26 classrooms and 11 innovation labs including a robotics lab, Supercomputer, cyber security lab and Rapid Application and Development (RAD) Makerspace with more than 50 3D printers and scanners. In addition to the IST Building, the campus includes a freshman Residence Hall, Wellness Center, Admissions Center and Campus Control Center.

The campus is located in Lakeland, Fla. off I-4 at the heart of Florida’s High Tech Corridor. The campus is distinguished by the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava. Crowned by operable louvers that shift throughout the day to shade its top-floor atrium from the sun, the energy-efficient structure is the primary classroom building and a hub of activity. I

Lakeland is a top destination for many international students given that it's considered to be one the most affordable cities to live in.

Accommodation

On-Campus Residence Hall
Residence Hall II at Florida Polytechnic University is under construction and will be complete for the start of classes in August 2016. Both on-campus residence halls were designed to provide comfortable, safe housing just steps from the main classroom building. They share similar amenities, including study lounges, computer centers, entertainment rooms with billiards and pingpong tables, gaming areas and more. In addition, all suites are fully furnished and include a washer and dryer and high-speed Internet access. Electronic access and security cameras enhance safety for residents. Both residence halls have Resident Assistants on each floor, and Residence Hall II will have an on-site Director of Student Living. On-campus housing at Florida Poly is owned and operated by Vestcor Communities.

Residence Hall I
From high-speed, wireless Internet access to a fitness facility and game room, the 90,000-square-foot Residence Hall I is designed with the modern student in mind. Comfortable, secure and fully furnished, the three- and four-bedroom suites have the latest technology and accommodations to facilitate learning and achievement beyond the classroom. There are two bathrooms per four-person suite, and each resident bedroom is tastefully furnished with a bed, desk and dresser.

Residence Hall II
Similar to Residence Hall I, the new residence hall boasts high-speed, wireless Internet access, game rooms and common study areas on all five floors of the 135,000-square-foot building. The majority of Residence Hall II is made up of “Semi Suites,” two double bedrooms furnished with two twin beds, a desk and chair, sharing a common bathroom. It was designed with a more traditional residence hall feel and boasts twice as much communal space as Residence Hall I, encouraging students to leave their rooms and create their own social hub. Residence Hall II also has the added advantage of Vestcor Living-Learning Communities, created in partnership with the University.