Whether you are taking a full class schedule, interning or enjoying a much-needed breather, staying engaged on campus is key to making the most of your summer semester. UCF offers a wide selection of resources specifically to help you keep the momentum.

Academic Support

Shorter summer sessions are fast paced and demanding, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Support services are available in person and virtually to keep your GPA on track.

• Private Coaching: The Student Academic Resource Center continues to provide for over 30 subjects. Visit the SARC office in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 117 or the Engineering II atrium for assistance.
• Math Tutoring: Located in the Mathematical Science Building, the Math Success Center offers for students enrolled in undergraduate math courses, providing a focused environment to master challenging concepts.
• Writing Center: From complex research papers and resume polishes to creative writing hobbies, the University Writing Center offers specialized to help you make tangible progress on all kinds of written projects.
• Study Spaces: Use the university 麻豆精品 S檚 to book a private study room in advance at the John C. Hitt and UCF Downtown libraries to ensure you have a safe, quiet place to study during finals.

Wellness Resources

Taking care of yourself is just as important during finals week as it is during a semester off. Fewer students on campus during the summer semester allows you more access to these wellness perks.

• Mental Health: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides students with around-the-clock at no extra cost. Students also have free access to the anonymous peer-to-peer support community and teletherapy sessions throughout the entire summer.
• Physical Wellness: 听 remains open throughout the summer, offering appointments for illness and injury, preventive care, immunizations, laboratory services and more. The gym remains open with full summer hours to help you maintain your fitness routine. For a brain break and an extra dose of sunshine, head over to the for free kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget gets tight between semesters, you don’t have to worry. The Knights Helping Knights Pantry remains stocked and open during the summer to , toiletries and clothing to any Knight in need.

Professional Development

Summer is the perfect time to refine your professional brand. Career Services offers a series of Workshop Wednesdays and drop-in sessions to help you prepare for your next interview, internship or first day on the job.

• Career Readiness: Get quick, expert feedback on your resume, LinkedIn profile, practice interview or Handshake account with Critiques & Career Express. in-person or virtually throughout July 31.
• Workshop Wednesdays: throughout June and July to sharpen specific skills, including how to utilize AI in the job search, career exploration and the do 麻豆精品 S檚 and don 麻豆精品 S檛s of networking online.
• Free Headshots: Stop by the Headshot Booth located in the Student Government office of the Student Union for . The booth is open and free for all students and produces professional, high-quality headshots same day.

Summer Events Around Campus

Stay engaged with these social and cultural opportunities that span the entire term.

• Socialize with Grad Students: Head to the Graduate Student Center in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213 on the first Wednesday of each summer month for First Wednesday Cafe. Hosted by Graduate Student Life, it 麻豆精品 S檚 a , meet fellow students, and grab free bagels and coffee.
• Interactive Play Festival: Pegasus PlayLab is a festival hosted every summer by the UCF School of Performing Arts and is dedicated to helping develop the work of emerging playwrights across the country. for the workshop showings of Offshoot (May 29 麻豆精品 S� 30), Eight-Hand Jig (June 5 麻豆精品 S� 6), Between Shadows and Lightness (June 12 麻豆精品 S� 13), and the developmental production of Raccoon Play(June 11 麻豆精品 S� 14).
• Art Exhibition: Take a quiet culture break at the UCF Art Gallery (located in the Visual Arts Building) to experience The Carlos Malamud Prize. Running all summer long, with Rollins Museum of Art features striking works from six emerging Florida artists competing for a $10,000 prize.
• Therapy Dogs: If you need a serious mood boost, head over to CAPS to spend some time with certified therapy dogs during the It 麻豆精品 S檚 a proven, relaxing way to take a mid-semester breather and destress between your Summer A and Summer B classes.

Transportation and Parking

Summer is the best time to find a “prime” parking spot, but shuttles are still a reliable way to get around.

• Summer Shuttle Schedules: UCF shuttles operate on a modified summer schedule. Be sure to check the UCF Mobile app or the website for the most current route times, as frequency may differ from the fall/spring semesters.

Whether you are catching a sunset by the Reflecting Pond or grinding through a summer lab, remember that the UCF community is here to support you. Take advantage of the shorter lines and the specialized attention available this term and keep charging on!

Academic Support and Study Strategy

Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety, and UCF offers a variety of coaching, tutoring, or peer support to help you conquer your study strategy.

• 听From Monday, April 27听through听Friday, May 1, the Student听Union again will听become your campus study headquarters, offering free live review sessions led by tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders across a variety of courses. Plus, Academic Consultation & Engagement peer consultants will be available to provide personalized academic support.
• :听Peer mentors from the Office of Academic Advocacy will host a Mindsets & Motivations Event on听Tuesday,听April 28, from听11听a.m. to 1 p.m., in Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202.听听They will also be in the Student Union Atrium during the hours listed below to connect you with resources, such as the Writing Center听(Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 109 and the听John听C. Hitt Library, room 330)听and Math Lab听(Mathematical Science Building, rooms听153, 241, 240, and 242).听Graduate students, remember that the听听is open Monday听through听Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213.
• Reserved Study Rooms: We all know how busy the library can get during finals week. Use the to book a room at the John C. Hitt, Downtown, or Rosen libraries in advance to make sure you have a designated quiet space to study.

Wellness Resources

Your mental health is the foundation of your academic performance. If the pressure begins to feel unmanageable, there are several ways to find support.

• Mental Health Support: Beyond traditional counseling, (CAPS) provides 24/7 crisis support by dialing 407-823-2811.
• Free Mental Health Apps: Students have free access to , an anonymous peer-to-peer mental support community, and for free tele-therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments.

• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget is tight during finals, the provides food, toiletries and even clothing to Knights in need.

Finals Week Events Around Campus

Conquer the end of the semester with these main campus events. Whether a study session or a social break, these opportunities are designed to help you cross the finish line feeling supported and confident.

• OverKnight Study (various dates between April 20 麻豆精品 S� May 5, 1 – 6 a.m.): The John C. Hitt Library will extend normal hours during to accommodate late-night study sessions in a safe, quiet environment.
• Sunset Yoga at Lake Claire (April 22, 7 麻豆精品 S� 8 p.m.): Join the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) for a special end of semester Sunset Yoga session 麻豆精品 S� the perfect way to decompress and stretch out after a long day of studying. Check the to register for a spot.
• Float Into Finals (April 23, 4 麻豆精品 S� 5:30 p.m.): Graduate Student Life to Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213 for some well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with other students.
• Study Union (April 27 麻豆精品 S� May 1): SARC partners with the Student Union to bring multiple final exam review sessions in-person and online before and after finals week, with by a Peer Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
• Late Knight Breakfast (April 28, 10 p.m. 麻豆精品 S� midnight):听Mark your calendars to come by the Student Union Atrium to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. Hosted by Student Government, for students.
• Mindsets & Motivations with PeerKnights (April 28, 11 a.m. 麻豆精品 S� 1 p.m.): Held in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 202, this event helps students prepare for finals with campus resources focused on time management, study tips and staying motivated.

Transportation and Parking

To avoid parking delays, students are encouraged to arrive at campus early during finals week.

• will听run on their regular schedule Monday, April 27听through听Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 a.m.听to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Need听a ride on Saturday? There is a special shuttle service on May 2. Routes 1 麻豆精品 S�10 will provide transportation to the Main Campus from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Quick Links for Success

Whether you are hitting the books in a reserved study room, meeting with a PeerKnights coach or taking a brain-break at the gym, remember that every resource at UCF is designed to help you succeed. Take a breath, trust your preparation and know that the UCF community is there to help and cheer you on.

The university recognized employees who reached milestone years of service, along with those recently retired or about to be. UCF also presented a Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award and excellence awards in recognition of employees who made exceptional contributions to benefit the campus community.

麻豆精品 S淲e celebrate your service, your dedication, and the impact you make across this university. But behind that recognition is something even more powerful: the daily commitment, the steady work, and the consistency that build momentum over time, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淭he future we talk about at UCF is not something that begins someday. It is already taking shape in the work you do, in the systems you support, and in the experiences you create for our students.听Thank you. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF this year brought a new category of Employee Leadership Excellence Awards, recognizing non-faculty administrative leadership at the director level and above. They joined the expanded Employee Excellence Awards, which highlighted the remarkable contributions of full-time employees up to an associate director level.

The employee event kicked off a Founders 麻豆精品 S� Day celebration that also included faculty and student celebrations. Combined, more than 900 honorees were recognized during the three ceremonies this year.

Here are the honorees from this year 麻豆精品 S檚 Employee Honors Celebration.

Excellence Awards

Employee Excellence Awards for Operational Excellence

Arijeta Kavaja, Public Safety

Cecily McCoy-Fisher, Office of Research

Anna Nye, Office of Risk and Safety

Cindy Prophitt, Facilities and Business Operations

Employee Excellence Awards for Student Success

Cynthia Almanzar, Student Success and Well-Being

Laura Czerkies, Burnett Honors College

Michael McKee, College of Optics and Photonics

Donna Mercado, College of Nursing

Employee Excellence Awards for Community Well-Being

Jodi Reinhart, College of Sciences

Lorna Rodriguez, College of Engineering and Computer Science

David Stoneburner, Office of Institutional Resources

Mykhael Walker, Analytics and Integrated Planning

Employee Excellence Awards for Service and Partnership

Drew Barnes, College of Graduate Studies

Faith DeLorenzo, Digital Learning

Lovelyn Findley, Advancement and Partnerships

Antoine Hart, University Strategic Communications

Employee Excellence Awards Nominees

Sadia Afrin

Cynthia Almanzar

Michelle Anchel

Otto Argibay

Anthony (Joey) Asti

Drew Barnes

Alexandra Barraza-Oliphant

Davalda 麻豆精品 S淒ee 麻豆精品 S� Bellot

Jim Bennett

Miryana Blesso

Monique Carter

Laura Czerkies

Faith DeLorenzo

Lovelyn Findley

Amanda Greaves

Antoine Hart

Christina Hussey

Alexis Hutchins

Erica Hutton

Kat Jones

Arijeta Kavaja

Marsha Kernica

Melina Kinsey

Keanna Machado

Jay Malcolm

Chuck Mannella

Samantha Mason

Cecily McCoy-Fisher

Michael McKee

Donna Mercado

Traci Mibuta

Anna Nye

Steven Pardo

Diana Perez

Anthony Piazza

Cindy Prophitt

Frances 麻豆精品 S淔ran 麻豆精品 S� Ragsdale

Matthew Rall

Jodi Reinhart

Lorna Rodriguez

Ashley Samson

William Self

Maricel Soto

Jennifer Stalzer

Emily Stettner

David Stoneburner

Jeremiah Taylor

Rebecca Underhill

Mykhael Walker

Denise Whiteside

Maria Williams

Employee Leadership Excellence Awards

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Strategic Execution

Andre Watts, Analytics and Integrated Planning

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for People Leadership and Talent Stewardship

Andrea Withington, College of Community Innovation and Education

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Advancing Collaboration and Partnership

Germayne Graham, Student Programs and Outreach

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Innovation, Improvement, and Bold Action

Kim Smith, Office of Research

Employee Leadership Excellence Awards Nominees

Drew Andrews

Morgan Bauer

Austin Bott

Brian Boyd

David Canova

Megan Carrigan

Shafaq Chaudhry

Sherri Dixon

Madi Dogariu

Michael Duong

Amy Ellis

Gerard Flood

Steven Freund

Andrea Gandy

Delia Garcia

Germayne Graham

Stephanie Heron

Dana Juntunen

Kerlene King

Ashley Longoria

Ayanna Lopez

Carla McCabe

Rudy McDaniel

Amy Perry

Charlie Piper

Candida Richards

Elizabeth Richner

Cesar RiveraCruzado

Rex Roberts

Anastasia Salter

Wendy Sarubbi

Basma Selim

Kim Smith

Meghan Truhett

Suzzette Turner

Michael Wainstein

Tyler Walsh

Andre Watts

Danta White

Andrea Withington

Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award

Rosemarie Mendoza, Facilities and Business Operations

Emerita Status Awardee

Amy Giroux, College of Arts and Humanities

Employee Service Awards

45 Years of Service

Donna Hickson

35 Years of Service

Tina Maier

Michael Reed

Patricia Trovillion

30 Years of Service

Sharon Bady

Travis Cain

Adrianne Demetry

Francisco Dionisi

Joel Lavoie

Elizabeth Rivera

25 Years of Service

Herlinda Bedoya

Michael Bell

Abdulbaset Benwali

Terri Bigham

Bruce Boutwell

Olivia Bridges

Amy Buford

Cristina Caamano

Carlos Chardon

Keith Coelho

Janny Colon

Elizabeth Costello

Al Davis

Steven Dick

Rafael Durand

Sira Giron

Rebecca Hammond

Jonathan Hanie

Keith Honaker

Davina Hovanec

Latchmin Jaggernauth

Susan Jefferson

Georgia Kent

Michelle Matthews

Andrew O’Mara

Jennifer Opper

Naya Ramirez

Gail Raymond

Brenda Rodrigues

Timothy Ryan

Maria Santiago

Heather Simeon

Carl Truesdell

Meena Turner

Maria Williams

Dela Williams

Andrea Withington

20 Years of Service

Michael Aldarondo-Jeffries

Lindsay Archambault

Gloria Bastidas

Renee Bence

Eric Brewington

Daren Caine

Michael Callahan

Marc Cassidy

Robin Chan

Karen Cox

Kelley Dietrich

Matthew Dunn

Scott Eberle

Cecilia Elias

Samuel Ensenat

Marelis Figueredo Garcia

Matthew Fitzgerald

Scott Freeman

Glenn Gaborko

Tyniesia Gandy

Kelly Gill

Lindana Gomez

Brian Graham

Timothy Haduch

Jenny Hartman

Elizabeth Herrera

Sarah Hunt

Tamara Jomarron

Carreen Krapf

Ellaine Leodones

Marlene Lugo

Carlos Martinez

Deysi Mercedes

Heather Murphy

Uday Nair

Perla Ongy

Robert (Bob) Opdahl

Haresh Patel

Rachel Perry

Omesh Persaud

Sandy Pouliot

Christine Pugh

Luz Quintero

Maria Quintero

Christopher Rains

Tim Reid

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Terrance Rooth

Diana Santiago

Saul Santiago

Kathy Sapp

Basma Selim

Romeo Sibayan

Jeff Smith

George Taylor

Lynda Toussaint

Shreya Trivedi

Reina Vazquez

Tonya Walker

15 Years of Service

Marlene Agostini

Jose Arce

Lucy Bautista

Randy Beck

Aiza Beguez

Miryana Blesso

Carolyn Castro

Silvia Cerro

Lorinda Clark

Patricia Colyer

Theresa Davis

Dani Draper

Jennifer Elliott

Tamara Gabrus

Ernie Gemeinhart

Jessica Glaspie

James Grant

Lisa Haas

Allison Henderson

Maribel Herrera

Jason Kennedy

Ann Kershner

Usha Lal

Dora Laureano

Hank Lewis

Ujjwala Magdum

Jennifer Mark

Jessica Matos

Meghan McCollum

Amanda Miller

Tracey Morrison

Kimberly Nassoiy

Beth Nettles

Hoang Nguyen

Jorge Olmedo

Minh Phan

Rhett Proctor

Elida Prophete

Michael Pugh

Ligia Ramirez

Rebeca Richards

Maria Rodriguez

Daniel Sagendorf

Kimberly Sargent

Wendy Sarubbi

Nick Schenk

Dave Schreier

Lori Shuff

Jacob Skinner

Terri Smith

Suzanne Stalvey

Brian Strickland

Christy Tant

Freddie Tirado Jr.

Joanne Toole

Roger Tripp

Matthew Vaccaro

Tamara Vassallo Soto

Martha Wiggins

Wanda Wint

10 Years of Service

Danielle Adams

Terrell Alexander

Julissa Alicea

Lindsey Anderson

Nadine Arentz

Jose Ayala Torres

Morgan Bauer

Shaun Black

John Boehm

Kate Brinister

Danilo Canlas

Megan Carrigan

Melissa Choinski

Madhavi Chokshi

Lorine Cisch-Taylor

Lisa Clendenning

Shannon Colon

Robert Connors

John Cooke

Todd Coon

Richard Cortez-Satterlee

Joanna Couch

Brandon Couts

Meghan Crowther

Summer Davis

Katherine Del Cid

Vanessa Delgado

Gerald Dillon

Kerri Drylie

Mirvate El Jerdi

Shajira El Masri

Amy Ellis

Jerad Engel

Damian Fagan

Marites Falkenhausen

Sarah Farrell

Jessica Fasano

Ben Fauser

Melissa Fawcett

Janet Feliciano

Valentina Fernandez

Jason Francis

Neftali Garcia

Eileen Garner

Christopher Gase

Kristina Gomez

Agustin Gonzalez

Adriel Gonzalez Gutierrez

Ryan Goodwin

Liz Gordian Olmo

Walter Gordon

Rhonda Granger Gomez

Josh Haupt

George Hayner Jr.

Rita Higgins

Katherine Hoefer

Elizabeth Hughes

Erica Hutton

Renee Johnston

Nathanael Jones

Megan Kellogg

Brian Kelly

Mike Kilbride

Maureen Landgraf

Daniel Lee

Missy Lesnewski

Ian Levy

Sarojben Limbachia

George Lopez

Ricardo Lopez

Juan Lugo

Karemah Manselle

Kristy McAllister

Justin McGill

Pamela McGlinchey

Oliver McSurley

Rebecca Meadows

Nelson Mendez

Pamela Mills

Mike Minutelli

Eli Mizell

Angela Moreira

Rebecca Mowrer

Lauren Murray-Lemon

David Neese

Lucas Noboa

Loida Olivas

Jeffrey Panter

Steven Pardo

Juana Pasco

Laura Patterson

Deborah Pease

Miguel Pellot

Ryan Pendry

Karen Peterson

Wanda Pruett-Butler

Abner Ramos Pi帽ero

Erica Recktenwald

Samantha Redlund

Elizabeth Richner

Carlos Rivera

Victor Rivera

Lisa Roberts

Jacob Scholtz

Skender Shehu

Mari Sievinen

Kiela Sims

Aaron Smart

Liza Smith

Casey Smith

Esperanza Soto

Calvin Soto

Tenley Sterkel

Timothy Sullivan

Jackson Thevenin

Danielle Traylor

Wanda Tummons

Anna Velocci

Brian Villar

Stephen Villiotis

Paul Werden

Jonathan White

Barbara Wilson

Dylan Yonts

5 Years of Service

Lidya Abdelmalak

Elna Andreeva

Dana Archer

Linnette Aviles

Jessica Banos

Arismir Barreiras Peralta

Kristy Beitler

Summer Bernini

Abby Bertrand

Mayra Bonilla Torres

Melissa Braillard

Drew Bryant

Barbara Busch

Jess Camacho

Alexander N. Cartwright

Maria Ceku

Gianna Cifredo

Wilfredo Cornelio

Mario De Vera

Franco Del Pino

Mark Durbin

David Edgar

Lori Fiandra

Steven Fournier

Amoy Fraser

Raquela Garcia-Valenzuela

Melissa Gilliland

Luis Gonzalez

Marisela Guillen

Kathleen Hawkins

Robert Herr

Donna Jackson

Chase Jicha

Justin Kardach

Jamie Kaynan

Scott Langdon

Sarah Lardizabal

Kristeena LaRoue

Angela Lehman

Lucy Leon

Lawrence Lipe

Alex Lucchi

Marc Maheu

Alli Maiorano

Martha Martin

Reyner Martinez

Kate Mascheri

Angelica Mateo

Stephanie Mederos

Christopher Miller

Sarah Moore

Mindy Mozena

Lisa Myles

Iris Neil

Veronica Pak

Evgenia Pamer

Neelam Patel

Tran Pham

Cat Puckett

Monica Quimbayo

Michael Rivera

Marvecia Robinson

Leslie Rogers

Mary Rush

Luis Sanchez Artavia

Kyle Sindelar

Monica Smith

Yulisney Sotolongo

Garrett Spurlin

Jennifer Stalzer

Kimberly Stangle

Kenneth Steele

Lorenzo Stefko

Shari-Ann Stewart

Jane Stump

Elizabeth Tammaro

Jason Taningco

Raquel Toro-Espinal

Pia Valenciano

Thaina Velez

Danta White

Roksana Zak

Recognition of Retirees

Rafael Abreu

Yousef Ayoub

Pam Barkman

Suzette Batka

Emily Bennett

Richard Berwanger

Jeanne Blank

Patrick Blount

Parri Bolinger

Marcus Bowan

Deborah Bradford

Roanne Brice

Gary Burkhart

Rose Carpenter

Rick Catasus

Edgar Chavez

Willis Chico

Eunice Choi

Diane Claudio

Theresa Collins

Debra Copertino

Laura Crouch

Carol Davella

Karen Dlhosh

Debbie Doyle

Carol Ann Dykes Logue

Larry Eflin

Joseph Finnigan

Perry Fraser

Catherine Gholson

Amy Giroux

Robert Goater

Mariela Gonzalez

Tracy Griffith

Mark Gumble

Tania Gutierrez-Catasus

Martha Hamann

MJ Herbert Fuerst

Bethsy Hernandez

Ana Hernandez

Cherie Herrin

Michael Herring

Cathy Hill

Jane Ingalls

Wayne Jackson

Larry Jaffe

Daniel Kidder

Lee Kirkpatrick

Phyllis Kornegay

Melinda Kramer

Donna Leavitt

Ruben Lopez

Dennis Maddox

Kelli Marini

Janice Matley

Marcia Maukonen

Oscar Mauricio

James 麻豆精品 S淛im 麻豆精品 S� McCully

Carrie McDowell

Linda Milner

Bruce Mink

Michele Monteith

Abderrahim Mouhassin

Christine Mouton

Jesus Munoz

Chuck Nicholas

Stephen OConnell

Leonardo Pascua

Esther Pennepacker

Rosario Pizarro

Brenda Posey

Michele Pozdoll

Odus Radford

Frances Ragsdale

Cindy Rahrle

Robert Reed

Wayne Regilio

Stella Restrepo

Kayonne Riley

Iris Rios

Charles Roberts

Norma Robles

Aimara Rodriguez

James Roop

Rosalba Ruiz

Eileen Ryan

Judith Samuels

Nicolas Santos

James Schaus

Jeanette Schreiber

Susan Schroen

Alison Schultz

Elena Sequera

Kelly Shilton

Michael Shumack

Shela Siegrist

Liza Smith

Karen Smith

Kathleen Snoeblen

Terry Stein

Peter Stephens

Patty Stroupe

Timothy Sullivan

Randolph Sulter

Jeffrey Ulmer

Lisa Vaughn

Luis Velozo

Rebecca Vilsack

Vicki Vitale

Deborah Walker

Kerry Welch

Maria Jocelyn Wick

Scott Wiles

Elena Wilson

Robert Wong

UCF is the only institution in the state of Florida selected to address the U.S. Department of Education 麻豆精品 S檚 civil discourse priority as part of its Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education initiative.

The department from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Following a record number of applicants, UCF was among the honorees with a four-year $3.4 million grant for our proposal 麻豆精品 S� Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model 麻豆精品 S� which seeks to protect and promote civil discourse on campuses.

麻豆精品 S淭he future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don 麻豆精品 S檛 always agree. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement

麻豆精品 S淭he future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don 麻豆精品 S檛 always agree, 麻豆精品 S� says Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement and CIVIC principal investigator. 麻豆精品 S淭his grant allows us to prepare students not just academically, but to be thoughtful citizens and professionals. By integrating civil discourse skills throughout curricular and co-curricular experiences, we are helping students develop the communication and critical thinking skills that employers, communities and our democracy depend on. 麻豆精品 S�

What is the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)?

FIPSE is a discretionary grant initiative that supports innovative projects to address urgent national needs in postsecondary education. The funds awarded from this specific program competition empower institutions to develop and scale solutions that improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity and align education with workforce demands.

In November, the Department of Education announced four FY 2025 competition priorities focused on expanding innovative teaching and student success initiatives, promoting civil discourse on campuses, advancing accreditation reform, and building capacity for high 麻豆精品 S憅uality, workforce 麻豆精品 S慳ligned short 麻豆精品 S憈erm academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

While UCF was Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 lone representative selected for the civil discourse priority, the state saw Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University, and its Commission for Public Higher Education, Inc. earn grants in accreditation. Hillsborough Community College earned funding for AI.

What is civil discourse?

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 defines civil discourse as constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding, be productive and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national and global topics/issues.

麻豆精品 S淐ivil discourse is about understanding the other person 麻豆精品 S檚 viewpoint so you can come together to make thoughtful decisions in spite of having different viewpoints, 麻豆精品 S� Guzm谩n says.

Guzm谩n says she often hears students today are hesitant to share their own perspectives. She hopes that through this intentional framework, students will begin to feel more confident engaging civilly with those around them.

麻豆精品 S淲hether students are in the classroom or just having a conversation with a peer, we want them to have the skillset and emotional intelligence needed for constructive conversations, 麻豆精品 S� Guzm谩n says. 麻豆精品 S淭hey should still be able to walk away and respectfully say, 麻豆精品 S業 still don 麻豆精品 S檛 agree with you, but let 麻豆精品 S檚 go get a burger and fries afterward. 麻豆精品 S� Too often, we 麻豆精品 S檝e seen relationships fracture because the skill of civil discourse has been lost. 麻豆精品 S�

How will UCF use these funds?

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 priority with this $3.4 million grant is to intentionally embed civil discourse and constructive communication skills into the everyday experience at the university through four main strategies.

Strategy 1: Faculty Learning Communities

The first strategy is geared toward . UCF Director of Civil Discourse and Engagement Haley Winston 麻豆精品 S�17贰诲顿 and a faculty fellow, yet to be named, will partner to create a curriculum to offer paid learning experiences via faculty learning communities each semester and a track at the Summer Faculty Development Institute. This curriculum will inform faculty on strategies and methodologies for building civil discourse opportunities into their classes. There are also plans to develop and implement civil discourse modules in new faculty orientation.

Eventually, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 course catalogue will recognize classes 麻豆精品 S� much like it does now with service-learning courses 麻豆精品 S� with a civil discourse designation.

Strategies 2 and 3: Student Orientation and Training

Two additional strategies are student-focused. One will collaborate with 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 to include civil discourse modules at orientation.

麻豆精品 S淔rom the very start of a student 麻豆精品 S檚 journey at UCF, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way, 麻豆精品 S� Guzm谩n says.

The other will partner with to offer civil discourse training for both student employee onboarding training as well as a supervisor-specific training via its , preparing students to carry on these skills into the workforce after graduation.

Strategy 4: Mini-grants for Learning Opportunities

The fourth strategy is geared toward expanding co-curricular opportunities through the UCF Ginsburg Center 麻豆精品 S� Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement. Mini-grants will be offered to units and colleges who want to offer learning opportunities within their department or classrooms.

麻豆精品 S淭his grant builds on work already underway at UCF and allows us to scale it intentionally. 麻豆精品 S�
麻豆精品 S� Andrea Guzm谩n

麻豆精品 S淭his grant builds on work already underway at UCF and allows us to scale it intentionally. It also enables the development of a pilot program designed to be replicated across the state university system, 麻豆精品 S� Guzm谩n says. 麻豆精品 S淭he reason we are choosing to bolster programs like orientation and faculty learning communities are because these are existing infrastructures that almost every institution will have and can seamlessly incorporate. 麻豆精品 S�

What happens next?

The funding takes effect immediately. UCF will invite faculty applications for the faculty fellow position during the Spring 2026 semester, with the appointment beginning in August.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 will also organize an internal implementation team to confirm year-one priorities, which includes aligning timelines, refining deliverables and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the work.

麻豆精品 S淲ith every project we implement, we think about scale and long-term impact. The goal is always for meaningful, transformative work to live on beyond the grant, 麻豆精品 S� says Cyndia Morales Mu帽iz 麻豆精品 S�13EdD, senior director of grant initiatives and partnerships, and CIVIC project director.

In addition to Mu帽iz, Guzm谩n and Winston, the project includes activity coordinators Joel Cramer, interim vice provost for Faculty Excellence; Chanda Torres 麻豆精品 S�98 麻豆精品 S�00MA 麻豆精品 S�08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center; and Ryan Goodwin, assistant vice president for Strategic Initiatives.

In years three and four of the grant, UCF will develop and host two symposiums for Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 State University System institutions and state colleges to share implementation strategies and lessons learned, providing a model that can be replicated at their own campuses.

麻豆精品 S淭his is yet another example of UCF leading the way to best serve our students and faculty and we look forward to getting started, 麻豆精品 S� Mu帽iz says.

Note: 100% of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model is being financed with this federal funding and 0% of the program is being financed with non-federal funding.

麻豆精品 S淲e are beyond thrilled to have a dedicated community partner in Florida Blue. Their unwavering support creates a healthier UCF community, 麻豆精品 S� says Stephanie Spies 麻豆精品 S�06 麻豆精品 S�09MA, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services. 麻豆精品 S淔reshU Kitchen has evolved into a comprehensive care unit for our students, empowering one Knight at a time. 麻豆精品 S�

Florida Blue 麻豆精品 S檚 support is helping the FreshU Kitchen reach more students than ever, expanding access to fresh foods, hands-on cooking education and the nutrition resources Knights need to make healthy choices and thrive academically and personally.

FreshU Kitchen began as small campus gardens and has grown into a program that feeds thousands of students each year for free through equitable access to nutritious meals and cooking education. FreshU Kitchen has become more than a source of meals 麻豆精品 S� it is a foundation for student success and well-being.

Last month, the kitchen celebrated its recent major renovation 麻豆精品 S� made possible by Florida Blue 麻豆精品 S� with a ribbon cutting. The funding allowed UCF to acquire professional kitchen equipment and offer more cooking classes and demonstrations. It also ensures students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables while addressing food insecurity through quality nutrition.

The expansion enables FreshU Kitchen to grow from serving 8,000 students annually to more than 11,000.

“At Florida Blue, we believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right, and we’re proud to support UCF’s FreshU Kitchen program in its mission to combat food insecurity and promote student success. This investment in the UCF community aligns with our commitment to building a healthier Florida, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of thousands of students, 麻豆精品 S� says Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market president, Florida Blue.

Increasing Access to Health and Nutrition

The Division of Student Success and Well-Being is the hub for services and support that help Knights thrive. The division creates holistic experiences that empower students to succeed. FreshU Kitchen is a dynamic part of this effort, promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education.

Poor nutrition contributes to chronic conditions like obesity and disease. Research shows that students who lack proper nutrition often struggle with concentration and learning. FreshU Kitchen addresses these challenges by providing healthy food and nutrition education that improves student health, enhances learning, boosts retention and helps them stay on track to graduate.

The change reflects the office 麻豆精品 S檚 expanded mission: not only helping new Knights transition to college life, but also engaging families and supporters as essential partners in student success.

麻豆精品 S淥rientation, family programming and student transition initiatives extend well beyond the first year, 麻豆精品 S� says Adrienne Frame, vice president for . 麻豆精品 S淭he new name more clearly communicates the breadth of services our students and families can expect and better aligns with how we describe our work across the university and nationally. 麻豆精品 S�

The FYE name has served UCF well for many years, but as programs grew, it no longer fully captured the scope of the office 麻豆精品 S檚 role. NSFP now serves as the central hub for:

• Orientation and transition programming for new students, both first-time-in-college and transfer
• Family and caregiver engagement initiatives
• Resources designed to help students thrive beyond their first year

Students, faculty and staff will begin to see the new name appear in signage, websites, and materials over the next two to three weeks.

麻豆精品 S淭his transition strengthens our work to transform student aspirations into achievements and empower all students to thrive through our BEAM framework, centering belonging, engagement, achievement and meaning from the very start of a student 麻豆精品 S檚 journey, 麻豆精品 S� Frame says. 麻豆精品 S淲e are excited to continue this important work under a name that fully represents who we are. 麻豆精品 S�

The three-year grant will incorporate career resources into three areas: curriculum; the academic success coaching community; and technology.

麻豆精品 S淎 diploma is a starting line for greater things. We want students to leave UCF with the tools and confidence to find success on the job market, 麻豆精品 S� says the grant 麻豆精品 S檚 principal investigator, Assistant Vice Provost Kimberly Schneider, who oversees career planning and academic engagement. 麻豆精品 S淭his grant represents an opportunity to expand our impact and improve the reach of existing platforms. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF is one of eight universities selected for grants from the Strada Education Foundation, which focuses on 麻豆精品 S渃learing the path between education and work, especially for those with the most standing in their way. 麻豆精品 S�

At UCF the $299,930 grant kickstarts three years of advancing scalable programs that impact the entire student body from the start of their journey as a Knight. It coincides with a period of growth and evolution for Career Services, including听a recent $5 million commitment听to career readiness programs from longtime UCF supporter Kenneth G. Dixon.

The first focus area is curriculum. Drawing on the expertise of faculty, departments will partner with Career Services to strengthen courses with natural career readiness components. Career Services will also boost faculty interactions by growing a career champions program.

Second is expanding training for academic success coaches to incorporate career readiness into their day-to-day conversations with students. On the horizon are enhanced in-person trainings, web courses and toolkits designed to facilitate and equip ASCs to have those conversations.

Third is growing and marketing current technology outlets like the newly launched VMock resource and online job platform Handshake. With a student body approaching 70,000, it 麻豆精品 S檚 critical services are scalable and available 24/7, Schneider says.

麻豆精品 S淲hat we 麻豆精品 S檙e creating is a comprehensive experience that prepares students from day one for the job market or post-graduate education, 麻豆精品 S� Schneider says.

麻豆精品 S湵涔� 麻豆精品 S檚 rise in prominence as one of the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 most innovative universities is a reflection of the collective boldness, creativity and excellence of our people. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

UCF is also recognized as the most innovative university in Florida for the seventh consecutive year, according to the 2025 Best Colleges rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

麻豆精品 S淭ogether, our students, faculty, staff, and partners are making an incredible impact as we transform lives, solve societal challenges, elevate our community and state, and invent the future, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright.

UCF stands tall alongside other top public schools in innovation, including the Georgia Institute of Technology, MIT and Purdue University 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� and ahead of UC Berkley, Harvard and Virginia Tech. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF continues to advance toward becoming a top 50 public research university overall and earned recognitions in several other categories:

• 

  Top 20 public university nationally for best undergraduate teaching.

• 

  Top 25 public university nationally for student outcome measures, including graduation and retention rates.

• 

  Top 30 public university nationally for social mobility, best value and nursing.

• 

  Top 50 public university nationally for engineering and computer science.

Last year, UCF students completed over 28,000 internships, co-ops and service-learning experiences, while the university produced nearly 18,000 graduates, fueling Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 talent pipeline in key industries such as engineering and computer science, digital media, aerospace and defense, business and healthcare.

In all of those industries, students at America 麻豆精品 S檚 Partnership University benefit from the strong connections the university and its talented faculty have developed with leading innovative companies such as Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Northrop Grumman, L3 Harris, Duke Energy and NASA in engineering and computer science; AdventHealth, Orlando Health and Nemours Children 麻豆精品 S檚 Health in healthcare; Electronic Arts in digital media; and many others.

Elevating Student Success and Well-being

UCF is deeply committed to helping all students unleash their potential and succeed at UCF and beyond 麻豆精品 S� and Student Success and Well-Being division staff are always seeking new and innovative approaches to accomplish that goal.

One of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 newest initiatives is known as BEAM 麻豆精品 S� Belonging, Engaging, Achieving and Meaning. It provides a framework to transform student aspirations into achievements and empower every student to thrive.

BEAM encourages students to explore opportunities to connect intentionally, actively and meaningfully with others, both inside and outside of the classroom; discover and utilize campus resources to support them on their journey to success; and develop, nurture, deploy and hone passions and interests to catapult their career preparation and success into the future.

UCF is also transforming student success in other ways. Every undergraduate student can connect with an academic success coach to ensure they have the support to succeed throughout their journey. 麻豆精品 S� The university 麻豆精品 S檚 academic success coaching blends traditional academic advising with coaching and innovative technologies to set goals, create realistic success strategies, and monitor success over the course of a student 麻豆精品 S檚 UCF career.

麻豆精品 S淎ll of the things that UCF provides for me, through Career Services, academic success coaches, even my peers and professors, have fully prepared me to go into my career. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Daniel Bogle, UCF student

In addition, academic advocates provide targeted outreach and problem-solving to students to remove challenges adversely affecting their persistence and timely degree completion. Advocates and support students facing academic challenges and those assisted by high-touch support.

麻豆精品 S淲hen I met with my academic success coach, she guided me through my freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year, 麻豆精品 S� says Daniel Bogle, a UCF engineering student interning at Lockheed Martin. 麻豆精品 S淲e decided when I want to take internships and when I want to take extracurriculars, and how I could do all of those things and still graduate on time.”

The university has developed multiple pathways for students to succeed, including DirectConnect to UCF, a partnership program with six state colleges that graduates more than 4,400 transfer students annually.

For student-athletes, Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir has achieved his bold goal of a 100% full-time job or graduate school placement rate for all graduating student-athletes.

40-Year Success: How Lockheed Martin Helps Students

Orlando 麻豆精品 S� a national hub of aerospace and defense innovation 麻豆精品 S� provides UCF students with opportunities to get real-world experience with many top industry partners.

The Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP) provides one of the world 麻豆精品 S檚 leading global security and aerospace companies with a vast talent pool of undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering, business, finance, communications, mathematics, computer science and other disciplines.

For more than 40 years, Lockheed Martin has helped thousands of UCF students build their careers. Many get full-time job offers from Lockheed Martin and other companies after participating.

麻豆精品 S淐WEP cemented my desire to work in engineering as a career, and it also gave me a perspective while I was getting an education of how that was going to be used in the future. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Frank St. John 麻豆精品 S�87 麻豆精品 S�91MS, Lockheed Martin COO

Among 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 CWEP alumni is Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer 麻豆精品 S�Frank St. John 麻豆精品 S�87 麻豆精品 S�91MS, who holds two electrical engineering degrees from UCF. His CWEP journey illustrates how transformational CWEP can be for students.

麻豆精品 S淐WEP cemented my desire to work in engineering as a career, and it also gave me a perspective while I was getting an education of how that was going to be used in the future, 麻豆精品 S� St. John says. 麻豆精品 S淚t was also beneficial for the company because they got to try me out as a part-time employee. 麻豆精品 S�

Dean of UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science Michael Georgiopoulos says over time, CWEP students become stronger in the classroom and exhibit more enthusiasm for their area of study when they begin to see how their academic learnings are applied in an industry setting.

麻豆精品 S淏y spending time with Lockheed Martin, they get to understand a little better what their profession is all about. They become more confident, more mature, more talkative about their discipline, 麻豆精品 S� says Georgiopoulos. 麻豆精品 S淭hey are able to understand why they are learning these important fundamentals in their coursework. 麻豆精品 S�

For almost all of the program 麻豆精品 S檚 40-year history, UCF was the only university in the nation with such a partnership with Lockheed Martin.

World-class Faculty as Leading Innovators

Many of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 world-class faculty members are leaders and top innovators in their fields, and their expertise and passion for helping students learn give students an edge as they graduate and pursue their careers.

A longtime innovator, Carolina Cruz-Neira is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and recent inductee into the Augmented World Expo XR Hall of Fame. She is a pioneer in the areas of virtual reality, interactive visualization and digital twins. Her work has translated to standard tools in industry, government and academia.

She is known world-wide for being the creator of the CAVE virtual reality (VR) system and for transferring research into practice by spearheading several open-source initiatives, such as VR Juggler, and by leading entrepreneurial initiatives to commercialize research. She has over 100 publications and has been awarded over $250 million in grants, contracts, and donations.

麻豆精品 S淚t is not well known that UCF has one of the, if not the, largest concentration of VR researchers in the U.S. There is a strong ecosystem that generates many demands for VR, as well as use cases. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Carolina Cruz-Neira, professor

Cruz-Neira joined UCF in 2020, drawn to the university for its strong programs and extensive network of partners and collaborators across a number of sectors, including space, defense, energy, entertainment and healthcare.

麻豆精品 S淥f course, the strong reputation of UCF as a leader in modeling and simulation ties very well with the ecosystem,” she says. “At this point in my career, the opportunity to have daily interactions, idea exchanges, and stimulating conversations with colleagues and students is the best environment for me to be in. 麻豆精品 S�

Many of her former students are now doing leading work in VR at places such as Unity Labs, Intel, Microsoft Research, Google, DreamWorks, EA, Deere & Company, Boeing, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Argonne National Laboratory.

A National Leader in Preparing Nurses for Practice

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Nursing and the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion under construction at Lake Nona are ideal examples of both student success and an innovative portfolio of industry partnerships.

Through innovative technology and educational excellence both in and out of the classroom, UCF continues to lead in educating future nurses to build a talent pipeline and address the nursing shortage. UCF is ranked No. 39 among the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs 麻豆精品 S� second in Florida and among a top 30 among public universities.

Beyond the classroom, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 undergraduate nursing students receive valuable hands-on and real-world experiences to foster learning and skills development in order to graduate ready for clinical practice. Those student experiences includes innovative simulation-based experiences in 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 STIM Center, a global leader in healthcare simulation education, providing vital health education and screenings through service learning in economically disadvantaged Central Florida communities, and training alongside professional nurses in clinical experiences at area healthcare partners.

The amount of simulation space available for UCF nursing faculty and students will triple in the new .

“To be ranked, once again, among the nation’s best undergraduate nursing programs demonstrates UCF’s excellence in preparing future nurses for clinical practice and is a testament to our faculty and staff’s commitment to student success. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Mary Lou Sole, College of Nursing dean

With multiple bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 in nursing degree tracks across three Central Florida campuses, UCF has educated more than 16,000 Knight nursing alumni to date 麻豆精品 S� 85% of whom live and work in Florida. Each year, UCF graduates more than 260 newly licensed nurses and its graduates continually exceed both state and national averages on the national licensing exam.

With the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona expected to open in Fall 2025, UCF also will be able to graduate an additional 150 new Knight nurses annually.

This effort would not come to fruition if not for 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 partnerships with many generous philanthropic donors who continue to invest in the success of UCF 麻豆精品 S� s nursing students: the Florida Legislature, Dr. Phillips Charities, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children 麻豆精品 S檚 Health, Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation, the Helene Fuld Health Trust, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation, Addition Financial Credit Union, Roslyn and Jody Burttram, Parrish Medical Center and VNA Foundation.

麻豆精品 S淯CF will build upon these strengths to unleash potential in the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, addressing the nursing shortage and providing increased access to a high-quality nursing education for more future Knight nurses,” says Mary Lou Sole, dean of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Nursing.

Social Mobility and Economic Progress

A college degree from UCF brings innovative solutions to empower social mobility, paving the way to career and financial stability 麻豆精品 S痜or students, their families and the generations that follow them. Ensuring that every student has an opportunity to earn a high-quality, affordable education is a top priority at UCF. Higher education makes a positive impact by helping break the cycle of intergenerational hardship.

Many students face challenges and hurdles on their path to realizing their dream of a college education. Students of all backgrounds, including those who are first-generation or from disadvantaged families, must have access to the resources and tools needed to succeed. Eliminating achievement gaps and reducing barriers for students of all backgrounds and incomes has been a decade-long focus for UCF. This transforms the future for generations to come and creates a powerful ripple effect.

UCF is frequently praised for its social mobility efforts. Every year, the university graduates more than 3,200 first-generation students and 7,000 Pell Grant students. UCF produces the most Pell Grant graduates among public schools and the second most among all schools nationally. The university is also among the 麻豆精品 S痶op 8% most affordable universities 麻豆精品 S痜or families below $75,000 in income.

麻豆精品 S淯CF really does want you to succeed, and they set you up for success. You just have to have the courage to take the first step to reach out. From there, everything else will fall into place. 麻豆精品 S� 听 麻豆精品 S� Aliyah Gonzalez 麻豆精品 S�21 麻豆精品 S�23, UCF alum

There 麻豆精品 S檚 a positive relationship between a student earning their degree and making social and economic progress. Higher education provides a path to achieving the life-changing benefits of upward mobility.

When Aliyah Gonzalez 麻豆精品 S�21 麻豆精品 S�23, a first-generation student, began her freshman year at UCF, it was a big change. She struggled to learn study skills and where to turn to for guidance.

麻豆精品 S淚 literally remember getting lost every day my first week, 麻豆精品 S� says the two-time alumna. 麻豆精品 S淎s a first-generation student, I didn 麻豆精品 S檛 have anyone to lean on for questions and to get that guidance. Navigating UCF, learning study skills, and learning how to be an efficient college student was a big learning curve. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淥nce I graduated with my first degree with UCF, I couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 imagine myself anywhere else truthfully, 麻豆精品 S� says Gonzalez, who earned her bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in health sciences and immediately returned to UCF in the accelerated second degree nursing program. 麻豆精品 S淚 had found my people, my comfort and so many opportunities. 麻豆精品 S�

Overall, online sports betting continues to surge in popularity, with a projected revenue of $100 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association. Among college students, a 2023 survey revealed 60% of students gambled illegally and one in five used financial aid to support their habit.

The lure of 麻豆精品 S渂ig wins 麻豆精品 S� and advertising that promises low-risk fun is often the starting line, says Stephanie Spies, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services at UCF.

麻豆精品 S淧eople only talk about their wins; they don 麻豆精品 S檛 discuss the losses, 麻豆精品 S� Spies says.

That culture of silence and the social nature of sports betting contribute to a lack of stigma, particularly as compared to something like substance abuse. When sports betting gets out of control, it 麻豆精品 S檚 easier to hide than other addictive behaviors until it 麻豆精品 S檚 too late, says Karen Hofmann, director of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

麻豆精品 S淚f you 麻豆精品 S檙e failing at it, no one is aware, 麻豆精品 S� Hofmann says.

Developing a habit typically comes incrementally. For instance, a few bets and wins with friends over the March Madness season can still become problematic. That 麻豆精品 S檚 particularly the case when paired with other stressors like midterms, says Jennifer Calame, assistant director of Substance Use Disorder Services at 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Student Health Services.

麻豆精品 S淪tudents feel like it 麻豆精品 S檚 not a problem because they don 麻豆精品 S檛 do it all the time, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淏ut that doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 mean it can 麻豆精品 S檛 become problematic. 麻豆精品 S�

There are several signs that sports betting is out of control, including:

• Financial issues: Inability to pay bills, frequently asking for money
• Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping classes, staying up late to gamble, missing work
• Relationship issues: Irritability, compulsive behavior, lying

Hofmann encourages anyone experiencing issues with sports betting to reach out and seek help. It can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and make better behavioral choices. Calame reinforces that message and would applaud any student with the courage to seek assistance.

麻豆精品 S淭here is still hope for you, 麻豆精品 S� she says.

For immediate help, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). For free counseling, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407-823-2811.

Learn more here:

Senior Lais Guimaraes personally benefitted from the recently launched Academic Advocates program, which provides targeted outreach to students at risk of falling behind academically. A native of Brazil, Guimaraes picked a double major in international and global studies and creative writing to realize a career in international aid.

Guimaraes 麻豆精品 S� online classes went smoothly up until her final semester, which required an intermediate French course to complete her degree that was only offered in person. That would postpone her graduation past the four years covered by her scholarships. Driving two hours from St. Augustine, Florida, to Orlando was impossible.

麻豆精品 S淚 felt helpless, 麻豆精品 S� Guimaraes says.

A direct call from Academic Advocate Emily Asaro changed everything. Asaro worked for months with Guimaraes to find a solution and eventually found an alternative source for the class. The constant contact from Asaro reassured Guimaraes.

麻豆精品 S淪he was so attentive and helpful, 麻豆精品 S� Guimaraes says.

Guimaraes is back on track to pursue that international aid career after graduating in August. Asaro says that 麻豆精品 S檚 the greatest reward.

麻豆精品 S淭hese students have such big goals and dreams; I can see their potential, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淎ny part I or any of the advocates can play in smoothing their path to achieve those goals is worth it. 麻豆精品 S�

Individual success stories are a great source of motivation, and the data back up the anecdotes.

UCF continues to set new records for student retention, including a new 98.3% return rate for first-year undergraduate students from Summer/Fall 2023 to Spring 2024.听 More than 7,000 students continued their first year at UCF, a promising signal for their future four-year graduation rates and eventual job placement.

麻豆精品 S淭his new record demonstrates that the university 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to student success and well-being 麻豆精品 S攐ur top priority in our strategic plan 麻豆精品 S� is showing results, 麻豆精品 S� says Paul Dosal, senior vice president for student success. 麻豆精品 S淭his high fall-to-spring-retention-rate is a credit to the faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure students thrive academically and socially at UCF. 麻豆精品 S�

Students are also finding benefit in Knightbot, a chat bot that can answer questions about over 1,200 topics, including financial aid, admissions, registration, housing, finding contacts, and policy information. Currently the chat bot answers 3,100 incoming questions a week across dozens of UCF websites, offering students 24/7 access to information.

An additional text feature provides targeted reminders to students about financial aid updates and deadlines, enrollment announcements and other key opportunities.

More recently, UCF is redefining student support by coupling traditional advising with success coaching, allowing for more proactive, ongoing relationships with students. Under 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 new Academic Success Coaching model, each student will have an assigned academic success coach. They will work together on academic, professional, and personal goals, with the coach helping the student to strengthen the skills need to reach those goals.

麻豆精品 S淭o improve our final outcomes, and to help students reach their established goals, we 麻豆精品 S檙e focusing on the starting line, 麻豆精品 S� says Jenny Sumner, assistant vice president of academic success coaching, and executive director of the UCF Higher Education Coaching Academy.

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