UKnighted Newsletter
August 2007

Fall Freshmen Introduced to “Think LINK”

For the past four years, Learning and Interacting with New Knights (LINK) First Year Experience program has served as a powerhouse for events, services and resources geared toward First-Time-In College (FTIC) students, encouraging freshmen students to experience college life, UCF style. Many LINK events provide first-year students with an opportunity to have fun in interactive environments. The LINK Luau, the kick-off event for fall, will be held at the Leisure Pool next to the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) on Saturday, August 18 at 6 p.m. Last year over 3,000 students and their families attended this festive event of food, games and entertainment.

LINK, in collaboration with the RWC Outdoor Adventure program, invites students to sign up for Adventure Weekend, August 24-26. During Adventure Weekend, students will have the opportunity to choose their adventure by selecting from six, one-day trips. These excursions allow students to create new relationships with fellow peers. Trips include: surfing at Cocoa Beach, indoor skydiving, wall climbing, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Kennedy Space Center and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are costs associated with these trips and spaces are limited.

One of the highlights of the LINK program is that first-year students can earn points (LINK Loot) by attending LINK-approved programs. The points earned can be used to bid on prizes at an auction that is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. “By providing students with an incentive to attend various academic, social and recreational programming, LINK is proving to be instrumental in getting freshmen students involved,” said Edwanna Andrews, assistant director, Transition Leadership.

LINK has announced changes that will benefit both students and departments across campus. The first change is students will no longer be able to rollover LINK Loot points from one semester to the next. Students will now be able to start each semester with a clean slate so that if they do not get involved during their first semester at UCF, they have the same chance to be rewarded for their participation the following semester. LINK staff anticipates that this change will increase student participation in LINK-sponsored events and keep students motivated to get involved.

On July 31, FTIC summer students utilized their LINK Loot at the first summer raffle, Split for Summer, sponsored by a collaboration of LINK and Housing and Residence Life. One student won a Nintendo Wii, while others won iPods, digital picture frames, a digital camera and other prizes. LINK will continue to hold the fall and spring auctions in which the highest bidder is awarded a tuition scholarship. The fall ‘07 semester auction will be held on November 27, and the spring ‘08 auction will be held on April 16.

In addition to the program structure changes, LINK has created a new unit identifier to “spark” excitement and brand the LINK program. “It is our hope that all departments and offices that serve freshmen can help us get all of our incoming first-year students to ‘Think LINK,’ get involved and be successful at UCF,” said Andrews.

For more information, contact Kelli Williamson, coordinator for LINK and Programs for Students in Transition, at 407.823.2223 or visit: www.link.ucf.edu.

By participating in LINK-connected programming, students will:

Connect to UCF
• Establish social interactions
• Discover social facilities
• Become involved in campus life

Increase academic proficiency
• Improve study skills
• Identify major/career options and seek guidance

Develop community affiliation
• Become aware of the variety of opportunities available
• Connect to a greater community

The LINK program offers new knights exposure to experiences that will enhance their success and satisfaction at UCF.

UCF Panhellenic Sorority Members Value Community Service

Every year, members of Panhellenic Sororities at UCF participate in recruitment. Members from each of the 10 chapters choose to wear the letters RG (standing for Rho Gamma or recruitment guide) and join together to be part of the Recruitment Team.

During recruitment week, the Recruitment Team hosted their own philanthropy to help the community by collecting and donating school supplies. In addition to that project, the Rho Gammas had a beach cleanup in order to help improve the community and grow stronger as a team.

The Recruitment Team also dedicated a Saturday to clean the benches in the picnic and playground area at Bethune Park. Mary Kovacik, Panhellenic Council’s vice president of Community Involvement, wanted to “unite the Recruitment Team in a beautiful location while doing something positive for the environment.”

Service activity initiated by the RG team kicks-off year-round sorority philanthropy. These fund-raising events range from dancing, bowling and golf competitions. These events are open to students and the community. The funds are donated to numerous causes such as: literacy, cancer research, Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Sororities at UCF provide great service opportunities that enable students to build character and leadership skills,” said Kimberly Morris, Panhellenic president. “Community is one of the values in the UCF Creed and our continued service to the community helps us honor that value.”

New and Improved Student Health Insurance Plan

UCF Health Services is proud to announce the endorsement of a new Student Health Insurance Plan. The new plan, administered by The Chickering Group (an Aetna company) is currently enrolling students and will go into effect August 15, 2007.

The plan covers students at school, at home and while traveling or studying abroad up to $250,000 per policy year. Low co-pays, deductibles, and a price tag of only $1,129 for 12 months of coverage will provide relief to many parents and students who are paying hundreds of dollars each month to protect themselves from today’s rising cost of healthcare. Additionally, the plan offers discounts for co-pays when services are rendered at Health Services. Supplemental coverage up to $1,000,000 can be purchased for an additional $90 per year.

“I recommend the plan because it is significantly enhanced with benefits at a very attractive premium and is designed to complement the required health fee,” said Bob Wirag, director of Health Services.

Housing Checks-in Large Group

Housing Conference Services checked in their largest group on June 22. By that evening, 714 guests from the Orlando Multi-Stake LDS Youth Conference checked in through the Libra Community Center. Conference staff prepared for this large group with prior planned meetings and bagged keys for several days.

Also checking in that weekend were the Meg Colado Volleyball Camp, ID Tech Camp and Summer Research Academy. “It was a very hectic four days. I was extremely proud of the housekeepers and the housing conference assistant staff. Everyone worked together, and it couldn’t have gone any smoother,“ said Tamara Jones, assistant director, Conference Services.

Summer Enrollment

SUmmer Enrollment Tops 30KAs of July 8, summer enrollment reached 30,072 for the four summer sessions, an increase of 4.7 percent.

August SDES Events

• August 16-19, Residence Halls Check-in: For details visit: housing.ucf.edu/checkin
• August 18, LINK Luau: Recreation and Wellness Center, 5 p.m.
• August 23, Welcome Expo: Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• August 29, LINK Amazing Race: Reflecting Pond, 6 p.m.
• August 30, Multicultural Academic and Support Services (MASS) Welcome Back: Student Union, Pegasus DEF, 3-5 p.m.

For more events visit: www.sdes.ucf.edu/Events.htm.

Registrar’s Office Goes Green

The Registrar’s Office recently welcomed a large assortment of plants. In addition to the effect of beautifying the office, a research study by N.A.S.A. showed plants in the workplace removed chemicals and other pollutants from indoor environments. Another study by Washington State University demonstrated that plants helped maintain humidity levels in an office.

Testing Center Participates in Pilot Program

The University Testing Center (UTC) was recommended by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and selected by National Evaluation Systems and the Center for Information, Training, and Evaluation Services (CITES) at Florida State University (FSU) to participate in a pilot testing program for the development and testing of new Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.

The paper and pencil portion of this pilot testing program took place on June 22, while the computer-based portion began on July 5-31. The pilot testing program has served as a wonderful opportunity for students to become more familiar with the content and format of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.

UTC is one of approximately seven test sites in the State of Florida to be selected as a participant in this multimillion dollar project between FSU/CITES and the FDOE’s Office of Assessment and School Performance.

Pegasus Program Students

Sandra Macaulay (coordinator/advisor, Student Academic Resource Center), Pegasus advisors and peers, and 20 students from the Pegasus Success Program, represented UCF, SDES and the Pegasus Program by traveling to the CBS Early Show at Universal Studios on the morning of July 6. The show began at 7 a.m. and was broadcast live. “A fun time was had by all of the students,” said Macaulay who coordinated the event.

SDES Pre-College Collaboration

In a collaborative effort, SDES, Undergraduate Studies, and Bridges (a resource office housed within Undergraduate Studies) facilitated a two-week residential summer science camp for high-achieving, low-income 6th, 7th and 8th graders from June 17-29. Forty-eight students attended the Forensic Science interdisciplinary, hands-on academic camp.

Activities, projects, experiments and field trips were planned to excite students at a higher level about science and mathematics; enhance their communication skills; and introduce them to new scientific career fields. Students experienced campus life as they resided in the Apollo Community, enjoyed meals at the Marketplace, attended on-campus classes and participated in field experiences at the Orlando Science Center and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

A June 28 visit by the founder of the Bernard Harris Foundation was the program highlight. Harris, a medical doctor, former astronaut and the first African-American to walk in space, visited the UCF campus to meet the campers. The students and their parents will participate in follow-up science/mathematics related workshops during the upcoming fall semester.

UCF Palm Bay Summer Welcome

Palm Bay Decision Day, June 11, was a summer day of welcome on the UCF Palm Bay Campus for new and returning UCF students. Students were greeted by Enrollment Services staff, given an Orientation process overview by the Southern Region Student Services’ staff, and invited to the afternoon summer welcome.

The highlight of the morning was Brevard Community College (BCC) students receiving on the spot admission decisions to UCF. “Students really want and need to know their admissions status right away, and we provide the service to do just that,” stated Marilyn Borges, coordinator for Enrollment Services.

The afternoon Summer Welcome Beach Bash included: a UCF resource scavenger hunt, tasting and judging of home baked items, food and social hour. There were approximately 70 participants. This event was a collaboration of UCF Southern Region Student Government Association, Palm Bay Psychology Club, BCC Staff, and UCF faculty and staff.

UCF Women Represented at State Pageant

Finals of the annual Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant were held on June 30. Four of six UCF women made the top 10 in this year’s competition: Megan Clementi, Rachel Potter, Lisa Van Alstine and Miss UCF Denesha Jenkins. Katie Mathews-Johnson and Tara Szczepanski from UCF also competed. Potter and Jenkins made it to the top five. The judges selected Potter for 3rd runner up and Jenkins, 2nd runner up. Miss Tallahassee (Florida State University student) captured the Miss Florida title and will attend Miss America this year. The UCF women collectively brought home $9,750 in scholarships through preliminary, community service and top awards. Congratulations to all UCF’s contestants.

Funding Received for Advising Initiative

Transfer and Transition Services (TTS) received third-year funding for the UCF targeted majors advising initiative. The Board of Governors funded the effort to increase the number of students–as well as their retention and graduation rates–in high demand/high wage, critical needs, and emerging technologies majors. Through the program, Jackie Jessup, transfer advising coordinator, provides academic and career exploration for current and prospective students interested in the targeted majors.

SDES Council Corner
E-mail: sdescoun@mail.ucf.edu

Bonneville Backpack Project

Kudos to Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES) faculty and staff for their assistance in reaching the goal to fill 60 backpacks for the Bonneville Backpack Project.

School items and monetary donations were collected to fill 60 backpacks to assist families that are not able to afford the school supplies that their child needs to be successful. Target donated $1,500 to cover the backpacks and some supplies.

The backpacks will be stuffed on August 8 and delivered to the school on August 16. Photos will be taken at both events and posted on the SDES Web site: www.sdes.ucf.edu, click on Staff News and Information.



Registrar’s Office Initiates Coin Award Program

Conceived by Dennis Dulniak, university registrar, and the Registrar’s Office (RO) Advisory Council, the Registrar Office Coin Award program is well under way. Any full-time RO employee who observes a part-time or full-time RO staff member going above and beyond their job expectations can request to award a coin. Thirty-six of 300 coins were awarded in the first three months of the program. Dulniak awarded the first coin to Brian Pate, assistant director for Information and Publication Services, for his efforts with the UCF Undergraduate Catalog.

As coins are awarded, they can be accumulated to be exchanged for gifts, including movie tickets, a Barnes and Noble gift card, a free breakfast or lunch at a campus eatery, or a $20 gift card to a local restaurant. Funding for the awards program is being provided by the full-time A&P staff members in the RO.



Newsletter Keeps the Communication Flowing in Office

As part of the efforts of the Registrar’s Office (RO)to increase internal communication, the RO’s Communications Team launched an office newsletter, Keepin’ It in the RO.

“Covering a range of topics from new employee profiles to the Recipe of the Month, the first edition of the newsletter was well received,” said Brian Pate.

The Communications Team is planning to create a Web-based version of the newsletter in the months to come.

Farewell

A farewell reception was held on June 27 for Willie Ehling (Recreation and Wellness Center) as he and his wife, Jill Ehling (LEAD Scholars Program), relocate to Illinois.

A farewell reception was held on June 22 for Melanie Parker (Career Services and Experiential Learning) as she and her husband, Lee Parker (Veteran’s Services in the Registrar’s Office), relocate to Massachusetts. Parker anticipates to make the transition up north by the end of this month.

SDES Changes

• Sandy Rodenbrock, formerly in the Office of SDES VP, is now office manager in Transfer and Transition Services.

SDES Awards and Recognition

• Tom Hall, Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming, has been appointed as a full board member of the UCF Institutional Review Board (IRB). This appointment is for a two-year period. His duties as a member of the IRB are to assist in the review of research proposals, consult with researchers and provide feedback regarding their submissions. Dr. Michael Deichen, Health Services, is also a member on the IRB.

All research, conducted by members of the university community that involves the use of human subjects and will have a public presentation, must be reviewed by the IRB. Public presentation includes: research conducted for presentation at a meeting, for publication in a journal or magazine article, for a dissertation or master’s thesis, or as a part of a report to the public or an external sponsor.
• Brian Boyd and Bryan Morris, Registrar’s Office (RO), attended the CollegeNET (Resource25 and X25) User Conference held in Portland, Oregon, July 8-11.
• Sandra Bulger and Lucia Avendano, RO, presented FERPA in Spanish for parents at the UCF Bilingual Orientation, June 12.
• Dennis Dulniak, RO, was elected as Chair of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrar and Admissions Officers (SACRAO) Nominations and Elections Committee. He will serve as a committee member this year and chair next year’s committee.
• Pat Pates, Assessment and Planning, received Professional Grant Writing Certification from the Institute for Communication Improvement.
• Lee Parker and Ross Leshinky, Veteran Services (RO), attended the 31st Annual Florida VA School Conference held in St. Petersburg, June 18-20. This past year, a record $5.05 million in veteran benefits were awarded to 981 UCF students.

SDES Presentation

• Sandra Macaulay, coordinator for the Pegasus Success Program and DeLaine Priest, assistant vice president for the Student Success Center, presented a Plenary session on UCF’s Pegasus Success Program at the Best Practice Conference for the Association of Program Administrators CSTEP and STEP programs, held in Albany, New York, June 13-15.
• Pat Pates and DeLaine Priest presented the CSRDE Best Practices Award 2006 paper, “A Decade in Review: 1995-2005 Building Institutional Collaboration for Successful Student Retention” at the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) 47th Annual Forum, held in Kansas City, June 3-6.

Welcome to SDES

• Valeria Brown, academic advisor, Academic Services for Student-Athletes
• Matthew Scott Budreau, program assistant, Registrar’s Office (RO)
• Melanie Bullock, coordinator, Student Affairs, Office of Student Involvement (OSI)
• Katherine Cox, assistant director, Career Services Experiential Leaning (CSEL)
• L. Felix Daniels, assistant director, liaison to first year students, CSEL
• Raul Espinosa, custodial worker, Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC)
• Andrew Luchner, psychologist, Counseling Center
• Angela McDonnell, coordinator, University Housing, Housing and Residence Life
• Carolynn Nath, coordinator, University Housing, Housing and Residence Life
• Shannon Shaffer, coordinator, Sport Clubs & Risk Management, RWC
• Karey Sizemore, program assistant, College of Engineering and Computer Science, RO
• Kelly Sparks, coordinator, Student Affairs, OSI

The UCF Creed
Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance and decisions.

| Home | Publications | Strategic Planning | Assessment Tools |
| Web Page Tools | Staff/Contact | About This Site | Site Map |
University of Central Florida, SDES Assessment and Planning
(407) 823-2628