UKnighted Newsletter
December 2006

SDES Presents Model Programs and Success Stories

Six SDES departments achieved the status of “Model Program” for the 2004-05 Institutional Effectiveness cycle. Office of Student Involvement, Career Services & Experiential Learning, Student Academic Resource Center, Housing and Residence Life, Student Union, and First Year Advising and Exploration showcased their success stories in a poster presentation at the annual assessment report to the president.

Each year SDES departments, along with the rest of the university’s academic and administrative units, report their institutional effectiveness assessment plans and results to the SDES division and university’s Assessment Committees. The committees review the plans and results to measure how well the departments are progressing toward their goals for continuous quality improvement. Model Programs demonstrate exemplary data collection and reporting methods, and use of outcomes to implement improvements.

Last year, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) conducted an assessment that provided information about their programs and student leaders. One of the highlights of their assessment included a 93 percent satisfaction rate with the Late Knights program. In addition, OSI student leaders reported, at a rate of 95 percent or higher, that they have: a stronger connection with UCF, gained leadership skills to apply toward their career goals and made a positive impact on the UCF community.

Career Services & Experiential Learning (CSEL) implemented a new, integrated program called “PRO,” which is a result of employer feedback of student performance during the interview process. The Student Employability Skills Preparedness Program (PRO) provides opportunities for students to participate in events that promote job search preparation skills. The Employer Practice Interview Program and Employment Prep Conference were initiated in fall 2005 as a component of PRO. Both programs were well received by students, and participation exceeded expectations.

The Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) showcased its Pegasus Success Program at the annual Institutional Effectiveness President and Provost Presentation and Poster Session. Poster session highlights included an overview of the Pegasus Success Program, a nationally recognized program designed to assist selected students in pursuing and achieving their academic goals, and assist students with their transition from high school to college.

Additional highlights included: program institutional effectiveness goal, data collection, measurements, outcomes and the consistently strong retention record established by the Pegasus Success Program over the past 11 years. As a result of the program’s retention record, SARC received the 2006 Lee Noel-Randi Levitz Retention Excellence Award.

The Department of Housing and Residence life assessed student satisfaction with computer connections in both main campus and affiliated housing. Financial commitments, personnel additions, and infrastructure and equipment improvements were made to the main campus network connections as a result of the assessment. This resulted in a 10 percent increase in satisfaction from last year to a rate of 87 percent satisfaction on the main campus.

First Year Advising and Exploration (FYAE) focused on the 2004-05 institutional effectiveness plan, assessing effectiveness, demand, student learning and student satisfaction. The poster session highlighted the outcome, addressing planned improvements in connecting with first-year students assigned to the FYAE office. The results included an increased number of outreach programs (83%), student attendance (15%) and student contacts (90%). They identified critical points for demand of advising services, effective and efficient use of current resources, expanded outreach services, increased collaboration with academic support and campus life departments, and enhanced office operations.

Over the last three years, the Student Union has increased their healthful food choices with the addition of sushi, Smoothie King and expanded options within Mrs. Fields. The organizational structure was reorganized to increase services provided to their clients.

New Online Resources on Career Web Site

Several new online employment preparation resources have been added to Career Services & Experiential Learning’s (CSEL) Web site [www.crc.ucf.edu] to create a dynamic and interactive virtual career center.
• Optimal Resume is an interactive, Web-based tool for students and alumni to create, present and manage their resume. Students are able to build up to five targeted resumes in three formats including a Flash Web page, word documents and plain text documents.
• Perfect Interview, a multimedia interviewing skills development tool, has 1,500 challenging interview questions and answers that engage students and alumni in a practice interview session. It also provides positive modeling answers with an on-screen tutorial for each question.
• Vault assists students and alumni with career and job exploration. Vault provides access to career-related guides, current industry and company profiles, and career-advice articles covering topics from resumes to employee rights.
• H1 Base offers solutions for international students and alumni who want to work in the U.S. after graduation. The site provides online access to the largest active network of employers that sponsor H1B work visas.

Money Raised Benefits School's Activities

Recently, the Creative School for Children’s Parent Association held their Annual Fall Silent Auction and Basket Raffle with over $8,000 worth of donations from local businesses. The funds raised by the association help sponsor the Creative School for Children’s International Dinner and Spring Family Fun Day, in addition to providing money to support the classroom educational activities and experiences. The association also helps to raise funds to replace large outdoor equipment as needed.

Students Offered Opportunities for Public Service

On November 14, the Organization for Public Administrators, in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration and Career Services & Experiential Learning, hosted the 5th Annual Public Services Career/Job Fair.

The fair involved 40 vendors from the public and non-profit realm. Employers recruited students for various positions as well as provided information and insights for those students currently researching and exploring careers. A wide range of opportunities were represented through the participation of diverse public service entities including: Orange County Government, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida City and County Management, Heart of Florida United Way, Center for Drug-Free Living and the Community Service Center of Central Florida.

SAFE Program Impacts Student-Athletes

The Stay Alive For Education (SAFE) Program made its second appearance at UCF, presenting “Street Smart” to student-athletes. Created by firefighters and paramedics in Orlando, this program shows what really happens when you’re the victim of a car accident. They asked the students questions about seat belt compliance, including if they checked that their passengers were wearing seat belts. No hands were raised.
The leading cause of death and injury among young adults in the U.S. is trauma caused by accidents. Street Smart takes young adults into the graphic, real-life drama experienced by firefighters and paramedics as they work to save the lives of those who have made poor choices regarding drinking, drug use and/or not wearing seat belts. “This was a powerful program that affected each and every person who attended,” said Suzi Katz, CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator. “It is important to not only tell, but also to show the realities of what happens on the streets.”

Testing Center Offers New FTCE Exam

The University Testing Center (UTC) has announced the introduction of the new Social Science 6-12 Subject Area Examination. This new examination was available beginning November 1 and is a permanent addition to the computer-based Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) program at UTC. Under the computer-based FTCE examination program, UTC currently offers nine subject area examinations: General Knowledge for Mathematics, English Language Skills, and Reading; and Professional Education. For more information, visit the UTC Web site at: www.testing.sdes.ucf.edu.

Students Rally at Spirit Splash

The Friday before the Homecoming game was an overcast day, but that did not deter the spirit of thousands as they gathered in and around the Reflecting Pond for a huge pep rally, Spirit Splash. This year, the UCF band played along the Library side of the pond capturing the attention of hundreds to move in that direction [as pictured]. Spirit Splash included live music, performances by the UCF cheerleaders and the introduction of the football team.

Fair Connects Students with School Reps

The UCF Graduate and Professional Schools Fair provided students the opportunity to meet with representatives from schools across the nation. Attendance doubled this year compared to 2005, with 483 students in attendance. Additionally, 68 schools registered for this event. As in the past, the majority of the students at the fair were seniors; however, juniors and current graduate students had an increase in numbers this year. When asked what was the best part of the fair, a junior replied, “Getting to talk to representatives one-on-one and having my questions answered.”

The Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences (66 students) and the College of Science (65 students) nearly tied for the highest number of students represented. Microbiology and Molecular Biology were the number one majors represented by students. Other high-turnout majors were biology, psychology, business, political science and legal studies.

Students Receive International Career Advice

Career Services & Experiential Learning partnered with the Office of International Studies to develop the International Career Experience Opportunities event, held on November 14. Over 50 UCF students attended the event, which featured representatives from European Study Abroad, Foreign Service, Marriott International, Peace Corps and Universal Studios Resort. Representatives from UCF departments and organizations also participated, including the International Services Center, Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies, Office of International Studies, Political Science Department–International & European Studies, and United Nations Association of UCF.

During the event, students met with representatives and listened to an employer panel speak about career and experiential learning opportunities for international students. Students seeking opportunities abroad also received information about preferred skills and qualities for potential candidates, as well as career-related advice.

Students Exploring their Majors with UCF Alumni

The Student Success Center (SSC) hosted an inaugural program, Alumni Mentoring Program, at the Fairwinds Alumni Center on November 14. The event brought together 13 distinguished UCF alumni with 85 current UCF students wanting to know more about how majors connect graduates to specific career fields. The speakers at the program included: Bob Snow (Sophomore Center, SSC), Mark Allen Poisel (Academic Development and Retention), Bill Blank (Career Services & Experiential Learning) and Zephyr Wilkins (Student Government Association). There was a question and answer session from four alumni panelists. The alumni representatives then met individually with students to share additional information and strategies on the major selection process they pursued, and connections to their professional careers.

Students gathered information from the SSC offices, UCF colleges, Career Services & Experiential Learning, and from Student Financial Assistance. Based on feedback, students felt this program was worthwhile and enjoyed hearing the personal stories from the alumni about how they chose their major and their career experiences. This program will become an annual event to assist UCF’s many majors and career-exploring students to be proactive and engage with the many university resources and alumni contacts.

TTS Peer Mentors Celebrate a Different Holiday

The Peer Mentors of Transfer and Transition Services (TTS) were recently invited into a Turkish home to celebrate Ramadan and enjoy a holiday feast. Omer and Esra Tezel, who were guides for the Student Development and Enrollment Services’ tour to Turkey in August, hosted TTS guests. The Peer Mentors, accompanied by TTS staff Charlene Stinard and Jackie Jessup, enjoyed delicious Turkish food served in five courses. Not only did the peers enjoy the food, they also learned about Turkish culture and the Ramadan holiday. They learned about the educational system, where schooling is free; however, it is much more difficult to get into a university because of the highly competitive national entrance exams.

The Peer Mentors are planning several activities involving their new Turkish acquaintances, both holiday celebrations and workshops for transfer student.

UCF Officials Shine at Pensacola Regional

Congratulations to Craig Menkes and Sarah Crytzer (pictured center) as they were selected as two of the four all-tournament officials at the 2006 Pensacola Regional Flag Football Tournament. Thirty-two officials from around the country attended the tournament. Menkes and Crytzer will officiate at the National Flag Football tournament in December, joining fellow UCF officials Rob Smyth and Marissa Dienstag this year.

SDES Awards and Recognition

• Maribeth Ehasz, SDES, DeLaine Priest, Student Success Center (SSC), and Pat Pates, Assessment and Planning, were recipients of the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE) “Best Practices in Student Retention” award for their paper, “A Decade in Review: 1995-2005 Building Institutional Collaboration for Successful Student Retention.” They received a crystal trophy and $1,000, which will be donated to the First-Generation Scholarship fund.

• Charlene Stinard, Transfer and Transition Services (TTS), was awarded the NACADA 2006 Advising Technology Innovations Award at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) annual conference held in Indianapolis during October.

• Orientation Services won Best Clothing Item at the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) Media and Publications Showcase competition for their summer Orientation baseball T-shirt.

Presentations

• Melanie Parker, Career Services & Experiential Learning, presented “Tapping into the College Talent Pipeline” at Workforce Central Florida’s 4th annual State of the Workforce Summit held in Orlando on October 31.

• Joe Ritchie, Orientation Services, presented “Learning How to Move Mountains with Staff Training” at the National Orientation Directors Association conference held in Salt Lake City from October 28-31. Ritchie served on a panel during the presentation, “Expanding the View from the Top: The NODA Internship Program.” Other staff members, Danny Meuninck and Jodi Farbstein, Orientation Services, attended this conference. Meuninick attended the pre-conference Orientation Professionals Institute workshop during October 26-28.

The following SDES staff presented at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) 2006 National Conference, held in Indianapolis on October 17-21:

• Celeste Ferguson and Beatrice Turpin-Peek, Multicultural Academic and Support Services–“Cross-Cultural Advising: Enhancing Advisor and Student Relations through Summer Bridge Programming.”

• Robert Snow, Charlene Stinard and Jacqueline Jessup,TTS–“Transfer Transition–Two Approaches” with Oklahoma State University.

• Charlene Stinard, TTS–“Transfer Preparations for Students with Disabilities” and “Three Approaches to Transfer.”

• Tyco Coleman, TTS Peer Mentor, and Prince Phillips, Tau Sigma president, presented “Honors Society Students Speak Out” with Florida Atlantic University and Lehigh Carbon Community College (Pennsylvania).

The following SDES staff presented at the National Symposium on Student Retention (sponsored by the Consortium for Student Retention and Data Exchange) held October 9-11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico:

• DeLaine Priest, SSC, and Terry Exum, Academic Support Services–“Up, Up and Away! Increasing Retention through Summer Bridge Programs.”

• Mark Allen Poisel, Academic Development and Retention (ADR), and Charlene Stinard, TTS, co-presented–“Effective Programming for Transfer Success.”

• DeLaine Priest, SSC, and Steven Johnson, Registrar’s Office–“A Winning Duo for Retention: Data Mining and Academic Advising.”

• DeLaine Priest, SSC, Maribeth Ehasz, vice president for SDES, Pat Pates, Assessment and Planning–“A Decade in Review: 1995-2005 Building Institutional Collaboration for Successful Student Retention.”

After the symposium, a team of six SDES leaders went on a site visit to Arizona State University (ASU) to learn how they provide effective and efficient student services to their quickly growing student population. ASU had four campuses with over 60,000 students and is growing at a faster rate than UCF. The site team, Mark Allen Poisel (ADR), Sharon Ekern (Administrative Services), A.J. Range (Regional Campus Student Services), Patti MacKown (Campus Life), DeLaine Priest (SSC), and Tom Hall (Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming), visited with many staff members in their division of Undergraduate Student Initiatives, similar to UCF’s SDES. Over the two-day visit, the team members toured three campuses and met with counterparts from the various areas. ASU had a very clear mission that they were, “The New American University with one university and many campuses.”

The following SDES staff presented at the 13th National Conference on Students in Transition held in St. Louis on November 3-5.

• Craig Ullom, Campus Life–“Promising Practices for Partnering with Parents.”

• Mark Allen Poisel, ADR, and Charlene Stinard, TTS–“Creative Programs and Partnerships for Fostering Transfer Student Success,” a pre-conference workshop.

Welcome to SDES

• Brian Briggs, program assistant, Registrar’s Office (RO)
• Myla Cutillar, fiscal assistant supervisor, RO
• Veronica Ingram, program assistant, RO
• Kathleen Rancourt, coordinator, Career Development Services, Career Services & Experiential Learning
• Derrys Richardson, program assistant, RO
• Bradley Silcox, computer analyst, RO
• Daniel Suleski, interim coordinator, statistical research, Assessment and Planning
• Troy Thayer, custodial worker, Student Union
• Justin Williams, coordinator, Housing and Residence Life

INTEGRITY
I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.

SCHOLARSHIP
I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community.

COMMUNITY
I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.

CREATIVITY
I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.

EXCELLENCE
I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.

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