UKnighted Newsletter
February 2007

MLK Event Promotes Diversity and Inclusiveness

“Embrace diversity and foster student engagement in the global community.” –A goal of Student Development and Enrollment Services.

Many UCF events, workshops and programs are created with UCF‘s fourth goal in mind, “to become more inclusive and diverse.” The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, hosted by the Multicultural Student Center (MSC), was one of those initiatives.

The celebration began with the UCF Gospel Choir singing as they led the march from Memory Mall to the Reflecting Pond in honor of MLK. The walk was a time for the UCF community to come together and reflect on the Dream and the progress that has been made toward achieving that Dream. Many students, faculty and staff joined in the march prior to reaching the final destination, the Reflecting Pond.

More people gathered to hear MLK’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” which was read by Bryan Arnette, African American Student Union (AASU). Following the reading, Tykeisha Williams, member of the AASU, presented an inspiring VIP (Vision, Inspire, Pursuit) speech on the theme, “Where we stand, where we should be.” (See excerpt from Williams’ speech below.)

“Martin Luther King, Jr. was a visionary of his time and the goal of this MSC program was to make sure that his vision was not forgotten,” said Andretta Williams, MSC student director. “I feel that the students were touched by his timeless words and will continue living his Dream."

“Today we stand in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream. Something that makes MLK so important was that he was VIP of his era. VIP meaning he did that something extra in life to make him leave a legacy. I think a major part of his Dream was for us today as individuals to strive to be VIP of our era. VIP meaning this:

• V–Vision: Taking the time to examine yourself and your environment, and discover your divine purpose and dream. What you would want the world to be or the legacy you wish to leave and strive to make it happen.
• I–Inspire: Inspire yourself and others with your dream. There is something about witnessing someone doing what they were put on this earth to do.
• P–Pursuit: Constantly be in pursuit of your vision; never rest. Never be afraid of failure or setbacks. Anything worth having or doing is going to take disappointment and risks for one to truly appreciate success. MLK’s dream did not take place in his lifetime, but it still lives on today–that is what matters.

I was once told that I was created because God scanned all the Earth and found that no one could do what he needed me to do; so he created me to do it. So I urge all of us to remember the Dream and be the VIP of our era. ” –Tykeisha Williams

The Student Government Association, in collaboration with SDES and other partnerships, scheduled a series of MLK Forum events through January and February. On January 17, Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law School Jesse Climenko Professor of Law, presented a lecture, “Race, Racism, and Discrimination in America: The Future of the Dream.”

According to Pat Pates, Assessment and Planning, who attended Ogletree’s lecture, “I was most intrigued by the magnitude of the data that Professor Ogletree shared in such a short time, particularly the facts regarding little known Civil Rights Heroes. I plan to get his book, All Deliberate Speed, to learn more. Professor Ogletree concluded by inspiring us to become social engineers–change agents, rather than social parasites.” For a schedule of MLK Forum events, visit: www.mlkforum.com.

Initiatives such as these events assist UCF in reaching its goal through educational experiences, and awareness of diversity and inclusiveness in the UCF global community.


Multicultural Student Center

The MSC, an agency of SGA, opened its doors in 2002. The center is composed of the following organizations: African Association; African American Student Union; Caribbean Student Association; Elements; Hispanic American Student Association; International Student Association; and SANGAM, the Indian Student Association. The MSC is located in the student Union, room 153. For more information, call 407.823.0401.


Enhancing the Sophomore Experience

The Sophomore Center ( Student Success Center) is in the process of establishing a Sophomore Student Advisory Council (SSAC), and the center is looking for sophomores to share their university experience. The SSAC will serve as a resource for the sophomore student population to voice their concerns and needs as a way to enhance the overall sophomore experience.

If SDES staff knows of any sophomore student(s) that might be interested in the SSAC, call 407.823.2231, or e-mail: sophomore@mail.ucf.edu.


Technology Connests UCF to Surrounding Communities: Off-Campus Students Will Benefit

Over the past year, Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) has been connecting to the off-campus apartment communities through monthly meetings with the Community Bridge program. The Bridge is designed to promote a better connected off-campus community and to communicate information and events at UCF and their communities.

In fall 2007, OCSS will present their newest service, the Community Bridge Web Portal. This interactive Web site will allow apartment managers in the UCF area to conveniently post events and promote activities that are happening in their communities. In addition, the site will feature UCF events and campus resources linking the off-campus students more closely with the university. For more information, e-mail Jimmy Moore at: jsmoore@mail.ucf.edu.


UCF Represented at National Tournament in Dallas

UCF was well represented at the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) national flag football tournament, held in Dallas, over the winter break with both teams and officials.

UCF’s Men’s “Showstoppers” and Women’s “Touchdown Here” teams both reached the Final 4 at the muddy NIRSA tournament in Dallas, falling short in the semi-finals. Brandon Baroody and Gia Castellino were both named to the All-Tournament Team, an award given to the top eight players in each division.

Seven of the 75 total officials were from UCF, as Vladimir Voyard, Donnie Barnes, Tom Eaton, Sarah Crytzer, Marissa Dienstag, Rob Smyth, and Craig Menkes each officiated tournament games.


Rosen Welcomes Students

Rosen College of Hospitality Management students were welcomed back for the spring semester with the opportunity to take a photo sitting in a big chair on January 10.

“The students had a blast feeling like kids again,” said Tiffany Greenis, assistant director for Rosen Campus Life. “They even got to decorate their own picture frame.”

Rosen Campus Life provided the Big Chair photos as well as markers, stick-on letters and cut-out shapes of animals, cars, sports, etc. to decorate the photo frames.


Revised GRE Soon To Be Available at Testing Center

The University Testing Center (UTC) is pleased to announce that the revised Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test will be available beginning September 2007. Undergraduate students who are prospective graduate applicants take the GRE General Test as an admission requirement for many academic programs.

The revised GRE General Test measures the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. Testing will be offered throughout the year on fixed test dates at least one time per month, with multiple administrations during peak months. For more information, visit: www.ets.org/gre.


Exercise is Good for Your Academics

Students who work out at the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) acquire more than just getting in shape.

Recently, the RWC evaluated the GPA of UCF undergraduate users and compared that with the overall usage at the RWC. As depicted in the chart, the more times students come into the gym, the higher their GPA is. Users who come more often have a higher GPA than the overall average at UCF.


TTS Peers Promote Commitment and Retention

One of the challenges First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students have at a university is connecting to the campus community. Even transfer students who have already attended college for one or two years have difficulty establishing new campus connections. The Peer Mentors of Transfer and Transition Services (TTS) have designed the Transfer Success Series to meet the needs of transfer students.

A wide variety of topics will be covered in the series during the spring semester, including conflict management, study abroad programs and safe sex. The first of the eight workshops, to be held in February, will be about power studying techniques.

In addition, the TTS Peers are creating a new student organization, Transfer Knights, a transfer student club that provides a social environment for transfer students. Transfer Knights will support students’ academic and professional goals and will promote retention and graduation. In addition, they will provide opportunities for learning valuable leadership and communication skills for networking to the rest of the UCF community by encouraging participation.


System Reduces Student Wait Time

As with each major term since fall 2001, the Registrar’s Office kicked-off the spring semester with Triage, a system intended to reduce wait times. Every employee of the Registrar’s Office took a turn at the front office doors, answering questions and guiding students to appropriate forms or other offices.

“We want to reserve services at the front desk for major questions,” said Sandra Bulger, assistant university registrar. Approximately 4,800 students received services over the course of seven days; issues ranged from grade forgiveness to changing majors.

The Registrar’s Office starts their Triage the Thursday before the first week of classes of each major term. In addition, they extend their normal office hours, opening at 8 a.m. each day and staying open until 7 p.m. most evenings during the first week of class.

The HelpLine and Registrar’s switchboard also stays open longer to deal with registration issues. “The system helps every employee to be aware of the issues our office faces,” said Bulger. “It takes a team effort.”


FYAE Springs up for Students in 2007

During the first week of classes, First Year Advising and Exploration (FYAE) held over 50 hours of walk-in appointments providing First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students the opportunity to meet with their assigned first-year advisor and make adjustments to their schedule.

During that period, the advising team had 510 student contacts through walk-in appointments, outreach and e-mail. In addition, the advising team collaborated with the “Week of Welcome” tables and “POP into the Student Success” outreach events.

FYAE Peer Advisors will present a workshop, “Saving my scholarship and my financial aid,” on February 28 in the Student Union. Additional outreach programs include eight advising programs, which are planned for the Orlando campus to assist students with course planning and scheduling. “Transient Workshops” will be facilitated by the FYAE peers this semester. For additional information, call 407.823.3789.


SARC Welcomes Back Students

On January 11, the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) held its first annual Spring Reunion for its three advising populations: Pegasus Success Program, College Achievement Program (CAP) and Supporting Teacher Education Professionals (STEP) students. The purpose of the reunion was to welcome SARC students back for the spring 2007 semester and reacquaint them with SARC’s academic advising and support services. The event was an opportunity to introduce students to SARC’s new Peer Mentors and to encourage students to continue their path to academic success from their fall semester, during which over 80 percent of those students achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students enjoyed a dessert buffet, music and goodie bags.


Students Make Major Decisions

A new UCF Policy for Undeclared Students was established in fall 2006 requiring students to declare a major prior to earning 45 college credit hours. Students are required to meet with an academic advisor (within SDES, the Colleges or regional campuses) to discuss their major exploration progress or to choose a major. A registration hold is placed on the records of the undeclared student population until they have contacted an academic advisor.

A universitywide Undeclared Policy Committee was convened through the Student Success Center to develop this new policy, formulate plans for communicating the policy to impacted students and establish an advising structure to provide assistance to the undeclared students with 45+ hours earned.

During the fall, the Sophomore Center coordinated on-going communication (flyers, postcards, e-mails and phone calls) and tracked of 335 undeclared hold students.

By the start of spring 2007, a total of 320 undeclared hold students (96%) had been advised (58% advised through the Sophomore Center) and their hold removed, with 82% of this population formally declaring a major, and 89% of this population retained for the spring 2007 semester.

Some benefits of this new UCF policy for undeclared students include providing intentional and focused advising support services for students to thoughtfully explore their major/minor program options, and enhanced connections with many campus support services to assist in their major selection decision-making.


SDES Changes

•Wayne Jackson is the new director for Multicultural Academic and Support Services. Jackson formerly held the position of assistant director of the Educational Opportunity Fund/Maximizing Academic Potential Program at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Prior to that, he was the coordinator of the Minority Mentoring Program at The College of New Jersey.

His mentoring program was awarded the 2003 Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award because of its high retention and graduation rates for its students. Jackson annually provided direction and leadership for 24 student leaders and 350 students in the Minority Mentoring Program.

In the five years he incorporated his leadership development component, 90 percent of his student leaders were either accepted to graduate schools or had been offered employment before graduation.

Jackson is also very concerned about the recruitment of students to colleges. He is the former co-director for the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Counselor of Color Workshop, which trains college admissions counselors on how to better recruit students for their universities. Jackson has a Bachelor of Science in Radio and Television from Norfolk State University and holds a master’s degree in Family Life Education from Dallas Theological Seminary.

•Tricia Tomeu, Career Services & Experiential Learning (CSEL), has joined the SDES Council. She will be replacing Robert Campbell.

SDES Awards and Recognition

• Bill Blank, CSEL, is serving on the Florida Career Professionals Association 2007 Conference Planning Committee.

• Dennis Dulniak, Registrar’s Office, attended the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Joint Financial Aid and Student Records Professional Development Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona held in January.

Dulniak attended the conference to aid in the planning of curricular development and creation of student records and PeopleSoft academic structure to support the new College of Medicine scheduled to commence in 2009.

• Carol Kraus, Activity & Service Fee Business Office, completed her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership-Higher Education/Student Personnel.

• Patricia MacKown, Campus Life; Kerry Welch, Office of Student Involvement; and Dana Juntunen, Office of Student Conduct; attended the NASPA Law and Policy Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, held in December.

• Melanie Parker, CSEL, was appointed as a member of the 2006-07 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Leadership Strategy and Sourcing Committee.

• Tricia Tomeu, CSEL, is serving on the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2007 American College Personnel Association (ACPA)/National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Joint Meeting to be held in March.


Guest Speaker Offers Insight to SDES Staff

As an initiative for SDES staff development, Campus Life/Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities invited national speaker Gary Pavela to present, “Can Student Affairs Professionals Teach Ethics?” Pavela talked about how faculty and staff can get students to think more carefully by asking questions. Pavela teaches in the honors program at the University of Maryland and writes law and policy newsletters to which over 1,000 colleges and universities subscribe.


SDES Staff Tour Regional Campuses

Staff from the Office of Student Involvement, Student Union, Recreation and Wellness Center, Activity and Service Fee Business Office, Student Legal Services and Campus Life traveled to two UCF Regional Campuses on January 25 to learn more about those campuses.

On the day-long trip, the staff spent time touring both the Daytona Beach and Cocoa Campus and met with various staff to learn about the campus culture, programs and services offered at the various sites. This was one component of the continuing effort by the Activity and Service Fee funded areas to explore ways to enhance and potentially expand services offered to UCF’s students that attend Regional Campuses.


SDES Has Role in a National Consortium Program

The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) recently announced UCF was one of 18 campuses selected to form the Core Commitments Leadership Consortium: Educating Students for Personal and Social Responsibility. AACU calls on its members to test and adopt new ways of engaging students with core questions about their ethical responsibilities to self and others, and about their responsibilities as citizens in a diverse democracy.

Campus leadership teams will administer a new Personal and Social Responsibility Institutional Inventory to students, faculty, student affairs administrators and academic administrators to measure the impact of existing efforts. The results will be used to shape future work at each institution and across the consortium.

Along with other UCF administrators and faculty, Patricia MacKown, assistant vice president for Campus Life, has a role in the Core Commitments’ program. MacKown’s participation in Core Commitments will include organization and creation of proactive academic integrity seminars and co-coordination of student activities involved with department and college-level ethics task force committees.


Welcome to SDES

•Kristen Giddens, program assistant, National Consortium for Academics and Sports
•Regina Iniguez, registrar specialist, Registrar’s Office (RO)
•Wayne Jackson, director, Multicultural Academic and Support Services
•Brian Pate, assistant director, Information and Publication Services, RO
•Anthony Schwabe, coordinator, Education Training Program, Health Services
•Rita Simpson, program assistant, Sophomore Center, Student Success Center

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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