UKnighted Newsletter
July 2006

New Faces in the Student Government’s Executive Office

UCF Student Government Association was named a “Super SG” status by the American Student Government Association (ASGA) after hosting the Orlando ASGA Conference in April 2006.

While most UCF students may sleep in or relax by the pool during the summer session, Mark White, recently elected Student Government Association (SGA) president, and Jared Stout, vice president, have a hectic succession of meetings.

“We have been putting in 40-50 hour weeks so far and I think the student body will notice a big difference in overall campus life this upcoming year,” White said.

Results of their efforts are already noticeable internally with a restructure of the entire cabinet to better service the university. For example, the White/Stout administration has created a new position within the cabinet called Greek Affairs coordinator, which will work with Fraternity and Sorority Life Housing to help provide a student perspective. The new internal changes according to White should enable students to see a much more active student government.

The aim of the White/Stout administration is to focus on three key areas: student advocacy, responsible policy making and keeping student government’s integrity intact.

“Our platform springs from the slogan ‘Students: Priority One’ which really hits on the fact that none of us, including administration, faculty, staff and even student government, would exist if it were not for the demand of students and higher education,” said White. “Everyone at this university should have the same mind frame, and that is providing students with the best possible services while at the same time making education affordable and accessible.”

These points will be targeted through a lengthy agenda with ambitious goals, namely to enhance campus life, traditions, student housing and student educational facilities with the help of the administration, faculty and staff.

One of the ways in which the SGA administration will enhance campus life is by planning numerous events focused on school and athletic pride around sporting events, such as free BBQ’s at athletic events and rewarding those who frequently attend athletic events by giving away free T-shirts and athletic gear.

“Students don’t realize how amazing some of our teams are, and we want to help build school spirit and better fans by creating incentives to attend sporting events,” said White.

Other goals include notable speakers this fall featuring local and national political leaders. White believes it is important that the student body interacts and is heard by elected officials since the students will be building the nation’s economy in the near future. Another goal in progress is restructuring the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) to make the agency more inclusive, so that they can reach out to all aspects of the university’s diversity. Large scale events are being planned to raise awareness of the various cultures on campus and the importance of embracing that diversity.

Additionally, the White/Stout administration intends to work with the UCF legal council to find a way to allow student organizations to show affiliation with the university by connecting the university name with the organization name [conflicts have arisen due to university naming rights].

“We would really like to turn SGA into the governing body it is meant to be, rather than just a money tree for student groups,” White said. “We are here to represent 45,000 students and set policies that respect the individual student.”

According to White, a major goal of this administration is to accomplish everything they set out to do.

“We want to leave our term with all of our agenda crossed off; showing the students that student leaders can make promises and actually keep them.”

White and Stout have been in SGA for over seven years combined. Prior to serving as president, White was a four-term senior senator in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and was elected as the Speaker of the Senate and Senate President Pro Tempore for the 37th and 38th Student Senates respectfully. Stout began his leadership experience as an executive board member of the Hercules Area Council, followed by service as an SGA senator for the College of Arts and Sciences and as a Resident Assistant (RA) for the Housing and Residence Life Department. Stout was the general manager for the last administration’s campaign (Bentley/Woolsey). During the Bentley/Woolsey administration, Stout served as the chief student advocate for SGA.

“This administration will be one of hard work, dedication and persistence. We will not stop until the job is done and our goals have been accomplished,” said White.

Additional Goals of the White/Stout Administration

Provide students with free scantrons in the SGA offices.
Provide free group text messaging service for student groups to communicate more effectively.
Offer SGA “Gold Pages”– a free local job search for non-professional jobs (such as: a restaurant server, campus staff, tanning or salon representative).
Provide free cab service for out-of-state and international students from the Orlando International Airport to their respective UCF housing.
Work with on- and off-campus affiliated housing to assist students with the moving process and with RA’s to understand and address safety concerns for students.

A Summer Motivational Extravaganza

“This summer we’re getting students pumped up and energized,” said Sandra Macaulay, Student Academic Resource Center (SARC). SARC, in collaboration with Multicultural Academic and Support Services, and the Student Government Association, is presenting a motivational and fun event:

UCF Idol – Motivational Event
Wednesday, July 5 @ 6:30 p.m.
Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom

Professor Joe Martin, award winning motivational speaker [Real World University] and author, will be the keynote speaker. The UCF Idol entertainment show will follow with approximately eight dance or singing performances, complete with Randy, Paula and Simon’s [television show–American Idol] notorious comments. Prizes will be awarded for the best dance and best vocal performance. The winner will be determined by the audience.

“Keep your eyes open for more information to come,” says Macaulay. “Tell all your students, advisees and co-workers to come out to this event. Experience a night of motivation, talent and fun-filled entertainment. . .and remember, your vote determines the next UCF Idol.”

Capital Campaign Donations Coming In for New Career Center

The James M. Cox Foundation, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Vector Marketing and Zenith Insurance have recently made donations and/or pledges to the capital campaign fund for the building of UCF’s new career center. The 46,000-plus square-foot, multi-level facility, to be located adjacent to the Fairwinds Alumni Center, will be a gateway to the future for our students, employers and community. Other capital campaign donors include Foreign Currency Exchange, Genicon and Metavante Banking Solutions.

Melanie Parker, executive director for Career Services and Experiential Learning, expressed appreciation to these corporate partners. “Their support enables us to move toward the creation of a state-of-the-art center that will empower our students to succeed and enable employers to identify trained graduates for their workforce,” commented Parker, adding, “I would like to extend a special thank you to the UCF Student Government Association for their generous pledge of $1 million from the Capital Improvement Trust Fund for the building of a new career center.”

Rosen College Event Benefits U.S. Troops

On May 31, Rosen College of Hospitality Management students, faculty and staff participated in a day to “Support Our Troops.” Students were able to sign-up to “Adopt a Soldier” at www.operationmilitarysupport.com and get individualized dog tags printed for free. Everyone who donated money or items was entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to Za-Bistro restaurant in Maitland. Amanda Carrabus was the lucky raffle winner. “We are very thankful to the Army and Navy recruiters who came out to show their support,” says Tiffany Greenis, assistant director for Campus Life and Fitness coordinator.

Thank You for Your Pledges and Contributions.

Math Workshop Assists Students to Succeed

The Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) has been serving UCF students and teachers from the surrounding community in record numbers through their General Knowledge Math Workshops and in the use of other academic support services. These services include tutoring, access to study guides and online practice tests. SARC offers General Knowledge Workshops specifically focusing on the math portion of the test three times a year. In the spring of 2006, 56 individuals participated in the workshop series which represents an increase of 100 percent as compared to spring 2005. Students have also taken advantage of SARC’s free tutoring sessions and over 1,000 people have used the online Web site for additional practice.

SARC is offering assistance for the math portion of the General Knowledge Test in time for the next paper/pencil administration on July 22. SARC provides the information needed to assist students to be prepared and feel confident of success.

For additional workshop registration information, tutoring schedule, and access to the online Web site, call SARC at 407.823.5130 or visit: www.sarc.sdes.ucf.edu/tutorgkmath.html.

Retention Program Changes Will Benefit Students

The Knight Success Program (KSP) is a first-year retention program, utilizing a data mining statistical procedure that identifies students at risk for attrition. The program was implemented by First Year Advising and Exploration in fall 2005 as a collaborative effort among all first-year advising offices.

Throughout the first year of implementation the program facilitated advisor/advisee “Meet and Greets,” utilized the College Student Inventory to assess the concerns of 200 of its students, included a series of targeted communications, and designated sections of SLS 1501 in the spring for students on academic probation.

In 2006-07, KSP is being revamped to include two sections of SLS 1501 in the fall and will implement Strengths-Based advising using the Strength Quest assessment tool. This program will assist freshman students as they transition to the university, assess their strengths and help them identify resources on campus that will lead to their success.For more information on KSP, contact Iceney Ceasar or Nanette Rank at 407.823.3789.

UTC Announces TOEFL iBT Now Available

The University Testing Center (UTC) is pleased to announce that the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) is now available. International applicants, who are from countries where the official language is not English or who have not received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution, must submit a score on the TOEFL.

The TOEFL iBT tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success in a college or university setting. TOEFL iBT also emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students’ ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework. Testing will be offered on fixed test dates at least one time per month, with multiple administrations during peak months in the fall. For more information about TOEFL iBT, as well as registration and payment information, visit: www.ets.org/toefl.

SOAR Students Headed to UCF for Summer B

This year marks the 26th year for the Seizing Opportunities for Achievement and Retention (SOAR) Program. SOAR is an intensive academic program that provides access to UCF and offers academic support services to program participants.

There are many exciting opportunities planned for this year’s students. Students arrived on campus June 19 to attend Orientation and then attended SOAR Encounter on June 21. This event provided a welcoming environment while connecting students to the UCF campus as they started their six-week summer residential experience beginning June 26. During this time, students will attend academic classes, evening tutoring sessions, Friday Freshmen seminars, and special motivational and social events. The closing awards ceremony will be held in the Communications Building, room 101 on August 4 from 2-4 p.m.

Rec’s Personal Trainer Competes Internationally

Emilio Rivera, a personal trainer at the Recreation and Wellness Center, made international headlines May 12 after competing in the 2006 Puerto Rico Track and Field National Championship at Paquito Montaner Stadium in Ponce, Puerto Rico and winning the 100 meter race. This qualified Rivera for the Puerto Rican National Track and Field Team.

In addition, recently, Rivera helped his team win a bronze medal, running the anchor leg of the 4x100-relay at the Iberoamericano Championship, a competition that included 29 Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries. At the end of July, Rivera will participate in the Central American and Caribbean Games held in Cartegena, Columbia featuring over 30 different sports with 7,000 athletes participating.

Peer Mentoring Program Begins for Multicultural Students

The Multicultural Academic and Support Services Office announced the launch of their new peer mentoring program. Peers include: Kimberly Berke, Renae Forde, Meagan Johnson, Tamra Martin and Stephanie Morales. The peer mentors will assist in contacting and connecting with students, designing and facilitating cultural enhancement workshops, and assist with Orientation and schedule planning. The addition of this new programming will support expansion of services and peer-supported activities available to Multicultural and First Generation College Students.

SDES Awards and Recognition
• UCF, which created a task force to address problem gambling last year, received the Monsignor Joseph Dunne Education Award on May 11 from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. The award recognized UCF’s “commitment to problem gambling prevention.”

Presentations
• Kristy Belden, Sarah Hill, and Jennifer Alger, Academic Services for Student-Athletes, presented, “What Happens When You Are the Only One,” at the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletes (N4A) National Conference. The workshop focused on what it is like to be the only female working with a high profile men’s athletic team. The conference attracted over 500 professionals from high schools, junior colleges and four-year universities throughout the country.
• Mark Gumble, Academic Services for Student-Athletes, was a facilitator at the 10th Annual National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) National Leadership Conference held at Lake Buena Vista. From across the country, 350 student-athletes were selected to participate in the five-day conference including James Goergeoff, UCF men’s soccer player. The conference is the largest non-competitive gathering of NCAA student-athletes.
• DeLaine Priest (Student Success Services), Fritzlaine Powell (Partnership Development), Jacqueline Smith (Minority Engineering and Computer Science Programs) and Celeste Ferguson (Multicultural Academic and Support Services) presented “Breaking Down Barriers to Academic Success” at the 19th annual National Conference On Race and Ethnicity (NCORE), held in Chicago. The presenters showcased UCF’s model programs that address issues of access, retention and persistence to academic success for minority students. “It was standing room only as participants engaged in conversation regarding retention strategies and ways to measure success,” said Powell.
• Craig Ullom, Campus Life, presented a program entitled, “Promising Practices for Partnering with Parents,” at the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region III Summer Symposium on June 12 in Savannah, Georgia.

Welcome to SDES

• India Asunto, Student Union Specialist, Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC)
• Julie Reeves, coordinator Student Affairs, RWC

SDES Community Service Project

SDES has adopted Bonneville Elementary School as part of their outreach to the community. There are many children attending this school whose parents are not able to afford school supplies their child needs to be successful. SDES is launching the Bonneville Backpack Project. The goal is to supply 50 backpacks filled with school supplies for 50 children in 1st through 5th grade. The supplies will include: backpacks, three-ring binders, pencils, index cards, colored pencils, crayons, glue, notebook paper, folders, antibacterial liquid hand soap, band-aids and more.

Here is how you can help: The SDES Council is working with several businesses SDES Community Service Projectto provide backpacks and school supplies at a special rate. Each department will receive an envelope for cash donations. The SDES Council will be collecting the donations through July 12 and purchase the required supplies for Bonneville’s most needy families. Then in the middle of July there will be a Brown Bag Backpack Stuffing Party (more details to come).

Thank you in advance for support of this SDES division-wide initiative. For more information and updates on the Bonneville Backpack Project, visit: www.sdes.ucf.edu/Staff_News_Information.htm. For questions or suggestions, e-mail: sdescoun@mail.ucf.edu.

–SDES Council

Publications
• Dennis Congos, First Year Advising and Exploration, published an article, “12 Cognitive Distortions That Limit College Success,” in the online June publication, The Learning Center Exchange Journal. The article describes thinking patterns that limit academic success and personal growth for college students. These cognitive distortions may be overcome to allow students to reach their potential for success in college more easily.

Best Wishes for Miss UCF 2006 on State Competition

On June 21, a send-off ceremony was given for Miss UCF 2006, Megan Clementi, wishing her well on her trip to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant. In attendance were members of the university community, as well as Clementi’s family and Orlando Magic dancers who work with her.

Clementi will compete with 39 other local pageant winners, six of whom are also UCF students. Preliminary competition will be July 5-7 with the finals on July 8 at the Miami Dade Auditorium. SDES wishes Miss UCF 2006 and the other UCF students competing the best of luck.

Parent Calendar on Web

The 2006-07 Parent Calendar is on the Web in printable pdf format. Visit: www.sdes.ucf.edu/images/parentcal06-07/PC06-07.htm.

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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