UKnighted Newsletter
July 2008

Orientation Welcomes New Knights and Their Families

Thousands of new Knights become part of the UCF community each year. The transition into the university can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially at an institution as large as UCF. College introduces a new set of expectations for students that are much different than their previous experiences. New students must learn how to succeed academically while adjusting to the social aspect of college and the personal changes that inevitably take place. As students begin to adapt to their college life, so do their family members. It is important that family members learn how to support their students throughout their college career.

Orientation Services strives to make the transition into college as easy as possible for new students and their parents. Each orientation is designed to prepare incoming students to become Knights. During Orientation, students and parents are introduced to The UCF Creed,traditions, resources, programs and their academic programs.

The Orientation Team, or O-Team, plays a vital role in assisting students with their transition into college. During the first day of First Time in College (FTIC) Orientation, students break off into small groups led by an O-Teamer. These small groups introduce new students to UCF, and provide incoming students with an opportunity to learn from the experiences of their peers. “The orientation program at UCF helps new students connect to the campus community through the O-Team,” says O-Teamer Jamin Ghazi, “all incoming students will leave orientation with at least one connection on campus.”

Orientation Services is not the only office that is involved in Orientation; it is a collaborative effort that requires the efforts of the entire UCF community. Several offices on campus present information to incoming students and families. Career Services, Transfer and Transition Services, and the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) are just three of the offices that present during Transfer Orientation.

At the FTIC orientations, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Campus Police provide students with information. The Police educate students about the department, the Student Escort Patrol Service (SEPS), and provide tips on how to stay safe on and off campus. The Ultimate Knight, presented by Jimmy Moore, Housing and Residence Life, is the most recent addition to the FTIC Orientation program. This presentation teaches incoming students how to make the most of their college careers (see Enrollment Services’ page for more information).

In addition to the formal presentations, information is passed on to both students and parents through the use of informational tables during lunch, at poster sessions and at the Get Involved Social during FTIC Orientation. These tables provide information about programs, services, and organizations that help students connect and succeed at UCF. The services represented include: Housing and Residence Life, Learning and Interacting with New Knights (LINK), Career Services, Office of Student Involvement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Recreation and Wellness Center, SARC, and many more.

Orientation Services will coordinate 17 one-day Transfer Orientations and 19 two-day FTIC Orientations to prepare for the upcoming academic year. By the end of the summer, over 6,600 freshmen and 5,000 transfer students will have participated in orientation. Orientation Services provides a separate family orientation during each session.

Students and parents share their experiences and thoughts of the Orientation Program by completing a survey evaluation. The following comments illustrate both the student and parent experience:

“Orientation was a great experience and I enjoyed my time spent here. It wasn’t stressful at all and I bonded with many new people. My O-Team leader was great. He made everyone really comfortable with everything and made everyone have a great time.”

“A very positive and informative two days. Everyone was very helpful and full of spirit. I am excited to be a UCF parent and feel confident my daughter is attending a great university. Thank you.”

“Orientation far exceeded my expectations. I left with confidence that my child made a very good choice. With all the resources, there should be no reason for her not to succeed. I was amazed at the genuine enthusiasm shown by both staff and students.”

For more information, visit: orientation.ucf.edu.

Summer Commencement Scheduled

Commencement ceremonies for students graduating this summer are set to take place Saturday, August 2, at the UCF Arena. The first ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. with the procession of graduates beginning at 8:40 a.m. colleges participating in this ceremony include: College of Education, College of Health and Public Affairs, College of Medicine, College of Sciences, Undergraduate Studies and Graduate Studies.

The second ceremony will start at 2 p.m., preceded by the procession of graduates at 1:40 p.m. This ceremony will include: College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Nursing, and College of Optics and Photonics.

For more information, visit: www.registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/commencement.

Let’s Play Ball

A tradition was renewed on June 6 when the Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES) staff played against the Student Government Association (SGA) in a softball game. The tradition was so long forgotten that the trophy still bore the label “FTU.” However, Christa Coffey, Office of Student Involvement (OSI), revived the rivalry this year hoping to return the student/staff softball game to its annual status.

There were 19 SDES staff members on the SDES team representing a number of offices, and 15 SGA students on the opposing team. SDES was victorious after the required seven innings, but the game was extended for an additional two innings. The students waged a comeback, but SDES held them off for a final score of 13-9.  Maribeth Ehasz, vice president for SDES, joined the SDES team for the hoisting of the trophy and photos.

SDES team members included: Academic Services for Student-Athletes, Assessment and Planning,  Administrative Services, Counseling Center, First Year Advising and Exploration, Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Academic and Support Services, OSI, Registrar’s Office, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Wellness Center, and the Student Union.

Recreational Membership Offered to Rosen Students

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management Student Government Association will be providing a one-year membership to the YMCA on International Drive to Rosen students beginning July 1. Students will need to show their UCF ID and sign a waiver to receive the membership. For more information, contact the YMCA at 407.363.1911.

UCF Greek Life Expands

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life welcomes three organizations to the UCF Greek family. Sigma Pi (a general interest fraternity) and Zeta Beta Tau (founded as the nation’s first Jewish fraternity) will be joining the fifteen chapters of the Interfraternity Council. Pi Delta Psi (an Asian interest fraternity) joins the six chapters in the Diversified Greek Council.

Greek organizations and their members have an active role within the campus community. They also play a role in providing students with a wealth of experiences that complement the mission of the university. As life-long members of fraternities or sororities, students are offered the opportunity to develop as leaders, serve the local community, and focus on academics and their careers by connecting with faculty, staff and other students. For more information, visit the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in Student Union, room 154.

Give Me Moore

The UKnighted staff had the pleasure to attend “The Ultimate Knight” session presented by Jimmy Moore, Housing and Residence Life, during First Time In College student Orientation. Moore was witty, fun, comical, animated, and skilled in engaging his audience’s attention.

Moore motioned students to come forward and danced a few steps as students walked down the aisles to their seats. Students smiled as they viewed themselves on two big screens capturing their strides. Moore introduced himself and talked about the challenges in his life and the mistakes he made and things he did right. He said his college experience changed his life. Moore presented, along with guest speakers, The Ultimate Knight’s 10 components (See below). Before each component, he encouraged the audience to say loudly, “Give me Moore” using his last name as a pun. At the end of the session, students were given a card to write one goal for the first semester and to place the card in their residence where they can view it daily.

Moore held the students’ full attention in a fun way while teaching important components of The Ultimate Knight. This new orientation initiative was created by Michael Killbride, student orientation coordinator.

The Ultimate Knight

The following are 10 components of the Ultimate Knight:

• Get Smart–Learn how to study, manage your time and use UCF’s resources, such as the Student Academic Resource Center;
• Get Green–Discuss environmental issues with others, recycle and be energy conscious;
• Get Recognized–Introduce yourself and connect with your professor;
• Get Healthy–Take care of your mind, body and emotions by visiting the Recreation and Wellness Center, Health Center and Counseling Center;
• Get Talking–Build relationships face-to-face and network;
• Get Working–Explore Career Services, selecting a career you really like and that fits your personality;
• Get Saving–Learn how to use a credit card, manage money and save
10 percent of what you make;
• Get the Right Degree–Find a major or degree you are passionate about;
• Get Connected–Build your leadership and team player skills by getting involved on campus with sports, clubs and events;
• Get It All Together– Balance your choices, make the right ones.

Collaborating for Undeclared Freshman Students

First Year Advising and Exploration and the Department of Housing and Residence Life have teamed up to create a new program, Freshman Explorations. Freshman Explorations is a new living learning community that will begin Fall 2008. The purpose of the program is to connect undeclared first-year students to various major and career choices, develop a community of learners who are in similar classes in their first year, and connect them with other students via classroom experiences and out-of-classroom experiences.

Career Services will also be part of the program. These offices have embodied SDES Reconsidered and are geared up for the upcoming year. With The UCF Creed at the forefront for student learning, these offices are dedicated to student success.

The goal of Freshman Explorations is to engage students in the major/career exploration process during their freshman year. In addition, this program will assist students in making well-informed choices through educational and social experiences. A total of 37 students will participate in the program.

Sophie Cortes-Thomas Awarded USPS Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Sophie Cortes-Thomas, office manager for Orientation Services, who received the USPS Employee of the Month award for June. Cortes-Thomas’ co-workers say, “Sophie truly takes pride in her work and always goes the extra mile for both the students and the family members that our office interacts with on a regular basis. The area that Sophie stands out the most in is her positive attitude and the level of customer service she provides to the UCF community and the guests we have at our orientation sessions. She believes in being a team player and is an excellent role model for our student assistants. She is always looking for ways to improve her job and the role of our office. It is important for her to be knowledgeable in all aspects of our office, and we would have trouble functioning without her because she is the glue that unites us.”

Cortes-Thomas began working as an office manager in the Orientation Services Office in 2003. She has been involved with the Bilingual Family Orientation program since 2004. Currently, she is a member of the SDES Council and previously served on the council in 2005-06.

Clermont’s Campus Students Want to Get Involved

The UCF South Lake campus staff is excited about the students’ new interest in student government and student organizations. On June 5, Maria Pecoraro (Student Government Association) and Kerry Welch, Chantel Carter, and Christa Coffey (Office of Student Involvement) traveled to meet with students, faculty and staff in Clermont. South Lake is still a young campus, but it is growing and the students are getting involved. Faculty members are excited and willing to become advisors for the new student organizations. The meeting was a time of information sharing and questions being answered. Plans are being made to present the new opportunities to students at the Welcome Back Bash during the first week of class in the Fall 2008 semester.

SDES Bonneville Backpack Project and BBQ Lunch

SDES has adopted Bonneville Elementary School as part of our outreach to the community. There are many children attending this school whose families are not able to afford all the school supplies their child needs to be successful.

Our goal is to supply 40-50 backpacks with your donations. The SDES Council will be collecting donations prior to the BBQ Lunch.

SDES employees: Save this date on your calendar: August 8, 12-2 p.m. BBQ Lunch. At the event, we will stuff the backpacks with school supplies.

More information will be coming on the Bonneville Backpack Project and BBQ.
~SDES Council

Welcome to SDES

• Alischea Carrethers, program assistant, graduation area, Registrar’s Office (RO)
• Andrea Dudas, coordinator educational/ training programs, Health Services (HS)
• Patricia Garcia, senior fiscal assistant, HS
• Douglas Meuser, physician, HS
• Lisa Moser, learning specialist, Academic Services for Student-Athletes
• Angelique Ojeda, program assistant, transfer credit, RO
• Manuel Pena, custodial worker, Student Union
• Kamelia Shahid, office manager, vice president’s office, Student Development and Enrollment Services
• Paul Thomas, computer specialist, PeopleSoft security, RO
• Alberto Valentin, custodial worker, Recreation and Wellness Center

SDES Division Changes

• Vanessa Butts, Registrar’s Office (RO), was promoted to senior registrar specialist. Butts is both a UCF employee and a UCF alumna, having recently completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Business administration. Working in the RO for the past nine years, Butts has risen from senior clerk to program assistant to registrar specialist and now senior registrar specialist.

SDES Presentations

• American College Health Association’s Annual Meeting at the Orlando World Center Marriott from June 3-7: Bob Wirag, Health Services (HS) served as Program Planning Chair and welcomed everyone at the Opening General Session attended by 2,000 college health professionals from the U.S., Canada and several European countries.

UCF’s award winning and celebrated dance group RUKUS entertained the audience with a skit and lively music. HS staff Michael Deichen, M.D. and Peter Mastroianni, presented, “HIV: College Prevalence, Barrier to Testing, and the Continued Importance of Prevention.” Tom Hall, Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming, presented, “War on the I-4: Florida’s Approach to Tackling High-Risk Drinking on Campus.” James Schaus, M.D., HS, presented, “Brief Interventions for High-Risk Drinking: Part I–Evidence-Based Practice for Clinicians and Counselors; Part II–Multidisciplinary ‘Hands-on’ Skills Training and Implementation Strategies.”

Karen Yerkes, HS, presided over these sessions. Claudia Witcher and Betty Calton, HS, coordinated staffing for a “local arrangements” table featuring UCF Health Services and information about Orlando attractions. Don Post, UCF graduate student and member of the Student Health Advisory Council, coordinated a community service project on behalf of students to benefit the Orlando-based Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Coloring books, activity books, crossword puzzles, mazes, crayons and reading books were collected to help bring a smile to the children’s faces. Many SDES staff participated in this effort.

SDES Reconsidered

Kerry Welch
Director, Office of Student and Involvement
Primary Facilitator, SDES Reconsidered
407.823.6471 • kpwelch@mail.ucf.edu

In the current financial climate, colleges and universities must program with limited resources. The demands of a learning society, however, call for approaches that sometimes include new or modified programs. As such, many institutions face a dilemma. They can choose to ignore the forces requiring change, they can attempt to find new budget sources to fund new programs, they can select to cut back or eliminate some programs, or they can choose to modify existing programs or develop new programs to respond to the challenges from a society that expects more learning and accountability from higher education institutions (Apps, 1988).

As SDES Reconsidered continues through the summer months and into the fall, we will continue to examine how we might align programs to best serve students. Mapping SDES is essential if we are going to achieve our full potential as providers of learning opportunities. Our programs, aside from being valuable in and of themselves, can serve a greater purpose when intentionally aligned. It is vitally important that we continue to move forward with crafting and sharing student learning outcomes. It is essential that we understand how each SDES unit impacts each other as well as the division as a whole. It is with this understanding that we continue mapping the division with regard to learning and student learning outcomes.

Administrators who view organizations as open, interdependent, customized systems with a purpose, known as “systems theorists,” would suggest the division is greater than the sum of its parts. Compared to traditional views of organizations, systems thinking provides several benefits to educational leaders. Systems thinking encourages staff members to recognize their organizations’ purposes and direction, interrelated parts, resources required to perform work, and products and services created for specific intended outcomes (Miller, 2007). SDES Reconsidered calls on all of us to engage to some extent in systems thinking, and persist with finding and nurturing partnership opportunities that result in horizontal teams.

The next core group meetings will advance these activities. Scheduled in July and August, these sessions will be opportunities to find partnerships within the division to work together toward attainment of student learning outcomes. Since most of the units have now drafted student learning outcomes, these next sessions will be used to reflect on these outcomes and begin to align them into intentional patterns. In addition, we will share ideas about how our programs and services help students achieve those outcomes. We may also begin to identify mutually beneficial assessment strategies, as well as assessment tools that might be effective across units.

This current focus on learning in each of the units is undoubtedly going to expand our already considerable service to students. This has an exponential effect because the performance of one organization greatly affects the performance of other organizations in the same system (Miller, 2007). As we move forward together, I encourage you to continue looking for opportunities to improve our service to students and to advance their learning – as well as opportunities to assist other units in their quest for the same.

For more information on past UKnighted articles on SDES Reconsidered, visit: http://www.sdes.ucf.edu/images/SR/uknighted_articles.htm.

References:

Apps, J. (1988). Higher education in a learning society. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass

Miller, B. (2007). Assessing organizational performance in higher education. San Francisco; Jossey-Bass

The UCF Creed

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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