UKnighted Newsletter
June 2006

SDES On the Move to Better Serve Students

Several SDES offices moved to new locations in May, and more offices and personnel will be moving during the summer months. The location changes are strategically placed to offer students the best quality service. On May 9, the Counseling Center moved into its newly renovated space. Formerly the Student Health Center (Building 27), the facility was redesigned to more than double the square footage of the previous Counseling Center.

This physical expansion will allow for more clinical services, outreach and preventive programs to be provided to the UCF campus community. It is conveniently located next to the Health Center, which provides easy access for staff to work together on partnerships and shared activities. “Our new space is very bright, much more spacious and has a warm and inviting feel to it,” said Laura Riddle, associate director for Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling for the Counseling Center. “We hope that students will find it a welcoming and friendly place to come to learn more about themselves, and to seek support and assistance when needed.”

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming Office (AOD) and several Campus Wellness Center’s services has a separate entrance to the Counseling Center. AOD and The REAL Project moved to their new space on May 5.

After six months of being temporarily housed in the Health Center, the AOD staff and The REAL Project Peer Educators looked forward to unpacking boxes and setting up a permanent office. This new location will offer more accessibility for UCF students. The REAL Project, which was formerly part of REACH Peer Education, spent the previous nine years in temporary offices. “We have reached the promised land,” said Tom Hall, director for AOD.

In mid-summer, two of the relaxation services, biofeedback and one additional massage therapy office, will open their doors in the new AOD/Wellness area.

“As grows the university, so grow we,” says Terri Langford, coordinator for the Campus Wellness Center Services. “Our waiting lists for biofeedback and massage therapy signaled the need for additional services at about the same time that some of the REACH programs (sexuality, body image and HIV counseling and testing) re-joined us in the Campus Wellness Center last summer.” According to Langford, the new area will be much more quieter and suitable for the meditation and relaxation classes, as well as biofeedback and massage.

Health Center psychiatry staff will also be moving in this area to coordinate patient care more efficiently with the Counseling Center and Health Center Wellness providers.

Several of the Career Services & Experiential Learning (CSEL) offices will be moving this summer into the former Counseling Center in Ferrell Commons 203. Four offices will be provided for the Career Services “Career Planning Team” and “CSEL Administrative Team.” The remainder of the facility will accommodate the Experiential Learning staff, currently located in Howard Phillips Hall (PH), room 208.

CSEL is a collaboration between Student Development and Enrollment Services and Undergraduate Studies, which creates increased options for students, as well as programs and services for faculty and the community.

Melanie Parker is the executive director for CSEL reporting to Mark Allen Poisel, Academic Development and Retention. Sheri Dressler is the director for Experiential Learning reporting to John Schell, Undergraduate Studies. This collaboration has been growing over the past three years, and the move of Experiential Learning will increase the ability of both units to work more closely together.

When Experiential Learning vacates pH 208, this space will be shared with personnel from Student Disability Services (SDS) and the University Testing Center. This location will serve as a supplement to the SDS’ testing center, which gets crowded during the fall and spring semesters, and will support those students who need test accommodations such as extended time on tests and a distraction-reduced environment.

Welcome Back Rosen Students

Students were greeted with an Aloha Bash at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management’s front gates on the first day of class, May 15. Rosen students enjoyed non-alcoholic frozen drinks, candy, Hawaiian leis…..and relaxing island music. Students also received foam can holders, which included the Rosen Campus Life schedule of summer activities. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were excited to begin the new semester,” said Tiffany Greenis, assistant director, Rosen Campus Life.

Creative School for Children Alumna Receives Scholarship

Katie Ballantyne, a fifth grader at Joan Walker Elementary School, has been selected to receive one of the 2006 United States Space Camp scholarships from the Aerospace Education Foundation. She will participate in the Space Camp experience in Huntsville, Alabama in July. Ballantyne attended Creative School for Children ‘98-’00 and is the daughter of Jack Ballentyne, a UCF faculty member in the department of Chemistry and the National Center for Forensic Science.

Bob Faust Retires from the Health Center

Bob Faust, director for Health Services, was honored for his leadership and service with a retirement celebration on May 18. Faust came to UCF in April ‘97 as interim director for Student Health Services (now Health Services) and soon became director. The following are some of Health Services’ accomplishments during Faust’s tenure:

• Secured Substance Abuse programming grant for $260,000.
  
• One of three U.S. colleges or universities to receive a special grant funding from the American College Health Association for HIV educational programs directed at Latin fraternity and sorority students.
  
• Established a Travel Clinic for international travelers, students and faculty.
  
• Psychiatric services were expanded with the addition of the first full-time psychiatrist.
  
• Provided College of Health and Public Affairs internships for undergraduates.
  
• Implemented the Web- based triage system, 24/7 WebMed.
• Achieved national accreditation with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
• Completion of the new Health Center facility.
  
  

Two Events Honor Students with Awards

April was a memorable month of recognition and awards for the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) and Intramural Sports employees. On April 23, the first annual RWC Awards Banquet was held at the Leisure Pool and students and full-time employees were invited to sport their Hawaiian shirts and leis for a night of fun, food and recognition.

The following student employees were recipients of distinguished awards for their committed dedication to the center for academic ‘05-’06 year: Sara Kaufman (Member Services), Jennica Crum (Lifeguard), Amy Tiffany (Building Manager), Justinn Steffe (Outdoor Adventure Facilitator), Jennifer Montgomery (Tower), Imran Khan (Group Exercise Instructor), Gabrielle Bell (Fitness Employee), Justin Barnaky (Facilities), Tony Cabrera (Program), Roberta Nogueira (Unit–Leadership) and Michelle Meireles (RWC Employee of the Year).

On April 21, UCF Intramural Sports honored several students for their accomplishments during the 2005-06 academic year. TK McRory was voted by his peers as Official of the Year for his achievements. McRory worked championship games in flag football, basketball, soccer and hockey this year.

Officials who were honored in a sport included: Tim Travis (7 on 7 flag football), Dan Collins (basketball), Ian Ross (volleyball), Tom Eaton (floor hockey) and Sarah Crytzer (4 on 4 flag football). Nathan Blythe was named the Baseball Umpire of the Year and also set the record for most Intramural games officiated in a year (391). Other student winners included: Rebecca Mullen (Associate Director’s Award), Michael Boman (Intramural Supervisor of the Year) and Jon Anderson (UCF Officials Association Distinguished Service Award).

Center Earns National Accreditation

On April 27, the UCF Creative School for Children (CSC) earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We are proud to be accredited by NAEYC, and recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” says Marcia Diebler, director for CSC. “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our UCF community know that children in our program are receiving the best care and early learning experiences.”

By earning accreditation, the CSC has become a leader in a national effort to raise the quality of early childhood education. To earn accreditation, the school program conducted an intense self-study in the fall ‘04 and spring ‘05 semesters to determine how well it met the criteria and standards.

After necessary improvements were made, the CSC was observed and validated by an independent professional, and then reviewed by a national commission. The program is accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period. Kudos to the CSC faculty, staff and families for their commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

The CSC opened its doors in 1976 and is celebrating 30 years of excellence this year.


First Year of Targeted Majors Program Completed

The Florida Department of Education’s Board of Governors wants to increase the number of graduates in targeted majors to meet the professional and workforce needs of the state. These are high demand/high wage fields; areas of emerging technology; and critical needs professions.

Jacqueline Jessup, coordinator for Transfer Advising in Transfer and Transition Services, has spent the past year helping students choose majors and encouraging them to look closely at the list of 36 targeted majors designated by the state.

By meeting with departments of these majors, sending outreach e-mails to students, conducting individual and group advising sessions, and collaborating with community college advisors and faculty, Jessup connected personally with nearly 1,500 undecided students. She met her goal this year of assisting more than 100 students who were uncertain of their major to change to one of the targeted majors.

Connection for Summer Undeclared Students

The new undeclared policy will have an immediate impact on many students who have not yet selected a major. After earning 45 credit hours, students without a declared major will be placed on hold and required to seek academic advising. The Student Success Center’s Undeclared Team has scheduled summer events to help students find the major that is right for them.

Information tables are scheduled for June, and the “Pizza and a Major Workshop” and “Exploring Majors and Careers Workshop” are scheduled for July. At these events, advisors will review the new policy and explain the potential impact on students’ schedule planning and registration. Students will assess their interests and match them to majors, discover the connections between majors and careers, and get help to declare a major. . . securing another step in their progress towards graduation.

18th Annual Statewide Job Fair Benefits Students

The University of Central Florida’s Career Services & Experiential Learning in partnership with Florida Career Centers hosted the 18th Annual Statewide Job Fair in May. The event was a great success with 249 employers (18% increase from last year) and over 1,200 students in attendance.

Employers and students alike were pleased with the event. Pam Rosenberg with Cox Radio, Orlando, stated, “This was the best one yet. We were very pleased with how many qualified candidates we had to choose from.” According to Katie Wolczanski, a candidate for Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration, “The Statewide Job Fair was an incredible experience for a student to participate in. When I walked into the area, I felt such a high demand for employment. The employers love UCF students and I would recommend this opportunity to all students looking for a job or internship.”

The Statewide Job Fair provides employers the opportunity to recruit graduates and alumni from Florida’s ten state universities at one event.

Students Recognized with UCF’s Highest Honor

On April 17, two graduate and 11 undergraduate students were inducted into the Order of Pegasus, Class of 2006. The Order of Pegasus is the highest university honor recognizing outstanding graduating seniors and graduate students who have demonstrated exemplary involvement, leadership, academic achievement and community service. Students were congratulated by President John C. Hitt, Provost Terry Hickey and SDES Vice President Maribeth Ehasz.

Each student’s activities and community service, academic awards, honors and leadership service was highlighted, including excerpts from their glowing letters of reference. Students are nominated annually during the fall semester by university officials.

A separate selection committee reviews their credentials, interviews nominees, and makes the final determination of who receives this prestigious award.Front row: Amy Schwartz, Ravi Todi, Katherine Brown, Jennifer Curry, Morgan Cyphers, Noel Blanchet, Sohang Gandhi. Back row: Jennifer Hartzler, Trenton Scott, Kelly Simonz, Melissa Lanzone, Alison Valentine, Arianne Buchanan.The UCF Tennis Club won first place at the Gaterbowl in Gainesville, October 2005.

UCF Tennis Team Receives Awards

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Florida Campus Championship Series is a collegiate club league founded by UCF senior Brent Boostrom. Its season is comprised of a monthly tournament in which schools from the Southeast accumulate points. The series had such a high degree of success in its inaugural season that USTA sections around the country are planning to emulate the format next season. UCF received the Tennis Ace award for best college tennis program by the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association in April.

While the Intramural program has enjoyed success for its high student turnout of approximately 200, the Tennis Club has found match success on the court. The traveling team, which consists of 30 players, has won five of six tournaments this year, including a state championship. At the national championship in Austin, Texas, UCF won the Silver Award.

In an effort to include players of all levels, the Tennis Club hosted the Tennis Fair for the second straight year on March 8. Students were encouraged to come out to play, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun cardio workout.

Welcome to SDES

• Rowena Beredo, program assistant, Career Services & Experiential Learning
  
• Laura Creegan, coordinator, Student Conduct
  
• Aaron Misiano, coordinator, computer applications, Counseling Center
  

SDES Council New Mission and News

The SDES Council 2006-07 members have created a new mission and have begun the planning process to implement its goals this fall. The SDES Council’s new mission is “to create a positive work environment by strengthening communication within SDES through employee relations, promotion of professional development opportunities and service to the community.”

As mentioned during the Celebration Breakfast in April, the council has created a relationship with Bonneville Elementary School. The SDES Council has adopted the school and looks forward to the first project to help students in need. At the end of the month, the council will send a list of required student school supplies to each SDES department and ask staff to fill backpacks with school supplies for individual students.

The council has also challenged each SDES department to get involved in its programs including professional development, outreach and more. If you have any questions, contact Suzi Katz at 407.823.3555 or e-mail skatz@mail.ucf.edu.

SDES Division Changes

• Celeste Ferguson has been promoted to assistant director for Multicultural Academic and Support Services (MASS). Ferguson joined the University of Central Florida in 2001 as coordinator, Academic Support Services in the MASS office, overseeing both the Freshman Success and Transition Program and the Reclaiming Educational Achievement through Communication and Hard Work (REACH) Program. She currently serves on several university committees and is an advisor to the UCF Gospel and Cultural Choir.
  • Cristina Vega has been promoted from program assistant to office manager of the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC).
  

Awards and Recognition

• Transfer and Transition Services Web site, http://transfer.sdes.ucf.edu, was selected for the 2006 National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) Outstanding Advising Technology Innovation award. Director Charlene Stinard will accept the award at the annual conference in October. Congratulations to Bryce Jackson, technology specialist and Web developer, for his work towards this prestigious award.
  
• Edwanna Andrews (Student Academic Resource Center), Karina Carlock (Registrar’s), Sophie Cortes-Thomas (Orientation Services), Mayra Hoffman (Career Services & Experiential Learning), Celeste Ferguson (Multicultural Academic and Support Services), Sheryl Gamble (Health Services), Stephen O’Connell (First Year Advising and Exploration) and Pamela Rea (Student Disability Services) received a certificate and photo with President Hitt for completion of the Leadership Excellence Series.

ADR Staff Enhance Their Leadership Skills

Recently, six members of the Academic Development and Retention (ADR) staff graduated from the Leadership Enhancement Program (LEP). The LEP scholars further developed their leadership skills through this intensive 10-month program. Upon completion, each scholar received a certificate and a LEP lapel pin signifying alumni status.

“I am very proud of all of the ADR staff members who participated and completed the LEP this year. They were excellent representatives of their departments and the division. I know they will continue their great work here at UCF, and hopefully go on to be leaders in their departments, the division, the university and the community,” said Mark Allen Poisel, associate vice president for ADR.

Linda Anderson Selected as USPS Employee of the Month

Linda Anderson, program assistant for the University Testing Center, was selected as the university’s USPS Employee of the Month for April 2006. Anderson has 30 years experience within the State University System; 20 years with UCF.

Fellow co-workers say, “Linda continuously improves her contributions to the department which is evidenced by seeking new ways to enhance testing practices, continuing to develop both personally and professionally, encouraging professional support activities and diligently pursuing collaborative efforts among testing professionals, testing companies and other agencies. Linda exemplifies how individuals can consistently and continually contribute to the development of an organization,” and “Linda takes pride in her work and consistently performs a difficult and demanding job extremely well.”

SDES Council

Ideas, suggestions or comments? Contact a SDES Council member: sdescoun@mail.ucf.edu.

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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