UKnighted Newsletter
May 2006

Students Share the Experience of Giving to Others

Spring Break is a time for students to relax and have fun in the sun, but some students chose the opportunity to take an Alternative Spring Break, volunteering their time to help others in need.

“Alternative Spring Break has been the most rewarding experience that I have ever had,” said Faraaz Merchant, junior. On April 4, this sentiment was shared by participants of nine Alternative Spring Break (ASB) community service excursions as they were reunited with their group members as well as other ASB group participants. The reunion gave the participants an opportunity to share stories and experiences of their week-long service.

Collages of pictures decorated the room and groups dressed in their matching colored ASB T-shirts. The Tryon, North Carolina group created their own ASB T-shirts and sported Habitat for Humanity tool belts. Each group prepared a presentation to share and talk about their trip through the use of videos, rap songs and culinary creations.

“The two presentations on the New Orleans hurricane relief trips were particularly heartfelt,” says Jaclyn Bayer, interim coordinator for LINK First Year Experience program. New Orleans’ site leader Brittany Moscato said, “It was inspirational to see all of the volunteers there and how the people came together to rebuild their city because they weren’t willing to let Katrina wash away their heritage.”

According to Sandi Bednarz, site leader for the Tryon group, “I don’t think people realize what they are capable of, and this trip gave my group the opportunity to see the power of nine students with a goal to make a change in someone else’s life. College is more than a degree. It’s about giving yourself the chance to see the possibilities of the world. I think that ASB is awesome, not only for the communities it helps, but also the students that it changes.”

Each student had the opportunity to shine as a leader and showcase their different skills. According to Tristen Anderson, elementary education freshman, “Not only did I learn a lot about myself and my leadership abilities, but I was able to experience the benefits of working together with others and the benefits of when everybody is striving for the same goal.”

Each participant left the reunion with a sense of renewed accomplishment and well-deserved pride. ASB 2006 participants served the Central Florida area as well as traveled to states including: Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Alternative Spring Break 2006 Sites

Albany, GA and Tryon, NC–Each of the two groups worked on building a home for Habitat for Humanity alongside other college ASB groups.

Atlanta, GA–Two groups worked with agencies such as Piedmont Park Conservancy, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, and Atlanta Children’s Shelter.

New Orleans, LA–Two groups gutted and salvaged parts from homes in the area damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Nashville, TN–The group built wheelchair ramps for Cerebral Palsy victims and played wheelchair basketball.

Orlando–Participants worked with various agencies, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army, Children’s Home Society, Boys and Girls Club, Ripple Effect and the Place of Comfort.

Eustis, FL–Students volunteered at Camp Boggy Creek with children on ventilated assistance.

Athletes Get Checked Out at Health Center

Three consecutive evening events were held at the Health Center to provide athletic physicals for nearly 400 UCF scholarship athletes. The entire football team, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and crew teams were just part of the diverse group. The physical exams were performed by UCF Athletic Department trainers, and physicians from Florida Hospital and the UCF Health Center. Additionally, in partnership with Cognoscenti Health Institute, blood draws were done on 200 female athletes as part of an anemia screening program.

“The size and design of the new Health Center worked extremely well in processing this many folks through their examinations in a relatively short period of time,” stated Bob Faust, director for Health Services.

Collaborative Efforts Benefit UCF’s Young Golden Knights

The Cornerstone project group, “4 Guys, 2 Girls and a Mission” from the College of Business Administration along with the Creative School Parent Association, held the Spring Family Festival on April 7 at the Creative School for Children (CSC) outdoor grounds. Over 250 were in attendance including children, families of CSC, faculty and staff. The Cornerstone group provided pizza and families provided side dishes and desserts. The highlight was the “bounce house” for the children to enjoy throughout the evening.

On April 14, the CSC children hunted for 1,450 hidden eggs around the school at their annual spring celebration. Special thanks goes to the Cornerstone project group for gaining sponsorship from Aristocrat Volkswagon to provide the eggs and surprises hidden inside each plastic egg.

KnightWalk Raises Money for Research

Volunteer UCF and the March of Dimes hosted the first-ever KnightWalk to raise money for research to cure prematurity and infant mortality in newborns. On March 26, over 100 walkers participated in the two-mile brisk walk. President John C. Hitt welcomed the participants. Entertainment and food were provided. KnightWalk raised over $6,000 for the March of Dimes. Volunteer UCF promotes community service and education on various social issues through a variety of programs, committees, events and ongoing projects.

Student-Athletes Recognized in April

Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA) celebrated National STUDENT-Athlete Day with two events in April. On April 6, ASSA presented “A Day in the Life of UCF Student-Athletes” to over 50 faculty and staff. Courtney Baines (women’s soccer), Academic All-American and UCF Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and George O’Leary, Conference USA Coach-of-the Year, shared their experiences working with student-athletes.

A record 375 student-athletes were honored for their excellence in the classroom during a ceremony on April 10. The recognized student-athletes earned a 3.0 or better semester GPA during the 2005 calendar year with 43 receiving distinction as Knights of the Roundtable with a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, 17 students were recognized for their work in the community. In all, student-athletes reached out to over 7,000 people in the Orlando area through community service projects. “We are proud of the commitment our outstanding student-athletes have displayed in the classroom and in the community,” said Mark Gumble, director of ASSA. “These scholar-athletes add to the fabric of excellence at UCF.”

Ex-Mafia Speaks at UCF about Gambling

Michael Franzese, formerly the “Prince of the Mafia” in New York, presented “Pitfalls and Dangers of Sports Betting and Gambling” to the UCF community. Franzese was a mob boss dealing in gambling, loan sharking and corporate crime before he was indicted in the 1980’s and sentenced to 10 years in prison. At the request of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he began educating athletes and others about the dangers of gambling. Over 400 people attended the March event in recognition of Gambling Awareness Month.

The SDES Campus Task Force on the Prevention of Gambling (represented by SDES and UCF Athletics staff, and community members: Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Coalition for a Drug Free Orange County) sponsored this UCF event. The campus-wide task force was created last summer to educate the campus community about college student gambling and the risk of experiencing negative consequences as a result of problem and compulsive gambling.

Students Speak at Open Forum

Students had the opportunity to voice their concerns at the Student Open Forum on April 6. Some issues they addressed were: student health fee increase, current research projects in development on campus, need for increase in graduate stipends, access to more fellowships for international students, environmental concerns including global warming and recycling, and availability of child care for non-traditional students. The panel of administrators thanked the students for their participation and deep concern for the UCF community and will closely examine the issues brought forth by the students. The panel included President John C. Hitt; Maribeth Ehasz, Student Development and Enrollment Services; Provost Terry Hickey, Academic Affairs; William Merck, Administration and Finance; and Tom Huddleston, Marketing, Communications and Admissions.

Reaching Out to Students in Major Need

During the 2005-06 academic year, undeclared students were offered numerous advising outreach opportunities through the Student Success Center (SSC) offices: First Year Advising and Exploration, Student Academic Resource Center, and Transfer and Transition Services. The outreach sessions explored UCF major and minor program options, discussed connections between major selection and future careers, and reviewed course selections to assist students in making well-informed decisions.

The SSC Undeclared Team provided 28 advising outreach programs last year with 589 students attending at least one program. SSC collaborated with campus partners (Career Services & Experiential Learning, LINK First Year Experience Program and Residence Life) to promote and assist with the sessions. By the end of March, 31 percent of undeclared FTIC’s and 52 percent of undeclared upperclassmen had declared majors. Freshman Eileen Healy praised SSC and advisor Iceney Ceasar. “Once I found a field–pharmacy, Iceney helped me to plan out the courses I would be taking.”

UCF Stars Fell on Alabama

March 23-25 welcomed the Southern Region Orientation Workshop (SROW) at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. UCF participants included Joe Ritchie, Eric Hennes, Jodi Farbstein, Lindi Smedberg and all 33 O-Teamers. They connected with other staff from nearly 70 institutions in nine states, attended educational sessions and heard keynote speaker Chad Crittenden from Survivor: Vanuatu (TV show). The UCF O-Team alone raised more than one-third the total dollar amount ($3,000+), which was donated to institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina, helping those staff members to attend SROW.

Ritchie, Hennes, Farbstein, and Orientation’s two student coordinators (Kali Titus and Jonathan Earnest) all presented programs. The O-Teamers won second place in the school banner competition and brought home a hard-earned third place win for the dance competition. Ritchie earned honorable mention for the Outstanding Director Award.

Peers from Three Colleges Share Stories

On April 5, professional staff, peer tutors and Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders from the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) joined the tutorial staff from Rollins College and Muhlenberg College for an evening of exchange and presentations. The Student Resource Center at Rollins College hosted 38 peer tutors and SI leaders, who engaged in conversation about their experience in serving fellow students. Presentations from Muhlenberg College peer tutors included “Making the First Session Count” and “Stress: What Tutors Need to Know.” Tutors and SI leaders had the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices, and learn valuable information that can enhance their sessions.

Elizabeth Medina, Human Physiology tutor from SARC, regarded her experience as enlightening. “It was really great to learn how other colleges serve students in the form of tutoring. I was able to realize the importance of tailoring one’s tutorial session to fit the needs of the students at your particular campus.” The meeting established an important partnership and set the stage for future collaborations between SARC and the tutorial programs at Rollins College and Muhlenberg College.

LEAD Scholars Project Helps Raise Moneyfor the Girls and Boys Town

Lauryn Migenes, LEAD Scholars Faculty Fellow, and her classes worked with the Girls and Boys Town in their 20th Anniversary Celebration and Yard Sale. “I am very proud of my students that helped raise close to $15,000 at the event and contributed over 150 community service hours to the Girls and Boys Town during the semester,” says Migenes.

Students helped organize and price donated items and publicized the event through flyers and newspaper articles. LEAD scholars raised money through car washes and bake sales to pay for activities and refreshments which they provided for the event’s attendees and the Girls and Boys Town residents.

Some LEAD scholars’ testimonials include:

• “This effort taught me that hard work, team efforts and a lot of heart always pays off in the end.”
• “No joy can be compared to the joy you get when you help someone.”

Panel Offers Psychology Majors Career Advice and Job Options

Career Services & Experiential Learning developed and facilitated a career panel discussion for psychology majors on April 5. The event featured six panelists with extensive experience who provided advice and guidance to students on psychology careers. Questions for the panel were developed by the Psi-Chi National Honor Society of Psychology and the Psychological Society at UCF. The event attracted 130 psychology majors, mostly juniors and seniors, interested in learning about career options available after graduation. In addition, there was a mini-career fair after the panel discussion that provided opportunities for students to pass their resumes along to employers for internship, co-op and full-time employment opportunities.

Welcome to SDES

• Lena Holton, senior clerk, Housing and Residence Life
• Kay Zin O Ma, program assistant, Counseling Center
• Stephanie Mejia, office assistant, First Year Advising and Exploration
  
• Donna Vrtar, cashier supervisor, Health Services

SDES Division Changes

• Fritzlaine “Laine” Powell is the director of Partnership Development and responsible for identifying programs and services in Campus Life and SDES that provide opportunities for collaborative partnerships. She will play an important role in facilitating the development of partnerships with stakeholders inside the university and the Orlando Metropolitan area. Powell joined UCF in 1999 and has held positions in the Office of Minority Programs in Education, First Year Advising and Information Services, and the Student Academic Resource Center. She also serves on various boards including the University of Florida Black Alumni Association and Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida and a Master of Education in Counselor Education from Pennsylvania State University. Powell can be reached at 407.823.2626 or at the Student Union, room 304.

Presentations

• Mark Allen Poisel, associate vice president for Academic Development and Retention, and DeLaine Priest, assistant vice president of the Student Success Center, facilitated a national Web conference titled “Using Innovations in First Year Advising to Enhance Student Success.” The two-hour presentation discussed implementation of innovative academic advising programs for first-year students, and strategies, techniques and effective assessment tools for firstyear program. Over 50 institutions participated in the April Web conference.
• Dennis Congos, First Year Advising and Exploration (FYAE) presented a workshop, “Learning Skills Professionals as Therapists? What?” at the Association for the Tutoring Profession Conference in San Antonio, TX, March 28.

SDES Employees Celebrate at Annual Breakfast

Over 300 SDES employees gathered to enjoy a breakfast buffet and acknowledge colleagues for their many years of service at the Eighth Annual Celebration Breakfast on April 24. Special recognition awards were also presented. As a small token of appreciation, the SDES Council presented Maribeth Ehasz with a Memory Book highlighting her first two years as vice president in SDES.

Congratulations 2006 Award Recipient

• Exceptional Partnership: John Schell, Undergraduate Studies
• Continuous Learner/Stands for Opportunity: Ana Mack, Student Academic Resource Center
• Community Connection: Suzi Katz, National Consortium for Academics and Sports
• Commitment to Diversity: Chantel Carter, Office of Student Involvement
• Outstanding Collaborative Effort: Shane Cadden, Housing and Residence Life and Germayne Graham, Counseling Center
• Way to Go: Craig Wymer, Housing and Residence Life
• Experienced Pro: Linda Anderson, University Testing Center
• Overall Operational Excellence: A&P– Richard McLaughlin, Counseling Center and USPS–Scott Hicks, Orientation Services
• New Pro: Tyler Sims, Student Union
• Pride in Customer Service: Denise Drew, Academic Services
• Team of the Year: Student Success Center

The UCF Creed

Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance and decisions.

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.

Denise Devlin Selected as USPS Employee of the Month

Denise Devlin, Instructional Facilities scheduler for the Registrar’s Office, was selected as the university’s USPS Employee of the Month for February 2006. Devlin has been employed with the office since 2001.

Fellow co-workers say, “Denise provides an exceptional level of leadership and direction for both the Registrar’s Office scheduling area as well as for the college schedulers,” and “Denise has been able to coordinate all of the work with other staff and makes sure everything gets done efficiently and effectively.”

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