UKnighted Newsletter
September 2007

Student Development and Enrollment Services Reconsidered

The start of the fall term was a great success with over 48,000 students enrolled. What impact can Student Development and Enrollment Services have on the learning and success of these students? My hope is that all of us in SDES can work together with our university partners to be “stepping stones to student learning and success,” paving the paths for students to make the most of their UCF experience. As we begin this new semester, I invite you to reconsider how we work together to accomplish the SDES mission and goals.

Mission: Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES), in collaboration with university and community partners, empowers students to succeed by providing opportunities and support to develop integrity, scholarship, community, creativity and excellence.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Provide quality programs, services and learning environments that promote progression to graduation, graduate school and productive employment.
• Create opportunities for students to strengthen life skills and develop purpose, integrity, ethical standards and civic responsibility.
• Embrace diversity and foster engagement in the global community.

In 2006-07, SDES produced many success stories including: six model programs for the 2006-07 Institutional Effectiveness cycle; $313,500 in new grant funding awards; the launch of the Virtual Student Services on the SDES Web site; implementation of the first Bilingual Orientation in which 80 percent of the sessions were presented in Spanish; establishment of the Sophomore and Second Year Center; selection from 100 college health services applicants to receive the American College Health Association Koster Grant for Innovation; receipt of a Core Commitment Grant from the American Association of Colleges and Universities; the launch of the Pegasus Parent Web site; administration of the Alcohol EDU to all new freshmen; and a division award from the Consortium for Student Retention and Data Exchange (CSRDE), “2006 Best Retention Practices Award.” These are only a few of our many accomplishments and all are a result of working together with our university partners to enhance student learning and success.

Also, we can be proud of our role in increasing FTIC retention rates substantially this year. The fall full-time rate is 85 percent, the highest retention rate to date at UCF. Although this rate may decrease slightly after the drop for non-payment process is completed, it is an outstanding preliminary finding.

As we embrace the challenge of divisional budget restrictions on travel, hiring and expenses, I am not asking you to do more with less, but rather to develop strategic, innovative approaches to accomplish our mission. We have successfully implemented assessment initiatives to determine the quality and efficiency of our programs and services; we must now relocate the emphasis to assessing our impact on student learning and success.

To assist in these efforts, SDES will add broad student learning themes to our mission and strategic initiatives. I encourage you to leverage your resources by working together to build cross functional teams that will maximize the potential for student development and learning.

We can agree that the student who comes to UCF is not the same student who departs upon graduation. How does this transformation occur? Consider your involvement in student development and learning. As a result of your programs and services, what will students know? What will students be able to do? Let us unite in our efforts to ensure that this transformation occurs intentionally. We have an exciting opportunity to create pathways that guide students along these stepping stones to learning and success. Let’s have another great year together.



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



IOTA THETA Chapter Earns Top Honors at National Conference

Iota Theta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, UCF’s newest chapter, became the youngest chapter in Theta Chi history to earn the prestigious Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence, the highest honor that the fraternity can bestow upon a chapter.

“We have had many firsts and great successes in our short history,” said Joe Kovecses. “In my second semester as president, I will use all the positive energy and momentum within my chapter to improve and grow the Greek community at UCF.”

In addition to the Alter Award, the chapter took home a number of other distinctions. They were named Second Runner-Up for the James Michael Holland Award, which is given to the chapter that recruits the most men during the academic year, and earned the Philip S. Randall Award for recruiting more than 30 men during the academic year.

Visitors Enhance SDES and Employer Partnerships

Recently, Career Services & Experiential Learning staff coordinated two visits to local area employers: State Farm Insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

First, CSEL staff visited the operational center for State Farm Insurance, located in the nearby Quadrangle area. In addition to learning about the various career paths, entry-level career options and overall company culture, CSEL staff had the opportunity to network with managers and UCF alumni.

As a result of this visit, a collaboration between UCF and State Farm regarding special services and programs for minority males at both organizations is being pursued.

The second employer visit, with Enterprise Rent-A-Car at their Orlando corporate offices, strengthened CSEL’s existing partnership. CSEL staff was updated on the growing trend of employers requiring applicants to apply only online, participated in an illuminating activity related to diversity and met with UCF alumni in leadership roles within the company.

“It was wonderful to see so many Knights exploring ways to enhance the existing partnerships between these employers and UCF,” said Heather Engelking, CSEL assistant director for Employer Relations.

Lockheed Martin Interns Reach Out to Local Community

On August 10, several UCF/Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP) students partnered with Lockheed Martin’s summer interns to give back to the community by volunteering their time and talent to help Give Kids the World. The organization fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses by allowing the children and their families to visit Central Florida attractions cost-free.

“The UCF-Lockheed Martin Work Experience Program is an exceptional partnership that allows students to augment their education through workplace application onsite at Lockheed Martin facilities in Orlando,” said Amy Kleemen, associate director for CSEL.

According to Kerry Fleming, assistant director for CSEL, “Most importantly it enables our UCF students to use his/her ability to promote self-improvement and develop one’s character. Volunteer work can often give you a whole new perspective on life.”

CWEP is a program at the Office of Career Services and Experiential Learning (CSEL).

Big Turn Out to Party Like a Rock Star

Over 2,300 students came out on August 24 for the “Party Like a Rock Star” Late Knights’ celebration welcoming students back for another year. That same day, the Student Union celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Music, fun and games flooded the first floor of the Student Union as attendees participated in activities such as: karaoke, Dance Dance Revolution, make your own music video, jousting, a highlighter party and an oxygen bar. On the second floor, students lined up to receive cake, pizza and chicken wings in honor of the Student Union’s 10 years.

Late Knights offers students the opportunity to participate in fun and free activities on a weekend night without having to leave campus. In the past, this event has typically attracted over 1,400 students, but given the success of this first event of the 2007-08 academic year, it looks like Late Knights might be having its best year yet. Next month’s Late Knights is themed “Casino Royal” on September 28 starting at 9 p.m. in the Student Union.



Health Services Launches “YOUR” Campaign

UCF Health Services, which includes the UCF Health Center, Wellness Center and Pharmacy, is launching a new campaign that students can identify with. Health Services is funded by students and is here for students.

Erin Kettles, the new marketing director for UCF Health Services, is striving to establish a consistent, positive message about the quality and variety of services available to UCF students, faculty and staff.

“YOUR” ads will be seen in the Central Florida Future and throughout campus during the academic year. The campaign also features a newly launched Health Services Web site, www.hs.ucf.edu, to complement the new brand image.

UCF Health Services offers UCF students, staff and faculty a wide range of health and wellness benefits including primary care, women’s health care, X-ray and laboratory services, affordable prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, biofeedback stress management and much more.



Testing Center Receives National Recognition

University Testing Center (UTC) received national recognition from the College Board as being one of the top 100 CLEP test centers in the country in the number of CLEP exams administered in 2006-07. This is the fourth consecutive year the UTC has been given this honor.

UCF ranked 26th for 2006-07 (601 exams administered) and last year ranked 29th for 2005-06 (636 exams administered). Although the UTC administered fewer exams, they went up in the rankings this year.

“UTC is committed to the CLEP program and providing CLEP exams as an educational opportunity that will help connect students to college success,” said Rebecca Piety, assistant director.

SDES Hosts the University of South Carolina

SDES hosted a university-site visit for the University of South Carolina’s Chrissy Coley, assistant vice provost for Student Success Initiatives, and her staff of six on July 25. Coley and her team met with Mark Allen Poisel, associate vice president for Academic Development and Retention, and DeLaine Priest, assistant vice president for Student Success Center, and was particularly interested in the programs and services affiliated with their offices.

The group also met with directors from the following units: Student Academic Resource Center, Multicultural Academic and Support Services, First Year Advising and Exploration, Sophomore and Second Year Center, and Transfer and Transition Services.

The Awesome OSSM Program

The LINK-sponsored Out-of-State Student Mentoring (OSSM) program is designed specifically to aid first year out-of-state students with their transition to UCF and the surrounding community.

During the summer, the OSSM (pronounced “awesome”) mentors participated in a training program that included a session on the Recreation and Wellness Center’s Challenge Course, team-building games and extensive training on how to better connect with students.

Student mentors assist their peers in getting involved in campus and community life and help students deal with other issues they may encounter during their first year. Throughout the semester and academic year, the OSSM Mentors will design socials and programs where students from other states can meet each other, have fun and connect with the UCF campus and Orlando community.

Out-of-state students who would like to be involved in OSSM, contact: link@mail.ucf.edu or fill out an interest form on their Web site at: www.link.ucf.edu/ossm.

Future Student Praises Peer Mentor for his Assistance

Peer Mentors are an intricate part of Transfer and Transition Services (TTS). These Peer Mentors, hired on a yearly basis, receive extensive training on university policies, academic advising and student service. Their level of knowledge and professionalism is demonstrated daily. This is what one potential student had to say:

“Peer Mentor Jared helped me above and beyond any other school employee I have run into at any other university or community college. I am located in Dallas, Texas, and thought it would be very difficult to acquire information from afar. I was wrong. Speaking to Jared over the phone and getting assistance over 1,100 miles away was easier than receiving help from someone in my local community college.

After talking to Jared, I feel like the University of Central Florida will be the right choice for me. I will think of this experience, and the other great people I will meet just like Jared when I attend this school. Thank you for showing me the kind of people that Florida, and more specifically, UCF, has to offer.”

Last year, TTS Peer Mentors assisted more than 6,800 transfer students in the office and more than 4,800 students at transfer orientations.

Southern Region Gears up for Fall Resource FAIR

October 2 will mark the date of the first Southern Region Fall Resource FAIR [Focus on Access to Institutional Resources] from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Cocoa campus and 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the Palm Bay campus. This multi-campus event will showcase both Southern Region resources and Orlando campus resources that enhance academic success and student retention.

The Cocoa event will include an open house for the newly renovated student lounge, SGA offices and the quiet study room. “The new lounge will hopefully bring students together and give them an opportunity to connect with other students or just chill out and relax,” said Sara Stoeckel, Southern Region area student coordinator for SGA.

The Palm Bay campus event will be in partnership with Brevard Community College. Both events will include resource table displays, walk-in advising, food, fun and prizes. To reserve a table display space, call Southern Region Student Services at 321.433.7950.

Health Services Celebrates Fall Kickoff

UCF Health Services held their Fall Kickoff on August 13 celebrating the highlights and accomplishments of the 2006-07 school year. Maribeth Ehasz, vice president for SDES and Craig Ullom, associate vice president for Campus Life, expressed their appreciation to the Health Services staff for their important role in the overall SDES mission and invaluable service to the students.

Presentations were given by members of the Health Services staff, including Bob Wirag, Dr. Michael Deichen, Dr. James Schaus, Claudia Witcher, Terry Wheeler, Kristina Grabnickas, Sheryl Gamble, Erin Kettles, Larry Bridgham and Peter Mastroianni.

Other highlights of the event included the raffling of a football signed by Coach O’Leary, a visit from Miss UCF and a tailgate teaser potluck feast that was provided by staff members of Health Services.

SDES Changes

• Career Services and Experiential Learning changed the name of the office that reports under SDES to just Career Services. Some events/items may still be referred to as Career Services and Experiential Learning (CSEL) to describe the partnership or joint activities. However, the name for Career Services sponsored programs will just show Career Services as part of SDES.

SDES Awards and Recognition

• Lauren Heunis, senior clerk, was named the Registrar’s Office (RO) Summer 2007 Employee of the Semester. Heunis has worked in the RO since May 2006 and played an instrumental role in the development of the new orientation video for students.
• Joe Ritchie, Orientation Services, received the Volunteer of the Year award for his role as faculty advisor of the Mu Eta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at UCF.

SDES Presentation

• Bill Blank, Career Services, presented, “A Holistic Approach to Career Planning: Freshmen Through Seniors” at the National Career Development Association Global Conference, held in Seattle this past July.
• Jeff Novak, Housing and Residence Life, served as the program chair for the 2007 Annual Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) Conference and Exposition held in Seattle, July 7-10.

SDES Council Corner
E-mail: sdescoun@mail.ucf.edu


Bonneville Backpack Project

Thanks to everyone for their generosity and assistance with the Bonneville Elementary School Backpack Project. SDES, in partnership with Target, donated over 60 stuffed backpacks to families that were unable to afford school supplies. On August 8, SDES, Target and Bonneville personnel assembled the backpacks and transported them to the school.

The backpacks, which were presented to the students on the first day of class, included crayons, tissues, pencils, paper, folders, hand wipes, pencil boxes and much more. In addition, the Bonneville Elementary School teachers were thankful for the extra supplies SDES provided for their classrooms.

“I would like to express my gratitude for your collection and donation of backpacks and school supplies,” said Meg King, Bonneville Elementary counselor.

Special thanks to SDES Council members, Tricia Tomeu (Career Services) and Jessica Falco (Student Union) for coordinating the event.

Thank you Target for your donations and assistance in the Bonneville Backpack Project.

To view photos, visit: www.sdes.ucf.edu, click on Staff News and Information, then on 2007 Bonneville Backpack Project.

Welcome to SDES

•Josefina Aleman, custodial worker, Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC)
•Michael Cronyn, physician’s assistant, Health Services
•Virginia (Ginny) Dear, assistant, Eastern Region Student Services
•Lindsey Ervin, coordinator, Student Affairs, RWC
•Shelley Hall, program assistant, Counseling Center
•Teresa Lyons-Oten, College of Medicine registrar, Registrar’s Office (RO)
•Lisa Malinowski, advance registered nurse practitioner, Health Services
•Kathleen Melvin, office assistant, Health Services
•Rafael Padrón, accountant, Activity and Service Fee Business Office
•Steven Sesit, associate university registrar, PeopleSoft functional lead for student records, RO
•LeAnne Wawrzaszek, specialist, student counseling, Counseling Center

SDES Represented at Marine Corps Educators’ Workshop

The U.S. Marine Corps hosted an Educators’ Workshop at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, July 16–20. Thirty-five attendees from colleges and universities across the country participated.

SDES had four representatives participate in the workshop: Sharon Ekern, associate vice president for Administrative Services; and from Career Services Tracy Thomas, assistant director; Katie Cox, assistant director; and Annie Ware, coordinator.

“After witnessing the training at Quantico, all of the [UCF] participants came away with a much better understanding and new appreciation for what it takes to be a Marine,” said Cox.

Highlights of the trip included the Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia; the rifle range, where participants were given the opportunity to fire different military weapons; and the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

For students interested in pursuing the Marine Corps Officers program, contact Master Sergeant Jimmy Cook at 407.249.5873.

Registrar’s Office Coordinates Summer Commencements

Dennis Dulniak, university registrar; Paul Viau, associate university registrar; and Joy Blair, assistant university registrar; and the Registrar’s staff directed three commencement ceremonies on August 3. The ceremonies were held at the UCF Arena with 1,600 graduates. Commencement speakers included Charles Reed, chancellor of the California State University; Gary Sain, president and chief executive officer of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Geraldine Thompson, state representative.

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