2019-2020 Family Calendar

2019–2020 FAMILY CALENDAR

DREAM BIG

U N I V E R S I T Y O F C E N T R A L F LO R I DA

STARTING AN ACADEMIC CAREER What an exciting and challenging time! Your student is settling into life adjusting to their class schedule, finding their way around campus and forming new friendships.

Their first few weeks at UCF will be thrilling, but may also bring challenges. Separation from family and hometown friends brings the need to find a new support system. Students may also wonder how they will get along with new roommates and professors. They may interact with others who have beliefs and values different from their own. They will also learn it’s critical they make good decisions — how much to study, how they will become involved in co-curricular activities, or how many hours a week they will spend at a part-time job. It may seem that this is a lot to cope with so early in a college career, but research shows that students make these types of decisions and establish corresponding patterns of behavior within the first two weeks of classes. The good news is there is a world of possibilities open to students, with the assistance of many staff and services, to help them become successful at UCF. The best thing you can do as a parent

or family member is to maintain consistent communication; ask questions about their activities, classes and new friends; be understanding — and let them know how much you care.

Greetings!

On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I want to welcome you to the University of Central Florida. We are delighted that you have chosen to become a UCF Knight!

At UCF, we value the power of discovery, the diversity of our campus community and reaching for the stars, and we promote diversity and inclusion. Our students come from 50 states, 66 counties and 148 countries, and have access to programs and services that are dedicated to helping them succeed.

The transition to college life is integral to student success, and we want to make it as smooth as possible. Our learning-centered campus communities offer enriching opportunities that prepare students to be bold, innovative and socially responsible. Students are encouraged to grow, succeed and excel. Our staff within the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services will help you become familiar with our campus community. We offer a warm, meaningful and rewarding collegiate experience by providing high-quality academic support, tutoring, recreation and wellness, residential life, career services, testing, accessibility services, financial aid, scholarships, counseling and psychological services, and much more.

With more than 600 student clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone — the opportunity to learn, to participate, to serve and to lead. We pride ourselves on being America’s Partnership University, and we work closely with a wide variety of employers who provide our students with internships and other work experiences that lead to exciting job opportunities. We encourage students to take advantage of the numerous learning opportunities offered inside and outside of our classrooms and research facilities. To learn more about our programs and services, please visit sdes.ucf.edu.

SUMMER DATES TO REMEMBER May 12 13 16

On-Campus Housing Opens Sessions A , C, & D Classes Begin Drop/Swap Deadline for Sessions A, C, & D

June 6 21

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Withdrawal Deadline for Session A Withdrawal Deadline for Session D Classes End for Session A Session B Classes Begin Drop/Swap Deadline for Session B

July

If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at ucfsdesvp@ucf.edu.

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Go Knights! Charge on!

August

Sincerely,

Maribeth Ehasz, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services

Withdrawal Deadline for Session C Classes End for Session D Withdrawal Deadline for Session B

2 Classes End for Sessions B & C 3 Commencement

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DEAL WITH NEW BEGINNINGS

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While the start of the new academic year is an exciting time for students,

Encourage your student to connect with their academic advisor and to get

often family members are the ones who suffer from separation anxiety.

involved. Establishing these connections will bring you comfort that they

Here are some recommendations:

have a support network at UCF.

Be supportive and encouraging to offset any fears or concerns about new

Plan your next visit to campus. Family Weekend is a great time to visit.

beginnings and your student’s first year at UCF. Learn about the numerous services UCF offers to assist your student in their success — and encourage your student to use them. Stay informed by signing up for our monthly newsletter at fye.sdes.ucf.edu/parents.

Start a new tradition with siblings still living at home. Family movie night?

Fried chicken Friday? Weekly FaceTime chat with your UCF Knight?

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Plan ahead for move-in weekend. Information on how to prepare and specific dates can be found at www.housing.ucf.edu/movein.

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On-Campus Housing for Summer Closes — 10 p.m.

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PEGASUS PALOOZA On-Campus Housing Opens

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FALL

CLASSES BEGIN

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PEGASUS PALOOZA Last Day to Drop/Swap

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vs. Florida A&M

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Last Day to Add

For the full list of Pegasus Palooza events, please visit palooza.sdes.ucf.edu.

GET CONNECTED

September is a time of true adjustment to college life. Students are now

Offer advice on how to handle peer pressure concerning alcohol and other

responsible for their own time management and must begin to master

issues that first-year students may encounter. Support can be obtained

their course load. This is also a time when students begin to realize the

from UCF’s Wellness and Health Promotion Services or Counseling

scope and nature of their new freedom and responsibilities.

and Psychological Services.

Encourage your student to use a planner to organize day-to-day activities

Advise your student to talk with their professors. This not only assists with

and develop good time management skills.

networking, but will also help them understand course content and

Urge your student to meet with their academic advisor, who can direct

faculty expectations.

them to appropriate resources. The Student Academic Resource Center

Reinforce the importance of being proactive at UCF.

(SARC) can help with study skills and specific classes.

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Day (UCF Closed)

N A T I O N A L H I S P A N I C H E R I T A G E M O N T H ( S E P T. 1 5 – O C T. 1 5 )

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Don’t Stop Believin’: Setting Goals & Achieving Them 1–2 p.m.

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@ Florida Atlantic

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vs. Stanford

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@ Pittsburgh

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Conscious Thought Café

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9 Under Pressure: Managing Test Anxiety 1–2 p.m.

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Interfaith Dialogue

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Working for the Weekend: Developing Better Study Habits 1–2 p.m.

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Late Knights

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vs. UConn

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Urge your student to get involved. There are more than 650 UCF clubs and organizations to entertain, challenge and help them connect.

FAMILY WEEKEND

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FAMILY WEEKEND

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SURVIVE MIDTERMS

October means it’s time for midterms. By this time, your student has probably realized that college is not like high school, and stress may start to creep in. You should be on the lookout for: Self-doubt — Students may start to feel the stress of academic performance. Those who have not done well will begin to have doubts about their abilities and may be confused about why their current study and time management skills are not working.

Homesickness — Students may express homesickness and plan to return home for an upcoming weekend. Enjoy this visit, but have a conversation about what schoolwork needs to be accomplished when they’re home, and allow time for this.

Stress — Urge your student to attend campus events such as Homecoming, Spirit Splash, football games, intramural activities, theatrical performances and other social events. Stepping away from academics for something fun can help them recharge.

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HOMECOMING TICKET DISTRIBUTION

UCF offers many resources to assist with adjusting to college life. Encourage your student to check out the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), the University Writing Center, the Math Lab, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

TIP

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LGBTQ History Month Opening Ceremony 10a.m.–3p.m.

Healthy Knight Expo 10a.m.–2p.m.

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@ Cincinnati

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HOMECOMING TICKET DISTRIBUTION Conscious Thought Café

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Spirit Splash!

HOMECOMING

Beat It: Procrastination 1–2 p.m.

Inclusive Recreation Expo

Interfaith Dialogue

Late Knights

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vs. ECU

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@ Temple

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Dia De Los Muertos 2p.m.–6p.m.

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MAKE MAJOR CAREER CHOICES

UCF students are encouraged to think about their Pegasus Path from day one.

goals. The Office of Experiential Learning can also assist with internships

Your student is facing choices that will impact their career path, including

and service-learning.

what classes to take in spring and whether or not to change their major.

Sit down with your student and explore resources provided through

Thanksgiving break is just around the corner, which is a time to rest and

MyPlan (ucf.myplan.com) and discuss their assessment results and/or

recharge, allowing your student to reconnect with their family and friends.

questions with Career Services.

Advise your student to utilize Career Services to assist in career

Is your student showing more interest in graduate school? The Office

development, discuss majors, find work experience and develop a rĂŠsumĂŠ.

of Undergraduate Research can help expand their academic experience

Handshake connects students to career opportunities that align with their

at UCF.

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Remind your student to submit all required financial aid documents on time. Late submissions can greatly impede the certification process for aid to be awarded the upcoming academic year. The priority deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Dec. 1. Head over to finaid.ucf.edu for information regarding the application process, eligibility requirements for receiving aid, types of aid and forms.

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VETERANS

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Day (UCF Closed)

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Withdrawal Deadline

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vs. Houston

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@ Tulsa

The Final Countdown: Preparing for Finals 1–2 p.m.

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Interfaith Dialogue

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@ Tulane

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THANKSGIVING (UCF Closed) 24

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vs. South Florida

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SURVIVE FINALS...

AND THE LENGTHY VISIT HOME

In December, there are many things competing for your student’s time.Â

Allow your student to come home and rest no matter what the

Preparation for final exams and papers must be balanced with seasonal

circumstances may be. Your understanding and support may be needed

parties, religious observances, holiday volunteer service projects and

more now than when they left back in August.

wanting to spend as much time as possible with friends before break.

Students are looking forward to returning home for an extended

Check out the Academic Calendar to find out when students are able to

period, but recognize they may also be anxious about returning to

see their final grades on myUCF. Celebrate the victory of a successful fall semester or heal the wounds of a tough transition. What goals should your student set for the spring? What should they do differently? What good practices should be continued?

the structures of parents and curfews. Have an open conversation about your expectations.

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STUDY UNION FINAL EXAMS

Classes End

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AAC Championship

STUDY UNION FINAL EXAMS

On-Campus Housing Closes

COMMENCEMENT

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Start talking to your student about their current living and roommate arrangements to see if any adjustments need to be made the following year.

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LAUNCH THE NEW TERM

Happy New Year! January brings a new semester and a new start. The

If your student is on academic probation, urge them to set an early

newness of being in college has worn off and the everyday grind of going

meeting with their academic advisor. The Office of First Year Advising

to class has settled in. Here are tips for smoothing out the readjustment:

and Exploration offers a variety of resources to help them explore

Remind your student of the goals you discussed during the winter break.

strategies for success.

Can your student establish monthly milestones to help ensure they remain

Encourage students who seem stressed or depressed to utilize the

on track throughout the semester?

professional counselors at UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services.

With so many people on campus, students are vulnerable to the common cold and flu. Student Health Services provides access to doctors, an oncampus dentist and two pharmacies.

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Challenge your student to enhance their financial knowledge by visiting the Centsible Knights website at finaid.ucf.edu/financial-literacy.

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On-Campus Housing Opens

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SPRING

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CLASSES BEGIN

Last Day to Drop/Swap

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Last Day to Add

9 Time After Time: Managing a Student Schedule 1–2p.m.

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MARTIN LUTHER

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(UCF Closed)

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SOCIAL JUSTICE WEEK

KING JR.

Day

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Don’t Stop Believin’: Setting Goals & Achieving Them 1–2p.m.

Late Knights

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REINFORCE SMART ROUTINES

Show your student some love this month with a care package! Fuzzy

How are those goals coming? Is a new class giving your student difficulty?

slippers, a movie theater gift card, UCF gear, homemade treats, Disney

Recommend they seek help outside of class through SARC or their professor.

tickets, a new computer, a car...OK, maybe that’s a bit excessive.

The Parent and Family Fund supports important opportunities for current

Encourage your student to hang in there a few weeks before spring break.

students. Established by UCF parents and families, this fund keeps the

Talk to your student about smart spring break decisions, especially in

Student Union open 24 hours a day during finals week, provides crisis

reference to finances and safety. As with many things, this is all part of the

support for students’ emergencies, assists the Knights Helping Knights

college experience — a newfound responsibility for themselves.

Pantry, provides numerous grants that promote career development and

Urge your student to begin preparing for midterm exams.

student growth, funds scholarships, and so much more.

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Health and Wellness are important. The Student Health Services (SHS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Wellness and Health Promotion Services (WHPS) offers many services, programs and events.

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Conscious Thought Café Under Pressure: Managing Test Anxiety 1–2p.m.

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Interfaith Dialogue

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Late Knights

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Working for the Weekend: Developing Better Study Habits 1–2p.m.

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PREPARE FOR YEAR TWO

March includes spring break, midterms, warmer weather and an array of

Out-of-state or private institutions will require a paper transient form that

decisions related to year two.

can be picked up from the UCF Registrar’s Office. Students should meet

There are financial aid deadlines, summer plans to consider, living

with their academic advisor to determine the type of courses to take over

arrangements to be made for next year, and summer and fall course

the summer.

registration. Here are some resources:

Time to get a job? Your student can search for part-time jobs through

Discuss summer plans. Many students choose to go home and take courses

KnightLink with Career Services.

at their local college or university. Students attending a Florida state college

Utilize the resources provided by Neighborhood Relations and Safety

or university can fill out an online transient form through floridashines.org.

Education to learn about life off campus and things to consider in choosing the right place to live.

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SPRING BREAK 8

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Drag Divas 7–10p.m.

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Interfaith Dialogue

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Late Knights

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Conscious Thought Café Beat It: Procrastination 1–2p.m.

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Knight Thon

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Students who use the Recreation and Wellness Center, 30–45 times annually have a higher GPA (3.18) compared to students who do not (3.09). Also, there is nearly a 92% retention rate for students who visit the RWC 11–20 times during the year.

Knight Thon

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FINISH STRONG

It’s the home stretch! Year one at UCF is almost complete! There are many

Advise your student to begin preparation for finals well before finals week

academic challenges to meet before your student’s work is complete.

begins and not to procrastinate — get papers and projects completed early.

Final papers, projects and exams occur at the end of the month.

Encourage your student to seek advice from their academic advisor or a

Registration for the next semester should be completed to secure a course schedule. Communication will be critical this month.

Continue to be supportive and provide encouragement for your student to stay on course as the semester draws to a close.

career counselor if they haven’t chosen a major or are unhappy with their current selection.

Tip: Inquire about courses they have registered for and trust your student and the academic advisor’s recommendations. They’re professionals!

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Next year, freshmen will have a new academic advisor from their college or department.

Suggest your student connects with this new advisor. They can check with the firstyear academic advisor to identify the new advisor. In preparation for their second year, encourage your first-year student to connect with the College Advising Office of their respective major: connections.sdes.ucf.edu.

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The Final Countdown: Preparing for Finals 1–2p.m.

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Conscious Thought Café

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Late Knights

Interfaith Dialogue

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FINAL EXAMS

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STUDY UNION FINAL EXAMS

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On-Campus Housing Closes

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COMMENCEMENT

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TURN AN ENDING INTO A NEW BEGINNING

May marks the end of your student’s first year at UCF and is a great time for

expectations of them being home for summer. Be prepared for changes

self-reflection.

in your relationship that may signal their growing maturity and remind

Did your student accomplish their personal and academic goals? Did

yourself that they’re trying to make their own way in the world.

they make friends? Did they get involved in activities? Did they properly

Create a master plan for year two at UCF. Establish a budget. Discuss new

estimate the costs associated with attending UCF? Talk about these

living arrangements. Set academic goals. Reinforce the importance of

things together.

time management.

If your student did well over these past 10 months, they should be

Contact Student Development and Enrollment Services at 407.823.4625 or

congratulated for a job well done. Be supportive and communicate your

www.sdes.ucf.edu for on-campus resources.

MAY

A S I A N PA C I F I C A M E R I C A N H E R I TA G E M O N T H

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For information on the UCF Parent and Family Philanthropy Council, a leadership board of parent volunteers, contact Annie O’Donnell at 407.823.0542 or annie.odonnell@ucf.edu.

TIP

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COMMENCEMENT

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SUMMER

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CLASSES BEGIN

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MEMORIAL 31

Day (UCF Closed)

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 407.823.2000 ucf.edu

ACADEMIC SERVICES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES (ASSA)

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE (FSL)

MULTICULTURAL ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT SERVICES (MASS)

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY (SJA)

407.823.2072 fsl.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2716 mass.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.0401 sja.sdes.ucf.edu

HONOR YOUR KNIGHTHOOD

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT CENTER (MSC)

STUDENT ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER (SARC)

407.823.0401 sja.sdes.ucf.edu/msc

407.823.5130 sarc.sdes.ucf.edu

NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS AND SAFETY EDUCATION (NRSE)

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES (SAS)

407.823.6505 nrse.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2371 sas.sdes.ucf.edu

UCF CARES

OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT (OSC)

STUDENT ACCOUNT SERVICES

407.823.5607 cares.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.4638 osc.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2433 studentaccounts.ucf.edu

OFFICE OF STUDENT INVOLVEMENT (OSI)

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT SERVICES (SDES)

407.823.6471 osi.ucf.edu

407.823.4625 www.sdes.ucf.edu

OFFICE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (OSRR)

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (SFA)

407.823.4638 osrr.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2827 finaid.ucf.edu

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA)

407.823.5895 assa.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.4638 honor.sdes.ucf.edu

ACTIVITY AND SERVICE FEE BUSINESS OFFICE (ASF)

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE (HRL)

407.823.5548 asf.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.4663 www.housing.ucf.edu

BOOKSTORE, UCF

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES (IES)

407.823.2665 ucf.bncollege.com

407.823.2371 ies.sdes.ucf.edu

CARD SERVICES, UCF

INTEGRITY AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT, OFFICE OF (IED)

407.823.2100 ucfcard.ucf.edu

CAREER SERVICES (CS) 407.823.2361 career.ucf.edu

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) 407.823.2811 caps.sdes.ucf.edu

CREATIVE SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN (CSC)

407.823.3477 ied.sdes.ucf.edu

LEAD SCHOLARS ACADEMY (LSA) 407.823.2223 lsa.sdes.ucf.edu

LGBTQ+ SERVICES 407.823.0401 sja.sdes.ucf.edu/lgbtq

LIBRARIES, UCF

407.823.2726 csc.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2562 library.ucf.edu

DINING SERVICES, UCF

LINK (LEARNING AND INTERACTING WITH NEW KNIGHTS)

407.823.2651 ucf.campusdish.com

FIRST YEAR ADVISING AND EXPLORATION (FYAE) 407.823.3789 fyae.sdes.ucf.edu

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) 407.823.5105 fye.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.5105 link.ucf.edu

407.823.5812 parking.ucf.edu

PEGASUS PARENT PROGRAM 407.823.5105 fye.sdes.ucf.edu/parents

POLICE DEPARTMENT 407.823.5555 police.ucf.edu

MATH LAB

RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER (RWC)

407.823.3489 sciences.ucf.edu/math/mathlab

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT CENTER, UCF 407.823.5603 cstore.ucf.edu

TRANSFER AND TRANSITION SERVICES (TTS) 407.823.2231 transfer.sdes.ucf.edu

TRIO PROGRAMS 407.823.4165 trio.sdes.ucf.edu

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS (UA) 407.823.3000 admissions.ucf.edu

UNIVERSITY TESTING CENTER (UTC) 407.823.5109 utc.sdes.ucf.edu

UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER 407.823.2197 uwc.ucf.edu

407.823.3291 ucfsga.com

VETERANS ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER (VARC)

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS)

407.823.2707 varc.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2701 shs.sdes.ucf.edu

VICTIM SERVICES

STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES (SLS) 407.823.2538 sls.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.2425

24/7 HOTLINE 407.823.1200 victimservices.ucf.edu

STUDENT OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS)

WELLNESS AND HEALTH PROMOTION SERVICES (WHPS)

407.823.2408 rwc.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.5580 sos.sdes.ucf.edu

407.823.5841 whps.sdes.ucf.edu

REGISTRAR’S OFFICE (RO)

STUDENT UNION (SU)

407.823.3100 registrar.ucf.edu

407.823.3677 studentunion.ucf.edu

STAY CONNECTED Your student still needs your help as a parent, participant and partner. The cultural, social and just plain do-your-own-laundry demands of going to college can stretch even the most talented student’s ability to make smart choices and balance their time wisely. UCF’s Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services provides a deep and progressive range of professional services and staff dedicated full time to ensuring your student’s success at UCF. We provide students with the opportunity to learn, lead, live and engage. We know that education has the power to transform lives and students have the opportunity to succeed, changing not only their lives, but the lives of their families and those around them. Through multiple departments and offices, we provide solutions, answers, support, guidance and a variety of personal assistance.

The Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services’ Pegasus Parent Program and its ambassadors are here to help. Please visit our website at fye.sdes.ucf.edu/parents.

First Year Experience Howard Phillips Hall 216 407.823.5105 | fye@ucf.edu | fye.sdes.ucf.edu Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida