Becoming a UCF Parent 2015-16

2015-2016

PA R E N T G U I D E

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

BECOMING A

UCF PARENT UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

U C F AT

A GLANCE

61,000 STU D ENTS

Second-largest university in the nation STUDENTS COME FROM

67 FLORIDA COUNTIES 50 STATES 152 COUNTRIES

Sits on 1,415 acres with modern facilities Competes in the American Athletic Conference COLLEGES

Arts and Humanities Burnett Honors Business Administration Education and Human Performance Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Studies Health and Public Affairs Medicine Nursing Optics and Photonics Rosen College of Hospitality Management Sciences D E GR EE PR O GRAMS

92 BACHELOR’S 83 MASTER’S 31 DOCTORAL 3 SPECIALIST 1 PROFESSIONAL

275

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

HELLO PARENTS. Welcome to the University of Central Florida, one of the most dynamic and innovative universities in America.

We are delighted that your daughter or son is seriously considering our university.

UCF Stands For Opportunity, and our students find many ways to grow academically and personally as they pursue their dreams and prepare for a promising future.

UCF is a major metropolitan research university with 210 degree programs. We are known internationally for excellence in fields such as engineering, simulation and training, medicine, hospitality management, education, optics and lasers, and video game development. In more than 600 clubs and student organizations, students develop interests, make friends, and learn leadership skills that benefit them for a lifetime.

UCF is also a special place where students can receive an outstanding education, enjoy the advantages of a large and vibrant university, and still experience the personal touches of a smaller campus environment. U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF as the No. 3 “up-and-coming� university in the nation, and The Princeton Review places UCF among its best-value universities.

It’s great to be a Knight, and we encourage your family to join us in writing the next exciting chapters of UCF. Cordially yours,

John C. Hitt, President

U N I V E R S I T Y of C E N T R A L F L O R I D A

UCF PARENTS ARE KNIGHTS TOO!

B

eing at UCF puts your student in the midst of a modern, energetic and diverse environment, where they can explore their passions. At UCF, your son or daughter will be introduced to caring faculty, explore cutting-edge research opportunities and enjoy our student-centered approach to learning.

The Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s named UCF a best-value university, and U.S. News & World Report

named UCF a “Top Tier National University.” And we’ve been given high research rankings by national agencies because of our dedicated faculty and researchers who make groundbreaking discoveries.

Orlando is a great place to live — our warm and sunny location, internship opportunities, attractions and activities keep your student entertained and involved.

All of this makes UCF a first-choice destination.

U CF

TIPS

PA R E N T

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FROM UCF STUDENTS FOR PARENTS

1 Teach us how to budget our money before we start college.

If we’re low on funds, you might help us by suggesting ideas for part-time jobs.

2 Start treating us like adults — we need to learn before we leave college and start our careers.

3 Talk to us about the social pressures of college, whether it is about alcohol or instilling in us a “homework before fun” ethic.

4 Teach us practical skills before we go to college — don’t assume we know how to cook, do laundry, clean, etc.

5 Encourage us to ask for help when we need it, whether it’s reaching out to our advisers, friends and professors — or to you.

MAKING A SMOOTH

TRANSITION C

ollege is a huge transition for students and parents. UCF offers an array of services to ensure your son’s or daughter’s success. There will be a lot of opportunities for students to meet people, make friends and participate in student activities. They can join one of more than 600 student organizations, cheer on the Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium or participate in intramural sports.

In addition, we have numerous academic resources to help along the way. The University Writing Center, Math Lab or one of our specialized offices can offer leadership, guidance and support. We’re committed to connecting students to whatever academic support they need to be successful, and we have opportunities for hands-on learning, research, volunteering and paid internships.

But it isn’t just about what’s available to students. Some resources for parents include: • Pegasus Parent program • Seminars to help you guide your student to success • Programs designed for parents of students with special needs

TIPS FROM CURRENT UCF PARENTS

1U nderstand that you can’t protect them from or prepare them for everything — they have to also learn from experience.

2L et go and don’t be a

Images courtesy of Visit Orlando

“helicopter parent.” Don’t

LIFE IN

ORLANDO O

rlando has a mild climate (72 degrees yearly average), some of the most exciting theme parks and attractions, and is one of the most sought-after locations for family entertainment. But another benefit of Orlando is our competitive job market for graduates. More than 100,000 of our alumni have chosen to stay right here in Central Florida.

THE BENEFITS ORLANDO HAS TO OFFER

• C areer and internship opportunities with industry leaders such as Siemens, Lockheed Martin, Harris, Boeing, Walt Disney World and Marriott International • N umerous theme parks and attractions — Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and more • Beautiful beaches within driving distance • L akes, springs and other recreational opportunities

call them every day or visit every weekend — let them spread their wings.

3S tay positive and build them up — tell them you love them and are proud of them. Care packages help with this message and provide extra support.

4E ncourage them to use UCF’s resources. There are so many available to them. Know for yourself that these resources help support, protect and care for your child.

5S et boundaries and talk to them about balance. It’s not all about books — it’s about the complete experience.

6B e financially prepared for their school year and communicate to them their resource limitations.

7A sk questions instead of guessing. If you don’t know what UCF can offer, find out.

U CF

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LIVE THE UCF

EXPERIENCE I

t’s well-established that living on campus is convenient, safe and helps students make lifelong friends. But did you know living on campus can help your student get a career head start? By living here for two years, your student’s chances of graduating on time increase by 20 percent. And now, like never before, students can live here all four years.

First-year students can live in any of our on-campus housing communities and choose between suite-style residence halls with double occupancy or apartments. Living on campus provides your student easy access to the Student Union, the library and student services. They’ll never be far from one of our recreation facilities or a place to grab a bite to eat. Many students find that living on campus is the most rewarding experience of their college lives.

For more information on living the UCF experience, visit housing.ucf.edu.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

K

eeping our campus safe for students is our top priority. The faculty, staff and administration work closely with the UCF Police Department to keep the campus community safe. From programs like Safe Escort Patrol Services to self-defense courses, resources are available to keep your son or daughter safe on campus 24 hours a day. To learn more about campus safety, access the UCF Annual Security & Fire Safety Guide at police.ucf.edu.

Students can sign up for UCF Alert notifications via text or email to get timely and accurate information about emergency situations at my.ucf.edu.

TO P 1 0 REASONS TO LIVE ON CAMPUS

1 Academic success 2 Safety and security 3 The full UCF experience 4 Living Learning Communities 5 Resident Assistants (RAs) 6 Furnished rooms and apartments 7 Lifelong friendships 8 Happy parents 9 Clean and well-maintained facilities 10

Utilities included

ON-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Some examples of things happening on campus include: • Movies and concerts • Comedy and variety shows • Cultural and fine arts shows and exhibits • Academic clubs • Men’s and women’s NCAA Division I sports • Intramural sports clubs • Faith-based organizations • Leadership development programs CAMPUS LIFE

Students also have on-campus access to: • Health services • Counseling services • Numerous places to eat, have fun and meet friends • Top-notch residence halls and living communities • Lakes and green spaces for recreation • Bright House Networks Stadium for football games • CFE Arena for basketball games, as well as concerts and other shows

U N I V E R S I T Y of C E N T R A L F L O R I D A

KNIGHTS ON THE JOB

UCF

Career Services provides students with information and resources to ensure the decisions they make today lead to job satisfaction tomorrow. The center provides comprehensive services to help Knights plan their careers, gain hands-on work experience and secure employment upon graduation.

Career specialists will guide students through the process by assisting your Knight with: • • • • •

Identifying academic and career options Gaining career-related experience Developing résumés and interview skills Searching for full-time employment Researching and applying to graduate or professional schools

Career counselors can also help students choose a major and career path through self-assessment, workshops and major fairs.

To learn more about UCF Career Services, visit career.ucf.edu.

STUDENT SUCCESS FIRST-YEAR STUDENT RETENTION

88%

Florida residents who receive Bright Futures awards

92% 40%

Students who received AP, IB or college credit

The graduation rate of UCF student-athletes is the highest of any public institution in Florida.

U CF

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TA K E A D VA N TA G E O F A

14-15

GREAT VALUE APPROXIMATE ANNUAL TUITION AND FEES, ROOM AND BOARD, AND BOOKS* Florida Resident Non-Florida Resident

Tuition & Fees

$ 6,353

$ 23,095

Room & Board

$ 9,758

$

9,758

Books (estimate) $ 1,146

$ 1,146

Est. Annual Cost $ 17,257

$ 33,999

*B ased upon 30 credit hours, standard room and meal plan for the 2014-15 academic year.

UCF

is one of the nation’s best educational values for in-state college students according to The Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s.

Students from outside of Florida also enjoy one of the lowest nonresident tuition rates in the nation.

More than $400 million in financial aid is awarded annually to students. In fact, 77 percent of all UCF undergraduate students receive financial assistance. And the combination of financial aid plus scholarship funds can ease the burden of financing your student’s education. Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance website at finaid.ucf.edu for additional information. Scholarship listings are available at finaid.ucf.edu/scholarships.

ADDED VALUE

• S cholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year are awarded to new students with excellent academic credentials.

• On-campus, university-affiliated and off-campus housing options are available.

• Students can attend most sports, music, arts and theater events free of charge.

• Many work-study programs and internships are available on or near campus.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP The first step in determining your student’s eligibility for financial assistance is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA, the Office of Student Financial Assistance can determine your student’s eligibility for federal, state and university financial aid programs such as grants, low-interest loans and work-study programs.

For more information, visit fafsa.ed.gov.

Y O U H AV E Q U E S T I O N S .

WE HAVE ANSWERS. Q. Are there resources to help parents prepare their students?

A. The family and parents of incoming students can visit

parents.sdes.ucf.edu for information about workshops and more.

Q. W hat happens after my student is admitted?

A. Your student can register for orientation through myUCF

and will receive information about how to prepare for their first day on campus.

Q. W hat could affect the status of my student’s admission?

A. If your student’s grades drop, their admission status could change.

Your student should keep up their GPA and finish high school with a strong academic record.

Q. H ow can we find out more about on-campus housing?

A. For more information about residence halls, communities and amenities, contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life at 407.823.4663 or visit housing.ucf.edu.

Q. W here can my student buy textbooks?

A. Once your student has their class schedule, they can buy books at the UCF Barnes & Noble Bookstore or online at ucf.bncollege.com.

Q. H ow does UCF keep my student safe?

A. The UCF Police Department patrols the campus and offers

a Safe Escort Patrol Service, which provides students with an escort to their car or on-campus destination. Students can call 407.823.2424 for an escort Sunday to Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. After 1 a.m., students may call the UCF Police Department for escort.

Students can also register their belongings in person or online with the UCF Police Department — including items such as computers, bikes, tablets, cameras and other valuables — to protect against property loss. For more information about the services the UCF Police Department provides, visit police.ucf.edu.

Q. H ow can I find out more about Florida Bright Futures Scholarships?

A. For answers about the scholarships, including eligibility criteria, call the Bright Futures toll-free hotline at 888.827.2004 or visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Q. W hat health services are available on campus?

A. UCF has a full-service health clinic with on-site professionals, X-ray

capabilities, a pharmacy, a medical laboratory, physical therapy and dental services — all provided at a low cost (or free) to students. UCF also has a counseling center that provides services free of charge.

Q. W hat is the UCF Card?

A. The UCF Card is your student’s ID card — but it also operates

as their library card and on-campus debit card. Additionally, it can be used to get into student activities and events such as athletic events, concerts and other programs.

Q. W ill my student need a car?

A. Not necessarily. Students can get around campus on the UCF Shuttle — it’s a safe, convenient and free service we offer. The shuttle stops at strategic destination points to minimize the distance students have to walk. The shuttle also stops at 20 off-campus locations, including residential communities and the Central Florida Research Park.

NEXT STEPS FOR ADMITTED FRESHMEN

1 Send in enrollment deposit no later than May 1.

2 Consider housing options early.

3 Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning January 1.

4 Search for scholarship opportunities using fastweb.com.

5 Expect to hear from the Office of First Year Experience to

attend mandatory orientation, register for classes and meet with an academic adviser in early spring.

WE’RE HERE W H E N YO U N E E D U S L

ike you, we have high aspirations and expectations for your student. We have numerous academic and campus resources to build a foundation for success. From academic advisers to tutors, help is just a phone call away.

COME VISIT US

T

he best way to find out if UCF is right for you and your future Knight is to visit us. Schedule your Campus Visit Experience at admissions.ucf.edu/visit.

DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES

COLLEGES

Academic Services for Student-Athletes 407.823.5896 / assa.sdes.ucf.edu Campus Faith and Ministries 407.823.5336 / cfm.sdes.ucf.edu Counseling and Psychological Services 407.823.2811 / counseling.sdes.ucf.edu Dining Services 407.823.2651 / ucfdining.com Financial Aid 407.823.2827 / finaid.ucf.edu First Year Advising and Exploration 407.823.3789 / fyae.sdes.ucf.edu First Year Experience 407.823.5105 / fye.ucf.edu Health Services 407.823.2701 / hs.sdes.ucf.edu Housing and Residence Life 407.823.4663 / housing.ucf.edu LEAD Scholars Academy 407.823.2223 / lead.sdes.ucf.edu LINK Program 407.823.5105 / link.ucf.edu Multicultural Academic and Support Services 407.823.2716 / mass.sdes.ucf.edu Parking and Transportation Services 407.823.5812 / parking.ucf.edu Pegasus Parent Program 407.823.5105 / parents.sdes.ucf.edu Registrar’s Office 407.823.3100 / registrar.ucf.edu Student Academic Resource Center 407.823.5130 / sarc.sdes.ucf.edu Student Disability Services 407.823.2371 / sds.sdes.ucf.edu Student Neighborhood Relations 407.823.6505 / snr.sdes.ucf.edu UCF Police Department 407.823.5555 / police.ucf.edu Undergraduate Admissions 407.823.3000/ admissions.ucf.edu

Arts and Humanities 407.823.2251 Burnett Honors 407.823.2076 Business Administration 407.823.2181 Education and Human Performance 407.823.2835 Engineering and Computer Science 407.823.2156 Graduate Studies 407.823.2766 Health and Public Affairs 407.823.0171 Medicine 407.266.1000 Nursing 407.823.2744 Optics and Photonics 407.823.6800 Rosen College of Hospitality Management 407.903.8000 Sciences 407.823.1997 OTHER RESOURCES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS admissions.ucf.edu/faq UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS MAILING ADDRESS University of Central Florida P.O. Box 160111 Orlando, FL 32816-0111 UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PHYSICAL ADDRESS University of Central Florida 12585 Gemini Boulevard South Orlando, FL 32816

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