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All UCF students have access to the Health Center located on Apollo Circle on the main campus. Student's pay a fee per credit hour that entitles them to unlimited primary care visits with no office visit charge. However, there are nominal charges for other services such as lab tests, x-rays and procedures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs.sdes.ucf.edu/main/welcome.html |title=UCF Health Services |accessdate=2009-04-28 |publisher=UCF Victim Services}}</ref>
All UCF students have access to the Health Center located on Apollo Circle on the main campus. Student's pay a fee per credit hour that entitles them to unlimited primary care visits with no office visit charge. However, there are nominal charges for other services such as lab tests, x-rays and procedures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs.sdes.ucf.edu/main/welcome.html |title=UCF Health Services |accessdate=2009-04-28 |publisher=UCF Victim Services}}</ref>


UCF Health Services is intended to be a convenient source of primary health care, even housing a small pharmacy capable of filling students' prescriptions. The health center also offers Biofeedback, massage therapy as well as STD screenings. UCF requires all students to have health insurance and offers a comprehensive student plan to those who do not.
UCF Health Services operates two pharmacies on campus: the UCF Pharmacy in the Health Center, and Knight Aide in [[Knights Plaza]], which also offers a variety of other convenience store items. The health center also offers Biofeedback, massage therapy as well as STD screenings. UCF requires all students to have health insurance and offers a comprehensive student plan to those who do not.


==== Victim Services ====
==== Victim Services ====

Revision as of 03:45, 3 May 2009

28°36′06″N 81°12′02″W / 28.6016°N 81.2005°W / 28.6016; -81.2005

"UCF" redirects here. For other uses, see UCF (disambiguation).
University of Central Florida
Former names
Florida Technological University
MottoReach for the Stars[1]
TypePublic University
Space Grant[2]
Established1963[3]
Endowment$114.19 million[3]
ChairmanRick Walsh
PresidentJohn C. Hitt, Ph.D
ProvostTerry Hickey, Ph.D.
Academic staff
1,771[3]
Students50,275[3]
Undergraduates42,933[3]
Postgraduates7,342[3]
Address
4000 Central Florida Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
,
United States Orlando
,
FL
,
USA
Campus1415 acres (5.73 km2)[3]
ColorsBlack and Old Gold   
NicknameKnights
MascotKnightro
Websitewww.ucf.edu
File:UCF horizontal logo.gif

The University of Central Florida, commonly referred to as UCF, is a space-grant university located on a 1,415-acre campus in Orlando, Florida. UCF is a member institution of the State University System of Florida and is the fifth-largest university in the United States.

The University of Central Florida was founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University with the goal of providing highly trained personnel to support the Kennedy Space Center, located only 35 miles (56 km) to the east. The school was renamed the University of Central Florida in 1978 as its academic scope had expanded to encompass all academic disciplines. As of 2008, enrollment consists of a 50,275 member student body seeking bachelor's degrees through doctorates, as well as certificates and specialist degrees. The majority of the student population is located on the university's main campus which is approximately 13 miles (21 km) north east of downtown Orlando and 55 miles (89 km) south west of Daytona Beach.[3] Since its rapid growth starting in the late 1990s, UCF has expanded its influence throughout Florida, now consisting of eleven satellite campuses.[4] UCF is organized into twelve colleges providing over 225 separate degree options centered upon nationally renowned faculty, pioneering research and a student-centered academic approach.

Today, the university is a major research institution and is considered to be the seventh best up-and-coming national university.[5] UCF's official colors are black and gold, the athletic teams, called the Knights, are members of Conference USA, and the official mascot is a male gold-armored black knight named Knightro. The UCF academic logo is a Pegasus.[6]

History

File:UCF Nixon.png
President Richard Nixon delivering the 1973 commencement

The university was established on June 11,1963 when the Florida State Legislature passed Bill No. 125, and it was signed into law by Governor Farris Bryant. The first classes began on October 7, 1968[7] at a total enrollment of 1,948 students. UCF was known as Florida Technological University, nicknamed Florida Tech, from its establishment until December 6, 1978, when it was renamed to University of Central Florida by the State House. FTU's former rival, the Florida Institute of Technology, has since been known as Florida Tech. In 2003, UCF had the distinction of being the fastest-growing university in the United States in terms of undergraduate enrollment. On August 2, 2005 the University of Central Florida awarded its 150,000th degree.

One of the founding goals of the university was to act as a support system for the Kennedy Space Center, which is located about 35 miles (56 km) away. Additionally, the nearby Central Florida Research Park, which infuses research funds into the university and draws many interns and graduates from it, has a major focus of simulation as well as space- and defense-related research.

The official colors of the university were chosen by Charles N. Millican, UCF's Founding President. When the first student handbook was being drafted, the university had no mascot. The student newspaper, the Future, drafted up their ideas of what the mascot should look like. The night nurse at the Health Center, Judy Hines, proposed a mascot with these criteria, along with a graphic representation drawn by her husband Gene, to SGA. "Vincent the Vulture" remained the schools unofficial mascot for over a year. Eventually, the students voted and selected the "Knight of Pegasus" as their official mascot. Until 1994, the Knights were represented by a jouster from the Medieval Times dinner show located in nearby Kissimmee, Florida. That year, Knightro was introduced at the homecoming event, the "Spirit Splash". Two years later, UCF students were introduced to Knightro's girlfriend, Glycerin.[8]

Academics

Demographics

Ethnic composition of student body[9]
Student Body U.S. Census[10]
Hispanic 13.69% 14.5%
Asian 5.21% 4.3%
Caucasian 66.26% 73.9%
African American 8.81% 12.1%

UCF promotes a diverse and inclusive environment. UCF students come from all 67 Florida counties, all 50 states and 141 countries. Study abroad programs allow UCF students to study and conduct research in 42 programs in 21 countries.

The ratio of women to men is 55:44. Of the 50,275 students, 15 percent are graduate and professional students. Nearly 20 percent of UCF faculty are minorities. The student body at UCF is very diverse with 33.74 percent of the body representing minority populations with 8.8 percent African Americans, 13.6 percent Hispanics, and 5.2 percent Asian-Americans or Pacific Islanders.[11] According to the May 2009 edition of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine, UCF is one of the best 100 colleges in the United States for Hispanic students seeking bachelors degrees.[12] 95 percent of UCF students are in-state, while New York, North Dakota, New Jersey and South Carolina round out the top five states respectively.[13]

Rankings

The University of Central Florida is listed in “The Best 361 Colleges: 2006 Edition” by The Princeton Review.[14] The Princeton Review’s recognition comes as the academic quality of UCF students continues to rise. In the 2008 edition of US News, it is ranked as a Tier 3 National University[15] and the 7th best up and coming university.[16] UCF also ranks ninth among national universities in the "Great Schools, Great Prices" category for students who graduate with the least amount of debt.[17] U.S. News and World Report also ranked UCF as one of the best colleges based on economic diversity in 2009.[18]

UCF has also been very successful in recruiting National Merit Scholars, and is one of the top 35 universities in the nation by enrollment with 63 scholars.[19] UCF also offers both Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Core (ROTC) programs which are rated among the top 15 percent nationally.[20] UCF is also ranked 7th out of 122 universities on the 2009 Intellectual Property Today's Patent Scorecard.[21] The UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science is consistently ranked among the top 100 engineering schools in the United States, being ranked 80th and 86th in 2008 and 2009 respectively. [22]

Admissions

First Time In College Statistics[23]

  2008 2007 2006 2005
Applicants 22,030 20,128 25,195 21,051
Admits 9,689 9,184 12,713 12,738
Percentage Admitted 43.98 45.62 50.45 60.51

In the Fall of 2006, UCF's admission rate declined drastically from 61% of prospective students admitted to only 46%, as a result of more and more students applying to the university each year. The acceptance rate continued to decline for Fall 2008 when there was a 43% acceptance rate for 22,030 first time in college (FTIC) applications. Of the 9,689 first time in college (FTIC) students accepted for fall 2008, 3,932 enrolled in the university. The retention rate of the 2008 freshman class was 86%.[3][24]

Freshmen admitted in Fall 2008 posted average SAT scores of 1219, ACT scores of 26 and average high school GPAs of 3.76.[25] As the acceptance rate for the 2008 incoming freshmen class continued to decline, UCF was the third-most selective public university in the state of Florida after Florida International University and the University of Florida. According to a report released by the university in 2008, UCF is second only to the University of Florida in National Merit Scholar enrollment in the state of Florida.

UCF College of Medicine at Lake Nona

For the initial charter class entering in the fall of 2009, there have been over 4,300 applications received for only 40 spots. Every member of the inaugural class will receive a full scholarship, including tuition and basic living expenses, for their entire four years at the school.[26]

Colleges

File:UCF (1).jpg
Harris Corporation Engineering Center
UCF Teaching Academy at Education Complex

The university currently houses twelve colleges to offer 97 baccalaureate programs, 95 master's programs, 29 doctoral programs, three specialist programs, and one professional program (Medicine). In addition, 72% of the faculty have doctorates, and 42% currently have tenure at the university.[3]

Colleges at UCF include:

Library

UCF Library and Reflection Pond

From any location, at any time, University Libraries resources and services are available to the UCF community. The University of Central Florida Libraries supports the research, teaching, learning and service commitments of students and faculty through widely-available access to collections of library resources, and to services to assist in resource use. The collections of the Libraries serve as a resource for the entire Central Florida community. Access to collections is provided through services at the main campus library, the Curriculum Materials Center located in the UCF College of Education, and the Universal Orlando Foundation Library at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, as well as at regional joint-use campuses at the Brevard Community College Cocoa and Palm Bay campuses, Daytona Beach Community College, the MetroWest campus of Valencia Community College, and South Lake campus of Lake Sumter Community College. Collections, services and library information are available to all students and faculty online.

UCF Libraries collections include over 1,800,000 print volumes, a base of 17,000 serial subscriptions, 60,000 e-books, 2.9 million microforms, 304,000 government documents, 40,000 media titles, special collections, university archives materials, and 9,200 full text electronic journal subscriptions. Most of the print and media collection is housed in the main campus library, which is open to the public 80 hours weekly. Materials can be searched and located, using the library's online public access catalog. UCF Libraries is a partner with Florida’s state universities in collaborative development of university collections, giving UCF students access to a growing, robust, statewide electronic collection.

Electronic holdings are available to students and faculty from on-campus, home, or classrooms at any time. Students have direct access to source materials that are part of several unique Special Collections at the main library. Notable collections include the Bryant West Indies collection, the Van Sickle Leftist Pamphlet collection, the Book Arts Collection, collections of materials on tourism and hospitality, and materials on the history of Central Florida. Books, manuscripts, and art can be examined and used by researchers in the Special Collections Department, assisted by staff. The University Archives collects and makes available official records, publications, and materials on the history of the University of Central Florida.

The main campus library, located in a central location on the main campus, is 5 stories tall. Leonardo Nierman's sculpture, Flame of Hope, stands at the entrance to the building. Nierman's stained glass Genesis window is on the third floor of the library building. 40 wireless laptops are available to be checked out and used by students in the building, which has wireless access. Students may also check out the key to one of the 28 group study rooms.

A UCF legend holds that the library was UCF's first building; however, a UCF utility building was the first structure to be built (the library was the second). In the early and mid-1970s, the basement of the library had a closed-circuit radio station that broadcast by cable to the student center and the dorms. Students volunteered as unpaid disc jockeys and newscasters. The basement also housed a small, low-ceilinged television studio for television production classes. The campus newspaper, the Central Florida Future, had offices on an upper floor of the library. Classrooms and faculty offices continued to share floors of the library for many years. In 1984, renovation of the original library building was completed, as well as an addition to the building. The dedication took place in February, 1985.

The library's online system is Ex Libris Group's ALEPH. ALEPH has been deployed as part of a project by the Florida Center for Library Automation at all of the state universities in Florida. Infusion, an exciting learning space, is located near the library entrance, featuring computers, enhanced wireless connectivity, books, classrooms, and a Java City coffee shop.

Until a few years ago the transmitter tower for WUCF 89.9 FM was also on top of the library, but the tower was removed after they moved to a new tower on the southwestern edge of the main campus.

Research

The University of Central Florida fosters research amongst its twelve academic colleges and schools, partnerships with corporations such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Siemens, and through partnerships with local community colleges. UCF also houses a satellite campus at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. UCF is also a member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

UCF researchers attract more than $100 million annually, and being ranked in the top ten in both the 2008 and 2009 Intellectual Property Today's Patent Scorecard.[27] In 2009 alone, it is estimated that UCF directly influences 26,000 jobs and $1.96 billion in economic activity. The new College of Medicine, which will be opening in August 2009, could create more than 30,000 local jobs and have an economic impact of $7.6 billion in its first few years.[28]

Located directly south of the main campus is the Central Florida Research Park, which is one of the largest research parks in the nation, providing more than 10,000 jobs. Many of the employees in Research Park work with UCF researchers and students on projects in the sciences, engineering, photonics and optics, modeling and simulation, and health-related fields.

The university also conducts research through numerous institutions and centers, including:

  • Advanced Materials Processing & Analysis Center
  • Florida Sinkhole Research Institute
  • Florida Solar Energy Center
  • Florida Space Institute
  • Institute for Simulation & Training
  • LAN Institute
  • NanoScience Technology Center
  • Wekiva Resource Council

Campuses

Main Campus

The UCF Reflection Pond and walkway in front of Millican Hall at night

The University of Central Florida has a unique campus layout that has become a model for other universities, reminiscent of the plans by Walt Disney for his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). The campus was designed to be a pedestrian oriented campus, with a series of concentric circles. The outermost circle is Gemini Blvd, which is also the main road for vehicular traffic on campus. Inside of Gemini, there is Apollo Circle, Mercury Circle, and finally Pegasus Circle as the innermost circle. Pegasus Circle contains the student union, which is the center of the campus, with the library located directly to the south of it. All academic buildings are located inside of Gemini, with the circle divided up into pie-shaped sections for each college. As there are very few roads inside of Gemini, many buildings' loading docks are accessible only by sidewalks and thus receive most deliveries at night. The University of Central Florida campus is one of only two in the nation with a concentric circle design. The other is the University of California at Irvine, Orange County, California.

Student housing is provided along the perimeter of the campus. Outside of Gemini, the campus is divided up into different themed sections. The northwest side of campus includes Greek communities, the north side contains Knights Plaza, an uptown style athletic village, the east side contains the Arboretum of the University of Central Florida, and the south side contains student recreation and wellness facilities.

Located directly south of the main campus is Central Florida Research Park, which is the seventh largest research park in the nation and the largest in Florida, housing over 116 corporations. The park provides jobs to more than 500 students and thousands of alumni.

Satellite Campuses

In addition to the main campus in Orlando, the University of Central Florida has several other campuses to service the central Florida region. In Orlando, there are three other campuses, located in Downtown, MetroWest, and South Orlando, as well as partnerships with local community colleges.

Outside Orlando, there are campuses in Cocoa, Clermont, Daytona Beach, Heathrow, Kissimme, Leesburg, Ocala, Palm Bay and Sanford. In addition to having standard classes at these campuses, some courses are offered via alternative methods, such as 2-way TV from the main campus or via broadband.

UCF in partnership with local community colleges, participates in a program called DirectConnect. Through this program all students and alumni of Brevard Community College, Lake-Sumter Community College, Seminole Community College and Valencia Community College are assured admission to the university. DirectConnect is considered to be the most productive community college-university partnership in America.[29]

Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona

The UCF College of Medicine was established in 2006 by the Florida Legislature and the Florida Board of Governors to increase opportunities for medical education in Florida. The College of Medicine will welcome its charter class of 40 students on August 3, 2009, and eventually will produce about 120 medical graduates a year.

The 50 acre UCF Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona will include the College of Medicine and the Burnett Biomedical Sciences building. The Burnham Institute for Medical Research, a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Tavistock Group, M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Institute, and a University of Florida research facility will also call Lake Nona home, turning the area into a medical city.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Main article: Rosen College of Hospitality Management
The promenade of the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

The campus is designed to imitate a resort-style feel with elegant Spanish-inspired architecture and landscaping, various areas of the college are dedicated in name to major donors to the college including the Disney Dining Room, Universal Orlando Library, Darden Auditorium, and the state-of-the-art Anheuser Busch Beer & Wine Lab. The campus includes the Three Pillars Cafe, a student-operated cafe that serves various cuisines and food items. Regular Shuttle service is offered Monday thru Thursday to and from the UCF Main Campus.

The college features an on-site Campus Life Office that coordinates on-campus activities and events in conjunction with the UCF Student Government Association. In 2005, the University opened two on-campus housing buildings, able to house 400 residents. The college offers a variety of student organizations including nationally-renowned associations such as Eta Sigma Delta (International Hospitality Management Honor Society), National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, and the Professional Convention Management Association, and the National Association of Catering Executives. The Career Services Office also offers career development events including the popular annual Career Expo with historically high attendance from world-renowned companies and organizations.

Athletics

File:UCFArena.jpg
The New UCF Arena
Bright House Networks Stadium
Main article: UCF Knights
See also: UCF Knights football

The university's athletics teams are known as the UCF Knights. They are part of Conference USA in the NCAA's Division I-A in the 17 active varsity sports teams.

UCF entered NCAA Division I for all sports except football in 1982. The football program was part of Division I-AA from 1990-1995, then moved to Division 1-A in 1996. The football program did not play in any conference at any level until 2002, when it played its first season in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Most of the other varsity sports participated in the Trans America Athletic Conference (today known as the Atlantic Sun Conference) at that time. The football program then moved to Conference USA in time for the 2005-2006 season along with most of the university's other varsity sports. [30] UCF is the first school to ever build and open a new stadium, the Bright House Networks Stadium, and a new arena, the new UCF Arena, at the same time, for the 2007-08 season.[31] In 2007, the UCF Football team won the C-USA Conference Championship for the first time in the school's history, securing a berth to the 49th Annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Many former UCF football players have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, wide receiver Shawn Jefferson, cornerback Asante Samuel, safety Atari Bigby, cornerback Travis Fisher, and running back Kevin Smith, just to name a few.

UCF played its first intercollegiate basketball game before the team even had a nickname. In the Division II era, under Torchy Clark, UCF found great success, including a DII Final Four appearance. UCF has advanced to the NCAA tournament 4 times (94, 96, 04, 05) since its 1990 debut in Division I, all under head coach Kirk Speraw. The 2008-2009 UCF men's team features senior Jermaine Taylor, who is one of the nation's top scorers averaging over 20 points per game.

UCF has also produced a number of soccer stars, including Michelle Akers. Akers went on to play in the Olympics and was a part of the 1999 USA National Team that won the World Cup.

The UCF cheerleading squad has captured two national titles at the College Cheerleading and Dance Team Nationals, in 2003 and 2007. They were followed by the WE tv's hit cheerleading show, Cheerleader U, as the reigning national champions.[32]

Student Life

Movies on the Plaza attracts many local residents and students to Knights Plaza

UCF has a highly active campus life, boasting over 400 registered student organizations,[33] intramural sports, and an active Student Government Association. The university encourages student activism through organizations such as the Office of Student Involvement, the Multicultural Student Center, the Campus Activities Board, Volunteer UCF and Learning and Interacting with New Knights (LINK), an organization that fosters freshman involvement. In 2006, High Times magazine ranked UCF one of the top five schools for student activism.[34]

Greek Life

Main article: Greek Life at the University of Central Florida

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Central Florida is separated into five divisions: UCF Greek Council, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council, and the Diversified Greek Council. The Order of Omega has a chapter at the university.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) comprises 16 fraternities, the Panhellenic Council is made up of 10 sororities. In addition there are also many multicultural and honor Greek organizations. The Diversified Greek Council consists of 9 cultural organizations (Latino, Asian, South Asian, etc.), four fraternities and five sororities. The National Pan-Hellenic Council comprises nine historically-black organizations, five fraternities and four sororities). There are now also three recognized fraternal organizations for Christian students.

Traditions

Spirit Splash

File:UCF Spirit Splash.jpg
Students descend into the Reflection Pond during Spirit Splash

Spirit Splash is a homecoming tradition at UCF, and is the only time during the year that students are allowed into the Reflection Pond. Hailed as one of the best homecoming traditions in the nation,[35] the Friday before the Homecoming game is reserved for a pep rally at the Reflection Pond, where students descend into the pond to demonstrate their school spirit.

In 2000, Florida Leader magazine named Spirit Splash the best college or university tradition in Florida.[36] Along with the students, there are members of the community, alumni, children and even dogs who come to join in on the festivities. Spirit Splash began in 1994 when the Student Body President, Miguel Torregrossa, was rather unceremoniously tossed into the pond by Bryan Farris, one of his cabinet members and the students at the pep rally quickly followed. Knightro, the Marching Knights, cheerleaders, athletes, and dancers come out to rally the crowd, and are followed by a concert. Spirit Splash was made possible in part by weight testing done on the Reflection Pond in preparation for President Richard Nixon's visit to the university to speak at its 1973 commencement. It was determined that the best way to protect the president would be to hold commencement in the pond itself (after being drained), so that Secret Service agents could be stationed on the roofs of the adjacent buildings.

Pegasus Seal

File:UCF Pegasus Seal.jpg
The Pegasus seal in the Student Union

One of the fastest growing and newest traditions on the UCF campus pertains to the Pegasus seal in the center of the main floor of the Student Union.

From their first day on campus, new students are told to never walk on the Pegasus. As the tradition is told, those who step foot on the seal will never graduate from UCF. Usually the seal is roped off with heavy black velvet ropes, but when the ropes are not in place, students can be seen carefully avoiding the seal. In 2005, Florida Leader magazine named this new tradition the best college superstition in Florida.[37]

Student Services

Health Services

All UCF students have access to the Health Center located on Apollo Circle on the main campus. Student's pay a fee per credit hour that entitles them to unlimited primary care visits with no office visit charge. However, there are nominal charges for other services such as lab tests, x-rays and procedures.[38]

UCF Health Services operates two pharmacies on campus: the UCF Pharmacy in the Health Center, and Knight Aide in Knights Plaza, which also offers a variety of other convenience store items. The health center also offers Biofeedback, massage therapy as well as STD screenings. UCF requires all students to have health insurance and offers a comprehensive student plan to those who do not.

Victim Services

Main article: University of Central Florida Victim Services

UCF Victim Services offers free legal options, advocacy, and information to UCF students, faculty, employees, and visitors. More specifically, the UCF victim advocate unit can assist clients through providing information about both their legal and non-legal options, advocating on their behalf through the UCF Academic and Student Conduct process and the criminal justice system, and otherwise providing support in their efforts to help survivors of victimization. Advocates are available 24 hours a day to assist victims by phone, or to respond to the scene of a crime.

Victim Services also provides the UCF community, as well as surrounding organizations and businesses, informational presentations on a wide variety of topics, including crisis intervention, domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, self-care, and stalking. Many volunteering and internship opportunities are available to UCF students. [39]

Recreation

The UCF Recreation & Wellness Center

Many different recreational organizations and facilities are available on the UCF campus. Lake Claire is an on-campus lake with free canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats available for rent to students. Students may also swim in the lake, which is the home to one shy, 4-foot gator, and the sunken wreck of a rowboat.[40] In addition, UCF's Challenge Course is one of only five in the country to contain a high elements course.[41]

The UCF Recreation and Wellness Center, which opened in 2002, is comprised of five different programs: Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, Outdoor Adventure, Fitness, and Aquatics. The Recreation and Wellness Center is open to all students, and paid memberships are available for non-students. The Wellness Center offers programs to boost students' understanding of their health, provides discounted blood and STD testing, staffs certified personal trainers, and teaches methods to maintain good health. The recreation center includes a custom climbing wall with more then 20 different routes, as well as, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a disc golf course, numerous intramural sports fields, a leisure pool, and an outdoor lap pool.[42] The Recreation and Wellness Center is currently undergoing a $16 million expansion that is set to be completed by fall 2010. The 40,000 square feet expansion will create more room in the fitness center's free weight, cardiovascular and weight machine areas.[43]

Student Government Association

The University of Central Florida's Student Government is the leading advocacy group for the students who attend the University of Central Florida, representing the university's 50,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. It the largest Student Government within the state of Florida and one of the largest in the United States. In addition, it also often places in the top 10 SGAs nationally for the services and outreach it provides for the students it serves. The student government association at UCF operates on an annual $13.6 - $13.7 million dollar budget. With its budget, SGA funds and owns two campus facilities (The Recreation and Wellness Center and the Student Union) while also providing upwards of $1.5 million dollars in funding to over 385 student organizations.

It was officially established in 1976 and consists of an executive, judicial, and legislative branch. The executive branch is headed by the Student Body President and Student Body Vice President. Within the executive branch are between 30 - 40 appointed and paid cabinet members that oversee everything from university policies to tracking the state's legislature. The Student Body President, by mandate of Florida law serves on the university's Board of Trustees for a period of 1 year. The Student Body President and Student Body Vice President are elected in annual elections held in the spring and both receive a paid salary that ranges from $18,000/yr to $21,000/yr. The legislative branch is composed of 52 senators, who serve one year terms. All senate seats are elected each spring semester. The senators elect a Speaker of the Senate who receives an annual salary between $17,000/yr to $20,000/yr and a Senate President Pro Tempore once a year in the fall to lead the Student Senate. The judicial branch consists of a paid Chief Justice and 10 associate Justices who preside over student conduct hearings and traffic appeals.

Housing

The university currently has over 6,000 beds on-campus in eight different housing communities. Residence hall style suites are available in the Libra, Apollo, Hercules, and Nike communities. All of the residence hall suites have bathrooms shared between 2 or 3 rooms as opposed to communal bathrooms. Apartment style housing is available in the Academic Village (Nike and Hercules) communities, the Towers at Knights Plaza (Tower I, II, III, and IV), and the Lake Claire Courtyard Apartments Community. UCF also has 400 beds at the Rosen College Apartments Community, located on the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus. The majority of all on campus housing is occupied by freshman. The Towers at Knights Plaza house the majority of the upper-classmen who live on campus.

All communities have Resident Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and Area Coordinators in each community. There is at least one Resident Assistant per 40-70 residents. There are also at least one Graduate Assistant per community. Finally, there is an Area Coordinator. Graduate Assistants and Area Coordinators on duty. UCF has over 175 RA's, 17 GA's, and 11 Area Coordinators.

Tower One at Knights Plaza as viewed from its promenade

In 2007, UCF constructed the Towers at Knights Plaza, commonly known as "The Towers", as part of an athletic village known as Knights Plaza, which includes the UCF Arena, Bright House Networks Stadium, as well as 183,000 square feet (17,000 m2) of retail and restaurant space, to be built in three phases over the coming years. Some retailers and restaurants currently occupying Knights Plaza are Barnes & Noble, Papa John's, Subway, Maggie Moo's, Red Brick Pizza, Balagan Mediterranean Cafe, Jimmy John's, Beach Scene, Starbucks, Boba Tease, and "Knightros", an all-you care to eat restaurant. The complex also features a branch of the UCF Pharmacy called Knight Aide, a Princeton Review, and a secure mail room for students who live in the Towers. Apartments in the Towers are offered in various plans ranging from 1 bedroom/1 bathroom to 4 bedroom/4 bathroom, with the majority being 4 bedroom/2 bathroom. Each tower houses approximately 500 students. Tower III is a learning community for students enrolled in the Burnett Honors College. Most UCF athletes are housed in Tower IV.

All residents of the Towers Communities and Rosen College Apartments sign annual contracts to rent their apartments for a full academic year (fall, spring, and summer), whereas residents of all other standard housing communities on the main campus sign academic contracts to rent their rooms only for one or two semesters at a time.[44]

Housing on the main campus typically fills to capacity well before the start of the Fall semester, and can not accommodate everyone who applies. In order to provide additional student housing to meet the demand, UCF is constructing a new learning community known as NorthView. It will contain 600 beds built around a faith-based community center, that will include a Hillel Jewish Student Center, a Catholic Student Center, and common space for other faith based organizations on campus to use.[45] Like all other learning communities on campus, students must request to live specifically in this community, and the housing is not targeted at any specific faith.

Also, upwards of 3,750 beds are available at the University-affiliated housing communities of Pegasus Landing and Pegasus Pointe, which are off-campus apartment communities managed by American Campus Communities, that contain many UCF services such as Resident Assistants and UCF Police service. Pegasus Landing was built in three stages. The communities are more commonly referred to as Pisces (Phase 1), Aries (Phase 2), Capricorn (Phase 3).

Communities

Below is a complete listing of all University-based housing communities, all of which are located on the UCF main campus unless otherwise noted:

Standard Housing Communities

  • Apollo Community - includes Lake Hall, Volusia Hall, Osceola Hall, and Polk Hall; which were built in 1967 make them the oldest residence halls on campus, located in the west side of campus by the Math & Physics building and the Marketplace dining area.
  • Libra Community - large resident hall buildings originally built in 1980 located in the southeast side of campus, near the Student Health Center & Marketplace dining area.
  • Lake Claire Courtyard Apartments Community - apartment-style resident halls built in 1993 on the north side of campus near the Lake Claire recreation area.
  • Academic Village
    • Nike Community (Academic Village 1) - the eastern half of the Academic Village located in the south of campus containing both suite and apartment style residences and was constructed in 2001.
    • Hercules Community (Academic Village 2) - the western half of the Academic Village located in the south of campus containing both suite and apartment style residences and was constructed in 2002.
  • Towers at Knights Plaza- these are apartment style residence halls with the majority being 4 bedroom/2 bath or 4 bedroom/4 bath.
    • (Towers I and II) - located on the north side of campus to the west of the UCF Arena
    • (Towers III and IV) - located on the north side of campus adjacent to the Bright House Networks Stadium and the UCF Arena
  • Rosen College Apartments Community - on Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus

Greek Park

Greek housing is also available on the main campus in the Greek Park community, which consists of close to 400 beds. There are six sororities and three fraternities housed on campus, with five fraternities offering housing off campus. In addition, two previously unoccupied houses are currently being renovated by the university and will house Kappa Alpha Theta and Theta Chi beginning in Fall 2009. There was a sixth fraternity house on campus that was demolished in May 2008, and plans for two new houses in its spot are currently under review.

UCF plans on constructing a Greek Park II, which will have a much higher population density than that currently of Greek Park, when it becomes financially feasible for the university.[46]

On-Campus Greek Housing

Under Renovation Greek Houses On-Campus (To be completed Fall 2009)

Fraternities Known to Have Off-Campus Housing Options

Affiliated Housing (off-campus)

Affiliated housing is owned by the University of Central Florida, but is managed by an outside firm, currently being American Campus Communities. Affiliated housing is patrolled by the UCF Police Department and offers shuttle service on class days.

  • Pegasus Landing - apartment complex directly west of UCF's Lake Claire across Alafaya Trail.
  • Pegasus Pointe - apartment complex located south of UCF, off Alafaya Trail and just north of Colonial.

Notable Alumni

Main article: List of University of Central Florida people
The FAIRWINDS Alumni Center at UCF

UCF has awarded over 186,000 degrees, with more than 165,000 alumni located around the world. 71% of UCF alumni reside in Florida, while 57% are located within the Central Florida area.[3]

Notes

  1. ^ "Graphics Standards and Brand Book" (PDF). University of Central Florida Marketing. Retrieved 2007-11-01.
  2. ^ "FSGC Mission". Florida Space Grant Consortium. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Facts About UCF". UCF Office of Institutional Research. Retrieved 2008-12-07.
  4. ^ "UCF Refional Campuses". University of Central Florida. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  5. ^ "Best Colleges: Up and Coming National". US News. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  6. ^ "University of Central Florida History". University of Central Florida Foundation. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  7. ^ "University of Central Florida celebrates 40 years of growth". Orlando Sentinel. 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-10-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "One School Many Mascots". Central Florida Future. 2004-01-20. Retrieved 2007-10-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Headcount Enrollment by Ethnic Origin, Discipline, and Classification" (Student Catalog). University of Central Florida. 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  10. ^ "B02001. RACE - Universe: TOTAL POPULATION". 2006 American Community Survey. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2002-02-09.
  11. ^ 2008-2009 Headcount Enrollment by Ethnic Origin, Discipline, and Classification
  12. ^ UCF Ranked Among Top 100 Universities for Hispanic Students
  13. ^ [http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/factbooks/2008-2009/table9.pdf 2008-2009 Final Fall Headcount - All Students State of Residence]
  14. ^ "UCF Joins Top Universities in Princeton Review's Best Colleges Guide". University of Central Florida. 2005-04-22. Retrieved 2007-10-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ "University of Central Florida". US News. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  16. ^ "Best Colleges: Up and Coming National". US News. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  17. ^ "UCF Recognized for Innovation, Value in Best Colleges Ranking". University of Central Florida. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
  18. ^ "Best Colleges: Economic Diversity: National Universities". U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
  19. ^ "UCF Enrolls Record Number of National Merit Scholars". University of Central Florida. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  20. ^ ROTC gaining in popularity - Entertainment
  21. ^ [1]
  22. ^ [2]
  23. ^ "Admissions Data 2008-2009" (PDF). Official site. 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2009-04-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ http://www.admissions.ucf.edu/about.asp?FirstSub=freshprof
  25. ^ "UCF Freshman Class Profile - Fall 2008". University of Central Florida. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  26. ^ "Med school a large draw". Central Florida Future. 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2009-04-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ [3]
  28. ^ [4]
  29. ^ "Educators Discuss Benefits of DirectConnect to UCF Program". University of Central Florida. 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2009-04-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Annual standings published in Official NCAA Football Records Book, 1992-1996 editions
  31. ^ "UCF Arena Update". UCF Arena. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  32. ^ "CheerleaderU". UCF Athletics. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
  33. ^ "Office of Student Involvement". UCF Student Government Association. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  34. ^ "Ranking High". Central Florida Future. 2007-09-20. Retrieved 2007-10-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ "Spirit Splash Becoming One of the Best Homecoming Traditions in the Nation". University of Central Florida Athletics. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  36. ^ "UKnighted Newsletter". University of Central Florida. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  37. ^ "Best of Florida Schools 2005". Florida Leader. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  38. ^ "UCF Health Services". UCF Victim Services. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
  39. ^ "UCF Victim Services". UCF Victim Services. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  40. ^ "Lake Claire". UCF Student Government Association. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  41. ^ "UCF Challenge Course". UCF Student Government Association. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  42. ^ "UCF Recreation and Wellness Center Facilities". UCF Student Government Association. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  43. ^ "Welbro building $16M, 40,000 sf expansion at UCF fitness center". Orlando Business Journal. Retrieved 2009-04-15.
  44. ^ "Housing Communities". UCF Housing and Residence Life. Retrieved 2007-10-28.
  45. ^ "UCF Expands into Seminole County". The Seminole Voice. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  46. ^ "Vacant Greek houses get a new chapter". Central Florida Future. 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2009-04-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)


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