See how UCF academics and leaders intersect and collaborate with the community and others in making the world a better place.
Mon Nov 23
About this time of year the past several years, my husband can’t help but comment on the total departure from the “traditional” Thanksgiving feast available at our family’s gathering. He says something along the lines of: “I’m pretty sure the Pilgrims at Plymouth did not have pernil on their table during their Thanksgiving celebration.” (For…
Fri Nov 20
Since taking office in March, President Alexander N. Cartwright has made it his mission to make UCF known for academic, operational and inclusive excellence. But who are the new president and first lady leading UCF? The following video series offers insight into their happiest days, what interests them outside of education and what job President…
Thu Nov 19
As COVID-19 cases spike, health officials are discovering that many people currently testing positive were infected while they were with people they know –not in work or classroom situations, but in casual social gatherings. That’s not surprising. We let down our guards when we’re home or out having fun. While it’s become natural – and…
Thu Nov 19
Following a review of engineering assessments, the U.S. National Science Foundation today announced it will begin planning the controlled decommissioning of the 1,000-foot-wide telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The observatory, which UCF manages for NSF under a cooperative agreement, has for 57 years served as a world-class resource for radio astronomy and planetary,…
Thu Nov 19
A.J. Range, UCF’s assistant vice president of Student Development and Enrollment Services, will retire Dec. 11 after a 46-year career in education, the past 26 at the university. In his current position, he works closely with Neighborhood Relations and Safety Education and the Office of Student Legal Services, but through his career he has served…
Wed Nov 18
Our parents are our first teachers, and in my case they were also my Girl Scout troop leaders. Although I was not the most enthusiastic Brownie or Junior Girl Scout, I endured campsite latrines for the opportunities to sell cookies, accumulate badges and socialize with other girls my age. Having my parents as troop leaders…
Tue Nov 17
UCF Health recently welcomed another rheumatologist to the practice who, in addition to caring for patients, will join our three existing rheumatology faculty to train tomorrow’s specialists. Dr. Hina Tareen joins the UCF College of Medicine physician practice after completing her rheumatology fellowship and internal medicine residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston,…
Mon Nov 16
When associate lecturer Irene Pons, four legal studies students and a videographer from UCF’s Center for Distributed Learning set out on a trip to the Texas-Mexico border during spring break they didn’t know what to expect. But at the end of their week-long adventure they returned home with life-changing experiences, a deeper desire to help others, and a documentary…
Fri Nov 13
The University of Central Florida today delivered engineering options to address the Arecibo Observatory to the National Science Foundation. UCF manages the facility under a cooperative agreement with Universidad Ana G. Méndez and Yang Enterprises Inc. for NSF. A main cable failed at AO about 7:30 pm on Nov. 6. Safety remains the team’s primary concern, so…
Fri Nov 13
UCF Go Baby Go! builds more than innovative motorized cars that increase mobility in children, it also builds community by bringing children of all mobility levels together. Through a new partnership with St. Joseph Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Go Baby Go! is bringing low-cost mobility resources to children who are receiving care there. “UCF Go…
Thu Nov 12
You’re sick with coughing, sneezing and a fever. Do you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19? All three are contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms. The only way to tell for certain that you have COVID-19 is through a diagnostic test, but here are some guidelines on symptoms of a cold, the flu and…
Thu Nov 12
After 19 years as UCF’s vice president and general counsel, W. Scott Cole has decided to step down from that position effective Nov. 30. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be here since 2002 when I joined a still young but growing public metropolitan university, one that still had crushed gravel in…
Wed Nov 11
Things have changed in the classroom since I became a professor more than 25 years ago. I love teaching, mentoring, interacting and watching students grow — from undergraduate to graduate to doctoral levels. I love the game. I do not assess today’s changes as better or worse, just different. Society changes, generations evolve, and higher…
Mon Nov 9
Each November, the UCF College of Arts and Humanities honors veterans with events such as lectures, plays and ceremonies, as well as initiatives like the Veterans History Project, macrame’d trees and flag displays. This year looks a little different due to COVID-19, but the college and university will still be honoring our veterans in safe…
Mon Nov 9
After a national search, UCF has selected Gerald L. Hector as its new senior vice president for Administration and Finance. He is expected to start his new role on January 4, 2021. “Out of an outstanding pool of candidates, Gerald stood out because of his impressive experience and his collaborative, compassionate and focused leadership style, which aligns…
Fri Nov 6
The closing song toward the end of the musical Hamilton is a profound statement about where history comes from: “Who lives, who dies and who tells your story?” Think about that for a moment. “What we learn about history depends on who was able to write down firsthand accounts and preserve them,” says UCF Associate Professor of History Rosalind…
Thu Nov 5
With the global pandemic affecting almost all aspects of daily life, medical students who operate the free KNIGHTS Clinic have found creative ways to continue serving the community. In addition to conducting telemedicine clinics to continue seeing patients, students have started lifestyle coaching Zoom calls to teach patients better ways to manage their conditions and…
Thu Nov 5
As we approach the fall and winter holiday season, how can you plan festivities and still protect your guests, family and the community during COVID-19? The CDC offers suggestions to supplement local and state regulations that are in place. Different types of celebrations hold different risks of spreading the virus. Holding a holiday event with members of…
Thu Nov 5
When it comes to speaking up on political and social issues, knowing how to effectively communicate is key to making sure you can make the best case of support for your cause. Writing letters, whether emails or posted mail, to your local officials is one of the most common ways to do so. Here writing…
Thu Nov 5
The India Center hosted a conference on “The Politics of Security in India: Progress and Challenges” during the month of October. The conference took place virtually as a series of three panels that featured international experts from academia and think tanks to discuss international, domestic and human security issues in India. Security constitutes a central…