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Community Engagement

See how UCF academics and leaders intersect and collaborate with the community and others in making the world a better place.

NEA Big Read: Central Florida kicks off virtual programming April 1

Like many activities previously scheduled for this spring, the organizers of the NEA Big Read: Central Florida had to rethink their programming. The event, which was set to take place at UCF Celebrates the Arts and the UCF Art Gallery, will continue on, but differently. The exhibitions, readings and in-person discussions have been replaced with a virtual launch and series of…

Coronavirus Is like “Waiting for the Tsunami to Hit” Says UCF Grad

“What’s the craziest thing you’ve experienced in the ER?” I’m often asked that question when people find out I practice emergency medicine. I became a doctor because I find great fulfillment in the charge and challenge of helping people who are suffering. Though I’m sure innocent curiosity drives that inquisitiveness, sharing the suffering of others…

UCF Staffer Helps Coronavirus Relief Efforts by Sewing Face Masks

Much like civilian efforts to support the nation during times of war, people around the country are doing their part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. One of the latest examples is sewing homemade face masks for first responders and medical personnel who are having trouble getting them because they are in short…

New Project Aims to Address Global Crises

The UCF Office of Global Perspectives & International Initiatives (GPII) is pleased to announce the launch of a new project, “Addressing Global Crisis” (AGC). The AGC Project will examine not only how the world responds to the current coronavirus pandemic, but how governments, individually and collectively, deal with natural disasters, ecological challenges and climate change.…

UCF Creative School for Children a Food Distribution Site for Those in Need

In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the UCF Creative School for Children is distributing food for free to local in-need families during the coronavirus pandemic. For as long as schools remain closed, the Creative School for Children will distribute meals and snacks, as available, each weekday from 11 a.m. to noon…

UCF artists “Arts On!”

UCF student, faculty, staff and alumni artists have found themselves in the unprecedented circumstance of isolating themselves. Concerts and performances have been canceled, exhibitions are moving online and pedagogy is happening virtually. Traditional year-end experiences like senior recitals and UCF Celebrates the Arts are no longer happening. What we have seen on social media, however,…

Get to the One: Following Up with Employers, The Dos and Don’ts

You submitted your resume. You nailed the phone interview. You just finished the in-person interview. You’re waiting for a response back from the employer but have heard nothing so far. Now what? Well, now is the ideal time to follow up with the interviewer! Whether you submitted your resume online or on Knightline, met an employer…

Board of Governors Confirms Alexander Cartwright as UCF’s President

University of Missouri Chancellor Dr. Alexander Cartwright was confirmed as the sixth president of the University of Central Florida on Wednesday by the Board of Governors of Florida’s State University System. Cartwright’s first day at UCF will be April 13. The appointment continues a remarkable journey in higher education for Cartwright, a first-generation college student…

Trustees Approve First 4 Partners for Cancer Center

UCF’s Board of Trustees approved Tuesday the first four partners for a new university cancer center that will bring a new level of cancer care and research to Orlando’s growing Medical City. Trustees approved four leases that will bring in $1.87 million a year in rent of the $2 million-a-year mortgage payment UCF is initially making on the center. College…

5 Ways to Be More Productive While Working from Home

COVID-19 is now a global pandemic affecting everything from international travel, tourism and even the availability of toilet paper. With new cases of COVID-19 confirmed every day, the United States is calling for everyone to limit their interactions with others and recommending that many employees work remotely, if they are able. Working from home may…

Census 2020: Everything You Need to Know

You have the opportunity this year to impact governmental leadership and federal funding for programs in Florida, but it has nothing to do with political beliefs, parties or the election in November. Instead you’ll be answering a few questions by April 1 to complete the 2020 census. The census is a count of every person…

UCF’s Nicholson School Launches New Website to Promote Open Government

An experiment in promoting open government was launched last week by UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media – and if the project meets with good results in Winter Park, it could be expanded to other Central Florida cities. A new grant-funded website – WinterParkSunshine.org – was set up by the school’s journalism program to help inform…

UCF Names Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright as President-elect

Alexander N. Cartwright, chancellor at the University of Missouri since 2017, was chosen as president-elect by the University of Central Florida today following a nationwide search. The UCF Board of Trustees, which selected Cartwright over another finalist, praised Cartwright’s proven experience as a leader both in Missouri and previously as provost and executive vice chancellor…

Coronavirus Update: Remote Learning Extended Through Summer A, C and D

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rapidly evolve. UCF will move to remote instruction effective through the spring semester, under official direction from the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System. Additionally, UCF will continue with remote instruction through the Summer A, C and D semesters, which all start on Monday,…

Presidential Finalist Pool is Set, Virtual Open Forums Thursday

Finalists to be UCF’s next president – including a candidate who was added Wednesday – will hold virtual open forums and meetings on Thursday. Students, faculty, staff and the UCF community are encouraged to watch the candidates’ open forums via livestream and provide their feedback. The Presidential Search Committee selected David Brenner and Cato Laurencin…

Misconception About Childless Adults Can Be Misguided

Well-meaning adults often tend to have the mistaken belief that childless adults must not like kids; this misconception can be so very far the truth and misguided. I recently invited readers in a UCF Forum to contemplate their views on childless adults. Readers were encouraged to think about reasons that other adults had lives without children, to…

Coronavirus Update: Remote Learning Extended Through Spring Semester

Last updated at 4:27 p.m. on March 17, 2020. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rapidly evolve. While no cases have been reported at the university, UCF will move to remote instruction effective through the spring semester, to minimize health and safety risks to the UCF community. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to…

UCF Presidential Finalists to Take Questions at Virtual Open Forums

The UCF Board of Trustees is expected to select the university’s next president on Friday, March 20, after students, faculty and staff have a chance to meet the finalists virtually and offer their feedback. “I want to let our community know this is critical – you have the opportunity to look at these candidates, listen…

Changes at UCF Clinics From COVID-19

In compliance with UCF’s response to COVID-19 concerns, our clinics have made the following changes: UCF Communication Disorders Clinic Our clinic is currently closed in compliance with UCF’s response to COVID-19 concerns. Patient and research participants will be rescheduled when further  information is available. Please check back for updates. UCF Aphasia House Our clinic is…

Psychologist Makes Her Mark Bringing Together Families

Kimberly Renk, Ph.D., is rebuilding families by taking psychology off the couch and into disadvantaged Orlando communities. Renk is a child psychologist by training, and she shares her more than 20 years of experience in both the classroom and the local judicial system. Her work at UCF includes leading the Understanding Young Children and Families…