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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.

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…

Event Cancellations and Updates for the UCF College of Arts and Humanities

The UCF College of Arts and Humanities is cancelling upcoming events, including the annual festival, UCF Celebrates the Arts. Keeping our UCF community safe and informed is our top priority. UCF, and all universities in the State University System, are taking precautions to help minimize the risk of the spread of the coronavirus. We know…

UCF Encourages Campus Community to Meet Presidential Candidates Virtually

The search for UCF’s next president will continue next week, with students, faculty, staff and the community given the opportunity to meet with finalists virtually and the Board of Trustees expected to select the university’s next president on Friday, March 20. With the uncertainty surrounding the scope and duration of COVID-19, UCF is proceeding with…

Coronavirus Updates from UCF

Last updated at 4 p.m. on March 11, 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 Monday, March 16, to minimize health and safety risks to the UCF community, especially as students and faculty prepare to return from…

How Partners in “Medical Relationships” Can Overcome Their Special Challenges

Lara McElderry, a life coach and podcast host of “Married to Doctors,” spoke at the UCF College of Medicine on March 5, about seven contentious issues in relationships that can be especially challenging with medical providers:  traditions, roles, goals, values, sex, money and the past. “When you add medicine into a relationship, you add more to those…

UCF Continues to Prepare for Coronavirus

While UCF students are enjoying spring break, staff members are working on campus to ensure the health and safety of the campus community. About 50 essential personnel gathered Tuesday morning at the UCF Emergency Operations Center for a hands-on practical discussion related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although no cases have been reported at UCF or…

UCF Grad Finds Purpose as a Voice for the Voiceless

Exhausted and filled with nerves, Brandie Hollinger ’07 looked toward the stage in front of UCF’s Student Union as the sun poured down in the late afternoon. Hollinger’s name rung out through the speakers. After so much campaigning and hard work, she made UCF history. Her entire team — donning their red campaign shirts — let out…

Search Committee Selects Three Finalists for UCF’s Next President

UCF’s Presidential Search Committee chose three finalists from a pool of seven who were interviewed on campus Thursday. The candidates who were interviewed during a day-long session represented a great depth of academic scholarship, research and achievement, and also are world-renowned in their disciplines and strong academic leaders. Those interviewed include candidates with membership in…

It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot

Flu season is still in session, and reports show flu activity is much higher in Florida this year than the past two seasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is elevated around the country and expected to continue for weeks. Although the CDC recommends getting your yearly flu shot before…

Preventing Illness Through Good Hygiene Habits

Bacteria is everywhere. Many things we touch every day – door handles, bathroom sinks, office phones and money – have been touched by hundreds or even thousands of other people. That’s why practicing good hygiene habits is important for promoting good health, especially during flu season. Here are some tips for preventing illnesses through good…

5 Ways To Sleep Better

Sleep affects our mood, energy and overall health. However, getting a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel like a huge challenge. Here are some tips and tricks to help you sleep better tonight — and every night.1.Get into a routine Setting a strict sleep schedule and sticking to it is a great way to make…

Presidential Search Committee Selects 7 Candidates for Interviews

The University of Central Florida’s Presidential Search Committee selected seven applicants to invite to campus on Thursday for in-person interviews. The applicant pool includes a remarkable depth of academic scholarship and accomplishment, including candidates with membership in the prestigious National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Engineering, and affiliation with institutions in the Association…

College of Arts and Humanities Events Celebrate Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month started on March 1, and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program has lined up several events to celebrate women all month long. Women’s First Project Exhibit: Friday, February 28 through Thursday, April 30 Reception: Tuesday, March 3, 20204:00 – 6:00 pmJohn C. Hitt Library room 223 The exhibit team who worked on this project…

Safe Knight Week Starts March 2

UCF will host a series of interactive events this week to raise awareness about safety and well-being. Safe Knight Week, which runs March 2-5, is an opportunity to learn about self-care, violence prevention and emergency preparedness. The goal for the week is to provide health and safety-related learning opportunities that will be useful during the…

Meet UCF Downtown’s New Police Commander

In Spring 2020, the UCF Police Department announced James Mangan ’09 will serve as regional commander. His duties include overseeing 20 sworn law enforcement officers, several civilian personnel and all police services for UCF Downtown, as well as for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and College of Medicine. Based out of UCFPD’s substation on Amelia Street in downtown…

Gravitational Wave Experts to Meet at UCF for Two Days of Intensive Talks

The University of Central Florida is hosting this week more than 70 scientists from around the nation who study gravitational waves. The North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves Physics Frontiers Center (NANOGrav) selected UCF for its spring meeting March 4-6. The organization only conducts two major meetings a year. NANOGrav is a collaboration of…

Early Voting at UCF Begins Monday

On-campus early voting for UCF students, faculty and staff members, as well as other Orange County registered voters, starts Monday. Eligible voters can cast ballots for the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day in room 206 of the Recreation and Wellness Center through Sunday, March 15. Parking spaces will be set…