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Frequently Asked Questions

Lab Access and Research Protocol

Can I continue my research?

This is an individual investigator’s decision, unless UCF, the state, or the federal government places additional restrictions. Please take time to consider any added risk, in particular to those individuals who may be at heightened risk from this disease vs the true need to continue your research during this crisis at this time.

Please reference the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

What if you decide to suspend your study until the COVID-19 crisis is over?

There is no need to inform the IRB. However:

  • If your study is a greater-than-minimal risk study that involves some type of patient care, you must ensure your suspension does not increase any risk to those study subjects.
  • If possible, make sure you contact any study subject who will be affected by this suspension (i.e., a study visit will be canceled, etc.)
  • You should make a note in your study records of this temporary suspension along with the justification and any actions taken in case you are ever audited.

Will I and my students have access to my lab?

Only if you fill out the Laboratory Access survey released on Friday, March 13. In the survey, you are asked to identify people critical to maintaining time-sensitive and necessary lab operations. This is not a guarantee every person will have access, but the survey will help the Office of Research create an authorization list.  Only individuals identified on the authorization list will be allowed to enter your lab beginning Wednesday, March 18. It is likely that each building on campus will be limited to one entry point beginning that day.  These procedures are to implement social distancing and for the safety of our faculty, staff, and students.  We reserve the right to limit or stop research that is not consistent with these procedures or poses a health threat to personnel.

Can I start long-term research at this time?

This is not the time to begin long-range projects. There are too many uncertainties regarding when campus will be fully operational. Federal agencies and other research partners are aware of this unique situation and the need for social distancing. The Office of Research will work with you once we have more direction from our partners on no-cost extensions you may need to complete your work, once we are fully operational again.

Can I proceed with non-human research projects?

This is up to each investigator, but remember there is a lot of uncertainty at this time. It may be best to stop or pause if possible. Safety is should be your guide.

I have a face-to-face experiment, but we are being told social distancing. What should I do?

Safety and preventing the spread of this disease is our number one priority and should be yours too. If you can’t do your work any other way, postpone the experiment.

Will my graduate students have access to my lab?

Only if you identify them as critical to your lab operations in the Laboratory Access survey and your plan was approved.

What types of changes can I make to my protocol that do not require IRB approval?

In general, changes that are temporary in nature in order to limit subject exposure to the virus (This means that when this crisis is over, you will return to all pre-crisis procedures):

  1. Change on interaction methods, such as changes from face-to-face to over the phone or some other similar devices.
  2. Please remember that this change can only be implemented if it presents no greater risk to participants. For example, if your study was taking place in person to avoid the risk by direct observations of the research subjects, a change over the phone would not be permitted without a formal review by the IRB in the form of a modification.
  3. Do not add any additional risk to any subjects or study staff.
  4. You should make a note in your study records regarding the above mentioned minor temporary change(s) that were made along with the justification in case you are ever audited.

What type of changes “must” be approved by the IRB prior to implementing them?

In general, changes that:

  1. Are not being made as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis, no matter how minor.
  2. Are greater-than-minimal risk changes that are a result of the COVID 19 crisis.
  3. Are on the protocol that is a greater-than-minimal risk study.

What if the greater-than-minimal risk revision can’t wait for IRB approval?

If it is in the best interest of the subject and will minimize or prevent transmission of COVID 19, then make the change, however:

  1. You should immediately notify the IRB by email at IRB@ucf.edu.
  2. You should make a note of the change(s) in your study records with the justification.
  3. You must submit the revision of protocol with the change(s) to the IRB as soon as possible, noting that the revision was implemented because of an emergency, including the justification for that emergent change(s).

What if there is a desire or need to keep a temporary COVID-19-related change a permanent change?

  • If the change is consistent with item #2 in the above question, then initiate the change and submit the revision.
  • When you submit the revision, please include in the description of the revision that the change was already implemented, and the reason it was implemented “emergently”.

Research related Travel and Pay

I have a speaker coming to campus. Do I have to cancel?

Yes. As of March 13, UCF is prohibiting all employees’ official university domestic and international travel for the next 30 days. The exception is employee travel between UCF campuses, which remains permitted at this time.

I’m supposed to travel in the next few weeks. Should I cancel? Will it be reimbursed?

No travel approval petitions will be approved at this time. More information about work-related travel is available here.

Can I still use my p-card? Are there any special restrictions?

You may use your p-card as usual. Follow the routine guidelines and procedures. All F&A procedures remain status quo until further notice.

I am a student research assistant. Do I come into work? Do I still get paid?

Only certain individuals will have limited access to labs until further notice. Check with your faculty member. If you are graduate research assistant, you are on contract and will be paid. If you are OPS, check with your faculty member for assignments.

What if?

What if one of my subjects, lab members, colleagues or I suddenly become sick at work?

If someone becomes unwell in the workspace and there is reason to suspect they may have come into contact with COVID-19, the unwell person should be removed to an area which is at least 6 feet away from other people. If possible, find a room or area where they can be isolated behind a closed door, such as a staff office. If it is possible to open a window, do so for ventilation.

The individual who is unwell should use their mobile phone to call a designated public health service number. If it is an emergency (if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk), then you should call 911 and explain the situation and provide relevant information, such as what reason to believe the individual may have been exposed to CoVID-19. Describe their current symptoms.

While waiting for advice from the public health or emergency service, the affected person should remain at least 6 feet from other people. They should avoid touching people, surfaces and objects and should cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in a bag or pocket then throw the tissue in the bin. If they don’t have any tissues available, they should cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbow.

If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting for medical assistance, they should use a separate bathroom if available.

To avoid risking people who have conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness (such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, older age), make arrangements for teleworking or advise them to take additional precautions, such as staying at home.

Research Resources

Will we still have access to the library and other campus resources?

Yes. But check https://www.ucf.edu/safety/coronavirus/. Many resources on campus, including the Office of Research, followed UCF’s directive to go remote by Wednesday, March 18. So, your access may only be remote.

Will mail and supply delivery continue?

As long as the university is open, mail service will continue. Supply delivery may fluctuate as vendors will implement their own procedures and may not be making deliveries. If you have not already done so, we suggest checking in with your suppliers and making plans to ensure you have all the materials you need for your work.

I have a grant application due soon. Will the Office of Research and the Research Foundation help me submit?

Yes. At this time all operations continue. The office will be going remote by Wednesday, March 18. Almost all functions will simply shift in methodology and will be completed remotely. If you need to speak to someone about your grant because of some urgent deadline or extenuating circumstance, email: proposals@ucf.edu. Please be considerate as we are experiencing a large volume of inquiries. Like you, others are also concerned about their own personal situation.

Awarded Jump Start Fund

Digital Media, Editing, and Performance - School of Performing Arts

Submitter

David Reed, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing, School of Performing Arts, College of Arts and Humanities

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$56,442

Project Summary

The money will be used to help students stay competitive as they enter the world of performing arts by helping them prepare audition material using current technology. UCF has been unable to answer an industrywide shift toward digital audition materials, demo reels and scene work, largely due to the lack of high-quality equipment. The funds will be used to create and store three mobile professional studios that would allow students to film, edit and musically underscore audition material. The technology will allow all students to utilize professional grade equipment, elevating the quality of filmed material, providing relevant career preparation and creating an equitable opportunity for each student. Additional materials will also enhance the filming process for the actors. These include the procurement of a film-appropriate aluminum armory to supplement current UCF training, and foundational scenic training material, including film-appropriate and heavy-duty aluminum seating. This equipment is intended to provide students with industry-specific training materials and to elevate the aesthetic of the filmed material. Learning to use these tools will not only prepare students for the industry, but it will also make them more competitive in the job market.

Collaborators

  • School of Performing Arts

Matching Funds

Advancing Interdisciplinary Cyber Security and Privacy Research at UCF

Submitter

Paul Gazzillo, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$100,000

Project Summary

Attacks on water treatment plants, the national pipeline and government and private businesses are increasingly common today, posing a threat to individuals and to national security. UCF has the expertise to tackle these threats with faculty in various colleges and within the Cyber Security and Privacy Cluster. UCF is also home to award-winning student teams focused on keeping our networks safe. But to truly innovate solutions to the constantly emerging threats, UCF needs a new kind of physical space. The award money will be used to renovate an existing computer lab into a first-of-its-kind space at UCF that will support the interdisciplinary approach needed for advanced solutions. It will have:

  • a sensory suite for comprehensive and real-time human state estimation, which will include eye-tracking,

  • physiological monitoring, and other biometric devices needed for cognitive and behavioral research,

  • cyber-analytics hardware and software platforms, used by cyber-security practitioners and for training cyber-defense professionals, and

  • computational resources for data analytics and real-time data collection from the sensory measurement equipment and cyber-defense platforms.

    The outcome is expected to translate into more research funding for UCF, a better prepared workforce and holistic solutions for problems that could potentially cripple our national economy and security.

Collaborators

  • Mary Jean Amon
  • Gary T. Leavens
  • Yao Li
  • David Mohaisen
  • Yan Solihin
  • Liqiang Wang
  • Changchun Zou
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Department of Computer Science

Matching Funds

$50,000

Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy at the University of Central Florida

Submitter

David Mohaisen, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$140,000

Project Summary

Already a leader in cyber security and privacy research and education, this project will launch a new online Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy (MSCP) at UCF to meet the exceedingly growing demands. The main goal of this proposal is to aid in the development of high-quality online course content that would not be possible with the currently available resources. With the rise in need for cybersecurity experts, this program is expected to deliver workforce-ready graduates that will not only work in this field, but also lead it.

Collaborators

  • Mary Jean Amon
  • Paul Gazillo
  • Kien Hua
  • Yao Li
  • Gary Leavens
  • Yan Solihin
  • Fan Yao
  • Murat Yuskel
  • Cliff Zou

Matching Funds

$35,000

Acquisition of a Direct-Write Photolithography System for the UCF Central Cleanroom Facility

Submitter

Reza Abdolvand, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$430,000

Project Summary

The money will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art Direct-Write Photolithography System for UCF. The system is expected to modernize on-campus micro-nanofabrication facilities, which enable a variety of research activities with a focus on understanding and developing micro and nano-devices and circuits necessary for various industry applications. The system eliminates the entire time-consuming and expensive photomask making process and enables instant modification of designs. Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of California at Berkeley have recently purchased similar systems. At least 20 faculty members across the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Optics and Photonics and College of Sciences are expected to use the new system to advance their research on technologies such as next-generation electronics, micro-sensors and optical microsystems. The investment is expected to help propel innovation and improve the university’s national standing in wide areas of research that depend on micro-fabrication capabilities.

Collaborators

  • Parag Banerjee
  • Hyoung Jin Cho
  • Kevin Coffey
  • Kaitlyn Crawford
  • Kris Davis
  • Xun Gong
  • Tengfei Jiang
  • Swaminathan Rajaraman
  • Tania Roy
  • Kalapathy Sundaram
  • Sasan Fathpour
  • Peter Delfyett
  • Patrick LiKamWa
  • Kyle Renshaw
  • Robert Peal
  • Enrique del Barco
  • Debashis Chanda
  • Arkadiy Lyakh
  • Masahiro Ishigami

Matching Funds

$105,000

Atomic layer deposition batch reactor for functional coating of powders

Submitter

Parag Banerjee, Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$50,000

Project Summary

The money will be used to build a state-of-the-art, fully custom atomic layer deposition system for coating powders that will eventually allow researchers to work with larger batches of powder while maintaining atomic-scale precision. Precision is a key priority identified by faculty members involved in internationally recognized work. Five ALD (atomic layer deposition?) systems are already in use at UCF, each an irreplaceable part of the material synthesis process (particularly at a nanoscale). The newly funded system will be especially significant to the research conducted by the interdepartmental REACT cluster (which optimizes materials for use in renewable energy production) and the Optical Materials Laboratory. In recognition of its interdisciplinary potential, three colleges and one department (the College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Optics and Photonics, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering) have joined to provide $20,000 in matching funds.

Collaborators

  • Kathleen Richardson
  • Titel Jurca

Matching Funds

$20,000

Infrastructure Equipment Enhancement: Nanomaterials for Improved Solar Cell Efficiency and Virus Trapping

Submitter

Kristopher Davis, Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$205,570

Project Summary

The requested funds will buy a particle analyzer system and a thermography system for use in observing and optimizing nanoparticles. Faculty members plan to apply the equipment to a wide range of research areas — most notably solar energy cell development and virology. In solar energy, there is a need for nanomaterial fabrication to improve the efficiency of cells’ electrical contacts, thus eliminating the price constraints currently limiting the technology’s spread. In medical research, engineered nanoparticles have shown a unique capability to tackle the complex mechanical properties of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The professors who crafted this proposal each bring strong interdisciplinary track records to the table; between them, they have several multi-year projects with the Department of Energy and National Institute of Health, collaborations with many industrial partners and multiple National Science Foundation awards. Upon receipt, this funding will immediately increase UCF’s ability to compete for even more significant grants and will facilitate investigation in areas like electronics, dermatology and household product formulation—allowing UCF to broaden its research horizons as it furthers its recognized strengths in virology and solar energy.

Collaborators

  • Kristopher Davis
  • Ranganathan Kumar
  • Aravinda Kar
  • Manish Gupta
  • Jayan Thomas
  • Samik Bhattacharya

Matching Funds

$58,000

Ultra-High-Speed Flow Facility for Hypersonics and Space Propulsion

Submitter

Kareem Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$500,000

Project Summary

UCF is home to the world-class Propulsion and Energy Research Lab, which has been producing new discoveries and advancements that, for example, promise to make travel from New York to London in 5 minutes. The engine test facility is used by many researchers at UCF from College of Engineering, College of Sciences and others. The high-level research has broad impact in hypersonics, space propulsion and energy power generation, and extends to supernova science. However, the experimentation is outdoors, limiting the use of the lab’s ultra-fast lasers. The investment will cover the outdoor space and upgrade some of the equipment. This investment should result in propelling research forward. The proposal team estimates the remodel should make UCF more competitive for at least $3.5 million worth of research grants from federal agencies alone.

Collaborators

  • Center for Advanced Turbines and Energy Research (CATER)
  • Robert Peele
  • Laurene Tetard
  • Mengyu Xu
  • Stephen Kuebler
  • Martin Richardson
  • Jay Kapat
  • Seetha Raghavan
  • Subith Vasu
  • Xun Gong
  • Richard Blair
  • Georgia Tech University
  • Purdue University
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Michigan
  • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
  • German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • Naval Research Laboratory

Matching Funds

$1,300,000

Enhancement to the Stokes High-Performance Computing Cluster, Supporting Cross-campus General-purpose Research Computing at UCF

Submitter

Glenn Martin, Research Associate Professor and Lab Director of Interactive Realities Laboratory, School of Modeling Simulation and Training, College of Graduate Studies

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$495,085

Project Summary

The money will be used to upgrade access to computational science research on campus. UCF has been using the Stokes high-performance computing cluster for the 15 years, which gives faculty and students capabilities to design, implement and use mathematical models to analyze and solve a variety of scientific problems. The system needs updating to keep up with age and demand. The money will purchase modern equipment that will add 60 nodes to replace aging nodes used now. Stokes supports computational research across UCF with users coming from almost every college. In addition, computational research in various domains is increasing and provides a great opportunity for expanding research while requiring little additional space. Each month, multiple users from multiple lab groups across campus use Stokes for their research.

Collaborators

Matching Funds

$200,000

Next Generation in High Resolution Tissue Imagining

Submitter

Griffith Parks, Associate Dean for Research and Director, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$300,000

Project Summary

The money will be used to purchase a High Imaging Platform for UCF researchers in the biomedical sciences. The platform will provide researchers with an ultra-high resolution imaging system, which is intended to help researchers advance the understanding of cancer, neuroscience and infectious diseases. The need for the platform is essential because biomedical sciences research is heavily dependent on the use of animals as models for human disease. However, a major challenge is the ability to visualize, image, record and study the structure, content and organization of complex tissues. (Maybe use another word for this?) For example, cancer research often involves the need to visualize the growth and characteristics of tumor tissue within the context of surrounding normal tissue, or to visualize the infiltration of immune cells to the tumor site. To be effective, these studies require ultra-high-resolution images and the use of a large number of “markers” on one sample coupled to powerful analysis software. These markers for different cell types are important to distinguish normal tissue from the wide range of types of tumors (e.g., aggressive tumors) and to identify the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The platform will allow researchers to conduct this visualization in large quantities and at a faster rate than they can do so with current equipment available at UCF.

Collaborators

  • College of Medicine
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Nemours Childrens Hospital
  • Biionix Cluster

Matching Funds

$300,000

PHAST – A Facility for Photonic Atmospheric Sensing Technology

Submitter

Stephen Eikenberry, Professor, College of Optics and Photonics

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$180,000

Project Summary

Two groups of experts at UCF are collaborating under this grant to create a world-class virtual facility focused on atmospheric-sensing technologies. UCF is already known for its expertise in photonics through the College of Optics and Photonics. UCF also has extensive expertise in LIDAR technology thanks to its work at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, which the university manages for the U.S. National Science Foundation. But these experts have their joined forces to study and advance the field of atmosphere sensing, which focuses on the atmosphere around Earth. The atmosphere provides the air needed to breathe while also providing protection against the sun’s radiation and the extremes of space weather. Changes to Earth’s atmosphere, such as temporary disruptions caused by solar flares, for example, can impact the global community and economy. Monitoring the atmosphere, figuring out how to manage it and preparing for changes has local, regional, national and global implications with a direct connection to the human race’s survival. The team will leverage its expertise and work together to make UCF a leader in this critical area of research

Collaborators

  • Rodrigo Amezcua-Correa
  • Jens Lautenbach
  • Adrienne Dove
  • Joe Harrington
  • Scott Branting
  • Josh Colwell
  • Kerri Donaldson-Hannah
  • Yan Fernandez
  • Joseph Kider
  • Sean Pang
  • Noemi Pinilla
  • Mubarak Shah

Matching Funds

$90,000

Space Photonics in Interferometric Imaging for Communications, Environment, and Defense (SPI2CED)

Submitter

Peter Delfyett, University Distinguished Professor, University Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor, College of Optics and Photonics

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$325,000

Project Summary

The money will be used to build a test bed for sparse aperture array imaging that will serve as a cornerstone of next generation, space-based imaging modalities. The approach aims to exploit the revolution in optical laser technology, positioning UCF to create a system of mini-satellites with optical technology that would allow a viewer to read 10-point font text on a page from 600 miles away, such as reading text on a cell phone from low Earth orbit. If successful, the team expects UCF would be positioned to compete for a variety of big grant proposals and contracts from multiple agencies.

Collaborators

  • Stephen Eikenberry
  • MJ Soileau
  • Rodrigo Amezcua Correa
  • Noemi Pinilla-Alonso
  • Yan Fernandez

Matching Funds

$50,000

Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) Instrumentation

Submitter

Andres Campiglia, Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$350,000

Project Summary

The funds will be used to purchase a state-of-the-art liquid chromatography mass spectrometer for departmental use. In addition to improving the research capabilities of the chemistry faculty, the new instrument will enhance interdisciplinary interactions across the college and throughout campus with research faculty in need of chemical analysis. Immediate impact is expected on a variety of research areas within the Chemistry Department. These include environmental contamination, atmospheric chemistry, green approaches to biodiesel production, development of new catalysts for precise selectivity control, synthesis of plasmonic-catalytic hybrid nanomaterials for biomedical sensing, discovery of bacterial compounds with antibiotic activity, diagnostics of disease biomarkers and new and better approaches for AIDs treatment. Having the new equipment will enhance UCF competitiveness in securing federal funding and provide an excellent opportunity to train students with state-of-the-art instrumentation. By hiring a technician with expertise in mass spectrometry, the Chemistry Department will provide an $85,150 match.

Collaborators

  • Department of Chemistry
  • Melanie Beazley
  • Denisia Popolan-Vaida
  • Titel Jurca
  • Vasileios Anagnostopoulos
  • Kangsang Lee
  • Gang Chen
  • Jonathan Caranto
  • Karin Chumbimuni-Torres
  • Xiaohu Xia
  • Michael Hampton
  • Dmitry Kolpashchikov
  • Cherie Yestrebsky.

Matching Funds

$85,150

Jump starting a new UCF facility supported by NSF – User Facility for Attosecond Soft x-rays and Terahertz (UFAST)

Submitter

Li Fang, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, College of Sciences

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$500,000

Project Summary

Fang is leading a team that will create a new facility at UCF by renovating a clean room laboratory and purchasing the necessary components for secondary light sources and vacuum beam lines. Her proposal was contingent on landing an almost $2 million U.S. National Science Foundation grant for the instrumentation, which she was awarded earlier this month. When complete, UCF will have a one-of-a-kind user facility for attosecond soft X-rays and terahertz. UCF is building a world-class reputation in attosecond science.

Collaborators

  • Michael Chini
  • Zenghu Chang
  • Mihai Vaida
  • Xiaoming Yu
  • Chris Bennett
  • Kerri Donaldson Hanna
  • Adrienne Dove
  • Konstantin Vodopyanov
  • Madhab Neupane
  • M. J. Soileau

Matching Funds

$237,000

TISTEF: Ready to launch UCF to new capabilities, at the center of Kennedy Space Center

Submitter

Robert Bernath, Director, Townes Institute Science Testing Experimentation Facility, Office of Research

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$450,000

Project Summary

The strategic investment money allows for expanded capabilities to the user base at the Townes Institute for Science, Technology, and Experimentation (TISTEF) Facility. UCF manages the federal facility, located on the Space Coast at Kennedy Space Center. The added capabilities are expected to benefit UCF researchers, private and public agencies already using the facility and attract new users and open new areas of investigations at UCF in the engineering, optics and other sciences areas. A significant amount of matching funds comes from the generous support of the Naval Research Laboratory, LP Photonics LLC and Booz Allen Hamilton. Upon completion over the next two years, UCF expects to see more grants and contracts for work conducted at TISTEF.

Collaborators

  • Charlene Rusnak, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
  • Jennifer Riley, Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Henry Everitt, Army CCDC Aviation & Missile Center

Matching Funds

$806,000

Enabling Big Data and Computational Science via High-Throughput Networking

Submitter

Shafaq Chaudhry, Assistant Director, Graduate and Research Information Technology, Office of Research

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$500,000

Project Summary

The funds will be invested in UCF’s cyberinfrastructure, building up three identified gaps in network support by a) increasing the overall campus network backbone to 100 Gbps; b) increasing our capacity for connection to the collaborative Internet2 research network to 100 Gbps; and c) allowing more labs to access the Advanced Research Computing Center (ARCC). These improvements are expected to enhance UCF’s capabilities across all forms of big-data research, providing the knowledge and connectivity necessary for us to forge our path as a leading public metropolitan research university. The Office of Research will provide a two-year $50,000 match in support of cloud connectivity, and a $20,000 annual match in support of data transfer functionality.

Collaborators

  • Fahad Khan
  • Shafaq Chaudhry
  • Michael Scruggs

Matching Funds

$70,000

Research Commons: Cultivating Innovation by Advancing Access to Collaboration

Submitter

Research Commons: Cultivating Innovation by Advancing Access to Collaboration Tamara Gabrus, Program Director II, Office of Research

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$300,000

Project Summary

Funding will be used to establish the Research Commons Collaboration Hub, a suite with all the resources needed to help faculty with sponsored research proposals. The hub will be in Technology Commons I, providing investigators and their dedicated unit pre-award staff a convenient one-stop connection. The Pre-Award Shared Services (PASS) team will provide oversight to augment the existing pre-award administration that is familiar with the nuances of each college, institute and center on campus. The inviting space, equipped with technology to support the research enterprise, will be dedicated to meeting the needs of our research-intensive, collaborative faculty while simultaneously reducing administrative burden on the faculty’s home unit by decreasing the hours they dedicate to managing their large, interdisciplinary proposal submissions. The hub staffing will also include the existing Research Development team that will be accessible to provide on-demand training in UCF research support systems such as the Pivot funding opportunity database. Once researchers have identified the appropriate funding opportunity and potential on-campus partners, they will find themselves ready to use the Research Commons Collaboration Hub. Office of Research staff from pre-award, contracts, awards management and grants accounting will also host office hours in the space to further aid their faculty and Departmental Research Administration, with the full life cycle of their awards.

Collaborators

  • Elizabeth Klonoff
  • Matthew Hall
  • Jana Jasinski
  • Michael Gerogiopoulos
  • Ann Miller
  • Tamara Gabrus
  • Chad Macuszonok
  • Don Merritt

Matching Funds

$31,000

A Spray Drying Facility for Nano-Manufacturing

Submitter

Sudipta Seal, Professor and Chair, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded (non-recurring)

$105,000

Project Summary

The money will be used to purchase and augment a Spray Drying instrument and enhance current facilities to serve nanoscale manufacturing research and training needs in Central Florida that are not currently met. Interdisciplinary research is key to solving big challenges, and this facility will reinforce that message by providing tools that can be used across disciplines. The purchase will support research in the areas of engineering, planetary & space science, biomedical engineering and nano/micro-manufacturing. The tools will also augment the education and training of graduate and undergraduate students who already participate in several National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates programs housed at UCF.

Collaborators

  • Julie Brissett
  • Lorenz
  • Patricia McGuiggan, Johns Hopkins University
  • Xinting Yu, University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Daniel Britt
  • Mehdi Razavi
  • Eric Peterson, Texas A&M University

Matching Funds

$48,000

Course Continuity

How will my course delivery change now that my course is online?

All course content will be delivered in Webcourses@UCF, even synchronous content facilitated through Zoom. To notify students of any changes, you may consider posting updates in the Announcements tool, updating the syllabus, or sending communications via Webcourses@UCF.

Now that I’m teaching my classes remotely, is UCF closed?

No. UCF remains open and operational at this time.

Check https://www.ucf.edu/safety/coronavirus/ for the most recent updates on UCF’s operation status

Now that I’m teaching my classes remotely, should I put my exams and assignments online?

Yes. Due to the transition to remote instruction, plan to convert any exams or assignments to the online environment. Use tools like DiscussionsAssignments, and Quizzes to offer graded assessments online.

Who can I contact for help with Webcourses@UCF?

Contact Webcourses@UCF Support for any questions about Webcourses@UCF, Panopto, Zoom, Materia, or Obojobo.

Should I stream my face-to-face lectures online?

That is your choice as a faculty member. If you choose to stream your lectures synchronously to students, we recommend that you use Zoom. If you are already using tools such as Conferences or Panopto, you may continue to do so. Alternatively, you can use one of those tools to record a lecture in advance and provide a recording for students to watch later. For large courses, we recommend recording your lectures so that students may watch them asynchronously.

How should I stay in touch with my students now that my class has transitioned to Webcourses@UCF?

If you are able to, continue using the communication methods you have defined in your syllabus. If the communication methods you have defined in the syllabus are not viable during this situation, we advise using the inbox in Webcourses@UCF.

What if my students require additional accommodations during the transition from face-to-face to online courses?

Contact Student Accessibility Services for any accessibility concerns or accommodation questions at sas@ucf.edu or 407-823-2371.

What support resources are available for my students?

The Division of Digital Learning has created a Keep Learning page for students. In addition, a Keep Learning link has been added to all online courses in Webcourses@UCF that will direct students to that page for information.

How will I ensure the academic integrity of my online exams?

For faculty who offer quizzes and exams online, the University offers two options for test proctoring: ProctorHub and Respondus LockDown Browser.

For first-time users interested in a simpler proctoring system, consider using ProctorHub. If you are interested in using LockDown Browser, we encourage you to contact Webcourses@UCF Support.

What if I am ill, have recently traveled to a CDC Level 3 location, or am otherwise unable to continue teaching my classes remotely?

If you feel that you are unable to continue with your classes as a result of COVID-19, please notify your chair or supervisor and UCF Health Services.

As a UCF faculty member, how do I access LinkedIn Learning content?

Log in to the UCF LinkedIn Learning portal using your UCF NID login credentials.

Awarded Academic Excellence Fund

Infectious Disease and Travel Health

Submitter

Robertico Croes, Professor, Department of Tourism, Events and Attractions, and Editor of the Rosen Research Review, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Griffith Parks, Associate Dean for Research, Director, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, and Professor, College of Medicine

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1.5 million recurring; $3 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $525,000 recurring; $4.2 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Medicine, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Project Summary

Pandemics can have devastating consequences for regions where tourism is the economic lifeblood. Take Central Florida, for example, which welcomes more than 72 million tourists each year and has a tourism industry that employs about 460,000 residents. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the tourism industry to sudden health and safety threats, as travel restrictions and consumer hesitancy caused historically low travel rates. It’s estimated the local economy took a $40 billion hit from lower rates of travel.

To help recover from those vulnerabilities and prepare for the potential of another pandemic, a team led by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Medicine and College of Engineering and Computer Science will develop programs with industry and government partners to help the community’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and prepare for, prevent and respond to the viruses that may initiate the next pandemic. Small to medium-sized businesses that lack the resources of the larger companies are expected to benefit most.

This project will strengthen research in studying, preventing and responding to health and safety threats to travel and tourism. Specifically, the researchers will:

  • establish an Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative that unites faculty and staff with common research and community interests, with plans to grow the initiative into a research center that partners with government agencies;
  • hire additional faculty who will apply for and secure research dollars from federal agencies, state economic interest groups and the travel industry to research applicable areas;
  • establish new courses and a Travel & Health track within the Master of Public Health degree program;
  • and partner with industry to build related internship programs and a pipeline of talent to meet workforce needs.

Collaborators

Griffith Parks, Kenneth Alexander, Eric Schrimshaw, Edward Ross, Jane Gibson, Taj Azarian, Alan Fyall, Sudipta Seal, Youcheng Wang, Deborah German, Michael Georgiopoulos

Knight’s Digital Twin

Submitter

Grace Bochenek, Director, School of Modeling, Simulation and Training, College of Graduate Studies

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1 million recurring; $2.5 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $1 million recurring; $3.1 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Graduate Studies (School of Modeling Simulation and Training)

Project Summary

As the U.S. aspires to become more innovative and competitive economically, modeling and simulation provide an outstanding way to explore and improve concepts before spending money and time to physically build them. Digitally replicating real-world objects or systems – such as the human heart – to help train doctors or aircraft to help train pilots – offers profound benefits for improving our health, safety and quality of life.

Digital twins could be scaled to entail entire cities or large transportation or health care systems with constantly updated data and conditions, allowing designers, builders and architects to test and prove their ideas and concepts before production. Based in the Central Florida Research Park, the heart of Florida’s modeling and simulation hub, a team led by Grace Bochenek, director of the School of Modeling, Simulation and Training, is uniquely positioned to develop a digital twin framework and enabling tools that governments, industry and academia can customize for their needs. Areas of focus will include digital twin applications and tools in behavioral healthcare, smart cities, transportation and defense.

The team includes experts from Engineering and Computer Science, Psychology, Arts and Humanities and strategic community partners. Overall goals include:

  • helping UCF lead the U.S. in developing strategically critical digital twin technology;
  • developing ground rules, protocols, technologies and tools for these new, meta-digital twins;
  • creating a platform with opportunities for large-scale transformative ventures in partnership with industry and government, as well as the ability to attract larger grants and contracts;
  • pursuing the development of multi-disciplinary academic digital twin programs and certificates at the graduate and undergraduate levels to educate the workforce that will be needed in the new digital-twin economy;
  • and optimizing the role of higher education in this emerging innovation landscape to help keep America competitive in key strategic areas of interest.

Collaborators

Carolina Cruz-Neira, Deborah Beidel, Mohamed Abdel-Aty, Roger Azevedo, Michael Georgiopoulos, Maggy Tomova, Liz Klonoff

Space Education and Industrialization (SPICE)

Submitter

Julie Brisset, Interim Director, Florida Space Institute

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1.5 million recurring; $3 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $803,232 recurring; $1.7 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Optics and Photonics, College of Sciences, College of Business Administration

Project Summary

UCF is already a leader in space research and seeks to lead NASA missions. Taxpayers and investors prefer to fund projects that have been thoroughly tested before flight, and UCF has lacked the kind of facilities that can do so. But that’s all about to change.

Julie Brisset, a physics researcher and interim director of the Florida Space Institute, is leading a team that will use this Academic Excellence Award to develop space hardware testing and integration capabilities at UCF and the personnel to run it all. Having the right resources will not only attract more funding but will also make it easier for UCF researchers to develop space instruments and lead small satellite missions that can be steppingstones to larger, interplanetary missions.
 
The team includes experts from the College of Optics and Photonics, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Business and College of Sciences. Two specialized labs will be created: the Space Photonics Lab hosted by the College of Optics and Photonics and the SPICE Fabrication and Testing Lab at UCF’s Exolith Lab, already known for producing extraterrestrial soil for hundreds of commercial companies and NASA to test their space-bound prototypes. The missions will not only explore the solar system but will also provide new technology and innovations that ultimately improve life on Earth. Among the goals:

  • creating a life-size planetary surface reproduction at the Exolith lab where a variety of spaceflight hardware, ranging from rovers to penetrometer to drones, can be tested in realistic conditions;
  • providing integration and testing support to transform planetary and remote sensing instruments into spaceflight-ready instruments;
  • developing new space education certificates – including Space Electronics and Cyber-Physical Systems, Space Resources and Space Economy – to help meet a booming demand for these technical skills triggered by commercial companies such as Blue Origin and Space X in our area;
  • and providing interdisciplinary opportunities to expand the use of small satellites for remote sensing on Earth, such as cultural heritage monitoring and environmental and human impact assessments.

Collaborators

Stephen Eikenberry, Seetha Raghavan, Reza Abdolvand, Daniel Britt, David Hagan, Michael Georgiopoulos, Maggy Tomova, Paul Jarley

Zero-Carbon Energy Economy and Society

Submitter

Jayanta Kapat, Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Director, Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Zhihua Qu, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1 million recurring; $5 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $686,450 recurring; $6.2 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, Graduate Studies (School of Modeling Simulation and Training), Office of Research (Faculty Cluster Initiative)

Project Summary

Preserving the planet for future generations means investing in strategic sustainability measures and developing new technologies to reduce and eliminate emissions. A team led by Professors Zhihua Qu and Jay Kapat of the College of Engineering and Computer Science aims to make UCF a national leader in zero-emission energy systems and carbon-free economy by building its first zero-emission microgrid at the Research 1 building. The microgrid will supply uninterrupted power to Research 1, even during hurricanes or other extreme conditions. This project combines efforts to develop zero-emissions and resilient distribution grids together with research into hydrogen for aircraft fuel and other industrial uses.

Other goals include:

  • elevating the energy systems research already flourishing at UCF and exploring the rapidly developing fields of energy storage, emission-free power generation and aviation, and decarbonization;
  • pioneering hydrogen-based power generation and distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on UCF’s main campus;
  • implementing a separate research test loop at the microgrid for evaluating and demonstrating new and future devices, such as decarbonization, vehicular and grid technologies;
  • deploying digital twin technology for both the Research I building and its microgrid;
  • making the microgrid a living lab for undergraduate and graduate education and for multidisciplinary curricula;
  • and optimizing zero-emission technologies in power generation and transportation (including aviation, marine and heavy road transportation).

UCF’s team includes experts from UCF’s Center of Resilient, Intelligent and Sustainable Energy Systems (RISES) and Center for Advanced Turbomachinery & Energy Research (CATER) with support from UCF colleges along with private partners who are industry leaders.

Collaborators

Michael Georgiopoulos, Grace Bochenek, Maggy Tomova, Winston Schoenfeld, College of Optics and Photonics, College of Community Innovation and Education, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Florida Space Institute, Florida Solar Energy Center

Artificial Intelligence

Submitter

Mubarak Shah, Professor, Department of Computer Science, and Director, Center for Research in Computer Vision, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1 million recurring; $3 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $2 million recurring; $2.7 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Medicine, College of Optics and Photonics, College of Business Administration, Office of Research (Center for Research & Computer Vision & Faculty Cluster Initiative)

Project Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world and everyday lives — from facial recognition on phones to smart home devices to security measures implemented for online banking. By some estimates, the global artificial intelligence market will grow sixteenfold from 2020 to 2028, reaching nearly $1 trillion.

UCF seeks to be a leading AI research and workforce provider in offering a top-quality education in this field for undergraduate and graduate students. An interdisciplinary team led by Mubarak Shah, professor of Computer Science, will pursue groundbreaking technologies to benefit society and strengthen AI research, security and commercialization in Orlando

The team includes experts from Engineering, Medicine, Business and Sciences. It will leverage strengths in AI and computer vision to expand into other core areas, such as robotics, natural language processing, speech recognition and machine learning, and applications. Among the goals are to conduct research to advance future AI industries and to bring together a diverse range of practitioners who will help prepare Florida for the momentous societal challenges and opportunities associated with AI.

Collaborators

Yan Solihin, Nazanin Rahnavard, Gita Sukthankar, Fei Liu, Guifang Li, Mohamed Abdel-Aty, Xin Li, Mitchell Hill, Dexter Hadley, Sevil Sonmez, Michael Georgiopoulos, Deborah German, David Hagan, Maggy Tomova, Paul Jarley, John Weishampel, Winston Schoenfeld, Elizabeth Klonoff

Next-Generation Computing Hardware

Submitter

Sasan Fathpour, Professor, College of Optics and Photonics

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1 million recurring; $3.3 million non-recurring

Matching Funds

Matching: $250,000 recurring; $1.9 million non-recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Optics and Photonics, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences

Project Summary

UCF researchers are investing in next-generation computing hardware that will train our students to be leaders at developing scientific technologies that will make society healthier, protect our environment and power our electronics. The investment comes as the federal government has prioritized sustaining our nation’s position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.

The team, led by Professor Sasan Fathpour of the College of Optics and Photonics, will invest in an advanced electron-beam lithography system – one of the most advanced tools available for nanotechnology research in the world – among other state-of-the-art equipment. Only a few educational institutions possess this advanced technology. This educational investment will provide hands-on experiences for students, helping to produce a high-tech workforce that is equipped to contribute to advanced semiconductor endeavors in a wide range of fields.

New faculty members associated with these efforts will do groundbreaking research on design, nanofabrication and characterization of next-generation electronic, photonic and quantum devices, circuits and materials.

In addition to the College of Optics and Photonics, the team includes faculty experts from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Sciences. Overall goals include:

  • making UCF one of the nation’s anchor institutions for advanced semiconductor technologies and nanofabrication;
  • providing students – graduate and undergraduate – hands-on experience that will make them highly desirable in a growing national industry;
  • building long-lasting relationships with other public and private research institutions as well as private-sector industrial partners;
  • and attaining major research grants and other funding resources as part of the federal government’s priority to be a global leader in this area.

Collaborators

Patrick LiKamWa, Kyle Renshaw, Reza Abdolvand, Parag Banerjee, Hyoung Jin Cho, Kevin Coffey, Kris Davis, Xun Gong, Tengfei Jiang, Swaminathan Rajaraman, Tania Roy, Kalpathy Sundaram, Robert Peale, Enrique del Barco, Debashis Chanda, Arkadiy Lyakh, Masahiro Ishigami, David Hagan, Michael Georgiopoulos, Maggy Tomova

Awarded Student Success Fund

New Student and Family Programming

Submitter

Ryan Newton, Director, First Year Experience, Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services

Amount Awarded

Funding: $400,000 recurring

Colleges Represented

Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services, Division of Student Learning and Academic Success, UCF Downtown, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business Administration, College of Community Innovation and Education, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Health Professions and Sciences, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Optics and Photonics, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, College of Sciences, College of Undergraduate Studies

Project Summary

The funds will bolster a reimagined First-Year Experience unit, to be renamed New Student and Family Programming. Focused on alignment with student success efforts, the unit will develop an innovative hybrid onboarding experience for new students that will include several tiers of engagement during their first year. These efforts will connect students with key stakeholders across campus so they are equipped with information and resources to help them thrive at UCF.  

Collaborators

Delia Garcia, DeLaine Priest, Kimberly Schneider, Mark Gumble, Pamela Cavanaugh, Chanda Torres, Christopher Dahlstrand, Adrienne Frame, Theodorea Berry, Jan Soto, Kelly Jennings, Kimberly Aslin, Anna Mack, Meena Datta, Peter Wallace, Patricia Farless, Meg Hall, Heather Cohen-Stanley, Tim Donovan, Mariangelly Rente, Rebecca Morales Magsino, Stephen O’Connell

Innovative Advising Support

Submitter

DeLaine Priest, Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Advising, Division of Student Learning and Academic Success  

Amount Awarded

Funding: $800,000 recurring

Colleges Represented

Division of Student Learning and Academic Success, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business Administration, College of Community Innovation and Education, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Health Professions and Sciences, College of Medicine, College of Nursing and College of Sciences

Project Summary

The investment will broaden advising resources for various colleges and improve student-to-advisor ratios by strategically hiring more advisors. The funds will also support aligning advising efforts to resources like Knightbot; build on innovative practices such as weekend and evening advising; and develop training resources and materials.

Collaborators

Teresa Dorman, Delia Garcia

Support Modules in STEM Courses

Submitter

Ricardo Zaurin, Associate Lecturer, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Amount Awarded

Funding: $40,000 recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Project Summary

The funds will be used to develop Webcourses modules to boost the knowledge needed by the students to complete key engineering courses essential to progressing toward a degree. This initiative will also support assigning at-risk students with student mentors to assist students with classes and navigating other opportunities for enhancing their studies and academic performance.

Collaborators

Sudeshna Pal

Transfer Students in STEM

Submitter

Melissa Dagley, Executive Director, iSTEM, and Director, EXCEL, Division of Student Learning and Academic Success  

Amount Awarded

Funding: $200,000 recurring

Colleges Represented

Division of Student Learning and Academic Success, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Optics and Photonics, College of Medicine

Project Summary

The funds will support a new program, Transfer-STEM, geared to help transfer students be major ready, enabling them to thrive in STEM courses and stay on track to graduate within two years. The program will offer personalized pre-transfer advising, academic support and access to high-impact practices. T-STEM builds upon the success of EXCEL, which is aimed at increasing student success in STEM during the first two years of college.

Collaborators

Sarah Evans, Kimberly Schneider, Student Academic Resource Center, Experiential Learning, UCF Abroad, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Optics and Photonics, College of Medicine

Removing Barriers to Student Progress

Amount Awarded

Funding: $1.5 million recurring

Colleges Represented

College of Arts and Humanities, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Project Summary

The investment provides recurring funding to hire more faculty and teaching assistants to support additional course offerings that are pivotal to removing barriers to student progression. College requests and course enrollment data helped determine courses with the highest need and biggest return on investment.

Strategic Investment Program

What do I include in the “Proposal Summary” field of the application?

Include a high-level overview of the proposal. Use plain language, avoid jargon. The full proposal will be uploaded as a separate attachment.

Is there a preferred format for proposals?

No, however the application has requirements you must follow. The proposal should be no more than three pages (10-point type or larger) plus required information in the online form, including dollar amount requested, match provided, if any, and the individual(s) and unit(s) contributing to the proposal. The applications are submitted online through InfoReady. 

Can I submit to more than one fund?

Yes. There is no limit as to the number of proposals that can be submitted per fund or in total.

Are all faculty and staff eligible to submit a proposal?

Yes.

Are there any overhead costs associated with the funds?

No. Overhead is not charged for this program.

How should approval of appropriate support be indicated on my application?

The indication of support is built into the online application. In the application field “List the Dean(s), Vice Provost(s), or Vice President(s) who may approve indicating support”, please specify who may approve the application overall and any matching funds (if provided). They will be contacted after submission to confirm/approve.  

Do I need to provide a detailed budget or just a dollar amount for my proposal?

A detailed budget is not required at this time. 

Is there any limit on the number of principal investigators that can be part of any project?

No.

Do matching funds need to be dollar-for-dollar for the Jump Start and Academic Excellence funds?

No, but a dollar-to-dollar match would help strengthen a proposal.

Does the return on investment component of the proposal need to include specific information (e.g. calculations, figures)?

No. But this is a key component of the proposal, so explain it well.

Can letters of support or references be attached to my proposal?

No. Letters of support are not desired. If you have information on a match committed, collaborator’s endorsement, or department/college support you would like to include, explain it in the body of the proposal.

Who do I contact with questions?

Questions about proposal content should be directed to Juan Lugo (Juan.Lugo@ucf.edu or 407-823-4533). Questions about the online proposal submission process should be directed to Joshua Roney (Joshua.Roney@ucf.edu or 407-882-0007).

Frequently Asked Questions about Textbook Adoptions

What is textbook adoption? 

Textbook adoption is a process by which faculty provide the university with information on required and recommended materials for each of their courses. UCF Regulation 2.032 Textbook Adoption outlines the process at UCF and requires that all textbook and course materials are submitted no later than 60 days prior to the start of the semester. 

What is my role as a faculty member? 

Faculty members are responsible for choosing the textbooks and instructional materials that are required or recommended for their courses, either individually or in collaboration with colleagues. Report your textbook and instructional materials adoptions following your department’s or school’s process. 

How does timely textbook adoption benefit students? 

Providing students with timely information about their required and recommended textbooks and course materials allows them to explore purchasing options, budget wisely, and, in some cases, begin interacting with course materials before the start of the class. It also helps decrease overall education costs, which makes a college education more affordable. 

How can I help avoid textbook delays?

To make certain that course materials are available before the start of classes, please: 

  • Submit your textbook adoption as early as feasible. This allows the UCF Bookstore time to ensure that the materials can be sourced. 
  • Order custom books and bundles several weeks before the adoption deadline.
  • Select books for adjuncts who will be hired late.
  • Confirm that your textbook adoption is accurately showing on the UCF Bookstore’s Course Materials website

I don’t require students to purchase materials for my course. Do I still need to submit an adoption? 

All course sections must have an adoption submitted even if they do not require or recommend students purchase course materials. If you recommend materials, ensure that these are submitted as “recommended” textbooks or instructional materials when adopting. If you do not require or recommend materials, you may select “No Materials Required” when submitting your adoption.

What are coursepacks? 

Coursepacks are instructional materials and must be reported as part of the textbook adoption process. They can include book chapters, journal articles, illustrations, notes, or other reading materials used to supplement or replace traditional textbooks. Instructors of record must supply one copy of all coursepacks to the UCF Bookstore or Computer Store, as appropriate, four to eight weeks prior to the start of classes. The UCF Bookstore or Computer Store will reproduce the materials and make them available to students. See UCF Policy 4-405.2 Coursepacks for more information. 

What if I am unable to submit my textbook and course materials before the deadline? 

A request for an exception to the deadline must be submitted prior to the deadline on a Request for Exception to Established Textbook Ordering deadline form and must include a reasonable justification for an exception. This form must be approved by the department chair or director and the college dean prior to submitting it to the provost for final approval.  

What if I need to change my textbook and course materials after the deadline?

Changes to textbook and course materials adoptions after the deadline must be accompanied by a Late Textbook Adoption/Change Justification form and must include a justification for why the materials are being changed. This form must be approved by the department chair or director and the college dean prior to submitting to Academic Affairs for processing. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Affordable Instructional Materials

What's Being Done?

The AIM Initiative is a University-wide collaboration that includes the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs, the Division of Digital Learning, the UCF Libraries, the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL), the UCF Bookstore, and other University stakeholders. The strategic approach of the AIM Initiative can be illustrated by four pillars, which individually contribute to reducing the cost of instructional materials to students while jointly supporting a unified effort to bring AIM to scale. The four pillars are First Day, Open Educational Resources, Library-Sourced Materials, and Affordability Counts.

First Day

Commercial publishers and other for-profit entities are working with UCF to offer students discounts on educational content and/or courseware solutions. Currently, the initiative is focusing on implementing an inclusive access program through the UCF Bookstore called First Day.  

Open Educational Resources

“Open Educational Resources are teaching, learning, and research materials that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adoption, and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions.” (cf. Hewlett Foundation, OER Defined). 

The Center for Distributed Learning (CDL) and the UCF Libraries are working collaboratively to support faculty and students in two principle areas: adoption and creation/adaptation of OER. 

Library-Sourced Materials

The UCF Libraries are working with faculty to identify eBooks available as one-to-one replacements of course texts and resources. The library will check for eBook candidates that allow unlimited users and offer favorable digital rights management (DRM). 

Contact your Subject or Campus Librarian for more information. 

Affordability Counts 

The Affordability Counts program, managed by Florida International University (FIU) was created as a direct response to the increasing costs of textbooks in higher education. FIU Online’s team established the initiative to recognize faculty who actively make changes to their courses in an effort to advance course material affordability across state universities and colleges.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Posting Syllabi

When do I have to post my syllabus? 

Courses identified as general education core courses are required to post their syllabi by the 45-day deadline. These courses are identified at UCF as black diamond courses. A full listing of courses required to meet this deadline can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.  

All other courses are required to post their syllabi in Canvas by the first day of the term.

What is Simple Syllabus?

Simple Syllabus is a centralized, template-driven platform that enables instructors to quickly personalize and publish interactive class syllabi directly within Canvas. All syllabi are automatically stored in a campus-wide repository.

How do I access Simple Syllabus?

Simple Syllabus can accessed either through your course shell on Canvas or via the Simple Syllabus website.

What do I need to do to complete my syllabus?

Faculty can complete their syllabus in Canvas using the Simple Syllabus tool.

To complete your syllabus, have the following required syllabus content ready:

  • Instructor Information (office hours and contact information)
  • Student Learning Outcomes
  • Required and Recommended Course Materials
  • Course Assessment and Grading Procedure
  • Grading Scale
  • Policies for Course Grade
  • Class Schedule

Note: All fields marked as required are mandatory when developing your syllabus. The syllabus will not submit until content is in these fields.

The following information is auto-filled from Canvas and/or the UCF Course Schedule and Catalog. These fields are not editable:

  • Header (includes course prefix, number, section, course title, college, department)
  • Course Information (meeting days/time, location)
  • Course Description from Catalog
  • Assignment Schedule (this information pulls from the Assignment section of Canvas)

The following policies are set at the university level and cannot be edited.

  • Course Accessibility
  • Academic Integrity
  • Title IX
  • Deployed Active-Duty Military Students
  • Campus Safety
  • Financial Aid Accountability

How can I find my syllabus from a previous semester?

If a faculty member completes and publishes a syllabus using Simple Syllabus that information will be available to import into a future semester or another course in the same semester.

Faculty FAQs

Where can I find UCF’s policies and procedures relating faculty?

Information UCF’s policies and procedures can be found on the UCF Policies and Procedures website.

Where can I find information on Faculty Resources, including promotion and evaluation, professional development, leaves and awards?

Information on faculty resources can be found on the Faculty Resources page.

How can I get learn more about university-wide committees at UCF?

Information on university-wide committees can be found on the University-wide Committees page.

What is the Faculty Senate and how can I find out more?

 Information on UCF’s Faculty Senate can be found on the Faculty Senate website.

Where can I find resources on Workday?

A Faculty Workday Resources page has been created with information and resources for faculty. Further information on Workday and Knight Vision can be found on the Knight Vision website.

What is UCF's Digital Accessibility Policy?