At a university serving nearly 70,000 students — one of the nation’s largest student bodies — student success can’t depend on chance or on students figuring out complex systems on their own.

�鶹ӳ����ý has built something different.

Over the past decade, the university increased its four-year graduation rate by 23.4 percentage points, from 40.4% for the 2011–15 cohort to 63.8% for the 2021–25 cohort. Preliminary projections for the 2022–26 cohort indicate the rate could surpass 68%.

That progress has transformed student outcomes and placed �鶹ӳ����ý among just three finalists for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ (APLU) 2026 Excellence in Student Success Award.

The annual award recognizes institutions demonstrating a comprehensive, systemic commitment to advancing student success. Through innovative initiatives, honorees reduce barriers to educational attainment, increase graduation rates and improve outcomes such as time to degree, civic engagement and career readiness.

The award winner will be announced at the APLU’s Annual Meeting, Nov. 15–17 in San Antonio.

“We have listened to students, strengthened cross-functional collaboration, used evidence to guide timely support and embedded student success practices into the university’s daily operations.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý president

The distinction reflects a fundamental shift in how �鶹ӳ����ý approaches student success: not as a collection of programs, but as a university-wide operating model designed to help more students thrive.

“What distinguishes �����’s approach is the way our community has translated that belief into sustained action,” �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “We have listened to students, strengthened cross-functional collaboration, used evidence to guide timely support and embedded student success practices into the university’s daily operations.”

And �鶹ӳ����ý has done it while operating with fewer resources than many of its peers. The university receives the lowest funding per full-time equivalent student among Florida’s 12 State University System institutions and ranks in the 11th percentile nationally for expenditures per student among public universities.

�鶹ӳ����ý didn’t wait for permission or for more resources to improve outcomes. It transformed how the university works.

Community Is the Starting Line

In 2022, �鶹ӳ����ý made its highest strategic priority. Then it asked students a simple question: What does it mean to thrive?

Their answers helped create — Belonging, Engaging, Achieving and Meaning — a framework for success that gives students, faculty, and staff a shared way to describe connection, purpose, academic progress, and well-being.

Today, BEAM is embedded across the student experience. By Fall 2025, nearly 35,000 students had participated in orientation programming incorporating the framework. Thousands more engaged with BEAM-informed support across the university: 158 Academic Success Coaches and student success professionals use BEAM-guided conversations with students; 8,323 students engaged through Housing and Residential Life programming; 3,971 students engaged through Fraternity and Sorority Life; and more than 19,000 students engaged through the in the last year.

The idea is simple but powerful: Success starts with students feeling that they belong and knowing where to turn when they need help.

Building a Coordinated System of Care

�鶹ӳ����ý dared to rethink traditional academic guidance, replacing reactive advising with a holistic model in 2023 — one that reaches students before challenges become barriers.

“Our Academic Success Coaches are aligned with students as both advisors and coaches.” — Jennifer Sumner, assistant vice president of Academic Success Coaching

Academic Success Coaches combine BEAM-guided conversations with student-level analytics to identify needs — including academic planning, graduation requirements, registration issues and personal challenges — initiate outreach and connect students with support. Rather than waiting for students to ask for help, coaches use data to identify where support may be needed and reach out.

“Our Academic Success Coaches are aligned with students as both advisors and coaches,” says Jennifer Sumner, assistant vice president of Academic Success Coaching at �鶹ӳ����ý. “We’ve positioned [them] to be active and dynamic, and we expect students to do the same — to take an active role in their journey and work with us [to determine] how they can be successful at �鶹ӳ����ý.”

Behind that work is �����’s Student Success Analytics platform, which brings real-time visibility into progression risk, retention patterns, graduation forecasts and intervention activity into one environment.

Every student in the graduating cohort is automatically evaluated nightly for indicators of completion status and progression risk. Those insights allow coaches, colleges and administrators to act while there is still time to make a difference.

The university’s Student Success Tiger Team takes that proactive approach further. Launched in 2024, the cross-functional team brings together analytics, coaching, enrollment management, academic affairs and college partners to resolve issues that individual advising can’t solve alone. Using data to pinpoint hindrances to graduation, the team helped prioritize graduating students for required courses, expand course capacity and improve graduation-related paperwork processes.

And this work now reaches students earlier in their academic journey, not just those nearing graduation. Progression checks for students in their first three years help identify challenges sooner, creating a continuum of support from entry to degree completion.

“[I can’t] express my gratitude enough for [my Academic Success Coach’s] support during my time at �鶹ӳ����ý, says psychology alum Jasmine Washington ’25. “I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and I couldn’t have reached that milestone without [his] guidance. Navigating the requirements and staying on track wasn’t always easy, but [his] encouragement and insight truly made a difference in my journey.”

Advancing Timely Degree Completion

The impact is undeniable.

�����’s four-year graduation rate has climbed to��63.8%, surpassing Florida’s 60% preeminence benchmark, with another increase projected for the 2022–26 cohort.

But the bigger accomplishment is what �鶹ӳ����ý built to get there.

Rather than layering temporary programs onto existing structures, �鶹ӳ����ý embedded student success into how it operates — from leadership priorities and analytics to coaching, academic planning and institutional decision-making. The sustained progress isn’t a result of a single program or initiative. It comes from making student success a shared responsibility.

Students helped define what thriving looks like. Faculty and staff bring that vision to life. Analytics reveal where action is needed. Coaches provide personalized support. �鶹ӳ����ý’s 12 colleges and administrative teams remove barriers. And university leaders keep student success at the center of decision-making.

Together, those efforts create an environment where more students can belong, move forward, overcome obstacles and graduate on time — prepared to thrive long after they leave campus.

That’s the difference between supporting student success and building a university around it.

“What I’m doing today is another full-circle moment,” she says about her current role as the assistant vice president of the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center. “It fits my passion for preparing students for life. Many of them remind me of myself, with similar challenges that I faced.”

Given only a narrow perspective of today, you’d never suspect Torres faced such challenges. You’d only see that Torres has three degrees from �鶹ӳ����ý, including a doctoral degree in education in curriculum and instruction. She helped imagine the office of Student Success and Well-Being for �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown. She’s been asked to share her expertise on student development at state and national conferences, earned awards for her exemplary practices, and can so easily articulate how �鶹ӳ����ý advanced the idea of “student success” from theory to proof that it’s easy to miss how this full circle began for her.

Torres has never forgotten.

“My motivation comes from my own story,” says Torres, who also earned a bachelor’s in foreign language education and master’s in educational leadership from �鶹ӳ����ý.

“As big as �鶹ӳ����ý is, it became my home. This is where I found mentors and people who helped me grow into what I am today. It’s why I’m here, 20-some years later, to make sure students have the support they need to graduate on time and discover their own passion to be successful.”

Before she knew what success as a student or as a leader meant, Torres had to overcome doubts. She struggled with a learning disability, which affected her academically and socially. The label on Chanda Torres the teenager said “at-risk student” and “low-income family.” She gravitated into theater to find a sense of belonging. To pull her credentials up to speed after high school, she muscled through classes at Brevard Community College. A few years later, driven partly by a desire to prove doubters wrong, she came to �鶹ӳ����ý to find her own way — a transfer student dropped off in a very new, very big place.

“It was the best thing my parents could have done,” Torres says. “As big as �鶹ӳ����ý is, it became my home. This is where I found mentors and people who helped me grow into what I am today. It’s why I’m here, 20-some years later, to make sure students have the support they need to graduate on time and discover their own passion to be successful.”

All of this tells us why the College of Community Innovation and Education honored Torres in 2023 as a Distinguished Alumni. She is also a big reason �鶹ӳ����ý has achieved a 90% freshman retention rate and increased our four-year graduation rate to 68.1%, which is up 18.1 percentage points in five years.

“To have achieved success as a student despite my history,” she says, “and then to be honored for the work I’m doing for other students, and now to play a role in �����’s [qualification for] designation as a preeminent university, it all represents another full circle.”

Driven by Personal Experience to Serve Students

At the Dixon Career Development Center, Torres oversees services and programs that support students through every stage of their journey — from discovering career and advanced-degree options and gaining meaningful experience to preparing for and launching their next step. Through career education, employer connections, internships and other experiential learning opportunities, Dixon Career Development Center helps students build a future with confidence and purpose.

Torres knows the greatest impact begins with one student and one conversation at a time.

“It’s crucial to understand where they’ve been and where they want to go,” she says. “There are people around us in everyday life who are intelligent and talented but haven’t heard someone tell them. Ironically, that’s exactly what turned everything around for me.”

“I knew deep down, despite my learning difficulties, that I was capable. The question was always, ‘Does anyone else believe it?’ ”

Torres’ parents never had a “someone.” Her mom had dropped out of high school. Her dad joined the military to escape poverty. They married young. Torres would be the second of their four children.

“I knew deep down, despite my learning difficulties, that I was capable. The question was always, ‘Does anyone else believe it?’ ” she says.

To this day, she points back to a high-school language arts teacher, Mr. Couch, who encouraged Torres to participate in theater and engage in public speaking. His confidence in her unlocked skills and pathways she didn’t know existed. Because of him, she pursued a degree in education, so she could also be a teacher. What happened during her master’s work at �鶹ӳ����ý turned her into a lifelong believer in learning opportunities outside the classroom.

“Ironically,” she says again, “while mentoring �鶹ӳ����ý students in the program now known as SOAR [Seizing Opportunities for Achievement and Retention], I helped some of them with public speaking. That’s what Mr. Couch told me was my strength before I knew it myself. I began to realize my calling into leadership, where I could scale my impact with students.”

After a 10-year run in student support at Valencia College, Torres was courted to return to �鶹ӳ����ý as the assistant vice president of student success. She would be among the first to create real structure for the concept of student success at her alma mater: advising, coaching, retention, and career and transfer services. To inspire her to map out the future, she could look at her own past.

Turns out, another inspiration was coming.

A Reinvigorated Purpose

Torres’ perspective changed dramatically in 2018. Early that year, she took a leave from �鶹ӳ����ý to give birth to her daughter. The questions she’d always heard from parents of students took root in her own mind. What will my little girl’s life be like? Will she find her own passion? What can I do to make sure she thrives?

Torres set up a scholarship fund. She paid attention to her daughter’s interests in animals and STEM, supporting her passion for animal rescues, attending SeaWorld camp and learning code. She would be a mother, mentor and encourager.

“I’ve learned from my own experiences how important it is to be engaged in her journey, so when the time comes, she can graduate on time, get the job she wants and be retained because of her valuable skills. Those are the same types of measures of success we have for each �鶹ӳ����ý student.”

“My purpose could not be more clear: to make sure every student, regardless of high school or background, whether they’re a freshman or transfer, is seen, supported, and feels capable.”

After her maternity leave, Torres went to �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown to mesh student affairs with the community and business sector. Then, in July 2025, she returned to the main campus that she says she remembers as home to lead the Dixon Career Development Center.

“It’s exciting to see students connecting with resources — like academic success coaches — and discovering a clear direction. They have research opportunities, clubs, community work, networking and people to listen.”

Maybe it isn’t so ironic that she’s here, where her own path to success started.

“My purpose could not be more clear: to make sure every student, regardless of high school or background, whether they’re a freshman or transfer, is seen, supported, and feels capable,” she says. “That’s what I needed to complete my journey. And now it’s my way of giving back to the university that has given me so much.”

Every semester is a chance to start fresh.

Whether you’re navigating your first days on campus or a returning Knight, each new academic semester is an opportunity to discover what works for you, meet new people, challenge yourself and take advantage of everything �鶹ӳ����ý has to offer.

No matter what you set out to accomplish, you’ll find the support to help get you there. Whether you’re in need of academic guidance, career preparation, wellness resources and support or ways to get involved, here are the tools to set you up for success.

Build Strong Habits with Academic Support

The key to overcoming academic challenges isn’t waiting until you’re struggling — it’s knowing where to turn before you get there.

If you’re adjusting to college-level coursework, working through a difficult class or trying to stay ahead, �鶹ӳ����ý provides a variety of academic support services — available in person and virtually — to help you stay on track all semester long.

Start here:

• Academic Success Coaching: Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their for help setting goals, staying on track, improving study strategies, managing time and connecting with campus resources.
  • Support Pop-Up Station: Visit the �鶹ӳ����ý Student Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Thursday, Aug. 27, for on-the-spot support and guidance from Academic Advocates and Academic Success Coaches.

• Peer Tutoring: The Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) offers  in more than 30 subjects. Visit the SARC office in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 117 or the Engineering II atrium for assistance.

• : Drop in for help with undergraduate math courses and work through challenging concepts with experienced tutors.

• : Whether you’re writing your first college essay, polishing a lab report or updating your resume, writing consultants are available at every stage of the writing process.

• Academic Calendar: Refer to the official for important dates for enrollment, holidays, exams, commencement and events.

• : Academic Engagement Librarians are available to help graduate students find research materials, navigate databases, develop stronger research projects and access additional library resources and services.

• : From laptops for class to calculators for exams, this new service on the second floor of the John C. Hitt Library makes it easy to borrow the tools you need to succeed academically.

• Study Spaces: If you prefer complete silence, a lively atmosphere or the outdoors, there are plenty of places to help you stay productive. Check out some of these favorite spots across �����’s campuses:

• • Grab your favorite drink and settle in at a coffee shop. Campus favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Foxtail Coffee or Starbucks are ideal if you enjoy a little background noise while studying, meeting with a group or working on a project.

• • Escape the bustle of campus at the Burnett Honors College Meditation Garden, a peaceful outdoor space where shaded seating, lush greenery and a tranquil koi pond create a relaxing environment for reading, studying or recharging between classes.

• • If you’re crossing the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons Bridge between classes at �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown, pause to review your notes or catch up on reading in one of the quiet seating areas overlooking campus.

• • The shaded lounge area in front of Addition Financial Arena at Knights Plaza offers a comfortable place to catch up on assignments, meet up with friends or unwind between classes.

• • Looking for a quieter environment? in the John C. Hitt Library or find one of the many individual and group study spaces designed for focused work.

• • Take your studying outside at the Reflecting Pond by spreading a blanket on the grass or settling into a shady spot along the water. Fresh air and a change of scenery can be a great way to recharge while reviewing notes.

Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping up with your coursework. When you feel your best, you’re better prepared to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Through �����’s wide variety of health and wellness services, you’ll have support physically, mentally and emotionally throughout the semester.

That holistic approach to serving students recently earned �鶹ӳ����ý national recognition. The university received Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award for fostering a campus culture in which students and employees have access to meaningful wellness resources, supportive communities and proactive care.

Available student well-being and support resources include:

• Mental Health Support:  (CAPS) provides all students with free around-the-clock mental health support. Additionally, they have complimentary access to ‘ anonymous peer support community and  teletherapy sessions throughout the semester. Students can access support by calling CAPS at 407-823-2811, visiting in person or . For after-hours support, call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to connect with a counselor.
  • Spend time with from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 27 and enjoy a mindful break while learning practical stress-management techniques as you ease into the semester.

• : Build healthy habits that support your well-being and academic success with free services and programs, including wellness coaching, FreshU Kitchen, cooking demonstrations and classes, and access to free healthy food.

• Physical Wellness:  is your on-campus healthcare home, providing convenient access to primary and preventive care, sports medicine, dental care, pharmacy, immunizations, laboratory testing and more. Looking to stay active? The  has you covered with a two-story fitness area, group exercise classes and a variety of recreational activities. For some fresh air, head to ��at Lake Claire, where you can unwind outdoors with free kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

• Well-Being and Basic Needs Support: The Center for Student Care and Advocacy is a hub for navigating academic, personal and financial challenges. You can contact at 407-823-5607 or caremanager@ucf.edu for assistance. For help with everyday essentials, provides free food, clothing and toiletries daily to currently enrolled �鶹ӳ����ý students.

Prepare for Your Career Now

You don’t have to wait until graduation to start building your professional experience. The (DCDC) can assist you with exploring career paths, preparing for graduate or professional school,��building professional skills and connecting with employers from your first semester through graduation.

This semester, you can:

• Meet with �鶹ӳ����ý DCDC staff for resume reviews, LinkedIn profile feedback, mock interviews and more at the center.

• Get guidance from team for exploring careers that require advanced degrees and preparing and applying to graduate, health professional and law schools.

• Attend career workshops covering everything from networking and interviewing to job searching and using AI in your job search.

• Discover internship opportunities that provide you with real-world experience — and, in some cases, the chance to earn academic credit.

• Secure your next internship or job and connect with employers from a wide range of industries at the on Oct. 1 at Addition Financial Arena.

• Connect with employers, discover career opportunities and receive a free headshot at the on Oct. 28 in the Darden Auditorium.

Even if you’re only beginning to explore your career options, these experiences can help you build skills and connections long before graduation.

Find Your Community on Campus

Some of your best college memories happen outside the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to meet people, discover new interests, give back or just get out and have fun, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved and connect with campus.

Take the opportunity to:

• Find your people by joining one (or more!) of �����’s 650+ student organizations.

• Grab your game day gear and embrace the energy of Knight Nation while cheering on the Knights across 16 sports. Students can to home games throughout the season.

• Make a difference through Volunteer �鶹ӳ����ý, where you can sort donations at local food pantries, tutor students, assist in hospitals and connect with the community.

• Take part in iconic �鶹ӳ����ý traditions like Spirit Splash, one of the most beloved Homecoming Week events, and Pegasus Palooza, �����’s official welcome week featuring free events and big-name entertainment.

• Graduate students: Build connections and get involved on campus through the Graduate Student Center, a welcoming hub in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213, where you can meet other graduate students and participate in , including Fall Take Off, two weeks of activities that welcome new and returning graduate students.

No matter what your interests are, there’s a place for you here and a community ready to welcome you.

Know Your Transportation Options

A little preparation can make getting around campus much easier — especially during the first few weeks of the semester.

Before heading to class:

• Make sure you have the correct parking permit and know where you can park. Beforehand, review and real-time to save time and avoid hassle. Parking Garages A and I often have the most availability.

• Check shuttle routes and schedules using the �鶹ӳ����ý Mobile app or the . offers 10 conveniently located stops near most academic buildings and popular campus destinations.

• Give yourself extra travel time during the first few weeks of the semester, when campus is busiest.

Friendly reminder: A valid �鶹ӳ����ý or Daily Parking Permit is required to park on campus at all times (24/7).

Stay Organized with Essential Tools

myKnight STAR

Keeping track of classes, appointments and deadlines is much easier when everything is in one place. That’s where , powered by Navigate Student, comes in. With tools designed to help you stay organized, connected and on track, it’s your go-to resource for managing the semester and accessing the support you need.

Using the app or web browser, you can:

• View your class schedule.

• Schedule appointments for Academic Success Coaching and other campus services.

• Explore majors and career pathways.

• Connect with classmates to form study groups.

• Receive reminders about important academic deadlines and upcoming appointments.

Student Center

The Student Center, accessible through , has a new, mobile-first design and updated navigation, but the tools you rely on — such as class registration, financial aid, tuition payments, grades and academic records — remain the same. They may just be in a different place. For help finding and accessing key tools, log in to my�鶹ӳ����ý and click the banner at the top of the page to visit the Help Center. Graduate students can also use the dedicated Graduate Students tile to access resources and tools for managing their academic journey.

Make This Semester Count

No matter where you are on your �鶹ӳ����ý journey, you won’t have to navigate it alone.

The habits you build now — and the people and resources you connect with along the way — can make all the difference in your college experience.

So ask questions, get involved, try something new and take advantage of the opportunities around you.

Wishing you a successful semester, Knights. Charge On!

Whether you are taking a full class schedule, interning or enjoying a much-needed breather, staying engaged on campus is key to making the most of your summer semester. �鶹ӳ����ý offers a wide selection of resources specifically to help you keep the momentum.

Academic Support

Shorter summer sessions are fast paced and demanding, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Support services are available in person and virtually to keep your GPA on track.

• Private Coaching: The Student Academic Resource Center continues to provide for over 30 subjects. Visit the SARC office in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 117 or the Engineering II atrium for assistance.
• Math Tutoring: Located in the Mathematical Science Building, the Math Success Center offers for students enrolled in undergraduate math courses, providing a focused environment to master challenging concepts.
• Writing Center: From complex research papers and resume polishes to creative writing hobbies, the University Writing Center offers specialized to help you make tangible progress on all kinds of written projects.
• Study Spaces: Use the university’s to book a private study room in advance at the John C. Hitt and �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown libraries to ensure you have a safe, quiet place to study during finals.

Wellness Resources

Taking care of yourself is just as important during finals week as it is during a semester off. Fewer students on campus during the summer semester allows you more access to these wellness perks.

• Mental Health: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides students with around-the-clock at no extra cost. Students also have free access to the anonymous peer-to-peer support community and teletherapy sessions throughout the entire summer.
• Physical Wellness: �� remains open throughout the summer, offering appointments for illness and injury, preventive care, immunizations, laboratory services and more. The gym remains open with full summer hours to help you maintain your fitness routine. For a brain break and an extra dose of sunshine, head over to the for free kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget gets tight between semesters, you don’t have to worry. The Knights Helping Knights Pantry remains stocked and open during the summer to , toiletries and clothing to any Knight in need.

Professional Development

Summer is the perfect time to refine your professional brand. Career Services offers a series of Workshop Wednesdays and drop-in sessions to help you prepare for your next interview, internship or first day on the job.

• Career Readiness: Get quick, expert feedback on your resume, LinkedIn profile, practice interview or Handshake account with Critiques & Career Express. in-person or virtually throughout July 31.
• Workshop Wednesdays: throughout June and July to sharpen specific skills, including how to utilize AI in the job search, career exploration and the do’s and don’ts of networking online.
• Free Headshots: Stop by the Headshot Booth located in the Student Government office of the Student Union for . The booth is open and free for all students and produces professional, high-quality headshots same day.

Summer Events Around Campus

Stay engaged with these social and cultural opportunities that span the entire term.

• Socialize with Grad Students: Head to the Graduate Student Center in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213 on the first Wednesday of each summer month for First Wednesday Cafe. Hosted by Graduate Student Life, it’s a , meet fellow students, and grab free bagels and coffee.
• Interactive Play Festival: Pegasus PlayLab is a festival hosted every summer by the �鶹ӳ����ý School of Performing Arts and is dedicated to helping develop the work of emerging playwrights across the country. for the workshop showings of Offshoot (May 29 – 30), Eight-Hand Jig (June 5 – 6), Between Shadows and Lightness (June 12 – 13), and the developmental production of Raccoon Play(June 11 – 14).
• Art Exhibition: Take a quiet culture break at the �鶹ӳ����ý Art Gallery (located in the Visual Arts Building) to experience The Carlos Malamud Prize. Running all summer long, with Rollins Museum of Art features striking works from six emerging Florida artists competing for a $10,000 prize.
• Therapy Dogs: If you need a serious mood boost, head over to CAPS to spend some time with certified therapy dogs during the It’s a proven, relaxing way to take a mid-semester breather and destress between your Summer A and Summer B classes.

Transportation and Parking

Summer is the best time to find a “prime” parking spot, but shuttles are still a reliable way to get around.

• Summer Shuttle Schedules: �鶹ӳ����ý shuttles operate on a modified summer schedule. Be sure to check the �鶹ӳ����ý Mobile app or the website for the most current route times, as frequency may differ from the fall/spring semesters.

Whether you are catching a sunset by the Reflecting Pond or grinding through a summer lab, remember that the �鶹ӳ����ý community is here to support you. Take advantage of the shorter lines and the specialized attention available this term and keep charging on!

Academic Support and Study Strategy

Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety, and �鶹ӳ����ý offers a variety of coaching, tutoring, or peer support to help you conquer your study strategy.

• ��From Monday, April 27��through��Friday, May 1, the Student��Union again will��become your campus study headquarters, offering free live review sessions led by tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders across a variety of courses. Plus, Academic Consultation & Engagement peer consultants will be available to provide personalized academic support.
• :��Peer mentors from the Office of Academic Advocacy will host a Mindsets & Motivations Event on��Tuesday,��April 28, from��11��a.m. to 1 p.m., in Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202.����They will also be in the Student Union Atrium during the hours listed below to connect you with resources, such as the Writing Center��(Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 109 and the��John��C. Hitt Library, room 330)��and Math Lab��(Mathematical Science Building, rooms��153, 241, 240, and 242).��Graduate students, remember that the����is open Monday��through��Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213.
• Reserved Study Rooms: We all know how busy the library can get during finals week. Use the to book a room at the John C. Hitt, Downtown, or Rosen libraries in advance to make sure you have a designated quiet space to study.

Wellness Resources

Your mental health is the foundation of your academic performance. If the pressure begins to feel unmanageable, there are several ways to find support.

• Mental Health Support: Beyond traditional counseling, (CAPS) provides 24/7 crisis support by dialing 407-823-2811.
• Free Mental Health Apps: Students have free access to , an anonymous peer-to-peer mental support community, and for free tele-therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments.

• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget is tight during finals, the provides food, toiletries and even clothing to Knights in need.

Finals Week Events Around Campus

Conquer the end of the semester with these main campus events. Whether a study session or a social break, these opportunities are designed to help you cross the finish line feeling supported and confident.

• OverKnight Study (various dates between April 20 – May 5, 1 – 6 a.m.): The John C. Hitt Library will extend normal hours during to accommodate late-night study sessions in a safe, quiet environment.
• Sunset Yoga at Lake Claire (April 22, 7 – 8 p.m.): Join the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) for a special end of semester Sunset Yoga session — the perfect way to decompress and stretch out after a long day of studying. Check the to register for a spot.
• Float Into Finals (April 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m.): Graduate Student Life to Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213 for some well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with other students.
• Study Union (April 27 – May 1): SARC partners with the Student Union to bring multiple final exam review sessions in-person and online before and after finals week, with by a Peer Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
• Late Knight Breakfast (April 28, 10 p.m. – midnight):��Mark your calendars to come by the Student Union Atrium to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. Hosted by Student Government, for students.
• Mindsets & Motivations with PeerKnights (April 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Held in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 202, this event helps students prepare for finals with campus resources focused on time management, study tips and staying motivated.

Transportation and Parking

To avoid parking delays, students are encouraged to arrive at campus early during finals week.

• will��run on their regular schedule Monday, April 27��through��Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 a.m.��to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Need��a ride on Saturday? There is a special shuttle service on May 2. Routes 1–10 will provide transportation to the Main Campus from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Quick Links for Success

Whether you are hitting the books in a reserved study room, meeting with a PeerKnights coach or taking a brain-break at the gym, remember that every resource at �鶹ӳ����ý is designed to help you succeed. Take a breath, trust your preparation and know that the �鶹ӳ����ý community is there to help and cheer you on.

The university recognized employees who reached milestone years of service, along with those recently retired or about to be. �鶹ӳ����ý also presented a Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award and excellence awards in recognition of employees who made exceptional contributions to benefit the campus community.

“We celebrate your service, your dedication, and the impact you make across this university. But behind that recognition is something even more powerful: the daily commitment, the steady work, and the consistency that build momentum over time,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “The future we talk about at �鶹ӳ����ý is not something that begins someday. It is already taking shape in the work you do, in the systems you support, and in the experiences you create for our students.��Thank you.”

�鶹ӳ����ý this year brought a new category of Employee Leadership Excellence Awards, recognizing non-faculty administrative leadership at the director level and above. They joined the expanded Employee Excellence Awards, which highlighted the remarkable contributions of full-time employees up to an associate director level.

The employee event kicked off a Founders’ Day celebration that also included faculty and student celebrations. Combined, more than 900 honorees were recognized during the three ceremonies this year.

Here are the honorees from this year’s Employee Honors Celebration.

Excellence Awards

Employee Excellence Awards for Operational Excellence

Arijeta Kavaja, Public Safety

Cecily McCoy-Fisher, Office of Research

Anna Nye, Office of Risk and Safety

Cindy Prophitt, Facilities and Business Operations

Employee Excellence Awards for Student Success

Cynthia Almanzar, Student Success and Well-Being

Laura Czerkies, Burnett Honors College

Michael McKee, College of Optics and Photonics

Donna Mercado, College of Nursing

Employee Excellence Awards for Community Well-Being

Jodi Reinhart, College of Sciences

Lorna Rodriguez, College of Engineering and Computer Science

David Stoneburner, Office of Institutional Resources

Mykhael Walker, Analytics and Integrated Planning

Employee Excellence Awards for Service and Partnership

Drew Barnes, College of Graduate Studies

Faith DeLorenzo, Digital Learning

Lovelyn Findley, Advancement and Partnerships

Antoine Hart, University Strategic Communications

Employee Excellence Awards Nominees

Sadia Afrin

Cynthia Almanzar

Michelle Anchel

Otto Argibay

Anthony (Joey) Asti

Drew Barnes

Alexandra Barraza-Oliphant

Davalda “Dee” Bellot

Jim Bennett

Miryana Blesso

Monique Carter

Laura Czerkies

Faith DeLorenzo

Lovelyn Findley

Amanda Greaves

Antoine Hart

Christina Hussey

Alexis Hutchins

Erica Hutton

Kat Jones

Arijeta Kavaja

Marsha Kernica

Melina Kinsey

Keanna Machado

Jay Malcolm

Chuck Mannella

Samantha Mason

Cecily McCoy-Fisher

Michael McKee

Donna Mercado

Traci Mibuta

Anna Nye

Steven Pardo

Diana Perez

Anthony Piazza

Cindy Prophitt

Frances “Fran” Ragsdale

Matthew Rall

Jodi Reinhart

Lorna Rodriguez

Ashley Samson

William Self

Maricel Soto

Jennifer Stalzer

Emily Stettner

David Stoneburner

Jeremiah Taylor

Rebecca Underhill

Mykhael Walker

Denise Whiteside

Maria Williams

Employee Leadership Excellence Awards

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Strategic Execution

Andre Watts, Analytics and Integrated Planning

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for People Leadership and Talent Stewardship

Andrea Withington, College of Community Innovation and Education

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Advancing Collaboration and Partnership

Germayne Graham, Student Programs and Outreach

Employee Leadership Excellence Award for Innovation, Improvement, and Bold Action

Kim Smith, Office of Research

Employee Leadership Excellence Awards Nominees

Drew Andrews

Morgan Bauer

Austin Bott

Brian Boyd

David Canova

Megan Carrigan

Shafaq Chaudhry

Sherri Dixon

Madi Dogariu

Michael Duong

Amy Ellis

Gerard Flood

Steven Freund

Andrea Gandy

Delia Garcia

Germayne Graham

Stephanie Heron

Dana Juntunen

Kerlene King

Ashley Longoria

Ayanna Lopez

Carla McCabe

Rudy McDaniel

Amy Perry

Charlie Piper

Candida Richards

Elizabeth Richner

Cesar RiveraCruzado

Rex Roberts

Anastasia Salter

Wendy Sarubbi

Basma Selim

Kim Smith

Meghan Truhett

Suzzette Turner

Michael Wainstein

Tyler Walsh

Andre Watts

Danta White

Andrea Withington

Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award

Rosemarie Mendoza, Facilities and Business Operations

Emerita Status Awardee

Amy Giroux, College of Arts and Humanities

Employee Service Awards

45 Years of Service

Donna Hickson

35 Years of Service

Tina Maier

Michael Reed

Patricia Trovillion

30 Years of Service

Sharon Bady

Travis Cain

Adrianne Demetry

Francisco Dionisi

Joel Lavoie

Elizabeth Rivera

25 Years of Service

Herlinda Bedoya

Michael Bell

Abdulbaset Benwali

Terri Bigham

Bruce Boutwell

Olivia Bridges

Amy Buford

Cristina Caamano

Carlos Chardon

Keith Coelho

Janny Colon

Elizabeth Costello

Al Davis

Steven Dick

Rafael Durand

Sira Giron

Rebecca Hammond

Jonathan Hanie

Keith Honaker

Davina Hovanec

Latchmin Jaggernauth

Susan Jefferson

Georgia Kent

Michelle Matthews

Andrew O’Mara

Jennifer Opper

Naya Ramirez

Gail Raymond

Brenda Rodrigues

Timothy Ryan

Maria Santiago

Heather Simeon

Carl Truesdell

Meena Turner

Maria Williams

Dela Williams

Andrea Withington

20 Years of Service

Michael Aldarondo-Jeffries

Lindsay Archambault

Gloria Bastidas

Renee Bence

Eric Brewington

Daren Caine

Michael Callahan

Marc Cassidy

Robin Chan

Karen Cox

Kelley Dietrich

Matthew Dunn

Scott Eberle

Cecilia Elias

Samuel Ensenat

Marelis Figueredo Garcia

Matthew Fitzgerald

Scott Freeman

Glenn Gaborko

Tyniesia Gandy

Kelly Gill

Lindana Gomez

Brian Graham

Timothy Haduch

Jenny Hartman

Elizabeth Herrera

Sarah Hunt

Tamara Jomarron

Carreen Krapf

Ellaine Leodones

Marlene Lugo

Carlos Martinez

Deysi Mercedes

Heather Murphy

Uday Nair

Perla Ongy

Robert (Bob) Opdahl

Haresh Patel

Rachel Perry

Omesh Persaud

Sandy Pouliot

Christine Pugh

Luz Quintero

Maria Quintero

Christopher Rains

Tim Reid

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Terrance Rooth

Diana Santiago

Saul Santiago

Kathy Sapp

Basma Selim

Romeo Sibayan

Jeff Smith

George Taylor

Lynda Toussaint

Shreya Trivedi

Reina Vazquez

Tonya Walker

15 Years of Service

Marlene Agostini

Jose Arce

Lucy Bautista

Randy Beck

Aiza Beguez

Miryana Blesso

Carolyn Castro

Silvia Cerro

Lorinda Clark

Patricia Colyer

Theresa Davis

Dani Draper

Jennifer Elliott

Tamara Gabrus

Ernie Gemeinhart

Jessica Glaspie

James Grant

Lisa Haas

Allison Henderson

Maribel Herrera

Jason Kennedy

Ann Kershner

Usha Lal

Dora Laureano

Hank Lewis

Ujjwala Magdum

Jennifer Mark

Jessica Matos

Meghan McCollum

Amanda Miller

Tracey Morrison

Kimberly Nassoiy

Beth Nettles

Hoang Nguyen

Jorge Olmedo

Minh Phan

Rhett Proctor

Elida Prophete

Michael Pugh

Ligia Ramirez

Rebeca Richards

Maria Rodriguez

Daniel Sagendorf

Kimberly Sargent

Wendy Sarubbi

Nick Schenk

Dave Schreier

Lori Shuff

Jacob Skinner

Terri Smith

Suzanne Stalvey

Brian Strickland

Christy Tant

Freddie Tirado Jr.

Joanne Toole

Roger Tripp

Matthew Vaccaro

Tamara Vassallo Soto

Martha Wiggins

Wanda Wint

10 Years of Service

Danielle Adams

Terrell Alexander

Julissa Alicea

Lindsey Anderson

Nadine Arentz

Jose Ayala Torres

Morgan Bauer

Shaun Black

John Boehm

Kate Brinister

Danilo Canlas

Megan Carrigan

Melissa Choinski

Madhavi Chokshi

Lorine Cisch-Taylor

Lisa Clendenning

Shannon Colon

Robert Connors

John Cooke

Todd Coon

Richard Cortez-Satterlee

Joanna Couch

Brandon Couts

Meghan Crowther

Summer Davis

Katherine Del Cid

Vanessa Delgado

Gerald Dillon

Kerri Drylie

Mirvate El Jerdi

Shajira El Masri

Amy Ellis

Jerad Engel

Damian Fagan

Marites Falkenhausen

Sarah Farrell

Jessica Fasano

Ben Fauser

Melissa Fawcett

Janet Feliciano

Valentina Fernandez

Jason Francis

Neftali Garcia

Eileen Garner

Christopher Gase

Kristina Gomez

Agustin Gonzalez

Adriel Gonzalez Gutierrez

Ryan Goodwin

Liz Gordian Olmo

Walter Gordon

Rhonda Granger Gomez

Josh Haupt

George Hayner Jr.

Rita Higgins

Katherine Hoefer

Elizabeth Hughes

Erica Hutton

Renee Johnston

Nathanael Jones

Megan Kellogg

Brian Kelly

Mike Kilbride

Maureen Landgraf

Daniel Lee

Missy Lesnewski

Ian Levy

Sarojben Limbachia

George Lopez

Ricardo Lopez

Juan Lugo

Karemah Manselle

Kristy McAllister

Justin McGill

Pamela McGlinchey

Oliver McSurley

Rebecca Meadows

Nelson Mendez

Pamela Mills

Mike Minutelli

Eli Mizell

Angela Moreira

Rebecca Mowrer

Lauren Murray-Lemon

David Neese

Lucas Noboa

Loida Olivas

Jeffrey Panter

Steven Pardo

Juana Pasco

Laura Patterson

Deborah Pease

Miguel Pellot

Ryan Pendry

Karen Peterson

Wanda Pruett-Butler

Abner Ramos Piñero

Erica Recktenwald

Samantha Redlund

Elizabeth Richner

Carlos Rivera

Victor Rivera

Lisa Roberts

Jacob Scholtz

Skender Shehu

Mari Sievinen

Kiela Sims

Aaron Smart

Liza Smith

Casey Smith

Esperanza Soto

Calvin Soto

Tenley Sterkel

Timothy Sullivan

Jackson Thevenin

Danielle Traylor

Wanda Tummons

Anna Velocci

Brian Villar

Stephen Villiotis

Paul Werden

Jonathan White

Barbara Wilson

Dylan Yonts

5 Years of Service

Lidya Abdelmalak

Elna Andreeva

Dana Archer

Linnette Aviles

Jessica Banos

Arismir Barreiras Peralta

Kristy Beitler

Summer Bernini

Abby Bertrand

Mayra Bonilla Torres

Melissa Braillard

Drew Bryant

Barbara Busch

Jess Camacho

Alexander N. Cartwright

Maria Ceku

Gianna Cifredo

Wilfredo Cornelio

Mario De Vera

Franco Del Pino

Mark Durbin

David Edgar

Lori Fiandra

Steven Fournier

Amoy Fraser

Raquela Garcia-Valenzuela

Melissa Gilliland

Luis Gonzalez

Marisela Guillen

Kathleen Hawkins

Robert Herr

Donna Jackson

Chase Jicha

Justin Kardach

Jamie Kaynan

Scott Langdon

Sarah Lardizabal

Kristeena LaRoue

Angela Lehman

Lucy Leon

Lawrence Lipe

Alex Lucchi

Marc Maheu

Alli Maiorano

Martha Martin

Reyner Martinez

Kate Mascheri

Angelica Mateo

Stephanie Mederos

Christopher Miller

Sarah Moore

Mindy Mozena

Lisa Myles

Iris Neil

Veronica Pak

Evgenia Pamer

Neelam Patel

Tran Pham

Cat Puckett

Monica Quimbayo

Michael Rivera

Marvecia Robinson

Leslie Rogers

Mary Rush

Luis Sanchez Artavia

Kyle Sindelar

Monica Smith

Yulisney Sotolongo

Garrett Spurlin

Jennifer Stalzer

Kimberly Stangle

Kenneth Steele

Lorenzo Stefko

Shari-Ann Stewart

Jane Stump

Elizabeth Tammaro

Jason Taningco

Raquel Toro-Espinal

Pia Valenciano

Thaina Velez

Danta White

Roksana Zak

Recognition of Retirees

Rafael Abreu

Yousef Ayoub

Pam Barkman

Suzette Batka

Emily Bennett

Richard Berwanger

Jeanne Blank

Patrick Blount

Parri Bolinger

Marcus Bowan

Deborah Bradford

Roanne Brice

Gary Burkhart

Rose Carpenter

Rick Catasus

Edgar Chavez

Willis Chico

Eunice Choi

Diane Claudio

Theresa Collins

Debra Copertino

Laura Crouch

Carol Davella

Karen Dlhosh

Debbie Doyle

Carol Ann Dykes Logue

Larry Eflin

Joseph Finnigan

Perry Fraser

Catherine Gholson

Amy Giroux

Robert Goater

Mariela Gonzalez

Tracy Griffith

Mark Gumble

Tania Gutierrez-Catasus

Martha Hamann

MJ Herbert Fuerst

Bethsy Hernandez

Ana Hernandez

Cherie Herrin

Michael Herring

Cathy Hill

Jane Ingalls

Wayne Jackson

Larry Jaffe

Daniel Kidder

Lee Kirkpatrick

Phyllis Kornegay

Melinda Kramer

Donna Leavitt

Ruben Lopez

Dennis Maddox

Kelli Marini

Janice Matley

Marcia Maukonen

Oscar Mauricio

James “Jim” McCully

Carrie McDowell

Linda Milner

Bruce Mink

Michele Monteith

Abderrahim Mouhassin

Christine Mouton

Jesus Munoz

Chuck Nicholas

Stephen OConnell

Leonardo Pascua

Esther Pennepacker

Rosario Pizarro

Brenda Posey

Michele Pozdoll

Odus Radford

Frances Ragsdale

Cindy Rahrle

Robert Reed

Wayne Regilio

Stella Restrepo

Kayonne Riley

Iris Rios

Charles Roberts

Norma Robles

Aimara Rodriguez

James Roop

Rosalba Ruiz

Eileen Ryan

Judith Samuels

Nicolas Santos

James Schaus

Jeanette Schreiber

Susan Schroen

Alison Schultz

Elena Sequera

Kelly Shilton

Michael Shumack

Shela Siegrist

Liza Smith

Karen Smith

Kathleen Snoeblen

Terry Stein

Peter Stephens

Patty Stroupe

Timothy Sullivan

Randolph Sulter

Jeffrey Ulmer

Lisa Vaughn

Luis Velozo

Rebecca Vilsack

Vicki Vitale

Deborah Walker

Kerry Welch

Maria Jocelyn Wick

Scott Wiles

Elena Wilson

Robert Wong

�鶹ӳ����ý is the only institution in the state of Florida selected to address the U.S. Department of Education’s civil discourse priority as part of its Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education initiative.

The department from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Following a record number of applicants, �鶹ӳ����ý was among the honorees with a four-year $3.4 million grant for our proposal — Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model — which seeks to protect and promote civil discourse on campuses.

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree.” — Andrea Guzmán, �鶹ӳ����ý vice president for access and community engagement

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree,” says Andrea Guzmán, �鶹ӳ����ý vice president for access and community engagement and CIVIC principal investigator. “This grant allows us to prepare students not just academically, but to be thoughtful citizens and professionals. By integrating civil discourse skills throughout curricular and co-curricular experiences, we are helping students develop the communication and critical thinking skills that employers, communities and our democracy depend on.”

What is the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)?

FIPSE is a discretionary grant initiative that supports innovative projects to address urgent national needs in postsecondary education. The funds awarded from this specific program competition empower institutions to develop and scale solutions that improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity and align education with workforce demands.

In November, the Department of Education announced four FY 2025 competition priorities focused on expanding innovative teaching and student success initiatives, promoting civil discourse on campuses, advancing accreditation reform, and building capacity for high‑quality, workforce‑aligned short‑term academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

While �鶹ӳ����ý was Florida’s lone representative selected for the civil discourse priority, the state saw Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University, and its Commission for Public Higher Education, Inc. earn grants in accreditation. Hillsborough Community College earned funding for AI.

What is civil discourse?

�����’s defines civil discourse as constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding, be productive and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national and global topics/issues.

“Civil discourse is about understanding the other person’s viewpoint so you can come together to make thoughtful decisions in spite of having different viewpoints,” Guzmán says.

Guzmán says she often hears students today are hesitant to share their own perspectives. She hopes that through this intentional framework, students will begin to feel more confident engaging civilly with those around them.

“Whether students are in the classroom or just having a conversation with a peer, we want them to have the skillset and emotional intelligence needed for constructive conversations,” Guzmán says. “They should still be able to walk away and respectfully say, ‘I still don’t agree with you, but let’s go get a burger and fries afterward.’ Too often, we’ve seen relationships fracture because the skill of civil discourse has been lost.”

How will �鶹ӳ����ý use these funds?

�����’s priority with this $3.4 million grant is to intentionally embed civil discourse and constructive communication skills into the everyday experience at the university through four main strategies.

Strategy 1: Faculty Learning Communities

The first strategy is geared toward . �鶹ӳ����ý Director of Civil Discourse and Engagement Haley Winston ’17����� and a faculty fellow, yet to be named, will partner to create a curriculum to offer paid learning experiences via faculty learning communities each semester and a track at the Summer Faculty Development Institute. This curriculum will inform faculty on strategies and methodologies for building civil discourse opportunities into their classes. There are also plans to develop and implement civil discourse modules in new faculty orientation.

Eventually, �����’s course catalogue will recognize classes — much like it does now with service-learning courses — with a civil discourse designation.

Strategies 2 and 3: Student Orientation and Training

Two additional strategies are student-focused. One will collaborate with �����’s to include civil discourse modules at orientation.

“From the very start of a student’s journey at �鶹ӳ����ý, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way,” Guzmán says.

The other will partner with to offer civil discourse training for both student employee onboarding training as well as a supervisor-specific training via its , preparing students to carry on these skills into the workforce after graduation.

Strategy 4: Mini-grants for Learning Opportunities

The fourth strategy is geared toward expanding co-curricular opportunities through the �鶹ӳ����ý Ginsburg Center – Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement. Mini-grants will be offered to units and colleges who want to offer learning opportunities within their department or classrooms.

“This grant builds on work already underway at �鶹ӳ����ý and allows us to scale it intentionally.”
— Andrea Guzmán

“This grant builds on work already underway at �鶹ӳ����ý and allows us to scale it intentionally. It also enables the development of a pilot program designed to be replicated across the state university system,” Guzmán says. “The reason we are choosing to bolster programs like orientation and faculty learning communities are because these are existing infrastructures that almost every institution will have and can seamlessly incorporate.”

What happens next?

The funding takes effect immediately. �鶹ӳ����ý will invite faculty applications for the faculty fellow position during the Spring 2026 semester, with the appointment beginning in August.

�����’s will also organize an internal implementation team to confirm year-one priorities, which includes aligning timelines, refining deliverables and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the work.

“With every project we implement, we think about scale and long-term impact. The goal is always for meaningful, transformative work to live on beyond the grant,” says Cyndia Morales Muñiz ’13EdD, senior director of grant initiatives and partnerships, and CIVIC project director.

In addition to Muñiz, Guzmán and Winston, the project includes activity coordinators Joel Cramer, interim vice provost for Faculty Excellence; Chanda Torres ’98 ’00MA ’08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center; and Ryan Goodwin, assistant vice president for Strategic Initiatives.

In years three and four of the grant, �鶹ӳ����ý will develop and host two symposiums for Florida’s State University System institutions and state colleges to share implementation strategies and lessons learned, providing a model that can be replicated at their own campuses.

“This is yet another example of �鶹ӳ����ý leading the way to best serve our students and faculty and we look forward to getting started,” Muñiz says.

Note: 100% of �����’s Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model is being financed with this federal funding and 0% of the program is being financed with non-federal funding.

“We are beyond thrilled to have a dedicated community partner in Florida Blue. Their unwavering support creates a healthier �鶹ӳ����ý community,” says Stephanie Spies ’06 ’09MA, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services. “FreshU Kitchen has evolved into a comprehensive care unit for our students, empowering one Knight at a time.”

Florida Blue’s support is helping the FreshU Kitchen reach more students than ever, expanding access to fresh foods, hands-on cooking education and the nutrition resources Knights need to make healthy choices and thrive academically and personally.

FreshU Kitchen began as small campus gardens and has grown into a program that feeds thousands of students each year for free through equitable access to nutritious meals and cooking education. FreshU Kitchen has become more than a source of meals — it is a foundation for student success and well-being.

Last month, the kitchen celebrated its recent major renovation — made possible by Florida Blue — with a ribbon cutting. The funding allowed �鶹ӳ����ý to acquire professional kitchen equipment and offer more cooking classes and demonstrations. It also ensures students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables while addressing food insecurity through quality nutrition.

The expansion enables FreshU Kitchen to grow from serving 8,000 students annually to more than 11,000.

“At Florida Blue, we believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right, and we’re proud to support �鶹ӳ����ý’s FreshU Kitchen program in its mission to combat food insecurity and promote student success. This investment in the �鶹ӳ����ý community aligns with our commitment to building a healthier Florida, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of thousands of students,” says Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market president, Florida Blue.

Increasing Access to Health and Nutrition

The Division of Student Success and Well-Being is the hub for services and support that help Knights thrive. The division creates holistic experiences that empower students to succeed. FreshU Kitchen is a dynamic part of this effort, promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education.

Poor nutrition contributes to chronic conditions like obesity and disease. Research shows that students who lack proper nutrition often struggle with concentration and learning. FreshU Kitchen addresses these challenges by providing healthy food and nutrition education that improves student health, enhances learning, boosts retention and helps them stay on track to graduate.

The change reflects the office’s expanded mission: not only helping new Knights transition to college life, but also engaging families and supporters as essential partners in student success.

“Orientation, family programming and student transition initiatives extend well beyond the first year,” says Adrienne Frame, vice president for . “The new name more clearly communicates the breadth of services our students and families can expect and better aligns with how we describe our work across the university and nationally.”

The FYE name has served �鶹ӳ����ý well for many years, but as programs grew, it no longer fully captured the scope of the office’s role. NSFP now serves as the central hub for:

• Orientation and transition programming for new students, both first-time-in-college and transfer
• Family and caregiver engagement initiatives
• Resources designed to help students thrive beyond their first year

Students, faculty and staff will begin to see the new name appear in signage, websites, and materials over the next two to three weeks.

“This transition strengthens our work to transform student aspirations into achievements and empower all students to thrive through our BEAM framework, centering belonging, engagement, achievement and meaning from the very start of a student’s journey,” Frame says. “We are excited to continue this important work under a name that fully represents who we are.”

The three-year grant will incorporate career resources into three areas: curriculum; the academic success coaching community; and technology.

“A diploma is a starting line for greater things. We want students to leave �鶹ӳ����ý with the tools and confidence to find success on the job market,” says the grant’s principal investigator, Assistant Vice Provost Kimberly Schneider, who oversees career planning and academic engagement. “This grant represents an opportunity to expand our impact and improve the reach of existing platforms.”

�鶹ӳ����ý is one of eight universities selected for grants from the Strada Education Foundation, which focuses on “clearing the path between education and work, especially for those with the most standing in their way.”

At �鶹ӳ����ý the $299,930 grant kickstarts three years of advancing scalable programs that impact the entire student body from the start of their journey as a Knight. It coincides with a period of growth and evolution for Career Services, including��a recent $5 million commitment��to career readiness programs from longtime �鶹ӳ����ý supporter Kenneth G. Dixon.

The first focus area is curriculum. Drawing on the expertise of faculty, departments will partner with Career Services to strengthen courses with natural career readiness components. Career Services will also boost faculty interactions by growing a career champions program.

Second is expanding training for academic success coaches to incorporate career readiness into their day-to-day conversations with students. On the horizon are enhanced in-person trainings, web courses and toolkits designed to facilitate and equip ASCs to have those conversations.

Third is growing and marketing current technology outlets like the newly launched VMock resource and online job platform Handshake. With a student body approaching 70,000, it’s critical services are scalable and available 24/7, Schneider says.

“What we’re creating is a comprehensive experience that prepares students from day one for the job market or post-graduate education,” Schneider says.