Recreation and Wellness Center Archives | �鶹ӳ��ý News

Pegasus Partner Orlando Health Boosts �鶹ӳ��ý Clinic With New Name and Major Support

Leah Freeman ’22 and Camille Dolan ’98 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:33:39 +0000

Pegasus Partner Orlando Health continues to deepen its longstanding relationship with �鶹ӳ��ý through the newly renamed Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Training Clinic at the �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC).

Through this enhanced partnership, clinicians will continue to deliver exceptional care to �鶹ӳ��ý students — offering injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation and preventive services — now bolstered by direct access to one of Central Florida’s premier healthcare systems.

“This collaboration ensures our students receive top-tier care from highly qualified athletic trainers.” — Jim Wilkening, �鶹ӳ��ý RWC executive director

The agreement also supports expanded staffing, upgraded equipment, enhanced programming and streamlined referral pathways for students requiring additional care. These enhancements further solidify the RWC’s role as a cornerstone of student well-being at �鶹ӳ��ý.

All RWC services — including appointments at the athletic training clinic — are free for students who have paid the university’s activity and service fee.

�鶹ӳ��ý’s Pegasus Partner program provides select organizations with opportunities to engage across the university in ways that foster meaningful, long-term relationships.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Orlando Health for the continued health and safety of our students,” says Jim Wilkening, executive director of the RWC. “This collaboration ensures our students receive top-tier care from highly qualified athletic trainers.”

Inside the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Athletic Training Clinic at the �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center. (Photo by Kristin Nurnberg)

“As the official medical provider for �鶹ӳ��ý Athletics, expanding our role to provide the same expert care to the entire student body was a logical step for us,” says Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute sports medicine physician Fred Soliman, who also serves as a team physician for �鶹ӳ��ý. “Through this partnership, students will have easier access to high-level medical care at the RWC.”

“Through this partnership, students will have easier access to high-level medical care at the RWC.” — Fred Soliman, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute sports medicine physician

Since becoming one of �鶹ӳ��ý’s first Pegasus Partners in 2023, Orlando Health has made significant contributions to the university, including support for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, which will open this fall; student scholarships; and internships aimed at addressing Florida’s nursing shortage.

Orlando Health also recently partnered with a �鶹ӳ��ý biomedical engineer and several engineering students on a pilot program that uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to track surgical staples in operating rooms. The AI software directs a camera to record each staple’s use, enabling data analysis that improves efficiency and reduces costs. This technology has the potential to be applied to other surgical processes, such as tracking instrument usage during non-robotic procedures.

“From Pilates and rock climbing to open-water SCUBA, the RWC empowers students to stay active — and now, with enhanced support from Orlando Health, they can climb higher, swim deeper and run faster, with even greater confidence in their care,” says Rod Grabowski, �鶹ӳ��ý’s senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships. “We are grateful not only for Orlando Health’s continued trust in our mission and programs, but also for their shared commitment to our students — and their future.”

7 Knights Heading to Tokyo’s Summer Olympics, Paralympics

Jenna Marina Lee — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 13:35:07 +0000

A handful of Knights will travel to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics (July 21 – August 8) and Paralympics (August 24 – September 5). �鶹ӳ��ý has a storied history of Olympians through the years, and this year will be no exception. Several alumni look to achieve their moment of glory on the podium while another will maintain the integrity of the sports as an official.

Steve Anderson ’05 ’07MA returns to his second consecutive Olympics as a men’s basketball official.

Steve Anderson ’05 ’07MA

Referee, men’s basketball

After attending the 2016 Rio Olympics as the only U.S. referee for the men’s basketball competition, Anderson returns to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His career as an official has taken him around the world through his work with FIBA, the NBA and NCAA college basketball.

Anderson is one of the most successful graduates of the Recreation and Wellness Center’s intramural officiating program and the �鶹ӳ��ý Basketball Officiating class, which is celebrating its 25th year. After earning his bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness in 2005, Anderson accepted a graduate assistant position at �鶹ӳ��ý’s recreation department, allowing him to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition to his continued work as an official, he also served as a mentor to younger referees within the program.

Anderson officiated the bronze medal match between Australia and Spain in 2016, which he considers to be one of the highlights of his career.

“I had the game-deciding call with seven seconds left that put Spain on the [free throw] line down one,” he says. “Everyone that I talked to was like, ‘That’s a good call. You needed to make that call.’ And you’ll never forget that because those are the plays that you want to have. … Those are the plays that make or break your career.”

Men’s basketball will tip off July 24 and conclude Aug. 6.

Kyle Coon ’13 (right) competes with guide Andy Potts. (Photo courtesy of USA Triathlon)

Kyle Coon ’13

Team USA, Paratriathlon

Coon will appear in his first Paralympics as part of the 17-member Paratriathlon team that will try and match or exceed Team USA’s four medals in 2016 when the event debuted at the summer games.

Coon was profiled in Pegasus magazine in the Summer 2019 issue. At 10 months old, Coon was diagnosed with bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma, the most common form of eye cancer for children. By the time he turned 7, both of his eyes had been surgically removed.

Shortly after the procedure, his father introduced him to Erik Weihenmayer, a blind extreme athlete. It was the first time Coon met an adult who was blind, providing him an idea of the possibilities that lay ahead. Weihenmayer encouraged Coon to envision life without limits and suggested he try rock climbing.

Coon did that and more — from downhill skiing to hiking the Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. After graduating from �鶹ӳ��ý with a degree in communications, Coon became an endurance athlete, competing in numerous marathons and triathlons.

He is a two-time World Triathlon Para Series medalist and became a resident at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in January 2019 in pursuit of his goal of qualifying for Tokyo.

Coon competes alongside his guide, Andy Potts, a 2004 U.S. Olympian, 2007 Pan American Games gold medalist and decorated IRONMAN.

The paratriathlon competition in Tokyo consists of a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run. Competition takes place Aug. 28–29.

Gold medalist Phil Dalhausser ’02 has qualified for the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (Photo courtesy of USA Volleyball)

Phil Dalhausser ’02

Team USA, beach volleyball

A veteran Olympian, Dalhausser will make his fourth appearance at the Olympics at the age of 41 and is on the hunt for a second medal.

In his first appearance in 2008 in Beijing, he not only won gold but was also named Most Outstanding Player for beach competition.

“It feels like it was yesterday. It’s crazy to me that it was 13 years ago,” he says. “What keeps me motivated is both myself and my partner are 41 and we’re competing against guys in their mid-20s and early 30s. I want to prove that age is really only a number and you can still be a pretty good athlete later into your years.”

Dalhausser earned his business degree from �鶹ӳ��ý and his fondness for beach volleyball grew during his college days when he played club indoor volleyball and found ways to get extra practice on sand.

In addition to his many career highlights, he is a Michelle Akers Award winner (2009), which is �鶹ӳ��ý Alumni’s highest honor given to graduates who have brought international, positive attention to �鶹ӳ��ý through their accomplishments.

Competition for beach volleyball will start July 24, one day after the opening ceremony, and conclude Aug. 7, one day before the closing ceremony.

Aline Reis ’11 has competed at both the Olympics and FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Aline Reis ’11

Team Brazil, women’s soccer

Reis, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, graduated in 2011 as one of �鶹ӳ��ý’s most decorated student-athletes and was inducted into the �鶹ӳ��ý Athletics Hall of Fame in April 2019. She earned her degree in interdisciplinary studies with cum laude honors.

A native of Campinas, Brazil, Reis was recognized as an All-American goalkeeper both on the field and in the classroom during her career at �鶹ӳ��ý from 2007 to 2011. She also led �鶹ӳ��ý to the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, which included the program’s first trip to the Elite Eight in more than two decades in 2011.

Following graduation, Reis served as a volunteer goalkeeper coach for UCLA’s women’s soccer team before she decided to chase her dream of earning a spot on Brazil’s women’s national team ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Reis was named to one of the two goalkeeper spots for the Olympic roster and had her shining moment on Aug. 9, 2016, when she received a starting nod against South Africa and recorded a shutout for her team. She later was one of four Knights to compete at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Brazilians are one of the few national teams never to have missed a Olympic women’s soccer tournament. Women’s soccer begins July 21 ahead of the opening ceremony and concludes Aug. 6.

Mattie Rogers ’20 claims seven worlds medals, eight U.S records and also is a Pan American champion. (Photo courtesy of USA Weightlifting)

Mattie Rogers ’20

Team USA, weightlifting

Rogers, an Apopka native who graduated with her degree in sports and exercise science with summa cum laude honors, has been training for the Olympics ever since she was in grade school. She spent a large part of her childhood competing as a gymnast, but when she grew taller, instead of giving up on her dream, she found another route to get there.

Her father, who died from cancer when she was 5, left a letter for her to read on her 18^th birthday, in which he wrote: “I’ll see you at the Olympics.”

Rogers attended the 2016 Rio Olympics as an alternate, and she says that experience fueled her drive to ensure she wouldn’t miss out on competing at this year’s games.

“I was so upset sitting in the stands watching what could have been,” she says. “At the time I didn’t realize that was going to be helpful, but it’s what helped get me through the tougher parts of this [training and qualifying period] because I did not want to be in that position ever again. I knew I needed to continue to work hard and push so I made sure that didn’t happen.”

She has pushed through some immense challenges since then. She fractured her spine and herniated a disc during competition in May 2019. Because she was still in a qualification period, she was back competing two months later. She moved up three weight classes to secure a spot on the team, and consumes about 4,000 calories a day to maintain her competition weight.

When the pandemic delayed the Olympics for a year and quarantine closed training facilities, she had to modify her garage — which was slanted — by cutting her living room carpet and layering it in the garage to account for the slope.

“I think I’ve overcome a lot, and I’m really proud of learning and growing more as a human than as an athlete because I think had I not done that, I wouldn’t be the athlete that I am right now,” she says.

Rogers’ weight class (women’s 87 kg) competes Aug. 2.

Kristen Thomas ’16 (top), who started playing rugby when she first arrived at �鶹ӳ��ý in 2013, serves as co-captain of Team USA’s rugby sevens squad. (Photo courtesy of USA Rugby)

Kristen Thomas ’16

Team USA, rugby sevens

Thomas never played rugby until she arrived at �鶹ӳ��ý as a theater studies major in 2011. The Philadelphia native signed up for the Recreation and Wellness Center’s club team during her first week of school — a decision that put her on the path to joining the USA national team just two years later.

“�鶹ӳ��ý was pretty instrumental in developing me as a player,” she says. “Our coach, Raoul Besse, really harped on our skills. The physicality of the game I think I get a lot from him because you need to be physical in a contact sport. He was the first one to nominate me for the under-20 national team and if he hadn’t done that, I don’t know if I would be where I am today.”

When she was called up to the national team in January 2015, she had to move to California and finish the last year of her degree online. She knew it would be a challenge to be a professional athlete while carrying a full course load, but she was committed to pursuing both dreams.

She says she is grateful to the national team for allowing her to juggle both responsibilities, especially when she had to miss a week of practice once a month to return to �鶹ӳ��ý to complete academic requirements related to her scholarship.

“My first goal was to get a college degree because I want to be able to take all of the opportunities that are afforded to me, and I got a scholarship to attend �鶹ӳ��ý so I wanted to finish what I started,” she says. “My entire life, I’ve always placed as much emphasis on schooling as I did sports. I would not have joined the national team if I couldn’t figure out a way to also finish school.”

Although she has been a fan of the Olympics her entire life, the former high school track athlete says she was very realistic about her odds of actually competing in them one day — that was until she started playing rugby.

An injury forced her to sit out of the 2016 Summer Games, which marked rugby sevens’ debut at the Olympics — the first time in 92 years that a form of rugby was contested at the Olympic Games. Now, she will not only have a chance to compete in Tokyo, but serve as a leader as the team’s co-captain in their quest for their first Olympic medal.

“This is really a dream come true,” she says. “I’m really excited, especially after missing out on the last one. It was a little bit tough to get yourself to dream again after you have it snatched away so quickly, but I think I’ve overcome that and at this point I’m excited to be given the opportunity. I think the team has been vibing really well together. I think with the combination of our culture and the things we’ve been working at on the field, we have a really good shot at getting gold.

Most of all, she wants the team to represent the beauty of America’s melting-pot culture.

“I think it’s important to show the world the makeup of the country,” she says. “On our team, we are [different] in a variety of ways and we’re just so open-minded and loving and caring. I just think if we can go out there and be the way that we are, it shows the world and the U.S. that, hey, you can embrace these differences and it can make you better for it. I think you find that commonality when you actually learn about each other. I think that’s a big statement we can make as a team.”

Women’s rugby sevens competition will be held July 29–31.

Chelsea Wolfe has been competing in freestyle competitions since 2014. (Photo courtesy of Chelsea Wolfe ’16)

Chelsea Wolfe ’16

Team USA, BMX freestyle (alternate)

BMX is making its debut at the Tokyo Olympics, and Wolfe, who graduated with a degree in political science, will be on hand as an alternate for the U.S. women’s squad.

Wolfe placed fifth in the BMX Freestyle Park finals at the UCI Urban World Championships in Montpellier, France, in June, which placed her third overall in the U.S. Team rankings and secured her spot as an alternate on the team.

According to her Team USA Cycling biography, Wolfe began BMX racing at 6 years old.

She got her start in freestyle competitions in 2014 in the Florida BMX park series and spent the next several years competing at the state level.

In 2016, she had just begun to travel nationally for BMX freestyle and the announcement came that the sport would be included in the 2020 Olympic Games. She began work to start competing internationally and ranked fifth in the world after her rookie UCI World Cup season.

In 2019 she finished third place at both the 2019 U.S. National and Pan-American Championships.

BMX competition will be held July 29–30.

�鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center Expands Services for Summer

Scott Mauro ’94 ’19MA — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:35:36 +0000

The �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center and all its facilities are returning to normal operations for the first time in more than a year. The RWC is planning to expand its hours of operations and in-person offerings by the start of Summer B on June 28 and expects to have a robust schedule by the start of the fall semester pending the ability to hire and train enough staff, particularly in roles that require higher-level certifications.

Earlier this month, RWC staff lifted capacity limits associated with COVID-19 guidelines, dropped the requirement for students to book time slots or reservations, as well the following enhancements:

Reconfigured the fitness floors to bring more equipment back online for students
Reopened indoor spaces for open recreation play (basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, etc.)
Offering faculty, staff, alumni and �鶹ӳ��ý affiliate memberships and non-enrolled student memberships
Reintroduced guest passes for friends and family of enrolled students

Starting June 1, the RWC staff will discontinue the 2-hour midday break for enhanced cleaning. RWC staff will continue to ensure the facility meets the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the day. The new hours will be:

:
- Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. –– 11 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. –– 10 p.m.
RWC @ Knights Plaza
- Daily: Noon –– 9 p.m.
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. –– 10 p.m.
- Friday: Noon –– 6 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: 3 p.m. –– 9 p.m.

The RWC will be expanding hours by the start of Summer B on June 28 as the department hires and trains new staff to better serve its patrons. Go to or download the RWC To Go mobile to check on updates to our hours of operation.

Students will also see return to see the return of indoor group exercise classes in studios and upcoming team sports tournaments. As we return to more programming, RWC is hiring intramural sports officials and certified lifeguards.

Students looking for .

For a limited time, the RWC is waiving the certification fee for students to certify, train, and hire new lifeguards. The RWC will hold a two-day class on consecutive Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 12 and June 19. Students looking for .

Per �鶹ӳ��ý guidelines face coverings are no longer required, but RWC staff continue strongly encourage the use of masks and physical distancing indoors where appropriate and to observe CDC guidelines on our campuses and everywhere you go. For the RWC to continue to expand to more robust programming we strongly encourage all �鶹ӳ��ý students to get fully vaccinated as soon as they can. �鶹ӳ��ý Student Health Services is providing COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines are readily available in the community.

�鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center’s Safety Measures During COVID-19

Jenna Marina Lee — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:57:02 +0000

As campus prepares for the return of faculty, students and staff for the spring semester, the staff at the Recreation and Wellness Center is working to ensure a safe environment during the COVID-19 era.

The �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center, RWC @ Downtown and RWC Lap Pool will open again with extended hours. The RWC is also reopening the Climbing Tower and RWC @ Knights Plaza. The RWC will continue to offer in-person outdoor programming that optimizes student safety (intramural sports, Outdoor Adventure trips, on-campus adventures, and outdoor group exercise classes).

The �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center and RWC @ Downtown will reopen for students starting Jan. 11 with extended hours. The RWC is also reopening the Climbing Tower and RWC @ Knights Plaza. The RWC will continue to offer in-person outdoor programming that optimizes student safety (Intramural Sports, Outdoor Adventure Trips and On Campus Adventures, and outdoor Group Exercise Classes).The RWC will continue to offer programming through its RWC+ virtual platform, as well.

Each facility will have limited hours for students and paying members to work out and will feature new safety and check-in procedures to help comply with COVID-19 guidelines at �鶹ӳ��ý. Paying members at the RWC can opt back into their memberships starting Jan. 4.

Scott Mauro ’94 ’19MA, marketing and communications manager at the RWC, says the staff has attended trainings to properly and safely welcome back students.

“Every system we have in place is meant to promote the health and well-being of our students, staff, and members,” Mauro says. “It’s important to our team to give our users that peace of mind.”

“We’ve been looking at best practices in the campus recreation field as well as adhering to university guidelines to keep everyone safe.”

Mauro also stresses that the �鶹ӳ��ý RWC does not fall into the same category as for-profit gyms open to the public.

“We adhere to the best practices in the campus recreation field as well as university guidelines to help promote everyone’s safety,” he says.

Here are some details of their current operational practices.

Students can rent watercraft at Lake Claire, and all rentals will undergo cleaning once returned.

Which facilities are currently open?

Outdoor Venues

William E. and Mary Jo Davis Recreation Area at Lake Claire
RWC Park
Tennis courts
Outdoor Adventure Center
Outdoor basketball courts

Fitness classes will be offered in person at Lake Claire, RWC Park and Garage B, as well as virtually through RWC+. .

These facilities have modified hours to accommodate cleanings, inclement weather and adjusted policies regarding equipment rentals, group gatherings, reservations, etc. Weather alerts will also be available on the RWC website to help students with planning.

Indoor Venues

RWC (including the Lap Pool and Climbing Tower)
RWC @ Downtown
RWC @ Knights Plaza

The RWC will have a maximum capacity of 125 users and will require reservations in advance for time slots throughout the day. The RWC @ Downtown and RWC @ Knights Plaza facilities will have a maximum capacity of 15 users at any given time, with real-time capacity listed on the RWC website.

What are the hours of operation?

You can find the most up-to-date hours of operation for all facilities on the RWC’s openings, reservations and safety measures webpage.

More than 30 pieces of cardio equipment have been moved to one of the basketball courts to open more space on the main floor and help adhere to physical-distancing guidelines.

How do I make a reservation?

Students can make reservations no more than 24 hours in advance up to one hour prior to their visit. Students are limited to one reservation per day and can work out for one hour.

Students may not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes prior to a reservation and reservations will be canceled (or forfeited) 15 minutes after the reservation time. Users who show up early will not be permitted into the facility. Students can make reservations starting Sunday, Jan. 10.

Make a reservation by visiting .

Accessing facilities and equipment

Only currently enrolled �鶹ӳ��ý students and individuals with a current RWC membership may access the facilities.

Watercraft rentals at Lake Claire are available and will be cleaned after use. However, other equipment rentals for sports such as tennis or badminton will not be offered. Students must bring their own equipment.

The RWC is has transitioned to contact-free entry and has installed barcode readers at check-in stations. Each student will be assigned a barcode, which is available through the RWC to Go mobile app. To download on your mobile device, search �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center in IOS and Android app stores.

All students will be required to sign a liability and risk assumption waiver, which can be accessed through the RWC website and mobile app. The waiver is valid for one year. Students will not gain entry to facilities without signing the waiver.

Cleaning practices

In order to provide the safest environment, the RWC is committed to extensive cleaning and disinfectant practices following university, CDC guidelines and industry-best standards. The RWC will use EPA-registered disinfectants proven to eliminate COVID-19 on surfaces.

Sanitizing stations will be provided at all indoor and outside facilities during operating hours as well as increasing frequency of custodial rounds to address high-touch points.

Extra disinfectant wipes for gym equipment will be available.

Face covering guidelines

In accordance with university and CDC guidelines, the RWC will require face coverings in all inside spaces at all times.

In a situation such as outdoor singles tennis, students will not be required to wear a face covering.

RWC+

When the RWC closed its physical spaces in March 2020, it created RWC+, an online extension of the RWC that includes a variety of programs to reduce stress by staying active. From virtual group fitness classes to esports leagues, RWC+ allows Knights to continue to connect with the �鶹ӳ��ý community from anywhere.

RWC+ is also planning to create more programs that encourage students to get outdoors whether it is fitness classes or special programs like virtual 5k training.

“I believe some form of RWC+ will be offered to students from here on out.”

Mauro says he expects RWC+ to continue, even as the department resumes more of its in-person services.

“I believe some form of RWC+ will be offered to students from here on out,” Mauro says.

Club sports/intramurals

RWC+, esports, online games and sports trivia are offered at this time.

In the fall, esports will continue to be offered, and small-group, in-person sports that allow physical distancing will be permitted, including singles badminton, cornhole, golf, tennis, etc. Team sports where physical distancing cannot be maintained will not be offered.

Where to Find Up-to-Date Information

RWC app
RWC’s Safety page
@�鶹ӳ��ýRWC on Twitter and Instagram

For the latest information about returning to campus, visit �鶹ӳ��ý’s coronavirus and Returning to �鶹ӳ��ý websites. Students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to complete the COVID Self-Checker — available via the or online — each day before arriving to campus.

�鶹ӳ��ý Welcomes Class of 2024 with Campuswide Health Enhancements

Anthony Moore — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:39:33 +0000

This week, �鶹ӳ��ý welcomed to campus one of the most accomplished incoming freshman classes in the university’s history and �鶹ӳ��ý Downtown will celebrate its first anniversary.

Preliminary statistics indicate �鶹ӳ��ý’s fall freshman class has an average GPA of 4.18, the strongest in university history. The Class of 2024 also ranks among the university’s top three classes for standardized test scores with average SAT and ACT scores of 1322 and 28.7, respectively.

�鶹ӳ��ý’s total student enrollment for the fall is expected to be slightly higher than last year, which was approximately 69,500 students. �鶹ӳ��ý also anticipates a record-high number of freshmen returning for their second year, with about 92 percent of freshmen who began last fall registered to continue their studies at �鶹ӳ��ý this year. Summer 2020 enrollment was up seven percent over last year and was the university’s highest summer enrollment ever.

Aug. 26 marks the first anniversary of the opening of �鶹ӳ��ý Downtown. A joint venture with Valencia College, the campus provides its more than 7,000 students with unique educational and career opportunities in the heart of downtown Orlando.

This fall, more than three-quarters of �鶹ӳ��ý’s lecture, lab and discussion classes will be online or remote, and about one-quarter will include an in-person experience. Typically, the busiest class hours on campus have around 18,500 students in classrooms. This fall, that number will be closer to 3,000.

The university is launching more than two dozen new degree programs, tracks and certificates this fall — most designed for online delivery — that target high-demand fields ranging from business and engineering to optics and health. New programs include a master’s degree in travel technology and analytics, new degree tracks in accounting and aerospace, civil, mechanical and environmental engineering, as well as 11 new online graduate certificate programs designed in direct response to COVID-19.

A Focus on a Safer Return to Campus

In an effort to enhance the health and well-being of the campus community, �鶹ӳ��ý has implemented several changes. The university developed a new COVID Self-Checker for its existing mobile app. Faculty, staff and students are asked to complete a daily questionnaire in the app, which asks about symptoms of, and possible exposure to, COVID-19. Those with symptoms are not cleared to return to campus.

The entire campus community is asked to take the voluntary “Armor Up Pledge,” acknowledging their personal responsibilities to help protect themselves, classmates and the campus community. Any student, staff or faculty member who is concerned about exposure or who wants a test can contact our COVID-19 hotline at 407-823-2509 for a referral to get tested at the drive-through testing site in Garage A on the main campus.

This summer, �鶹ӳ��ý implemented extensive new cleaning and sanitization measures on campus, expending close to $5 million for improvements that included adding Plexiglas in high-traffic locations, installing hundreds of touchless fixtures, and upgrading ventilation systems and filtration.

Both incoming freshman and returning students will see finished renovation projects and safety modifications implemented at several key campus facilities.

The newly renovated Student Union — the Heart of Campus — reopened on Aug. 8, featuring expanded dining options, a full-service Starbucks on the second floor, and additional seating and square footage.

The university completed the first phase of an expansion to the John C. Hitt Library, the first major overhaul to the library — �鶹ӳ��ý’s oldest building — since 1984. Library renovations include a new north entrance, fourth floor reading rooms with a 270-degree view of campus, and a special collections gallery space, which will display a variety of library-owned art.

The �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center and RWC @ Downtown have both reopened with modified hours, a new reservation system and updated safety guidelines.

�鶹ӳ��ý Dining Services has increased safety and cleaning procedures throughout the dining halls and restaurants they manage. Grab-and-go and take-out meals are encouraged along with using outdoor spaces to eat, but limited indoor, physically distanced seating eating options will also be available. Students can also take advantage of mobile ordering from any �鶹ӳ��ý Dining establishment through the Grubhub app.

The annual weeklong celebration to instill school spirit, Pegasus Palooza — which welcomes students to the fall semester with a mix of virtual and physically distant in-person events — kicked off last night with the Knighting. Events will include a drive-in Movie Knight near Bounce House Stadium and a Comedy Knight on Zoom.

9 Things to Know for Staying Active at Home

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:00:53 +0000

For most people, spending the entire day at home has become the new norm, making it difficult for some to combat the urge to spend free time sleeping, binge-watching and lounging around between school and work assignments.

“This is a good chance to make being active a priority and establish a consistent routine to reduce sedentary behavior.” – Jeanette Garcia, �鶹ӳ��ý assistant professor

While you should be taking some time to relax during this stressful pandemic, it’s also important to focus on your health and well-being, which staying active can help maintain.

No matter your level of fitness experience, �鶹ӳ��ý health sciences Assistant Professor Jeanette Garcia, says being active at home can benefit you now and in the future when the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

“When we’re on the go so much I don’t think people realize how much time they spend sitting, especially when they’re doing it in multiple environments, such as work and home, in a day,” Garcia says “Now that we’re at home most of the day, this is a good chance to make being active a priority and establish a consistent routine to reduce sedentary behavior and get moving.”

Here she shares some reasons why it’s important to stay active while staying home.

Maintain clarity: When you’re sitting for a long period of time you start to lose good posture and feel sluggish, making it difficult to focus on school assignments or work. So, take time to stretch, get your body moving or walk around a bit every hour. Many studies also show that being active helps with mental health and improves academic performance.
Promote good mood: Staying in one place for long can make start to make you feel caged in, so changing your environment is important even as staying home and social distancing remain top priorities. Make it a point to go outside and get some fresh air every day. If you can, do so every 10 minutes once an hour.
Protect your immune system: Being outside not only helps you feel refreshed, it also boosts vitamin D, which helps maintain normal immune-system function. You can also promote a healthy immune system by engaging in moderate aerobic activity, such as a brisk walk or dancing.
Develop interests and gain confidence: Now is a great time for people to try new types of workout and find what they like, because ultimately the most beneficial exercise is the type you enjoy and will commit to. Being active at home gives novices the chance to become familiar with different exercises so they can gain experience and confidence in their athletic ability. This can be helpful for maintaining a workout regime or becoming comfortable exercising around others when social distancing is no longer needed.

“You should listen to your body to determine what kinds of exercise and how much to incorporate into your routine.” – Kyra Dickie’16, RWC assistant director of Fitness

While �鶹ӳ��ý’s Recreation and Wellness Center locations are closed until further notice, staff members are still providing services to help you stay active at home through its new RWC+ programming, which is available online and through social channels (@�鶹ӳ��ýRWC on Instagram, and ). Starting April 15, you can also tune in every Wednesday on �鶹ӳ��ý’s IG account (@ucf.edu) at 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. for Workout Wednesdays live sessions.

These materials include original content, such livestream fitness classes on IG Live and daily online home workout videos, as well as links to external fitness resources.

“The RWC strives to provide an eclectic variety of ways we can get students moving in ways they want to be moving. With this transition into remote offerings through RWC+, that goal still stays the same,” says Kyra Dickie ’16, assistant director of Fitness for �鶹ӳ��ý’s Recreation and Wellness Center. Dickie, who studied sports and exercise science at �鶹ӳ��ý and has worked in the fitness industry for more than 7 years, shares some tips for staying active at home.

Listen to your body: There are so many different ways to be active, from bike riding to weightlifting, and playing with your pet to walking, so you should listen to your body to determine what kinds of exercise and how much to incorporate into your routine. Challenge yourself, but if something doesn’t feel right or you’re experiencing pain, ease off the exercise. You may also want to consider how your sleeping and eating habits are affecting your ability to be active and adjust accordingly.
Use a trusted source: At this time there are so many resources from gyms, workout studios and fitness influencers. But you should focus on the material higher education institutions are putting out because they’re probably the safest. At �鶹ӳ��ý, we require that every personal and group exercise trainer has up-to-date certification. Our material is designed to be attainable for most people too, and it’s free for everyone to use.
Stretch and hydrate daily: One thing everyone should do every day is stretch. When you’re sitting, you’re just in one plane of motion, but when you stretch you activate different planes of motion, which helps lubricate your joints, create more flexibility in your muscles, and boost positive hormones and energy in your brain and body. Now is also a great time to make sure you’re drinking enough water, which is different for every person based on weight, health, level of activity and environment.
No equipment? No problem: Everyone has objects in their homes that can double as workout equipment, such as textbooks for weights and a chair that can be used for tricep dips. But with or without equipment, you can still get a good workout by completing bodyweight exercises, such as yoga, which only requires some space.
Staying motivated and tracking progress: Depending on what your goals are there are different apps for tracking exercise-related progress and maintaining motivation, but I recommend everyone focus on the feeling of being active. You can write down how you feel after each workout in a journal or text a friend to let them know you’ve had an awesome workout, which may motivate them and inspire you to keep going.

7 Indoor Activities to Beat the Summer Heat

Jenna Marina Lee — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:05:58 +0000

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced that last month was the hottest May in Florida in the 125 years since climate records have been kept, and it’s not likely we’ll be getting a break anytime soon.

While there are plenty of beaches, water parks and natural springs in the area to seek out for a refreshing plunge, there are also a variety of indoor activities — where the AC is blowing strong — to help you enjoy the summer months ahead.

Kabooki Sushi is one of the 35 restaurants participating in June’s Bite 30. (Photo courtesy of Kabooki Sushi)

1. Bite 30

Orlando is a foodie town, and thanks to June’s Bite30, we all have the chance to indulge in some of the City Beautiful’s best restaurants without the worry of a hefty bill at the end. From June 1-30, Bite30’s participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus that feature multi-course dinners at a set price of $30. Diners get the opportunity to try multiple dishes on the restaurant’s menu for about the cost of a single entree, and restaurants get to showcase their specialty dishes.

Visit for a complete listing of restaurants and their menus.

Yoga is offered daily, Monday-Friday, at the Recreation and Wellness Center.

2. Take a Fitness Class at �鶹ӳ��ý’s Recreation and Wellness Center

It may seem a little counterintuitive if you’re aiming to avoid sweat, but the �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center offers some low-key such as yoga and guided meditation that provide health benefits while still keeping your heart rate down. If you aren’t afraid of a little sweat, they’ve also got some more creative exercise options such as hip-hop cardio or trampoline classes.

�鶹ӳ��ý students who have paid their activity and service fee can enjoy an unlimited membership to all the RWC facilities and programs at no extra cost. Faculty, staff and other �鶹ӳ��ý-affiliated members of the community can access the facilities and classes through a membership. Visit the to learn more.

On July 11, �鶹ӳ��ý Career Services will be offering a workshop on interviewing strategies.

3. Get Schooled in Life Skills

Have you wondered how to negotiate your salary or the best way to nail an interview for your dream job? �鶹ӳ��ý Career Services offers workshops for students and alumni that address those very topics, and best of all, they’re free. Check out the and make sure you register before attending through . For questions, email career@ucf.edu.

Key Upcoming Workshops

June 20: Salary Negotiation

June 26: Building Your Online Brand

July 11: Interviewing Strategies

Kennedy Space Center is hosting several activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

4. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing

Consider taking a day trip to the Space Coast. Located less than an hour’s drive from �鶹ӳ��ý’s main campus, Kennedy Space Center has several events planned in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing:

July 15: Grand relaunching of the Apollo/Saturn V Center that will include interactive and immersive exhibits

July 16: Historic launch flashback eventJuly 20: One Giant Leap celebration

July 24: Welcome Home Apollo 11 event in the Rocket Garden

More information about these activities can be found on .

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation also will host , including an astronaut parade and women-in-space panel.

The Courtesy Bar offers a class that teaches the proper way to make three classic cocktails. (Photo courtesy of The Courtesy Bar)

5. Learn to Craft the Perfect Cocktail (ages 21+)

Make the most of your free time by learning a new skill. The Courtesy Bar in downtown Orlando offers a cocktail class every first and third Saturday of the month. The class will teach the proper way to make classic cocktails, and the $55 fee per person includes the instructions, materials, three full-size cocktails and gratuity. Spaces fill up fast. Email info@thecourtesy.com to check availability and book your date.

Danny White, �鶹ӳ��ý vice president and director of athletics, tested out the karts at NASCAR I-Drive during the 2017 ChargeOn Tour. (Photo courtesy of �鶹ӳ��ý Athletics)

6. Race like a NASCAR Driver

Get behind the wheel and race against your friends at either Andretti Indoor Karting & Games or I-Drive NASCAR. The two facilities are located within five miles of each other, so if you’re feeling really competitive, you can easily check out both tracks in the same day. Andretti (9299 Universal Blvd.) also features laser tag, zip lining and a two-minute coaster. NASCAR (5228 Vanguard St.) offers pool tables, an arcade and bowling.

The Orange County Regional History Center was named one of 10 recipients of the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the highest honor given to museums and libraries across the nation. (Photo courtesy of Orange County Regional History Center)

7. Explore a Museum

No matter your age, you can easily spend hours in any of Orlando’s award-winning museums.

The �鶹ӳ��ý Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and admission is always free.

Pro tip: If you’re a Bank of America customer, you can enjoy one free general admission ticket on the first full weekend of every month to any of the following Orlando museums:

Orange County Regional History Center
Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Science Center
The Mennello Museum of American Art

And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you might consider visiting the World of Chocolate Museum & Café (11701 International Drive), which includes tasting as part of its tours.

�鶹ӳ��ý Wrestling Club Members Use the Week Away from School to Help Hurricane Victims

Scott Mauro — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 12:59:19 +0000

Earlier this week �鶹ӳ��ý President John C. Hitt talked about the compassion and character of university faculty, staff, administrators and students in the face of a crisis like Hurricane Irma. After Irma tore through Central Florida, the �鶹ӳ��ý Wrestling Club members put that empathetic spirit into action. Twenty members mobilized to help clean up the hardest hit communities in the area.

It all started with a flyer the team created and then canvassed across Central Florida from east to west. �鶹ӳ��ý to Downtown Orlando to Windermere, requests for help came in by the dozens. Nearly 80 in all. The team responded on a first come first serve basis then headed out to help. They cleaned up debris from streets and yards, and moved tree limbs onto curbs outside the homes of several families.

Jesse Gaudin, a senior Sport and Exercise Science major in the College of Education and Human Performance, and a three-year member of the Wrestling Club, says the debris nearly trapped one family they met, “They had huge limbs covering their front door and were unable to leave the house. It took four wrestlers to drag the tree to the street.”

Gaudin credits organizational skills he learned while participating in the �鶹ӳ��ý Sport Club program for helping him pull the relief efforts together so quickly. He said the most rewarding part of the volunteer work was the opportunity to help so many people, “We came in contact with numerous families in the community, some including �鶹ӳ��ý alumni and faculty. It was great to build connections and establish an identity of our wrestling club within the community.”

Those connections helped the team collect donations for another Irma relief effort. Staff members at the �鶹ӳ��ý Knights Helping Knights Pantry gave out nearly all of its inventory to students in need before the storm. The shelves were bare. The team dropped off over 720 pounds of food and water during a Student Union drive to restock the pantry earlier this week. Gaudin was proud to be involved, “The people in the community were very gracious. Everyone commented about how much of a service we were to the community, and how much our help meant.”

Sport Clubs is one of six program areas at the �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center. The Student Government Association supports and partially funds the program. For more information about the program, contact Coordinator Andrea Snead at 407.823.2408 or andrea.snead@ucf.edu.

See more photos .

�鶹ӳ��ý Sport Clubs Showcase Gives Knights 42 Opportunities to Get Involved

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 16:22:24 +0000

The Recreation and Wellness Center’s Sport Clubs Showcase was the biggest and most interactive opportunity to-date for students who want to get involved.

On August 24, there was a lot of action including shuttlecocks flying, volleyballs spiking, wrestlers pinning, basketballs dribbling, rugby players scrumming, kendo members challenging with debana-waza, and softball and baseball players throwing.

More than 300 Knights came out to play and learn about the 42 Sport Clubs, and how to join the teams. Knights engaged with club members on Courts 1 and 2, RWC Park, Baseball and Softball Complex and the �鶹ӳ��ý Club grass fields.

�鶹ӳ��ý Sport Clubs have won more than 30 national titles since 2002 including national championships in 2017 in wakeboarding, kiteboarding, paintball and in individual title in wrestling (Justus Griffith, 133 pound weight class).

Students can connect with a club team by stopping by the RWC Room 246, emailing: sports@ucf.edu or visiting Knight Connect: .

Graduating Knight Chosen for National Ultimate Frisbee Team

Scott Mauro — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 12:00:26 +0000

In between searching for a job like many other college graduates, Michael Fairley has something different to look forward to after graduation: Competing with the U.S. national Ultimate Frisbee team at a world championship tournament.

Fairley, an accounting major graduating Aug. 5, recently was selected for the men’s Under 24 Ultimate Frisbee team that will compete Jan. 7-13 in the World Flying Disc Federation’s world championship tournament in Australia. Fairley was one of about 500 applicants who competed for a spot on the 24-player team.

He got the good news while in one of his final classes at �鶹ӳ��ý.

“I’m sitting there and I go into my email and click the in-box to reload it and the email pops up: ‘We’d like to offer you an invitation to the U.S. National Men’s Team.’ I wanted to scream out in the middle of class, ‘Yes!’” Fairley said.

This summer was Fairley’s second time trying out for the team. In 2014 he tried out with two friends and former teammates from Ultimate Frisbee at �鶹ӳ��ý. His friends made the team but he didn’t. The motivation to redeem himself came in handy his second time around, as on the first day of tryouts in Columbus, Ohio, he injured his knee.

“I felt like I was playing out there at about 80 percent,” he said. “I didn’t know if that was going to be enough to make the team because there were tremendous people out there.”

Fairley’s love for the sport began in St. Augustine – his home – while competing in high school track and field. On off days, the team would get together to play Ultimate Frisbee. What drew him to the game was how it combines aspects of so many others sports: Traveling rules like in basketball, end zones like in football, and constant running like in soccer. He struggled to throw the Frisbee at first, but his commitment to practice up to four days a week – a routine he continues today – led to his passion for the sport and a desire to continue it competitively in college.

In fact, �鶹ӳ��ý’s strong Ultimate Frisbee club team is what convinced Fairley to become a Knight. His senior year in high school he tried out for Florida United, a club team made up of the best players in the state, and that’s when he met �鶹ӳ��ý alumnus Andrew Roca. Roca was head coach of Dogs of War, the Ultimate Frisbee club team at �鶹ӳ��ý, and he invited Fairley to Orlando to check out the campus and team.

“He really sold me on what �鶹ӳ��ý had to offer. Plus, it was a little bit further from home so it would give me the chance to be more on my own,” said Fairley, who originally planned to attend the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He went on to become the Dogs of War team president.

“I saw the future of our program in him and he delivered,” said Roca. “He picked up the game, ran with it, continued to excel and more importantly, pushed others to excel. I couldn’t describe a leader better than that.”

Off the field, Fairley developed leadership skills while working as a sport clubs supervisor at the �鶹ӳ��ý Recreation and Wellness Center. He managed a team of 70 people, a budget of $40,000, community service events, fundraising efforts and more. He aspires to work in accounting or as a data analyst.

“Being able to provide that leadership experience that not a lot of kids have – it’s something that sets you apart immediately,” Fairley said. “Leadership is an aspect Team USA really looks for.”

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