We are America���s Space University. And we celebrate 91勛圖厙 Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what���s next.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space

The John C. Hitt Library is likely the only place where you can find odes to Citronaut, space mice, sports and human spaceflight together in one room.

A new, interactive exhibit, debuts this week in the Immersion Studio on the fourth floor of the library���s Digital Exploration Center.

The exhibit brings six decades of 91勛圖厙, United States and international space history and culture beyond the archives and into visitors��� hands. It draws on digital assets from 91勛圖厙���s former student newspaper, Central Florida Future, NASA, 91勛圖厙 Athletics and the university.

91勛圖厙 Libraries graduate research assistant Eric Thompson ���19, a history alum pursuing a doctorate in texts and technology, is the mind and heart behind the project. He set out to maximize the studio���s potential through its 270-degree immersive projection and interactive touch capabilities.

Over the past two months, he meticulously selected every image and wrote nearly 7,000 words for the exhibit���s text boxes, bringing the experience together through an iterative process that used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate code.

The Cocoa Beach, Florida, native worked as a bicycle mechanic for nearly a decade before enrolling through to pursue a more fulfilling career as a public historian. He wants to bring history to life beyond the classroom, in places like museums, parks, and monuments.

���I was giving tours of a Civil War painting at the Atlanta History Center, and when you���re doing programming like that it���s exciting because it���s different every single time depending on the makeup of whoever comes through,��� he says. ���I think the best public history exhibits make some sort of argument. We���re not just saying, ���Hey, look at this neat thing from 100 years ago.��� We���re also saying what that meant back then, and how it ties to our society today.���

Here, Thompson explains how the exhibit came together, what visitors can expect and the stellar result when the humanities collide with technology.

What inspired this exhibit?

At the beginning of this semester, the for 91勛圖厙 Space Week 2026 and my supervisor asked if I wanted to propose something specifically for the Immersion Studio. I started with just a wall ��� I built a very, very bare-bones prototype that was basically just the mission patches from the space games. Can I make this work? What does it look like from there? How do we do some more history or scholarship along with that?

That���s where some of the other elements ��� old newspaper articles, actual NASA mission patches, 91勛圖厙���s space origins ��� started to come in. One advantage of a digital exhibit is that you’re not constrained by what fits in a 4-foot-wide glass case. Nearly all images are clickable with a tap of your finger so you can read more information.

The texts and technology program has been recognized as a leader in digital humanities education. How did you apply what you���ve been studying to this project?

One of the research methods that texts and technology students use a lot is something called critical making. It���s a way of building something, thinking and writing through that process very deliberately, and iterating on it. That���s what this process was.

Another key element was how I used AI. I wrote all of the content. I picked all of the images and even hand-sketched the layout, but I don’t know how to code. I didn’t write the programming that made boxes be boxes. I would prefer a human whose job is to program and get paid for it, but I didn���t have that opportunity in this case.

So the code work on this was done with a generative AI tool, Claude. I had a leg up through coursework that was explicitly about using AI like this, including a significant manual review process. It has to be really deliberate.

What do you hope this exhibition adds to campus culture?

As a university, we don’t have the same generations of history that other places do because we were founded just 63 years ago. So we have an opportunity, all of us, to take a more active role in shaping it. I hope somebody will learn something about our campus history and use that to build positive change here on campus.

How did you highlight the humanity of this tech-forward exhibit?

I very intentionally wrote the names of the people on the mission patches with crews. There are people at home who designed these, who thought through these experiments and these projects. Most of these patches are human-forward designs, and people made choices to symbolize our values and what���s important to us.

Why should people come visit this?

The Immersion Studio opened in February, and we want to show what the space is capable of. My hope is that faculty will come in and realize they can bring a class here or design a presentation. Student organizations can hold meetings here. I plan to do my dissertation defense in this space one day.

���We want to show what the space is capable of.��� ��� Eric Thompson ���19

The Digital Exploration Center is a really interesting space on campus. People who aren’t necessarily in something tech-focused are still going to need to learn how to use more modern tools and need workstations and equipment that their departments may or may not have.

So this is a really high-powered space that’s open to anybody on campus. I would love it if somebody found this space because of this exhibit; that would be a win.

Through the new program, funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, 91勛圖厙 is building a more intentional curriculum-to-career experience that connects transfer students with career preparation, mentorship, and High-Impact Practices (HIP) learning opportunities, such as internships, work-based learning, and undergraduate research experiences.

Oct. 19-23 is National Transfer Student Week

Graduation data shows that transfer students are less likely to secure post-graduation employment or graduate school placement compared to those who begin their higher education at 91勛圖厙. However, transfer students who engaged in hands-on learning, like research and internships, are significantly more likely to have secured opportunities at the time of graduation.

“Transfer students bring extraordinary talent, resilience and ambition to 91勛圖厙,” says project lead, Kimberly Schneider, assistant vice provost for at 91勛圖厙. “This partnership allows us to remove barriers, strengthen support systems, engage in HIPs, and create clearer pathways from college to meaningful careers.”

As one of the nation’s largest universities, 91勛圖厙 serves nearly half of its 60,300 undergraduates through transfer pathways. Debuting in August 2027, the Pegasus Launch Program will provide targeted support before and after transfer through technology integration and intentional programming to help students:

• Make informed academic decisions
• Participate in High-Impact Practices
• Stay committed through graduation
• Successfully transition into the workforce or graduate education

��� a nationally recognized model for student success since it began in 2005 ��� guarantees admission to 91勛圖厙 when students earn an associate degree at one of the seven state colleges. Each year, 5,000 students take advantage of the program, improving access to higher education and fueling the region���s workforce.

���Through DirectConnect to 91勛圖厙, we help transfer students make informed academic decisions, align their coursework with their intended 91勛圖厙 major, and prepare for a successful transition,��� says Kimberly Hardy, assistant vice provost for 91勛圖厙 Connect. ���The Pegasus Launch Program takes that support a step further by helping students connect their education with hands-on learning experiences, so they are better prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.”

Even before students transfer, they will utilize a digital curriculum-to-career degree map that aligns academic coursework directly with real-time job market data. To accelerate professional development, the improved program integrates advanced career-readiness tools, including VMock AI feedback for interviews and Focus2Career, a self-guided career planning system, as well as HIPs, which include research and internships.

Pegasus Launch Program seeks to increase HIP participation. The current university-wide goal is for 100% of undergraduate students to complete at least one High-Impact Practice experience by graduation.

Know Your Enrollment Window

You can view your enrollment window in . This information relays the earliest date and time you can register, so add it to your calendar. To find it, sign in to my91勛圖厙, open your Student Center, and look for your enrollment appointment under Manage Classes.

Get Guidance

Undergraduate students should connect with their Academic Success Coach if they have questions or would like guidance selecting classes. to make sure you���re fulfilling your degree requirements and staying on track.

Graduate students should and the Fall Registration Overview ahead of . For more assistance, reach out to the or the College of Graduate Studies.

Clear Holds

Check your in my91勛圖厙. A hold may keep you from registering until it���s resolved. If you need help, .

Plan Your Schedule

Use to preview and compare class schedules. To navigate to mySchedule Builder, open your Student Center in my91勛圖厙, locate the Manage Classes tile where you will find Planner Tools. This feature allows you to preview and compare every possible class schedule until you find the one that works for you.

Load Your Shopping Cart

Once you develop your game plan, you can start adding your selected classes to your Student Center shopping cart. Even if your assigned enrollment window has not opened, you can pre-load your shopping cart with your classes so that you can quickly enroll once your enrollment window opens. This saves you time and increases the chances of claiming a spot in your selected classes.

Get Familiar with Registration in my91勛圖厙

If you haven���t worked through Campus Solutions yet, to see how to search for courses, manage your schedule, and enroll.

Key Dates to Remember

• Sept. 28, 2026: Your registration window for Spring 2027 is available to view on my91勛圖厙. Your enrollment window cannot be changed.

• Oct. 1, 2026-Jan. 10, 2027: Registration open for Spring 2027.

• Jan. 8, 2027:
  • 1 p.m.: Registration for 91勛圖厙 employees, 91勛圖厙 employees��� spouses and dependents, state, non-degree, dual enrollment, transients and audits begins.
  • 3 p.m.: Registration for 91勛圖厙 Athletics Association employees begins.

• Jan. 11, 2027: Classes begin.

• Jan. 11-15, 2027: Late registration period.

• Jan. 15, 2027: Drop/swap and add deadline.

Need Help?

Undergraduates can contact their or for assistance.

Every time a 91勛圖厙 student accepts a hug from Kelly Haskins ���91, the radio-TV grad pulls them in and asks the same question:

���When was the last time you saw your mom?���

When she first started Mom Hugs Day in 2022 as a tribute to her late son/former 91勛圖厙 student, Hunter, she was stunned by some of the answers.

���There were a few international kids who had not seen their moms in two years,��� she recalls. ���Those hugs meant a lot.���

Four years in, the fifth annual Mom Hugs Day ��� which will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from noon until 2 p.m. at Ferrell Commons ��� has grown from two moms to 50. Some bring pre-packaged snacks and water to hand out. Some sense a student is really struggling and personally connect them to (CAPS) or to get the support they need. Chipper, the therapy dog, makes appearances.

Haskins looks forward to organizing the event every year on behalf of her nonprofit organization, Do It for Hunter, in partnership with .

���We get more out of it than we give. We walk away just filled with love, and we all say, we wish we could do this every day,��� Haskins says. ���We just want to do a little something to try to help especially some of the young people in our area because after losing Hunter, we didn���t want this to happen to another family.���

Remembering Hunter

Haskins, who has called Merritt Island, Florida, home since she moved from Michigan in the ninth grade, is from a family of Knights. Her husband, Andrew Haskins ���97, graduated with an electrical engineering degree. They sent their daughters Haley ���16 (psychology) and Hannah ���18 (nursing) here.

By the time her son Hunter enrolled in 2021, she was practiced at the college kid send-off.

���I think he seemed to be more prepared and more mature than kids his age because he grew up with two older sisters. He knew how to do his laundry. He knew how to cook for himself,��� she says.

Five weeks into the semester, on Sept. 29, 2021, Hunter took his life. When he was found, his laptop was still open. He���d just failed a math test.

���He was just the most normal kid, and the last one you would think of for this to happen to. But Hunter wasn���t much of a talker. He wouldn���t talk about his feelings, and we will never know exactly why,��� she says. ���I think he had a panic attack, and he didn���t know how to handle it.���

Now she purposefully has conversations with teenagers about the inevitable ups and downs of life. She tells them it���s OK to fail a test because you���ll get another chance to take it again, just like she did in college algebra. She hosts an annual You Matter Day at Hunter���s high school and works to install suicide awareness benches in parks, schools and other community areas.

���I know I’m a different person now. There���s the ���before��� me and the ���now��� me,��� she says. ���It does give me a lot of purpose. When I get feedback from and hearing that somebody was helped, then it makes it all worth it.���

Simple Idea Leads to Meaningful Impact

Haskins got the idea for Mom Hugs Day when she saw an older, retired couple publicized for bringing lawn chairs to a now-forgotten campus to offer hugs to college students. She immediately got the wheels in motion.

Although she is now retired, she started the event while she was vice president of marketing at Launch Credit Union. She cashed in a PTO day every year for the couple of hours she spent on campus giving out hugs.

���Best PTO day ever ��� so worth it,��� she says. ���It���s my favorite day of the year.���

WHPS Director Stephanie Spies has helped coordinate the event since its inception, and she has witnessed first-hand the magic that happens from the simple act of connection.

���To see that many students who were so excited just to be able to get a hug from a mom, or [who] ended up calling their moms or grandmas afterward because they missed them or connecting with students who had been impacted by suicide ��� it’s just been an overwhelmingly positive experience,��� Spies says.

It expanded to Florida Atlantic University this year, and Haskins continues to get requests from non-91勛圖厙 moms to bring it to other Florida campuses. She always replies with if someone can make a connection with the university on her behalf, she���s up for a road trip.

���Some of the most meaningful things that we can do don���t have to cost a lot of money,��� she says.

Resources for 91勛圖厙 Students, Faculty and Staff

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988. Free, confidential counseling is available 24/7 for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or simply available for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

It���s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources at 91勛圖厙 to help you:

Students

• 91勛圖厙 offers a wide range of free mental health services to currently registered undergraduate and graduate students. Students can access CAPS by visiting their offices by Student Health Services, between the Biology and Physical Sciences buildings, or by or by phone at 407-823-2811. During non-business hours, students can call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to be immediately connected to a licensed therapist.
• provides proactive programming and education for students to practice lifelong skills that improve quality of life on topics that include stress management, nutrition and social wellness.
• assists students facing personal hardships, academic concerns, well-being challenges, or unexpected crises. If you are need of support or are concerned about a 91勛圖厙 Knight, .
• connects students with peers around the world who may be going through similar experiences. It is a safe, judgment-free space to share your thoughts, receive encouragement and find support whenever you need it.

Faculty and Staff

• The offers a 24-hour emergency hotline and in-person, telephonic or video counseling with licensed professional counselors. It is confidential and free to all faculty and staff (excluding OPS student employees) as well as their eligible family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law.

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.

91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙 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 make education more attainable, 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, 91勛圖厙 president

The distinction reflects a fundamental shift in how 91勛圖厙 approaches student success: not as a collection of programs, but as a university-wide operating model designed to help more students thrive.

���What distinguishes 91勛圖厙���s approach is the way our community has translated that belief into sustained action,��� 91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙 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.

91勛圖厙 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, 91勛圖厙 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

91勛圖厙 dared to rethink traditional academic guidance, replacing reactive advising with a holistic model in 2023 ��� one that reaches students before challenges become roadblocks.

“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 91勛圖厙. ���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 91勛圖厙.���

Behind that work is 91勛圖厙���s Student Success Analytics platform, which brings real-time visibility into progression risk, retention patterns, graduation forecasts and intervention activity into one environment.

The system automatically evaluates every student in the graduating cohort nightly for indicators of completion status and progression risk. Those insights let coaches, colleges and administrators 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 91勛圖厙, 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.

91勛圖厙���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 91勛圖厙 built to get there.

Rather than layering temporary programs onto existing structures, 91勛圖厙 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. 91勛圖厙’s 12 colleges and administrative teams remove limitations. 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.

The university also ranks No. 4 among universities in the Southeast and the No. 28 Best College for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars. 91勛圖厙 delivers more for Florida with significantly less state funding, at a cost of $24,567 per degree ��� the lowest in the State University System.

Washington Monthly evaluates universities based on their contributions to the public good, measuring factors such as social mobility, research and service. The rankings highlight colleges that help students achieve economic success while advancing their communities and the nation.

���Instead of rewarding colleges for their exclusivity, prestige and wealth, our 2026��Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars��ranking measures how much they help ordinary middle- and working-class students get ahead in life, and whether they encourage those students to participate in their democracy,��� Washinton Monthly stated in its release. ���To do well on our ranking, colleges must recruit students of modest means without overcharging them on tuition or loading them with too much debt, then help them graduate with degrees that bring in decent incomes.���

The sustained recognition reflects 91勛圖厙���s continued commitment to expanding access to higher education, supporting student achievement and producing nearly 19,000 workforce-ready graduates annually ��� the most in Florida.

About 37% of undergraduate students at 91勛圖厙 are Pell-grant eligible, signaling the university serves a significant number of students with exceptional financial need. The university helps these students transform opportunity into upward mobility with less of a financial burden than many other schools ��� as 70% of first-time-in-college students graduate without any educational debt from 91勛圖厙.

The latest ranking adds to a growing list of national accolades for 91勛圖厙. Last week, Niche named 91勛圖厙 a Grade A university and ranked it No. 19 in the nation for Best Student Life, recognizing the university���s vibrant campus experience, student engagement and overall quality of life.

Together, the rankings underscore 91勛圖厙���s distinctive combination of academic excellence, affordability and an unmatched student experience, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation���s most impactful public universities.

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 91勛圖厙 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, 91勛圖厙 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:��特tudents 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 91勛圖厙 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��胼�疳n 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 91勛圖厙���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 91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙���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 91勛圖厙 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��痂ental health support. Additionally, they have complimentary access to ‘��畝nonymous peer support community and��胼�眩eletherapy 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��胼�疲as 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 91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙���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 91勛圖厙, where you can sort donations at local food pantries, tutor students, assist in hospitals and connect with the community.

• Take part in iconic 91勛圖厙 traditions like Spirit Splash, one of the most beloved Homecoming Week events, and Pegasus Palooza, 91勛圖厙���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 91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙 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 my91勛圖厙 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 91勛圖厙 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!

Two decades ago, 91勛圖厙 opened an on-campus stadium that embodied the ambition of a spirited university and the belief of its fanbase. Today, the opening of the new Roth Tower marks the next chapter in that story, celebrating the rise of Knight Nation, 91勛圖厙���s trajectory as the youngest institution in a Power Four conference and the momentum still ahead.

The Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village that strengthens Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

���The new Roth Tower would not be possible without Orange County���s $90 million investment, and we are deeply grateful to Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners for their belief in 91勛圖厙,��� says 91勛圖厙 President Alexander N. Cartwright. ���That investment, together with the commitment of our donors, fans and community, helped make this next chapter of the Bounce House possible. Today, we are delivering a community asset designed to bring people here, bring them back and create lasting value for Orange County.���

Born to Bounce

Since its opening in 2007, Acrisure Bounce House has allowed 91勛圖厙 to showcase the momentum and trajectory of one of the country���s fastest-growing universities.

For years the idea of an on-campus stadium at 91勛圖厙 was a dream that many had said could never come true. 91勛圖厙 President John C. Hitt and several prominent 91勛圖厙 supporters, including the tower���s namesake, Jerry and Susan Roth, saw the vision of what an on-campus stadium could be. They believed the football program and a stadium could help elevate the university and its brand.

In the last 20 years of the Bounce House, 91勛圖厙 has captivated audiences on nationally televised primetime broadcasts; welcomed premiere college football shows 楚釦捩捧���s College GameDay and 幛倏喘���s Big Noon Kickoff; hosted conference championships that catapulted the Knights to New Year���s Six bowl games; and has become a not-to-be-missed atmosphere in college sports.

The new Roth Tower represents another important investment in our continued rise.

A Tower With a Story to Tell

Thoughtful planning went into the design elements and functionality of the new tower.

The new space allows more opportunities beyond game day to welcome alumni, partners and visitors for corporate meetings and retreats, weddings and events, and even rocket launch viewing opportunities of nearby Kennedy Space Center, whose Launch Complex 39A aligns with the stadium���s 50-yard line.

Stronger media and broadcast spaces will help showcase 91勛圖厙 nationally and open possibilities for hosting other premiere sporting events and concerts. The strategic layout and structure will make operations and logistics safer, smarter and more efficient.

The tower also serves as an extension of 91勛圖厙���s mission to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that align with the workforce of the future, offering paid opportunities to gain industry experience in areas including facility and event management, game day operations, broadcasting and production, brand management and strategic communications.

The details are uniquely 91勛圖厙, with nods to the university���s roots as America���s Space University and its location in one of the most desirable tourist destinations globally.

A new concept in luxury seating, the open-air, semi-private Sky Suites on the north and south wings of the tower��� take advantage of Orlando���s average of 233 sunny days per year. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as the east and west walls of the central suite space on the third floor for optimal views of the field and athletic village.

The stadium���s art collection is growing with two custom murals that pay homage to the 91勛圖厙 story and the university���s relationship to Orange County designed by artist Harry Foreman ���18, a graphic design and emerging media management graduate. These complement several installations around the concourse already that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university���s official seal), 91勛圖厙���s Big 12 ties and Orlando.

Building What���s Next

Roth Tower will create memorable experiences for visitors and reinforces 91勛圖厙 as another reason people choose to come to Orange County and come back.

While the tower is a huge step forward for 91勛圖厙 Athletics, it is not the finish line, says 91勛圖厙 Director of Athletics and Vice President Terry Mohajir, who has worked to implement facility enhancements throughout the village since he arrived in 2021.

���Our fans gave this stadium its identity ��� and kept the faith as 91勛圖厙 climbed from one level of collegiate athletics to the next,��� Mohajir says. ���Our responsibility now is to keep matching that belief, by giving our student-athletes every opportunity to succeed, competing for championships, delivering a Power Four-caliber experience and continuing to build the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village into one of the greatest destinations in college sports.���

The 91勛圖厙 football team opens the 2026 season against Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Ticket information can be found at .

What was your vision for the College of Business��when you arrived in 2012?

When I arrived, 91勛圖厙��had experienced��tremendous growth, particularly coming out of the recession. But that growth made the college feel transactional. Faculty were stretched��thin,��technology had replaced��in-person��interaction��and there��wasn���t��a strong sense��of community.

What struck me most was that while we had excellent individual scholars, we��didn���t��yet have a true community of scholars. People��didn���t��know each other well, and without that,��it���s��very difficult��to build a shared vision.

So,��I��started by��listening. I met one-on-one with every��faculty��and staff member and asked three simple questions: What do you think about 91勛圖厙? What would you do if you were me? And what is your role here?

What��emerged��was powerful. Many of our faculty were first-generation college graduates, just like our students, just like Barry and just like me. They��are��here because they wanted to��help build something different. That became the foundation for our vision: creating a culture of engagement that would transform the��college��experience��for everyone.

Faculty,��students��and staff here are expected to interact with each other and with people in industry and the community at large.��This has helped make��us fiercely��practical. Faculty learn what is going on at the forefront of business. The college has a relevant curriculum with hands-on��experiences��for students.��This helps��students discover their path, develop��professionally��and fully engage with their future.

How would you describe the college���s culture today?

Today, that culture of engagement defines us.

There���s��a quote��from��English��philosopher Herbert Spencer��we often reference:�����The great aim of higher education isn���t knowledge, it���s action.�����It���s��not enough for students to learn concepts;泭喧堯梗y need to know how to apply them.

You see that in the building itself.��It���s��full. Students are here, working together, interacting with faculty, and engaging with corporate partners and alumni. That connection to the real world has become part of the fabric of the college, and��it���s��what makes the experience more meaningful��and more transformative.

Changing culture is one of the hardest things a leader can do. It requires people to see a future they��haven���t��experienced yet. But over time, our faculty,��staff��and students have seen the value of what��we���ve��built together,��and��that���s��what makes it sustainable.

晨棗滄泭does泭喧堯梗泭詁硃娶娶聆泭紼勳梭梭梗娶泭investment��accelerate that future?

���Great universities win by attracting great people (faculty and students) and creating the conditions for them to succeed. This gift helps us do exactly that.���

This investment allows us to recruit leading scholars at the intersection of business and technology�������faculty who are working on the most pressing challenges facing industry and society.

They���ll help us tackle critical questions around trust in technology, cybersecurity, the concentration of power and how humans and intelligent systems interact. They���ll also help prepare our students to lead in that environment.

At the end of the day, great universities win by attracting great people��(faculty and students)��and creating泭喧堯梗 conditions��for them to succeed. This gift helps us do��exactly that.

What will��distinguish泭喧堯梗 college over the next decade?

Our differentiation will come from��deepening our engagement with industry��and technology.

We want to be known as a place where innovation happens first,��where companies come for talent and insight, and where students gain access to real opportunities.

Ultimately, it���s��about outcomes. If we do this right, our graduates will be exceptionally well-prepared for high-impact, high-growth careers. That return on investment will set us apart.

What gives you optimism about the future?

I grew up during the��Space��Race,��and��at the time, the race to the moon was a sign of hope for people.��Technology was seen as the path to a greater future. With the recent Artemis II launch, I would like��to see��us��instill in our students, and in our leaders, a return to that kind of optimism around what technology��can do. I think those flights are the definition of how technology can enhance the human experience, rather than replace it.

Behind every badge is a commitment to serve ��� a commitment two new officers now carry forward at 91勛圖厙.

Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and university leaders, the officers were sworn in during a ceremony that marked not just a personal milestone, but the (91勛圖厙PD)’s continued growth and commitment to service.

���91勛圖厙 is a special place and working in public safety here takes a special kind of person,��� says 91勛圖厙 Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow. ���It takes someone who genuinely cares, who shows up every day with a heart for service, and who is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.���

Ross Wolf, interim dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education and associate provost of 91勛圖厙 Downtown, reflected on the ceremony���s significance, drawing on his recent retirement from policing after 34 years of service in both full-time and reserve roles.

“My law enforcement career instilled in me a deep respect for this profession and for the camaraderie, commitment and sense of purpose that define it,��� Wolf says.

91勛圖厙PD���s two newest officers will join the patrol division after completing a field-training program, where they���ll work alongside senior officers and gain hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Get to Know the New Officers

Brittany Lopez

Having previously served with the Clermont Police Department as both a patrol officer and a detective, Brittany Lopez brings a strong foundation in law enforcement to 91勛圖厙. She was drawn to 91勛圖厙PD for its culture and the unique community it serves. With a master’s degree in cybercrime from the University of South Florida, Lopez is driven by a desire to help students make informed choices that support their future success.

Daira Yulfo-Vargas ���25

Joining 91勛圖厙PD is a full-circle moment for Daira Yulfo-Vargas ���25. After moving to Orlando to attend 91勛圖厙, she began as a police explorer while earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She later served as a 91勛圖厙PD cadet and, through departmental sponsorship, completed the police academy, graduating among the top academic performers in her class. Now she returns to serve her alma mater as a 91勛圖厙 police officer, committed to supporting students and advancing the department���s safety mission.

Celebrating Promotions

The ceremony also recognized four individuals taking on new roles within 91勛圖厙 Public Safety.

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino

Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino has been a vital part of 91勛圖厙PD for more than 12 years, including nine years as a detective. In that role, she worked alongside her therapy dog, Chipper, providing investigative support and comfort to victims during difficult moments. She���s also served on the Emergency Response Team through dozens of deployments and instructed crisis intervention and patrol investigator programs. Now part of the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit, Guadagnino continues to lead with dedication and heart, making an impact.

Jennifer Floyd

University Physical Security Manager

During a time of significant staffing transitions, Jennifer Floyd played a critical role in maintaining operations while supporting major security initiatives. She coordinated hundreds of maintenance requests and led a campuswide security camera upgrade, overseeing the replacement of more than 500 cameras to strengthen 91勛圖厙���s safety infrastructure. Floyd also led nearly 50 training sessions, helping ensure teams have the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage and maintain essential systems.

Benita Harrison

Administrative Operations Manager

Benita Harrison supports departmental leadership with professionalism and exceptional integrity. She manages daily operations, chairs multiple committees and oversees all department-led events, playing a key role in ensuring smooth transitions. Her attention to detail and ability to create meaningful experiences are felt at every level across the organization.

Tiffany Ortiz

Dispatch Supervisor

Tiffany Ortiz brings a deep understanding of communication operations. Known for delivering organized, accurate and dependable work, she���s respected by both her peers and patrol officers for her collaborative, supportive approach. In her new role, she led a full revamp of the dispatch training program, updating the manual, strengthening the curriculum and enhancing skill development to better prepare team members for long-term success.

Together, these new officers and newly promoted leaders represent 91勛圖厙 Public Safety ��� united by a shared commitment to serve, support and safeguard the campus community.