Student Development and Enrollment Services

Student Development & Enrollment Services (SDES) refers collectively to the division and its many functional units responsible for the administration and management of programs, services, facilities, and activities designed to support and complement the educational mission of the university while simultaneously improving the student's total collegiate experience. In partnership with other university divisions and the community, the division fosters a philosophy that promotes an optimal student learning environment.

The guiding purpose of SDES is to provide excellence in student services integral to the development of a meaningful collegiate experience.

Key values in the division's organizational identity are: caring, commitment, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, loyalty, operational excellence, respect and trust.

The division administers programs involving orientation, advisement and academic exploration, registration and admission, financial assistance, multicultural services, personal counseling, housing, health services, career development and placement, student activities and organizations, veterans affairs and a variety of academic development and retention and other special programs. These responsibilities are integral to the mission of the university, addressing the immediate needs of students and faculty while responding to the concerns of other constituencies such as business and industry, parents, alumni, and other educational institutions.

While it is convenient to divide the university and division into units for operational effectiveness and efficiency, students are not so easily compartmentalized. The recognition that each student is a whole and unique person encompasses the basic philosophy of the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services, perhaps this philosophy is best reflected in the he mission statement of the division:

"The Student Development and Enrollment Services Division provides services through activities, programs and opportunities that establish a meaningful collegiate student learning experience.

This will be developed through a productive work environment that recognizes employee's contributions and team work.

The primary activities, programs and opportunities of Student Development and Enrollment Services contribute to enrollment growth, campus life and academic development support services for a diverse and talented student population.

The composition of student services will be based on assessed needs, targeted populations and institutional priorities.

Collaboration and partnerships will be a cornerstone within the Student Development and Enrollment Services Division to ensure broad support and quality outcomes."

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students is the primary source for students seeking information on nonacademic areas of the university. Additionally, the Dean and the Associate Dean supervise the judicial affairs process and counsel students confronted with a variety of difficulties, referring students for specialized professional services as necessary.

The Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services annually publishes the student handbook, The Golden Rule, which contains more detailed information on student life. Copies may be obtained in the SDES Suite, Room 282, Administration Building. Students are urged to take advantage of the many services and educational programs available through the Dean of Students Office and the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.

Student Government

Student Government's purpose is representing student views on issues affecting UCF and promoting progressive changes to create improvements in campus life. In advocating better communication and understanding among the UCF family, Student Government also provides numerous services that enhance student life. These services currently include legal services, computer labs, discount tickets to movie theaters and theme parks, free local calling on campus telephones, and funding for recreational services and Campus Activities Board programming. Money which Student Government allocates for these services comes from the Activity and Service Fees that students pay during registration.

Additionally, UCF clubs and organizations may receive funding for events, projects, and conventions from the Student Government Senate, SG's legislative body. Student Government also coordinates its efforts with the Florida Student Association in lobbying for students' rights on the local, state, and national government levels.

Student Government's structure is modeled closely after our federal government system in that there are three branches: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. The Executive branch, composed of the Student Body President and Vice President and their cabinet and staff, oversees the daily administrative operation of Student Government. The Legislative branch funds campus clubs and organizations and also passes bills and resolutions that benefit the student body. The Judicial branch oversees hearings concerning student rights violations.

All students are encouraged to take a active role with UCF's Student Government. For information on how to be involved with SG or how your club or organization can receive funding, please call the Student Government Association offices located in the Student Union at (407) 823-2191, or visit the SG website at:

http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~sga

Graduate Student Council

Graduate students, regular and post-bacs, belong to the Graduate Student Council upon enrollment at UCF. The Graduate Student Council was formed to provide a voice for graduate students on campus. The Council acts on behalf of all graduate students concerning issues that pertain to them. The Council provides information to new graduate students at college orientations. For more information about this organization, please call Graduate Studies (823-6432) or consult GSC's website at:
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~gsa

Student Services

Student Legal Services
Student Resource Center, Room 155
(407) 823-2538

Student Legal Services provides students with advice and consultation, including court representation, in selected areas of law such as landlord/tenant, consumer, simple wills, and noncriminal traffic. Each eligible student (an undergraduate or graduate enrolled at UCF) is entitled to consult with a Program Attorney, about any legal matter not excluded by program guidelines, free of charge. Students in need of legal services should contact Student Legal Services at (407) 823-2538, or Student Resource Center, Room 155. This service is by appointment only. No legal advice is given over the phone.

University Counseling and Testing Center
Student Resource Center, Room 203
(407) 823-2811

The University Counseling and Testing Center, located in the Student Center, offers a professional staff of psychologists and counselors to assist students through educational, vocational, and career counseling; and personal, social, relationship, marriage, and family counseling.

The Center presents special programs throughout the year, including training in relaxation and coping skills, self-hypnosis training, stress reduction training, and group psychotherapy. All Center services are free to UCF students.

Career Resource Center - Career Planning and Placement
Student Resource Center, Room 185
(407) 823-2361
KnightLink (24-hour jobline): (407) 823-6200

The Career Resource Center provides a broad range of career-related services to UCF students, alumni, and employers. The center runs five career expos and fairs, offers weekly career planning mini-classes and hosts several hundred employer recruiting visits each year. To help students navigate the complexities of the job market, the center offers a database information management system which can refer their resumes to interested employers. Full-time and part-time jobs now are listed on a 24-hour telephone jobline called KnightLink (407-823-6200). An employer information library can provide needed information. Career Development Coordinators are available to assist with individual career needs.

Students just beginning studies at UCF are encouraged to begin thinking about careers as soon as possible. For more information, please visit the center.

Housing
Regularly enrolled single students paying registration fees for a minimum of nine semester hours may apply for assignment to University residence, consisting of residence halls and apartment-style units. However in the residential halls, priority is given to incoming Freshmen who occupy approximately 70 percent of the university's housing capacity and, current residents, who occupy most of the University's remaining spaces. Upper-level single students are given priority for assignment to the University's on-campus apartment-style residential facilities on a space-available basis. There is no on-campus married student housing.

Off-Campus Housing
As limited on-campus housing is available to graduate students, most graduate students live in apartments and condominiums located near campus. Rates average $400- $500 for a one-bedroom apartment. The Graduate Student Handbook has more information concerning off-campus housing. Within a two-mile radius of the UCF campus, there are privately owned residence hall complexes and numerous apartment and duplex communities housing students attending the Unversity. Sidewalks, bike paths, and LYNX bus service connect many of these facilities with the university. Students living off-campus are invited to participate in one of the university meal plans.

Student Health Services (SHS)
Recognizing the importance of life-style in health and the prevention of disease, Student Health Services combines quality care for illness and accidents with an aggressive health education and life-style enhancement program. A Student Wellness Advocate Team (SWAT) enhances the health promotion efforts of the Wellness Center. The Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) serves as liaison representing students for health center programs and operation.

The Student Health Center (SHC) is staffed by medical and osteopathic physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, registered nurses and a full complement of other medical support personnel. Full referral service to Orlando area specialists is established. The effort is always made to refer patients to providers who accept their insurance or meet their HMO requirements.

Each student who pays the UCF health fee is entitled to the benefits provided through the SHS and outlined in the SHS brochure. Copies of the brochure are available in the SHC and are mailed to students along with the optional health and accident insurance materials.

Office consultations and most SHS programs are provided without additional costs. Laboratory tests, x-rays, medications, and some supplies require additional but significantly reduced payments, which may be made with cash, credit card, personal check, or charged to the student's account.

Optional Health and Accident Insurance may also be purchased by response to the mailers or by contacting the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services or Student Government. Please remember that optional health and accident insurance is not part of the SHS program, but is designed to provide for health coverage needs which are beyond the scope of the SHS, such as hospital referrals. Charges incurred outside the SHC are the responsibility of the student. Arrangements for highly confidential AIDS testing on campus may be made by calling the HIV AIDS Education office at UCF-AIDS (407-826-2437) or Health Resource Center (407-823-5841).

Charges incurred outside the SHC are the responsibility of the student. A variety of laboratory and x-ray tests are available at the SHC. Testing for HIV (AIDS virus) is not done routinely in our laboratory because a program for anonymous testing is available elsewhere, and arrangements for highly confidential AIDS testing on campus may be made by calling the HIV AIDS Education office at UCF-AIDS (407-826-2437) or Health Resource Center (407-823-5841).

When the SHC is not open, students can call the Police Department to obtain help for urgent needs.

By Board of Regents regulation, each student must demonstrate Rubella and Rubeola immunity prior to registration. Immunizations are made available within limited hours during orientation to help those who have been unable to receive immunization prior to that time.

Blood drives are held several times annually on campus by the Central Florida Blood Bank. Students, faculty, staff, and family members are eligible for credits from the blood bank simply by identification and demonstrated need, even if they have not donated blood. Contact the Nurse Supervisor at (407) 823-5275 to make arrangements.

Student Union
The UCF Student Union is the center of student life on campus. The Student Union serves the entire campus community with a wide variety of programs, services, and facilities including restaurants, shops, a pub and game room, computer lab, meeting rooms, and student offices. The building is open seven days a week when school is in regular session. The Student Union is partially funded through Activity and Service fees allocated by the Student Government.

Reservations for space in the Student Union can be made at the Student Union information desk, or by calling 823-0001. Student Union administrative offices are located in the Student Union, Room 312.

Office of Student Activities
Student Union, Room 208
(407) 823-6471

The Office of Student Activities provides programs, resources, and services that enhance student life at the University of Central Florida. The Office of Student Activities registers over 200 student organizations and advises the Campus Activities Board (CAB), the Consultants for Effective Leadership (CEL), Volunteer UCF, Diversity Dialogue Consultants, and Leadership Services. Other programs and services sponsored through this office include the Knights of the Roundtable and Family Weekend. For further information regarding student activities, call (407) 823-6471 or visit the Office of Student Activities, Student Union, Room 208, or visit the office's website at:

http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~osa

Recreational Services
Located next to the UCF pool
(407) 823-2408

The Office of Recreational Services offers a variety of sports and recreational opportunities to the students of UCF and their immediate families and the UCF faculty, staff, and Central Florida Research Park Recreational members. Recreation memberships may be purchased by the semester or for the year.

These opportunities include intramural sports leagues and tournaments, organized recreation and fitness programs, unstructured open recreation, sports-related special events, and racquet stringing. Students may check out equipment for use on and off campus.

Office of Student Information and
Evening/Weekend Student Services

Office:(407) 823-3111
Student Information "Buzzline": (407) 823-5479

The Office of Student Information and Evening/Weekend Student Services is a one-stop communication center committed to gathering and disseminating information to students. In addition, the office provides student services to students taking classes in the evenings and on weekends, allowing them to take care of university business during off-hours.

Information Centers and Evening Student Services
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Second-floor Administration Building, Education Building Lobby, and College of Business Lobby
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday (same locations as above)
Weekend Student Services
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at SG Kiosk
(407) 823-6328
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at SG Kiosk
(407) 823-6328


International Student Services
Ying Center Building
(407) 823-2337

The International Student Office provides services for all international students and resident aliens. Its central role is to assist international students and scholars, attending UCF, to adjust to the changing life-style in order to achieve their educational goals and gain a meaningful living experience in the United States. The office provides a wide range of special services including issuance of immigration forms 1-20 A/B and IAP-66, assistance in locating off-campus apartments, counseling on personal, financial, academic, and cross-cultural communication matters, advisement in immigration and tax matters, promotion of cultural and educational activities. More information may be obtained from the International Student Services Office, Ying Center Building, or by calling (407) 823-2337.

Multicultural Student Services
AD 145
(407) 823-2716

The office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) provides comprehensive academic support, cultural enrichment, consultation, and referral services that promote the recruitment, admission, retention, and graduation of African-American, Hispanic American, Asian-American, and Native American students. MSS offers personalized advising and support, monitors academic progress, and designs and coordinates cultural and social activities to assist multicultural students in realizing their academic, career, and personal goals. MSS serves as the focal point of operations in adressing the specific needs, issues, and concerns that confront students of color at UCF.

Student Disability Services
AD 149, P.O. Box 160161, Orlando, FL 32816-0161
(407) 823-2371

Student Disability Services provides information and orientation to campus facilities and services, assistance with classroom accommodations, assistance with course registration, disabled parking decals, counseling, and referral to campus and community services for students with disabilities. Services are available to students whose disabilities include, but are not limited to, hearing impairment, manual dexterity impairment, mobility impairment, specific learning disability (such as dyslexia), speech impairment, visual impairment, or other disabilities which require administrative or academic adjustments.

Students who have a disability that may require special assistance are requested to voluntarily contact the Office of Student Disability Services. All information is confidential and will be used only to assist the student.

Information and assistance are available for faculty members working with students who have disabilities.

A Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available for hearing-impaired or speech-impaired persons with TDD's to contact the university (phone (407) 823-2115 for TDD calls ONLY).

Creative School for Children
Phone:(407) 823-2726

The Creative School for Children (Educational Research Center for Child Development) provides an educational program, including kindergarten and first grade, for children two through seven years old. The daily program is planned and conducted by degreed teachers. The program provides a wide variety of experiences in art, music, language, motor skills, science, math, social studies, perceptual development, socialization, and self-discovery. Planned and spontaneous field trips and special family programs are a part of the yearly schedule. Experiences in observation and training in academic areas are made available to university students. Opportunities for educational research are available to university faculty and graduate students. Hours are 7:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. The school remains open until 6:00 p.m. for late pick up.

A Flex Time program is provided for children three through five years of age. This program provides educational activities for children who need part-time schedules.

The school conducts a recreational camp for elementary school children during summer semester.

Office of Veterans' Affairs
Student Resource Center, Room 132
(407) 823-2707

The Office of Veterans' Affairs (OVA) is a center for all veterans and eligible dependents, including students who are using VA educational benefits to further their education. The office has a professional staff augmented by student veterans to assist in providing information concerning entitlement, filing claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and certifying enrollment at the university. The office also provides counseling for personal and academic concerns, tutorial assistance, and referral to various community agencies. Veterans and eligible dependents must be certified through the Office of Veterans' Affairs to receive DVA educational benefits. The office monitors the academic progress of all those receiving DVA educational benefits.

All veterans and dependents are urged to contact the office at an early stage in the process of applying for admission; especially post-baccalaureate students and students pursuing a Florida Teachers Certification.

Veterans' Benefits
Veteran and dependents eligible to receive VA benefits must make initial contact with the Veterans Certification Office. To maintain eligibility for DVA education benefits, students must adhere to the policies and procedures contained in the UCF "Student Veteran Handbook" and DVA rules and regulations. A copy of the "Student Veteran Handbook" can be obtained at the Office of Veterans' Affairs.

The OVA evaluates and awards transfer credit for military training and education in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and UCF policies. Credit is awarded for schools and courses only. Transfer credit is not awarded for experience, military skills level, and/or special certifications. In addition, no credit is awarded for Basic Military Training. Transfer Credit is awarded per the recommendations of the ACE (American Council on Education) guide, based upon courses and/or training listed on the DD Form 214 or other official military records. U.S. Air Force veterans are asked to provide official copies of Community College of the Air Force transcripts to the Admissions office.

Students eligible for DVA education benefits, may also be eligible for a VA Deferral of Tuition and Fees. The VA Deferment due date is published in the Class Schedule each semester. STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID ADEQUATE TO COVER TUITION AND FEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS DEFERMENT.

Veterans, Reserve, and National Guard members and eligible dependents who are graduate or post-baccalaureate students (including those pursuing the Florida Teaching Certificate) are required to carry 6 semester hours in courses numbered 5000 and above for full-time benefits; 4-5 semester hours in courses numbered 5000 and above for three-quarter time benefits; and 3 semester hours in courses numbered 5000 and above for half-time benefits. Students pursuing course work while in a post-baccalaureate status can only receive benefits for courses that will be accepted for transfer into a graduate program when they are given graduate status (normally 9 semester hours).

Graduate and post-baccalaureate students may take undergraduate courses, if a required part of the program of study, but must take a least one graduate-level course (5000 level or above) to be paid at the above rate. Students who are taking only undergraduate-level courses must carry at least 12 semester hours for full-time benefits; 9-11 semester hours for three-quarter time benefits; and 6-8 semester hours for half-time benefits. Five (5) semester hours or less will be reimbursed at the cost of tuition and fees or quarter-time depending on the DVA education benefit program. Note that a different method is used to compute training time for the summer semester. Contact the Office of Veterans' Affairs for clarification and guidance.

In order to receive veterans' educational benefits, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, and conduct. Accordingly, benefits will be terminated for individuals who are disqualified, excluded, suspended or expelled from the university. If reinstated by the university and College of major following disqualification, exclusion, suspension or expulsion, the veteran or eligible dependent must contact the Office of Veterans' Affairs to have their DVA educational benefits restarted. Graduate students will continue to receive education benefits as long as the GPA earned each semester meets the college of major requirement (normally a 3.0). Students who fail to maintain graduate standing and are reverted to post-baccalaureate status can only be certified for courses required by the program and needed to matriculate.

University Ombuds Office
AD 338F
(407) 823-6440

The Office of the Ombuds Officer provides members of the university community assistance and advice regarding concerns related to the university. These services are available to every member of the university community—students, staff, faculty, and others. Any type of concern may be brought to the attention of this office: academic, financial, housing, consumer, work-related, or personal. The university Ombuds Officer is a neutral facilitator and will listen to your concern, help you explore options, offer suggestions and advice, and assist in the resolution of your concern. Referral and direction to appropriate individuals and offices, and clarification of university policies and procedures are services of the office. All proceedings in individual cases will be held confidential by the Ombuds Officer unless otherwise authorized by the complainant, or otherwise required by applicable law, including without limitation, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

The university Ombuds Officer is located in the Administration Building, Room 338F. Appointments may be made by calling 823-6440.

Other Student Services on Campus

UCF Alumni Association
Administration Building, Room 340
(407) UCF-ALUM

The University of Central Florida Alumni Association was developed to maintain awareness and support of the university by our alumni. Membership is open to all alumni and friends of the university. Membership in the alumni association provides many benefits, including:

  • Subscription to Pegasus, the Alumni Association's award-winning magazine that keeps you up-to-date on university and alumni happenings
  • Career resources and placement opportunities available nationwide
  • Discounts on hotels, rental cars, theme parks and more
  • Free borrowing at the UCF Library (main branch)
  • 15% discount on UCF logo items at local merchants, including the UCF Bookstore
  • Free or discounted admission at Association-sponsored alumni events
  • Personal and professional networking opportunities
  • Plus more than 40 other benefits and services available only to dues-paying members of the UCF Alumni Association!

In addition, the Alumni Association provides over $40,000 each year in scholarships to UCF students.

For more information on becoming a member of your UCF Alumni Association or to find out about our scholarships, contact the Alumni Association at (407) UCF-ALUM or stop by Administration 340. (For unique activities to take part in while a student at UCF, ask for information about joining the Student Alumni Association.)

University of Central Florida Foundation, Inc.
Phone:(407) 249-4740

The UCF Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation directed by a sixty-member community-based Board of Directors that encourages, solicits, receives, and administers private gifts and bequests of property and funds for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes. All gifts to UCF are received and processed through the Foundation for support of the university.

University Bookstore
P.O. Box 162444, Orlando, FL 32816-2444
(407) 823-2665

The university Bookstore is owned and operated under a contractual agreement with Barnes and Noble. The university Bookstore is located in the Student Services Building and is open to the public. In addition to textbooks and school supplies, this facility offers a complete line of UCF insignia clothing and gift items. The UCF Graduate Catalog is available at the Bookstore. It costs $3.00 at the store or $6.00 if it is mailed.

Campus Security Information and Reports
Police Department, UCF, P.O. Box 163550, Orlando, FL 32816-3550
(407) 823-2429

The UCF Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency. The Patrol Division consists of police officers providing police services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The officers patrol the campus on foot and in marked patrol cars. They are supplemented by additional police officers patrolling on mountain bikes.

The Investigations Unit consists of detectives that investigate all unsolved criminal cases. The Crime Prevention Unit presents Crime Prevention seminars for property protection and personal safety for the community. the Crime Prevention Unit also supervises the Community-Oriented Policing program (COP), which consists of five officers that are assigned to the UCF Housing areas. These officers work closely with the residents and housing staff in a "partnership" to reduce crimes in these areas. The Crime Prevention Unit also hires and trains students for the Student Escort Patrol Service (SEPS), which is an evening escort service for all individuals on campus. The Victim Services Unit helps victims with emotional support and practical assistance, information and referrals, and also provides educational services.

The UCF Police Department provides a free brochure titled, "Police Service and Safety Guide," in accordance with the Federal Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990; please call for your copy.

For general, nonemergency police information call (407) 823-5555.

For emergency fire, medical, or police responce call 911.

Crime Prevention Unit - (407) 823-2165

Student Escort Patrol Service (SEPS) - (407) 823-2424

Victim Services Unit - (407) 823-2425 or (407) 823-6069




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