Tag: Incoming

As UCF welcomes students back for the Fall 2022 semester, the university is deeply committed to fostering their academic success and wellbeing — from their first day on campus through graduation.

This year’s incoming fall freshman class is already making its mark for academic excellence. Preliminary statistics indicate the fall freshman class set a new record for the highest SAT scores in university history with an average score of 1335. The class also has an average ACT score of 28.3 and an average 4.23 GPA.  UCF will also welcome 86 new National Merit Scholars.

UCF is launching a doctorate degree in biomedical engineering, a master’s degree program in FinTech, as well as several programs designed to prepare the next generation of hospitality leaders, including a master’s in event leadership and certificates in entertainment management and financial management for hospitality and tourism. UCF offers more than 230 degree programs overall.

Students will have countless opportunities to unleash their potential, including working with talented faculty members to expand their knowledge in the classroom and research labs and participating in new experiences like internships and service opportunities that will empower them to succeed at UCF and beyond.

UCF’s many student resources include the Student Academic Resource Center, which provides one-on-one and group peer tutoring, academic coaching and workshops; the Transfer Center, which pairs transfer students with a personal success coach and helps them navigate their UCF experience and develop a sense of belonging; and UCF Cares, an umbrella of services focused on student wellbeing.

Helping students learn more about the many resources and services on campus and encouraging them to build connections with each other and the university are main focuses of UCF’s annual welcome week.

Pegasus Palooza begins Aug. 21 ahead of the start of the Fall 2022 semester. To make the most out of these special events, check out the list below and plan ahead. Students will need to bring their UCF ID to participate in each event. You can also find more details about some of these events on the UCF Mobile app, KnightConnect and by following @UCF_OSI on Instagram.

Freshman V.I.P Night — Saturday, Aug. 20, 4-7 p.m.
UCF Campus Bookstore

Play games, win prizes, enjoy food and drink samples from Foxtail Cafe, and shop for your course materials (and more) before the start of classes.

Transfer Quest: Campus Exploration — Sunday, Aug. 21, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 215

Before heading to the Knighting, stop by the Transfer Center for a bite to eat and a group campus exploration competition. Food and prizes will be provided.

The Knighting — Sunday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m., with check-in starting at 3 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Join your classmates for UCF’s official welcome ceremony for all new Knights.

Welcome Week Photo — Sunday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m.
FBC Mortgage Stadium

Come to FBC Mortgage Stadium immediately following The Knighting for the official UCF Class of 2026 photo.

Opening Knight — Sunday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m.
FBC Mortgage Stadium

Looking to get involved on campus? Check out some of UCF’s more than 670 registered student organizations during this tabling event.

Campus Locators — Monday, Aug. 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
UCF Downtown, Seneff Plaza and Parramore Garage

Coming to UCF Downtown for the first time? Not sure where to go?  Staff will be available to help you find what you are looking for and answer questions you may have.

Popsicle Social — Monday, Aug. 22, Noon-1 p.m.
Reflecting Pond

All Knights are welcome to join President Alexander N. Cartwright and other members of leadership for a welcome back to campus popsicle social.

Knights Warming Party — Monday, Aug. 22, Noon-2 p.m.
UCF Valencia Osceola Center

Join Knights of the Connection and staff from UCF Connect as they help you prepare you for the semester. Snacks, games, school supplies and more will be provided.

Taste of UCF — Monday, Aug. 22, 5-7 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

This annual event celebrates UCF’s diverse community by providing students a taste of cuisine from around the world, as well as entertainment,

First Arts Ambassadors In-person Meeting — Monday, Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Performing Arts Center — Theatre building, room 107 (studio one)

The Arts Ambassadors is a newly formed group of students from any major who seek to establish a greater connection between the visual arts, performing arts and UCF community. This meeting is open to all UCF students and pizza will be provided.

The founding group of ambassadors invite students who demonstrate leadership skills, are hungry for opportunity and who wish to meet and collaborate with peers of other departments to join the group. This group aims to foster a supporting network for all events within the arts disciplines, promote and contribute to UCF’s artistic footprint in Central Florida and create educational and entertainment opportunities for all students. This will be the inaugural in-person meeting, during which we will outline the future of this group as an RSO by electing and nominating officials and detailing the plan for the Fall 2022 semester.

Movie Knight: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — Monday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Hosted by the Campus Activity Board, this event features a Marvel Studios’ movie.

Campus Locators — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
UCF Downtown, Seneff Plaza and Parramore Garage

Coming to UCF Downtown for the first time? Not sure where to go?  Staff will be available to help you find what you are looking for and answer questions you may have.

Transfer Year Kick-Off Celebration — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 215

Kick off your transfer to UCF by attending this mini-resource fair designed to help you make important connections to academic resources and opportunities. Food and prizes will be provided.

Rosen Life: Aloha Rosen — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management, courtyard

Rosen students are welcomed back to campus with a live DJ, free food and merch, and opportunities to learn about what this semester has to offer.

Lavender Knight — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Join LGBTQ+ Services for an event that provides LGBTQ+ students and their allies to discover available resources across UCF and the Central Florida Community and enjoy performances by local drag artists.

Welcome Expo — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom

Hosted by the Knights Major Exploration and Transition Center, this event is the perfect place to find out what the UCF campus has to offer. Stop by to meet with campus offices and departments and local vendors from the area. Connect with others while collecting free giveaways. This event is open to all students, staff and faculty.

Rosen Life: Sunrise Social — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management, courtyard

Join Rosen Life for free donuts and to meet other Knights.

Homecoming Reveal — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Union, atrium

Excited for Homecoming? Come on down to Student Union to find out what events will take place during this celebratory week.

Life Hack — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wellness and Health Promotion Services Office

WHPS will be teaching students life hacks related to health and wellness. Departments including Nutrition, Stress and Biofeedback, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Gardening, and Sexual Wellness will have a table dedicated to teaching students important tips related to their specialty on how to stay safe and healthy throughout this upcoming school year.

Fall 2022 Welcome Ice Cream Social — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 3-5 p.m.
Student Union, suite 207 

Please join the Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement for this welcome event. This program aims to create impactful experiences for new and returning students — no matter your major or classification.

What Can MASS do for You? — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 4-5 p.m.
Student Union, suite 207

Learn how the Multicultural Academic and Support Services office can help you be successful at UCF.

U-LEAD Open House — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 4-5 p.m.
Ferrell Commons, 7C, room 165

Learn about the LEAD Scholars Academy’s U-LEAD leadership program, including our Study Abroad and Leadership Laboratory courses. The U-LEAD program is open to all students regardless of major and is for students, mostly upper division, who are interested in learning more about leadership.

Trivia Night: Disney Movies — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
UCF Campus Bookstore, Foxtail Cafe

Are you a Disney movie fan? Play as a team or son your own to test your Disney knowledge and win prizes. Foxtail hosts trivia is every Wednesday at 6 p.m. with a different theme each week.

Group Exercise Mash-Up — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7-8 p.m.
Recreation and Wellness Center Group Exercise Studio

Try three different classes all in one: hip-hop cardio, total body strength, and power yoga. All levels welcome, no experience needed.

Comedy Knight: Joe Gatto — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Hosted by the Campus Activities Board, this year’s Comedy Knight feature Joe Gatto, who is known as a former cast member of TruTV’s Impractical Jokers. Tickets are free for students with a valid UCF ID. Tickets are available to the public for $25 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

IM Sports Job Fair — Wednesday, Aug. 24, 8-9 p.m.
Recreation and Wellness Center, room 206

The Intramural Sports Job Fair provides information about the sports UCF officiates and the benefits of working in the RWC’s program.

Stretch and Swim — Thursday, Aug. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
Recreation and Wellness Center, Leisure Pool

Enjoy a morning yoga class under the sun followed by a dip in the pool. Please bring your own mat and towel, as well as athletic attire and a swimsuit. All fitness levels welcome.

Breakfast for Knights — Thursday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UCF-Valencia Osceola Center

Breakfast will be provided to all current UCF students who attend.

Taste of Downtown — Thursday, Aug. 25, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
UCF Downtown, Communication and Media Building Plaza

Stop by for tasty treats from local food trucks.

Speed Friending — Thursday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
UCF Downtown, Dr. Phillips Academic Center, Parramore room (room 107)

College is all about meeting new people, and with this event you’ll be able to connect with some of your fellow Knights right at the start of the semester.

Throwback Thursday — Thursday, Aug. 25, Noon-2 p.m.
John C. Hitt Library

Take a step back into the main campus library and see how UCF Libraries’ services, resources, and spaces have changed since 1968. The first 150 students earn an exclusive UCF Libraries duck and treats from Insomnia Cookie.

IM Sports Job Fair — Thursday, Aug. 25, 4-5 p.m.
Recreation and Wellness Center, room 206

The Intramural Sports Job Fair provides information about the sports UCF officiates and the benefits of working in the RWC’s program.

Concert Knight: Bea Miller and B.o.B.  — Thursday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Hosted by the Campus Activities Board, this year’s Concert Knight features Bea Miller, a singer and former X Factor (US) contestant known for hits like “Feel Something”,  “It’s Not You It’s Me” featuring 6lack and “Never Gonna Like You” featuring Snakehips. B.o.B., an Atlanta rapper known for “Nothin’ on You” featuring Bruno Mars, “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams and “HeadBand” featuring 2Chainz, will also perform. Tickets are available for purchase to the public for $25 on Ticketmaster.

Welcome to the Majors — Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-noon
Addition Financial Arena

Entering College of Business juniors and seniors are formally welcomed each semester with great fanfare. Welcome to the Majors was created to welcome students into the culture of the college; one of risk-taking, cross disciplinary collaboration and data-driven decision-making. This year, COB also invites first-time in college students. Members of the college leadership team talk to students about performance expectations, different programs and opportunities they’ll experience while a business student. Speakers include UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, College of Business Dean Paul Jarley, department chairs, student ambassadors and a select number of faculty.

UCF Gallery Pop-in — Friday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visual Arts Building, UCF Art Gallery, room 140

Stop by the UCF Art Gallery to see the current exhibition Pathways 2022: The Carlos Malamud Prize. Each visitor will receive a gallery memento. Exhibition curators will host a special gallery tour from 11 a.m.-noon.

Grow Together — Friday, Aug. 26, 11a.m.-noon
Wellness and Health Promotion Services office, entrance

WHPS will be teaching students life hacks related to health and wellness. Departments including Nutrition, Stress and Biofeedback, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Gardening, and Sexual Wellness will have a table dedicated to teaching students important tips related to their specialty on how to stay safe and healthy throughout this upcoming school year.

Environmental Engagement — Friday, Aug. 26, 11a.m.-2 p.m.
Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202

There are a variety of local and campus-based organizations that are involved with environmental and sustainable efforts. The College of Undergraduate Studies invites you to come and learn more about these organizations, what they do and how you can get involved, while also learning about our environmental studies program in the College of Undergraduate Studies – Interdisciplinary Studies.

Fact or Fiction? Get to Know Your Library — Friday, Aug. 26, Noon-12:30 p.m.
John C. Hitt Library, room 175

Join UCF Libraries for a game about services and resources that will help jumpstart your semester.

Global Knights Welcome — Friday, Aug. 26, Noon-1 p.m.
Memory Mall

International students can learn about the resources they need to succeed such as international clubs and organizations, campus departments, and outside organizations including banks, social security office, driver’s license bureau, and phone providers. Recreational and social activities will also be available to help students feel welcome on campus. New international students will be paired with a UCF Global peer leader who will assist in additional engagement during the event.

Cirque Du Knight: Late Knights Variety Show — Friday, Aug. 26, 8-11 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Addition Financial Arena

Hosted by Late Knights, students can enjoy an entertaining experience during this variety show.

Pegasus Palooza Day of Service — Saturday, Aug. 27, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with check-in beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Student Union Patio

Join Volunteer UCF as they engage with multiple organizations that do amazing work in Orlando. Students will complete three hours of service and learn how to get involved with service activities for the upcoming semesters.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided, in addition to free swag. RSVP on Knight Connect. If you have dietary restrictions or have any accessibility needs, please reach out to [email protected]

Pegasus POOL-ooza — Saturday, Aug. 27, 2-5 p.m.
Recreation and Wellness Center, Leisure Pool

Campus residents can celebrate their first week of living on UCF’s main campus Housing and Residence Life’s Pool-ooza. Swim, relax, and enjoy snacks and giveaways.