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The official e-newsletter of the Pegasus Parent Program produced by First Year Experience through the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services (SDES) to keep parents, families, and support systems of new and current students up-to-date on the latest news and stories from the
University of Central Florida.

For You:

A Message From First Year Experience's
Pegasus Parent Program

As many do, I am holding onto what is left of summer. And as such, I recently found myself reading a book that is the definition of a "beach read:" a plot that keeps me on my toes, a love story, and some mystery thrown in for good measure too. But this one in particular included a rather inspiring quote that the main character uses to motivate herself through a tough breakup and the start of a new, intimidating job. The quote is from Socrates and it reads "The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." And this quote really got me thinking about the experience of new students and their support systems this time of year.

There is a lot of change headed you and your UCF student's way this month. August rings in a new academic year at UCF, which means big transitions for new-to-college students, navigating new realities for transfer students, and adjusting to fresh starts for returning students. For parents, families, friends, or just anyone supporting a college student, it can mean saying goodbye, supporting in different or new ways, letting go, and much, much more along the way.

We know these changes can be hard. They can come with various emotions, unknown experiences, and numerous questions. And it can be easy to "fight the old" and become overwhelmed. This is where First Year Experience's Pegasus Parent Program comes in! We are here to provide quality and up-to-date information to parents and family members of UCF students. We understand that a healthy relationship between students and their support systems leads to a positive college experience, so we aim to assist parents and families in their endeavors support their student in a way that enables everyone to succeed. We are in your corner and here to help at any step along the way.

Together, let's "build the new" as Socrates says so well.

    Go Knights and Charge On,

    Rachel Griffin
    (she/her/hers)

     Assistant Director, Parent & Family Programs
     First Year Experience
     University of Central Florida
     ucfparents@ucf.edu
     Office: 407.823.5105
Click HERE to explore more about how you can support your student as they transition into college or start another year at UCF!
We couldn't be more excited to see you!

Family Weekend 2022 registration is open through Friday, September 9!
First Year Experience's Family Weekend 2022 website has the link to register, details about what each day entails, frequently asked questions, and much more. Make sure to check it regularly for updates and additional information as we get closer to the event.


(hint: save this link!)
Seguridad en el Plantel

"Es natural que nos preocupemos de la seguridad de nuestros hijos/as cuando están en la universidad y especialmente si es que están viviendo en el campus en vez de viviren casa."

leer más

For Your Student:

Become an Orientation Leader!

Orientation Leaders (OLs) serve as critical members of the First Year Experience (FYE) team, are current undergraduate students who are dedicated to UCF, and seeking to serve on a team of role models for all UCF students and their support systems. We aren’t going to lie: this position is demanding. But when done well, we believe it’s more rewarding than any other job on campus! Read more about the role and learn how students can apply by clicking the button below.

LEAD Scholars Academy applications
are still open for incoming first-year students!

Do you have an incoming first-year student interested in leadership, community service and academic achievement? If so they may be a good fit for the LEAD Scholars Academy, a two-year academic and co-curricular leadership development program. Click below for the application!

Find Your Inner Resident Assistant!

UCF Housing is now recruiting for our Resident Assistant position for the 2023-2024 year! The RA position is one of the most premiere student leadership jobs on campus. RAs are student staff members that live at no-cost in an assigned space on campus and help develop and sustain a community with their residents.

FREE Academic Support For Students

The Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) offers Supplemental Instruction (SI), Peer Tutoring, and Academic Coaching.

For Over 40 Years, UCF Student Legal Services has been Proving Free Legal Services to Students

A college career is full of new experiences and responsibilities, and students may need some help navigating this unfamiliar territory. Consumer fraud, identity theft, and bad landlords can happen to anyone through no fault of their own. UCF Student Legal Services (SLS) offers a confidential, free assistance to students.

Some Reminders Before Fall:

Course Registration

For new students, course registration happens at Orientation. For current and returning students, this process is done independently, and with the help from academic advisors. However, if students need any additional help along the way or through the first week of classes' Add/Drop/Swap period, the UCF Registrar's Office website can help!

On-Campus Housing Move-In Happens
Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21

Is your student living on campus this fall? Make sure they're fully ready for the move-in process, but checking out the Housing and Residence Life website. They have all the details on move-in appointments (which are required), how to prepare before you arrive, what to expect on the big day, where to park, and much more!

Virtual Parking Permits to Replace Decals,
Hangtags on UCF Campuses

"Innovative technology brings more convenience and safety for students, employees and visitors. Beginning Friday, July 1, 2022, the university community will shift to a new way to park on UCF campuses." Make sure your student understands the policies surrounding this change by checking out Parking and Transportation Services helpful link below.


Please note: this article first appeared in July 2022's Pegasus Parent Post.

For You Both:

UCF is 1 of 3 Florida Universities to Receive Lumina Foundation Grant to Elevate Transfer Student Success

"UCF, FIU and USF will use a shared $400,000 grant to help more than 5,000 transfer students earn their degrees by 2027."

New here?

If your student is starting at UCF this fall, we hope you're joining us for our final Family & Guest Orientations this August!

First Year Experience is excited to welcome all our parents, family members, and guests to the UCF community! You are a vital part of your student’s transition to the University and we value the support you will provide throughout their time at UCF. This starts with the Family and Guest Orientation Program.

If you want more information on what your student can expect from their Orientation experience, look below!

Transfer Student Orientation


Students coming to UCF from other higher education institutions and their families and guests have a one-day, in-person program. 

First Time in College (FTIC) Orientation


Students coming to UCF from high school ("First Time in College" or FTIC) and their families and guests have a two-day, in-person program.
 
Important Dates

August 5-6
Commencement

August 18-21
On-Campus Housing Open
(Move-In Appointment required)

August 22
First Day of Fall Classes

August 26, 11:59pm
Add/Drop/Swap Deadline on myUCF


Upcoming Events
Pegasus Palooza Edition!

 
Aug 21, 4:00pm
The Knighting and Welcome Week Photo

Aug 21, 5:00pm
Opening Knight

Aug 25, Doors Open at 7:00am
Concert Knight

Aug 27, 7:30am
Day of Service

In Other News:

Celebrating Disability Pride Month at UCF


"As UCF continues to celebrate Disability Pride Month, we also recognize National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 22 years ago. UCF social media ambassador Emmily shares how she puts her life into perspective after being diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease at just three years old."

UCF Faculty Combines Harry Potter with Pharmacology Course to Improve Student Outcomes


"By incorporating magical themes into her lessons, a UCF health sciences lecturer has seen a boost in students’ grades — and is even helping other faculty develop engaging curriculum."

For Third Year In A Row, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Named Nation’s Best


"The hospitality school remains in the top five worldwide in the ShanghaiRankings’ 2022 listing."

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