Robin Marquez ’26 has re-prioritized his necessities at the University of Minnesota: he has clothes for exploring, clothes for frigid winters and somewhere he’s safely stored a new passport. This is Marquez’s latest stop in a lifelong itinerary that’s taken him from Brooklyn, New York, to Palm Beach County to Tampa, Florida, to UCF.

Oct. 19-23 is National Transfer Student Week

“I created a new road by going offroad,” he says.

Marquez is coming up on his 31^st birthday. He graduated from UCF in May with a biology degree and an unexpected interest. Among the possessions he took north are arthropod samples collected from the UCF Arboretum, an 80-acre parcel of research-rich ecosystems. He’s studying the microscopic insects for information about biological diversity. They’ve already provided the direction Marquez sought for so long.

“What I’m doing now, I couldn’t fathom a few years ago,” he says.

In his mid-20s, Marquez felt as if he were stuck in the weeds with a high school education and blurry future. Today, this same Robin Marquez has achieved the following: awarded the Order of Pegasus, recognition as the first student nominated through Valencia College for a Goldwater Scholarship, collaborated with researchers at Yale University and the Smithsonian Institution, and stood as the only undergraduate to receive the coveted Entomological Society of America Alate Award in 2025.

All of this has led him to the Twin Cities to work on a Ph.D. in entomology.

“I still don’t know where the limit is,” Marquez says.

His successes aren’t just for him. They’re for anyone who thinks they’ve wandered off the academic road.

“I no longer buy the narrative of hitting traditional checkpoints, like [completing an uninterrupted path to graduation] and starting a career by your early 20s,” he says. “It might take time to find the right people to propel you in ways you never thought possible.”

Marquez tried the “traditional checkpoints” route after high school, enrolling at the University of South Florida on a full ride in 2013. He imagined cruising along to medical school. However, 16 months later he departed USF with a failing GPA and mounting mental health challenges.

“I felt crushed,” he says. “I thought college would be my ticket out of socioeconomic hardship, that I’d be a first-generation graduate and break a cycle. Instead, it came to a grinding halt. I had the capability but not the right mindset. So, I kind of floated in this nebulous space of ‘adulthood.’ ”

Marquez carried the label “college dropout” in his mind for years. To this day, it’s hard for him to explain how misunderstood he felt.

Volunteering at an animal shelter became an escape. He moved to Orlando and grew plants in his apartment, hoping to shake himself out of stasis. A friend noticed how he enjoyed gardening and said he could make a career at it.

“I grew up in the concrete jungle of Brooklyn before my family moved to Florida,” Marquez says. “A gardening career sounded impossible until I heard Valencia [College] offers a degree in plant science. I thought I’d take a class, set the bar low and get back on my feet.”

A botany instructor at Valencia, Fabiano Isenhour, told Marquez to aim higher and consider research. The program director, Javier Garces, suggested he pursue a doctorate.

“I went from thinking two years of college would be my path into the workforce,” Marquez says, “to wondering where research might take me.”

The Fascinated Bug Librarian

In January of 2024, nearly 10 years after leaving college with a 0.9 GPA, Marquez transferred through the DirectConnect to UCF program with multiple plant certifications and a 4.0 earned at Valencia. His mental health had improved, too.

“Everything snowballed,” he says. “ɫ����, I spent time with a wellness coach in the McNair Scholars Program. Mentors like (former Professor) Patrick Bohlen were invested in my potential. I found this intersection of passion, support and community, which fueled my drive.

Marquez also discovered the Arboretum and UCF’s Bug Closet, a collection of more than 575,000 specimens — one of the largest completely databased collections in the world — that heightened his new curiosity about the relationship between insects and agriculture.

“Insect specimens are like books,” he says. “They provide knowledge about the world. In the Bug Closet, I was the librarian. My research there led me to the Smithsonian, where I worked with species that are new to science. Someday I could be involved in giving them names.”

On His Own Track in Life

“When I look back at where I’ve been and where I’ve come, it’s exhilarating. I can’t imagine making it this far if my path hadn’t led to UCF.”

The dispiriting label Marquez once shouldered has been shed. In its place, he has that new passport, which he’s using to present research at international conferences. He envisions completing his doctorate and working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Smithsonian to support America’s natural resources through entomology.

“I’m just now finding where I belong,” he says. “When I look back at where I’ve been and where I’ve come, it’s exhilarating. I can’t imagine making it this far if my path hadn’t led to UCF.”

The next national defense breakthrough could begin in a combustion lab, a line of code or a digital investigation. Seven UCF students are preparing to help make it happen.

Through the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)’s Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, they’ll use their technical talents to serve their country as civilians. The prestigious scholarship provides full tuition, summer internships and civilian employment upon graduation — connecting their education to challenges with national impact.

As the department’s largest STEM education and workforce development initiative, the SMART Scholarship prepares future leaders through hands-on experience at more than 150 DOD facilities advancing artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomy, space, 5G and other technology areas.

The recipients are aerospace engineering majors Bright Katey and Annie Driskell; computer science doctoral student Nathan Couch ’25; electrical engineering major Hunter Glass; industrial engineering doctoral student Johanna Matias ’12; computer engineering master’s student Jonathan Meyers ’26; and digital forensics master’s student Jean Bernard Pierre.

For the four scholars featured below, the award opens a path to advance their education, launch their careers and empower them to shape the future.

Annie Driskell: Taking Flight Beyond Earth

For Driskell, a fascination with flight began at home.

“Since childhood, aviation has been part of my everyday life,” Driskell says. “I grew up in a military family with my dad serving as a Navy pilot, and being surrounded by aircraft naturally sparked a lasting curiosity about how things fly and how the universe works.”

She chose UCF for its strong aerospace engineering program, proximity to Florida’s Space Coast and connections to the space industry. Her military upbringing also gave her an early appreciation for the dedication, sacrifice and sense of purpose of those who serve.

“As new advancements emerge in the aerospace industry, from major space discoveries to revolutionary technologies, I believe increased global competition can also create new national security challenges,” Driskell says. “I want to be part of advancing aerospace technology while helping ensure the United States is prepared to address those challenges.”

As a SMART Scholar, Driskell will work for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, taking a step toward her ambition of developing technologies that expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth.

“Whether I am one member on a large engineering team or helping refine a single component, the chance to support revolutionary technology that expands our understanding of space is exactly the kind of work I hope to do.”

Bright Katey: Fueling a Future in Propulsion

Katey wants to push propulsion research forward while serving his country. The SMART Scholarship brings those ambitions together.

“My background in aerospace and mechanical engineering, with a focus on combustion, propulsion, shock tube experiments, laser diagnostics and chemical kinetic modeling, closely aligns with the program’s mission,” Katey says. “This alignment positions me to contribute meaningfully to defense-related research and technology development.”

In the , directed by UCF Trustee Chair Professor , Katey studies combustion conditions for energetics and propellants. The opportunity to work on real-world engineering problems drew him to UCF and provided valuable preparation for the SMART Scholarship.

“My time in the lab has provided valuable hands-on experience with shock tube experiments, kinetic modeling, data analysis and scientific communication, Katey says.”

He views the program as a launchpad toward a dream career as a research engineer in defense and propulsion.

“This opportunity inspires me to continue advancing combustion and propulsion research while contributing to cleaner, more efficient and more reliable energy and defense technologies,” Katey says.

Jonathan Meyers ’26: Engineering Smarter Solutions

After earning his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Meyers returned to UCF to pursue his master’s and become a two-time Knight. Through SMART, he’ll continue his work with the Naval Enterprise Research Data Science Lab at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD).

Coworkers who became SMART Scholars early in their careers encouraged him to apply. Their experiences showed him how the program could help expand his skills and opportunities.

Meyers will work with Nelson Lerma, a senior data science/ product manager at NAWCTSD, whose mentorship has helped him grow.

“Dr. Nelson Lerma … constantly pushes me to grow my technical skills and diversify my experience while also staying grounded and making the right decisions,” Meyers says.

Meyers values computer engineering’s range of applications and wants to use that versatility to address emerging challenges through machine learning.

“My goal is to continue research into machine learning topics and develop cutting-edge solutions to new and emerging problems,” Meyers says. “By furthering my knowledge and building connections to both professors and my fellow students, I believe I have a better chance of achieving this goal while also making great friends along the way.”

Jean Bernard Pierre: Returning to Service, Equipped for Digital Threats

For Pierre, the SMART Scholarship connects his next chapter to the mission that started his career.

Before pursuing his master’s in digital forensics, Pierre served as a U.S. Navy information systems specialist and worked at the FBI Computer Forensics Laboratory.

“My interest in computing grew from a desire to see how intelligent systems can automate complex tasks while remaining secure,” Pierre says. “During my time in the Navy and supporting the forensics lab, I saw firsthand how essential digital evidence and secure networks are to both public safety and national defense.”

Pierre sees the scholarship as a bridge between that operational background and his future in digital forensics and threat mitigation.

“It allows me to transition back seamlessly into the Department of Defense workforce, where I can apply digital forensics and threat mitigation to safeguard critical national security systems.”

He chose UCF for its strong cybersecurity programs and integration with the National Center for Forensic Science.

“UCF integrates high-level technical rigor with practical, real-world application,” Pierre says. “It gives me access to advanced forensic tools and testing platforms that both challenge and prepare me for the complex demands of the defense sector.”

After earning his master’s degree, Pierre hopes to help detect, analyze and neutralize digital threats, building on his military service with new expertise.

“The SMART Scholarship is far more than funding; it is a truly transformational career engine, a direct pipeline back to the mission [that] began years ago in the U.S. Navy — back to where it all started.”

Engineering students are constantly told that grueling workloads, sleepless nights and brutal exams will eventually pay off with lucrative careers. But Michael Ferrante ’15MSEM wants them to know something far more important: they are not alone.

“I’m providing evidence that somebody cares. That’s important to students — knowing that somebody is listening.” — Michael Ferrante ’15MSEM, CECS special instructor

“I’m providing evidence that somebody cares,” says Ferrante, an engineering management graduate and a special instructor in UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) who has championed student success for over 50 years. “That’s important to students — knowing that somebody is listening.”

His peers at the Florida Engineering Society have tuned in as well, naming Ferrante their 2026 Engineering Faculty Member of the Year. The recognition came as a surprise to Ferrante, who does not teach full-time. Instead, he wears many other hats, all displaying an unwavering devotion to expanding engineering opportunities
at UCF.

“When a student comes back to me years later and says, ‘Hey, I got my Ph.D., I am working where I want to work and I’m enjoying life,’ that’s what matters,” Ferrante says. “I may have given them advice and steered them in the right direction, but they did the heavy lifting. They earned the grades and they put in the work.”

Tau Beta Pi Is In His DNA

Ferrante’s legacy began in the 1970s when he helped record UCF courses on Betamax tape for traveling engineers. Since then, he has been deeply embedded in campus engineering organizations. He is the chief advisor for Tau Beta Pi — the National Engineering Honor Society — and has served on numerous leadership committees, including the CECS Alumni Council, the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Institute (eli2) and the UCF student chapter of the Florida Engineering Society.

When he is not running between the engineering buildings, Ferrante is networking on behalf of students at national conferences, securing scholarships and bringing industry leaders to campus for recruitment events.

“The thing I’m most proud of involves Tau Beta Pi,” Ferrante says. “These students are the cream of the crop. When I began advising the UCF chapter 12 years ago, we had just three students. Today, our chapter has grown to more than 100 students and we regularly initiate dozens of new members each semester.”

Until Ferrante secured approval at a Tau Beta Pi national convention several years ago, computer science majors at UCF were ineligible to join the prestigious engineering honor society. Today, UCF stands as one of only an elite number of colleges nationwide permitted to induct computer science students into the organization.

“Mr. Ferrante is the kind of person who is always around and has his hands in everything. Nothing is too much for him. He’ll make the time for it.” — Julia Moras, computer science student

Computer science major Julia Moras is one of those select members. Since being initiated during her first year, Moras has spent the past two years leading the UCF chapter as its president.

“Mr. Ferrante is the kind of person who is always around and has his hands in everything,” says Moras, who has taken on the role of student advisor for the UCF chapter. “Nothing is too much for him. He’ll make the time for it.”

Next year, the Florida Delta chapter of Tau Beta Pi will celebrate its 50th anniversary at UCF. As the chapter prepares to host the District 5 conference for the third time, Ferrante will be busy organizing the landmark event. The numerous chapter awards lining his office walls stand as a testament to his impact — even if he is quick to deflect credit by insisting he is “just the advisor.” Yet, his influence extends far beyond the campus borders.

Alongside four decades of service to the Naval Air Warfare Center, where he worked on simulation and live system development projects, Ferrante served as a weapons expert and test sniper for the U.S. Army’s small arms development program. He also was vice president of a local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, volunteered for 40 years as a reserve captain with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and currently sits on the Zoning and Planning Board for the City of Winter Springs.

No Slowing Down

His wife and fellow UCF graduate, Pamela Ferrante ’85 MEd’95 EdS ’00, insists that retirement is out of the question. Even at 73, slowing down is simply not an option for her husband, a past recipient of the CECS Alumni Night Leadership and Service Award.

As a student advisor, Ferrante believes his job is to show up, listen and help. Sometimes that mentorship means writing letters of recommendation for scholarships or graduate schools, introducing students to prospective employers or providing them with advice. He and his wife also donate food, clothing and supplies to the UCF Knights Pantry, which provides for students’ immediate needs.

There is no telling how deep Ferrante’s campus footprint will grow. With his recent  appointment to College of Community Innovation and Education as courtesy professor of practice for engineering integration, Ferrante intends to leverage his five decades of engineering expertise to foster new strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives across the university and beyond.

“What really makes me feel good is when students make the effort and get the job of their dreams. All I do is try to direct them.” — Michael Ferrante ’15MSEM, CECS special instructor

“Mike has an extraordinary gift for making people feel supported,” says CCIE Interim Dean and Professor Ross Wolf ’88 ’91MPA ’98EdD, who volunteered with Ferrante in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “Over three decades, I watched him dedicate countless hours to mentoring and encouraging others. Whether in law enforcement, engineering or community service, Mike’s true passion has always been helping people reach their goals.”

One thing is for sure. Ferrante’s goal remains the same: to pay forward the education and opportunities that UCF provided him and his four children — Matthew ’16, Aimee ’17, Deanna ’17 and Jennifer ’19.

“What really makes me feel good is when students make the effort and get the job of their dreams,” Ferrante says. “All I do is try to direct them.”

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.

UCF 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 UCF 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 reduce barriers to educational attainment, 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, UCF president

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

“What distinguishes UCF’s approach is the way our community has translated that belief into sustained action,” UCF 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 UCF 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.

UCF 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, UCF 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

UCF dared to rethink traditional academic guidance, replacing reactive advising with a holistic model in 2023 — one that reaches students before challenges become barriers.

“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 UCF. “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 UCF.”

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

Every student in the graduating cohort is automatically evaluated nightly for indicators of completion status and progression risk. Those insights allow coaches, colleges and administrators to 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 UCF, 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.

UCF’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 UCF built to get there.

Rather than layering temporary programs onto existing structures, UCF 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. UCF’s 12 colleges and administrative teams remove barriers. 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.

“What I’m doing today is another full-circle moment,” she says about her current role as the assistant vice president of the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center. “It fits my passion for preparing students for life. Many of them remind me of myself, with similar challenges that I faced.”

Given only a narrow perspective of today, you’d never suspect Torres faced such challenges. You’d only see that Torres has three degrees from UCF, including a doctoral degree in education in curriculum and instruction. She helped imagine the office of Student Success and Well-Being for UCF Downtown. She’s been asked to share her expertise on student development at state and national conferences, earned awards for her exemplary practices, and can so easily articulate how UCF advanced the idea of “student success” from theory to proof that it’s easy to miss how this full circle began for her.

Torres has never forgotten.

“My motivation comes from my own story,” says Torres, who also earned a bachelor’s in foreign language education and master’s in educational leadership from UCF.

“As big as UCF is, it became my home. This is where I found mentors and people who helped me grow into what I am today. It’s why I’m here, 20-some years later, to make sure students have the support they need to graduate on time and discover their own passion to be successful.”

Before she knew what success as a student or as a leader meant, Torres had to overcome doubts. She struggled with a learning disability, which affected her academically and socially. The label on Chanda Torres the teenager said “at-risk student” and “low-income family.” She gravitated into theater to find a sense of belonging. To pull her credentials up to speed after high school, she muscled through classes at Brevard Community College. A few years later, driven partly by a desire to prove doubters wrong, she came to UCF to find her own way — a transfer student dropped off in a very new, very big place.

“It was the best thing my parents could have done,” Torres says. “As big as UCF is, it became my home. This is where I found mentors and people who helped me grow into what I am today. It’s why I’m here, 20-some years later, to make sure students have the support they need to graduate on time and discover their own passion to be successful.”

All of this tells us why the College of Community Innovation and Education honored Torres in 2023 as a Distinguished Alumni. She is also a big reason UCF has achieved a 90% freshman retention rate and increased our four-year graduation rate to 68.1%, which is up 18.1 percentage points in five years.

“To have achieved success as a student despite my history,” she says, “and then to be honored for the work I’m doing for other students, and now to play a role in UCF’s [qualification for] designation as a preeminent university, it all represents another full circle.”

Driven by Personal Experience to Serve Students

At the Dixon Career Development Center, Torres oversees services and programs that support students through every stage of their journey — from discovering career and advanced-degree options and gaining meaningful experience to preparing for and launching their next step. Through career education, employer connections, internships and other experiential learning opportunities, Dixon Career Development Center helps students build a future with confidence and purpose.

Torres knows the greatest impact begins with one student and one conversation at a time.

“It’s crucial to understand where they’ve been and where they want to go,” she says. “There are people around us in everyday life who are intelligent and talented but haven’t heard someone tell them. Ironically, that’s exactly what turned everything around for me.”

“I knew deep down, despite my learning difficulties, that I was capable. The question was always, ‘Does anyone else believe it?’ ”

Torres’ parents never had a “someone.” Her mom had dropped out of high school. Her dad joined the military to escape poverty. They married young. Torres would be the second of their four children.

“I knew deep down, despite my learning difficulties, that I was capable. The question was always, ‘Does anyone else believe it?’ ” she says.

To this day, she points back to a high-school language arts teacher, Mr. Couch, who encouraged Torres to participate in theater and engage in public speaking. His confidence in her unlocked skills and pathways she didn’t know existed. Because of him, she pursued a degree in education, so she could also be a teacher. What happened during her master’s work at UCF turned her into a lifelong believer in learning opportunities outside the classroom.

“Ironically,” she says again, “while mentoring UCF students in the program now known as SOAR [Seizing Opportunities for Achievement and Retention], I helped some of them with public speaking. That’s what Mr. Couch told me was my strength before I knew it myself. I began to realize my calling into leadership, where I could scale my impact with students.”

After a 10-year run in student support at Valencia College, Torres was courted to return to UCF as the assistant vice president of student success. She would be among the first to create real structure for the concept of student success at her alma mater: advising, coaching, retention, and career and transfer services. To inspire her to map out the future, she could look at her own past.

Turns out, another inspiration was coming.

A Reinvigorated Purpose

Torres’ perspective changed dramatically in 2018. Early that year, she took a leave from UCF to give birth to her daughter. The questions she’d always heard from parents of students took root in her own mind. What will my little girl’s life be like? Will she find her own passion? What can I do to make sure she thrives?

Torres set up a scholarship fund. She paid attention to her daughter’s interests in animals and STEM, supporting her passion for animal rescues, attending SeaWorld camp and learning code. She would be a mother, mentor and encourager.

“I’ve learned from my own experiences how important it is to be engaged in her journey, so when the time comes, she can graduate on time, get the job she wants and be retained because of her valuable skills. Those are the same types of measures of success we have for each UCF student.”

“My purpose could not be more clear: to make sure every student, regardless of high school or background, whether they’re a freshman or transfer, is seen, supported, and feels capable.”

After her maternity leave, Torres went to UCF Downtown to mesh student affairs with the community and business sector. Then, in July 2025, she returned to the main campus that she says she remembers as home to lead the Dixon Career Development Center.

“It’s exciting to see students connecting with resources — like academic success coaches — and discovering a clear direction. They have research opportunities, clubs, community work, networking and people to listen.”

Maybe it isn’t so ironic that she’s here, where her own path to success started.

“My purpose could not be more clear: to make sure every student, regardless of high school or background, whether they’re a freshman or transfer, is seen, supported, and feels capable,” she says. “That’s what I needed to complete my journey. And now it’s my way of giving back to the university that has given me so much.”

That dedication and her passion for research recently earned Kramer the inaugural Dean Deborah C. German, M.D. FIRE (Focused Individualized Research Experience) Impact Award, an honor named after the founding dean ɫ����’s College of Medicine who created the FIRE course, which requires every student to conduct a two-year research project.

German announced earlier this year that she is transitioning from her role and will remain at UCF for a year as an advisor to the president and provost on health affairs. FIRE leaders created the award to honor German’s legacy of scientific discovery as part of medical training, an educational component that makes UCF’s medical school unique nationally.

“I want our students to develop a spirit of inquiry. I want every UCF physician not to be afraid to seek answers to medicine’s unanswered questions.” — Deborah German, College of Medicine dean

“I want our students to develop a spirit of inquiry,” German told Kramer as she presented her with the award. “I want every UCF physician not to be afraid to seek answers to medicine’s unanswered questions.”

After earning an undergraduate degree the University of South Florida, Kramer decided to attend UCF in part because the FIRE course was one reason she came to UCF.

“I wanted to combine research with clinical care,” she says.

Her FIRE project focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of only 5% to 7%, according to the Mayo Clinic. Even if surgery, chemotherapy and radiation initially stop the cancer, it usually returns and becomes stronger. Kramer says she wanted to know why.

With support from her FIRE mentor, Kiminobu Sugaya, head of the College of Medicine’s neuroscience research division, she discovered that extracellular vesicles responsible for cell-to-cell communication may influence non-cancer cells to take on cancer-like properties.

The new award goes to the student whose research shows the greatest potential impact to medicine and/or biomedical research. College of Medicine faculty and fellow students chose Kramer for the award during the FIRE Conference.

“It is our privilege to establish this award in honor of Dean German,” say Robert Hines and Lane Coffee, co-directors of the FIRE course. “When establishing this medical school, she realized the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry, and our students have benefited from — and will continue to benefit from — this course within the curriculum.”

As coach ɫ����’s championship Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition Team (C3), Thomas Nedorost ’02 keeps his eye on the prize — but not just the trophies.

For Nedorost, a management information systems alum, the real prize is seeing his students and C3 team members become trailblazers, land top industry jobs, build successful careers and pave the way for other Knights.

A senior lecturer in UCF’s , Nedorost has coached C3 to 15 national championships in 14 years. The team has finished among the top three in 198 competitions, earning 123 first-place wins along the way.

UCF has one of the nation’s most successful collegiate cybersecurity programs, with its competition team winning 15 national championships in the last 14 years.

C3 members compete against top universities worldwide, putting their cybersecurity defense skills to the test by protecting systems against simulated threats.

Nedorost, who built the program from the ground up, is proud of what his teams have achieved over the years, and he sees the impact of their success in the opportunities that come their way.

“Because of the experience they get on C3, team members end up in fantastic internships in the field, and when they graduate, most of them skip over entry-level jobs and land roles at that next level, along with some impressive salaries. So, their career prospects are really strong,” Nedorost says.

Fostering Excellence, Investing with Impact

Even with the team’s consistent success, funding has remained an ongoing challenge.

“We have struggled from day one — not in finding talent or space, but in acquiring computer equipment and funds for airfare, hotels, meals and other operational expenses,” Nedorost says.

The university’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Fund through the has been a source of support, thanks to the generosity of individual donors, as well as several companies and organizations.

That support has helped C3 compete at the highest level. But Nedorost knows that long-term success requires long-term investment.

So, he’s making one himself.

Nedorost is making a planned gift to support future C3 teams. By including the program in his estate plans, he’s creating a legacy that’ll continue investing in the next generation of cybersecurity talent long after his coaching career ends.

His commitment represents the largest single gift to C3 to date.

“My hope is that this will always be a strong program, and that future team members will continue to compete at an elite level, become leaders in the industry and always feel like they have a place in the community we’ve built,” Nedorost says.

Building Greatness

C3 began when former information technology major Jonathan Singer ’13 approached Nedorost during his first semester as a UCF instructor and proposed entering the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CDCC).

Nedorost had a background in management information systems and had served as an adjunct instructor at Valencia College and UCF, but he didn’t have experience in cybersecurity. He gave Singer the go-ahead to hold an interest meeting.

When 86 students showed up, Nedorost knew they were onto something.

The Collegiate Cyber Defense Club was born, and Nedorost began building a team from among its members, focusing on elevating UCF’s competitive excellence in this emerging field.

“During the live competitions, I can’t help them. They have to rely on what they’ve learned in class, what they’ve seen and done before, and what they’ve practiced as a team,” Nedorost says.

In its first year, with just eight members, the team won the Southeast CCDC regional competition. That victory earned the team a trip to nationals, where it finished 10th.

These days, Nedorost fields a team of 25 to 27 students each year, from which he builds competition rosters. C3 has won six CDCC national competitions since those early years — more than any other team in the competition’s history.

“Like any winning team, we put our top talent in the competition. And meanwhile, I’m always recruiting so that we have a strong bench for the future,” Nedorost says.

Fostering Community, Opening Doors

As he has built the program, Nedorost has also created a community that supports each other.

Experienced C3 members serve as speakers at club meetings and lead workshops to help other students. Program alumni return to help Nedorost coach the team, mentor students, serve as guest lecturers and even sponsor meals during local competitions.

Those alumni connections also open doors to internships and jobs as former team members advance in their own careers.

The rise in cybercrime in recent years has fueled demand for cybersecurity professionals, creating a significant gap between the number of skilled workers and available positions. The United States has more than 1.3 million cybersecurity professionals — the largest cybersecurity workforce in the world today — with more than 500,000 open positions in the field (Programs.com 2026 report).

UCF is preparing students to help fill that gap.

Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, UCF attracts talented students passionate about the field.

Nedorost is part of that success. In addition to serving as C3 coach and faculty advisor to the Collegiate Cyber Defense Club, he directs UCF’s and teaches courses including Cyber Defense Analysis and Topics in Cybersecurity.

Investments like Nedorost’s highlight the importance ɫ����’s Go For Launch campaign: Investing in students to elevate their competitive excellence and shape a bold tomorrow.

In April 2023, a few days after senior prom, Gabby Murison ’26 and her family drove 650 miles from New Orleans to Orlando. They’d vacationed in previous years to the area’s theme parks, but this time they had just one destination on the itinerary: UCF. The university interested Murison for its strong film program through the . She also knew UCF offered a variety of pathways in case she discovered a new interest.

“I’ll never forget stepping onto Memory Mall,” she says. “My thoughts about college changed. I got caught up in this environment of ‘we support each other because we’re all Knights’ and I was ready to move.”

“… I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.”

Moving was nothing new to Murison. Her dad serves in the U.S. Army, so she’d already lived in eight cities across six states.

“But I’d never been anywhere like UCF,” she says. “I had big goals: to develop my creative side and learn about social media and film. But I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.”

The Curious Freshman Looking for Community

At the beginning, Murison was like most first-year students: a bit uncertain, searching for a connection.

“I realized quickly that the 670 clubs and organizations at UCF need people,” says Murison, who minored in event management. “As soon as I got involved, the student population of 70,000 got smaller. It ignited passions I didn’t know existed.”

“My perspective grew by talking with people … and observing how mentors … guided others.”

Her first connection came through an academic and community engagement initiative, which she saw as an opportunity to get out of her dorm and become involved in service, which runs in her family of military veterans, educators and nurses. On day one, she asked a fellow member, civil engineering major Luisa Cordova, to go for a walk. Murison learned about life in Venezuela on that walk. She also found a best friend and roommate.

“My perspective grew by talking with people like Luisa and observing how mentors … guided others,” Murison says.

A mentor gently persuaded Murison to apply her communication skills to the campus community. Still in her first semester and despite a full plate, Murison volunteered for Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.

“It was supposed to be a simple way to pitch in,” Murison says, “but as I guarded the pool, I was struck by the impact students were making by running this big event.”

By her sophomore year, Murison had been named to the executive board for Homecoming.

“My involvement grew to the point where I’d see students wearing merchandise I helped design,” she says. “My confidence and connections to UCF kept expanding.”

A Full-Circle Moment

At the beginning of Murison’s junior year, Malaret suggested that Murison transition from LEAD to the President’s Leadership Council (PLC). Murison found PLC to be another way to inspire UCF students to make the most of their entire college experience, just as she’d been doing herself. Around the same time, she discovered an ideal outlet to share her knowledge and growing love for UCF: as an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador.

“When I was a little girl, I wanted to be Hannah Montana,” she says. “Being a tour guide is as close as I’ve come to that dream. Talking about UCF to groups became like a performance, except everything I say is true.”

“My advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about. Make a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun.”

During at least 100 tours, Murison spoke with more than 1,000 prospective students and VIP guests. She walked them along Memory Mall, through the “we’re all Knights” environment that changed her view of college, and described firsthand the transformative power of campus involvement.

“My advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about,” she says. “Make a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun. And don’t be involved for the sake of a resume.”

On one tour in 2025, she met a girl from her high school in Louisiana, an 18-year-old version of herself, with one foot at prom and the other reaching toward the next phase of life.

“I must have given a decent tour because she just finished her freshman year at UCF,” Murison says. “She’s [involved on campus] and serves on the Homecoming committee. Isn’t that amazing? It’s gratifying to have made an impact, but even better to know that she’s creating her own path, and a personal story to share with others.”

Murison’s experience reflects the vibrant community and opportunities available across UCF — where getting involved can lead to lifelong friendships, new skills and a growing sense of belonging. It’s an experience reflected in UCF’s Grade A overall rating and its No. 19 ranking for Best Student Life in America and No. 21 for Best College Campuses in America by .

The Accomplished Graduate Ready for the World

In April, UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences launched a Pegasus Partnership to strengthen three decades of collaboration with aligning education with real-world experience, creating career pathways and developing themed innovations.

In April, three years after her first step onto campus, Murison was awarded the Order of Pegasus, UCF’s most prestigious student award. She was notified that she had received the honor while on a retreat with admission tour guides, with whom she became friends.

“The honor meant more because they were there to celebrate with me,” she says.

A few weeks later, Murison graduated and finished an event management internship at Universal Orlando Resort, where she further strengthened her ability to prioritize responsibilities and find balance. She now has job offers from several companies in Orlando, though she could envision a move to California to pursue filmmaking or scriptwriting. There will be plenty of time to decide.

“I’m the kid who watched with awe when the credits rolled at the end of Disney movies,” Murison says. “Building something big from scratch always fascinated me, especially when it involves a team. That’s what my UCF experience has been like. For now, though, I’ll just — exhale. I want to spend time being 22 for a little while.”

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 UCF 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, UCF 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: Students 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 UCF 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  in 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 UCF’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 UCF 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 UCF’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 UCF 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 mental health support. Additionally, they have complimentary access to ‘ anonymous peer support community and  teletherapy 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  has 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 UCF 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 UCF 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!) ɫ����’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 UCF, where you can sort donations at local food pantries, tutor students, assist in hospitals and connect with the community.

• Take part in iconic UCF traditions like Spirit Splash, one of the most beloved Homecoming Week events, and Pegasus Palooza, UCF’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 UCF 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 UCF 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 myUCF 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 UCF 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!

This guide is a resource to help you develop a sense of belonging, find community and build lifelong friendships while studying at UCF.

Marquee Events

Whether you’re studying at UCF Downtown, the , Rosen College of Hospitality Management or the main campus,  you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Some signature events have become beloved UCF traditions with not-to-be-missed programming:

• Pegasus Palooza, UCF’s annual welcome week, greets new and returning students to campus with a variety of events including notable headliners at Comedy Knight and Concert Knight.

• UCF Homecoming Week,���ڱ𲹳ٳܰ����Բ���Spirit Splash, kicks off Monday, Oct. 19, and concludes with the UCF football team’s matchup against BYU on Saturday, Oct. 24.

• Space Game, a football game unlike any other in the nation, pays tribute to our UCF’s roots as America’s Space University. This year’s matchup against Baylor on Friday, Oct. 30, marks 10 years of the Space Game.

• , held each spring at  Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, showcases the artistic talents ɫ����’s faculty and students in performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences.

• Gather Luncheon, a community-building event in the spring hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services and Dining Services,  brings hundreds of students together  for a free, three-course meal.

Recreation, Intramurals and Sports Clubs

In addition to its fitness and recreation facilities, the Recreation and Wellness Center has longstanding intramural and sports club programs that allow students to form friendships and win championships, sometimes on the brightest of stages.

The RWC’s intramural sports program welcomes all UCF students, especially those who are new to Orlando and haven’t met enough peers to form their own team. Thanks to its free agency feature, individuals ca be matched up with others or be paired with an established team.

The sports club includes 45 different sports, encompassing everything from judo to lacrosse to wakeboarding and have produced some ɫ����’s most notable alumni. Gold medalist Phil Dalhausser ’02, who played club volleyball while pursuing his business degree, and bronze medalist Kristen Thomas ’16, who began her rugby career as a theatre studies major at UCF, both went on to represent Team USA at multiple Summer Olympic Games.

For more information, visit .

Registered Student Organizations

UCF offers more than 650 registered student organizations spanning academic, professional, cultural and spiritual, social and recreational, and sports interests.

KnightConnect is UCF’s official involvement platform where students can explore these organizations or even create a new one. Each organization has its own page with meeting times, contact information, and ways to get involved.

Visit the  to find the organization right for you.

Greek Life

The fraternity and sorority experience has long been a part of campus life. Since the 1970s, fraternities and sororities have been providing spaces of belonging for students to grow together during their collegiate years.

Currently our UCF Greek community is comprised of 47 organizations, which all share the values of scholarship, leadership, service and brotherhood/sisterhood.

For more information visit .

UCF Athletics – Knightmare Society and Marching Knights

UCF is a member of one of the premiere conferences in the nation, the Big 12. From Fear the Fronds to Zombie Nation, the student section’s energy is an integral part of the game day atmosphere and gives the Knights a distinct home field (and court) advantage.

All full-time UCF-enrolled students (except ɫ����) are eligible for free tickets to home sporting events. Please note: all seating is first-come, first-served and admission is not guaranteed. For more information, especially for football and men’s basketball student tickets, please visit .

�ճ���� is an organization built and run by UCF students and supported by UCF Athletics. Joining the official group has its perks, including football tickets automatically loaded to members’ Ticketmaster accounts, a dedicated fast pass entrance at all UCF men’s basketball games, and first access to post-season student ticket claims.

Students can also contribute to game-day experiences by joining , a more than 390-member marching band student organization that performs at pregame shows, halftime shows, pep rallies and other fan-fest events. By creating the soundtrack for these dynamic events, the Marching Knights serve as one of the most vibrant and visible forces for school spirit.

Engage in Research

Undergraduate research provides opportunities to build a learning community with faculty and fellow students while engaging in meaningful work that develops solutions for challenges facing our communities, industries and the world.

In addition to forging connections with peers and mentors, this practical experience allows students to build their professional resumes before they graduate.

, UCF’s annual university-wide celebration of research and creative scholarship showcases graduate and undergraduate research. The week is scheduled for March 29 through April 2, 2027, featuring presentations, exhibitions and other events showcasing student research.

For more information on how to get involved with undergraduate research, visit .

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UCF students live in one of the most vibrant destinations in the world, Orlando. Whatever your interest, Orlando likely has it: theme parks, elite sporting events, electric festivals, Michelin-rated restaurants, nearby coastlines and natural springs.

Orlando is what you make it, and there are ways to experience it all on a student budget.

�ճ���� offers discounted tickets to various attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Kennedy Space Center. Every spring semester, UCF students enjoy free, exclusive access to Universal Islands of Adventure as part of Universal Knights.

 gives Knights of all experience levels opportunities to go on hiking and camping trips at nearby springs, learn to surf, paddle through bioluminescent waters and more.

Several cultural museums in the area offer free entry, including the  on the main campus, Rollins Museum of Art and Mead Garden in nearby Winter Park, and the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida in Maitland. �ճ����acclaimed Orlando Museum of Art offers free entry on the third Thursday of each month as part of its Access for All initiative.

Held annually at the start of the fall semester, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining offers a chance to sample some the area’s exceptional restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost. Savor three-course, prix-fixe dinners  — including at Aurora at the on-campus The Celeste Hotel — for just $40 or $60 per person from Aug. 14 – Sept. 30, 2026.