FAIRWINDS聽Credit Union聽sponsored聽the聽event,聽which featured pizza, drinks and聽25 departments and organizations聽that distributed聽information about their services聽and programs. 麻豆原创 spirit prizes including a 麻豆原创 umbrella, banner, tumbler, hat and blanket provided by First Year Experience were awarded to three students selected from a chance drawing.

Malaika Cesar-Nemorin, a Spring 2015 admitted student who attended, said the event was, 鈥済reat because I was able to connect with different organizations that I wanted more information about.鈥� Cesar-Nemorin also commented that because she was a spring admit last year she could, 鈥渟ee how helpful the event is for students that start in the spring because you鈥檙e able to get information about a lot of different resources that 麻豆原创 has to offer.鈥�

This event was one of many that FYAE has organized to assist spring admitted students in becoming more connected to 麻豆原创 and counts as one of the qualifying events for the $1,000 SGA Spring Admit Scholarship.

For more information, contact Jena Smith at Jena.Smith@ucf.edu.

Students had the opportunity to meet with:

The event was hosted by First Year Advising and Exploration, and was sponsored by Fairwinds Credit Union.

The Welcome Expo occurs during the first week of classes which also coincides with the drop/swap and add deadlines. Because of these deadlines, FYAE offered Walk-In Hours that day. Students could attend Welcome Expo, but those who needed assistance were directed to Howard Phillips Hall where several advisors were on stand-by throughout the event.聽

It remains a consistent priority that the needs of students are at the forefront of our mission. FYAE is committed to continuing the tradition of Welcome Expo and furnishing a positive experience for all students.聽聽聽聽聽

First Year Advising and Exploration is a department in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.

The Knights will kick off against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium.

Family Weekend highlights include:

Registration is closed for some Family Weekend events.

Students enjoyed a festive Italian dinner catered by Sbarro鈥檚 as well as entertainment by the Crescendudes, who performed cappella style. Maribeth Ehasz, vice president Student Development and Enrollment Services, welcomed students and congratulated them on their success. Pedro Patino, associate chair Chemistry Department, served as the keynote speaker for the program. Voted by first-year students as the faculty member most influential in their success for fall 2013, Patino took this opportunity to address these students and offer inspiration for the road ahead. He avowed, “My teaching philosophy is鈥ransmitting knowledge to others.” He finished his presentation with an edict to his students via a proverb: “The only place where success is before work is in the dictionary.”

Elizabeth Santiago, a first year Psychology major from Cape Coral, served as the representative of the 1,824 first year scholars and offered a “student reflection” during the program. She entered 麻豆原创 as a student through the SOAR [Seizing Opportunities for Achievement and Retention] Program in summer 2013. Through this program, Santiago received encouragement and mentoring which ultimately resulted in her being honored as a First Year Scholar by the end of fall 2013. She continues to blossom at 麻豆原创 and utilizes each opportunity to reach her goal of becoming a practicing attorney specializing in family law. During her speech, she detailed the process of decision making and outlined the journey ahead for first year scholars. She spoke the following words to inspire her fellow honorees: “Use this accomplishment as the stepping stone for your next achievement.”

Demings said, “This message is consistently echoed in the actions of academic advisors within First Year Advising and Exploration and we strive to give each student confidence to fulfill their purpose academically, socially, and professionally. It is a charge to ignite all of our students regardless of GPA to move forward in each of their endeavors with the expectation of success.”

Santiago ended with encouraging words, “Dream on, study on, and charge on.”

David Oglethorpe, coordinator for First Year Advising and Exploration, initiated the concept of the First Knights organization in an effort to help first-generation students. Oglethorpe along with FYAE coordinator Dillon Burleson and graduate assistant Becky Easter serve as advisors to First Knights.

鈥淭he biggest challenge for the first-generation students lie within not knowing what to expect or what to ask,鈥� stated Oglethorpe. 鈥淪tudents who have parents who have completed college degrees are able to rely on them to guide them through the expectations of college, but first-generation students have to go elsewhere to find this information. It can be very difficult to let someone know that you don鈥檛 understand something that is perceived by many to be general knowledge.鈥�

鈥淔irst Knights is not an academic resource but serves more of a social resource for students,鈥� said Oglethorpe. He said one resource, the Office of Student Involvement鈥檚 Knights of the Round Table-a student advisory council, has a great service for students called Knight Quest. 鈥淏y completing a quick interview, students are given a list of clubs, organizations and campus activities that match their hobbies and interests.鈥�

The goal of this new organization is to provide a home for first-generation students where they can find help accessing academic and social resources available to all 麻豆原创 students. Students interested in learning more about the First Knights organization can email Interim President LaShaunda Hayes at: 2010L.Hayes@knights.ucf.edu or 鈥楲ike鈥� the First Knights 麻豆原创 Facebook page at: .

The event continues to increase in size yearly and the response of the 麻豆原创 community fuels FYAE鈥檚 drive to produce affairs that remain focused on familiarizing students with 麻豆原创鈥檚 culture and traditions. Ranked as the second largest institution of higher education in America, the magnitude of this campus can often be perceived as daunting to a newcomer. The goal of the Welcome Expo is to counter this perception by offering a great collection of agencies in one facility while allowing students and employees alike to speak with individuals at each table on a one-on-one level.

This year鈥檚 attendance and participation marked one of the highest years yet with 4,585 individuals and the contribution of 101 student organizations and 33 academic departments. The response for Welcome Expo was tremendous with the office nearly doubling the number of those who attended from last year.

FYAE also maintained the focus of their office by offering Walk-in Hours at the expo allowing students the opportunity to enjoy themselves socially while also concentrating on their academic needs.

Sophomore Brian Gil stated that he would encourage students to attend by, 鈥渓etting them know about free giveaways鈥eople underestimate the event and think it鈥檚 just like Orientation but they don鈥檛 realize all of the vendors and free giveaways available. I would definitely go again next year.鈥�

But with studying, activities, internships and other commitments, you may not even notice time whizzing by.

So what鈥檚 the secret to making the most of your time at 麻豆原创 and graduating as planned?

Over the past 50 years, nearly 250,000 students have graduated from 麻豆原创, and we鈥檝e gathered tips for academic success from across campus to help you on your journey to reaching that milestone.

Get involved in campus life. 麻豆原创 is home to hundreds of student organizations, including Greek life, academic and cultural clubs, and intramural sports teams.

Don鈥檛 fret if you don鈥檛 know where to start. Each fall during the first week of classes, 麻豆原创 hosts a welcome week called . Social, academic and service activities are planned for each day to help new and returning students get acquainted with campus and meet fellow Knights.

Among the new student groups launching this fall is First Knights Organization, which will support first-generation college students as they adjust to campus life and help them get involved.

鈥淎s a first-generation student, involvement is a big reason why I have had much success at 麻豆原创,鈥� said LaShaunda Hayes, the organization鈥檚 interim president. 鈥淕etting involved my freshman year helped me to surround myself with other leaders on campus, and that鈥檚 what I hope First Knights does for other students.鈥�

Apply for scholarships. 麻豆原创 awards more than $500 million in financial assistance each year, and there鈥檚 a piece of that pie out there for you, too.

Be aware of the grant and scholarship opportunities that are available. Many of them are listed online .

If you鈥檙e aiming high, consider reaching out to the Office of Prestigious Awards. The office works with students in pursuit of major scholarships or fellowships funded by national or international foundations, and staff can help you determine which awards might be the best fit for your skills, talents and goals.

Get on a first-name basis with your advisor. Your academic advisor can help you navigate courses, guide you in changing your major and ensure that you鈥檙e on track to graduate on time, so don鈥檛 hold off on introducing yourself to them.

First-year students are assigned an advisor from First Year Advising & Exploration. Once you declare a major, an advisor from your college is assigned to you. Students who haven鈥檛 declared a major or are in the process of changing their area of study can visit the Sophomore and Second Year Center.

鈥淩egardless of the questions students have, know that we can either answer them directly or point students in the right direction,鈥� said academic advising coordinator David Oglethorpe. 鈥淎s for schedule planning and academics, it鈥檚 very important that students review their planned schedules with their advisors at least once a semester 鈥� this way, we can ensure that everything is in place for success.鈥�

Visit the Student Self Service tab on my麻豆原创 to learn how to contact your advisor.

Consider learning outside of the classroom. Nearly three quarters of all 麻豆原创 students take at least one online course each year, and web, video and blended classes account for more than 34 percent of all student credit hours.

It鈥檚 no secret that web-based courses offer flexibility for students, but a study from the U.S. Department of Education also found that on average, students perform better in blended classes than they do in face-to-face classes.

Some 麻豆原创 programs even offer fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees.

鈥淏lended and online learning gives you options, and that鈥檚 why I find them so convenient,鈥� said Joyce Jacobson, a junior business management major. 鈥淚 have a job, but I can still watch lectures and learn lessons in a way that fits into my schedule. Those types of courses also teach you a lot about time management鈥攜ou have to be responsible and watch lectures and take notes. The accountability falls on you.鈥�

Remember that it鈥檚 never too early to think about what鈥檚 next. From resume critiques to mock interviews to career exploration, Career Services and Experiential Learning helps students plan their futures outside of 麻豆原创.

Whether you鈥檙e on the hunt for a job, internship or career, the office鈥檚 location near Memory Mall is a one-stop shop for students seeking assistance with achieving their academic and professional goals. There are resources to help you explore career fields, gain hands-on work experience and line up plans for after graduation.

The key is to think about what comes next early on.

More than 100 employers will gather at 麻豆原创 on Oct. 3 for the Fall Career Expo, which is open to students and alumni looking for a way to connect with the job market. More information is available , and the deadline to register is in September.

鈥淢r. Congos has shown a sustained commitment to the field of academic support and retention services through leadership, scholarship and practice since the late 1970鈥檚,鈥� noted DeLaine Priest, associate vice president of Student Development and Enrollment Services.

Congos has worked at various institutions across the country, where he has developed and facilitated innovative programming in the areas of advising, academic success, and Supplemental Instruction. Throughout his professional life, he has made significant contributions as an administrator, international trainer and presenter and scholar. He has published 24 articles in professional journals, and two textbooks with McGraw Hill designed to help students acquire and refine college level skills for learning.

Congos is a recognized national and international leader in the area of Supplemental Instruction. He has built comprehensive SI programs at various institutions. He has prolifically published articles focused on the value of SI to student success. His work and research led him to become the first person to take SI overseas, to Kingston University in England, where he presented and trained administrators and staff in establishing SI programs. One of his articles was published in the prestigious British publication, Studies in Higher Education, which for many years was the most widely cited source on SI internationally. From that initial experience and three return consulting trips, SI has spread to over 30 countries around the world. At 麻豆原创, Congos expanded the SI program from covering two classes to up to 24 sections, trained over 50 SI leaders and trained over 30 faculty members.

Congratulations to Dennis Congos for his outstanding commitment to assist students to succeed and promote academic support services.