EXCELLENCE
Students with diverse talents and backgrounds have the opportunity to study multiple disciplines They learn to do, to create, to learn, and to succeed.
INNOVATION
Students who major in Interdisciplinary Studies have the opportunity to create a course of study that prepares them to be successful.
DISTINCTION
The College of Undergraduate Studies collaborates with colleges and units across UCF to create this exceptional educational experience.
News
UCF Recognized for Accelerating Latino Student Success
The UCF McNair Scholars Program, part of the Division of Teaching & Learning, has been recognized by Excelencia in Education as one of the most effective initiatives in the United States for increasing Latino student success in college. Out of 161 programs in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, UCF was one of 19 finalists in the organization’s Examples of Excelencia awards program.
Since 2003, our McNair Scholars Program has prepared students from low-income, first-generation and traditionally underrepresented groups for doctoral studies. Currently, 85% of our scholars are enrolled or have graduated from graduate/professional schools – pursuing advanced degrees throughout the U.S. and abroad in a variety of majors from chemistry to sociology.
Joey Velez-Ginorio is just one example of how the McNair program opens up a world of possibilities for students. When he arrived at UCF he had a tough time, even finding himself on academic probation. With guidance and encouragement from the McNair team, Joey got back on track and began to plan for his future. Today, Joey is doing research work at MIT’s Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines. He has also earned the distinction of being a Goldwater Scholar.
“One of our guiding principles at UCF is that innovation comes from the meeting of diverse viewpoints and the division’s McNair Scholars Program was designed in an effort to ‘walk the talk.’ We know that helping students unleash their full potential, regardless of background, will have a positive impact on communities and the economy as a whole. It’s gratifying to know that our program is truly making a difference when benchmarked against other diversity efforts throughout the country,” said Elizabeth A. Dooley, Ed.D., Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning and Dean, College of Undergraduate Studies.
The national winners of the 2017 Examples of Excelencia will be announced in Washington, D.C., on October 5 at the Mayflower Hotel at the annual Celebración de Excelencia.
Congratulations to IDS Graduates
On August 5, 2017, 174 IDS students will walk across the stage at commencement. This once-in-a-lifetime day is the culmination of years of commitment to earn their college degrees. In recognition of their achievements, each graduate will receive a graduation medallion.
Congratulations to IDS students graduating with honors:
Summa Cum Laude
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Lynn Edwards
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Molly Gregory and Taylor Scimeca
B.S. IDS, Environmental Studies: Tiffany Crawford, John Sinnott, and William Turnipseed
Magna Cum Laude
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Michelle Saldivar and Ruth Savoia
Cum Laude
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Jordan Davis, Yelitza Delgado, and Isabella Harris
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Alexandra Garrido, Jerilyn Pollock, Terrance Singleton, and Christy Teele
B.S. IDS, Environmental Studies: Jade Payne and Joshua Winograd
Handshake Your Source for Amazing Jobs, Internships, and Co-ops
Finding the perfect job, internship, and co-op just got easier for UCF students and alumni. In June, Career Services and Experiential Learning introduced Handshake, an online platform that provides access to employers and nonprofits that want to hire Knights. More than 180,000 employers – including 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies – recruit using Handshake. Access Handshake today.
