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GEP Update August 2025

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Volume 6, Issue 1

Fall Semester Update

Wayne Bowen

Wayne H. Bowen, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost
Office of Undergraduate Studies

The fall semester is underway, and I’m excited to continue working with you to strengthen UCF’s General Education Program (GEP) and create lasting benefits for our faculty and students.

Together, we’ve made great progress. This summer brought several important GEP developments:

  • The UCF Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors approved the 2025–26 and 2026–27 general education programs.

  • GEP learning outcomes were updated to align with the state’s framework.

  • The program was nominated for an Exemplary Program Award from the Association for General and Liberal Studies (decision pending).

  • Yeidaliz Garcia joined UCF as the new GEP instructional specialist. Be sure to read “Building Connections: A Conversation with Yeidaliz Garcia” later in this newsletter.

  • Completed the fifth year of GEP assessment data collection.

  • Submitted the final accreditation report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and transitioned to the Higher Learning Commission.

  • Launched new faculty recognition programs, including the GEP Innovation Award, the GEP Certificate of Engagement and the inaugural GEP Leadership Award, presented to Dr. Amanda Pacheco at the FCTL Summer Institute.

  • Transitioned the GEP to the new Office of Undergraduate Studies, which replaces the universitywide roles of the former College of Undergraduate Studies.

These milestones reflect the dedication and innovation of our faculty. Thank you for your commitment to shaping UCF’s GEP and preparing our students for success. I look forward to building on this momentum together throughout the year.

Assessing GEP Courses

UCF has updated its General Education Program (GEP) foundations to align with Florida’s statewide educational goals and ensure consistency across State University System and Florida College System institutions. The new foundations are communication, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics.

The Board of Governors has confirmed that we may continue using the same learning outcomes as before, as they align with the new state-mandated foundation learning objectives. For details on the updated foundations, see “Understanding the New GEP Standards” below.

Each faculty member teaching a GEP course must assess an assignment that measures at least one new foundation learning outcome (LO) and uses the associated GEP rubric. This can be done by adding a rubric category from the “GEP Outcomes” folder in the GEP Faculty Learning Community to an existing assignment.

Fall 2025 GEP assessments are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

To ensure your course, assignments and assessments meet the new general education requirements:

  • Verify that each assignment is aligned with at least one of the GEP LOs. We strongly recommend aligning it with LO 1 of your respective foundation, as it is the most fundamental LO.

  • Revise your syllabus, rubrics and Canvas modules to reflect the changes.

If you need assistance aligning your assignments with the LOs, contact your department’s assessment coordinator, instructional design support team, Annabelle Conroy, or the new GEP instructional specialist, Yeidaliz Garcia.

Understanding the New GEP Standards

Florida has updated the state’s General Education Program (GEP) learning outcomes. UCF has revised its GEP to comply with these new requirements. At the same time, the university is preparing to transition to a new accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission.

We understand these changes may initially require additional work for faculty. However, implementing them at the start of a new assessment cycle is intended to ease the transition and minimize long-term disruption. By aligning with the State of Florida’s standardized foundation names, we can ensure greater consistency across institutions statewide—ultimately reducing the need for future revisions.

What You Need to Know

  • The state introduced new foundations—communication, humanities, mathematics, social sciences and natural sciences.

  • Gordon Rule courses have been renamed to State Writing and Math Requirements.

  • As has become customary, faculty members teaching a GEP course must include at least one assignment that measures at least one of the general education foundations’ LOs.

  • You may continue to include your own course-specific LOs; however, be sure at least one GEP LO is also measured.

Resources

  • GEP Faculty Learning Community:  Provides an overview of the new GEP foundation names and assessment instructions.

  • New Quizzes tool: Automatically assigns outcome scores—no need to manually select rubric categories. Instructions are available in the GEP Learning Community.

  • GEP team: Will help you navigate the new foundations and learning outcomes.

As you begin to plan your fall semester, it might be a great time to start thinking about your plan to adapt to these GEP curriculum changes.

We truly appreciate your dedication and flexibility as we work together to strengthen our GEP. We hope you enjoy the summer and prepare for a fantastic fall!

We will be scheduling workshops and consultation in the fall to help you update and set up your GEP assessments. We’ll share information at the start of the semester. In the meantime, if you have questions or need help updating your assignments, please email the GEP team.

Building Connections: A Conversation with Yeidaliz Garcia

Yeidaliz Garcia

Yeidaliz Garcia has a passion for helping students succeed through engaging, student-centered learning. As UCF’s new General Education Program (GEP) instructional specialist, she looks forward to collaborating with faculty to support the GEP’s mission, enhance curriculum design, and create meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Garcia shares her thoughts on the importance of the GEP and a little about herself.

Why is the GEP important?

Traditionally, the GEP is considered foundational in developing well-rounded professionals who actively engage in their careers and communities in different ways. Additionally, in the emerging age of AI and the changes it entails, the GEP provides a pathway for developing transferable skills that can be applied across different fields and lead to impactful employment opportunities.

How would you explain general education to students who believe they should focus only on classes in their majors?

“I’m an engineering major — why do I need to know about music? I’m a history major — why do I need math?” No person or career path exists in isolation. Working professionals need transferable skills, such as problem-solving and communication, to work effectively within and across fields. GEP courses also foster adaptability, a valuable asset for employers. A wide variety of courses helps broaden perspectives and promotes lifelong learning, making space for creativity and deeper understanding.

How will you engage faculty members in advancing UCF’s GEP?

I look forward to getting to know them and learning their perspectives on how to strengthen the GEP. I’ll be attending faculty meetings, events and professional development sessions to connect with faculty and learn.

What are you reading?

Sleeping with the Ancestors by Herb Frazier and Joseph McGill Jr.

What’s on your playlist?

A wide variety of music. Lately, it has included Bad Bunny, Stromae, Jacob Collier, Chappell Roan, G-Dragon, Damiano David, Linkin Park, Bomba Estéreo, and more. My playlist constantly changes.😊

What do you like to do in your free time?

Reading, writing, baking, exercising and traveling.

GEP Awards Recognize Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Innovation

UCF’s General Education Program (GEP) recognizes and celebrates faculty contributions that advance teaching, innovation and student success. These awards not only honor outstanding work but also provide evidence of impact that can strengthen promotion and tenure portfolios. 

Faculty are encouraged to apply for this year’s awards and recognition programs, which highlight the creativity, commitment and leadership of UCF faculty who advance the goals of general education.  

Faculty Leaders Shape the Future of General Education at UCF

Meet the faculty leaders who are advancing UCF’s General Education Program (GEP) in the 2025–26 academic year. Serving as program leaders and foundation co-leads, they are helping to shape initiatives, guide assessment and support faculty across the university to enhance student learning and success. 

Program Leadership

Wayne H. Bowen provides overall leadership for the GEP, guiding the program’s direction and alignment with university goals. Annabelle Conroy, our GEP Faculty Fellow, continues to play a vital role in advancing assessment initiatives and offering thoughtful guidance to faculty. We also welcome Yeidaliz Garcia, GEP instructional specialist, who supports faculty with instructional development and program implementation. Read “Meet Yeidaliz Garcia the new GEP Instructional Specialist at UCF.” 

Faculty Foundation Co-Leads

Faculty co-leads are serving as key contacts for each foundation area of the GEP. They meet regularly to collaborate, share feedback, support assessment, and help shape initiatives that enhance student learning. 

  • Communication Foundation 

  • Humanities Foundation 

  • Social Sciences Foundation

  • Natural Sciences Foundation 

  • Mathematics Foundation

Moving Forward

Through their leadership and collaboration, these faculty members are advancing a program that reflects UCF’s commitment to student success and academic excellence. Their efforts strengthen the undergraduate experience and prepare students to succeed academically, professionally and personally. 

National Resources Available Through AGLS Membership

The Association for General and Liberal Studies (AGLS) provides strategic, effective and innovative support for faculty engaged in the day-to-day work of general and liberal learning in 21st-century higher education. UCF faculty members have access to AGLS resources, including:

  • GenEd Connect, a supportive professional network where faculty can share experiences, address challenges and find “critical friends” to strengthen their teaching and student engagement.

  • The Jerry G. Gaff Faculty Award, which recognizes campus leaders and outstanding teachers who advance general education and liberal studies.