Volume 5, Issue 3
Florida Defines GEP Foundations and Learning Outcomes
Florida’s State Board of Education and Board of Governors have established a standardized General Education Program (GEP) for students enrolling in Florida College System and State University System institutions. Statute 1007.25 (3) outlines the program’s five core foundations and learning outcomes:
- Communication: Courses must equip students with effective communication skills, including clear writing and public speaking abilities.
- Humanities: Courses should foster critical thinking through the study of human culture, including literature, history, art, music, and philosophy, with selections from the Western canon.
- Social Sciences: Courses must provide an understanding of fundamental social and behavioral science concepts and principles, focusing on the analysis of past and present social, political, and economic issues.
- Natural Sciences: Courses should enable students to critically assess and apply the scientific method, construct models, and use scientific reasoning to explain natural phenomena.
- Mathematics: Courses must ensure proficiency in foundational mathematical and computational models, applying them to problem-solving scenarios.
UCF has refined its GEP for the 2025-26 academic year to align with these statutory requirements—the Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum Committee will review the updated requirements on March 25.
Making Strides in the GEP Assessment Process
The GEP team thanks participants for their contributions to the assessment process, which saw significant improvements from 2022-23 to 2023-24. All foundations met assessment targets, with student competency rising from 81.6% to 86% and faculty participation increasing across the board. The number of assessments grew from 8,995 to 13,371, with higher performance rates and fewer low scores. While progress is strong, the goal is 100% participation to enhance data accuracy and student outcomes. Faculty are encouraged to engage in assessments, with resources available for support. Read full article.
GEP Assessment Resources
There are many resources to support faculty in this endeavor. For more information, please refer to the General Education Faculty Learning Community canvas course.
Virtual Drop-In Sessions
We will hold several virtual drop-in help sessions (after spring break) to answer your questions and help you set up an assignment. Additional sessions will be added to the Canvas course as needed. You will receive a link to the session when you register. Session dates and times:
- Monday, March 24, from 2-3 p.m. (Zoom link)
- Wednesday, March 26, from 2-3 p.m. (Zoom link)
- Friday, March 28, from 9-10 a.m. (Zoom link).
We appreciate your help in meeting our assessment goal. Please contact Annabelle Conroy or the GEP team with assessment questions.
Faculty Members Earn GEP Certificate of Engagement
The General Education Program (GEP) at UCF is proud to recognize Ashley Moreshead, Instructor, Department of History, and Ashley Wilt, Lecturer in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics, as the first GEP Certificate of Engagement recipients. This distinction honors faculty and graduate students who demonstrate a strong commitment to general education and student success through active participation in professional development opportunities.
Moreshead and Wilt have exemplified this dedication by consistently engaging in GEP workshops, webinars, and collaborative learning sessions. Their commitment to continuous learning and innovation enhances their teaching and contributes to the broader goal of strengthening general education at UCF.
Faculty and graduate students who taught at least one GEP course (Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025) and attended a minimum of three GEP events between Summer 2024 and Spring 2025 are eligible to receive the GEP Certificate of Engagement. Visit the GEP webpage for certificate eligibility and submit your application. If you have questions, please email the GEP team.
How to Earn a Certificate of GEP Engagement
The GEP Certificate of Engagement recognizes UCF faculty and graduate students who have demonstrated their commitment to general education and student success through consistent participation in GEP professional development events, including workshops, webinars, and collaborative learning sessions.
Eligibility
- Taught at least one GEP course (Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
- Attended a minimum of three GEP events between Summer 2024 and Spring 2025.
Visit the GEP webpage for certificate eligibility and submit your application. If you have questions, please email the GEP team.
Connecting Students to Skills for the Future
The General Education Program was pleased to partner with Knights Major Exploration and Transfer Center for Spring Fling Week, where we connected with students to explore how their GEP courses can spark new interests and build essential real-world skills. Through our “Making the Most of Your GEP” workshop and the Academic Exploration Showcase, we had engaging conversations about the value of general education in developing problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking—skills that top employers seek. We loved hearing students’ perspectives and helping them find new ways to make every class count toward their future success!