UCF Creates GEP Task Force
Provost Michael Johnson has established a General Education Program (GEP) task force, appointing Maggy Tomova, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Dean of the College of Sciences, as its chair.
The task force members are:
- Wayne Bowen Interim Dean, College of Undergraduate Studies
- Annabelle Conroy, GEP Faculty Fellow
- Stacey DiLiberto, GEP Co-Lead
- Stephen King, Faculty Senate Chair
- Jeffrey Kaufman, Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum Committee Chair
- Kersten Schroeder, General Undergraduate Requirements Committee Chair
- Nora Underwood-Caputo, GEP Co-Lead
The objectives of the task force are to:
- Identify strategies to help students complete GEP requirements more quickly.
- Ensure the program provides students across all majors with the academic foundation and professional skills for post-graduation success.
By the end of this academic year, the task force will provide the Provost with recommendations to:
- Strengthen the university’s GEP to align with Florida’s new laws and guidance.
- Support UCF’s goal of achieving preeminence.
- Enhance degree completion rates.
Wrapping Up Fall Assessments.
Preparing for Spring.
The GEP Team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the faculty members who participated in this term’s GEP assessment process.
Even though the deadline has passed, you can still submit results for assignments conducted before the November 1 deadline. If you were unable to submit your assessment, we’re happy to assist you. Please contact Annabelle Conroy.
The fall semester is quickly coming to an end. As you prepare for the next term, please include an assignment assessing at least one of the GEP learning outcomes in your Spring 2025 courses. You can find more details on the General Education Faculty Learning webcourse. The deadline to submit assessments is March 28 (UCF’s Withdrawal deadline).
For any questions, please email Annabelle Conroy or Amanda Pacheco.
Graduate Research Assistants Join the GEP Team
We are delighted to introduce Steven Freeman and Vernon T. Headley, two valuable additions to the GEP community. They’ve been instrumental in advancing key initiatives involving the student experience and how undergraduates perceive GEP courses. Their research will help shape future improvements to our general education curriculum. If you see them around, say hi!
Steven Freeman
As a third-year doctoral student in the Educational Leadership in Higher Education program, Steven Headley is deeply interested in the intricate interplay between research engagement and practical application in the context of administration, student development, and leadership within higher education institutions. His professional experience encompasses diverse roles, including research, student administration, and supporting undergraduate and graduate students in their studies. Steven’s future aspirations encompass becoming a director of student affairs or a dean at the college level. Steven likes to travel, discover new places to eat, and enjoy time with his friends and family. As an avid learner who embraces learning new things, Steven currently holds the position of a Graduate Research Assistant and is the Undergraduate Student Liaison for the College of Undergraduate Studies.
Vernon T. Headley
Vernon T. Headley, a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at the University of Central Florida, researches social inequalities in health and medicine for minoritized populations in the U.S., focusing particularly on Black men and women. His current studies examine the social and political determinants of health affecting shared decision-making for children with chronic and mental health conditions and healthcare inequalities in Black communities. Outside of his academic work, Vernon enjoys reading, writing short stories, and poetry.
Assessment Task Force
In the October issue of the GEP Newsletter, we accidentally omitted Nora Underwood-Caputo as a member of the Assessment Task Force. Nora is a valued member of this team. We appreciate all faculty members helping advance UCF’s GEP program.
2024 Upcoming Events
November 18, 2024
Demystifying SAS Letters: Exploring the GEP Faculty Role in Course Accessibility [WEBINAR]
Led by Adam Meyer, Director, Student Accessibility Services
This session will explore the purpose behind the accommodation process and the intended outcome when a professor receives a SAS Course Accessibility Letter. While the letter presents a call to action as to ‘what’ to do, there is a greater reason that can be overlooked.
The purpose of accessibility will be explained along with the role of GEP faculty in the process. Time for scenarios and Q&A will be available.
Date: November 18, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom Meeting
RSVP: gep@ucf.edu
November 20, 2024
Afternoon Tea with the GEP: Where Ideas Bloom! [IN-PERSON]
A Bites & Banter Event
Step away from your desk and join colleagues for a refreshing afternoon of sweet treats and stimulating conversation at our Faculty Afternoon Tea. Our loose discussion theme is “Assessing Student Learning,” but don’t let that constrain you—the best conversations often take unexpected turns!
This isn’t your typical academic meeting. There’s no agenda, no PowerPoint presentations—just warm beverages, delectable snacks, and the kind of organic dialogue that sparks innovation in teaching and potential collaborations.
Whether you’re a full professor or graduate teaching assistant, if you teach GEP courses, you’re invited to this casual gathering. It’s an opportunity to share experiences, discover cross-disciplinary connections, and perhaps find your next research collaborator—all while enjoying a well-deserved break with fellow educators.
Date: November 20, 2024
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Millican Hall, Room 282
RSVP: gep@ucf.edu
