Every semester is a chance to start fresh.

Whether you’re navigating your first days on campus or a returning Knight, each new academic semester is an opportunity to discover what works for you, meet new people, challenge yourself and take advantage of everything 166su has to offer.

No matter what you set out to accomplish, you’ll find the support to help get you there. Whether you’re in need of academic guidance, career preparation, wellness resources and support or ways to get involved, here are the tools to set you up for success.

Build Strong Habits with Academic Support

The key to overcoming academic challenges isn’t waiting until you’re struggling — it’s knowing where to turn before you get there.

If you’re adjusting to college-level coursework, working through a difficult class or trying to stay ahead, UCF provides a variety of academic support services — available in person and virtually — to help you stay on track all semester long.

Start here:

• Academic Success Coaching: Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their for help setting goals, staying on track, improving study strategies, managing time and connecting with campus resources.
  • Support Pop-Up Station: Visit the 166su Student Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Thursday, Aug. 27, for on-the-spot support and guidance from Academic Advocates and Academic Success Coaches.

• Peer Tutoring: The Student Academic Resource Center (SARC) offers  in more than 30 subjects. Visit the SARC office in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 117 or the Engineering II atrium for assistance.

• : Drop in for help with undergraduate math courses and work through challenging concepts with experienced tutors.

• : Whether you’re writing your first college essay, polishing a lab report or updating your resume, writing consultants are available at every stage of the writing process.

• Academic Calendar: Refer to the official for important dates for enrollment, holidays, exams, commencement and events.

• : Academic Engagement Librarians are available to help graduate students find research materials, navigate databases, develop stronger research projects and access additional library resources and services.

• : From laptops for class to calculators for exams, this new service on the second floor of the John C. Hitt Library makes it easy to borrow the tools you need to succeed academically.

• Study Spaces: If you prefer complete silence, a lively atmosphere or the outdoors, there are plenty of places to help you stay productive. Check out some of these favorite spots across �����’s campuses:

• • Grab your favorite drink and settle in at a coffee shop. Campus favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Foxtail Coffee or Starbucks are ideal if you enjoy a little background noise while studying, meeting with a group or working on a project.

• • Escape the bustle of campus at the Burnett Honors College Meditation Garden, a peaceful outdoor space where shaded seating, lush greenery and a tranquil koi pond create a relaxing environment for reading, studying or recharging between classes.

• • If you’re crossing the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons Bridge between classes at 166su Downtown, pause to review your notes or catch up on reading in one of the quiet seating areas overlooking campus.

• • The shaded lounge area in front of Addition Financial Arena at Knights Plaza offers a comfortable place to catch up on assignments, meet up with friends or unwind between classes.

• • Looking for a quieter environment? in the John C. Hitt Library or find one of the many individual and group study spaces designed for focused work.

• • Take your studying outside at the Reflecting Pond by spreading a blanket on the grass or settling into a shady spot along the water. Fresh air and a change of scenery can be a great way to recharge while reviewing notes.

Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping up with your coursework. When you feel your best, you’re better prepared to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Through �����’s wide variety of health and wellness services, you’ll have support physically, mentally and emotionally throughout the semester.

That holistic approach to serving students recently earned 166su national recognition. The university received Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award for fostering a campus culture in which students and employees have access to meaningful wellness resources, supportive communities and proactive care.

Available student well-being and support resources include:

• Mental Health Support:  (CAPS) provides all students with free around-the-clock mental health support. Additionally, they have complimentary access to ‘ anonymous peer support community and  teletherapy sessions throughout the semester. Students can access support by calling CAPS at 407-823-2811, visiting in person or . For after-hours support, call 407-823-2811 and press 5 to connect with a counselor.
  • Spend time with from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 27 and enjoy a mindful break while learning practical stress-management techniques as you ease into the semester.

• : Build healthy habits that support your well-being and academic success with free services and programs, including wellness coaching, FreshU Kitchen, cooking demonstrations and classes, and access to free healthy food.

• Physical Wellness:  is your on-campus healthcare home, providing convenient access to primary and preventive care, sports medicine, dental care, pharmacy, immunizations, laboratory testing and more. Looking to stay active? The  has you covered with a two-story fitness area, group exercise classes and a variety of recreational activities. For some fresh air, head to  at Lake Claire, where you can unwind outdoors with free kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

• Well-Being and Basic Needs Support: The Center for Student Care and Advocacy is a hub for navigating academic, personal and financial challenges. You can contact at 407-823-5607 or caremanager@ucf.edu for assistance. For help with everyday essentials, provides free food, clothing and toiletries daily to currently enrolled 166su students.

Prepare for Your Career Now

You don’t have to wait until graduation to start building your professional experience. The (DCDC) can assist you with exploring career paths, preparing for graduate or professional school, building professional skills and connecting with employers from your first semester through graduation.

This semester, you can:

• Meet with 166su DCDC staff for resume reviews, LinkedIn profile feedback, mock interviews and more at the center.

• Get guidance from team for exploring careers that require advanced degrees and preparing and applying to graduate, health professional and law schools.

• Attend career workshops covering everything from networking and interviewing to job searching and using AI in your job search.

• Discover internship opportunities that provide you with real-world experience — and, in some cases, the chance to earn academic credit.

• Secure your next internship or job and connect with employers from a wide range of industries at the on Oct. 1 at Addition Financial Arena.

• Connect with employers, discover career opportunities and receive a free headshot at the on Oct. 28 in the Darden Auditorium.

Even if you’re only beginning to explore your career options, these experiences can help you build skills and connections long before graduation.

Find Your Community on Campus

Some of your best college memories happen outside the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to meet people, discover new interests, give back or just get out and have fun, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved and connect with campus.

Take the opportunity to:

• Find your people by joining one (or more!) of �����’s 650+ student organizations.

• Grab your game day gear and embrace the energy of Knight Nation while cheering on the Knights across 16 sports. Students can to home games throughout the season.

• Make a difference through Volunteer 166su, where you can sort donations at local food pantries, tutor students, assist in hospitals and connect with the community.

• Take part in iconic 166su traditions like Spirit Splash, one of the most beloved Homecoming Week events, and Pegasus Palooza, �����’s official welcome week featuring free events and big-name entertainment.

• Graduate students: Build connections and get involved on campus through the Graduate Student Center, a welcoming hub in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213, where you can meet other graduate students and participate in , including Fall Take Off, two weeks of activities that welcome new and returning graduate students.

No matter what your interests are, there’s a place for you here and a community ready to welcome you.

Know Your Transportation Options

A little preparation can make getting around campus much easier — especially during the first few weeks of the semester.

Before heading to class:

• Make sure you have the correct parking permit and know where you can park. Beforehand, review and real-time to save time and avoid hassle. Parking Garages A and I often have the most availability.

• Check shuttle routes and schedules using the 166su Mobile app or the . offers 10 conveniently located stops near most academic buildings and popular campus destinations.

• Give yourself extra travel time during the first few weeks of the semester, when campus is busiest.

Friendly reminder: A valid 166su or Daily Parking Permit is required to park on campus at all times (24/7).

Stay Organized with Essential Tools

myKnight STAR

Keeping track of classes, appointments and deadlines is much easier when everything is in one place. That’s where , powered by Navigate Student, comes in. With tools designed to help you stay organized, connected and on track, it’s your go-to resource for managing the semester and accessing the support you need.

Using the app or web browser, you can:

• View your class schedule.

• Schedule appointments for Academic Success Coaching and other campus services.

• Explore majors and career pathways.

• Connect with classmates to form study groups.

• Receive reminders about important academic deadlines and upcoming appointments.

Student Center

The Student Center, accessible through , has a new, mobile-first design and updated navigation, but the tools you rely on — such as class registration, financial aid, tuition payments, grades and academic records — remain the same. They may just be in a different place. For help finding and accessing key tools, log in to my166su and click the banner at the top of the page to visit the Help Center. Graduate students can also use the dedicated Graduate Students tile to access resources and tools for managing their academic journey.

Make This Semester Count

No matter where you are on your 166su journey, you won’t have to navigate it alone.

The habits you build now — and the people and resources you connect with along the way — can make all the difference in your college experience.

So ask questions, get involved, try something new and take advantage of the opportunities around you.

Wishing you a successful semester, Knights. Charge On!

A future nurse adjusts their cap, preparing to enter a hospital where the need for care continues to grow.

An engineer looks out into the crowd, knowing the next step leads into an industry building what’s next.

At 166su, these moments don’t happen one by one. They happen all at once — thousands of stories, each with a different starting point, moving forward together.

Opportunity, Provided at Scale

At 166su, scale has always meant more than size.

It means access. It means opportunity. It means students who arrive with ambition and leave with proof.

More than 10,000 Knights make up the Spring Class of 2026.

Additionally, about 37% of bachelor’s degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, and about 22% are the first in their families to earn a college degree  — reflecting a university built to open doors and help students move through them.

This is scale with purpose.

Where Talent Meets Demand

166su graduates move directly into high-demand fields — from hospitals and schools to tech firms, startups and public agencies.

This is a workforce built not just in classrooms, but for real-world impact.

Each year, the university awards nearly 19,000 degrees — more than any other institution in Florida — including leading the state in bachelor’s degrees in engineering and nursing. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida’s economic growth and meeting the needs of an expanding population.

Turning Studies Into Real Skills

Before they graduate, Knights are already building career-ready experience.

That same hands-on approach extends into high-impact research across fields from computer vision to biotechnology to pediatric prosthetics.

Career Prep From the Start

Support starts early, and it’s designed to carry students all the way through.

From day one, students connect with career counselors who help them build resumes, practice interviewing, find internships and connect with employers.

And when it’s time to take the next step, campus-wide career fairs open the door. They’re a gateway for students to explore a wide range of career paths, get real insight from industry professionals and stay ahead in a fast-moving job market.

Retaining Talent Across Florida

The impact of a 166su education doesn’t leave with its graduates. In many cases, it stays — and grows.

But where graduates go next tells an even bigger story.In and around Orlando — the No. 2 Best City to Start a Career in America (WalletHub) and one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation — that talent doesn’t just fill jobs.

It builds industries. It strengthens economies. It accelerates growth.

More Than a Milestone

Commencement is what everyone sees.

The walk. The tassel. The celebration.

But at 166su, it’s also something more.

Before students cross the stage, they’ve already built experience. By the time they graduate, they’re aligned with real-world demand. After they leave, they power the industries shaping Florida’s future and beyond.

Each commencement adds thousands more to that momentum. Each graduate strengthens the pipeline.

And across the state — and far beyond it — you can already see what they’re building.

Brian Creel, associate director for career planning at 166su Career Services, leads the career planning team in providing career counseling and assessment, career education and employment readiness skills.

“Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer.” — Brian Creel, Associate Director at 166su Career Services

“Don’t forget that employers want to get to know the real you. Be authentic,” Creel says. “Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer. Find your spots to showcase your knowledge.”

Creel shares his advice on every stage of the job interview process as the 166su community prepares for its spring semester Internship and Career Expo. The event, which will be held on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena, features more than 250 companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

How can you make a strong impression on your job interview?

• Know your professional story/prepare your elevator pitch
• Offer a confident greeting, handshake and smile
• Think about two to three key selling points about your professional self. For 166su students, start with your major/expected graduation and talk about related skills/experience including student clubs and class projects
• Research employers and showcase your knowledge in conversation
• Give examples to back up your answers. Storytelling is a big part of the interview experience.

You mentioned an elevator pitch. What is your method for crafting one?

Your elevator pitch introduces you to recruiters in 30-60 seconds. Follow the present-past-future format:

• Present: What are you currently studying? What’s your major or program?
• Past: Highlight a recent relevant experience (e.g., internship, research project, volunteer work).
• Future: State your career goals and explain why you’re excited to connect with this employer.

What are some ways you can make your resume stand out in a pile?

• A resume should be concise, organized marketing document highlighting your education, experiences and achievements; its purpose is to secure an interview and evolve with your professional growth.
• Keep formatting clean and consistent: 1-inch margins, 1 page (up to 2 max), standard 10- to 12-point fonts, professional appearance and easy-to-scan layout.
• Focus content on relevance: tailor to the position, connect transferable skills, emphasize contributions and quantify results whenever possible.
• Use strong writing mechanics: start bullets with action verbs, maintain consistent verb tense (present for current roles, past for previous) and keep statements concise.
• Include core sections as appropriate: Heading, objective (optional but tailored), education (reverse chronological order), summary of qualifications (skills-focused) and experience (employment, internships, research, projects).
• Add optional sections when relevant: Activities, leadership, honors/awards, publications or research.

What software or AI tools do you recommend in helping build your resume?

• is a fantastic tool available to all students by logging in with their NID credentials
• VMock is a 24/7 virtual career assistant that utilizes technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and sophisticated analytics engine to deliver instant, personalized, and smart career guidance to students and professionals.
• Do not rely only on AI to write content for your resume. Double check wonky spelling/grammar and word choices to make sure it is your voice.
• Be aware that employers are now reviewing resumes and running them through plagiarism detection software to check for AI.
• Utilize AI (VMock can do this) to make sure your resume matches the language in the job description closely enough so that it will pass through applicant tracking systems successfully.

What are questions you recommend job candidates ask the interviewer?

Typically, it’s best to focus on two to three questions to have prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

• Ask about the company culture. What is it like to work there?
• Ask about the position or opportunity in a way that helps you learn more than what you have already learned on your own research. In your opinion, what qualities/traits do you look for in an ideal candidate to be successful in the role?
• Ask about what to expect in the interview process. What are next steps?

Are there any best practices you recommend for following up after an interview?

Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with that include:

• A brief recap of your conversation
• An expression of gratitude
• A question or statement to keep the dialogue going

Thanks to ’s dedicated support for STEM students, he had access to resources so he would not have to navigate that journey alone.

“Engineering is hands-down our most active liaison area,” says Taylor Sandifer ’23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services who supports all STEM majors, including the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “CECS students show up to everything. They’re really engaged, and they take advantage of every opportunity.”

For Knights like Nguyen, that means access to employers through engineering-focused employer-led workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews, and the highly attended , which occurs annually in the fall at the Addition Financial Arena, where as many as 300 employers fill the venue.

Big Companies Recruit Knights

Before Expo, students can participate in the Career Readiness Program, a two-week series including industry-specific, employer-led sessions where recruiters host one-on-one resume reviews and mock interviews to help students prepare.

�����’s employer-relations model attracts major companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Siemens Energy, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris and Walmart directly to campus for tabling, information sessions, and networking events.

“Employers coming in to recruit STEM talent will work with us to get connected,” Sandifer says. “We help them get into the engineering atrium, set up information sessions, reach students through Handshake, and collaborate with CECS to spread the word.

“We want students to see a clear path from 166su to a career.”— Taylor Sandifer ’23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services

“We want students to see a clear path from 166su to a career. When they put in the effort, and we can help make those connections, it all comes together.”

Sandifer has seen firsthand how transformative this can be.

“One computer science student (Nguyen) showed up on the wrong day — in a suit — but stayed anyway,” she recalls. “He came back the next day, met with recruiters, and we connected him with Deloitte & Touche. He ended up getting the job. His hard work and willingness to show up made the difference.”

Real World Ready

Nguyen credits the Dixon Career Development Center in helping him shape his career path.

“I wasn’t very prepared initially and had no idea where to even start. It was overwhelming just thinking about it,” he says. “I attended an event I found off Handshake and it turned into me getting resume reviews, mock interviews, and attending events that got me to meet employers I was passionate about joining.”

He took advantage of summer appointments, interview strategies, and also printed business cards to hand out to the company representatives at the Internship and Career Expo. Those efforts paid off with an opportunity at Deloitte — a place he was drawn to for its culture and its constant flow of new challenges.

His biggest takeaway from his experience with the Career Center is to be persistent and open to every opportunity.

“You never know what conversation you have with someone that could turn into a huge career opportunity,” he says.

�ճ���� will take place on Tuesday, March 10.

Hosted by the twice a year in the fall and spring semesters, the largest job fair on campus features 250+ companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

This career fair is open to all 166su students and alumni. It is your gateway to explore a wide range of career options, gain insider advice from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in today’s evolving job market.

It’s also a great opportunity to practice your networking skills and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

This guide shares logistical information about the Internship and Career Expo itself, as well as tips and resources ahead of the event so you can make your best impression.

Internship and Career Expo

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Fast Pass Entry at 12:30 p.m. (more below on ways to score a fast pass)
• General Entrance begins at 1 p.m.
• Doors close at 4 p.m.

Location: Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816)

Attire: Business casual attire encouraged; Pants or skirts paired with a dress shirt or blouse and dress shoes with socks or appropriate hosiery. Please avoid bringing large bags.

Security Check: The Addition Financial Arena is implementing enhanced security measures. Security procedures include, but are not limited to, performing body wand and bag checks at all arena entrances. before arriving. Guest should allow additional time to enter the gate, as these measures may delay entrance into the event.

Register: This career fair is open to all 166su students and alumni. Reserve your spot on Handshake.

Ways and Resources to Prepare

• Virtual Career Guidance

166su partners with VMock SMART Career Platform, a 24/7 virtual career assistant, to help students create a powerful resume and practice their interview skills. VMock leverages technologies like data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches and interview responses based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.

• Where to Print Your Resume

Students seeking to print copies of their resume or cover letter can do so for a small charge on main campus at the or in the John T. Washington Center (adjacent to the library).

If you are printing your resume or cover letter for a job or career fair, we recommend having at least one copy for each job/employer you are interested in, plus additional copies for unexpected opportunities or to replace damaged or lost copies.

• Professional Clothing Glow Up

JCPenney Suit-Up Event – In Person at the Florida Mall
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

An exclusive in store shopping event for career apparel with exclusive discounts not available to the public. Students and alumni will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their PID and check in via Handshake at the JCPenney Florida Mall location in order to receive their coupon.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

Dress to Impress with Style Encore – In Person at Waterford Lakes
Feb. 28, noon – 2 p.m.

Students and alumni can enjoy a 30% discount on business and business casual attire during the shopping event. Students will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their 166su ID and check in via Handshake at Style Encore Waterford Lakes location the day of the event.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

Knights Helping Knights Pantry – Main Campus
Drop in, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

A limited professional clothing section is available to all 166su students, with valid 166su ID, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Career Prep Events (Virtual and In-Person)

Critiques and Career Express — In Person at the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center
Tuesdays, 2 – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, noon – 2 p.m.

Need fast feedback on your resume, cover letter or LinkedIn profile? Just drop-in to Career Services — no appointment required. If you’re unable to meet at these times, you can schedule an appointment on Handshake.

Critiques and Career Express – Virtual
Fridays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join Career Services virtually without appointment for career questions and support. Simply go to go.ucf.edu/CSpopin for the zoom registration. We will accept you into the Zoom once we have an available Career Counselor to assist you with your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, or quick career questions.

Kennedy Space Center – Annual Career & Networking Event – In Person at KSC Visitor Complex
Feb. 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Registration closes Feb. 20. Attendees will have opportunities to network one-on-one with employees of major aerospace and tech companies. They will be able to discover internships, apprenticeships, and professional roles, and gain insights from professionals working at the forefront of science, manufacturing, and innovation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops on networking mastery and becoming the ideal job candidate.

Prepare for Expo Presentation – In Person
Feb. 24, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take this time to learn about what to expect and ease your nerves by preparing your Elevator Pitch, Get ready to talk with Employers, and learn some tips to make your time at the event a success. Preference to attendees that register in advance as the room can only fit up to 60 people.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Limited quantities available. You must check in on time and attend the entire presentation.

Arts, Sciences and Human Services Industry Day – In Person
Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

Navigating Difficult Career Conversations – In Person & Virtual
Feb. 25, 2–3 p.m.

Explore strategies for communicating your goals, setting boundaries and handling pressure or disagreements in healthy ways. Learn more at bit.ly/166suhandshake.

Downtown Industry Day – In Person
Feb. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

Business Industry Day – In Person
March 3, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

Engineering and Technical Industry Day – In Person
March 4, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Day– In Person
March 4, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This event is for Rosen College of Hospitality Management students only. A leadership workshop will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Darden Auditorium, followed by opportunities to meet with recruiters from noon – 1:30 p.m. in the Rosen Courtyard. Registration for the leadership workshop is required.

All Majors Virtual Industry Day – Virtual
March 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be available to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Information regarding pick-up will be sent to attendees at the conclusion of the virtual session. Limited quantities available.

166su is the only institution in the state of Florida selected to address the U.S. Department of Education’s civil discourse priority as part of its Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education initiative.

The department from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Following a record number of applicants, UCF was among the honorees with a four-year $3.4 million grant for our proposal — Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model — which seeks to protect and promote civil discourse on campuses.

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree.” — Andrea Guzmán, UCF vice president for access and community engagement

“The future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don’t always agree,” says Andrea Guzmán, UCF vice president for access and community engagement and CIVIC principal investigator. “This grant allows us to prepare students not just academically, but to be thoughtful citizens and professionals. By integrating civil discourse skills throughout curricular and co-curricular experiences, we are helping students develop the communication and critical thinking skills that employers, communities and our democracy depend on.”

What is the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)?

FIPSE is a discretionary grant initiative that supports innovative projects to address urgent national needs in postsecondary education. The funds awarded from this specific program competition empower institutions to develop and scale solutions that improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity and align education with workforce demands.

In November, the Department of Education announced four FY 2025 competition priorities focused on expanding innovative teaching and student success initiatives, promoting civil discourse on campuses, advancing accreditation reform, and building capacity for high‑quality, workforce‑aligned short‑term academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

While 166su was Florida’s lone representative selected for the civil discourse priority, the state saw Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University, and its Commission for Public Higher Education, Inc. earn grants in accreditation. Hillsborough Community College earned funding for AI.

What is civil discourse?

�����’s defines civil discourse as constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding, be productive and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national and global topics/issues.

“Civil discourse is about understanding the other person’s viewpoint so you can come together to make thoughtful decisions in spite of having different viewpoints,” Guzmán says.

Guzmán says she often hears students today are hesitant to share their own perspectives. She hopes that through this intentional framework, students will begin to feel more confident engaging civilly with those around them.

“Whether students are in the classroom or just having a conversation with a peer, we want them to have the skillset and emotional intelligence needed for constructive conversations,” Guzmán says. “They should still be able to walk away and respectfully say, ‘I still don’t agree with you, but let’s go get a burger and fries afterward.’ Too often, we’ve seen relationships fracture because the skill of civil discourse has been lost.”

How will 166su use these funds?

�����’s priority with this $3.4 million grant is to intentionally embed civil discourse and constructive communication skills into the everyday experience at the university through four main strategies.

Strategy 1: Faculty Learning Communities

The first strategy is geared toward . 166su Director of Civil Discourse and Engagement Haley Winston ’17����� and a faculty fellow, yet to be named, will partner to create a curriculum to offer paid learning experiences via faculty learning communities each semester and a track at the Summer Faculty Development Institute. This curriculum will inform faculty on strategies and methodologies for building civil discourse opportunities into their classes. There are also plans to develop and implement civil discourse modules in new faculty orientation.

Eventually, �����’s course catalogue will recognize classes — much like it does now with service-learning courses — with a civil discourse designation.

Strategies 2 and 3: Student Orientation and Training

Two additional strategies are student-focused. One will collaborate with �����’s to include civil discourse modules at orientation.

“From the very start of a student’s journey at 166su, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way,” Guzmán says.

The other will partner with to offer civil discourse training for both student employee onboarding training as well as a supervisor-specific training via its , preparing students to carry on these skills into the workforce after graduation.

Strategy 4: Mini-grants for Learning Opportunities

The fourth strategy is geared toward expanding co-curricular opportunities through the 166su Ginsburg Center – Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement. Mini-grants will be offered to units and colleges who want to offer learning opportunities within their department or classrooms.

“This grant builds on work already underway at 166su and allows us to scale it intentionally.”
— Andrea Guzmán

“This grant builds on work already underway at 166su and allows us to scale it intentionally. It also enables the development of a pilot program designed to be replicated across the state university system,” Guzmán says. “The reason we are choosing to bolster programs like orientation and faculty learning communities are because these are existing infrastructures that almost every institution will have and can seamlessly incorporate.”

What happens next?

The funding takes effect immediately. 166su will invite faculty applications for the faculty fellow position during the Spring 2026 semester, with the appointment beginning in August.

�����’s will also organize an internal implementation team to confirm year-one priorities, which includes aligning timelines, refining deliverables and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the work.

“With every project we implement, we think about scale and long-term impact. The goal is always for meaningful, transformative work to live on beyond the grant,” says Cyndia Morales Muñiz ’13EdD, senior director of grant initiatives and partnerships, and CIVIC project director.

In addition to Muñiz, Guzmán and Winston, the project includes activity coordinators Joel Cramer, interim vice provost for Faculty Excellence; Chanda Torres ’98 ’00MA ’08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center; and Ryan Goodwin, assistant vice president for Strategic Initiatives.

In years three and four of the grant, UCF will develop and host two symposiums for Florida’s State University System institutions and state colleges to share implementation strategies and lessons learned, providing a model that can be replicated at their own campuses.

“This is yet another example of 166su leading the way to best serve our students and faculty and we look forward to getting started,” Muñiz says.

Note: 100% of �����’s Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model is being financed with this federal funding and 0% of the program is being financed with non-federal funding.

1. You can interview the company before they interview you.

Sometimes, your impression of what it would be like to work at a particular company differs from reality, so going to a career fair is a golden opportunity to talk to employees, learn about the culture and ask questions about open positions. This insight can help you decide if that company is actually the right fit for you and will help you achieve your career goals.

2. You get valuable face time with people who can directly impact the success of your application.

Quite often, the people staffing a career fair booth on behalf of a company are human resources or recruiting professionals. These individuals are the gatekeepers to the job you want. They get scores of e-mails every day, so meeting them in person is a rare chance to make a memorable impression and establish a connection that can eventually get you in the door.

3. It’s a great chance to practice your interview skills.

Talking to company representatives at a career fair is similar to doing an initial screening for a job. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to interview skills, so take advantage of a unique situation – a room full of companies who want to talk to you and have the time.

4. Lesser known organizations can build brand awareness and attract top talent.

Some companies are household names, but the vast majority don’t enjoy the same level of brand recognition, which makes it challenging to reach qualified job candidates. Career fairs are a valuable platform for employers to educate people about their organizations and increase brand awareness. If you’re new to the area and beginning your job search, it’s also a convenient way to learn about the local job market and research employers.

5. You can follow up on the status of an online application.

If you’ve already applied to a position, but haven’t received a response or want to know the status of your application, you can inquire about it at a career fair. In some cases, company representatives may even offer to look up your application on the spot and provide feedback. At the very least, you can get an actual person’s contact information and follow up later via e-mail.

6. Build connections now that can pay off later.

The company you’re interested in working for might not have any positions for you now, but circumstances change and weeks, months or even years down the road, something could become available. Remember to be patient because a connection you make at a career fair can pay off if you keep in touch and show genuine interest in the organization.

Rosen College’s Career and Experiential Learning Fair is on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 166su Rosen College courtyard. Leading organizations from the hospitality and tourism industry visit the campus every semester to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management. Rosen College students plan and execute the career fair as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.

In addition to meeting employers, students could visit the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from 166su alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Fall 2015 Career Fair theme was inspired by The Beatles, anchored by the tagline, “Imagine All the Possibilities,” encouraging students to dream big about their futures and pursue their career goals.

Employers who participated in the Fall 2015 Career Fair include:

Learn more about participating in Rosen College’s next Career Fair.

Students also visited the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from 166su alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Spring 2015 Career Fair theme was nature and growth, anchored by the tagline, “Branch Out, Get Rooted,” encouraging students to branch out and meet new employers, and get rooted in a new career.

Employers who participated in the Spring 2015 Career Fair include:

For more information about participating in Rosen College’s next Career Fair, visit hospitality.ucf.edu/careerfair.

“This is an incredible opportunity for employers to connect with a highly-targeted audience of students who are truly invested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry,” said Bradley Loomis, assistant director of employer relations for 166su Career Services at Rosen College.

Students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.  The Spring 2014 Career Fair was safari-themed, anchored by the tagline,  “Where Your Adventure Begins.” In addition to applying the skills and techniques learned in class to a real-life event, students get an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the industry’s top companies.

“The students have the opportunity to network, practice their elevator speech and become connected to industry professionals all under one roof,” said , an instructor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who teaches the Event Management class in which students plan and execute the Career Fair. “It’s almost like a one-stop shop of employers that, to my knowledge,  the students would not be able to get otherwise.”

Employers who attended the Spring 2014 Career Fair include:

4 Rivers Smokehouse

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Aramark

Blue Ridge Restaurant Group

Brinker International

Buena Vista Palace and Spa

Caribe Royale

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Cracker Barrel

Cruise Career Partners

Darden

Dignity Memorial

Disney Destinations

Disney Internships and Programs

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld

Ecolab

Enterprise Holdings

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club

Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes

Hillstone Restaurant Group

Hilton Worldwide

Holland American/ Princess-Alaska

Hyatt

J. Alexander’s Restaurants

Jason’s Deli

Kessler Collection

LEGOLAND Florida

Loews Universal

Marriott International

Marriott- Orlando Market

Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Orange Lake Reosrts

Orlando Magic

Ovations Food Services

Panera Bread

Picerne Real Estate Group

PSAV Presentation Services

Republic National Distributing Company

Rosen Hotels & Resorts

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Sixt Rent a Car

South Seas Island Resort

Starwood Hotels and Resorts

staySky Resort Management

Target Stores

The Breakers Palm Beach

The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott

Tijuana Flats Burrito Co.

Tony Romas

Tourico Holidays Travel Academy

Towne Park

Transtar Transportation Group

TravelClick

Universal Orlando Resort

Visit Orlando

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

WaWa Inc.

White Lodging

Wyndham Vacation Ownership