UCF Staff Advisory Council

06/11/2026

SUMMER FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

We wanted to share a couple of resources that may be helpful for anyone looking for food assistance over the summer—and please feel free to pass this along.

One option is FoodFinder (Foodfinder.US). When you go to the site, it can be a little slow to load at first, but once it does, you can enter your zip code and it will show nearby locations offering food assistance. This resource is open to anyone—it’s not limited to children or specific groups. There’s also a donate button on the site if you’re in a position to make a one-time contribution.

Another helpful resource specifically for children is the Summer Meals Site Finder:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder

This tool also allows you to search by zip code and will show locations where meals are available for kids during the summer. It includes details like the site location, days of the week service is offered, and meal times (breakfast/lunch).

07/28/2025

Congratulations to our UCF Staff Council Scholarship Winner, Crystal Zavallo!

We asked our scholarship winners to share a little about themselves.

Which department do you work for?
I work for UCF Health Student Health Services

What degree are you pursuing?
I'm currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. This program complements my work in health marketing at UCF, as well as my involvement with a local nonprofit organization, The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation. The foundation was established by the family of Keri, a UCF student who was tragically killed in 2015 after being hit by a drunk driver. I love sharing Keri’s story and the significance of the work the foundation does for our community. Here is a link to their website https://thekeriannedemottfoundation.com/.

What do you do at UCF?
I oversee the marketing department at the campus health center, focusing on communications and events that promote our services to the broader UCF community. I also lead health promotion initiatives that encourage students to take an active role in their personal wellbeing and to better understand the importance of building a relationship with their healthcare team.

Favorite thing about being a UCF staff member?
What I value most about being a UCF staff member is the opportunity to stay connected with the campus community. It's incredibly rewarding to support students as they navigate the transition into managing their own health and wellness. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, energy, and drive of this generation—it keeps me both hopeful and motivated.

Any hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about traveling, musical theater and reading. I frequently travel internationally, with Scotland having been my favorite so far. I also have a goal to visit all 50 states before I turn 50; I'm currently at 25, so halfway there! At home, I’m a devoted reader and enjoy relaxing with a good book and the company of my five cats, or attending a show at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center!

07/28/2025

Congratulations to our UCF Staff Council Scholarship Winner, Victoria Hopkins!

We asked our scholarship winners to share a little about themselves.

Which department do you work for?
I work in the School of Performing Arts at UCF.

What degree are you pursuing?
I’m currently pursuing an MA in Educational Leadership.

What do you do at UCF?
In my role, I handle purchasing, assist with the hiring process, coordinate events, work with scholarships, handle contracts, and do any other administrative work that comes up for both Music and Theatre.

Favorite thing about being a UCF staff member?
My favorite thing about being a UCF staff member is being given the opportunity to grow, both within my role and as a person. I feel supported in my work decisions as well as with life choices like going back to school.

Any hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy writing (I'm working on a novel!), reading, eating sweets, spending time with my husband and pets, and going to Universal Studios. I also love attending UCF Theatre productions, and I cannot wait for the season to start back up!

07/28/2025

Congratulations to our UCF Staff Council Scholarship Winner, Saima Owens!

We asked our scholarship winners to share a little about themselves.

Which department do you work for?
I work in the Division of Digital Learning, UCF Online at UCF.

What degree are you pursuing?
I’m currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

What do you do at UCF?
In my role as a Success Coach IV, I help students by providing tools to be successful in their studies and personal life. I partner with them on their journey from application to graduation.

Favorite thing about being a UCF staff member?
My favorite thing about being a UCF staff member is being part of a dynamic community that supports both personal and professional growth. It’s inspiring to work alongside passionate colleagues and students every day.

Any hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and mindfulness practices.

07/09/2025

Congratulations!

🙌 Congrats to Waldemar Karwowski, chair of the UCF Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems! He was awarded the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers' Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award. 🏆
This prestigious award recognizes those who have demonstrated a positive influence on the profession through their teaching, research impact and innovation.
https://go.ucf.edu/44PAYLA

06/12/2025

We will never forget.

UCF Remembers 💛

On the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub tragedy, we honor and remember the 49 beautiful lives taken too soon. Among them, our own Forever Knights — Juan Ramon Guerrero and Christopher “Drew” Leinonen ’07 ’09MA — who are always in our hearts.

05/29/2025

Way to go!

03/24/2025

Interested in learning more about AI? Check out these fantastic opportunities!

1. April 15th “AI Day”. This is a set of workshops about AI in a small-conference breakout format. It’s in-person only at the Student Union. Peopl can come-and-go as desired (and lunch is not provided, though there’s an hour off for lunch on your own). Register here: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0xpt2902ygi4S4C. While these workshops will not be recorded in April, we should have videos of all of them by the Fall, and will share at that time.

2. Summer workshops. This virtual (TEAMS) workshop will provide a quick introduction to AI and its capabilities, then shift to giving ideas about how staff can use today’s AI tools for productivity. The dates listed below are all repeats; you only need to attend once. Register here: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wJHFIKmEJp4zJQ
a. May 14, 4pm-5pm
b. May 15, 9am-10am
c. May 16, 12pm-1pm
d. June 10, 10am-11am
e. June 11, 2pm-3pm

3. AI Community of Practice. For anyone with a strong interest in AI, you could join this monthly meeting of faculty and staff. We discuss anything new with AI at UCF, updates to AI tools, and recent articles of interest. To join the community of practice, click here to view the MS-TEAM, and use the code kucty4s to join. You will be sent Outlook calendar invitations to join monthly meetings. Or, you can email [email protected] and request to be added.

03/09/2025

What has changed since you started working at UCF?

You ever wonder how much our campus has changed since we graduated?

Reply with something you remember at UCF, and we'll tell you if it's still there/what replaced it ⬇️

03/04/2025

👏👏👏

The honor recognizes outstanding young alumni who continue to reach for the stars in their professional and personal lives.