UCF Staff Advisory Council

We often use this site for happy events but now we are calling on the UCF Community for their help.

The daughter of a UCF F&A employee has gone missing. Please take a moment to look over the attached link. If you have any information on this at all, contact UCF PD, Detective Junny Valerio at 407-971-5718 or [email protected].

We also encourage anyone who would appreciate assistance to contact the UCF Employee Assistance Program (EAP), https://hr.ucf.edu/current-employees/benefits/additional-employee-benefits/employee-assistance-programs/.

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Congratulations to Nesreen Hanieh! Nesreen was awarded a $100 Barnes and Noble Campus Book Award through the UCF Staff Advisory Council for the Spring 2024 term!

Nesreen comes from a family that values higher education, and she is currently pursuing a dual degree in Health Informatics and Digital Forensics.

She says her "passion for Health Informatics and Digital Forensics stems from a combination of factors. Growing up in a technologically advancing world, I witnessed the transformative power of digital solutions in healthcare. Additionally, my experience as an IT Consultant exposed me to the critical need for robust security measures within healthcare systems. This, and my desire to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding sensitive patient data, inspired me to pursue this degree. By blending technology and healthcare, I can play a vital role in advancing the field of health information security for the betterment of society".

Nesreen works as an IT Consultant and serves as a Teaching Assistant at UCF.

It doesn’t get much sweeter than donuts for a great cause!

UCF Police officers will be delivering orders of their favorite treat as part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida’s Law Enforcement Torch Run. Donuts provided by Dunkin’ will be delivered on all UCF campuses (main, UCF Downtown, Rosen, and Health Sciences at Lake Nona) on Friday, March 1 - which also happens to be Employee Appreciation Day!

Orders are available as an assorted half dozen or as an order of 30 assorted Munchkins, and each option will cost $8. Deliveries will be made by UCF Police officers and staff members between 9 and 11 a.m. Order donuts for yourself, a friend or colleague to show how much you care while also supporting an incredible cause. Tips for delivery drivers also will be accepted, with all proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Florida.

Deliveries will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your orders in quickly and no later than Monday, Feb. 26! Want to support but don’t want the sugar rush? Donations without a purchase of donuts are accepted and appreciated.

To order or donate visit
https://give.specialolympicsflorida.org/site/Calendar?id=102681&view=Detail

The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) will be hosting the 30th Annual Joseph C. Andrews Mentoring Celebration on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. in the Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom. The University of Central Florida’s Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) is an organization representative of UCF’s goal to be more inclusive and diverse. The mission of BFSA is to promote an environment that fosters cultural awareness and enrichment through advocacy, mentoring, professional networking, and quality programming. The 30th Annual Joseph C. Andrews Mentoring Celebration furthers this mission and is a recognition program that honors the power of community at UCF, highlights impactful Faculty, Staff, and awards student scholarships.

For information on tickets please visit https://bfsa-ucf.org/www/event/30th-annual-joseph-c-andrews-mentoring-celebration/ or direct questions to [email protected].

30th Annual Joseph C. Andrews Celebration – Black Faculty & Staff Association The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) will be hosting the 30th Annual Joseph C. Andrews Mentoring Celebration on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. in the Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom. The University of Central Florida’s Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) is an organizat...

Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays this year, with the second starting tomorrow, August 26th through Friday, September 8th.

New items have been added to the list including household essentials such as pet supplies, toilet paper and laundry detergent – please see the attached document for more information.

https://floridarevenue.com/disasterprep/Pages/default.aspx

The Staff Advisory Council is very excited to announce the opening of our Fall 2023 Employee Scholarship and Book Awards.

In addition to these long standing aid opportunities, we have also received a new award! A $250 Employee Savings Incentive Award!

This award is sponsored by the Addition Financial Credit Union. and will be given in the form of a savings account deposit. The membership fee will be waived for new customers, and amount will be deposited into the winner’s account.

All of these awards are open to USPS and A&P Employees. Applicants must be a full-time university employee and must have been employed for a minimum of one year. OPS and Work Study are not eligible.

To apply please fill out the application by September 30, 2023!
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

Recently remodeled, the Wellness Research Center, is a great place to
take a few moments to focus on you.

This is a free resource for UCF employees offering strength and aerobic
exercise options as well as opportunity to participate in health and wellness
related research. For those that work up a sweat they also have onsite
showers!!

It appears as if they do require a membership; however, this is FREE.

Members of the Staff Advisory Council were given the opportunity to have lunch with President Cartwright at his home, The Burnett House. This was a wonderful opportunity for members of SAC to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences, as well as voice concerns brought to them by fellow UCF Employees.

Congratulations to Dylan Castillo! Dylan was awarded a $250 Scholarship by the UCF Staff Advisory Council for the Fall 2023 term!

Dylan is a first-gen student majoring in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT), focusing on the Educational Technology Track. He says, "I've always had a passion for technology, education, and design, even before I knew I wanted to pursue IDT. I first learned of this program during the Covid pandemic when I was looking for ways to bring in-person advising practices to an online setting."

Dylan works in the Knights Major Exploration and Transition Center as an Academic Advisor II, using his skills, and knowledge, to provide guidance to UCFs Undeclared and Major Exploring students.

If you are a full-time university employee and have been employed by UCF for a minimum of one year, please consider applying for our Spring 23 Scholarship and/or Barnes and Noble Book Award. Applications are currently open until January 20, 2023.

Barnes and Noble Book Award
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wfuKY3ZWYWuir4

SAC Employee Scholarship
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

The Staff Advisory Council is very excited to announce the opening of our Spring 2023 Employee Scholarship and Book Awards.

The UCF Employee Scholarship is open to USPS and A&P Employees. Applicants must be a full-time university employee and must have been employed for a minimum of one year. OPS and Work Study are not eligible. To apply for this, or the Barnes & Noble Book award, please fill out the application by January 20, 2023.

Barnes and Noble Book Award
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wfuKY3ZWYWuir4

SAC Employee Scholarship
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

$100 Barnes and Noble Employee/Dependent Book Award - ​USPS Staff Council Qualtrics sophisticated online survey software solutions make creating online surveys easy. Learn more about Research Suite and get a free account today.

It's that time of year again and Staff Advisory Council has once again partnered with VARC in the Toys for Tots Drive!

Below is a list of Buildings/Offices that are participating in the toy drive this year.

College of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS) (HS1, and HS2)
College of Nursing (University Towers, Rm 300)
Visitor Parking (VPI)
Digital Learning Center (1st Floor Reception)
College of Community Innovation & Education
(Deans Office, FBC Office, Grad Affairs, 4th local TBD)
UCF Police Department
College of Business
(BA1:230, BA1:229, BA2:100, Downtown EDC Office)
Education, 205
VAB 114
TPC

Donations need to be dropped off by December 12, 2022.

Due to Hurricane Ian, and recovery/rebuilding efforts many are facing, the Staff Advisor Council has extended the application deadline to October 31, 2022!!!

The UCF Employee Scholarship is open to USPS and A&P Employees. To apply for this, or the Barnes & Noble Book award, please fill out the application by October 31, 2022.

Barnes and Noble Book Award
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wfuKY3ZWYWuir4

SAC Employee Scholarship
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

$250 Employee Scholarship Award - ​Staff Advisory Council Qualtrics sophisticated online survey software solutions make creating online surveys easy. Learn more about Research Suite and get a free account today.

The Staff Advisory Council is very excited to announce the opening of our Fall 2022 Employee Scholarship and Book Awards.

The UCF Employee Scholarship is open to USPS and A&P Employees. To apply for this, or the Barnes & Noble Book award, please fill out the application by October 15, 2022.

Barnes and Noble Book Award
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wfuKY3ZWYWuir4

SAC Employee Scholarship
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

$250 Employee Scholarship Award - ​Staff Advisory Council Qualtrics sophisticated online survey software solutions make creating online surveys easy. Learn more about Research Suite and get a free account today.

UCF SAC is excited to be partnering with the Presidents Office to bring you the 2022 Staff Assembly Breakfast.

We have a packed agenda with several guest speakers, to include President Cartwright and Provost Johnson. There will be a Q&A. You may submit questions in advance to Cissy Glowth (SAC President) or ask them during the assembly.

There will also be multiple prize drawings to include the ever popular Parking Pass and we will also have sponsor tables for AIG, Rethink, Addition Financial, and UCF HR Learning & Organizational Effectiveness!

Please make sure to RSVP for this event
https://www.greenvelope.com/card/.public-8878668692434f1eb603f9022949865c34353439383038.

The deadline to RSVP is Monday, August 1.

UCF’s Day of Giving on April 7 provides us an opportunity to continue to celebrate all that UCF has accomplished, promote our excellence externally and encourage active engagement with our wonderful university community.

It is your valuable contributions, ideas and commitment to our university that are the foundation for our excellence. The work you do helping us to unleash our potential, supporting each other as we work to change, impact and inspire lives.

The Staff Advisory Council is able to help employees with this change by offering a $250 Employee Award twice a year.

If you are able, we would greatly appreciate your donation so that we may keep this award running and continue to change lives. The Employee Award code is USPS Award Fund - AFVP 000003. All donations go directly to USPS and AP Employee Awards and payroll deduction is available.

We sincerely appreciate your support. Go Knights! Charge On!

UCF Staff Advisory Council updated their phone number.

Oportunidades de servir de voluntario en las Olimpiadas especiales de 2022!

Estimados colegas, como ya estarán enterados, este verano, Central Florida tendrá el honor de ser el anfitrión de los Juegos Olímpicos Especiales de EE. UU. 2022, del 5 al 12 de junio de 2022.

Los Juegos se llevarán a cabo en Disney, USTA, Exploria Stadium, entre otros lugares de Central Florida, y contarán con aproximadamente 5500 atletas y entrenadores de los 50 estados, tanto como del Caribe, y atraerán a unos 125.000 espectadores.

Una oportunidad, muy especial, para que Knight Nation apoye los juegos, se encuentra disponible a través del voluntariado. Hay numerosas oportunidades de voluntariado, disponibles, para garantizar una experiencia exitosa en 2022.

Los atletas, de las Olimpiadas Especiales, compiten por amor al deporte, y demuestran habilidades notables, dentro y fuera del campo. Al celebrar y apoyar su dedicación, nos convertimos en campeones de un mundo más inclusivo.

Explore las maneras de servir de voluntario, y las respuestas a preguntas frecuentes en el siguiente enlace https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/get-involved/volunteer-information.

Para ofrecer sus servicios de voluntario, de manera individual, ingrese al siguiente enlace https://volunteer.2022usagames.org/.

Para ofrecer sus servicios de voluntario, como grupo, (o departamento u organización), ingrese en el siguiente enlace https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/get-involved/group-application.

2022 Special Olympics Volunteer Opportunity!

Dear Colleagues, as you may know, Central Florida will have the honor of hosting the 2022 Special Olympics Usa Games this summer, June 5-12, 2022.

The games will take place at Disney, USTA, Exploria Stadium, among other Central Florida venues, and will feature approximately 5, 500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean, and attract an estimated 125,000 spectators.

A very special opportunity for Knight Nation to support the Games is available via volunteerism. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available to ensure a successful 2022 experience.

Special Olympics athletes compete for the love of the sport and display remarkable abilities on and off the field. By celebrating and supporting their dedication--we become champions for a more inclusive world.

To explore the volunteer experience, and for FAQs related to volunteering, click https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/get-involved/volunteer-information.

Individual volunteers go to https://volunteer.2022usagames.org/

To sign up as a group https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/get-involved/group-application.

Go Knights! Charge On! Volunteer on!

Special Olympics Welcome to Special Olympics 2022 USA Games

UCF Police officers will be delivering orders of their favorite treat as part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida’s Law Enforcement Torch Run. Donuts provided by Dunkin’ will be delivered on the main campus on Tuesday, March 1. Orders are available as a half dozen or as an order of 30 Munchkins, and each option will cost $6. Deliveries will be made by UCF Police officers and staff members between 8 and 10 a.m.

Order donuts for yourself, a friend or colleague to show how much you care while also supporting an incredible cause. Tips for delivery drivers also will be accepted, with all proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Florida.

Deliveries will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your orders in quickly! Want to support but don’t want the sugar rush? Donations without a purchase of donuts are accepted and appreciated.

To order or donate, click here: https://give.specialolympicsflorida.org/ucfdonuts

Thank you in advance for your support! For any questions, please contact Debbie Pope ([email protected]).

As part of the UCF Community it is our responsibility to promote a safe environment for everyone that works, and visits, our beautiful campus. You can help keep our community safe by sharing this important message regarding disability awareness and scooter safety with your colleagues, friends and students. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16PaZy6Fx_WvGWIrwuDcwH5n4VzIEAqXx/view

Congratulations to the October 2021 UCF Employee of the Month Liz Lozado-Rivera!

Liz Lozada-Rivera is an Office Support Assistant in the Human Resources Department. Her nominators, Patty Farris and Millicent Downer, had this to say about her:

“Liz is an incredible team player with a great attitude. She goes above and beyond each day she comes to work. Liz is the person that greets anyone coming into our office with a warm simile. In addition, she has an exceptional demeanor toward our internal and external customers. Liz has to juggle many hats throughout the day and manage to juggle all the balls without letting things drop. An example of this is how she orients new team members by ensuring they have a seamless transition to the team and have everything they need in their office to succeed. Liz fosters an inclusive workplace by treating every one of our teammates with the utmost respect. She is a kind and hard worker. Liz represents the university well by being such a champion for excellence in everything she does.

Liz has been an immense support system for the HR Department and has consistently gone above and beyond in her role as an Office Support Assistant. Not only does she oversee the front-end responsibilities of central HR, she puts in maintenance requests for our facility, notifies me of security and safety hazards, (typically taking the initiative and submitting requests to resolve them), and assists our staff-remote and onsite-with both technical and office equipment needs.

HR has relied on federal work study students to provide Liz with much needed support to carry out the day-to-day operational needs of the HR department. Due to challenges in recruiting students, Liz has been left with limited backup support. However, despite this, Liz willingly offers to provide support to the other HR areas when needed. Liz is very conscientious in making sure our customers feel welcomed and goes out of her way when needed to make sure their needs are met. Liz is a highly valued member of the UCF-HR team.”

The University of Central Florida USPS Employee of the Month and Year Awards recognize exceptional performance of currently employed University staff. We welcome your nomination and assistance in recognizing exceptional university employees. To see eligibility criteria or to nominate someone, visit https://hr.ucf.edu/…/USPS-Employee-of-the-Month-Nomination-….

Congratulations to the September 2021 UCF Employee of the Month Peter Stephens!

Peter Stephens is a Law Enforcement Corporal in the UCF Police Department. His nominators, Major Derrick Stockdreher and Deputy Chief David Zambri, had this to say about him:

“Over the past few months, Corporal Stephens at UCFPD has taken on the additional duty and responsibility for the Special Events role at UCFPD that had recently become vacant. Stepping in to assist when campus was getting ramped up with events and activity taking on the very, very, large task of putting together the operations plan, staffing hundreds of law enforcement personnel from all around central Florida and countless other details that outsiders have no idea what is done behind the scenes to pull off such a large-scale event.

Corporal Stephens is the man you see working on the message boards, hear on the phone coordinating personnel from other agencies, juggling staffing when those same people back out at the last minute, and one of the many who worked way past 2am that first game and still came in early the next morning to start working on the next football game. Corporal Stephens is a tireless wonder that is always busy making things happen however, watching the many long hours he put in working with everyone to ensure that the public safety aspect of these events is taken care of did not go unnoticed. Corporal Stephens is the perfect example of the extra degree put into making things happen at UCF, and it is a pleasure to nominate him for this accolade.”

The University of Central Florida USPS Employee of the Month and Year Awards recognize exceptional performance of currently employed USPS staff. We welcome your nomination and assistance in recognizing exceptional university employees. To see eligibility criteria or to nominate someone, visit https://hr.ucf.edu/…/USPS-Employee-of-the-Month-Nomination-….

Congratulations to the August 2021 UCF Employee of the Month Doreen Gomez!

Doreen is a Licensed Practical Nurse in Student Health Services. Her nominators, Lisa Newberry and Elizabeth Borelli, had this to say about her:

“Doreen embraces student’s diversity. She helps the student stay on a path to graduation, encouraging healthy behaviors and identifying support for them on campus as needed. She is an excellent resource for students and often students comment that she is so easy to talk to and she cares so much. She makes students feel comfortable and secure in the clinic. Doreen has commitment to UCF’s strategic plan by keeping promises to students-advising the best plan of care, thinking creatively with her clinical team to do so. We truly value her hard work every day and she is such a strong asset to our team.

Ms. Gomez shows commitment to the UCF Student Health Services mission by providing high quality healthcare and vision by ensuring the well-being of our patients. She performs at a high level providing safe and efficient patient care in a professional manner. She is an important member of our team who is highly valued and respected.”

The University of Central Florida USPS Employee of the Month and Year Awards recognize exceptional performance of currently employed USPS staff. We welcome your nomination and assistance in recognizing exceptional university employees. To see eligibility criteria or to nominate someone, visit https://hr.ucf.edu/…/USPS-Employee-of-the-Month-Nomination-….

Congratulations to the July 2021 UCF Employee of the Month Christopher Holt! Christopher is a Sergeant in the UCF Police Department. His nominators, Commander James Mangan and Commander Pablo Vargas, had this to say about him:

“Sergeant Holt shows each day his commitment to both UCF and its students/faculty/staff. He is always the first to help and does his best each day to make an impact in the lives of those he serves. On 07/20/21, after the arrest of a dangerous impaired driver from an unrelated incident, Sgt. Holt observed suspicious activity occurring in a local business parking lot. He went over to investigate and found the male driver had locked a female in the bed of a pickup truck (this truck had a cargo cover that prevented her from getting out.) When Sgt. Holt made contact, he found a female who appeared to be intoxicated and hysterically crying. The driver was found to be intoxicated himself and arrested by UCFPD. As this occurred off campus, the other investigations were turned over to Orange County Sheriff’s Office for other possible criminal charges.

The UCF Police Department believes in the recognition of our officers, their actions and outstanding efforts in service to the community. In keeping with our agency motto of “Doing the Right Thing” the UCF Police Department recognizes Sergeant Holt for his outstanding lifesaving efforts that occurred on July 20, 2021. Sergeant Holts quick response and recognition of the severity of the situation prevented a potentially tragic outcome. His commitment to the UCF Police Departments mission is an example of his Exemplary law enforcement service. Sergeant Holts actions reflect the highest standard of care for a law enforcement officer and bring great pride to the UCF Police Department.”

The University of Central Florida USPS Employee of the Month and Year Awards recognize exceptional performance of currently employed USPS staff. We welcome your nomination and assistance in recognizing exceptional university employees. To see eligibility criteria or to nominate someone, visit https://hr.ucf.edu/…/USPS-Employee-of-the-Month-Nomination-….

WRC is hosting a free outdoor yoga event (flyer attached). Please help spread the word as this event will help introduce many to the new gym!

The WRC (also known as the Employee Gym) has just reopened after a MAJOR renovation. In addition to the refresh of the space in general, new additions include even more cardio equipment and HVAC enhancements that purify the air.

If you have any questions please reach out to Megan Pabian, Director of Communications and Marketing in the College of Health Professions and Sciences. ([email protected])

Thanks for your support!

The first day of fall is fast approaching, and even though the temps are still in the 90's here in Florida, the amount of daylights hours is growing shorter.

With many of use still coping with stressors of COVID, it's important that we do what we can to maintain a healthy, and positive, mental state.

As we get closer to "Falling Back" an hour and losing even more of our precious sunlight here are a few things you can do to help alleviate those "Winter Blues"...

1. Get as much natural sunlight as possible. If you have returned to campus and have a window, open up those blinds to let in the light. If not, try to take a quick trip outside just to breath in the fresh air.

2. Get in regular exercise. Set aside a 15 minute break to walk around your building or floor. If you have a space and a computer there are some great "15 Minute Mile" walking videos that you can access for free on You.tube. If you have your own office bring in a yoga mat and some resistance bands.

3. Eat well balanced meals. Lack of sunlight makes many of us want to eat comfort food, and while the macaroni and cheese tastes delicious now, you'll pay the price later with a sugar crash. Instead, opt for complex carbs like brown rice or oatmeal, bananas and foods high in omega 3's as they boost your serotonin, or "feel good" hormone.

4. Deal with your REGULAR stress. Practice daily meditation and don't be afraid to let your supervisor know if you are feeling overloaded at work now. Bringing in this additional baggage to the winter months only exacerbates the doldrums of winter.

5. Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships is key to combatting this seasonal depression. Call or email a friend to meet for coffee or seek out special interest groups. With COVID, we have to think of safety; however, we are fortunate to live in Florida where our temperatures in November, December and January allow us to be comfortable in outside settings.

And don't forget to take advantage of the resources available to you from UCF. Here you will find Health & Wellness resources available to Staff https://hr.ucf.edu/current-employees/benefits/health-wellness-resources/.

Health & Wellness Resources for Faculty & Staff Faculty and Staff Wellness Research Center The Wellness Research Center (WRC) is a work-site wellness program for faculty and staff. Housed in the Education Building, this fitness center offers strength, flexibility and aerobic conditioning equipment as well as fitness services.   Recreation and We...

The Staff Advisory Council is very excited to announce the receipt of a $1000 donation to our Employee Scholarship Fund. This donation is allowing us to offer not one, but FOUR Employee Awards for the Fall 2021 term in the amount of $250 each.

The UCF Employee Scholarship is open to USPS and A&P Employees. To apply for this, or the Barnes & Noble Book award please fill out the application by September 15, 2021.

Barnes & Noble Book Award (Open to Employees and Dependents)
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wfuKY3ZWYWuir4

Staff Advisory Council
https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOv6SOGN7O2mM7A

Good luck and don't forget to put your name on the essay!

The UCF Sick Leave Pool open enrollment is September 1-30, 2021.

To be eligible for membership, applicants must be employed with UCF continuously for at least one year and have accrued 64 hours of sick leave as of September 2021.

New members are required to donate 16 hours of their sick leave (part-time employees will donate an amount proportionate to their FTE). Membership reply letters will be sent to new applicants by early October 2021.

Please note that if you are already a current member of the Sick Leave Pool, you do not need to rejoin during open enrollment. The second link listed below includes details on how to verify your current membership status.

Interested faculty and staff should send applications to the Human Resources Leave Administration section at [email protected].

LINKS
Sick Leave Pool Application:https://hr.ucf.edu/files/SLPApplication.pdf

Sick Leave Pool Information:
http://hr.ucf.edu/current-employees/leave-and-general-attendance-information/sick-leave-pools

UCF-3.026 USPS Sick Leave Pool Regulation:http://regulations.ucf.edu/chapter3/documents/3.026USPSSickLeavePoolFINAL_July15.pdf

UCF-3.0261 Faculty and A&P Sick Leave Pool Regulation:http://regulations.ucf.edu/chapter3/documents/3.0261FacultyAPSickLeavePoolFINALAug15.pdf