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1-23-1998

The UCF Report, Vol. 20 No. 13, January 23, 1998

University of Central Florida

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Recommended Citation University of Central Florida, "The UCF Report, Vol. 20 No. 13, January 23, 1998" (1998). The UCF Report. 560. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfreport/560 Herbert 'superb choice1 for chancellor he selection of Adam Herbert as Florida's "I'm enthusiastic. He has done convince regents that their universities were being T newest chancellor has gotten a big thumbs an excellent job at the University treated unfairly under an outdated funding formula up from those who know him well. of North Florida," UCF Provost and that a new equity program was needed. Their "Adam Herbert is a superb choice for chancellor/' Gary Whitehouse says. "Adam work paid off in significant increases in UCF's and President John Hitt says. "His quiet, yet commanding Herbert is pleasant, outgoing and UNF's base funding levels. presence has earned him the respect of the regents, businesslike. "Adam is approachable, jovial, very sociable and SUS presidents, legislators, students, faculty and all "He's a good choice as far as very much family-oriented. I don't know of any other key constituencies." UCF is concerned. He certainly university president, other than John Hitt, who has Herbert, formerly president of the University of Herbert understands campuses such as worked harder building community ties," says Dan North Florida, was the lone Floridian among six ours and we have had a positive Holsenbeck, vice president for University Relations. finalists interviewed for the job after a nationwide relationship with the University of North Florida." search. His first day as chancellor was Jan. 19. Herbert and Hitt even worked together to Please see HERBERT, page 3 McDowell Computer quits over Science cell probe promoted CF's head football coach Gene to school McDowell this week resigned U the post he has held since 1985 CF's Department of Computer to spare the university embarrass­ U Sciences, one of the ment from the federal government's university's original programs, cell fraud investigation. has been designated as a school. In a letter to Athletic Director "It's been a flagship program," Steve Sloan on Tuesday, McDowell says Terry Frederick, longtime chair wrote that he was "tendering this for the department. "It had the first resignation based upon my decision Ph.D. program at the university, and to resolve the federal investigation in it has been what I consider a lead a way that, hopefully, will cause the unit. We've been very active in least amount of embarrassment and research and offering complex classes. trouble to you and the University of Plus, we've been assigned a lot of Central Florida." responsibilities over the years. We've McDowell, who also served as been leaders on and off campus." athletic director prior to Sloan's The new status will allow for arrival at UCF, also apologized "for expansion, and plans call for a any problems that my actions and significant budget increase. Frederick judgment in the cellular telephone predicts that the current faculty of 27 investigation may have caused this will increase by 10 or 15 over the next university." four years, then another six to handle The resignation occurred on the the growth in students. "Becoming a same day that a plea agreement in school creates greater expectations which McDowell admitted to making and opportunities. It was the next false statements to government logical step for us. We'll have to investigators was filed in federal produce even more, but we'll need court. more money to do that," he says. The agreement included "Plus, we expect the number of admissions of lying to federal Back to school students to double." investigators and concealing that he The spring semester came too soon for some students and Frederick noted that there is a had asked football captain Emory faculty. Here, a student takes time out between classes to shortage of computer scientists and Green to "tell the players involved to that new graduates often start jobs at do whatever they had to do to correct look over notes near the Student Union. The view is from higher wages than other graduates. the situation or make it right." the third floor of the Student Union looking south through "It's not unusual for a computer the window of the building's entrance. Please see MCDOWELL page 3 Please see SCHOOL page 2 Next issue of The UCF Report is Feb. 6 • Deadline is noon, Jan. 28 University of Central Florida Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 160090 U.S. Postage Paid Orlando, FL 32816-0090 Orlando, FL Jan Address Correction Requested Permit No. 3575 on the budget processes. Thank you very much for your help. 1997-98 Review of Budget Processes Proposed Timetable Memos I. Educational Stage: 1. Major-unit internal budget process reviews To: Vice presidents, vice provosts, deans and directors a) Colleges ....September and October From: William Merck, vice president b) Other l&R units ... September and October Subject: Direct payment of travel expenses (hotels) c) Student Affairs ... September and October Florida Statute 112.061 and Florida Administrative Code 3A-42.011 classify hotel 2. Broad-attendance Budge Process Workshops expenses as travel expenses and specify that the expenses should be paid to travelers a) Overviews of central budget methods (state, SUS, UCF) ... first week in rather than to the providers of such goods and services. Exceptions are allowed in the November case of emergency, savings to the state, or when the agency (UCF) collects funds in b) Overviews of major-unit budget methods (colleges, etc.) ... third week in advance from those persons using the facilities. Some other exceptions may be granted November upon application to the state comptroller. c) Continuation of foregoing item ... fourth week in November In regard to savings to the state, Florida Administrative Code 3A-011 provides for II. Corrective Stage: the direct payment of travel expenses with the prior approval of the agency head 1. Half-day initial mini-retreat... second week in December (President John Hitt) or his designee (William Merck) in situations that result in a cost a) Compare notes on results to date savings to the state. b) Highlight key issues for attention The Purchasing Department has obtained discounted room rates with three hotels 2. Selective planning group sessions in close proximity to UCF. The following summary chart depicts the quoted room rates, a) First meeting ... second week in January regular rates, cost savings, percentage of savings and the effective period for the b) Second meeting ... fourth week in January quoted rates offered to UCF by the Holiday Inn Select, Courtyard by Marriott and c) Third meeting ... second week in February Ramada Limited. These hotels offer UCF rates that are 19.05 percent to 31.30 percent d) Fourth meeting (cf. Items 3.c and 4.c) ... fourth week in February less than their regular rates. e) Fifth meeting ... second week in March Based on this documented cost savings, approval is granted for departments to f) Sixth meeting ... fourth week in March utilize the hotels listed above for direct payment for travel expenses incurred by official 3. Invitation of inputs from Faculty Senate UCF travelers or meeting requisitions submitted to the Purchasing Department for these a) Provost invitation ... first week in January hotels. b) Feedback to provost... third week in February Please contact Dorothy Straight in the Purchasing Department (823-2661) for c) Provost summary to planning group (cf. Item 2.d) ... fourth week in February additional information. 4. Open forums hosted by provost ("town meetings") Hotel: Holiday Inn Select Courtyard Marriott Ramada Limited-University a) First town meeting ... third week in January Phone: (407) 275-9000 (407) 277-7676 (407)273-1500 b) Second town meeting ... third week in February Quoted rate: $79 $68 $36 c) Provost summary to planning group (cf. Item 2.d) ... fourth week in Regular rate: $115 $84 $57 February Cost savings: $36 $16 $21 5. Half-day final mini-retreat... first week in April % of savings: 31.30% 19.05% 22.81% a) Assimilation of what has been learned Effective period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31 Jan. 1-Dec. 31 No termination date b) Preparation of concrete proposals to provost *The Holiday Inn Select provides free shuttle service to and from UCF and also a $15 III. Target date for corrections ... third week in April airport shuttle service.

To: All faculty From: Gary Whitehouse, provost "It's [the Computer Science Department] Subject: Budget processes In the spring of 1997, I formed a task force to suggest processes for reviewing both been a flagship program." the Model, currently utilized to determine levels of funding for colleges and Terry Frederick, chair area campuses, and the overall university methods for allocating resources among vice presidential divisions, including "university specials." College allocation models are SCHOOL, continued from page 1 being reviewed as well. The timetable for the process is to follow. scientist to start at the mid $40,000 or up," he says. "That's why the university Two open faculty "town meetings" have been scheduled, during which I would has difficulty in hiring them." welcome your suggestions for improving these procedures. There will also be time for me to answer any questions you may have about the processes. I will then report the School status will also increase the unit's ability to provide minors in results of these two meetings to the budget review committee. computer science and to continue its work with partnerships. The next meeting will be held in the Board Room, Administration Building, on Frederick plans to "finish out" his current stint as chair until a director is Monday, Feb. 16, 3-5 p.m. appointed following a nationwide search. I look forward to receiving your suggestions or any other comments you may have — Joanne Griggs Hall of Fame looking for UCF's superstars Nominations are being accepted through the later than Jan. 31. Candidates will be pre-screened represented the university over the years," Athletic end of this month for the UCF Athletic Hall of by the Hall of Fame committee, and finalists will be Director Steve Sloan says. "This is our chance to say Fame's first class. Those chosen will be inducted chosen soon afterward. All inductees must thanks and forever remember their contributions to during a ceremony on April 18. represent UCF in the highest regard, both during the program." All nominations must be submitted in writing and after their years of competition. For information about the Hall of Fame, call and be received by the Knight Booster Office no "We are very proud of the athletes who have 823-0097. Short Welcome back Takes . Students get taste of law at mock trial A news anchor is accused of murdering his son. The anchor, though, says it was self-defense. Sound like an episode of "L.A. Law"? Naw, it's the case the UCF Trial Team • will examine when the team competes with about 20 other schools in a mock trial tournament in South « Carolina on Feb. 6 and 7. The UCF Trial Team was established by legal studies professor Rob Remis. n World issues topic of center's program + The Center for Multilingual and Multicultural Studies hosts a weekly Conversational Hour with Martha Hitt serves punch and cookies to a student during a reception on Jan. 8 international students in the Intensive English in the Administration Building welcoming students back to campus after the # Program on Fridays, noon-1 p.m., in Trailer 547, winter holidays. Working with her are President John Hitt and Bill Merck, vice room 110. Faculty are invited to utilize the forum president for the Division of Administration and Finance. to supplement courses that focus on international, cross-cultural or multicultural issues. For information, call 823-5515. Kruczek ready to tackle coaching job Clarinetist brings Longtime assistant football coach Mike Kruczek others at Florida State, where they were both has been waiting for his shot as head coach for the assistants to Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden. Golden Knights for years. With Kruczek, the football program does .music to campus But it came sooner than he thought; and not the appear to be in good hands. As McDowell's Nationally known clarinetist way he had hoped. offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, he Marcus Eley will perform in a Kruczek, 44, is interim head coach for next was the architect of UCF's explosive offense, which recital with UCF professor and season. After that, who knows? It's practically a traditionally ranks among the nation's best in terms pianist Gary Wolf in the Music given that he'll be a strong candidate to take over of yardage gained and scoring. Rehearsal Hall on Feb. 7 at 8 the job permanently if he wants it. Which he almost A1978 graduate of Boston College, Kruczek p.m. The recital is the certainly will — Kruczek recently turned down a played six years as a quarterback in the NFL. He concluding event of the Eighth reported offer to coach quarterbacks for the NFL's played five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, two Annual UCF Clarinet Day. The Colts so he could stay at UCF. of them Super Bowl-winning seasons (1978 and Eley focus of the recital will be Still, the head coaching job is bittersweet. It '79). Prior to arriving at UCF, he was an assistant music for clarinet and piano by comes at the expense of his friend, Gene McDowell, coach with the Jacksonville Bulls of the United African-American composers. The event is free. who he worked with for 13 seasons at UCF and two States Football League. For information, call 823-5116. MCDOWELL, continued from page 1 Upcoming holiday At a packed news conference held prior to would have remained at the helm of UCF's disclosure of the plea agreement, Sloan announced emerging I-A football program. Sorry. There won't be another universitywide McDowell's decision and the appointment of In his letter of resignation, McDowell requested holiday until Memorial Day on May 25. But, hey, offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek to the vacated that "I be allowed to wind up my affairs ... in a you can always use vacation days if you need a position. He said that the interim appointment transition, with my last day of employment being little time off. would extend through the fall 1998 football season June 30,1998." and that he would expect Kruczek to be a candidate In addressing that point when asked by a for the permanent position. reporter, Sloan said that he hoped the university This issue All current assistant football coaches will be would be able to honor the request. He said that This issue of The UCF Report is for the weeks of retained during Kruczek's interim tenure, Sloan the university would defer acting on the request Jan. 23-29 and Jan. 30-Feb. 5. It is the 13th issue of said. until all of the facts could be factored into a fiscal year 1997-98. The UCF Report is published 23 In response to questions, Sloan acknowledged decision. times a year (every other week in the fall and that cell phone issues were entirely responsible for — Dean McFall spring, and every third week in the summer). McDowell's resignation and that otherwise he

HERBERT, continued from page 1 The UCF Report Herbert, a native of Oklahoma, came to UNF in accomplishments at UNF, his contributions to 1989, after 10 years in various positions at Florida Jacksonville, and his vision and ideas make him the The UCF Report is a publication of the Office of International University. He has been praised for right choice." Public Relations, Division of University Relations, his emphasis on undergraduate education, Herbert says he looks forward to taking on the University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160090, establishing higher academic standards and challenges related to his new post. "I have been Orlando, FL 32816-0090, (407) 823-2504. Publication increasing enrollment at UNF to about 11,400 given the privilege of serving the people of Florida of announcements and official memoranda about students. He is also credited, as former chair of the and look forward to working with the Board of university policy and procedures in The UCF Report constitutes official notice to faculty and staff. Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, with helping Regents and our 10 [university] presidents," he said David Flnnerty, editor that city land a National Football League franchise, after accepting the job earlier this month. Sheila Anderson, editorial assistant the Jaguars. Herbert is replacing Charles Reed, who was Joanne Griggs, writer "We believe he will instantly become one of the Florida's chancellor for 12 years prior to leaving to Susan Loden, writer nation's preeminent higher education leaders," become chancellor of the 23-campus California Jacque Brund, photographer says regent Steven Uhlfelder. "His extensive university system. academic and administrative experience, his — Susan Loden

FRIDAY, JAN. 23,1998 PAGE3 It was 35 years ago today

hundred. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the founding On June 10, 1963, UCF Another problem. of our university, stories will appear in each issue of Funds were not easily available. The new The UCF Report throughout 1998. Next issue: A look was established. That, university was 57th on the Board of Regents' at the first year of classes and a story on the priority list. But Gov. Haydon Burns moved it to university's most recognizable landmark. history shows, turned the top and recommended that $7 million be appropriated, even though estimates were that at out to be the easy part. least $12 million was needed. would be held in the Library, which would also In March 1965, the university's master plan was house all administrative offices, the bookstore, the m the university that almost wasn't. approved, with a concept of five villages clustered computer room and even a weight room. The only around an academic core in the center of concentric other buildings were the auditorium (now the circles. It was to be a broad-based university, Theatre Building), the first phase of the Student concentrating on undergraduate studies with Center, two small dorms and the utility plant. a ' £^ From UCF's conception right graduate work available as resources and needs of Finally, in 1967, construction was set to begin. ^^ up to construction of its first the area dictated. And still, the university's future tottered. *—r buildings, the university was in Charles Millican, dean for the College of Out of the blue, only a month before FTU's danger of being a project scrapped Business Administration at the University of South official ground breaking, a member of the BOR by the Board of Regents or ignored by Legislature. proposed that the university be relocated to On June 10,1963, Gov. Farris Bryant signed a Disney World site, seeing it as a solution to Legislative Bill 125 to form a new university. All FTU's most recent funding peril — the BOR else was uncertain. was considering delaying the university's The university had no name. opening to ease its own budget woes. A No location. And no funds. BOR committee researched the possibility of Seven months later, the site using the 1,000-acre Disney tract — which was narrowed from a "location had been set aside for industrial to be determined" in one of the development — but Disney officials said a nine counties of east central university would not fit into their concept. Florida to either Seminole or Rallying of local support brought about Orange. That's when Frank THIRTY-FIFTH ANN I VERSA R Y the BOR announcement that funds would Adamucci, a New Jersey be available and FTU would open as contractor, offered a deal too Florida, was appointed president for the new, still scheduled. In March 1967, more than 2,000 people good to refuse. If the state would unnamed university in October 1965. He began — including children from Little Princess buy half his land near the work as the first — and only — employee less than Kindergarten in nearby Union Park — attended the Orange-Seminole line, he would donate the rest. two months later, on Dec. 1, moving into offices on ground-breaking ceremony. The local media described the site as having "white the second floor of the First National Bank on The following year, the official seal with the sugar sand and short leaf pines and scrub oak." Church Street in downtown Orlando. Pegasus was approved and the university accepted Only problem: No money. That same winter, regents turned down three its first research grant, $12,500 from NASA. And A proposed act would allow the county to proposed names for the university, one of which, plans for opening continued as local citizens and purchase the land and give it to the state, but the ironically, was the University of Central Florida. university officials fought the ongoing battle of 1965 Legislature would still have to be convinced to Instead, they suggested Florida Technological securing funds for each step of development. approve construction funds before the land was University. It was officially adopted on Feb. 1,1966. Two months before the opening of classes, purchased. Waiting another year would delay the Originally, only four colleges were planned for Millican and the 90 faculty and 150 staff members university's opening. employed at FTU moved into their offices in the To make that happen, 89 central Florida FTU: Business Administration, Education, Arts and Library on campus. From there, they awaited the residents collectively guaranteed a bank loan of $1 Sciences, and General Education. The College of university's first crop of students with the first day million, posting cash, securities, promissory notes Engineering wasn't authorized until Sept. 16,1966, of class scheduled for Oct. 7. and pledges. None had any assurances that they after a survey commissioned by Millican and his would ever be reimbursed, though eventually all staff showed an overwhelming need for the college. — Joanne Griggs were. Today, UCF's annual Founders Day honors Early construction plans called for the first those people. buildings to be multipurpose. The Science Building That done, J. Broward Culpepper, executive would provide space for classes and labs for director for the State Board of Controls, announced chemistry, biology and physics. All other classes Dec. 1,1965 that the university could open its doors in the fall Charles Millican begins of 1968 with 1,500 students — freshmen and juniors March 1965 work as the first and only only — if funds were appropriated. Culpepper A master plan for the employee of the university. predicted the university would have 10,000 university is developed. Junstudente 10,196s by 19753, a prediction off by only a few Gov. Farris Bryant signs July 1964 Legislative Bill 125, officially J. Broward Culpepper, executive director of the creating a new state Board of Controls, declares that the university university. can open in the fall of 1968 with 1,500 freshmen K*- Oct. 19, 1965 and juniors — if funds are available. Charles Millican is appointed the university's first president.

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Jan. 24,1964 1964 Sept. 2, 1965 The Board of Controls approves a site Eighty-nine residents put up $1 million to Close to $7 million is appropriated for near the Orange and Seminole counties' guarantee a bank loan to secure the 1,227-acre construction. line for the location of the university. site for the university.

PAGE 4 THE UCF REPORT \ Quotes Father of our university and what they Reaching Charles Millican's wanted to study," Millican says. for the Stars decisions laid During his 12 years as president, "I am strongly aware that one Millican was known need only turn toward the eastern foundation for for his friendly, horizon — toward the thick thumb of relaxed style. He Florida that serves as a launch pad UCF's greatness r went out of his way of fhe missile age — to find that this TT £ he had it to do over, Charles to make personal place, this time in history have their Millican wouldn't change a contact with students, own stupendous significance. But thing. faculty and staff thapast is nothing without its validity Time has proven him right, the and could be seen as a path to the future. founding president of UCF thinks. periodically talking "This generation has a Decisions starting from his first day to students around rendezvous with space and the stars as president, Dec. 1,1965 — almost campus. "It took .... We must set our course and three years before doors opened to time and energy, move forward.... What makes a man students — shaped the destiny of the but I wanted to do try for the impossible? It's a touch of university. it," he says, "so I the divine in even/ one of us." Some of those early decisions that could at least have a Charles Millican, president, have passed the test of time: the master small understanding Florida Technological University, plan of concentric circles for campus, of what students • 1967 the state's first bachelor's degree in were thinking about." computer science, an engineering Millican college, computerized registration. remembers at times feeling tired as president of FTU in 1977, the 10,000 None were the result of luck. during his presidency, but never students here didn't seem so large. Monday, Oct. 7. Write it down. Millican was far from a novice at overwhelmed. "I fully expected to see 25,000 to Remember it as the day that creating a new university. He had "The problems were constant, but 30,000 students at the university ch&nged Orlando and central Florida previously joined the University of I liked to think of them as challenges; during my lifetime," he says. "I guess forever. South Florida as dean for the College and immediately my mind would I'll see more than that." Florida Technological University of Business Administration in 1960, a start looking for the answers. There Millican, who today works in the was dedicated and the great day year before it opened to students. always is an answer if you just look UCF Foundation, enjoys watching that so many had worked so long for "I saw all the tensions, all the hard enough." UCF reach the greatness he helped had arrived. heartache in launching a new university. I Time has changed his perspective create. ,An impressive site now at its knew what it took," Millican says. on one thing. Millican recalls thinking "I'm fortunate to still be here, still birth, Florida Tech will within 10 Like building a chemistry building the 10,000 students at the University contributing in a small way and short years make an impact on our first, because it can be used for all of Florida in 1948 — when he first seeing all these things happening. So area such as nothing else ever has sciences. Like hiring a muitidisdplinary enrolled there to work on his doctorate many positive things. Great things in and perhaps nothing in the future faculty, because the university needed degree — to be an absolutely huge so many areas. It's really fun." ever will rival. Even Walt Disney people to teach several areas. Like number. But when he stepped down — Joanne Griggs World. designing classrooms in a variety of * For on Monday our area took sizes to accommodate different types that giant step of maturity toward of classes. becoming a center for major Surveys and gathering informa­ influence on the minds of men and tion preceded all decisions. Faces from the past women. Ours has been a growing "We had to decide what kind of Mildred Kennedy "The best times were at the metropolitan area, and now it's a buildings, teaching space and kind of Served at UCF: April 1966- beginning, when we were complete one. faculty we needed before we knew February 1990 still at the downtown Editorial, The Orlando Sentinel, how many students we would have Positions: executive location, because everything Oct. 7, 1968 secretary to founding we did set a precedent." President Charles Millican, — Mildred Kennedy "The his successor, President "One of the most important Adamucci , acting President Les Ellis, and for a short decisions I made was to hire Site," as it transitional period, for UCF's third Mildred Kennedy as my secretary. was called in president, , before She was invaluable in helping me. the early retiring. A year later, she began her She was the kind of secretary who '60s, became current work as part-time anticipated things that were going to home to administrative assistant to be needed and took care of it Colbourn, who is compiling an oral without me having to ask her." UOF. In the history of the university. — Charles Millican background is Lake Claire. June 24,1968 The university's faculty, administrators and staff move to campus and await first day of classes.

Sept. 16,1966 Oct. 7, 1968 Board of Regents authorizes the Convocation and formation of the College of dedication for the Engineering. Four other colleges first day of classes, had been part of original plan for with 1,891 enrolled. the university. Oct. 6, 1968 April 18,1968 More than March 19,1967 12,000 people The first research Feb. 2,1966 Formal ground breaking, with Gov. attend FTU's grant is received University is officially named Florida Claude Kirk as the featured speaker, open house for when NASA gives Technological University. with 2,000 supporters on hand. the community. $12,500.

April 5, 1968 January 1967 Sept. 10, 1968 The official seal with the Construction on the First student Pegasus approved. infrastructure begins. orientation held.

FRIDAY, JAN. 23, 1998 PAGE 5 Web courses turning heads of many tools available to reach students. So we're courses at the branches because of low attendance Advantages of virtual not married to any one tool; we're just searching for or lack of expertise for a particular subject. But the tools that help us best do the job." interactive TV allows students to attend classes at campus please Preliminary data from these classes point to the branches being taught by a professor located on increased interaction, especially in large classes, the main campus. "These allow for learning students and teachers and an increase in retention and grades in classes opportunities that wouldn't exist for some that traditionally have more problems than most in students," Sorg says. Think of a UCF campus without parking those areas. A joint project between UCF and the University problems, no lines, no crowded classrooms and "We don't have any hard data yet," Sorg says, of South Florida allows students to study foreign where students can zip from the Administration "but the faculty teaching the classes currently with languages taught at USF but not UCF. And visa Building to the Engineering Building in a couple of problems of retention and low grades are very versa for USF students. "In the future, we possibly seconds — give or take a nanosecond or so. enthusiastic. They think their students are doing will expand that to include expertise from other No, students won't be equipped with rocket- much better with the use of the Web." universities," says Sorg. powered shoes in the future. Don't get crazy. The other payoff is more classroom space. Fully Some programs, targeted at working Besides, I'm talking here and now. professionals, are extending opportunities Welcome to UCF's Virtual Campus. "UCF has elected to make distributed for completion of programs through use of And if you still don't think it exists, just distributed learning. For instance, check out the 1998 spring schedule of learning part of the fabric of the university, registered nurses with A.S. degrees in classes. You'll find the UCF Virtual nursing can earn a bachelor's degree from Campus listed toward the back (17 offering it as part of our regular courses. UCF completely through fully Web pages, by the way). courses. Actually, zipping between buildings We're working to move all of UCF Sorg foresees distributed learning — which would be done on screen — is toward that goal. The pioneers, the faculty growing as fast as the UCF support still just a possibility. But very soon, the system can work to help faculty and UCF Virtual Campus, which is currently trying these new things, are blazing students learn to use it. Last semester, accessible on the Internet, could have a nearly 20 course sections were taught visual presence on the Web that will new trails, so that all of us can learn completely on the Web, with some 500 look like a real campus. students earning credit in this manner, "I envision a Web page that shows from their successes and failures and 4,000 students took media enhanced different buildings and locations in the courses. Virtual Campus that students can access and help the rest of the faculty as they join "It's not just students that have with a mouse click of their computer," in using these new tools." problems with access to the main or says Steven Sorg, director for the Center branch campuses who take these courses," for Distributed Learning. Steven Sorg says Sorg. "Our data show that 75 percent UCF students who are "attending" — of the students taking fully Web courses the virtual campus by taking fully Web-based Web courses don't need any classrooms, and media also take regular courses." courses, media-enhanced courses or interactive enhanced courses can substitute what is now called A giant step for distributed learning will be two-way TV courses at UCF can sit back and enjoy. "seat time" for holding class on the Web. seeking accreditation for UCF's Virtual Campus. "It And preliminary data support the enjoyment as "A faculty member might decide to meet in a would show that the quality of the courses and well as improved learning in these courses. Minus, classroom only once a week and meet for the other access to services to be just as good as it is for of course, the aforementioned hassles. two sessions on the Web. If three faculty members regular courses," Sorg says. Sorg says that faculty who teach these classes do that, then you can offer their three classes using Currently, distributed learning courses are have been most surprised at how well they've the same amount of classroom space normally used supported by the Center for Distributed Learning gotten to know their students and how many by just one class," Sorg explained. in Academic Affairs, the Distributed Learning students they know, even in their larger courses. The most encouraging developments have been Course Development Office in Information When Sorg taught the first fully Web-based class at the creation of learning communities. "Some fully Technologies and Resources, the Office of UCF in 1996, he searched for ways to have the type Web courses meet face-to-face for the finals, and it Instructional Resources and Computer Services. of interaction with his students that he always had is usually like a social event. Professor and students "UCF has elected to make distributed learning in his regular classes. finally see each other after working together, part of the fabric of the university," Sorg says, The answer as how to accomplish that is a sharing ideas and helping each other via the Web "offering it as part of our regular courses. We're three-part model implemented by Sorg and Barbara all term." working to move all of UCF toward that goal. The Truman, who heads up the Distributed Learning These methods have been most effective for pioneers, the faculty trying these new things, are Course Development Office. The model includes large courses, though initially some faculty have blazing new trails, so that all of us can learn from interaction between professor and each student, been overwhelmed with the flood of e-mail from their successes and failures and help the rest of the among students on an electronic bulletin board for students. Sorg says the center helps faculty use faculty as they join in using these new tools." the class and students researching on the Web. various tools to reduce those kinds of — Joanne Griggs "We didn't want these to be static, electronic administrative chores. "But, generally, Web-based Editor's note: The Center for Distributed Learning is versions of correspondence courses," Sorg says. courses make a lot more work for the faculty," Sorg located at the Research Pavilion, Suite 264, Research "And we wanted to make sure students didn't feel admits. Park. The phone number is 207-4910. The Web sites are: isolated. We're not using the Web because it's the Circumstances almost dictate teaching some http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~distrib/cdl and http:// cool or interesting thing to do. The Web is just one courses on the Web. It's not expedient to offer some pegasus.cc. ucf.edu/~distrib/

Stars shine on Orlando Saudia Roundtree of the American Basketball League's Atlanta Glory speaks with students from Union Park Middle School on Jan. 16 to kick off a weekend of events celebrating the ABL All-Star Game, held at Walt Disney World. The session with the students was presented by UCF's National Consortium for Academics and Sports, Reebok International Ltd. and Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society.

PAGE 6 THE UCF REPORT