ucf stands for opportunity

UCF Stands for Opportunity

EXCEL PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

IS LIMITED. Apply early at

w w w . e x c e l . u c f . e d u .

A Message from the EXCEL Program Directors

Dear Prospective Student,

The EXCEL program is structured to build strong math skills. Once a student possesses a strong mathematics background, science and engineering subjects are easier to master. The program offers support and mentoring for all required courses common to engineering, science and math majors.

At UCF, ensuring that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors achieve success is a top priority. The fast-paced nature and technical curricula of the STEM majors are challenging but EXCEL, with its comprehensive and well-planned support structure, prepares students for success, starting with the most critical first two years of college.

We want you to expect success. And we can help you along the way.

Sincerely,

What is the EXCEL Program?

Your first two years of college will go by

quickly. As a science, technology, engineering

or mathematics major (STEM), we can help you

make those years successful.

The program increases student achievements

in freshman and sophomore-level math and

science courses, the cornerstone of success in

STEM disciplines, by bringing students together

to learn and by building connections among

students and faculty.

The EXCEL program helps students understand

mathematical and science concepts. A

dedicated EXCEL advisor designs an academic

schedule for each student and closely follows

their progress. A designated graduate student

mentor helps each student with any difficulties

in math and science courses. One-hour

seminars are held to explain how Calculus is

used in science and engineering applications.

During their sophomore year, students

participate in paid research experiences.

Student Accomplishments

Since 2006, the EXCEL program has mentored

566 students.

Proof of EXCEL’s success is that more than

80 percent of those students who took the

Calculus I course in Fall 2007 passed the class

(attained A, B or C grades). This percentage

is significantly higher than the typical passing

rate without the support of the program.

In Spring 2008, 32 sophomore students

participated in research experiences in the

laboratory of one of our STEM professors.

In Spring 2008, the EXCEL program

was recognized by the National Science

Foundation (NSF) as a national model for

similar NSF-funded programs.

Dr. Michael GeorgiopoulosElectrical Engineering

Dr. Cynthia YoungMathematics

EXCEL IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS >> WWW.EXCEL.UCF.EDU

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EXCEL is for you...

Why EXCEL?

EXCEL students who are awarded • housing contracts are housed in the same block.

Each student builds a carefully • planned, co-developed educational schedule with the EXCEL academic advisor.

Interact with our community of • undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff one-to-one or in small group settings.

Blocks of seats in Calculus, • Chemistry, and Physics classes are held for EXCEL students to make sure you get the classes you need with people you know.

EXCEL courses are taught by • outstanding faculty.

EXCEL helps sophomore students • get involved in research. This experience is paid up to $1,000.

I F YO U :

Are admitted to UCF with the intent to

major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

Have taken Algebra II and

Trigonometry or Pre-calculus.

Scored at least a 550 Math SAT.

Perform well in mathematics, but

seek additional support

through a learning community.

Enjoy study groups and like

structured programs.

Want to have a rewarding college experience that leads to a

successful STEM career.

Excel Careers—the right fit for you

UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, College

of Sciences and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences prepare

students for a wide range of careers in Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. At UCF, you

will gain access to industry partners for internships that prepare

you for the right career.

Areas of Study:Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering involves physics for the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems, including motor vehicle design and analysis. Aerospace engineering is the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft.

Industrial Engineering professionals analyze and create models for improving system performance, examples of which include shortening lines at theme parks and supply chain management.

Civil Engineering involves the analysis, design, construction and assessment of civil infrastructure such as structural systems, foundations, tunnels, water resources and transportation systems.

Environmental Engineering is concerned with applying science and engineering principles for the preservation of the environment and protection of human populations from the effects of adverse environmental factors, which include human and natural effects.

Construction Engineering employs planning, estimating, scheduling, and other managerial skills to execute designs created by other engineers in areas such as geotechnical, environmental, structural, transportation, and water resources.

Electrical Engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Subtopics include power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications.

Computer Science is the study of information and computation, and their application in computer systems. Students can specialize in graphics, programming languages, human-computer interaction, computer vision, databases and computer networks.

Computer Engineering encompasses broad areas of electrical engineering and computer science, including computer architecture, embedded systems, human-computer interaction, networking, and software engineering.

Physics is the study of how nature works. A physicist attempts to discover the fundamental laws that govern our universe and studies natural phenomena—from subatomic particles, the indivisible constituents of which all matter is made (particle physics) to the behavior, origin and fate of our universe as a whole (cosmology).

Chemistry deals with developing new materials and studies the composition and properties of new and existing materials such as acidity, density, conductivity, reactivity, electronic behavior, biological behavior, and photo-reactivity.

Forensic Science is the applicability of sciences that answer questions linked to legal and criminal investigations.

Biology is a science devoted to understanding the processes surrounding life on earth. Biologists study organisms and their relationships to the environment. They attempt to discover and explain the underlying mechanisms that govern how organisms live.

Biotechnology is defined as the science of using living things, and components of living things, to produce goods and services. It involves manipulating and modifying organisms, often at the molecular level, to create new and practical applications for agriculture, medicine and industry.

Molecular biology is concerned with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and learning how these interactions are regulated. The field overlaps with other areas of biology, including chemistry and particularly genetics and biochemistry.

Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data.

Mathematics is the cornerstone of success in all the science and engineering disciplines.

“EXCEL has been such a great experience

for me because within this large school

you have a community of support and

a group of students who share common

goals and interests.”

Kimberly Trimble, Molecular Biology and Microbiology student2n d y e a r eXCeL

EXCEL IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS WWW.EXCEL.UCF.EDU

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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

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EXCEL Career OpportunitiesThrough its carefully planned educational activities, EXCEL will prepare students for rewarding careers in any of the following disciplines:

Aerospace Engineering, Biology, Biotechnology,

Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering,

Computer Science, Construction Engineering,

Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering,

Forensic Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical

Engineering, Mathematics, Molecular and

Microbiology, Physics and Statistics.

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Where can I start a career?

The EXCEL Center

The EXCEL Center, located in the center of the Orlando main

campus, offers services and activities such as tutoring and

advising. Free tutoring by graduate students is available in

Pre-calculus, Calculus, Differential Equations, Chemistry and

Physics. A computer lab and study area provide places for

students to study and interact.

EXCEL students have a designated graduate student mentor.

EXCEL advisors and college advisors are available to all EXCEL

students during advising days and by appointment.

“The EXCEL lab was such help for

me during my freshman year. If I

didn’t know an answer either the

tutor or someone in the lab could

help me. I am now a sophomore

and I still go to the EXCEL lab

with questions.”

Lindsay Reiz,Mechanical Engineering2n d y e a r eXCeL

“The EXCEL Center is unmatched

on campus. All the advisors and

faculty are friendly and will go

out of their way to help you with

any problem you have.”

Matthew Meanor, Mechanical Engineering3r d y e a r eXCeL


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EXCEL Undergraduate Research Experiences (URE)

After completing required math and science classes during the freshman year, EXCEL students have the option of taking part in paid research experiences in their sophomore year. The goal of the undergraduate research experience is for students to see and experience research first hand and feel what it is like to generate knowledge.

In the fall semester of their sophomore year, EXCEL students pair with UCF STEM faculty mentors. Students and faculty team up according to their research interests; their research experience begins during the spring semester of their sophomore year.

In Spring 2008, 32 EXCEL sophomore students worked in the research lab of a designated UCF STEM research professor.

EXCEL students involved in Undergraduate Research Experiences are well prepared for future, paid research experiences at UCF.

EXCEL Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Experiences

The EXCEL sophomore research experience prepares students for research and entrepreneurship opportunities in their junior and senior years.

Programs include:• Young Entrepreneur and Scholar Program

(YES program funded by NSF)• McNair Program (funded by the Department of Education) • RAMP Program (Research and Mentorship Program funded by UCF)

Eligible EXCEL students have the opportunity to work closely in their junior or senior years with a UCF STEM professor, or an industry mentor to better prepare them for graduate school or a career in industry.

The common thread of all of these paid undergraduate experiences (research or entrepreneurship) is the establishment of learning communities, which offer enhanced educational experiences, and connections with faculty, graduate students and industry professionals.

E X C E L F R E S H M A N Y E A R

E X C E L S O P H O M O R E Y E A R

E X C E L J U N I O R a n d S E N I O R Y E A R S

EXCEL Pathways to STEM (Course Work)

EXCEL mathematics faculty choose a student’s Pathway of Study based upon their math placement test results.

Students meet with an advisor at the beginning of the semester to ensure that each has the right mix of classes.

EXCEL students in Pathway-I will take the Pre-Calculus course in the fall semester of their freshman year and the Calculus-I course in the spring semester of their freshman year.

Students in Pathway-II will take the Calculus-I course in the fall semester of their freshman year and the Calculus-II course in the spring semester of their freshman year.

Program freshman students who take Pre-calculus, Calculus-I and Calculus-II classes participate in unique recitation sessions. These sessions enhance and reinforce students’ understanding of math concepts.

EXCEL students who take the Pre-Calculus, Calculus-I, and Calculus-II classes are mentored continuously. Students are advised to visit the EXCEL Center for tutoring and meet with their designated graduate student mentor.

Special classes called Applications of Calculus are also taken. In these classes, UCF STEM faculty explains the applications of calculus in various STEM fields. This way, the correlation of mathematics and applications is explained early in a student’s college career. These classes are offered only to EXCEL students.

“EXCEL has been one of the greatest

resources that I have had the privilege of

using throughout my college experience.

Not only did I meet a group of amazing,

hard-working, goal oriented friends, I

was able to succeed in both of my math

classes due in large part to the help of

the graduate students and to the EXCEL

teachers, who made it their goal that their

students achieve academic success!”

Ashleigh Guinn, Molecular Biology and Microbiology2n d y e a r eXCeL

“The EXCEL program provides

an opportunity for freshman and

upper level, research faculty to

interact in a learning environment

that fosters questions and inquiry.

The students get to know faculty

that they wouldn’t otherwise see

for two years, know a bit of what

they do for research and how it will

apply to their education.”

Cherie GeigerEXCEL Coordinator


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Dr. Michael Georgiopoulos | Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceProgram Director for EXCELDr. Georgiopoulos’ research interests are in the areas of machine learning, neural networks, and pattern recognition and data mining, and applications in all areas of science and engineering. Recipient of UCF awards for the Teaching Incentive Program.

Dr. Cynthia Young | Mathematics Program Director for EXCELDr. Young’s research interests are in mathematical modeling of atmospheric effects on laser beams. Recipient of UCF awards for the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

Dr. Cherie Geiger | ChemistryEXCEL CoordinatorDr. Geiger’s research interests are in materials development for environmental remediation, and homeland security. Recipient of awards including the American Chemical Society Four-Year College Teacher, UCF Excellence in Teaching.

Dr. Scott Hagen | Civil Engineering EXCEL CoordinatorDr. Hagen’s research includes collaborative efforts to advance coastal hydroscience for small- to large-scale systems. Recipient of UCF award for the Teaching Incentive Program

Outstanding EXCEL FacultyTeaching, influencing, and guiding young minds require a special skill and drive. Here are a few of the outstanding faculty in the EXCEL program:

Cynthia Young

Cherie Geiger

Michael Georgiopoulos

Scott Hagen

“The EXCEL community has been my

entire source of friends in college so far.

I’m in my second year and I have met

some of the most wonderful people. I

was shy like most students starting out

their first year and probably would have

had a completely different first year if I

had not had the people from EXCEL.”

Lauren Cavette, Mechanical Engineering2n d y e a r eXCeL

“EXCEL was the best thing I could have

done at UCF. I loved living in the dorms

with everyone from EXCEL. When we

had a test everyone in the building had

a test. The day after the test we all would

hang out or go see a movie.”

Lindsay Reiz, Mechanical Engineering2n d y e a r eXCeL

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How do I apply to the EXCEL Program?Get admitted to UCF and declare a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics major. Apply for the EXCEL Program by going to www.excel.ucf.edu.

EXCEL is a new program starting in the Summer and Fall 2006. Only 200 students out of an estimated 5,000 eligible applicants will be selected for the program, so apply early.

For more information contact the program directors:

Dr. Michael [email protected]

Dr. Cynthia [email protected]

www.excel.ucf.edu

UCF Stands for OpportunityUCF is the university that seeks opportunities,

creates opportunities, and brings them to

fruition. The university’s culture of opportunity

is driven by the diverse people it attracts and

serves, its Orlando environment, its history

of entrepreneurship, and its youth, relevance,

and energy.

Non-profitU.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 3575Orlando, FL

EXCEL is a UCF program sponsored by the

National Science Foundation. www.nsf.gov

EXCEL ProgramP.O. Box 161364 Orlando, Florida 32816-1364

How do I apply to the EXCEL Program?

Get admitted to UCF and declare a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics major.

Apply early for the EXCEL Program. Download an application at www.excel.ucf.edu.

For more information:

EXCEL [email protected]

Non-profitU.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 3575Orlando, FL

EXCEL ProgramP.O. Box 161364 Orlando, Florida 32816-1364

EXCEL is a UCF program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. www.nsf.gov

ucf stands for opportunity

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