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U N I V E R S I T YO FC E N T R A LF L O R I D AEXCEL/COMPASINTERESTED IN A SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING OR MATH (STEM)DEGREE? EXCEL/COMPASS is designed to help students succeed in STEMdisciplines. EXCEL is for students who are dedicated to pursuing a calculusbased STEM major, while COMPASS is for students who are interested inexploring STEM majors. Throughout the programs, students have access tothe tools and resources needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.Enrollment is limited. Apply early at excel.ucf.edu.
EXCELCOMPASSEXCEL is tailored to students who areCOMPASS is a great fit for students who arecommitted to pursuing a STEM degree. They’llundecided on which major or career to pursuejoin a community of learners who share manybut want a head start exploring opportunitiesof the same interests. During the first year inin STEM. This program helps guide studentsEXCEL, students participate in EXCEL cohortalong the way through career explorationmath courses, STEM Seminar I and II, and theand experiential learning in STEM during thenecessary sciences for their major. In the secondfirst two years of college. COMPASS studentsyear, students have the opportunity to take partdeclaring a STEM major automatically become ain an undergraduate research experience.member of EXCEL.EXCEL is for students who:COMPASS is for students who: Plan to pursue a STEM degree Like math or science Have shown progression through theirmath sequence, preferably to includea minimum of Algebra II, Trigonometryand Pre-calculus Meet the required SAT or ACTMath score Meet the required SAT or ACT Math score Are undecided about pursuing aSTEM major Have a College Algebra or higherUCF math placement Have a College Algebra or higher UCFmath placement Thrive on the support of a learningcommunity Want to make friends and connectionswith students in other STEM disciplines Enjoy study groups and structured programs Want to learn more about who theyare and their interests and values Want to have a rewarding college experiencethat leads to a successful STEM career Seek a rewarding college experiencethat leads to a successful STEM careerLearn more about EXCEL or apply now.Learn more about COMPASS or apply now.STUDENT SPOTLIGHTexcel.ucf.educompass.ucf.eduChristine Sarkis“I’m thankful for theA biology major and environmental studies minor, ChristineSupported Majors:amazing opportunitieshas been involved with EXCEL for four years. In that time,and the awesome Actuarial Science Computer Engineering Forensic Science Photonicsshe has conducted research on sea turtles, served as apeople I have met while Aerospace Engineering Computer Science Industrial Engineering Physicslearning assistant for an EXCEL Calculus I course, presentedparticipating in the Biology Construction Engineering Information Technology Statisticsat national and international conferences, and was awardedEXCEL program.” Biomedical Sciences Data Science Materials Science and— Christine Sarkis,biology student Biotechnology Electrical Engineering Chemistry EnvironmentalJudges’ Choice at UCF’s 2019 Showcase of UndergraduateResearch. Additionally, Christine is committed to supportingfemales in STEM and served as a GEMS mentor. Civil EngineeringEngineeringEngineering Mathematics Mechanical Engineering
WHY EXCEL/COMPASS?EXCEL/COMPASS provides theresources and tools needed for studentsto establish strong relationships earlyon that foster success throughout theireducational journeys. Such resourcesinclude: The EXCEL/COMPASS Center islocated in the heart of campus andoffers services and activities such astutoring and advising. Free tutoringis available in College Algebra,Pre-calculus, Calculus, DifferentialEquations, Chemistry, Biologyand Physics. The center also has acomputer lab and study area. Advisors are available to all EXCEL/COMPASS students. From orientationto graduation, advisors workwith students to plan the coursesnecessary to establish a strongfoundation in their STEM major. Inaddition to an EXCEL/COMPASSadvisor, a UCF advisor is assignedto help the student throughout theiracademic career. Housing is available in the EXCEL/COMPASS living-learning communityfor students who are awardedhousing contracts and choose to liveon the same block. This is a great wayto meet new friends who share similarA Supportive Learning Communitybecome part of a small learning Form study groups withstudents in similar fieldscommunity within a large university. Engage in peer mentoringThis group of students shares many Participate in social andacademic activitiesEXCEL/COMPASS membersof the same interests and goals,and will be together throughouttheir entire academic career. Thelearning community provides the Connect with STEM faculty andSTEM professionals early in youracademic careeropportunity to:interests.COMPASS offers a variety of benefits.Peer mentors are assigned to providesupport and guidance. Additionally,graduate mentors in similar STEMdisciplines are assigned to cohortclasses, and STEM faculty andprofessionals guide students throughSTEM experiences.STUDENT SPOTLIGHT A mentoring network through EXCEL/Loubensky Baine“Joining the program helped meLoubensky Baine, an aerospace engineeringgrow. Having the opportunity tomajor, credits EXCEL for his seamless transitionbe in smaller classes with familiarfrom high school to college. As a member of thefaces made it easy for me toEXCEL program, he has had many opportunities tomake friends and connect withparticipate in activities that encourage socializationUCF faculty and staff.”and team building. He says his favorite resource is the— Loubensky Baine, aerospaceengineering studentEXCEL/COMPASS Center. Upon graduation, Baine willstart flight training to accomplish his childhood dreamof becoming a commercial airline pilot.
EXCELPathway to SuccessCOMPASSFIRST YEARFIRST YEARStudents first meet with an advisor toFirst SemesterPathway to Successensure that they have the right mix ofStudents have an opportunity to learnclasses. Along with their specific program’smore about careers and majors relatedclasses, they’ll take STEM Seminar I and II.to STEM. This helps them find a programThese encourage community building andthat aligns with both their personal andprovide information and tools necessary forprofessional goals.a smooth transition to college and academicsuccess as a STEM student. Seminar Iexposes students to the soft skills neededto be competitive in their field and establisha strong foundation in STEM disciplines atUCF. Seminar II provides students one-onone time with faculty and introduces themto research. Throughout the year, studentscan visit the EXCEL/COMPASS Center fortutoring.STUDENT SPOTLIGHTMENTORSHIP NETWORKEXCEL/COMPASS offers several mentorshipengineering careers. Students are able toprograms for students to get involved with — fromgain clarity on their own strengths andpeer mentors in the first year to industry mentorsinterests through facilitated self-discovery,through subsequent years. These relationshipsanswering questions such as “Who am I?,”provide personal support early in the student’stransition to UCF, as well as academic and careerStudents continue with EXCEL mathguidance.courses through Calculus III. Additionally,students have the option to take part inGirls EXCELling in Math and Science (GEMS)an undergraduate research experience —First-year EXCEL students are assigned anproviding a firsthand look at the researchupper-level GEMS mentor. Mentorship eventsprocess. This involves pairing up withare organized throughout the academic year toa STEM faculty mentor, participating inintroduce GEMS participants to role models fromresearch preparatory workshops andSTEM disciplines and provide the opportunity togaining hands-on experience in a laboratory.interact with them on a one-to-one basis.Students in undergraduate researchexperiences are also prepared for future,Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) at UCFpaid research experiences at UCF.Second- and third-year EXCEL students have theStudents have the opportunity to workwith a STEM professor or an industrymentor who will set them on the path tosuccess. Many companies in STEM-relatedindustries offer paid opportunities forhands-on experiences and vital connectionsas students transition from the classroomto the workforce.Find out more and submit an application:excel.ucf.edutake an EXCEL math course in additionto the Career Planning: STEM ExplorationsSECOND YEARTHIRD AND FOURTH YEARSWithin their first semester, students willopportunity to be paired with a STEM industryprofessional for a six-monthlong mentoring program.COMPASS MentorsFirst-semester COMPASS students have theopportunity to interact with mentors assignedto their STEM Explorations Career Planning class.Mentors assist students in moving through thediscovery and decision-making processes ofchoosing a major, providing a smooth transitionto college life.course. The career planning courseoffers hands-on exposure to science andJazmine ManriquezIn addition to EXCEL, Jazmine“Where am I going?” and “How will I getthere?”Manriquez is actively involved oncampus. Along the way, she’s metmany friends, created study groupsand has found clubs and programsto take part in. Manriquez is amember of the Society of HispanicCOMPASS students who declare aSTEM major automatically becomea member of EXCEL and follow theprogram’s pathway.Professional Engineers, Society ofSales Engineers, Society of WomenEngineers, and co-founder of theMexican Student Association. Theindustrial engineering major alsoserves as a GEMS mentor, whereshe enjoys helping and guidingnew UCF students.“Pre-calculus was one of myfavorite classes because myinstructor took the time to teachus step by step, even touchingon the fundamentals. On top ofthat, he was a graduate student,so I felt that he connected with usin a different manner than moreseasoned professors may have.”— Jazmine Manriquez, industrialengineering studentFind out more and submit an application:compass.ucf.edu
U N I V E R S I T YO FC E N T R A LNONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGEPAIDORLANDO, FLPERMIT NO. 3575F L O R I D AEXCEL/COMPASS ProgramsP.O. Box 162993Orlando, FL 32816-2993APPLY TODAYSpace is limited. Completean online EXCEL/COMPASSapplication to secure a spot.Applications are accepted forincoming summer and fallstudents.EXCEL: excel.ucf.eduCOMPASS: compass.ucf.eduEXCEL/COMPASS is directed by the Centerfor Initiatives in STEM and are programsin the Division of Student Learning andAcademic Success.
EXCEL: excel.ucf.edu COMPASS: compass.ucf.edu NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ORLANDO, FL PERMIT NO. 3575 EXCEL/COMPASS Programs P.O. Box 162993 Orlando, FL 32816-2993 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA EXCEL/COMPASS is directed by the Center for Initiatives in STEM and are programs in the Division of Student Learning and Academic Success.
