No appointment needed - just come on in to the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center:* Tuesdays: 10am-12pm * Wednesdays: 12-2pmCheck in on the first floor and you'll be directed to visit with a Career Peer Advisor for assistance with your resume, cover letter, or Handshake profile, or let us know if you have any quick career questions!

Strong letters of recommendation can make a big difference in your grad school application--but it doesn't have to be stressful. [Academic Advancement Programs (AAP)](https://academicsuccess.ucf.edu/aap/) invites you to this Welcome Wednesday session featuring Dr. Joseph Lewis, Associate Dean for Access, Diversity, & Inclusion at Princeton University.This workshop will demystify the process of requesting and managing recommendation letters with confidence and professionalism. You'll learn how to choose the right recommenders, make effective requests, provide helpful materials, and follow up respectfully. We'll also cover tips for timing and strategies to ensure your letters highlight your strengths and align with your application narrative. Walk away with a plan to make this part of your application stress-free and impactful.*This workshop is designed for students in the Building or Mastering stage.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1777705/share_preview Registration Link: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1777705/share_preview Registration Info: Please RSVP via Handshake.

The start of a new academic year is a great time for personal growth, becoming curious and engaging! MIEA, Intro to Mindfulness course, is a free interactive group offered to enrolled UCF students, which includes a free book and app. Thrive by learning different meditations and mindfulness techniques to enhance your wellbeing and concentration. Class dates are Wednesdays, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17 and 9/24 from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., attendance at all 4 classes is requested. To register follow the [link](https://student.korumindfulness.org/course-detail.html?course_id=5821) or email pamela.mills@ucf.edu for more information. Registration Link: https://dashboard.korumindfulness.org/courseRegistration/275877?token=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJjb3Vyc2VJZCI6Mjc1ODc3LCJzdWIiOiIyNzU4NzciLCJhdWQiOlsiaHR0cHM6Ly9iZmYuZGFzaGJvYXJkLmtvcnVtaW5kZnVsbmVzcy5vcmciLCJodHRwczovL2FwcC5rb3J1LnNwaW5kbC5pbyJdLCJpc3MiOiJodHRwczovL2JmZi5kYXNoYm9hcmQua29ydW1pbmRmdWxuZXNzLm9yZyIsImlhdCI6MTc1NTA4NzY2Nn0.pI9UxWHK61vqUCSjYjlScQSKTGw4PfED55Ce8TcHT04 Registration Info: After you register you will receive an email from MIEA, then a follow-up email from your UCF instructor.

Title: Meta structure designs for device applicationsAbstract: Metasurfaces are extensively used to manipulate the light and increase light-matter interaction. Owing to strong plasmonic resonances, sub wavelength metal elements have been successfully used in several applications. To avoid the associated ohmic loss, we choose non-absorbing dielectrics and Mie resonance in our designs to enhance the performance in areas including single and biphoton emitters used in quantum optics application, THz source and detector used in screening application, reflective optical limiting, and photo conducting devices used in sensing applications. In this talk, I will outline the basic principles of Mie-based metasurface design and then briefly walk you through several topics we pursued/published in the last couple of years and the work in progress.About the Speaker: Dr. Srini Krishnamurthy worked for over 35 years in various positions at SRI International, Menlo Park, CA until 2019. He then worked for over 6 years as Senior Principal Scientist at Sivananthan Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois. He is an Adjunct Professor of Physics at University of Illinois-Chicago (from 2014). He has worked on various areas including first-principles band structure, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of semiconductors, linear and nonlinear optical transmission in solids, photonics, metamaterials and metasurfaces, infrared materials and device designs, and inverse scattering methods. He received a Doctorate in Physics from University in Cincinnati in 1984, awarded Alexander von Humboldt fellowship, has been visiting professor of Physics at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and University of Illinois-Chicago. As a Humboldt Fellow, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart and Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics, Berlin.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/92964652706?from=addon

Think Outside the Major: Career Paths You Didn't See ComingYour major is just one part of your story. In this creative, hands-on session, you'll use mind mapping to explore career options that match your interests, values, and goals. Learn how to develop parallel plans that keep you open--and confident--about the future.If you're unable to attend in person, join us via Zoom. get the link from Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1781002/share_previewVirtual Location URL: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1781002/share_preview Registration Link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1781002/share_preview

How to Create Accessible Documents - Microsoft Office covers the core principles of document accessibility using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Learn how to build accessible content from the start and follow along with a hands-on demonstration to remediate an inaccessible file. By the end of this session, you'll understand how to identify and correct common accessibility issues in documents. Participants should have a device with Microsoft Office installed to follow along.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/97352880136?pwd=rUOVBdaIETYn0fbf9MWIEQZtbukHow.1 Registration Link: https://www.myworkday.com/ucf/learning/course/fbd03f6cd917010e40c4d4cb2e440000?type=9882927d138b100019b6a2df1a46018b Registration Info: Students: no registration required, use the Virtual location link provided. Faculty and Staff: register via Workday.

This group meets every Wednesday. May meet outdoors during building closures for holidays.NA is a non-profit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs have become a major problem. We meet regularly to help each other live drug-free. There are no dues or fees, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. Our fellowship focuses primarily on recovery from the disease of addiction. Anyone may join us regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion.For more information about this meeting visit [studenthealth.ucf.edu/recovery/](https://studenthealth.ucf.edu/recovery/) or call the NA Helpline at 407-425-5157.

Explore …no place like home by Tenee Hart at the [UCF Art Gallery](https://cah.ucf.edu/gallery/exhibit/no-place-like-home-by-tenee-hart/) from Aug. 22 - Sept. 26.Exhibition Statement:"Being at-home is a matter of how one feels or how one might fail to feel." - Sara AhmedThe conflicted sense of home is where this exhibition begins. Destabilizing the romanticized concept of home, this exhibition will challenge the representation of this ideology by exploring various facets of home across multiple planes of identity including culture, gender, and sexuality. In …no place like home the works will both physicalize and undercut domestic connotations, becoming an anti-monument that calls attention to its own unstable foundation - this idea of home as comfort or discomfort. Dedicated to such ideas of home, this exhibit will include works that stem from the artist's personal childhood nostalgia and the unforgiving chokeholds such memories can create.To learn more about this exhibition, click [HERE.](https://cah.ucf.edu/gallery/exhibit/no-place-like-home-by-tenee-hart/)

Help us maintain a safe and ready blood supply for cancer patients, trauma patients, or when unexpected tragedies occur. The OneBlood bus will park on Memory Mall near the Veterans Memorial.Walk-ups are welcomed, and appointments are appreciated! Registration Link: https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1675105 Registration Info: Save time - Schedule your appointment now!

Join us for a hands-on session where we'll walk through our Universal Design Online Content Inspection Tool (UDOIT), a tool within Webcourses@UCF that scans your course for accessibility issues and helps you fix them quickly. Discover why accessibility is important, gain practical experience using UDOIT in your courses and deepen your understanding of best practices for accessible course design.Be sure to bring your laptop, your course materials and your questions. Let's UDOIT together!This virtual workshop is limited to UCF faculty, staff and GTAs.For similar events and training opportunities, check out our full listing of [Faculty Multimedia Center workshops and events](https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/fmc/events-workshops/) for the semester here.Don't miss out on enhancing your skills and knowledge with our beginner, intermediate and advanced level workshops! Registration Link: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/38ac1755/?appointmentTypeIds[]=80037036

This session will be an in-person session for attendees and the instructor will join on Zoom. The webinar will include a range of the topics such as: \- Background \- Overleaf and LaTeX Basics \- Creating a new project \- Using Visual Editor \- Editing your project \- Sharing your project \- Adding Images and Tables \- Uploading a bibliography \- Fixing errors \- Sharing your project \- Submitting your project to a journalPresented by Tom Hejda, Lisa Delmonico Registration Link: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5zqr9EggvxND24e

[Academic Advancement Programs (AAP)](https://academicsuccess.ucf.edu/aap/) invites you to this Pre-Health Thursday session featuring representatives from UCF's Athletic Training Program for a workshop that explores the dynamic and multifaceted field of athletic training.Discover the wide-ranging career paths available in this field--from professional sports and performing arts to military, industrial, and clinical settings. Learn how athletic trainers contribute across diverse environments, and explore the certifications and roles that extend far beyond the sidelines.After exploring the breadth of the profession, you'll get a brief overview of UCF's Athletic Training Program, including key admission requirements and academic expectations. The session will wrap up with an open Q&A, giving you the opportunity to engage directly with experts and clarify your next steps.Whether you're just beginning to explore healthcare careers or already considering athletic training, this workshop will expand your understanding and help you chart a purposeful path forward.*This workshop is designed for students in the Exploring stage.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1787789/share_preview Registration Link: https://ucf.joinhandshake.com/events/1787789/share_preview Registration Info: Please RSVP on Handshake.

Many of us have tried Generative AI (GenAI) like ChatGPT before, but what about using it in your "day job" at UCF? Where are the areas where GenAI can make us faster and more productive? We'll briefly review what GenAI is and how it works, then address its advantages and weaknesses. We will also touch on effective prompt engineering before turning to possible productivity gains.Outcomes - participants will be able to:Explain low large-language models of AI work, what their advantages are, and what their weaknesses are Log in to the only "safe" AI at UCF (copilot) Learn basic prompt engineering techniques List when to use AI (and when not to) Apply AI tools to make their everyday jobs faster, easier, better Explain how "co-creating" with AI works, and which tasks are better left to humans.Virtual Location URL: Register in Workday Zoom link will be sent to those who register. Registration Link: https://www.myworkday.com/ucf/d/inst/17815$929/rel-task/2997$10951.htmld#TABTASKID=2998%2440031 Registration Info: Register in Workday Zoom link will be sent to those who register.

The UCF women's soccer team welcomes FIU on Thursday, Sept. 4. The match will air on ESPN+.UCF students can attend the match for free with valid UCF student ID. General admission tickets are available for purchase on [Ticketmaster](https://www.ticketmaster.com/ucf-knights-womens-soccer-tickets/artist/1484502).For the most up-to-date information about the Knights, please visit [ucfknights.com/sports/womens-soccer](https://ucfknights.com/sports/womens-soccer) and follow along on social media:* X (formerly Twitter): [@UCF_WSoccer](https://x.com/UCF_WSoccer) * Instagram: [@ucf.wsoccer](https://www.instagram.com/ucf.wsoccer/) * Facebook: [UCF Women's Soccer](https://www.facebook.com/UCFWSoccer)

Join RHA, the Residence Hall Association, for HLI, a weekend conference with workshops, free food, and entertainment! This is a great opportunity for FTIC (first time in college) students to meet new friends, learn more about UCF and figure out how to apply for jobs within the department of housing and residence life! All participants will have the opportunity to win spirit points and be given a free t-shirt and other RHA merch. We can't wait to see you all there!There is an application that those interested in must fill out and get approved in order to participate: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FS-TuzjvukKR_PPFnV3R8aZmpIIi7y1Ohq6Cfd5JTodUMEpFWDRFM1VXTlE2OTc5VVM4VkhaSFA5Mi4uLocation details, as well as times and dates for the conference will be provided after participants are confirmed.

Explore …no place like home by Tenee Hart at the [UCF Art Gallery](https://cah.ucf.edu/gallery/exhibit/no-place-like-home-by-tenee-hart/) from Aug. 22 - Sept. 26.Exhibition Statement:"Being at-home is a matter of how one feels or how one might fail to feel." - Sara AhmedThe conflicted sense of home is where this exhibition begins. Destabilizing the romanticized concept of home, this exhibition will challenge the representation of this ideology by exploring various facets of home across multiple planes of identity including culture, gender, and sexuality. In …no place like home the works will both physicalize and undercut domestic connotations, becoming an anti-monument that calls attention to its own unstable foundation - this idea of home as comfort or discomfort. Dedicated to such ideas of home, this exhibit will include works that stem from the artist's personal childhood nostalgia and the unforgiving chokeholds such memories can create.To learn more about this exhibition, click [HERE.](https://cah.ucf.edu/gallery/exhibit/no-place-like-home-by-tenee-hart/)

Title: Terahertz metasurface quantum-cascade vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-lasers (VECSELs)Abstract: The terahertz frequency range lies at the junction of the electronic and photonic regimes, which means that it is fertile ground for exploring hybrid systems which combine laser gain with microwave electromagnetic design. The terahertz quantum-cascade (QC) laser is an excellent example, which produces gain via intersubband electronic transitions within heterostructure quantum wells, but typically uses sub-wavelength waveguides that have a strong resemblance to microstrip transmission lines and patch antennas. I will discuss the development and recent advances to do with amplifying reflectarray metasurfaces based upon sub-wavelength arrays of such antennas loaded with QC-gain material, and their use in implementing vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-lasers (VECSELs).In the QC-VECSEL scheme, the amplifying metasurface is used as one reflector in an external cavity, which supports a well-shaped circulating THz beam. The QC-VECSEL architecture offers a solution to many problems that have plagued THz QC-lasers - namely their low emission powers and efficiencies (especially above 77 K), their limited beam quality (especially at high powers), and their limited range of continuous single-mode tunability. I will discuss several advances in the field of VECSELs in the past few years. First is the development of QC-VECSELs as stable, single-moded local oscillators for heterodyne receivers. Such lasers are in demand for future astrophysical instruments for mapping of molecular and atomic species within the interstellar medium - particularly at high frequencies above 2 THz which are difficult to access using electronic sources. We have recently shown that QC-VECSELs can provide mW to tens of mW continuous-wave power, in a near-diffraction limited beam, with large fractional tunability (up to 20% of the center wavelength). Second, is the extension of QCLs and QC-VECSELs to higher frequencies above 5 THz and approaching the lossy Reststrahlen band in GaAs. We have recently demonstrated QC-laser gain material operating up to 6.5 THz (46 μm wavelength), and tunable QC-VECSELs operating between 5.2-5.7 THz. Third is the initial demonstration of QC-VECSELs as frequency combs. Since every longitudinal mode in a QC-VECSEL interacts with the gain medium through the same metasurface resonance, there is no-spatial hole burning per se. As a result QC-VECSELs prefer to lase in single-mode, unlike waveguide QC-lasers which will spontaneously lase in multi-mode and frequency comb operation. However, we have shown that THz QC-VECSELs can be forced into a fundamental or harmonic frequency-comb regime via strong microwave modulation of the metasurface gain. About the Speaker: Benjamin Williams is Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He received his B.S. in Physics from Haverford College in 1996, and his M.S. in 1998 and Ph.D. in 2003 both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Electrical Engineering. He is currently Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions in Terahertz Science and Technology. He has received the APS Apker Award (1996), the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2008), the NSF CAREER Award (2012), and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2016). His research interests lie in photonic materials, devices, and applications for the terahertz and mid-infrared frequency ranges, including low-dimensional semiconductors, quantum-cascade lasers, and plasmonics and metamaterials.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/92584023013?from=addon

Join us virtually each Friday 1-3 pm without an appointment this Fall semseter. Simply go to [go.ucf.edu/CSpopin](go.ucf.edu/CSpopin) for the zoom registration anytime 1-3pm. We will accept you into the zoom once we have an available Career Peer Advisor to assist you with your resume, cover letter, linkedin profile, or quick career questions!Virtual Location URL: go.ucf.edu/CSpopin

Trip Information* Trip Date: 9/6/2025 * Trip Location: TBD * Trip Cost: $35.00 * Registration Opens: 8/23/2025 * Registration Closes: TBDRegister for this trip in the UCF RWC app or through the [UCF RWC Membership Portal website](https://ucfrwc.org/Program/GetProducts?classification=7e94c055-5e69-4046-8e3d-96909ff99f22&category=ea528aa9-f493-4efb-b769-b1e686780cb3). All trips are now first-come, first-served. All trips will open 2 weeks before the first day of the trip. If the trip is full, you can register for the waitlist using the link above.Pre-Trip Date and Time: TBDTrip Description: Join Outdoor Adventure as we paddle through Florida's pristine waters! The scenery will offer us the chance to see wildlife and spend a day in the beautiful Florida sun.What's Included: All of our adventures include all necessary gear for the activity (including boats, paddles, and PFDs), transportation to/from the activity, and professional guidance by OA Trip Leaders. All staff are certified in First Aid/CPR/AED, and most are certified Wilderness First Responders.What's Not Included: Participants should wear athletic clothing, appropriate footwear, and bring personal lunch/water/snacks. Meals are not provided. A full packing list will be provided at the Pre-Trip Meeting.Trip Leaders: Ailly and Julia Registration Link: https://ucfrwc.org/program Registration Info: Registration opens 2 weeks before the trip date at 12:00pm.

The UCF football team hosts Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 6, against North Carolina A&T. The game will broadcast on ESPN+.A new era is upon the Knights, as a familiar face in head coach [Scott Frost](https://ucfknights.com/staff/scott-frost "Scott Frost") returns to the helm of the Black and Gold. Frost originally served as UCF's head coach from 2016 to 2017, culminating in a historic 13-0 season, an AAC championship and a national championship that captured the nation's attention.More information can be found by visiting UCF Athletics' [game day guide](https://ucfknights.com/news/2025/08/20/the-guide-in-25) and [ucfknights.com/sports/football](https://ucfknights.com/sports/football).