Start the new semester right with a little downtime and light snacks with the Office of Graduate Student Life in the Downtown Campus Game Room (DPAC 108)! This event is a great chance to reconnect with friends, meet new peers, and fuel up for a successful semester ahead. Whether you're a returning grad student or new to the program, this is a great chance to kick off the year with good food, good company, and great games!Snacks and swag are provided by the Office of Graduate Student Life.

Join us for Open Bouldering Night at Blue Swan Boulders for FREE!Bouldering is a unique challenge, a great workout and an opportunity to push your limits - whether you're brand new to climbing or have been at it for years. It requires no special equipment or previous experience, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels.Meet us on the second floor lobby of Unionwest at 5:30 p.m. As a group, we will head over to Blue Swan Boulders for Open Bouldering Night. Blue Swan Boulders is a five- to seven-minute walk from the UCF Downtown campus. To participate, you must bring your student ID.

This monthly food distribution event is a volunteering opportunity that occurs on the third Thursday of every month at the 910 Livingston Street Church of God about a block and half from UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown.The entire volunteer opportunity is from 8:30am-1:00pm. There are 2 volunteer shifts: 8:30am-11:00am and 10:30am-1:00pm. Volunteers may sign up for one or both shifts (link below).Volunteers will be expected to assist with setup and teardown, breakdown and repackage food for distribution, and assist with loading patron's vehicles.*If all 20 spots are filled, you are still able to come volunteer. Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4CA8A923ABF49-52648443-910food/61146899#/

Join us for Big Heart Mentors on January 17th from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club Hughes Branch! UCF and Valencia students will connect with kids through hands-on activities, icebreakers, and workshops, sharing personal experiences to inspire young minds. This event helps kids explore careers, discover their passions, and understand how they can shape their futures, while college students enhance their mentoring skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference! Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_oxu5eaCAKFufVIo-k70o_ijWr1ctmY2tt2GUGpeMygSAqg/viewform?pli=1

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 noon to 1 p.m.Topic: Writing and Publishing in Peer-Reviewed JournalsThe College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) virtual bi-weekly research circles include presentations and conversations from CCIE faculty as well as faculty from other colleges at UCF, with a focus on collaborative innovative, interdisciplinary and community-based research initiatives.The presentations will provide opportunities to connect with CCIE faculty and share opportunities of mutual interest.Presenters from the community and government agencies are also invited to join in the discussion and explore ways to engage in research and innovation at UCF.DATES and TOPICSSept. 4, 2024 - Centers: CREST, CASTLE Lab, PEERSept. 25, 2024 - CCIE Research Administration Services Team (RAST)Oct. 9, 2024 - NIH Funding SuccessOct. 23, 2024 - Tips for SuccessJan. 22, 2025 - Writing and Publishing in Peer-Reviewed JournalsFeb. 5, 2025 - Faculty Research Fellows: Tips for Success and Value of CollaborationFeb. 19, 2025 - International EngagementMarch 5, 2025 - University and College Communication Resources for Amplifying Research VisibilityApril 2, 2025 - Efforts to Engage Communities and Researchers to Strengthen Community ResilienceApril 16, 2025 - Public Safety - NIJVirtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/95985035483?pwd=4JGOCuKFKGIGy6TFDdt6xaec3hSPhf.1

Beginning January 8, 2025, the DTC Library will be offering fresh popcorn on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm!Follow your nose and POP-in to the library at DPAC 265 to grab a fresh bag and learn about all the DTC Library has to offer.DTC Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00AM to 9:00PM and 8:00AM to 4:00PM on Fridays. The library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.