The University of Central Florida’s Study Union program has been recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators as a 2013 NASPA Excellence Award Recipient. The program received the Gold Award, the top recognition in its category. The NASPA Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of institutions that are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services, and effective administration. Study Union, partially funded by the UCF Parent and Family Fund, is a collaborative effort between Student Academic Resource Center, the Student Union, and the Student Government Association.
Study Union supports the university’s mission of excellence, scholarship, integrity, community, and creativity. This is accomplished through bold initiatives that community collaborators offer through this program such as 24-hour access to the Student Union, quiet study rooms, group study space, laptops and test supply use, tutoring, test review sessions, supplemental instruction, free massages and exercise classes, to name a few. Every year more and more students participate in this program as they learn about the key resources that are offered to them. As a participant said, “The Study Union has exceeded my expectations. I had never before thought that the Student Union was a good place to study but this week has proved me wrong. Another great reason why I love UCF.”
The Study Union was selected for the NASPA Excellence Award on the bases of its positive impact on student learning, success in addressing critical campus and student needs, collaboration with various departments, originality and creativity, amongst other criteria. Recipients will be honored in March 2013, at the NASPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.