“The emphasis is on benefit to students,” says Frank Allen, interim director of UCF Libraries who has overseen the transformation of the building since the project started in 2016. “For years we have been putting a plan together to create more collaborative and quieter spaces for our students, and now we are finally able to show them what we have been working on.”

This renovation marks the first major overhaul to the library since 1984.

Following the ribbon cutting and remarks from speakers, students can fully explore the 21st Century Library additions with the Back to the Library Scavenger Hunt starting at 10 a.m. — prizes include limited edition rubber ducks and a drawing for a grand prize pack for those who finish the challenge.

Since the campus’ opening in 1968, the library has been a popular spot for students to gather, and the new renovations aim to capitalize on that by adding 908 new seats for studying. The majority of these new seats will have power stations at arm’s reach to keep laptops, smartphones and tablets charged.

“Students wanted more group study rooms and quiet rooms, but mainly spaces where they could come and work together,” says former Director of Libraries Barry Baker. “We do what we do for the students, and we want them to continue to give us input.”

Here are some of the features of the new and improved John C Hitt Library.

The circulation desk serves as a resource for students who have general inquiries about the library, and to check out materials including reserve items. The main circulation services desk is now located at the new north entrance. The library’s “LibTech desk,” moved to the former circulation desk location on second floor which faces the Reflecting Pond. This will provide more exposure for this busy desk, which loans out over 135,000 technology-related items per year.

The Automated Retrieval Center (ARC), which opened in 2018, is capable of holding up to 1.25 million volumes of the library’s print collection, placed in bins inside racks three stories high, with retrieval by robotic cranes. Placing the volumes in the ARC opens up more “stack” space to create areas for students to study and work together.

“The idea is to repurpose space, and to ease the task of navigating through stacks looking for a book,” Allen says.Ìę “Now, books can be requested with the click of a button on an electronic device, and each volume will be available for pick up at the circulation desk within 10 minutes.”

The fourth floor reading room, located on top of the ARC, features a 270-degree view of campus and 235 news seats in a “low-conversation area,” offering a great vantage point overlooking the Student Union and expanded outdoor plaza.

The fourth floor features a new special collections gallery space, which will display a variety of library-owned art, rare collection materials and archival documents.

With the renovations, the library aims to become LEED certified, a building designation that recognizes sustainability. Liberal use of reclaimed cypress wood (pictured in background here) pays homage to Florida’s native cypress trees.

The library will also feature a new multipurpose room with seating capacity for 120 to host lectures and library-related events.

The first floor features two new instruction rooms — including an active learning classroom that features a collaborative, technology-rich learning environment. And in response to student requests for more individual and group study spaces, there are new group study rooms. Students can reserve times via the library website and on-location reservation devices.

The designers made the stairwells more visible and open to increase use and safety. “The idea is to have active design, so the elevators and stairs are positioned so that students prefer to use the stairs,” says Baker.

“This project is something that has been in development for years, based on UCF student feedback, successful practices in other libraries, and forward thinking. People will see sharp differences between old and new spaces, which will motivate us to continue the work we have started,” Allen says.

This new space represents the start of a complete renovation of the entire library building, which will most likely occur floor by floor, with one or two floors renovated at a time, beginning with the third floor in Fall 2021, which will include a new dedicated study space for graduate students.

Renovations will also include new air conditioning, lighting, plumbing and electrical systems. As existing floors are renovated, more books will be added into the ARC and shelving then removed to free up space for additional student seating. Renovating one floor at a time will also have the benefit of limiting construction to only a set amount of area at a time, thus minimizing disruption to students and visitors in this very busy library.

While Orlando’s theme parks get an A+ for their effort in going all out for the holidays, we rounded up 15 other events that deserve a shoutout, too.

If you’re a UCF student, faculty or staff member who is planning to visit the parks, you would be wise to stop at the SGA Ticket Center at the Student Union before you go to score a discount on your park admission ticket.

Happy Holidays.

Light Up UCF

Knights Plaza outside of CFE Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd.)

Now in its 11th year on UCF’s campus, Light Up UCF provides the perfect setting for holiday cheer, featuring outdoor films, an outdoor skating rink, rides and free nightly light shows. This year, Light Up UCF will also host two holiday markets on Dec. 15 and 21 from 6–10 p.m.

Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2019
Time: Hours vary
Price: Free to attend but there is a cost to use most of the attractions. (Note: On Tuesdays, you can score a two-for-one discount on ice skating tickets)

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

1486 Buena Vista Drive

Get a taste of Disney at the holidays without having to pay theme park admission prices. This Christmas tree trail features 27 holiday trees each inspired by a Disney character or theme — and they’re all equally picture perfect for an Instagram selfie. Plus, while you’re at Disney Springs, you can check out the shops, restaurants and musical performances.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. (Times are subject to change without notice)
Price: Free
More information: disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/disney-springs/christmas-tree-trail

The Holidays at Dr. Phillips Center

445 S. Magnolia Ave.

For the first time since opening in 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has curated four weeks of holiday-themed fare. In addition to 30 holiday performances ranging from hit Broadway musicals to concerts to a variety show, the center is also adding some seasonal cheer to its offerings. A peppermint-infused specialty cocktail and adult versions of hot chocolate will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

More information: drphillipscenter.org

Space Coast Lightfest

Wickham Park (2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne)

This holiday themed, 1-mile car ride features 3 million twinkling lights and draws more than 15,000 vehicles annually.

Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2019 (including Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)

Time: 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Price: $15 per car (maximum of 10 people)
More information: spacecoastlightfest.com

ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort

6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee

This annual display at Gaylord Palms Resort features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, and this year’s theme is based on the 1983 film A Christmas Story. In order to keep the ice from melting, the resort keeps the room temperature at 9 degrees, but don’t worry, all guests are provided calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep them warm. The resort also offers opportunities for snow tubing, gingerbread decorating and even a Jack Frost-themed escape room.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Price: $29 when purchased online
More information: christmasatgaylordpalms.com

Dinos in Lights

Orlando Science Center (777 E. Princeton St.)

A light show involving dinosaur fossils? Sign us up. In addition to the Dinos in Lights show, the Science Center has cooked up special winter-themed activities such as gingerbread engineering workshops and holiday experiments.

Dates: Now through Jan. 6, 2019
Time: Shows begin every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Price: Included with general admission ($20.95 for adults)
More information:

Holiday on the Drive

Edgewater Drive, between Smith and Clayton streets

This section of Edgewater drive will be shut down to vehicular traffic and transformed into a winter wonderland. All shops, restaurants and businesses will be open to help you get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Date: Dec. 6
Time: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: collegeparkmainstreet.com

Winter Fest and Snow Mountain

Central Lake Park (299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo)

A free parade along Oviedo Boulevard kicks off this annual event, which features 70 tons of white snow just begging for a sled ride. There’s also a 30-foot snowman bounce house, a 31-foot slide, holiday train, swan boats and more. And for those 21 and older, candy cane martinis will be available for purchase.

Date: Dec. 8
Time: 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Price: Presale tickets are $20. Tickets on site are $25.

Watch It’s A Wonderful Life

Is it really the holidays if you don’t watch the 1946 classic film It’s A Wonderful Life? Amazon Prime members can stream this at home, but if you want the full experience, some local theaters are showing it on the big screen.

Enzian Theater
1300 Orlando Ave., Maitland

Date: Dec. 8
Time: Noon
Price: $9 with a student ID, $11 regular admission
enzian.org

Epic Theaters at Lee Visa
5901 Hazeltine National Dr.

Dates: Dec. 23 and Dec. 26
Time: Three showings each day
Price: $12.50
epictheatres.com/location/lee-vista

Chanukah on the Park

Central Park (intersection of Park Avenue and Garfield Avenue in Winter Park)

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah on the Park. The event will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers, food and grand menorah lighting.

Date: Dec. 9
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: cityofwinterpark.org/event/chanukah-on-the-park-3

Wacky, Tacky Holiday Party

Orange County Regional History Center (65 E. Central Blvd.)

This event will take you back to 1980s Orlando with a screening of Ernest Saves Christmas, which was filmed almost entirely in The City Beautiful at the then-unfinished Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Show up in your favorite tacky sweater or holiday pajamas to enjoy the movie, a trivia contest, holiday crafts and refreshments.

Date: Dec. 16
Time: 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Price: Regular museum admission ($8 adults, $7 for students with valid ID, $6 children); free for members of the museum

Grandma Party Bazaar

Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 Winter Park Rd.)

If you enjoy the weird and eclectic, then the 16th annual Grandma Party Bazaar is for you. The event will feature vendors, interactive booths and live bands.

Dates: Dec. 16
Time: 10 a.m. until sundown
Price: Free
More information: facebook.com/grandmaparty

Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland

Amway Center (400 W Church St.)

Cirque Musica Holiday presents WonderlandÌęis a fun-filled and high-flying concert experience for the entire family. The show blends the athleticism and grace of circus performers with a full sensory showcase of a live symphony orchestra performing all-time favorite holiday classics.

Dates: Dec. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets start at $35
More information: cirquemusica.com/holiday-wonderland

Holiday Movies at Lake Eola Park

Walt Disney Amphitheater (195 N. Rosalind Ave.)

Every week during the holiday season, a free movie will be played at Lake Eola Park. Check the Lake Eola Park Facebook page for updated information about the event, including cancellations.

While you’re there, make sure you time it right to watch the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree’s synchronized light and music show on its 72-foot tree, which runs daily at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

Dates: The Polar Express (Dec. 7); The Santa Clause (Dec. 15); National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 21)
Time: 7 p.m.
Price: Free
More information: cityoforlando.net/holiday

Elf the Musical

Orlando Repertory Theater (1001 E. Princeton Ave.)

The modern holiday classic film featuring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is now a musical, and you won’t be able to resist its charm. Hurry, tickets are going fast.

Dates: Various throughout December
Time: 1:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Price: $30
More information: orlandorep.com/show/elf-the-musical

ESPN’s iconic college football preview show, which airs from 9 a.m. until noon every Saturday from different sites throughout the season, will make its first-ever appearance at UCF on Saturday.

The College GameDay set location was tweeted by @UCFKnights Sunday night. It will be in prime tailgate territory in the southeast corner of Memory Mall near theÌęVeteransÌęCommemorative Site.

More details will be announced as soon as possible.

“If you look at the slate of games, there’s really one game that stands out, and this fan base has been waiting for College GameDay for the last two years to recognize their program and bring College GameDay to Orlando. This is the week that it happens,” tweeted Kirk Herbstreit, analyst for the show.

UCF vs. Cincinnati

In addition to College GameDay visiting, the No. 11 Knights (9-0) will host the No. 19 Bearcats (9-1) at 8 p.m. EST at Spectrum Stadium and will be aired on ABC.

UCF will be playing to clinch the American Athletic Conference East Division Championship and a berth in the American Athletic Conference Championship game for the second consecutive year.

The Knights are coming off a Homecoming win over Navy, marking the team’s 22nd straight victory. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has rebounded with three straight wins after recording its only loss of the year at Temple on Oct. 20.

UPDATE: Tickets Are SOLD OUT Unless You’re A UCF Student

On Monday evening, UCF Athletics announced Saturday’s game is a sell-out.

UCF students can still claim their tickets throughÌęucfstudenttix.com. (Note:Ìęclaiming a ticket does not guarantee entry.) Gates open at 6:30 p.m., but early arrival to the stadium is strongly encouraged as seating is first come, first served. Once students arrive at the gate, they MUST have their UCF student ID and mobile ticket.

Student guest tickets are also officially sold out.

Get Amped, Knights

Longtime ESPN commentator and former GameDay host Chris Fowler, who will be calling Saturday’s broadcast for ABC, appears to be amped about coming to UCF.

Rece Davis, current host ofÌęCollege GameDay, also shared his excitement about visiting campus. “Looking forward to getting there,” he tweeted Monday. “Huge student body population. How many can we get out there UCF early and make it an awesome scene Saturday morning?”

Davis has a history with the Knights as the TV play-by-play caller of the famous “Hail Perriman” finish in 2014 at East Carolina — Breshad Perriman’s last-second, game-winning touchdown from quarterback Justin Holman that clinched the American Athletic Conference title.

As anticipation continues to grow,Ìęshopucfknights.com began sellingÌęUCF-themedÌęCollege GameDay T-shirts (while supplies last).

With GameDay on campus and a nationally televised showdown under the lights on ABC, next Saturday is shaping up to be one of the biggest days in the football team’s 39-year history.

Members of the UCF community are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient option as part of the “Charge Your Vote” campaign, which seeks to boost engagement in the civic and electoral process.

The early voting site in the at Ferrell Commons will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 4. Parking is available in Garage B across Gemini Boulevard from the Recreation and Wellness Center. The general election at polling places is Nov. 6.

Those who live in other counties should check with their local elections offices to find the closest early voting site.

When you visit the early voting site, make sure to take photo and signature identification, such as a Florida driver’s license. You can find a list of acceptable forms of ID at .

To check your voting-registration status, download a sample ballot or find other information, visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website at .

The Student Government Association worked with Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles to establish the early voting center.

Washington Monthly magazine recognized UCF recently as one of , one of only 58 universities to make the list. The ranking is based in part on UCF’s effort to increase voting rates among students. As part of a formal plan to increase civic learning and political engagement, the university has set a goal of achieving a 70 percent student voting rate by 2020.

A Miami native who relocated to Winter Park for her senior year of high school, Black was one of 1,948 enrolled students who showed up that historic day at Florida Technological șŁœÇֱȄ, which is now UCF. The Orlando Sentinel dubbed it “as the day that changed Orlando and Central Florida forever.”

“I remember feeling intimidated. It was a feeling of ‘I’m going to college at this new school, and I don’t know where anything is.’ But since everything was in one building, I knew I could figure out my way around,” says Black, who is now 68 and lives in Inman, South Carolina, with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from her porch. “But I also remember that I just felt comfortable in that everyone was so friendly and so welcoming. The students, the professors, all the assistants and staff, everybody was so thrilled to be there.”

As the university celebrates its 50th anniversary of the first day of classes Sunday, Black takes us back to a time when students turned dreams into reality, parking could be challenging and innovation was embedded in the university’s DNAÌę — maybe some things don’t really change.

Why did you apply to FTU/UCF? Why be one of the first?

Being one of the first wasn’t really in the forefront of my mind. I graduated from Winter Park High School and I heard there’s this new university opening in the fall and it was affordable. So I thought, I guess I’ll go there. I found out the office for UCF was downtown in this nondescript building. One day I went down there and I’m in the elevator to get my application and there was a man riding with me — a distinguished man with a pipe that he wasn’t smoking. He said, “Oh you’re interested in going to our university?” I said, “Yes I am,” and I introduced myself. He said, “I’m Charles Millican, and I’m the president. Come in, I’ll give you an application.” I applied, and it was approved within a couple days.

What was the commute to school like?

They were just finishing [State Road] 436 (Semoran Boulevard). There was nothing east of it because it was just all cows and farms. There was no șŁœÇֱȄ Boulevard. It was a dirt road, and I drove my Rambler down it, past all the heavy machinery as the construction guys were screaming at me. But I saved about an hour in trying to get to school. Otherwise, you’d have to go to Aloma Avenue to Oviedo and then down Alafaya Trail, which was two lanes at the time.

Was parking a challenge?

Finding parking wasn’t an issue because there were hardly any buildings. Everything around the library was parking, and it was all sand, and that was a challenge in its own right. A lot of times you’d get stuck and you’d have to ask someone to help you push your car out. It was probably the only time in UCF’s history when finding parking wasn’t an issue.

What did you think of the university’s culture then? How would you describe the attitudes of the students?

It was all innovators. It was people who took a risk to come there. Anything you wanted to start, you were it. If you said, “Oh I think I’ll start an economics club.” Then OK, you’re it. “I think I’ll start a fraternity.” Oh OK, well, you’re it. Everything was innovative. Even to picking out the mascot and voting on Pegasus and the Knights. Whatever you wanted to do, you were free to do. It didn’t matter who you were before or what family you came from.

What were classes like?

You could take as many hours as you wanted for $125, so I did. I usually carried 18 hours of classes. I just loved economics and finance and theater. But back then, the women’s liberation movement was just starting to take shape. You could be a nurse, you could be a teacher, an office assistant and those were kind of your choices, but I wanted to be a stockbroker. The College of Business wasn’t really excited about having women in it. I decided to go into education. But a couple years later, my sister-in-law was head of the Marketing Club at UCF. I had friends who went into medical and engineering. It seemed in just a couple years’ time, everything flew open and you could be whatever you wanted to be.

When you step on campus now, what do you think?

I was last there last year, but I worked at the library from 2003–05, and even working there for those two years freaked me out. When I walked into that library, I felt like I was 18 again, looking around and just dumbfounded. I remember going for walks at lunch every day and just taking a different circle. To see how it expanded, and the place is still growing. A medical school? The downtown campus? Seriously?

What has your experience at UCF meant to you?

When I was young, I was shy and didn’t think I was worth anything. I think UCF gave me the courage to do anything I wanted. And to just go for it.ÌęÌę

UCF alumnaÌęMargot Tejera ’16 has been recognized as one of the top food influencers in Orlando by WhereTraveler.com and OrlandoDateNightGuide.com thanks to her blog, The Wandering Maven.

Scroll to check out her recommendations.

1. Purple Ocean Super Food Bar
An Orlando-based food truck that promotes healthy, raw, organic and clean eating. Not to mention, the food is beautiful, unique and totally Instagram worthy. The food is perfect to beat the Florida heat, and so much fun to eat. Choose from their acai bowls or smoothies.

What to order: Jobos Acai Bowl ­­— made with banana, strawberries, coconut flakes and Nutella, topped with honey or agave.

2. Ice & Bites Cafe
This cute little café has some delicious Asian-inspired food. The owner David is always innovating and adding super unique foods to the menu. They have new adult boba tea drinks, and most recently added acai bowls. Their Taiyaki is the biggest one I have ever come across.

What to order: Taiyaki — made with lavender ice cream, toasted coconut, rainbow sprinkles, fruit skewer and vanilla sauce.ÌęFor lunch, grab a delicious rice burger and a boba drink. Another must-get dessert is their affogato cloud —Ìęperfect for an Instagram video.

3. The Lemon Lily Team Room
Dine like British royalty at this cute, authentic high tea room just minutes from UCF. Host a party, engagement or any event here. They were ranked No. 12 for high tea in Travel + Leisure Magazine’sÌęTop 25 Top Tea Rooms in the U.S.ÌęReservations are required.

What to order: The Pixie —Ìęchef’s selection of assorted savory and sweet items, served with a traditional biscuit scone and cream and a pot of tea of your choice. Pair it with the Raspberry Hibiscus Tea, made with hibiscus, lemongrass, rosehips, orange peel and raspberry.

4.ÌęTwistee Treat USA
Get your ice cream swirl fix at Twistee Treat. You can’t go wrong with a picture of any of their sweet menu items.

What to order: Blue Cookie Craze Waffle Taco — definitely Instagram worthy, along with a colorful cone twisted with blue raspberry and black cherry.

5. Sus Hi Eatstation
Sus Hi has bold flavor sushi options and made this list on Instagram-worthy food spots near UCF in part because they call their team members ninjas. They are known for also making epic videos. Be sure to check out their site to watch.

What to order: Grab their colorful and yummy sushi bowl or tempura fried wraps.Ìę

6. Lazy Moon
The place whose mission has always been the same: “allow the customer to eat, drink and be lazy.”

What to order:ÌęBuff Pizza — made with red sauce, blue cheese crumbles, buffalo chicken, buffalo sauce and baked ranch. You can make your own pizza slice with their variety of toppings. And while they’re known for their slices, consider trying their gigantic calzones.

7. Valkyrie Doughnuts
This donut joint is a gem of a place right near UCF. They offer egg-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly sweets, and some cool dessert options that can only be found at this unique foodie spot.

What to order:ÌęVery Berry Bulls#@$ Drank — made with their very berry soft serve and drizzle, pink whip, a mini doughnut and mini cone hat. Try their other Instagrammable yummy donuts like their strawberry shortcake and glazed.

8. 3 Natives UCF
I can never turn down an Instagram moment with an acai bowl, especially those from 3 Natives. Their menu includes beautiful acai bowls, cold pressed juices, smoothies, wraps, salads, bagels, avocado toast and more.

What to order: Tequesta Dragon — An acai bowl with dragon fruit, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, chia seeds, hemp seeds and bee pollen.

9. Fresh Kitchen
Fresh Kitchen believes in serving fresh, high-quality ingredients that nourish us. Not to mention, their chef inspired food is packed with flavor, and full of colorful, organic foods. They also have cool wall designs, and a neon light with the sign “you are beautiful.”

What to order:ÌęBowl — with barbecue chicken, avocado, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potato and cauliflower mash. Try their paleo chocolate chip cookies — so soft and guilt free. FK also offers sweet refreshing teas — Ìęa must try.Ìę

10.ÌęVespr Coffeebar
The design of Vespr coffee and their Instagrammable food options makes a perfect place for a foodie capture moment. The baristas here make incredible coffee designs and offer locally made pastries and snacks all day.

What to order: CafĂ© Old Fashion — one of their classics, with the avocado toast.

11. Maple Street Biscuit Company
Nothing says southern more than a fried chicken biscuit sandwich, especially when they are made fresh and in-house at Maple Street Biscuit Company in Oviedo. They have food that will make people drool at your shots of any of their menu items, especially their flaky buttermilk biscuits.

What to order: The Sticky Maple — flaky biscuit, all natural fried chicken breast and pecan wood-smoked bacon, all topped with Bissell Family real maple syrup.

12.ÌęComing Soon: Domu Near UCF
Voted one of the best ramen spots in town, Domu will be coming to the UCF area this fall. Their dessert options are always innovative and rotating, along with their signature cocktails created by Orlando’s finest mixologist. In the meantime, check out their original location at East End Market in Orlando.

Ìę

Margot Tejera ’16
Tejera graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. When she’s not clocking in as an engineer at Universal during the day, she spends her free time as a food and travel blogger and publishes at The Wandering Maven. Her photos have been featured on the cover of Where Orlando Magazine.

Senior entertainment business major Jon Gross is unsettled by this and is making a personal effort to get the word out about the events occurring on campus at any given moment.

At the beginning of the semester, Gross said he became motivated to fix the online UCF events calendar system because he saw potential in it.

With his goal in mind, he ended up at the UCF marketing department after, Gross said, both the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement overlooked his visions for event promotion.

Gross spent half an hour pitching his promotional ideas to Patrick Burt, web communications director for UCF marketing, and was hired on the spot as an intern.

The internship revolves around advocating the use of the online calendar to students, mainly by word of mouth.

“UCF is fairly understaffed, so to have a student that”s eager to get things going and embed the calendar in campus life is a great way to promote its use,” Burt said. “He had the energy and the drive and desire to do something to improve it, and we channeled that.”

Gross said that his first step was to follow every UCF student organization on Facebook, and then he began posting their meeting times on the events calendar.

Gross would then attend the meetings, inform the organization officers of how to post events to the site and leave the rest up to the club.

“Posting events on Facebook and in the college buildings is good and all, but that just targets the people already in the club,” Gross said. “With the calendar, everyone can see the events.”

Much of Gross’ internship involves him approaching student organization officers in the Student Union and showing them how to use the events calendar.

“People will say that it’s too hard to enter an event, and then Jon will pull out his iPad and walk them through the steps,” Burt said.

Gross said he initially noticed flaws in the way that events were being promoted when he transferred to UCF last fall, and he found it difficult to get involved on campus.

Gross said he would go to the third floor of the Union to check for newly posted events, but to him, that was a tedious and time-consuming way of doing things.

“I wanted a place that on my phone or on my computer that showed it all – every event going on at UCF,” Gross said.

The UCF marketing department made the first leap toward achieving such a system when it adopted a new online calendar that allows any student with an NID to submit events. The calendar can be found through UCF’s main website, and a list of daily events are sent out to every student and staff member via the “Good Morning UCF” emails.

The calendar officially launched in August 2010. However, Burt said it has been difficult promoting the system, as there is a misconception that only club presidents can submit events.

“When the new system launched we went around, talked to different departments, and lot of them had good idea and events,” Burt said. “But they weren’t using the calendar. It’s not so much a technology change; it’s a behavioral change.”

Burt said that many student organizations have seen growth at meetings, possibly as a direct result of Gross’ efforts.

Johnny Le, vice president of the Young Investor’s Club and senior business marketing major, said that Gross approached him about posting club meetings on the calendar at the beginning of the school year. Le agreed and said that since the organization has begun promoting through the site, it has seen a 30 percent growth in meeting attendance.

“It’s an underutilized tool because a lot of clubs don’t know about it,” Le said.

Gross said that the Hispanic American Student Association is another organization that has seen gains as a result of the events calendar. The club used to have about eight to 10 attendees at last year’s meetings but now has about 35 attendees.

“Their presence on campus has tripled,” Gross said.

More events have been posted on the calendar in the past two months than ever before, Gross said. Last September, around 160 events were posted. This September, more than 400 events could be seen on the site.

Burt said now that the calendar is finally getting the push it needed for organizations to take advantage of its usefulness, the marketing department is developing a more user-friendly online calendar for UCF that utilizes the best that social media has to offer.

Possible calendar system overhauls include a place where students can upload pictures of events they have attended, as well as the ability to rate the events.

Burt said that he would also like the calendar to be integrated with sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“The kids right now that are in the dorm rooms that don’t know how to get involved, this is a one stop shop for them to see what’s going on for the day, the week or the month,” Gross said. “This could single-handedly bring together the entire campus.”