May 23, 2011
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By Joe Hornstein
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Even before incoming freshman and transfer students start their respective collegiate paths at the University of Central Florida, these new Knights - as well as their parents - will receive a first-hand lesson how they can UKNIGHT with UCF Athletics throughout the academic year.
Between, May and August, the University will hold as many as 16 two-day new student orientation sessions on the main campus in the Pegasus Ballroom inside the Student Union. These orientation sessions cover everything a new UCF student and their parents need to know about this next scholastic step, including the school pride, pageantry and tradition in attending UCF Athletics events.
While orientation covers everything from classes, residence halls and parking, each of the sessions opens with a pep talk from a UCF head coach, engaging the audience about the way that their student life and enjoyment will be greatly enhanced by getting on board right from the start with UCF Athletics. Many sessions feature head football coach George O'Leary, a three-time Conference USA Coach of the Year, while other sessions include basketball coaches Donnie Jones or Joi Williams.
In addition to the typical school spirit building that takes place during orientation, new students and parents will get a first-hand understanding of UCF Athletics' new marketing campaign, UKNIGHT and Get "THE PATCH." Additionally, parents are encouraged to enjoy the UCF experience as well, with a special season ticket package that can be purchased on the spot.
Following the pep talk, the UCF Athletics marketing staff and the Marching Knights will then lead new students through the "U-C-F Spell Out" for the first time to get them fired up for the long but exciting day ahead as they meet with academic advisors, select courses, learn about residential offerings, make friends and generally get acquainted with their new home.
"We want to show them that athletics is very significant in their college experience," assistant director of marketing and promotions Jimmy Skiles said. "Sports play just as big of a role here on campus as they do at any other state institution. These kids are here right now and will be back in August. We want them to go back home for the rest of the summer and get excited about going to UCF and being Knights. I hope that they stock up on their black and gold gear, buy "THE PATCH" and are ready to come back in the fall ready to go as UCF fans.
"It's great that we get this opportunity to get the parents and especially the students involved as early as possible. It's good to talk to our newest students about the importance of getting involved in athletics. We like to show them that almost nothing gives students more pride in the school they're going to than getting involved in athletics and supporting their teams."
With about 1,000 students and parents often in attendance for each of the 16 sessions, the event also serves a practical purpose too.
"We have to educate the new students on how to get tickets and the athletics culture at UCF," Skiles said. "There's a booth in the Student Union where they can stop by and get student season tickets and also information for parents as well. Hopefully the athletics segment of orientation is both fun and informative for them."