2.1
(2) Academic Mission of the University
Element Analysis
a)
A description of how the University’s mission has
changed (or not) since its inception.
UCF at its founding was
titled “Florida Technological University,” and in keeping with that, its
mission was expressly technological.
However, the mission has broadened dramatically over the ensuing forty
years to the present. Re-titled in the
late 1970’s as “University of Central Florida,” the institution has developed
into a major metropolitan university, rapidly growing, with a full complement
of undergraduate and graduate programs.
It is strongly oriented toward cutting-edge research in a wide variety
of disciplines that span the academic spectrum. Emphasis is given to research and other partnership activities
with special relevance to the dynamic “I-4 High Tech Corridor,” which stretches
across the central Florida region from Tampa through Orlando to the space
coast.
b)
A description of how the University’s mission has
changed since the last master plan was prepared.
The mission most recently adopted by the State
University System for the University of Central Florida has maintained its
overall tone and character. UCF remains
committed to providing an undergraduate education rooted in the arts and sciences
while offering comprehensive graduate and professional programs. The current mission restates goals and
visions predicated in the 1995 Mission, while reinforcing ties to the Central
Florida geographic region. Partnerships
such as the I-4 High - Technology Corridor Council are highlighted, as examples
of the desire for continued cooperation with the local community on issues of
the economy, arts, culture and education.
c)
A description of how the University fulfills or
accomplishes the roles established by the
Board of Regents Division of Colleges and Universities for the State
University System.
The University fulfills the roles established by the
Board of Regents Division of Colleges and Universities in a variety of ways.
First, it participates in all the established SUS program and planning
procedures, which emphasize the role of the institution within the context of
the state system. Second, the President
reports directly to the Chancellor and consults with him on a continuing basis
about the special role of UCF. Third,
the Provost works with the Executive Vice Chancellor and the Council of
Academic Vice Presidents to implement BOR policy. In addition, the University works with its internal and external
communities to further define, within parameters set by the legislature and
BOR, the unique role and mission of UCF.
Changes in the UCF mission statement and new degree programs are
approved through BOR action. The
general powers and duties of the President and the mission of higher education
in Florida are set forth in F. S. Chapter 240.
Other processes described in this section provide mechanisms for timely
and appropriate responses to the needs of the SUS.