Academic Excellence Symposium - UCF Access and Community Engagement

Transforming Teaching and Learning:
Advancing Student Success for the Next Generation

We’re excited to invite all UCF faculty and staff to the 4th Annual Academic Excellence Symposium, dedicated to strengthening our collective commitment to student success. Join us on February 5th, 2026 at the UCF Student Union for a day of inspiring testimonies, interactive breakout sessions, and a demonstration on civility in practice.

The Academic Excellence Symposium brings UCF faculty and staff together to explore innovative practices that elevate teaching, learning, and student success. Join us as we share ideas, celebrate achievements, and continue building a culture of excellence across our university.

Registration and featured session information for the 2026 Symposium are now available, with breakout session details and descriptions coming soon. Until then, register using the button below and preview the insight-driven sessions and conversations that shaped last year’s symposium!
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Featured Sessions

This symposium features two signature sessions: the breakfast presentation, Knight Reels: Testimonies from Knight Nation, and the lunchtime Dr. Valarie Green King lecture, I Don’t Agree: Civility in Practice. Both sessions will also be streamed virtually for remote attendees.

collage of UCF knights giving testimonies

Knight Reels: Testimonies from Knight Nation

This featured session brings together 10‑minute personal stories from UCF community members that illuminate how teaching and learning can evolve to better support the next generation. These powerful narratives highlight real experiences, challenges, and innovations that shape student success across our community. Join us during breakfast to explore how lived perspectives can inspire transformative approaches in education.

I Don’t Agree: Civility in Practice

This featured session includes a lunchtime Dr. Valarie Green King demonstration exploring how civility, dialogue, and respectful engagement can strengthen teaching, learning, and community connections. This session offers practical insights for fostering constructive interactions, even in moments of disagreement, to support student success and collaboration across generations.