Skip to main content

2025 Student Success Conference

About

The Student Success Conference is a unique opportunity designed for select incoming UCF students.

Our theme, Own the Journey – Navigate with Confidence to Grow and Succeed invites you to take charge of your academic and personal path with clarity, courage, and intention.

Through engaging sessions, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, students will explore and learn to maximize the wealth of resources and services available at UCF, while forming meaningful connections with peers, faculty, staff, and university leaders.

View the Program Booklet
Back to SSC 2026

Our Goals

Our goals are to Empower, Equip, and Support meaningful connections and student success. We want every student to seize opportunities that:

  • Empower students to articulate short- and long-term academic and career goals, identify key milestones, and create actionable steps to stay on track throughout their college journey.

  • Equip students with practical strategies to adapt to new environments and navigate challenges to build confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

  • Support students in developing essential career competencies such as communication, professionalism, and networking, preparing them to successfully transition into internships, graduate school, and the workforce.

Conference Schedule

Friday Schedule

Check-in and Registration

4–4:30PM

Located at the front desk and Sebastian J

Welcome to SSC 2025

5:30–6:30pm

A welcome from Student Government and performances by DJ Salvatore, UCF Dancers, Knightro & Cheerleaders located in Sebastian J

Saturday Schedule

Breakfast and Keynote

8–9:45am

Breakfast will be served in Sebastian J with a keynote from Dr. Trenton Marsh

Break Out Sessions I and II

10am–12:10pm

(Break Out Session I runs from 10–11AM and Break Out Session II runs from 11:10AM–12:10PM)

Located in Sebastian F, I1, I2, I3, I4

Break Out Sessions:

  • Own Your Writing: Expert Tutors Share Tips for Success
  • Passport to Possibility: How Study Abroad Changed My Life 
  • Build Your Own Adventure: Reverse Engineering Your UCF Path to Achieve Your Goals 
  • Find Your Spark: Using Your Interests to Explore Majors & Careers 
  • What’s Next, and What’s Yours: A Purposeful Path to Graduate School 

View Session I and II Descriptions

Lunch and TikTalks

12:20–1:50pm

Lunch will be served in Sebastian J with TikTalks from UCF Knights

Break Out Sessions III and IV

2–4:10PM

(Break Out Session III runs from 2PM–3PM and Break Out Session IV runs from 3:10PM–4:10PM)

Located in Sebastian F, I1, I2, I3, I4

Break Out Sessions:

  • Elevate your Impact: Recognizing Yourself as a Leader 
  • Say Yes to the Right Things: Spotting Opportunities That Shape Your Story 
  • Mindfulness in Motion: Managing Stress, Finding Balance 
  • Stand for Something: Building Your Brand with Purpose 
  • Leveraging your Community for Scholarships 

View Session III and IV Descriptions

TikTalks +

4:30–5:30pm

More TikTalks with UCF Knights located in Sebastian J

Sunday Schedule

Welcome Breakfast and Keynote

8–9:30am

Breakfast will be served in Sebastian J with a welcome from Dr. Andrea I. Guzmán and a keynote with Dr. Adrianne Frame

Break Out Sessions V and VI

9:45am–12:10pm

(Break Out Session V runs from 10–11AM and Break Out Session VI runs from 11:10AM–12:10PM)

Located in Sebastian F, I1, I2, I3, I4

Breakout Sessions:

  • The Strengths Advantage
  • AI & You: Navigating the Future of Learning 
  • Grow with Guidance
  • Design Your Semester: Coaching for Confidence, Clarity, and Course Planning 
  • Legacy Over Resume: Leading with Purpose in College and Beyond

View Session V and VI Descriptions

Lunch, UCF “Family Feud”, and Reflection

12:20–2pm

Lunch will be served in Sebastian J along with UCF Family Feud and a conference evaluation with Dr. Haley Winston

Load Buses and Departure

2–3:50pm

Retrieve luggage, load buses, and depart to UCF Main Campus

Breakout Sessions

Saturday, Sessions I and II

Join experienced University Writing Center staff as they share tips, habits, and practical strategies for getting the most out of your writing in any class while also successfully navigating the UCF student experience 

🌍 Ready to dream big and go global?

Join Matt Ryan, Associate Director of Study Abroad, and Beatrix Alerte, a Project B.E.S.T. alum, for an inspiring, interactive session that blends real stories, myth-busting quizzes, and practical tips to launch your own international adventure. Discover how study abroad can change your life and start planning your journey today! 

Not sure what’s next after college or how to get there? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Sarah Davenport (High-Impact Practices) and Carley Rich (Office of Undergraduate Research) will help you map out your journey toward your career or advanced degree goals. We’ll explore how to gain undergraduate research, internships, and networking opportunities that help propel you toward your goals. You’ll leave with a list of key milestones and a clearer plan to make your UCF experience work for your future. 

✨ Not sure what to study or where you’re headed?

Let Dani Hernandez and Josiah Leach, Career Services graduate assistants, along with Brian Creel, Associate Director of Career Services, guide you through the RIASEC interest areas and how they connect to real careers and UCF majors. Discover how your interests can lead to purpose, satisfaction, and success—with tools to help you take the next step!

🎓 Thinking about grad school but not sure where to start?

Join a passionate peer mentor, Salome Ramirez, from Academic Advancement Programs for a reflective, story-driven session that helps you connect your values, goals, and curiosity to graduate school possibilities. You’ll leave with a personalized “Why Map,” practical next steps, and a powerful reminder: You belong in spaces of knowledge, power, and purpose.

Saturday, Sessions III and IV

Are you prepared to elevate your leadership skills? Join Student Government’s Executive Branch to learn how you already possess the qualities needed to lead. In this engaging session, you will explore your personal leadership style, hear insightful stories from student leaders, and gain practical tools to enhance your impact both on campus and beyond. Whether you are just beginning or already active in leadership roles, this session will help you recognize and develop your leadership potential. 

🌟 Your time at UCF is full of choices—so how do you know which ones will shape your future?

Join Austin Wilson, Manager of Public Affairs, for an inspiring, interactive session on saying “yes” with purpose. Try out real-world scenarios, explore leadership pathways, and leave with your own “opportunity filter” to help you choose what matters most.  

🧘 Feeling overwhelmed?

Join Ashley Allette, M.S., Mental Health Professional at UCF CAPS, for a calming, interactive session that blends storytelling, reflection, and guided mindfulness practices. Learn simple tools to manage stress, find balance, and build a daily routine that supports your mental well-being—all in a space designed to help you breathe, connect, and reset. 

💡 What do you want to be known for?

Join Ms. D’Bria A. Bradshaw, Esq., MBA for a powerful, purpose-driven session where you’ll define your personal brand, explore leadership opportunities, and learn how to show up with confidence and clarity. Leave with a plan—and a bold affirmation: “My voice is my power. My brand is my story.” 

Join Ms. Ketty Dones to explore strategies for uncovering opportunities beyond traditional corporate, federal, and university funding sources. This presentation will highlight the advantages of pursuing scholarships offered by local nonprofit organizations. Students will discover how engaging with their local community can positively impact their financial situation as well as their professional development. Additionally, there will be links to local nonprofit scholarship opportunities that students can benefit from.

Sunday, Sessions V and VI

Featured Workshop (By Invitation Only)  


💡 Discover how your unique strengths can shape a purposeful college experience and career.

In this exclusive 2-hour workshop, Gary Cahan guides participants through the Gallup Strengths framework to uncover their natural talents, build confidence, and lead with impact. This session is designed to help you move beyond the resume and toward a legacy of leadership, belonging, and purpose. 

🤖 Curious about how AI tools are changing college life?

Join Dr. Kevin Yee, UCF’s AI Coordinator and Faculty Center expert, for a dynamic session that explores how students can use generative AI ethically and effectively. Discover how emerging tech can support—not shortcut—your academic and career goals and leave with practical tips to become AI-fluent in a rapidly evolving world.

🌱 Ready to grow with guidance?

Join our amazing SOAR peer mentors for an interactive session on how to find—and become—the right mentor. Learn how to clarify your goals, build meaningful connections, and use the Mentor Toolkit to support your journey with confidence and purpose. 

📅 Ready to take control of your college experience?

Join Academic Success Coaching for a hands-on session that helps you reflect, plan, and prepare for a successful semester. Through storytelling, peer sharing, and personalized tools, you’ll leave with a clear academic goal, a strategy to tackle challenges, and the confidence to move forward with purpose

🌟 What do you want to be remembered for?

Join Esteban Baez Sola and Nyauni Crowelle-Feggins for a powerful, story-driven session that helps you define your values, map your impact, and explore leadership opportunities at UCF. Through reflection, discussion, and affirmation, you’ll leave ready to lead with purpose and build a legacy that lasts. 

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Trenton S. Marsh

Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh

L. Trenton S. Marsh, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Learning Sciences and Educational Research department at the University of Central Florida. His work focuses on understanding the experiences of historically marginalized students and confronting disproportionality in education. He also examines how institutional policies affect individuals’ lives and engages youth to reimagine and inform both practices and policies.

Dr. Marsh received the “Spirit of Innovation” award at the UCF/Valencia Downtown campus and is the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida for creating the Healing Oasis for Peace and Empowerment® (H.O.P.E.) Circle. In partnership with the Levy-Hughes Club in the historic Parramore community, H.O.P.E. amplifies the concerns of young people and fosters a space to work alongside young people to discover solutions.

Dr. Marsh’s research has been funded by the National Science Foundation-Civic Innovation Challenge, the American Physical Society, the American Psychological Association (Division 15), and the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. He has published his research widely, including Teachers College Record, Urban Review, Education Week, and Urban Education. Before his academic career, Dr. Marsh was a Managing Business Consultant at IBM Corporation for nearly a decade.

Dr. Adrienne Frame

Dr. Adrienne Frame serves as the Vice President for Student Success and Well-Being at the University of Central Florida. In this role, Dr. Frame has oversight and supervision for Student Life, Community Support, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Wellness, Housing and Residence Life, and First Year Transition.

As a dedicated, passionate, and inclusive student-centered educator, Dr. Frame has a distinguished record of more than 29 years of service to the field of Student Affairs. She has been active in regional and national organizations, including service as the President of the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) and as a faculty member for the Jim Grimm National Housing Traning Institute (NHTI) and for SEAHO’s Regional Entry Level Institute (RELI). She has authored a book chapter on lessons learned from crisis response, has presented at conferences at the regional and national level, and has delivered several invited keynote addresses.

Dr. Frame is energized by opportunities to work with students toward the achievement of their goals and in building coalitions of faculty, staff, and student leaders at all levels of the academy to imagine and realize collective objectives and favorable outcomes.

Resources

Need some guidance for the Student Success Conference? Check out our resources below. For questions or inquires about the event, please email Dr. Pierre Louis at pierrelouis@ucf.edu.

Rosen Shingle Creek Google Maps Map of Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Map of Rosen Shingle Creek Conference Level Guide for Professional and Business Attire

FAQs

No. Due to liability, the University will provide transportation from the UCF main campus to the Rosen Shingle Creek, as well as transportation back to the main campus at the end of the conference.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the conference, but should you feel the need to bring extra cash, the hotel has a convenience store located on the first floor.

Professional and business casual. Bring casual clothes for after the conference hours to relax in. Refer to the video Professional vs Business Casual Attire as a guide.

Dr. Pierre Louis at pierrelouis@ucf.edu.to receive documentation for attending the conference.

Orders cancelled before July 26, 2024 will receive a refund for tickets purchased. Orders placed after July 26, 2024 will not be eligible for refunds.