A Message from Rhonda L. Bishop

The last few months we’ve witnessed a series of injustices occur across the nation causing great pain for our fellow Knights. The necessary and overdue conversation about racism has followed, with UCF leadership listening, discussing how to become actively anti-racist, more inclusive, and acknowledging that we must do better.  If you haven’t read the messages by Interim Chief Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Officer S. Kent Butler and President Cartwright on these topics, please take a few minutes to review the article that highlighting sections from each of these communications.

Also take a minute to read the Recognition section acknowledging two leaders at UCF who have devoted their careers to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while working with students, faculty and staff members, Dr. Edwanna Andrews, Interim Assistant Vice President for Community Support Services, and Dr. Jennifer Sandoval, Associate Professor.  Both have shown a great passion for engaging and empowering others to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity in our community and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

In further support of inclusivity, UCF has created a position in the Office of Institutional Equity – Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility and Universal Design – to assist with centralizing the university’s accessibility efforts across campus. Read about these efforts in the article titled Accessibility at UCF, and let’s welcome our new Deputy ADA Coordinator, Kristeena LaRoue.

You’ll also find important information about a safe return to campus in Armor Up, Knights! which highlights the COVID-19 Return to Campus Plan and Policy. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information and easy reference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the IntegrityStar. As always, we welcome your suggestions for future topics and your feedback. Please write to us at complianceandethics@ucf.edu.