THE UNIVERSITY
In 1963 the Florida legislature authorized funds to establish The University of West Florida (UWF) as one of ten universities in the State University System. The first president, Dr. Harold B. Crosby, assumed office in July 1964. Ground was broken for the first building on April 16, 1965, and the first students began classes in the fall of 1967. Dr. James A. Robinson, the second president, took office in 1974 and Dr. Morris L. Marx, the current president, arrived at UWF in the Spring Semester of 1988.
UWF enrolls students in its College of Arts and Social Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Science and Technology and has conferred nearly 44,000 bachelor's, master's, and specialist's degrees. In the spring of 1996 students were admitted to the University's first doctoral program.
The main campus of approximately 1,000 acres is located ten miles north of downtown Pensacola. UWF also owns 152 acres of beach property for research and recreational purposes. The University operates the Fort Walton Beach Campus, the Eglin Air Force and Naval Air Station Pensacola Centers, and the Hurlburt Field Office. A wide selection of degree programs and credit courses is offered through these campuses, centers, and offices established at the region's military bases to meet the needs of the communities in our service area and the military personnel stationed in our region.
UNIVERSITY MISSION
Dedication to knowledge is the foundation of the University of West Florida. All that we do or propose to do must serve the transmission, creation, and application of knowledge. The highest priority of the University is our students and the integrity and quality of the academic programs that serve them. As a public university, we also welcome our obligation to meet the needs of the West Florida region, the State, and the nation through research, creative activities, and public service.
University programs are dedicated to:
- Enhancing our strong record of synergism among teaching and learning, research, and public service
- Providing a cohesive program of general education
- Offering major curricula leading to career success or admission to graduate and professional schools
- Ensuring personal attention to students by both faculty and staff
In addition, the University is interactive, placing high priority on meeting regional needs in program development. Thus we emphasize partnerships with regional, State, and national entities to solve specific problems, address important external issues, and contribute to the general culture and the quality of life. Through this interactive commitment, we can link external opportunities and funding to University advancement.
In order to serve the student body and truly be accessible, the University recognizes the special needs of women, of racial and ethnic minorities, and of those with disabilities. Additionally, to strengthen our students' readiness for productive membership in an increasingly diverse national population and an emerging global society, we seek to foster a pluralistic student body, including an international presence. To the same end, the University is committed to having our faculty exhibit a like diversity.
We serve a heterogeneous student body that is varied in work experience, academic talents, educational backgrounds, and age. A fulfilling educational experience demands an involved student. Our students deserve the full range of student life opportunities. The University makes a special effort to involve nontraditional students in the complete life of the University.
A faculty committed to student learning and achievement, pursues intellectual vitality, which is primarily maintained and fostered through the research and creative endeavors. We anticipate that these activities will result in contributions that are public and tangible and will provide opportunities for students to participate in the discovery of knowledge.
An interactive university requires a faculty engaged in service to the public. Such contributions arise from their intellectual engagement and professional competence, the availability of student assistance, and the resources of the University. In addition, the faculty provide service to their professions, participate in institutional governance, and are encouraged to involve themselves in volunteer and community activities.
Because the University demands a high level of dedication, professional competence, and vitality from our faculty and staff, it must provide rich opportunities for professional growth and offer programs to increase work satisfaction and the opportunity for promotion and other advancement.
We reaffirm our dedication, present from the University's beginning, to maintain the beauty of the physical environment and a safe and accessible campus.
We pledge ourselves to sustain an environment of mutual support, respect, and freedom from bias for all who work and study here. We strive to be an ideal community for our students, faculty, and staff. To that end, the University prizes and seeks to foster a purposeful, open, just, disciplined, caring, and celebrative community.
ACCREDITATION
Programs for teacher education are approved by the Florida State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The College of Business is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Additional accreditations for specific programs can be found in the section on Accreditation of Colleges and Specialized Programs.
ORGANIZATION
Reporting to the president are the provost/vice president for academic affairs; the vice president for administrative affairs; the vice president for student affairs; the vice president for university advancement; the assistant vice president for planning, evaluation, and resource analysis; the assistant vice president for equal opportunity/affirmative action and diversity; the director of government relations/assistant to the president; and the inspector general.
The University Planning, Evaluation, and Resource Analysis division coordinates the University's planning activities, data requirements for internal and external reporting, procedures and data requirements for assessing the effectiveness of the institution, and the resource allocation process with planning and evaluation. Reporting to the assistant vice president for university planning are the director of institutional research and coordinator of computer applications.
The University has four major operating divisions: academic affairs, administrative affairs, student affairs, and university advancement. The University president oversees all University activities. The vice presidents heading the four operating divisions report directly to the president. The provost /vice president for academic affairs acts as president in the absence of the president.
The Academic Affairs Division functions as the primary coordinating unit for academic programs and academic support operations. The division assists in the allocation of instructional and research funds and other resources, works to improve the quality of instruction, correlates and evaluates instruction, and establishes policy on faculty appointment and tenure.
Reporting to the provost/vice president for academic affairs are the vice provost/associate vice president; the deans of the colleges; the associate vice provost for research, graduate studies, and continuing education; the associate vice provost for enrollment services; the director of libraries and instructional media center; the director of institutional computing department; the director of the Fort Walton Beach Campus, Eglin Air Force Base Center, and NAS Pensacola Center; the director of international education and programs; and the State coordinator for the Florida Small Business Development Center.
The Administrative Affairs Division administers resources and provides services to support the University's primary objective, which is education. The division consists of the following offices and departments: vice president for administrative affairs, budgeting, facilities planning and management, physical plant operations, WUWF FM Radio Station, administrative systems, public safety and security, human resources, purchasing, and controller. Additionally, the office of the associate vice president administers the following auxiliary service units and operations: bookstore, duplicating, food services, vending, campus bank services, central and student copy services, Nautilus Card program, and records retention and microfilming.
The Student Affairs Division provides services and activities which complement formal academic programs and facilitate students' educational experiences. These services include: child care, cooperative education, counseling, financial aid, international student advisement, disabled student services, health center, housing, public lectures, orientation, and placement. Intramural and intercollegiate sports, student conduct, student government association, student activities and organizations, student publications, and testing are also under the auspice of this division.
The University Advancement Division coordinates marketing, public affairs, communications, publications, alumni activities, and fund raising for the advancement of UWF. Reporting to the vice president for university advancement are the director of development, the director of alumni relations, the director of public affairs, and the director of publications.
CAMPUS AND BUILDINGS
In addition, The University of West Florida owns a mile of waterfront property from gulf to sound on Santa Rosa Island. It is available for recreation and academic/research pursuits.
Clusters of student residences are interspersed among low-rise faculty office buildings, classrooms and laboratory buildings. Other facilities include: art studios, music and theater performing areas, art gallery, health center, administrative offices, and support services.
The newly expanded John C. Pace Library, is at the center of the campus. Nearby is the Commons, which houses dining facilities, the bookstore, post office, bank, and student activity offices.
A natatorium with an Olympic-size swimming pool adjoins the Field House, which is the center for indoor sports and large-group activities events. Playing fields, tennis courts, handball and racquetball courts, jogging trails, and picnic areas are adjacent. Track, baseball, soccer, and softball fields complete the UWF sports complex. Sailing facilities are nearby.
To assist the physically disabled, academic and administrative spaces throughout the University are provided with ramps and/or elevators. Elevators are marked with raised letters for the convenience of persons with visual impairment.
A multimillion dollar joint Okaloosa Walton Community College/University of West Florida campus in Fort Walton Beach serves the growing educational needs of the citizens of Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
INFORMATION CENTER
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Division of University Police is comprised of sworn police officers, communications personnel, security officers, and escort personnel who are available 24 hours a day, year-round.
The Division of Environmental Health & Safety is entrusted with maintaining a safe and healthy environment for those who work, live, study, or visit the University.
Automobiles and other vehicles used on campus by faculty, staff, and students must be registered with the University police during the first day the vehicle is on campus. Visitors and guests may obtain a visitor's pass at the Information Center (Building 81) or the Department of Public Safety (Building 19). A copy of the parking regulations may be picked up at the Department of Public Safety or Information Center.
The possession and/or use of firearms is prohibited on campus. Upon request, the Department of Public Safety will store legal firearms and ammunition for resident students.
A complete list of services and mission-related responsibilities can be found in various publications available on campus.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Annual fund gifts from alumni support activities of the association including homecoming, the Alumni Placement Bulletin, the UWF student alumni ambassadors, new graduate mini diplomas, and the merchandising and marketing of additional benefits available only to alumni. For further information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations, 1-800-226-1UWF.
FOUNDATION
Gifts to the Foundation support scholarships, student loans, professorships, academic programs, athletics, and other activities of the University. Information about assisting the University through gifts and bequests to the Foundation may be obtained from the Office of Development at (904) 474-2758.
LIBRARY
Through new technology, including compact disk, computer-based reference database searching, and document delivery, students also have access to additional materials nationwide.
Fort Walton Beach Campus--The Fort Walton Beach Campus library provides access to information and materials which support courses taught at the Campus. The permanent collection has almost 15,000 volumes and 150 current subscriptions. The library staff offer many services to the students and faculty. Through intralibrary loan, students at Fort Walton Beach also have access to all materials at the Pace Library.
COMPUTER RESOURCES
The University continues to expand its computer services to students by installing a campus-wide fiber optics backbone, special purpose computer laboratories, local area networks, and other computing facilities for students in arts and social sciences, business, education, and science and technology. The University, including the educational centers in the Fort Walton Beach area, is equipped with a complete "dial-up" computer system through the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN). Access is also available to other networks such as BITNET and INTERNET.
For instruction and research, the University has access to high speed, high capacity computers located in Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Miami from dedicated terminals or personal computers located around campus.
The Institutional Computing Department and Administrative Systems Department provide systems analysis, professional training, programming consultation, telecommunications, networking, and computer operation support to the entire campus.
Eglin Air Force Base Center--The University has extended its administrative, instructional, and research computing facilities to the Eglin Air Force Base Center. Communication links provide batch and interactive processing for computer resources located at either the main campus in Pensacola or one of the other State supported universities within the State University System of Florida.
In addition, Eglin Air Force Educational Services has special access to the unclassified CDC 6600, CYBER 176, and VAX 11780 base computers in support of UWF's instructional programs.
Fort Walton Beach Campus--The University has extended its communication links to its OWCC/UWF campus in Fort Walton Beach. Administrative, instructional, and research computing in a batch or an interactive environment is available via the links to the Pensacola campus. There are several special computer labs available at the Fort Walton Beach Campus. These labs include an interactive terminal area and multiple local area network microcomputer labs.
INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER
Services include multimedia production; television production and programming delivered through both cable access and closed-circuit distribution channels; video recordings and playback; graphics and photography production; film, video and audio loan; and equipment distribution.
Resources consist of a wide range of multimedia and audiovisual equipment; two television studios; an audio recording studio; a cable-access cable television channel (Cox channel 4); a campus closed-circuit television network; a library of educational films and videotapes; and a listening/viewing area.
PUBLIC SERVICE AND RESEARCH CENTERS
The Institute for Archaeology secures and conducts research grants and contracts for the department of sociology and anthropology. Students may be employed in primary research through the institute, and may participate in internships and directed studies relating to the institute's contracts and grants.
The Center for Behavioral Medicine is designed to facilitate research and instruction through the interface of medicine and psychology.
The Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Research serves as a center for research in holistic sciences related to coastal ecological and resource management issues and protection of ground and surface water resources.
The Center for Business Research and Economic Development (CBRED) sponsors projects in economic education for students, teachers, and others; conducts research on State and local economic problems; and provides reliable information on West Florida economic conditions to local business and government institutions.
The Office of Community/University Partnerships coordinates a variety of programs bringing the University and the community together. The Escambia County School Board Partnership is a mentoring program pairing faculty and high school students in a service learning experience. The Leisure Learning Society is a program for citizens 55 and over. The Society offers a variety of courses, a Lunch `N Learn series, and an Institute of Senior Professionals. The CUPLINKS partnership brings together the University, Pensacola Junior College, and the Chief of Naval Education and Training to identify common goals and needs, and resources and funds in a joint effort to tackle educational and community problems.
The Documentary Institute produces television documentaries that address the problems of Florida and the nation, sponsors seminars and guest lectures on public affairs issues, and serves as a center of excellence for training students in documentary production techniques.
The Educational Research and Development Center (ERDC) provides research based services to the educational agencies in UWF's service area. Examples of the services available include: providing assistance to faculty, students, and citizenry in conducting educational research and development activities; developing and field testing educational programs and products; and developing and administering research and development grants.
The Educational Research Center for Child Development provides child care for children of students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. It also serves as a research laboratory and practicum site for students in various degree programs of the University.
The Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, in cooperation with the Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, participates in research and development of technologies relevant to environmental health, creates technology transfer opportunities, and expands educational/training programs.
The Florida/China Linkage Institute, a joint endeavor with the University of South Florida and Brevard Community College, was established to improve academic, cultural, and commercial ties with China.
The Florida/Japan Linkage Institute, a joint endeavor with the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg Community College, was established to improve academic, cultural, and commercial ties with Japan.
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC) is a State University System program dedicated to providing management assistance and training to Florida's small business community. Operating through 28 offices Statewide, the FSBDC Network educates small business owners and entrepreneurs on all aspects of business operation including marketing, finance, government procurement, and accounting. The program employs students as business analysts, which gives them the opportunity to apply classroom theory to actual business situations. Faculty members from the seven participating universities are employed throughout the State as business analysts, instructors, and administrators. UWF houses the office of the State Director of the FSBDC network.
The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Human and Machine Cognition acknowledges the changing structure and practice of scientific enquiry by providing an umbrella under which researchers from a broad variety of academic disciplines may gainfully collaborate. Interdisciplinary research is underway addressing important issues in expert systems, medical artificial intelligence, machine learning, temporal reasoning, brain/mind, neural networks, cognitively adaptive systems, and reasoning under uncertainty among others.
The Office of International Education and Programs (IEP) advances the University's commitment to internationalization by providing access to a wide range of study abroad programs and research opportunities for students and faculty. The office develops and coordinates exchange programs with universities in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America and fosters international awareness on campus. The office also coordinates the National Student Exchange Program, which enables UWF students to attend one of 130 colleges in the United States for a semester or year. International students who want to improve their English language skills may also enroll in the Intensive English Program prior to being admitted as degree-seeking students. Information about specific programs is available at the IEP Office in Building 18.
The Center for Learning through Organized Volunteer Efforts (CLOVE) provides students, faculty, and staff with information about volunteer opportunities in the Northwest Florida area, and matches and refers students for service learning placements. Also housed in CLOVE are the programs for MAGIC (mentoring by University students of high-risk public school pupils), and the CCAP (Campus Community Action Programs), specialized one semester service learning projects initiated by faculty members and community leaders.
The Office of Research, Graduate Studies, and Continuing Education provides information and assistance to anyone wishing to submit proposals to external agencies for funding of research, instructional or creative projects. The office maintains information on federal, state, and private funding sources and their requirements and regulations; coordinates the awarding of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for noncredit programs; and provides services for graduate students including thesis reviews.
The Center for Social Science Research provides administrative organization for research/service projects of a general social scientific nature. It is the intention of the Center to house projects directed by UWF faculty and staff and to serve as a point of contact for persons outside the University who wish to become involved in social science research or service projects.
The UWF Statistical Center assists students with statistical aspects of their theses and faculty and staff with research projects. The service is available to the entire University community and to local and State governmental agencies.
The UWF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides management assistance to the independent business community through workshops, short courses, and consulting with computer support. The SBDC has a Special Group Emphasis Center to help minorities and women as independent business owners. There is also a Procurement Assistance Program to assist businesses in obtaining domestic and foreign contracts. UWF participates in the nationwide Small Business Institute program, and through credit-earning courses, students can work with active businesses as consultants. There are opportunities to work as paid SBDC student consultants in the chambers of commerce.
The Whitman Center for Public Service provides University resources to State and local governments and nonprofit agencies to help meet their needs. The Center consults with government agencies about specific projects and also provides student placement and support. The Center provides in-service training (through its Florida Institute of Government affiliate), applied policy research, technical assistance, and administrative services.
WORLD WIDE WEB
WUWF88.1 FM
Students may be employed in various broadcast activities and may participate in creative internships and directed studies relating to public relations, broadcasting, and marketing. WUWF actively recruits volunteers to assist with various annual events held both on and off campus.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1886 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number (404) 679-4501) to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees, and is a Candidate for Accreditation to award the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
The Office of the President accepts the obligation to create a rich and challenging educational environment for its students; to share with the people of the area the benefits of research and service; to contribute positively to the region's quality of life; and to exemplify a cooperative, rational approach to problem resolution.
The Pensacola campus is located on approximately 1,000 acres of rolling hills and natural woodland along the Escambia River. The facilities, valued at more than $56.6 million, have been designed to complement the natural beauty of the site, a nature preserve. Nature trails attract thousands of campus visitors annually.
The UWF Information Center provides visitors with maps, parking permits, and information about courses, facilities, and campus events. Located at the east entrance to campus, it has a drive-through window for automobile traffic and a lobby for walk-in visitors.
The Department of Public Safety is comprised of two divisions, University Police and Environmental Health & Safety. The mission of both units is to ensure the safety of the University faculty, staff, students, and guests. Additionally, the department maintains the security of University facilities.
The UWF Alumni Association is designated the official representative of all former students and graduates of UWF. The mission of The University of West Florida National Alumni Association is to represent and promote alumni interests, to facilitate ongoing relationships between alumni and the University, and to build loyalty and support for The University of West Florida.
The University of West Florida Foundation, Inc., a tax exempt, not-for-profit private corporation, is chartered by the State of Florida to solicit, receive, manage, and disburse tax deductible private gifts in support of the University. The Foundation is authorized by the Board of Regents as a direct support organization for The University of West Florida. The Foundation is directed by twenty-eight elected Trustees who are selected among friends and alumni. For further information about the UWF Foundation, Inc., contact the executive director at (904) 474-2218.
Pensacola Campus--The John C. Pace Library houses more than 540,000 volumes, over one million microform pieces and 3,300 current serials subscriptions. The library is also a regional depository for publications of the U.S. Government and the State of Florida. The special collections unit contains almost 646,000 items such as documents, family records, and maps relating to Pensacola and to the historic West Florida region. Professional librarians are available to assist students in the effective use of these materials and the computerized library system.
Pensacola Campus--The University is equipped with an IBM 4381 computer and a wide array of personal computers (e.g., MAC, IBM, SUN). The IBM 4381 is devoted predominantly to instructional and research support, and is configured to provide the user with experience in dealing with large-scale computers and their operating systems.
The University's Instructional Media Center's primary mission is to assist faculty in developing and utilizing contemporary instructional technology and to produce and distribute media of all types. The staff assist faculty by producing a full range of media and through consultation on analyzing, selecting, designing, and effectively using instructional technology.
The Center on Aging coordinates development of curriculum designed to prepare professionals to enter fields of service to the aging population and provides continuing education for community professionals.
More information about The University of West Florida and its programs is available on the Internet through the UWF Home Page at http://uwf.edu on the World Wide Web. Among the available features is the Course Guide for the current semester. The live-data schedule includes up-to-date information on class availability, time, location, and instructor, as well as a listing of courses taught through the Internet.
WUWF 88.1 FM Public Radio is a listener-supported, full service, 100,000 watt FM radio station broadcasting 24 hours daily. The station offers classical, jazz, world and eclectic music, as well as providing daily local and international news and informational programming from National Public Radio. WUWF presents the Pensacola JazzFest, a two and a half day, outdoor festival lauded as "one of the last ALL jazz festivals in the United States." The Pensacola JazzFest is held every year in April, and features national, regional, and local jazz musicians.
UWF Home Page
Adrienne Turner
Enrollment Services
September 20, 1996