Public Service and Research Centers

The Center on Aging coordinates development of curriculum designed to prepare professionals to enter fields of service to the aging population and provides consultation for community professionals.

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 Behavioral Medicine Project is designed to facilitate research and instruction through the interface of medicine and psychology.

The Raymond M. Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development collects and analyzes information on the West Florida economy and provides economic activity forecasts to business and government.

The Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Research (ICER) explores topics of environmental and ecological interest and acts as a resource and community liaison on issues of environmental quality. ICER participates in many local committees and works with local, state, and federal agencies. ICER's Wetlands Research Laboratory houses a state-certified laboratory, which supports the research efforts of the institute and the university while employing and training students. The laboratory maintains cutting-edge lab- and field equipment and has the flexibility to develop new methods and approaches to the rapidly evolving field of environmental assessment

The Office of Community/University Partnerships coordinates a variety of programs that bring the University and the community together. While the Office is continuously involved with new projects, the four major programs are the Leisure Learning Society (LLS), Academy of Senior Professionals (ASP), Elderhostel, and CUPLINKS. The LLS is an educational program for people 55 and older. The Society offers a variety of courses, seminars, Lunch 'N' Learns, and travel adventures. ASP is a "think-tank" established to satisfy the intellectual needs of retired professionals and to promote collaboration between this population, the community, and the University.

Elderhostel, a national organization, combines the best traditions of education and hostelling in programs designed for older adults. The University's Elderhostel program sponsors programs throughout the year. CUPLINKS is an educational partnership consisting of the University, Pensacola Junior College, the Chief of Naval Education and Training, and the Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts and Chambers of Commerce. Its purpose is for the partners to make collaborative efforts and sharing resources in preparing area educational systems for the 21st Century.

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 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 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 and 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 (FSBDC) Network is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Florida State University System (SUS) and is administered by the University of West Florida. The FSBDC Network provides quality business and economic development assistance to businesses and prospective businesses in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and management improvement. The Network links resources of the federal, state, and local governments with the resources of the state education system and the private sector to provide management and technical training, and business development programs to meet the specialized and complex needs of the diverse Florida business community. For more information about the FSBDC Network, visit our website at www.floridasbdc.com or call (850) 595-6060.

The Office of Research 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; and coordinates the awarding of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for noncredit programs.

The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) provides UWF an internationally recognized research presence in human-centered computing, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computers in education, human/machine interfaces, and other related areas. In addition to developing a strong extramurally-supported research program, the IHMC faculty and staff are enriching the University's educational programs in several departments by teaching, developing new courses and programs, and providing research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students.

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 155 colleges in the United States and Canada 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 8.

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. Service Learning Field Studies specialize in one semester service learning projects initiated by faculty members and community leaders.

The UWF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides management assistance to both present and potential small businesses through workshops, seminars, and confidential consulting. The SBDC has a Special Group Emphasis Center to assist minorities and women, a Procurement Assistance Program to assist businesses in obtaining government contracts, and an Energy Conservation Assistance Program to assist businesses in reducing energy consumption and saving money. The UWF SBDC participates in the nationwide Small Business Institute Program, allowing College of Business (COB) students to consult with active businesses while enrolled in credit-earning courses. The UWF SBDC provides opportunities for COB graduate students to work as paid BDC business analysts.

The Center for Social Science Research provides administrative organization for research and service projects of a general social scientific nature. The Center houses projects directed by UWF faculty and staff and serves 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 dissertations and faculty and staff with research projects. The service is available to the entire University community and to local and State governmental agencies.

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 provides student placement and support. The Center supplies in-service training (through its Florida Institute of Government affiliate), applied policy research, technical assistance, and administrative services.

WUWF - 88.1 FM Public Radio is a community-supported, full service, 100,000 watt FM radio station broadcasting 24 hours daily. The station offers classical, jazz, world and eclectic music, and provides daily local and international news and informational programming from National Public Radio.

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.


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July 1999