The Raymond M. Haas Center for Business Research and Economic
Development collects, analyzes and distributes information on the
Northwest Florida business environment. It is the leading resource for
social, economic and demographic information on the ten-county region,
maintaining extensive data series describing key areas such as tourism,
health care, the military sector, construction and manufacturing. Much
of this information is available to the public at no charge. The Haas
Center also conducts contract research and publishes The Northwest
Florida Economy, as well as other publications.
The Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Research (ICER),
functioning as a component of the Center for Environmental Diagnostics
and Bioremediation (CEDB), 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 and Development Center (ERDC) engages
in research and development activities that explore how learning with
technology can increase performance. With a focus on both K-12 education
and training in business, industry and the military, the areas of
R&D emphasis include: distance and distributed learning, electronic
performance support systems (EPSS), web-based learning environments,
technology integration, diversity in learning environments, and school
reform and improvement initiatives.
The Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation (CEBD),
along with its affiliated Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Research
(ICER) and Wetlands Research Laboratory, engages in basic and applied
research in biochemistry, ecology, molecular biology, and microbiology
pertinent to the assessment and improvement of environmental health;
enhances educational and training programs; and contributes to public
service, including activities to enrich science education at K-12
levels.
The Florida/Japan Linkage Institute (FJLI), is a joint
endeavor with the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg
Community College. FJLI assists in the development of stronger academic,
economic, and cultural ties between this state and Japan through the
promotion of expanded public and private dialogue on cooperative
research activities, increased bilateral commerce, student and faculty
exchange, cultural exchange, and the enhancement of language training
skills.
The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) Network
is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration and
the State University System and is administered by the University of
West Florida. This statewide network of college and university based
centers provides existing and potential entrepreneurs assistance in
virtually all areas of business management. The types of services
include educational training events, one-on-one counseling, extensive
business libraries and information centers, business and economic
research, and conferences on current business issues. SBDCs also provide
assistance in specialized areas such as international trade, energy
conservation, environmental issues, government procurement, women in
business, and minority businesses. The FSBDC Network links resources of
the federal, state and local governments with the resources of the state
education system and the private sector to meet the specialized and
complex needs of the diverse Florida business community. For additional
information about the FSBDC Network, visit our website at www.floridasbdc.com
or call (850) 595-6060.
The Office of Research facilitates all aspects associated with
sponsored research activity at the University. Assistance is provided to
faculty and staff regarding proposal submission to external funding
agencies for research, instructional support, public service and other
forms of creative activity. Administrative support responsibilities
include the Scholarly and Creative Activity Committee, the Animal Care
and Use Committee and the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects.
The Office of Research has management oversight for internal research
award programs including summer research support for faculty and small
grant awards for both faculty and graduate students. Information on
funding opportunities is available through The Office of Research web
site at www.research.uwf.edu/.
Support facilities are provided for The Research Foundation of the
University of West Florida as well as coordination of the awarding of
Continuing Education Units for noncredit programs.
The Research Foundation promotes, encourages and provides
assistance for University faculty, staff, and student research
activities. The Foundation serves as the primary vehicle for developing
and promoting relationships between the University and private sector
organizations in support of technology transfer. Incorporated by the
State of Florida in December 1995, the 501(c)3, not-for-profit, Direct
Support Organization provides a means by which discoveries, inventions,
processes, and work products of the University faculty, staff, and
students can be created and transferred from the laboratory to the
public. Funds generated by such discoveries are used to enhance research
at the University of West Florida.
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.
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.