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A group of students poses in a classroom, some seated and some standing, with several wearing matching STEM-themed t-shirts.

EXCEL

In Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

EXCEL aims to increase student success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) during the transition to university life by connecting UCF students, faculty, and staff in STEM disciplines, and creating a learning community to support discovery and engagement. Science and Engineering subjects require that students have a strong mathematics foundation. EXCEL is structured to help students hone their math skills to easily master material in their STEM discipline and gain access to critical path courses for a timely graduation.

EXCEL by the Numbers

First Year
92%
First-Year retention to the University (81% in STEM)
Graduation
53%
increase in STEM graduation of EXCEL students over their matched cohort
Research
1018
EXCEL students have participated in mentored undergraduate research
Learning Community
5395
students have been an active part of the EXCEL STEM learning community

Explore EXCEL

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Mentoring

Through GEMS, EXCEL connects students with a strong upper division mentor who offers the necessary guidance to guarantee a smooth transition from high school to college in your first year at UCF.

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Undergraduate Research

Eligible students will be paired with an EXCEL faculty mentor to conduct research during the spring semester of the second year.

Four students are gathered in a classroom, some seated at a table with laptops and notebooks, while one stands and speaks; a whiteboard with notes is in the background.

EXCEL Tutoring Center

Students have access to free math and science tutoring at the Center, which is staffed by our Teaching Assistants and undergraduate tutors.

Supported Majors in our Learning Community

EXCEL’s primary intervention centers around strengthening a
student’s math foundation for success in their STEM discipline courses

Young woman in a green striped shirt stands at a whiteboard holding a marker, with math equations written in blue marker behind her.
Actuarial Science
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Aerospace Engineering
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Biology
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Biomedical Sciences
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Biotechnology
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Chemistry
 A large cable-stayed bridge with tall pylons spans a wide valley, with hills and grassy fields visible below.
Civil Engineering
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Computer Engineering
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Computer Science
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Construction Engineering
 Two people review and discuss printed charts and graphs at a desk with a laptop, analyzing data and financial reports in a brightly lit office setting.
Data Science
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Electrical Engineering
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Environmental Engineering
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Forensic Science
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Industrial Engineering
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Information Technology
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Materials Science and Engineering
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Mathematics
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Mechanical Engineering
 Three scientists in lab coats work together in a laboratory setting, focusing on a scientific instrument.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
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Molecular Microbiology
 A ballpoint pen rests on a sheet of paper with handwritten math equations and their solutions.
Statistics
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Photonics
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Physics

Spotlight

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Natasha Odom

Natasha Odom chose to study Biomedical Sciences at UCF because of the university’s wide range of opportunities for STEM students. She was excited to engage in research, leadership, and campus

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Events

Events

EXCEL Welcome Party
Incoming EXCEL/COMPASS students, we welcome you to hang out with us on the Saturday before classes start! Get to know your peers, staff, faculty, mentors, and coaches. Check-in starts at 12:30 pm in CB2, 101. We will move to the ENG2 Atrium around 2 pm. See…
GEMS Welcome Social
For all incoming GEMS mentees, come meet your GEMS mentor and fellow mentor group. Connect with fellow classmates before the semester officially starts, and network with other students of your same major. Check-in will begin at 12:45 
COMPASS Kick Off
Follow your COMPASS mentor from the MHS 2330 (Career Planning) class on Monday evening to the COMPASS Kick-off event in the EXCEL Center. See you there! 
Popsicle Pop-In
Grab a popsicle and meet and mingle with EXCEL staff and students on Wednesday, August 26th in the Nike Activity Center from 6-7 pm. The Living Learning Community (LLC) RA’s, instructors, and mentors for the program are excited to meet you! 

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Opportunities

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