The University of Florida seeks to prepare students for life: intellectually, academically and in their personal development. The university offers many exceptional, perhaps unparalleled, opportunities for its students to expand the scope of their horizons beyond the learning that is achieved in the classroom.
Students can gain leadership skills, maturity and a commitment to service through participation in the university's numerous resources that provide opportunities for in-depth learning, research and mentoring.
The University of Florida encourages each of its undergraduates to pursue at least two of the following five opportunities during their four years of study:
1. Research with Distinguished Faculty
University Scholars Program
The University of Florida offers numerous opportunities to pursue research under the direction
of a faculty member. This intensive research opportunity is one of our ways to personalize the academic
experience but also to challenge students academically in ways that will allow them to strengthen their
writing and analytical skills. Undergraduates have the opportunity to pursue a senior thesis or project
under the direction of a faculty member in each of our departments. In addition, the University Scholars
Program offers students, on a competitive basis, a chance to obtain one of 175 research awards of
$2,500 each to study with a faculty member as a University Scholar and to present their research at the
Undergraduate Research Symposium, and an additional $500 for travel related to the research.
2. Leadership
Student Activities Center in the Reitz Union
There is a wide variety of leadership opportunities at the University of Florida in any of the more than
750 student organizations connected to academic majors and programs, as well as ethnic, professional,
social and other special interests. Students can also take courses about leadership, such as the Art of
Leadership, sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs. Overall, leadership includes endeavors by the
student to work with others to make the university community a better place.
3. Internships with Government Agencies, Non-profit Organizations and Businesses
Career Resource Center in the Reitz Union
The University of Florida offers academic credit for internships that enable students to explore opportunities
in government, non-profit organizations and business. Whether the internship is with the state legislature,
an interest group, businesses, the governor's office, the federal government, a lobbying organization, law firms,
media companies or in another career-related position, it can provide basic work experience and an
understanding of the public and private sectors.
4. Volunteer Service to the Community, State and Nation
Office of Community Service at the Reitz Union
In an effort to promote community involvement and a volunteer spirit, the University of Florida provides
a variety of volunteer opportunities to students. These opportunities are available through government and
charitable organizations in Gainesville and other communities and at the state and national levels. Students also may
participate in the Florida Alternative Break program, in which students travel to another community to
perform service during one of the breaks during the academic year.
5. Overseas Study
UF International Center
Regardless of what students may do after graduation, they will be making their way in a society
that is increasingly global in its perspective. To help students develop an awareness and understanding
of the world, the University of Florida offers more than 70 international programs in which a student can
study for two weeks, two months or an entire academic year. Students are urged to take part in at least
one of these programs during their undergraduate careers.