The 4th annual Summer Symposium: Serving those who Served (4S Conference) is the first and only program that focuses both on clinicians/educators (to include students) and the population of veterans/active service members/first responders, all of whom will participate in a collaborative learning environment.

Co-hosted by the University of Central Florida, Jacksonville University, and the Military and Government Counseling Association, the 4S Conference will provide a treasure-trove of valuable information.

Register today to join us virtually via Zoom June 26-27, 2026.

Students must work within the parameters set by the gallery and adapt to changes and challenges that may arise throughout the process. The Art Show is the concept of an exhibition which will require the participants to think beyond their studio practice.

On view through June 26, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM.

Works by all six finalists will be shown at both venues, creating opportunities to engage with two major academic communities. One artist will receive a $10,000 prize, a solo exhibition in 2027, and the opportunity to serve as a juror for the next edition, along with additional professional development support.

Pathways is designed to nurture emerging artists and provide a meaningful path forward, reflecting the shared missions of both institutions.

Finalists: Alex Awuku, Michael Cannata, Cruz Castillo, Ebenezer Nketsiah Mensah, Lucía Morales, Shayla Marshall
Jurors: Marcus Antonius Jansen, Tenee’ Hart, Sheldon Scott

Learn more about this year’s exhibition here. 

Celebrating the creativity of our community’s emerging artists, this juried exhibition features work by graduate and undergraduate students from the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design.

Through a diverse range of techniques and materials, including painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media, the selected works offer personal explorations of identity. These works reflect the memories, experiences, relationships, communities and values that create one’s sense of self.

The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is honored to partner with UCF SVAD to present this exhibition, continuing the legacy of its founder, Albin Polasek, whose dedication to arts education has influenced generations of artists. In that spirit, the museum remains committed to supporting emerging talent by providing a platform for new voices and creative expression.

The Process:

You'll start with a belay class, which will teach you the basics of belaying and climbing safety. You'll learn the belay method that we accept at the Climbing Tower and have the chance to practice one-on-one with our Climbing Tower staff. Please wear comfortable athletic clothing. Long athletic pants are recommended but not required. You'll be required to climb during the class. If you have your own climbing equipment, we encourage you to bring it with you. 

After demonstrating competency in safety and skills in the class, you will complete a belay test, which will include questions about the information you learned in the belay class and a skills test. You must be able to properly demonstrate all technical aspects of the UCF Climbing Tower belay procedure to a Climbing Tower staff member. It's possible to fail the belay test. You'll be required to retake the belay test before you can be certified. 

After completing the belay class and passing the belay test, you'll have to complete five belay check-offs before you receive your full belay certification. These check-offs are done at the Climbing Tower during normal operating hours and are intended to confirm that you can consistently perform the UCF Climbing Tower belay procedure. To complete these check-offs, let a Climbing Tower staff member know that you need to complete your check-offs, and they will help you.

Once you've completed all of the above, you will receive your belay certification card. Please bring that with you to the Climbing Tower.

To Register for a Belay Class:

• Sign up for your belay class at the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) Climbing Tower front desk during normal business hours. Students can take the stairs or elevators to the first floor and go left. The desk is behind the stairs in the northeast corner of the main building.
• Class registration opens two weeks before the class, but participants must register at least 48 hours in advance. Space is limited to eight people per class.
• Belay classes are free for current UCF students and RWC members (with an active membership). If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so at least 48 hours before the class. Failure to show up for the belay or climbing technique class or to cancel within the allotted time will result in a $30.00 forfeit fee. 

How to Cancel:

You can cancel your belay class by visiting the Climbing Tower or the Outdoor Adventure Center during open hours or by emailing outdoor@ucf.edu.

Walk-ups are welcomed, and appointments are appreciated!

Science has proven that spending time with animals can reduce our stress. So what better way to work on your self-care than with pups? Stop by CAPS between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 29 to spend some time with our furry companions.