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Keeping the Tradition Alive

Make your college experience one to remember. At UCF, you’re part of a community and can take part in events and activities that bring us all together. Here, adventure is everywhere. From Spirit Splash to Symphony Under the Stars, explore the best of UCF spirit and traditions. As a Knight, you’re invited to participate in fun traditions throughout the entire year. Enjoy one of the best parts of campus life where you’ll make lifelong friends, lasting memories and the most of your time at UCF.

Fall

Student hugging Knightro and taking a photo at Pegasus Palooza

Pegasus Palooza

Start off your time at UCF right with Pegasus Palooza! UCF’s official Welcome Week takes place each fall and is packed with social, academic and service activities to help you find your place.

UCF students get to know each other during The Knighting

The Knighting

The Knighting is your formal convocation, marking your induction as an official student at UCF while welcoming new Knights to campus, inspiring your journey as a Knight and offering more insight about UCF. You’ll feel right at home here.

Female Students in the Reflecting Pond holding a duck during Spirit Splash

Spirit Splash

Spirit Splash is one of the most popular events on campus — and has been voted one of the best college traditions in the nation. Part of Homecoming Week, this wet and wild pep rally invites Knights to charge into the Reflecting Pond and catch collectible rubber ducks and commemorative T-shirts. Other events during the weeklong celebration include Movie Knight, Comedy Knight, Knights Got Talent, Concert Knight, Culture Knight and so much more.

Two students with their mother and father during Family Weekend

Family Weekend

Spend quality time with family, showing them around campus and giving them a taste of what Knight life is all about. There’s nothing quite like the fun and electric atmosphere of the UCF Family Weekend tradition.

Spring

Individuals holding up signs that visualize the amount of money raised during Knight-Thon

Knight-Thon

Grab your comfy shoes for this one. The Knight-Thon dance marathon takes place in spring and will keep you on your feet all night for a great cause, raising more than $1 million each year for a local children’s hospital.

Students performing a dance on stage

UCF Celebrates the Arts

Cultivate your creativity during UCF Celebrates the Arts. This 10-day festival features musicals, living art and concert performances that showcase creativity, innovation and collaboration across the university.

Student wearing mask conducting the Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Under the Stars

Grab a blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy Symphony Under the Stars. The annual community event features the UCF Symphony Orchestra performing an outdoor concert on Memory Mall.

Universal Orlando globe

Universal Knights

If you like roller coasters, you’ll love Universal Knights. Each spring, join thousands of Knights with exclusive, late-night access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It’s the greatest study break of the year. And best of all, it’s free!

Students sitting at two long tables set up on Memory Mall during the Gather Luncheon

Gather Luncheon

Those who eat together stay together. The annual Gather Luncheon event celebrates community building as 500 Knights come together for a free, three-course meal.

Two individuals talking and looking at a project during Student Research Week

Research Week

The Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence is part of Student Research Week. Each year many workshops and events are hosted throughout this week in the early part of April.

Adrienne Dove

Founders’ Day

Each spring, the annual convocation recognizes faculty members for outstanding teaching, advising, mentoring, research, professional service, librarianship and instruction.

Knightro and UCF license plate

Knight Your Ride

Did you know? UCF license plates are the top-selling custom license plates in Florida. Join the excitement and show your Black and Gold spirit.

Knight Your Ride with a
Custom Florida License Plate

KnightroUCF license plate

Get to Know Us

Male student with UCF flag draped around his shoulders

You’ll Shine in Our Colors

At UCF, we bleed black and gold. The color combination is both dignified and works well through many uses — just a couple of the reasons as to why it was chosen. Plus, we’re the only university in Florida with these colors.

Robinson Observatory at night surrounded by stars

Reach for the Stars

Since our beginnings in 1963 as one of America’s first “space universities,” our mission has been to make a difference in our community and around the world. Ever notice how the street names on campus represent constellations, galaxies and spacecraft? Gemini Boulevard, Andromeda Loop and Apollo Circle aren’t just happy coincidences. They reflect UCF’s beginnings as a space university. Knights go above and beyond — literally. Here, you’ll reach for the stars and see endless possibilities.

We’ve Got Spirit

The Pegasus on a brick wall around campus

Pegasus

Our seal, Pegasus, dates back to 1968 when we were known as Florida Technological University. “Pegasus was the mythological winged horse of the muses. He carried their hopes, their inspirations and their poetry into the skies,” explained Dr. Millican, the university’s president at the time. Over the last 50+ years, Pegasus remains a symbol of our students reaching for the stars and achieving their dreams.

Knightro walking down a road surrounded by fans

Knightro

Knightro debuted at the first Spirit Splash in 1994 as a knight in golden armor without a name. Over the next year, the golden mascot made appearances at events, sporting events and other student gatherings before being officially named Knightro. You’ll see Knightro — and maybe some of our other mascots — around campus, making appearances at athletics events, pep rallies and so much more.

Knugget

Knugget

“It me.” The newest addition to athletics and campus events is a mini horse who goes by Knugget. This four-legged, fluffy and absolutely adorable member of Knight Nation hypes up students and spreads cheer everywhere. If you ever run into Knugget around campus, be sure to give him some well-deserved pets.

UCF graduates in cap and gown

Class Gifts

The annual class gift is a popular tradition among graduating Knights. It’s an opportunity for you to give back to your favorite area at UCF, from scholarships to a college or department to athletics and more.

Did you know? Graduating students who make a class gift will receive graduation cords as a thank you. You’ll also be recognized during the commencement ceremony.

Make a class gift

female student in academic regaliamale student in academic regalia

Find Your Place

Reflecting Pond

Our most recognizable landmark, the Reflecting Pond has a unique place in UCF history. It’s been around since the first year of classes and even served as a commencement ceremony location for several years. Today, it’s a great spot to relax in between classes and is hands-down one of the most popular backdrops for graduating Knights.

Male studnet throwing football on Memory Mall

Memory Mall

Outdoor events. Tailgate activities. College GameDay backdrop. Memory Mall is packed throughout the year with students, alumni and visitors looking to enjoy some fun in the sun. As one of the focal points around campus, it’s quickly become an area for Knights to gather. You’d never guess that this open green space used to be a parking lot in our early years.

Two students in a canoe around Lake Claire

Lake Claire Recreation Area

Looking for peaceful scenery? Take in all nature has to offer at the Lake Claire Recreation Area. Find a quiet spot by the lake or take a study break with friends. There’s lots to see and do, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sand volleyball and cookouts. Plus, you won’t want to miss out on the free events here each semester.

An overhead shot of the seal in the Student Union with students walking around

Seal in the Student Union

Don’t step on the seal! Legend says that you won’t graduate if you walk across the Pegasus seal in the Student Union. But once you have your diploma in hand? Go ahead and walk across it to celebrate your momentous achievement.