Exploring the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media: A Hub for Future Communicators

The University of Central Florida (UCF) stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity for students across various disciplines. Among its many distinguished schools and programs, the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of communicators, creators, and storytellers. This article delves into the facilities, resources, and academic environment offered by the NSCM, highlighting its commitment to providing students with the tools and experiences necessary to excel in the dynamic fields of communication and media.

Nicholson School of Communication and Media: An Overview

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media at UCF is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education in communication and digital media. Founded in 2018, the school offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including advertising, journalism, communication and conflict, interactive media, and film. As of Fall 2019, NSCM’s communication and digital media programs joined the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy at UCF Downtown, a 21st-century campus with access to arts, culture, nightlife and business.

The school prides itself on its award-winning faculty, who bring a wealth of professional experience and academic expertise to the classroom. These faculty members have worked on high-profile projects, such as Super Bowl commercials, and have conducted research on cutting-edge topics, such as the language of astronauts. The faculty are committed to providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields.

With a focus on practical and profitable degrees, the Nicholson School emphasizes collaboration and innovation, equipping students to become creators and communicators in today's dynamic landscape.

Academic Advising and Support Services

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media offers a range of academic advising and support services to help students succeed in their studies. Advisors can guide students on the right path and into the right classes. Services include academic advising, limited access program admission counseling, degree audit interpretation, course override assistance and many other services. Students can call the office to schedule an advising appointment.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities

A multi-million dollar, production facility purpose-built to serve the programmatic needs of Film and Mass Media students, faculty and staff. The Film and Mass Media Program at the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media provides a large assortment of camera, sound, lighting, grip, and other production equipment to complete course and thesis-generated media assignment, creative projects, and directed research.

The NSCM building houses several specialized computer labs and classroom spaces to support instruction as well as provide facilities for students to develop projects and complete course assignments. Access to these spaces is dependent on major and what courses you are currently enrolled in. These facilities include:

Broadcast Production Facility: Dedicated recording studios, vocal booths, central media server, post-production suites, and specialized classrooms primarily support the instructional, research, and creative activities of the students, faculty and staff of the Media Production and Management as well as the Journalism Program Areas.
Film Production Facility: Dedicated sound stage, post-production and finishing suites, screening room, and specialized classrooms primarily support the instructional, research, and creative activities of the students, faculty and staff of the Film, BA, BFA, and MFA Program Areas.
Media Labs and Specialized Classrooms: In the Nicholson School of Communication and Media building there are several specialized computer labs and classroom spaces to support instruction as well as provide facilities for students to develop projects and complete course assignments. A computerized classroom and lab with iMac workstations to support a variety of media projects. High performance iMac Pro workstations to support film/video projects.

Specialized Labs and Studios

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media provides access to specialized labs and studios to enhance the learning experience for its students. These include:

Media Lab | NSCM 161
Newsroom | NSCM 140
Adv. A computerized classroom and lab with iMac workstations to support a variety of media projects.
Adv. High performance iMac Pro workstations to support film/video projects.

Collaboration Spaces

There are several pre-production and collaborative lab spaces available for students and faculty to develop projects, complete course assignments and directed research. Collaboration spaces to support script writing, pre-production, and production management activities.

Editorial and Finishing Spaces

There are several computer labs, and collaborative, pre-production spaces available for students and faculty to develop projects and complete course assignments.

Technology Support and Resources

UCF IT provides technology solutions and reliable support so students, faculty and staff can focus on their work without tech distractions. They manage phone services, networks, online learning tools, research computing and more. Students can report an incident if needed.

Computer Labs at UCF

Three supported computer labs with Mac and PC workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud, reservable collaboration spaces, and printing services are located at Technology Commons I, Technology Commons II, and Classroom Building I.

Student Support Desk at Tech Commons

Located in both Technology Commons II and Classroom Building I, the Student Support Desk offers free technology checkout services. This includes Macbook Airs, Dell laptops, iPads, Microsoft Surfaces, GoPros, Centiq tablets, and adapters.

LibTech Desk at UCF Library

The LibTech Desk at UCF Library provides free technology lending services to all students. This includes DSLR cameras, lenses, camcorders, microphones, laptops, iPads, and other miscellaneous A/V equipment. It is located on the third floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

LibTech Studio at UCF Library

The LibTech Studio at UCF Library provides multiple Adobe Creative Cloud media workstations and a One-Touch Recording Studio available for reservation by all UCF students. It is located on the third floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

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Additional Campus Resources

UCF offers a variety of additional resources to support students in their academic and personal lives.

All Knight Study

SGA funded study halls with reservable study rooms, computer labs, free printing, and a student lounge. Two main campus locations available at Farrell Commons and Knights Plaza.

Black & Gold Studios

An on-campus recording studio service within the Office of Student Involvement. UCF students, faculty, and staff can utilize Black & Gold Studios for a wide variety of audio productions such as; podcasts, music recording, and voice-over work.

General Classroom Reservations

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for arranging and scheduling UCF’s hundreds of classrooms located throughout the campus. In addition, Registered Student Organizations, faculty and staff members, and thesis defense committees can reserve a general purpose classroom to host their activity or event.

UCF Student Union

Known as the “Heart of Campus,” the Student Union sits at the center of the main campus. It provides space for members of the UCF community to study, socialize, eat, host events, attend meetings, celebrate traditions, and engage in campus life.

Equipment and Facilities Notifications

UCF provides notifications regarding equipment and facilities closures due to various reasons, such as:

Closed Due to Hurricane Idalia: Due to the impending landfall of hurricane Idalia, the UCF main campus will be closed for business and all classes and activities have been canceled through Wednesday, August 30th.
Game Day Closure - UCF vs Kent State: The Film and Mass Media Production Facilities will be closing early on Thursday, August 31st at 2:00pm due to the UCF Football vs Kent State home game on the UCF main campus.
Game Day Closure - UCF vs Temple: The Film and Mass Media Production Facilities will be closing early on Thursday, October 13th at 2:00pm due to the UCF Football vs Temple home game on the UCF main campus.
Campus Closure Update - Hurricane Ian: UCF has postponed the reopening of campus. The Film and Mass Media Production Facility will now reopen on Tuesday, October 4th at 9am.

Other UCF Buildings and Landmarks

UCF's campus is home to a wide array of buildings and landmarks that cater to various academic, research, and recreational activities. Here's a list of some notable locations:

Research Facility (ADRF)
Arboretum (ARB)
Art Gallery (VAB)
Band Practice Storage Facility (BAND)
Barbara Ying Center (BYC)
Bennett Research II (BNT2)
Biological Sciences Building (BIO)
Biological Transgenic Greenhouse (BTG)
Biology Field Research Center (BFRC)
Biomolecular Research Annex (BMRA)
Brevard Hall (BREV)
Burger U
Burnett Honors College (BHC)
Burnett House (PRS)
Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
Business Administration I (BA1)
Business Administration II (BA2)
Cafe Bustelo
Celeste Hotel (HOTL)
Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies (CMMS)
Challenge Course
Chemistry Building (CHEM)
Chick-fil-A (John T. Washington Center)
Chick-fil-A (RWC)
Chilled Water Plant
Citrus Hall (CIT)
Classroom Building I (CB1)
Classroom Building II (CB2)
College of Arts & Humanities (CAH)
College of Sciences Building (CSB)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling Center (COUN)
Creative School for Children (CSC1)
Creative School Module 2 (CSC3)
CREOL - The College of Optics and Photonics (CROL)
Cypress Room Event Center
Disc Golf Course (DGC)
Dominos Pizza (John T. Washington Center)
Dominos Pizza (Knight Plaza)
Duke Energy UCF Welcome Center (UWC)
Dunkin'
Education Complex and Gym (ED)
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Emergency Operation Center (EOC)
Emergency Services Training Building (ESTB)
Engine Research Lab (ERL)
Engineering I (ENG1)
Engineering II (ENG2)
Engineering Research Pavilion (ENP)
Facilities and Safety (FSC)
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center (ALUM)
FBC Mortgage Stadium (Bounce House)
Ferrell Commons A (FCA)
Ferrell Commons B (FCB)
Ferrell Commons C (FCC)
Ferrell Commons D (FCD)
Ferrell Commons E (FCE)
Ferrell Commons F (FCF)
Ferrell Commons G (FCG)
Fire Station 65 (FS65)
Flagler Hall (FLA)
Football Practice Field
Foxtail Cafe
Gemini Courtyard
Greek Life - Alpha Delta Pi (ADLT)
Greek Life - Alpha Tau Omega (ATO)
Greek Life - Alpha Xi Delta (AXD)
Greek Life - Chi Omega (G416)
Greek Life - Delta Delta Delta (DDD)
Greek Life - Fraternity and Sorority Life (G415)
Greek Life - Kappa Alpha Theta (G411)
Greek Life - Kappa Delta (KD)
Greek Life - Kappa Kappa Gamma (G417)
Greek Life - Kappa Sigma (KS)
Greek Life - Pi Beta Phi (PBP)
Greek Life - Sigma Chi (SX)
Greek Life - Theta Chi
Greek Life - Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA)
Gringos Locos
Health Center & Pharmacy (HC)
Health Center (HC)
Health Sciences I (HS1)
Health Sciences II (HS2)
Hercules 108 (H108)
Hercules 109 (H109)
Hercules 110 (H110)
Hercules 111 (H111)
Hercules 112 (H112)
Hercules 113 (H113)
Hercules 114 (H114)
Hercules 115 (H115)
Hercules Community
Housing Administration (HAB)
Housing Services
Howard Phillips Hall (HPH)
Innovative Center (IC)
Intramural Softball Field
Jimmy John's
John C. Hitt Library (LIB)
John Euliano Park (JEP)
John T. Washington Center (JTWC)
Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center (CSEL)
Knight's Circle
Knight's Pantry
Knightro's (KTRS)
Knights Plaza
L3Harris Corporation Engineering Center (HEC)
Lake Claire Building 55 (LC55)
Lake Claire Building 56 (LC56)
Lake Claire Building 57 (LC57)
Lake Claire Building 58 (LC58)
Lake Claire Building 59 (LC59)
Lake Claire Building 60 (LC60)
Lake Claire Building 61 (LC61)
Lake Claire Building 62 (LC62)
Lake Claire Building 63 (LC63)
Lake Claire Building 64 (LC64)
Lake Claire Building 65 (LC65)
Lake Claire Building 66 (LC66)
Lake Claire Building 67 (LC67)
Lake Claire Building 68 (LC68)
Lake Claire Building 69 (LC69)
Lake Claire Building 70 (LC70)
Lake Claire Community Office and Center (LC65)
Lake Claire Recreational Area (LKCR)
Lake Hall (LAK)
Leisure Pool
Libra Community Center (LCC)
Live Oak Ballroom / Magnolia Room (FCA)
Luminar (LMR)
LYNX / UCF Transit Center (LNYX)
MAE/OML Lab
Marriage and Family Research Institute
Mathematical Sciences Building (MSB)
Medical Education Building (COM)
Memory Mall
Millican Hall (MH)
MMAE Laboratory - Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE)
Morgridge International Reading Center (MIRC)
Neptune 156 (N156)
Neptune 157 (N157)
Neptune 158 (N158)
Nicholson Fieldhouse (NFH)
Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSC)
Nike 101 (N101)
Nike 102 (N102)
Nike 103 (N103)
Nike 104 (N104)
Nike 105 (N105)
Nike 106 (N106)
Nike 107 (N107)
Nike Community
Northview (NV)
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (FCC)
Orange Hall (ORG)
Orlando Tech Center Building 300 (OTC3)
Orlando Tech Center Building 500 (OTC5)
Orlando Tech Center Building 600 (OTC6)
Osceola Hall (OSC)
Parking & Transportation Services (PGB)
Parking Garage - Libra
Parking Garage A (PGA)
Parking Garage B (PGB)
Parking Garage C (PGC)
Parking Garage D (PGD)
Parking Garage E (PGE)
Parking Garage F
Parking Garage G
Parking Garage H (PGH)
Parking Garage I (PGI)
Partnership I (CPS)
Partnership II (P2)
Partnership III (P3)
Pegasus Courtyard
Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Performing Arts Center - Music (PAC-M)
Performing Arts Center - Theatre (PAC-T)
Pharmacy (HC)
Physical Sciences Building (PSB)
Polk Hall (POL)
Pride Commons
Print Shop (PRNT)
Psychology Building (PSY)
Public Safety Building (Police) (UPD)
Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC)
Recreation Service Field Restroom (RSFR)
Recreation Services Field Maintenance (RFM)
Recreation Services Pavilion (RSP)
Recreation Services Soccer Field Pavilion (RSSP)
Recreation Support Building (RSB)
Recycling Center Shed (RCS)
Reflecting Pond (RP)
Reflections Kiosk (KSK)
Rehearsal Hall (RH)
Research 1 (R1)
Research Pavilion (PVL)
Robinson Observatory (OBSV)
ROTC (Army/Air Force)
Roth Athletic Center (RAC)
RWC Park
Sand Volleyball Courts
SDES Information Technology (FCB)
Seminole Hall (SEM)
Siemens Energy Center (SEC)
Simulation, Training and Technology Center (STTC)
Smoothie King
Soccer Practice Field
Softball Park and Ride
Softball Stadium (SBS)
SRC Auditorium (FCE)
Starbucks
Storm Water Research Lab (SWL)
Student Accessibility Services (FCF)
Student Union (STUN)
Student Union - Huey Magoo's
Student Union - Knightstop & Sushi
Student Union - Panda Express
Student Union - QDOBA
Student Union - Smoothie King
Student Union - Starbucks
Student Union - Which Wich
Subway
Sumter Hall (SUM)
Teaching Academy (TA)
Technology Commons I (TC1)
Technology Commons II (TC2)
Technology Incubator (IRIF)
Tennis Courts
The Bounce House
The Spot
The Venue (50C)
Theatre UCF (TH)
Timothy R.

A New Era for Communicators

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media is embracing a new identity, encouraging students to see themselves as communicators and creators of worlds. With a dozen degrees and almost 100 faculty members specializing in areas like advertising, journalism, communication and conflict, interactive media, and film, the school offers a comprehensive and diverse learning environment.

The school's award-winning faculty members have a wide range of experience, from shooting Super Bowl commercials to studying the language of astronauts. They encourage students to collaborate, create, and change the world.

The Strategic Communication Ph.D. program was launched in Fall of 2019.

tags: #UCF #NSC #building #information