Computer Center 1 was completed in 1970, when it was originally called the Data Processing building, whereas Computer Center 2 was built years later in 1982. Both went under remodeling in 1993 to prepare for the estimated increases of students and to offer a variety of new and different technologies. The remodeling also created a covered walkway between the two. Currently housed in Computer Center 2 is the Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program. This is a program designed for underrepresented students, financially-needy students, or first-generation college students to continue their studies after their undergraduate degrees. According to UCF’s McNair Program website, 85% of McNair students will complete research each academic year and at least 15% of these students will go on to attain a doctoral degree within ten years of receiving their bachelor’s degree.
In addition, Computer Center 2 is home to the Office of Undergraduate Research, a program which emphasizes the importance of research at the undergraduate level by building relationships with faculty and strengthening resumes with academic research. Through their research, participants are offered the opportunity to receive grants, get published, or present their findings at conferences. Another fact that speaks volumes for UCF is that thirty percent of UCF’s Computer Science PhD candidates were female, while at that time the National Average was only fourteen percent.
