Dear Students and Families,
It’s official! We are moving forward with our reopening plans!
On Tuesday, the State University System of Florida Board of Governors approved the reopening plan for the University of Florida. UF’s plan outlines how the university will strive to create a safer, healthier campus environment and continue its education and research missions through screening, testing, and enhanced protective measures.
The plan will continue to be updated as circumstances with COVID-19 evolve both globally and locally. You can learn more and share your thoughts by visiting the “Our Plan Forward” section of UF’s website. More details and action steps will be shared in the coming weeks.
Beginning next week, we will move to the next phase of the UF Health Screen, Test & Protect program, where students will begin to receive emails about screening. We will be sending emails in waves, so please keep a watchful eye on your inbox.
Speaking of email, earlier this week all students received an email to participate in a survey to help us understand attitudes about behaviors associated with preventing the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. Your voice matters. Please check your UF email for the healthy behaviors survey and complete it today if you have not already.
Gators — now is the time to double down on healthy habits and set the example. Whether you are near to Gainesville or far, the Gator Nation is everywhere, and you can truly have a significant impact on the community where you live. By keeping it simple and wearing a mask wherever you go, you can significantly decrease the spread of coronavirus. Please know that now, and when you return to campus this fall, wearing a mask or face covering in all campus and Gainesville facilities will be required. It is good to begin the practice now—even it if it not currently mandated in your community. If we want to remain engaged this semester, we must all do the work to protect the Gator Nation. That is how we will make it through this pandemic.
Be safe, be well, and as always – Go Gators!
Dr. D’Andra Mull
Vice President for Student Affairs
UPDATES:
UF ranked No. 1 nationally in innovation impact
The University of Florida is the most productive large university in the country at leveraging its research funding into new companies, new jobs and new ideas, according to a report released last week by the George W. Bush Institute and the Opus Faveo Innovation Development consulting firm.
A team of economists and business development experts ranked 195 universities for innovation impact, purely on volume, using data from the Association of University Technology Managers and other sources. Read the full UF News story.
Virtual Student Union
Programs and events are continuing this summer on the Virtual Student Union. Stay connected with your Gator Student Experience by participating in workshops, programs and events, including:
• Attending the virtual wellness coaching program with GatorWell
• Getting your resume edited virtually with the Career Connections Center
• Support workshops through the Counseling & Wellness Center
• Finding community through student organizations, leadership development and student events
Financial Support for Students
The University of Florida has been allocated funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency financial aid grants. These critical funds will help eligible UF students cover expenses related to unanticipated travel, additional technology requirements, or other needs related to an emergency situation. Graduate assistants (this includes medical and veterinary residents), post-doctoral fellows and associates must apply as employees via the Faculty and Staff Aid-a-Gator program. UF Online, International, and DACA students are not eligible to receive CARES Act funding, but emergency funding for these students may be available through the UF Aid-a-Gator program.