Colleges

The 1st District Court of Appeal on Wednesday considered whether to allow a potential class-action lawsuit that contends the University of Florida should return fees to students because of a campus shutdown early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Polk State College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Broward College would receive $6.5 million to create the Career Pathways for Public Service Initiative.

The proposal would exempt from disclosure “personal identifying information” of people applying to lead colleges and universities until near the end of searches, when a group of finalists is determined or 21 days before a president is chosen.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, university system Board of Governors Chairman Syd Kitson and system Chancellor Marshall Criser promised in-person learning will continue on all campuses.

Analysts project enrollment could drop by more than 9% over the next five years if the trend persists.

The university dropped the requirement after the signing of a new law that bans businesses, schools and governments from mandating proof of vaccinations.

The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved the measure, which includes two proposals by Democrats related to testing and letting parents choose to retain students in their current grade levels.

Republicans tout the bill as an effort to ensure students aren’t being shielded from unpopular views.

Many colleges have canceled December graduation ceremonies while continuing to host in-person events, like football games. One graduating senior says it feels like "a slap in the face."

Two games have been added to the schedule. The Seminoles will play at home against Duke on Dec. 12 and go to Wake Forest on Dec. 19.

As of Nov. 22, the 15-to-24 age group comprised about 16% of Florida's cases. The impact was evident in counties that are home to three of the state's largest campuses.

There are a lot of students following safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but there are also a lot that are not, says Gainesville City Commissioner David Arreola.