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Nesting Place History

At UNF, we recognize that students come to college from various backgrounds, and we are here to support the progress of all students.

The Nesting Place is the name of the program that provides a variety of support services to students who have experienced homelessness and/or who have been a part of Florida’s Department of Children and Families. This program was established in 2015 at UNF and is committed to assisting these students in their transition to UNF, encouraging engagement and retention of these students while at the university and ultimately championing these students as they graduate and advance to employment or graduate studies.

The Nesting Place program is part of Care Services within the Dean of Students Office. The Care Services team works closely with academic advisors and campus partners to create a network of success for students who participate in this program. 

Florida Legislation – Student Exemptions

2021 Florida Statute 1009.25 (1)

(c)  A student who is, or was at the time he or she reached 18 years of age, in the custody of the Department of Children and Families or who, after spending at least 6 months in the custody of the department after reaching 16 years of age, was placed in a guardianship by the court. Such exemption includes fees associated with enrollment in applied academics for adult education instruction. The exemption remains valid until the student reaches 28 years of age.
(d) A student who is, or was at the time he or she reached 18 years of age, in the custody of a relative or nonrelative under s. 39.5085 or s. 39.6225 or who was adopted from the Department of Children and Families after May 5, 1997. Such exemption includes fees associated with enrollment in applied academics for adult education instruction. The exemption remains valid until the student reaches 28 years of age.
(f) A student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence, a public or private transitional living program, or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. This includes a student who would otherwise meet the requirements of this paragraph, as determined by a college or university, but for his or her residence in college or university dormitory housing. The State Board of Education may adopt rules and the Board of Governors may adopt regulations regarding documentation and procedures to implement this paragraph. Florida Statute 1009.25

Additional Florida Policies and Programs