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Fall ’23: Inside 'Swoop' on what's new and upcoming

August 21, 2023

As the University of North Florida kicks off fall semester, visitors to campus will notice some significant updates — from the early stages of major building renovation projects to new academic programs and entertainment offerings.   

The estimated 16,500 new and returning students will have no shortage of activities to keep busy and new programs to help reach academic and career goals. Students will also notice signs of future progress, with work already underway on ambitious renovation projects that will be available for use in the next few years.   

As the fall semester of 2023 begins, here are things to look forward to: 

Campus Improvements  

Watch your step! UNF is undergoing construction and renovation projects throughout campus. Here’s what’s happening behind the construction fencing, as well as some projects soon underway:  

  • Coggin College of Business (Buildings 10 and 42): The first floor of Building 10 is being renovated with a new north entry and lobby area being added. Work is expected to be completed in late spring 2024. Building 42 and Building 10 will then be connected into a new three-story building. That part of the project is expected to be done by late spring of 2025.  
  • Brooks Brown Hall: The Brooks College of Health project received funding from the State this year for interior renovations. The architect and contractor will be selected this fall with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2024.  
  • Alumni Drive Walk: A boardwalk connecting Osprey Crossings to the south side of campus is currently under construction. It will be open during the first week of school, allowing pedestrians to use the walkway over the water and avoid the traffic on Alumni Drive. The project is expected to be completed by late August.
  • Honors Residence Hall Project: Currently in the design process, this project will include 500 beds. Plans are to break ground in early 2024.  

 

New Academic Programs 

UNF has introduced a variety of new degree programs including a new M.S. in Health Informatics, accelerated B.S. in Chemistry to M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Bachelor of General Studies in Integrative General Studies, Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a new minor in Biomedical Engineering for Electrical Engineers. New concentrations in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Fintech, and Sports Analytics have been added to the M.S. in Business Analytics, as well as a new Creative Writing concentration for the M.A. in English. 

The Division of Continuing Education is also offering brand-new certificate programs in DevOps, AI & machine learning, cannabis healthcare and animal-assisted interventions as well as Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses such as observing Monarch butterflies at the UNF Butterfly Garden and hiking at Anastasia Island State Park.   

  

Dining 

The historic Boathouse restaurant on the second floor of the Student Union is undergoing complete renovation and modernization. It will be closed during the start of classes but is expected to reopen in late September. The project is set to be finished by mid to late September. Also, last semester, UNF expanded its dining options with Qdoba. For more information on hours and locations, visit the Dining Services website.  

    

Upcoming Campus Events & Activities  

There’s no shortage of fun and interesting things to do around campus. A few are listed below. Also, keep an eye out for performances, athletics, wellness programs and other events happening throughout the semester. Be mindful that some dates, times and locations may change.   

  • Eco Adventure Open Zip Nights – The second Thursday of each month 
  • Veterans Tribute – Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veteran’s Plaza/Osprey Plaza  
  • Winterfest – Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at Coxwell Amphitheater 

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Student Life, Hicks Honors College, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, Community, Athletics, Coggin College of Business, Leadership, Arts and Culture, Brooks College of Health, University News, College of Education and Human Services, Technology, Innovation, College of Arts and Sciences, Alumni, Education, Graduate School