University of north florida facilities inventory validation

Projects proposed by the University include site acquisition, site improvements, renovation, remodeling, and new construction. The projects are presented as part of an overall development plan that includes identification of proposed uses of space to be vacated because of occupying the new buildings and remodeling of existing buildings.

The space needs model applied the State University System Space Needs Generation Formula (Formula). The Formula was designed to recognize space requirements for a site based on academic program offerings, student enrollment by level, and research programs. A more complete explanation of the Formula is provided as Appendix C. The most important measure in the Formula is student of full-time-equivalent enrollment. Other important measures include positions, research activity, and library materials. The following space categories are included in the Formula:

Classroom Study Facilities Student Academic Support

Teaching Laboratories Instructional Media Office/Computer

Research Laboratories Auditorium/Exhibition Campus Support

Teaching Gymnasium

Application of the formula results in unmet space needs that are then compared to the effect of proposed projects on the facilities inventory. In cases where the Formula does not support a proposed project, the justification provided by the university is considered. Such justification may include the unique space requirements associated with a particular program. In some cases, the proposed facilities meet program requirements that are not addressed in the Formula. An example of such a case is a large wind tunnel facility or linear accelerator facility that far exceeds the space allowances provided for in the Formula. This type of space is regarded as ineligible to meet the space needs generated by the Formula. Similar treatment is given to unique facilities within the existing facilities inventory to ensure that Formula space needs are compared to facilities designed to meet those needs. The results of applying the Formula for the subject Survey are identified within Section IX of this report

The University of North Florida’s tagline, “No One Like You, No Place Like This” reflects the university’s commitment to students. Located in Jacksonville, this comprehensive urban university primarily serves Florida residents, especially those of the State’s northeastern region. It also serves an increasing number of students from across and beyond the nation. The campus is nested in a natural setting of upland ridges, wetland valleys with man made lakes and is approximately 12 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The academic core of the campus is situated at the inner central ridge, thus automatically buffered from South, West, and East expressways and provides an ideal setting for higher learning.

Established in 1969, UNF opened for classes in 1972 with 2,027 students to nearly 17,000 students today. When the University opened its doors it brought together a remarkable group of professors, administrators and staff, along with both young and older undergraduate and graduate students. Now thirty-seven years later, more than 50,000 UNF alumni live and work in Jacksonville and the First Coast region. The University has expanded from a handful of buildings at the end of a dirt road to a thriving campus with five colleges in a bustling section of Jacksonville. The University retains its small-campus feel, helped by its location amid beautiful lakes and nature trails.

The University of North Florida is located on a 1300+ acre campus at the Southeast quadrant in Duval County. UNF has 37 major buildings, 24 minor buildings, 7 residence halls and 4 Student Housing complexes plus the recently completed Osprey Fountains – 1,000 bed residence hall. There are over 3 million gross square feet on campus with 420,000 square feet of housing and 640,000 square feet in the two parking facilities. The UNF campus is compact with most major buildings connected by a two-story covered pedestrian walkway. Parking areas surround the campus allowing minimal walking distances and easy accessibility to the buildings.

UNF offers colleges of distinction in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education,

Health , and in Computing, Engineering and Construction, and a selection of degree programs from 52 undergraduate degree programs with 132 areas of concentration, 25 graduate, and 3 doctoral degree programs. In 2008, UNF was named by The Princeton Review as a Best Southeastern College and included the university as one of the nation’s best value undergraduate institutions.
Library

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library supports the educational goals of the University by providing information resources, services, and programs that encourage study and learning, support instruction and academic programs, facilitate research and scholarship, and engage the university-at-large and the broader communities it serves. The extensive collections include formats ranging from manuscripts to electronic texts with over 800 thousand volumes, more than1.5 million microfilms and thousands of full-text electronic books and journals. Library collections are accessed through the online catalog.

The UNF Fine Arts Center is committed to enriching the lives of children and adults through a broad range of learning opportunities. The education programs provide enhanced opportunities for young people, adults, families, schools, community organizations and artists to experience and learn from the arts. UNF aims to make the arts as informative, accessible, and enjoyable as possible for the audiences in our region. UNF was the first American university jazz trio to appear at the prestigious Festival Les Rendez-vous de l-Erdre, Jazz et Belle Plaisance in Nantes, France.

The University of North Florida Athletics Department moved to the NCAA Division I ranks in fall 2005, but prior to the move, the Ospreys' athletics teams had a storied history of success. Three NAIA and one Division II national championship have given the UNF athletics program a history of success. UNF won the Sunshine State Conference's men's and women's All-Sports Trophies in 1993, its first year in Division II. Of North Florida's 17 intercollegiate sports, all but swimming and diving compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Many of UNF faculty’s projects represent continuous and ongoing research agendas, some of which have captured national attention. This past year, UNF’s two largest grant awards were from the Department of the Army, $1.7 million to study the use of methanol fuel cells for powering laptop computers and $1.4 million to continue the study of remote sensor technologies. While these research projects have brought in large nationally- funded awards, UNF is also committed to conducting research that addresses local issues. This past year, UNF’s Environmental Center collected baseline data for the River Accord and established a wireless real-time monitoring system at the mouth of the St. Johns River.

In addition to their own research, UNF faculty members have been active in helping graduate and undergraduate students conduct research across the curriculum. Some of the many undergraduate research projects that have been funded by the university include a mathematical study developing matrix representations of elliptical curves, an investigation into the African Diaspora as shown in refugee resettlements in Jacksonville, a study of protein structures in quantum chemistry, research on coral reef biology, a project to restore gopher tortoise habitat, and a national poll on college student concerns. In many cases, these and other undergraduate research projects have culminated in co-written articles and national presentations.

The academic degree programs of the University and student enrollment within the programs generate the primary demand for facilities. The Board of Regents, pursuant to s. 240.209(3)(c) F.S., has responsibility for approval of new programs and elimination of existing programs.

The approved programs for the University are identified within Table 3.
Table 3

University of North Florida

Academic Degree Programs
University of North Florida

Degree Programs, By College & CIP