State University System
Report: FAMU cracks down sorority over hazing allegations
Orlando Sentinel
WDBO.com is reporting Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University has taken action against a school sorority after allegations of hazing surfaced. Delta Sigma Theta was placed on inactive status after charges were reported on FAMU’s anti-hazing website. Officials said they are investigating and more sanctions are possible.
Sorority facing allegations of hazing at FAMU
WBDO
A Florida A&M sorority is “inactive” after hazing allegations appeared on the schools anti-hazing website. Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer, said “inactive” means the students involved cannot participate in any campus activities as an organization.
Homeless man shot on roof of Florida Atlantic University building
MiamiHerald.com
A homeless man armed with a knife was shot and wounded Friday on the roof of a research building at Florida Atlantic University. The homeless man moved toward officers with the knife, according to police…
Police respond to report of shooting at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton
Palm Beach Post
A homeless man armed with a knife on the rooftop of a building on the Florida Atlantic University campus was shot Friday after he presented a threat to campus police, authorities said. The man was taken to Delray Medical Center in serious condition. His name was not released by Friday evening.
Homeless man shot by FAU police
Sun-Sentinel
Florida Atlantic University Police say two officers shot a knife-wielding homeless man on the roof of a university building Friday morning. The homeless man, whom police have only identified as being in his 20s or 30s, landed in an emergency room at Delray Medical Center, but his condition is unknown…
Committee recommends FSU relocate embattled film program from West Palm to Tallahassee
Miami Herald
It’s only been up and running for a year, but the Board of Governors is poised to order a move for Florida State University’s animation and digital arts program. A special committee voted today to recommend that the nascent program be relocated from West Palm Beach to Tallahassee to join with the rest of FSU’s film school. That vote occurred after three hours of passionate testimony from West Palm Beach city officials and leaders of FSU’s film school, who tried to make the case for allowing the program to remain there. But without a business partner or clear plan to move forward, the committee’s three members said it doesn’t make sense for FSU film students to remain in South Florida.
FSU’s digital program should move to Tallahassee, committee decides
Palm Beach Post
A state university governing committee voted unanimously Friday to uproot Florida State University’s digital and media arts program from West Palm Beach, despite pleas from city and school officials who said the move will cost jobs and future business partnerships. If the decision by the three-member committee is approved by the Board of Governors at its Feb. 21 meeting, a plan to move the fledgling program must be developed by May 1. If the decision by the three-member committee is approved by the Board of Governors at its Feb. 21 meeting, a plan to move the fledgling program must be developed by May 1.
Photo prompts UCF to suspend fraternity
Central Florida News 13
The University of Central Florida has placed one of its fraternities on suspension while they investigate a possible case of hazing. In a letter sent to the Sigma Chi Fraternity Friday, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities said the immediate suspension was because of alleged alcohol-related misconduct, disruptive conduct and hazing. A review has been schedule for Friday, Feb. 22.
UF study: Cities not as bad off on water availability if infrastructure considered
Gainesville Sun
A recent University of Florida study showed that although the country’s largest cities might fare better than they’d previously believed, most cities still need to ramp up their infrastructures…
UF sends out acceptance notices
Gainesville Sun
“Welcome to the Gator family,” her parents, both UF grads, told her. “We’re proud of you.” The 17-year-old senior at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg joined thousands of her fellow applicants as UF posted its admissions decisions Friday.
University of Florida accepts 12,000 new students
WUFT
About 27,000 high school seniors found out if they would become part of the Gator Nation Friday evening. UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said the applicants for the class of 2017 were extremely competitive, and more students have been accepted than in previous years. UF will admit more than 12,000 students, Sikes said, to make up a freshman class of about 6,400. The students will begin classes in either the summer B 2013, fall 2013 or spring 2014 semesters…
Higher Ed Social Media Spotlight: #UF17
Just occasionally, in addition to bringing you the most important headlines M-F, I like to highlight something innovative (and helpful). Really enjoyed monitoring the innovative #UF17 campaign over the weekend that corresponded with UF’s admission decision day. Noticed it first on Twitter in a hat tip dolled out by @TJLogan, self described UF student affairs pro…
which led me to his WordPress blog post…
A Magical Night for Social Media in Higher Ed
WordPress: T.J. Logan’s Blog
Something magical happened in the world of social media and higher education tonight, and you probably didn’t even notice it. The University of Florida used social media in exactly the right way. This massively large destination institution engaged with students and their families to create a community event unlike any other…just by using a hashtag. Today was a pivotal day for thousands of Gator hopefuls. Today was the day that they would find out their future. You see, the University of Florida is one of a handful of institutions around the country that has a single admission date. All students find out at the same time whether they have been admitted for the future academic year….and today was that day. As you can imagine, an admissions process like this creates a lot of hype, excitement, and anticipation. And in the ultra-connected world we live in, this process also creates an amazing opportunity. The University of Florida selected the hashtag #UF17 (a reference to the class of 2017) as a way to engage the community in this event. But it wasn’t the hashtag that made it work…it was the level of commitment that made it so magical…
@brucefloyd, lead social media specialist for @UFlorida, seemed grateful for the shout out…
Here is Bruce’s Storify featuring some of the engagement…
UF Admissions Decision Day + Social Media
Storify by Bruce Floyd
We attempted a coordinated welcome effort on social media by encouraging the use of the #UF17 hashtag. This was added to the admission screens that the students saw, and we also presented the hashtag as we communicated with our new students directly on Twitter and Instagram…
Nice results…
State College System
New Career Resource Center at Chipola College
WTVY, Dothan
Chipola College will officially open the new Career Resource Center at the college on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. The new Career Center, located in the college’s Workforce Development building, is a partnership between the Regional Workforce Development Board and the college. The new center will have staff two days a week to work directly with students. Services will focus on helping students understand the skills and training sought by employers.
Let Us Count Some Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
Daytona Beach News-Journal
If your sweetheart loves music and film, head to the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., on Thursday for a screening of “I am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco,” at 7 p.m. The black-and-white documentary by Sam Jones follows the indie/modern rock band Wilco through the creation of their album, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.”
Gulf Coast State could lose $2.6 million
News Herald
Gulf Coast State College could lose $2.6 million in funding if the Legislature follows the governor’s budget proposal for the state college system. But local lawmakers say they’ll fight to keep that funding and stress it’s still early; the session hasn’t started and the Legislature hasn’t written its own budget….
Indian River State College shooting suspect had been targeting victim
WPBF
A man accused of shooting a student at Indian River State College had been targeting her since a run-in at the campus bookstore last August…
Nkoise McClain: Indian River State College Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex shooting suspect
WPTV
A motorist who brandished and fired a handgun at several locations, before being apprehended near Indian River State College, was Nkoise McClain, 19, of Fort Pierce, police said Friday…
Independent Colleges and Universities
VA could replace FAA in Palm Coast
Daytona Beach News Journal
A training center vacated last week by the Federal Aviation Administration is ready for its next tenant, one that could lure even more jobs, students and visitors to the area. Negotiations are under way between the property owner — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Representatives from the VA could sign on the dotted line in a matter of weeks, said Embry-Riddle President John Johnson.
Florida Southern’s College’s Stray Cats Getting Own Frank Lloyd Wright Styled Dorms
News Chief
Treasured for its storied collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, esplanades and soaring fountain, Florida Southern College is making room for six more structures inspired by the famed architect. These new structures will be small — only about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide. Unlike other Wright designs, they are not meant for humans. Rather, the six domiciles built mostly of custom-made concrete blocks will provide shelter for almost 100 feral cats living on the Lakeland campus.
Florida Tech has faith in new Catholic dorm
Bradenton Herald
…The off-campus dormitory is the second religiously based facility funded by the Newman Student Housing Fund, a private, outreach Catholic ministry. The Effingham, Ill.-based group has been working with secular campuses across the country during the past year to connect with young adults. The first dorm to break ground was St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Hall at Texas A&M, to be completed in August…
For-Profit and Career Colleges
Heads Up Construction owner buys former Rasmussen College campus
Gulf Coast Business Review
PLANS, DESCRIPTION: A company, led by Nathan Head of Heads Up Construction Inc. in Vernon, purchased the 22,814-square-foot former Rasmussen College campus for $1.06 million. The price equated to $46 per square foot.
Yip Yap: Noted and Quoted FLHE Voices from Around the Web
Goal for Fla. lawmakers: Aim higher on education
Orlando Sentinel
If Florida’s 12 public universities were students, they might be considered underachievers. Only one, the University of Florida, cracks the nation’s top 50. Yet high-quality higher education in Florida is essential to turn out the talent that will attract investment, create high-wage jobs, and build a better economy and future for the Sunshine State. And state leaders, who have neglected this imperative for years, finally seem ready to give it the attention it needs…
Our Opinion: Hazing allegations put system to the test
Tallahassee Democrat
A report this week that Florida A&M University has placed Delta Sigma Theta’s FAMU chapter on inactive status sends two messages about the university’s efforts to curb hazing. First, it shows that some students affiliated with campus organizations are still not getting the message that any behavior even bordering on hazing is no longer being tolerated. Second, it shows that students have gotten the message that it’s OK to report such incidents and that the allegations will be addressed…
ERAU’s space venture can lift the region
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has taken a deeper step into the mid-21st century and beyond with a new commercial space program. That’s fine news for Volusia County’s economy…
Bergstein: Another brutal Islamist activity at FAU condoned by officials
Biz Pac Review
Unbeknownst to 99 percent of the Boca Raton community, our own Florida Atlantic University campus has been taken over again by radical Islamists— and with the strong-armed support of the Boca Raton Police Department. For good measure, throw in the FAU administration, which displayed its lack of backbone last year when it caved in to the Students for Justice in Palestine’s taping of hate messages on student dorm doors. FAU’s Hillel chapter blew it off as merely “unacceptable.”
Cunningham: Understanding that a great state requires great universities
Gainesville Sun
So far, Gov. Rick Scott’s ideas for higher education reform have been ripped right out of Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s playbook: more STEM and less anthropology, bargain-basement $10,000 degrees, stacking university governing boards to exercise veto power over presidential searches…
New Voices: UCF must stop using students to bankroll whatever it wants
Orlando Sentinel
It happens with such frequency that it almost seems unnewsworthy, but the University of Central Florida‘s Board of Trustees is at it again. It met last week to increase two existing student fees and to establish yet another. ”What’s the big deal?” you ask. Well, students often end up coughing up big bucks at the start of each semester because of the plethora of charges UCF tags onto tuition. Some even face a fee just to pay their fees…Jason Kelly, 23, of Orlando is studying psychology and journalism at the University of Central Florida.
Letter: Power outage at Flagler College
Historic City News
There was a power outage at the Flagler College library that led to a fire when the power came back on. The cause, a rat, fell to the ground outside…
Bibb Schools Respond to FAMU Blog on Dallemand
13WMAZ
Bibb schools superintendent Romain Dallemand said rumors that he’s considering a presidency at Florida A&M University are incorrect.
Memorial service to honor FAMU-FSU College of Engineering co-founder
WTXL ABC 27
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) community mourns the passing of Charles C. Kidd Sr., who once served as associate vice president for Academic Affairs and as dean of the former College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture…
FAMU hires new director of student judicial affairs
Blog: Rattler Nation
Antoneia L. Roe has been named the new director of the Office of Judicial Affairs and Resource Services in the FAMU Division of Student Affairs. Previously, Roe served as supervising attorney for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program, Second Circuit, Tallahassee…
Former FAMU Coach Sells Book
WCTV
Former FAMU head football coach, Joe Taylor, was out at Books A Million signing autographs and selling his book “The Making Of A Champion”. Coach Taylor says he wanted to give back to all his fans that have supported him throughout his 40 years…
Baby Boomers Aren’t Sold On Retirement Communities
Business Insider
“This generation has expectations that exceed its wallet,” says William Hardin, professor of finance and real estate at Florida International University. “The reality is that a lot of boomers are going to be faced with fewer choices.”
Carnaghi ends ‘visionary’ 22-year tenure at FSU
Tallahassee Democrat
John Carnaghi‘s title for the past 22 years has been senior vice president for Finance and Administration at Florida State University. But that hardly does justice to Carnaghi’s role or his accomplishments during the past two decades…
Former FSU star Sanders says concussions ‘nature of the game.’
Tallahassee Democrat
Sanders, a consensus All-American cornerback at Florida State in 1986-87, doesn’t agree with their claim. “I sustained several concussions in my career. That is the nature of the game,” said Sanders, who attended a reception Friday at the Emerald Grande in Destin, prior to being guest speaker at the 44th annual All Sports Association Banquet at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.
UF helps map out Tree of Life
Gainesville Sun
When paleontologist Jonathan Bloch takes walks with his three young children, he often hears the same questions that he asks himself at work: Where do all these animals come from? How did that happen? Bloch, the associate curator of vertebrate paleontology for the Florida Museum of Natural History and a University of Florida professor, was one of the authors of a major international study published Thursday in the journal Science that goes to the heart of answering the questions of the naturalist in us all.
Blake James hired as Miami athletic director
Miami Herald
Blake James was not privy to many details of the NCAA investigation into Miami‘s athletic compliance practices until he became the Hurricanes’ acting athletic director four months ago. Even after learning what the Hurricanes could be facing, he still wanted the job. And the school gave it to him on Friday, taking the “acting” tag off his title and formally making him the school’s athletic director. He replaced Shawn Eichorst, who left in October for the same job at Nebraska.
Karen Russell to talk ‘Swamplandia!’ at Rollins’ Winter With the Writers
Orlando Sentinel
Friday’s impending storm in the Northeast let author Karen Russell have a day off. ”It’s like a snow day!” she exclaimed in a phone call from Philadelphia, where the Miami native now lives. “I get to stay home! Russell, whose Florida-set novel “Swamplandia!” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for fiction last year, was scheduled to travel to New York in support of Tuesday’s release of her new book, “Vampires in the Lemon Grove.”…She’ll focus on “Swamplandia!” when she participates in Rollins College‘s “Winter With the Writers” program this Thursday, Feb. 14. “I love talking about the book in Florida,” Russell said. “For the native sons and daughters, it’s a lot of fun.”
USF researcher examines why people text and drive
WFLA
A researcher at the University of South Florida believes it’s going to take more than a ban on texting behind the wheel to actually keep people from doing it. ”The more research I started doing, the more I realized how widespread this problem is,” said Dr. Moez Limayem, who is now the Dean of USF‘s College of Business.
Releases and Web Stories
FAMU Teams Up to Promote Sustainable Food Support Systems
Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FL- Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Statewide Small Farm Program, Food & Water Watch (FWW) and the Crescent Moon Organic Farm will host a food workshop titled “Building Sustainable Food Support Systems.” The workshop is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Crescent Moon Organic Farm in Sopchoppy…
Full Sail University Adds Recording Artist Mat Kearney to 4th Annual Hall of …
PR Web (press release)
Full Sail University has just announced the addition of Universal Republic Records recording artist, Mat Kearney (http://www.matkearney.com) to the 4th Annual Hall of Fame week celebration…
Gov. Rick Scott lauds JU Public Policy Institute in remarks to advisory board
Press Release
Using examples in education, trade, tourism, manufacturing and more, Florida Gov. Rick Scott stressed the value of public policy to help shape the future and improve lives, praising the JU Public Policy Institute for its efforts during a speech to the Institute’s board of advisors Thursday, Feb. 7.
Short-term lodging to serve outpatients, family members
University of Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — UF & Shands plans to build a lodging facility to serve visiting outpatients as well as out-of-town family members or caretakers of hospitalized patients receiving care.
USF – CAS News
TAMPA, Fla. — Brian Connolly, a history professor at the University of South Florida, is one of six editors of “History of the Present: A Journal of Critical History,” a journal awarded the title “Best New Journal” by the Council of Editors of Learned Journals…
From river blindness to genomics, USF Health faculty lead the world
USF Health News
USF Health faculty members in medicine and public health scored major media hits this past week…
Selena Kimball drawings at Valencia College
Valencia College
Valencia College‘s Anita S. Wooten Gallery will display an collection of drawings by New York artist Selena Kimball, starting Friday, Jan. 18.
