Across the University of Florida, our 16 colleges, numerous institutes, and health care facilities embrace our shared mission of outreach and service to improve and enrich our community, nation, and the world. UF in the Community spotlights the impact of UF in our region.

Although UF has students and employees throughout the state, North Central Florida is home to much of our faculty and staff and to our 50,000+ students. Like all area residents, we want a vibrant, safe, healthy, and equitable place in which to live and thrive. Here are some of the ways in which we are enhancing our shared community.​

Given recently released national guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in concert with the State University System, the University of Florida will make masks optional rather than required for students, faculty, staff and guests on UF property and in UF facilities effective immediately. Those not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are recommended to continue wearing masks, according to CDC guidance.

Within UF Health hospitals or other patient-facing clinical facilities, including dentistry practices and veterinary hospitals, masks will continue to be required. UF Health will support UF in implementing these policies as safely as possible and urges those who have not been vaccinated to do so.

UF Health researcher and pediatrician provides pointers to parents on COVID-19 vaccinations and the continuing need to be vigilant in protecting their children.

Many people don’t understand drug and alcohol addiction. Addiction is a complex disease and it changes the brain, making quitting hard – even for those who want to. During this presentation by Jason Hunt, M.D. from UF Health Addiction Medicine at the Florida Recovery Center, learn about the science of addiction and how you or a loved one can find the path to recovery.

The Gator Student Investment Fund (GSIF) reached $1 million under management in February. GSIF is a student-managed investment fund that gives members a realistic asset management experience. As of March 2021, the value sits at $1,043,909. The fund crossed the $1 million mark this year because of the generosity of alumni and friends who understand the real-world impact GSIF is having on students who are prepared for their future careers.

The fund also gives annual donations to the Warrington College of Business and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, which assists historically low-income, first-generation college students in meeting their college costs.

Learn more about how TESI studies the interactions among air, water, land and life on Earth, and how these systems are influenced by human activities.

Horses with medical issues now have an alternative facility to turn to for holistic treatment. Take a look at the UF Veterinary Equine Acupuncture Center.

The UF College of Journalism and Communications has exciting news: The 2021 Summer Media Institute will be virtual and on demand from July 8 to Aug. 31.

Learn more about the rapidly changing media environment – and one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive journalism and communications programs. Students with a passion and talent for storytelling and communication are especially invited.

We will also offer live virtual panels featuring industry stalwarts and influencers focusing on topics such as leadership, diversity and the future of journalism and communications. Other sessions will include college admission and financial aid experts and SMI alumni who are current students at UF sharing what it’s really like to be a college student.

4-H ADVENTURES at UF IFAS is back for summer 2021 for ages 5-18!

Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? Once again, Florida 4-H brings you 4-H Adventures – a virtual summer program that will navigate through healthy living, leadership and science-based programs. Get ready to find an array of fun and educational adventures along with course descriptions and dates.

Each 4-H Adventure has been designed by 4-H agents and specialists from around the state. Some involve regular scheduled meetings while others can be completed at the participant’s own pace. Once you are enrolled in 4-H, most 4-H Adventures are free of charge and only require an internet connection and a connected device. Youth ages 5 to 18 may participate, though some Adventures are only open to specific age groups.