JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of University of North Florida (UNF) students were expected to return to class on Monday, marking the beginning of the new school year.
UNF President Moez Limayem told News4JAX the campus will welcome more than 17,000 students, and added they are “probably on track” to welcome the largest freshman class in the university’s history.
“We take good care of them. They’re not just numbers. Their son, daughters, nephew, nieces, friends, that’s what UNF is all about. Everything we do is about student success,” Limayem said.
Watch the full interview with Limayem in the video below
Limayem said in addition to making the campus “bigger and better and more beautiful,” this fall every UNF student will be required to complete at least one internship or similar hands-on learning.
“That’s the number one factor for their success, for them finding a job, but graduation or shortly after with a competitive salary,” Limayem said.
UNF Senior Director of Industry Engagement Scott Curry said over 70 percent of graduates get a job in Jacksonville, and over 80 percent stay in Florida.
The president also talked about the growing need for housing.
“Now we’re down even less than 200 [on the waitlist]. We’re doing everything we can to accommodate all our students. We just started a new dorm, the Osprey Ridge. Also, we are working with private partners for more beds, hopefully, that will come in 2027, we’ll have more than 700,” he said.
