**PRESS RELEASE**

Florida Independent Colleges and Universities Remain Open, Adopt Measures to Keep Students Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

Tallahassee, FL – Contrary to recent media coverage, neither the Governor of Florida nor the Florida Department of Education has ordered or mandated that all private college campuses and buildings close for the remainder of the spring semester.

However, with the spread and threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Florida independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are taking aggressive measures to keep students, staff and stakeholders safe from harm, while also providing essential services to the students they serve.

"Florida's independent colleges and universities consider the health and safety of their students and staff the top priority, particularly right now with the threat of COVID-19," said Bob Boyd, president and CEO of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF). "These institutions have implemented the guidance of the CDC and are following the directions of state and local governments. Where permitted, many remain open to support their students - many of whom depend on their school for housing and meals - through this difficult time."

Actions taken by independent colleges and universities during the last week include transitioning completely to online learning for the remainder of the spring term,  limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 individuals, maintaining safe distances between individuals, canceling all non-essential events and keeping surfaces clean from possible contamination. 

Information on actions each institution has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here: 

• AdventHealth University
• Ave Maria University
• Barry University
• Beacon College
• Bethune-Cookman University
• Eckerd College
• Edward Waters College
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Everglades University
• Flagler College
• Florida College
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida Memorial University
• Florida Southern College
• Hodges University
• Jacksonville University
• Keiser University
• Lynn University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Ringling College of Art and Design
• Rollins College
• Saint Leo University
• Southeastern University
• St. Thomas University
• Stetson University
• The University of Tampa
• University of Miami
• Warner University
• Webber International University

ABOUT INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF FLORIDA

The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) association represents 30 SACS-accredited, non-profit institutions that offer more than 160 campuses in Florida where students can earn certifications, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees. More than 156,000 students are enrolled in ICUF schools. More than half of students enrolled are minorities. Half of the students enrolled come from families with an annual household income of less than $60,000. One-third of students enrolled are over the age of 25. Find a full list of ICUF members and more information at www.icuf.org.

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