As the University of North Florida (UNF) begins the 2025-26 academic year, several updates and new projects are underway across campus. These changes include building renovations, expanded academic offerings, new dining options, and a range of upcoming events.
Among the completed upgrades is Osprey Ridge, a four-story residence hall providing housing for approximately 520 students. The facility includes a living-learning community for Hicks Honors College students. The Osprey Print and Ship store has also been updated to offer printing services, shipping, and passport photos.
Several renovation projects are in progress or set to begin soon. Hicks Hall’s first floor is being remodeled to house the Human Resources department and the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights, with completion expected in fall 2025. Brooks Brown Hall is undergoing lab interior renovations funded by the State, targeted for spring 2026 completion. A new Student Support and Academic Building will break ground in spring 2026 behind Carpenter Library; this three-story project will add dining areas, student lounges, study spaces, and academic support labs.
The Delaney Student Union is seeing construction of a Flight Deck esports venue aimed at bringing competitive gaming to UNF by spring 2026. Renovations at Osprey Landing and Osprey Cove will update exterior stairs and mechanical systems prior to fall 2026. Coggin College of Business is expanding with a new three-story complex and connecting bridge due for completion in fall 2026. An Honors College Academic Building will begin construction north of Osprey Ridge later that year.
An apartment complex offering 700 beds is scheduled to break ground this fall near the Flats Residential Complex with an anticipated opening in fall 2027.
For parking on campus, Flowbird kiosks have been replaced by AIMS Mobile Pay (AMP), which allows visitors to manage vehicle information and payments through an app or website while keeping daily pass rates unchanged.
This semester introduces several new degree programs: a BS in kinesiology with a freshman admit concentration and a BA in chemistry. Additional majors now include accounting under the MS in business analytics program as well as astronomy under BS in physics. New minors such as public service leadership and logistics for non-business students have been added.
Other academic updates feature concentrations like fixed CPA-eligible accounting, flexible CPA-eligible accounting (both under BBA in accounting), data analytics (Master of accounting), professional/public writing (BA in English), and engineering physics (BS in physics). New certificate programs focus on artificial intelligence applications for undergraduate engineers, construction professionals, business students, as well as graduate certificates related to credentialing and instructional planning.
Accelerated pathways now link degrees such as communication studies/management; political science/international affairs; international studies/history; with additional pathways planned for engineering physics/materials science next spring. Further expansions include new majors within communications—public relations, multimedia journalism, advertising—and new concentrations within sport management or general studies.
More than 50 new faculty members join UNF this fall across fields including data science, cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, coastal resilience, biochemistry, transportation, and logistics.
Dining services welcome The Halal Shack to the Student Union food court with Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine catering to various dietary needs. Just Baked Smart Bistro vending machines provide hot meals around-the-clock at Osprey Ridge residence hall and Roy Lassiter Hall; residents can also access essentials at Osprey Ridge Market inside the residence hall. Dining Services’ Supper Club series returns monthly at Osprey Cafe starting September.
Carpenter Library has opened the Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History on its second floor—collecting materials related to state industries—with specific hours available throughout the week. Graduate Study Rooms now offer extended checkout periods for graduate students who may check out keys at the library’s information desk. The LIFTS initiative supports transfer students transitioning into university life through dedicated programming.
Athletics events are free for all UNF students this season; schedules include women’s soccer home openers against FIU on August 21st at Hodges Stadium along with volleyball matches versus Georgia Southern (August 29th) and Florida State (August 30th) at UNF Arena among others throughout fall semester.
The Department of Art, Art History & Design together with MOCA Jacksonville offers exhibitions such as The Armory South Exhibition (Aug-Nov), Jax Contemporary Exhibition (Aug-Nov), Art with a Heart in Healthcare: The Art of Music (Sep-Jan), Blocktoberfest Steamroller Printing event (Oct.), UNF Iron Pour (Nov.), MOCA Winter Market (Nov.). Admission remains free for UNF affiliates.
Additional highlighted campus events include Jacksonville Jaguars ticket sales kickoff August 18th at Osprey Plaza; Oktoberfest on September 18th; Convocation September 12th; Roar & Soar Tailgate September 7th at Everbank Stadium; Annual Ethics Conference October 14th; International Healthcare Symposium October 23rd–24th; Homecoming November 12th–15th; Fall Commencement December 12th; Swoop the Loop February 7th; Spring Commencement May 1st.
Students can stay informed about these developments by visiting official university resources online.
