Florida Universities Projecting Enrollment Loss For Fall

WFSU | By Ryan Dailey

Published April 23, 2020 at 3:35 PM EDT

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Florida State University is among the state's universities that would have to conduct 'intellectual freedom' surveys, geared toward protecting free speech on campuses, under a bill in the Florida Legislature this session.

FSU

Florida State University, Westcott Fountain

Credit FSU / Florida State University

Florida’s universities are already projecting loss of revenue from COVID-19 closures, and that may be compounded by enrollment declines going forward.

Syd Kitson chairs the state university system’s Board of Governors. He told a work group, part of the governor’s Re-Open Florida task force, the dip in enrollment is expected to come during the Fall semester.

“Fall semester enrollment may be reduced, as returning students, particularly from at-risk populations, decide to stop or postpone work on their degree and not enroll, due to personal financial hardships or other concerns,” Kitson said.

Kitson also told the task force universities’ athletic programs will feel the squeeze from COVID-19, especially if schools have to forego all or part of football season – a primary source of revenue for most.