Nesting Place Waivers
First-time Nesting Place Waivers are REQUIRED to be certified by the Tuition Payment Deadline.
Prospective Students:
If you are experiencing resource insecurity, homelessness, and/or do not have a safe or stable place to stay, please complete the. A member of our Care Services team will review your information and reach out to connect and explore which category you may qualify for under our Nesting Place program or additional resources on campus or in the local community.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Waiver: If you have documentation from DCF and are eligible for the DCF tuition waiver, please send this documentation to Student Financial Services located in Ann and David Hicks Hall, Building 53. You are also welcome to make an appointment to speak with a member of our office about additional support and resources. To make an appointment, please email deanofstudents@unf.edu or call 904-620-1491.
Returning Students:
If you are already part of our Nesting Place program, you may need to recertify with our Office to remain eligible for the benefits of the program. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with a member of our office, please email deanofstudents@unf.edu or call 904-620-1491.
Resilient Ospreys: If you are currently part of the Nesting Place as a Resilient Osprey, please complete the
Homeless Tuition Waiver: If you are currently eligible for the Homeless Tuition Waiver, please complete the and .
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Waiver: If you are currently eligible for the DCF tuition waiver and have already submitted your documentation to Student Financial Services, you should not have to submit this documentation again. If you have any questions about this waiver, you can contact Student Financial Services.
Waivers
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Resilient Ospreys
What is a Resilient Osprey?
Resilient Osprey's are students who are facing resource insecurity or financial instability, but are situated in regular, stable, and safe housing situations. These students still benefit from our Nesting Place program services, including the fellowship and comradery of fellow Nesting Place students. Our Resilient Osprey's may need a little additional support and encouragement or may be a student who previously received a Homeless Tuition Waiver or DCF waiver, but are working towards independence. Our goal is to ensure these students are connected for the assistance they need so they can focus on being academically successful.
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Homeless Tuition Waiver
What is the Homeless Fee Exemption?
According to Florida Statute 1009.25(f) a student who is homeless may be exempt from paying tuition and fees. The statute defines a homeless student as one who "who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence, a public or private transitional living program, or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. This includes a student who would otherwise meet the requirements of this paragraph, as determined by a college or university, but for his or her residence in college or university dormitory housing.” The State Board of Education may adopt rules and the Board of Governors may adopt regulations regarding documentation and procedures to implement this paragraph.
How can I find out if I am Eligible for the Exemption?
If you think you may be eligible for the homeless exemption, you should speak with your Case Manager or Homeless Liaison Officer from the shelter or with a case manager from 海角社区Care Services in the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office Care Services Team can be reached via email at deanofstudents@unf.edu or via phone at 904-620-1491.
What Paperwork is Needed to Determine if I'm Eligible and When is it Due?
To qualify, students will need to provide documentation to prove homelessness. Examples of documentation can include, but are not limited to:
- Letter/document from a homeless shelter
- Letter/document from school district homeless liaison
- Letter/document from law enforcement/lawyer
- Letter/document from clergy
- Letter/document from counselor/therapist/caseworker
Students will also need to complete the and .
The documentation must include the appropriate Florida Statute for tuition and fee exemption. The documentation is due to The Dean of Students Office Care Services who will provide it to the Homeless Tuition Waiver Committee before the end of the first week (drop/add) each semester of enrollment. Paperwork can be submitted to the Dean of Students Office or by email to Katherine Tavuzhnyanskiy. The committee will review each application and approve or deny within 2 weeks of the drop/add deadline each semester. Students will be notified of the committee's decision by official university email.
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Department of Children and Family Services Waivers
For any student for whom the state is paying foster care, is a ward of the state or who is adopted from the Department of Children and Family Services after 12/31/1997, certain tuition and related fees shall be waived. They waiver can be used until the student is 28 years of age. The waiver can be used for qualified undergraduate and graduate level courses. Students who are eligible should contact their state agency to get the DCF waiver form.
The signed form will need to be submitted no later than the payment deadline date of the first semester you attend UNF. You only need to submit it the first term you have registered for courses that have been covered by the waiver. If you submit your waiver form but do not register for the semester, you will need to re-submit the form the next term you register.
Unfortunately, not everybody will qualify for the Nesting Place or Homeless Tuition Waiver. WHAT ARE OTHER OPTIONS TO HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE?
There are many ways to keep college affordable. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA is used by colleges to determine eligibility for federal and state aid. FAFSA can help you determine other sources of aid to assist with costs not covered by the exemption.
Also see: the .