History of the UF Division of Student Affairs | Page 32

32

1 9 9 0 – 2 0 0 0 : A N at i o n a l C h a m p i o n s h i p, Stu d e n t
C o m put e r R e q u i r e m e n t, a n d E n r o l l m e n t G r o wt h
In 1996, the football team won their first UF NCAA national championship.
Other campuses celebrating national championships often erupted in riots
causing injuries and property damage. Under the guidance of Sandeen,
UAA administrators, and UFPD with other local law enforcement officers,
much planning went into the campus and community celebration of this
accomplishment. Several more NCAA national sports championships have been
celebrated since 1996. The UF and Gainesville community is the role model for
how a community comes together to safely celebrate national sports recognition
and accomplishments.
In 1997, President Lombardi instituted the Student Computer Requirement.
Access to and ongoing use of computers were required for all UF students to
complete degree programs. Making this a UF requirement allowed the cost of
computers to be included in financial aid formulas. What seemed innovative
in the mid-1990s is now considered to be a routine, common educational
requirement of all students from kindergarten through college. College students
were not the only ones required to become computer literate; faculty and staff
had much to learn as well. Student Affairs staff began efforts to provide student
services electronically during this time period. This high tech/high touch effort
continues to grow and expand including social media outreach, online forms,
online learning, and online student services.
President Lombardi had a vision to grow UF enrollment from around 35,000
students to 50,000. His aggressive enrollment plan progressed steadily;
however, the infrastructure to support this enrollment growth lagged behind
including adequate staffing as well as adequate classroom space, recreational
space, and housing. Lombardi left UF in 1999. By 2000, UF enrollment was
46,000, the fourth largest university in the nation. Students represented all
counties in Florida and all 50 states. UF offered 100 undergraduate degree
programs and over 200 graduate degree programs. Departments reporting to
the Vice President for Student Affairs during this time period were the Career
Resource Center; Counseling Center; Dean of Students; Division of Housing; J.
Wayne Reitz Union; and Student Financial Affairs.

H i st o ry o f t h e U F D S A