Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an official stay-at-home order last week, and we are grateful to all our students, staff and faculty members who worked so hard over the past month to ensure a seamless transition to our online efforts. After listening to health experts and community leaders, NSU anticipated this order and had already determined that spring and summer courses would be delivered fully online. We ask everyone in our community to do their part, stay home if their job allows them to do so, and flatten the curve.

We realize this pandemic has caused financial distress for many of our students and we want to help them get through this period of uncertainty. This week, NSU launched the COVID-19 Student Support Fund. Donations earmarked for the fund will be awarded to NSU students who express a need for financial assistance as a result of COVID-19. Dr. Hanbury announced the initiative this week in a video message from his home. We greatly appreciate any contributions to help our students continue their education with NSU.

We are fortunate at NSU to have so many experts who can provide timely, helpful information to us and the greater community. Dr. Scott Poland, College of Psychology professor, recently offered sage advice for all of us, reminding us to remain hopeful and optimistic. He also addressed parents, stressing the importance of being truthful with children, teaching them how to prevent the spread of the virus and helping them focus on ways they can help. Many other faculty members have also been asked to share their expertise. Our staff has put together a comprehensive list of media reports featuring members of our university community.

We have also put together a document summarizing the impact of recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on charitable giving. We hope you find the information helpful. One of the highlights of the CARES Act is the ability for taxpayers who do not take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction up to $300 for cash donations to qualifying 501(3)(c) organizations, such as NSU, made in the calendar year 2020. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Andrea Darlow, Senior Director of Development. Andrea can be reached via e-mail at adarlow@nova.edu or by phone, (954) 599-6708.

In spite of the virus and its impact, research at NSU continues. The Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography has a team that is working against the clock to rescue Florida’s coral reefs from the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Over 2,000 corals have been saved by their efforts thus far, and other countries are using their treatment to save organisms in their reefs as well.

Finally, I invite you to join NSU in several upcoming events. The NSU Alumni Association hosts a webinar this Thursday, April 9. Dr. Bindu S. Mayi will offer insight into SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Next week, on both Wednesday and Thursday, the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice are hosting two virtual sociodrama performances on the topics of relapse prevention and stalking. Sociodrama is an interactive, educational technique used to raise awareness on a social issue. Both performances take place at 7:00 p.m. (EST) via Zoom.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or any member of my team with questions or concerns. Stay well, stay safe and thank you again for your commitment to NSU.

Fins Up,

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D.

Vice President for Advancement and Community Relations

joa@nova.edu  |  954-647-1527