Innovation Academy
Recently Admitted to Innovation Academy?
If you have been offered admission to the Innovation Academy recently, congratulations and welcome to the University of Florida! The Innovation Academy represents a different way of thinking about your undergraduate experience, so we are certain that you have many questions about this new and exciting opportunity. Choosing a college, or a program of study, is an important decision. There are dedicated admission counselors and IA staff members available to answer your questions and offer suggestions about the best places to find the information you need to make your best decision. You can email your questions to iacademy@ufl.edu.
Please watch this website for the most recent updates to the IA program. New developments, additions and opportunities will be posted as we get them.
We hope that your enthusiasm for the Innovation Academy continues to grow. We ask that you take the time to consider this opportunity thoroughly. Remember, you have until May 1, 2012, to make your decision. It is our intention to provide you with as much information as possible so that you can make your decision with confidence.
Recently Admitted and Have Questions?
Thank you for your questions to the iacademy@ufl.edu mailbox! We have posted the most frequently asked questions to this website. If you have questions, you may very likely find the answers you are looking for at this new site. We will continue to post answers to questions from admitted students and families as they become available.
Innovation Academy (IA) will provide students with an intellectual and social community within the larger context of UF and their majors, creating a small-college experience in combination with the tremendous resources and opportunities available at a large research university.
What is Innovation Academy?
Innovation Academy is a new enrollment model that operates on a spring-summer calendar. IA students will take UF courses on campus during the spring and summer terms instead of the traditional fall and spring terms, leaving each fall free for online courses, study abroad, internships, research, community service and employment. Additionally, students will be able to participate in fall semester activities available to all UF students.
IA will follow this spring-summer on-campus pattern for the entire undergraduate degree program.
Under the direction of Innovation Academy Director Jeffrey Citty, Ed.D., IA will facilitate participation in focused interactions and small group experiences that explore the dimensions of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. This shared thematic approach within and across a small group of students with varying academic interests is one of the most exciting features of Innovation Academy. Co-curricular experiences could include colloquia, seminars, guest lectures and travel.
Why Create Innovation Academy?
The University of Florida recognized that more talented students apply to the university than capacity will allow. This situation prompted the university to devise a plan to increase opportunity and access to UF by expanding capacity during the spring and summer when space is available.
Innovation Academy is the result of that effort.
The academy adopts an enrollment calendar that will allow UF to align resources with capacity and to increase the opportunity for more students to enroll without impacting class size or student/faculty ratio.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Initially, the program will be limited to 500-800 freshmen students admitted to select majors. The long-term goal is a mix of 2000 students.
When Will the Program Begin?
The first group of students admitted to IA will enroll Spring 2013.
IA Academics
- IA majors
- IA students will enroll through their selected majors, meeting the same requirements and standards as all UF students.
- IA students may have opportunities to enroll in courses reserved only for them.
- IA students will receive the same academic advising as other UF students.
IA Philosopy
- IA creates an interdisciplinary community of students who will share the same undergraduate experience.
- IA provides a small-college experience in combination with the opportunities available at a large, comprehensive research university.
- IA explores themes of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship through colloquia, seminars, guest lectures, internships, travel, etc.
IA Environment
- Dr. Jeffrey Citty, IA director, will coordinate the Innovation Academy.
- IA students have access to all UF services and activities, all year long, including football and other event tickets.
- IA students can live on campus, belong to any club, participate in student government and participate in Rush.