Healthier Campus Initiative

University of Florida

2019 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2019

Length of Commitment: 3 years

View Partner

Committed to meet 23 guidelines—developed by PHA in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading nutrition, physical activity and campus wellness experts—around nutrition, physical activity, and programming on campus.

Verified Results

Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Offer tray-less dining in at least seventy-five percent (75%) of dining venues.
Progress To Date

University of Florida's Gator Dining launched tray-less dining in both on campus dining halls, Gator Corner and Fresh Food Company, in 2008.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Make available Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for personal nutrition assessments and counseling to all students.
Progress To Date

University of Florida provides students with access to two Registered Dietitians to conduct nutrition assessments and provide nutrition counseling. Registered Dietitians are available through the University's RecSports program and the Student Health Care Center to address individualized and personalized nutrition goals, motivations, barriers, lifestyle choices and preferences.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Provide at least one (1) bicycle parking space on campus for every fifteen (15) individuals on campus.
Progress To Date

University of Florida provides access to 12,164 bicycle parking spaces on campus. This offers one bicycle parking space for every six individuals on campus.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Offer a bicycle share/rental program and/or a subsidized bicycle purchase program for all individuals on campus.
Progress To Date

The Gator Gears student bicycle rental program provides students with the opportunity to rent bicycles in one-semester, two-semester or annual increments for a nominal fee. Additionally, the Departmental Bicycle Program offers refurbished abandoned campus bicycles to University departments to encourage faculty and staff to use alternative modes of transportation on and around campus. Bicycles provided through either program include a free bike helmet and a combination U-lock.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Provide designated bicycle lanes on major roads and/or offer off-street bicycle paths throughout campus.
Progress To Date

University of Florida provides 21 bike lanes, covering 8.44 miles, and 17 off-street bicycle paths, covering 8.95 miles, on campus. All bicycle lanes are designed based on the Florida Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Manual and are at least four feet in width.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Offer at least one (1) free, organized and facilitated, outdoor physical activity/movement opportunity each week.
Progress To Date

University of Florida offers at least four free, organized, outdoor physical activity opportunities, with multiple class offerings, each week including Bootcamp, Stadium Conditioning, Outdoor Yoga and Coached Swim.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Offer a rental outdoor recreation equipment program for students.
Progress To Date

University of Florida's Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education outdoor gear rental program offers a range of outdoor equipment to students, faculty and staff for a nominal fee. Equipment options include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkels, surfboards and camping gear.

Partner Statement

At the University of Florida, we’ve installed two outdoor weight racks across campus. UF students have access to kettlebells and barbells at various green spaces with the use of their smart phone. Students scan a QR code and can unlock (solar powered locks) a weight for use. We are currently collecting data on usage and receiving feedback through Qualtrics.

UF also hosted our first Healthy Campus Week this year. HCW served as a great media outlet for many events that were already taking place that week. We collaborated with multiple campus partners including the Office of Sustainability, Career Connections Center, Gator Dining, GatorWell Health Promotion Services, and Recreational Sports to name a few. The week started off with an inaugural event followed by multiple activities each day to draw upon opportunities for holistic wellness.