INTENSE, RELEVANT AND REWARDING.

Imagine all the resources and opportunities of a large university in a small academic community - that's Jacksonville University. A place where students are challenged, supported and noticed on a campus that's alive with intellectual energy and creativity. It's a close community of people and ideas where students discover who they are.

Academically, JU is intense. Professors know their students. They encourage questioning, reasoning, exploration and expression. Engaged learning empowers students through hands-on experience. Graduates possess intellectual, professional and social skills to start successful careers. The rewards of a JU education last a lifetime!

MORE THAN A CAMPUS - A LIFESTYLE.

The JU campus is a contemporary expression of Southern architecture. Oaks, magnolias and palms line the footpaths of the riverfront campus. With Jacksonville as one of the fastest growing cities in America, the educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities are incredible. Natural beauty, city excitement, sand and surf, Florida sunshine - JU students are in the heart of it all.

BIG ON ATHLETICS.

At JU, Dolphin pride is everywhere - at baseball and basketball games, and tailgate parties on the weekends. The weather is great for year-round sports. Fact is, more than 20 percent of JU students participate at the intercollegiate level and even more in intramural sports. The thrill of big-time athletics in a small university is a rare combination. It's one more reason JU stands apart.

"Florida's Best College Town" - Florida Leader

A FINE FIT.

At JU, students not only feel at home - they fit right in when it comes to a fun, rewarding social life. There are dozens of academic, honorary and professional societies as well as service and religious organizations. JU offers numerous music, theatre and dance groups. Student government, the student newspaper, Dolphin Radio 107.9 FM, and Dolphin Productions are popular activities. JU also boasts six sororities and seven fraternities, organizes one of the largest Alternative Spring Breaks in America, and offers study abroad opportunities all over the world.

JU BY THE NUMBERS

• Founded: 1934
• Enrollment: 2,972
• Degrees: seven bachelor's degrees, three master's degrees
• Academic Programs: more than 70 majors, concentrations & programs including online nursing and orthodontics certification program
• Calendar: semester calendar with summer sessions
• U.S. states represented: 45
• Foreign countries represented: 50
• Minorities: 25%
• Student-athletes: 22%
• Ratio of male to female students: 1:1
• Ratio of students to faculty: 13:1
• Average class size: 18
• Liberal arts faculty with terminal degree: 90%
• Full-time faculty with terminal degree: 68%
• Teaching assistants: 0
• Campus size: 198 acres
• Student organizations & performance groups: over 70
• Students involved in Greek organizations: 15%
• Freshmen receiving financial assistance: over 90%
• Average temperature in Jacksonville: 71°
• Average number of sunny days per year: 266
• Population in city of Jacksonville: over 1,000,000
• Other universities like JU: None

"One of America's best colleges."
- U.S. News & World Report

JU AT A GLANCE

Location: A beautiful riverfront setting in suburban Jacksonville, Fla., across the St. Johns River from the bustling downtown area and a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean beaches.

The Campus: The University's contemporary buildings include the new Davis College of Business, residence facilities, a library with online catalogs, laboratories, computer labs, the Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery, an observatory, the Terry Concert Hall, Swisher Auditorium, the University Center, a Cyber Café and a variety of indoor and outdoor athletic and recreational facilities.

Athletics: Men's and women's intercollegiate athletics and intramural activities highlight campus life. JU is an NCAA Division I athletic program which sponsors 18 intercollegiate teams and competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The football program is NCAA Division I-AA non-scholarship and competes in the Pioneer Football League.

Campus Activities: There are more than 50 student organizations, honor societies, performing groups and others. Some of the campus groups include: student government; The Navigator student newspaper; Dolphin Radio; university-community performing groups in music, theatre and dance; NROTC; and other academic, social, religious, service, professional and honorary organizations.

Financial Aid: Available to qualified applicants in the form of grants, scholarships, student employment and loans. More than 90 percent of entering freshmen receive financial aid.

Origin of the Dolphin

The origin of the Dolphin nickname goes back to November 1947, when a contest was held to stimulate school spirit and to choose a nickname for the University's newly-organized basketball team, which was to be coached by former St. John's star John Geilin.

Because of JU's close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and since dolphins actually swim in the St. John's River, which traverses along the JU campus, the nickname "Dolphins" was adopted.

A number of names were suggested, including Green Raiders, Buccaneers, Juggernauts and Green Dragons, but on Dec. 12, 1947, the winner "Green Dolphins" was selected. It was later shortened to "Dolphins".

To date, JU is one of only three colleges or universities to sport the Dolphin moniker, while the only professional organization with the "Dolphins" nickname is the Miami Dolphins. However, Jacksonville University is the first of the four teams to select "Dolphins" as its official nickname and mascot.