The University of Central Florida will be presenting its downtown campus plans to the Florida Board of Governors on March 2 in Orlando, says university spokesperson Christine Dellert in a press release.
UCF officials have tried to present their plans to the Board of Governors before, but have been set back twice, the first time because the board had concerns, and the second time because they didn't have enough private donations at the time, the Orlando Business Journal reports. At the meeting in March university officials will show the board their plans for a "new academic building for relocated academic programs that align with downtown Orlando’s growing industries," the release says.
The Orlando Magic, CFE Federal Credit Union, the Orange County Commission, Valencia College and UCF leaders have collectively raised $9 million, which will pay for one-third of the building. UCF also reached an understanding with Gov. Rick Scott for $20 million from the state, with several conditions attached.
On Monday, the Orlando City Council will decide on approving an agreement with UCF that promises $68 million in land and infrastructure improvements to the downtown campus, according to the release. UCF is also pulling $20 million from its own coffers, according to the release.
"Pending approvals, the campus will open in fall 2018," the release says. "UCF Downtown will offer students an innovative learning environment within walking distance of a wide array of internship and job opportunities in fields such as digital media, communication, public service and health-related programs. UCF will share the campus with Valencia College, which will offer programs in digital media, health information technology and culinary and hospitality, including workforce training and other certificates to increase access to education in the immediate downtown area."