In response to the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will allow students who are residents of Puerto Rico, and are displaced from their homes, to qualify for in-state tuition.

The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday morning to allow these students to be eligible for in-state tuition.

β€œThis is a compassionate way to help our students, and I fully support it,” ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President John C. Hitt said.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is supporting Gov. Rick Scott’s commitment to help Puerto Rico recover from Maria. In a Sept. 26 letter, Gov. Scott encouraged Florida universities and state colleges to β€œallow any student who has been displaced from their home in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria to be eligible for in-state tuition.”

As of Sept. 27, about 120 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students list their residencies as being in Puerto Rico and are eligible for in-state tuition rates.

Said ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Board of Trustees Chairman Marcos Marchena: β€œThis sends a very strong message about the governor’s commitment and this board’s commitment to assist our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico.”

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will soon contact eligible students about this new option. Students with questions can call the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Registrar’s Office at 407-823-5510.