Former head of Boca Raton nursing school found guilty in fake diploma scheme

After a three-day trial this week, a federal jury found a Broward County woman guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with her role in a scheme that sold thousands of fraudulent nursing diplomas to people across the U.S. Stephanie Dorisca, 57, was the director of nursing at Techni-Pro Institute LLC in Boca Raton, which offered a practical nursing program and an associate of science in nursing, according to a superseding indictment filed in federal court in... Read More

Oklahoma university instructor on leave after student complains her gender essay failed for citing Bible

By SAFIYAH RIDDLE An instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on leave after a student complained that she received a failing grade on a paper that cited the Bible to assert that the “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.” Samantha Fulnecky, 20, filed a complaint with the administration, the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate over academic freedom on college campuses amid President Donald Trump’s push to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and... Read More

Students can take advantage of ‘condensed learning’ at South Florida colleges

A major shift in learning is underway at some of South Florida’s universities. Schools such as Nova Southeastern University in Davie and St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens are heralding condensed learning, offering, for example, eight-week instead of the traditional 16-week courses. Some students appreciate the change, while others find it challenging to manage their time. Kaylyn Lee, an NSU sophomore with a double major in psychology and criminal justice, is taking the online half-term... Read More

Broward schools reverse course on controversial schedule change

A controversial plan to make major changes to Broward middle and high school student schedules was quashed by the School Board on Tuesday. The proposed $35 million cost-cutting measure ended the same way it began a few weeks ago  —behind closed doors. The proposal would have ended traditional block scheduling as well as personalization periods, or study halls, in secondary schools. It also would have limited the ability of teachers to make extra money by teaching classes beyond... Read More

Judge bars Trump from immediately cutting funding to the University of California

By SUDHIN THANAWALA The Trump administration cannot immediately cut federal funding to the University of California or issue fines against the school system over claims it allows antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, a federal judge ruled Friday. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction sought by labor unions and other groups representing UC faculty, students and employees. Messages sent to the White House and the U.S. Department of Justice... Read More

Margate Middle School students hospitalized after eating edibles

Four middle school students in Margate were transported to a hospital on Wednesday after consuming edibles. Margate Police said as many as eight students at Margate Middle School ingested what was likely THC/CBD gummies. The three students who were not hospitalized were released to their parents in stable condition. “The investigation is ongoing,” said a spokesman for the Margate Police Department. “All seven students’ parents were notified.” Margate Middle School is at 500 NW 65th... Read More

Quarter of Florida residents ‘seriously’ contemplate leaving state because of high cost of living, survey says

A quarter of Floridians surveyed are “seriously considering” moving elsewhere because of the high cost of living in the state. And when those who are thinking about it somewhat are added, half are contemplating leaving because of the cost of living. The findings are from a survey released Monday by the Business and Economic Polling Initiative at Florida Atlantic University. “The moving consideration rate is striking as it suggests that while Florida attracts new residents, many current... Read More

Soccer Standouts Honored as SSC Players of the Week

Story Links ORLANDO, Fla. — The Sunshine State Conference announced the weekly award winners for the week of October 20th-26th on Monday afternoon, and two Sharks were listed. Men’s soccer’s Santiago Hoyos Lopez and women’s soccer’s Sofia Suarez were among Monday’s honorees. Hoyos Lopez scored four times as Nova Southeastern defeated Tampa and Florida Southern last week. The Colombian began his week with a pair of goals in NSU’s 3-2 win over... Read More

DeSantis defends new law allowing charter schools to demand free space in public school buildings

Gov. Ron DeSantis brushed aside concerns over a new Florida law that allows certain charter schools to demand free space in the state’s public schools. DeSantis, who signed the expansion into law, and Republican lawmakers said having more so-called schools of hope would provide new avenues of success for students failed by traditional public schools. Democrats and some school district leaders are concerned about provisions of the new law that give schools of hope the ability to demand space... Read More

Two Sharks Honored as SSC Athletes of the Week

Story Links MELBOURNE, Fla. – On Monday afternoon, the Sunshine State Conference announced the Players of the Week for the week of October 13 – October 19. Nova Southeastern’s Olivia Aniol (Volleyball) and Kristina Orban (Women’s Swimming) were both honored following their respective performances last week. Aniol was named Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week, her fourth SSC Weekly award. Aniol averaged 1.75 blocks per set as the Sharks went 2-0 in... Read More