University Of Florida Recommending Deleting TikTok

The University of Florida is recommending deleting the app TikTok.  Lots of stories in the news about TikTok, and how it's not a good idea to have on our phones, yet we all continue to use it.  Well, that might be changing, especially if you are a UF student.

The university strongly recommended that students, faculty and staff remove the app from all devices.  The University is saying it is trying to protect its data.  This from a story at WFLA.com

As national security concerns about TikTok continue, the University of Florida joined other college campus's on putting a ban on Tik Tok in place.  An email went out to all members of the campus community “strongly discouraging” using the application and recommending they remove it from their devices due to security concerns.

Experts continue to look at “the possibility that foreign governments may use TikTok to control data collection.  They also found they use biometric information like faceprints and voiceprints.   Recently, all Federal employees were told they would not be permitted to use the app.

23 states, including Florida, have taken action against TikTok. “Numerous universities and colleges nationwide are either being required to, or opting to, follow their state’s actions.

Both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that TikTok user data could be shared by owner ByteDance Ltd. with China’s authoritarian government. U.S. officials also worry that the Chinese government might use TikTok to push pro-China narratives or misinformation.

There are also concerns that the company is sending masses of user data to China, in breach of stringent European privacy rules.

Additionally, there’s been concern about TikTok’s content and whether it harms teenagers’ mental health.

Tuition for universities has become insanely high, even for in-state students. So many high school graduates are opting to spend their first few undergrad years at community colleges. There are a couple of no-brainer reasons why students are making the switch. First, it's helping them save thousands on tuition for the same courses. Secondly, they get to skip the stress of making the perfect college application since community colleges have 100% admission rates. In this post, we highlighted the 13 highest-rated community colleges in Florida. Some are right here in the Tampa Bay area.

This decision is not one to make lightly. Before spending money on tuition, students will want to decide which field they would like to study. Community colleges are great starts for trade and vocational focuses as well as STEM opportunities. If they plan on transferring to a university to finish their degree, they should confirm that their credits will be able to transfer. Location is also a big factor to consider because community colleges do not offer students to live on campus.

There are a lot of other perks about attending community college. The classrooms are much smaller than a university so students can have personalized instruction and better connections with their professors. Community colleges also tend to be more flexible for students with busy schedules and have tons of opportunities for online learning. If students want to get a head start on their college courses, they should consider enrolling in dual enrollment.

With the help of Niche.com, we made a list of the 13 highest-rated community colleges in Florida. The ranking is based on analysis of academic, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. Click here to learn more about their methodology. 

Location: Naples, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $7,795/year

Popular majors: Automotive Mechanics, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Dental Assisting.

Location: Ocala, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $9,080/year

Popular majors: Fire Science and Fire Fighting, Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation, and Licensed Practical Nurse Training. Learn more here.

Location: St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $10,901 ($7,733 at Clearwater campus)

Popular majors: Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician, and Child Care Provider.

Location: Madison, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $3,910

Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic)

Location: Hollywood, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $5,077

Popular majors: Esthetician and Skin Care, Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation, and Child Care Provider.

Location: Bradenton, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $4,233

Popular majors: Esthetician and Skin Care, Fire Science and Fire Fighting, and Cosmetology.

Location: Orlando, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $9,749

Popular majors: Electrician, Machine and Metal Working, and Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation

Location: Lake City, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $2,803

Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Nursing

Location: Davie, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $11,094

Popular majors: Fire Science and Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), and Game Design and Interactive Media.

Location: Marianna, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $4,360

Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Nursing.

Location: Inverness, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $3,564

Popular majors: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Police and Criminal Science, and Welding.

Location: Panama City, FL

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $5,851

Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, and Police and Criminal Science

Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl

Acceptance rate: 100%

Net price: $6,618

Popular majors: Cosmetology, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Computer Systems Technician