Our University Part 2 (New changes to the old one)

[USFan]

There are some changes to the original proposal since yesterdays meeting.

I would like for this to be pushed through.  I see a lot of great things from this new plan.

Some of the hurdles: Bright Futures not covering the extra tuition and Gov. Charlie Crist.

Plan at UF may grow

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER

Published April 25, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The University of Florida's controversial request to charge its undergraduates an extra $500 each semester has morphed into a push for a tiered system that would boost tuition not only at UF, but also at the University of South Florida and Florida State University.

Under a bipartisan proposal that has House support and is headed to the Senate floor, the three schools could charge undergraduates between 30 and 40 percent more than the base tuition rate now charged by all 11 state universities.

In-state undergraduates currently pay $73.71 per credit hour - or about $2,210 for two semesters - whether they attend a nationally recognized flagship like UF or a small institution like New College of Florida.

Florida's in-state undergraduate tuition ranks at the bottom compared with other states. In a recent survey of 75 flagship public institutions' tuition and fees, FSU fell to No. 74 and UF was ranked No. 75.

Yet year after year, lawmakers resist universities' requests for higher tuition. They typically approve hikes of just a few percentage points each year.

When a final Senate committee cleared the bill Tuesday, lawmakers turned a significant corner in addressing universities' budget needs, said state university system chancellor Mark Rosenberg.

Even though the governor has vowed to veto anything that raises the cost of attending college in Florida, passage in both chambers would be a landmark in the state's approach to higher education.

"There is the recognition here that the universities have been starved for too long," Rosenberg said. "There's a recognition for the fact that we have to move past a one-size-fits-all system."

The proposal approved Tuesday by Sen. Evelyn Lynn's higher education appropriations committee would allow the boards of trustees at USF, FSU and UF to establish differential tuition starting in the fall.

UF and FSU could charge up to 40 percent more than the base state tuition, as long as tuition increased no more than 15 percent from one year to the next. USF could charge 30 percent more.

According to an early estimate by the board that oversees state universities, UF and FSU could each raise an additional $1.3-million the first year of differential tuition, and USF could generate about $1-million. That's assuming that base tuition goes up statewide by 5 percent, as proposed by the House and Senate, and that the three universities charge an additional 10 percent more in differential tuition.

By 2010, UF and FSU could bring in an additional $25-million, and USF could see an additional $20-million.

"Different universities have different missions," said Lynn, R-Ormond Beach. "For those doing extensive research, which can help the state economy by the way, we're saying, 'You might have to pay more.' It's the beginning of a very sound educational policy."

The differential tuition would apply to incoming undergraduates starting in the fall, not students currently enrolled. Families who already have contracts under the Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program would be exempt, and Florida Prepaid could sell new contracts that cover the differential tuition.

The popular Bright Futures state scholarship program would not cover the extra tuition.

The current House version of the bill would allow only UF to charge undergraduates more. But Rep. David Mealor, R-Lake Mary, vowed Tuesday to work with fellow representatives to match his chamber's bill to the Senate's. He would even like to build in provisions that give the University of Central Florida, Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University the opportunity to eventually charge their students more.

"It sends a message that if you reach a certain threshold as a university, we're willing to reward that performance," Mealor said.

This all began earlier this year, with a bill by Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville, to allow UF to charge incoming undergraduates an extra $500 a semester, starting this coming fall. UF president Bernie Machen estimated it would ultimately raise $37-million a year.

He would use the money to hire an additional 200 instructors and 100 academic advisers as part of his bid to vault UF into the nation's top 10 list of public institutions. He said UF will never join the ranks of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill without smaller classes and more varied course offerings.

Machen shook hands with senators after the 3-1 committee vote, which Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, opposed.

"This is a great bill," said Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate. "I just hope it doesn't get vetoed."

The latest version of the bill could be even less amenable to Gov. Charlie Crist than the original because it would affect far more students.

"Wow, the increases have just bloomed, haven't they?" he said, shaking his head. "Well, I don't like them."

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/25/State/Plan_at_UF_may_grow.shtml

[USFan]

At a glance:  

Here is a look at how much students could be paying in "tuition differential fees," if a proposal offered by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, passes the Florida Legislature. The plan is fueled by an interest among some state lawmakers to help Florida's universities better compete nationally:

· This year, students who take 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters would have to pay $2,151.90 at the universities of Florida, South Florida and Florida State University.

· In 2007-08, incoming students who take 15 credit hours for each semester could pay as much as $2,545.80 at UF and FSU, while USF students could face a maximum tuition and tuition differential of $2,491.50.

· In 2008-09, first- and second-year undergraduates taking 15 credit hours each semester could pay as much as $2,924.10 at UF and FSU, and $2,784.60 at USF.

· In 2009-10, students in their first three years at UF and FSU could pay as much as $3,362.70 and students at USF $3,122.10.

[Belle of the Bull]

I have to look at this more closely of course and consult my friends in tally - but this sounds great for the 3 universities mentioned -- and looks like the state of FL education system is moving in the right direction.

I wonder though -- if this was a response to an educational consulting firm's findings. For those who weren't aware- the state of FL hired an independent consulting firm to review the higher ed system in florida a few months ago.  they basically said that the state needs to open more undergraduate universities and also focus on undergraduate education. They found that too much research is being done at the PhD and professional levels. This new tier system might be an attempt by all 3 universities to skirt criticism that they are too research and less community oriented,

Ill try to find the link to the full article and post that later - but if anyone else has it - please post it. I have a 6pm deadline today at work. I cant procrastinate like i did yesterday and surf the web all day.  :-?

[Belle of the Bull]

and one more thing - if we decide this is good for USF - Kathy B (our lobbyist) better sprint up to tally and pressure charlie into signing this thing. I know he doesnt like fee increases - but we must remember that -- he owes A LOT to St Pete and a lot to the people of the bay area - we need to hold that over his head and pressure him into signing this thing - because ultimately it will benefit usf and also usfsp (i think)...

we could really use the freedom to charge more for tuition - so if usf were smart they would already be working on this....

[Drewski]

Pappas report as referenced by Belle..

http://www.ods.usf.edu/plans/acadaffairs/PAPPASFLBOGREPORT011507.pdf

[USFan]

the state of FL hired an independent consulting firm to review the higher ed system in florida a few months ago.  they basically said that the state needs to open more undergraduate universities and also focus on undergraduate education. They found that too much research is being done at the PhD and professional levels. This new tier system might be an attempt by all 3 universities to skirt criticism that they are too research and less community oriented,

We've seen this already.  It was posted here a few months ago.  They also suggested the tier system, which had USF in the top tier.  I'm sure it's buried somewhere.

You can tell that the state is taking the recommendation seriously.

Belle... what do you think will happen with the Bright Futures problem?

[USF03]

It is following the Pappas report... almost to a T

That's why UCF is fighting it while we speak!   ;D  seriously...

[Belle of the Bull]

ummm let me get back to you - i have to get something written by 6pm. I have mixed feelings on BF.

In short  - there is a difference in what should happen and what will happen. We SHOULD raise the standards for BF dramatically - that will help the state save money and fund "brighter" students - no pun intended. but we probably won't because no politician wants to be accused of elitism. If FL wants to say that they are willing to educate every high school student with a 2.0 gpa and give them affordable tuition - then they better fork up the cash to do that. FL politicians dont want to raise education taxes (we have a large elderly population who could care less about someone else's kids going to college) - so i really don't know what will happen- I can tell you what needs to be done though.

Its a HUGE mess - partly because of the diversity in FL. I love the diversity - but it sometimes causes a big political mess.

So to answer your question - i really dont know. I don't see BF getting cut any time soon - but I do see there being MAJOR ramifications that stem from it. The state university system IMO - is just a train wreck watiing to happen and to fix it and do what needs to be done - means pissing a lot of voters and interest groups off and risking reelection. I realize i might not be making complete sense right now. but i will clarify this if needed after i finish freaking out about this project i am working on. Ciao!  

[Belle of the Bull]

Pappas report as referenced by Belle..

http://www.ods.usf.edu/plans/acadaffairs/PAPPASFLBOGREPORT011507.pdf

THANK YOU!!!!!

Be interested to hear what yall think....

[SeaBull]

The differential tuition would apply to incoming undergraduates starting in the fall, not students currently enrolled. Families who already have contracts under the Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program would be exempt, and Florida Prepaid could sell new contracts that cover the differential tuition.

The most impactful quote in the whole article. I'm getting the best of both worlds by this not raising MY tution yet we could be a top tier U by the time I graduate!!

Also, I don't know where these people are getting their tution figures from. This fall I will be paying ~$111 per credit hour.  :-/