Gov. Crist's Plan

Presidents Machen and Wetherell Stand-up for Our Students

Key Facts

State Newspapers Support Gov. Crist's Plan

How You Can Support Gov. Crist's Plan

Digital Media:
• SOS Halftime Video
• Student Government Presidents Support SOS
• "Issues in Education" TV Show
• SOS Radio Spot

With Florida's public universities facing cuts of a quarter of a billion dollars over two years, along with the fact that Florida's state universities charge the lowest tuition and required fees in the nation, the presidents of Florida State University and the University of Florida are asking for public support of Gov. Charlie Crist's new comprehensive approach to improve the quality of education for the 300,000 students enrolled in Florida's state universities.

From left, FSU Student Government President Laymon Hicks, UF Student Government President Kevin Reilly, UF President Bernie Machen, FSU President T.K. Wetherell

This is a landmark proposal for the State University System. It was developed with strong support of several business leadership groups - the Council of 100, the Florida Chamber Foundation, Associated Industries of Florida - that recognize that the strength of Florida's economy is tied to the quality of education our universities provide.

Higher Education Losing Ground

If current budget predictions hold, the state's public universities will have lost a quarter of a billion dollars in cuts over two years. Crist's proposal would allow university boards of trustees to implement differential tuitions, with one-third of the money going to need-based scholarships.

The governor's reforms will strengthen all 11 universities now and for decades to come by establishing clear lines of governance at the individual institution and state levels and by balancing financial needs with affordability for families. The result will be high-quality universities that prepare graduates for the marketplace.

Bold, New Reform

Gov. Crist's proposal will allow universities to:

• Provide $5 million in need-based aid in the first year alone
• Maintain quality for existing students
• Offer courses needed for graduation
• Raise tuition up to 15 percent a year
• Provide access to new students
• Retain and recruit professors

The proposal:

• Allows local control of each university by trustees, a group that includes the student body president who represents the concerns of students. Even if the maximum increase is levied, tuition will still be the lowest in the country.
• Will cost approximately $12 more per credit hour for nearly 70 percent of the UF and FSU students who receive a Bright Futures scholarship.
• Will be no additional cost for the approximately 25-30 percent of students currently holding Florida Prepaid contracts.
• Will cost about $300-$400 per year for all other students -- adding less than 3 percent to the total cost of attendance.
• Will give students choices at different costs, as it is likely that each university will adjust costs to reflect the marketplace.
• Will require universities to demonstrate accountability in areas such as increased retention and graduation rates in order to participate in the program. Graduating students in a timely manner saves significant dollars for the student.

The Governor and all other elected officials need to hear from you on this very important issue.

How You Can Support Gov. Crist's Plan