Trustees Approve Small Budget Increase For State College of Florida

The Board of Trustees for State College of Florida approved a $48.2 million operating budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. The budget is $1.1 million more than the previous year’s budget and includes no tuition increase for students and no salary increase for employees.

The board decided against implementing a 5 percent tuition increase approved by the state legislature. The college plans to rely on cost saving initiatives such as software that enhances recruitment efforts and allows students to track coursework through graduation; piloting an e-textbook program; and implementing a new Learning Management System.

The board unanimously approved the plan.

“We are gratified that our board approved a solid budget that includes the SCF administration’s proposed ‘Reinvestment in Student Success’ initiatives,” said SCF President Dr. Lars A. Hafner.

Tuition and fees will remain at $102.48 per credit hour for in-state Associate degree students. Total tuition and required fees for SCF’s baccalaureate programs also will not increase.

“This makes SCF an even greater value compared to other local and regional institutions,” said Board Vice Chair Craig Trigueiro. The University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee increased tuition by 11 percent, and most state universities increased tuition up to 15 percent.

The College also plans to expand STEM opportunities by adding equipment and other resources to encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.

Carol Probstfeld, vice president of business and administrative services, also presented the board with a plan on how the college will recoup the start-up costs of it's new charter school that includes lease with the college for use of a building at SCF Bradenton.

Board Chairman Carlos Beruff suggested a revenue-sharing lease model be considered, and trustees agreed to discuss it further in future meetings.