Scott to veto tuition hikes, asks for university support
Gov. Rick Scott will sign the $74.5 billion Florida budget into law Monday, according to the Associated Press, but will veto a 3 percent university tuition hike, despite the possible legal challenges it might pose to the authority of what universities can charge for tuition.The AP reported that Scott’s veto message states that he worked to put himself though college, and students can graduate and be hired without “massive debt.”“Just as we are proud to be one of only a few states without a state income tax, and one of only a few states that have cut taxes and paid down state debt, even in tough budget years, we should also be proud to keep tuition low,” Scott wrote, according to the AP.Last week, Scott sent a letter to all 12 public State University System presidents requesting their signed commitment to not raising tuition this academic year, according to an article in the Miami Herald.He gave university presidents a deadline of last Friday at 4 p.m. to respond to the letter, but no consensus was reached by then, despite a conference call Fridayafternoon.According to a proposal on the agenda to be presented to a USF Board of Trustees workgroup on Thursday, USF does not plan to request additional differential tuition increases, but the university factored in the 3 percent base increases in its calculations. Fees will also increase by approximately $50 per student per year.A USF spokesman said last week the proposals were subject to change based on the governor’s final verdict.—Staff report
More Stories
USF rocket team takes flight in NASA competition despite challenges
In a field in Alabama, USF Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry members waited for Prometheus — the rocket they’d spent nine months crafting — to take flight. USF’s SOAR was among the 53 teams that launched their rockets for the NASA Student Launch in Huntsville on May 4. The USF team placed 18th after launching […]
USF international students navigate travel under new visa limitations
With a ban restricting visa issuance and entry into the U.S. in effect, USF student Arshia Esmaeilian said he is afraid his parents might not be able to see him graduate next year unless the ban is lifted. “I didn’t really ask for this,” said Esmaeilian, a senior chemistry major. “It’s just something I have […]
USF’s Marshall Student Center to reduce hours amid budget constraints
USF’s Marshall Student Center will operate under reduced hours starting in the upcoming fall semester. New operating hours will go into effect starting on Aug. 17 as listed below: Monday–Thursday: Changing from 7 a.m.–midnight to 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday: Changing from 7 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 a.m.–midnight Saturday: Changing from 8 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 […]
USF, Crisis Center step up hurricane prep as anxiety lingers from last season
With the arrival of hurricane season in Tampa, USF students – particularly those new to South Florida – may be experiencing increased stress or anxiety after the 2024 season. Running from June 1 to Nov. 30, hurricane season marks the period when tropical storms form and intensify in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National […]
Hillsborough County to explore building sports complex at MOSI site
Another development project could soon be in the works at a rapidly changing area in Tampa. Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 7 to prioritize building an indoor sports complex at the Museum of Science and Industry site on Fowler Avenue. Though still in its early stages, the MOSI CEO and Temple Terrace mayor […]
USF’s Feed-A-Bull could see reduced food supply amid USDA cuts
USF’s Feed-A-Bull is a donation-based food pantry that helps students in need of food assistance. The pantry is primarily supplied by Feeding Tampa Bay, which helped launch the project in late 2015. With Feeding Tampa Bay expected to face cuts from the United States Department of Agriculture in the coming fiscal year, USF’s Feed-A-Bull could […]