There have been recent discussions surrounding the possibility of the New College of Florida taking over USF Sarasota-Manatee.

But this is a decision that will damage the future of USF, erasing years of history embedded into the Sarasota-Manatee campus. 

Although the two colleges may share many resources, such as a residence hall and campus security, their social and academic missions are outright different.

Related: USF Sarasota-Manatee is housing New College students for roughly $1M

If the colleges were to merge, it would discredit USF and disadvantage many. Students, staff and community members may lose faith in a university they hold in high regard. 

However, nothing is yet set in stone.

“We don’t have any additional information to share on the status of ongoing conversations with New College,” USF spokesperson Althea Johnson said. “While our state legislative session is currently ongoing, there has not been a bill filed for a formal proposal introduced at the state level.”

Since the former president of New College, Patricia Okker, was terminated and former Republican state congressman Richard Corcoran joined as interim president, New College’s core curriculum has shifted drastically. 

Cocoran is at the forefront of helping Governor DeSantis’ “experiment in conservative higher education reform,” according to a 2023 Q&A with Cocoran. 

Since then, New College has garnered a negative reputation both in and outside of Florida from actions such as throwing away books from the Gender and Diversity Center to abolishing gender studies programs. 

If New College were to take over USF Sarasota-Manatee, it would no doubt drive students away from both schools.

After Corcoran became interim president, the enrollment at New College declined, with 27% of 691 students dropping out, as reported by New College’s former provost Brad Thiessen.

Related: New College of Florida hostile takeover shows the future of education under DeSantis

And for students who do not want to go in the New College direction, it would not be an easy switch. 

The USF St. Pete and Tampa Campuses are a bit of a drive away from Sarasota-Manatee – over 30 miles and over 55 miles, respectively. 

Students with jobs or those who live near the campus may not be able to incorporate a routine drive to the other campuses if they wish to transfer. 

New College is also a liberal arts school that operates in a different way than USF. Instead of a letter grading system, students receive “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” written evaluations. 

Graduation requirements for all students who want to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree include three independent study projects, completion of a Baccalaureate Examination, and a senior thesis project. 

USF’s educational programs, on the other hand, are more traditional. They utilize a letter grading system and employ graduation requirements similar to other Florida universities.

USF Sarasota-Manatee is larger in enrollment too, with over 2,000 students. The majors offered are in higher numbers and more expansive, with the top three programs being psychology, biology and social work. 

Related: USF Sarasota-Manatee interim regional chancellor prioritizes growth, community

With USF Sarasota-Manatee having much to offer students, a New College takeover would mean losing a lot of great qualities. Not to mention USF’s newly built residence hall, student center and expansion of academic programs. 

They said it themselves—the campus is experiencing “unprecedented growth.” It does not make sense to throw it all away now. 

Unfortunately, it may not be too far of a stretch to say USF’s and New College’s social missions are beginning to intertwine, considering USF has been silently removing content on diversity, equity and inclusion from websites.

However, I hope the potential merger continues to be discussed with students and staff at the forefront of importance when making the final decision.