<p>The headlines for most of us in Florida today discuss the end of the 2008 legistative session (officially ending just after 6pm Friday), and the budget that goes to the governor for his signature. Details for education cuts/tuition increases are CONFUSING. In the scorecard used in our paper, it states that the overall budget cuts at the University level was 5.9% but then it states there is a tuition rise of 6%. I cannot tell if they are referring to the 6% rise in tuition that ALREADY took effect with spring term or not. It does not mention another 6%, and since the 6% from the sping term was part of this session, I think they are one in the same. And so far, there is still no news on whether FSU, UF and USf are planning on using the “differential tuition” that they are allowed to charge over and above the standard state tuition. </p>
<p>It appears that the tightening up that the U’s have already done should keep things stable for now. And FSU appears to still be ahead of the game with the freshman enrollment cutback from 6200 to 5200 for 2008-2009. Will post any updates and assessments as they become available. For many, I think this is a small sigh of relief. </p>
<p>In my personal opionion, FSU and UF need to slowly initiate the tuition differentials to generate the needed funds to decrease class sizes, and to have the money needed to keep good professors. This is the only way UF and FSU will catch up to similar state U’s in terms of quality.</p>