SFCC's Board of Trustees approved a budget plan last week that will raise tuition 6 percent and cut $3 million in spending.
President Jackson Sasser said the changes result from an 11 percent cut in state funding, including the additional 4 percent slash approved by Gov. Charlie Crist on June 12.
Starting in the fall, students will have to pay an additional $4.20 per credit hour. Sasser said raising tuition was necessary to balance the budget cuts, though he thought substantial cuts to higher education are something the state should reconsider.
"It's a bit shortsighted to not invest in those organizations that give them the greatest revenue," he said.
Student Body President Cesar Fernandez said because of the timing of legislative sessions, students were not able to share their opinions about the tuition increase with the state.
"With the economic times right now, pretty much no one wants an increase," Fernandez said.
Fernandez said it was inevitable, however, and he is working with Sasser to find ways to help students cope with the extra cost.
Last month, SFCC Student Government approved a scholarship campaign to make all available options for financial aid known to students.
Fernandez said he and other representatives from Florida community colleges will address the Legislature in February with their stance on tuition. One of the options they may support is a plan to base tuition increases on inflation, which he said would be more fair.
In terms of the spending cuts, Sasser said they really came as no surprise, and faculty and staff layoffs were avoided because the college has been planning for two years.
Though the faculty did not receive a salary increase, the budget plan did ensure that 100 percent of employee health care will be covered and allotted a one-time $1,000 supplement for full-time employees. The supplement should help with fuel costs, Sasser said.
Tom Mason, co-chair of the Salary and Benefits Committee of the Faculty Senate, said the faculty was not surprised with the budget plan because Sasser kept members informed of his intentions. Mason said a recurring raise would have been nice, but the supplement will suffice in light of the economic situation.
"It's really one of those 'it's better than nothing' situations," he said.
