On Monday, Gov. Rick Scott signed the Career and Professional Education Act, which will boost education in public schools, community colleges and universities.
The legislation will enable state universities to qualify as “preeminent research universities,” and receive additional money for online initiatives and high-tech degree programs.
Based on student performance, retention rates, research spending and national rankings, UF has met the requirements to be named a “preeminent research university,” and will receive additional funds.
Jen Belew, a 22-year-old elementary education junior, said she thought using the money to add more online classes would help students who can’t commute to campus.
“It’s definitely a good thing,” she said.
UF President Bernie Machen said the bill will help the university achieve its goal of becoming a top 10 university, according to a news release.
“This bill finally sets in place some of the key pieces we need to head down that road,” he said according to the news release. “Thanks to the vision of House Speaker Will Weatherford, it also awards UF the state online degree institute and puts us at the forefront of online learning.”
The legislation will enable state colleges to offer degrees for $10,000, according to a news release on Scott’s website. All of the 23 Florida community colleges that have a bachelor’s degree program have accepted Scott’s proposal to offer services for that price.
Katie Stults, a 21-year-old elementary education junior, said she thought the lower costs could affect college departments’ resources.
“But ultimately, I think it’s a great thing,” she said.
Contact Alexa Volland at avolland@alligator.org.
