As we begin the new year, I want to extend greetings to all our alumni and friends. May you enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009. We have much to be thankful for in this country.
In the next few paragraphs, I want to share with you my thoughts and observations about our future.
Moving Forward
Despite challenging economic times, I’m increasingly convinced of the eventual resiliency of the American economy. Although the short-term outlook may be discouraging, I’m convinced of the long-term health of the American economy because of the optimism exhibited by our citizens. Just yesterday, I met with some of our community leaders who volunteer for UNF. It was invigorating to see their excitement for our university and their underlying confidence in the economy.
Yes, these are difficult times but there are encouraging signs on the horizon. I’m optimistic we can weather this economic storm and become a stronger institution in the process. Let me explain why.
Declining tax revenues on the state and local level are impacting budgets and forcing government leaders in Florida to make difficult decisions. The legislature and the governor are grappling with the looming deficit in the state budget.
Universities are not immune to this turmoil. Several of Florida’s public universities have reduced the number of faculty and staff while also cutting academic programs. Budget cutbacks have also forced the Board of Governors of the State University System to limit our freshmen enrollments in the last year. In response, UNF has reduced its total undergraduate enrollment by 1,000 students.
Prudent Financial Management
However, at UNF, years of prudent financial management have allowed us to maintain academic programs. Our students have been and continue to be our first priority and to that end we are committed to maintaining an educational atmosphere of individualized attention and transformational learning opportunities.
In response to the reduced state budget we have taken additional steps, such as instituting new university-wide procedures to review expenditures and closely scrutinizing which vacant positions we will fill. Some positions have been left open and duties reassigned until the economy improves and we can resume normal staffing levels. We have also reexamined our energy use campus wide with an eye not only toward reducing costs but to increasing efficiency by employing green technology whenever possible. We are in effect becoming a much more efficient operation.
Differential Tuition
Another reason for optimism is a recent proposal by Gov. Charlie Crist to strengthen Florida’s 11 state universities by allowing differential tuition of as much as 15 percent above the base rate charged to in-state undergraduates. With Florida having the lowest in-state undergraduate tuition in the U.S., it’s time we explore the question: “what percentage of the cost of a state-supported education should students bear?” The average public university student in Florida pays about one-third the cost of their education, or about $3,808 year. Daycare costs can run more than that amount. We need these additional resources if we are to avoid continued enrollment caps and loss of faculty in the future.
Keep in mind we are not neglecting students who need a helping hand. Under the governor’s proposal, 30 percent of the differential tuition revenues would go toward need-based student aid.
The governor’s plan will prompt a re-examination of our priorities as a state. I’m optimistic lawmakers will see higher education as the best investment we can make in the future of our economy.
President in Residence
Because of this debate, it is an exciting, albeit challenging time to be in Tallahassee. With the previous chancellor of the Board of Governors transitioning out of the position, I am taking on the additional role of President in Residence until a new chancellor can be hired. This means I will be spending much of the early part of this year in Tallahassee, working for the good of all 11 State Universities. Since UNF’s legislative agenda has always been in line with the BOG goals and objectives, it will be time well spent for our campus.
Dedicated Donors
Lastly, I’m optimistic about the future because of the dedication and commitment of our donors. Although many of you have been personally affected by the downturn in the markets, you continue to see higher education as a good investment. Scholarships such as The Jacksonville Commitment, the First Generation Program and Pathways to Success continue to provide eligible students with the financial wherewithal to earn a college degree. The challenging economic times have made these need-based scholarships more important than ever before. I’m especially grateful for our donors who have helped us to maintain financial stability for our endowment. Although the total endowment is down, we use a three-year rolling average which moderates the up and down effects of the market. In fact we will distribute roughly the same amount of private scholarship funds next fiscal year as this one.
I’m confident that prudent financial management of state and private resources, combined with revisions in state tuition policies and the continued support of donors, will make us a more effective institution as we face the challenges of the 21st century.
Thank you for your continued support and fervent belief in the values and commitment of UNF. We are grateful for all that you do to make UNF the best.
