AP Assembly
Minutes
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Reitz Union, Room 282, 3:30 p.m.
Call to Order—Christine Schoaff, at 3:30 p.m.
Program—As summarized below, Dr. Joseph Glover, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave a presentation to the APA that covered various topic of interest:
- Budget Cuts
Dr. Glover began with a discussion of the budget issues affecting UF. Dr. Glover acknowledged the unprecedented fiscal difficulties at UF over the past year that have mirrored the financial problems at the state, national, and world levels. Dr. Glover stated that a $22 million cut has been slated for this fiscal year. A special legislative session will convene in January to establish additional mid-year cuts. Dr. Glover reported that President Machen has pledged to shield the campus from the anticipated mid-year cuts by whatever means necessary (i.e. loan, one-time money). The legislature will meet in February and March to discuss anticipated budget cuts for the next fiscal year. - Tuition Differential
Dr. Glover stated that UF raised tuition by 15% this fall which is 9% higher than other Florida state schools. Dr. Glover explained that the tuition will be raised 15% consecutively each fall for the next 2-3 years, but there is a bill pending to extend the tuition differential for up to 7-8 years. The purpose of the tuition increase is generate revenue and to bring UF in line with the national average for tuition. The compounding effect of the tuition increase is dramatic as an additional $100 million is expected in recurring revenue.
As summarized below, Dr. Glover next opened up the floor for questions or other areas of interest to be discussed:
- State Support
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning whether the proposed bill for extending the tuition differential included the maintenance of state support despite the dramatic increase in tuition revenue. Dr. Glover stated that in order to see improvements in the budget, UF needed continued state support in addition to the revenue generated by the tuition increases. - Bright Futures Scholarship
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning the effect of the tuition increase on recipients of the Bright Futures Scholarship. Dr. Glover explained that while the scholarship paid the initial 6% tuition increase, the additional 9% increase was paid by the scholarship recipients. - Pre-Paid Tuition
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning the effect of the tuition increase on the state pre-paid tuition program. Dr. Glover explained that the pre-paid program was initially created based on actuarial assumptions regarding tuition increases. As a result of the tuition differential, however, the pre-paid program has been changed and new contracts are being offered at new prices. - Restructuring of Deans Reporting Relationship
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning a change in the reporting relationship of the deans in the Health Science Center (HSC) and IFAS. Dr. Glover explained that the original reporting structure was the deans reported to their respective vice presidents. However with the departure of Doug Barrett and Jimmy Cheek, President Machen seized an opportunity to restructure the reporting relationships. Going forward, the academic side of the HSC and IFAS deans will report to Dr. Glover. The College of Medicine may be exempted from this change. Dr. Glover explained that the Vice President for Health Sciences is still being worked out but that it is anticipated that the new person will be more involved in clinical activities.
Dr. Glover addressed a related question concerning the impact of reporting split on the budget paradigm. Dr. Glover opined that the budgeting will not be an issue because units will become more transparent as the responsibility center model is implemented across campus. - New Auxiliary Units
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning whether Physical Plant and other non-revenue producing units across campus will become separate auxiliary units to UF. Dr. Glover stated that there was no intention to make any new auxiliary units. Rather, these units can be retained as service units. - Implementation of New Budget Cuts
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning the anticipated implementation of the additional budget cuts. Dr. Glover responded that President Machen has expressed concern about implementing across the board cuts again due to concerns about bleeding down the quality of the university. Rather, targeted vertical cuts will be considered. - Infrastructure Concerns
Dr. Glover addressed a question concerning the deterioration infrastructure on campus as a result of the budget cuts. Dr. Glover responded that President Machen and the vice presidents are aware of the issue concerning the care of older buildings on campus, as well as the staffing of new buildings that are being brought on line. - Faculty and Higher Level Administration Flight
Finally, Dr. Glover addressed a comment concerning the recent flight of high profile faculty and high level administrators. Dr. Glover responded that the economic rationale for the departures is overblown because there will always be competition for the best and brightest faculty and administrators. Dr. Glover explained that some administrators, such as Jimmy Cheek left for normal career advancements. While others, such as Doug Barrett, are stepping down because of their length of tenure and the desire to do something different. Dr. Glover stated that he is not worried about the number and frequency of resignations at this point in time.
APA President's Report—None.
Old Business—President Schoaff announced that the minutes from the October meeting are available on the APA website. The approval of the October minutes was tabled until the January meeting.
New Business—President Schoaff announced upcoming IT forums on December 9, 10, 15 and 16th.
Adjournment—Christine Schoaff, President at 4:06 p.m.