By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-993297.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The state university Board of Governors is taking up the call for higher education reform by Governor Rick Scott. Scott has shown interest in proposals like linking science and math degrees to university funding, and changing the tenure process. Now as Lynn Hatter reports, the board is following up on some of those suggestions.
In a presentation to the board, University presidents warned some ideas- like eliminating tenure, could make the state into an "academic" pariah. But the group endorsed other ideas, like increasing STEM degree production. Board of Governors Chairwoman Ava Parker says it's important for the Board to have a conversation about higher education reform and accountability.
" so that we can also come up with some kind of Florida plan if we think that's a good idea. But I thought that it was important for us to frame the issue and then decide how we want to proceed going forward."
Several university presidents signaled a willingness to look at using graduation and retention rate, job placement and starting salaries, as well as research grants, to determine how schools are funded. But the presidents are also arguing for greater flexibility in how they spend their money and set tuition rates.