The Brief
- State lawmakers have agreed to transfer the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida as part of the state budget deal.
- Current USF Sarasota-Manatee students would remain USF students through a teach-out process for up to four years under the proposal.
- University leaders and board members say unanswered questions remain, including concerns about debt, academic programs and the future of faculty, staff and students.
SARASOTA, Fla. – A major change to higher education in the Sarasota-Manatee region is one step closer to reality after state lawmakers reached an agreement to transfer the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida. The proposal, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis for the past two years, is included in the state budget and would take effect in July if approved.
USF Sarasota-Manatee campus could close
By the numbers:
The agreement would dissolve the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and transfer its 32-acre property, including recently built student housing and laboratory facilities, to New College by Oct. 30.
Under the proposal, students enrolled at USF Sarasota-Manatee before July 1 would receive priority access to classroom space and continue as USF students through a teach-out process lasting up to four years. After that, USF academic programs on the campus would be phased out.
The campus currently serves more than 2,000 students, while New College enrolls roughly 900 students.
Financial concerns
What they’re saying:…