In an email sent out to University of South Florida leaders Jan. 23, USF System President Judy Genshaft publicly addressed her stance on House Bill 423, the proposed legislation that would end USF St. Petersburg’s and USF Sarasota-Manatee’s separate accreditations. The email in its entirety is as follows.
At the University of South Florida, one of our most important guiding principles is our unity. That was true when we were founded in 1956 and is true today. It’s our ability to bring together diverse populations, diverse viewpoints, and diverse ideas that makes us stronger. It is true no matter where our students take their courses — be that in St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, Tampa or around the world.
A bill currently moving through the Florida Legislature could enhance that unity by bringing all three of our institutions together under one accreditation umbrella which is more in line with others in the Florida State University System. This is an important issue that many members of the USF community feel strongly about – on both sides.
We have begun a series of community conversations about what might happen should this legislation become law and how we will manage that process. These conversations are being led by Trustees Stephanie Goforth and Byron Shinn, the leaders of our Campus Boards at USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee, respectively, and senior staff within the USF System.
It is still early, but we believe there is the potential for significant benefits to our students. Benefits like enhancing the reputation of the entire USF System and having all students graduate from a preeminent research university, or helping students graduate faster and with less debt by providing a wider variety of course options and majors including those in health care and engineering. Or the benefits of graduate research and PhD opportunities in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.
Through these community conversations we believe even more benefits to our students and the Tampa Bay Area will emerge as we begin to develop a vision for the future. Informed by diverse members of the community, by our students, faculty and staff, as well as key members of the Florida Legislature, we will examine the opportunities and challenges of a unified system and together, we will unite behind a common vision. A vision to make a difference in this world.
Thank you for your support and Go Bulls!
Judy Genshaft
USF System President
Header photo courtesy of University of South Florida
