91tvӰԺ Consolidation

FAQ

Note: The following represents an initial set of questions and answers. This page will continue to be updated as important items are finalized prior to July 1, 2020. Last updated October 17, 2019.

General FAQ

What does Consolidation mean?

It is the unification of the three 91tvӰԺ campuses into one, singularly-accredited University, required by state law.

Where can I find more current information about the Consolidation effort?

All information can be accessed on the Provost's website.

Why are 91tvӰԺ Tampa, 91tvӰԺ St. Petersburg, and 91tvӰԺ Sarasota-Manatee Consolidating?

Because they are required to by state law. To provide 91tvӰԺ students, and the communities we serve, with broader access to, and support from, a Preeminent State Research University, across the greater Tampa Bay Region. 

How will Consolidation impact 91tvӰԺ’s community and business partners?

Our community and business partners will, over time, be more fully served through the coordinated strengths of a single Preeminent State Research University.

What is Preeminence and what will it mean for me?

Preeminent State Research Universities are so designated by the state legislature and the Florida Board of Governors, and must achieve the highest performance standards associated with student success, research productivity, faculty and institutional rankings. A degree earned from a Preeminent State Research University carries high prestige as graduates continue their education in graduate or professional schools and/or enter and continue their career paths.  91tvӰԺ is one of just three universities to have earned the State of Florida Preeminent designation and is the only one located in an urban or metropolitan location. 

Will students, staff and faculty be able to park on any 91tvӰԺ campus once they’ve purchased a decal?

Yes, employees will be able to use their 91tvӰԺ parking decal on all three campuses.


FAQ for Prospective Students

Will the Admissions Requirements, Deadlines and Process vary by campus?

No, there is one application process and a single set of admissions standards at 91tvӰԺ.

Will it be harder to be admitted to 91tvӰԺ?

While admissions standards for freshmen (FTICs) have risen to meet the expectations of a top tier, national preeminent university, pathways to graduation (developed and delivered in collaboration with our Florida State College partners) provide students a transfer gateway to 91tvӰԺ through the FUSE program. 

Will the 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions maintain a local office on each campus?

Yes. The 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions will have a presence on 91tvӰԺ’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.

Will the 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions continue to host campus tours in each location?

Yes. The 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions will continue to deliver campus tours on 91tvӰԺ’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. 

Will the 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions continue to host admissions events in each location?

Yes. The 91tvӰԺ Office of Admissions will continue to host events on 91tvӰԺ’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.

Can I request to study at a preferred 91tvӰԺ campus?

Yes. The 91tvӰԺ Application allows prospective students the option of selecting their preferred campus. In some cases such options will be limited by capacity and/or the opportunity to complete all degree requirements in a preferred location. 

Will scholarship criteria vary by campus?

No.  However, while university-wide scholarships will be available to students on all campuses, some privately-funded scholarships may be restricted to students on one campus just as they may be limited to students enrolled in a particular college or academic program.

Will I be able to complete any 91tvӰԺ degree on any campus?

No. While we expect to deliver a broader array of programs to students across 91tvӰԺ (especially those for which there is high student demand), including via online access, we do not expect to deliver all degree programs in all locations.


FAQ for Enrolled Students - New and Continuing

What will my degree diploma read?

All diplomas for degrees conferred after July 1, 2020 will read the University of South Florida.

Will I be able to take classes at any 91tvӰԺ campus?

Yes.  After July 1, 2020, all students will be able to enroll in classes delivered at any 91tvӰԺ campus, including online.

Will Consolidation impact my cost of attendance at 91tvӰԺ?

Students enrolled as of Spring 2020 will pay tuition and fees at current local rates through graduation (provided they are continually enrolled in subsequent semesters and graduate no later than December 2023), unless those rates are changed at any point by the state legislature or Florida Board of Governors. Students first enrolling in Summer 2020 will pay current local tuition and fees for that term and, beginning Fall 2020 will pay rates aligned with the Preeminent university.  Students first enrolling in Fall 2020 will pay tuition and fees aligned with the Preeminent university.  

Will I be able to access student services on any campus?

Yes. A full and equitable array of student services will be provided on each campus.

Will I be able to participate in student activities at a different 91tvӰԺ campus than mine?

Yes. Students will be able to participate in activities on any of 91tvӰԺ’s campuses.

Will the curriculum change with Consolidation? 

Degree curricula have been aligned across all three campuses, including the design of a single general education program. Students will be permitted to graduate based upon the catalog requirements under which they entered or any subsequent catalog at 91tvӰԺ Tampa, 91tvӰԺ St. Petersburg, or 91tvӰԺ Sarasota-Manatee, or the current, consolidated catalog. In the event of a conflict, to the extent possible, the University will make every effort to apply the appropriate catalog that protects the interest of the student.  


FAQ for Faculty

How will my appointment change with Consolidation?

Faculty members will be appointed to an academic department, school, and/or college at 91tvӰԺ. A limited number of faculty members may request, on a limited, one-time basis (during a window of time beginning February 17, 2020 and ending April 3, 2020), appointment to a preferred department, school, and/or college based upon academic credentials and the needs of the University.

Who will determine my annual assignment and conduct my evaluation?

The Chair/Director of your Department/School will determine equitable assignments in consultation with faculty members. The Chair/Director (along with other evaluative bodies) will conduct annual evaluations consistent with approved Department/School governance documents. 

Can I be assigned to teach on any of 91tvӰԺ’s campuses?

Yes, depending on student and/or programmatic needs there is a possibility that you could, following appropriate notice and consultation (consistent with provisions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement), be assigned to teach on a different campus, yet most faculty should expect to continue teaching at their current location.

Will the tenure and promotion process and performance expectations change with Consolidation?

Tenured faculty and Instructors will retain their current status. Tenure-earning faculty will retain that status (consistent with ongoing evaluation procedures) and will be considered for tenure in their appointed department, school, and/or college. Tenure-earning faculty, initially hired at 91tvӰԺ St. Petersburg and 91tvӰԺ Sarasota-Manatee with three years of tenure-earning credit on July 1, 2019 (i.e. generally those hired in Fall 2016 or earlier), will be considered for tenure consistent with local (i.e. 91tvӰԺ St. Petersburg or 91tvӰԺ Sarasota-Manatee) department, school, college, and institutional guidelines in place prior to consolidation.  All other tenure-earning faculty members will be evaluated for tenure and promotion following 91tvӰԺ’s Guidelines (including those yet to be developed by academic departments, schools and colleges), effective July 1, 2020.

Can I expect to be provided access to services and resources essential to advancing my scholarly, research and creative activity profile consistent with a top tier preeminent research university?

Yes, department chairs, school directors, college deans and university leaders will be responsible for assuring equity of access to faculty support on all 91tvӰԺ campuses.

Will Consolidation affect my salary and benefits?

No. 91tvӰԺ remains committed to the principle of equity in compensation consistent with assignment and performance. Any future compensation or benefit actions will be dependent upon consultation/negotiation with collective bargaining units and budget.

Will I be able to access faculty services on any campus?

Yes. 91tvӰԺ faculty members on all campuses will be provided equitable access to services aligned with their assignment.


FAQ FOR 91tvӰԺ Deans and Department chairs and branch campus administrators

What is a multi-campus college and a single campus college?

Some 91tvӰԺ colleges have academic programs and faculty on more than one campus.  These are “multi-campus” colleges. Each multi-campus college is led by a College Dean who is responsible to ensure that the College’s programs are successful on all campuses. Academic administrative leaders will have either college-wide responsibilities (e.g. Associate/Assistant Deans, School Directors, Department Chairs) or local campus responsibilities (e.g. campus deans, campus associate/assistant deans, campus chairs, campus associate/assistant chairs). College-wide administrative leaders report to the College Dean; local campus administrative leaders report to the College Dean (in all college-wide matters) and the Regional Chancellor or designee (on local branch campus matters).

Some 91tvӰԺ colleges and faculty are on one campus only. They are “single-campus” colleges. In the case of a single-campus colleges physically located at a branch campus, the Dean reports to the Provost, and the Regional Chancellor as a campus dean (on local branch campus matters) and participates as a member of the branch campus leadership team.

What is the administrative and academic reporting structure for One 91tvӰԺ?

91tvӰԺ’s accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) expects the consolidated 91tvӰԺ to have one fiduciary Governing Board and one Chief Executive (President). SACSCOC also expects 91tvӰԺ to have one Provost for the University and one College for each overarching disciplinary area with one College Dean who serves as chief executive officer of their College.

With consolidation, the branch campus Regional Chancellors will report to the University President, and collaborate with the University Provost in matters of Academic Affairs and Student Success.  The Regional Chancellor will serve, along with university Vice Presidents, on the 91tvӰԺ President’s Cabinet.  The 91tvӰԺ Academic Leadership team includes the Provost, Vice President for Student Success, Vice President for 91tvӰԺ World, Vice Provosts, Associate Vice President for Innovative Education, Associate Vice President for Decision Support, and the regional vice chancellors (or associate vice chancellors) for academic affairs and/or student success on the branch campuses. 

The Regional Chancellors have local responsibilities and accountability (i.e., “authority”) for their branch campuses. A branch campus leadership team, led by the Regional Chancellor, includes their direct reports and those representatives of 91tvӰԺ Vice President units and College Deans who are assigned primarily to fulfill local branch campus responsibilities. Regional vice chancellors, associate and assistant vice chancellors at branch campuses report to the Regional Chancellor or designee and to the appropriate 91tvӰԺ Vice President.  

Campus deans or local department/college leaders report to the College Deans in matters of academic affairs and student success, and the Regional Chancellors or designee on local branch campus matters. The branch campus dean of the Poynter Library reports to the 91tvӰԺ Dean of Libraries and to the Regional Chancellor or designee on local campus matters. 

What is the budget planning and implementation process to support academic programmatic priorities on the branch campuses?

In close partnership with local business, schools and economic development organizations, the Regional Chancellors will be responsible and accountable for serving as the local “eyes and ears” in curating information on local workforce and research needs as they impact curricular development, delivery, and faculty hiring plans on that campus.

In the branch campus annual budget planning process, the Regional Chancellors are responsible and accountable for obtaining and presenting information on student demand, community support, campus staffing, facility, equipment and other needs of the Colleges that are represented on the branch campus. 

The branch campus annual budget planning for new and expanded academic, research, and student success programs will be developed in partnership with College Deans, the Vice President for Student Success, and branch campus leaders (including campus deans).  The Regional Chancellor will collaborate with the Provost on a budget proposal.  These recommendations will be incorporated into the proposed academic and student success budget and the annual campus budget proposal, which will then be shared with local campus advisory boards for their input (including votes by the boards to recommend approval of the proposed budget and proposed PECO funding), incorporated into the branch campus’ annual budget plan and submitted to the President on behalf of the Board of Trustees. 

The 91tvӰԺ Board of Trustees will approve and oversee a consolidated annual university budget with guaranteed transparency of resource allocation and expenditures by each campus. 91tvӰԺ’s financial reporting system supports ongoing monitoring and reporting for each of the three campuses. 

The Regional Chancellors will have responsibility and accountability for implementing branch campus budgets approved by the 91tvӰԺ President and 91tvӰԺ Board of Trustees, recognizing that the consolidated budget for a multi-campus College (for which the College Dean has oversight and reliance) will include college allocations in campus budgets, where a multi-campus college has responsibility for program delivery and faculty/staff support; likewise, for consolidation of a student success budget from allocations in campus budgets.

Who determines which academic programs are delivered on the branch campuses?

Recommendations regarding current and future academic programs are developed collaboratively by the Regional Chancellors, the College Deans, campus deans, and faculty on all campuses, voted on by the campus boards, and presented to the Provost for consideration of approval, funding and implementation.

What process is followed for recruiting and hiring faculty and academic/student success personnel on branch campuses?

Regional Chancellors will have responsibility and accountability for assessing, with fully informed justifications, future faculty hiring needs at branch campuses.  Faculty and academic/student success personnel hiring plans are developed in joint collaboration with campus and College Deans, and/or the Vice President for Student Success, and presented to the Provost for consideration of approval, funding and implementation. 

The recruitment and hiring of academic and student success personnel will be conducted by the university-wide unit (i.e. department/school/college, admissions, counseling etc.) within which the employee will be appointed. College Deans and the Vice President for Student Success will delegate hiring responsibilities on branch campuses to chairs, directors, campus assistant/associate deans, or campus deans at any of 91tvӰԺ’s campuses. Unit-wide search advisory committees will ordinarily include faculty members, other campus-wide academic/student success personnel, and stakeholders from the locally-served community.  The Regional Chancellor or their designee will serve as a voting member on all search committees for faculty hiring on branch campuses.  Faculty appointments are approved by the College Dean and student success personnel appointments are approved by the Vice President for Student Success.  If consensus is not reached, the Provost will adjudicate.

How will One 91tvӰԺ assure equity of support for students, faculty and other academic/student success personnel?

Academic advising, student advocacy, mental health counseling, financial aid, and career services will be delivered locally on all branch campuses following a set of equitable and consistent principles, practices and standards across all 91tvӰԺ campuses, guided by 91tvӰԺ’s Vice President for Student Success, strategic performance expectations and best practices.

The Regional Chancellor or their designee, in partnership with the Provost, the Vice President for Student Success, and College Deans, are responsible and accountable for assuring the delivery of equitable support services for students, faculty and other academic/student success personnel on branch campuses.  This will include, but will not be limited to, campus-based and college-based academic advising and counseling for students, local support for research, scholarly, and creative activity for faculty members, and access to faculty and professional staff development opportunities across all campuses.  The Vice President for Student Success, College Deans, School Directors, Department Chairs may delegate these responsibilities to campus chairs, campus directors, campus deans, and other personnel to ensure that students, faculty and staff are provided timely and consistent levels of local support for all 91tvӰԺ’s campuses. 

What is the process for annual assignment and performance appraisal of academic/student success personnel and faculty?

Annual assignment and performance assessment of academic/student success staff personnel will be conducted in compliance with 91tvӰԺ policies and procedures, and consistent with a common set of department/school, college, unit assignment and appraisal guidelines, following a single process. The Regional Chancellor or designee will collaborate with the College Deans, the Vice President for Student Success, and other Academic Affairs personnel (as appropriate) to reach decisions on assignment that are maximally aligned with the strategic priorities and goals of the University. 

Performance appraisal of academic/student success staff personnel on branch campuses will be conducted in compliance with 91tvӰԺ policies and procedures, and consistent with a single set of department/school, college, unit assignment and appraisal guidelines, and will include formal written input by the Regional Chancellor or designee prior to a College Dean or Vice President or their designee completing the appraisal.  If consensus is not reached, the Provost will adjudicate 

Annual assignment and performance appraisal of all faculty on branch campuses (including academic leaders: campus-based chairs, campus directors, campus assistant/associate deans, and campus deans) will be conducted in compliance with 91tvӰԺ policies and procedures, and consistent with a single set of department/school, college, unit assignment and appraisal guidelines, and will include formal written input by the Regional Chancellor or designee prior to a College Dean or Vice President completing their appraisal.

Who is responsible for regional and specialized program accreditation?

The 91tvӰԺ-wide academic and student success leadership team, including the Provost, Vice President for Student Success, College Deans, and Regional Chancellors, fulfill a unified leadership role in assuring compliance with SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation, guided by the 91tvӰԺ SACSCOC liaison.

College Deans, with the support of Regional Chancellors and the Provost, are directly responsible for academic quality assurance, decision-making and meeting specialized accrediting standards for their colleges across all campuses at 91tvӰԺ (e.g. AACSB, ABET, CAEP, CCNE, and LCME etc).

Who is responsible for performance planning and accountability in academic and student success (Preeminence, Performance-Based Funding, Progress to US News & World Report Top 25, and AAU Eligibility)?

College Deans, in consultation with the Provost, Vice President for Student Success, and Regional Chancellors, are directly responsible for strategic performance planning, decision-making, and performance outcomes across their colleges to enhance 91tvӰԺ’s position and stature with regard to Preeminence, Performance-Based Funding, progress to US News & World Report Top 25, and AAU membership eligibility.  Performance standards and expectations are set by the University’s President.

Under the leadership of the 91tvӰԺ Office of Decision Support (ODS), the RCs or their designees will be responsible and accountable for monitoring campus-level performance outcome data on the branch campus, which will be delivered to each College Dean who will compile college-level performance data.  Under the direction of the Provost, and ultimately the President, ODS remains responsible and accountable for collecting, verifying, archiving, and reporting the University’s performance outcomes (consolidated for all campuses) to both internal and external constituent groups in accordance with 91tvӰԺ Policy.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the branch campus Regional Chancellors?

Regional Chancellors will report to the President on all administrative matters and will assure branch campus alignment with 91tvӰԺ’s mission and the President’s strategic priorities. The Regional Chancellors or their designees will also work closely with:

  • The Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation to advance 91tvӰԺ’s research profile,
  • The Vice President for Student Success to help shape a strategic enrollment plan with a mind to optimizing student access for success, branch campus instructional capacity, and student housing occupancy,
  • The Vice President for 91tvӰԺ World to support 91tvӰԺ’s global mission, vision, and goals,The Senior Vice President for Business and Financial Strategy (including CFO, VP Administration, VP for Information Technology, Audit and Compliance), and
  • The Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity; Marketing and Communications; and the Office of General Counsel. Some of these responsibilities are managed on the branch campuses by an officer who has primary responsibility for the activity under the leadership of the RC.

Regional Chancellors will also be responsible for daily operations and safety, and will oversee emergency preparedness and emergency management of the branch campus.

The Regional Chancellors will have responsibility and accountability for external affairs including fundraising, alumni affairs, community government affairs (state and local), and regional partnerships for the branch campuses, and will work in close collaboration with the President, the Senior Vice President for Advancement, and other relevant university-wide leaders.  Branch campus government affairs staff will work in close alignment with University-wide government affairs.  The Regional Chancellors will:

  • Develop and lead philanthropic strategy and operations in the local community.  In close collaboration with 91tvӰԺ’s Senior Vice President for Advancement, and the Regional Vice Chancellor for Advancement, local fundraising numerical targets for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors will be developed. Fundraising will focus on the primary goals of the branch campus, donor-advised goals as appropriate to University priorities (e.g. scholarships) and other university goals, which may include 91tvӰԺ Athletics (in collaboration with the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics),
  • Regional Chancellors will serve as ex officio members of the 91tvӰԺ Foundation Board, and
  • Regional Chancellors will cultivate alumni engagement in the local community.


FAQ for Staff and Administration

Will Consolidation affect my salary and benefits?

No. 91tvӰԺ remains committed to the principle of equity in compensation consistent with assignment and performance. For staff, any future compensation or benefit actions will be dependent upon consultation/negotiation with collective bargaining units and budget. Administrative employees should expect to have the same salary and benefit opportunities based on available budget and as provided in 91tvӰԺ Regulations and Policies.

Will Consolidation affect my position and responsibilities?

The vast majority of staff and administration will not be affected by Consolidation.  However, in some cases staff and administrative duties may require reassignment of employees consistent with provisions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement or 91tvӰԺ Regulations and Policies, as applicable.

Will I be able to access employee services on any campus?

Yes. 91tvӰԺ staff and administration on all campuses will have access to services aligned with their assignment.

Will my job be eliminated as a result of Consolidation?

91tvӰԺ values the contributions and hard work of its staff and administrative employees and does not anticipate a reduction of positions as a result of Consolidation.


FAQ for Alumni 

Will I be able to request a replacement degree diploma?

No. If you are a graduate of 91tvӰԺ, 91tvӰԺ St. Petersburg or 91tvӰԺ Sarasota-Manatee prior to July 1, 2020, you will not be able to request a replacement diploma that reads differently to that earned earlier.


FAQ for Donors

Will consolidation determine where my gift has the greatest impact?  Can I still direct contributions to the Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee campuses?  

There will be no change in the way donors give and how we facilitate gifts.  The 91tvӰԺ Foundation has always put donor interest and intent above all else.