State of the System: Newly elected Board Chair Syd Kitson will make remarks about the State University System’s progress. The speech will outline his priorities and plans for his two-year tenure as chair.
Florida Minds Shine Brighter: Students from Florida State University will showcase the work of the university’s College of Motion Picture Arts as well as the College of Music. The presentation signifies the kick-off of a new initiative by Board Chair Syd Kitson in which students will regularly have the opportunity to demonstrate the State University System’s strongest and most distinctive programs or initiatives.
Business Engagement Panel: The Board will hear from a panel of business community leaders, including Jamal Sowell, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. and Florida Secretary of Commerce; Bob Ward, President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100; and Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The panel is a part of the Board’s renewed push to engage the business community and be responsive to workforce needs.
U.S. News Rankings: The Board will hear a presentation regarding the metrics included in the U.S. News and World Report rankings and how they align with the Board’s performance-based funding model. Florida has been named the top state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. University of Florida, Florida State University and University of South Florida have seen tremendous success improving their rankings in the past five years.
Pillars of Excellence: The Board will hear a proposed plan for monitoring any funding provided to the State University System for the Pillars of Excellence for 2020-21, specifically funding for the Preeminence and Universities of Distinction components.
World Class Scholars: The Board will consider approval of the World Class Scholars Report. The Legislature provided $90.5 million in 2018-19 to support the efforts of the State University System institutions to recruit and retain exemplary faculty and research scholars. The report tracks the use of state expenditures as well as the State University System’s progress on key metrics.
Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence: The Board will consider approval of the Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program Report. The Legislature provided $60 million in 2018-19 to State University System institutions to enhance the quality and excellence of professional and graduate schools and degree programs in medicine, law and business. The report tracks the initiative’s progress and includes expenditure information for the 2018-2019 year.
Textbook Affordability: The Board will hear the results of its Action Plan for the Pricing of Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials. The goal of the initiative was to secure letters of commitment from publishers and university bookstore vendors to provide access to quality and affordable course materials.
*Reporter’s Note
The Board of Governors’ meeting will be held at Florida State University in Tallahassee, with committee meetings scheduled to begin January 29 at 11 a.m. The full Board meeting is scheduled to begin January 30 at 11 a.m. Meeting times are subject to change. The full agenda and live streaming are available at flbog.edu. Updates are also available on Facebook and Twitter.