How will USF Sarasota-Manatee transfer impact students and staff? What we know

A pending transfer of the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida has university students and faculty wondering what will happen next.

Florida legislators approved the deal Friday as part of the state budget, which will then go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval. DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of USFSM’s transfer, which would expand NCF’s footprint amid an ongoing push to transform the state-owned liberal arts school into a conservative institution.

The deal struck by lawmakers during a special session would go into effect on July 1, with USF required to begin transferring its campus and buildings to NCF.

However, the proposal includes exceptions that will allow current USFSM students to finish their degrees at the campus. The university also said that the proposed transfer will not affect the employment of current USFSM faculty and staff.

In an update, USF leaders shared more details of how the transfer will work.

How will USFSM transfer impact students?

USFSM students who were enrolled before July 1 will have the opportunity to finish their degrees at the Sarasota-Manatee campus within four years of their enrollment, according to the budget agreement. Those students can also choose to transfer to USF’s St. Petersburg or Tampa campuses, the university said.

USF students who remain at the campus will have priority access to classroom space and facilities until they complete their academic program.

“The teach-out is expected to be a multi-year process,” the university said in its update.

Residence hall contracts for USFSM students will be honored through at least Aug. 15, 2027. Students can also choose to end residence hall contracts with no cancellation fees or continuing charges, USF officials said.

How will USFSM transfer impact faculty and staff?

The deal approved by legislators does not contain language that prevents job cuts as a result of the transfer. But USF officials said that USFSM faculty and staff will remain employed by the university.

“The opportunity and resources to retain our people was, and is, USF’s highest priority,” the university’s update said.

University officials said that after July 1, staff should continue to report to work at the Sarasota-Manatee campus, and they do not need to vacate offices or work spaces.

“Most faculty and staff will continue to work in Sarasota-Manatee as part of the teach-out process and as students continue to live in the residence hall,” USF said.

The university said that it is still developing plans, in coordination with New College, for future relocation of USF staff.

“If relocation is required in the future, USF is committed to providing support to our employees who need it,” the university said.