USFSM could lose campus to New College under new state law. Here’s what to know

Florida lawmakers reached a deal that would transfer the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida.

The proposal, included in the state budget, has drawn sharp community backlash ahead of a final vote scheduled for Friday.

FULL STORY: Florida lawmakers reach deal to transfer USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College

Here are key takeaways:

• The bill would require USF to transfer Sarasota-Manatee campus buildings to New College starting in July, including a $44 million residence hall and a $6.5 million STEM facility.
• New College would assume all of USFSM’s debts by the end of this year. Current USFSM students would get priority access to classroom space and services for up to four years after enrollment.
• State Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, opposed the move, saying it would “unravel” work done to create opportunities for students, veterans, nurses, teachers and other professionals.
• USF President Moez Limayem said the university will retain more than $22 million in recurring operating funds tied to the campus, allowing it to keep faculty and staff and teach out current students.
• New College President Richard Corcoran called the transition “thoughtful and forward-looking,” while critics like Nancy Parrish of Citizens to Protect the Ringling & USF Sarasota-Manatee called it “one of the most irresponsible acts against higher education” in a generation.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.