Differential Tuition: The Florida Student Association understands both the bleak outlook of Florida’s economy and the expected cuts to higher education. As students, we accept the burden of increased tuition as a significant step to preserve and protect the quality of our educational system. We support a commitment to funding higher education at sustaining levels. FSA strongly advocates for that any differential tuition be used exclusively for instruction and student services. The Association supports provisions requiring 30% of proceeds from differential tuition to be allocated to need-based financial aid. We depend on the Legislature to balance the need for a balanced budget with the protection of our future.
Implementation and Future Fee Legislation: The Florida Student Association proposes to amend the process of current and future fee allocation and expenditure to include: A&S, Health, Athletics, Technology, CITF and Green fees. Considering the importance of student buy-in, increasing the ratio of student participation is crucial to the student support of increased fees. FSA recommends half +1, which is a variation of the current process set forth upon the university system through current statute. We believe that additional student participation is needed to ensure that the student voice will remain a vital part of campus decision making.
Bright Futures: The Florida Student Association recognizes the importance of protecting Bright Futures to the current and future students of the state University System. We believe that the standards given to Bright Futures recipients need to be adjusted to reflect current academic achievement standards. We stand behind revisions to the Bright Futures program that will benefit students who excel not only in the high school classroom, but also in the university lecture hall.
Health Insurance: The Florida Student Association is in agreement with the Board of Governors to review the results of the Florida State University mandatory health insurance initiative. The Association supports HB-885 providing consumer protections through use of insurance at campus health centers.
Early Voting: The Florida Student Association supports legislation permitting Supervisors of Elections to place early voting locations on college campuses.
