Legislation Advances to Transfer USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus to New College Amid Faculty Concerns

Faculty members at the University of South Florida are voicing opposition to a legislative proposal that would transfer control of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida, as the measure continues to move forward in the Florida Legislature.

The proposed legislation would shift ownership and oversight of the Sarasota-Manatee campus from USF to New College, a move supporters say could expand academic offerings and strengthen New College’s regional footprint. The bill has advanced through Tallahassee committee stops, signaling growing momentum behind the restructuring plan.

USF faculty leaders have expressed concern about the potential academic, financial and operational impacts of the transfer. Among the issues raised are questions about how existing programs would be affected, what protections would be in place for students and employees, and how state funding allocations would change if the campus were to change hands. Faculty representatives have also cited worries about the loss of institutional resources and the long-term financial implications for USF.

USF leadership has acknowledged the concerns and indicated a commitment to transparency as discussions continue. University officials have stated that they intend to keep students, faculty and staff informed while evaluating the potential effects of the proposal. Administrators have also pointed to the need for detailed agreements addressing assets, liabilities and ongoing operations should the bill ultimately pass.

Opposition has also centered on financial considerations. Some members of the USF Board of Trustees have warned that transferring the campus could result in a loss of state performance funding and other revenue tied to enrollment and degree production metrics. They argue that any transition would require careful planning to avoid unintended budgetary consequences for the broader USF system.

Supporters of the measure contend that integrating the Sarasota-Manatee campus into New College could provide opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly as New College continues to redefine its academic mission. Backers believe the consolidation could reduce program duplication and create a more unified higher education presence in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The Sarasota-Manatee campus currently serves undergraduate and graduate students in business, education, nursing and other fields, operating as part of the USF system alongside campuses in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Any transfer would represent a significant structural change in the region’s higher education landscape.

The bill must still clear additional legislative hurdles before becoming law. If approved, state officials would establish a timeline and framework for the transition, including oversight of facilities, personnel and academic programming. As the debate unfolds, faculty and administrators on both sides continue to weigh the long-term impact on students and the surrounding community.