Meek rallies Dems to defend class size caps

In 2010, Floridians might get the opportunity to vote on Congressman Kendrick Meek’s vision for public education: twice.

As the state legislature faces a potential $6 billion shortfall next year, GOP lawmakers want citizens to reconsider the 2002 public school class size amendment that Meek championed.

A constitutional amendment sponsored by Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel), calls for class sizes to be capped at the national average instead of the hard, inflexible numbers adopted seven years ago. If approved by both legislative chambers with a three-fifths vote, the measure would come to the polls in November 2010.

Meek, who is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, is asking his party members to hold the line. In letters to Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson and House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands, he emphasized that “the conversation comes down to one discussion: cost versus priority.”

“I’ve always said the Class Size Reduction is not the magic bullet for education,” he said. “But, it is a necessary tool in the arsenal."

At the end of 2002, when the Class Size amendment passed, Florida’s educational system was struggling in the 40’s of just about every state educational ranking in the nation," Meek continued. "It is not by happenstance or coincidence that that every since then, Florida has moved up in two of the most well-respected rankings: Morgan Quitno’s ‘Smartest States’ ranking, where Florida has moved from 42nd to 26th in 2008 and Education Week’s ‘Quality Counts’ ranking, where Florida achieved huge leaps in just the past the past three rankings going from 31st to 10th as class sizes have gotten smaller.”

Meek has spent much of his political career courting working and middle class voters who feel that the GOP-led legislature is starving public education. Back in 2002, 2.5 million citizens supported the class size amendment despite vigorous opposition from then-Gov. Jeb Bush.

Read the full text of Meek’s letters here.

Clinton raises big money for Meek

Tuition plan could prompt voter backlash

Meek kicks off U.S. Senate campaign

Ammons joins Twitter

Rattlers who can’t get enough FAMU news now have another option for up-to-the-minute information: President James Ammons’ Twitter page.

Twitter is a free service that lets users keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues through the exchange of frequent answers to one simple question: “What are you doing?”

Ammons began “twittering” in conjunction with the university’s recent “Up Close and Personal” recruitment tour across Florida. During the trip, FAMU awarded $554,000 in scholarships to prospective students.

Since then, the president’s Twitter page has featured updates about his speeches, appearances at Board of Governors meetings, and upcoming campus events.

Kishia Ward, a master’s of business administration student in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry, was the first to welcome Ammons to the website.

She sent a message applauding his work and dubbing him: “The best president to date.”

Check out Ammons’ Twitter page here.

Rose co-stars in HBO mini-series

FAMU Essential Theater alumnus Anika Noni Rose co-stars in a new seven-episode HBO drama that debuts tonight.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is based on the international bestselling novel series of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith. It chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott), the eminently sensible and wise proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana.

Aided by her highly-efficient yet rather peculiar secretary Grace Makutsi (Rose), Ramotswe investigates cases, helps people solve problems in their lives, and begins a special friendship with the highly respectable owner of a garage.

Guest stars in the pilot include David Oyelowo ("The Last King of Scotland," HBO's "Five Days" and "As You Like It"), Idris Elba ("28 Weeks Later," HBO's "The Wire"), Colin Salmon ("Die Another Day," "Match Point") and Tony winner John Kani ("Final Solution," "The Ghost and the Darkness").

No. 1 Ladies' premieres tonight at 8 pm EST. The official trailer is available below.

Looking back at 100 years of jazz

Yesterday, FAMU hosted a two-hour exploration into the 100-year history of jazz. The event featured – for the first time on the same stage – the finest talents from the jazz faculties of both FAMU and FSU, plus a 16-piece jazz orchestra made up of the best students from both schools.

The concert and lecture - “The Origin & Evolution of Jazz: A Tribute to the Evolution of America's Own Musical Art Form" - was organized by trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, a FAMU graduate who currently serves as an assistant professor of Jazz Studies at FSU's College of Music.

Throughout the presentation, each era of the music was carefully recreated to give the audience the most authentic representation possible.

Featured performers included: Lindsey Sarjeant, Bill Peterson, Leon Anderson, Bill Kennedy, Pam Laws, Rick Lollar, and Chris Murrell (from the Count Bassie Orchestra).

Proceeds will benefit the jazz studies programs at both FAMU and FSU.

Inside the new FAMU Teaching Gym

A 68 photo slide show

Previously on RN: Almost finished

first look September 2008

Framing up

a hole in the ground

Jury finds Barrington guilty in grade change case

After two hours of deliberation, a jury in federal court yesterday found Marcus Barrington (pictured), 23, guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and unauthorized computer access, three counts of aggravated identity theft of FAMU employees and one substantive count of unauthorized computer access.

Barrington faces a maximum prison term of 20 years for conspiracy, five years for unauthorized access and a minimum of two years for each count of identity theft.

He was immediately handcuffed and taken in to custody by U.S. Marshals.

More than 650 grades were changed for at least 90 students.

You might be interested in: FAMU asks feds to investigate grade changes

Tennis double-header

The Rattler Men and Women's Tennis teams take on the Spartans of Norfolk State at 10:00 a.m.

Then, at 2:00 p.m. the men square off against Chicago State University.

Both matches will take place at the FAMU Tennis Complex. Admission is free.

Relay for Life starts today

FAMU is hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on Pete Griffin Track from 3 p.m. today until 9 a.m on Saturday. This year’s theme is “Hope is Eternal.”

More than 1,000 participants will celebrate, remember, fight back and walk for 18 hours in support of cancer research. As the largest nonprofit fundraising activity in the world, Relay for Life allows participants to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle, educate the community on early detection and prevention of cancer and celebrate the funds raised by the community.

Survivors are honored with a reception prior to the relay and are cheered on in the opening ceremony through a Survivor Lap around the track. The Luminaria Ceremony is scheduled for 9 p.m. on March 27 in the center of the track to honor the community’s cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. Survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminaries.

Participants will walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Music and refreshments will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public. It will take place rain or shine.

Essential Theatre presents "Blue"

This weekend, Essential Theatre brings Charles Randolph-Wright’s critically-acclaimed play to life at the Charles Winter Wood auditorium.

“Blue” tells the story of the Clarks, a wealthy black family that runs a successful funeral home business in a small South Carolina town. From the outside, the Clarks seem to have the very best in life: money, a beautiful home, and widespread respect. However, a dark family secret threatens to unravel that picture-perfect image.

The performance features soulful jazz music, singing, and rich comedy. It is directed by Professor Luther D. Wells, chair of FAMU’s Department of Visual Arts, Humanities and Theatre.

This weekend’s show times are: Saturday, Mar. 28 (2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday, Mar. 29 (2:00 p.m.).

FAMU teams with Apalachee Center for Pharmacy training

FAMU's College of Pharmacy has teamed up with the Apalachee Center, the Big Bend's largest private mental-health facility, to provide training for pharmacy students. The center serves between 5,500 and 6,000 patients with mental-health and substance-abuse needs each year, said CEO Jay Reeve.

Through the partnership, FAMU pharmacy students will receive clinical training in psychiatric pharmacy. The program will also provide a post-doctoral mental-health residency in clinical pharmacy services and research.

The initiative between the school and the facility is another example of steps Tallahassee is taking to become a community with a focus on public health while using existing resources. It is a testament to the determination of school officials and private entities to provide crucial services when financial resources are low, but human capital is plentiful.

Mr. Reeve said the partnership will "result in greater access to pharmacy services for some of the most disadvantaged members of our community."

Kyle watch: College Hill recap

From the BET website: He's a drama queen who shrieks at the thought of women's body parts. He's that gay.

Within 45 seconds of appearing on camera, our Kyle, set BET College Hill off! He brought "hollywood" (drama) to South Florida like we knew he would.

Kyle's encounter with new housemate Milan was at first innocent, while he complimented her and admired her fashions. Once they joined the rest of the housemates Kyle turned on Milan for asking him whether or not he was gay in their initial meeting.

Then after a two minute profanity laced beat down of Milan in front of all the housemates, he changed from Kyle the drama queen to Kyle the story teller and became narrator of the show.

Season six of College Hill is going to take us through many twist and turns. We'll keep watching.

Have you read?: Rattler is part of reality show cast

Kyle puts Castell on blast

Fla. black-owned media pledges tougher scrutiny of Dems

During a recent gathering in Orlando, black media outlet owners from across the Sunshine State candidly expressed their concerns about local, state, and national politics. The group reached an overwhelming consensus: the Democratic Party takes African American voters and black-owned media organizations for granted.

Roosevelt Wilson, a retired FAMU journalism professor and publisher of the Capital Outlook, was selected to articulate the group’s position.

From the column “No more free rides”:

One of the disturbing things about last year's presidential race is that while all of the black-owned media supported then candidate, Barack Obama, the black-owned media had become so predictable that Republican opponent, John McCain said he conceded Florida to the Democrats because of the heavily anticipated African-American turn out.

For the Barack Obama supporters, perhaps that was good news. But Barack Obama won't be running for president but one more time, at most.

Florida black-owned media believe it is an insult to the integrity and intelligence of the African-American citizenry of Florida to make an assumption that simply because there has been a history of supporting the philosophical position of the Democratic Party, that African-Americans are forever tied to Democratic candidates.

So as candidates come and go, as elections come and go, the black-owned media have made a commitment to stand back, evaluate the candidates on all sides, whether it be a Democrat, Republican or Independent, truly evaluate what they have to offer as compared to what our community and our people need and then make our recommendations and throw our support behind those we think best live up to those qualities.

Continue reading here.

Prepaid founder urges Floridians to raise hell

Stanley G. Tate, founder of Florida’s Prepaid College Plan, has an urgent message for students and parents: in order to stop lawmakers from raising tuition, citizens must raise hell.

Tate is taking aim at proposed legislation that will permit every state university to increase tuition by an up to 15 percent “differential” that goes beyond the rates set in the annual appropriations bill until the total sum reaches the national average.

“I understand how concerned our state university presidents are about the serious budget cuts they are facing, but moving the problem to tomorrow’s college students is not the way to solve Florida’s need for more college graduates,” Tate said. “I believe the only way a child, especially one of modest means, will succeed is by getting a higher education, especially in our current economic climate.”

In 1987, Tate helped create the prepaid program to help parents pre-purchase a four year college education for their children at affordable prices. He’s worried that the uition hikes will place college out of reach for millions of families.

“While the nearly 1.3 million Floridians who pre-purchased college programs for their children either through a one time payment, or installment payments are protected, beginning next year the cost will double,” Tate stated. “Most parents will no longer be able to afford the luxury of planning for their children’s college educations.”

Most Floridians share Tate’s concerns. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed that 78 percent of Floridians oppose the new differential tuition plan.

The rising cost of college continues to take a heavy toll on FAMU’s students. FAMU graduates leave with an average of $29,742 in loan debt, the highest reported number in the State University System. Also, when tuition and living expenses go up, most FAMU students take fewer classes due to their lack of funds. That hurts FAMU’s graduation rate.

As part of his lobbying campaign, Tate has launched FloridaAffordableTuition.com, which includes an informational video, open letter, and link to a petition against the tuition increases.

Tuition hikes could prompt voter backlash

FAMU students drowning in debt

FAMU’s course load cliff

Robinson appointed VP of research

Back in 2007 former FAMU Provost Larry Robinson deferred a federal research commitment to serve as the university’s acting leader. Later, new President James Ammons promised to do everything he could to bring Robinson back to the senior administration.

This month, Ammons accomplished that goal. Robinson will take over as FAMU’s vice-president for research this spring.

“I am pleased to have Dr. Robinson, an accomplished researcher, join my leadership team at this pivotal time in the university’s history,” said Ammons. “With his level of expertise and experience, we will strengthen our research infrastructure, increase our faculty and students involvement in research, and develop collaborations with various agencies and industries. FAMU will be involved in the development of new discoveries and technologies that will improve the quality of life for our state and nation. We want to facilitate innovation through our research initiatives and Dr. Robinson can help us to make this a reality. We are excited about our future in the area of research. ”

Robinson’s name was forwarded to Ammons by a faculty search committee chaired by Dean Makola Abdullah of FAMU’s College of Engineering, Sciences, Technology and Agriculture.

One of Robinson’s goals is to engage FAMU’s talented faculty, students and staff in research, discovery, technology transfer and extension, which will be of great benefit to the state of Florida and the nation.

Robinson previously served as a professor in the Environmental Sciences Institute at FAMU and director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He is currently on assignment as a senior scientific advisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service in Washington, DC.

Through his career, Robinson has secured more than $35 million in contracts and grants from various agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Negro College Fund, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

You might also be interested in: Robinson named interim

FAMU prof joins elite ecological research team

Budget emergency spurs new tax talks

Just a few months ago, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson’s tax reform proposals routinely fell on deaf ears. Republican leaders flat out refused to entertain legislation to close tax loopholes.

But today, the story is very different. With Florida facing a potential $6 billion budget shortfall next year, the state GOP has placed tax exemption reviews on the table.

Lawson believes it is about time.

“Ten years of Republican leadership have led us to the despair we see today,” he said. “If there are any doubts that the people of Florida are tired of this road to nowhere, the leadership need look no further than the election outcome last November.”

Recent political changes have helped the GOP move away from its stiff “no new taxes” position. Former President George W. Bush and his brother, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, have left the political stage. With their exits, the party lost two of its most powerful anti-tax increase enforcers.

Republican legislators in California just approved a budget that included a variety of tax hikes. Their lead could serve as an example to GOP lawmakers across the nation.

Last week, Gov. Charlie Crist made another decision that underscored Florida’s desperate need for new tax revenue. After state economists projected an $800 million budget deficit for this fiscal year, he froze 15 percent of spending for all state agencies.

The budget holdback comes as bad news for FAMU. The university has lost $18.5 million since 2007 and faces up to $15 million in cuts next year.

Lawson says that citizens cannot afford any budget reductions.

“We cannot allow additional cuts to education, health care, or any of the multitude of programs our citizens depend on for their well being,” he stated. “Not when foreclosures are still rising, unemployment is in the double digits, food stamp rolls are swelling, and local counties and towns are being forced to increasingly shoulder the financial burden the state continues to spurn. Especially when a select group of well healed special interests continue their free ride on the backs of the middle class and the poor in our state.”

Those calling for tax reform picked up a very unlikely ally last Thursday: Florida TaxWatch. For years, the group has staunchly opposed tax increases. But now, TaxWatch is pushing a list of tax exemption repeals that would raise $550 million.

Of the approximately $12 billion Florida tax sales exemptions, about $10 million are for “life necessities” such as groceries, prescription drugs, and rent.

Some proposed exemption repeals include those for bottled water and skyboxes. Many lawmakers also want to increase the cigarette tax.

Another idea is to remove every exemption and then lower the 6 percent sales tax to a smaller sum such as 3 percent.

If adopted, the tax reforms could help Florida qualify for millions in federal funds that are currently in jeopardy. In order to qualify for education stimulus dollars, states must first show that they can fund their K-12 schools and universities at 2005-2006 levels up until 2011. Florida needs to come up with $600 million for its public schools in order to meet that mark.

FAMU cheerleaders shine in MEAC

The FAMU Cheerleaders captured second-place at last week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships. North Carolina A&T University took the first place title.

This video comes courtesy of the The Lens of a FAMU Student.

CESTA leads students on Ag adventure

Last Thursday, the Cooperative Extension Program in FAMU’s College of Engineering, Sciences, Technology, and Agriculture sponsored “Agriculture Adventures Day” at Tallahassee’s Cornerstone Learning Community School.

A team of extension specialists at FAMU and the Leon County Extension Office (University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences) set up a variety of adventure stations featuring fruits, vegetables, goats, honey bees, horticulture and peanuts for the elementary and middle school students (grades 3- 5) to learn about the exciting world of science and agriculture.

A special highlight of the day was the goat session at which student learned about different breeds of goats and their usefulness in providing milk, meat and fiber. There were presentations on goat care and handling, health care and treatment for parasites. The feeding/petting station allowed students to interact with the goats. Additionally, the food center introduced participants to a variety of products made from goat meat and dairy products including vanilla ice cream and goat cheese.

The purpose of the event was to increase awareness and appreciation of agricultural sciences among school age students that can be further developed into an interest in pursuing an education and careers in agriculture and related disciplines.

CESTA Professor Uford Madden, an extension food safety specialist, coordinated the event.

FAMU facing 15% 4th quarter budget reduction

Gov. Charlie Crist's budget office just announced that state will holdback 15 percent of agencies allocated budget for money the remainder of the fiscal year which ends on June 30th. This will undoubtedly require immediate cuts to education ( including public universities), courts, law enforcement and health care services.

The budget hold back could force universities, such as FAMU, to cancel one or more summer sessions, reduce class sections, layoff faculty,and otherwise reduce services to balance the budget. From the governor's press release: " Exceptions to this action are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the normal amendatory process."

The Governor's letter said, "this precautionary measure will allow us to continue managing cash flow effectively and monitor the revenue collections in the upcoming month."

Already, FAMU has lost $18.5 million of its budget to state budget cuts.

You may also be interested in: FAMUans protest budget cuts

Budget cuts a threat to a quality education

Governor's letter

Two-day bus tour turns up 32 scholars

FAMU's two-day bus tour to Gainesville, Palm Beach County, and Fort Lauderdale during spring break, last week, resulted in 32 scholarship offers by he university. The President's Up Close and Personal Tour, sponsored by Coca-Cola and NASCAR, was designed to recruit the best and the brightest and boost FAMU’s enrollment.

“We wanted the community to know that we value academic excellence and we are willing to reward it,” said FAMU President James Ammons. “We wanted those students who worked hard and excelled to understand that FAMU has the programs and support systems in place to give them the competitive edge. Whatever their future plans are, we told them, you can get there from here. Florida A&M University is the institution that will help you to discover what you can become.”

In Fort Lauderdale, Ammons awarded the first Life-Gets-Better Scholarship during the tour to Krystan McAulay, a student at North Miami Beach Senior High School. This is FAMU’s top scholarship that covers tuition, room, board and books while providing a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. This scholarship, valued at $80,000, also includes summer internships and a laptop computer.

“This is what I needed,” said McAulay, who plans to major in biology. “I live with my grandparents and they don’t work. I didn’t want to incur a lot of loan debt so I am really excited about this opportunity. It is a blessing.”

At Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, more than 400 people showed up at FAMU reception where the FAMU Connection, a group of students, told FAMU’s story through song and dance. Ten students received full scholarships and five were award partial scholarships from $8,000 to $24,000 over a four-year period. The scholarships were awarded based on the students meeting the SAT, ACT and grade point average requirements.

On Friday, the FAMU Connection performed at Palm Beach Lakes High School where one student received a full scholarship. Ten partial scholarships were awarded ranging from $4,000 to $16,000. At the reception in Fort Lauderdale that evening, Ammons awarded a Life-Gets-Better Scholarship and 11 partial scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $80,000. Three of the partial scholarships were awarded to community college students.

“It was a great tour,” said Ammons. “It gave us an opportunity to recruit some of the best and brightest students the state of Florida has to offer. “I believe we achieved what we set out to do. We wanted students and their parents to know that even though these are tough economic times for many, FAMU has made a commitment to the academically talented.”

In addition to recruitment activities, Ammons participated in several meetings targeted at advancing the university. He had a corporate visit at Florida Power and Light and met with management at NBC 6 in Miramar. He also met with the editorial boards at the Miami Herald and the Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“We are grateful for all of the support that we received from alumni in Gainesville and Broward County, supporters and friends,” said Ammons.

Alumni in Gainesville and Broward County, along with personnel at local school districts, assisted university officials in informing qualified students about the education receptions.

You may also be interested in: FAMU recruits South Florida for scholars

2009 FAMU Bus Tour

Fee breaks could generate revenue

Note: This is the third and final story in our special series: "Investing in a Higher Graduation Rate."

Last year, FAMU President James Ammons praised Gov. Charlie Crist's opposition to tuition hikes.

In an interview with the St. Petersburg Times, he stated: “At Florida A&M, we've got 78 percent of our students who are on need-based financial aid. That means that they're coming from families with limited resources. … I really applaud him (Crist) for the stance that he's taken on tuition from the context of students at Florida A&M."

While addressing the previous year’s 13 percent tuition increase, Ammons emphasized how much the hikes hurt FAMU’s student body. “This is going to cause some problems for our students,” Ammons told the Tallahassee Democrat in 2008. “We’re talking about a 13 percent increase in tuition at a time when many of these students’ parents are worried about whether they are going to have a job.”

This year, Ammons changed his position. After losing almost $19 million since 2007 and facing up to $15 million in cuts next year, FAMU is in dire need of new revenue. Now, the president is backing Crist’s differential tuition plan. The proposal will permit every state university to increase tuition by up to 15 percent beyond the rates set in the annual appropriations bill. The differential will not be covered by Florida’s popular Bright Futures Scholarship.

Still, Ammons has acknowledged that he has concerns about whether students can actually afford higher tuition.

The concern is justified. Most of FAMU’s students come from low-income families. When tuition and fees rise, they usually enroll in fewer courses. That trend puts FAMU’s state enrollment appropriations in danger since the legislature funds students based on credit hours rather than the total headcount. Students also graduate with nearly $30,000 in debt.

Even with the recently-approved Pell Grant increase and American Opportunity Tax Credit, it’s highly likely that FAMU students will use it cover soaring expenses outside of class rather than buying more credit hours. In 2007, it cost $14,160 for in-state students to attend FAMU and $26,101 for out-of-state students. But, the average financial aid award was $10,478. The stimulus funds will likely go to fill that gap.

Fee waivers could bring in cash

One idea that has yet to be discussed by FAMU’s Board of Trustees is the possibility of using fee breaks to generate new revenue. Last year, Florida State University’s Board of Trustees approved a 50 percent reduction in fees for certain out-of-state students. That lowered the cost of full-time (30 credit hour) enrollment from $18,000 to $12,000 for those students.

FSU expects to bring in $2.4 million in new revenue as a result of the fee break. The fee break will help FSU enroll a larger number of out-of-state students and help its current out-of-state students buy more credit hours.

The most recent data from the State University System shows that FAMU granted the second-lowest amount of fee waivers in 2005-2006. Only New College of Florida, a school with less than 1,000 students, gave fewer fee waivers than FAMU.

Few waivers are another idea that should be placed on table as FAMU seeks increase its budget and graduation rate.

Tuition price hurting FAMU students

Leave “ranking game” rhetoric out discussion on FAMU’s grad rate

Drowning in debt: FAMU grads owe nearly $30,000 each

Note: This is part two of our special series: "Investing in a Higher Graduation Rate."

FAMU has a student debt crisis. And, it may be the most serious in the entire State University System.

According to the most recent data available from the Project on Student Debt, the members of FAMU’s Class of 2007 owed an average of $29,742 each upon graduation. That was the highest reported number among all Florida’s public universities.

Statewide, public and private college student debt averaged $20,243.

Many FAMU students try to avoid additional debt by working. During the 2006-2007 school year, FAMU had more students in federal work-study jobs than UCF, FAU, or UNF (which all have larger enrollments than FAMU). Large numbers of FAMU students also interrupt their education to work until they have enough money to re-enroll. This hurts the university's six-year graduation rate.

The problem is likely to get worse before it gets better. FAMU’s administration is lobbying the Florida Legislature to approve an up to 15 percent differential tuition option. The differential, plus the 5 percent across-the-board tuition hike proposed in the governor’s budget, could take away much of the new, federal education stimulus that FAMU’s students will receive next year.

That means most FAMU students will continue to need tens of thousands in loans. In 2007, 82 percent of FAMU’s undergraduates used school, state, and/or federal loans to help pay tuition.

Student Debt/Class of 2007*

FAMU $29,742
USF $18,517
UF $14,988
UNF $14,189
FSU $13,855
UCF $ 13,373
New College $11,720
FGCU $9,449

*2007 data was unavailable for FIU, UWF, or FAU.

Source: Project on Student Debt

FAMU’s course load cliff

Students take smaller course loads as college gets more expensive

Back in the early 1990s, FAMU’s lower division students (those with fewer than 60 credit hours) were increasing their course loads. That trend peaked in 1997, when freshmen and sophomores enrolled in an average of 14.2 credit hours each semester.

Those days are long gone. In 1998, FAMU’s average lower division credit hour enrollment rolled off a cliff. Today, it’s still in a free fall. Freshmen and sophomores only take about 13.5 credit hours per semester.

Upper division students (those with more than 60 credit hours) have been more erratic in their course load patterns. At all State University System institutions, the upper division students carry a lower average course load than their lower division classmates.

FAMU’s juniors and seniors generally increased their average credit hour enrollment between 1994 and 2005, going from 12.2 to 13.7. But beginning in 2006, they started to enroll in fewer courses. In 2007, their average was only 13.3.

The reasons why

The biggest factor behind FAMU’s declining average credit hour enrollment is the rising cost of college. Beginning in Fall 1998, most of FAMU's credit hours came from the lower division. Of all the SUS schools, FAMU and FGCU (since 2005) are the only two at which the lower division contains the majority of the undergraduate student body's credit hours.

FAMU’s students are getting stuck in the lower division because they can’t afford to take enough credit hours to move through college quickly. Most FAMU students come from families that make less than $40,000 each year. When tuition and living expenses go up, they take fewer classes due to their lack of funds. Many of these students have to interrupt their education to work until they make enough money to re-enroll.

Pell Grant increases haven’t reversed the trend

The maximum Pell Grant award increased from $3,000 in 1998 to $4,310 in 2007. However, the new financial aid did nothing to stop FAMU’s lower division credit hour loads from dropping. Pell Grants have not kept pace with tuition hikes.

This fact should serve a stark warning to those FAMUans who assume that tuition hikes are a good idea now that the Congress has approved a Pell Grant increase and American Opportunity Tax Credit.

It’s highly likely that FAMU students will use the Pell Grant increase and tax credit to cover soaring expenses outside of class rather than buying more credit hours. In 2007, it cost $14,160 for in-state students to attend FAMU and $26,101 for out-of-state students. But, the average financial aid award was $10,478. The stimulus funds will likely go to fill that gap.

Bottom line: Tuition hikes are not helping FAMU. If FAMU wants to increase its graduation rate, then it must find ways to make college more affordable so students can enroll in more credit hours.

Note: This is part one of our special series: “Investing in a Higher Graduation Rate.”

Sources: State University System Fact Books, American Council of Education, and New America Foundation.

FAMU scourers South Florida for scholars

With the recession and rising tuition making college less affordable, FAMU traveled to South Florida this week to promising students futures bright with to offer of free money in the form of a scholarship.

FAMU President James H. Ammons and university officials traveled to West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale to recruit high school seniors. Scholarships were awarded on the spot to students who meet academic criteria and major in certain high-demand areas, officials said.

"Right now with this economy, we find that a number of students have everything that it takes to go to college, except hope and money," Ammons said in a telephone interview.

Ammons and his team will stopped at Palm Beach Lakes High School to meet with students, sponsored a scholarship reception at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale hotel.

To qualify for the scholarships, students had to be National Achievement semifinalists or finalists planning to major in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or mathematics or have at least an 1100 SAT score and 23 ACT score. Students who are not semifinalists could qualify if they have at least a 3.5 grade-point average and 1300 SAT or 29 ACT.

Scholarships range from $1,000 a semester to a full, four-year ride with a laptop computer and guaranteed summer internship. Private money funds those scholarships, Ammons said.

"We'll have scholarships available for all students we meet who qualify," Ammons said.

While most state universities are capping enrollment, FAMU has room to grow, Ammons said. The freshman class is about 2,000 this year, and officials want to increase that to 2,600 this fall. FAMU has about 11,800 students, including 1,104 from Broward County.

You may also be interested in: FAMU hits road looking for scholars

Bill to clarify BOT authority

Last year, Florida’s Board of Governors introduced a controversial proposal to increase its presence in the hiring and evaluation processes for university presidents. The idea met fierce resistance from boards of trustees across Florida.

On Wednesday, a bill clarifying trustee authority cleared the Florida Senate’s Government Oversight and Accountability Committee. It calls for trustees to exercise the exclusive power to appoint and supervise the institution’s chief executive.

The bill has the support of FAMU alumnus and Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson.

“It’s probably the best thing to do,” he said.

FAMU alumni have had a very rocky relationship with the BOG over presidential matters. Many were angered at the board’s strong support for former Interim President Castell V. Bryant, who was responsible for the university’s only qualified state audits and recent probation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Large numbers of alumni also believed that the BOG gave a cold reception to current President James Ammons, who cleaned up the bad audits and accreditation problems that Bryant left.

The bill could become another source of tension between the legislature and BOG. The BOG is suing lawmakers for control of tuition. It cites state constitutional language that says: “The board shall operate, regulate, control, and be fully responsible for the management of the whole university system.”

Sen. Jeremy Ring, another lawmaker who has been highly critical of the BOG in the past, said that the board has not spoken to him about the bill.

“The BOG has not come to me about this,” Ring said. “If they don’t have a problem with it we shouldn’t.”

Opinion: Fla. Senate must hold BOG accountable

FAMU impresses SACS site team

Excitement was in the air as members of the visiting team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC), applauded FAMU’s work in its effort to reaffirm its accreditation.

“In terms of the report, you should be very, very proud,” said Carol Z. Garrison, chair of the visiting team and president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “You knew what this process was all about — creating a stronger and better university.”

“I am very proud of your QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan),” she went on to say. “Overall the plan was well thought out and developed. I could feel all of the excitement around campus about it, even from the students. The biggest challenge will be channeling all of this excitement and making sure you remain focused.”

While the visiting team had two recommendations — one regarding the standards and one regarding QEP — the decision regarding whether FAMU’s accreditation will be reaffirmed will be made at the Commission’s December meeting in Atlanta, Ga., noted Joseph H. Silver, vice president of SACS-COC. He also pointed out that one out of a possible 77 compliance standards was not bad.

“I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “To be here with two recommendations is truly phenomenal.”

The recommendations were related to Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 and the QEP. Standard 3.7.1 deals with the “employment of competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution.”

The visiting committee found a relatively small number of professors who were not in compliance with Standard 3.7.1. But, the members expressed full confidence in FAMU’s ability to address the issue.

“You will have from now until December to address this,” Garrison said. “It may be a case of providing more information or evaluating the teaching assignments of a few individuals. I’m sure you will have your arms around it soon.”

Regarding the QEP, J. Patrick O’Brien, president of West Texas A&M University, said that the university needed to develop an annual program of assessment to measure the outcomes. O’Brien said this would provide the university with a mechanism to determine if changes need to be made and the overall impact of the QEP. He noted that the findings of the assessment should be communicated with the campus.

The five-year QEP, entitled "Enhancing Performance in Critical Thinking," was developed under the leadership of FAMU Chemistry Professor Maurice Edington. It grew out of a broad-based institutional process that identified key issues emerging from the campus assessment of the institution.

“We were able to work as a team and complete this process,” Ammons said. “We are here with only two recommendations because of a lot of sleepless nights and the dedication of faculty and staff. I am proud of this campus.”

FAMU nursing applications likely to increase

With Florida’s current nursing shortage, admissions slots at FAMU’s School of Nursing are in heavy demand.

According to the Florida Center for Nursing, 12,563 (or 44 percent) of qualified applicants were turned away from Florida’s public and private nursing schools last year. The center projects that the state’s nursing shortage could swell to 18,419 by 2010 and 52,209 by 2020 if this trend continues.

Nursing schools reported that their lack of money to hire new faculty and small number of clinical training sites forced them to reject many potential students.

State University System budget cuts are making the situation worse. The University of Florida recently announced that it may eliminate its undergraduate nursing program altogether.

If UF enacts that proposal, even more applicants could seek bachelor of nursing degrees from FAMU. Such an increase would be welcome as FAMU sets its sights on an enrollment of 15,000 by 2010.

FAMU’s nursing school has a strong national reputation. For the past two years, its students scored a 100 percent passing rate on the national licensure examination.

Within the SUS, Florida Gulf Coast University is already expanding its baccalaureate nursing program. Nova Southeastern University is also teaching nursing at its new center in Fort Myers. Edison State College has committed to build a new nursing school.

FAMU students ace licensure exam - again

Coming up next week…

Rattler Nation is running a three-part, special report called: “Investing in a Higher Graduation Rate.” We’ll look at the factors behind FAMU’s six-year graduation numbers and talk about options to improve them.

You’ll see the first article, “FAMU’s course load cliff” on Monday.

You might be interested in our earlier special series on “Growing more STEM degree recipients at FAMU.”

Critics blast quality, competitiveness of HBCU STEM degrees

Ammons envisions FAMU as national leader in STEM Ph.D.s

Joint college of engineering critical to FAMU’s STEM ambitions

Rivers: FAMU has never practiced segregation

In Saturday’s Tallahassee Democrat, FAMU alumnus Larry O. Rivers took on the critics who accuse FAMU of practicing segregation.

From “Critics fail to understand the role of HBCUs:”

It has become a sad but predictable routine. Whenever a news story about Florida A&M University appears online, reader feedback forums explode with jeers stating the university has an "outdated mission," practices "racial exclusion" and ought to be shut down.

Such opinions stand at odds with Martin Luther King Jr.'s views on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the role they should play in post-Jim Crow America.

King, an alumnus of the historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta, stressed that eradicating segregation in higher education was not about closing HBCUs. As he once explained, HBCUs were "segregated" but they were not "segregating institutions."

Integration is the process of deconstructing a system of second-class citizenship set up by a segregating institution and reversing the damage it caused. FAMU did not harm whites or relegate them to an inferior position; it never even had the power to do so. As such, it is disingenuous to call on FAMU to "integrate" as if it were actually a segregating institution.

Florida's desegregation settlement in response to the 1973 Adams v. Richardson federal case has helped FAMU draw more whites in a manner consistent with King's example. The settlement pushed Florida to establish programs such as allied health, journalism and architecture at FAMU and upgrade historically under-funded schools such as pharmacy. These programs, along with law, consistently attract sizable white enrollment. Their funding also empowered FAMU to successfully compete for more top-rate professors of all races, which resulted in greater diversity within the faculty.

Hence, it is contradictory for FAMU's critics to fault the university for not having more whites while, at the same time, calling for the removal of the professional programs that are bringing the most whites to campus.

Read the full version here.

Pictured: Students at the FAMU School of Architecture.

Note: Another version of this op-ed ran in Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

SACS site visit begins today

FAMU’s quest to reaffirm its accreditation is in the final stretch. An eight-person site visit team, representing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges, arrives today.

The university held good standing with SACS every year until 2007, when deficient a Board of Trustees and poor administrative leadership resulted in probation. One year later, following a sweeping overhaul of FAMU’s board and a massive turn-around effort led by new President James Ammons, SACS lifted the sanction.

Part of the process includes a review of FAMU’s new Quality Enhancement Plan, developed under the direction of Chemistry Professor Maurice Edington (pictured on the right).

Edington said that the QEP focus on helping students strengthen their analytical skills.

"Managing your account, your checkbook requires critical thinking skills, particularly in a time of limited financial resources, how do you best utilize the resources available to you,” he stated. “So we want students to be able to learn to solve problems, process information and make informed decisions."

The SACS team will be in Tallahassee until Thursday.

The Rattlers are back!

How the accreditation mess began

FAMU student is part of reality show cast

Don't look now,but...

Kyle Washington (orange shirt), the self proclaimed, "student activist", will be a part of the cast of BET's top-rated reality series College Hill this spring. College Hill (season six) premieres March 24, and will be shot on location in Miami.

According to a BET press release, College Hill: South Beach "premieres with a resounding bang Tuesday, March 24 at 10:00 p.m. Pulling no punches, the new cast members clash almost immediately within minutes of meeting one another, and is undeniably the most controversial season yet."

The College Hill cast members aren't household names yet, but viewers will effortlessly fall in love with this interesting group of co-eds, the release said. "There's Brandon, the eye candy of the house; Tiffany, the cheerleader; Allison, the musician; Paul, the Jamaican poet; Kyle, the instigator; Milan, the glam girl and video vixen; Terri, the pageant girl; Kathryn, the season's twist; and Chris, who has dreams of being the next Sean "Diddy" Combs."

COLLEGE HILL: SOUTH BEACH guarantees to bring the heat that only Miami can bring.

We can hardly wait.

Did you read? Kyle puts Castell on blast

SGA prez draws Kyle's ire

Clinton raises big money for Meek

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton usually stays out the fray during Democratic primaries. However, he’s made a few notable exceptions to support his wife and a handful of close friends: Rahm Emanuel, Terry McAuliffe, and FAMU’s own Kendrick Meek.

Last Friday, Clinton keynoted a $1,000 per plate Jacksonville fundraiser that placed $90,000 into Meek’s coffers. Earlier, Clinton headlined another hugely successful fundraising event in Miami that brought in $300,000 for the campaign.

Led by Steve Hildebrand, who served as deputy national campaign manager for then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s White House run, Meek’s U.S. Senate bid continues to gain momentum. Meek already has endorsements from the Service Employees International Union in Florida and the United Teachers of Dade.

Meek’s early success prompted St. Petersburg Times Political Editor Adam C. Smith to ask on yesterday: “Is Kendrick Meek already on the verge of walking away with the Democratic nomination?”

Tuition hike could prompt voter backlash

Meek kicks off U.S. Senate campaign

FAMU law excels in mock trial competitions

Demonstrating their superior advocacy skills, three teams of FAMU College of Law students received high honors at regional mock trial competitions. Two teams advanced to the national finals.

FAMU’s American Bar Association Client Counseling Team comprised of third-year law students Ricky Favors and Seyi Jemmott. They won regionals and will now represent FAMU and Region 5 in the ABA National Finals in Durham, North Carolina from March 13 through 14.

The FAMU team beat out a total of 11 competing teams and placed first for preliminary rounds through the finals. Elizabeth Kirk, a recent FAMU College of Law graduate, coached the team. As a consequence of this win, FAMU Law will host the ABA Client Counseling Competition next year.

The Trial Team of third-year law students Alexis Carter, Crystal Harmon, and Christine Richardson, and second-year law student Daniel Whitley were the first runners-up at the Southern Region Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team Competition in Nashville. The second-place finish made the team eligible to compete at the BLSA National Competition in Irvine, Calif., from March 18 to 22. Richardson was named Best Advocate in the competition. The team was coached by staff Attorney Ka'Juel Washington, a member of the inaugural FAMU law class.

The Moot Court Team of second-year law students Sean Campbell and Truleia Fuller represented FAMU law in the Southern Region BLSA Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition held in Nashville. The team advanced to the quarterfinal round with an undefeated record before being eliminated. Campbell was named Best Oralist in the competition. The team was coached by Professor William Henslee.

“The success of our law student teams in trial competitions demonstrates how seriously we take our advocacy training,” said LeRoy Pernell, dean of the FAMU College of Law.

Pictured: Seyi Jemmott and Ricky Favors, the two students won the ABA Client Counseling Regional Competition. They will represent FAMU and Region 5 at Nationals.
Also see: Orlando rally's round FAMU Laws

Bar passage rate up at FAMU Law

Law Dean works to reassure students

FAMU strengthens ties with St. Maarten

FAMU attracts more than just the best and brightest in America. It also enrolls many of the top high school seniors from the Caribbean, who qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Now, as FAMU works to bring its enrollment up to 15,000, it could receive many more freshmen and community college transfers from the island of St. Maarten.

Sarah Wescot-Williams, St. Maarten’s head of Government of Dutch, wants to enhance FAMU’s partnership with her country. During a recent visit to the campus, she outlined an ambitious agenda that included: increasing the number of St. Maartenian students who attend FAMU and creating more student and faculty exchange opportunities.

The university in St. Maarten only offers an associate degree. The local university helps students earn bachelor’s degrees by establishing partnerships with other institutions.

“Currently we are looking to help develop St. Maarten’s education capability,” said Joseph V. Jones, interim director of FAMU’s Office of International Education and Development. “Our goal is to advance their education offerings.”

The island of St. Maarten is part French and part Dutch. The larger portion that is owned by the Dutch is moving to become an independent country within the next two years.

To assist St. Maarten in its development, FAMU will provide professional, government and business training. FAMU plans to send some of its professors to St. Maarten to train their faculty. Also, some St. Maarten professors will likely come to FAMU and receive on-site instruction. Such collaborations will help the country develop master’s and Ph.D. programs.

During her visit to Tallahassee, Wescot-Williams also met with Gov. Charlie Crist, State Rep. Alan Williams, Mayor John Marks, City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, Mayoral Aide Ramon Alexander, and the St. Maarten Tallahassee Student Association.

Read more here and here.

G' ville, Palm Beach, Lauderdale on FAMU tour

President James H. Ammons will hit the road once again on his Second Annual President's Tour to recruit students. Ammons will meet with students, parents, business executives and alumni in the Gainesville and South Florida areas this month.

The first reception is March 12 at 6 p.m. in Gainesville at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 SE Williston Road. The second is March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale. There also will be a stop at Palm Beach Lakes High School.

High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend. Scholarships will be awarded on the spot. To qualify, a student must be a National Achievement Semifinalist, majoring in one of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

Mathematics students are eligible who have an 1100 (R&M) SAT score or 23 ACT. Other students who have at least a 3.5 GPA and scores of 1300 (R&M) SAT score or 29 ACT also are eligible.

FAMU also will offer a full scholarship called the Distinguished Scholar Award to students who have 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA or better. Partial scholarships will be offered to incoming freshmen who have at least 1100 on the (R&M) SAT or 23 on the ACT and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

"During these dark and gloomy times, FAMU is on the road to reassure students and their families that education is key to realizing their dreams for bright futures," said Ammons. "This tour is a personal reminder that college funding is available and that we are encouraging donors to support these students' dreams."

Several FAMU administrators, student leaders and alumni will accompany Ammons.

The tour is sponsored by Coca-Cola and NASCAR.

Did you read?:Road trip takes FAMU to potential students

FAMU bus tour underway

Ammons makes pitch to full Senate

President James Ammons urged the Florida Senate to maintain public universities' funding and let all 11 schools raise tuition on their own.

In a rare honor, Ammons addressed the full Senate from the podium Thursday.

He said more budget cuts like those the universities have sustained over the past couple years would dash the hopes and dreams of the Florida's youth.

Ammons also made a pitch for a bill to let all universities raise tuition up to 15% a year until it reaches the national average. Five large universities already have such differential tuition authority but limited to no more than 40% total.

Florida's base tuition set by lawmakers is among the nation's lowest.

Ammons was a guest of the Senate in recognition of FAMU Day.

You may also be interested in: Rattlers to make pitch to Legislature

FAMU Day at the Capitol

Tuition price hurting FAMU students

With tuition on the rise, FAMU students are relying heavily on student loans and part-time jobs to pay for school.

“Student loans are necessary evils with me because I am not in a financial position to pay college tuition outright,” said Juleon Barnes, who is majoring in business administration. “The value of an education is important so I am willing to finance it through student loans.”

Barnes also depends on the income he earns from summer internships to provide much-needed spending money.

Frederick Anderson, another business administration student, said, “You have to do what you have to do. But it is a shame that students have to rely on a loan to pay college cost.”

Anderson hopes to obtain a good job after college, so he can begin paying the money owed. He added that he relies heavily on loans to pay out-of-state tuition expenses.

At FAMU, many students cover day-to-day spending by obtaining part-time jobs so they don’t have to borrow additional funds. Nationwide, black students carry the heaviest work schedules in college. A recent American Council of Education study showed that 41.3 percent of black college students put in more than 35 hours of work each week.

A legislative proposal to increase the State University System's tuition could worsen the situation for FAMU's mostly low-income student body. In Florida, state-mandated tuition hikes generally accompany multimillion dollar cuts in education spending. Tuition increases force many FAMU students to enroll in fewer classes due to their lack of funds.

In a recent Tallahassee Democrat article, FAMU psychology student Janecia Roberson emphasized how much the proposed tuition increases will hurt her and her FAMU peers.

“Most of the students are working just like I’m working,” Roberson said. “I have 18 credit hours. I work 30 hours a week. We can not afford this.

“In the middle of a recession, tuition prices should not be going up. Where’s the money supposed to come from?”

Roberson raises a good question. U.S. President Barack Obama's American Opportunity Tax Credit could help FAMU students such as her as long as tuition increases don't eat up all the new financial aid. But if FAMU leaders dump a heavy differential tuition hike on students next year, the problem will remain the same. The students who are working long hours and enrolling in fewer classes each semester will have to continue that pattern.

FAMU's best bet to ease the budgetary pain is to keep tuition low and encourage students to use their stimulus funds to enroll in more classes. That will generate more tuition revenue and help students finish their programs in a shorter time span (which will bring up the six-year graduation rate). It will also produce a bigger credit hour enrollment that, along with next year's expected 1,000 student increase, will help FAMU qualify for more enrollment growth dollars from the legislature.

Obama's college plan could help FAMU reach 15,000

Growth strategy essential to FAMU's financial health

OT: Lucas making film on Tuskegee Airmen

The creator of the blockbuster Star Wars series is ready to bring another story about high-flying heroes to the big screen.

George Lucas is writing and producing a new movie on World War II’s Tuskegee Airmen, the Air Force’s first black fighter pilots. The film’s title is Red Tails, taken from the group’s popular nickname: Red-Tailed Angels.

Anthony Hemmingway, best known for his work in HBO’s “The Wire” and “Oz,” is set to direct. Actor Terrance Howard (Iron Man and Pride) is a prospect to headline the cast.

The Tuskegee Airmen’s story received little attention in the entertainment industry until a 1995 HBO film starring Laurence Fishburne gave them a larger-than-life presence in popular culture.

While the HBO movie had a small budget, only around $8.5 million, Lucas’ film will likely have multiple-times that amount and feature cutting-edge special effects. Lucas could also land a major distributor such as Dreamworks/Disney or 20th Century Fox.

“Red Tails” follows Spike Lee’s critically-acclaimed Miracle at St. Anna, which centered on the experience of black Buffalo Soldiers during WWII.

Read more here and here.

You might also be interested in: Movie Masterpiece.

FAMUans protest budget cuts

Coinciding with the opening of the 2009 Florida Legislative Session yesterday, FAMU students joined a group of more than 1,000 local marchers who protested State University System cuts at the capitol.

With Florida facing a $6 billion revenue shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year, FAMU could lose as much as $15 million. GOP leaders have proposed deep cuts and tuition increases in response.

Many critics believe such actions will lead to a net loss for universities. The state legislature has a long history of raising tuition in one hand while cutting multimillions from public university budgets in the other.

Gov. Charlie Crist supports tuition increases, but wants to use federal stimulus money to avoid futher spending cuts.

While GOP lawmakers are slowly warming to idea of closing some tax exemptions, the handful of proposals that are currently on the table will only place a drop in the multibillion dollar bucket.

State Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) and FAMU Student Body President Andrew Collins were among those who participated in the rally.

“You know what cuts will do?” Collins asked the crowd. “They'll bring bigger classes. You have more power than the people in the building behind me.”