MORE NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The college did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop it from making other noteworthy achievements throughout the year , demonstrating the steadfast commitment of faculty and staff .
NO TUITION HIKE 10 TH STRAIGHT YEAR
No tuition increases for students for the 10th straight year and pay raises for faculty and staff highlighted the college ’ s $ 77 million budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 .
• The budget came after a difficult year during which the college successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and deep recession .
• “ The college is on sound fiscal footing because we lived within our means in a financially responsible way , avoiding the job and academic program cuts that have hit other colleges and universities hard ,” said EFSC President Dr . Jim Richey .
• Key elements of the budget included the following :
• No tuition increases for the 10th straight year , which corresponds to the time Richey has been EFSC ’ s president .
• “ Students have had a tough year with many financially hurt by the pandemic . Keeping tuition affordable is critically important for them to stay in the classroom . It remains my top priority ,” said Richey .
• A new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Faculty of Florida Brevard Chapter that included a $ 1,750 increase to base salary in the first year .
• UFF members ratified the contract with an overwhelm vote .
• “ Our faculty are among the college ’ s most valuable resources and their performance was extraordinary the past year as in-person classes were moved online . Students continued to receive an excellent education because of their efforts ,” said Richey .
• Adjunct faculty also received an additional 3 percent raise in compensation for each class they teach .
• A 3-percent pay increase in base salary for all full-time and regular part-time nonprobationary staff .
• The college will also pay 100 percent of the premium cost for health , dental and life insurance for the base individual employee plans .
• “ Our staff has risen to the occasion during the pandemic , demonstrating innovation and dedication that kept students on the right track . They are firstclass professionals and are extremely valued ,” said Richey .
• The raise did not include Richey , who also turned down a pay increase during his annual performance review by trustees in February .
• The budget fully funded all academic programs and included cost savings such as not filling vacant positions and reductions to several areas of college operations .
• The budget benefited from an additional $ 1.6 million in funds above last year ’ s appropriation from the Florida Legislature .
EFSC COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | PAGE 11