ENHANCEMENTS ON COCOA CAMPUS BEGIN
Eastern Florida State College Continues
HIGHER EDUCATION PROMINENCE
ENHANCEMENTS ON COCOA CAMPUS BEGIN
EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE continues to enjoy the success it has experienced for more than a decade with the opening of the second student housing facility just in time for the start of the Fall Term , and many more achievements on the horizon .
EFSC President Dr . Jim Richey took a few moments to answer some questions about upcoming plans , the 2023-24 budget and enhancements to the Cocoa Campus .
Dr . Richey , your vision for the college continues to take shape and that must be very gratifying . The EFSC Board of Trustees recently approved a $ 89.2 million plan for fiscal year 2023-24 that went into effect on July 1 . What are some of the budget highlights ?
For starters , I am extremely proud that this budget cycle makes 12 straight years of no increases to tuition for students .
Our faculty is second to none whether teaching in-person or online . They are the backbone of the college and deserve our continued support . So , full-time faculty will receive a two percent raise , plus $ 1,000 each in this third year of the collective bargaining agreement with the United Faculty of Florida Brevard Chapter .
Adjunct faculty will also receive an additional three percent raise for each class they teach .
And in recognition of their dedication and professionalism , staff will also receive a three percent raise for the third year in a row .
The budget fully funds all academic programs and includes cost savings such as not filling unneeded vacant positions . It also includes $ 4.8 million in additional funds above last year ’ s appropriation from the Florida Legislature . With our governor leading the way , our Florida leaders have been incredibly supportive of the Florida College System and specifically EFSC . We are grateful for all their assistance .
Last year , the college announced a major plan to modernize the Cocoa Campus . What is the latest on the project ?
It ’ s moving forward thanks to the support of the Florida Legislature and Gov . Ron DeSantis . Our original proposal called for building a new Advanced Technologies Center for
8