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We ended on a high note with about 30,000 friends and family members attending spring commencement to cheer on the record-breaking number of graduates who participated in the three ceremonies. While the large numbers certainly posed some logistical challenges, it was wonderful to see so many students achieve their academic dreams. You should be proud of the role you played in helping these students reach their goals!
RISING METRICS
I’m pleased to report that more students are graduating in four years or less. We expect our four-year graduation rate will place us among the Top 20 universities in the country for this metric. The latest data also show FSU on an upward trajectory in several other metrics such as alumni giving, faculty compensation, educational expenditures per student and student-faculty ratio.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report projects what our graduation rate will be based on our student profile and expenses, and we beat the projections every year. In fact, we rank 16th in the country among public universities for exceeding our projected graduation rate. No other public university in Florida is even in the Top 60!
While it’s difficult to predict if the improvements in these metrics will result in a rise in the overall rankings this year, we can all be proud of the work we do every day to ensure our students receive the best possible educational experience here at FSU.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The Florida Legislature is helping us in our efforts to ensure students are at the forefront of our mission. As you know, the Legislature completed its regular session in May, followed by a special session in early June. The legislators realize an investment in FSU is a wise one for our students and the future of Florida, and we fared very well. We were appropriated funding that will allow us to continue to pursue our strategic goals and construct new academic and research facilities.
UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE
Earlier this month, the FSU Board of Trustees approved the FY 2017-2018 Operating Budget and welcomed two new trustees — Faculty Senate President Todd Adams and FSU Student Body President Kyle Hill. I know they will be great assets to the board as FSU moves forward in raising the university’s national profile.
Last week, several members of the leadership team and I attended the Board of Governors meeting at the University of South Florida. There, we presented our 2017-2018 work plan and outlined our three key initiatives: Top 25, student success and entrepreneurship and innovation education.
The BOG recommended the state release the funding designated to FSU after we again met all 12 of the state’s preeminence metrics. We’re very pleased about our success in these areas, but as Provost Sally McRorie told the BOG, those metrics do not reflect the fact that FSU is also widely considered one of the most preeminent public universities in the nation with regard to the arts and humanities. We recognize and applaud the good work of our faculty across all disciplines!
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