Page 22 - 2024 June report

SUSF ANNUAL MEETING REPORT (2)
There was discussion about the impact of the FASFA problems this year and the fact that some students’ records are not complete because of that. Diego said that he would speak with leadership about how to handle those situations. He advised that the Directors file their reports, noting which students are being impacted.
Reference was made to a report form that is filed with the Board of Governors regarding the size of the scholarship awards. Diego confirmed that it was for the office’s use and is not a limitation on scholarships.
JSF PROGRAMING AND CHALLENGE GRANTS
Tommy announced that all of the universities had met their challenge grant amounts this year, so the full $150,000 is being awarded. Additionally, he announced that the JSF Grant Program Committee had voted to again extend this offer of $150,000 to the universities for scholarships for the 2024/2025 academic year.
JSF MISSION STATEMENT
Bea advised that last December the Foundation’s Board met for a review of the Foundation’s grants and its Mission Statement. It was decided to remove the phrase “and employment” from the Mission Statement. She explained that this decision was not made lightly. It is not that the Foundation Board does not see employment as important, because it certainly is. However, the decision was to put a stronger focus on education and particularly on assisting students to obtain undergraduate degrees. This focus does not change the SUSF program or the Foundation’s commitment to it.
She explained that the Board has not given final approval for the exact language for the Mission Statement, so this information is not public knowledge, yet. She shared this with this group because the Foundation sees them as partners in its work.
CIVIC LITERACY REQUIREMENTS
Michelle Shaw from FAU presented about the Florida Civic Literacy requirement that was signed into law in July 2018 and amended in 2021. In 2021, the Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a Florida College System or State University System institution in 2021- 22 and after that to complete a course and an assessment to demonstrate competency in civic literacy.
Failing the FCLE is an issue facing all students in the state of Florida, not just students with disabilities. There are no provisions for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are having difficulty passing the exam for several issues. Students who take the class in their freshman year or at a state college do not have to take and pass the exam at the end of the class. Delays in taking the exam lead to students not passing the exam which leads to a barrier to graduation and ultimately the students are not receiving their degrees. Some students choose not to earn their Associate of Arts degree because they cannot pass the exam. Not earning their Associate of Arts degree follows them to the state university when they transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree. They fail and continue to fail the test and keep taking it until they pass or cannot graduate.
Page 20 June Report