Response to the

Education Governance Reorganization Transition Task Force Structure and Function Worksheet #1

by the State University System Council of Academic Vice Presidents

Position Statement: Council of Academic Vice Presidents As we consider a new governance system for education in the state of Florida we might ask: What are the factors that have led to the conclusion that "America has the greatest university system in the world." The answer is that local control and decentralization, particularly at the federal level, are the keys to the success of American universities. Local control, providing educational opportunities for our citizens, and responding to market forces and changing federal science policy, have allowed our universities to dominate scientific and other contributions, including hundreds of technological innovations that resulted in entire new industries.

Prior to the expansion of our decentralized system of American universities, Europeans dominated Nobel prizes and from 1901 to 1931 Americans were awarded only four of the 92 prizes. Following World War II Americans won 91 Nobel prizes and moved into first place in the world. We passed European and Asian universities because state planning and central control remained the dominant policy in those areas while in this country local boards of universities responded to change. Responsibility at the local level does not mean the absence of strong accountability. The universities have already laid the groundwork for both measurements and process and the local board and Florida Board of Education can work together to modify and implement an appropriate system of accountability.

General Recommendations: The Academic Vice Presidents in the State University System believe that an intermediary board between the Florida Board of Education and the campus Board of Trustees is unnecessary and adds a layer of bureaucracy that may stifle the independence of the local campuses and hamper their advancement. Second, the Academic Vice Presidents recommend that the role of the Presidents be highlighted and strengthened in the new organizational structure proposed by the Transition Commission. As it is presently delineated, the Boards of Trustees at the ten universities seem to be the locus of power, when, we believe, that power should be shared between the Boards and the Presidents. Third, the Vice Presidents propose that more duties and responsibilities be delegated to the Presidents and the Boards of Trustees than is presently indicated in the assignment of duties and responsibilities by the Transition Commission. Our specific recommendations are attached in the form of an "underlined/strikeout" response to the Taskforce's Worksheet #1, dated November 14, 2000. Fourth, the Academic Vice Presidents recommend that the Boards of Trustees be appointed by the Governor in close consultation with the Presidents of the individual campuses to ensure the strengthening of higher education in Florida.

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