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State university system officials could soon replace physics on a list of degree programs whose courses are eligible for tuition and fee waivers. The waivers essentially function as buy-one-get-one tuition and fee breaks for students in 12-degree programs that the university system’s Board of Governors describes as aligning with “economic and workforce needs” of the state. The waivers only apply to upper-level courses in the programs. Physics has been among eight science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related degrees that have been part of the list. But in November, the Board of Governors made revisions, omitting physics.
The Board of Governors’ Strategic Planning Committee is slated Thursday to discuss the issue. It will consider three potential degree programs that could replace physics: “environmental/health” engineering, mechanical engineering and biology. Board of Governors staff members analyzed the three programs and gave them scores based on factors such as workforce needs and student enrollment. Mechanical engineering received the highest score, with staff members recommending it to replace physics on the tuition and fee waiver list. Such a decision ultimately would need approval from the full Board of Governors during a meeting Friday. To be eligible for waivers, students must be Florida residents and earn at least 60 credit hours within two academic years after initially enrolling.
