No Tuition Hikes, Salary Increases Included in New BCC Budget

June 18, 2012 - Brevard Community College’s $75.4 million budget for fiscal year 2012-13 includes no tuition hikes for students, pay increases for faculty and staff and full funding for all programs.

The budget, approved June 18 by the Board of Trustees, also eliminates vacant job positions and makes spending reductions in other areas.

The combined savings allow for the salary increases, which represent the first pay raise for BCC staff members since 2008.

The College will also boost its budget reserve for protection against unexpected problems that may arise in the general economy.

“This budget reflects strong fiscal accountability and investments in the future to ensure the College continues to provide a high-quality, affordable education that benefits our students and the Space Coast,” said President, Dr. Jim Richey.

“I’m especially pleased that we will not raise tuition, easing the financial strain many students are facing. That was a top priority.

“BCC is on solid fiscal ground and well positioned to meet our goals to become a state college and begin offering four-year baccalaureate degrees for the first time in our history in August 2013.”

Here are key budget highlights, which go into effect July 1:
• No tuition hikes for students.
This marks the first time in four years that tuition has not gone up to help off-set funding cuts from the Legislature.

The College held the line even though the Legislature authorized the 28-members of the Florida College System to raise tuition up to 5 percent. As a result, about half of the colleges are expected to increase tuition.

At BCC, not raising tuition will save students an approximate total of $1.4 million in increased costs. BCC students who are Florida residents will continue paying the same $102 per credit hour during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

• A 3.5 percent salary increase for faculty.
The hike is part of a tentative agreement between the College and the United Faculty of Florida, Brevard Chapter, on a new three-year labor contract that would take effect in August 2013.

The agreement affects about 260 full-time faculty and faces final approval during a UFF ratification vote Aug. 16 and Board of Trustees meeting Aug. 20.

• A 3.5 percent salary increase for full-time staff and permanent part-time staff.
This is the first pay raise the staff will receive in five years following repeated state budget cuts.

There will also be no reductions in staff benefits and no planned college-wide reduction in the workforce.

The budget also contains:
• $2 million for planning a new Institute of Public Safety in Viera.
• A 33 percent increase in capital equipment for instructional support, including new human simulators for Health Sciences programs and other needed classroom equipment.

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Brevard Community College is committed to engaging our diverse
population in quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities which
successfully meet individual and community needs.