By WJHG-TV
January 28, 2008

Students attending community colleges are guaranteed a spot in one of Florida's State Universities after receiving their associates degree, but because of a drastic $147 million budget cut, the Board of Governors is going back on that agreement.

"The move to not allow students to transfer with that two-year degree, in my opinion, is a huge mistake," said Rep. Marti Coley.

The board approved a proposal Thursday that would force universities to admit fewer students. But that means not every community college graduate would necessarily by guaranteed their spot at a four year school.

"Finish two years, get that AA degree, you automatically transfer. That has helped us in the state of Florida keep our students here, and I do think that will be very detrimental," said Coley.

Coley says community colleges have made important strides, which are helping out Florida's students significantly.

“They've begun offering four year degrees in many programs and that's going to continue to be important, especially for rural areas where they are geographically bound. They may not be able to travel to a major university so being able to get those four year degrees in a local community setting is extremely important," said Coley.

Right now Florida's universities have the worst student to faculty ratio in the country. Board members hope admitting fewer students will help with that problem.

The board of governors also voted for an eight percent tuition hike, but the board remains in a battle against the legislature over who actually has the power to set tuition. The increase would cost full-time undergraduate students about $186 more a year.