State University System of Florida SUSF

Overview

The State University System of Florida (SUSF or SUS) is a network of twelve public universities in the U.S. state of Florida. Collectively, they serve over 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the United States. The SUS is governed by the Florida Board of Governors and coordinated by a Chancellor, with its headquarters located in Tallahassee. The system is recognized for its affordability, high graduation rates, and significant contributions to the state's economy and workforce development.

History and Legal Framework

The origins of Florida's state university system trace back to the Florida Constitution of 1838, which established higher education in the state. Over time, governance evolved from the Board of Education to the Florida Board of Control (1905–1965), and later to the Florida Board of Regents (1965–2001). In 2003, the Florida Board of Governors was created through a constitutional amendment to centralize and oversee the state's public universities, a structure that remains in place today. This governance model is enshrined in Article IX, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution, which outlines the Board's authority to operate, regulate, and control the university system.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The SUSF's mission is to provide high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, research, and public service through a coordinated system of institutions. Each university has a distinct mission, but collectively, they aim to serve the needs of Florida's diverse society and contribute to the state's economic prosperity. The system's vision is to be the premier public university system in the nation, renowned for its world-class talent and collective strengths. The SUSF's strategic plan, known as SUS 30, focuses on elevating student success, fostering transformative innovation, and enhancing collaboration among institutions.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The SUSF is governed by a 17-member Florida Board of Governors, which is responsible for defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system's coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system's chief executive. Each university within the system has its own Board of Trustees, which oversees the institution's operations and strategic direction. While the Board of Governors provides overarching governance, individual universities maintain a degree of autonomy to address their specific missions and goals.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Each institution within the SUSF is required to establish and maintain institutional accreditation with an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Additionally, discipline-specific accreditation is encouraged for academic programs where established standards exist. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accrediting body for institutions in Florida. In 2025, the Florida Board of Governors voted to create a new accreditor, aiming to focus on outcomes and innovation in higher education, potentially signaling a shift in accreditation practices within the state.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The SUSF actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the global competitiveness of its institutions. This includes partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research projects, and participation in international academic networks. These efforts aim to broaden educational opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and address global challenges through collective expertise.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The SUSF continues to have a significant impact on higher education both within Florida and nationally. The SUS 30 strategic plan outlines priorities such as elevating student success, fostering transformative innovation, and enhancing collaboration among institutions. These initiatives aim to improve educational outcomes, increase access to higher education, and contribute to the state's economic development. The system's emphasis on affordability, with the lowest in-state tuition and fees for public four-year institutions in the country, and its focus on student success, position the SUSF as a model for public higher education.

Summary

The State University System of Florida is a robust and dynamic network of public universities committed to providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and serving the public good. Through its strategic governance, commitment to excellence, and focus on student success, the SUSF plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education in Florida and beyond.

FAQs

• What is the State University System of Florida?

  The State University System of Florida is a network of twelve public universities in Florida, governed by the Florida Board of Governors, serving over 430,000 students.

• How is the State University System of Florida governed?

  The system is governed by a 17-member Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the coordination and operation of the universities, and appoints a Chancellor to manage the system's day-to-day activities.

• What is the mission of the State University System of Florida?

  The mission is to provide high-quality education, research, and public service through a coordinated system of institutions, each with its own mission, collectively serving the needs of Florida's society.

• How does the State University System of Florida support student success?

  The system focuses on elevating student success by implementing strategies that improve graduation rates, enhance academic support, and provide affordable education options.

• What is the SUS 30 strategic plan?

  The SUS 30 is the State University System of Florida's strategic plan that outlines priorities such as elevating student success, fostering transformative innovation, and enhancing collaboration among institutions to guide the system through 2030.

Organization Name

State University System of Florida

Acronym

SUSF

Year of Establishment

1/01/1905

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

12

Address

325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1614
Tallahassee
32399-0400 Florida United States

Phone

+1 (850) 245 0418

Fax

List of universities in Florida recognized by the State University System of Florida (SUSF):

• University of Florida (UF)
• Florida State University (FSU)
• University of South Florida (USF)
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• Florida International University (FIU)
• Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
• University of North Florida (UNF)
• Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
• University of West Florida (UWF)
• New College of Florida
• Florida Polytechnic University

These institutions collectively serve over 430,000 students, making SUSF the second-largest state university system in the nation.

Official Social Media Channels

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State University System of Florida's Facebook page

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State University System of Florida's X page

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State University System of Florida's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

State University System of Florida's YouTube channel

Instagram

State University System of Florida's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

State University System of Florida's Wikipedia article

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