The USF Lakeland campus isn't even built yet. In fact, the state money needed to build it isn't yet a guarantee.
But USF trustees meeting next Thursday the 17th will review a document called "Paths to Mission Differentiation" that recommends the Lakeland and the Sarasota-Manatee campuses secure separate SACS accreditation, as the St. Petersburg campus did in June 2006.
The report notes that Florida law now mandates "fiscal autonomy and Campus Boards, together with separate regional accreditation for USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee. It is likely USF Lakeland will be added to this law in the 2008 legislative session."
The report recommends the Manatee and Lakeland campuses get accredited by 2012.
USF leaders say it's part of their continuing mission to develop as a large, comprehensive research institution while nonetheless meeting the unique needs of the communities served by the branch campuses.
Also Thursday, trustees will discuss a proposal to raise campus housing rates by up to 8 percent.
Get inside the world of Florida education with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Jeffrey S. Solochek and the rest of the Times education reporting team. We'll bring you up-to-date information about the latest education trends, fads and news and dig deep into Tampa Bay area school issues.
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