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As MBA programs decline nationally, UF bucks trend

As MBA programs decline nationally, University of Florida bucks trend

Applications for MBA programs throughout the country have dipped as a thriving economy lures undergrads straight into the workforce. According to a report from the Graduate Management Admission Council, the United States experienced a nearly 7% decline, including a 1.8% decline in domestic application volume and a 10.5% drop in international volume across all program types. At the University of Florida, though, applications for one-year and online MBA programs have only seen a slight decrease. UF Warrington Business School Dean John Kraft said schools are offering more flexible weekend MBAs and online MBA programs that allowed students to pursue their degrees without quitting their jobs. [Source: Gainesville Sun]

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» Quick study: Florida MBA professors talk about what it takes to run a successful business
» Florida MBA programs have worldwide appeal

Could Disney employees get free degrees at UCF?

When Walt Disney Co. announced full-time and part-time hourly workers could obtain a free education, one school was noticeably absent on the list of eligible schools that were participating. One of the largest schools in the country, the University of Central Florida’s main campus is only about 30 miles from Walt Disney World Resort. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Andrew Gillum wants to pay starting teachers $50,000. Could that ever happen in Florida?

The $50,000 mark, which Gillum has called Florida’s "right base salary," has long been an aspirational target here and in other states. It would also affect the rest of the salary scale, propelling the state’s average teacher pay from near the bottom of the barrel to the top of the heap. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Compare for yourself each candidate's policy statement on education: 
» Andrew Gillum's platform on education
» 
Ron DeSantis' platform on education

Storm forces postponement of school shooting hearing

The commission investigating the Florida high school massacre announced Monday that it is postponing this week’s scheduled meeting because of Hurricane Michael. Some members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission are law enforcement, education and state officials from the Florida Panhandle. [Source: Daily Commercial]

See also:
» Hurricane Michael: Colleges, universities in Florida Panhandle close ahead of storm

Bombardier plans links with schools to train its Miami workersd

Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier Business Aircraft’s new Learjet service facility at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport will bring not only $100 million in capital investment and 300 jobs but also an engagement with local high schools and colleges to train its future workforce. [Source: Miami Today]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› FAU tackles hunger on campus
All of Florida’s 11 other public universities have developed food pantry programs to help students find a meal when in need, and FAU is no different.

› Florida Technical College student overcomes adversity to fulfill lifelong dream
Belén Infante, aged 25, moved from Pennsylvania to Central Florida three years ago to raise her two sons closer to extended family and further her education. FTC Kissimmee Executive Director, Gabriel Garces, explained that Belén’s tenacity on the face of adversity was inspirational for everyone at Florida Technical College.

› Grappling with dual enrollment school changes in Sarasota-Manatee
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota president Carol Probstfeld told Sarasota and Manatee County school leaders that students would no longer be able to take dual enrollment classes at their schools next year, although they can continue to take dual enrollment courses at SCF’s campuses or online.

› State teacher bonus program another stressor for Volusia County school district
A lawsuit to get rid of the state’s teacher bonus program heads to mediation next month, naming the Volusia County school district as one of many defendants — which is ironic, because Volusia also wants to see the program end, so it could use the money to give raises for all its teachers.