State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is committed to affordable education, academic excellence, free inquiry, accountability and meaningful outcomes for students and the public.

SCF’s mission centers on student success through high-quality, open-access education that expands opportunity and contributes to community prosperity. Our vision is to lead nationally in student success and pathways to graduation, helping communities and industries thrive. Our 2026–2031 Higher and Faster Strategic Plan advances this purpose through three priorities: Student Success, Academic Excellence and Institutional Effectiveness. Our values guide how we carry out these responsibilities.

Transparent Admissions and Student Opportunity

SCF’s identity as Everyone’s College reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their educational goals. We uphold open-access education within applicable admissions requirements and support clear, accessible information about enrollment, program prerequisites, costs and graduation requirements. Admission to limited-access programs is based on published academic and program-specific criteria. Fair treatment, objective standards and compliance with applicable nondiscrimination requirements are essential to maintaining public trust.

Free Expression, Open Inquiry and Civil Discourse

SCF believes that education should develop students’ ability to examine evidence, evaluate competing ideas and engage in respectful disagreement. We support freedom of expression, intellectual pluralism and open inquiry in an environment that protects the ability to teach and learn. These commitments include maintaining campus safety and addressing unlawful threats, harassment and disruptive conduct through established procedures. We support institutional neutrality on contentious political and social issues while preserving individual expression and allowing the College to address issues that bear materially and directly on its core mission.

Academic Vitality and Professional Excellence

Excellent teaching depends on qualified faculty, meaningful professional development and fair performance evaluation. SCF is committed to merit-based hiring and advancement grounded in professional qualifications, disciplinary expertise, teaching effectiveness and service to students. We support academic inquiry and merit-based employment practices grounded in objective professional criteria, free from unlawful discrimination and required ideological statements, while recognizing permitted oaths to uphold applicable law and the United States and Florida constitutions. Our strategic plan emphasizes faculty development, effective instruction across learning formats and coordinated academic pathways that help students make steady progress toward graduation.

Affordability, Completion and Responsible Stewardship

SCF’s Higher and Faster commitment focuses on increasing graduation rates and reducing time to degree. Clear academic plans, coordinated course scheduling, early academic intervention and connected support services help students complete their education efficiently. Timely completion can reduce educational costs and allow graduates to enter careers or continue their education sooner. SCF is committed to responsible stewardship of public funds, transparent information and continuous evaluation of institutional performance. Our strategic plan calls for stronger operational efficiency, resource alignment and accountability for results.

Academic Rigor and Responsible Artificial Intelligence

Student success requires demonstrated learning and credible credentials. SCF is committed to rigorous academic standards, meaningful assessment and grading that reflects student achievement. Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to improve instruction, workforce preparation and institutional effectiveness. Its use must preserve academic integrity and meaningful assessment of student learning, with clear expectations for students and employees. SCF’s strategic plan supports responsible adoption of emerging technologies to strengthen learning and operations.

Institutional Integrity and Public Trust

SCF supports safeguards that protect academic programs from improper foreign influence. We comply with applicable requirements for reporting foreign gifts and funding and overseeing agreements with foreign entities. These safeguards help preserve academic integrity and public trust.

Workforce Preparation, Civic Literacy and Community Prosperity

SCF contributes to Florida’s and the nation’s prosperity by preparing graduates for employment, further education and informed civic participation. Our academic and workforce pathways connect learning to opportunities in health care, education, business, technology and other fields important to our region. Employer and community partnerships, internships and experiential learning help students translate knowledge into practical skills. Civic literacy and reasoned discussion prepare students to understand constitutional principles and participate responsibly in their communities.

Our Institutional Commitment

SCF’s character is reflected in the students we serve, the standards we uphold and the communities we strengthen. We remain committed to expanding opportunity, sustaining academic excellence, protecting open inquiry and demonstrating the value of public higher education. Guided by our mission and Higher and Faster Strategic Plan, SCF will continue helping more students earn meaningful credentials, achieve prosperity and contribute to Florida’s future.