University of Florida Academic Diving Program in danger of being shut down

[mkutyna]

Due to budget cuts, the dean of the College of Health and Human Performance has proposed that the University of Florida Academic Diving Program be shut down. UFADP is one of the last major academic diving programs in the state after FSU's program was shut down recently. We provide a safe, knowledgeable and fun environment for students to learn about the underwater world. While the reason given is due to budget cuts, the reality is that UFADP is entirely self sufficient due to class fees that are paid directly by the students. In fact, UFADP generates positive net income for the University of Florida.

If you are interested in helping us keep the program alive, please join the "Save UFADP" Facebook group where we are consolidating our efforts.

The group is at Login | Facebook

We are currently working on writing up a petition to send to the dean of HHP as well as to the provost of UF.

Thank you,
Michael Kutyna
UFADP Instructor

 

[DebbyDiver]

That sucks!

The group is at Login | Facebook

Done.

 

[The Chairman]

This is terrible! I am not happy with my beloved UF.

 

[Oceanus]

WHY NOT?
As an Alumni & diver this obviously pulls at some heartstrings, but there is no significant answer to the "why not?" question. WHY should the program continue? What is the benefit to Florida (State, economy, culture...) that is not being delivered (better) by the 'private businesses'?

Profitable!?
I was told be a recent student that the equipment is rather old and in worse condition than your average rental fleet. Now I learn the program is entirely funded by students and returns a profit to the department? I'm a little disappointed by that combination of facts, especially considering how much the students pay for the class. The students might be better served by a shop or independent instructor anyway.

Times are tough, so what you gonna do...
1) Have a solid, quantifiable answer regarding the Return on Investment
2) Focus on the customer (Florida community & Students)
3) Consider a business partnership (or two, or three...) to reduce expenses

Good luck

 

[mkutyna]

Why should it continue? I know of no private business that delivers anywhere near the level of training and education in a single basic open water class. Sure, there are a select few private instructors that do but they are extremely rare. We aren't here to hand out certifications, we're here to educate students.

As for a benefit to the Florida economy and culture, students are required to buy certain pieces of equipment for the class. That equipment is usually purchased at local businesses. Additionally our checkout dives are all performed at locations within Florida. Bringing 60+ students to the Keys every semester can't be bad their economy. When I talk to these students, many of them tell me that they wouldn't have taken a Scuba class unless it was offered for school credits.

Unfortunately, the way budgets at UF work, we have to charge the students an additional fee that covers just about all of our expenses. The credit hour fees that students pay do not directly go to UFADP. Some of it goes to UF as a whole. Some of it goes to the College. A very small portion of it is actually disbursed to UFADP.

Yes, the majority of our pool gear (we have a newer set of gear used for OW checkout dives) is old and doesn't function perfectly. What do you expect when the gear is in the pool for 2+ hours, 5-6 times a week for most of the year? There's other reasons why we haven't been able to afford to replace older gear but I'm not really in a position to make any public comments about that.

I hope I have at least alleviated some of your concerns. I'm not looking to completely change your outlook but please keep in mind that the types of classes that we teach go well above and beyond your typical OW class at a private business.

mdk

 

[Shcubasteve]

...As for a benefit to the Florida economy and culture, students are required to buy certain pieces of equipment for the class. That equipment is usually purchased at local businesses. Additionally our checkout dives are all performed at locations within Florida. Bringing 60+ students to the Keys every semester can't be bad their economy. When I talk to these students, many of them tell me that they wouldn't have taken a Scuba class unless it was offered for school credits...

...mdk

Well said. I have personally sold gear to student's of UF's program.