Rick Scott Still Charging Hard at Preparedness of University Grads

Rick Scott is showing he's no drive-by governor. When he questioned last week whether anthropology grads are prepared for the job market, it wasn't just something he posed to a Tallahassee luncheon crowd. He also sent a detailed list of questions to state university officials, asking for information on issues related to whether graduates are primed and ready to find a good job based on their education.

Scott sent the letter to presidents and trustees of the states 11 public universities. He listed seven sets of questions, including one that asks what studies universities have done to ensure graduates are meeting employers' needs. He said he wanted answers by Nov. 15, to help him develop his plan for higher education.

Many university graduates are unable to find jobs in their field of study and many employers are concerned that university graduates are not equipped with the appropriate writing skills, critical thinking skills, and technical expertise needed to succeed, Scott wrote.

What sent Higher Education World into a frenzy is that he posted the salaries of state university employees on his public records website.

What else does Scotts letter include? Questions on salaries, asking for the job description, total wages, number of courses taught, and measurable goals for the 50 highest paid university employees in the last three years. The governor also wants to know if universities have measurable goals in areas such as student success after graduation and the number of graduates who remain in Florida.
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