Students who may not attend the engineering school might not see the reality of what it truly means to participate in the merger school. To give some context, the two universities merged because of a recommendation from the Senate for financial reasons and concerns. This recommendation caused a lack of trust between Florida A&M and the State in their ability to uphold the identity, purpose, and history of an HBCU.

Additionally, funding went to creating a law school at Florida State University a few years after the closing of FAMU’s law school and, further creating tension between these Florida schools.

There have been contrasting perspectives on the joint school. Whether the merger school would cause a potential threat of sharing all degree programs or if the combined school will be successful with the resources and funding–these challenges continue today. The question is, what does that mean to FAMU students?

For some, this threat still hangs in the back of their minds. The reality of difficulties with transportation and inclusion, rather than the supposed threat of FAMU losing access to an engineering degree, prevents most students from participating in events at FSU inside the College of Engineering.

Raziya Cleveland, a civil engineering student, wants to have an impact on her community, and the curriculum map is mostly math and science, which have been her top subjects.

“As a first year, I do not have the transportation to attend FSU events as I please even though I’m classified as an FSU student as well,” Cleveland said. “The lack of diversity and inclusivity, you do not see people that look like me in the FSU area, and it is unsettling.”

While the potential threat of Florida State University taking over the engineering school is not a prominent thought within the student body, Cleveland believes she would have to leave FAMU.

“If that were to happen, I would have no choice but to transfer, and that devastates me because I love attending Florida A&M,” Cleveland said.

On the other hand, successful resources and opportunities are provided to students studying engineering and participating in the joint school. There are world-class research centers and various undergraduate programs that also promote a diverse learning environment. The College of Engineering prides itself on diversity and inclusion while offering opportunities beyond career-building resumes and networking.

“As FAMU students we have access to the college of engineering and FSU’s library,” Neain said.

Tyler Neain, a second-year computer engineering student who is trying to learn more about technology software by participating in the joint school, sheds a positive light on the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Demonstrates the level of cooperation between FAMU and FSU in this venture, contributing to the perspective that the joint school is thriving and has resources.