The Oracle, which has published for more than 35 years, will begin a three-year process this fall to eventually end all funding from student fees. Each year the paper will receive less money, until it eventually receives no funding from the student government.

"We just feel that it's better to [go independent], simply because we do cover student government activities editorially, and we would just like to have that clean break there," said Melissa Azevedo, assistant director of student publications.

The newspaper will remain on campus in a university-owned and operated building, remaining affiliated with the university.

Azevedo said the university and the student government have been supportive of the newspaper's idea to reduce its reliance on student funding, as has the editorial staff.

"I think [the university and the student government] understand that if something ever did happen where we were in dire straits, I think both the university and the student government would step up for us," she said.

The Oracle has no big concerns over the changes, Azevedo said, and expects the shift in funding to be smooth.

The paper currently receives about $177,990 in student activity funds each year. The St. Petersburg Times reported that under the new agreement the newspaper will receive $159,000 in 2002, $106,000 in 2003, $53,000 in 2004 and no funding by 2005.