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Home » Board of Regents » Meeting Minutes » 2003

Meeting Minutes - April 2003

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Held At The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
April 15 and 16, 2003

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CALL TO ORDER

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16, 2003, in the Third Floor Reading Room of the Student Learning Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. The Chair of the Board, Regent Joe Frank Harris, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. Present on Tuesday, in addition to Chair Harris, were Vice Chair James D. Yancey and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Allene H. Magill, Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Wanda Yancey Rodwell, J. Timothy Shelnut, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr.

On behalf of the Board of Regents, Chair Harris thanked President Michael F. Adams for inviting the Regents to meet on the campus of the University of Georgia in the new Student Learning Center. He said that it is important for the Regents to meet at the institutions to meet people on the campuses around the State of Georgia and that they were particularly pleased to visit Athens and the flagship institution of the University System of Georgia.

Chair Harris welcomed new Regent Julie Hunt, who had been sworn in by Governor Perdue on April 7, 2003, to serve out the term of her late husband, George M. D. (John) Hunt III.

Chair Harris also thanked Regent Leebern for his hospitality to the Regents and University System Office staff on the previous evening.

ATTENDANCE REPORT

The attendance report was read on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Regent Michael J. Coles had asked for and been given permission to be absent on that day.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion properly made and duly seconded, the minutes of the Board of Regents meeting held on March 11 and 12, 2003, were unanimously approved as distributed.

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION ON THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Chair Harris called upon President Michael F. Adams to make a special presentation to the Board.

President Adams welcomed the Regents on behalf of the students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni of the University of Georgia ("UGA"). He expressed that he hoped their stay on campus would be a pleasant one. He stated that UGA, America's first publicly chartered university, is increasingly recognized as one of the best public research universities in the country.

President Adams stated that the greatest improvement at UGA over the last several years was in its students. The average SAT scores of incoming freshmen has risen 47 points over the past ten years to 1215 this year. UGA has also attracted and retained some of America's best faculty, including Dr. Susan Wessler, Research Professor of Genetics and Botany; Dr. Steven L. Stice, Associate Professor and Senior Research Scientist, Department of Animal and Dairy Science; Dr. Judith Ortiz Cofer, Franklin Professor of English and Creative Writing; Reginald McKnight, Hamilton Holmes Professor of Creative Writing; Dr. Edward J. Larson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, Herman E. Talmadge Chair of Law, and Richard B. Russell Professor of American History; Dr. Robin Shelton, Assistant Professor of Physics; Dr. Michael Dirr, Professor of Horticulture; Dr. Greg Robinson, Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry; and Dr. Bi-cheng ("B. C.") Wang, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. President Adams said that he could go on and on, but he wanted to introduce some of UGA's very best students, students who came to UGA with the kind of credentials he cited earlier and who have excelled. These students stand in a long line of leaders educated at UGA, and like those who came before them, they will leave this place and go on to become positive forces in the world. He then recognized the following students and asked those in attendance to stand:

• Ginny Barton - Truman Scholar (Public Service and Government)
• Amanda Casto - Goldwater Scholar (Science and Mathematics)
• Laura Downs - Goldwater Scholar (Science and Mathematics)
• Adam Cureton - Rhodes Scholar
• Josh Woodruff - Marshall Scholar

President Adams stated that combined with the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships awarded to UGA students in December, the university is in the rare position of having four major national scholarships awarded to UGA students in the same year. Only three other institutions in the nation - Harvard, Yale, and Brown Universities - share that honor. Also in attendance at this meeting were some of the students who have committed themselves to serving this university and the community, students who recognize that the privilege of a UGA education requires service in return. President Adams recognized the following students and asked them to stand:

• Marty Shaw - President of the Panhellenic Council
• Corey Dortch - President of the Arch Society
• George Felis - President of the Graduate Student Association
• Stephan Singleton - President of Vet School student body
• Kim Sarabia - Dedicated to assisting in UGA's diversity

President Adams next introduced the President of the Student Government Association ("SGA"), Latham Greene Saddler III. Mr. Saddler is a rising junior from Charlotte, North Carolina, who plans to major in Accounting. He has been active in SGA since he arrived on campus, serving as Freshman Board President, on the SGA Executive Board, and as Student Life Committee Chairman. He is a member of the Dean's Cabinet on Diversity in the Terry College of Business and the Tate Honor Society. President Adams invited Mr. Saddler to offer a welcome on behalf of the student body.

Mr. Saddler greeted the Regents and welcomed them to UGA. He thanked the Regents for supporting the university in its pursuit of higher education, for giving UGA the opportunity to be recognized as one of the top public schools in the nation, and for making UGA a place many students in Georgia and across the nation want to attend. In closing, he thanked the Regents for coming to Athens.

President Adams remarked that he was particularly pleased that the Board of Regents was meeting in the Student Learning Center. This is the highest-profile academic facility project ever undertaken at UGA, and he was grateful to the Regents for their support. In the seven fiscal years that President Adams has been at UGA, the institution has built over $300 million worth of construction. About one-half of that has come from sources other than state allocations. The Student Learning Center was funded with approximately 98% state funding, and it would not be here without the support of the Board of Regents. President Adams said that he was aware of no other facility like this one on any other American campus, no other building which houses both classroom space and library space in such close proximity. The Student Learning Center represents the very best of UGA and is perfectly in keeping with UGA's facilities master plan. It is located at the very heart of the campus, near the intersection of Baxter and Lumpkin Streets, close to the junction of North Campus and South Campus. The classic style of this building blends with the stateliness of North Campus, the oldest section of campus and widely recognized as one of America's most beautiful academic spaces. And on the inside is a technological space that represents the future of this university. Within the walls lie two dozen classrooms capable of seating 2,400 students and equipped with the very best technology of teaching, from computer connections to projection equipment to laptop connections. Equally important is the fact that the building serves as an expansion of UGA's library services, with a completely electronic library, 96 study rooms, the Reading Room, 500 computer workstations, and 2,000 computer connections. Each of the study carrels just outside the Reading Room and throughout the building are fully wired, and the facility has a wireless environment throughout. A student with a wireless-ready laptop can walk into this building and tap into the network immediately. The building is designed for access to many areas around the clock, accommodating students as they have asked to be accommodated. It is a modern building designed for today's students with a classic appearance that respects UGA's history and tradition. From the fourth floor of this building, there is a breathtaking view of the campus. From that viewpoint, one can see several of UGA's ongoing or recently completed projects.

Just to the east is the expansion of Sanford Stadium, approximately 5,000 seats atop the north side of the stadium. This is part of a plan to create a plaza feel to the stadium, which began last year with the dramatic improvements to the Gate 6 entrance area. To the west is Baxter Street, home to UGA's largest residence halls. In cooperation with Athens-Clarke County, UGA made a number of changes designed to improve pedestrian safety and aesthetics along that street. Sidewalks were widened, fencing was constructed, and granite block walls were constructed, including the entranceway at the top of the hill announcing the border of UGA. To the north, UGA undertook, again in cooperation with Athens-Clarke County, a similar improvement to the Baldwin Street area. UGA put in landscaping and fencing and moved sidewalks away from the street. The motivation for both of these street projects was pedestrian safety. Baxter Street is home to the majority of UGA's on-campus resident students, and Baldwin Streets serves as the border between North Campus and South Campus and is a busy, busy place during class changes, and UGA anticipates an influx of 5,000 students in this area at peak times once the Student Learning Center opens.

President Adams reported that just beyond Baldwin Street, UGA is engaged in a process of renovating many of its most historic buildings, those on the northernmost quad near downtown Athens. Meigs Hall now houses the Institute for Higher Education. Candler Hall will soon be home to the School of International and Public Affairs. Moore College, a gift of the people of Athens to the university in 1876, is the new home of the Honors Program. These historic structures are treasures and UGA has a responsibility to maintain them and keep them functioning. Old College, the first building constructed on the campus, and Phi Kappa Hall are next on the renovation schedule. Just up Lumpkin Street, one of the most popular residence halls, Myers Hall, is undergoing a renovation that is true to its historic nature while offering students enhanced amenities, similar to the well-received work UGA did on Reed Hall a few years ago. Myers Hall is such a popular place to live that some students object to including air conditioning as part of the renovation for fear that the community feeling of the place will be damaged. Just beyond the Myers Hall renovation, also on Lumpkin Street, is the new J.W. Fanning Building, a memorial to UGA's first vice president for public service and home to many leadership and outreach programs. Near Stegeman Coliseum, the Rankin M. Smith Sr. Student-Athlete Academic Center, named for the late owner of the Atlanta Falcons and made possible by a gift from the Smith family, contains computer labs, a multimedia classroom, 20 tutoring rooms, a writing center, a counselor's office and a 250-seat assembly area, all of which are intended to help student athletes with the challenges they face. The new indoor tennis center is approaching completion, and nearby, D.W. Brooks Drive, home to a range of UGA's scientific and agricultural buildings from Conner Hall to Veterinary Medicine, is undergoing a transition from roadway to pedestrian mall. Phase 1 is almost complete, and when this project is finished, South Campus will have an area to rival the look and feel of the North Campus quad.

There is much underway at UGA as it strives to meet facilities needs, stated President Adams. He noted that there are many ways in which public-private partnerships are working to meet those needs. The UGA Real Estate Foundation, Inc. (the "Real Estate Foundation") allows the university to address critical needs that are outside the parameters of state funding and is especially important as Georgia continues to struggle with budgetary issues. Across the parking lot from the tennis center, preliminary work has begun for the Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences (the "Coverdell Center"). This memorial to Georgia's late senator is being funded jointly by the State of Georgia, the federal government, and private funding. The Carlton Street Parking Deck was constructed last summer to accommodate the increased traffic and reduced surface parking that will result from the construction of the Coverdell Center and the new tennis center. This parking deck, which was recently recognized with an industry award, is representative of the future of parking at UGA: decks in key areas and less surface parking in the campus interior.

In the East Campus area, near the Ramsey Center for Student Physical Activities, UGA is in the process of constructing the first residence halls here since the late 1960s, said President Adams. The East Campus Village will consist of 1,200 beds in an apartment-style layout and a new dining hall. UGA has recently approved a policy requiring that freshmen live on campus beginning in fall 2004, when these residence halls will be complete. All the evidence here and nationally indicates that students who live on campus perform better academically and are more likely to take advantage of the full range of opportunities available to them, from art galleries to concerts to lectures.

President Adams noted that in the very southernmost edge of campus are two research facilities. The first is the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center ("CCRC"), which is under construction under the auspices of the Real Estate Foundation. The CCRC is one of our most successful research enterprises, and this new facility is already paying off, attracting two top-flight scholars, one from Johns Hopkins and one from corporate work in Silicone Valley, to UGA. We anticipate making three more faculty hires and generating 100 new jobs with this facility. Nearby is the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies ("CAGT"), which opened just last year. The CAGT includes the Georgia BioBusiness Center, an in-house facility that helps UGA research make it to the marketplace. This is a dynamic place. Across this campus, from the most historic buildings on North Campus to the high-tech space we're in now to the very best of on-campus living, UGA seeks excellence in meeting the needs of students and faculty.

This effort does not stop at the edge of campus, said President Adams. In Tifton, UGA is expanding the Regional Development Center. In Gwinnett County, UGA is offering undergraduate courses and degrees at the Gwinnett University Center. The Marine Institute at Sapelo Island has recently received federal funding for a new facility and is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year. There are now UGA facilities in Oxford, England; Cortona, Italy; and Costa Rica, and UGA is looking for more opportunities, especially in Asia. There is no more critical opportunity for students than the opportunity to experience another culture, given the global economy they will enter when they leave campus.

President Adams stated that all of UGA's needs have not yet been met. Partnering with the Board of Regents, the General Assembly, and the many individuals whose support for this institution provides the margin of excellence, UGA is working toward an expansion of the School of Pharmacy building, a new home for the Lamar Dodd School of Art (the "Dodd School"), and a magnificent facility to house UGA's Special Collections Library. Healthcare is one of the most rapidly growing fields in this country, and the need for healthcare providers is outpacing the supply. An expanded School of Pharmacy will help UGA to meet this state's critical need for more pharmacists throughout the state. The existing visual arts building was completed in 1963 to accommodate 400 art majors; today, the Dodd School claims almost three times that many majors, who attend classes in eight different buildings scattered across campus. A new facility for the Dodd School, located in the East Campus arts complex, will allow UGA to serve its students and faculty as they deserve to be served. As the repository for many of Georgia's most precious historical documents, political papers, rare manuscripts, maps, and other valuable items, UGA must have a new Special Collections Library so that it may preserve these treasures. These facilities, combined with others, will allow UGA to meet the needs of students, faculty, and the State of Georgia. He noted that the Regents had charged him with maximizing Georgia participation in the student body. This year's freshman class was 86% Georgian. This state is producing young people who can compete with young people from any state or nation. Part of the mission of the flagship institution is to keep those very best young people at home in the State of Georgia. It is very important that UGA build the quality that will keep the brightest young people in this state to perpetuate Georgia's economy and to serve the citizens of Georgia into the future.

President Adams said that the partnerships he had described, the facilities already completed, the international component of today's curriculum, are build upon the foundation of service. UGA is here to serve the state through teaching, research, and public service. He said that he also wanted the Regents to hear from a few of the hundreds of people at UGA who make these things happen. Margaret Wagner-Dahl leads one of the most exciting areas at UGA. As Director of Research Development and Technology Alliances, she is responsible for the efforts to commercialize the research at UGA. A finalist for the 2002 Woman of the Year in Technology Award in Georgia, she works with researchers in the Georgia Biobusiness Center, the Synergy Center, and other areas to identify and develop marketable products or processes. He then called upon Dr. Wagner-Dahl to speak.

Ms. Wagner-Dahl greeted the Regents and said that she appreciated the opportunity to share with them the extent to which UGA's research enterprise is engaged in economic development. The Bayh-Dole Act made a considerable impact on commercializing university basic research. The university ranks approximately eighth in the country for royalty revenue generation. She reminded the Regents that royalties mean there is a product being sold that has a direct tie to UGA research. UGA is producing tangible outcomes in this arena. Last year, her program conducted a study looking at the start-up companies derived from UGA's research and scholarly mission. Relatively little organized data exist about the relationships between individual universities' research and scholarship, new company formation, and regional economic development. She conducted this study to identify and catalogue companies that have been formed as a result of the research, creativity, and entrepreneurship of UGA faculty, staff, and trainees. This goes a long way to providing a clear understanding of UGA's role in the regional and state economy.

Ms. Wagner-Dahl noted that UGA had a direct role in the creation of 75 companies since 1980; 77% of these companies are headquartered in Georgia, and 76% of these companies are still active. Of the 75 companies, 57 were formed to commercialize patentable or copyrightable intellectual property developed within UGA. The remaining 18 companies were started to capitalize on the expertise of a faculty founder. These UGA related start-up companies have raised over $672 million in equity financing and have created over 440 jobs. UGA is very proud of this.

UGA has created a proactive structure and process to manage the pragmatic outcomes of UGA research, stated Ms. Wagner-Dahl. Through a high degree of integration between its technology transfer and its business incubation programs, which are part of the research enterprise, UGA has been able to greatly enhance the sophistication of its commercialization efforts. Like other top research universities in the country, UGA has its own big hits. Our "restasis" product for dry eye syndrome has recently received Food and Drug Administration approval and will be on the market shortly. UGA has two other new compounds in clinical trials as well as a formidable track record in plant and seed cultivar commercialization. UGA also has established business incubator programs tied at the hip to strong interdisciplinary research initiatives. For example, the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies contributes to companies at the Georgia BioBusiness Center. Likewise, the academic programs of the New Media Institute are linked to the companies of the Athens New Media Synergy Center. These two incubators combined currently house 14 life science and new media companies that have generated over 75 jobs and considerable investment. UGA has strong expectations these programs will continue to produce active outcomes from excellent basic research and inspire continued expansion of this type of contribution to the State's economy.

Ms. Wagner-Dahl stated that UGA's close ties to Atlanta accelerate this activity. Through UGA's participation in the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Biotech Task Force, the Georgia Research Alliance, and other initiatives, the Athens-Atlanta corridor has become a very real prospect for bioscience economic development. UGA intends to continue to provide the kind of research and commercialization activity necessary to ensure that Georgia continues to climb in the national rankings as a place for this kind of business. She thanked the Regents and stepped down.

President Adams said that he does not take credit for having done much at UGA himself, but one thing he does take some credit for is the quality of people UGA has been able to attract. Recently, UGA hired Provost Arnett C. Mace, Jr. President Adams had intended to have the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Hank Huckaby, give the Board a brief administrative and financial update, but Mr. Huckaby was called to a meeting in Atlanta on the state budget. Instead, President Adams called upon Dr. Mace to speak.

On behalf of the administration of UGA, Dr. Mace thanked the Regents for the opportunity to highlight a couple of the things UGA is doing to improve its business and administrative processes as well as some of the joint-Athens-Clarke County/UGA initiatives that benefit both UGA and the interests of the local community. UGA has always looked for ways to utilize technology to improve its business processes and it would be impossible to summarize all of the improvements it has made in that regard over the past several years. However, Dr. Mace highlighted one particular initiative that he is particularly pleased with that has transformed a very labor-intensive bill paying process into a very streamlined and efficient technology-based process. In processing over 400,000 invoices a year, the old manual process required that some 3 million pieces of paper be walked from desk to desk within the accounts payable department or mailed throughout the campus and to the units located throughout the state. Because of this tremendous flow of paper, many documents were lost and the overall bill paying process was very cumbersome and inefficient, generally requiring 30 days or more to pay vendors. This inefficiency required employees to spend a great deal of time answering telephone calls from angry vendors and/or departmental personnel. Staff morale was low, and in a one-year period, 71% of the employees resigned, leaving the remaining staff overworked and in a constant training mode. After visiting another institution to evaluate a document imaging process that it was utilizing, UGA's accounts payable and information technology personnel began working with a software provider to design a system with advanced capabilities to meet the needs of UGA. The system UGA has implemented provides instant document retrieval and transmittal capabilities that speeds the former invoice approval process from between three to seven days to less than four hours. In addition to drastically improving UGA's relations with its vendors, this system has also raised employee morale to new heights. A similar document imaging system is in place in the university's Human Resources Division, and UGA is evaluating other potential applications of this technology to further enhance its service to the university community while managing state funds more efficiently.

Dr. Mace said that UGA takes its responsibility to work with the community very seriously and recognizes that this is mutually beneficial. The list of joint initiatives is a very long one, but he wanted to highlight a few for the Regents. First, UGA leases to the county two acres of land for a new fire station on a long-term, $1 per year lease. Today, this fire station provides improved fire protection to the Barnett Shoals, Gaines School, and College Station Road corridors of Athens, as well as improved protection for UGA's growing South and East Campus precincts. Another example is the cooperation that exists when UGA hosts large campus events, especially football games that bring tens of thousands of guests into town who generate millions of dollars in sales for the local economy. The magnitude of these events requires extensive coordination and planning. A task force comprised of officials from UGA, Athens-Clarke County, and other community interests and governmental agencies are intimately involved in planning these events and ensuring that issues of public safety, as well as the quality of the guests' overall experience, are fully addressed.

Dr. Mace next discussed UGA's coordination with Athens-Clark County to substantially improve storm water management on Lumpkin Street in a very creative and innovative way. The joint project that will begin this summer will install an upgraded traditional storm water system for the Lumpkin Street corridor, with one major difference: the first one and a half inches of storm water will be shunted off into "rain gardens" that will be constructed on UGA property along Lumpkin Street by Athens-Clarke County and maintained by the university. This cooperative effort not only will yield cleaner creeks, steams, and rivers, but also will be a learning laboratory for students in areas such as Environmental Design, Ecology, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture. Dr. Mace said that UGA has another joint initiative that involves University System Office staff, UGA's Environmental Safety Division, and the local government in the formation of a Hazard Assessment Response Team. Through a mutual aid agreement, UGA has developed a team that shares both specialized equipment and the specially trained personnel that are required to respond to chemical, biological, and radiation hazards 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the UGA campus and anywhere within Athens-Clarke County. This UGA/Athens Clarke County model has been utilized by a number of other University System institutions in developing similar mutual aid agreements with state agencies and the communities in which they operate.

Next, Dr. Mace discussed the UGA transit system. He noted that UGA has the most successful university transit system in the United States, carrying over 9.3 million passengers last year. In addition, UGA provides financial support to the Athens Transit system that helps them to provide the community with a more comprehensive transit system and in return our faculty, staff, and students can ride the Athens Bus fare-free. When UGA implemented its new parking plan last fall that limited parking flexibility, the university encouraged its faculty, staff, and students to utilize alternative transportation and hoped that they would take greater advantage of the Athens Transit system. Athens Transit took the initiative to establish Park'n'Ride Lots throughout the community and also extended their routes and service times. Resulting from this cooperation has been an extraordinary growth in the number of UGA people who are choosing to ride the Athens Bus to campus - estimated from less than 400,000 during 2002 to 750,000 this year. Thus, UGA will provide the Athens Transit system with an additional $200,000 in support for fiscal year 2003. These are just a few highlights of some things UGA is doing to function more efficiently and to contribute to the overall health of the Athens community. Dr. Mace thanked the Regents and stepped down.

President Adams said that he wanted to end this presentation with a focus on students. Dr. Rodney Bennett has been Dean of Students at UGA for almost three years, and in October 2002, President Adams tapped him to serve as Interim Associate Provost for Institutional Diversity until the search to fill that position is complete. President Adams noted that when he arrived at UGA six years ago, there were no African-American deans or vice presidents at UGA. Today, there are African-Americans participating at every level. Dr. Bennett is not Dean of Students because of his racial background, said President Adams. Rather, he is Dean of Students because he was the best candidate in the pool. He has had a tremendous impact on UGA's students. Today, he would focus his remarks on student programs and activities, a key component of the education of the total student.

Dr. Bennett thanked President Adams and the Board of Regents for this opportunity to share the ways in which the Division of Student Affairs enhances the academic mission of UGA. He asked whether the Regents had ever wondered what students do during the 153 hours per week they are not in the traditional classroom receiving academic instruction. He noted that students in general can be very different after classes end and after 5:00 p.m. However, with all their different dimensions, UGA is able to retain 92% of its students, which speaks volumes about UGA's academic experience, but also says something about UGA's student life experience.

Included in the university's strategic plan are three strategic directions, explained Dr. Bennett. The strategic directions are as follows: 1) building the new learning environment, 2) research investment, and 3) competing in a global economy. The Division of Student Affairs is working to support and enhance these directions by engaging students in these strategic directions. It is building new learning environments. Based on data from the last two years, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants supported by the Division of Student Affairs have generated (on an average annual basis and on a volunteer basis) approximately 61 credit hours of formal classroom instruction and have taught more than 630 students in the classroom. UGA has added more classroom space, state-of-the-art computer labs, and academic advising in the residence halls. UGA is building new residence halls so that more UGA students can benefit from the residential experience. The Division of Student Affairs has collaborated with the Division of Academic Affairs to create "language halls" where students speak either French or Spanish, depending on where they live in the residence hall. Student Affairs has also partnered with Academic Affairs to support the "residential college" concept. Student Affairs continues to work with Greek organizations because data show that grade point averages of Greek students are higher than grade point averages of non-Greek students. The 2003 edition of Kaplan's The Unofficial, (Un)biased Insider's Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges rated UGA's career services and academic facilities among the best in the nation. Finally, the Career Services Center partnered with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Warnell School of Forest Resources, and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences to create the South Campus Career Expo. The expo was designed to highlight careers and internships in science related industries.

The Division of Student Affairs is supporting the research investment by exploring ways to provide alternatives for students to the alcohol culture sometimes associated with college. Innovative programs like Dawgs After Dark, UGA's late night, Friday night programming involving bands, movies, games, food, and even waxed hands gives students an alternative to drinking. UGA has improved its intramural fields by adding lights so that students have more access after hours, which improves their campus life experience and overall satisfaction with UGA. In the area of healthcare, UGA continues to be on the cutting edge of best practices for students with disabilities. Recently, a nationally recognized consultant in the area of disability services wrote that if he were a student with a disability, he would want to be a student at UGA. The University Health Center is accredited by the joint commission, which means UGA students are receiving top quality healthcare, which limits the amount of time health-related concerns interrupt a students participation in academic instruction.

Sports Illustrated magazine ranks the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities one of the best in the country. That means UGA students are able to maintain healthier lifestyles while research focused on wellness and physical education is conducted in a state-of-the-art facility.

Dr. Mace said that when it comes to helping students compete in a global economy, as the state's flagship institution, UGA has the responsibility of preparing many of the state's and even the nation's future leaders. To that end, UGA is exposing students to the global concept of leadership and preparing them to be successful in that context. UGA has developed the Student Leadership Center, which has the responsibility for coordinating all of its leadership initiatives. UGA has enjoyed tremendous leadership success with programs like Leadership UGA, The Top Dawg Leadership Series, LeaderShape, and its signature summer leadership development program, Dawg Camp. Dawg Camp currently works with more than 400 students from the incoming first-year class. The goal is to grow the program to half of the first-year class in the next several years and eventually the entire first-year class.

Greek organizations continue to value the importance of being successful in both a domestic and global economy, stated Dr. Mace. This year, Greek students raised more than $187,000 for Relay for Life and more than $174,000 for Children's Miracle Network of Atlanta through Dance Marathon. During new student orientation and Dawg Camp, UGA encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities, and it provides weekly opportunities for U.S. students to interact with international students during the International Student Life Coffee Hour. UGA assigns professional staff members to advise student groups like the Hispanic Student Association, the Indian Cultural Exchange, and the Black Affairs Council, just to name a few. Finally, UGA's Career Services Center worked collaboratively with the United Way of North East Georgia, UGA's Institute for Non-Profits, and its School of Social Work to create a Non-Profit Career Expo. The expo brought together more than 100 agencies and 1,000 UGA students.

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to help develop students through educational programs and services that stimulate the learning process and promote an environment conducive to growth and discovery. The division complements the institution's academic mission through its commitment to the total development of students. Dr. Mace said that he is proud of the many ways the division enhances the learning environment and learning experience and he looks forward to many years of continued partnerships with every aspect of the campus community.

President Adams stated that he wanted to introduce four people who made the Student Learning Center possible. The University Librarian and Director of Libraries, Dr. William Gray Potter, envisioned this center. He was aided in this by Danny Smith, Head of the Office of Architectural Services. On Mr. Smith's staff, Mr. Paul Castley was the person who supervised the construction of the building. President Adams also introduced the Director of Facilities, Ralph Johnson. He asked them to stand and be recognized. Next, President Adams introduced the Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Stephen M. Shewmaker, and the Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff, Tom S. Landrum.

He expressed his appreciation for the work they perform as liaisons to the Board of Regents, and he asked them also to stand and be recognized. As a major university, UGA is accustomed to hosting distinguished guests. In recent years, the university has been honored by the presence of Mikhail Gorbachev, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Edward Wilson, Steve Forbes, Senator Phil Gramm, Governors Roy Barnes and Sonny Perdue, Warren Buffett, Rita Dove, and many others. President Adams remarked that he was glad to add the Regents to that list of distinguished guests who have visited UGA, and he wished them a productive and pleasant stay.

Chair Harris thanked President Adams for this presentation and his positive leadership for UGA.

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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS, "COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE"

Chair Harris next convened the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole and turned the Chairmanship of the meeting over to Regent Shelnut, the Chair of the Committee.

Chair Shelnut stated that this has been an unusual year. Normally, April is the month the Board takes action upon budget allocation and tuition and fee recommendations for the next fiscal year. However, this year, the challenges facing the state with regard to next year's budget have been substantial and caused the process to be delayed. The General Assembly did, however, on March 24, 2003, approve the fiscal year 2003 amended budget, which is awaiting the Governor's signature. Chair Shelnut stated that the Board was grateful that the budget action taken by the General Assembly did not result in further reductions for the University System beyond those that were known before the session started. Approval of the allocation changes required by the fiscal year 2003 amended budget at this meeting enable University System institutions to be prepared to implement their budget amendments when Governor Perdue signs the budget bill. At this meeting, the Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, William R. Bowes, would present an overview of the fiscal year 2003 amended budget for the University System of Georgia.

Mr. Bowes explained that on March 24, 2003, the General Assembly approved the fiscal year 2003 amended budget for the State of Georgia. As of the date of this meeting, that budget was awaiting Governor Perdue's signature. At this meeting, Mr. Bowes would present recommendations for the allocation of the fiscal year 2003 amended budget to University System institutions. The recommendations for each institution were included in the agenda of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations. Mr. Bowes reminded the Regents that there were two budget reductions that went into effect prior to the start of the fiscal year 2003. In November 2001, then Governor Barnes announced a 5% reduction to the fiscal year 2003 budget. In February 2002, there was a further reduction of 0.86%. Those two reductions became part of the original fiscal year 2003 budget. Since that time, there have been three additional budget holdbacks. In May 2002, there was a 1%, or $8.9 million, budget holdback that exempted instruction. In August 2002, there was a 2%, or $18 million, holdback that also exempted instruction. Finally, in November 2002, there was another 2% reduction; this time it included instruction and totaled over $34 million. So, these reductions are included in this amended budget. In total, the overall budget cut was just under $184 million, or 10.6%. However, during fiscal year 2003, there were increases to the budget related to the formula. Most of the increases related to the salary increase as well as to increases in fringe benefit expenses.

Mr. Bowes said that the fiscal year 2003 budget base is just under $1.5 billion. This budget reflects the 5.86% budget reductions taken in fiscal year 2002, which are now part of the base. Subsequent to that action, the Governor proposed additional budget holdbacks totaling 5% with instruction costs excluded. These have now been incorporated into our budget base as well. The reductions affected not only institutional budgets but budgets for our special funding initiatives. The University System of Georgia was fortunate to have had two additions as well. One was in the amount of $3.75 million for a health insurance premium increase, which represents about half the amount we requested. This means the other half will need to be absorbed in current institutional budgets in proportion to the particular institution's actual premium cost. The System also received a small amount, $100,000, to cover costs associated with the maintenance of the Tift College property, which the Board of Regents inherited last year. The net effect of these changes is an additional $46.6 million dollar reduction, bringing the total fiscal year 2003 amended formula budget to approximately $1.4 billion.

The "B" budget includes funding for the Georgia Public Library Services, the University System Office, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and similar line item funded activities of the University System, explained Mr. Bowes. The amended fiscal year 2003 "B" budget includes a net reduction of about $12.1 million, or 5.1%. The reductions add the previously mentioned holdbacks, plus transfer funds that had been managed by the University System for the State Data Research Center. These funds are now shifted to the Department of Education. After a minor legislative adjustment of $75,000, the total amended fiscal year 2003 "B" budget now totals approximately $221 million.

Mr. Bowes stated that the University System had asked for continued lottery funding in the amount of just under $24 million in fiscal year 2004 to continue very important technology initiatives. That amount was reduced to $21.5 million and is included in the fiscal year 2003 amended budget. The largest reductions come in the Equipment, Technology, and Construction Trust ("ETACT") funds and the Connecting Teachers & Technology and Connecting Students & Services programs. These reductions will affect some important programs carried out centrally and by the institutions.

With regard to the capital budget, Mr. Bowes reported that the total approved amount is $124.5 million, including funding for the Biocontainment Research Center and the Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences building at the University of Georgia. He noted that a number of minor capital projects have been added by the legislature that were not part of the Governor's recommendations, including projects at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, the Medical College of Georgia, East Georgia College, Atlanta Metropolitan College, and Georgia Southwestern State University. All of the approved projects are contained on the minor capital list the Board of Regents approved last September. Additional funding was provided for the Georgia Research Alliance and Georgia Public Television for its digital conversion project. In closing, Mr. Bowes asked the Regents whether they had any questions.

Chair Shelnut thanked Mr. Bowes for this presentation and asked for a motion to approve the allocation of funds in the amended budget for fiscal year 2003 among the institutions and operating units of the University System of Georgia. Motion made, seconded, and unanimously approved, the Board approved the amended fiscal year 2003 budget. He then adjourned the meeting of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole.

Chair Harris thanked Regent Shelnut and noted that the Board would also affirm the amended fiscal year 2003 budget as part of the approval of the Committee reports. (See page 26.)

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EXECUTIVE SESSION

Prior to the Committee meetings, at approximately 2:25 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, Chair Harris called for an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. With motion properly made and variously seconded, the Regents who were present voted unanimously to go into Executive Session. Those Regents were as follows: Chair Harris, Vice Chair James D. Yancey, and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Allene H. Magill, Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Wanda Yancey Rodwell, J. Timothy Shelnut, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr. In accordance with H.B. 278, Section 3 (amending O.C.G.A. § 50 14 4), an affidavit regarding this Executive Session is on file with the Chancellor's Office.

Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith was present for the entire Executive Session. The Secretary to the Board, Gail S. Weber, was in attendance for most of the Executive Session, but she stepped out of the room for the discussion of her reappointment. In Executive Session, the Board unanimously accepted the Chancellor's recommendations that Ms. Weber be reappointed as Secretary to the Board and that William R. Bowes be reappointed as Treasurer to the Board for fiscal year 2004 per Board of Regents Bylaws IV.8 and IV.9. No action was taken in Executive Session with regard to the reappointment of presidents.

At approximately 3:50 p.m., Chair Harris reconvened the Board meeting in its regular session and announced that, in Executive Session, the Secretary and Treasurer to the Board had been reappointed. With motion properly made, variously seconded, and unanimously adopted, these reappointments were reaffirmed in open session. Also in Executive Session, the Board had discussed the reappointment of University System presidents, as listed below. Chair Harris called for a motion to approve these reappointments at the Chancellor's recommendation. With motion properly made, variously seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved the presidential reappointments.

The approved presidential reappointments were as follows: Michael F. Adams, University of Georgia; Jacquelyn M. Belcher, Georgia Perimeter College; David A. Bell, Macon State College; William A. Bloodworth, Jr., Augusta State University; Clifford M. Brock, Bainbridge College; Carlton E. Brown, Savannah State University; Frank D. Brown, Columbus State University; James A. Burran, Dalton State College; G. Wayne Clough, Georgia Institute of Technology; Richard J. Federinko, Middle Georgia College; Bruce F. Grube, Georgia Southern University; Michael L. Hanes, Georgia Southwestern State University; Nathaniel Hansford, North Georgia College & State University; Thomas K. Harden, Clayton College & State University; Edward D. Jackson, Jr., South Georgia College; Thomas Z. Jones, Armstrong Atlantic State University; Kofi Lomotey, Fort Valley State University; Dorothy L. Lord, Coastal Georgia Community College; Barbara P. Losty, Waycross College; Martha T. Nesbitt, Gainesville College; Carl V. Patton, Georgia State University; John Randolph Pierce, Floyd College; Daniel W. Rahn, Medical College of Georgia; Lisa A. Rossbacher, Southern Polytechnic State University; Beheruz N. Sethna, State University of West Georgia; Portia H. Shields, Albany State University; Betty L. Siegel, Kennesaw State University; Peter J. Sireno, Darton College; Michael F. Vollmer, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; Harold E. Wade, Atlanta Metropolitan College; Lawrence V. Weill, Gordon College; and Ronald M. Zaccari, Valdosta State University. James G. Sanders was also reappointed as Director of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.

The Board of Regents also discussed two real estate issues in Executive Session. In addition to the Regents, Chancellor, and Secretary to the Board, the following were also in attendance for the discussion of the first of these issues: the Senior Vice Chancellor for Support Services, Corlis Cummings; the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs, Daniel S. Papp; the Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, William R. Bowes; the Vice Chancellor for Facilities, Linda M. Daniels; the Vice Chancellor for Information and Instructional Technology and Chief Information Officer, Randall A. Thursby; the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities (Real Property and Administration), Peter J. Hickey; the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities and Operations, V. Harold Gibson Jr.; and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Systems and Services, Beth P. Brigdon.

In addition to the Regents, Chancellor, and Secretary to the Board, the following were in attendance for the discussion of the second of the real estate issues: the Senior Vice Chancellor for Support Services, Corlis Cummings; the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs, Daniel S. Papp; the Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, William R. Bowes; the Vice Chancellor for Facilities, Linda M. Daniels; the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities (Real Property and Administration), Peter J. Hickey; the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities and Operations, V. Harold Gibson Jr.; and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Co-Facilitator of the Georgia P-16 Initiative, Jan Kettlewell.

No actions were taken in Executive Session on either real estate issue. In open session, Regent NeSmith made a motion to appoint the University System Office facilities staff to continue negotiations on two real estate acquisitions. The motion was seconded and unanimously adopted.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., Chair Harris adjourned the Regents into their regular Committee meetings.

CALL TO ORDER

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met again on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, in the Third Floor Reading Room of the Student Learning Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. The Chair of the Board, Regent Joe Frank Harris, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present on Wednesday, in addition to Chair Harris, were Vice Chair James D. Yancey and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Allene H. Magill, Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Wanda Yancey Rodwell, J. Timothy Shelnut, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr.

INVOCATION

The invocation was given on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, by Regent Donald M. Leebern, Jr.

ATTENDANCE REPORT

The attendance report was read on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Regent Michael J. Coles had asked for and been given permission to be absent on that day.

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION: RESEARCH AT THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA

Chair Harris called upon President Daniel W. Rahn of the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") to make a presentation on research at GSU.

President Rahn greeted the Regents. He explained that MCG is a special-purpose, health sciences university with schools in allied health sciences, dentistry, and nursing. MCG also grants doctorate degrees and has a school of medicine. The purpose of MCG is to improve health and to reduce the burden of illness in society by discovering, disseminating, and applying knowledge of human health and disease through research, teaching, and clinical service. MCG's vision is to become one of the nation's premier academic health science universities using well-known industrywide metrics. MCG's goal for its clinical enterprise is to be in the top 25% of the nation's academic health science centers by 2005, and MCG is well on the way to achieving that target. The goal on the research side is to be in the top 50% in all schools within five years of the time President Rahn became President.

MCG is organized with five cooperative organizations so that it is supported by a health system under the management of a not-for-profit corporation, MCG Health, Inc. ("MCGHI"). MCGHI has a separate board, which is chaired by Regent Leebern. President Rahn said that the second cooperative organization is the Physicians Practice Group ("PPG"), which is the entity through which all full-time faculty engage in the provision of clinical services. It is also a multi-specialty group practice with approximately 370 physician members. It is a professional association and a 501c(3) corporation. President Rahn is the chair of the MCG Research Institute, which is the vehicle through which MCG applies for and receives funds for grants. The MCG Foundation, Inc. has an endowment of approximately $100 million. Finally, the MCG Dental Foundation, Inc. is the Dental School equivalent of the PPG; it is the professional entity that supports the dental practice of the dental faculty. President Rahn said that MCG is like an academic health system. Three years ago, MCG was restructured to move the hospital and clinics from under the state to under the management of MCGHI. MCGHI is responsible for the hospital and clinics, 100 satellite clinics around the state, a variety of new critical access hospital affiliations, joint ventures, and various other business structures in support of the clinical enterprise. The PPG has a well-defined scope of authority to operate, but the PPG can enter into contracts and it manages a supplemental income for the faculty related to their professional billing and collections. The relationship between MCG, MCGHI, and the PPG is defined by a variety of agreements that structure the business relationship between the clinical system and the academic campus. The most important element of this is the Margin Allocation Agreement, which stipulates that at the end of the final audit of each fiscal year, 40% of the operating margin from the health system is transferred back to the academic campus. The operating margin in the first year of operation under this agreement was 6.5%, and last year, it was approximately 8%. This year, there is an anticipated 9% operating margin. The Margin Allocation Agreement was increased from 40% to 43% last year, and those funds constitute the lion's share of the academic venture capital that MCG has to advance its academic and research missions. MCG is advancing its research enterprise on the back of its clinical system.

MCG has 2,000 students and 432 residents this year, stated President Rahn, as well as approximately 770 faculty, of which 590 are full-time instructional faculty. There are also about 6,500 employees between MCG and the greater MCG health system. Altogether, the MCG system is a community of approximately 10,000 people. President Rahn said that MCG is a sizeable entity with a major economic impact on the region and the state. On the academic side, MCG's state appropriation this year was $113 million, while its total budget was $450 million. The "B" budget appropriation for the hospital and clinics under MCGHI was $34 million to help offset indigent care and educational expenses. The deficit for those two components of the operation will be $26 million this year. The total budget of MCGHI is $355 million. So, overall, as an enterprise, the MCG system has a total budget of $800 million with $148 in state appropriations. So, for every state dollar that is invested in MCG, the university is returning four. For every state dollar invested in MCGHI, it is generating ten. The total economic impact indicators suggest that the overall economic impact of the MCG system is approximately $1.5 billion. The employment base and the total budget impact are considerable in the Augusta region.

President Rahn reiterated that the goal is to increase the extramurally funded research in order to hit the second quartile of health science schools nationally by well-known indicators, principally National Institutes of Health ("NIH") funding. There has been a steady upward trend in research funding over the past five years. Last year, $48.2 million was leveraged in extramural research funding, not including educational grants, service contracts, internal dollars, etc. This represents an increase of 150% over the past five years. Extramural research funds have been increasing since about 1997, when MCG first formed the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Genetics. Last year, extramural funding only increased 10%; however, MCG had an early retirement plan in which 170 faculty participated. So, continued increase through the recent period of significant restructuring is very positive. Still, the overall goal is to increase by 20% per year. MCG set that goal believing that if it could accomplish this, then by 2006, MCG would have over $100 million and would hit its target of being in the second quartile. Of course, that depends upon what the rest of the nation does and what happens with research funding on a national level. President Rahn said that MCG would exceed its 20% target this year. He then showed the Regents data regarding MCG's peer institutions. He noted that every one of the peer institutions has a higher extramural research budget than MCG. However, MCG is the highest in extramural dollars per research faculty member. The data show that MCG has approximately 720 students in its School of Medicine with a relatively small number of graduate students and one of the smallest full-time faculties of the comparator group. MCG has the highest student-faculty ratio of the comparators at 1.75 students per faculty member. He noted that health sciences institutions, because of the nature of the work, are very intensive. Given the data, he asked the Regents how MCG could meet its 20% increase target.

Regent Shelnut responded that MCG should hire more research faculty.

President Rahn agreed. The strategy has to be to recruit more research faculty. The reason MCG's total research productivity is low is because MCG has a small faculty. Another reason is that MCG has relatively few physician scientists. The vast majority of MCG's extramurally funded research is conducted by biomedical scientists with doctorates ("Ph.D."). MCG needs to recruit more physician scientists and Ph.D. biomedical scientists. Using an aggressive target of dollars per research full-time equivalent researcher, in order to increase at the rate of 20% per year, MCG needs to recruit 20 to 25 research-intensive faculty per year distributed between Ph.D. biomedical scientists and physician scientists. In order to be successful, MCG must also focus on thematic organization, said President Rahn. It is too expensive in terms of equipment, technology, and facilities to conduct biomedical scientific research as individuals. So, MCG must focus its research endeavors in specific areas and have core facilities that support a large number of scientists. In order to accommodate 20 to 25 research faculty members in a thematically organized way, MCG must add space. Finally, MCG needs a general clinical research center for the physician scientists to engage in translational and clinical research. This is a specific federal designation that provides infrastructure dollars for the conduct of early clinical trials, and MCG does not have such an infrastructure. So, these are areas in which MCG is concentrating its efforts. MCG's areas of thematic focus are neurological diseases, cancer, infection and inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

President Rahn listed MCG's core laboratories for the Regents. He noted that it is very expensive to run facilities for research in such areas as genomics, flow cytometry, microscopy, human tissue culture, and transgenics, which is why they have been organized as core labs. Each core lab has a scientific director and a business plan, in which the core has to generate at least 50% of its own budget through internal sales. So, if an investigator gets a grant from the NIH that requires tissue culture activities, she then contracts with the core lab on campus to provide that service. President Rahn said that it is not only important to have core facilities on a campus level, but also to have them on the System level. Therefore, MCG collaborates with the University of Georgia ("UGA") to share core facilities. He encouraged the Regents to consider the core facilities necessary to support high-end science in the System.

President Rahn stated that MCG has recruited 23 new Ph.D. and biomedical physician scientists since January 2002. Among these is Dr. David M. Stern, Dean of the School of Medicine, the most important recruit President Rahn has made thus far. All of the new recruits are world-class faculty, and he discussed them in detail. In the past year, MCG recruited 13 cancer researchers from well-established cancer centers. He stressed that MCG is recruiting from premier medical institutions and that MCG has created business plans that anticipate a three or four to one return on investment from every one of these individuals. In order to recruit these scientists, MCG uses start-up funds provided by the margin from the clinical system.

However, MCG also needs facilities for the researchers, said President Rahn. He showed the Regents a map of the MCG campus and its current research facilities. The Murphey Building for Pathology was built in 1939 and was renovated in 1985. MCG just put a new roof on this building and is currently renovating one floor at an expense of about $1 million to bring it up to modern standards. The Research and Education Carl T. Sanders Building, built in 1970, is the building in which the boilers just failed, requiring an emergency minor capital project. MCG is renovating 8,000-square-foot blocks of that building annually at a cost of $250 per square foot to bring it up to modern research standards. The Hamilton Wing of this building was added in 1977 and has never been renovated. The Interdisciplinary Research Facility opened in 1996 and is the only modern research facility on the campus. MCG just completed the construction of a 100,000-square-foot addition to this building that will house a life sciences business incubator, animal facilities, and wet laboratory facilities. The addition will open in January or February 2004. MCG has a commitment from the state in the fiscal year 2004 budget for a $10 million contribution toward the construction of a 160,000-square-foot, five-floor cancer research facility, the total cost of which will approach $50 million. MCG expects to break ground on this facility in approximately one year.

President Rahn said that due to MCG's new recruits, its extramural research awards are up 25% from last year so far. Moreover, MCG anticipates a dozen new NIH grants that will be received in the fourth quarter, bringing the total to as much as 35% above last year. If MCG continues to recruit high-quality researchers in thematically organized areas building on existing strengths and relying on high-quality core laboratory facilities, its goals will be achieved and it will move up the ranks of comparator institutions. In fact, with the progress it has made this year, MCG will this year be on target for where it should be by the end of fiscal year 2004. The problem is that MCG is out of money, said President Rahn. It cannot continue to make such strides without the start-up funds. The way the clinical system goes is the way the research enterprise will go. Just as the University System is experiencing budget cuts, so is the healthcare market. Currently, MCG is looking at a possible decrease of approximately 10% in Medicaid funding, or about $6 million. All these things are absolutely interrelated. MCG needs to be able to continue to find other sources of funds to fuel this progress and keep the momentum.

Next, President Rahn turned his attention to the developing research centers in diabetes and neuroscience. The Diabetes Center will be a focal point for interaction of clinical and research units at MCG. It reports to Dr. Stern and has a governing board that includes Regent Shelnut. Regent Shelnut has committed $1.5 million over the next year to support the development of an advancement of diabetes research. Dr. Jin-Xiong She, Georgia Research Alliance ("GRA") Eminent Scholar in Genomics, does research on the genetics of type 1 diabetes. Dr. Andrew B. Muir, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, does immunotherapy in individuals at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes as children. The key to this is going to be vaccine therapy, said President Rahn. MCG has targeted a specific individual at the University of Vermont it wishes to recruit to run the clinical research on the adult level as well as clinical research trials. There are also diabetes research programs in pathogenesis and genomics, cell replacement therapy, type 1 diabetes therapy, population-based therapy, etc. So, MCG has developed a strategy to address all aspects of diabetes and has combined that with the clinical Comprehensive Diabetes Care Center. However, the center needs approximately $6 million more in order to renovate space, recruit and start up researchers, etc. President Rahn thanked Regent Shelnut for his generous support to this center. Diabetes is a huge problem, he said, and it is linked to obesity, diet, and inactivity. Obesity is so well established in children that doctors are seeing adult onset (type 2) diabetes emerging by the fourth grade. This requires sizeable interventions including public health level clinical interventions that understand the genetics of the disease and what places individuals at risk and new ways to approach the principally vascular complications of the disease.

President Rahn said that to fully launch the Neuroscience Center, MCG needs programs in a broad array of areas in support of core facilities. The core facilities would be a human brain lab, a synapses and cell-signaling program, and a stem cell and restorative neuroscience program. He explained that the promise of stem cell replacement therapy is greatest in the neurosciences at the present time because it is an immunologically protected area. MCG is recruiting a GRA eminent scholar to take the lead in the neurovascular program and also needs new leadership in its comprehensive epilepsy program. So again, MCG is recruiting to fill specific slots to develop this center.

President Rahn next discussed MCG's collaborations with UGA. The institutions have jointly put in a proposal for a Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, which will be called the Georgia Cancer Research Center. The center would involve joint governance at the level of the presidents, provosts, and research leadership of both institutions. The initiative would link the facilities, researchers, and programs of the two institutions and details who the institutions would like to recruit in key areas. The proposal was submitted to the Georgia Cancer Coalition in early April. MCG is also collaborating with UGA in areas of disaster medicine and defense preparedness to deal with issues involving mass casualties. The institutions have jointly received through the Center for Leadership in Education and Applied Research in Mass Destruction Defense ("CLEARMADD") approximately $2 million in Centers for Disease Control funding and are working across campuses to build strength and communication in medical responsiveness. The Georgia Center on Obesity and Related Disorders is another intercampus center through which the institutions are addressing issues related to obesity intervention. Finally, UGA and MCG are collaborating on the joint public health initiative.

President Rahn stated that if MCG continues its momentum, there will be tremendous benefits for the State of Georgia, the nation, and their citizens through discovery of enhanced biomedical knowledge and its impact on health. MCG has a single mission to improve health, and it does this by enhancing all areas of endeavor: research, education, and clinical service. Clinical excellence with innovation combined with discovery enhances the education programs and enables MCG to recruit and retain world-class faculty. President Rahn said that the reputations of the states of North Carolina and Alabama by the prestige of their medical centers, and the same thing ought to happen for the State of Georgia. The economic development impact is the direct impact of expenditures associated with clinical care, research, education, as well as the potential for bioscience business development. MCG has a relatively new technology transfer program resulting in 17 new invention disclosures, 17 new patent filings, and $400,000 in income so far this year. In closing, President Rahn asked whether the Regents had any questions or comments.

Regent NeSmith said that three years ago before the MCG system reorganization, the economic drain on the University System of Georgia and the state was tremendous. Since the reorganization and the appointment of President Rahn, MCG has been a great economic benefit to the State of Georgia. He commended President Rahn and MCGHI Chief Executive Officer Donald F. Snell for their leadership, as well as Regents Leebern, Shelnut, and Cleveland for their service on the MCGHI board.

Regent Shelnut added that he and Regents Harris (Chair) and McMillan served together on the Special Regents' Committee for the Medical College of Georgia Presidential Search and that hiring President Rahn was probably the best decision they could have made. On behalf of the Board of Regents, he said that he was extremely proud of the job President Rahn has done in recruiting high-quality researchers and faculty and that President Rahn is putting MCG on the map.

President Rahn responded that MCG has tremendous potential. It simply must get the best people and support them in doing work they are hired to do. MCG has been fortunate, but this is a very critical time, and MCG must not lose momentum. He said that MCG's success is the work of many people. The late Regent Thomas F. Allgood, Sr. understood the importance of the reorganization, and the former Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources, Lindsay Desrochers, played a critical role in it. So, there are many people who contributed to restructuring the MCG system to make it possible for MCG to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to transform the institution.

Chancellor Meredith said that it was most exciting that there is a plan in place with the right person leading the way. He said that he was very proud of President Rahn's accomplishments and the direction in which MCG is headed.

President Rahn thanked the Chancellor and the Regents and stepped down.

Chair Harris reiterated the Board's pride in the turnaround of MCG. He then called for the Committee reports.

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COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

The Committee on Information and Instructional Technology met on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. in room 6041, the Third Floor Committee Room of the Student Learning Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. Committee members in attendance were Vice Chair Hugh A. Carter, Jr. and Regents Allene H. Magill, Martin W. NeSmith, Wanda Yancey Rodwell, and Glenn S. White. Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith and Regents Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Joe Frank Harris, Elridge W. McMillan, J. Timothy Shelnut, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr. were also in attendance. Vice Chair Carter reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed two items, neither of which required action. He commended the staff of the Office of Information and Instructional Technology for the progress the System is making in the area of information and instructional technology, and he asked that they stand and be recognized. He recognized the Assistant Vice Chancellor Enterprise Systems and Services, Beth P. Brigdon, in particular and noted that she would soon be leaving the University System Office to take the position of Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer at the Medical College of Georgia. On behalf of the Board of Regents, he wished her the best in her new position. The items reviewed by the Committee were as follows:

1. Information Item: "Learning Without Limits," A Review of First Year Activities
   
   The Board of Regents approved "Learning Without Limits," the University System's strategic plan for information and instructional technology (the "Strategic Plan"), at its April 2002 meeting. At this meeting, the Vice Chancellor for Information and Instructional Technology and Chief Information Officer, Randall A. Thursby, and the Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Development, Thomas L. Maier, provided an update to the Committee on first year activities associated with the implementation of the Strategic Plan and future directions for ongoing development.
   
   Mr. Maier provided numerous highlights of this first year's activities and stressed that many of them either developed from or generated improved communications between various areas of the University System Office. In addition, he noted that a strong link is developing between information and instructional technology planning in support of University System Office projects and the budget allocation process through a shared prioritization process of potential projects.
    
2. Information Item: Update on the University System's Major Information and Instructional Technology Systems
   
   The University System of Georgia has developed strategic directions for the development and delivery of critical information and instructional technology resources in support of creating a "more educated Georgia." Inherent in this strategy is the need for continuous improvement in the major systems employed by the University System. These systems include PeachNet, the communications network; Georgia Library Learning Online ("GALILEO"), the library system; Banner, the student information system; PeopleSoft, the human resources, payroll, and financial system; WebCT™, the course management system; and Campus Pipeline (Luminis), the common portal system.
   
   The Vice Chancellor for Information and Instructional Technology and Chief Information Officer, Randall A. Thursby; the Assistant Vice Chancellor Enterprise Systems and Services, Beth P. Brigdon; and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advanced Learning Technologies, Kris A. Biesinger, provided an update to the Committee on these major systems and future directions for ongoing development of an integrated learning environment.
   
   Ms. Brigdon described the strategic directions being employed for information and instructional technology ("IIT") in the construction of major systems. She stressed that the creation of an integrated learning environment is driving a major change in these systems and how they interact, moving them from solving single problems, or point solutions, to combining them to solve multiple problems, or integrated solutions. The strategy for this integrated approach is illustrated by the structure of the "IIT Roadmap," which shows the major systems and their interrelationships.
   
   Ms. Biesinger followed by illustrating how movement toward this integrated learning environment is facilitating progress toward the Board's strategic goals, especially in the teaching and learning process. She provided examples of how a student would benefit by having multiple points of entry, single data entry for multiple uses, and new services made available by the integration of multiple major systems, such as PeopleSoft (Human Resources Management System), Banner (Student Information System), and WebCT (Course Management System), and ultimately how an integrated learning environment enables a more educated Georgia.
   
   At the close of the meeting, Vice Chair Carter thanked the presenters and the staff in attendance and specifically thanked Ms. Brigdon for her over ten years of service to the University System Office as she departs to become Chief Information Officer at the Medical College of Georgia.

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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Reading Room of the Student Learning Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. Committee members in attendance were Chair J. Timothy Shelnut, Vice Chair Glenn S. White, and Regents Connie Cater, Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Martin W. NeSmith, Joel O. Wooten, Jr., and James D. Yancey. Chair Shelnut reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed three items, two of which required action. Item 1 was reviewed by the Committee of the Whole during Tuesday's full Board meeting. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:

1. Approval of Fiscal Year 2003 Amended Budget Allocations
   
   Approved: The Board approved the allocation of funds in the amended budget for fiscal year 2003 among the institutions and operating units of the University System of Georgia. All funds require final approval of the amended budget by the Governor.
   
   This item was discussed in full by the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole. (See pages 13 to 14.)
   
   Background: House Bill 121 provides the amended budget as approved by the General Assembly. The amended budget for the University System of Georgia formalizes the previously announced budget holdbacks totaling $48.06 million for formula funds and line item "A" units - Forestry Research, Student Education Enrichment and Office of Minority Business Enterprises, $1.7 million for special funding initiatives, and $646,969 for research consortium initiatives. The reductions include three rounds of cuts announced in May and August (both of which exempted instruction), as well as November 2002, which included instruction in the reduction. The amended budget includes $3.75 million for health insurance and $100,000 for operation funds related to the Tift College property.
   
   Lottery funds were provided in the amount of $21.5 million, including $12 million for Equipment, Technology, and Construction Trust ("ETACT") funds, $4.07 million for Connecting Teachers & Technology and Connecting Students & Services, $1.9 million for Georgia Library Learning Online ("GALILEO"), and $1.5 million for Internet connectivity. Funds were provided to Georgia Public Television (administratively attached to the Board of Regents) in the amount of $2 million for distance learning programming.
   
   The "B" units had reductions of $11.9 million and other adjustments of $231,602.
    
2. Acceptance of Gifts for the Georgia Institute of Technology
   
   Approved: The Board accepted on behalf of the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") gifts-in-kind from the following corporations:
   
   

   Company	Value	Items	Department
   Silicon Graphics, Inc.	$150,080	Origin 3800 Super Computer & Various Components	Office of Information Technology
   XYZ Solutions, Inc.	$840,000	Software Licenses&Products	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

   
   Background: Board policy requires that any gift to a University System of Georgia institution with an initial value greater than $100,000 must be accepted by the Board of Regents. GIT has advised that there are no material costs associated with the acceptance of these gifts.
    
3. Information Item: Report on Pooled Investment Funds by Trusco Capital Management
   
   Trusco Capital Management ("Trusco") was represented at this Committee meeting by E. Douglas Hickman, First Vice President; Marc H. Schneidau, Vice President; Garrett P. Smith, Managing Director; and Chad Stephens, Vice President. They reported to the Committee on the status of the University System of Georgia's pooled investment funds. There are 26 institutions and/or their affiliated organizations participating in this investment option. They reported that despite the continuing difficult market, returns meeting or bettering market indexes had been achieved for all pooled funds in the short and long term. Trusco continues to expect market volatility and more normalized investment returns. In closing, Mr. Hickman thanked the Committee for its long-standing relationship with Trusco and stated that Trusco is committed to providing consistent superior investment performance and outstanding client service in the years ahead.

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COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE AND FACILITIES

The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities met on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at approximately 4:10 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Vice Chair Martin W. NeSmith and Regents Connie Cater, Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., J. Timothy Shelnut, Glenn S. White, Joel O. Wooten, and James D. Yancey. Vice Chair NeSmith reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed five items, all of which required action. Item 6 was withdrawn. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:

1. Ground Lease and Rental Agreement for Student Housing, Columbus State University
   
   Approved: The Board declared approximately 6.077 acres of real property located on the campus of Columbus State University ("CSU"), Columbus, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to CSU or other units of the University System of Georgia but only to the extent and for the purpose of allowing this real property to be leased to Foundation Properties Inc. (the "Foundation") for the purpose of constructing and owning student housing for CSU.
   
   The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the Foundation, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximately 6.077 acres of real property on the campus of CSU for a period not to exceed 27 years and 2 months (including up to a 26-month construction period) for the purpose of constructing and owning facilities containing 288 student housing beds.
   
   The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the Foundation, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for facilities containing 144 student housing beds for the period commencing on the first day of the first month after the Foundation obtains a certificate of occupancy for facilities containing the initial 144 beds and ending the following June 30 at a monthly rent of $30,000 ($360,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 24 consecutive one-year periods. Facilities containing an additional 144 student housing beds will be constructed and included in the rental agreement beginning with the first option period exercised. Rent for the first option period will be $60,000 per month ($720,000 per year) with rent increasing 3% for each option period exercised.
   
   The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
   
   Authorization to execute the rental agreement was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
   
   Understandings: In October 1997, the Board passed a new student housing policy that requires the preparation of a comprehensive plan for student housing together with a financial plan to support the housing program objectives. CSU has developed a comprehensive student housing plan that is consistent with the policy.
   
   In November 2002, President Frank D. Brown presented to the Board of Regents as an information item the need to obtain new student housing at CSU through a privatization process.
   
   Construction of facilities containing 144 student housing beds will be completed and ready for occupancy by the beginning of the fall 2004 semester. Facilities containing an additional 144 student housing beds will be completed and ready for occupancy by the beginning of the fall 2005 semester.
    
2. Authorization of Amendment to Ground Lease and Rental Agreement for East Parking Deck, Kennesaw State University
   
   Approved: The Board authorized an amendment to the ground lease agreement approved by the Board at its June 2001 meeting for the East Parking Deck between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and Kennesaw State University Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), Lessee, for the purpose of constructing 639 additional parking spaces on two additional levels.
   
   The Board also authorized an amendment to the rental agreement approved by the Board at its September 2001 meeting for the East Parking Deck between the Board of Regents, Tenant, and the Foundation, Landlord, to increase the monthly rent from $71,433.57 per month ($857,198 per year/$82.33 per space) to $96,064.17 per month ($1,152,770 per year/$63.75 per space), an increase of $24,631 per month.
   
   The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
   
   Authorization to execute the amendment to the rental agreement was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
   
   Understandings: The Board approved a new Frey Road surface parking lot with 600 spaces at its March 2003 meeting. However, additional parking is needed to meet demand created by significant enrollment increases. This parking deck expansion is consistent with Kennesaw State University's master plan.
   
   No other terms of the ground lease or the rental agreement are changed.
   
   The new parking levels will be targeted for completion in time for fall semester 2003.
    
3. Ground Lease for Technology Development Center, University of Georgia, Tifton Campus
   
   Approved: The Board declared approximately 0.429 acre on the campus of the University of Georgia ("UGA"), Tifton, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to UGA or other units of the University System of Georgia but only to the extent and for the purpose of allowing this tract of land to be leased to the Tift County Development Authority (the "Authority") for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining an approximately 11,000-square-foot technology development center (the "Center").
   
   The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the Authority, Lessee, for approximately 0.429 acre of land on the Tifton Campus of UGA for a period up to ten years for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining an approximately 11,000-square-foot building to be used as the Center on the Tifton Campus of UGA.
   
   The terms of the above-referenced ground lease are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
   
   Understandings: The Center will provide Advanced Technology Development Center ("ATDC") space to start-up companies as incubator space related to the National Environmentally Sound Production Agricultural Laboratory ("NESPAL").
   
   Consideration for the ground lease includes the following:
   
   • Students will have internship opportunities that will enhance their application of knowledge and value to future employers;
      
   • Commercialization of University System research and development efforts will be expedited to further enhance the growth of business in the State of Georgia; and
      
   • The cost of university research will be reduced, and development will be expedited by linking that research to companies that may commercialize it.
      
4. Approval of Air Rights Lease, Easement and Operating Agreement, and Rental Agreement for the Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Georgia
   
   Approved: The Board declared the air rights above a certain elevation over approximately 5.890 acres of land on the campus of the University of Georgia ("UGA"), Athens, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to UGA or other units of the University System of Georgia but only to the extent and for the purpose of allowing these air rights to be leased to UGAREF Coverdell Building, LLC (the "LLC") for the purpose of constructing not less than 34,000 gross square feet of a proposed Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences building ("Coverdell Center"), which shall encompass no less than 135,000 gross square feet of research space on UGA's campus.
   
   The Board authorized the execution of an air rights lease between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced air rights on the campus of UGA, Athens, Georgia, for a period up to 33 years (including up to a 3-year construction period) for the purpose of constructing and owning the Coverdell Center.
   
   The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for not less than 34,000 gross square feet of space located in the Coverdell Center for the period commencing on the first day of the first month after the LLC obtains a certificate of occupancy for the improvements and ending on June 30, 2005, at a maximum monthly rent of $208,333.33 ($2,500,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for 29 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate.
   
   The Board also authorized the execution of easement and operating agreements between the Board of Regents and the LLC wherein each party grants to the other party such easements as are necessary for such other party to have necessary access and to define operational responsibilities.
   
   The Board also authorized the modification of the ground lease and rental agreement of the Carlton Street Parking Deck to reduce the tract of land to 2.086 acres and reduce the number of parking spaces provided from approximately 850 spaces to approximately 815 spaces.
   
   The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
   
   Authorization to execute the rental agreements was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
   
   Understandings: In February 2003, the Board authorized Project No. J-27, Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences and authorized execution of a development agreement for the project. The Board was informed that further action would be required for additional agreements.
   
   Rental expenses will be paid from the Coverdell Center's operating budget as well as grant and University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. funds. Operating expenses will be paid from UGA's resident instruction operating account.
   
   The Carlton Street Parking Deck agreements need to be modified to accommodate the site for the Coverdell Center.
    
5. Authorization of Project Modification, "Renovation of Frank K. Houston Building," Georgia Institute of Technology
   
   Approved: The Board modified its August 2002 authorization of project "Renovation of Frank K. Houston Building," Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT"), to increase the square footage of building renovation from 29,500 gross square feet to 37,000 gross square feet and to increase the total project budget from $4.6 million to $6.1 million.
   
   Understandings: Additional space is needed for Student Government Association ("SGA") meeting rooms, WREK, and office space for other student organizations.
   
   The construction cost will be revised from $3.5 million to approximately $4.6 million.
   
   The project is being funded by Auxiliary Services and private funds.
   
   Project design documents will be finalized and construction will begin as planned, after the Technology Square Complex is completed during the summer 2003, with an occupancy target date of January 2004.
    
6. Executive Session, Property Acquisition
   
   This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

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COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND EXTENSION

The Committee on Education, Research, and Extension met on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Committee Room of the Student Learning Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. Committee members in attendance were Chair William H. Cleveland, Vice Chair Allene H. Magill, and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, and Wanda Yancey Rodwell. Chair Cleveland reported to the Board that the Committee had reviewed 14 items, 12 of which required action. Item 14 was continued to the May meeting, and Item 15 was a walk-on item. Included in Item 3 were 214 regular faculty appointments, 323 grants of tenure, and 491 promotions, which were reviewed and recommended for approval. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:

1. Revision to The Policy Manual, Section 307 Regents' Testing Program
   
   Approved: The policy for the Regents' Testing Program was revised to allow students to fulfill Regents' Test requirements with scores on other approved standardized tests that indicate a very high probability of passing the Regents' Test. The highlighted statement in the revised policy below has been added to The Policy Manual, Section 307 Regents' Testing Program. The revision will go into effect in summer semester 2003 for students graduating in summer semester 2003 or later.
   
   Revised Policy:
   
   307 REGENTS' TESTING PROGRAM
   
       An examination (The Regents' Test) to assess the competency level in reading and writing of all students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in University System institutions shall be administered. (BR Minutes, 1986-87, p. 371 October, 1997, p. 25).
   
       The formulation and administration of the Regents' Test shall be as determined by the Chancellor.
   
       Each institution of the University System of Georgia shall assure the other institutions, and the System as a whole, that students obtaining a degree from that institution possess certain minimum skills of reading and writing. The Regents' Testing Program has been developed to help in the attainment of this goal. The objectives of the Testing Program are: (1) to provide Systemwide information on the status of student competence in the areas of reading and writing and (2) to provide a uniform means of identifying those students who fail to attain the minimum levels of competence in the areas of reading and writing.
   
       Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree shall pass the Regents' Test as a requirement for graduation. Students must take the Regents' Test in their first semester of enrollment that follows the earning of at least 30 credit hours if they have not taken it previously. (Institutions may not prohibit students who have earned at least 30 credit hours from taking the test for the first time.) At an institution's discretion, students may be permitted to take the test during a semester in which they are not enrolled.
   
       Each institution shall provide an appropriate program of remediation and shall require students who have not passed both parts of the Regents' Test by the time they have earned 45 credit hours to take the appropriate remedial course or courses each semester of enrollment until they have passed both parts.
   
       Students with 30 or more semester credit hours transferring from outside of the System or from a System program that does not require the Regents' Test should take the test during their first semester of enrollment in a program leading to the baccalaureate degree. Those who have not passed before their third semester of enrollment are subject to the remediation requirement.
   
       The Regents' Test is not a requirement for an associate of applied science degree or an associate of science degree in an allied health field, although institutions may choose to require the Regents' Test for these degrees (BR Minutes, 1986-87, p. 371, 1987-88, pp. 129-30).
   
       A student holding a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education will not be required to complete the Regents' Test in order to receive a degree from a University System institution (BR Minutes, 1987-88, pp. 129-30).
   
       Scores on other standardized tests as specified by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs may be used to fulfill Regents' Test requirements. Such scores must be from a national test administration and must indicate a very high probability (at least 0.95) of passing the Regents' Test. Tests used to fulfill the essay requirement must include an externally graded writing sample.
   
   Abstract: The System has been increasing its enrollment of highly qualified students, and large numbers of students at some institutions are admitted with credentials that exceed the requirements of the Regents' Test essay and reading comprehension components. For example, over 95% of students with SAT Verbal scores of at least 510 pass the Regents' Test reading comprehension component on the first attempt. Most of the students entering the University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology, and approximately half of the recent high school graduates entering the System, have SAT Verbal scores greater than 510 (or the American College Testing equivalent).
   
   There is little reason to use valuable resources to test these students again in reading comprehension.
   
   Current data indicate that students with a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement ("AP") examinations in English have a greater than 95% chance of passing the essay portion of the Regents' Test. Sufficient data on International Baccalaureate ("IB") scores are not available to relate to Regents' Test performance, but a score of 4 on the IB higher-level examination in English is commonly considered comparable to an AP score of 3. In addition, a score of at least 650 on the SAT II English Writing test indicates a very high probability of passing the Regents' Test essay component. These scores can be used by students to fulfill the Regents' Test essay requirement.
   
   So that passing rates and other results are comparable across time and across institutions, students who meet the Regents' Test requirements with other test scores will be counted as having passed the Regents' Test on annual reports.
   
   Although at some universities, the majority of students enter college with the skills required by the Regents' Test, at other institutions, particularly two-year colleges, most students enter without these skills. The Regents' Test will continue to be useful in identifying students who do not have the minimum skills in reading comprehension and writing and ensuring that all students develop such skills before graduation.
    
2. Substantive Revision of the Existing Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy to the Master of Health Science With a Major in Occupational Therapy, Medical College of Georgia
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Daniel W. Rahn that the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") be approved to substantively revise the existing Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy to the Master of Health Science with a major in Occupational Therapy, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: MCG proposed to convert its current Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in the School of Allied Health Sciences to a Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy. The change from a baccalaureate degree to a post-baccalaureate degree at the master's level is the result of a nationwide mandate by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education ("ACOTE"), the body that accredits occupational therapy programs. Effective
   January 1, 2007, occupational therapy education programs will only be accredited at the post-baccalaureate degree level. The existing Bachelor of Science curriculum was reaccredited in 2000 for a ten-year period, but accreditation will be lost if the program does not convert its existing baccalaureate program to a post-baccalaureate level degree by the January 1, 2007, deadline.
   
   The conversion of the existing Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy to a clinical Master of Health Science degree is being undertaken to comply with the accreditation standards of ACOTE. The curriculum for the Master of Health Science degree includes an additional year of study and expands the program of study to a "2+3" professional entry-level graduate degree.
   
   The proposed Master of Health Science with a major in Occupational Therapy will have a "2+3" curriculum. Students will be required to complete a minimum of two years (60 semester hours) of undergraduate level study prior to admission to the occupational therapy program. The three years of the occupational therapy curriculum will consist of 96 to 104 semester hours taught over eight semesters. Of the three years taught of this particular program, year one is an undergraduate year, and years two and three consist of graduate level instruction. Year one of the occupational therapy curriculum is a transition year to prepare undergraduate students for the rigors of graduate level education.
   
   All current baccalaureate degree students will complete the existing program. Deactivation of the existing program is scheduled for December 2006 to provide adequate time for all currently enrolled students to complete the existing baccalaureate program.
    
3. Administrative and Academic Appointments and Personnel Actions, Various System Institutions
   
   Approved: The administrative and academic appointments, grants of tenure, and promotions were reviewed by the Chair of the Committee on Education, Research, and Extension and approved by the Board. The full list of approved appointments is on file with the Office of Faculty Affairs in the Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs.
    
4. Establishment of the Existing Associate of Applied Science in Infant and Child Development as an External Degree in Sandersville and Augusta, Georgia, Fort Valley State University
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Kofi Lomotey that Fort Valley State University ("FVSU") be authorized to establish the existing Associate of Applied Science in Infant and Child Development as an external degree in Sandersville and Augusta, Georgia, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: The external degree offering of the existing Associate of Applied Science in Infant and Child Development in Sandersville and Augusta, Georgia, will meet the demand for high-quality staff for preschool children within the birth to five-year-old age group. The data on labor trends released by the Georgia Department of Labor indicate that by 2005, shortages in the fields of human services, preschool teaching, and childcare will occur. According to the Office of School Readiness, there is already a shortage of teachers trained to work with preschool children in pre-kindergarten programs statewide. This program will meet the critical manpower need in the Sandersville and Augusta areas.
   
   Students in the FVSU program will be admitted in cohort groups. The program was carefully planned to offer a group of selected courses that all students take during the same time span. New students will not be admitted to the program until cohort offerings are completed. FVSU will offer this program in Sandersville and in Augusta at the request of Head Start sites in these regions that need the availability of preparation programs for their teachers in order to meet new federal requirements.
    
5. Establishment of a Major in Occupational Studies Under the Existing Master of Arts for Teachers, University of Georgia
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Michael F. Adams that the University of Georgia ("UGA") be authorized to establish a major in Occupational Studies under the existing Master of Arts for Teachers, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: The major in Occupational Studies under the existing Master of Arts for Teachers degree is designed for second-career individuals who wish to become teachers in career and technical fields that are offered in the public schools in grades 7 through 12 (i.e., business education, marketing education, family and consumer sciences education, health occupations education, technology education, and trade/industrial education). Individuals accepted into this major program will already have completed bachelor's degrees in fields other than education with specializations in areas of career and technical teacher certification. UGA is the only University System institution that prepares teachers in career and technical fields. This major is intended to meet the growing demand for teachers in these fields.
   
   The major in Occupational Studies will require completion of 45 semester hours: 12 hours of content preparation, 24 hours of professional courses in teacher preparation, and 9 hours of internship in the public schools. The emphasis on both content and professional education in graduate programs for teachers is consistent with the Board's Principles for the Preparation of Educators for the Schools.
   
   All required courses for this major in Occupational Studies are in place. No additional faculty members are required.
   
   UGA is requesting a waiver for this program of the 36-semester-hour cap for master's degrees. This request is consistent with the request approved for Georgia State University's master's degree programs for second-career individuals preparing to become teachers in various academic fields.
    
6. Establishment of the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Legal Affairs, Kennesaw State University
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") establish a Division for Diversity, Equity, and Legal Affairs, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: KSU proposed to create a Division of Diversity, Equity, and Legal Affairs to provide continued universitywide leadership and to strengthen the university's diversity management commitment by providing a holistic approach to maximize employee diversity, creative problem solving, and the leveraging of different viewpoints and employee backgrounds. The new division will enable the university to take advantage of alternative funding sources for diversity programs within the institution and the communities it serves.
   
   The new division will bring issues of diversity, equality, and campus climate to the forefront of university life. The vice president for this division will serve the entire university by serving on the president's cabinet and by advising and guiding the president and other university leaders on policies and practices related to diversity, equity, and other legal matters. The division will be responsible for the following activities: ensuring the development and implementation of policies and procedures associated with state and federal equal opportunity laws, affirmative action, Americans with Disabilities Act, and discrimination and sexual harassment issues; providing oversight of federal compliance; coordinating and administering the university's plan for diversity and diversity planning, budgeting, and assessment; implementing and increasing universitywide activities emphasizing diversity; serving as a liaison with the community; and serving as a resource to faculty and other campus leaders in relevant curriculum and co-curriculum issues.
   
   Realignment of existing divisions will occur to create this new division. Positions formerly housed under separate units of the university, such as legal affairs, minority affairs, and equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, will be realigned to this division for efficiency and cost-savings in coordination and implementation. The campus ombudspersons will also be aligned with this division and work closely with the division to assist in resolving campus disputes. The position of vice president for diversity, equity and legal affairs will report directly to the president, implement the university's strategic diversity management plan, and manage the university's equity and equal opportunity programs, including the employee grievance and dispute resolution processes.
    
7. Revised Institutional Statutes, Atlanta Metropolitan College
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Harold E. Wade that Atlanta Metropolitan College ("AMC") implement its revised institutional statutes, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: The statutes of AMC set forth the policies that regulate the operation of the college. The articles of the statutes contain the mission, purpose, and programs of the college and outline the administrative structure for promoting the educational programs and supporting elements desirable in an institution of higher education. The statements are in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The revised statutes were approved by the faculty of the institution. These changes were reviewed by the Office of Legal Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs. The statutes were found to be consistent with the current organization and administrative processes at AMC. The revised statutes are on file in the Office of Academic Affairs at the University System Office.
    
8. Revised Institutional Statutes, Southern Polytechnic State University
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Lisa A. Rossbacher that Southern Polytechnic State University ("SPSU") be authorized to implement its revised institutional statutes, effective August 11, 2003.
   
   Abstract: SPSU proposed to implement revised institutional statutes in order to accurately reflect the governance of the university and provide flexibility in terms of organizational structure and faculty committees. The revised statutes were approved by the faculty of the institution. The statutes seek to define basic rights and responsibilities of each component of the university and to provide a means of communication so that the purposes of the university can be served appropriately. These changes were reviewed by the Office of Legal Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs. The statutes were found to be consistent with the current organization and administrative processes at SPSU. The revised statutes are on file in the Office of Academic Affairs at the University System Office.
   
9. Establishment of the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Crop Genomics, University of Georgia
   
   Approved: The Board approved the request of President Michael F. Adams that the University of Georgia ("UGA") establish the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Crop Genomics, effective April 16, 2003.
   
   Abstract: In compliance with Board of Regents' policy concerning special faculty positions, UGA sought approval to establish the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Crop Genomics within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. The position was developed through cooperative arrangements between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, Georgia Seed Development Commission, and the Georgia Research Alliance ("GRA").
   
   Plant agriculture, including the forest products industry, is a central element of the Georgia economy. The total farm-gate value of plant crops is approximately $5 billion annually. The investment made by UGA in plant science research during the past three decades has led to the development of expertise to allow scientists to exploit plant biotechnology through the ability to identify, acquire, conserve, characterize, transfer, and evaluate genes in multiple genetic backgrounds. The establishment of this special faculty position complements the existing GRA cluster for functional genomics and proteomics. The holder of this position will be an active participant in the new biomanufacturing cluster and the emerging bio-informatics group.
   
   The endowment will be developed through a cooperative venture with UGA, GRA, and the Georgia Seed Development Commission. The Georgia Seed Development Commission has provided $750,000 to match GRA funding of $750,000. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will provide the salary for the position.
   
   The professional qualifications desired include an earned doctorate or comparable degree with a distinguished national and international record of accomplishments. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized externally funded program and will be expected to collaborate with other scientists involved in advancing the university's overall genomics initiative.
    
10. Termination of the Major in Health and Physical Education Under the Specialist in Education, Georgia State University
    
    Approved: The Board approved the request of President Carl V. Patton that Georgia State University ("GSU") be authorized to terminate the major in Health and Physical Education under the Specialist in Education ("Ed.S."), effective April 16, 2003.
    
    Abstract: GSU's College of Education requested termination of the Ed.S. with a major in Health and Physical Education. The program was deactivated in May 2000. The Ed.S. with major in Health and Physical Education has experienced historically low enrollments, usually less than three students over the past few years. The department has made extensive efforts to increase these enrollments. There have been no students enrolled in the major since 1999. Based on extended conversations with area teachers and administrators, the program is not viable. Due to the fact that no changes have occurred regarding enrollment in the major since deactivation, the College of Education recommends termination.
    
11. Termination of the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and the Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Systems, Macon State College
    
    Approved: The Board approved the request of President David A. Bell that Macon State College ("MSC") be authorized to terminate the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and the Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Systems, effective April 16, 2003.
    
    Abstract: The Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Systems degree programs no longer meet the needs of students and were deactivated in 1996 and 1998, respectively. The number of students in these programs has been declining for several years, while the number of students in other programs such as Business Administration has been increasing. The students in these programs were advised to matriculate into the transfer program in Business Administration or other career programs. There are currently no students in these programs, and faculty members will not be impacted as a result of the termination of these associate of applied science degrees.
     
12. Information Item: Applied Learning Experiences/Clinical Training
    
    Pursuant to authority granted by the Board at its meeting on February 7 and 8, 1984, the presidents of the listed institutions have executed the indicated number of memoranda of understanding respecting affiliation of students for applied learning experiences/clinical training in the programs indicated. This is the second annual report of applied learning experien