Meeting Minutes - April 2004
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Held At Middle Georgia College, Cochran, Georgia
April 20 and 21, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21, 2004, on the campus of Middle Georgia College in the Roberts Memorial Library, third floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Joe Frank Harris, called the meeting to order at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. Present on Tuesday, in addition to Chair Harris, were Vice Chair Joel O. Wooten, Jr. and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Julie Hunt, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Patrick S. Pittard, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, J. Timothy Shelnut, Allan Vigil, and Glenn S. White.
Chair Harris thanked President Richard J. Federinko for hosting this meeting of the Board of Regents on the campus of Middle Georgia College ("MGC"). He remarked that the faculty and staff of MGC are known for their teaching expertise and loyalty to the institution. The community is likewise a full partner in making MGC stronger and better each year. The Regents appreciated the community leaders who had joined them that morning for the Talmadge Hall ribbon cutting and the Wellness Center open house.
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RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
Chair Harris said that the Board was honored to have some distinguished special guests at the meeting today. He then called upon the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, Terry Coleman, to make a few remarks. As Speaker Coleman approached the podium, Chair Harris commended him on the good job he has done under some very difficult circumstances. He said that Speaker Coleman has been a strong supporter of the University System of Georgia over the years.
Speaker Coleman greeted the Regents and the audience. He said that he and the community were very excited about the Regents' visit to MGC. It gives them confidence in the Board's support of the institution. He commended the University System staff on their part in the renovations of Talmadge Hall and the construction of the Wellness Center. He noted that there are three more capital projects in the pipeline for MGC that will benefit not only the institution and the University System of Georgia, but also the region and the State of Georgia. One of these is the renovation of Browning Hall, which is a 1930s era dormitory and was funded as a minor capital project over two years. A second proposed capital project is for the Georgia Academy of Mathematics, Engineering, and Science ("GAMES"). The third capital project is for approximately $16.5 million in improvements that will help MGC protect its infrastructure. Speaker Coleman urged the Regents to tour the Wellness Center if they had not already. He said this will be a good recruiting tool. The football stadium is also being converted to a soccer stadium, and soccer is now a very popular sport. He thanked the Regents for their stewardship of MGC and encouraged them to grant the college four-year programs for the local region. He said MGC has extremely reasonable tuition for a quality education in a great location. In closing, Speaker Coleman thanked the Regents for their service and for visiting Middle Georgia.
Chair Harris thanked Speaker Coleman for his support of the University System of Georgia. He noted that Middle Georgia is very fortunate to be home to not only the Speaker of the House but also the Speaker Pro Tem. He then recognized Representative Dubose Porter, who is Speaker Pro Tem of the Georgia House of Representatives. As Representative Porter approached the podium, Chair Harris thanked him for his service as the former chair of the Higher Education Committee in the House of Representatives.
Representative Porter welcomed the Regents to Middle Georgia and said that he lives in Laurens County, which borders Speaker Coleman's district. He said that the HOPE Scholarship has helped keep the best students in Georgia. Likewise, MGC has allowed the citizens of Middle Georgia to earn their college degrees or certificates in their home towns, which helps build their local economies. He thanked the Regents for their commitment, and he thanked President Federinko for the great job he has done in leading the college. Representative Porter noted that the Dublin Center is a consortium between MGC and Georgia Southern University ("GSOU") in Dublin, Georgia, that serves over 1,000 students, most of whom are nontraditional. Without the Dublin Center, those students would not have the opportunity to get an education and stay in Middle Georgia and supply the kind of industry and technology that comes from having a higher number of per capita college degrees in the area. He said that higher education improves economic development and the quality of life in the region, and he thanked the Regents for their commitment to doing that. He said that being chair of the Higher Education Committee was the most exciting and rewarding job in the House of Representatives because he got to work with smart people from the University System who are very committed to bettering the state and whose work is so critically important to the state. He thanked the Regents for the generosity they showed when he chaired that committee. He said he also appreciated working with Speaker Coleman, who has provided needed stability. In closing, he said it was great to have the Regents in Middle Georgia.
Chair Harris thanked Representative Porter for his kind remarks and for his support of the University System of Georgia over the years.
Chair Harris noted that the Executive Director of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, Shelley C. Nickel, who was formerly the Special Assistant to the Chancellor, was also in attendance at the meeting, as were former Regents Sam A. Way III and John Henry Anderson, Jr.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Regents Michael J. Coles and Wanda Yancey Rodwell 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 9 and 10, 2004, were unanimously approved as distributed.
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SPECIAL PRESENTATION ON MIDDLE GEORGIA COLLEGE
Chair Harris remarked that the Regents were pleased to be invited to meet on the campus Middle Georgia College ("MGC"). He then called upon President Richard J. Federinko to make a special presentation on the college.
On behalf of the MGC faculty and staff, President Federinko greeted the Regents and their staff. He said they were also honored to welcome colleagues who were visiting from other System institutions as well as the public and the media. He hoped the Regents would enjoy their meetings in Cochran as well as their stay in Eastman. He noted that MGC employees have worked hard to make the Regents' visit pleasant and were eager to meet their needs.
MGC was founded in 1884 as a two-year college and later became an original unit of the University System of Georgia. President Federinko explained that the Cochran campus together with the Dublin Center have an enrollment of 2,500 students with 700 students who reside on campus, and he projected that the number will grow dramatically over the next few years. He said that the faculty and staff set high standards and are doing some quality and unique things, several of which they would share with the Regents during this presentation, but before first, President Federinko wanted to recognize three people who represent MGC well. First, he recognized MGC's student government association's president from Cleveland, Georgia, Jim Muenckler, who is an Education major. He said that Mr. Muenckler is a highly positive and capable student leader and has been a great role model for the student body. Next, he introduced Franklin Middlebrooks, who is president of the local Phi Theta Kappa chapter, MGC's academic honorary society chapter. He noted that Mr. Middlebrooks has a 3.8 grade point average. He is also a model student-athlete both in the classroom and as a starter on MGC's intercollegiate men's basketball team. Next, President Federinko recognized one of MGC's first-year faculty members, Assistant Professor of English Eckhard Gerdes. Mr. Gerdes came to MGC from Macon State College. He teaches English composition, literature, and creative writing for MGC, is the editor of The Journal of Experimental Fiction, and is the author of four published novels, including his newest, Cistern Tawdry, which has been nominated for the prestigious Fiction Book of the Year as part of the Georgia Writers' Association's fortieth annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards. Mr. Gerdes is a shining example of how MGC's faculty are engaged in scholarly interests.
Next, President Federinko asked Professor of Mathematics Jerry Thomas Smith to come forward. He explained that next fall, Mr. Smith will be entering his fortieth year of teaching mathematics at MGC. Mr. Smith joined the faculty in 1965 at the age of 25. At the end of this semester, he will have 39 years of continuous service to MGC, longer than any of the current full-time faculty members. President Federinko asked Mr. Smith to comment on his time at MGC.
Mr. Smith greeted the Regents and said that he had thoroughly enjoyed every moment of his teaching career. He said that he was grateful that President Federinko had given him this opportunity to express his appreciation to the Board of Regents. He said that he could have retired a few years ago, but that he did not want to leave a job and a college he loved so dearly. He thanked the Regents for the opportunity to teach in the University System of Georgia and then stepped down.
President Federinko said that MGC has been very successful implementing online courses. The college is nearing completion of its goal of having the entire associate degree online. He asked Assistant Professor of Speech Robert P. Caldwell to share the online environment at MGC and to talk about the online course, Oral Communications, which he has designed and developed. Mr. Caldwell has been with MGC for five years and teaches Public Speaking and Oral Communications.
Mr. Caldwell said that in August 2001, he was asked to develop Oral Communications as an online course, which of course, presented many concerns and challenges. He wondered how he would put a traditional public speaking class online. He was also concerned with how he would maintain the integrity of the class and evaluate students' speeches if he did not see the students in person. After a semester of research, phone calls, and time in a recording studio, he developed a class in which all of the student speeches are recorded and hand-delivered or mailed to him. Students can submit their speeches on VHS, CD, DVD, or via Web-cam. MGC is the only school in the nation to offer the Web-cam option. The way the Web-cam works is that the student is in front of her computer logged onto the Internet and into the Oral Communications course with a Web-cam on her computer as well as a microphone. When he/she is ready, the speech is uploaded directly onto the server. Then, an email is automatically generated and sent to Mr. Caldwell with the URL. When he gets the email, he simply clicks on the URL and can evaluate the speech entirely online. There are guidelines for the students' speeches. Each student is required to have at least five adults present when he records his speech, and the recording must be continuous without any breaks or edits. There are also certain time limits. All quizzes and assignments are completed online. There is a weekly discussion question to which the students must respond. There are also online discussions. Mr. Caldwell demonstrated a few of the students' online speeches. He noted that over 140 students have successfully completed this course online.
MGC now offers 57 online courses, of which 27 are completely online and 30 are Web-enhanced. Mr. Caldwell explained that these online courses are made possible through a cooperative effort between the faculty and Instructional Designer Daryl Hancock. Mr. Hancock's knowledge of WebCT and 12 years of classroom experience have created many quality courses at MGC. Mr. Caldwell thanked Mr. Hancock for his hard work in this area. Currently, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ("SACS") has approved 25% of MGC's associate's degree to be offered online. By fall 2004, 50% of the associate's degree will be offered online. Pending SACS final approval, an associate's degree from MGC will be offered 100% online by fall 2005. A unique feature of MGC's online courses is the Student Opinion Survey of the Leaning Experience ("SOSLE"). Starting this semester, all SOSLE results for all courses will be disseminated online.
In conclusion, Mr. Caldwell said that online courses offer many advantages to students. They can work at their own pace whenever it is convenient for them. Many of them are nontraditional students with full-time jobs and families. This allows them to further their education to provide for themselves and their families. Moreover, the online courses make it possible to target military personnel. Online courses are just a different delivery method for the same quality of education. MGC is meeting the needs of an advancing technological society and their pursuits of higher education.
President Federinko next introduced Professor of Engineering Joseph Hardwick Butler, who began teaching at MGC in 1975. Mr. Hardwick was joined by Jeff Guess, a registered land surveyor who completed all of his surveying courses through MGC's distance learning program.
Mr. Butler said that MGC has been offering engineering and surveying courses since 1935. In the late 1970s, MGC started offering surveying courses at night, and there were some students who drove over 100 miles each way two nights a week to take the classes. In 1994, MGC began its Surveying Certificate program using distance learning methods. The program presently consists of five courses, which meet Georgia's educational requirements for qualification to take the exams for professional registration in surveying. MGC began using the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System ("GSAMS") network and held classes in over 30 different locations around the State of Georgia. Now, all of the courses are taught online. Since the inception of the certificate program, 633 students have taken at least one course, 180 of whom completed the certificate program. There are at least 61 registered land surveyors and 52 more land surveyors in training who have been licensed through this program. Mr. Guess began taking the courses via distance learning in 1995. He is now a registered land surveyor and surveying manager for ASA Engineering and Surveying, Inc. in Valdosta. Mr. Butler invited Mr. Guess to come to this meeting to say a few things about this program, and Mr. Guess brought with him some equipment to donate to the program.
Mr. Guess said that Mr. Butler was largely responsible for his professional registration and that of a number of other surveyors from the Valdosta area who took these courses via distance learning. Without this program, they would have had to move to Cochran to attend MGC or to Marietta to attend Southern Polytechnic State University. He thanked MGC and Mr. Butler for offering this program through distance learning.
President Federinko noted that recently, the Chancellor had commented that MGC's numbers for study abroad programs are impressive when compared with those of peer institutions. Therefore, President Federinko had asked Professor of Biology John Dahlman Pasto, who is also Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Business, to share his involvement with study abroad.
Dr. Pasto said that MGC is increasingly involved in study abroad opportunities. Past experiences have included trips to Mexico, London, and the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 500 miles off the Pacific coast of South America on the Equator, and they are the home to many unusual plants and animals, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Roughly 98% of the islands are a national park protected from development. There are two small towns and some smaller villages, and the major commercial activities are farming and fishing, although eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Dr. Pasto discussed the history of the Galapagos Islands, explaining that it is one of the few undeveloped areas left in the world. Participants in the study abroad experience tour the islands with a trained naturalist. Dr. Pasto showed the Regents pictures of the towns and wildlife on the islands.
President Federinko next introduced Associate Professor of Geology Tina Mahaffee, who has been teaching Geology courses at MGC since 1987 and who offers another kind of travel opportunity for students.
Dr. Mahaffee explained that Geology majors generally spend a great deal of time in the field, but in her Introduction to Georgia Geology class, she takes undergraduates of all majors out of the classroom and into the field. They travel around the State of Georgia to places such as Stone Mountain and Cumberland Island, and they take long hikes and camp at many primitive campgrounds. A student's grade is based on the creation of a detailed field notebook, as well as her cooperation and attendance. Dr. Mahaffee discussed the details of the course and showed the Regents a series of slides from her travels with students. In closing, she thanked the Regents for this opportunity to share with them.
President Federinko stated that the mission of the associate degree Nursing program at MGC is to provide a terminal degree program that prepares graduates to function as entry-level registered nurses ("RNs") meeting the healthcare needs of the Middle Georgia community. One of the most expedient methods of getting RNs into the workforce is through the ICAPP® Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse bridge ("LPN to RN") program. Without the access provided by this program, licensed practical nurses ("LPNs") with work and family responsibilities would face hardships to achieve the RN licensure. Due to the continued shortage of registered nurses in Georgia, and a continuous pool of LPNs in Middle Georgia, it is anticipated there will continue to be a need for the LPN to RN program well into the future. President Federinko called upon Dr. Jo Anne Jackson, Chair of the Division of Health Sciences, to discuss this program.
Dr. Jackson said that the first class was accepted into the LPN to RN program in May 2002. This is an expedited program that can be completed in three semesters, which is half the time it takes for the general RN program. Students are given credit for prior knowledge learned in their LPN programs and for clinical work experience they already have. Through this initiative, MGC offers LPNs an opportunity for seamless mobility up the nursing career ladder. At the end of this semester, 42 students will have graduated from the LPN to RN program. Patients benefit from graduates' increased knowledge and improved skills. Employers also recognize the contribution this program makes to the success of their operations. MGC is not only a partner in improving healthcare in Middle Georgia, but the salaries of the graduates will generate over a five-year period approximately $453,000 in tax revenue for the State of Georgia. The nursing shortage continues to ensure that all graduates are employed, which directly translates to the ongoing viability of the program. Along these lines, the pool of applicants is strong and continues to grow. Dr. Jackson introduced Julie Jenkins, a student in the program who was selected by the nursing faculty to receive an overall nursing excellence award. Ms. Jenkins is just one of the program's success stories. Dr. Jackson asked Ms. Jenkins to step forward and tell the Regents about her experience in the program.
Ms. Jenkins said that she graduated from an LPN program in 1989. In 2003, she learned about the LPN to RN program. This program has provided her an easier way of earning a higher degree in nursing and it has made her a better nurse. It is not an easy program, but the faculty are supportive and encouraging. Graduates of the program are able to achieve their career goals and provide better care for their patients and their medical communities. Ms. Jenkins thanked the Regents for establishing the LPN to RN program at MGC.
President Federinko said that the next presentation was about GAMES. This unique residential program gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to complete high school and college simultaneously. He said that these are truly star students who have vastly impacted the climate of the college. They inspire and challenge faculty; they are the most civic minded, service-oriented students; they dominate the academic award ceremonies; and they earn amazing opportunities when they move from MGC. He then called upon the Director of GAMES, Lisa Whitaker.
Ms. Whitaker stated that GAMES began in fall 1997 with 24 students, and its current enrollment is 65 students. Students are admitted into the program in the tenth grade. They must have a 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1100 SAT score. Ms. Whitaker introduced Courtney Mitchell, who had the highest SAT for admission to GAMES, which happens to be the highest for MGC. She missed only two math problems, giving her an SAT score of 1580. Ms. Mitchell entered the program with a 4.0 high school GPA, and she has maintained that 4.0 at MGC. She is a Humanities major from Lumber City.
GAMES' top transfer institution is the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT"); 43% of GAMES graduates go to GIT because of the math and science emphasis. Ms. Whitaker said that another 18% of GAMES graduates go to the University of Georgia. While 92% of students stay in the State of Georgia to take advantage of the HOPE Scholarship program, many GAMES students are accepted to colleges outside the state. This year, Frederick Porter from Lilburn became the GAMES first student to be accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ("MIT"). Mr. Porter also entered the program with a 4.0 GPA, and he has maintained a 3.67 at MGC. His tenth-grade SAT score was an 1160, but his most recent SAT score was a 1260. His major is Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. He was also accepted to GIT, Cornell University, and the University of Tennessee.
GAMES students are also provided with a lot of fun and educational activities, said Ms. Whitaker. Some students entered the sixty-fourth annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, which includes students from across the United States and Canada. There were 3,615 contestants from 479 institutions, such as MIT, Princeton University, Harvard University, Duke University, and other elite colleges and universities. One of the GAMES students who participated in the competition scored in the top 500. Ander Steele from Marietta entered GAMES with a 3.9 GPA and has maintained a 3.87 GPA at MGC. His tenth-grade SAT score was a 1510, and his major is Mathematics and Computer Science. He has been accepted to GIT and the University of Oklahoma Honors College, and he is planning on attending GIT.
Mr. Steele thanked the Board of Regents for its continuing support of GAMES.
Ms. Whitaker next introduced A. J. Jones from Macon, a freshman GAMES student who has also maintained a 4.0 GPA at MGC.
Mr. Jones invited Chancellor Meredith to the podium. On behalf of the freshman class of GAMES students, Mr. Jones thanked the Chancellor for his support of GAMES. He said that the educational and social opportunities he had experienced at MGC were invaluable. He presented to the Chancellor a GAMES pin and declared him an honorary GAMES student. Chancellor Meredith thanked Mr. Jones for this recognition.
President Federinko thanked Ms. Whitaker and the GAMES students for this presentation. He said that the GAMES program has enjoyed great success and with added support has tremendous potential. However, while the program is sound, the residential part of the program must be improved and expanded. Since this is a required residential program, prospective students and their parents look critically, as they should, at MGC's housing, particularly since these students are typically minors in the tenth grade when they make their first visit to campus. Therefore, comfort, security, recreational and instructional opportunities, and food services are examined more critically. To expand this program, MGC needs to provide a more modern, safe and secure residence hall that makes it more acceptable for parents to send their 15- or 16-year-olds off to college. In addition, the current outdated GAMES dorm cannot accommodate much additional growth. Therefore, MGC will be proposing to the Chancellor, and hopefully to the Regents, the opportunity to construct a living and learning facility for GAMES students with integrated academic, advising, and mentoring space.
In closing, President Federinko thanked the Regents for the opportunity to share what is at the heart of MGC - its students and employees.
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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 Carter, the Chair of the Committee.
Chair Carter stated that Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Committee agenda would be deferred to a later meeting because the legislature and the Governor had not yet approved the fiscal year 2005 budget. However, the Committee of the Whole would consider the fiscal year 2004 amended budget allocations. (See pages 19 to 20.) Chair Carter then called upon the Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, William R. Bowes, to review the fiscal year 2004 amended budget recommendation.
Mr. Bowes stated that there would hopefully be a final state budget in time for the May 2004 Board meeting, in which case the Board would consider Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 at that time. At this time, he would present the fiscal year 2004 amended budget, which has been approved and signed by Governor Sonny Perdue. Mr. Bowes said that there were no surprises in the final outcome of the amended budget, except for a last-minute reduction of approximately $6.09 million. The budget formalized the 2.5% across-the-board reduction to the University System of Georgia budget. A few items were added back to the fiscal year 2004 budget, including $1.56 million to address the rate change in the state contribution to the Optional Retirement Plan. Another $1 million was added for the Public Information Network for Electronic Services ("PINES") project for the Georgia Public Library System. Maintenance expense and responsibility for the Tift College property was transferred to the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Leadership Institute was transferred to the University System of Georgia. The amended budget did not receive any additional lottery funding for technology initiatives, nor did it receive funding for the health insurance premium increase that went into effect in January 2003. No projects funded by bonds were included in the amended budget either.
Mr. Bowes said that the additional $6.09 million reduction in the amended budget was based on net change in state revenue estimates. The reduction was levied against the University System of Georgia on the assumption that sufficient funds were available from the System's health insurance reserves to cover the reduction. Early in the budget process, it became clear to the staff that the health insurance reserves would be a target for the Governor and legislature in the budget balancing process. So, the recommendation Mr. Bowes was bringing forward was that for fiscal year 2004, each institution will receive a health insurance premium credit, which will represent its proportional share of the $6.09 million reduction based on the current monthly premium. For example, the average monthly employer share of the health insurance premium is currently about $15 million. If an institution's current monthly premium is about $3 million, then that institution represents 20% of the total premium collected. Therefore, the institution's credit will be 20% of the $6.09 million, or $1,218,000. This will also be the budget reduction. So, the net effect for each institution is basically a "wash." What this means is that each institution will keep the budget it has in place and use those resources for instructional purposes.
Mr. Bowes noted that the net effect on the health insurance reserves is an approximate $6.09 million cut. The staff believe the Board can go forward on this because of the current levels of the reserve (approximately $55 million) and also the fact that the System's incurred but not reported liability has dropped about $14.1 million since last year due to faster claims processing. Mr. Bowes directed the Regents' attention to the appendix in their agenda that detailed the fiscal year 2004 amended budget proposal. In closing, he asked whether there were any questions or comment.
Seeing that there were no questions, Chair Carter called for a motion to approve the fiscal year 2004 amended budget allocations as presented. Motion properly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to approve the fiscal year 2004 amended budget allocations.
Chair Carter next called for a motion to approve the use of health insurance reserves to assist System institutions in meeting the $6.09 million reduction in the fiscal year 2004 amended budget. Motion properly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to approve this motion. Seeing that there was no further business to come before the Committee, Chair Carter then adjourned the meeting of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, Chair Joe Frank Harris called for an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and compensation issues. 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 Joel O. Wooten, Jr., and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, William H. Cleveland, Julie Hunt, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Patrick S. Pittard, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, J. Timothy Shelnut, Allan Vigil, and Glenn S. White. 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 part of the 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 2005 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 4:45 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 Grube, Georgia Southern University; Michael L. Hanes, Georgia Southwestern 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 Leland, Georgia College & 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.
Chair Harris announced that all Committee meetings except the meeting of the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities would be postponed until 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2004. At approximately 4:47 p.m., Chair Harris adjourned the Regents into the meeting of the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities.
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CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met again on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, on the campus of Middle Georgia College in the Roberts Memorial Library, third floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Joe Frank Harris, called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. Present on Wednesday, in addition to Chair Harris, were Vice Chair Joel O. Wooten, Jr. and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., William H. Cleveland, Julie Hunt, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Patrick S. Pittard, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, J. Timothy Shelnut, and Allan Vigil.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Harris thanked President and Mrs. Richard J. Federinko, Regent and Mrs. W. Mansfield Jennings, and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Johnson for their hospitality the previous evening. He also thanked the Middle Georgia College ("MGC") community for their hard work and cooperation at this Board meeting and Regents' visit to campus.
Regent Jennings welcomed the Regents to come to Middle Georgia again.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, by Chair Joe Frank Harris.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Regents Connie Cater, Michael J. Coles, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Wanda Yancey Rodwell, and Glenn S. White had asked for and been given permission to be absent on that day.
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PRESENTATION BY SPEAKER TERRY COLEMAN
Chair Harris called upon the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, Terry Coleman, to make a presentation to the Board.
Speaker Coleman greeted the Regents and everyone attending the meeting at Middle Georgia College ("MGC"). He said that MGC has a long tradition of a math and science program, and one of the most popular programs has been the Surveying Certificate program. The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia ("SAMSOG") has come forward to present a check to MGC to help enhance this program. Speaker Coleman urged the Regents to consider the long-range plans of MGC to not only enhance this program but also to expand it to make it more beneficial to the region and the state. He then called upon Mr. Trenton D. Turk of SAMSOG to make this presentation.
Mr. Turk said that he is chairman of SAMSOG's legislative committee and an alumnus of MGC. He noted that MGC was the starting point of his career in land surveying and that he loves his profession dearly and is very active in SAMSOG, which represents over half of the surveyors in the State of Georgia. Mr. Turk thanked Speaker Coleman for assisting SAMSOG with passing legislation this year to begin the requirement of a four-year degree to get a license as a land surveyor or professional engineer. He said that he was very proud of this new legislation, which had tremendous support among the profession and the legislature. One of the goals of SAMSOG is to support the profession through education assistance. The Ben W. Fortson Scholarship Fund is well endowed and supports five to ten students at a time at MGC or at Southern Polytechnic State University ("SPSU"). However, the surveying equipment is so expensive that students often graduate having learned on equipment that is 15 years old. They get jobs in the field and have to learn to use state-of-the-art equipment. So, SAMSOG has donated some equipment to the programs at MGC and SPSU, but the organization is also creating a foundation to which members around the state can contribute to send money directly to the programs to buy equipment. Mr. Turk said that the check he was presenting at this meeting was the first installment of many to come that will assist the programs in buying current equipment and software. He noted that it costs $4,000 per computer to install current software for surveying. SPSU has ten such computers, which translates into $40,000 just for software. Mr. Turk then gave President Richard J. Federinko a check for $2,000 for the Surveying Certificate program.
President Federinko thanked Mr. Turk for this contribution.
Speaker Coleman said that the leadership of AT&T's Law and Government Affairs organization has long supported MGC. This year, AT&T is contributing $5,000 to the Middle Georgia College Foundation, Inc. He presented the check to President Federinko.
Speaker Coleman thanked the Regents for visiting MGC and Middle Georgia. He said that the University System not only educates Georgians but also drives the economic engine of the state.
Chair Harris thanked Speaker Coleman and then called for Committee reports.
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EXECUTIVE AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Executive and Compensation Committee met on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at approximately 11:00 a.m. in the Media Room of the Roberts Memorial Library on the campus of Middle Georgia College. Committee members in attendance were Chair Joe Frank Harris, Vice Chair Joel O. Wooten, Jr., and Regents Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, and Patrick S. Pittard. Also in attendance were Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith and the Secretary to the Board, Gail S. Weber. Chair Harris reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had met in Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and that no actions were taken in Executive Session. The matters discussed were taken to the full Board in Executive Session in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20, 2004. (See pages 12 to 13.) The full Board approved the Chancellor's recommendations regarding presidential appointments and the reappointments of Gail S. Weber as Secretary to the Board and William R. Bowes as Treasurer.
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COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
The Committee on Information and Instructional Technology met on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at approximately 11:00 a.m. in room G-20 on the first floor of the Roberts Memorial Library. Committee members in attendance were Vice Chair W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr. and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., James R. Jolly, and Doreen Stiles Poitevint. Regents Julie Hunt and J. Timothy Shelnut were also in attendance. Vice Chair Jennings reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed two items, neither of which required action. (Item 1 was tabled until the next meeting of the Committee on Information and Instructional Technology.) Those items were as follows:
- Information Item: Technology and Facilities Integration -- Clicks and Bricks
Tabled: This item was tabled until the next meeting of the Committee on Information and Instructional Technology.
- Information Item: Update on the Campus Computing Project
The Campus Computing Project, now in its fourteenth year, is the longest running assessment project in the country for the use of information technology in higher education. In 2002 and again in 2003, all University System institutions participated in the project. At this meeting, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advanced Learning Technologies, Kris A. Biesinger, discussed the survey results, trends that have emerged, and how System institutions compare to their peers.
Dr. Biesinger provided a review of the national trends in areas such as wireless networks, information technology security, and course management tools. In all cases, University System institutions met or exceeded metrics reported by their peers.
- Information Item: Institutional and System Collaborations
The increasing demand for new and improved information technology services with reduced resources requires even greater collaborative efforts between the University System Office and System institutions and among the institutions themselves. Central to this effort is the Administrative Committee on Information Technology ("ACIT"), comprised of a representative from each institution nominated by his or her president who is "able to represent, at a policy level, all information technology interests on campus." The ACIT serves as an advisory body to the Vice Chancellor for Information and Instructional Technology.
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology' Thomas L. Maier; the Chief Information Officer at Georgia College & State University and Past ACIT Chair, James Wolfgang; and the Director of Information Technology Services at Augusta State University and current ACIT Chair, Werner (Chip) Matson III, provided an overview of information and instructional collaborative activities that have produced positive results for System institutions and the System as a whole.
Dr. Maier reviewed past Board actions and associated policies that established the ACIT and specified its role and responsibilities. Mr. Matson focused on how the ACIT shares information about technologies, procurement, and the development of standards, all in concert with the System's Office of Information and Instructional Technology. Dr. Wolfgang described joint professional development activities, such as meetings, workshops, and training opportunities, to enhance management and leadership skills of institutional information technology personnel. All three presenters stressed that collaboration between System institutions and the University System Office provides a much higher level of effectiveness and efficiency.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met as a Committee of the Whole during the full Board meeting on April 20, 2004. Committee members in attendance were Chair Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Vice Chair Patrick S. Pittard, and Regents Connie Cater, Julie Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Martin W. NeSmith, J. Timothy Shelnut, and Glenn S. White. Also in attendance were Board Chair Harris, Board Vice Chair Joel O. Wooten, Jr., and Regents William H. Cleveland, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Elridge W. McMillan, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, and Allan Vigil. Committee Chair Carter reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed one item, which required action. Four items were tabled until the next Board meeting. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
- Fiscal Year 2004 Amended Budget
Approved: The Board approved the allocation of funds in the amended budget for fiscal year 2004 among the institutions and operating units of the University System of Georgia.
The Board also approved a premium credit against the current funds in the health insurance reserve to all University System of Georgia institutions to offset the reduction of $6.09 million in the fiscal year 2004 amended budget. The amount of the premium credit for any System institution shall be proportional to the current monthly amount of the employer premium paid by the institution and shall be equal to the amount of the budget reduction allocated as the institution's share of the $6.09 million.
This item was discussed in full by the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole. (See pages 10 to 11.)
Background: House Bill 1180 provided the amended budget as approved by the General Assembly and the Governor. The amended budget for the University System of Georgia formalized the previously announced budget holdbacks of 2.5%, totaling $35.1 million for formula funds, $797,973 for special funding initiatives, $897,434 for research consortium initiatives, and $60,465 for the line item "A" units - forestry research, student education enrichment program, and the Office of Minority Business Enterprises.
Also, state appropriations for institutions were reduced by an additional $6.09 million for fiscal year 2004, which was offset by a corresponding credit from the health insurance reserve as described in the above-referenced action. This has no net financial impact to institutions; however, the health insurance reserve decreased by $6.09 million.
The amended budget also included funding in the amount of $1.56 million for the rate increase for the Optional Retirement Plan. Funds deferred on the original budget for the Center for Civic Renewal and Engagement ($261,889) and the Institute for Community Business Development ($87,404) were eliminated in the amended budget, and funds for the Georgia Leadership Institute totaling $908,381 were transferred to the Board of Regents. No funding was provided for lottery initiatives or health insurance.
The "B" units had reductions of $4.9 million, a transfer of funds for maintenance of the Tift College property to the Department of Public Safety for $54,700, and an increase for the Georgia Library Public Information Network for Electronic Services ("PINES") project of $1 million.
- Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Allocations
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until its May 2004 meeting.
Recommended: That the Board approve the allocation of state appropriations for fiscal year 2005 among the institutions and operating units of the University System of Georgia.
- Fiscal Year 2005 Tuition
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until its May 2004 meeting.
Recommended: That the Board approve the tuition rates and policy adjustments for fiscal year 2005 to become effective in the fall semester 2004.
- Fiscal Year 2005 Mandatory Student Fees
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until its May 2004 meeting.
Recommended: That the Board approve increases and/or adjustments in mandatory student fees for various institutions of the University System of Georgia.
- Fiscal Year 2005 Salary and Wage Administration Policy
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until its May 2004 meeting.
Recommended: That the Board approve the fiscal year 2005 salary and wage administration policy for the University System of Georgia.
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COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE AND FACILITIES
The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities met on Tuesday, April 21, 2004, at approximately 4:47 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Martin W. NeSmith, Vice Chair J. Timothy Shelnut, and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, Julie Hunt, and Patrick S. Pittard. Also in attendance were Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith, Board Chair Joe Frank Harris, and Regents William H. Cleveland, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, Alan Vigil, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr. Vice Chair Shelnut reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed 13 items, 10 of which required action. Items 11 and 12 were tabled. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
- Executive Session: Acquisition of Real Property
At approximately 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, Chair Martin W. NeSmith called for an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the future acquisition of real property. With motion properly made and variously seconded, the Committee members who were present voted unanimously to go into Executive Session. Those Committee members were as follows: Chair Martin W. NeSmith, Vice Chair J. Timothy Shelnut, and Regents Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Connie Cater, Julie Hunt, and Patrick S. Pittard. Also in attendance were Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith, Board Chair Joe Frank Harris, and Regents William H. Cleveland, W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, Alan Vigil, 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.
At approximately 5:10 p.m., Chair NeSmith reconvened the Committee meeting in its regular session and announced that no actions were taken in the Executive Session.
- Gift of Real Property, Statesboro, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board accepted a gift of approximately 1.77 acres of real property located at the southern corner of Knight Drive and Georgia Avenue (known as Windsor Village) from Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") for use and benefit of Georgia Southern University ("GSOU").
The legal details involved with accepting this gift of real property will be handled by the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: This tract of land currently contains a storefront shopping center, which will be removed by the Foundation prior to gifting the real property. This tract of land is valued at $97,500.
As it was accepted by the Board, this real property will be recommended for inclusion in the real property for GSOU's Student Housing Phase II project.
An environmental site assessment of the property has been completed. All hazardous materials will be removed and properly disposed of prior to gifting the real property to the Board.
There are no restrictions on the gift, and there are no known easements, reversions, or restrictions on the real property.
- Ground Lease and Rental Agreement for Phase II Housing, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board declared approximately 10.914 acres of real property located on the campus of Georgia Southern University ("GSOU"), Statesboro, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to GSOU 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 Georgia Southern University Foundation Two, LLC (the "LLC") for the purpose of constructing and owning student housing for GSOU.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximately 10.914 acres of real property on the campus of GSOU, Statesboro, Georgia, for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) with an option for up to an additional 5 years for the purpose of constructing and owning student housing.
The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for 772 student housing beds 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 the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $193,916.67 ($2,327,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 30 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate.
Authorization to execute the rental agreement was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: In September 2002, the Board approved 1,100 new student housing beds to be provided through a privatization process.
In February 2003, President Bruce Grube presented to the Board of Regents, as an information item, an update to GSOU's housing plan, which illustrated the need to obtain additional new student housing at GSOU through a privatization process. The GSOU plan will provide apartment-style accommodations for an additional 772 students.
At the end of the term of the lease, the land, all improvements, and any accumulated capital reserves will become the property of the Board of Regents.
- Ground Leases and Rental Agreements for Athletic Venues, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board declared approximately 0.47 acre of real property located on the campus of Georgia Southern University ("GSOU"), Statesboro, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to GSOU 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 Georgia Southern University Foundation Two, LLC (the "LLC") for the purpose of renovating Iron Works, constructing an addition to Iron Works, and owning the enlarged, renovated Iron Works.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease agreement, including necessary ingress/egress easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximate 0.47 acre of real property on the campus of GSOU, Statesboro, Georgia, for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) with an option for up to an additional 5 years for the purpose of renovating Iron Works, constructing an addition to Iron Works, and owning the enlarged, renovated Iron Works.
The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for the Iron Works facility 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 the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $4,166.67 ($50,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 30 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate.
The Board declared approximately 5.94 acres of real property located on the campus of GSOU no longer advantageously useful to GSOU 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 the LLC for the purpose of renovating and owning J. I. Clements Baseball Stadium.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease agreement, including necessary ingress/egress easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximate 5.94 acres of real property on the campus of GSOU, Statesboro, Georgia, for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) with an option for up to an additional 5 years for the purpose of renovating and owning J. I. Clements Baseball Stadium.
The Board authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for J. I Clements Baseball Stadium 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 the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $ 13,333.33 ($160,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 30 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate.
The Board declared approximately 8.46 acres of real property located on the campus of GSOU no longer advantageously useful to GSOU 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 the LLC for the purpose of constructing and owning a soccer field and running track.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease agreement, including necessary ingress/egress easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximate 8.46 acres of real property on the campus of GSOU, Statesboro, Georgia, for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) with an option for up to an additional 5 years for the purpose of constructing and owning a soccer field and running track.
The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for the soccer field and running track 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 the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $10,000 ($120,000 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 30 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate.
Authorization to execute these rental agreements was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: An approximately 2,800-square-foot addition to Iron Works will provide an expanded fitness area, two offices, a reception area, and storage. Additionally, the existing facility will be renovated to provide an additional restroom and refurbishment of finishes.
J. I. Clements Baseball Stadium will be expanded to include 2,500 stadium seating, replace the ticket gate and press box, provide public restrooms, and rebuild home and visitor dugouts.
The soccer field and track facility will be a new facility, including a soccer field, perimeter track, 500 spectator bleacher seating, and an approximately 1,130-square-foot building for locker rooms and storage.
The sources of revenues are student athletic fees and other revenue sources within the intercollegiate athletic budget. At the end of the term of the lease, the land, all improvements, and any accumulated capital reserves will become the property of the Board of Regents.
- Naming of the Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the naming of the Tybee Island 4-H Center the "Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island" in honor of Maxine and Bob Burton.
Understandings: For the past 57 years, the Tybee Island 4-H Center has provided hands-on learning opportunities for thousands of Georgia's youths. The facility had fallen into disrepair and would most likely have closed had the Burtons not provided financial support to help with significant improvements and ongoing maintenance.
Bob Burton graduated from the University of Georgia ("UGA") in 1971. He participated in 4-H as a youngster in Gwinnett County and served as a camp counselor at the Tybee Island 4-H Center during his college years. Maxine Burton is a 1972 graduate of UGA and presently serves on the board of the UGA Alumni Association. The Burtons own Flowers, Inc., the largest supplier of balloons and related gifts in the United States.
- Subrental Agreement, 286 Oconee Street, Athens, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board authorized the execution of a subrental agreement between UGAREF Spring Street, LLC, (the "LLC"), Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, covering approximately 30,842 square feet of space located at 286 Oconee Street, Athens, Georgia, for the period July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005, at a monthly rent of $30,842 ($370,104 per year/$12 per square foot per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for nine consecutive one-year periods with rent increasing by no more than 1.6% per year, for the use of the University of Georgia ("UGA").
Authorization to execute this subrental agreement was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
The terms of this subrental agreement are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: UGA Police Headquarters will occupy approximately 9,500 square feet of space. Currently, the campus police are located in 9,552 square feet in the Public Safety Building, which is on the site of the proposed alumni center. The Public Affairs Office will occupy approximately 8,800 square feet of space. Currently, the Public Affairs Office is located in 1,277 square feet in Old College and 7,567 square feet in Stegeman Coliseum. The remainder of the rented space will be utilized for swing space. Additionally, 75 parking spaces will be made available.
The LLC holds a lease, as tenant, for ten years. This subrental is at the same rate as the LLC is renting the space for, plus a $20,000 per year administrative fee. The LLC has a purchase option in ten years for a fixed purchase price of $5.5 million.
Operating costs, including taxes, insurance, maintenance and repair, janitorial services, and utilities, are estimated to be $133,237.44. Rent and operating expenses will be paid from UGA general operations funds. Subrental Agreement, 3475 Lenox Road, Atlanta, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board authorized the execution of a subrental agreement between University of Georgia Real Estate Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), Landlord, and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Tenant, covering approximately 25,000 square feet of office space located at 3475 Lenox Road, Atlanta, Georgia, for the use of the University of Georgia ("UGA") for the period August 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005, with rent abated during the initial term with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for nine consecutive one-year periods plus a tenth option period of seven months with rent in the option periods as follows:
Option Period Monthly Rent Annual Rent Per SF 1 $ 41,145.83 $ 493,749.96 $ 19.75 2 $ 43,541.67 $ 522,500.04 $ 20.90 3 $ 44,875.00 $ 538,500.00 $ 21.54 4 $ 46,208.33 $ 554,499.96 $ 22.18 5 $ 50,145.83 $ 601,749.96 $ 24.07 6 $ 53,083.33 $ 636,999.96 $ 25.48 7 $ 54,687.50 $ 656,250.00 $ 26.25 8 $ 56,312.50 $ 675,750.00 $ 27.03 9 $ 58,000.00 $ 696,000.00 $ 27.84 10 $ 59,125.00 $ 709,500.00 $ 28.38 Authorization to execute this subrental agreement was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
The terms of this subrental agreement are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: The Terry College of Business currently has access to approximately 10,000 square feet of space at the UGA Alumni Club in Atlanta, located at the Atlanta Financial Center, 3333 Peachtree Road. Additional classroom space that can be configured for current instructional pedagogy is needed to maintain and expand enrollment and to remain competitive with other Executive Master of Business Administration ("M.B.A.") programs in Atlanta. Currently, there are approximately 35 students enrolled in one section of the Executive M.B.A. program. Dean P. George Benson of the Terry College of Business and Provost Arnett Mace have both confirmed that the UGA Executive M.B.A. program offered at this site will enroll no more than 50 students at a time.
The Foundation holds a lease, as tenant, for ten years and six months. Rent is abated in the first year. This subrental is at the same rate as the Foundation is renting the space for plus an additional $20,000 per year administrative fee and plus insurance which in the initial term is $15,000. All other operating costs are included in the rent. Increases in operating costs for option periods exercised will be the responsibility of the Tenant, not to exceed 10% of the previous year's rent.
Rental and operating expenses will be paid from The Terry College of Business's operating funds and revenues.
Conveyance of Property and Construction Easement, Georgia Department of Transportation, Jackson County, University of Georgia
Approved: That the Board declare approximately 24.022 acres of real property on S.R. 15/U.S. 441 at the University of Georgia ("UGA") Hardman Forest, Jackson County, Georgia, to be 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 the conveyance of this property to the Georgia Department of Transportation ("GDOT") for use as a roadway.
Modified: This item was modified as noted below in bold and italics or as stricken.
The Board conveyed title to the above-referenced approximately 24.139 acres of real property on S.R. 15/U.S. 441, Jackson County, Georgia, to GDOT for use as a roadway,subject to reversion of this property if it should cease to be used as a road.
The Board declared approximately 4.3 acres of real property on S.R. 15/U.S. 441 at the UGA Hardman Forest, Jackson County, Georgia, to be 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 property to be used by GDOT for temporary construction easements during the period of construction to construct and remove sediment basins and driveways.
The Board granted temporary construction easements for the above-referenced approximately 4.3 acres of real property on S.R. 15/U.S. 441, Jackson County, Georgia, to be used by GDOT for temporary construction easements during the period of construction to construct and remove sediment basins and driveways.
The legal details involved with this conveyance of real property will be handled by the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: GDOT and Jackson County desire to make improvements to S.R. 15/U.S. 441 in Jackson County. A portion of these improvements will occur on property controlled by UGA's Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources.
GDOT and the county will perform all work associated with the road improvements at no cost to the Board of Regents.
Consideration for these conveyances isimproved access to University System property as well as the value and benefits accruing to the state from these highway improvements$165,130. Additionally, approximately 1.95 acres of existing right-of-way will be conveyed back to Board of Regents.
- Easement for Water Line Improvements, Georgia Southwestern State University
Approved: The Board declared approximately 1.149 acres of real property on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University ("GSSU") to be no longer advantageously useful to GSSU or the University System of Georgia but only to the extent and for the purpose of granting a nonexclusive easement to the City of Americus (the "City") for installation of a 16-inch underground water line.
The Board authorized the execution of a nonexclusive easement with the City for the above-referenced tract of land.
The Board declared approximately 2.30 acres of real property on the campus of GSSU to be no longer advantageously useful to GSSU or the University System of Georgia but only to the extent and for the purpose of granting a temporary construction easement to the City for installation of a 16-inch underground water line.
The Board authorized the execution of a temporary construction easement with the City for the above-referenced tract of land.
The terms of these easements are subject to review and legal approval by the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: The City requested this 10-foot-wide nonexclusive easement for the purpose of installing a 16-inch underground water line (of approximately 5006 linear feet) to serve the Americus Industrial Park.
Consideration for granting this easement is installation of an eight-inch tap and a six-inch meter and backflow preventer, which will provide a third main water feed to the campus and will increase the line pressure to this area of campus and installation of two additional fire hydrants to improve fire fighting ability in this area of campus.
Additionally, the City will protect the cherry trees and a bur oak tree along the perimeter road.
Approximately 0.495 acre of the nonexclusive easement are coincident with existing nonexclusive easements for road, power line, and sanitary sewer.
- Ground Lease and Rental Agreement for Housing, Valdosta State University
Approved: The Board accepted a gift of approximately 6.175 acres of real property located on Sustella Avenue from Valdosta State University Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") for use and benefit of Valdosta State University ("VSU").
Modified: This item was modified as noted below in bold and italics or as stricken.
The legal details involved with accepting this gift of real property will be handled by the Office of the Attorney General.
The Board declared approximately 8.726 acres of real property located on the campus of VSU, Valdosta, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to VSU 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 VSU Foundation Real Estate I, LLC (the "LLC") for the purpose of constructing and owning student housing for VSU.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease, including necessary ingress/egress easements, utility easements, slope easements, and drainage easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximately 8.726 acres of real property on the campus of VSU for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) for the purpose of constructing and owning student housing.
The Board authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for 518 student housing beds and surface parking for approximately 400 vehicles for the period commencing on the first day of the first month after the LLC obtains a certificate of occupancy for Phase I of approximately 348 beds of student housing and ending the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $171,720 ($2,060,640 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 25 consecutive one-year periods (not to exceed 25 years from the date of the certificate of occupancy for Phase I of approximately 348 beds of student housing) at the same rent rate, with rent decreasing to $162,038 ($1,944,456 per year) on the first day of the first month after the LLC obtains a certificate of occupancy for Phase II of approximately171170 beds of student housing and thereafter at the same rent rate for each option period exercised.
The Board declared approximately 1.101 acres of real property located on the campus of VSU, Valdosta, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to VSU 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 LLC for the purpose of renovating Lowndes Hall and owning student housing for VSU.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease, including necessary ingress/egress easements and drainage easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximately 1.101 acres of real property on the campus of VSU for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) for the purpose of renovating Lowndes Hall and owning student housing.
The Board authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord, and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for 203 student housing beds for the period commencing on the first day of the first month after the LLC obtains a certificate of occupancy for the improvements to Lowndes Hall and ending the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $60,807 ($729,684 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 25 consecutive one-year periods (not to exceed 25 years from the date of the certificate of occupancy for the improvements to Lowndes Hall) at the same rent rate.
The Board declared approximately 0.893 acre of real property located on the campus of VSU, Valdosta, Georgia, no longer advantageously useful to VSU 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 LLC for the purpose of renovating Patterson Hall and owning student housing for VSU.
The Board authorized the execution of a ground lease, including necessary ingress/egress easements and drainage easements, between the Board of Regents, Lessor, and the LLC, Lessee, for the above-referenced approximately 0.893 acre of real property on the campus of VSU for a period not to exceed 27 years (including up to 2 years for construction) for the purpose of renovating Patterson Hall and owning student housing.
The Board also authorized the execution of a rental agreement between the LLC, Landlord and the Board of Regents, Tenant, for 294 student housing beds for the period commencing on the first day of the first month after the LLC obtains a certificate of occupancy for the improvements to Patterson Hall and ending the following June 30 at a monthly rental not to exceed $87,719 ($1,052,628 per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for up to 25 consecutive one-year periods (not to exceed 25 years from the date of the certificate of occupancy for the improvements to Patterson Hall) at the same rent rate.
Authorization to execute these rental agreements was delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
The terms of these agreements are subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: In October 1997, the Board adopted a 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. VSU has developed a comprehensive student housing plan that is consistent with this policy.
In May 2003, President Ronald M. Zaccari presented to the Board of Regents, as an information item, the need to obtain new student housing and renovate existing housing at VSU through a privatization process.
The VSU plan will provide apartment-style accommodations for519518 students on the Sustella Avenue site and provide renovations to Lowndes Hall and Patterson Hall to providesuitetraditional style accommodations for 497 students.
At the end of the term of the lease, the land, all improvements, and any accumulated capital reserves will become the property of the Board of Regents.
- Rental Agreement, Life University Campus, Southern Polytechnic State University
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until the Regents have an opportunity to review materials brought to the meeting by Mr. Gordon Morton of the Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation, Inc.
Recommended: That the Board authorize the execution of a rental agreement, subject to availability of funding, between the SPSU Properties, LLC (the "LLC"), Landlord, and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Tenant, covering approximately 433,279 square feet of space on approximately 89 acres of real property currently known as the Life University ("Life") campus, Marietta, Georgia, for the period July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005, at a monthly rent not to exceed $257,575 ($ 3,090,893 per year/$7.13 per square foot per year), with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for 20 consecutive one-year periods at the same rent rate for the first 15 option periods, then reducing to approximately $236,255 per month for the remaining option periods for the use of Southern Polytechnic State University ("SPSU").
Recommended further: That authorization to execute this rental agreement be delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
Recommended further: That the terms of this rental agreement be subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: The Life campus consists of 11 main buildings, 4 lighted tennis courts, 2 rugby fields, a 2,500 seat track and field stadium, a frontier village, and 1,130 parking spaces.
Life will rent approximately 28 acres of this real property, including approximately 261,000 square feet of space in five buildings, for ten years for $136,506.77 per month ($1,638,081.24 per year) as an offset to the above-referenced rental by the Board. Life will have an option to purchase, which must be exercised within five years and closed within eight years, for a price equal to the unpaid principal of the bonds, plus cost of redemption for the square foot proportion of space occupied. If purchased, the Board will retain the right to repurchase for the price paid within five years if the property is offered for sale and a perpetual right of first refusal on any sale.
SPSU Properties, LLC will renovate approximately 172,000 square feet of space to be initially utilized by SPSU for the purpose of general instructional space, continuing education, student support, and indoor athletic space. The acquired indoor gymnasium space will be used for athletics, and the outdoor space will be available for recreational uses and as future building sites. The additional gymnasium space will, when future funding becomes available, allow renovation of the existing SPSU gymnasium converting it for much needed instructional space.
Operating expenses, including utilities, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and repair, are estimated to be $1,976,000 per year. Operating expenses will be offset by Life for the portion of the campus that Life rents, estimated to be $1,191,000 per year.
The property will be gifted to the Board of Regents when the debt on the real property is paid, which will be within 21 years.
- Rental Agreement, Life University Commons Housing, Southern Polytechnic State University
Tabled: The Board tabled this item until the Regents have an opportunity to review materials brought to the meeting by Mr. Gordon Morton of the Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation, Inc.
Recommended: That the Board authorize the execution of a rental agreement, subject to availability of funding, between the SPSU Student Housing I, LLC (the "LLC"), Landlord, and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Tenant, covering 128 apartment units in 16 main buildings on approximately 7.36 acres of real property for the period July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005, at a monthly rent not to exceed $46,417 ($ 557,000/per year) with options to renew on a year-to-year basis for 24 consecutive one-year periods at the same rental rate for the use of Southern Polytechnic State University.
Recommended further: That authorization to execute this rental agreement be delegated to the Vice Chancellor for Facilities.
Recommended further: That the terms of this rental agreement be subject to review and legal approval of the Office of the Attorney General.
Understandings: The 16-building apartment complex contains one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as two laundry buildings, two outdoor pools, and a maintenance building.
Renovations will be made by the LLC. At the end of the term of the rental agreement, the facilities will become property of the Board of Regents
Operating expenses, including utilities, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and repair, are estimated to be $415,000 per year.
The property will be gifted to the Board of Regents when the debt on the real property is paid, which will be within 25 years.
- Disposition of Real Property, 4435 Atlanta Highway, Bogart, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board authorized the sale of approximately 2.0 acres of real property located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 78 and New Jimmie Daniel Road, Bogart, Georgia, to My Donuts, LLC.
Understandings: At its January 2004 meeting, the Board approved the sale of this real property to WARM, Inc., d/b/a Dunkin Donuts.
WARM, Inc., d/b/a Dunkin Donuts, has requested that the purchasing entity be My Donuts, LLC.
All other actions and understandings contained in the January 2004 Board action remain the same.
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COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The Committee on Academic Affairs met on Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. in room G-20 on the first floor of the Roberts Memorial Library. Committee members in attendance were Chair William H. Cleveland and Regents W. Mansfield Jennings, Jr., James R. Jolly, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, Allan Vigil, and Joel O. Wooten, Jr. Chair Cleveland reported to the Board that the Committee had reviewed 16 items, 14 of which required action. Included in Item 6 were 251 regular faculty appointments, 329 tenure recommendations, and 509 promotion recommendations, which were reviewed and recommended for approval. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
- Establishment of the WebBSIT, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Clayton College & State University, Georgia Southern University, Macon State College, and Southern Polytechnic State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of Presidents Thomas Z. Jones, Thomas K. Harden, Bruce Grube, David A. Bell, and Lisa A. Rossbacher that Armstrong Atlantic State University, Clayton College & State University, Georgia Southern University, Macon State College, and Southern Polytechnic State University be authorized to establish a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology to be delivered online ("WebBSIT"), effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: The five institutions proposed the WebBSIT, which focuses on the design and management of information technology and computing systems as solutions to business and industry for data and communications support needs. The program will include instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, Web-based systems, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design. The consortium of institutions has the expertise to collaborate and support economic growth in Georgia by providing alternative training opportunities in information technology. The Internet-delivered WebBSIT will be offered collaboratively by the five institutions. The degree will be offered at a distance via the University System's centrally supported course management system WebCT Vista. The proposed degree requires that students be admitted to one of the five collaborating institutions.
Need: The WebBSIT was evaluated through market research of publicly available employment projections, through benchmarking the few existing comparable programs, and through needs assessments with students and industry partners in focus group and interview formats. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2002 projections, approximately 2,285,000 new positions in information technology will be created nationally between now and year 2010. According to the Department of Labor, the projected growth rate for information technology positions in Georgia metro areas reflects national trends. The most recent projections place six occupations among the top 20 fastest growing occupations statewide: computer software engineers (applications), computer support specialists, computer software engineers (systems software), network and computer systems administrators, computer systems analysts, and computer and information systems managers.
Objectives: The WebBSIT has two primary purposes: 1) to produce information technology graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the needs of Georgia employers and 2) to provide access to a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology for situation-bound and place-bound Georgia citizens who would otherwise be unable to pursue a four-year degree within the state. Curriculum: The five institutions collaborating on the WebBSIT program represent those that already offer the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in a traditional delivery format. To complete the WebBSIT, students must satisfactorily complete 120 hours of coursework. The WebBSIT consists of upper-level courses and an Information Technology Area F sequence. Students may complete Areas A-E via eCore® or elsewhere. In addition, students must fulfill a residency requirement of a minimum of 30 hours of online courses within the WebBSIT, of which 24 hours must be drawn from upper-division required courses. The degree inscription will read, "Bachelor of Science in Information Technology."
Program Administration: An executive director, working under the guidance of the operating board, will administer day-to-day WebBSIT activities. Each institution will appoint an enrollment counselor to serve as the local WebBSIT contact. A governing board will be responsible for appointing the operating board and for providing oversight of the program. One institution will be selected by the governing board to serve as fiscal agent for the program. A memorandum of understanding governs these aspects of the WebBSIT.
Projected Enrollment: The consortium anticipates enrollments of 30, 51, and 74 during the first three years of the program.
Funding: The program will build upon and reconfigure existing courses that are currently offered by the consortium institutions. Each of the presidents participating in delivery of the WebBSIT has provided reverification that funding is available at his/her institution to be engaged in the collaborative program. The University System is providing special start-up funds, totaling $187,500, to support the collaborative efforts in the first two years of the program. In the third year, the program is expected to be self-supporting.
Assessment: The Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs will work with the institutions to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the program. The program will be reviewed in concert with each institution's programmatic schedule of comprehensive program reviews.
- Establishment of a Major in Political Science Under the Bachelor of Science, Clayton College & State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Thomas K. Harden that Clayton College & State University ("CCSU") be authorized to establish a major in Political Science under the Bachelor of Science, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: CCSU proposed the establishment of a major in Political Science under the Bachelor of Science with a special emphasis on preparing students for community service, public service, law school, and graduate school to meet the needs of south metropolitan Atlanta.
Need: A need exists for trained professionals in the nonprofit sector, government, and business. These professionals must be equipped to deal with public policy and community service issues in areas such as transportation, healthcare, the environment, aging and gerontology, and education. The American Political Science Association states, "Students enjoy a versatility of skills and range of careers in law, international organizations, campaign management and polling, journalism, and pre-collegiate education." In a fall 2003 survey of 239 currently enrolled CCSU students, 48 indicated they would strongly consider majoring in political science if such a program were offered, with 11 students in the sample group indicating that they definitely would select the major. Of those students surveyed, 78 indicated a new political science program would make it more likely that they would remain at the institution.
Objectives: The objectives of the Political Science program include demonstrating knowledge of political science as a discipline, including its history and purpose; developing the ability to think critically and theoretically about political thought and processes; and demonstrating knowledge of subfields specific to a selected concentration area.
Curriculum: The 120-semester-hour program will include a basic core of courses essential for public sector careers as well as specialized coursework in archival studies. The archival studies courses will be offered in conjunction with the State of Georgia archives and the Federal Southeast Regional Archives, which are adjacent to the CCSU campus.
Projected Enrollment: The institution anticipates enrollments of 40, 50, and 60 during the first three years of the program.
Funding: The program will build upon and reconfigure existing courses that are currently offered by the institution in addition to establishing new courses. President Harden has provided reverification that funding for the program is available at the institution.
Assessment: The Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the program. The program will be reviewed in concert with the institution's programmatic schedule of comprehensive program reviews.
- Establishment of a Joint Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Health Administration and a Joint Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration/Master of Health Administration, Georgia State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Carl V. Patton that Georgia State University ("GSU") be authorized to establish two joint degree programs: a Juris Doctor ("J.D.") with a Master of Science in Health Administration ("M.S.H.A.") and a Juris Doctor with a Master of Business Administration/Master of Health Administration ("M.B.A./M.H.A."), effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: GSU proposed the creation of two joint degree programs in law and health administration for students from its College of Law and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Institute of Health Administration. Successful candidates will earn a J.D. degree, which is currently awarded for completion of the Law program in the College of Law, as well as a business degree upon completion of either one of two degree programs that are currently available through the J. Mack Robinson College of Business: an M.S.H.A. or an M.B.A./M.H.A. The two proposed programs do not entail the creation of a new program, but rather, allow students to pursue joint degrees in a shortened period of time. The programs accomplish this objective by allowing certain courses in the Law program and in the Health Administration program to count toward both degrees, thus helping students pursue their study of law and health administration in an integrated fashion to meet their individual needs.
Need: The programs will capitalize on GSU's location in Atlanta by offering opportunities for the study of critical law and healthcare issues that relate to financing healthcare enterprises, access to healthcare for the uninsured, healthcare technology and information systems, quality of healthcare and patient safety, and organizational ethics and patients' rights.
Objectives: The objective of these programs is the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration between two professional colleges at GSU.
Projected Enrollment: The institution anticipates enrollments of 20, 30, and 40 during the first three years of the program.
Curriculum and Funding: The total number of hours required to complete the J.D./M.S.H.A. program are 111 to 114 semester credits. A total of 126 to 138 semester credit hours are required to complete the joint J.D./M.B.A./M.H.A. The joint programs will build upon and reconfigure existing courses that are currently offered in the Law and Health Administration programs. President Patton has provided reverification that funding for the program is available at the institution.
Assessment: The Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the program. The program will be reviewed in concert with the institution's programmatic schedule of comprehensive program reviews.
- Establishment of a Major in African and African Diaspora Studies Under the Bachelor of Arts, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") be authorized to establish a major in African and African Diaspora Studies under the Bachelor of Arts, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: KSU proposed to offer a major in African and African Diaspora Studies. The program offers students an interdisciplinary educational experience that fosters not only an understanding of the global experiences of African and African-descended peoples, but also an appreciation for the diverse character of humanity. The major emphasizes the holistic study of the diverse experiences of Africans in Africa and outside of the continent and explores the historical and cultural relations between Africans on the continent and African-descended peoples.
Need: The major meets the demands of employers, including government, businesses, multinational corporations, and nongovernmental organizations, in the Atlanta area and the Southeast for graduates with expertise in African business culture, political economy, and investment climate.
Objectives: The objectives of the major are to educate students, through interdisciplinary and comparative methods, on the network of relations, linkages, exchanges, and connections between Africans and African-descendants of the diaspora; to enhance student understanding of the global transplantation of African culture; and to provide students with knowledge and skills in liberal arts relating to psychological and sociological perspectives as well as cultural heritage.
Curriculum: The 120-semester-hour program will include three concentrations: literature, history, and social, cultural, and political issues. Courses germane to the program include Survey of African Literature, Cultural Diversity in the U.S., History of West Africa, African American History, and North Africa and the Middle East in Modern Times.
Projected Enrollment: The institution anticipates enrollments of 15, 30, and 45 during the first three years of the program.
Funding: The interdisciplinary program will build upon and reconfigure existing courses that are currently offered by the institution in addition to establishing new courses. President Siegel has provided reverification that funding for the program is available at the institution.
Assessment: The Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the program. The program will be reviewed in concert with the institution's programmatic schedule of comprehensive program reviews.
- Establishment of a Major in Modern Language and Culture Under the Bachelor of Arts, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") be authorized to establish a major in Modern Language and Culture under the Bachelor of Arts, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: KSU proposed the establishment of a major in Modern Language and Culture to prepare graduates to communicate effectively in one or more foreign languages and to develop an understanding of how people interact across world cultures. The Department of Foreign Languages offers four degree programs: two Bachelors of Arts (in French and Spanish) and two Bachelors of Science (in French and Spanish Education). The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Modern Language and Culture will replace these four existing programs.
Need: Given demographic changes and related skill set needs, it is projected that a high demand will exist for graduates, especially as qualified second language educators. Local and regional economy diversification has strengthened Georgia's international ties in terms of exports, the establishment of multinational corporations, and the location in Georgia of several internationally owned facilities.
Objectives: The objectives of the program include language proficiency and culture instruction, an understanding of French and Spanish diaspora cultures, global and local manifestations, and completion of an internship or study abroad program.
Curriculum: Within the major, students choose French or Spanish as their special emphasis. In addition, students select one of the following secondary concentrations: 1) Second Language and Culture, 2) Foreign Language Education, 3) Applied Business, and 4) Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives. Completing courses in these concentrations will help students apply their language and culture studies to a particular field of professional, academic, or personal relevance.
Projected Enrollment: The institution anticipates enrollments of 60, 120, and 180 during the first three years of the program.
Funding: The interdisciplinary program will build upon and reconfigure existing courses that are currently offered by the institution in addition to establishing new courses. President Siegel has provided reverification that funding for the program is available at the institution.
Assessment: The Office of Academics and Fiscal Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the program. The program will be reviewed in concert with the institution's programmatic schedule of comprehensive program reviews.
- Administrative and Academic Appointments and Personnel Actions, Various System Institutions
Approved: The administrative and academic appointments 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.
- Establishment of the Center for Humanities and Arts Harry and Jane Willson Professorship in Humanities, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Michael F. Adams that the University of Georgia ("UGA") be authorized to establish the Center for Humanities and Arts Harry and Jane Willson Professorship in Humanities, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: UGA requested approval for the establishment of the Center for Humanities and Arts Harry and Jane Willson Professorship in Humanities within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The professorship was established through a desire to strengthen programs in the Center for Humanities and Arts with a donation to the University of Georgia Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") in the amount of $256,356. The professorship will focus on the humanities through teaching, research, and public service.
Biographical Sketch of Harry and Jane Willson: Harry and Jane S. Willson, while not graduates of UGA, have developed ties to the university and are supportive of educational and civic activities throughout the state. Jane Willson, who is a trustee of the Foundation, was a graduate of Wellesley College in 1945, while Harry Willson earned a bachelor of arts from Emory University in 1941 and a master of business Administration from Harvard University in 1943. The Willsons are the owners of, among other businesses, Sunnyland Farms, which is based in their hometown of Albany, Georgia, and is one of the largest mail-order pecan product businesses in the country. The company also owns an orchard of 15,000 pecan trees on a 1,000-acre farm. The Willsons share a passion for making the world a better, safer, and happier place for humanity.
- Establishment of the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Professorship of Excellence in Journalism, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Michael F. Adams that the University of Georgia ("UGA") be authorized to establish the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Professorship of Excellence in Journalism, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: UGA requested approval for the establishment of the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Professorship of Excellence in Journalism at the university's Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication (the "College"). The professorship was established through a desire to strengthen programs in the College with a gift in trust to the University of Georgia Foundation, Inc. The fund is supported by an endowment of $250,000. The professorship will investigate issues of fairness, bias, and balance and will study the rights of privacy, conflicts of interest, news display, and the role of journalists in a community.
Biographical Sketch of Carolyn Carter: Carolyn Carter was a distinguished newspaper photojournalist. She broke the gender barrier in 1940 when Ralph McGill, then editor of The Atlanta Constitution, hired her as the first female photojournalist. In addition to her position at The Atlanta Constitution, Ms. Carter made artistic photographs for clients, including The Coca-Cola Company and the former Georgia Department of Commerce. In 1960, Ms. Carter was hired by the Georgia Department of Tourism to promote travel in the state, and in the 1970s, she promoted President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. Throughout her 50-year career, Ms. Carter received numerous honors for photojournalism. Ms. Carter was the first woman to be awarded a master of photography degree by the Professional Photographers Association and the first woman to be named "Man of the Year" in 1962 by the Industrial Photographers of America.
Biographical Sketch of Don Carter: Don Carter began his journalism career at The Atlanta Constitution's competitor, The Atlanta Journal, where he became city editor. From this position, Mr. Carter took leadership positions at The Wall Street Journal's Newspaper Fund, the National Observer, and New Jersey's Bergen Evening Record. In 1976, Mr. Carter was named a Vice President for Knight-Ridder Newspapers, a position he held until his retirement in 1982. Mr. Carter has participated in a variety of professional organizations dedicated to better journalism, including the American Press Institute, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the Associated Press Managing Editors Association, and the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has served as a judge for the Pulitzer Prizes and received a lifetime service award from the American Press Institute.
- Establishment of the Craig E. Aronoff Professorship in Family Business, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") be authorized to establish the Craig E. Aronoff Professorship in Family Business, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: KSU requested approval for the establishment of the Craig E. Aronoff Professorship in Family Business in the Michael J. Coles College of Business (the "Coles College"). The professorship was established to honor Dr. Aronoff's years of distinguished service to KSU and the University System of Georgia. The fund is supported by an endowment in excess of $100,000.
Biographical Sketch: Dr. Aronoff is the Mary and Jack Dinos Eminent Scholar of Private Enterprise and Professor of Management in the Coles College. He is the founder and former director of the Cox Family Enterprise Center in the Coles College. Professor Aronoff is a renowned scholar in the field of family business. During his tenure as Director of the Cox Family Enterprise Center, he created the Georgia Family Business of the Year Awards program, and the Family Business Forum has been recognized as the nation's leading educational program for family businesses.
Dr. Aronoff received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from Northwestern University in 1971. He subsequently earned a master of arts. degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and, in 1975, received his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Aronoff is the author of more than 20 books and dozens of scholarly articles, and he has been included in appropriate editions of Who's Who.
Over the years, Dr. Aronoff has been recognized with the following awards: Beckhard Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Family Business Practice, Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education, National Federation of Independent Business Foundation Outstanding Educator, and leadership awards from the Georgia District Kiwanis International and National Association of Community Leaders. Dr. Aronoff's leadership positions, past and present, include: President of the Family Firm Institute, President of the Marietta Kiwanis, Vice Chairman of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Association of Private Enterprise Education.
- Termination of Specific Academic Programs, Valdosta State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Ronald M. Zaccari that Valdosta State University ("VSU") be authorized to terminate specific academic programs, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: VSU sought to terminate the following academic programs: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Speech and Drama, Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Rural Resources Management, and Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Chemistry Teacher Education. VSU, upon review of its programmatic array, determined that these specific academic programs have not produced graduates for several years. Termination of the programs will not have an adverse impact on faculty or students. For students seeking an alternative to the terminated Speech and Drama major and due to the enrollments of such courses, VSU currently offers majors in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts under the Bachelor of Fine Arts.
- Termination of the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology, Dalton State College
Approved: The Board approved the request of President James A. Burran that Dalton State College ("DSC") be authorized to terminate the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: DSC requested approval to terminate the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology. DSC, upon review of its programmatic array, determined that the stand-alone degree has not produced any graduates for several years and requests termination of the program to reconcile its degrees and majors inventory. Termination of the program will not have an adverse impact on faculty or students.
- Termination of Specific Associate of Science Degrees, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Thomas Z. Jones that Armstrong Atlantic State University ("AASU") be authorized to terminate specific Associate of Science degrees, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: AASU requested approval to terminate the Associate of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy, and Associate of Science in Radiologic Technologies. AASU, upon review of its programmatic array, determined that these associate-level stand-alone degrees have not produced any graduates for several years and requests termination of the program to reconcile its degrees and majors inventory. The request is consistent with the institution's strategic plan of focusing on baccalaureate and higher-level degrees. Termination of the programs will not have an adverse impact on faculty or students.
- Termination of Specific Foreign Language Programs, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") be authorized to terminate specific foreign language programs, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: KSU sought approval to terminate majors in French and Spanish under the Bachelor of Arts degree and majors in French Foreign Language Education and Spanish Foreign Language Education under the Bachelor of Science degree. Consistent with the institution's request to develop a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Modern Language and Culture (see Item 5), the proposed major would replace the four existing programs. If approved, KSU will work with faculty and students to ensure a seamless transition to the new major while simultaneously terminating the existing majors. Termination of the separate majors will not have an adverse impact on faculty or students.
- Renaming of the School of the Arts to the College of the Arts, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University ("KSU") be authorized to rename the School of the Arts to the College of the Arts, effective April 21, 2004.
Abstract: KSU requested approval to rename the School of the Arts to the College of the Arts. When the School of the Arts was created in 1998, the name was chosen to be consistent with comparable units in other universities. However, the "school" label is no longer accurate because of the maturation and development of academic programs. All three departments within the school, the Department of Music, Department of Theatre, and Department of Visual Arts, have achieved national accreditation. The School of the Arts has also reached equivalency of stature with the other five colleges at KSU. The other five colleges at KSU are the Michael J. Coles College of Business, Bagwell College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Mathematics. The name change will facilitate the growth of academic and artistic programming in the arts and will more accurately articulate the importance of this unit at KSU. Information Item: Annual Report of 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 program indicated. This is the third annual report of applied learning experiences/clinical training.
Institution/Program New Renewal Georgia Institute of Technology Clinical and Technical Education 3 0 Emory University Yerkes Center 0 1 Subtotal 3 1 Georgia State University Cardiopulmonary Care 4 1 Counseling and Psychological Services 1 2 Educational Psychology 1 0 Health and Human Sciences 21 16 Kinesiology and Health 16 10 Miscellaneous 2 1 Nursing 69 14 Nutrition 4 0 Physical Therapy 27 5 Psychology 36 6 Social Work 34 14 Subtotal 215 69 Medical College of Georgia Allied Health 3 10 Dental Hygiene 11 2 Dentistry 14 17 Family Medicine 1 0 Medical Technology/Health Information 7 5 Medicine 1 0 Neurology 12 22 Nursing 72 0 Obstetrics and Gynecology 0 1 Occupational Therapy 19 15 Pathology 2 0 Pediatrics 1 0 Physical Therapy 21 20 Physicians Assistant 122 74 Radiological Sciences 4 1 Radiology 1 0 Respiratory Therapy 1 0 Subtotal 292 167 University of Georgia Child and Family Development 35 3 Communication Sciences and Disorders 12 24 Counseling and Human Development 5 7 Education 11 68 Education Psychology 9 1 Health Performance and Behavior 36 5 Miscellaneous programs 15 7 Pharmacy 29 6 Psychology 3 0 Recreation and Leisure 40 1 Social Work 142 18 Subtotal 337 140 Georgia Southern University Family and Consumer Sciences 18 2 Health and Kinesiology 17 10 Hospitality, Tourism, etc. 18 1 Leadership, Technology and Human Development 9 1 Nursing 22 15 Psychology 4 0 Public Health 18 4 Recreation and Sport Management 8 0 Sociology and Anthropology 3 1 Subtotal 117 34 Valdosta State University Nursing 2 73 Subtotal 2 73 Albany State University Nursing 43 84 Subtotal 43