Rob Watts
Chief Operating Officer
404-657-7099
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Providing a Leadership Culture and Efficient Operations
Administrative & Fiscal Affairs, under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, provides direction and structure for business operations of the University System of Georgia. By establishing policies and overseeing day-to-day operations, this office defines and evaluates solutions for USG objectives in the Offices of Fiscal Affairs, Legal Affairs, Facilities, Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS), Human Resources, and Strategic Planning. In addition, the Chief Operating Officer is charged with leading the access sector of USG institutions (sixteen two-year and state colleges).
Legal Affairs is responsible for developing and managing contracts and agreements; responding to legal inquiries, appeals and interrogatories; educating employees and institutions on all laws affecting institutions of higher education; and advising USG institutions on legal matters governing copyright, employment and other relevant matters.
Facilities is responsible for overseeing the management of construction, renovation, and maintenance of facilities for the thirty-five USG institutions; working with campus officers and other state agencies; managing the oversight of long-range development planning, including coordinating the development of campus master plans; and implementing systems for property management and land development.
Human Resources is responsible for the plan design and plan administration of all system-wide employee benefit programs and oversees the publishing and implementation of the Board of Regents personnel policies.
Fiscal Affairs handles the allocation of state appropriations to the 35 USG institutions; manages the internal administration of the USO including budgeting, accounting, purchasing, inventory, and cash management; and develops business procedures and practices for the USO institutions.
Strategic Planning defines and oversees the implementation of USG’s six strategic goals, focusing on building the system’s capacity to meet the needs of the state and transform the lives of future generations of Georgians.
Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) provides administrative support to Georgia’s public libraries; develops and implements statewide policies, procedures, and programs; and encourages reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of Georgia’s public libraries.