Frequently Asked Questions
General
How will this consolidation improve student access and success?
Consolidating campuses will increase educational opportunities, increase administrative efficiencies, and improve overall effectiveness. Consolidation will make the system a better System.
As part of the statewide effort to increase college completion and to make post secondary education more accessible to all Georgians, now is the time to seriously consider institutional consolidations that are in the best interest of the students of this state.
Keeping the focus always on the welfare of its students, the purpose of the reconfigured System is to provide a network of institutions that offer a wide range of degrees needed to meet 21st century demands as well as to address innovative opportunities in research and service to students and faculty.
Students
How will students have a voice in the implementation of the consolidation?
There will be student representation on each institutional implementation working group which will be established to guide the consolidation of specific institutions.
How will my tuition and fees change?
The BOR and the Chancellor are committed to providing quality education at an affordable price. New tuition and fee recommendations, at consolidated institutions, will be considered Spring 2013 at the earliest, during the normal tuition and fee approval cycle.
When will this change go into effect?
The Fall of 2013 is the targeted date for consolidations to go into effect but this could change depending on the circumstances of each campus.
How will this affect student activities?
The institutional implementation working groups will review the level and type of student activities currently available to students at both institutions and develop an approach which provides the best mix of student activities on all campuses.
What will my diploma say?
The implementation working group will address these and other issues in a way that meets the needs of students. In some cases students already enrolled may have choices as to the institutional name on their diploma.
Will my degree requirements change?
Every effort will be made to honor the current degree requirements for existing students. Institutions will be given leeway to matriculate students already enrolled in specific academic programs.
Will I get the courses I need to complete my degree?
Yes, this will be required by the Board and is a major responsibility for each consolidated institution.
Will my advisor change?
It is possible that one’s academic advisor will change given the need to deploy faculty in the most effective and efficient manner required at each institution.
Will some academic programs be discontinued?
There will be a comprehensive review of all academic programs offered by both institutions in order to develop the optimum program array for the jointly consolidated institution. As a result, the possibility exists that academic programs may be continued, modified or discontinued.
Faculty
How will Faculty have a voice in the implementation of the consolidation?
There will be faculty representation on each institutional implementation working group which will be established to guide the consolidation of specific institutions. Existing faculty governance processes on each of the consolidated institutions may also be used to provide faculty voice in the consolidation process. Final decisions on policy matters still reside with the Board of Regents.
How will this affect individuals who are up for Promotion and Tenure during the consolidation time line?
It won’t. The VPAA will work with Deans, Department Chairs, and other campus leaders to create a comprehensive list of those eligible for promotion and tenure during the period of consolidation. Based upon the final list, faculty will be informed of timelines for these actions.
Will the expectations/guidelines for Promotion & Tenure change?
Because faculty promotion expectations are grounded in institutional mission, it is possible that tenure and promotion guidelines may change. The VPAA (in conjunction with the Deans, Dept. Chairs, faculty leaders, and other institutional staff) will work in conjunction with the BOR to determine the new guidelines appropriate to the mission of the consolidated institutions and the appropriate procedures to implement the new performance expectations. Such changes will not go into effect right away.
How will this affect campus leadership and administration?
The President will work to build a new leadership team. The expectation is that there will be high level involvement of faculty and staff in the building of new governance and communication structures.
Where and when will I be teaching?
This will be determined by the appropriate academic leadership at the institution.
What role will distance education play in the consolidated institutions?
In order for institutions to help increase numbers of Georgians complete their post-secondary education, new System initiatives are being developed to add and enhance distance education opportunities. Students and faculty in the consolidated institutions will be strongly encouraged to bridge geographic distances via improved distance education.
Staff
How will Staff have a voice in the implementation of the consolidation?
Staff will be represented on the implementation working group.
Will all administrative staff retain their positions?
Over time there will likely be a reduction in staff positions but it is not possible to know which ones at this time. The implementation working group working with the president will determine the new administrative structure.
Will I have to relocate?
Decisions affecting individuals will take place as part of the implementation process. It is possible that relocations could occur.
Audit Issues
How will University System internal auditors be involved in consolidation?
University System internal auditors conduct both consulting engagements and internal audits. Internal audit teams will be made available on a request basis to provide consulting services. Internal auditors may audit consolidated processes and systems. As appropriate, internal audit functions may be established at consolidated institutions.
Facilities
Will buildings or facilities be shut down as a result of the consolidation?
The system wide space utilization study, not just consolidation, will inform and frame these types of questions across the State. Ultimately, the president of the institution must make these decisions locally as we strive for efficiency and effectiveness at all USG institutions.
Will this impact the current USG Capital Funding request?
The USG has a backlog, in the pipeline of projects previously funded for design, which still need State Funding for construction. The consolidation of campuses will not alter the USG’s commitment to projects previously funded for design. (See above, re. system space utilization study.)
How will MRR allocations be impacted?
MRR allocations which are currently determined using a formula will continue until implementation is complete. At that time, there may be evidence to suggest a change in the overall MRR allocation.
How will institution PPV projects be impacted?
The USG will work with all consolidated Institutions and their Foundations to ensure a smooth transition of Ventures projects through the consolidation.
Will campus safety be impacted?
The USG has always encouraged system wide support and back up for sister institutions on campus safety and emergency preparedness issues. These consolidations will enhance not diminish this commitment to students.
How/when will all the signs be replaced? (On campus as well as directional - from major roads)
Consolidations will be implemented at the Institution level. Implementation/transition teams will coordinate these types of logistics and timelines within over-arching target dates that will be established.