Meeting Minutes - December 1996

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Held At 244 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia
December 10 and 11, 1996

CALL TO ORDER:

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met on Tuesday, December 10, 1996, and Wednesday December 11, 1996, in the Board Room, Room #473, 244 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. The Chairman, Regent Thomas F. Allgood Sr., called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M., and again on Wednesday, December 11, at 9:00 A.M. Present, in addition to Chairman Allgood, were Regents: S. William Clark, Jr., (Vice Chair), John Henry Anderson Jr., Juanita Powell Baranco, Kenneth W. Cannestra, John H. Clark, J. Tom Coleman, Jr., A.W. "Bill" Dahlberg, Elsie P. Hand, Edgar L. Jenkins, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern Jr., Edgar L. Rhodes, and William B. Turner.

The invocation was given on Tuesday, December 10, by Mr. Thomas E. Daniel, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, and on Wednesday, December 11, by Regent William B. Turner.

ATTENDANCE:

The attendance Report was read on both days by Secretary Weber, who announced that Regents Suzanne G. Elson and Elridge W. McMillan had asked for and had been given approval to be absent on Tuesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 11, 1996.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

Upon motion by Chairman Allgood, seconded by Regent Leebern, the minutes of the Board of Regents meeting held on November 12, 13, 1996, were unanimously approved as distributed on Tuesday, December 10, 1996.

GOVERNOR ZELL MILLER'S ADDRESS TO GEORGIA LEGISLATORS

Chancellor Portch informed the Board that Governor Zell Miller, in his address to the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators the day before, announced some of the elements of his budget proposal, some of which are specific to the Board. Items included in his announcement were: University System Recommendations, Fiscal Year 1998:

Six percent merit salary increase for University System employees.
$4 million increase for repair and maintenance projects.
Bonds for 21 capital outlay projects totaling $121,795,250.

These include all 8 items on the Board's major capital budget request list; Macon College/Construction of a Student Services Building and Health Education Classrooms, Georgia Institute of Technology/Construction of Manufacturing Related Disciplines, Waycross College/Construction of Student Services and P.E. Building, Clayton College & State University/Construction of Music Education Building, Middle Georgia College/Renovation and Addition to Walker Hall Classroom Building, and Dublin Center, Columbus State University/Construction of Physical Education Facility, Atlanta Metropolitan College/Construction of Student Center, and Albany State College/flood recovery.

The Board's "minor's list," which includes items between $1 and $5 million in cost, divided into two lists referred to in the Board's budget proposal as "List A" and "List B", was included in the Governor's budget proposal. These items are as follows: In "List A" Augusta State University/Construct Central Utility Plant - phase 2, DeKalb College/Complete Renovation of Building "C", Georgia College & State University/Renovation of Herty Hall, Savannah State University/Renovation of Payne Hall, and University of Georgia/Construction of Improvements for Rock Eagle Sewage and Water System. In "List B", Clayton College & State University/Construction of Addition to Maintenance Building, Darton College/Renovation and Addition for Science and Math, Kennesaw State University/Renovation of Old Science Building for School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia/Renovation of Dugas Building for Pediatrics lab, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography/Purchase of Oceanographic Vessel, University of Georgia/Retrofit Library Ventilation System, Valdosta State University/Construction of Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology Building. Also included was one payback item, the University of Georgia/Construction of Parking Deck for North Campus.

Chairman Allgood asked if the Governor's inclusion of the above- mentioned items would complete the projects which have been pending for some time, and once carried out, could the Board begin working on new criteria for specific projects which will apply throughout the System? Chancellor Portch, referring to conversations with Regents Leebern and Jones, said they had discussed involving the Board even further in future planning, by seeking the Board's assistance in establishing the Priority list and asking the Central Office Staff to screen to ensure that all recommended projects meet criteria set by the Board. A two day meeting might be scheduled wherein presentations on the proposals which meet the Board's criteria could be made by the Presidents and Regents' Central Office Staff jointly.

Presentation by The Georgia Institute of Technology

In his introduction of President G. Wayne Clough of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Chancellor Portch noted that the System is now entering an era which demands the integral use of technology in higher education institutions, not peripherally, but via integrating this technology into teaching, training and methodology. President Clough was assisted in this presentation by Dr. Robert McMath, Professor of History of Technology at The Georgia Institute of Technology and Mr. Alex Snoeren, a student at The Georgia Institute of Technology. President Clough began by explaining that the initiative to require all Georgia Tech students to have computers was proposed by advisors, faculty, and students. The College of Engineering undertook a strategic planning exercise and recognized the need for all students to have their own computers. An Institute committee was created to study the issue of mandating computer ownership. The committee included faculty and students. A study made by this committee revealed that approximately 75% of Georgia Tech students already had their own computers. One demographic, however, revealed that minority students were only half as likely to own their own computer. In 1996, a faculty vote unanimously supported the requirement. Reasons for this unanimous support include providing a "level playing field" for Georgia Tech students, improved advising, and optimizing learning technology. This requirement will optimize learning technology by providing "24-hour" access to classroom information and enhancing communications between faculty and students. The program will connect students to classrooms and labs and provide a collaborative design environment. President Clough then introduced Mr. Alex Snoeren, a student at Georgia Tech, to give his own testimony to the benefits of the program.

Mr. Snoeren served as one of the student members on the initial committee that addressed the issue of the computer requirement. The committee, comprised of faculty from each college of the university, undergraduate students and graduate students, sought the input of students and faculty on campus. One commonly asked question by faculty and students alike was how the computers would be used. Using his own personal experience with the Classroom 2000 Initiative as an example, he explained that there is a graduate course in the College of Computing which utilizes the Classroom 2000 facility. The facility is completely computerized using a large screen as a "chalkboard." The instructor can "write" on the screen and the students have access through their computers to interact with the instructor. The advantage that the computer mandate provides is that the information given in that class can be accessed outside of the classroom. Mr. Snoeren explained in order to provide such an initiative at the undergraduate level, a support structure providing 24-hour access to each student would be necessary; otherwise, it would not be fair for the professor to provide information that is not accessible to each student.

Professor McMath noted that thanks to the Board and other support, The Georgia Institute of Technology now has possibly the best high speed cable access for all its residence halls of any university in the United States. He told the Board that the key to the success of a such a program is "networking": access for faculty and students alike to data across the campus, the System, and the world. Dr. McMath explained one of the goals of mandatory computer ownership is to connect residence halls, classrooms and professors' homes, and create a new kind of academic community linked via FutureNet and the students' computers. He said that thanks to the Regents' commitment to information technology, FutureNet, GALILEO, advanced technology classrooms, and faculty training programs have emerged. Pending final approval in Fall of 1997, The Georgia Institute of Technology will enter its final phase of implementing FutureNet, beginning with the entering freshman. The program is focused primarily on undergraduates. By next fall, the plan to purchase various software to be used in classrooms and the development of other software, will be implemented. Also, a training facility will have been established for faculty members who have yet to meet the technology standards required by the program.

Answering a question Regent Cannestra asked earlier of President Clough about recognizing the potential situation of providing software to match the machines already owned by students, Dr. McMath explained that the advances in software design have made it easier to interchange data between operating systems. The package of software and computers being negotiated by Georgia Tech would set the cost of the computer at approximately $1900 and the software at approximately $300 per student. Dr. McMath explained that the school's primary focus will be on the purchasing of computers. The Georgia Tech Foundation is prepared to provide additional funds and the business office is prepared to enter into discussion with financial loan institutions to provide additional financial aid.

Chairman Allgood remarked that President Clough and his associates made it clear why mandatory computers are a good idea, but that he was concerned about the assurance that all students would be able to meet the requirement financially.

President Clough said that a thorough calculation of need based on past experience, including how much the requirement will add to already existent financial aid, is being prepared.

Regent Hand asked about the possibility of negotiating a lease/purchase plan for students. President Clough responded that a lease/purchase plan was already in the negotiations. He further explained that the purchase of the computer is a one time cost to the students, and that while software may advance or change requiring further software purchase by students, he anticipates the software purchased initially will be good the full four years.

Regent Jenkins asked what impact FutureNet would have on the System's two- year schools whose graduates often finish their last two years at schools such as Georgia Tech. Dr. McMath responded that while not all two-year students have computers, there are computers on the two-year campuses which access the Georgia Tech Network. Core courses are presently being designed so that students on two year campuses can engage in these classes simultaneously with Georgia Tech students. Regent Cannestra commented it would be vital in implementing this program to train faculty so that all are teaching with the same level of computer literacy and utilizing the program in such a way that all students could keep up.

Regent Dahlberg asked if there is a class in the System which does not require students to be in the classroom or even on campus. President Clough responded that it certainly can be done and is being done with distance learning.

Regent Hand said that while Georgia Tech may have a computer literate faculty, this cannot be said for all the System faculty. She stated that it is important that all institutions in the System have the same opportunity to train their faculty. President Clough stated that the younger faculty members coming in who are already computer trained will be able to mentor those faculty members who are less computer literate.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

With motion made by Regent Baranco and seconded by Regent Coleman, the regular Board meeting was adjourned and the session of the Strategic Planning Committee was convened. Chairman Leebern reminded the Board that at the November Board meeting the first reading of the Planning Assumptions and Guiding Principles to guide the Comprehensive Strategic Planning Process was made. He then thanked Sr. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Jim Muyskens, and his staff for the changes made which reflect the concerns and discussion posed by the Board in the last meeting. He said that it was now time to adopt that plan. He asked if there were any questions or additional comments before asking for motion to adopt the plan. There being no questions or comments, motion was made by Regent Cannestra and seconded by Regent Jenkins, and the Principles and Assumptions Report was unanimously adopted by the Board. The Planning Assumptions and Principles read as follows:

In June 1995, the Board of Regents reaffirmed its vision for the University System of Georgia. In Access to Academic Excellence for the New Millennium, the Board envisioned itself as responsible for establishing clear policies " . . .to promote the continuing improvement of every unit and of the System as a coordinated whole." One of the cornerstones of continuous improvement is comprehensive planning for the future, and part of comprehensive planning entails strategic enrollment planning as clearly articulated for the University System in Principle 18:

The University System of Georgia shall have strategic enrollment policies that determine the number of students its various institutions can serve excellently based on its projected resources. It shall forecast changes in student demand and resources, prepare effectively for those changes, market the full range of its campus settings, and make optimal use of all existing human and physical resources, including the access-cornerstone capabilities of its two-year colleges, to advance Georgians' access to academic quality. Other principles emphasize the need for the System "to maximize economies of scale in configuring its campuses and academic programs" (Principle 19) and "to pay priority attention to regions of the state with unusually underserved populations and/or exceptionally large population growths in managing access to needed academic programs and collaborative delivery of. . . services" (Principle 20). In addition, Principle 22 stresses the necessity of using a Systemwide perspective in capital priority decisions, and links capital priorities to strategic and academic program planning. Broad-based data, from state, regional, and institutional perspectives, are to be used as the basis of policy decisions (Principle 28). Principle 31 focuses on the System's need to maintain and expand relationships with business and government leaders and "to bring System resources fully to bear on the state's economic development." Principle 2, "The University System shall place the welfare of its students, within the context of academic quality, as its first priority in decision-making at all levels," provides the stimulus for the System's work in comprehensive planning and all other activities.

The comprehensive planning process becomes a means to achieve the System vision, mission, and principles. As Board of Regents' Chair Thomas Allgood expressed in a July 9 memorandum to Regent Donald Leebern, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee: "The purpose of the comprehensive plan will be to ensure that the University System is meeting the needs of the state by maximizing the full potential of its resources." To that purpose, Chairman Allgood charged the committee to: ". . . gather the necessary information and develop five-year enrollment targets by institution, identify program areas that ought to be expanded to meet projected state workforce needs, and establish a new capital priorities list that builds on enrollment and program needs" for the 1998-2002 time period. Comprehensive planning clearly requires that the Board of Regents, Central Office staff, and institutions work collaboratively to plan for the future effectively and to set meaningful and realistic priorities for Georgia that together we can all attain.

Planning Assumptions:

Creating a Vision for the Future of Higher Education in Georgia

Planning assumptions define in broadest terms an outline of what the System expects the future to hold within the framework of the System vision, mission, and principles from our strategic plan. The assumptions reflect general constraints and opportunities, based on an analysis of what we know about the future; what we do not know; what we can change; what we cannot change. Planning assumptions are objective descriptions of interpretations of the future environment of higher education and are based on data and information; they reflect an analysis of both the internal environment and external environment of the University System, including demographic and economic factors.

The Planning Assumptions and Principles

Georgia's Demography and Economic Resources

The population of Georgia will continue to grow at a rate greater than that of the U.S. Georgia will continue to have a larger minority population than the U.S.
The population of Georgia will continue to grow unevenly. Some areas will grow at high rates, but the population of some areas may remain stable or even decline.
The State's economy will continue to grow and diversify, although there may be periodic downturns.
Competition for state resources will continue and increase; for example, the demand for funding for human services, prisons and transportation will increase.
Additional block grants from the federal government will affect the State's economy.

The University System's Role in Georgia

The University System will maintain its commitment to access to academic excellence. The University System will continue to emphasize the welfare of its students and the quality of their academic experiences as the top priorities.
The University System will meet the needs of Georgia's citizens in a constantly changing society.
The University System will continue to be accountable to the State and its citizens.
The demand for University System instruction, research, and services will increase.
The University System's primary undergraduate focus will continue to be to provide students with a strong liberal arts education and a broad background in the major area.
The University System will accelerate providing educational opportunities that help prepare students to meet the employment needs of the state.
International education will remain an emphasis of the University System so that students will be educated to live in a global and diverse world.

Enrollment Demand

Enrollment demand for the University System will increase by up to 30,000 students by 2002 (to about 234,000 students) and will increase up to 62,000 by 2010 (to about 268,000 students).
Institutional enrollment demand will vary across the System, Workforce Demand
Changing workforce needs will vary the demand for academic and professional preparation for students of all ages, including those currently in the workforce.
Economic development will play an increasingly important role in highereducational programming, delivery, and service in the USG.

Delivering Instruction

During the next five to seven years, the primary mode of delivery of instruction will continue to be by faculty in a classroom setting augmented by technology to enhance delivery and promote innovation.
Distance learning technologies will be used increasingly to deliver instruction and services, especially in extending access to existing programs to more remote areas of the state.
Technology-based educational delivery will increase student flexibility and choice, increase competition among the providers, and within five years lead to the beginnings of new structures for delivery.

Linking Planning, Facilities, and Budgeting

Without System and institutional enrollment planning, existing capacity will be underutilized at some institutions and oversubscribed at others.
While there will be substantial need for the modernization and continuous renovation of existing facilities and for new construction projects, there will be a greater demand than resources available.
There will be continued state support through the funding formula for the University System, including support for increased enrollment growth.

Enrollment Planning Principles: Guiding Planning and Decision-Making

After assumptions have been established, the next step is to develop principles which will guide the planning process. Whereas assumptions describe the best guesses of what the future will be, planning principles describe the guidelines for decision-making. These principles, based on the System vision, mission, principles, and planning assumptions, will assure that enrollment planning decisions will be strategic, focusing resources according to University System priorities rather than following the undirected growth of the System. As Chancellor Stephen Portch stated, "The University System wants to manage future change, not be managed by it."

Enrollment Growth

The University System should collaborate with other state agencies, including the Office of School Readiness, the State Department of Education, and the Department of Technical and Adult Education, to improve the preparation of students for college and the success of students in pursuing post-secondary education or work.
The System should work to increase both the number and the proportion of well-educated Georgians throughout the state, including exceeding the national average for the percentage of the population with a baccalaureate degree. The System and its institutions should work to increase the number of students, faculty, and staff from minority groups and other groups historically underserved by higher education.
Associate-level colleges should increasingly be used as access points to the University System.
An institution should grow to the enrollment level which ensures preservation of the Board-approved mission, quality of education and academic programs, appropriate campus character, quality of student life, and relationships with the community it serves.
Enrollment growth should be balanced with available resources, public demand, and institutional strengths. Resources should be allocated in a way that maximizes use and increases cost-effectiveness.
The University System should continue serving traditional students and be increasingly sensitive to the needs of students returning to college or starting college later in life.
Growth should be managed to continue the balance of graduate and undergraduate programs, continuing education, and research and to preserve an appropriate mix of academic disciplines.
An optimal size range, based on current and projected resources and enrollment demand, should be identified for each institution. The targeted optimal size should reflect academic quality and cost effectiveness.

The System should promote enrollment growth at those institutions that are below optimal size, have unused or underutilized capacity, and can ensure quality programs.
Enrollment growth should be stabilized at institutions that exceed optimal size based on current or projected resources.
The optimal size range may be modified given planned resource and program development consistent with the System vision and institutional mission and strengths. Periodically the System will systematically review all institutional size ranges.

Academic Program Planning

The University System's primary responsibility should be to prepare students both for a worthwhile life in the twenty-first century and for a productive livelihood.
New programs should be identified for the System based on state needs and other factors, including consideration of local, regional, national, and international needs, citizen demand, workforce needs, and economic development strategies where appropriate.
New programs should be approved at institutions based on identified need, consistency with institutional mission, and an array of other factors (including current or emerging program strengths; student demand; centrality of a program within the institution; credentials of faculty; adequacy of library, facilities, and resources; and community support).
Institutions should become more flexible in providing instruction and services to traditional students, non-traditional students, existing workers, and life-long learners, including those who may want to re-engineer a career.
Program review, assessment of student learning outcomes, institutional strategic planning, and budgeting should be used to strengthen academic programs.

Facilities Planning and Budgeting

The modernization or renovation of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities should occur at institutions according to planning priorities based on academic program needs, enrollment needs, and consideration of cost-effectiveness.
Resources for institutional operations should follow planning priorities.
Budgeting and other major administrative decisions should be linked to planning priorities at the System and institutional level.

Chairman Leebern said he was pleased with the progress of the report and asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Committee of the Whole and reconvene the regular Board meeting. Motion was made by Regent Dalhberg and seconded by Regent Coleman.

SPECIAL GUEST

With the regular Board meeting reconvened, Secretary Weber recognized visitor David Watts, the Governor's Special Assistant for Education.

ADJOURN TO GO INTO COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Chairman Allgood then asked if there was any other business before the Board before adjourning to go into Committee meetings. There being none, motion was made by Regent Leebern and unanimously approved, and the regular Board meeting was adjourned.

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

Chancellor Portch introduced President H. Lynn Cundiff of Floyd College, and President Richard A. Skinner of Clayton College, who made a presentation to the Board on their collaboration, The Information Technology Project. In his introduction, Dr. Portch told the Board that what would be needed was its approval to either go forward with the proposal, proceed with caution, or a motion not to proceed at this time.

President Cundiff, providing context for the proposal, referred to a recent trip to Nashville where he heard Chancellor Wyatt of Vanderbilt University say that in the very near future Vanderbilt will offer its undergraduate students the option of completing the last two years by electronic means. He made this reference to illustrate a comparison between a large, conservative, private university which is currently moving forward with plans to initiate education technology and smaller, public four and two year institutions which are doing the same. President Cundiff then introduced President Skinner.

President Skinner regards The Information Technology Project as an ambitious effort to achieve three broad but closely related goals. The first goal is educational in nature and involves improving the learning productivity of students, improving the career readiness of graduates, accommodating the needs and constraints of non traditional students, and making lifelong learning practical. The second goal is to expand and improve services on- and off-campus to all students. Finally, the third goal is to reduce institutional reliance on state appropriations even as we create and maintain our information technology capabilities. President Skinner then said that to accomplish these goals, a proposal was developed consisting of three parts. The first part of that proposal is a universal campus card which can be used by the holder for identification, access to campus facilities and privileges, debit purchase of goods and services, a direct billing card for telecommunication services (optionally, as a credit card), and for the processing of student financial aid. The second part is the requirement dubbed Universal Personal Information Technology Access, (UPITA). Under UPITA, Clayton College and Floyd College would lease and lease/purchase sufficient numbers of portable and powerful notebook computers for use by each student and faculty member and provide both students and faculty with remote, dial in access from anywhere there is a telephone. Students would be asked to help pay a portion of the costs of the services with a quarterly fee of $200 per student; institutions would recover a portion of the costs either as commissions on sales by for-profit goods and services or as institutional contributions. Finally, in the third part of this proposal, the card, UPITA, and their associated activities would be treated as auxiliary services and, within four years, operate on a self-sustaining basis. President Skinner then cited the three groups the success of the proposal will rely on. The first group is the students. They must be willing to share a greater portion of the cost for providing them with an education that is believed to be more appropriate for the 21st Century. The second group is the faculty who are asked to embrace and incorporate the concept of UPITA as a central element of their teaching. Business and Industry comprise the third group and their willingness to invest in institutions on a long-term basis. He then told the Board that the collaboration needs the Board to authorize it to proceed with the concept of UPITA and its requirement that the two colleges provide every student with the necessary tools and that their students pay a mandatory fee to help defray the cost. The collaboration would also rely on the Board's authorization to develop the universal campus card with debit and credit uses for financial transactions, via a Request for Proposals; secure from vendor(s) the goods and services needed to make UPITA and the campus card realities, including telecommunications services on a delegated bases from the Department of Administrative Services; and to approve the designation of these activities as auxiliary services and the funds associated with them as auxiliary funds.

President Skinner then cited three important issues facing the proposal. The first is whether state law, regulations, and Board Policy allows all that the proposal offers. He said until the approval to proceed is given, that questions of policy and law cannot be addressed. The second issue is in regard to whether faculty will be ready to participate in such a program. He said that it is anticipated that every faculty member, full- and part-time, will have, at a minimum, created his/her own page for the web, posted all course syllabi on the web, and created on-line discussion capability for each course in addition to being proficient on all computer activities. The third issue revolves around the issue of whether or not the physical infrastructure demanded by such a program can be completed by the targeted date of Fall 1997. However, the institutions would defer implementation of the notebook computer aspect for students and the associated fee until the infrastructure is in place. President Skinner then introduced Ms. Sara Ritter, President/Student, CCSU Student Government Association, Mr. Rob Nasca, Student, Floyd College, Mr. Jay Baker, Student, Floyd College, Professor William Morris, Assistant Professor of Geography, Floyd College and Dr. Catherine Deering, Associate Professor of Nursing, CCSU, who all gave their support for the proposed collaboration.

President Cundiff closed the presentation by saying that while now such a proposal presents many questions, it is believe that within the near future this type of learning environment will be common place.

Regent Hand noted that she told both President Skinner and President Cundiff in a prior meeting that each step should be coordinated with the State Attorney General's office.

President Skinner said that while the two schools have received visits from two state auditors as well as visits from the Attorney General's office to listen to the proposal, these agencies are waiting final approval by the Board before in-depth investigations are made.

Regent Jenkins asked how this particular proposal differs from the plans of the Georgia Institute of Technology. President Skinner said that the main difference was in the mandatory purchase of computers that Georgia Tech will be requiring. In the case of Floyd College and Clayton College & State University, the students are being asked to lease, rather than buy their computers. Another difference is that Floyd College and Clayton College & State University are standardizing platforms, agreeing on a single set of software and machinery. President Skinner added that because many of Clayton College & State University and Floyd College students are part-time and often do not go consistently quarter to quarter, it is unfair to ask those students to make such an investment.

Regent Anderson asked how the students dependent on financial aid would manage such a fee increase. President Skinner said that an analysis of financial aid had been made and the technology fee meets the coverage of all financial aid. Also, philanthropic support is being actively pursued.

Regent Coleman said that while he feels that the Board should give the program the "green light," he cautions that it should proceed slowly. He recommended implementing the project one year at a time to see what, if any problems occur.

Regent Dahlberg asked if a clause could not be entered into the computer lease agreement to give protection to each institution and the students. President Skinner answered that part of the proposal includes a "walk-away" clause in the event that the school is not happy with the product. Regent Dahlberg said he felt that it would be a good idea to have an outside consultant be involved with the assessment of the project.

Regent Cannestra said that he was a little surprised that the Board was being so cautious as there are institutions which have initiated similar projects and have been successful.

Chancellor Portch said that the point behind the presentation was to come to the Board for direction, which he feels it has given. He said he would like to suggest that the project be reviewed again after more detailed analysis has been made and target March 1997 for that review, with April 1997 being the month for action. Chancellor Portch added that he agreed that at this point an outside evaluator should be chosen. He further said that a good external evaluation of the plan could prove to be a very valuable project for the rest of the country.

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND EXTENSION

The Committee on Education, Research and Extension met on Tuesday, December 10, 1996, in Room 453. Present were Chairman Elsie P. Hand, Regents S. William Clark, Jr., A.W. "Bill" Dahlberg, Charles H. Jones, and Edgar L. Rhodes. Chairman Hand reported that the committee reviewed sixteen items, twelve items requiring action. All items were approved as stated in the agenda. In addition, four information items were presented and discussed. Forty-seven appointments were presented and reviewed, and eleven personnel actions required unanimous consent by the Board; all were approved by the committee. The committee recommended all action items and personnel items for full approval by the Board. There were one hundred-ninety-eight agreements for clinical training, twenty-four contracts with state agencies for services at the following universities: nine at Georgia State University, two at Medical College of Georgia, thirteen at the University of Georgia, and the total awards for November were 3,578,000. With motion properly made, variously seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:

1. Information Item: Re-achievement of Accreditation and New Accreditation

The College of Education at Georgia State University has been accredited under the new performance-oriented standards of the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All of the programs received accreditation at the initial teacher preparation and the advanced levels. The next on-site review will take place in academic year 2001.

The baccalaureate and master's degree offered by Valdosta State University's College of Nursing have received reaffirmation of accreditation according to the criteria specified in Criteria for the Evaluation of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing. The next on-site evaluation of the programs will occur in academic year 2004.

Armstrong Atlantic State University was approved at the June 1996 meeting of the Commission on Colleges for membership at the Level III status.

2. Establishment of an Armstrong Atlantic State University and Savannah State University Collaborative Program in Middle School Teacher Education

Approved: The Board approved the request of Presidents Robert A. Burnett and John T. Wolfe, Jr. to establish a collaborative program between Armstrong Atlantic State University and Savannah State University which would result in an Armstrong Atlantic State University degree in middle grades education, effective December 11, 1996.

The academic program is currently being offered at Armstrong Atlantic State University. The proposal is intended to reduce the critical shortage of African American teachers with special emphasis given to the fields of mathematics and science. The collaboration will attract and retain talented Armstrong Atlantic University and Savannah State University undergraduate students into teaching careers.

There is a critical shortage of Middle School teachers in the state of Georgia. The availability of Service Cancelable Loans for Middle School teachers in the State of Georgia is supportive evidence of this need. The number of African Americans completing teacher education programs has been declining at an alarming rate over the past twenty years. This collaborative proposal is intended to address this need.

The benefits of the program are that it will increase the number of African American middle grade teachers, with top priority given to the fields of mathematics and science. It is a positive example of collaboration between Armstrong Atlantic State University and Savannah State University and has the support of the Savannah-Chatham County School System. The proposed collaboration will provide a viable career option for Savannah State University students and help fill a statewide teacher need. The collaboration will give first priority to students with primary and secondary concentrations in mathematics and science. The program will establish rigorous standards for what accomplished Middle School teachers should know and be able to do (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 1995.)

Armstrong Atlantic State University and Savannah State University have placed this proposal high on their respective lists of institutional priorities.

The first year of the program will require funding in the amount of $148,960 and $73,750 thereafter for its operation. This request for funding will encompass personnel, equipment and materials, and scholarship costs. The two institutions will absorb the difference between first-year costs and funds needed to sustain the program after start-up.

The Office of Academic Affairs will continue to work with the campus on remaining issues. Although this collaboration is not a new program, it will be re-examined in terms of quality, budget, support, and enrollment and reported to the Board at that time.

3. Establishment of a New Major in Special Education Under the Existing Master of Education Degree, Kennesaw State University

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Betty L. Siegel that Kennesaw State University be authorized to offer a major in Special Education under the existing Master of Education Degree, effective December 11, 1996.

The program leading to the ME.d in Special Education emphasized mastery of Interrelated Special Education programs in P-12 educational settings. The program is 59 quarter hours (36 semester hours program) aimed to prepare master professional learning facilitators to work with students with mild disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders and mild intellectual disabilities).

The April, 1995 survey of 11 northwest Georgia public school districts, conducted by Dr. Anderegg of Kennesaw State University, indicated that there was a need for 79 - 106 interrelated teachers per year during the next 3 - 5 years. Data from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission indicates that 4 provisional IRR (interrelated) certificates and 373 Probationary Accelerated IRR

The cross-categorical model prepares teachers to recognize the distinction between behaviors reflecting cultural differences and behaviors caused by physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. The cross-categorical model facilitates the development of collaborative skills since students develop working relationships for required collaborative activities during classes. Students develop skills in interpreting research studies, applying research to teaching, and conducting classroom-based research. A capstone field experience course includes development and implementation of an action research project to develop graduates who are applied researchers.

The proposed program will require 59 quarter hours (36 semester hours) of graduate coursework and completing and defending a professional portfolio. The courses are divided in terms of professional sequence, teaching field, and capstone experience. Successful candidates for the degree will pass a comprehensive portfolio/thesis presentation which is the culminating experience for ME.d students.

It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program, student enrollment will be 30, 32, and 35, respectively.

Kennesaw State University has placed this proposed program high on its list of institutional priorities.

Reallocation of faculty, teaching and office space, technological support, support staff and support materials has been accomplished. This is consistent with their long-range planning.

The Office of Academic Affairs will continue to work with the campus on budget, support, and enrollment and report to the Board at that time. Similar follow-up reviews will be implemented for all new degree programs approved within the System.

4. Reorganization of the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology, Georgia Southern University

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Nicholas L. Henry to reorganize Georgia Southern University's Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology, effective December 11, 1996.

The major rationale for the separation is the complexity and diversity of the programs coupled with the need to be more effective in the administration of the engineering technology programs. This reorganization complies with the state emphasis on the budget redirection of funds from administration to academic programs. The reorganization will provide for the efficient administration of engineering technology programs and generate internal and external support.

The reorganization involves the Department of Engineering Technology, the Department of Industrial Technology, and the Engineering Studies program. The proposed reorganization will eliminate two departments (Engineering Technology and Industrial Technology), move the Engineering Studies program from the Department of Physics, and group the three units under School of Technology within the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology. The proposed School of Technology will be headed by a director, for whom a national search will be conducted. Funds for the director will be redirected form the two departmental chair positions.

The three units, the Department of Industrial Technology, the Department of Engineering Technology, and the Engineering Studies Program, have administrative responsibility for the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Construction, Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Bachelor of Science in Printing Management, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Technology, and the Master of Technology.

Georgia Southern University is focused on training students to meet the national standards for engineering technology positions. This redirection will allow the university better visibility and draw more attention to the technology programs by elevating them to a "school" status.

5. Renaming of the Office of Special Programs, State University of West Georgia

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Beheruz N. Sethna to reorganize State University of West Georgia's Office of Special Programs, effective December 11, 1996.

The major rationale for this name change is to enhance the stature of the honors programs, provide gifted students a presence on campus and among external constituencies, and enhance the recruitment of exceptional students which includes as a major area of excellence: "educational opportunities for exceptional students through initiatives such as the development of an Honors College and, for extraordinary high school juniors and seniors, through The Advanced Academy of Georgia." The name, "Honors College," is consistent with a national pattern of excellent programs of this kind. The calibre of this program has been noted in such publications as School Board News, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the Carroll County Georgian.

Currently 230 students are active in the Honors Program. They major in degree programs across the University. About 85% of the graduates attend graduate or professional schools. In 1991, Alfred Evans won a Truman Scholarship. He has since graduated from Columbia University with both a J.D. and an M.B.A. In 1994, Gabriel Reedy was the only student from the State of Georgia to have this senior Honors thesis selected for presentation to the annual meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council. In 1995, Alan Wells received a Fulbright Scholarship for study in Spain.

The Advanced Academy continues to be regarded as a model program. The program already has a director, coordinator, and secretary. No additional staff members are anticipated in the near future. There will be no cost associated with this change.

6. Establishment of the Carter N. Paden Jr. Distinguished Chair in Metals Processing Georgia Institute of Technology

Approved: The Board approved the request of President G. Wayne Clough that the Carter N. Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Metals Processing be established at the Georgia Institute of Technology, effective December 11, 1996.

President Clough as requested that an endowed Chair be established which would be called the Carter N. Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Metals Processing. Georgia Tech has received a gift form Mr. Carl Paden, Jr. totaling a 1.5 million principal balance. This deposit with the Georgia Tech Foundation, Inc. will be used to support the Carter N. Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Metals Processing in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

The Carter N. Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Metals Processing will impact the metals processing program by providing high calibre undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in the following related fields: metallurgy, solidification processing, casting, machining, and the relationship between metals processing and performance.

In accordance with Georgia Tech's focus on the design of products and processes, the influence of process on microstructure, the instrumentation/control of metals processes, and the impact of processing on properties and performance, the Georgia institute of Technology intends to recruit a person to hold this chair who is an outstanding leader in the application of engineering science and technology to metals processing.

7. Establishment of the Smithgall Institute Chairs, Georgia Institute of Technology

Approved: The Board approved the request of President G. Wayne Clough that the Smithgall Institute Chairs be established at the Georgia Institute of Technology, effective December 11, 1996.

President Clough has requested that two endowed Chairs be established which would be called the Smithgall Institute Chairs. Georgia Tech has received a gift from an anonymous donor totaling 5 million dollars. A portion of this gift will be used to establish the chairs. The two endowment funds, each with a principal balance of $1.5 million, are on deposit with the Georgia Tech Foundation, Inc.

The endowed Chairs will be designated in engineering and in the arts and sciences. The individuals who will serve in this capacity will impart outstanding intellectual leadership, guide the respective disciplines through scholarly works, mentor faculty, and teach undergraduate students. It is President Clough's intention to assign the chairs to two appropriate units in areas of current strategic importance to Georgia Tech. However, when either of these chairs becomes vacant it will revert back to the President's Office for assignment to the most appropriate unit at that time.

8. Establishment of the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation Chair of International Education Columbus State University

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Frank D. Brown that the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation Chair of International Education be established at Columbus State University, effective December 11, 1996.

The Mildred Miller Fort Foundation will initiate the Fund by providing a $100,000 cash gift to the Columbus State University Foundation, Inc. prior to January, 1997. An additional $200,000 gift will be made early in 1997 to fulfill the $300,000 requirement for endowing a chair. Revenue realized from the Fund will be used to supplement the salary and/or operating support for the Chair of International Education.

The establishment of this endowed chair is part of Columbus State University's overall strategic planning and is a component of their select mission in international education. A new faculty position will not be created for the chairship. The funds from an announced senior faculty retirement in the history department will be redirected to the chairship. The person who is selected for the Mildred Miller Fort Chair will divide his/her duties as follows: 1/3 teaching World History, 1/3 international education activities, and 1/3 as director of the Center for International Education.

9. Termination of the Business Education-Bookkeeping and Business Management Major Under the Existing Bachelor of Science in Education Degree, The University of Georgia

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Charles B. Knapp that The University of Georgia be authorized to terminate the Business Education Bookkeeping and Business Management Major under the existing Bachelor of Science in Education degree, effective December 11, 1996.

Over the last several years, the field of business education has changed dramatically. Effective September 1, 1996, three teacher certification fields of Bookkeeping and Business Management (Business, Data Processing and Accounting, and Comprehensive Business Education) were dropped. In error, the major entitled Bookkeeping and Business Management was not dropped. The program in Business Education was revised in line with new certification standards and became the program offered in the College of Education. The last student to graduate with a major in Bookkeeping and Business Management graduated spring quarter, 1984. Although the major is terminated, the certification of teachers of Business Education will be accomplished through other programs.

The termination of the major is consistent with changes in Business Education in Georgia and nationally from "subject specific" preparation of teachers to comprehensive preparation. The termination is also consistent with the redirection in the Department/College/University of channeling resources into programs which are effective and efficient in the professional preparation of students. Since the program has been in effect "inactive", there is no impact on the personal and professional lives of the faculty involved. There are no plans for subsequent reactivation of this major.

10. Termination of the Major in Management Science Under the Existing Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, The University of Georgia

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Charles B. Knapp that the University of Georgia be authorized to terminate the Major in Management Science under the existing Bachelor of Business Administration degree, effective December 11, 1996.

New students for this program have not been accepted since March 1993 and only one student graduated this year. By April 1993, the Department of Management Sciences and Information Technology (MSIT) had been dissolved. Currently, the Management Science faculty offers graduate classes; however, the content of the undergraduate curriculum will be moved to the Management Information Systems (MIX) major in the Department of Management. The dissolution of the department does not affect the department's offerings, and as a result the MIX major has been strengthened. The Department of Management Science may still preserve its identity and name in a department where diverse disciplines already exist.

The faculty in this program will be redirected into two groups. One group will merge with the Department of Management. The persons in this department will be assimilated into the production and MIX major areas based on their professional interests. The other group will be absorbed in the Department of Insurance, Legal Studies, Real Estate and Management Sciences.

The change allows the Terry College of Business to consolidate its course offerings in management information systems and information technology. The resultant offerings eliminate course duplication and streamline the curriculum. There are no plans for reactivation of this program.

11. Termination of the Majors in Office Management and Business Education Under the Existing Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, North Georgia College & State University

Approved: The Board approved the request of Acting President Sherman R. Day that North Georgia College & State University be authorized to terminate the Majors in Office Management and Business Education under the existing Bachelor of Business Administration degree, effective December 11, 1996.

New students for these programs have not been accepted since 1985 and the last student graduated June 1993. Both programs were deactivated during the 1988-89 academic year. There are currently no students in either program. The faculty in these programs have either retired or been redirected into the Department of Business Administration.

The resultant offerings eliminate course duplication and streamline the curriculum. The need for this change was noted while recently reviewing a copy of the University System Program Inventory. There are no plans for reactivation of this program.

12. Renaming of the Dairy Science Building, The University of Georgia

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Charles B. Knapp that The University of Georgia be authorized to rename the Dairy Science Building as the Environmental Health Building, effective December 11, 1996.

Several changes have occurred to justify the renaming of the Dairy Science Building to the Environmental Health Building. The Dairy Science Building no longer houses any dairy science activity, neither teaching, research, nor service. In addition, the University Creamery, whose scope of operation has steadily been reduced in recent years, ceased processing any products the first of this year. The building is now the location of the Environmental Health Science program and all of its faculty.

To be accurate and reduce confusion among students and visitors who are interested in locating Environmental Health Science faculty and staff, a name change for the building seems appropriate.

13. Naming of Residential Complex, Georgia Southern University

Approved: The Board approved the request of President Nicholas L. Henry that Georgia Southern University be authorized to name the residential complex, which began housing students in the Fall of 1995, for the late Dr. Georgia Brown Watson, effective December 11, 1996.

Because of the late Dr. Georgia Brown Watson's trailblazing efforts in education and military service, Georgia Southern University requests permission to name a residential facility after her. The facility will be called the Georgia Brown Watson Residential complex.

Georgia Brown Watson has been associated with Georgia Southern University and has made contributions to the University System for several years. She entered The University of Georgia in 1929 and, with 1 1/2 years of college completed, accepted a position as principal of an elementary school with five teachers. In 1942, she was one of 450 women selected competitively for officer candidate school in the newly organized Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. Int 1942, after completing the Anti-Aircraft Coast Artillery School training program, she was chosen to command the top secret experimental, composite, gun battery (90 mm), which was given the declassified code name "Battery X." In Spring 1994, during the D-Day movement, she was sent overseas and assigned Commander of the United Kingdom Base WAAC Unit with headquarters in London. Georgia Brown Watson was discharged from service in 1946 with the rank of Major.

Dr. Watson received her baccalaureate degree from Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University) in June 1946. She was awarded the MA and Ph.D degrees in 1947 and 1948 from Peabody College. By Fall 1949, she taught courses and was the Director of Alumni Affairs at Georgia Teachers College. In 1952, Dr. Watson was awarded the rank of Professor at Georgia Teachers College, the first woman to do so. Dr. Watson organized the first college chapter in the United States of the Future Teachers of America. Dr. Watson was also instrumental in getting the Graduate Program in Counseling approved and certified by the State. She was the first woman to head an academic unit, the Department of Psychology, at Georgia Teachers College, and the first woman to head an administrative unit, the Social Science Division. In 1961, Dr. Watson became the first woman to be named as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Psychology at Yale University. Dr. Watson also holds the distinction of being the first woman given two Emerita titles by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia: Emerita Professor of Psychology and Emerita Head of the Psychology Department, School of Arts and Sciences.

14. Information Item Concerning Clinical: Pursuant to authority granted by the Board at its meeting on February 7, 8, 1984, the presidents of various institutions of the University System executed 198 memoranda of understanding for clinical training during the month of November. A chart listing the various types of clinical agreements was presented to the Board in the agenda material. The chart is on file in the office of Planning and Policy Analysis in the Division of Academic Affairs in the Central Office, and a copy of each agreement is on file at the institutions concerned.

15. Information Item Concerning Service Agreements: Pursuant to authority granted by the Board at its meeting on February 7,8, 1984, the presidents of various institutions executed twenty-four service agreements with various agencies for the purposes and periods designated in a list presented to the Board in the agenda material. A brief synopsis of each agreement was presented. Awards for the month of November totaled $3,578,000. The list of these service agreements is on file in the office of Planning and Policy Analysis in the Division of Academic Affairs in the Central Office and, a copy of each agreement is on file at the institutions concerned.

Conferring of Emeritus: At the request of the presidents of various Institutions in the University System, the Board conferred the title of Emeritus upon the following faculty members, effective on the date indicated:

(a) University of Georgia

Kunze, Ray Alden Professor Emeritus Department of Mathematics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, effective January 1, 1997.

Nicholls, Robert Perry Professor & Dean Emeritus School of Environmental Design, effective December 11, 1996.

Wilks, Barbara B. Assistant Professor Emerita School of Health & Human Performance; Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, College of Education, effective December 1, 1996.

(b) State University of West Georgia

Carri, Louis Professor of Education Emeritus Department of Special Education and Speech Language Pathology, School of Education, effective December 1, 1996.

Davidson Jr., Thomas Jack Professor of Education Emeritus Department of Middle and Secondary Grades Education, School of Education, effective December 1, 1996.

Approval of Faculty for Tenure Status Change: The Board approved tenure status change for the following faculty members, effective on the dates indicated:

(a) Medical College of Georgia

Barrett Jr., John T. Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, from tenure track to non-tenure track, effective December 12, 1996.

Approval of Leaves of Absence: The Board approved the Leaves of Absence and the salaries for the period recommended at the following institutions:

(a) Georgia Institute of Technology

Han, Steven R. Research Engineer II, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, leave from January 1, 1997, to August 31, 1997, without pay.

(b) University of Georgia

Hellerstein, Walter Professor, School of Law, leave from August 20, 1997, to May 21, 1998, with pay. State funds of $15,000.00

Richmond, Farley Department Head Academic, Department of Drama & Theater, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Leave from March 28, 1997, to June 12, 1997, without pay.

Scott, Louis O. Associate Professor, Department of Banking & Finance, College of Business Administration. Leave from January 6, 1997, to December 30, 1997, without pay.

Stanford, Karin L. Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, leave from January 6, 1997, to June 12, 1997, with pay. State funds of $15,211.00.

APPOINTMENT OF FACULTY MEMBERS PREVIOUSLY RETIRED FORM THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: The Board approved the part-time appointments of faculty members previously retired from the University System.

(a) Georgia Institute of Technology

Edwards, J Lee Principle Research Science, Electronic Systems Laboratory, Georgia Tech Research Institute as needed for period beginning November 7, 1996, and ending June 30, 1997, 1996, and ending June 30, 1997, at less than half time, the salary not to exceed $27,796.00.

Hubbard, James C Professor, School of Biology, College of Sciences, as needed for period beginning November 18, 1996, and ending June 13, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $4,000.00.

Toler, James C. Principle Research Engineer, Office of Inter-Disciplinary Programs, as needed for period beginning November 15, 1996, and ending June 30, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $28,066.00.

(b) University of Georgia

Capitan, William H. Part-time Professor, Honors Program, Vice President for Academic Affairs, as needed for period beginning January 6, 1997, and ending March 21, 1997, at less than half-time. Salary not to exceed $1,500.00.

Kohl, Diane Mary Assistant Professor, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, as needed for period beginning January 6, 1997, and ending March 21, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $3,000.00.

Wanstreet, Rheda Yvonne C. Assistant Professor, (NTT) Department of Learning support, school of Arts and Science, as needed for period beginning September 9, 1996, and ending June 30, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $120.00.

(d) Bainbridge College

Frazier, Ernest Lynn Professor, Division of Technical Studies, as needed for period beginning September 1, 1996, and ending June 13, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary no to exceed $4,750.00.

APPOINTMENT OF FACULTY MEMBERS PREVIOUSLY RETIRED FORM THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: The Board approved the part-time appointments of faculty members previously retired from the University System and over seventy years of age.

(a) Georgia State University

Schoenfeld, Eugene Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, College of Arts & Sciences, as needed for period beginning January 3, 1997, and ending March 31, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $2,000.00.

Beaird, James Ralph University Professor Emeritus, School of Law, as needed for period beginning January 22, 1997, and ending May 21, 1997, at less than half-time, the salary not to exceed $5,850.00.

Appointment of Faculty: The Board approved the appointment of faculty members at the salaries and for the period recommended at the following institutions: Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Medical College of Georgia, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Fort Valley State University, Kennesaw State University, North Georgia College & State University.

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS

The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met Tuesday, December 10, 1996, in room 473. Present were Chairman Kenneth W. Cannestra, and Regents Thomas F. Allgood Sr., John H. Anderson, Jr., John Howard Clark, J. Tom Coleman, Edgar L. Jenkins, and Donald M. Leebern, Jr. Chairman Cannestra reported that two items were discussed, one, Amendments to Fiscal Year 1997 Budget which was reviewed without discussion and the approval of the establishment of the James C. Cantrell Fund at The University of Georgia. The Committee asked the office of Sr. Vice Chancellor Lindsay Desrocher to study the possibility of raising the dollar amount limit on funds so that trusts such as this one do not require approval by the Board. The Committee recommended approval on both items. Motion made and seconded, the Board unanimously approved and authorized the following:

1. Amendments to Fiscal Year 1997 Budget

Approved: That pursuant to new procedures for amending the University System budget, the Board approved the consolidated amendments to the Fiscal Year 1997 Budget of the University System of Georgia as displayed and explained in Appendix I.

2. Approval of a Declaration of Trust Establishing the James C. Cantrell Fund at The University of Georgia

Approved: The Board authorized President Charles B. Knapp to execute, on behalf of the Board of Regents, a Declaration of Trust under which the "James C. Cantrell Fund" would be created at The University of Georgia. The fund would be established with an initial amount of $19,453.40.

Also Approved: The chief business officer, presently Dr. Allan W. Barber, Vice President for Business and Finance, was authorized by the Board to execute, on behalf of the Board of Regents, those documents necessary to provide proper fiscal management of the trust established by this Declaration.

Background: In a letter dated October 15, 1996, President Knapp requested authorization to execute the "James C. Cantrell Fund." Income from investment of the Fund would be used primarily to obtain outstanding lecturers in the field of mathematics, and secondly, to provide scholarships to students attending The University of Georgia majoring in mathematics.

COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE AND FACILITIES

The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities met on Tuesday, December 10, 1996, in room 473. Present were Chairman J. Tom Coleman, Jr., and Regents Thomas F. Allgood Sr., John H. Anderson, Jr., Kenneth W. Cannestra, John Howard Clark, J. Tom Coleman Coleman Jr., Edgar L. Jenkins, and Donald M. Leebern, Jr. Chairman Coleman reported nine action items and three information items were reviewed. The Committee particularly noted the unique circumstances surrounding the Presidential residence issue at Georgia State University as a motivation of the action of the Committee to lease space for the current Georgia State University President, Carl V. Patton. The Committee is currently drawing up a Request for Proposal (RFP) for item 10, regarding leasing dormitory space at Southern Polytechnic State University and has directed the Regents' Staff to report back to the Committee for the synopsis of the RFP. Regarding information item 11, the Calhoun Marketing Study, the Committee directed the Staff to report in January on the use of the Northwest Branch Experiment Station in Calhoun. An item was deferred in November regarding the Medical College of Georgia and the acquisition of property made by the System. The Committee directed the Regents' Staff to make an interim report in January for a check list of items to be presented to the Board for consideration of property acquisition issues and to solicit input from the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities during the January meeting. Motion made and seconded, the Board unanimously approved and authorized the following:

1. Authorization of Project "Renovation of Palms Dining Center", Valdosta State University

Approved: The Board authorized project "Renovation of Palms Dining Center", Valdosta State University with a total project budget of $1,162,800 using University Auxiliary Reserve funds

The Palms Dining Center was opened in 1957 with two wings added in 1967. It has not been renovated with the exception of the beverage area that was renovated in 1992.
The project will renovate approximately 29,500 square feet and includes major interior, minor exterior, HVAC and electrical modifications to the serving areas, kitchens, dining area, prep areas, offices and work areas.
The project will completely renovate the interior of the main cafeteria in eight phases over 3 years, staged to minimize relocation efforts and to allow use of the facilities during renovation.
The construction cost of the renovation project is $899,000 ($30.50 per square foot).
The project cost includes $263,800 for planning and design.
Funding for the project is $1,162,800 using Valdosta State University Auxiliary Reserve funds which was approved by the Board as part of Valdosta State University will proceed with the selection of an architectural firm.

2. Authorization of Project "Food and Nutrition Services Renovation, Talmadge Building", Medical College of Georgia

Approved: The Board authorized project "Food and Nutrition Services Renovation, Talmadge Building", Medical College of Georgia, with a total project budget of $2,560,000 using Medical College of Georgia Hospitals and Clinics Operating funds.

The project will renovate approximately 7,490 square feet on the first floor of the Talmadge Building for the Food & Nutrition Services Department and will enable the implementation of the new technology of quick-chill/cook-chill food production and will meet current requirements for food processing and delivery to patients in the existing facility and new Children's Medical Center.
The construction cost of the renovation project is $494,150 ($65.98 per square foot), plus $1,741,850.00 in equipment.
The project cost includes $2,560,000 using Medical College of Georgia hospital and Clinics Operating funds which was approved by the Board as part of Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics Operation budget for FY 97.
The food and nutrition production kitchen, in this location for nearly forty years, has outgrown the available production space, with some equipment surpassing its useful life. The present operating system and tray delivery system do not provide food services that meet hazard analysis criteria control points (HACCP) regulations for food safety.
If the project is approved, the staff, in conjunction with the Medical College of Georgia, will proceed with the selection of an architectural firm.

3. Demolition of Building, Medical College of Georgia

Approved: The Board declared the building known as 937 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, Georgia, on the campus of the Medical College of Georgia, to be no longer advantageously useful to the Medical College of Georgia or other units of the University System of Georgia and authorized the demolition and removal of this building.

Also Approved: The Board requested Governor Miller to issue an Executive Order authorizing the demolition and removal of the above-described building from the campus of the Medical College of Georgia.

At the March 1996 meeting, the Board authorized the project "Center for Sports Medicine", Medical College of Georgia, which included a renovation and expansion of Building FC at a total project cost of $1,968,000.
Following architectural studies, the architect determined that it is more cost effective and efficient to replace the existing structure, than to build around it.
In order to do so, the existing building on the site of this project must be demolished.
The building is a 2,200 square foot steel frame structure built in 1969, and acquired in 1994 for use by the Center for Sports Medicine.
The building is currently used for the treatment and rehabilitative components of the Center for Sports Medicine. These activities will be temporarily relocated as part of the construction project.
The demolition will be conducted by public works contract at a cost estimated by the architect of $18,000 with funds from the project budget.

4. Conveyance of Property, Middle Georgia College

Approved: The Board declared approximately 0.09 acres of land located at the intersection of Bellevue Road and Kellam Road, Dublin, Georgia on the Dublin campus of Middle Georgia College to be no longer advantageously useful to Middle Georgia College or other units of the University System of Georgia, but only to the extent and for the purpose of allowing this land to be conveyed to the City of Dublin for construction of a turn lane and a traffic light.

Also Approved: The Board authorized the conveyance of the above 0.09 acres of property to the City of Dublin to construct a turn lane and traffic light, subject to a reversionary interest should the property cease to be used for such purpose.

Also Approved: That the terms of the above conveyance be subject to the review and legal approval of the office of the Attorney General.

The President of Middle Georgia College, Joe Ben Welch, has requested approval of the improvements because of the hazardous traffic conditions that exist at the 3-point intersection. The City of Dublin conducted a traffic signal at this intersection. All the students attending the Dublin Center are commuters and are affected by this entrance to the campus. The proposed improvements will benefit the students by providing a safer intersection and traffic signal.
The improvements will be constructed by the City of Dublin at a cost of approximately $120,000, paid by the City of Dublin. There will be no cost to Middle Georgia College or the Board of Regents.
These improvements will benefit the Dublin campus by improving traffic flow onto the Board's property.
The 0.09 acres will be conveyed to the City of Dublin in consideration of making the above improvements to the entrance to the Dublin Campus.

5. Sale of Property, Georgia Institute of Technology

Approved: The Board declared the property located at 267 Robin Hood Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia, to be no longer advantageously useful to Georgia Institute of Technology or other units of the University System of Georgia, but only to the extent and for the purpose of allowing the sale of this property for the benefit of Georgia institute of Technology and the University System of Georgia.

Also Approved: The Board authorized the sale of the property located at 267 Robin Hood Road, N.E. through negotiated sale.

Also Approved: The legal details of the above transaction to be handled by the office of the Attorney General.

The Georgia Tech Athletic Association purchased the property in 1958 for the amount of $52,000 at which time it was deeded to the Board of Regents.
The property consists of approximately 0.4 acres of land and is improved with an approximately 2,500 square foot ranch style residence with a basement and was used as the residence for Coach and Mrs. Bobby Dodd until their deaths in June 1988 and March 1992. The property has been leased since the time of Mrs. Dodd's death.

6. Policy for Leasing of Dorm Space

Approved: The Board adopted the following policy:

The Chancellor is authorized to lease housing to groups external to the University System of Georgia for a maximum term of one year under the following conditions. Any option periods or extensions beyond one year will require specific approval by the Board.
Housing facilities will only be leased to outside parties when it has been determined that there is sufficient excess capacity and when such lease will not impact the ability to house all institutional students desiring housing during the term of the lease. Any lease to outside parties should be contemplated only after a good faith effort has been made to fill housing with University System students.
Any lease of housing must be compatible with the mission of the institution and must not be disruptive to the institution's students occupying housing. Leases for other than an institution's own students will only be considered in priority order for cooperative interns, college students, education institutions, or not for profit education institutions. Leases to individuals or groups not in these categories will not be considered.
The lease rate will be at market rates for comparable housing in the vicinity and in no case will be less than the rate being charged to the institutional students for similar accommodations. Payment for the lease will be made in full prior to the commencement of the term of the lease.

Note: Based on the discussion in the Real Estate and Facilities Committee meeting, "Cooperative Intern" and the term "Not-for-Profit Organization" was revised to "Not-for-Profit Education Institutions."

7. ADA Funding and Projects

Approved: The Board authorized the submission to the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) the list of projects dealing with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility needs as requested by OPB.

Two years ago, the Georgia Building Authority received special State appropriation of $8 million to begin with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility needs. Of that amount, the University System of Georgia (USG) received $1.8 million to help with urgent projects. Now, as a continuing part of the State's contributing effort to identify necessary ADA projects, the Georgia Building Authority (GBA) and Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) have requested a list of USG high priority ADA projects. In order to assess this need, the USG engaged the Center for Rehabilitation Technology (CRT), a Georgia Institute of Technology center, and that group has produced a list of ranked projects.
The preliminary result of surveying all campuses revealed that the cost of access barrier removal to obtain optimum accessibility could exceed $50 million. CRT personnel have made preliminary visits to most campuses and are in the process of more intensive evaluations that result in a final report regarding both projects needed and the related costs.
ecently the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) indicated that additional funding may be available as part of the FY 1998 budget to fund high priority projects at USG campuses and other state facilities. OPB requested a listing of the highest priority projects and CRT produced a list of projects that included necessary improvements at 30 campuses; the cost associated with these high priority projects is $14,319,753. Should funding become available for any part of these first priority projects, it would be as part of a larger initiative that would provide funds for a variety of State agencies.

8. Sale and Lease of Property, Georgia State University

Approved: The Board authorized the listing for $1,425,000 of the sale of the President's house subject to approval by the Chairman of the Real Estate and Facilities Committee and the Chancellor of the sale price with a report of the sales price to the Board at the next meeting after the sale is approved, and authorize the execution of a rental agreement for units 801 and 802, The Lofts at Muses, for the use of Georgia State University.

Also Approved: The proceeds from the sale of the President's House will be impounded and the interest derived from the corpus of the proceeds will be used to offset the cost of the lease at the Lofts at Muses.

Also Approved: The sale and rental agreement will be handled by the office of the Attorney General.

The Georgia State University (GSU) proposes to sell the current presidential residence on Tuxedo Road in Buckhead as a exception to the Regents' policy concerning Presidential homes for research and regional university Presidents (and allow for other institutions to gradually moving away from the support of presidential homes as such.) The GSU campus and downtown Atlanta suggest that locating the President downtown makes good sense. Both symbolically and for practical reasons the Buckhead location is not ideal. The specific proposal involves leasing an apartment suite in the Lofts, Muses Building which is located adjacent to Woodruff Park in the Five Points area, where there is an increasing GSU presence. The location of this building allows the President to tie together campus events, arts and cultural activities and fund raising.

9. Acquisition of Property, Georgia State University Information on the acquisition of Property was provided to the Board of Regents in Executive Session. The Board authorized acquisition of property.

10. Information Item: Southern Polytechnic State University - Housing RFP The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities directed the Central Office Staff to report in January on the uses of the 28 acres at the Northwest Branch Experiment Station in Calhoun.

11. Information Item: Calhoun Property Marketing Study The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities directed the Central Office Staff to present to the Board for consideration of property acquisition issues and to solicit input from the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities prior to the January meeting.

COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATION AND LAW

The Committee on Organization and Law met on Tuesday, December 10, in room 453. Present were Chairman Edgar L. Jenkins, and Regents Juanita P. Baranco, and S. William Clark Jr. Chairman Jenkins reported that the Committee had reviewed seven appeals. Two were action taken to continue pending further information, one item has been scheduled for hearing, and four items were denied. With motion properly made, variously seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:

APPEALS

In the matter of Faye L. Clark at DeKalb College, concerning awards for merit increase, the application be continued pending further investigation.
In the matter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Eric Thomas, President, concerning a disciplinary matter, the application for review was denied.
In the matter of Lucinda Bentley at Gordon College, concerning her employment status, the application for review was granted and a hearing will be scheduled.
In the matter of Rebecca Inman at Valdosta State University, concerning salary disbursement procedures, the application for review will be continued pending settlement negotiations.
In the matter of Dr. Kananur V. Chandras at Fort Valley State University, concerning a hearing on 1994 performance evaluation, the application for review was denied.
In the matter of Donnie Morgan at Georgia College & State University, concerning nonrenewal of contract, the application for review was denied.
In the matter of Dr. Michael Montgomery at Gordon College, concerning nonrenewal of contract, the application for review was denied.

REPORT BY STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, JIMMIE MCEVER

Student Advisory Council President, Jimmie McEver, presented the Fall quarter update to the Board of Regents. Among the Council's activities was the Fall 1996 SAC Conference, hosted by Valdosta State University. Special guests present at the conference were Regent S. William Clark, Jr. and Assistant Vice Chancellor Pete Silver. Mr. McEver noted how gratified the conference attendants were by the speech given by Dr. Silver. Mr. McEver then cited the resolutions drawn by the Student Advisory Council during the Fall quarter. The resolutions were as follows:

Handicapped Access
Tuition/Fee Payment Policies
Course Repeat Policy
Course Information Availability

The Tuition/Fee Payment Policies are recommendations based on the Semester Conversion Policy Directive. SAC members addressed the need to ease the financial burden for students who will have to pay the same amount in two payments that they paid in three payments under the quarter system. Based on its recommendation, the University System of Georgia will: "Implement an extended payment plan for at least the first year of the transition to the semester calendar." Mr. McEver noted that along with these issues, the issues of Computer Ownership Policies, Technology Fees, and Student Athletic Fees were all addressed at the Fall Conference. Regent Baranco asked Mr. McEver what the current policy says regarding fee payments. Mr. McEver answered that current policy only allows fee deferment under "special circumstances."

THE CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

Chancellor Portch began his report by noting the resignations of three System Presidents; Dr. Edwin G. Speir, Jr., Georgia College & State University, Dr. J. Foster Watkins, Gainsville College, and Dr. Charles B. Knapp, University of Georgia. He noted that the three very different institutions all offer healthy and extremely attractive opportunities because of the leadership of Foster Watkins, Ed Speir, and Chuck Knapp. He noted that President Watkins leaves a flourishing campus with a foundation the envy of his colleagues. Regarding President Speir, he said the President leaves at a pinnacle, having led the way in raising standards and having capitalized on mission review with Georgia College & State University being established as the System's liberal arts college. Dr. Portch remarked that President Knapp will leave The University of Georgia with a greatly enhanced academic record and with a new East Campus. He then remarked how fortunate the Board is as it begins these important searches because of a sound policy to guide it, many attractions to offer candidates, and a determination to proceed promptly and effectively.

Dr. Portch then turned to the System's national visibility which, he noted, has never been higher, especially concerning HOPE Scholarship. With President Clinton's re election, the topic has been raised again on the National and State screens. Also the P-16 concept is growing in importance. More than 15 University Systems across the nation are beginning to consider implementing some version of the concept. He then credited Governor Miller for much of the positive national visibility. Noting the Governor's recent speech at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Chancellor reported the Governor received three spontaneous standing ovations for "one of the most substantive and sensitive speeches on higher education ever heard by an audience of several hundred university presidents." The Governor also attended and spoke at the third and last business listening session in Augusta and at the dedication of the Interdisciplinary Research Facility at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Portch credited the visibility of the Governor and the System for making it possible for the Chancellor to be selected as one of a small group of leaders in American Higher Education to consider the very future of the enterprise. Sponsored by the Carnegie Commission and the American Council on Education, the retreat at Princeton gave the Chancellor new insights where we may be headed in the future.

Dr. Portch then noted the extraordinary recent accomplishments within the System.

The Georgia Tech team which created the Olympic Torch was recently honored for this achievement by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Georgia Southern University Physics Professor Jing-Yuan Zhang needed a powerful laser system for a research project involving undergraduate students. Knowing that the University could not afford to buy such an expensive system, but that he could build it himself, he did, with help from the National Science Foundation. Impressed by Dr. Zhang's ingenuity and initiative, the NSF granted him $197,000 to construct the laser. His undergraduate students will help him develop the machine and assist him in the research.
The recipients of the 1996 MAP International/Readers Digest International Fellowship awards have been announced: Five of the thirty eight recipients in the United States were from the Medical College of Georgia. This program recognizes residents, interns, and senior medical students throughout North America for their commitment to improving health care in developing countries.
The University of Georgia's Art Department received coverage from the Wall Street Journal and Southern Living for their Italian sculpture exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art. On loan from Italy's National Museum through November 24, they had 22 pieces of marble, terra cotta, and bronze sculptures from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries by renowned artists which have never before been seen in the United States.
Business Week's most recent survey ranked Georgia State University's executive MBA program ninth best in the nation. The College of Business Administration had seven alumni included on Forbes' list of the 800 "Most Powerful CEOs."
The one millionth log-in to GALILEO was made on November 16, 1996.

Dr. Portch then recognized three people from the System. Valdosta State University's Head Football Coach Hal Mumme was chosen as Head Coach at the University of Kentucky. Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center Director Donald Ratajczak delivered the most accurate national forecasts over the last four years, according to "Blue Chip Economic Indicators," a respected forecasting newsletter, which last year awarded him its 1995 Annual Economic Forecasting Award. Finally, Dr. Don Wagner of the State University of West Georgia is resigning as Executive Secretary to the State American Association of University Professors Chapter after nearly fifteen years of service. He will be devoting his time to his job as Director of Special Programs at West Georgia State University. The Chancellor concluded his report.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion properly made by Regent Elsie Hand, seconded and unanimously adopted, the Board of Regents met in executive session on Wednesday, December 11, 1996 for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. No action was taken.

REPORT ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND

Sr. Vice Chancellor for Human and External Resources, Dr. Art Dunning, gave a presentation on the proposal to guide the future development of the Board-owned property on Skidaway Island. He began by reminding the Board that the goal of this proposal is to move forward with the possibility of development of seven sites suitable for high-end development; approximately 100 acres of the System's 680 acres. He noted that the proposal presented at the September, 1996 Board of Regents Meeting, offered a strategy for developing on Skidaway a truly unique center for focused research and extension service. The proposal requires that candidates for location on Skidaway meet the requirements of academic and economic stipulations and covenants dealing with the physical environment, and facilities construction and management. He then said that the details and legal work on these have now been completed. Dr. Dunning said that if the proposal at this stage meets with the Board's approval, it is the desire of the planning committee to move ahead as the issue of governance of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography has been on hold for some time.

Chairman Allgood asked for assurance that the Regents' Staff and lawyers understand that the Board expects its decisions to be set forth in the covenants and leases named in the Skidaway Island proposal.

Vice Chancellor of Facilities, William Chatham, said that while he is not a lawyer, he has a background in negotiating land deals on behalf of public institutions. He said he approached the creation of the Skidaway documents as the landowner and as the representative of a public institution. He further stated that in that regard the documents were created with the intent to protect the interest of the public and are focused towards assuring the protection of the natural environment and allowing flexibility for negotiation relative to the particular type of enterprise on the property.

Responding to a question by Regent S. William Clark Jr., Mr. Chatham assured the Board that the documents have had a preliminary review by the Attorney General's Office.

There being no further questions, Sr. Vice Chancellor Dunning said that the committee would move ahead with the direction given by the Board and come back in January for approval.

Chairman Allgood asked Regents Juanita P. Baranco and Edgar Jenkins to review the covenants and leases of the Skidaway proposal and allow for the possibility of a external review.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

Chairman Leebern reported that the System Presidents met with the Chancellor in November to solicit their further views on strategic planning and to discuss the need for projections on what the future demands on the System will be. He introduced Dr. Jim Muyskens, Sr. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Joseph Szutz, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning, to explain this process.

Dr. Muyskens began by giving the Board a review on the strategy being used to develop the institutional enrollment charts. Campus involvement began in August with the President's meeting. From that meeting, seven institutional Presidents were chosen to serve on the Comprehensive Planning taskforce which included Central Office staff members. All of the Presidents have reviewed and commented on earlier drafts of the Planning Assumptions and Principles which were adopted at this meeting. At the November meeting of the Presidents, the Chancellor updated them on the process. The Office of Planning and Policy Analysis, headed by Dr. Cathie M. Hudson, Associate Vice Chancellor of Planning and Policy Analysis, has been working closely with campus leadership to work from System projections to campus level projections. Some of the issues being looked at closely in this process are recruitment, admission standards, retention policy, the non-traditional student, and technology and distant learning. Other issues involve new pressures on physical plans, existent facilities, parking, and housing. Dr. Muyskens then said that when the plans will come back to the Central Office staff from the campuses in March of 1997, they will be reviewed for accuracy, creativity, and thoroughness. The plans will be reviewed on the basis of maximizing quality and cost effectiveness. Dr. Muyskens then introduced Assistant Vice Chancellor Joseph Szutz to present System degree production.

Dr. Szutz began by presenting the number of degrees awarded in the University System over the last ten years. In 1987, the number of total degrees awarded was 24,000. By 1996, the number had grown to just over 35,000. The distribution of those degrees breaks down to 55% at the Baccalaureate degree level and 25% at the Associate degree level. Business and Education are the two leading Baccalaureate degrees awarded. These two, along with Engineering, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, comprise the top five degrees awarded in the System. The field of Public Service has the fastest growing Baccalaureate degree.

Research indicates that the area of Public Service and Health Professions produced more degrees in 1996 then there were job openings for those fields. Education and Computer Science reflect the opposite, with more job openings in those fields then degrees produced. The leading career field on the Associate level is Health Professions which awarded 35% of all Associate degrees awarded. Leading Master's degrees remain Business and Education, producing 58% of all Master's degrees. Letters and Social Sciences are the fastest growing Master degree programs. Leading Doctoral programs are Education and Engineering. Doctoral degrees represented only 2% of degrees awarded in the System in 1996. The fastest growing Doctoral programs are Life Sciences, Health Professions, and Engineering. The University System recognizes five Professional Programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law. Law produces 40% of all Professional degrees awarded in the University System.

Dr. Muyskens summarized the presentation by saying that the dynamics of the market system are working well for the System. He said that over time, the market place does a good job of regulating student preferences for degree programs. He cautioned that there is a lag between work place demands and degree production. It takes too long for students to be aware of new opportunities and fast growing programs and it takes too long for students to move out of areas which are declining. In terms of the Planning Process, the lag time between demand and response can be cut down. He summarized by saying that the System is serving the employment needs of the State effectively, but that there is room for improvement. He then opened the floor for discussion.

Regent Baranco said that she had noticed in the information given in the November Board meeting that there was more emphasis given to Technology degrees then appears to be in the statistics given in Dr. Szutz's presentation. Dr. Muyskens noted that Dr. Szutz's presentation represents what is currently true of the degree production in the System whereas last month's presentation focused on where the System is going in the future with its degree production.

Chairman Leebern noted that when the System fails to recognize a growing industry, it costs the System a great deal in terms of preparing the students for the job market. He then asked for motion to adjourn the meeting of the Committee of the Whole and reconvene the regular Board meeting. Regent Coleman made the motion to adjourn the meeting of the Committee of the Whole and convene the meeting of the Board, and was seconded by Regent Jones.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Secretary Weber reminded the Board that the January Board meeting would fall early, on the 7th and 8th of January. She also asked the Board to take note of a resolution the Board directed to have written for immediate past Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Dr. Sharon James. Having received the resolution, Dr. James sent a thank you note to the Regents, a copy of which they all received. The resolution read as follows:

Whereas it is with extreme reluctance that we consign Sharon L. James once again to the frozen tundra that constitutes the Wilds of Wisconsin after special year as a member of the University System of Georgia family; and

Whereas her cordial and helpful manner in relating to Regents, staff, and public, and her genial and gracious presence as Special Assistant to the Chancellor enhanced the Regents' office and taught us new ways to charm and persuade; and

Whereas grand concepts were modified through her vision and artful phrase, and her loyalty was exemplified by her willingness to assume responsibility for tasks of every size and nature; and

Whereas her unassuming manner, lively wit, and friendly smile contributed majorly to a fast-paced and smoothly-running Chancellor's office;

Now, Therefore, let it be recorded that the Members of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor, and the Staff of the Chancellor's office express their profound appreciation for the talent, energy and dedication, and for the personal sacrifices made by Sharon for the University System community, and with affection, cause this resolution to be published in the Minutes of the board of Regents.

Regent S. William Clark, Jr. made visits to Waycross College where he spoke at the Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa Induction, Thomas Tech for the naming of the Elsie P. Hand Allied Health Building, and Middle Georgia College for the Research Facility dedication.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. on December 11, 1996.

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Meeting Minutes - December 1996

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Held At 244 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia December 10 and 11, 1996

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
Held At 244 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia
December 10 and 11, 1996