Meeting Minutes - January 2000
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of
Georgia
Held At 270 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia
January 11 and 12, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met on Tuesday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 12, 2000 in the Board Room, room 7007, 270 Washington St., S.W., seventh floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Kenneth W. Cannestra, called the meeting to order at approximately 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11. Present on Tuesday, in addition to Chair Cannestra, were Vice Chair J. Tom Coleman, Jr. and Regents Thomas F. Allgood, Sr., Juanita P. Baranco, Connie Cater, Joe Frank Harris, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Edgar L. Jenkins, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Joel O. Wooten, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Tuesday, January 11 by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that all Regents were present on that day.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion properly made and duly seconded, the minutes of the Board of Regents meeting held on November 9 and 10, 1999 were unanimously approved as distributed.
[ return to top ]PRESENTATION: GEORGIA TECH REGIONAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM UPDATE
Chair Cannestra called upon Dr. Daniel S. Papp, Director of Yamacraw Educational Programs, to introduce the first presentation.
Dr. Papp thanked Chair Cannestra. He explained that 15 months ago, the Board of Regents authorized the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") in conjunction with Armstrong Atlantic State University ("AASU"), Georgia Southern University ("GSOU"), and Savannah State University ("SSU") to begin offering the Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program ("GTREP"). In August 1999, GTREP opened its doors to its first students. Dr. Papp said that he was pleased to report that in fall semester 1999, 119 students in civil engineering and computer engineering are involved in studying via GTREP. Dr. Papp then introduced Dr. James David Frost, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at GIT and Director of GTREP. Dr. Frost has been at GIT for eight years, has a doctorate in civil engineering from Purdue University, and is one of the nation's leading experts on earthquakes.
Dr. Frost thanked the Board for the opportunity to present something very exciting that has been happening in Southeast Georgia in the past 15 months. The GTREP initiative is broad-reaching and involves many partners, he noted. As such, it has many people doing something different than they have done before. Dr. Frost said that as a team, the partner institutions have met new challenges and addressed them, and the outcome has been very positive. Dr. Frost explained that the current organizational structure of GTREP is one that involves faculty and students in Atlanta, Statesboro, and Savannah. Moreover, GTREP also has potential to become a "virtual university" using computer technology to teach on other campuses. GIT personnel work with faculty at the participating institutions as well as in Atlanta to offer a full-breadth program with electives that are available in the programs at GIT. In addition, GIT faculty work together with each institution's faculty. GIT faculty in Savannah are located at the Coastal Georgia Center ("CGC"), which is another University System facility. In addition, there are underclassmen and will be graduate students at all of the participating institutions.
There are three components of GTREP, explained Dr. Frost. The first is undergraduate engineering education. Currently, GTREP offers a bachelor of science degree ("B.S.") in computer engineering and a B.S. in civil engineering. Other programs will be at the graduate level. In addition to the two programs that were originally discussed when the initiative started 15 months ago, the master of science degree ("M.S.") in electrical and computer engineering and the M.S. in environmental engineering will eventually be offered. These graduate courses will build upon existing video-based courses that GIT has had for a number of years that have been very successful and have been delivered across the country. Secondly, there is the opportunity to take lab courses. In many cases, in engineering programs, being able to do something is equally if not more important than just hearing someone lecture about it. The third component of GTREP is economic development/applied research. This initiative has always been viewed as an opportunity to help existing industry and to attract new industry to the southeast region of the State. Growing up in Ireland, Dr. Frost commented, he knows that the Irish attracted many American companies by giving them big breaks on facilities costs and taxes. Today, companies are interested in the intellectual capital that a location can provide them. In that context, GTREP plays an integral role in economic development in the southeast region. The importance of having these three different components plays into a number of other things. GTREP is able to attract faculty of the highest quality to Southeast Georgia because it is able to give them the full set of opportunities that faculty at GIT have. Nowadays, it is very competitive to attract faculty, particularly in fields such as computer engineering. Unless a breadth of challenges and experiences is available, the program will have a difficult time attracting the caliber of faculty it wants to have.
Dr. Frost again discussed the undergraduate programs, stressing that GTREP offers an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree from GIT. What is slightly different than previous programs is that the freshman and sophomore courses are taken at the partner institution and the courses are taught primarily by instructors from that institution. However, after the sophomore year, instead of students relocating to Atlanta, they remain at the partner institution but become GIT students. They then receive their junior and senior level instruction predominantly from GIT faculty, but there is still involvement of partner institution faculty in some of the humanities electives and in some of the technical electives. Obviously, this is very attractive to many students. The end result is that those students will graduate with a GIT degree while remaining in Southeast Georgia.
GTREP is a success story because everyone involved appreciates it as a collaborative initiative, said Dr. Frost. Obviously, the Board of Regents and its Central Office have been playing very important roles in the initiative. In addition, there are GIT faculty and staff in Southeast Georgia as well as faculty and staff at AASU, GSOU, and SSU. The GIT faculty in Atlanta also provided a great deal of help in the start-up phases. Dr. Frost stated that he had met many people at the partner institutions through numerous meetings. What has been particularly exciting to him is the involvement at the partner institutions. On the economic development side, there has been collaboration with the Savannah Economic Development Association ("SEDA") and the Business and Education Technology Alliance ("BETA"). Another unit of the University System of Georgia, the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography ("SKIO"), will also play an increasingly important role, particularly with regard to some of the civil engineering faculty who are working in the environmental area. There will be more opportunities for important interactions there.
Dr. Frost noted the accomplishments of GTREP to date. The undergraduate degrees and curricula have been identified, approved, and implemented. Recruitment, admission, and registration procedures have been developed and implemented. A significant amount of time was put into developing processes that thought about the students. It was not a matter of making existing programs work, but rather it was about simplifying processes for the students. For example, there were meetings with all of the admissions and registration staff from the participating institutions in which they worked through all of these issues. In addition to solving problems, the meetings also brought together people who were doing the same jobs at different institutions, increasing camaraderie and collaboration. Many program support elements were also identified and implemented. Issues such as co-op programs, library matters, student services, and career services have also been ongoing. Faculty needs and assessment procedures were also identified and approved. Students are being held to the same standards as they would in applying to GIT in Atlanta; therefore, those students should be provided with instruction from faculty who are held to the same high standards as GIT faculty. Three visiting faculty have been hired who may be converted to permanent faculty. Additionally, there are now advertisements out for other faculty, and more than 100 people have applied for civil engineering faculty positions. As expected, Dr. Frost said, there are substantially fewer applicants for the positions in computer engineering. The demand in that field is incredible, he explained, and there have been only about 20 applicants. By August 2000, GTREP will have approximately six to eight permanent faculty. As Dr. Papp had mentioned, there are in excess of 100 students enrolled in freshman and sophomore GTREP classes since fall 1999 in Savannah and Statesboro. The breakdown of those students is approximately 50-50 geographically and about 60 40 in the areas of computer and civil engineering, respectively. The first junior level GTREP courses began this month, January 2000. Additionally, the program has made extensive outreach efforts to industry (e.g., BETA, SEDA). One outcome of that is a BETA scholarship program; two students have been awarded BETA scholarships. There are applications and deadlines for the next round of scholarships, and there are resources to offer a substantial number of scholarships for fall 2000 as well.
Next, Dr. Frost discussed how GTREP resources are being used. He explained the breakdown of fiscal year 1999 and projected fiscal year 2000 allocations. He stressed that the most important items were in the category of major equipment. From the outset, allocations were made to GIT and all of the partner institutions, but a framework was put in place that also coordinated how those allocations were spent. That was particularly important, because with those allocations, a backbone of servers was established that connects all of the nodes of the GTREP network. All of the nodes have consistent and identical computer hardware and software, so compatibility is ensured. Secondly, a great deal of resources has also been invested in some of the distance learning classrooms. While the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System ("GSAMS") has been a workhorse for the System for a number of years, GTREP is positioning itself for the next wave of technology. It also recognized that it would also be a significant enhancement to have dual technologies in classrooms. So, there are dual technology distance learning classrooms with a GSAMS classroom at the front of the room and computers below the desks with direct World Wide Web access. Hence, an instructor can teach via GSAMS and, at the same time, tell the students to look on the Web for some support resources for the course. Dr. Frost remarked that this is a move in the right direction and also provides an exciting classroom environment for the students. Other major equipment resources are going into some of the computer labs that have rather sophisticated computer stations. Each of the units costs approximately $20,000 to $25,000. Multiple students cannot share a unit, because the key issue for students in the instructional environment is the direct hands-on experience.
In concluding his presentation, Dr. Frost discussed the GTREP time line. While GTREP was begun about 15 months ago, it had its first formal freshman and sophomore courses in August 1999. The first selected junior courses began this month, and the first selected senior classes will begin in August 2000. The new faculty will also come on board in August 2000. The first student to graduate will likely graduate in May 2001. One of the reasons GTREP is able to accomplish this so quickly is because of the existing Regents Engineering Transfer Program ("RETP") and the fact that a number of students who were originally taking the courses in RETP have elected to study via GTREP and will therefore graduate fairly early in the program. Obviously, that is very important also because, as with any program, GTREP must have graduates to become accredited. The sooner GTREP applies for accreditation, the better, Dr. Frost stated. With that, he concluded his remarks.
Chair Cannestra thanked Dr. Frost.
Dr. Papp also thanked Dr. Frost.
Regent Jones asked what is the future projected enrollment for GTREP.
Dr. Frost responded that projections as far as 2008 or 2009 indicate that at that point in time, between both computer and civil engineering, there will be somewhere between 600 to 650 students enrolled in GTREP. There will be growth every year. Many factors were considered in those growth projections. This year, there was not a full year of recruiting. SSU did not have RETP before GTREP, so SSU's involvement will likely increase.
Chancellor Portch asked whether there might be 200 students in GTREP in the next year.
Dr. Frost said that it would not surprise him.
Regent Baranco asked whether there is information on who is paying for outsourcing among the various partner institutions.
Chancellor Portch further asked whether information on the allocations per institution for equipment was available.
Dr. Frost replied that he could obtain that information.
Regent Baranco explained that she wanted to see the details because she was trying to understand the thought processes of the GTREP administrators.
Dr. Papp assured her that this information would be provided.
Regent Leebern asked how the numbers of students were distributed across the partner institutions.
Dr. Papp responded that the breakdown between GSOU and AASU is approximately half and half. SSU had no students involved during fall semester 1999, but that was because it did not have RETP.
Regent Leebern asked how many students would be in the program in 2005.
Dr. Frost estimated that among the three partner institutions, there would be approximately 450 to 500 students.
Chancellor Portch called upon President Carlton E. Brown of SSU to comment on the participation at that institution.
President Brown expanded upon Dr. Papp's comments, explaining that in spring semester 2000, six students have enrolled in GTREP at SSU. However, SSU expects the number to increase dramatically with the transfer program, adding about 15 to 20 students in the next two years.
Dr. Frost remarked that this is consistent with his long-term projections.
Dr. Papp stated that he had visited SSU in the previous week, and the dean of the College of Technology felt very confident that there would be an increase in the number of students over the course of the next few years.
Regent Leebern noted that the majority of students are in Bulloch County. He asked whether this was in direct proportion to the enrollment at the respective institutions and whether the 50-50 dispersion would likely continue over time.
Dr. Frost responded that the prediction that the number of students in the program will increase to approximately 600 is based on two data points, the second of which he did not get until September 1999. He went to all of the participating institutions' GTREP classes and asked the students whether they intend to remain GTREP students at their respective home institutions or whether they intend to transfer to GIT as an RETP student, and that feedback is what he used to formulate his predictions. A year from now, he will have a third data point, and he will feel much more confident about his predictions then. While there are only two bachelor's degree programs offered in the Southeast, computer and civil engineering, there are eight programs at GIT. Sometimes, it is not just a choice of doing computer engineering in Savannah or Atlanta. It can be a choice between doing electrical engineering in Atlanta and computer engineering in Savannah. There are not many firewalls to make people feel locked into decisions. The program gives the students flexibility to take the time to make a good decision about where they want to get their degrees.
Vice Chair Coleman complimented AASU, GSOU, SSU, and GIT for their collaborative efforts on this initiative. He said that he was pleasantly surprised by how well they worked together. He congratulated everyone involved in the project. He remarked that the regional engineering concept seems to be working in the Southeast and that it will obviously grow.
Regent White also commended the GTREP participants and noted the short duration of time in which the project has been started. He asked what is the biggest problem or obstacle of the initiative.
Dr. Frost replied that there are a number of significant challenges to the project. For instance, issues of facilities and networking/bandwidth must be addressed. He remarked that GTREP cannot be a top notch engineering program with bandwidth limitation problems. While those are the two most pressing issues where money is concerned, another issue is ensuring that GTREP can hire the caliber of faculty it wants. He said that he will feel more comfortable in August 2000 when the new faculty are on board. Having looked through the resumes submitted, he asserted that there is quality there. The problem is that the competition is very stiff. Even GIT experiences that problem in Atlanta. So, this will be a big challenge for GTREP.
Regent Hunt asked whether the efficiency ratio of cost per student will remain constant and noted that the cost has not gone up with the increase from 20 students to 120 students.
Dr. Papp responded that costs per student may actually go up because of costs of technology and quality faculty, particularly in computer engineering. GTREP will do its best to contain costs, but if it is going to continue to be as high-quality as it began, the program will probably see per student costs increase.
Dr. Frost added that full-time equivalent student numbers and faculty-student ratios may be low at the beginning of a program. However, there is a minimum program size that is critical to have. He has seen in other projects that the driver becomes adding faculty to maintain a desirable faculty-student ratio, and that will affect the computer engineering program sooner because of its projected growth compared to the civil engineering program. At the eight- or nine-year point, it will also become a driver in the civil engineering program.
Regent Leebern asked whether the program will need more resources once students graduate and the program applies for accreditation.
Dr. Frost responded that Dr. Jack R. Lohmann in the GIT College of Engineering has been carefully monitoring the accreditation issue along the way because GTREP wants to ensure that it does everything correctly. The changeover to Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ("ABET") 2000 made a lot of differences, but some of the forward-looking elements in ABET 2000 are consistent with the kind of program GTREP is developing. Dr. Frost said that he did not foresee any problems with accreditation.
Regent NeSmith asked what was GTREP's long-term vision regarding its relationship to the College of Engineering at GIT.
Dr. Papp stated that as far as he knew, the intention is to maintain the current relationship of GTREP as a GIT program with the collaborative effort that has been in place. The collaboration has been excellent not only for the engineering program itself, but it has also been incredibly useful in enhancing collaboration among universities in the Southeast as well. From his perspective, the first year was very successful. It is a model that will be amenable to growth and continuation as it currently exists, he posited.
Chancellor Portch added that in the long term, with the graduate programs, the portability to other regions of the State is highly likely. He wants to see how this model works to know whether it can be transported to other parts of Georgia. That will be easier on the graduate level than on the undergraduate level. The commitment is to start the program in a quality way, produce some graduates, and see how the program evolves. It may grow to a point where the regional institutions can themselves run the program, and with the demands on GIT from its home-based programs, this may be a natural evolution. So, there are many possibilities. The Chancellor said that the System's first commitment in designing the program was to serve the region and have it be basically invisible to people in that region how the System is doing that. He remarked that GTREP is off to a very good start. Obviously, the value added by the GIT engineering degree, recognized as one of the best in the nation, and the quality measures put into it are very important to the startup of the program. In 15 months, GTREP has already exceeded his expectations, Dr. Portch said. He also commented that Dr. Frost has exactly the personality to make something like this work, because each of the partner institutions reports to the Chancellor how much they like working with him. So, the long-term development of the program depends on the growth of the State and the region as well as their demand for the field. Chancellor Portch noted that engineering is a field with declining demand across the nation. Enrollments in engineering are also going down, except for some isolated pockets like computer engineering, where demand is going up. So, all of these elements come into play in the long term. He remarked that initially, the Board commissioned a study to see where there was high demand in engineering. By the look of the numbers, it seems the Board chose the right two programs.
Dr. Papp added that he wanted to give credit where credit is due. As Director of Yamacraw Educational Programs, Dr. Papp has taken a number of trips to Southeast Georgia, and without exception, when he visits AASU, GSOU, and SSU, there is tremendous praise for the work of Dr. Frost. He is the man who deserves credit for the success of the program.
Regent Jones thanked Vice Chair Coleman and Chancellor Portch for initiating this program. He noted that Georgia is the fourth fastest growing state in the nation, and he noted the importance of GTREP to the southern part of the State. He expressed his absolute faith that GTREP will someday be available in Southwest Georgia.
Chair Cannestra also commended the program and the presenters. He asked whether there were any further questions or comments. Seeing that there were none, he reminded the Regents that there would be a social event that evening at the 191 Club hosted by former Regent Elsie P. Hand. He then adjourned the Board into its regular Committee meetings.
[ return to top ]
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met again on Wednesday, January 12, 2000 in the Board Room, room 7007, 270 Washington St., S.W., seventh floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Kenneth W. Cannestra, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present on Wednesday, in addition to Chair Cannestra, were Vice Chair J. Tom Coleman, Jr. and Regents Thomas F. Allgood, Sr., Juanita P. Baranco, Connie Cater, Joe Frank Harris, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Edgar L. Jenkins, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Joel O. Wooten, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given on Wednesday, January 12 by Regent Donald M. Leebern, Jr.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Wednesday, January 12 by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that all Regents were present on that day.
[ return to top ]
INTRODUCTION OF SENATOR JACK HILL
Chair Cannestra called upon the Chancellor to make a special introduction to the Board.
Chancellor Portch stated that it was his pleasure to welcome again the Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Jack Hill (district 4). He remarked that the University System is blessed to have Senator Hill's leadership. Senator Hill has a genuine interest and has been superb to work with. The previous day, the Senate Higher Education Committee had a briefing on the early retirement bill that was very successful and positive. Senator Hill is always available to the Regents and the Chancellor. The Chancellor then welcomed Senator Hill.
Senator Hill thanked the Chancellor and greeted the Board. He remarked that it was an honor to speak before the Board, especially because the Georgia Southern University ("GSOU") football team was represented at this meeting. Because it was early in the session, Senator Hill wanted to say a few things that had been on his mind. First of all, he was very proud of how GSOU's football team played as well as how the team members represented the university, the region, and the State. Senator Hill remarked that it says a great deal about the leadership of the team and the university. He was reminded of something that was said at one of the playoff games where the score was rather close. At halftime, he was discussing the fear that the other team might come back, and someone said, "Just remember that as fast as our team is, the fact that there are only 11 players on the other side gives us an advantage." By the end of the third quarter, the other team was exhausted. In a year where coaches have had to apologize for the actions of some players, the fact that GSOU had a championship team all year that represented the State well is a tribute to the University System. Senator Hill then thanked the Regents for the contributions that they make to the prosperity of the State. He asserted that one of the secrets to Georgia's success has been the role that higher education has played in the prosperity and job growth and everything that has made businesses prosper in this State. As he looked at the State budget and the money being spent on the Georgia Research Alliance and the Yamacraw Mission as well as in many other areas, it was easy for him to see how these directly affect the success and prosperity of the State. The last thing he wanted to mention was that the Governor had gotten the General Assembly off to a good start with the budget this year. There were some concerns about problems facing higher education budgetarily, but with the Governor's supplemental budget and his 2001 budget proposal, everything should be alright in the end. On behalf of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Senator Hill wanted assured the Board that the committee stands ready to assist the University System. He said that the committee greatly appreciates it when the Regents lobby for the System. In closing, he thanked the Regents for having him and for honoring the GSOU football team.
Chair Cannestra thanked Senator Hill for his visit and for all he does for the State of Georgia. He then asked the Chancellor to make a few more introductions.
Chancellor Portch recognized Representative Ann R. Purcell (district 147) and Representative Bob Lane (district 146). He noted that they are on the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, and he asked if they would like to speak.
Representative Lane said that it was a pleasure to be at the meeting. He stated that he was proud of GSOU's football team and what the Chancellor and the Board do for the State.
Chancellor Portch then recognized former Representative John Godbee, who also remarked that it was a pleasure to be at the Board meeting.
[ return to top ]KUDOS TO GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY'S NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Chair Cannestra next called upon the Chancellor to make another introduction.
Chancellor Portch said that it was his pleasure to honor the System's national championship football team, the Eagles at Georgia Southern University ("GSOU"). He noted that President Bruce F. Grube and his wife Kathryn are the team's number one fans. He then showed a brief video clip from national television of Walter Payton Award winner Adrian Peterson making a very long run. The Chancellor explained that Mr. Peterson brought incredible recognition to the team and to GSOU. He asked Mr. Peterson to stand and be recognized. He then invited President Grube to speak before the Board.
President Grube greeted the Board and said it was GSOU's honor to be able to represent the State of Georgia and the System. He remarked not only is the team blessed with some terrific athletes of the highest character, but also with a good athletics administration and good coaches. He told the Regents that this is a team that averaged over 550 yards of offense during the entire year. That is about 250 yards more than most of the team's opponents. The Eagles also broke 197 individual and team records this year, 23 of which were NCAA Division I-AA records and 13 of which were NCAA Division I-AA playoff records. So, this is an exceptional team. President Grube then introduced Athletic Director Sam Baker, who would be introducing a few members of the team.
Mr. Baker said that it was an honor to be at the Board meeting and that he was standing in for Coach Paul Johnson, who was attending the national football coaches annual meeting in Anaheim, California, where he would be honored at their national banquet as the NCAA Division I-AA National Coach of the Year. Mr. Baker remarked that this was a fitting tribute for a young man who returned to GSOU after several years away in other positions. Coach Johnson led the Eagles to a record of 37 and 6 in his three years back and a national championship. Mr. Baker stated that if Coach Johnson were at this meeting, he would applaud his staff for their work in recruiting and preparing the team each week and he would also congratulate the players for meeting the challenges each week to be able to win the national championship. Of the team starters, 20 of 22 are from the State of Georgia. Mr. Baker had brought four of the starters with him to this meeting. The first was Mr. Volcellies Allen, a nose tackle from Douglas. He is a four-year starter and a three-year All Southern Conference choice. Mr. Allen won first team selection to five All-American squads this season and is an Academic All-American with a 3.6 grade point average. He graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He also earned recognition by the Burger King Corporation's NCAA Division I-AA College Football Scholar Athlete Honor Roll, which included a $10,000 donation to the GSOU general scholarship fund in his name. Mr. Allen played in 51 collegiate games, starting 45 during his career. In 1999, he recorded 77 tackles and 47 solos. Mr. Greg Hill is a quarterback who has guided GSOU through a 32 and 4 record. The 1999 Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year and All-American directed the Eagles to three playoff appearances and led an offense which averaged 44.5 points per game and 506 total offensive yards per contest during his 36 starts. For his career, Mr. Hill finished with 3,309 rushing yards and 3,369 passing yards, and he is the first player in I-AA history to reach that 3,300 mark. He also became the first player in GSOU history to have rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons after finishing 1999 with 1,084 yards rushing and 1,262 yards passing. Mr. Hill will graduate this summer. Mr. Rich McGrath is an offensive tackle from Snellville, who Mr. Baker said is one of the finest and most durable offensive linemen ever to play at GSOU. Mr. McGrath played in 54 games during his four year career while making 52 starts, the most among any member of the team. He earned first team All-Southern Conference honors in three consecutive seasons, 1997, 1998, and 1999, and his national honors list includes a selection on the Sports Network All-American Squad. He helped anchor an offensive line which captured three major national offensive statistical category championships, topping the I AA football and scoring 50 points per game this year, rushing offense 419 yards per game and total offense 551 yards per game. Mr. McGrath graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in business administration and is now employed by a certified public accounting firm in Atlanta. Mr. Adrian Peterson has been a starting fullback for his first two years at GSOU and has already earned a reputation as the most prolific running back in I-AA history. In December, he became the first GSOU player to win the Walter Payton Award, symbolic of the I-AA national player of the year honors. In addition, he earned first team selections of five different All-American squads in 1999 and is a two-time first team All-Southern Conference choice. Mr. Peterson has rushed for 100 yards or more in all 30 collegiate games he has played. In just two seasons, he has broken or tied 118 single game, single season, or career records; 42 GSOU records; 32 NCAA Division I-AA records; and 44 Southern Conference records. During his career, he has already rushed for 5,310 overall yards, an average of 117 per game, and scored 76 touchdowns. Mr. Peterson averaged 203 rushing yards per game in eight games against nationally ranked I-AA or I-A opponents during this season. Mr. Baker again lauded Coach Johnson's work in leading the football team. He remarked that Coach Johnson prepares the team not only for the football games but also for the game of life. In closing, Mr. Baker also thanked President Grube for his leadership.
President Grube thanked the Board for the opportunity to introduce the players and Mr. Baker and said that he hoped the Eagles will win the championship again next year.
Chair Cannestra thanked President Grube and Mr. Baker.
[ return to top ]TEACHING HOSPITAL COMMITTEE
The Teaching Hospital Committee met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 10:35 a.m. in room 7019, the Chancellor's Conference Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Thomas F. Allgood, Sr., Vice Chair J. Tom Coleman, Jr., and Regents Kenneth W. Cannestra, Joe Frank Harris, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, and James D. Yancey. Chair Allgood reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed four items, one of which required action. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1. Approval of the Master Affiliation Agreement Between the Board of Regents and MCG Health, Inc.
Approved: The Board approved the master affiliation agreement between the Board of Regents and MCG Health, Inc. for transfer of facilities, assets, employees, and obligations of Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") hospital and clinics from the Board of Regents to MCG Health, Inc.
Background: The master affiliation agreement, which was prepared with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General and Special Attorney General, is the first of a series of agreements that will accomplish the transfer of the management of MCG hospital and clinics from the Board of Regents to MCG Health, Inc., effective July 1, 2000. This agreement sets out the understanding of the parties regarding the proposed affiliation and expresses the interests of the parties in negotiating the terms of the associated agreements. The associated agreements will include a clinical, educational, and research services agreement; an operations and services agreement; a master lease; a personnel agreement; a physicians practice group agreement; and a transfer agreement detailing the assets and liabilities to be transferred. The effective date of the master affiliation agreement will be 60 days following notification of the General Assembly, or February 2, 2000.
A summary of the terms of the master affiliation agreement was distributed to the Committee members, and a copy of the agreement is on file with the Office of Capital Resources.
2. Information Item: Update on the Medical College of Georgia Early Retirement Plan
President Francis J. Tedesco updated the Committee on the status of the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") early retirement plan. In August 1999, the Board of Regents approved an early retirement program for MCG employees who meet certain eligibility criteria. The principal goal of the program was to reduce costs and achieve savings in the MCG hospital and clinics. The election period during which eligible MCG employees could elect to retire under the early retirement plan ended December 6, 1999. A total of 713 employees, representing 88% of the eligible employees, elected to retire under the plan. (A small number of additional employees is still being determined.) An early retirement monitoring committee has been established to monitor the savings from these early retirements to ensure that MCG meets its fiscal goals and to oversee the necessary filling of vacancies that result. The Board of Regents staff will also monitor the retirement plan implementation and fiscal goals. Retirements will be scheduled between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001 to ensure the continued effective operation of the college and the hospital and clinics.
3. Information Item: Report From President Francis J. Tedesco on Follow-up to the Actions of the Blue Ribbon Commission Adopted by the Board of Regents in January 1999
President Francis J. Tedesco reported to the Committee on the status of follow-up to the actions of the Blue Ribbon Commission, which were adopted in January 1999.
4. Information Item: Report From Mr. Don Snell on Follow-up to the Actions of the Blue Ribbon Commission Adopted by the Board of Regents in January 1999
Mr. Don Snell, President and Chief Executive Officer of MCG Health, Inc. distributed a written report to the Committee on the status of follow-up to the actions adopted by the Blue Ribbon Commission, which were adopted in January 1999. However, due to time constraints, he was not able to go over the report with the Committee. He will return to discuss the report in March 2000.
Background on Items 3 and 4: In fall 1998, the Board of Regents appointed a Blue Ribbon Commission on the Medical College of Georgia: Vision and Mission. Membership included appointments by the Chair of the Board of Regents and the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House.
In January 1999, the Commission reported back to the Board of Regents, and the Regents unanimously reaffirmed the mission of and vision for the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") with modest changes. Additionally, numerous recommendations, especially related to the future of the MCG hospital and clinics, were unanimously adopted. The report was redistributed to the Committee members at this meeting.
President Francis J. Tedesco of MCG and Mr. Don Snell of MCG Health, Inc. reported to the Committee at the August 1999 meeting on followup actions to the Commission's recommendations. President Tedesco reported to the Committee again at this meeting, although Mr. Snell did not due to time constraints, and they will bring annual updates hereafter, as required by the Board.
[ return to top ]AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 11:20 a.m. in room 7005. Committee members in attendance were Chair Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Vice Chair George M. D. (John) Hunt III, and Regents Connie Cater, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten. Chair Howell reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed two items, neither of which required action. Additionally, there was an add-on agenda item of an Executive Session on a personnel matter. No actions were taken in Executive Session. Those items were as follows:
1. Information Item: Fort Valley State University Implementation Update on State Audit Report and NASFAA Financial Aid Study
In May 1999, the Audit Committee reviewed the State Department of Audits' ("DOA") report on Fort Valley State University ("FVSU"). At that meeting, the Committee requested that FVSU engage an outside firm to evaluate issues brought up in the report. In November 1999, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit Ron Stark reported to the Committee on a preliminary report of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration ("NASFAA"). (The final report was issued on December 17, 1999.) At the time of the November meeting, the report had not been fully reviewed and commented on by President Oscar L. Prater. The findings of the report were consistent with a majority of the financial aid findings of the State Department of Audits. Chair Howell requested that President Oscar L. Prater attend the January 2000 meeting of the Audit Committee when the Committee would again revisit the matter. Additionally, the Committee requested that Chancellor Portch and Senior Vice Chancellor Lindsay Desrochers require President Prater to develop an action plan that would resolve the issues identified in both the NASFAA and the DOA reports.
At this meeting, President Prater assured the Committee that he has taken a leadership role in developing and implementing a strong corrective action program. The program contains both an action plan to re-engineer the financial aid operations of FVSU and a monitoring system for tracking the progress towards and achievement of the goals of the action plan. President Prater explained that the action plan addresses each recommendation of the NASFAA. One of the initial actions of the corrective action plan was to hire a new Director of Financial Aid. That was accomplished effective October 18, 1999. Additionally, FVSU contracted with Wesley Peachtree Group, a consulting firm that has been assigned the responsibility of reviewing student financial aid records and correcting any problems, to ensure that all records are in compliance with federal regulations. The consultants began their work on December 13, 1999. In response to Regent concerns regarding the quality and training of the financial aid staff, only two of the eight original staff members remain in the financial aid office, and the new director is hiring and training new staff. A monitoring system has been established to document the goals, actions, target dates, status reports, and achievement dates of the action program. The Vice President for Student Affairs reports to President Prater on the monitoring process on a biweekly basis. In closing, President Prater assured the Committee that FVSU is rectifying identified areas of concern in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State and federal bodies governing student financial services in order to ensure that the fiscal integrity and efficient operation of the financial aid office are maintained.
2. Information Item: Accounts Receivable Project Update
During fiscal year 1999, the Committee heard from Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit Ron Stark on some accounts receivable ("AR") functions. The Office of Internal Audit was asked by the Committee to evaluate AR for the University System. An analytical review was completed. The status of the analytical review was presented to the Committee by Mr. Stark, and he indicated a need for minor adjustments in procedures. An audit of selected campuses will be performed throughout the year, and any notable issues with AR will be reported to the Committee. Mr. Stark will make an annual report to the Committee on any accounts receivable issues.
3. Executive Session
The Committee voted to add an item to its agenda concerning a personnel matter, which required an Executive Session. The following Committee members voted to go into Executive Session: Chair Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Vice Chair George M. D. (John) Hunt III, and Regents Connie Cater, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten. Chancellor Stephen R. Portch, Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit Ron Stark, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs (Prevention) J. Burns Newsome, and President Oscar L. Prater of Fort Valley State University also attended the Executive Session. During the session, Chair Howell asked everyone to leave the room except the Committee members, the Chancellor, and Dr. Desrochers. When the Committee returned to its regular session, Chair Howell reported that no action was taken in Executive Session.
[ return to top ]COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND EXTENSION
The Committee on Education, Research, and Extension met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 2:00 p.m. in room 6041, the GSAMS/Training Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Juanita P. Baranco, Vice Chair Elridge W. McMillan, and Regents Joe Frank Harris, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, and Joel O. Wooten. Chair Baranco reported to the Board that the Committee had reviewed 11 items, 8 of which required action. Additionally, 105 regular faculty appointments were reviewed and recommended for approval. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1. Establishment of the Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and Modern Language Degree, Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board approved the request of President G. Wayne Clough that the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") be authorized to establish the bachelor of science in international affairs and modern language degree, effective January 12, 2000.
Abstract: The bachelor of science in international affairs and modern language degree with options in Spanish, French, German, or Japanese will serve the requirements of business, industry, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations that need graduates who understand the global and multicultural environment of today's interdependent world. The new degree will provide a structured curriculum in international affairs and advanced language study using existing courses and instructional resources. This combination will provide students with rigorous academic training that will prepare them to function effectively in positions that require both substantive, international knowledge and sophisticated linguistic skills.
Need: Georgia is increasingly becoming a global, interdependent, and multicultural place to live and work. Many companies with an international base have developed in or relocated to Georgia. These companies will find a resource of technical graduates who have the analytical knowledge base and practical language skills that are directly applicable to an international business environment. In addition to private sector opportunities, graduates may find employment in agencies such as the Peace Corps, state trade commissions, the Agency for International Development, the foreign service, and the military. The 1990 edition of The Annals published by the American Academy of Political and Social Science suggested that "while professional skills were seen as an important factor in hiring, most companies concurred that foreign language knowledge would give a candidate an edge" and that "most predicted that they would need more foreign language skills among all of their employees." In an article entitled, "Business Schools Promote International Focus, but Critics See More Hype than Substance," published in the September 1997 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education, it was stated that "despite their professed commitment to international study, only a handful of schools, including Thunderbird, Monterey, and South Carolina, require students to be able to speak a foreign language." The program is unique in Georgia for its inclusion of courses focusing on science and technology, its four-year foreign language proficiency requirement, and its emphasis on the application of language skills in professional settings (as opposed to a traditional literature-based curriculum).
Objectives: The combination of an international affairs curriculum and in-depth study of a modern language will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for management and leadership positions in global enterprises, both public and private. The program is designed to develop foreign language proficiency within the context of a strong international affairs specialization. The program seeks to produce graduates with the linguistic and cross-cultural skills to operate effectively in a variety of international settings, particularly in Georgia or with Georgia-based companies and organizations.
Curriculum: The program will be offered jointly by the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and the Department of Modern Languages of the Ivan Allen College using existing courses that are regularly offered by the school and the department.
The new joint degree program requires 39 semester credits in the core curriculum; 31 credits in international affairs; 30 credits in either Spanish, French, or German above the first-year level; 12 credits of cluster electives that focus on a particular area of study (e.g., international business, European studies, technology transfer, arms control, etc.); and 10 credits of unrestricted electives. (Given the limited instruction in Japanese available at most high schools, the degree option in Japanese requires 29 hours that include first-year courses.) It is expected that many students will acquire a portion of their language and related coursework in intensive study abroad summer sessions that GIT has developed to support these programs.
Projected Enrollment: There are currently 230 students enrolled as majors in the existing bachelor of science in international affairs, with an average of 43 degrees awarded in each of the past five years. The Department of Modern Languages does not offer an undergraduate degree but has awarded 224 certificates in the past five years, with about 10% of those earned by international affairs majors. It is anticipated that for the first three years of the new joint program, student enrollment in the major will be 10, 20, and 30 with an expectation of granting at least 10 degrees each year as the initial student cohorts complete the program.
Funding: Program costs will be met through existing budget allocations. The university can provide both expertise and structure for the major at no additional cost by using courses, faculty, library, computer facilities, and equipment already in place. The School of International Affairs will provide administrative support for the program, including the services of a full-time academic adviser to assist new majors. No new State funding will be sought for this proposal.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the campus to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program. In 2004, this program will be evaluated by the institution and the Central Office to determine the success of the program's implementation and achievement of the enrollment, quality, centrality, viability, and cost-effectiveness, as indicated in the proposal.
2. Establishment of the Internet Alternative Delivery of the Existing Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Medical College of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Francis J. Tedesco that the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") be authorized to establish the Internet alternative delivery of the existing bachelor of science in medical technology degree, effective August 2000.
Abstract: MCG proposed to offer, on a pilot basis, the existing bachelor of science in medical technology degree via the Internet. The Web site address is http://www.mcg.edu/MedTech/MLTHomepage.htm. The campus-based degree allows a student several curriculum options. However, the Internet-based degree will be restricted to students who are already certified laboratory technicians (Medical Laboratory Technology ["MLT"] articulation).
Need: The number of medical technology graduates per year from System institutions has dropped from a maximum of 80 to 40 students. MCG has received several requests from Georgia's State laboratories and employees of allied health agencies concerning the need for medical technologists. In order to produce more graduates in the State, MCG is attempting to address the needs of the nontraditional, associate-level graduate who wants a baccalaureate degree. It is anticipated that the program will help rural areas that have difficulty recruiting graduates and will provide the additional training needed to function at the technologist level. An MCG survey of distance education students also found that the nontraditional students needed more than one year to complete the program. Therefore, MCG has increased the length of the program to two years while reducing the hours per semester. The increased time frame will allow MCG to evaluate the process, offer professional and technical courses in separate semesters, and reduce the hours per week in internships to compensate for more study time.
Delivery of the program: Instead of the previously approved Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System ("GSAMS") mode, Internet and WebCT will be the primary delivery system. Face to-face interaction with instructors is still viewed as an important component of the program; therefore, MCG will provide for up to three GSAMS meetings per semester to supplement the WebCT Internet courses. Because this is a pilot program, admissions have been capped to a maximum of ten students for the first two-year cohort. Preference will be given to Georgia residents for the program. The location of instruction will be the student's home, local Internet access site, and work site, or suitable local medical laboratory. The program is not specific to one site. Didactic instruction will be offered via the Internet using WebCT. Prior to accepting a student, a suitable internship site will be confirmed and a clinical affiliation agreement will be obtained. For clinical instruction, a visit to each affiliation site will be arranged. Every semester, the clinical supervisor will be contacted with plans for the student's activities and evaluation of the student and the program.
Objectives: The primary objectives of the program are to help students achieve increased competency in the profession, to provide appropriate educational experiences, and to help meet the need for laboratory professionals. A graduated educational experience allows the student to gain increasing competence in the variety of subjects which are to be mastered (i.e., to diagnose and treat diseases by reliable performance and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests; the complex analysis of blood or other patient specimens, problem identification, and solution/confirmation of results; and the establishment and monitoring of quality control programs). Students will amass basic knowledge of test procedures for blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology, as required. The graduate will have a knowledge of both normal and disease states and recognize the interdependency of tests to evaluate a patient's test results.
Curriculum: The admission and graduation requirements are the same for both the on-campus and distance medical technology programs. The curriculum is a senior year (34-semester-hour) professional curriculum, modified from the GSAMS distance education program. Computer access to the WebCT course management program is required. A local internship site must be available to the student. The interview for admission will be completed using E-mail instead of on-campus screenings. In addition, a student must present proof of certification acceptable to the State of Georgia as a medical laboratory technician or clinical laboratory scientist. Faculty have videotaped on-campus lectures and have developed slide presentations to supplement the WebCT courses. Each student is assigned faculty and clinical advisors. The alternative delivery of the medical technology program has been developed to be in full compliance with the accreditation requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Graduates will be immediately eligible for national certification examinations.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that new student enrollment will be 10 each year for the first three years of the program.
Funding: Program costs will be met through redirection of funds, fund-raising initiatives, and tuition income. The departmental budget will be adjusted to accommodate the pilot study. No new State funding will be sought for this proposal.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program. In 2004, this program will be evaluated by the institution and the Central Office to determine the success of the program's implementation and achievement of the enrollment, quality, centrality, viability, and cost-effectiveness, as indicated in the proposal.
3. Establishment of the Major in Regional Economic Development Under the Existing Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Bruce F. Grube that Georgia Southern University ("GSOU") be authorized to establish the major in regional economic development under the existing bachelor of business administration degree, effective January 12, 1999.
Abstract: Modern regional economic development is the process by which businesses and state and local governments combine resources and enter into partnership arrangements which create jobs and stimulate economic activity. A central feature of regional economic development is the emphasis on local initiatives which utilize an area's existing human, institutional, and physical resources. GSOU requested authorization to establish the bachelor of business administration degree with a major in regional economic development because economic development requires leadership to succeed. Due to such issues as environmental regulation, resource conservation, alternative industries, and international opportunities, formal training is required to create development opportunities within existing communities.
Need: Full-time professional economic development positions exist in business, industry, and state and local government units. Private sector initiatives in economic development by local chambers of commerce and some private firms (such as public utilities) are also increasingly common and require professionally trained staff. Thus, the need for economic development professionals is burgeoning. Regional economic development specialists are frequently found in planning units working as urban and regional planners. Nationally, there are approximately 30,000 jobs for planners. Annual job openings approach 1,200. Annual employment for planners in Georgia averages to approximately 40 jobs.
Objectives: The bachelor of business administration degree with a major in regional economic development will emphasize those business factors that enhance business creation and expansion. Its students will be grounded in the functional areas of business, namely accounting, finance, management, and marketing. With a degree in business, the graduates with a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in regional economic development will be able to evaluate development policies from the perspective of private business. They will recognize the importance of business factors, such as labor quality, existing infrastructure, transportation access, and space availability, as well as non-business factors, such as taxes and land use restrictions.
During the course of study, students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the political and economic process of taxation and other forms of government revenue gathering; the theories of urban and regional economics as well as the theories of regional planning; the effects of incentives on activities resulting in environmental impacts; the current environmental laws and regulations and their impact on economic development activities; and the economic interaction between regions as well as the local and national impact of regional forces. Students will gain the communicative and analytical skills required to create and implement a regional economic development plan.
Curriculum: The 120-semester-hour degree will require that students take the bachelor of business administration core in addition to the required health and physical education and orientation courses. The typical student served by this program will have a basic desire for a business degree supplemented by an interest in public-private partnerships. The curriculum provides students with the requisite grounding in business operations and strategic management. The economics courses provide students with a broad perspective of the relationships between government, private firms, environmental regulation, tax and spending policies, and growth processes in rural and urban areas. The regional economic development courses provide students with information about specific government programs both nationally and locally that serve to promote economic development efforts. At the penultimate section of the program, students will complete an internship at an economic development agency.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program student enrollment will be 30, 35, and 40.
Funding: Program costs will be met through redirection of funds, fund-raising initiatives, and tuition income. The university can provide both expertise and structure for the major at no additional cost by using courses, faculty, library, computer facilities, and equipment already in place. No new State funding will be sought for this proposal.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program. In 2004, this program will be evaluated by the institution and the Central Office to determine the success of the program's implementation and achievement of the enrollment, quality, centrality, viability, and cost-effectiveness, as indicated in the proposal.
4. Establishment of the W. Lee Burge Chair in Law and Ethics, Georgia State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Carl V. Patton that Georgia State University ("GSU") be authorized to establish the W. Lee Burge Chair in Law and Ethics, effective January 12, 2000.
Rationale: GSU has received the sum of $2.5 million from the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Corporation for the creation of a chair in ethics and professionalism in the practice of law. The college proposes to name the chair the W. Lee Burge Chair in Law and Ethics to honor the former Chair of the Board of Regents, who has been a prominent supporter of the College of Law.
Due to the vision and determination of Mr. Burge and many others, the College of Law has experienced many successes in its 16-year history. Its students regularly win regional and mock trial competitions, and its law review students annually publish the legislative history of bills enacted into law by the General Assembly. The college's professors have been engaged in law reform efforts, most notably revisions to Georgia's probate code. The college attracts leading scholars and appellate judges to campus, adding enrichment to the academic and legal communities. The creation of the W. Lee Burge Chair in Law and Ethics will further enhance the College of Law's service to the citizens of Georgia and the University System.
Biography of W. Lee Burge: W. Lee Burge, an alumnus of GSU, has remained a longtime supporter of the university and the College of Law. Among Mr. Burge's other philanthropic endeavors, he most recently gave the College of Law a $100,000 gift to establish the Burge Family Scholarship to recruit meritorious students.
Mr. Burge served on the Board of Regents from 1968 to 1975 and was Chair from 1972 to 1973. In 1974, he was Chair of a Board of Regents subcommittee formed to develop the basis for approving a law school at GSU.
Mr. Burge served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Equifax, Inc., where he worked from 1936 to 1988. He studied finance and accountancy at GSU in the 1930s and 1940s and received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Mercer University. Twice named Alumnus of the Year of Georgia State University, Mr. Burge serves on advisory boards for the College of Law and the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. In addition, Mr. Burge serves the Georgia State University Foundation with distinction as trustee emeritus.
5. Establishment of the Dorothy A. Hahn, M.D. Chair in Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Francis J. Tedesco that the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") be authorized to establish the Dorothy A. Hahn, M.D. Chair in Pediatrics, effective January 12, 2000.
Rationale and Biography of Dr. Dorothy A. Hahn: Dr. Dorothy Hahn was a member of the Department of Pediatrics from 1958 until her death in 1992. Dr. Hahn was the third member of the department when it was converted to geographic full-time faculty. She was an accomplished pediatrician and was board certified in pediatrics with subspecialty boards in hematology/oncology and genetics. The chair will be established to honor and perpetuate Dr. Hahn's commitment to the care of infants and children.
Funding: MCG has on deposit $500,000 in an endowment for this chair. The funding for this chair comes from a combination of sources, as follows: 1) $201,076 in contributions to the MCG Foundation account named for Dorothy A. Hahn, M.D., 2) a contribution of $98,924 from the Physician Practice Group Foundation, and 3) a matching grant of $200,000 from the MCG Foundation institutional support funds, which have come from donations by corporations and banks.
6. Establishment of the Electronic Commerce Institute, Georgia State
University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Carl V. Patton that Georgia
State University ("GSU") be authorized to establish the Electronic
Commerce Institute ("ECI"), effective January 12, 2000.
Rationale: GSU sought authorization to establish an electronic commerce institute within the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. ECI will generate and disseminate information and expertise concerning electronic commerce and the digital economy through research, degree programs, and interaction with the business community. The existing Eminent Scholar in Digital Commerce will reside in ECI.
ECI and its research extension, the existing Center for Digital Commerce, will enable faculty researchers, students, and practitioners to devise and test new forms of business organizations, markets, and methods of delivery made possible by advances in electronic commerce technology. ECI will be a degree-granting unit with a faculty base developed through the re-deployment of existing resources and joint faculty appointments. Currently, the university offers the graduate certificate in electronic commerce and a concentration and specialization in electronic commerce in existing master's degree programs.
7. Reorganization of Academic Departments, Fort Valley State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Oscar L. Prater to reorganize specific departments at Fort Valley State University ("FVSU"), effective January 12, 2000.
Reorganization of the Departments of Psychology and Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology to form the Department of Behavioral Sciences
AND
Reorganization of the Departments of Mathematics and Computer and Information Sciences to the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Fort Valley State University's proposed organizational design will facilitate improved collaboration among faculty who will meet cross-related, interdisciplinary lines to schedule courses, develop and implement assessment models, and advise students. Involved faculty will be more knowledgeable of the academic programs which support or are closely related to their major program offerings. The reorganized units, which will remain within the College of Arts and Sciences, will be tasked to explore curricular efficiencies through core offerings within their revised units, thereby supporting the university's interests to be an engaged university. FVSU will be optimally organized to apply its resources, knowledge base, research, and services to meet identified needs.
The request to reorganize two departments represents phase one of a longer-termed strategy to develop departmental leadership and viability for implementing FVSU's institutional effectiveness paradigm. FVSU is primarily a teaching institution, which is responding increasingly to a greater public demand for diverse technical services and outreach initiatives. In addition, FVSU has undertaken a major strategic planning goal of continuous quality improvement. As such, departmental chairpersons have been identified as the primary leaders responsible for engaging their faculty in achieving this and other goals of the institution's strategic plan.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, departmental chairs are expected to assist faculty not only in a) designing and implementing academic programs responsive to students' needs, b) gathering data appropriate to evaluating program effectiveness, and c) reporting to the broader community the outcomes attained, but also in applying in a more timely manner the resources of their units to the needs of the broader community. To meet these and other increasing demands, department chairpersons need more of a time commitment to tasks than currently allowed under their present academic-year contracts. While departmental chairs provide the majority of instruction during the summer session, they are not on payroll to perform the administrative duties of their offices. These tasks are then relegated to the academic deans. This administrative model is neither cost-effective nor efficient relative to the changing management trends through restructuring. It is, therefore, proposed that the number of department chairpersons overall be reduced by six persons to achieve a cost-efficient leadership model for appointing departmental chairpersons on a 12-month, rather than a 9-month basis.
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8. Administrative/Academic Appointments and Personnel Actions, Various System Institutions
The following administrative and academic appointments were reviewed by Education Committee Chair Juanita P. Baranco and were approved by the Board. All full-time appointments are on file with the Office of Academic Affairs.
SUMMARY OF FULL-TIME FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
| Institutions by Type: | Totals: |
|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 22 |
| Georgia State University | 11 |
| Medical College of Georgia | 11 |
| University of Georgia | 24 |
| Total Research Universities Appointments | 68 |
| Georgia Southern University | 4 |
| Valdosta State University | 1 |
| Total Regional Universities Appointments | 5 |
| Albany State University | 2 |
| Armstrong Atlantic State University | 2 |
| Augusta State University | 2 |
| Clayton College & State University | 1 |
| Columbus State University | 0 |
| Fort Valley State University | 0 |
| Georgia College & State University | 2 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | 0 |
| Kennesaw State University | 4 |
| North Georgia College & State University. | 2 |
| Savannah State University | 0 |
| Southern Polytechnic State University | 0 |
| State University of West Georgia | 1 |
| Total State Universities Appointments | 16 |
| Dalton State College | 1 |
| Macon State College | 3 |
| Total State Colleges Appointments | 4 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agric. College | 0 |
| Atlanta Metropolitan College | 0 |
| Bainbridge College | 0 |
| Coastal Georgia Community College | 0 |
| Darton College | 0 |
| East Georgia College | 0 |
| Floyd College | 0 |
| Gainesville College | 1 |
| Georgia Perimeter College | 2 |
| Gordon College | 1 |
| Middle Georgia College | 3 |
| South Georgia College | 0 |
| Waycross College | 2 |
| Total Two-Year Colleges Appointments | 9 |
| TOTAL FULL-TIME FACULTY APPOINTMENTS |
102 |
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LEAVES OF ABSENCE APPROVALS: BOSTROM, ANN: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, IVAN ALLEN COLLEGE, LEAVE FROM AUGUST 16, 1999 TO AUGUST 15, 2000, WITH PAY. WATSON, WILLIAM D.: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, IVAN ALLEN COLLEGE, LEAVE FROM AUGUST 16, 1999 TO MAY 15, 2000, WITH PAY. NORTON, BRYAN G.: PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY, IVAN ALLEN COLLEGE, LEAVE FROM AUGUST 14, 1999 TO MAY 15, 2000, WITH PAY. PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM RETIREES: PYLES, CHARLES B.: TEMPORARY PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING MARCH 31, 2000. SHEPPARD, ALBERT P. JR.: PRIN RESEARCH ENGINEER, OFFICE OF INTER DISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 11, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY LEAVES OF ABSENCE APPROVALS: NEEL, JOHN H.: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY STUDIES, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, LEAVE FROM JANUARY 10, 2000 TO MAY 10, 2000, WITH PAY. PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM RETIREES: CHANEY, DARRYL R.: PROPERTY CONTROL OFFICER, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. CARMICHAEL, JACQUELINE I.: VISITING INSTRUCTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING AUGUST 16, 1999 AND ENDING AUGUST 10, 2000. UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA MAYOR FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS: OIE, SVEIN: DEAN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2000. EMERITUS APPOINTMENTS: TESSER, ABRAHAM: RESEARCH PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 1999. DWINELL, PATRICIA L.: ASSOC PROFESSOR EMERITA, DIVISION OF ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE, SR VP FOR ACAD AFFAIRS & PROVOST, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 2, 1999. LEAVES OF ABSENCE APPROVALS: ADAMS, NIGEL GRAHAM: RESEARCH PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, LEAVE FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1999 TO MAY 9, 2000, WITH PAY. LOVELL, C. A. KNOX: TERRY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, LEAVE FROM JANUARY 1, 2000 TO JUNE 30, 2000, WITHOUT PAY. PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM RETIREES: PAYNE, LORRAINE C.: COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING NOVEMBER 12, 1999 AND ENDING DECEMBER 23, 1999. HANNA, JAMES L.: PART-TIME ASSOC PROFESSOR, LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 7, 2000 AND ENDING MAY 9, 2000. BAILEY, SHEILA CHATFIELD: PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING AUGUST 19, 1999 AND ENDING MAY 7, 2000. SCHNEIDER, MARGARET L.: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SPEC, SCH OF TEACHER EDUC - DEPT OF SCIENCE EDUC, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 7, 2000 AND ENDING MAY 9, 2000. ERVIN, LEROY JR.: PART-TIME ASSOC PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES - DEPT OF COUNSELING & HUMAN DEV, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. CARVER, FRED D.: PART-TIME PROFESSOR, SCH OF LEADERSHIP & LIFELONG LEARNING - DEPT OF EDU LEADERSHIP, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING AUGUST 19, 1999 AND ENDING MAY 9, 2000. GREENWOOD, SUSAN KATHLEEN: PART-TIME PUB SERV ASST, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. BROWN, ROBERT DIXON JR.: PART-TIME ASST PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JUNE 11, 1999 AND ENDING MAY 20, 2000. SANSING, NORMAN GLENN: ASSOC PROFESSOR EMERITUS, GEORGIA CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING MARCH 14, 2000. MITCHELL, SAM M.: PT-TIME SR PUB SERV ASSOC, VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 AND ENDING OCTOBER 1, 1999. HILL, RICHARD KEITH: TRAINING COORDINATOR, GEORGIA CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 8, 2000 AND ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2000. DENERO, WALTER ALEXANDER: PRT-TIME PUB SERV ASST, VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. SPAULDING, JAMES D.: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 1999 AND ENDING MARCH 30, 2000. BRADHAM, LEONA B.: SCIENTIFIC ADMIN SPECIAL I, VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. SNYDER, HAROLD E: , COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. JARRETT, TOULA C.: ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CROP & SOIL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING DECEMBER 9, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY EMERITUS APPOINTMENTS: BURNETT, ROBERT ADAIR: PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AND PRESIDENT, EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1999. NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM RETIREES: RICKETTS, MYRTLE: CUSTODIAN I, NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 1999 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. BENTON, SIDNEY EDWIN: FIELDALE CHAIR IN TEACHER EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING MAY 31, 2000. DENNIS, LAWRENCE H.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2000 AND ENDING MAY 31, 2000. DALTON STATE COLLEGE EMERITUS APPOINTMENTS: LITTLE, ROBERT LARRY: DIV CHAIRPERSON EMERITUS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 1999. BAINBRIDGE COLLEGE PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM RETIREES: LANE, ROBERT LEE, JR.: PROFESSOR, DIVISION OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, AS NEEDED FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 3, 2000 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2000. FLOYD COLLEGE EMERITUS APPOINTMENTS: SHELTON, JERRY W.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, FLOYD COLLEGE, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. NORA, BELEN D.: PROFESSOR EMERITA, DIVISION OF HEALTH SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. PULLEN, WILLIAM G.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. STARNES, JOANNE H.: PROFESSOR EMERITA, DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. DILLARD, PHILIP E.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. ANDERSON, KENNETH L.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. TRIMBLE, RICHARD W.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES, MATHEMATICS & PHYSICAL EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. BOWERS, ADRIAN S.: PROFESSOR EMERITA, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2000. GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE TENURE STATUS CHANGE APPROVALS: MILLEN, JEAN P.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (CLARKSTON), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (CLARKSTON), FROM NON-TENURE TO TENURE TRACK, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. SPILLMAN, CAROLYN: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (CLARKSTON), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (CLARKSTON), FROM NON TENURE TO TENURE TRACK, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. TOWNSEND, BONNIE C.: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (CLARKSTON), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (CLARKSTON), FROM NON TENURE TO TENURE TRACK, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. HARRIS, CAROL ANN: INSTRUCTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH (LAWRENCEVILLE), DIVISION OF HUMANITIES (LAWRENCEVILLE). 2 YEARS PROBATIONARY CREDIT TOWARDS TENURE, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. BOYD, BERYLE P.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (DUNWOODY), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (DUNWOODY), FROM NON TENURE TO TENURE TRACK, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. GRANT, ILENE P.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (DUNWOODY), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (DUNWOODY), FROM NON TENURE TO TENURE TRACK, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000. HARDY, ANN W.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (DUNWOODY), DIVISION OF MATH/COMPUTER SCIENCES (DUNWOODY), 1 YEAR PROBATIONARY CREDIT TOWARDS TENURE, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2000.
9. Discussion of New Faculty Information System Format
Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Beheruz N. Sethna provided to the Committee an update concerning the new format of the "Administrative/Academic Appointments and Personnel Actions" section of the agenda. The new format will become effective in February 2000. Dr. Sethna explained that the need for the new faculty information system ("FIS") emerged out of year 2000 computer compliance issues. Later events proved conclusively that this was the correct decision since the reports for 2000 could not be produced through the old system. Having identified the need to develop a new system, it was felt appropriate to make the new reports more productive. Enhancements in the new FIS include the following:
- Two sections created to better highlight key faculty appointments and administrative
actions:
- Special Faculty Appointments
- Midyear Salary Increases
- Unused data fields removed (e.g., "unam cons" [unanimous consent])
- Part-time retired faculty no longer differentiated by age
- Elimination of confusing terminology (e.g., "regular" faculty appointments)
- Appointments now differentiated by type as well as total for each institution
- New summary of tenured appointments added
- Supplement made easier to read by reformatting presentation
- Clear, concise, and accurate information provided to Regents
10. Information Item: Applied Learning Experiences/Clinical Training
Pursuant to authority granted by the Board at its meeting on February 7 and 8, 1984, the presidents of the listed institutions have executed the indicated number of memoranda of understanding respecting affiliation of students for applied learning experiences/clinical training in the programs indicated:
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11. Information Item: Service Agreements
Pursuant to authority granted by the Board at its meeting on February 7 and 8, 1984, the presidents of the listed institutions have executed service agreements with the indicated agencies for the purposes and periods designated, with the institutions to receive payments as indicated:
| Purpose | Agency | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia State University | |||
| Conduct Y76 Kindergarten Program | Georgia Office of School Readiness | 8/15/99 - 6/15/00 | $62,500 |
| Study adolescent health and youth development | Georgia Dept. of Human Resources | 9/15/99 - 6/30/00 | $134,489 |
| Conduct Healthy Grandparents program | " " " " | 10/1/99 - 9/15/00 | $150,000 |
| Conduct HIV/AIDS services and training | " " " " | 8/16/99 - 8/15/00 | $129,736 |
| Conduct Babies Can't Wait program | " " " " | 9/28/99 - 9/10/00 | $575,000 |
| University of Georgia | |||
| Conduct Second Step violence prevention program | Georgia Children's Trust Fund Commission | 7/1/99 - 6/30/02 | $723 |
| Conduct Georgia Personal Assistance Service Corps/ Americorp | Georgia Comm. for National Comm. Service | 9/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $196,879 |
| Produce survey report on condition of D.W. Brooks papers | Georgia Dept. of Archives and History | 10/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $2,250 |
| Provide codes 2000 program income | Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs | 10/06/99 - 10/06/99 | $42,359 |
| Provide services at PI Logan training center | Georgia Dept. of Education | 7/1/99 - 6/30/00 | $26,379 |
| Survey safe and drug-free schools | Georgia Dept. of Education | 10/1/99 - 6/30/00 | $40,000 |
| Administer Georgia student assessment program | " " " " | 10/31/98 - 12/31/99 | $34,000 |
| Score and report on Georgia's student writing program | " " " " | 11/1/99 - 10/31/00 | $858,814 |
| Develop community nutrition resources for low income families | Georgia Dept. of Human Resources | 10/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $188,415 |
| Conduct parents program | " " " " | 7/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $4,393 |
| Conduct nutrition program for infants and toddlers | " " " " | 9/30/99 - 9/39/00 | $199,999 |
| Conduct Gift of Time 2000 program | " " " " | 10/1/99 - 8/31/00 | $65,000 |
| Conduct adopted teen empowerment & mentoring project 2000 | " " " " | 10/1/99 - 8/31/00 | $63,000 |
| Provide social work education for DFCS | " " " " | 7/1/99 - 8/1/00 | $9,001 |
| Assist student interns with delinquent youth | Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice | 8/1/99 - 6/30/00 | $41,982 |
| Produce Georgia archaeological site file | Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources | 7/1/99 - 6/30/00 | $30,000 |
| Conduct "Adopt A River" program | " " " " | 10/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $54,344 |
| Conduct promotional testing for Georgia State Patrol | Georgia Dept. of Public Safety | 9/1/99 - 7/15/00 | $101,450 |
| Conduct FMT 2000 PI | Georgia Office of Planning and Budget | 10/06/99 - 10/06-99 | $29,173 |
| Provide GPSTC program income 072-058 | Georgia Public Safety Training Center | 7/1/99 - 6/30/00 | $21,665 |
| Provide Americans with disabilities child care link | Georgia Childcare Council | 10/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $25,000 |
| Conduct Georgia comprehensive passenger safety education | Governor's Office of Highway Safety | 10/1/99 - 9/30/00 | $591,300 |
| Georgia Southern University | |||
| From Letters to Lettrisme/ Use of signs and letters | Georgia Humanities Council | 10/1/99 - 9/30/99 | $2,000 |
| Floyd College | |||
| Provide computer training | City of Rome, Georgia | 10/18/99 - 10/26/99 | $2,200 |
| Provide computer training | " " " " | 11/10-30/99 | $1,850 |
| Provide motivational training | " " " " | 36467 | $1,000 |
| Total Amount | - January | $ 3,684,901 |
| Total Amount | FY 2000 To Date | $21,339,137 |
| Total Amount | FY 99 - to January | $22,911,176 |
| Total Amount | FY 99 | $31,358,479 |
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COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATION AND LAW
The Committee on Organization and Law met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 3:00 p.m. in room 7019, the Chancellor's Conference Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Elridge W. McMillan and Regents Joe Frank Harris, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, and Joel O. Wooten. Chair McMillan reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had eight applications for review, all of which were denied. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
- In the matter of the 21 signatories at Georgia Perimeter College, concerning a grievance of May 3, 1999, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of Carly Armour at Georgia College & State University, concerning a disability accommodation, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of James Duncan at Columbus State University, concerning expulsion from school, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of Timothy E. Yorkey at Valdosta State University, concerning his suspension, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of Mary Armstrong at the Medical College of Georgia, concerning termination of her employment, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of Clifton Rawles at Atlanta Metropolitan College, concerning reassignment of his duties, the application for review was denied. (Regent McMillan recused himself from this appeal.)
- In the matter of Dwain J. Johnson at the Medical College of Georgia, concerning his early retirement eligibility, the application for review was denied.
- In the matter of Edward Collier at the University of Georgia, concerning termination of his employment, the application for review was denied.
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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 1:50 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Glenn S. White, Vice Chair Hilton H. Howell, Jr., and Regents Connie Cater, J. Tom Coleman, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., and James D. Yancey. Chair White reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed three items, none of which required action. Those items were as follows:
1. Information Item: Update on Actions Taken by the Chancellor in Response to Proposals for Cost Savings From the Department of Community Health
Background: At its November meeting, the Board was made aware of significant deficits in the budget for the Board of Regents health plan for fiscal year 2000 and for projected deficits for fiscal year 2001. The Board was informed that opportunities to share in cost savings strategies developed by the Department of Community Health (the "DCH") would be pursued. Several initiatives resulting in opportunities for joint purchasing by the Board of Regents health plan and the State health benefits plan have been developed. Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers communicated with Chair White about these initiatives during the holiday break.
Acute Care Hospital Services: Historically, both the Board of Regents health plan and the State health benefits plan have taken advantage of payment rates for inpatient hospital services negotiated by Blue Cross Blue Shield under its Prudent Buyer Program ("PBP"). In November, the DCH issued an invitation to each acute care hospital in Georgia participating in the PBP to contract directly with the State for these services. Commissioner Russ Toal of the DCH reports that all of the acute care hospitals in Georgia (162 hospitals) have submitted signed contracts to DCH. A new rate structure has been negotiated by DCH to secure more competitive pricing and will become effective for both plans January 1, 2000.
The Chancellor has confirmed to Commissioner Toal and to Blue Cross Blue Shield that the Board of Regents will participate in these newly negotiated rates. The anticipated annual savings for the Board of Regents Health plan are being determined by DCH.
Behavioral Health Services: The Board of Regents health plan also covers services with specialty hospitals for mental health and substance abuse treatment, using the Blue Cross Blue Shield PBP rates. Central Office staff are currently working with DCH on a strategy to achieve additional savings on inpatient care in these specialty hospitals.
In 1996, the State health benefits plan contracted with Magellan Behavioral Health for the management of its inpatient/outpatient benefits associated with mental health and substance abuse cases. For the first year of its contract with Magellan Behavioral Health, DCH achieved a 50% decrease in the annual costs of these benefits when compared to the previous year. The cost of these services for DCH with Magellan Behavioral Health has remained stable for the past 2.5 years.
DCH has held preliminary discussions with Magellan Behavioral Health on behalf of the Board of Regents health plan. On December 10, 1999, the Chancellor conveyed to Blue Cross Blue Shield that the Board of Regents/DCH will negotiate with a vendor during calendar year 2000 for a mental health and substance abuse referral/pre-certification/hospital review services contract. The Board of Regents staff plan to bring a proposal on this initiative to the Board in February 2000 for its review. If adopted, the staff anticipate an implementation date of April 2000, following notification of any approved plan changes to the University System's covered membership. Discussions with current and prospective vendors would be required.
Disease State Management Program: The DCH has contracted with Unicare for a disease state management program for oncology, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. For the diabetes program currently accessed by the State health benefits plan members, the rate of $.29/employee/month would be available for members of the Board of Regents health plan beginning January 1, 2000.
DCH has secured an agreement from Unicare that both the oncology and congestive heart failure programs would be piloted for the members of the Board of Regents health plan at no cost for the first year. If the oncology and congestive heart failure pilot programs resulted in increased patient satisfaction and reduced per for the congestive heart failure program would be charged.
At its October 1999 meeting, the Board approved an administrative services contract with Unicare for calendar year 2000. The staff expect to bring a request to the Board at its February 2000 meeting to modify the calendar year 2000 contract with Unicare. Discussions concerning the contract terms with current vendors and with proposed vendors for behavioral health services, disease state management programs, and utilization review management services had not been initiated before this meeting, because they were awaiting review by the Board.
Centers of Excellence for Transplants: The DCH has arranged for Board of Regents health plan members to be able to take advantage of discounted per case rates from a national network of high quality transplant centers, effective January 1, 2000. The State health benefits plan has used this network for a number of years. The State has experienced total savings of between $25,000 and $30,000 on a per case basis for the past two years.
Access to this network will be conveyed to Board of Regents health plan members following the January 2000 Board meeting. There will be an initial access fee for use of the network with the initial fee being offset by total savings. Representatives with the DCH have conveyed that the Board of Regents health plan members will also receive discounted rates for kidney and pancreas transplants.
Decision Support: Access to monthly data and the ability to conduct in-depth trend analyses for the Board of Regents health plan are currently limited. The DCH has requested that the Regents Central Office participate in a joint initiative with the State health benefits plan and Medicaid to utilize an automated decision support data system administered and managed by the vendor MEDSTAT. With improved access to timely data, all three participants should be better able to determine emerging trends, identify areas for needed plan design changes, identify opportunities for plan savings, estimate the fiscal impact of proposed plan design changes, and monitor quality of care across the respective plans. This approach is supportive of the Board of Regents and the Governor's desire to have the State serve as a prudent purchaser of healthcare.
2. Information Item: Presentation of Request for Proposals for a Preferred Provider Organization Option Issued by the Department of Community Health on Behalf of the Board of Regents Health Plan and the State Health Benefits Plan
Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers introduced this item, and Commissioner Russ Toal of the Department of Community Health (the "DCH") presented the item to the Committee.
Background: On November 30, 1999, the DCH issued a request for proposals
for a Statewide preferred provider organization ("PPO") health benefits
plan option. The PPO will be offered as an additional option to the existing
indemnity and health maintenance organization ("HMO") plan offerings
for members of the Regents and State health benefits plans.
The PPO proposers' conference was held on December 8, 1999. Final proposals
are due on January 14, 2000. The DCH will integrate a statewide PPO option
into its current healthcare offerings effective July 1, 2000.
Dr. Desrochers indicated that in March 2000, staff intend to bring a package of items to the Committee and the Board concerning cost containment and plan design changes for the indemnity plan as well as a reason to adopt the PPO option as an alternative which might be chosen by University System employees as well as State employees. Staff are evaluating accelerating the normal campus schedules for "open enrollment" in health insurance plans such that it would occur in April or May 2000 in order to allow employees to choose amongst alternative plans effective July 1, 2000.
3. Information Item: First Quarter Financial Report, Fiscal Year 2000
Associate Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs William R. Bowes presented to the Committee the first quarter financial report for the University System of Georgia for the period ending September 30, 1999, which is on file with the Office of Capital Resources. The report provides tables which compare actual and budgeted revenues and expenditures through September 30, 1999 for educational and general funds, auxiliary enterprise funds, and student activity funds. In addition, the report contains charts which compare September 1999 financial data with data of September 1998.
At the request of Regent Jones, Chair White requested that the staff provide a breakdown of other costs and revenues within the student activity funds and to provide information on carryforward balances in student activity funds.
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COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE AND FACILITIES
The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities met on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at approximately 2:20 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Charles H. Jones, Vice Chair Donald M. Leebern, Jr., and Regents Connie Cater, J. Tom Coleman, Jr., Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey. Chair Jones reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed eight items, five of which required action. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1.Authorization of Project BR-10-0003 "Aquatic Biotechnology and Environmental Laboratory (ABEL)," the University of Georgia
Approved: The Board authorized Project BR-10-0003 "Aquatic Biotechnology and Environmental Laboratory (ABEL)," the University of Georgia ("UGA"), with a total project budget of $1,587,429 using amended fiscal year 1999 supplemental budget appropriations designated for Georgia Research Alliance ("GRA") funds.
Background: The mission of the ABEL project at UGA is to provide facilities for genetic research and the development of and transfer of products and technologies derived from that research for the benefit and expansion of the Georgia economy.
The facility will be approximately 8,500 gross square feet and will be comprised of an aquatic animal culture laboratory, an exposure laboratory, and a toxicology preparation laboratory to support UGA's growing transgenesis research activities. The facility will accommodate fresh and saltwater species, including specialized strains developed for aquaculture, environmental hazard assessment, biomedicine, and biotechnology.
The construction cost of the facility is estimated at $950,000 ($112 per square foot). Funding for the project is amended fiscal year 1999 appropriations designated for GRA funds.
UGA has completed a preliminary programming study and has conducted interviews for design services following Board of Regents' procedures.
2. Authorization of Project, "Biomedical Engineering Laboratory Buildout," Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board authorized Project No. BR-30-0005, "Biomedical Engineering Laboratory Buildout," Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT"), with a total project budget of $1,618,000.
The proposed project involves construction of approximately 8,450 gross square feet of new laboratory and office space in unfinished space within an existing building.
Background: The project is located on the third floor, north wing, Building 146, Bioengineering and Bioscience Building, 315 Ferst Drive on the GIT campus. This floor was left unfinished when the building was completed in July 1999. Existing mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems were designed to accommodate future buildout of the space.
The GIT/Emory University Biomedical Engineering ("BME") Department and elements of the GIT School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the School of Biology will utilize the laboratory.
Approximately 62% of assignable square feet will be laboratory space, and 38% will be graduate/post-doctoral office space.
The project will meet the current laboratory and academic needs for the BME program. This is a rapidly expanding educational and research program with a focus on biomedical and healthcare areas. The BME department currently occupies 1,920 gross square feet of administrative office space within the Bioengineering and Bioscience Building.
The total project cost is $1,618,000 ($154/gsf) and the estimated construction cost is $1,300,000. This is based on a cost estimate prepared by the architectural firm of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc.
The total project cost will be funded as follows: (1) $527,500 from the president's discretionary endowment income funds for equipment and (2) the balance ($1,090,500) from the Georgia Tech Research Corporation (non-state funds).
Upon Board of Regents approval, programming and design will be initiated with a construction start anticipated in June 2000. Because authorization was granted, the staff in conjunction with GIT will proceed with architectural selection for design services.
3. Appointment of Architects, University System of Georgia
Approved: The Board appointed each first-named architectural firm listed below
for the identified major and minor capital outlay projects and authorized the
execution of an architectural contract with each identified firm at the stated
cost limitation shown for each project. Should it not be possible to execute
a contract with the top-ranked firm, the staff would then attempt to execute
a contract with the other listed firms in rank order.
Following current practice for the selection of architect, the following recommendations were made:
Project No. I-41, "Nursing, Health Science and Outreach Complex"
Macon State College
Project Description: 81,000-gross-square-foot facility that will include space for the Nursing, Health Sciences, and Laboratory Sciences Departments for classrooms, laboratories, administrative, and ancillary support services. The facility will also include conference, meeting, and training space for Systemwide use.
| Total Project Cost | $16,222,000 |
| Construction Cost (Stated Cost Limitation) | $12,440,000 |
| A/E (fixed) Fee | $ 863,900 |
Number of A/E firms that applied for this commission: 31
Recommended A/E design firms in rank order:
- The Woodhurst Partnership/John Portman & Associates, Augusta/Atlanta
- Technicon/Lord Aeck Sargent Architecture,Macon/Atlanta
- Dunwoody, Bealand, Azar, Walsh & Mathews/RFD, Macon/San Diego, CA
Project No. I-42, "Agricultural Sciences Building"
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Project Description: 40,000 gross square foot facility that will provide space for the consolidation of programs within the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources including laboratories, classrooms, administrative, and ancillary support services.
| Total Project Cost | $7,138,000 |
| Construction Cost (Stated Cost Limitation) | $5,100,000 |
| A/E (fixed) Fee | $331,500 |
Number of A/E firms that applied for this commission: 23
Recommended A/E design firms in rank order:
- Yielding, Wakeford & McGee/Stanley, Love-Stanley, Albany/Atlanta
- McCall & Associates, Inc., Valdosta
- Balian & Associates, Inc., Macon
Project No. I-44, "HPE Recreation, Athletic, and Student Success
Center"
Georgia Southwestern State University
Project Description: 130,000-gross-square-foot facility that will include renovation of 35,000 gross square feet in an existing facility and an addition of 95,000 gross square feet which will provide a new convocation/gymnasium, student support space, and administrative and ancillary support services. This project will also include the demolition of antiquated facilities, as identified in the campus master plan.
| Total Project Cost | $18,818,000 |
| Construction Cost (Stated Cost Limitation) | $14,261,300 |
| A/E (fixed) Fee | $855,700 |
Number of A/E firms that applied for this commission: 33
Recommended A/E design firms in rank order:
- Richard + Wittschiebe Architects/Goode Van Slyke Architects, Atlanta/Atlanta
- Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates, Inc., Atlanta
- JRA Architects, Inc., Columbus
Project No. I-45, "Classroom and Convocation Center"
Kennesaw State University
Project Description: 147,000-gross-square-foot facility that will provide space for the College of Health and Human Services, Health Services, and Physical Education and will include a major convocation/gymnasium space, general classrooms, and administrative and ancillary support ser