Annual report, fiscal year 2001 [2001]

VIS ON visionary investment in georgia Annual Report >> Fiscal Year 2001
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia

Table of
Contents
Comments from Governor Barnes...........................................................................2 Members, Board of Regents...............................................................................3 Annual Report Message from Chairman Glenn White ...................................................4 Letter from the Chancellor....................................................................................5 5
"No More Than Seven Years"
Portch Keeps Word, Announces Resignation...............................................................6
"Hearing From Those Who Benefit Most"
The Faces and Voices of the University System of Georgia .............................................9
"Onward and Upward"
1994-2001: An Impressive Era of Achievement............................................................12 Phase II of Strategic Planning ..............................................................................15
Transforming Technology
21st Century Center Takes Shape in Gwinnett County ................................................18 Board of Regents Form Technology Committee..........................................................20 GALILEO Turns Five.............................................................................................21 eCoreTM Expands Access,Wins Award........................................................................23
Leadership Appointments
New USG Presidents Named in FY `01.....................................................................24 New Vice Chancellors Named..............................................................................26
National Aspirations, National Achievement
Moving Up in the Ranks.......................................................................................28 Achievements by University System Students and Alumni .................. ...........................30 National Recognition and Achievements by Campuses...................................................31 Accomplishments by USG Administrators, Faculty and Staff.............................................35 System Achievements in the National Arena................................................................36
Campuses and Presidents of the University System of Georgia........................................38 Contact Information for Board of Regents' Administrative Offices.................................. .39 Acknowledgements........................................................................................... 40

Comments
from Governor Barnes
Dear Friends of the University System of Georgia:
Education is the key ingredient to improving the lives of Georgians for generations to come. During the past year, I was especially pleased to have the opportunity to mark a milestone for public higher education in Georgia. Our state celebrated the awarding of the 500,000th HOPE scholarship.
HOPE has transformed hundreds of thousands of lives by making a college or university education more than a dream for countless students.To commemorate the success of the program, I traveled around the state of Georgia for two days last October, visiting our state's public and private institutions which benefit from HOPE funding. My itinerary included visits at six University System of Georgia campuses, where I met many bright and talented academic stars. I know that the future of our state is in good hands.
The Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia have been, and continue to be, exceptional partners in HOPE's
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success.You have maintained the academic standards and quality of the program's promise, and helped us spread the word about it to a national audience. That support has contributed greatly to what HOPE is today.
But HOPE is not the only arena in which the University System of Georgia serves as an active partner with state government. You have joined us in our legislative reform efforts aimed at building a seamless educational system for Georgia and have leveraged your intellectual capital to enhance economic development and business expansion.You also have helped lead our quest to develop one of the most comprehensive technology infrastructures in the nation in support of education.
I am exceptionally proud of what our state's system of public higher education has become in recent years. As we mark milestones, we can take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the University System of Georgia.The past seven years of strategic planning have led to significant accomplishments. As a result, Georgians have access to a high-quality, low-cost, nationalcaliber higher education.
I am grateful to Chancellor Portch for his dynamic leadership during this remarkable seven years of transformation. I also am grateful to him for his support of education reform and economic development. As Governor, I am proud for the people of Georgia to share in the achievements outlined in this annual report.
Sincerely,
Roy Barnes Governor, State of Georgia

Members,
Board of Regents
July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001

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Members of the Board of Regents gathered for a group photograph at their November 2000 monthly meeting. Pictured are (standing, left to right): Regents Elridge W. McMillan, James D.Yancey, Edgar L. Jenkins, John Hunt, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Joel O.Wooten, Jr., J.Timothy Shelnut, Martin W. NeSmith, Hugh A. Carter, and Connie Cater. Seated, left to right, are: Regents Kenneth W. Cannestra, Juanita Powell Baranco, Glenn S. White, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., and Chancellor Stephen R. Portch. Not pictured: Regents J. Michael Coles, Joe Frank Harris and Allene H. Magill

Regents
Juanita Powell Baranco Kenneth W. Cannestra Hugh A. Carter, Jr. Connie Cater J. Michael Coles Joe Frank Harris Hilton H. Howell,Vice Chair John Hunt Edgar L. Jenkins

Current Terms
1/01/98-1/01/05 2/08/94-1/01/01 8/08/00-1/01/02 6/18/99-1/01/06 1/09/01-1/01/08 6/18/99-1/01/06 6/15/98-1/01/04 1/07/97-1/01/04 1/01/94-1/01/01

Regents
Donald M. Leebern, Jr. Allene H. Magill Elridge W. McMillan Martin W. NeSmith J.Timothy Shelnut Glenn S.White, Chair Joel O.Wooten, Jr. James D.Yancey

Current Terms
1/01/98-1/01/05 2/13/01-1/01/08 1/01/96-1/01/03 6/18/99-1/01/06 8/25/00-1/01/07 1/01/98-1/01/05 6/18/99-1/01/06 1/01/00-1/01/07

Annual Report Message
from Chairman Glenn White
Dear Colleagues and Friends of the University System of Georgia:
The Board of Regents faced an especially formidable challenge during the past fiscal year that of accepting the resignation of the current chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
Stephen Portch, the University System's chancellor since July 1, 1994, kept his word to our board. In May of this year, he announced that he would formally resign upon the identification of his successor. When Portch interviewed for the position back in 1994, he told the interviewing regents that he thought a new chancellor should serve no less than five and no more than seven years. He emphasized the need for fresh ideas in the post. So true to his word, and in spite of a flurry of well wishes and requests to stay, our esteemed chancellor said that he had done what he set out to do and he was clearing the way for a new appointee.
No one can argue with the track record that Steve Portch leaves behind. Some of his achievements over the past seven years are chronicled in this annual report. It is a record of increased admissions standards among our colleges and universities, better preparation and academic performance by our entering freshmen, and national rankings and recognition for key programs at our universities. In fact,
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Georgia's system now boasts two institutions listed among the Top 20 public universities in the country -- placing us in the major leagues of higher education.
These achievements did not happen overnight, nor were they easily attained.They are the result of lots of people -- beginning with our 16-member board and including thousands of faculty and staff on our campuses -- rolling up their sleeves, making tough decisions and directing their energies in a concerted fashion.The good news is the road map worked, and we're headed in the right direction.
In addition to recapping our progress, this report will provide insight into the Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Request, for which we tapped some of our most outstanding students to help us tell our story. You'll also meet the new vice chancellors that were appointed during the past year at the Board of Regents and some new presidents of our University System campuses. We'll also highlight a few of our activities on the technology front, which includes the launching of our 21st Century Campus -- the University System of Georgia's Gwinnett Center. Last, but certainly not least, we'll introduce you to the scores of national stars that are helping to make the University System shine.
I hope you'll take as much pride as I do in assessing how far we've moved as a System during the past seven years overall, and during the past year in particular. Our work is done on your behalf. As our board prepares to hire a new chancellor and to establish a new set of strategic goals for the next five years, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know how you think we're doing, and how we can help create a more educated Georgia!
Sincerely,
Regent Glenn S. White, Chairman Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001

A Letter
from the Chancellor

Dear Friends of the University System of Georgia:
I'd like to express my appreciation for the unique opportunity I have been given by the citizens of this state. The energy and ambition of Georgia has been infectious as we have implemented the vision of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
During my time as chancellor, Georgia has been blessed with: > A creative and cohesive Board of Regents focused on productive change. > Two Governors deeply committed to education and willing to make it a funding priority; > Countless legislators who value the educational and economic promise of our state and who place education high on their political agendas, > Business leaders willing to partner with education, and > Thousands of hard-working and high-achieving University System faculty, staff and students who are proud to be a part of an increasingly preeminent system of public higher education that they have helped create.

The Board of Regents has worked hard together with the leadership of the institutions to move the barometer -- rising in national

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rankings and esteem, attracting the nation's best and brightest faculty and administrators, preparing students more rigorously for academic

achievement, and enhancing the USG's role in the state's economic development activities. The achievements include:

> Improving SAT scores of entering freshmen from 981 to 1026, surpassing the national average; > Reducing USG remedial student enrollment from 30 percent to 16 percent; > Increasing first-year student retention from 66 percent to 71 percent; > Issuing a guarantee on all teachers prepared in the University System; > Witnessing the increase of top students staying in Georgia, including those scoring 1500 -1600 on the SAT. Before HOPE, we
enrolled 23 percent of such students; now we get 76 percent; and > Seeing both Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia secure positions among U.S. News and World Report's Top 20 Public
Universities;

The Board of Regents has made data-driven strategic planning, System-wide implementation, and national standards of excellence its hallmarks. Now it is time to assess our progress, re-focus our efforts for a new cycle of policy development, and to secure a suitable leader for the state's public colleges and universities.The next phase of strategic planning and continued accountability should help maintain momentum.

The State of Georgia has a University System of which it can be proud -- and upon which the new chancellor certainly will continue to build. The details of our work over the past seven years are briefly highlighted in a small section of this year's annual report. I thank each and every person who has played a role in the remarkable progress. This progress and momentum must be maintained.

Sincerely,

Stephen R. Portch Chancellor

"No More Than Seven Years"

Portch Keeps Word

Portch said that the credit goes to the 30,000 employees of the University System, who have "responded magnificently" over the past seven years, as he has asked them to "work

To Board,

harder and smarter." Portch worked exceptionally well with what many observers cited as an extremely

Announces His Resignation

cohesive and strategically directed Board of Regents, who consistently applauded his leadership. His board's perception of the job he has done as chancellor was reflected in

May 2001 marked the announcement of the resignation of

the comments of the chairman.

Chancellor Stephen R. Portch, who honored his commitment to the Board of Regents that he would serve "no less than five, and no more than seven years" as chief executive of the University System of Georgia. Portch said that it was time for "a new person to bring new ideas" to the position, in which he has served since July 1, 1994.

"Honoring Steve Portch's request to step down was one of the toughest decisions that the Board of Regents Executive Committee has ever had to make," said Board of Regents Chairman Glenn White. "We absolutely could not have asked for a better chancellor than he has been for Georgia for the past seven years. He has raised this System's aspirations and our performance with his keen vision, strategic planning and

Portch informed the board that he would take an educational leave for a year, during which he will conduct consulting and remain available to

relentless implementation.We wish he would stay, but he truly deserves the opportunity to reconnect with his academic life. And we're delighted that we'll be able to call on him."

the Board of Regents and System campuses to ensure continuity and stability in the leadership transition.

Looking back on his tenure, Portch commented,"We have unquestionably accomplished a better educated Georgia; our quality is measurably and dramatically improved.

The surprise announcement rocked the halls of the University System

Yet...we continue to run a stunning deficit in participation by Georgians in

Office and reverberated across the 34 public college and university

post-secondary education." That, Portch says, is the leading challenge facing his successor,

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campuses. Statewide press ran banner headlines and editorials spotlighting

coupled with the need to transition to formula funding for the University System that

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the announcement, supported by articles praising the improvements in

places greater emphasis on quality achievements rather than enrollment.

public higher education achieved on the chancellor's watch.

The chancellor also called for attention to the challenge of "how higher education can

Despite his lengthy list of accomplishments, Portch noted in his resignation speech to the Board of Regents that the achievements for which

ensure equity of opportunity to participate in both education and the economy for all citizens," a quest that has permeated his tenure.

he is credited are collective, not individual.

"I am proud that wherever you go in the nation now, people talk about the successes of higher education in Georgia," he stated. "But I haven't taught a student in the System; I haven't provided any services to students; I haven't built a single building; I haven't cleaned a room nor mowed a lawn nor served a hamburger."

"Hearing From Those
Who Benefit Most"

Legislators who gathered for the Board of Regents' Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Request in January were treated to impressive remarks from five students who exemplified the board's mission of access and academic excellence.

9 MARY KNIGHT, a December 2000 graduate of Southern

Polytechnic State University's on-line master's degree program

in quality assurance, epitomized the University System's

commitment to providing continuous learning. The great-grand-

"An Internet degree program has many advantages," says Mary Knight, grandmother and recent graduate of the master's degree program in quality assurance at Southern Polytechnic State University. "I have glaucoma, and do not drive at night, and I felt that my work schedule was too full to go to the campus in the daytime.This Internet program meant everything to me, and it also meant a lot to some of my classmates."

mother thanked legislators for the technology they had provided to the state and the USG that enabled her advanced study -often conducted in the comfort of her pajamas. Due to vision problems which hamper her night-time driving ability, Knight said her new degree might not have been possible were it not for the on-line program. The veteran health-care administrator currently is putting her newly minted degree to great use as quality director at Lost Mountain Tissue Bank in Kennesaw.

MARY KNIGHT Southern Polytechnic State University

The Faces & Voices of the University System of Georgia

KIMBERLY SATCHER has prevailed against cancerous brain tumors,

paralysis and blindness to achieve her academic goals, including graduating

Before approaching student services personnel at Kennesaw State University, Kimberly Satcher says,"I hadn't had any encouragement up to that point" for attending college. But she received it at KSU.And in return, Satcher served as a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, the University Chorus, the KSU Campus Crusade for Christ, was named KSU Student Mentor of theYear in 1999 AND graduated with honors. "It was the best place I could have gone," Satcher stated.

summa cum laude in psychology from Kennesaw State University in December 2000. Satcher spoke with pride and passion about earning a college degree, and of the unique support she received from KSU faculty and staff -- including preparing her for her next goal of entering Georgia State University's graduate social work program. While at KSU, Satcher listened to her textbooks on audiotape, took class notes in Braille, and typed singlehandedly on a lap-top computer to meet rigorous academic expectations. In her remarks, Satcher also thanked the legislators for Georgia's HOPE

KIMBERLY SATCHER Kennesaw State University
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scholarship program, noting that she finished college without any loans.
KEITH HOSE, an Albany State University health, physical education and
recreation major who plans to graduate in December 2001, shared his

humble beginnings to accentuate the pride he has in his achievements. Raised

by a single parent, Hose announced,"My mother has been my sole provider

and protector." Yet the ambitious student leader from Moultrie, Ga., told

legislators he has traveled the world with the ASU Concert Chorale, to Paris,

Brussels, and other international cities, and has developed tremendous leader-

ship skills as president of ASU's Pre-Alumni Association and as the national

president of Student Government Officers of Historically Black Colleges and

Universities. Hose, who plans to attend medical school, credited ASU

President Dr. Portia Holmes Shields and the institution's administration and

staff with providing the supportive environment that has led to his success.

Keith Hose entered Albany State University as a Thurgood Marshall Scholar, and quickly made his mark. "(ASU) has given me the opportunity to learn so much, inside as well as outside of the classroom," Hose stated. Looking beyond his December 2001 graduation, he said, "It is my fervent hope that I will be an officer in the Air Force and a medical student at Duke University. I know that I will be a true leader for Georgia and the nation in the near future."
KEITH HOSE Albany State University

MICAH AND JOSH PRESTON of North Georgia College & State
University told the assembled committee members that they both aspire to military careers after participating in the institution's renowned ROTC program.The fraternal twins both are recipients of Georgia Military Scholarships, which provide a free undergraduate education for a chosen few aspiring military personnel. Josh Preston had to salute his brother, Micah, when the two met up through their military activities on the NGC&SU campus, because Micah had higher rank. But Josh was fine with that, because it's the military way.

The future leaders delivered their remarks wearing the uniforms afforded

NGC&SU's nationally recognized corps of cadets, and joked that they both

joined the program so they could continue to dress alike.

In May of this year, Micah graduated from NGC&SU with a B.S. in

computer science, while his brother, Josh, graduated with a B.S. in political

science and a minor in journalism.The young men also were two of

NGC&SU's four Distinguished Military Graduates for Spring of 2001, a national recognition bestowed by the Army ROTC program in recognition of selected cadets' leadership abilities and academic performance. Both graduates now are reservists in the National Guard, awaiting their permanent assignments. Meanwhile, Josh has joined the University Relations staff of his alma mater, as a public relations specialist.
NELS PETERSEN, president of the University System of Georgia's
Student Advisory Council, informed the elected officials that students were critically involved in the governance of the University System. An active student

Micah Preston, and his brother, Josh, epitomize the discipline and dedication needed to become leaders in today's military."My studies helped foster my ability to lead and do the right thing,"Micah stated."The ROTC program also showed me the big picture, what leadership is inside and outside of the classroom. I hope that North Georgia's unique military program continues so that other college students have the opportunity to realize their potential."
MICAH PRESTON North Georgia College & State University

leader since first enrolling at Kennesaw State University, Petersen said student

government representatives took particular pride in helping to shape the

System's current student fee policies, including those associated with the

HOPE scholarship program. He thanked the legislators for providing the

resources that have helped move the University System forward and

challenged them to maintain their commitment and the funding momentum

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needed to achieve future goals.

"North Georgia is the senior military college of Georgia, and we should be proud of that fact," says Josh Preston. "There are only six in the entire nation...There are many good programs at NGC&SU, but for nearly four years, I have put my ambitions into the corps, and I can say that the military program has provided me with many intangible lessons...I will be the leader of men and women and their lives will be put into my hands. North Georgia has helped prepare me greatly for this important task."
JOSH PRESTON North Georgia College & State University

A high achiever who scored 1500 points on the SAT as a home-schooled student, Nels Petersen parlayed his role as a student leader and his Kennesaw State University political science degree -- complete with a 3.97 grade point average -- into a seat in the Fall 2001 class of Harvard University's law school."You can do anything with a degree from a USG school," says Nels."My education prepared me to compete with the best students in the world. Dollar for dollar, there's no better educational opportunity than the University System of Georgia."
NELS PETERSEN Kennesaw State University

"Onward and Upward"
1994-2001 Marks Impressive Era of Achievement for Board of Regents

In the summer of 1994, few people around the

country had heard of Georgia's HOPE scholarship

program, Atlanta had not yet hosted the

Centennial Olympic Games, and the Board of

Regents had no comprehensive strategic plan.

Meanwhile, a new chancellor had just been hired

to head the University System of Georgia.

By October of that year, the 16-member board

had shaped and signed a well-crafted, eloquent

vision statement and set of guiding principles that

would serve as the foundation for years of

planning, policy setting and programmatic

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implementation. Newly appointed Chancellor

Stephen R. Portch trotted the plan out to all 34 of

the state's public colleges and universities, to civic

clubs and business leaders, and built a groundswell

of support for the board's revitalized mission.

The statewide response to the new agenda was resounding, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular! On the admis-

sions front, students are entering the University System far better prepared. Average SAT scores for first-time entering freshmen have

jumped from 988 in Fall 1996 to 1,026 in Fall 2001. Remedial studies -- at alarming rates before new policies were introduced -- have

been cut in half for traditional entering freshmen. And the number of students who are completing the College Preparatory Curriculum

before entering an USG institution has reached an impressive high of more than 90 percent.

The academic reputation of USG institutions also has increased nationally. Two of our research universities now are included among

the Top Twenty public universities in the nation in U.S. News and World Report's annual listings, and our state's public liberal arts university

has joined the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Individual degree programs throughout the System are garnering similar

accolades and recognition. These achievements, along with the much-heralded HOPE scholarship program and some of the lowest tuition

rates in the country, are helping to keep Georgia's best and brightest students at home.

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In fact, the statistics spotlight that the number of academic stars within the University System is skyrocketing. In 1992, prior to the

inception of the HOPE scholarship, the System used to enroll 23 percent of the students who scored between 1500-1600 on the SAT;

now we get 76 percent. Previously, we enrolled 34 percent of those students who scored between 1400 and 1490, now we attract a

whopping 84 percent!

STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE: 1994

Mar. 1994:
Stephen R. Portch
named Chancellor


Aug. 1994: Regents begin strategic planning process
1994

Nov. 1994:
Strategic Plan's 34 Guiding
Principles for Action adopted



Jul. 1994: Portch begins as Chancellor


Oct. 1994: Strategic Plan's vision statement, "Access to Academic Excellence for the New Millennium" adopted

Dec. 1994:



Agreement adopted between

System and DTAE

Mission Development and Review and Strategic Allocations policy directives approved

STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE: 1995-1996

Jan. 1995:

Sep. 1995

Portch presents first budget; contains special

Two million dollar grant

funding initiatives and strategic allocations

received for education reform



Mar. 1995

from Coca-Cola Foundation

Faculty/Staff Development, Internationalizing Education,

Pre-School College (P-16) policy directives approved



May. 1995:

Policy Direction for Capital Priorities and Master Plans approved
1995



Jul. 1995

Conflict Resolution and Hiring



Procedures policy directions approved

Jun. 1995

Policy Direction on Admissions introduced

Honorary Degrees policy introduced



P-16 Launched

Apr. 1995:



Tuition Policy Direction approved

Feb. 1995:

Early Semester Calendar Policy

Directive approved

Jan. 1996:

"Day of Accountability"
events held across System


Jun. 1996: Pilot PREP programs launched at four System sites

Mar. 1996: ICAPP launched



Sept. 1996: Board launches year-long

1996

comprehensive planning process



Feb. 1996: New core curriculum framework approved


Jul. 1996: Centennial Olympic Games


Nov. 1996: Board approved name changes for three

held in Atlanta and other

more USG institutions

Georgia locations; System

institutions serve as host sites

Name changes approved for



10 USG institutions

May 1996:

Faculty/Staff Development Task

Force recommendations for

post-tenure review adopted

In education reform circles, the University System's P-16 efforts also have garnered national attention, secured millions of dollars in external funding, and forged a "seamless education" platform for two Georgia governors. In the business sector, the System's support of the state's economic development goals drew a visiting vice president to herald ICAPP (Intellectual Capital Partnership Program), and he returned the hospitality with an invitation to participate in a White House-sponsored conference on workforce development.
Washington also called the University System of Georgia to the White House to promote the Postsecondary Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) as a national model for the federal government's after-school "Gear Up" program. Serving the needs of students in at-risk situations not only increases their chance for future admission to USG institutions -- but fosters a more educated Georgia.
The University System's groundbreaking virtual library, GALILEO -- which came online in a record 150 days in 1995 -- has become the national model for electronic library consortia.
Comprehensive planning also took on new meaning for the Board of Regents in awardwinning capital construction and technology. Mission statements were linked to regional workforce demands and facilities needs to enrollment targets, and technology master plans were designed to build campuses of the future.
Undeniably, the strategic planning and policy setting that began in a flurry in early 1995, and culminates this fall, can be deemed a great success!
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The Board's agenda and initiatives covered the range of academic priorities from whether the System would operate on a quarter or a semester calendar, to why it was critical to heighten admissions requirements. Regents voted to broaden the international exposure of our students and faculty with scholarships and financial support. They also overhauled the academic curriculum, and purged it of "credit creep." From post-tenure review for faculty, to strategic allocation of funding to tuition reform -- all along the way -- data drove the dialogue, as we acknowledged our weaknesses and spotlighted standards of excellence.
Benchmarking has marked the last two years of the board's activities. Through external reviews, the board has measured our institutions against their academic peers and the targeted competition in such areas as retention and graduation rates.
Through external reviews, the board has measured
our institutions against their academic peers
and the targeted competition in such areas as retention and graduation rates.
The Board of Regents already is fast at work developing the road map for the next phase of policy setting -- a five-year plan for a more educated Georgia, with special emphasis on increasing participation in college by Georgians.

Phase II of Strategic Planning Begins for USG

Planning Retreat Lays Foundation for Five-Year Plan

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Short sleeves, sweaters and khakis were the order of the day when the regents gathered at Kennesaw State University's Jolley Lodge in May 2001, to launch the next phase of strategic planning. By the June Board meeting, the regents had returned to their business suits, and a new mission statement, a revised vision statement, and a draft set of 11 new strategic goals had been established.
In "A More-Educated Georgia" -- the theme of their new plan -- the regents are focusing on increasing the number of Georgians who hold bachelor's degrees, enhancing the quality of the System's academic offerings, and impacting the state's economic development.The new Vision Statement reads: "The University System of Georgia will create a more-educated Georgia, well-prepared for a global, technological society, by providing first-rate undergraduate and graduate education, leading-edge research and committed public service."

STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE: 1997-1998


Jan. 1997: Augusta State hosts President of United States to showcase HOPE scholarship

May 1997:

Aug. 1998:

Capital Priorities

Portch begins "We're

Principles approved



Jul. 1997:

New comprehensive

Dec. 1997:

Jan. 1998:

Final approval of 2001 Regents host historic dinner

Not Done Yet" tour of

34 USG campuses



Oct. 1998:

Board and System honor

plan adopted

Admission Policy

with DTAE Board

Gov. Zell Miller with

199 7


April 1997:


Jun. 1997: First Capital Priorities List approved


Oct. 1997:



Nov. 1997: Mission Review concludes with approval of final institutional name changes

tribute at Georgia World
Congress Center
1998 Sept. 1998: Semester calendar begins at 33 institutions (GA.Tech-fall '99)


Jul. 1998:

Year-long study of technology use in System begins
Statewide engineering response

Board moves offices from 244

Board begins review of teacher

New teacher approved

to 270 Washington Street

preparation;

education policy

Board continues tuition policy

Award first "Regents Teaching

approved; "guarantees"

reforms

Excellence" Award

graduates

STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE: 1999-June 2000

Jan. 1999: Yamacraw Mission announced by Gov. Roy Barnes
White House selects ICAPP as higher education/economic development national model


Sept. 1999:

Apr. 1999:

System average SAT

Technology principles

scores reach national

approved

average for first time



Year-long benchmarking

study begins
1999

Feb. 2000 Students formally integrated into fee approval process

2000


May 1999: Five-year enrollment targets approved


Aug. 1999: Hispanic Task Force Report approved


Nov. 1999: Gov. Roy Barnes speaks at board meeting; thanks regents for business development and education reform
Georgia EASY admissions website launched


Apr. 2000 Board of Regents, MCG Health, Inc. and MCG Physicians Practice Group finalize contracts

The 11 new strategic goals are as follows:
The University System of Georgia will ensure access to academic excellence and educational opportunities for all Georgians by:

1. Developing graduates who are intellectually and ethically informed individuals with defined skills and knowledge, capable of leadership, creative endeavors, and contributing citizenship in an ever-increasing interconnected world;

2. Expanding participation by increasing access while maintaining quality, enhancing diversity, focusing on the needs of nontraditional students, increasing distance education opportunities, advancing public library usage, and marketing the advantages of a postsecondary education to all Georgians;

3. Improving continuously the quality of its curricula, research activities, and international opportunities;

4. Increasing academic productivity through improved recruitment, increased retention, accelerated graduation, expanded credit generation, augmented continuing education opportunities, and current technology;

5. Emphasizing the recruitment, hiring, and retention of the best possible faculty, staff, and administration;

6. Accelerating economic development by providing, when feasible, needed graduates, appropriate academic programs, and expanding marketing of the System and its institutions as an economic asset of the state;

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7. Seeking the most efficient, effective, and technologically sound business

and service best practices and regularly comparing ourselves to national

peers;

8. Providing and maintaining superior facilities, funded by innovative mechanisms which increase the speed with which they are usable;

9. Making University System of Georgia education seamless with K-12, DTAE, and independent colleges;

10. Increasing, diversifying, and strategically allocating funding;

11. Maximizing cooperation with other state agencies, boards, the Office of the Governor, and the General Assembly, while maintaining the constitutional authority of the Board of Regents.

STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE: July 2000-May 2001

Sept. 2000 GALILEO celebrates fifth birthday


Nov. 2000 System average SAT scores surpass national average for first time

2000



Oct. 2000



New academic program review policy approved

Jul. 2000 System assumes administrative responsibility for state's 57 public library systems

eCoreTM - online core curriculum program - approved

Technology Master Plan approved

Feb. 2001

New Regents' Information and Instructional

Technology Advisory Committee approved



May 2001

Regents hold retreat for strategic planning

Portch announces decision to step down; regents begin national search
2001


Apr. 2001 Regents approved revisions to Teacher Education Plan

While much of the updated strategic plan outlines new goals and directions for the University System, the regents maintained their strong commitment to public accountability -- a hallmark of the board since 1994.
The language from the first plan, "Access to Academic Excellence for the New Millennium," was transferred intact to the new plan, and reads: " In meeting these goals, the University System of Georgia will hold itself accountable to the citizens of Georgia for the effective and efficient use of every available material resource, new technology, and human insight and activity and charge its collective intellectual power on behalf of the state."
"...the University System of Georgia will
hold itself accountable to the citizens of Georgia..."
The first draft of the new strategic plan, "Creating a More Educated Georgia," was reviewed initially by the regents at their June board meeting. Final approval of the implementation process, including specific targets and goals, is expected early in 2002. The extended timetable accommodates the Board of Regents' current search for a new chancellor, who will be expected to provide insight and input into the strategic planning process before it is finalized.
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Transforming

Artist rendering of the Gwinnett University Center's new classroom building.
High-technology continued to command the spotlight of the Board of Regents during the past fiscal year, ranging from the launching of the new 21st Century academic center in Gwinnett County to expanding access to the University System's core curriculum via the award-winning "eCoreTM" on the Internet.
21st Century Center Takes Shape in Gwinnett County
Braving what passes for wintry weather in Georgia this past January, several members of the Board of Regents toured the site of the new Gwinnett University Center, lauded as "the technology hub of the South" for the extensive distance-learning technology it will employ.
The center -- developed with extensive input from FY `01 Board Chair Glenn White, who worked with community leaders and economic developers to spur funding for the project -- is a joint venture of Georgia Perimeter College and the University of Georgia. The state-of-the-art facility will encompass a $22 million, 10,000-square-foot signature building and a $10 million, 120,000-square-foot classroom building on 160 acres donated by Gwinnett County. The latter building is scheduled to open in January 2002, while the signature building should be completed late in the fall of 2002.
White extended greetings and well wishes from the Regents during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the end of last fiscal year (June 2000), at which Gov. Roy E. Barnes delivered the keynote address. That milestone served as the impetus for heightened activity on the high-tech center during Fiscal Year 2001, including significant progress on the construction of the anxiously anticipated classroom building.

Technology

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Since the groundbreaking, steady progress has been made in building community support as well as the physical structures of the center. In September 2000, the Gwinnett University Center was awarded $3 million in external funding by the Gwinnett County Commission to cover site preparation for the new center. January 2001 was marked by a visit from members of the Board of Regents, and Scientific-Atlanta also became the first corporate sponsor for the center's endowment that month, presenting $50,000 to Dr. James Muyskens, the center's chief executive officer and dean of faculty.
Construction of the classroom building officially began in February 2001, fashioned as a public-private venture in conjunction with the University Financing Foundation.The following month, site work was completed for the signature building, which will house a 21st century library and state-of-the-art learning labs. Later in the spring, the Holder Construction Company was named general contractor for the signature building.
During the final week of June 2001, the Gwinnett Community Foundation awarded $10,000 in seed money to support the center's programs. An agreement with the Board of Regents stipulates that the center will seek $440,000 in community funding to demonstrate that it has fostered grass-roots support before asking state officials to fund another building.

Architect's model of the Gwinnett University Center's signature building, which will house a 21st century library as well as stateof-the-art learning labs.

New Standing Regents Committee Formed

To better shape its technology policy setting agenda, the regents have

formed a Committee on Information and Instructional Technology. The

new standing committee, which first met on October 10, 2000, is aimed at

enhancing the strategic use and implementation of the University System's

technology infrastructure and overseeing the Board's technology master

planning efforts. The committee is an outgrowth of the board's adoption in

August 2000 of a System-wide Technology Master Plan, which included the

recommendation for a standing Board of Regents' committee to address

technology issues.

Regent Martin W. NeSmith, of Claxton, was

elected the inaugural chair of the new committee.

Regent Kenneth W. Cannestra of Atlanta, the FY `00

chair of the board, served as the committee's vice

chair. Regents Juanita Powell Baranco of Lithonia,

Hugh A. Carter, Jr. of Atlanta (who later served

as vice chair) and James D.Yancey of Columbus

rounded out the membership of the group. University System officials noted that the

Martin W. NeSmith

formation of the new committee is additional

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proof that the regents have embraced the role of technology in higher

education, and are clearly demonstrating their commitment to integrating

technology into the System's educational mission.

"Technology is a significant expenditure for the University System of

Georgia, and it's important that the Board of Regents focus its attention on

enhancing how we use it to expand delivery of higher education to the

citizens of Georgia," said NeSmith.

GALILEO Turns Five

The University System of Georgia's electronic library, GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary

LEarning Online),"turned" five last September, and Gov. Roy Barnes was the headliner

for the "GALILEO Day" celebration which kicked off a week of statewide activities to

celebrate the achievement.

The governor joined representatives of the University System and the Office

of Public Library Services (OPLS) in a festive event held at the James H. "Sloppy"

Floyd Building in Atlanta, during which he delivered the keynote remarks and

cut the first slice of the celebration cake.

Statewide events marking "GALILEO Week" included open houses and

other activities hosted by the state's libraries -- including those managed by

the University System, the Department of Technical and Adult Education, and the public

libraries -- to showcase the wealth of information offered by the nationally recognized virtual library net-

work."GALILEO is a state treasure that has drawn national recognition," Barnes said. "It places the power of information at the

fingertips of every Georgian, which is critical in today's global, information-driven environment."

GALILEO was launched by the Board of Regents on Sept. 21, 1995, when the USG's 34 campuses began sharing Web-based access to

library resources such as periodicals, government publications and electronic books. Since then, its user communities have expanded to include

the state's K-12 schools and 57 public library systems, technical institutes and colleges, private colleges and universities, the Governor's office,

and three legislative research offices. In spring 2000, every Georgia citizen was provided at-home, password-coded access to GALILEO

through the state's Public Library System.

Implemented by the Board of Regents in less than 150 days with an initial allocation of $10 million from the Georgia Legislature, GALILEO has

proven enormously popular. Usage has increased exponentially, from about 300,000 searches in 1995 to more than approximately 2 million

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searches in 2000.

Gov. Barnes also used the milestone celebration to announce a gift to the state from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates

Library Initiative is an effort to help close the "digital divide" by bringing Internet access to libraries in poor communities throughout the United

States and Canada.

Under that program, the Gates have donated approximately $7 million in computers, Internet access and technical training to public

libraries located in low-income communities throughout Georgia, selected on the basis of population and poverty levels. The program is

expected to benefit particularly libraries in small communities around the state with very few computers. Library officials in Georgia plan to

utilize the Gates computers to provide access to GALILEO, among other services.

eCoreTM Expands Access, Wins Award

A college education was made more accessible to thousands of potential students with the August 2000 debut of the University System of

Georgia's eCoreTM offerings.

Developed by University System faculty and offered by the University System's GLOBE program, (Georgia Learning Online for Business and

Education), eCoreTM ultimately will make it possible for "non-traditional students" to pursue the first two years of a University System

undergraduate degree "anytime and anywhere."

Over the next two years, students will be able to complete the University System's "core curriculum" via the eCoreTM, a total of 60 specific

required semester credit hours delivered on-line.

For the Fall 2000 semester, six eCoreTM courses were made available: English Composition I and II, Mathematical Modeling, College Algebra,

American Government, and U.S. History. All six courses were offered in a web-based format. In addition, five of the six were offered as

telecourses through Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPTV).

Meanwhile, distance education activity within the University System continues to grow at an exponential rate. The six new eCoreTM courses

comprised just a fraction of the more than 2,400 total distance education offerings, and close to 1,100 Internet courses offered via the Internet by

USG campuses during FY 2001. During FY 2000, total distance education activities comprised a "more modest" 1,749 offerings, including just 572

Internet courses. Student access to on-line learning is undeniably in demand.

The debut of the eCoreTM courses last fall came after a concentrated development period initiated in May 1999, when plans to develop a

System-wide distance learning program and the related Georgia GLOBE initiative were first announced by the University System's Board of

Regents. Georgia GLOBE markets the eCoreTM courses to potential students through its website: www.georgiaglobe.org Administrators of the

program say that it makes college "just a mouse click away."

System information technology and GLOBE officials note that the University System has carved a unique niche for itself in the distance

learning marketplace. While a number of on-line courses and even degrees currently are available throughout the country, the University System

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has taken the lead in the coordinated and integrated development of a comprehensive set of courses that share consistent design, development

and delivery standards focused on ease of use by students.The courses run on multiple computer configurations, are even accessible through

relatively slow dial-in speeds, and are compatible with special software readers used by students with disabilities.

The success of the eCoreTM builds upon the strengths of the University System. Teams organized from 36 faculty representing 22 University

System institutions, together with the USG's Advanced Learning Technologies staff and consultants, developed the first six eCoreTM courses.

The outstanding quality of the System's eCoreTM courses led to national recognition by WebCT, an international firm that provides course

management software to support colleges and universities' on-line learning. Independent evaluators designated four of the new USG freshmen

and sophomore distance-learning offerings as WebCT Exemplary Courses.The award-winning courses represented a sampling of the eight

eCoreTM courses offered last fall.

This year, 16 courses offered by colleges, universities, K-12 schools and businesses around the world received the WebCT Exemplary Course

designation on the basis of academic rigor and content robustness. A total of 85 courses were nominated for the honor. No other institution,

school district or business (other than the USG) had multiple courses selected for inclusion.

The USG's eCoreTM courses earning the distinction of WebCT Exemplary Courses included:

> American Government, > English Composition I, > Mathematical Modeling and > Survey of U.S. History to 1865.

Each course was developed by a team of six faculty members from a variety of USG institutions and was evaluated for exemplary status

independent of the others.

WebCT officials invited University System representatives to present papers and participate in panel discussions at its Third Annual Users

Conference, held in Vancouver in June. An audio-visual presentation on the winning courses featuring interviews with course creators was shown

at the conference. In addition, portions of the courses were featured on the company's website (www.webct.com), and course creators were

invited to participate in on-line discussions about their work.