University System News:
www.middlegeorgiaceo.com
Chancellor Hank Huckaby Discusses the New Georgia Film Academy (video)
http://middlegeorgiaceo.com/video/2016/01/hank-huckaby-discusses-georgia-film-academy/
Chancellor of the University System of Georgia Hank Huckaby talks about what led to the creation of the Georgia Film Academy, and the game changer it will be to keep the film industry booming in the state.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Georgia legislator: Adopt due process protections or forget about your budget
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/georgia-legislator-adopt-due-process-protections-or-forget-about-your-budget/article/2581395
By ASHE SCHOW
A Georgia legislator responsible for appropriating state funds to colleges and universities is threatening to halt budget discussions with his state’s schools unless they adopt basic due process protections for accused students. State Rep. Earl Ehrhart, chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on Higher Education, told college presidents in no uncertain terms to adopt such protections. “You think you’ve got an issue with federal bureaucrats threatening your federal funds?” Ehrhart said at the close of a hearing on due process. “This committee controls your funds, Mr. President, and I want to see a clear statement from all of you — beyond what the [Board of] Regents is requiring — before I’m even going to have a conversation with you about your budgets, presidents.” Ehrhart said he wouldn’t even talk to college presidents until they adopt “simple, basic due process protections.”
www.walb.com
Georgia legislator wants stun guns on college campuses
http://www.walb.com/story/31063519/georgia-legislator-wants-stun-guns-on-college-campuses
By Vince Sims
ATLANTA (CBS46) -Stun guns are currently prohibited on college campuses, but some students wish they could have them while others think they need to remain off campus. “I’m all for it because we females having night classes around here, it’s really bad because you don’t have that much protection,” Georgia State University sophomore Brittany Washington said. “I feel that’s a bad idea,” Kennasaw State University junior Mandi Holmes said. “I feel we have campus security at Kennasaw State University and I feel that’s sufficient. If you begin with stun guns eventually it could lead to actual guns on campus and that’s a bad idea.” Georgia State Representative Buzz Brockway of Lawrenceville says he proposed his bill to allow stun guns on campus because students asked for it.
www.ajc.com
Bill would boost GPA of HOPE scholars who take tough classes
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/hope-bill-increasing-gpa-for-tougher-classes-passe/nqCtQ/
Janel Davis, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A bill that would boost the GPA for students taking demanding college math and science courses easily passed a House higher education committee Tuesday. House Bill 801, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, would give students the same half-point boost to their college grade point averages for the tougher courses that they received for taking advanced classes in high school. The bill is a way to encourage students to take the tougher math, science, technology and engineering classes that are necessary for some of the hard-to-fill jobs in the state. A study last year found some college students avoid the tough classes and more technical careers in order to keep their grades high and retain merit-based aid, like the HOPE scholarship, to fund their college tuition. Under Jones’ bill, state’s Board of Regents, working with the technical college system and private colleges, would identify the STEM courses that would qualify for the GPA boost. The half-point increase would apply to grades of B, C and D. That works out to 3.5 points instead of 3 for a B, 2.5 instead of 2 for a C, and 1.5 instead of 1 for a D. No extra credit would be given for grades of A or F.
USG Institutions:
www.onlineathens.com
UGA president Morehead to chair SEC working group on compliance, enforcement, governance
http://onlineathens.com/mobile/2016-01-25/uga-president-morehead-chair-sec-working-group-compliance-enforcement-governance
By UGA NEWS SERVICE
The Southeastern Conference has appointed nine individuals from campuses across the SEC to form a working group to review and discuss issues concerning compliance with NCAA regulations and effective operation within the NCAA governance process, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced. University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead will serve as chair of the group.
www.sixmilepostonline.com
GHC founding president leaves lasting legacy in Georgia Highlands community
http://sixmilepostonline.com/?p=3717
BY STACEY MOFFETT
David McCorkle, founding president of Georgia Highlands College (formally known as Floyd College), passed away during the 2015-2016 winter break on Dec. 19, 2015. McCorkle’s post-high school educational history began at Georgia Southwestern. He graduated in 1941 with a provisional elementary teaching certificate and a junior college degree. While working at Wesley Grammar School, he was drafted into the Army and was honorably discharged later on as a staff sergeant. He then attended the University of Georgia, receiving his bachelor’s, and while there he met his future wife, George Hice. …After receiving his doctorate, McCorkle served in positions such as director of student activities and director of student personnel in Mississippi and later was appointed the first president of Floyd Junior College in Rome. McCorkle served as president from 1970 until his retirement in 1991. After retirement, McCorkle was named President Emeritus of the college, and in 2015 the name of the administration building on the Floyd campus was changed to reflect his name. Donald Green, current president of Georgia Highlands, said of McCorkle, “Dr. David McCorkle was visionary, thoughtful and tireless as president of GHC.
www.dawsonnews.com
Senator encourages students to apply for military scholarship
http://www.dawsonnews.com/section/3/article/18488/
From staff reports
Sen. Steve Gooch invites high school seniors residing within the 51st Georgia State Senate District to apply for the University of North Georgia Military Scholarship. The prestigious award allows 42 incoming University of North Georgia students to work toward bachelor’s degrees and commission as Georgia Army National Guard second lieutenants after graduation. The scholarship is worth approximately $70,000 over four years and pays for uniforms, tuition, books, fees, room and board. “The University of North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the nation, and we are very lucky to have this institution of excellence right in our backyard,” Gooch said.
www.savannahceo.com
Armstrong State University Celebrates Soldiers, Veterans and Families at Military Appreciation Day
http://savannahceo.com/news/2016/01/armstrong-state-university-celebrates-soldiers-veterans-and-families-military-appreciation-day/
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
Armstrong State University’s hosted a Military Appreciation Day at Alumni Arena on Saturday, January 23, in special tribute to service men and women. The university’s basketball teams squared off against the Lander Bearcats, and more than 1,500 free game tickets were handed out to members of the military, veterans and their families. Highlights of Military Appreciation Day included special recognition for World War II veterans and Purple Heart recipients in attendance, children’s face painting and military equipment displays. At halftime, 15 new military recruits took an oath to join the U.S. Army and nine active duty soldiers re-enlisted. …Notable guests in attendance were …and University System of Georgia Director of Military and Veterans Affairs David Snow,
www.northwestgeorgianews.com
New lab opened on GHC Floyd campus
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/education/new-lab-opened-on-ghc-floyd-campus/article_d890fc74-c456-11e5-bbd2-cf9dcb1a347f.html
With an influx in enrollment, Georgia Highlands College has renovated and updated a lab on the Floyd campus to accommodate more students and provide a more contemporary lab experience. GHC Laboratory Assistant Paulette Jordon explained that the lab was originally two separate classrooms, but in 1992, the wall separating the room was opened up to expand. The newest renovation, however, better utilizes the open space, she added.
www.albanyceo.com
Albany State University & Darton State College Partner in Supply Chain and Logistics at Cordele Center
http://albanyceo.com/news/2016/01/albany-state-university-and-darton-state-college-partner-offer-classes-toward-bachelor-science-degree-supply-chain-and-logistics-management-darton-state-college-cordele-center/
Staff Report From Albany CEO
As part of the ongoing collaboration between Albany State University and Darton State College, Albany State University and Darton State College are partnering to offer classes toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management at the Darton State College Cordele Center. “We are excited to be the host location for this partnership,” says Executive Director of Darton State College Cordele Center Caroline Fielding. “We’ve been able to offer day and evening classes leading to Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, and certificates. With this partnership we can broaden our offerings to bachelor degrees.” The Supply Chain and Logistics Management program is a unique course of study that helps to create a distinct student experience at Albany State University.
www.insidehighered.com
Endowments Fall to Earth
After two years of sizable gains, college investment returns grow by just 2.4 percent in the 2015 fiscal year.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/01/27/endowment-returns-24-percent-fiscal-year-2015?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3dacd66a58-DNU20160127&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3dacd66a58-197515277
By Ellen Wexler
After two years of healthy growth, colleges’ endowment investment return rates fell in 2015. While they didn’t come close to the declines of some years in the past decade, the average rate is the lowest reported since 2012. On average, colleges had 2.4 percent returns for the 2015 fiscal year, according to an annual survey by Commonfund and the National Association of College and University Business Officers. The survey includes data from 812 U.S. colleges and universities. … Colleges With the Largest Endowments; Georgia Institute of Technology Foundations 2015 Endowment Value -1,858,977; 2014 Endowment Value – 1,889,014; Percent Change -1.6
www.redandblack.com
UGA celebrates 231st birthday, student groups organize events
http://www.redandblack.com/uganews/uga-celebrates-st-birthday-student-groups-organize-birthday-events/article_57813fb8-c316-11e5-9687-ffc565551416.html
Kate Huller
Founders Day banners flutter in the wind, and the promise of free T-shirts hangs in the air. But, there is more to Founders Day than freebies. The day is “a time for all members of the bulldog nation to celebrate our university’s history and our vision for the future,” said Lyddy O’Brien, president of the University of Georgia Student Alumni Council. The celebration can be traced back to the foundation of the university on Jan. 27, 1785. UGA became the first state university in the U.S. upon approval of its charter by the Georgia General Assembly, and the university provided a framework for the creation of other public university and college systems in the country. “Now is our time to honor UGA’s traditions and make connections that will follow us long after we’ve left Athens,” O’Brien said. …Tuesday will be Founders Day of Giving, which will highlight the Let all the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship. Students are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item as a donation.
www.ajc.com
Making the Grade: DeKalb school takes hooves out of urban 4-H program
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/making-the-grade-dekalb-school-takes-hooves-out-of/nqCkC/
H.M. Cauley, For the AJC
If the mention of “4-H” brings to mind kids raising sheep and planting vegetables, think again. Though the nonprofit organization has its roots in rural communities, it is now an extensive, national program that partners with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, land-grant universities such as the University of Georgia and county governments to involve more than 6 million school-aged kids in a range of projects that have nothing to do with livestock.
www.savanahnow.com
Skidaway Researchers look for plastics in Savannah shrimp, fish
http://savannahnow.com/news/2016-01-26/skidaway-researchers-look-plastics-local-shrimp-fish
By Mary Landers
As the nation phases out one form of plastic pollution — the microbeads found in facial scrubs and toothpaste — a Skidaway researcher is gearing up to study these and other tiny plastic particles already in Georgia waters. President Barack Obama last month signed the bipartisan Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 that prohibits selling and distributing products containing microbeads, any solid plastic particle that is less than five millimeters and is used for the purpose of exfoliating or cleansing. These tiny plastic beads were added to hundreds of products including toothpastes and body scrubs. But while the beads wash away down drains, they don’t dissolve and have been accumulating in the nation’s waterways. “People have been concerned about plastics since the early 1970s in terms of ocean pollution,” said Jay Brandes, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, UGA, professor. “But it’s really become an issue in the last 15, 20 years or so with the discussion of the garbage patches. Everybody focused on what they could catch in a net, big stuff you could look at. But it’s the nature of science that people start thinking ‘what’s size distribution?’”
Higher Education News:
www.insidehighered.com
In Giving to Colleges, the One Percenters Gain
As charitable donations to higher education soar to a new record high, the richest institutions continue to distance themselves from the rest.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/01/27/giving-colleges-hits-another-record-high-wealthy-institutions-get-most?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3dacd66a58-DNU20160127&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3dacd66a58-197515277
By Doug Lederman
College endowments may have grown last year by the smallest amount since 2012, as reported elsewhere on this site today, but institutions got some good financial news in the 2015 fiscal year: charitable contributions to colleges and universities rose to a record level, $40.3 billion, the Council for Aid to Education reports in its annual Voluntary Support of Education survey.
www.chronicle.com
Robot-Proof: How Colleges Can Keep People Relevant in the Workplace
http://chronicle.com/article/Robot-Proof-How-Colleges-Can/235057?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elq=6c4014abb15f48789fa9c180c6ffd5e3&elqCampaignId=2306&elqaid=7662&elqat=1&elqTrackId=34278841cfe04d6bb5200f6c1a604759
By Joseph E. Aoun
Joseph E. Aoun is president of Northeastern University.
Areport this month from the World Economic Forum says 5.1 million jobs could be lost over the next five years because of automation. In 2013 a study from the University of Oxford found that about 47 percent of jobs in the United States are at risk from automation. Those statistics lie at the heart of a popular narrative of doom: the robot revolution in the workplace. According to a continuing spate of books, articles, and studies, advances in the processing power of artificial intelligence are sending us down a cybernetic rabbit hole in which human labor no longer commands value. As computers climb to previously unheard of levels of sophistication, sectors like transportation, nursing, and even legal services may be poised for a machine takeover. That robot ascendancy poses a trenchant question for higher education. Among the many important outcomes we expect, one is to prepare students for meaningful occupations. If workers are fast becoming irrelevant, then how and why should we educate them? Like daguerreotypists, will we quietly shuffle off into history?
www.diverseeducation.com
Campus Gun Laws Met With Opposition From Legislature
by Jamaal Abdul-Alim
Although numerous states currently ban guns on campus, perpetual legislative efforts are pushing the country in the opposite direction, according to a new policy analysis released Tuesday. “The pivot toward allowing guns on campuses across many states has been made without sufficient evidence to answer a critically important question: Will concealed carry laws make members of the campus community safer?” argue the authors of the report, titled “Guns on Campus: The Architecture and Momentum of State Policy Action.” “The possible negative, unintended consequences of allowing individuals to carry firearms on campus deserve careful consideration,” the authors continue in the report, jointly issued by the Education Commission of the States and the Research and Policy Institute at NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The report shows states are going in the right direction “in the sense that most of the (campus carry) bills are failing,” said Thomas L. Harnisch, director of State Relations and Policy Analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, which opposes campus carry.
www.insidehighered.com
Nobel Laureate Won’t Allow Guns in Class, Despite Law
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2016/01/27/nobel-laureate-wont-allow-guns-class-despite-law?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3dacd66a58-DNU20160127&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3dacd66a58-197515277
One of the most famous professors at the University of Texas at Austin said this week that he plans to ban guns from his classroom, despite a new state law that will allow concealed weapons across campus, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The new law has already attracted lots of faculty opposition, but the pledge from Steven Weinberg, winner of the 1979 Nobel Prize in physics and the Jack S. Josey-Welch Foundation Chair in Science and Regental Professor at Austin, gives the cause new weight. That’s in part because critics of the law have said it could make it harder for Texas institutions to recruit and retain top professors. “I will put it into my syllabus that the class is not open to students carrying guns,” Weinberg said at a Faculty Council meeting, drawing sustained applause. “I may wind up in court. I’m willing to accept that possibility.”
www.insidehighered.com
NSF Tells Universities to Prevent Harassment
Agency warns that it may terminate funding to institutions that don’t follow the law.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/01/27/nsf-warns-universities-harassment-policies?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3dacd66a58-DNU20160127&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3dacd66a58-197515277
By Scott Jaschik
The National Science Foundation this week issued a statement calling on the colleges and universities that receive its grants to do a better job of preventing and dealing with harassment in science — and the agency has warned that it would terminate funding to institutions that do not take required steps to prevent and deal with harassment. The statement says that the NSF “holds responsible” colleges and universities that receive its funds. As a major federal funding agency — the primary one in engineering and many other science fields — the foundation’s statements tend to get the attention of higher education administrators.