University System News:
www.onlineathens.com
Campus bustles as UGA classes begin
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-08-14/campus-bustles-uga-classes-begin?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=6e213c6c2c-eGaMorning-8_15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-6e213c6c2c-86731974&mc_cid=6e213c6c2c&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
By Lee Shearer
The University of Georgia campus was a study in motion Monday as classes got underway for the state’s flagship campus. More than 36,000 students began classes, including nearly 6,000 first-year students, who jammed buses, sidewalks and corridors as they made their way to their next classes, or to cool refuge from the heat in the Science Learning Center, the Miller Learning Center, or the newest addition to the Terry College of Business complex at the intersection of Lumpkin and Baxter streets. The new building, Amos Hall, opened Monday, said UGA President Jere Morehead. Morehead and other top administrators braved the midday heat to greet students, pass out cookies and ice cream, and pose for photos in the Tate Student Center plaza in the heart of the campus, just across the street from Sanford Stadium.
www.albanyherald.com
ABAC expecting record number of students seeking bachelor’s degrees
Classes at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College start Wednesday
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/abac-expecting-record-number-of-students-seeking-bachelor-s-degrees/article_122147d6-dd74-5c8e-9844-d4c4c12d0b29.html#utm_source=albanyherald.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1502798496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline
Staff Reports
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will have a record number of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs when fall semester classes begin Wednesday, college officials say. Students will have the opportunity to choose from 13 bachelor’s degrees, including five new programs — agribusiness, agricultural communication, history and government, rural community development, and writing and communication — approved on Aug. 8 by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. “This is the largest number of bachelor’s degrees we have offered in the history of ABAC,” college President David Bridges said. “It’s also the most number of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in the history of ABAC. I think it bodes well for the future of this institution.” Recent figures show 1,973 students are enrolled in ABAC bachelor’s degree programs, compared to 1,828 students enrolled in those programs last year, officials said.
www.wtoc.com
ABAC adds five new bachelors programs
http://www.wtoc.com/story/36133384/abac-adds-five-new-bachelors-programs
By Ashley Bohle, Reporter
When Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students go back to class Wednesday, some students may be surprised to learn they have more choices to major in. David Bridges, ABAC President, said the program concentrations act like a trial run. “What that allows us to do is get everything in place and make sure it’s working and it’s not quite such a risk,” said Bridges. Bridges said they are adding more majors to cater to student demand. He estimates 500 students will fall into one of the five new majors. The school has more than 3,470 students, so about one-seventh of student population will be effected. “Our traditionally more liberal arts oriented students etc., social science oriented students, history oriented students etc., have long wanted a degree program with a major name that appeals directly to them as a student,” explained Bridges. ABAC’s Board of Regents voted last week to allow five concentrations to become majors including: Agribusiness, Agricultural Communication, History and Government, Rural Community Development and Writing and Communication.
www.savannahnow.com
Classes begin at Armstrong for the final time before Georgia Southern consolidation
http://savannahnow.com/news/2017-08-14/classes-begin-armstrong-final-time-georgia-southern-consolidation
By Will Peebles
In 1935, Armstrong Junior College opened its doors to welcome 135 students to the first day of classes. On Monday, Armstrong State University opened its doors for its final first day of school — at least under the Armstrong name. Earlier this year, The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents voted unanimously to consolidate Armstrong and Georgia Southern University, which are about 50 miles apart. Though technically a new institution, the combined university will keep Georgia Southern’s name, president and sports program. Since the process began, Armstrong has lost its 50-year-old sports program, and its police department has already merged with Georgia Southern’s. …But on the first day of classes, junior journalism and broadcasting major Sierra Johnson wasn’t feeling anything but the blazing heat index. “I didn’t even think about (the consolidation) this morning. I just knew it was going to be hot, so I brought a good ol’ jug of water,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t feel any different. It’s a bit of a relief because I’m closer to finishing. It’s just like any other first day.”
www.athensceo.com
UGA Students Build Bridges with Visits to Athens-area High Schools
http://athensceo.com/news/2017/08/uga-students-build-bridges-visits-athens-area-high-schools/?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=6e213c6c2c-eGaMorning-8_15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-6e213c6c2c-86731974&mc_cid=6e213c6c2c&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
Kellyn Amodeo
More than 60 University of Georgia students traveled to Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central high schools Friday morning to welcome incoming students as they start their new year. “This event is like a miniature pep rally for these high school students,” said Arthur Tripp, assistant to the president. “We want our Athens-Clarke County students to know that UGA is a part of their community, and we want to encourage and excite them about the upcoming academic year.” Cultivating strong community relationships is a priority for UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I am pleased that we are continuing to develop strong partnerships with UGA and the Athens community that will strengthen our vital relationship,” he said. This is the second year for this event, which is organized by the Office of the President, the Office of Service-Learning and student leaders from across campus.
www.albanyherald.com
Albany Tech, Georgia Southwestern ink articulation agreements
Five academic programs are included in the new agreement
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/albany-tech-georgia-southwestern-ink-articulation-agreements/article_e73a7065-5a82-5ca9-8dac-1afc99417087.html#utm_source=albanyherald.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1502798496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline
From Staff Reports
Albany Technical College and Georgia Southwestern State University held a signing for new articulation agreements in several academic programs on Monday. Five academic programs are included in the new agreement, including Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Information Technology, and Nursing. ATC Accounting and Marketing Management associate’s degree graduates will qualify to transfer to GSW to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. ATC Computer Support Specialist, Networking Specialist, Computer Programming, and Cybersecurity associate degree graduates will qualify to enter GSW to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. ATC Early Childhood Care and Education associate degree graduates will qualify to transfer to GSW to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Education in Early Childhood. ATC Law Enforcement Technology associate degree graduates will qualify to enter GSW to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Finally, ATC Associate of Science (ASN) in Nursing graduates will qualify to transfer to GSW to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
www.albanyherald.com
University System of Georgia makes pitch to Albany Kiwanis Club
USG officials tout system’s new eCampus initiative
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/university-system-of-georgia-makes-pitch-to-albany-kiwanis-club/article_0152ed5d-59f9-5098-bda9-2db0b884ba05.html#utm_source=albanyherald.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1502798496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline
By Terry Lewis
Two members of the University System of Georgia eCampus program spoke at the Albany Kiwanis Club Monday, touting the benefits of the system’s recent push toward online education. Senior Enrollment Manager Randy Blackmon and eCampus Assistant Director of Collaborative Programs Karen Lingrell said the USG offers several online learning options for high school students, those seeking four-year degrees and adult learners who may already have college credits. “We offer several online options for quality education through three different levels,” Blackmon said. “We are a service unit of the USG that partners with USG institutions to provide quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and courses that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond. “eCampus programs are ideal for traditional students, working professionals, military members, and anyone looking to continue their education for a competitive advantage in today’s job market.” Blackmon said eCampus provides student opportunities at three different levels: eCore: …eMajor: …Go Back. Move Ahead:
Higher Education News:
www.insidehighered.com
Survey: Adults See College as Path to Better Career
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/08/15/survey-adults-see-college-path-better-career?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=9ab06b9a24-DNU20170815&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-9ab06b9a24-197515277&mc_cid=9ab06b9a24&mc_eid=8f1f949a06
By Ashley A. Smith
A recently released survey from the University of Phoenix finds the majority of working adults view college as a way to improve their careers. The online survey of more than 1,000 adults who are employed at least 20 hours a week found that 38 percent are very satisfied with their current employed position. Forty-three percent said they were very satisfied with how their skills and abilities were being utilized by their employers, and 46 percent said they were fairly compensated. The survey also found that two in five adults are very satisfied with their current level of education and 65 percent of Americans anticipate their current salary would increase if they were to achieve a higher level of education.
www.news4ajax.com
Push made to get more Floridians college education
HECC officials encouraging Floridians to pursue trade degrees
https://www.news4jax.com/news/push-made-to-get-more-floridians-college-education
By Jake Stofan – Tallahassee corespondent
Two out of three Floridians don’t have a college degree. A state panel is recommending strategies to raise the number of degree or certificate holders to 55 percent over the next eight years. As the state makes progress, the Higher Education Coordinating Council is considering pushing for a goal of having six out of 10 residents with a degree or certificate. The council said to meet its goal of getting more than half of Floridians a degree in higher education, the state needs to put more emphasis on two-year trade degrees and expand internet access in rural communities. Right now, 66 percent of Floridians don’t have a college degree. To bring that number down, the chairman of the HECC, Alan Levine, said the state needs to highlight the value of trade degrees. “Not everybody needs a college degree. Not everybody needs a bachelor’s degree to achieve their dream,” Levine said. “We need all types of folks to make Florida work, whether you’re a welder, an electrician, there’s an amazing type of pride in those types of jobs.” Board member Al Stimac said encouraging Floridians to pursue trade degrees will also boost Florida’s economy. …HECC also identified poor internet connectivity as a roadblock to higher education for many Floridians living in rural areas.
www.chronicle.com
Charlottesville Violence Sparks New Worries About Safety During Campus Protests
http://www.chronicle.com/article/Charlottesville-Violence/240927?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=75309ff04290499fa6d01845e28931bb&elq=5f8420f87f6b4cebb70e5171b4617fd5&elqaid=15149&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=6455
By Peter Schmidt
The torch-bearing white nationalists who walked across the University of Virginia’s Lawn illuminated this much: How unprepared such institutions are to deal with the threat of sudden political violence. In the wake of an ensuing melee on Virginia’s campus on Friday night, as well as the following day’s violent clashes between white nationalists and counter-protesters in downtown Charlottesville, Va., experts on campus security say colleges need to rethink how they can keep public demonstrations and appearances by controversial figures from leading to tragedy.
www.chronicle.com
Why Universities Are Unlikely to Heed Calls for Punishing Students at Rally
http://www.chronicle.com/article/Why-Universities-Are-Unlikely/240926?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=846ee1e932fb40698b61b51981362f2b&elq=5f8420f87f6b4cebb70e5171b4617fd5&elqaid=15149&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=6455
By Chris Quintana
Soon after a mob of white nationalists and neo-Nazis gathered on the University of Virginia campus on Friday night, photos of the marchers began to pop up on social media. Observers quickly took on the task of identifying them by name. Within hours, the images of unmasked protesters with faces lit by tiki-torches would make their way to social media, where internet sleuths would attempt to identify those at the rally. In some cases, they succeeded. That’s how the world came to know that one of the marchers was Peter Cvjetanovic, a student at the University of Nevada at Reno, or that another was James Allsup, who attends the Washington State University and was president of its College Republicans chapter until Monday. Calls for the institutions to expel the students followed. …Demands for universities to punish or expel students who participated in the rally, though, will probably go unanswered. “That would be a flagrant violation of the First Amendment,” said Ari Cohn, a lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. The identification of students who attended the rally, however, does present a challenge for their universities: How do they respond to the vocal corner of the internet that demands punishment of students who appear to support the hateful views of the organizers of the rally? While public universities can’t unilaterally expel students who attend rallies, they can make statements that broadly condemn viewpoints they find abhorrent.