University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech’s new president lays out vision for the school
By Eric Stirgus
Georgia Tech’s new president, Ángel Cabrera, gave his first address on campus Thursday in a place with personal significance. The location was the school’s Ferst Center for the Arts, where Cabrera and his now-wife, Beth, had their first date in 1992. They met on campus as students and both have degrees from Georgia Tech. Cabrera officially took office at Tech, one of the world’s top research institutions, on Sunday. The institution’s enrollment has increased by more than 11% from about 29,300 students in 2017 to more than 32,700 students last year, largely due to its online offerings. But its successes have been overshadowed over the past year by several instances of officials found to have violated ethics rules. One task, he said, is embarking on a strategic planning process. Georgia Tech’s current plan is 10 years old, Cabrera said, and the plan needs to be updated in a rapidly changing world.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Couple killed after Georgia Southern game; support pours in for their 3 children
By Chelsea Prince
Danny and Julie Hagan loved Georgia Southern football and were in the stands Saturday for the season opener against Louisiana State University. The weekend in Baton Rouge was “a trip of a lifetime” for the Guyton couple, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary, according to their family and friends. They never made it home. The Hagans were killed Sunday after their Nissan Altima hydroplaned on I-16 outside of Swainsboro, state troopers said. The driver lost control in the rain, and the car hit a tree in a center median. Danny Hagan, 45, was dead at the scene, and his wife later died at Augusta University Medical Center, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The couple leaves behind three children, all of whom are current students at Georgia Southern University.
The George-Anne
Georgia Southern to resume regular operations on Friday, classes are still cancelled
By Sarah Smith and Nathan Woodruff
In an Eagle Alert sent out Thursday, Georgia Southern University officials announced that all GS campuses will resume regular operations and faculty and staff should report back to work on their normal work schedule on Friday on Friday at 8 a.m. The Eagle Alert also reminded students that classes were cancelled on Friday for all campuses. “Although Governor Brian Kemp today lifted the evacuation order for Chatham County, Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus remains closed until 8 a.m. tomorrow,” the statement reads. Residence halls on the Armstrong campus are set to reopen at noon on Friday and the Galley on the Armstrong campus will resume operations at 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Savannah Morning News
Savannah restaurants, businesses reopen following Hurricane Dorian
Below is a list of restaurants and other businesses open in Savannah and surrounding areas following Hurricane Dorian. This list will be updated throughout the day. Let us know about your openings and schedule changes at online@savannahnow.com.
Savannah State Football Season Opener Moved to Sunday
The Shawn Quinn era of Savannah State football will begin one day later than scheduled due to Hurricane Dorian. Savannah State’s football game against Florida Tech, which was scheduled to be played Saturday at Theodore Wright Stadium has been changed to Sunday at 2 p.m. Because of Hurricane Dorian, both teams had to evacuate their respective campuses.
Georgia Southern University, will resume regular business operations Friday, Sept. 6 at 8 a.m.; however, classes are still canceled for all campuses Friday.
Forsyth News
UNG ranked one of the best colleges of 2019
From staff reports
Money magazine has ranked the University of North Georgia as one of the Best Colleges in 2019 in list released in August 2019.
Albany Herald
Georgia Southwestern initiatives pay off with retention boost
From staff reports
Student retention is at an all-time high at Georgia Southwestern State University. These results didn’t happen by chance though. The university implemented changes in fall 2018 in an effort to increase student retention by providing an intentional focus on both the academic and social success of first-year students. In his August assembly address, GSW President Neal Weaver reported those efforts proved effective when the number jumped from 61.2% in fall 2018 to 74.1% opening fall 2019. “The success of GSW students is important to all of us at the university,” Weaver said in a news release. “We took our retention number very seriously and focused our energy around the challenges that first-year students face. These impressive results were achieved through an all-hands-on-deck approach across campus, and I’m proud of our team for making this happen.” One of the most impactful strategies implemented was the creation of the Office of First-Year Experience.
Emanuel County Live
EGSC’s economic impact over $80 million for fiscal year 2018
by Harley Strickland
An annual study of the University System of Georgia’s (USG) economic impact shows that East Georgia State College (EGSC) had an $80,952,494 impact on the communities in its region during fiscal year 2018. EGSC’s service region includes Emanuel, Bulloch, Candler, Jefferson, Johnson, Burke, and Toombs Counties. With its three campuses in Swainsboro, Statesboro and Augusta, EGSC has a regional employment impact of 969 jobs. This employment impact includes on-campus positions and off-campus jobs that exist due to the institution.
The Red & Black
OPINION: Stop putting off the Career Fair
Raveena Chaudhari | Staff Writer
The University of Georgia’s Fall Career and Internship Fair is approaching this month, and it’s the perfect opportunity for students of all majors to sharpen their networking skills and get comfortable reaching out to prospective employers. It may seem pointless, but UGA’s Career Fair is a good opportunity to practice professional skills and learn about future career opportunities. Admittedly, attending the career fair is nerve-racking. There are hundreds of students and employers crowding a room, and thinking about small talk and future jobs can be overwhelming. You could put it off semester after semester, but you’ll be unprepared for the job search process after you graduate. Start this semester, regardless of major or year. While the Career Fair may not get students a job offer, it’s the most important event college students can attend to sharpen their professional skills and sample different fields.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Construction set on linear park connecting downtown Lawrenceville with Georgia Gwinnett College
By Dave Williams – Staff Writer
The City of Lawrenceville, Ga., has awarded a contract to E.R. Snell Contractor Inc. to build the second phase of a 2.2-mile linear park that will connect the city’s downtown to the campus of Georgia Gwinnett College. The $10 million project will include multi-use trails, bike paths, roundabouts and landscaping features. “This project … will bring about a physical connection to mirror the strong working relationship the city has built with Georgia Gwinnett over the years,” Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson said. The new roadway running through the park will begin at the fork of North Clayton Street and Northdale Road and run between those two roads to Collins Hill Road and the overpass across Georgia 316, where it will meet the campus.
Augusta CEO
Hartenburg Named AVP for Campus Services and Chief Auxiliaries Officer at Augusta University
Staff Report From Augusta CEO
Dale Hartenburg has been named assistant vice president for Campus Services and chief auxiliaries officer at Augusta University. Previously, he served as AVP of Student Services and the interim chief auxiliary officer. …Hartenburg is charged with executive leadership and overall administration of a wide range of auxiliary operations, including campus stores, textbook operations, parking and transportation, campus dining and vending contracts, and copy and shuttle services. He will also support auxiliary and student fee operations within the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs, which includes housing, campus recreation and student health. …He received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s degree in education administration from Bowling Green State University, and an education specialist degree in higher education from Georgia Southern University. A graduate of the University System of Georgia Executive Leadership Institute, Hartenburg has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in higher education. Hartenburg will provide assistance in the interim while a search is underway to fill the role of AVP for Student Services.
Growing Georgia
ABAC Student Enjoys Role as Georgia Watermelon Queen
Meredith McGlamory has enjoyed the taste of watermelon her entire life. That’s a fortunate quality for this young lady from Rochelle, who is serving as the 2019 Georgia Watermelon Queen. “I serve as a spokesperson for the Georgia Watermelon Association,” McGlamory said. “Therefore, I represent the producers, the buyers, the consumers, and the industry itself. My duty is to promote the Georgia Watermelon Association and educate people on the nutritional benefits of eating watermelon.” When she’s not spreading the good news about watermelons far and wide, McGlamory is a student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. She is double majoring in agricultural communication and animal science and has thoughts of attending veterinary school at Auburn University.
Marietta Daily Journal
College’s Cartersville library giving a sneak peek at new PBS “Country Music” series
Georgia Highlands College’s Cartersville library has partnered with Georgia Public Broadcasting to give visitors a sneak peek next week at “Country Music,” a new documentary series from award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns before it premieres on TV. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch an abridged one-hour episode from the series on Monday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia Highlands’ Cartersville library. GHC’s Cartersville library is excited to host the event. Campus Librarian Jessica Osborne said, “It is a fantastic opportunity for GHC to partner with GPB and offer an enriching, educational event to visitors. It’s going to be both educational and entertaining.” The screening will be followed by a brief lecture from Professor Frank Minor, one of GHC’s most senior faculty members.
Emanuel County Live
Softball camp to be held at EGSC
by Harley Strickland
High school juniors and seniors who have an interest in softball at the college level will have the opportunity to get an inside look at the sport. East Georgia State College is hosting a softball camp Saturday, September 14 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for players to learn new techniques to step up their game. Juniors and seniors who are wanting to play softball at the next level are invited to sign up for the camp. During the camp, participants will get exposure, time with coaches and players, and the opportunity to learn new drills. The camp also offers participants a chance to tour the college campus and learn what is expected from a player at the next level.
Gainesville Times
Thousands of Georgians count 130,000 pollinators for UGA project
Nick Bowman
More than 4,000 Georgians counted some 130,000 pollinators in the state’s first-ever pollinator census at the end of August. The project organized by the University of Georgia extension attracted support from gardening clubs and schools throughout the state. From Aug. 23-24, counts were held in 133 or Georgia’s 159 counties, according to Becky Griffin, an extension agent and chief organizer of the census. Griffin and other experts are working through the census data to identify which pollinators have strong populations in the state as well as variations between populations in the state itself.
Higher Education News:
accessWDUN
Marijuana use by US college students up, highest in 35 years
By The Associated Presss
A new report finds college students in the U.S. are using marijuana at the highest rates in 35 years. According to the University of Michigan report released Thursday, about 43% of full-time college students said they used some form of pot at least once in the past year. About 25% said they used marijuana at least once in the previous month. Those are the highest levels seen in the annual survey since 1983. College-age adults are the biggest users of marijuana than any other age group. Use among U.S. high school students has been flat for a few years.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
College Student Marijuana Use on the Rise, Report Finds
by Sarah Wood
Marijuana use among college students has reached a 35-year high, according to a new University of Michigan report. In 2018, 43 percent of full-time college students aged 19-22 reported using marijuana, according to the study. Vaping of marijuana and nicotine has doubled from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, the use of nicotine has risen by almost four percent since last year. The annual “Monitoring the Future Panel” study focused on college student’s use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Data is based off of full-time college students who are enrolled in either a two or four-year institution.
Inside Higher Ed
Chatbots have started to infiltrate every corner of higher ed — from admissions to student affairs, career services and even test prep. Is that a good thing?
By Lindsay McKenzie
More and more colleges are deploying virtual assistants or chatbots to communicate with students on all aspects of college life, creating a virtual “one-stop-shop” for student queries. Colleges initially were deploying this technology only in specific areas, such as financial aid, IT services or the library. Now institutions are looking to deploy chatbots with much broader capability. For the companies that make this computer software that conducts text or voice-based conversations, this changing usage on campus marks a significant shift.
Inside Higher Ed
Fear and Confusion Among Immigrant Students
A new federal rule that will closely scrutinize immigrants’ use of public assistance programs has college students in California worried and considering withdrawing from financial aid programs.
By Greta Anderson
The California Community Colleges system is trying to ease the concerns of immigrant students worried about the impact of a new immigration rule scheduled to go into effect next month. The rule change by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will more closely scrutinize immigrants based on their use of federal public assistance programs, such as food stamps and Medicaid, when they apply for legal immigrant status or renew their Permanent Resident Card, which is commonly referred to as a “green card.” The so-called “public charge” rule is designed to deter noncitizens from using, or becoming dependent on, government social assistance programs. Although it specifically excludes Pell Grants and other forms of educational aid, some critics still consider the rule an attempt by the Trump administration to only allow wealthy or financially better off immigrants to come to live or study in the United States.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Life Inside the Title IX Pressure Cooker
By SARAH BROWN
Nationwide, the administrators who are in charge of dealing with campus sexual assault and harassment are turning over fast. Many colleges have had three, four, or even five different Title IX coordinators in the recent era of heightened enforcement, which began eight years ago. Two-thirds of Title IX coordinators say they’ve been in their jobs for less than three years, according to a 2018 survey by the Association of Title IX Administrators, or Atixa, the field’s national membership group. One-fifth have held their positions for less than a year. The Chronicle interviewed three dozen current and former administrators to find out what’s behind the churn. Many of them were reluctant to speak on the record, fearing retaliation, legal action, or the prospect of torpedoing future career opportunities. They painted a picture of a profession that is constantly under the gun: One whose internal and external pressures threaten to cloud sound decision-making.