University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AJC On Campus: Dueling views of pandemic, Remembering Mark Ivester
By Eric Stirgus
It’s been about a month since the first of Georgia’s colleges and universities reopened their campuses for students for the fall semester. The different viewpoints about how the process has gone were on display at Tuesday’s Board of Regents meeting, inside and outside the building. Here’s more about that, the loss of a college president and other matters in the latest edition of AJC On Campus: …Mark Becker to leave Georgia State Georgia State University President Mark Becker announced Tuesday he’s leaving in June 2021, after more than a decade in the position.…“A remarkable achievement” University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley used those words during Tuesday’s Board of Regents meeting to describe fall semester instruction at its 26 schools. …“You have the power to save lives” …USG’s $2.36 billion budget ask …The U.S. News & World Report rankings
Middle Georgia CEO
MGA Ranks 14th on U.S. News & World Report “Best Regional Colleges South” List
Staff Report
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is among the best public regional institutions in the South, according to the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. MGA tied for 14th on the list of institutions included in the “Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges South” category for the publication’s 2021 higher education rankings. In addition, MGA moved up five places from last year to tie for 50th among those ranked in the “Regional Colleges – South” category, which includes both public and private institutions. In another important category, MGA moved up eight places to rank 53rd among the South’s regional institutions showing the most success in advancing the social mobility of students. The social mobility ranking refers to how well institutions do in advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell Grants, which are based on family income. MGA is one of Georgia’s most affordable regional universities.
FYN
UNG Blue Ridge Campus is officially open after ribbon-cutting ceremony
by Lauren Souther
Pleasant fall weather welcomed the crowd at the University of North Georgia (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Since UNG Blue Ridge first opened in 2015 on Dunbarton Road, it’s grown from 18 students to 232. The new facility has over 3.500 square feet of classroom space, a computer, and biology lab with room to grow in the future. It’s right off Georgia Hwy. 515 and three miles from the old campus at Dunbarton Road. In 2013, UNG began studying the need to expand access to high quality, affordable education in the Northeast Georgia region. We knew it was essential, and it would be a gamechanger for the entire region,” stated President Dr. Bonita Jacobs.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA reverses course and will allow on-campus early voting
By Greg Bluestein
School faced intense pressure
Facing intense criticism from both sides of the aisle, the University of Georgia reversed course on Thursday and announced it would allow in-person, on-campus early voting next month at the school’s basketball arena. UGA spokesman Greg Trevor said the school offered Stegeman Coliseum as an early-voting site to local and state elections officials, and that it looked forward to “facilitate on-campus voting in this indoor venue, which is large enough to support safe social distancing.” The reversal comes after fierce pushback from student groups, politicians and a top state elections official who demanded the school drop its opposition to hosting an on-campus polling site when in-person voting begins on Oct. 12.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
IBM announces $100 million initiative to support Black colleges
By Eric Stirgus
IBM announced Thursday it is investing $100 million toward education initiatives to prepare students at the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities for careers in technology. The effort involves specific partnerships that include three Georgia HBCUs: Morehouse College and Albany State and Clark Atlanta universities. The Georgia schools will be part of 13 HBCUs involved in the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, which is designed to prepare and develop students for the quantum cloud computing future through research opportunities, curriculum development and special projects. IBM said the schools were chosen based on their research and education focus on areas that included physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science.
ALA
Harris Country Public Library is Community Hot Spot
By: Deborah Hakes, Director of Communications and Marketing, Georgia Public Library Service
For the 35,000 residents of Harris County, Georgia, the local library has been a lifeline during COVID-19 closures. The two-year-old facility is a focal destination point in Hamilton, a rural town with around 1,100 residents located just north of Columbus, Georgia. “To say libraries are still offering a vital service during the pandemic would be an understatement,” said Ryan Willoughby, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Georgia, Inc. “There is only one public WiFi spot where I live, and that is the Harris County Public Library – for the entire county.” During the statewide shutdown, Willoughby spent several hours a day using the library’s parking lot WiFi access in order to do his work. …Besides providing 24/7 access to the parking lot WiFi, Harris County Public Library “kept the light on” during the shutdown through virtual programming on Facebook and YouTube. The library also continued virtual storytimes and created take-home kits focusing on crafting, travel, and cooking programs to help families stay active.
EurekAlert
A study of interim data from two hospitals in an early US COVID-19 hotspot, to be presented at the ESCMID Conference on Coronavirus Disease (ECCVID, held online 23-25 September), shows that race and ethnicity were not significantly associated with higher in-hospital COVID-19 mortality, and that rates of moderate, severe, and critical forms of COVID-19 were similar between racial and ethnic groups. The study, by Dr Daniel Chastain (University Of Georgia College Of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA) and colleagues included data from adult patients hospitalised between March 10 and May 22 with COVID-19, defined by laboratory-detected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, in Southwest Georgia.
Slate
How Colleges Are Responding to Their Campus Coronavirus Outbreaks
By WHITNEY TESI
As students have returned to campuses to begin their fall semesters, colleges and universities are rapidly becoming coronavirus hot spots, with more than 61,000 new cases being reported on campuses across the country, according to data from the New York Times. University administrators attribute these surges to off-campus parties and other gatherings attended by students with little social distancing and mask-wearing. While the spikes have pushed some schools to switch to remote learning for the rest of the semester, others—such as the University of Alabama, which has reported nearly 2,000 cases since class started Aug. 19—are continuing with in-person classes. Others are continuing—or resuming—college athletics. And this week, the University of Georgia, which had made plans for more than 20,000 fans to attend football games, came under fire after it canceled in-person voting on campus, citing coronavirus concerns. (It reversed course on Thursday.) …Although some campuses have set up quarantine dorms and testing centers, others, such as Georgia Southern University, only offer testing to those showing symptoms.
The Red & Black
UGA ArchNews email introduces COVID-19 calculator, more meal plan updates
Julia Walkup | Contributor
The University of Georgia released an ArchNews email almost one month after classes started announcing a new COVID-19 calculator, Dining Services updates and a new Peer Allies program for freshmen and transfer students. UGA reported 421 new positive COVID-19 tests from Sept. 7-13, about a 70% drop from the previous week. Of these cases reported in DawgCheck, 404 were students, 16 were staff and one was a faculty member, according to the email. To assist students in calculating how many days they need to spend in quarantine or isolation, UGA has added a “COVID-19 calculator” in DawgCheck, according to the email. The calculator includes a place to input the date a student has tested positive or come into close contact with a person who tested positive. The calculator then will give a date in which the student may return to “normal activities.”
Atlanta Business Chronicle
State selling 653-acre farm in northwest Georgia
By David Allison
The state is planning to sell a 653-acre farm in northwest Georgia. The University System of Georgia is seeking bids on behalf of The University of Georgia for the Red Bud Farm, located on Nesbitt Loop in Resaca, Ga., in Gordon County northwest of Atlanta. The property has over two miles of frontage on the Coosawattee River. Approximately 77 acres is wooded and approximately 420 acres is in floodplains. The University of Georgia bought the property in 1996 and initially used it as a research farm. Following the economic downturn of 2008, UGA consolidated its regional research activities at a different farm and rented the property to a third party to grow row crops and raise cattle. The property has been vacant since June 2019, the state says.
Patch
UNG Research Pitch Competition Launches Inaugural Event In October
University of North Georgia (UNG) students conducting research projects may compete in the inaugural Research Pitch Competition2 next month.
Sponsored by UNG’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities3 (CURCA), the virtual contest offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to present a 3-minute pitch of their academic research. It is modeled after the University of Queensland’s Three Minute Thesis program. The competition is open to students of all disciplines and campuses. A winner will be selected and receive an award.
Albany Herald
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College namesake key Constitution Day figure
From Staff Reports
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has a natural tie-in to the annual Constitution Day celebration on Thursday because Abraham Baldwin, the namesake for the institution, was one of only two Georgia signers of the historic document 233 years ago on Sept. 17, 1787, in Philadelphia. When the 39 men signed the Constitution, they set the stage for a quality of life in America that exists today. The Constitution is the oldest and shortest national constitution in existence. William Few was the only other Georgia signer of the 4,543-word document. …Baldwin later became the first president of the University of Georgia. He also served in the United States House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate. A colorful panel depicting his career is a key part of the ABAC history exhibit in the Tift Hall administration building. Almost 4,000 students are taking classes at ABAC this semester from 24 countries and 19 states. ABAC attracts students from 155 of Georgia’s 159 counties and from 53 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Griffin Daily News
Georgia coach Smart, wife donate $1 million to university
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his wife Mary Beth have committed $1 million to the university for programs supporting social justice and athletes impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as an expansion of the Bulldogs’ football facility. The Smarts joined Detroit Lions quarterback and former Georgia star Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, to endow the athletic association’s new social justice program.
The Augusta Chronicle
2020 UGA football uniforms throw back to 1980 national title team
By Marc Weiszer
Georgia’s 2020 football team will have an old school look this season. In a nod to the 40th anniversary of the 1980 national championship team, the Bulldogs will sport white jerseys with red pants in one uniform combo. Look for them to be worn at the season opener at Arkansas Sept. 26. Georgia also showed off black jerseys that are expected to be worn in a later game this season. Those haven’t been worn since the 2016 season against Louisiana-Lafayette. Kirby Smart seems to get questions each season about when they will be brought out again for a game. The throwback uniform combo includes a 40th anniversary 1980 national championship patch.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Universities to conduct research on Sandy Springs
By Adrianne Murchison
Sandy Springs agreed to partner with two universities that will separately study aspects of city services and operations. A Georgia Tech research team will study two MARTA bus routes in a transit efficiency project intended to improve service. And Sandy Springs will expand an existing partnership with Kennesaw State University for a new research program.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia tops 300,000 cases; decline in new cases flattens
Georgia has surpassed 300,000 confirmed coronavirus infections amid hints that a decline in new cases may be leveling out
Georgia has surpassed 300,000 confirmed coronavirus infections amid hints that a decline in new cases may be leveling out. With totals reported Thursday, Georgia is close to 301,000 COVID-19 cases. There also are now 6,474 confirmed deaths caused by the respiratory illness. Georgia’s numbers continue mostly to improve, although cases, hospitalizations and deaths remain elevated over June before numbers began to spike. Hospitalizations continue to fall. The number of confirmed cases in hospitals is below 1,500, down more than half from the peak of 3,200 in late July.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated Sept. 17)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
DEATHS: 6,474 | Deaths have been confirmed in all counties but one (Taliaferro). County is determined by the patient’s residence, when known, not by where they were treated.
CONFIRMED CASES: 300,903 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
As colleges try to tamp down partying by students, administrators consider options for promoting lower-risk — not no-risk — social opportunities and providing a semblance of a normal college experience.
By Elizabeth Redden
One hallmark of the fall semester so far has been the recurrent theme of college administrators pleading with students to stop partying — and threatening and imposing punishments on those who do — to try to tamp down the spread of COVID-19. But as college administrators try their hardest to stop students from attending crowded indoor parties and bar hopping, the question arises of what they can or should do to help students socialize in lower-risk ways. To this end, some colleges are creating new outdoor gathering and performance spaces, erecting tents that limited-sized student groups can reserve, and holding film screenings and other student life events in oversize venues like the football stadium.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
By Eric Kelderman
More than a month ago, the Big Ten Conference announced that the fall sports season would be postponed because of the risk of exposing athletes and others to the coronavirus. “Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students, faculty, and staff,” Morton O. Schapiro, chairman of the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and president of Northwestern University, said in a news release. This week, the conference reversed that decision, announcing new medical protocols — including daily, rapid testing for the virus — that officials say will allow athletes and team staff members to practice and compete more safely. “Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding communities,” said Jim Borchers, head team physician at Ohio State University and co-chair of the NCAA subcommittee that devised the new testing measures. …But the plan has raised questions among public-health experts and those who study college athletics. If universities are willing to adopt the “platinum standard” for some of their students, why not do so for all students, especially as cases climb on many campuses? And what does that discrepancy say about a system that claims athletes are just like their classmates and are primarily to be considered students, not unpaid performers?
Inside Higher Ed
As Senator Lamar Alexander nears retirement, he is making one last push to simplify applying for financial aid, and this time, he might get it.
By Kery Murakami
As he nears retirement, Senator Lamar Alexander, the chair of the Senate education committee, is making a final push to bring about what he’s been trying to do for at least seven years — simplifying the form students have to fill out to get federal financial aid for college. The Republican from Tennessee devoted the last scheduled hearing of the committee on education before he leaves office to a proposal that would reduce the number of questions asked on what he called the “dreaded” Free Application for Federal Student Aid from 108 questions to 33 as well as end the Education Department’s lengthy verification process. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the committee, said at the hearing that she supports the idea.
Inside Higher Ed
Schumer, Warren Call for Canceling $50,000 of Student Debt
By Kery Murakami
Though acknowledging it likely won’t happen unless there’s a Biden administration, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren said they are proposing a resolution that would call on the next president to use authority they believe he would have to cancel $50,000 in federal student debt from all borrowers, a move that would completely eliminate the balances of 75 percent of all borrowers. “There would be a giant sigh of relief from one side of America to the other,” Schumer said during a call with reporters, as many borrowers struggle financially during the pandemic-caused recession.
Inside Higher Ed
NACAC Releases ‘Roadmap for Change’
By Scott Jaschik
The National Association for College Admission Counseling has released “Roadmap for Change: Reimagining U.S. Higher Education as a Public Good.” The report calls, among other things, for higher education to “redesign college admission policy and practice to focus on the centrality of individual students in the vast landscape of postsecondary education,” to “emphasize transparency as a critical policy measure to restore trust in higher education, and to ensure good public policy to protect the public investment in education” and “begin basing policy and practice on the premise higher education is a public good and enact public policy that recommits our nation to postsecondary access and success.”