The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘All boats are going to rise’: Upgraded GSU medical campus will help keep docs in Savannah
By Abraham Kenmore, Savannah Morning News
Georgia’s public medical school is expanding by upgrading its clinical campus for third- and fourth-year students at Georgia Southern University to a full four-year satellite school. The new campus of the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Southern will accept its first class of 40 first-year medical students next year, pending approval from an accrediting body. “We’re really, really excited about the opportunities it’s going to present for us and for the state of Georgia,” said Brooks Keel, president of Augusta University, which contains MCG. The campus has three main partners — MCG will recruit and provide the students, Georgia Southern the classroom space, and St. Joseph’s/Candler healthcare will provide the clinical training space. It will join MCG’s main four-year campus in Augusta and one in Athens. …Hinchey said he hopes 50% of students will stay local after graduation. Having doctors who trained in Savannah would make it easier to compete for medical talent during a national shortage of physicians.
WGAU Radio
Morehead: UGA staffer pay raises begin in July
By Tim Bryant
University of Georgia president Jere Morehead tells UGA staffers the $2,000 pay raises approved by the Legislature earlier this year will begin showing up in paychecks in July.
From UGA president Jere Morehead…
We are pleased to inform you that the pay increase of up to $2,000 for state of Georgia employees included in the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget applies to all full-time, benefit-eligible UGA faculty and staff and is effective July 1, 2023. These increases recognize the dedication of our faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to serve our students and the citizens of the State of Georgia. This brings the total cost of living adjustment (COLA) to $7,000 over the past two years. We remain grateful to the Governor and the General Assembly for continuing to recognize the talent, hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff.
Jagwire
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with one in five people diagnosed in their lifetime. With new cases of skin cancer climbing, members of Augusta University’s Well-Being program, along with the Georgia Cancer Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, are taking action to protect students, employees and the public from a future skin cancer diagnosis by installing sunscreen dispensers across all Augusta University campuses in the Augusta community. … Augusta University is the first college or university in the University System of Georgia to have sunscreen dispensers installed on campus. …Through a grant awarded to the Augusta University’s Well-Being Committee, the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents is investing in the health of AU employees and students.
Georgia Entertainment News
An Expanding Sport: Esports’ Growth Gives Competitors Room to Develop Professional, Life Skills
By Staff
Like the esports industry itself, Columbus State University’s esports program has grown as competitive opportunities and the games at the center of those competitions have expanded. Both the format and objectives of those games vary widely—and a single gaming session can last for an hour or more. The original esports game, League of Legends, features head-to-head combat where teams defend their half of the map in a competitive capture-the-flag environment. … Through CSU’s Department of Communication, students can pursue a Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development Certificate. It launched in Fall 2020 as a workforce development partnership with Georgia’s leading esports entities, including Skillshot Media and AXR Edge (formerly Axis Replay). This certificate includes specialized courses in esports tournament operations, broadcasting and live-streaming—along with internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Albany Herald
Darton Foundation continuing ed program addresses burnout
From staff reports
The Darton Health Professions Foundation and the Darton College of Health Professions at Albany State University recently held their continuing education unit, “Disrupting Burnout: Self Care for Health Care Professionals.” “It was a phenomenal event,” Randae Davis, executive director of the Darton Foundation, said. “We had 51 registrants from 17 different states and Canada. Everyone was edified and educated while networking and connecting on issues they face that cause or contribute to burnout. A unique factor was that this course was applicable for anyone facing burnout, not just health care professionals.”
Ledger-Enquirer
Here’s why this Columbus television writer says she’s prepared to strike all summer
By Brittany McGee
Columbus resident and television writer Natalia Temesgen fears the inability of production studios to see eye to eye with writers will lead the current strike to drag on for months. While she appreciates the flexibility that remote working has given her, Temesgen sees a variety of systemic issues in the industry that have contributed to the stand off. As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues to strike over higher and stable pay, fairer contracts and provisions about regulating the use of artificial intelligence, Temesgen supports the effort while recognizing the benefits of working remotely in the industry. Before entering the world of television writing, she developed a background as a playwright and held a job as associate professor of creative writing at Columbus State University. … When she isn’t writing scripts for Hollywood productions and plays for theaters such as the Springer Opera House, Natalia Temesgen teaches as an associate professor of English at Columbus State University.
Feedstuffs
Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council to identify research priorities
The North American Meat Institute has launched the Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council, formed to advise on research priorities and the latest evidence related to meat production and consumption. The seven members of the advisory council are renowned independent researchers from the United States’ top universities, with expertise encompassing environmental sustainability, human nutrition and development, combating hunger, and more. …Advisory Council members are:
…Dr. Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia: Lamm’s research focuses on identifying the most effective ways to communicate about agricultural and environmental science with stakeholders and the public.
Statesboro Herald
Georgia Southern adds two Ph.D. programs
From staff reports
Georgia Southern University is launching two new engineering doctorates – a Ph.D. in applied computing degree and a Ph.D. in engineering – after approval of the programs this week from the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents.
Savannah CEO
Leadership Southeast Georgia 2023 Program Continues in Bulloch and Screven Counties
Staff Report
Leadership Southeast Georgia, a professional development and leadership program throughout 10 coastal counties, continued its 2023 programming in Bulloch and Screven counties. The 29 members of the Class of 2023, regional leaders from business, professional and civic organizations, participate in a five-month course of ongoing personal and professional growth to build connections and learn collaboration skills that empower them to improve the region. The dual focus for the third session centered on education and workforce development factors impacting our region and the introduction to agriculture and its impact on our economy. …Day one began on the campus of Georgia Southern University with a welcome from Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar and Bulloch County Commission Chair Roy Thompson. …The class ended day one with a Presidential Roundtable featuring the heads of three area institutions of higher learning. Participating were Jan Moore, Vice President for Economic Development of Ogeechee Technical College; Dr. David Schecter, President of East Georgia State College; and Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University.
Athens Banner-Herald
UGA Performing Arts Center announces eclectic lineup for 2023-24 concert season
Andrew Shearer
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the University of Georgia continually sets the standard for excellence in entertainment for the Athens community, and its schedule for the 2023-24 season promises to be one of its most eclectic and exciting to date.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Opinion: Diversity does not divide us. Ignorance does
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
David A. Thomas is president of Morehouse College, and Nina L. Gilbert is executive director of the Morehouse Center for Education Excellence. In this guest column, they decry the attacks of diversity, equity and inclusion in Georgia and around the country. …Last week, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the agency responsible for credentialing educators, announced they would be removing the words “diverse” and “diversity” from the state’s educator preparation programs. According to the commission, the regulation was necessary because officials from the University System of Georgia believe that these, and other terms such as “equity” and “social justice,” are too ambiguous and have recently taken on different meanings.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Survey: Stress Undercutting Student Success
In the newest Student Voice survey, students say stress negatively affects their academic success, and reducing stress is their No. 1 health goal. Students also see faculty members as bearing responsibility for reducing stress.
By Colleen Flaherty
Three in four students say that stress is negatively impacting their ability to focus, learn and do well in school, according to the newest Student Voice survey from Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, which focused on health and wellness. Fielded from April through early this month, the survey asked a nationally representative sample of 3,000 two- and four-year college students questions about their experiences with stress, mental health, physical wellness and related campus services. Read on for a first look at the results, with more findings and analysis to come. The survey also asked students who they think is responsible for helping them address stress and mental health issues, to gauge student expectations on this topic. Four in 10 students—the largest share—say professors should play a role in alleviating stress.
Inside Higher Ed
A Stricter Test for College Programs
Critics argue that the earnings test, which is based on the average earnings of a high school graduate with no college, is unfair. But supporters say it provides key information.
By Katherine Knott
The Biden administration wants to use the earnings of adults who didn’t go to college as a new benchmark to gauge whether graduates of career education programs are gainfully employed. Advocates praised that decision, saying it would strengthen the gainful-employment rule by preventing programs that result in low wages from passing the test. Critics of the move, including the association representing for-profit colleges, questioned the fairness of the earnings threshold and said the concept hasn’t been studied enough to warrant inclusion in federal regulations. The metric, which was not part of a previous versions of gainful-employment rules proposed during the Obama administration, will likely be a point of contention.
Higher Ed Dive
Bain warns of ‘perilous environment’ for colleges as COVID-19 relief dries up
Natalie Schwartz, Editor
Dive Brief:
While colleges saw more financial stability during the pandemic, analysts at consultancy Bain & Company expect their financial positions to deteriorate as COVID-19 relief dries up and enrollment trends worsen, according to a report released Monday. Over the past decade, institutions’ expenses outpaced their tuition increases, putting some in precarious financial positions. Although higher education experts feared the pandemic would exacerbate these issues, many colleges instead saw their finances improve through federal relief funding, budget cuts and historic investment returns. However, the report’s authors expect these gains to be shortlasting. They predict the higher education sector’s level of financial stability will fall below pre-pandemic levels within the next three years.
Higher Ed Dive
U.S. News changes undergraduate rankings methodology amid upheaval
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
U.S. News & World Report has reworked the methodology it uses to determine its influential undergraduate rankings, newly emphasizing colleges’ success in graduating students from different backgrounds and removing metrics like alumni giving. The publication also will no longer rank undergraduate colleges by their class sizes, by how many students in the top of their high school class they enroll, and by how many of their faculty members have terminal degrees, it announced Friday. U.S. News will still include these factors on online profiles it maintains of the colleges it ranks.
Inside Higher Ed
California State U Did Not Investigate Claims Against President
By Josh Moody
California State University officials did nothing to investigate allegations that California State University, Fullerton, president Framroze Virjee inappropriately touched students on several occasions, the Los Angeles Times reported. Three reports obtained by the Times, spanning the years 2019 to 2021, indicate that Virjee had made students feel uncomfortable by touching them in unwanted ways, including kissing one on the forehead. CSU officials were made aware of those reports, submitted by campus employees, but did not investigate them, according to the newspaper. The students involved did not file formal complaints.
Higher Ed Dive
National labor board hits USC, NCAA with complaint over athletes’ rights
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
The University of Southern California, NCAA and Pac-12 Conference are violating federal law by not classifying college athletes as employees, the National Labor Relations Board’s Los Angeles branch alleged last week. The NLRB filed a complaint against the university and two athletics entities Thursday, seeking to have an administrative judge declare that players are employees. A hearing before the judge is set for November. Should the board be successful in its complaint, it could open the door for some athletes to unionize.
Higher Ed Dive
Colleges face new responsibilities as states require abortion medication access on campus
New York and Massachusetts recently implemented mandates for their public institutions. At least one private college is also offering the pills.
By Lilah Burke
Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs. Wade nearly one year ago, access to abortion on college campuses has taken on heightened importance. In the aftermath, some states are mandating that public colleges provide students with access to medication that ends pregnancy. In August, New York will join California and Massachusetts in requiring certain public colleges to provide abortion medication to students. “Young people are always on the front lines of attacks on bodily autonomy,” said Niharika Rao, a senior at Barnard College who has been campaigning for the law through advocacy groups. These laws highlight some of the new responsibilities colleges are undertaking to broaden abortion access following the landmark court ruling. And some research suggests that these kinds of policies may influence where students ultimately decide to enroll.
Inside Higher Ed
Why Do Legislatures Use Sunset Provisions? Academic Minute
By Doug Lederman
Today on the Academic Minute: Elizabeth Dorssom, assistant professor of political science at Lincoln University of Missouri, examines why legislatures use sunset provisions.