University System to cut some degree programs

By Laura Diamond

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The University System of Georgia is preparing to eliminate about 250 degree programs that duplicate what's offered in the state’s public technical colleges.

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Phil Skinner, pskinner@ajc.com The University System of Georgia may eliminate 17 programs from Georgia Perimeter College.

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No students are currently enrolled in the programs, and many have been dormant for years, said Linda Noble, associate vice chancellor.

The state Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the change during Wednesday's meeting. If the change is approved, Clayton State would cut nine programs, and Georgia Perimeter and Atlanta Metropolitan colleges would each eliminate 17.

The University System decided to remove the programs as part of a renewed collaborative effort between the state's two higher education agencies. Both signed agreements this winter pledging to work better together to help more students earn a college degree and avoid duplication and unnecessary competition.

Gov. Nathan Deal and others have said improving college graduation rates is key to Georgia's economic future.

Eliminating the old degrees may not save taxpayers money because no one is enrolled in these classes, but Noble said it will prevent public money being wasted on programs that are already offered at neighboring colleges.

The degree review is part of the two systems having clearly defined roles in meeting the state's needs, said Mike Light, spokesman for the Technical College System of Georgia.

The terminated programs are nearly all associate of applied science programs. These two-year degrees are geared toward specific jobs and are designed for people who plan to enter the workforce after graduation. The agreement says technical colleges will primarily offer these degrees. Some University System colleges may continue to offer one of these degrees if the program isn't offered nearby, Noble said.

Associate of arts and associate of science degrees are two-year degrees for students who intend to transfer and earn four-year bachelor's degrees. These programs would mainly be offered by the University System.

For a list of the affected programs, go to http://www.usg.edu/regents/documents/board_meetings/agenda_2012_01.pdf. The list begins on Page 61 of the PDF.