Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College employees received a more sobering set of answers today about the proposed merger than the public Q&A posted online earlier.
Credit: Maureen Downey
Credit: Maureen Downey
In this more nuts and bolt account, employees are told the point of consolidating the two campuses is to cut administrative costs, so layoffs could result. And the Q&A does not discount the possibility that campuses could close or programs eliminated in the wake of the merger.
Here is part of the long Q&A focused on faculty and staff concerns:
Why consolidate the two institutions?
Consolidating the two institutions will help us improve student success by expanding access, applying best-practice programs and reinvesting savings into academics for the benefit of our students.
Who will be the president of the consolidated institution?
Georgia State President Mark Becker will lead the new consolidated institution.
Will any campuses be closed?
The consolidation implementation team will be assessing the needs and infrastructure of the new consolidated institution. The consolidation team’s final report to the Board will include a recommendation about campus structure and locations.
Why these institutions now?
We have said all along we will be considering more consolidations. We must constantly assess ourselves to ensure we have a 21st century structure that provides the most effective system of institutions offering the proper range of degrees, services and opportunities for students and faculty.
The Georgia State and GPC consolidation presents an opportunity to create a modern, urban university that balances the needs for access as well as research and public service.
How much money will be saved?
Reducing administrative costs and functions is a goal of consolidating institutions, but it will not be a quick process. It is anticipated it will take at least 12 to 18 months to implement the consolidation of the individual institutions and to properly calculate savings attained by the action. Savings will occur from decreased administrative costs and increased service efficiencies. Savings will then be reinvested for academic and instructional needs for students.
What about GPC’s financial health? Will consolidation help? Is this driving the consolidation?
Consolidation does present an opportunity to address financial challenges that GPC has been dealing with for several years now. However, the primary factor that led to recommending the consolidation of Georgia State and GPC is the substantial opportunity to expand access and improve retention and graduation rates.
Will there be layoffs?
A decrease in the number of jobs will likely occur, but until details are worked out it is not possible to know how many or which ones. Certain administrative functions will be combined, resulting in the need for fewer positions over time.
Will some academic programs be discontinued?
There will be a comprehensive review of all academic programs offered by both institutions in order to develop the optimum program array for the consolidated institution. As a result, the possibility exists that academic programs may be continued, modified or discontinued.
How will faculty have a voice in the implementation of the consolidation?
There will be faculty representation on the consolidation implementation committee, which will be established to guide the consolidation process. Existing faculty governance processes on both of the consolidated institutions may also be used to provide faculty voice in the consolidation process. Final decisions on policy matters still reside with the Board of Regents.
Will the expectations/guidelines for promotion and tenure change?
Because faculty promotion expectations are grounded in institutional mission, it is possible that tenure and promotion guidelines may change. The Provost (in conjunction with the Deans, Department Chairs, faculty leaders and other institutional staff) will work in conjunction with the Board of Regents to determine the new guidelines appropriate to the mission of the consolidated institutions and the appropriate procedures to implement the new performance expectations. Such changes will not go into effect right away.
Where and when will I be teaching?
This will be determined by the appropriate academic leadership at the institution.
Will all administrative staff retain their positions?
Over time there will likely be a reduction in staff positions, but it is not possible to know which ones at this time. The implementation committee working with the President will determine the new administrative structure.
Will I have to relocate?
Decisions affecting individuals will take place as part of the implementation process. It is possible that relocations could occur.
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