University plans special events to mark consolidation
12/20/2012 4:10:38 PM
(Dec. 20, 2012) – As the
formal consolidation of Gainesville State College and North Georgia College
& State University nears, plans are underway for campus-based events on
Jan. 10 to mark the beginning of a new era as the schools become the University
of North Georgia. The consolidation is set to be ratified by the Board of
Regents of the University System of Georgia at its meeting on Jan. 8,
2013.
On Thursday, Jan. 10, the
university’s president, Bonita C. Jacobs, will visit each campus to host the pep
rally-style events for students, faculty, staff, and community members. The
rolling tour of campuses will begin in Dahlonega at 8 a.m. at Memorial Hall
Gymnasium. Stops will follow at the Oconee Campus in Watkinsville at 10:45 a.m.
in room 522, at the Gainesville campus’ Student Center at 1:30 p.m., and in
Cumming at 4 p.m. in the center’s community room. The events will feature brief
presentations by Jacobs and community dignitaries, refreshments and small
giveaways to commemorate the event.
Officials from the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS), the
Southeast’s accrediting organization for higher education, announced approval
of the prospectus submitted by the new institutions during the SACS annual
meeting in Dallas earlier this month.
Through the University of
North Georgia, students will have access to a broad range of educational
opportunities and degree programs – including associate, bachelor’s and graduate
degrees.
USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby
announced his consolidation plan in August of 2011, and the regents approved
six principles for consolidation in November of that year.
At its January 2012 meeting
the regents approved the recommendations to consolidate eight institutions into
four schools, and working groups on the campuses and at the system office then
began the complex process of consolidation.