There are many issues regarding the improvement of higher education that are worthy of discussion in Georgia. One of our biggest problems historically has been the low level of college participation by the college age population. This has actually been improving: In 1992 only 55% of high school graduates in Georgia went directly to college; in 2006 that had increased to 68%. This has been made possible in large part by having a University System when students who were not as prepared for college as desirable could enter through the two-year schools and then transfer rather effortlessly into a 4-year institution or even one of the research universities. And the core curriculum shared by the 35 units of the University System ensured that these transfer students were prepared for the next level of work. This success is threatened by the TCTT. Politicians might benefit; students will suffer; Georgia will be set back.
2. What do you think about the specific section regarding the possible combination of community and technical colleges?
"Either (a) create a comprehensive community college system by merging the technical colleges and two-year colleges so there is a seamless entry point for all students, or, if the two systems are to maintain their separate identities, (b) create and enforce pathways for student transfer between institutions and systems by forming comprehensive articulation agreements that clearly establish procedures governing the transfer of credits from one institution or system to another and (c) ensure that all duplication of teaching and administrative resources between TCSG and USG institutions has been removed."
We already have a seamless path within the University System of Georgia. And that path ensures that the instruction our students receive within the two-year units will be appropriate to prepare students for success in the four-year/research universities. Rigorous standards for hiring of instructional personnel is key as is appropriate review of curriculum by the Office of the Chancellor. The standards for hiring within the TCSG for instructors teaching what would be the University System core (freshmen and sophomore foundation courses) are simply not at the same level as for the University System of Georgia. You cannot improve education in Georgia by moving backwards. A more reasonable approach would be to incorporate the TCSG into a community college system within the University System of Georgia. But certain political forces would lose influence were that to be achieved.
3. What does part c) mean to you?
The TCSG desires more money.
4. Why is the committee considering this merger? Have you talked to anyone about the reasons behind the proposal?
I have listened to leaders within the University System of Georgia attempt to explain why this should be considered. My understanding is significantly at odds with what has been publicly stated. My analysis leads me to conclude that some within the political leadership in Georgia fail to understand the value of higher education and wrongly assume that technical training provides the same benefits to the individual and society that university education provides. They are mistaken. Those who are prepared for college education benefit as informed citizens as well as trained professionals. Society benefits from having an informed electorate that can differentiate demagoguery from reasoned debate. Demagogues, of course, lose when a society is educated.
5. Would the USG benefit from having community colleges placed under the TCSG? Why or why not?
The students would suffer first from insufficient preparation for advanced university work. The University System would lose the formula funding generated by students in the two-year schools and that transfer of funding from the USG to the TCSG (which is what this is actually all about-money) would harm all the units in the University System of Georgia, including the University of Georgia.
6. Would the USG benefit from having technical colleges placed under the USG? Why or why not?
It is possible that a community college system within the University System of Georgia could benefit students who would obtain both a general education and preparation for life-long learning and an applied skill. But that would need serious investigation rather and political determination.
7. In your opinion, what system would be the most efficient/cost-effective for the state? Why?
This is too important an issue to be resolved without data. The University System of Georgia has an outstanding research office that should be involved in such a debate were the debate to be decided on the basis of data as opposed to political influence.
Dr. Beth Jensen of GPC says 50,000 students transfer from two-year colleges to four-year universities every year. She argues that this number will decrease dramatically if the two-year colleges are placed under the TCSG. I asked her about the potential economic ramifications to USG, and she referred me to you:
8. How much money do those 50,000 students bring to the USG every year?
The Office of Research & Policy Analysis at the University System of Georgia can provide you with exact figures; if they are permitted to discuss this, given the interest of the governor in the question.
9. Would the USG lose money if the two-year colleges were taken away? How much money?
Again, the formula funding produced by the students in the two-year institutions would be removed from the budget of the University System of Georgia and the TCSG would profit from those credit hours.
10. Are there any other financial ramifications to USG?
Formula funding is key to the two-year schools.
11. What is the USG's official position on this part of the TCTT draft? If you can't answer this, who would I need to talk to?
The Chancellor's official position was recorded in the minutes of the February Board meeting: See the Board minutes for February http://www.usg.edu/regents/minutes/2009/feb09min.pdf pp. 43-44.
12. Do you know of any other states where this merger discussion is taking place or already has taken place? Do you know the results? Do you have any educational contacts in these states?
13. Who would I contact to get the official numbers for:
- the number of students who transfer from technical colleges to four-year institutions?
- the number of students who transfer from two-year colleges to four-year institutions?
- the total number of students at each of the following: technical, two-year and four-year institutions?
The Office of Research and Policy Analysis of the Board of Regents (404) 656-2213 has these date. Whether they would be permitted to answer you without going through the Chancellor's Office is another question.
Hugh D. Hudson, Jr.
Chair, Department of History
College of Arts and Sciences
Georgia State University