News & Updates

Georgia Tech-Savannah Transitions into its next phase of operation 

Provost Rafael L. Bras has formally charged Nelson Baker, vice provost of Distance Learning and Professional Education, with leading the transition and implementation process outlined in the task force report, “Defining a Path Forward for Georgia Tech-Savannah,” adopted this summer by President Peterson following an eight-month review of the coastal campus.

“The DLPE operation is in line with the vision we have for Savannah,” Bras said. “Nelson and his team will bring their experience, vision and leadership to our presence there.”

In the report, the task force recommends creating a new academic and operational model for the campus while phasing out current degree programs. GTS currently offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in four engineering majors: civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

The proposed organization, designed to be viable and self-sustaining, includes a portfolio of programs ranging from co-curricular undergraduate activities to instruction for the military and executive and other non-credit education programs to professional master’s degrees. Recommendations also include the option of developing regional research opportunities.

In the coming weeks, Baker is expected to name an implementation team and begin the work of creating an organizational structure that will support these emerging programs. David Frost will continue to serve as director of GTS for the upcoming academic year.

"Industry and military organizations, along with the Georgia Tech enterprise, are expressing interest in this new model," says Baker. "Initial program ideas already demonstrate how it will be beneficial to Savannah, the region and beyond. More importantly, it is creating an open dialogue for participation, which will be essential for future success."

From an academic perspective, Bras reiterated that GTS will operate in a “business as usual mode” during the fall semester. Academic advisors are working individually with GTS students to provide the support necessary to complete the degree program.

-Posted August 15, 2011- 
 

Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force Report Accepted by President

Georgia Institute of Technology President G. P. “Bud” Peterson announced on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 that he is accepting task force recommendations regarding Georgia Tech-Savannah. The report, “Defining a Path Forward for Georgia Tech-Savannah,” provided a comprehensive review of the coastal campus and the Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program (GTREP).

In a memorandum sent to Georgia Tech Provost and Chair of the task force Rafael L. Bras, Peterson said that he was pleased by the task force’s comprehensive approach in analyzing Georgia Tech-Savannah operations and programs, and that he was excited about the prospects for the future.

Peterson also wrote, “While I know that much of the work focused on Georgia Tech’s operations and physical presence in Savannah, it is very clear that the task force took great care to consider how its recommendations might ultimately affect the lives and careers of our students, faculty and staff as well as the community we serve in the coastal region.”

Highlights from the task force report include recommendations that will allow Georgia Tech-Savannah to continue to have a strong presence in Southeast Georgia by creating a new academic and operational model for the campus while phasing out current degree programs.

The proposed organization, designed to be viable and self-sustaining, includes a portfolio of programs ranging from co-curricular undergraduate activities to instruction for the military and executive and other non-credit education programs to professional master’s degrees. In addition, the recommendations included the option of developing regional research opportunities.

During the 10-day comment period, Peterson had the opportunity to review comments regarding task force recommendations. The vast majority of comments were submitted by current Georgia Tech-Savannah students voicing support for the undergraduate program and expressing concern regarding their individual circumstances.

According to Peterson, the concerns of students, faculty and staff underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive and supportive transition and implementation plan.

The Georgia Tech-Savannah campus will operate in a “business-as-usual mode” during the summer and fall semesters of 2011. Academic advisors will work individually with Georgia Tech students in Savannah to provide the support necessary to aid them in completing their degree programs, according to Bras.

View a copy of Peterson’s memorandum to the provost.

Posted June 15, 2011

Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force Presents Recommendations to President

Report Outlines Future Direction of the Coastal Campus

With an eight-month review process complete, the Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force has presented its findings to President G. P. “Bud” Peterson. The report, “Defining a Path Forward for Georgia Tech-Savannah,” is a comprehensive review of the coastal campus and the Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program (GTREP).

Georgia Tech Provost and Chair of the task force Rafael L. Bras shared recommendations outlined in the report firsthand with the Savannah campus faculty and staff on June 1.

Highlights from the task force include recommendations that will allow Georgia Tech-Savannah to continue to have a strong presence in Southeast Georgia by creating a new academic and operational model for the campus while phasing out current degree programs.

“Through the review process, it has been our priority to consider the needs of our faculty, staff and students, as well as the community and stakeholders that we serve,” said Provost Bras.

The campus will operate in a “business as usual mode” during the summer and fall semesters of 2011. If the report is accepted, Georgia Tech will work individually with students in Savannah to provide the support necessary to aid them in completing their Georgia Tech degree program, according to Bras.

Pending formal acceptance of the recommendations, the task force endorsed a gradual transition plan to phase out the current focus on undergraduate degree programs. An implementation plan for the new operational model would be initiated in parallel with this process.

The proposed organization, designed to be viable and self-sustaining, includes a portfolio of programs ranging from co-curricular undergraduate activities to instruction for the military and executive and other non-credit education programs to professional master’s degrees. In addition, the recommendations include the option of developing regional research opportunities.

“The report captures input from our Savannah and Atlanta campuses and stakeholders in the Savannah community and coastal region,” said Bras. “I sincerely appreciate the concerns and the ideas that have been expressed.”

Currently, Georgia Tech-Savannah offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in four engineering majors: civil, computer, electrical and mechanical. A Master of Science (undesignated) is also available.

Changes to the academic programs are subject to the policies of the University System of Georgia and notification to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

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Read Task Force Recommendations
 

Posted June 2, 2011
 

Georgia Tech-Savannah Advisory Board Workshop Focuses on Ideas for the Future

The Georgia Tech-Savannah Advisory Board participated in a workshop on May 12, 2011, designed to provide a forum for members to discuss future ideas for the campus and support for the coastal community.

The board heard presentations from the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), presented by Georgia Tech’s Vice Provost for Distance Learning and Education Nelson Baker on behalf of SEDA President and CEO Steve Weathers. Georgia Tech-Savannah Advisory Board Vice Chair Mike Polak also shared input from the community that included concepts capitalizing on existing expertise and potential needs ranging from distance learning to military education.

Georgia Tech Provost Rafael Bras also provided background on the formation of the Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force. “When I met with students, faculty and staff last fall, there was a uniform desire to define direction and create clarity for the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus,” he said. “The Task Force was created in keeping with my promise that we would review the programs here and provide guidance by the end of the academic year.”

According to Bras, Academic Program Reviews are routinely conducted for all units to ensure excellence. In addition, he said that the goal was to align the campus with the Institute’s new strategic plan and to create a model that would be viable and self-sustaining within five years.

Specific ideas under consideration by the Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force can be reviewed in the Provost’s presentation.

“In moving forward, we are committed to honoring our commitment to current Georgia Tech students and to remain sensitive to the needs of faculty and staff,” said Bras. “Simultaneously, we will work with the local community to develop and grow a new model, while developing appropriate support mechanisms and structures to ensure quality, viability and sustainability for the campus.”

According to Bras, the presentations shared by SEDA, the Georgia Tech-Savannah Advisory Board and the Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force already show commonality as well as demonstrate synergy forward.

“I am impressed that these groups will be working together to incorporate their collective initiatives into a common proposal, as well as a timeline for implementation planning,” Bras said. “This input will serve as a valuable guide if the recommendations are accepted.”

The Task Force will submit a final report to Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson on June 1, 2011.

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View the Provost’s presentation: Georgia Tech Savannah Task Force Defining a Path Forward

Posted May 18, 2011

April 12-13, 2011: Provost Visits GT-Savannah Campus to Address Questions and Concerns Regarding Review Process

Georgia Tech-Savannah students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to meet with Georgia Tech Provost Rafael Bras and members of the Georgia Tech-Savannah Task Force on April 12 and 13. The purpose of the visit was to provide a forum for the GT-Savannah community to ask questions and share comments regarding the ongoing review by the Task Force and for the provost to clarify proposals under consideration.

In response to questions regarding the purpose and timing of the review, Bras said that the adoption of the Institute’s strategic plan was a key consideration along with a variety of other factors including challenging economic conditions, challenging demographics and needs of the community and the evolving higher education landscape.

“During my visit last September, I promised to provide guidance regarding the future of Georgia Tech-Savannah by the end of the academic year,” said Bras. “Our goal is to complete the report by June 1.”

Once the report is complete, it will be presented to Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson for consideration. Any academic program changes may require review by the Board of Regents. After Task Force recommendations are adopted, a transition plan will be developed.

While students expressed concerns about the future of the undergraduate program, Bras assured them that it would be business as usual for the coming fall semester. “Any changes that are adopted will be gradually implemented with our students in mind,” he said. “Our goal is for our students to succeed no matter what recommendations are adopted.”

Updates from the Task Force and other information about the ongoing review will be posted on the Georgia Tech-Savannah website at the following link: http://savannah.gatech.edu/task-force-update.
 

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