In fiscal year 1994-1995 (FY 94-95; July 1994 though June 1995), the Georgia Center served more than 140,000 people through educational programming and various support services for administrative meetings. Highlights included: the first "International Institute for Leaders" in August 1994, which featured a week in Athens, Georgia, at The University of Georgia (UGA) and a week in Oxford, England at Oxford University; WUGA-FM's participation in a unique international exchange program with radio stations/networks from the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union; the development and launching of the Georgia Center's "Homepage" on the World Wide Web; the successful first year of the "Learning in Retirement" program; the continued growth of the American Language Program; the continued refinement and implementation of the Center's "FOREsight," an integrated financial and resource management software system developed in-house; and the inaugural season of the Masters Hall Players, the Georgia Center's resident theater company; to name a few.
Presently, Georgia continues to have one of the highest performing economies in the country. This has had a generally positive influence on Georgia Center revenues for the year. Looking ahead, Governor Zell Miller has informed state agency department heads of a projected economic downturn in FY 96-97 and possibly beyond has recommended precautionary steps be taken.
The Georgia Center's strategic planning process employs environmental scanning as a means of identifying future opportunities and threats. Approximately 60 faculty and staff function as scanners, including some 40 who are volunteers (directors and department heads are required to participate as a function of management). The "Environmental Scanning Program" will celebrate its 10th anniversary in September 1995.
"CENTER-2000," implemented in 1992 as an umbrella structure for organizational renewal and quality management, was re-directed in two significant ways in late 1994. First, the original "teamwork model," involving a more or less permanent cross-divisional configuration of associate directors, department heads, and selected faculty and staff, was replaced by a model which will use ad hoc cross-functional and cross-divisional teams to improve processes and solve problems. Second, the many substantial process and program improvements accomplished 1992-95 were identified and became initial content for the "CENTER-2000 Tracking Board," which was installed in the Georgia Center Library in May 1995.
This Georgia Center Quarterly "Year in Review" offers a quick look at each division within the Georgia Center -- programs and initiatives, stats and facts, and special staff achievements for the past fiscal year.
The division offered 574 undergraduate and five graduate academic credit courses-- with 8,378 undergraduate student registrations, 13,377 undergraduate course registrations, and 38 graduate course registrations. The division also enrolled 691 international students in 2,493 intensive English language course registrations through the American language Program.
The American Language Program implemented a revised and expanded curriculum at various student levels; developed and offered an "adjunct course" to integrate upper-level American Language Program courses with credit-bearing Independent Study courses; and developed a "Homepage" on the World Wide Web (on the Georgia Center's Server), making available information about the department, faculty, staff, student body, and course offerings. The enrollment, 691 students, in the American Language Program was a record high (12.5 percent increase over FY 93-94) from 37 countries. More than 80 percent of the student body enrolled as a result of the recommendations of former or current students.
The Department of Evening Classes had a total of 5,316 student registrations (3.8 percent increase over FY 93-94) and 9,320 course registrations (5 percent increase over FY 93-94). Evening Classes established a Faculty Advisory Committee and developed a Faculty Resource Guide. In addition, the department created a new multi-tiered schedule of classes, constructed a student demographic profile and student participation profile, and conducted a survey of academic credit programs in University System of Georgia colleges and universities and in land-grant institutions in the United States. The department also implemented an analysis of its organization -- management, operations, and personnel.
University System of Georgia Independent Study identified, through a curriculum assessment, 51 courses for development and production over a five-year period. In addition, the department developed two videotape courses and one course with computer courseware and initiated a pilot project to give students the option of selecting a print course guide or an electronic guide in eight courses, thus, demonstrating an ever-increasing usage of technology in enhancing University outreach. The department now produces print and electronic versions of all new and revised courses, with the exception of some language and mathematics courses. University System of Georgia Independent Study offered 146 academic credit courses taught by 76 faculty. During FY 94-95, the department added eight new courses to the curriculum and revised 22 courses. Independent Study had 3,062 student registrations (3 percent increase over FY 93-94) and 4,057 course registrations (4 percent increase over FY 93-94).
Off-Campus Credit has participated for the past two years in planning with the Registrar's Office at UGA for the transfer of the registration of off-campus students to the Registrar's Office. Effective October 1, 1995, the Registrar's Office will have that responsibility. The department implemented a plan for the retention of official records. Off-Campus Credit conducted 36 registrations for 290 courses, which resulted in 1,142 student registrations (3 percent decrease from FY 93-94), and 1,731 course registrations (2 percent decrease).
The University of Georgia Office at the Gwinnett University System Center installed an OASIS registration lab in the Gwinnett Center library and established policies and procedures for use of the system by University of Georgia students. The office provided information and referral services to 11,341 current and prospective students and provided assistance with the OASIS registration. A total of 125 University of Georgia classes were offered at or through the Gwinnett Center, including nine classes offered via distance learning. Total student enrollment in University courses at the Gwinnett University System Center was 1,534 student registrations.
Several internal University decisions have affected long-term direction of the Division of Academic Credit. Consequently, revenue projections and student enrollments for the future are unclear. The University's administration is assisting the Georgia Center during this period of transition.
As part of a restructuring of the division that will continue into the next fiscal year, Graphics and Technology Services (GTS) saw significant change and expansion of responsibilities in FY 94-95. Previously a part of the Department of Publication Services, along with Printing Services, the unit became an independent entity in July of 1994. This change not only facilitated a redefinition of duties and a closer working relationship with the Department of Marketing Services, it set in motion a plan for a more corporate approach to serving clients and the continuing education community as a whole. FY 95-96 will see the unit incorporated into the Department of Marketing Services. Printing Services benefited from a significant upgrade of equipment and continued to serve and/or process the majority of the Center's print and copy needs, handling close to 6,000 projects for the year.
The Department of Marketing Services provided a wide array of services to the divisions and departments of the Georgia Center, acquiring in the process three marketing and promotion awards from the National University Continuing Education Association (NUCEA). Special emphasis was placed this year on improving the corporate image of the Center and in improving individual promotion and publicity efforts. Also the department conducted a community profile for the University's Extension Station in Griffin, Georgia; continued work on a University study of the Georgia Center's impact on the community and campus; oversaw an exhibit series, "Beyond the Boundaries," a community relations project that featured artworks by and about individuals with disabilities; and completed a major effort in support of the Department of Television Services -- a catalog of productions that are available to the public; among various other Center communications projects.
The Department of Television Services is in the process of replacing the outdated C-Band uplink with a KU-Band uplink. The new system will be compatible with Georgia's satellite communication system and more in line with new directions taken by public broadcasting generally. The GSAMS (Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System) link to the instructional studio facility in Room H has already served a wide variety of planning, information, and instructional events. Room H completed its first year of operation at the end of FY 94-95; it has served as the centerpiece for the development of distance learning on The University of Georgia campus.
Projects for FY 94-95 included: Athens 1996 Olympics support; work on a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) video for that organization's centennial; the "ADDNET/ALLNET" series -- programs directed toward parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals who deal with Attention-Deficit Disorder children; among many others. In the next fiscal year, the department will step-up development of service-based projects involving the program staff of the Georgia Center and the various service units of The University of Georgia.
WUGA-FM (91.7) accomplished two signal-upgrade projects this year. Listeners in the Athens and surrounding areas may now pick up the signal at 97.9 FM as well as at 91.7 FM for clear reception of the station. In February, with a grant from the Eurasia Foundation, the station hosted 12 broadcasters from the Russian Federation and the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union for a nine-day training program. WUGA-FM contributed 221 reports to Peach State Public Radio and 21 reports to National Public Radio during the year. The station's programming garnered awards and recognition from the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Georgia Associated Press, and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.
The station also established a "Homepage" on the World Wide Web (on the Georgia Center's Server). WUGA-FM continues to show audience growth and enjoyed a record year in the amount of revenue generated through program underwriting and donations from listeners.
A variety of physical plant and capital improvement projects were completed throughout the Georgia Center building (interior and exterior). These included waterproofing and painting of the exterior of the original building; interior four-color directional floor-maps for customer use; improvement of the ventilation systems in various areas; a new underground irrigation system; an updated fire alarm system; and the addition of two new portable tents for outside events. Technical operating systems in Mahler Auditorium were evaluated and a three-year improvement schedule developed. A video-data projection system was researched and plans and specifications developed.
Food sales increased by almost $200,000 without a general increase in prices. The Center plans to expand services in this area within the parameters of the Center's mission.
The Masters Hall Players was formed and presented the first season of plays with great success to expanded audiences during the winter. The Masters Hall Players and the Masters Hall Singers continue to provide the basis for the drama and music events presented by Masters Hall Performing Arts Programs.
Divisional numbers reflect the successes of FY 94-95 -- the division housed 47,353 guests in the hotel during the year, approximately 80 percent of whom were conferees; provided more than 160,000 meals through a variety of banquet and restaurant services; and served approximately 46,000 individuals through facilitation of meetings and other non-conference events.
The Department of Community Learning Resources (CLR) oversaw a wide ranging set of programs for the adult learner during the year. The Georgia Center World Wide Web server was established and is maintained through the department, with input from various areas of the Center. The Center Web site furnishes general information about the Center, including the Georgia Center Quarterly-On Line, Lookouts (the "Environmental Scanning Program" newsletter), information about the American Language Program, and details about WUGA-FM.
CLR's Community Programs overall net income increased by 6 percent as a result of systematic financial report tracking on critical decision variables and the implementation of the third level of a two-year marketing plan designed to improve the efficiency of direct mailing. While Community Programs planned/developed 29 percent fewer courses in FY 94-95 and conducted equivalently fewer courses, overall attendance remained steady at 3,291 participants in FY 94-95 as compared to FY 93-94. In FY 94-95, the "Learning in Retirement at the Georgia Center" (LIR) program was initiated with 200 members. Membership is composed primarily of retired individuals although several members do some work as consultants or freelance part-time.
Other stats and facts for units of CLR included: Computer Training Services conducted 93 programs for 1,028 participants (an increase of 39 percent and 46 percent respectively over FY 93-94). Noncredit Independent Study increased enrollment in courses to 3,190, a net gain of 13 percent over FY 93-94. The Georgia Center Library circulation increased 14 percent as compared to FY 93-94.
The Personal Adult Learning Lab's slow growth during FY 94-95 was consistent with the predictions made in previous annual reports. As its hardware and software have become obsolete, the Learning Lab's ability to attract potential clients has declined. Revenues during its eight-year history have not been sufficiently high to justify upgrade costs required to revitalize the facility. Accordingly, the Learning Lab ceased operation at the end of FY 94-95. The department will concentrate its computer-training efforts on instructor-led workshops.
The faculty of Governmental Training conducted 836 separate governmental continuing education courses during FY 94-95 with each averaging 16 instructional hours. A total of 28,561 state and local government officials and others participated in this instruction for an average attendance of more than 34 per course, representing 394 Georgia municipalities, all 159 Georgia counties, 49 state agencies, 13 regional development centers, 25 local and state government agencies from other states, and 75 other organizations. Major program areas for local and state government officials include supervisory and management development, property tax assessment and collection, financial management, construction codes enforcement, and voter registration and election administration. Another major program begun during the year was a $1.3 million training and technical assistance program for providers of services to at-risk families in Georgia.
The Department for Program and Conference Development combines residential and off-campus instruction within three programming sections and provides registration services to the programs of this and other departments. Each section has its own "relationship" with schools and colleges within the University according to the area of instructional focus. Programs addressed adult education needs via conferences, institutes, seminars, short courses, and independent study courses. The staff assisted in planning and implementing viable continuing education experiences for a variety of professional, occupational competency, subject-matter-related, and general interest activities. The department reorganized in May 1995 to provide fully integrated and staffed programming sections, an expanded departmental office to support all functions, a reconfigured conference registration office, and a cross-divisional team to meet more readily the needs of prospective and new client groups.
The department has continued to pursue the request from The University of Georgia president, Charles B. Knapp, to report all University-based continuing education activities. The department head and the CEU officer met with representatives of the major units to bring additional activities into the system. A total of 549 programs for 23,657 participants were reported for other units in FY 94-95. These numbers will continue to increase.
The Humanities and Social Sciences Section provided 105 programs for 6,579 professionals. Major program emphases included: an "Addiction Counselors Training Program," a joint meeting of two societies represented by the Museum of Natural History and the Savannah River Ecology Lab, and "Islam and the West," the first in a series of symposiums sponsored by UGA Humanities Center. Certification programs currently enroll 78 students in independent study.
The Business, Communications and Professional Education Section offered a variety of programs for FY 94-95 that were developed with or by the Terry College of Business, Fanning Leadership Center, School of Forest Resources, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, College of Pharmacy, Small Business Development Center, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. All areas maintained a very strong and growing program.
The General Education and Teleconference Section offered the first annual conference for people throughout the state working with the GSAMS (Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System) network. National continuing education audiences participated in conferences held at the Georgia Center for the International Association of Continuing Education and Training and for the regional meeting of the Association for Continuing Higher Education.
Building on the phenomenal success of the "Attention Deficit Disorders" ("ADDNET/ALLNET") teleconference series, now in its third year, a new series on inclusive schools was added. A teleconference series on quality of life issues for older adults achieved national recognition.
The Family, Consumer, and Life Sciences Program Section delivered programs and provided other continuing education activities in the disciplines of family and consumer sciences and agricultural and environmental sciences. Several in-depth projects provided continuing education for adults through a variety of formats. Projects during the year included a video for family day care providers produced to illustrate compliance with the rules of the Department of Human Resources, Child Care Licensing Section. Also, a "Training Approval System" was developed and piloted for the Department of Human Resources, Child Care Licensing Section. The project has received interest from several states and national organizations.
Other programs continued to be successful during FY 94-95, including: the "Energy Education" program which provides continued education and support to energy counselors and volunteers; the "Culinary Institute" for school nutrition managers offered in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Education, Division of School and Community Nutrition; the Marriage and Family Therapy Post-Graduate Program, required for persons seeking to obtain licensure as marriage and family therapists; and the Dietary Manager Certificate Program, a collaborative effort with Community Learning Resources.
When an organization reflects upon the accomplishments of one year, and makes plans for the upcoming one, through projects such as an annual report, there is a tendency to focus on the numbers, the names of programs. How many attended? How much did it cost? What audience share did the program receive? What were the five most successful programs for the year? How many possible students were there? And on and on.What we must remember, and what makes any of our programming worthwhile, is that each number represents a person in an educational pursuit, in an activity to better herself or himself. Each conference name or program name represents a group of people sharing experiences, teaching one another, and helping each other to grow professionally and as individuals.
This past year at the Georgia Center was a very successful one. We were able to make strides in a number of areas, as reflected in the divisional reports presented here. Plans for next year are wide-ranging, from continuing development of new programming utilizing electronic outreach, to refinement of new educational endeavors in the international area, to completing a review and modification of the Georgia Center's pricing structure and services. Also during the fiscal year 1995-1996 (July 1995 through June 1996), the Georgia Center, will be called upon to play various roles as Athens, Georgia, prepares to be the site of three events (Soccer, Volleyball, and Rhythmic Gymnastics) of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games hosted by Atlanta.
While these plans offer opportunities for all of the Center's faculty and staff, and for The University of Georgia, our educational programs, conferences, institutes, and other activities must continue to be designed for what's behind the numbers and names --the people and groups we serve.
Return to the Table of Contents.EDWARD G. SIMPSON, JR. DIRECTOR, GEORGIA CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICES, THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Web administrator: webmaster@gactr.uga.edu All contents copyright (C) 1996. University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education All rights reserved. Last revised: 1/31/96; 4:06:56 PM URL: http://www.gactr.uga.edu/GCQ/gcqFall95/year.html