WGAA 1340AM Cedartown

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents agreed with the proposal of Georgia Highlands College on Monday that will slash $2.4 million from its budget. The regents’ proposal will now go to the General Assembly, which will decide on the final cuts.
The cuts include:

• Ceasing all operations at the new Douglasville site by June 30
• Phasing out the dental hygiene program after the spring of 2010, but those who are currently enrolled will be allowed to complete the program. No new students will be admitted beginning in the fall of 2010.
• Eliminating the Nursing Task Force program through a reduction of 30 nursing student admissions beginning in the fall of 2010.
• Ceasing all operations at the Paulding County site by June 30.
• Eliminating all funding for library collections.
• Reducing counseling and disability services by three student support positions
• Consolidating administrative processes, thus eliminating the function of Budget and Accounts payable.
• Reducing advertising and promotion expenditures including all print publications to students.
• Transferring the remaining Student Life personnel and expenses to the Student Activity budget.
• Consolidating the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Student Services eliminating the VP for Student Services position.
• Eliminating Physical Education as a requirement of the core curriculum and close the department.
• Eliminating one position in the College Advancement Department.

The moves come after the Georgia Legislature demanded the regents cut between $200 and $300 million statewide from the 2011 budget which begins July 1. Other statewide cuts include $60 million from the University of Georgia. As well as substantial cuts to adult and technical schools.