Last Friday, a standing-room only crowd of staff members gathered to hear the latest news about Georgia Tech from President G. P. “Bud” Peterson and Steve Swant, executive vice president of administration and finance.

“I talk a lot about our students and the ‘other education’ they receive at Tech,” Peterson said. “They learn to be the adults they become from watching how you interact with them and each other. We are fortunate to have you — you help make this institution what it is.”

During the town hall, which was webcast to an overflow room and the Savannah campus, Peterson and Swant provided updates about Tech and various initiatives.

“From the Tech Arts initiative, which was inspired by the strategic plan, to the first annual Art Crawl at Clough Commons, increasing involvement in the arts has become more of a priority than ever at Georgia Tech,” Peterson said.   

In terms of the student population at Tech, Peterson shared that fall 2012 admission applications are up 3.5 percent from 2011. The Institute also continues to increase its global impact through partnerships with the Korean Institute for the Advancement of Technology and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Another point of pride is that Tech was recently named one of 10 National University Transportation Centers. On the state level, Peterson shared that Tech directly and indirectly impacts approximately 70,000 jobs in Georgia and has helped to land more than 30 corporate relocations and expansions over the past three years.   

“We have also collaborated with the state on projects including the recently announced REACH Scholarship,” Peterson said. “Tech was the first University System of Georgia institution to partner with the governor on this project, which will target middle school students who have the academic skills for college but may struggle to afford it.”

Following the presentation, the audience was invited to ask questions. Peterson and Swant were asked about their stance on telecommuting — which Peterson is “very supportive of.” However, Peterson emphasized that employees need to work out an agreement with their supervisors.

The two also addressed the future of Georgia Tech Savannah and the decision to no longer offer undergraduate programs at the campus.

“By next fall, all faculty from Savannah should be back in Atlanta, and the Savannah campus will be focused on distance and professional education,” Peterson said.   

And according to Swant, things are starting to improve when it comes to the financial state of Tech.

“The important thing for us to remember is that Georgia Tech has a history of continuing to dream, design and build in good and challenging times,” Swant said. “Buildings such as the Engineered Biosystems Building and the efforts of many in this room are a commitment that we are here for the long haul. After each of us retires or leaves Tech, our legacy will impact many sets of freshmen, graduate students and faculty in the years to come.”