During its monthly meeting 
Aug. 13-14, the Board of Regents (BOR) approved health care plan changes for 2014.

Premiums will not increase for the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, but some co-pays and deductibles will increase as of Jan. 1. (A complete list of what was approved is available in the meeting agenda
.)

At this point, final benefits decisions have only been made on the medical plans. The Georgia Tech Office of Human Resources will communicate more details about all other benefits and open enrollment for 2014 in the months to come.  

The BOR also approved construction projects including Cherry Street streetscape improvements and utility expansion and the renovation of Boggs Chemistry Building.

A new BOR strategic plan for 2013-2018 was adopted. The plan represents USG priorities and special initiatives in the areas of degree completion, academic excellence, economic development, research and innovation, and efficiencies. (More information about the plan can be found here.)

In other meeting news:

• As part of the new USG Function/Sector Policy (more information is available here), Tech was 
designated the state’s technological 
research institution.
• Modifications to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program requirements were approved to strengthen design computing knowledge among students.
• Changes to the Master of Science in Architecture program were approved to better align the degree with requirements from the National Architecture Accreditation Board.
• Changes were approved to the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design program to reflect the new integrative role of designers and to support collaboration with industry.
• The Catherine M. and James E. Allchin Early Career Professorship in the College 
of Computing was established.
• The Fouts Family Chair in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering was established.