The Board of Regents (BOR) held its last meeting of the summer on Tuesday, Aug. 8, in Atlanta. Business at the meeting included budgets, a revised sexual misconduct policy, and campus renovations. 

Systemwide Updates

The BOR approved a $2.43 billion operating budget request for FY19, which goes to Governor Nathan Deal for approval in January. The operating budget would be a $122 million increase over FY18. The increase accounts for growth in student enrollment, as well as increased contributions to the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

Included in the recommended budget is Phase II funding in the amount of $30.6 million for Georgia Tech’s Library Renewal Project. 

The Board also authorized the distribution of Major Repair and Rehabilitation (MRR) funds for FY18 for all institutions, of which Georgia Tech’s portion is $5.5 million. Fiscal year 2018 budgets for all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions were approved earlier this year.

The BOR revised the process for handling incidents of sexual misconduct for all four-year public colleges and schools. The revisions give USG administrators more oversight in investigations. The updated policy requires that the USG be notified when a complaint is filed that could lead to a suspension or expulsion. It also states that false reports can result in suspension or expulsion.

Campus Title IX officers will report to Kimberly Ballard-Washington, associate vice chancellor for legal affairs and conduct and Title IX administrator for the USG. 

Real Estate

Renovation of the Howey Physics Building was presented as an informational item to the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities. The project spans 15,300 square feet of the building and will include renovation of the five lecture halls, new audio-visual equipment, upgrades to mechanical systems, and furnishing and finishing updates. The renovation will also redesign the lobby area to provide study space for students between classes.

Tech’s second informational item for the Real Estate committee was for the acquisition and development of a portion of a Lockheed Martin campus in Marietta. The project is adjacent to the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Cobb County campus and spans 32 acres that includes 755,000 square feet of office, high bay, and warehouse space, which would be renovated to support Tech’s research enterprise.

The Board authorized Tech’s project to make upgrades to the football locker room, which is funded by private donors. The space inside Bobby Dodd Stadium would receive updates that include waterproofing and ventilation work, an expanded physical therapy area, and renovation of the players’ locker room, coaches’ locker room, equipment areas, and associate lobby and circulation spaces. 

Recognition

David M. Collard, professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and associate dean for academic programs in the College of Sciences, was recognized at the meeting for earning the Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award for the research and comprehensive universities sector of the USG. The award recognizes a faculty member for his or her strong commitment to teaching and student success.

For more information, meeting minutes, and agendas, visit usg.edu/regents/meetings.