Oct 09, 2024  
Fall 2019 - Summer 2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fall 2019 - Summer 2020 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

University System of Georgia


The University System of Georgia was created in 1931 and comprises 31 state-operated institutions of higher education, as well as the Georgia Public Library System, Skidaway Institute for Oceanography, and the state archives. The governor appoints members of the board to a seven-year term and regents may be reappointed to subsequent terms by a sitting governor. The Board of Regents is composed of 19 members, five of whom are appointed from the state-at-large, and one from each of the state’s 14 congressional districts. The chairperson, the vice chairperson, and other officers of the board are elected by the members of the board. The board appoints a chancellor who serves as its chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System.

The policies of the Board of Regents provide a high degree of autonomy for each institution. The executive head of each institution is the president, whose election is recommended by the chancellor and approved by the Board of Regents.

State appropriations for the University System are requested by, made to, and allocated by the Board of Regents. Matriculation and nonresidential tuition fees for all institutions are set by the board. All resident students pay matriculation fees; out-of-state students pay nonresident tuition in addition to matriculation. Fees for student services and activities are established by each institution, subject to the board’s approval.

The overall programs and services of the University System are offered through three major components: instruction, public service/continuing education, and research.

INSTRUCTION consists of programs of study leading toward degrees, ranging from the associate (two-year) level to the doctoral level, and certificates. Requirements for admission of students to instructional programs at each institution are determined, pursuant to policies of the Board of Regents, by the institution. The board establishes minimum academic standards and leaves to each institution the prerogative to establish higher standards.

PUBLIC SERVICE/CONTINUING EDUCATION consists primarily of non-degree activities and special types of college-degree-credit courses. The non-degree activities include short courses, seminars, conferences, lectures, and consultative and advisory services. Typical college-degree-credit public service/continuing education courses are those offered through extension center programs and teacher education consortia.

RESEARCH encompasses investigations conducted primarily for discovery and application of knowledge. These investigations cover matters related to the educational objectives of the institutions and to general societal needs. Most of the research is conducted through the universities; however, some of it is conducted through state universities.

Board of Regents

For a list of active members of the Board of Regents, please visit www.usg.edu/regents/members.

USG Institutions

For a list of University System of Georgia institutions, please visit www.usg.edu/inst/.