The University of West Georgia is excited to share the news that the University System of Georgia’s new Policy of Institutional Function and Mission, approved on Wednesday, August 14, classifies UWG as a Comprehensive University – previously, it was classified as a State University. The new policy went into effect with yesterday’s approval.
“This acknowledgement of UWG’s breadth of programs, growth and expectation is a validation of the great work of the faculty and staff and will be a catalyst for furthering our impact in the region and beyond,” says Dr. Kyle Marrero, president of UWG. “We embrace this designation and fully assume its importance and responsibility in the University System of Georgia.”
The Comprehensive University category is the second highest of a four-sector identification system. The four sectors include Research Universities, Comprehensive Universities, State Universities and State Colleges. The state college sector has two sub-sectors. The Board of Regents looked at four areas to determine both the mission and sector of the University System of Georgia’s 31 institutions. The four areas are:
According to the new policy, “Comprehensive Universities offer a number of undergraduate and master’s-level programs with some doctoral programs. Typically, associate degrees are not offered at comprehensive universities. Research is emphasized but not as heavily as with research universities.” In addition to UWG, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University are also categorized as Comprehensive Universities. The top tier schools are identified as Research Universities, a classification that includes Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Georgia Regents University, and University of Georgia.
“This is something we have hoped for and worked on for a very long time, and I was delighted to be with UWG President Marrero and Vice President of Business and Finance Jim Sutherland when the Board voted on our change of sector,” says Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, UWG president emeritus and professor. “This is worthy recognition for all the wonderful work of our faculty, staff, and students, and a very important event in our history. It creates a new sector consisting of four doctorate-granting comprehensive universities and states that it ‘is expected that institutions within this sector will be committed to being world-class academic institutions.’ That has been our vision and dream for some years now, and I am honored to be part of this great university under Dr. Marrero's leadership which will take us to that level.”
“On behalf of the students, faculty and staff, I can only add that we are grateful for being recognized as a Comprehensive University by the Board of Regents,” says Dr. Michael Horvath, UWG provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The University of West Georgia is a great place to study, work, conduct research and provide service to the community. This validation assures us that our efforts to grow and improve are meeting the high expectations placed upon us. It also challenges and motivates us to keep continuously improving.”
For more information on the Board of Regents’ new Policy of Institutional Function and Mission, please visit www.usg.edu/news/release/regents_policy_aligns_colleges_and_universities_missions_with_system_goals.
