AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
Georgia Health Sciences and Augusta
State Universities are one step closer to consolidation following a decision
today from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges. The regional accrediting body voted to approve the consolidation at
its annual meeting in Dallas. The consolidated university will be named Georgia
Regents University.
"Today marks an
important milestone for both universities," said GHSU President Ricardo Azziz,
who will oversee GRU. "I am grateful to the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools Commission on Colleges for its endorsement of our new university
and to all the faculty, staff, students and alumni who have worked tirelessly
to get us to this point. There is still much work to be done and we combine
these two great institutions."
University officials submitted a
prospectus, describing the consolidated university's major features, including
learning and physical resources, financial support, organizational structure
and number of faculty and academic programs, to the accrediting body in
October. Submission and approval of a prospectus is required for accredited
universities planning significant operational changes or expansions.
"At
the outset, our goal with consolidation was to broaden opportunity for more
students and to do so more efficiently. The approval by SACs of our plan
represents a tremendous milestone and validates the hard work of the past
year," said University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby.
The accrediting body will make a site
visit in the fall to ensure the new university is complying with accreditation
principles and standards. Prior to the visit, university officials are expected
to produce a self-study, or an assessment of the school and its operations.
The consolidation
will be official following approval from The University System of Georgia Board
of Regents in January 2013. The inaugural class of GRU will enroll next fall.
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