The need for expansion is a hot topic
on the Oconee campus. UNG president, Dr. Bonita Jacobs, had answers
ready for students of the university. On Aug. 28, she sat down for a Q
and A while students came flocking for “Pizza with the President.”
Jacobs gave Oconee a better understanding of what campus is improving
on.
Students are
curious about the unity of all four campuses when it comes to the
University’s clubs, intramurals, and activities. Jacobs is enthusiastic
on this subject, but she believes each campus should be somewhat
different considering, “every campus has their own culture” said Jacobs.
It is important to consider the fact that each campus has specific
needs that must be met.
When
it comes to the Oconee campus, we can never stop improving because
growth is vital. So for now, as far as unity of all four campuses,
Jacobs believes the different campuses should be separate when it comes
to personal needs, but unified as the University of North Georgia.
Jacobs
brings up a number of options that Oconee is considering to further
expand our capabilities. Plausible options according to Jacobs include
knocking down a one story building to build a high rise, building a
parking deck, renting space at a strip mall to offer courses at that
site, buying more land, and giving the Oconee site to the city and
building elsewhere.
Jacobs
is keeping in mind what is best for the state of the Georgia school
system and her students as well, while she weighs out her options.
Jacobs wants to “put every option on the table,” to ensure that the
University has strived to its fullest potential. A project that is in
the process to look forward to is an expansion on more classroom and
office space. Jacobs believes students need more space to allow their
knowledge to grow. She said she finds it unfair that there are some
faculty who share offices. This causes difficulty with one-on-one time
with professors, and a small amount of confusion.
Jacobs
instill a large amount of confidence and trust in the students that
enroll in the University. She believes UNG can unite as one to make this
happen and wraps up “Pizza with the President” by stating, “it is truly
all about the students; what do we need to do so that students have a
good experience and graduate on time.” Jacobs is continuing to focus on
“pulling together this long-range plan,” to allow the University of
North Georgia to expand into a well-working community of college
students.
