Marcus S. Cox

Savannah State University's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines its long-term direction to become a nationally recognized public university known for student success and regional impact. The plan is structured around five key strategic priorities: Student Success, focusing on fostering belonging and achievement; Employee Excellence, aiming to advance academic distinction and faculty development; Brand Strength, dedicated to elevating the university's reputation and resource growth; Infrastructure Innovation, centered on building modern, resilient, and technology-enabled systems; and Community Impact, expanding regional and global partnerships. These priorities collectively aim to fuel student growth, economic development, and regional prosperity through rigorous teaching, innovative programming, and high-impact research.

The meeting covered updates to the Faculty Senate webpage, including the addition of minutes, committee information, and a planned listserv. Committee reports included discussions on the academic calendar, student affairs, faculty development, international programs, and athletics. A significant portion of the meeting focused on current gun legislation, its potential impact on campus, and possible responses. Updates were also provided on admissions and enrollment, the VPAA/Provost search, budget and facilities, the Regents' Advisory Council on Academic Affairs (RAACA), and the Center for Collegiate Consulting Group (CCG). Key concerns included budget shortfalls, the need for cost savings, and improving student advising and faculty engagement.

The committee reviewed agenda items for the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting, including amending the NPCC proposal approval process, building D2L courses before the semester, addressing faculty parking concerns, reviewing the university's online policy, and discussing Graduate Council matters. Old business items included committee reports, distinguished professor matters, summer pay, pay compression and equity updates, and timely notification of student deaths.

The committee reviewed agenda items for the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting, including committee reports (with a focus on parking and a general report), updates on the Distinguished Professor Committee and summer pay, and a report from the Graduate Council. Strategic issues facing the university, such as Complete College Georgia performance measures and technology challenges, were discussed. The committee also addressed a senator's concern about not receiving a certificate of appreciation due to absences caused by course scheduling, and explored alternative solutions.

The meeting covered various topics including the president's report which addressed the merger of Dalton College and Albany State University, the merger of Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College, and pending legislation regarding firearms and tasers on campus. Enrollment numbers were reported, along with updates on financial aid for students. Academic affairs updates included information on graduation applications, upcoming events, and faculty publications. Committee reports covered study abroad programs, committee assignments, and athletics. Announcements included upcoming events such as Open Campus Day and the Honors Convocation. Budget concerns were discussed, focusing on enrollment numbers, summer school, and space utilization. Curriculum changes for the Social Work program were also reviewed.