Georgia system considering ideas that could lead to merging some campuses
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 5, 2011
In a key step to merging some campuses, the University System of Georgia will consider how close colleges are to one another, whether they're duplicating academic programs and other factors, according to a document obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
It’s too soon to know which of the 35 colleges will merge, and the guidelines didn't include a list of candidates. But talk of consolidation prompted Georgia Perimeter College President Anthony Tricoli to urge the state to merge the smaller Atlanta Metropolitan College into his school, saying it "would sort of be a natural fit," according to an email included in the records obtained by the AJC.
The mergers have the potential to save taxpayers millions while affecting thousands of students across the state. The move also will set off a firestorm as alumni, students, politicians and community members fight against changes that threaten their campuses.