Fort Valley State University News September 3, 2014 FVSU announces measures to address enrollment challenges Fort Valley State University faces enrollment challenges, but the president of the university and University System of Georgia system administration remain committed to the long-term success of the university. "We are working tirelessly to develop plans for the university's future. This entails adapting to the state's demographics and workforce needs," said Fort Valley State President Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. "In order to thrive, Fort Valley State University also must embrace partnerships and innovation in some of the 'what' and 'how' of our enterprise, especially in terms of degree programs and cost efficiency." Previously, the university admitted students outside of the USG admissions standards for a state university. Enforcement of those standards by the new FVSU leadership, enrollment challenges across higher education in Georgia and nationally, and enrollment management inefficiencies are the main reasons for the decline. Changes in federal financial aid eligibility requirements and Parent Plus loans also have adversely impacted aid for some students, thereby worsening the situation. FVSU's enrollment reached a high of 3,896 in fall 2011, but dropped to 3,568 in fall 2012. It also declined in fall 2013 to 3,180, and is projected to drop to 2,400 this fall. This represents a decline of 38% over a three-year period. Faced with an anticipated $7.1 million budget shortfall due to an enrollment decline, Fort Valley State University today announced several tough measures to address the situation. The measures include a workforce reduction of 14 filled and 11 vacant positions, excluding grant-funded jobs. Thereductions will impact the President's Office, Academic Affairs, and Business and Finance. "The actions we're taking are not desirable, but they are necessary," Griffith said. "We have worked very closely with the University System of Georgia and explored all reasonable alternatives before making these decisions to stabilize our finances. This downsizing in no way reflects the commitment these employees have demonstrated during their time at Fort Valley State. I offer my sincerest gratitude to them for their service." Griffith said the impacted employees will be offered outplacement assistance, including career placement and résumé assistance. He also said while it is difficult to lose any employee, the administration has taken strategic measures to protect FVSU's academic integrity and the nurturing environment traditionally provided to its students. While the Reduction in Force (RIF) constitutes the most dramatic action, the university also is working - in conjunction with the System office - to address both the short and long-term challenges facing the institution. Other short- and long-term measures include: Revitalization of Existing and Pursuit of New Academic Programs: Fort Valley State is thoroughly reviewing all existing programs and will be pursuing new degree programs in high-demand and mission specific areas. "We also have to be entrepreneurial in order to maximize enrollment and revenue-generating opportunities across the university," said the president. Enhancing Enrollment Management in all aspects: This includes refocusing on existing markets, pursuing new markets, establishing articulation agreements with two-year schools, and forming strategic partnerships with other agencies. Implementing a University College: FVSU, with assistance from the System Office Academic Affairs unit, is implementing a University College no later than Spring 2015, in addition to a Pre-Matriculation Program for fall 2014. This pre-matriculation opportunity will allow Fort Valley to admit students who do not initially meet regular admission standards but have demonstrated potential to be successful at FVSU. The university will provide them with tutoring and other support to help them succeed at FVSU. Energy Conservation efforts: Last fall, FVSU launched a campaign called "Blue and Gold Goes Green" to reduce its electricity bills by installing room sensors, mandating the removal of non-essential appliances campus-wide and replacing high-energy bulbs with more energy-efficient ones, among other measures. The campaign also includes reducing spending on water. "I have every confidence in our future and plan to be part of that future for many, many years," said Griffith. "But it is critical that we as an institution face our problems and fix them. As the distinguished writer James Baldwin once noted, 'Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.' "Our university's challenges have not been met head-on over the years, but we can ill afford to continue doing so," Griffith said. "I'm confident in my team's ability to tackle the issues, confident that our faculty and staff will place the needs of our students front and center in all they do, thankful to Chancellor Huckaby for his support, and grateful to our National Alumni Association and local and state leaders for their advice and assistance. I'm optimistic about our future." Chancellor Hank Huckaby expressed strong support for the future of FVSU. "Fort Valley has a rich history with graduates who have made many notable contributions to our state and nation," Huckaby said. "We believe the actions we are taking will position Fort Valley for a bright future of service to students and the state of Georgia." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!