The University System of Georgia

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia was created in 1931 as a part of a reorganization of Georgia’s state government. With this act, public higher education in Georgia was unified for the first time under a single governing and management authority. The governor appoints members of the Board to a seven year term and regents may be reappointed to subsequent terms by a sitting governor. Regents donate their time and expertise to serve the state through their governance of the University System of Georgia – the position is a voluntary one without financial remuneration.

Today the Board of Regents is composed of 19 members, five of whom are appointed from the state-at-large, and one from each of the state’s 14 congressional districts. The Board elects a chancellor who serves as its chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System. The Board oversees the 31 colleges and universities that comprise the University System of Georgia, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and The Georgia Public Library System.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University System of Georgia is to contribute to the educational, cultural, economic, and social advancement of Georgia by providing excellent undergraduate general education and first-rate programs leading to associate, baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctorate degrees; by pursuing leading-edge basic and applied research, scholarly inquiry, and creative endeavors; and by bringing these intellectual resources, and those of the public libraries, to bear on the economic development of the State and the continuing education of its citizens.

Each institution in the University System of Georgia will be characterized by:

• A supportive campus climate, leadership and development opportunities, and necessary services and facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff; 
• Cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;
• Technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education; and
• A commitment to sharing physical, human, information, and other resources in collaboration with other System institutions, the public libraries, state agencies, local schools, and technical colleges to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

Matriculation fees and nonresident tuition fees for students at all institutions are established by the Board of Regents. All students pay matriculation fees, while out-of-state students pay nonresident tuition in addition. Other fees for student services and activities are established by institutions, subject to Board of Regents’ approval. Non-mandatory fees established by institutions are subject to approval of the Board of Regents.