photos to accompany story

Professionals Jason Accurso and Tiffany Elliot advise students Angela Baddock and Alexandra Walker about resume construction on September 17, 2009, at the UGA Career Center sponsored Career Fair in the MLC.

The UGA Career Center sponsored a Career Fair on September 17, 2009 in the MLC for students interested in career advice, interview protocol, and resume construction advice from professionals.
UGA students Angela Baddock, Alexandra Walker and Chip Blackburn receive resume advice from professionals Jason Accurso, Tiffany Elliot and Sarah Mitchell at the Career Fair sponsored by the UGA Career Center on September 17, 2009 in the MLC.

Student Interest in News is Varied

Jenna Walker

A copy of the Red & Black lies crumpled in an East Campus trash can.

Students attending university are encouraged, even expected, to take responsibility in maintaining awareness of public affairs.

University of Georgia students have at their disposal many routes to such information. Though students have access to papers like The Red & Black and The New York Times, many still question their level of interest.

The numbers point to an optimistic answer. More than 90 percent of the student body reads The Red & Black, the University independent student newspaper, said Ed Morales, the editorial advisor for the publication.

In fact, readership has increased over the last few years, he said.

“We don’t have as many [left over] papers picked up at the end of the day.”

Among college newspapers, there’s never lack of readership, Morales said. College newspapers are free sources of information for students and are available practically anywhere on campus.

One reason for the appeal is that information in college newspapers is specific to the collegiate audience.

“Student journalists have learned how to focus on students.” said Conrad Fink, a professor of journalism in the Grady College at the University of Georgia.

“They write about things they know about,” Morales said.

While college students appear to be reading the news, what they read varies from student to student.

University junior Natalie Leff, 20, is a fan of more peculiar articles, preferring “whatever’s weird” to articles rooted in politics and business.

“Some people chose not to read,” Leff said. “It’s their prerogative not to be informed. I don’t like politics, though I understand that it’s important.”

Fink has noticed this increasing interest in entertainment and opinion writing.

“It’s all part of a wider societal development,” Fink said.

Americans today wish to avoid these hard issues, according to Fink. The American public is disorganized regarding conflicting social and political developments.

“It hurts too much,” he said.

This development has increased over the last 10 to 15 years, said Fink. This generation, especially, is very non-confrontational. They like the “warm, soft and fuzzy.”

Not all students follow this pattern, however.

Kevin Terry, 23, a graduate student studying international affairs, enjoys The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Terry prefers the expansive coverage in both national and international news, while avoiding journalism involving “things that I would have heard talking to people.”

Because The New York Times has a comprehensive scope and extensive access to sources, Terry is able to trust the newspaper.

“They’re well-established,” Terry said, “Balanced.”

Credibility in a journalistic news source is essential.

“Authority is credibility in the writing,” Fink said. “Journalists, in general, don’t know what they’re talking about.”

For journalists, the ability to find authoritative sources who know they are talking about is a most valuable asset, Fink said.

Leff is still wary of the potential for underlying biases, especially in political articles. She fears that most politicians talk just so people will like them.

“Politics just divide people,” Leff said.

There appears to be increasing charges of bias from viewers of the media, Fink said.

Many consumers of the media have the mindset, “If you don’t write what I believe, you’re biased,” he said.
Morales also noted this trend in attitude toward the media.

“We’re in a decisive world,” Morales said. “If you’re not with me you’re against me.”

Such attitudes originate especially with broadcast journalism and trickle down to print. Much of broadcast journalism is commentary with an attitude, Fink said.

“People gravitate toward that which they agree,” he says.

The process of finding a legitimate, credible, and unbiased news source is a process that takes time.
“Newspapers are one of those things that you grow into,” Morales said.

It appears to be the nature for students to be disengaged, Fink said. For this current generation, it takes more time to grow up and get used to the real world.

College students, especially, seem reluctant to leave the “bubble,” he said. “We lead a comfortable life compared to previous generations.”

For students to become involved in the news and in current affairs now is very important.

“[This generation] will inherit a world that is all messed up,” he said. “The world is smaller, more connected. We can’t ignore the rest of the world.”

Still, becoming more involved in the world is a developmental process.

“Up until recently, getting the newspaper was something we were supposed to do,” Terry said.

“People in there 20s don’t read the newspapers?” Morales said. “Well, they never have.”

You’re the One That I Want
Make eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Dress appropriately. This is common advice people receive before beginning a job search. Going to an interview is nerve-racking. Waiting on the phone call or e-mail delivering the result of the interview can be even worse. Fortunately, following these tips might make the waiting less difficult.
Many students and graduates stress out over internships, networking and field experience. Most employers agree that it is necessary to have experience, but there are conflicting views when it comes to specifics.

According to James Carter, director of Human Resources at CBS Atlanta, a specifically crafted resume is a must for prospective employees. “What I recommend individuals do is to create a resume that is a mirror match for what the employer is looking for. Someone may have a lot of skills or experience, but if it doesn’t match up with the job they are looking for it doesn’t matter,” Carter said. In other words, that internship with that fashion magazine will do no good when applying for a job at an accounting firm.
However, according to Holly Getchell at The University of Georgia Career Center, impressive experience can be applicable to just about any field. “Every employer tells me they are looking for the whole package,” Getchell said. “They don’t necessarily care where you worked and what you did, they care about whether or not you can give information about the experiences you gained and how those could apply to the position you are seeking.”

Employers may not be too picky about GPAs or specific field experience as long as a prospective employee has experience that is applicable in some way, whether it be experience specific to a job or general experience of personal growth.
Getchell recommends that if a job seeker doesn’t have experiences tailored to the position they are applying for, they should spin their experience to apply in some way.
According to Getchell, this is best accomplished by doing serious research of a company, Something which employers consistently report as a weakness in job applicants from UGA. During the job search, research is important in deciding what business to actually work for, as well as in preparing for that common question: “Why do you want to work for this company?”

Kim Johnson, a 2007 UGA speech communication graduate, advises job searchers to find out everything they can about their potential employers. “Do your research on the company, and always have good questions for the interviewer—something they would have to get back to you with later on,” Johnson said. “This will show them your interest in their company and the position, as well as an excuse to follow up with them and stay connected.”

But there are also more specific things that a job searcher can do before, during and after an interview to have a better chance at landing their desired position. Jenna Schuelke, a 2009 UGA advertising graduate, recommends setting aside a certain amount of time each day in order to job search. Once a job interview is scheduled, Schuelke, now an account executive at GA Communications, advises job applicants to bring five copies of their resume and a reference list with them to the interview.

Employers often ask behavioral interview question based on the assumption that a person’s past behavior will determine their future behavior. Behavioral questions might be something like, “Can you tell me about a time you missed a deadline?”
Getchell recommends avoiding negativity in these types of situations. The question itself puts a negative spin on the circumstances, so the individual being interviewed must place the experience in a positive light. According to Getchell, the best response is to emphasize the positive actions taken in the situation and the constructive lessons gained from the experience.
Getchell also recommends that applicants send a “thank-you” note to their perspective employer. “Often it’s those candidates that actually send ‘thank-you’ notes after an interview that get that next appointment,” Getchell said. This type of gesture will help interviewers see that their time is appreciated and will help certain individuals stand out.

Even if a job seeker does everything right and gets that positive feedback from a company, they still need to seriously think about whether or not to accept the job offer. According to Schuelke, job seekers shouldn’t immediately accept the first offer that comes along. This may extend the interview and unemployment stage, but it will pay off later when they get the job they really want.
Stephanie Caldwell, a 2008 UGA religion graduate, says that it is most important that job seekers don’t get discouraged. “I wasn’t able to find work that coincided with my major for a while, but I kept a positive attitude and continued to look for a job I would really love,” Caldwell said. “I think employers can sense when a person has a good attitude and is willing to work for what they want.”

Johnson lost her job as a buyer at Macy’s but now works in Customer Relations and Inventory Management and Logistics at Ryan Michael, Inc. “I made the mistake of applying to every job on the internet,” Johnson said. “I never heard back from one of them, even though I applied to over 50 jobs online, and the only call-backs I received came from networking and through my contacts. Stay positive and something will come along.” Johnson said that she gained her present job by simply talking to people and presenting business cards that included the address of a career Web-site with her resume.
Job seekers should remember to look for those jobs for which they have experience and a genuine interest. “What I look for is someone that really has a passion for the job,” Carter said. “There is a difference between a person who just needs a job and someone who really wants to make a contribution and has a passion for the work.”

Career Assistant Sources:

• UGA Career Center 706-542-3375
• Internship Assistance at UGA Extern@uga.edu
• Career Builder www.careerbuilder.com
• LinkedIn www.linkedin.com
• Can’t Beat the Experience www.cantbeattheexperience.com
• Job related personality assessment websites
  http://careers.typefocus.com (UGA password: uga4400)
  www.focuscareer2.com/Portal/Register.cfm?SID=486
• Going Global Career Guides www.career.uga.edu
  
  
  
  
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Red & Black Goes Green

By: Savannah Weeks
September 21, 2009

The University of Georgia has made an effort to go green with administrative changes and the help of UGA students.

UGA’s physical plant directs most of the university’s sustainability efforts. Ken Crowe, director of energy services for physical plant, said UGA has been targeting an energy conservation program for about two years now.

The university recently received $5.9 million in federal stimulus funds to upgrade energy systems and make them more efficient. The money will be distributed amongst the main campus in Athens, the Griffin campus and the Marine Institute facility located on Sapelo Island.

A recycling bin in Tate Student Center is located for

students to dispose of cans and bottles.

Crowe said most of the funds will go toward energy-efficient lights in buildings on campus, upgrading insulation and more energy metering on campus. Last year most of the money went into water-saving initiatives. After Athens-Clarke County urged citizens to become more conservative with water during the drought in 2007, Crowe said water usage on campus has been reduced by about 20 percent.

In terms of future goals, Crowe said UGA is on track to meet the “20 by ‘20” objective set by the government. This initiative asks universities and corporations to reduce their energy consumption 20 percent by the year 2020. Crowe said UGA has met one fourth of the requirements and has already reduced energy consumption by five percent in the last five years by investing in large equipment.

Crowe said the physical plant plans on building larger, centralized air conditioning units in order to become more energy efficient. “We’ve got buildings that are too cold. We’re going to start addressing that and getting the temperature where it needs to be,” said Crowe.

Sheena Zhang, a third-year ecology and biology major from Athens and president of Students for Environmental Action (SEA), believes UGA and its students have come a long way in reducing the university’s environmental footprint, but also have a long way to go.

Zhang said that SEA is focusing its efforts on getting the coal-fired power plant on campus changed to a natural gas-fired power plant.. Zhang said the other three plants on campus are fired by natural gas.

Zhang said UGA officials put together a sustainability committee. Zhang said there is currently no student representation on the committee. “Physical plant has done a lot, but UGA culture is at the core,” said Zhang.

Zhang also said students can greatly reduce the university’s environmental footprint by recycling their Red & Blacks in the newspaper recycling bins located throughout campus. Zhang said this is a huge issue that can be easily addressed.

Of SEA’s participation in UGA’s Go Green Alliance, a group of environmentally-focused student organizations, Zhang said, “There is a lot of collaboration, so that’s really cool.”
Minutha Mahadevaiah, a pre-business junior from Alpharetta, said she was unaware that there was a committee on campus focusing on sustainability. Mahadevaiah said although she does not have the time to become involved with a sustainability committee right now, it is something she might be consider in the future. “I don’t have the time right now, but with some good marketing on their part, it’s something I could be interested in,” said Mahadevaiah.

Scott Weinberg, a professor of sustainable urban design at the College of Environment & Design, said the university is progressive in terms of environmentally sound buildings. Weinberg said all new buildings on campus have been built to LEED’s (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. LEED is a green buildings rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Despite meeting these criteria, no UGA buildings are LEED-certified because of the high costs associated with attaining a certification. Weinberg estimated the LEED certification cost to be about $15,000.

Weinberg said the main objective the College of Environment & Design is localizing the supplies needed for construction. Weinberg used the example of buying carpets from Dalton instead of another country and buying carpets made from cotton instead of synthetic materials. “A building that’s made out of things that can be recycled creates a constant loop of growing, using and recycling,” Weinberg said.

Weinberg said there are no federal or state mandated standards for environmentally sound design. “Nothing is mandated yet, [we are] just trying to do the best we can,” said Weinberg.

Zhang said SEA frequently consults the physical plant for advice. “UGA has done a lot, but there’s still a lot more progress that can be made,” said Zhang.

What Now?

By: Jillian Radetsky

You’ve taken all the classes; you’ve put in the hours studying; you’ve earned your chance to walk through the mythical Arch. You have just graduated from the University of Georgia. Now what?

Many recent graduates must decide which path to explore after college. In these trying economic times, they can choose to move to a big city, get an internship as opposed to a job, or make the dreadful but economical move back home with your parents. But how does one make these decisions? Many factors should be considered when making the next move.

Ashley Kalick, 23, chose to move back home to Marietta, Ga., after she finished her undergraduate degree. “When I graduated college, I moved back home to save money to buy a house in a few years,” Kalick said.

Kalick had what she considered an easy job search in the beginning. “I was hired at an advertising firm, which was incidentally the first job I interviewed for.” However, due to the recent economy woes, Kalick was laid off in February of this year.

“Once I got laid off, I worked with a recruiter to help me find another job.” Kalick said. “I wasn’t discouraged because I was lucky enough to have my parents to support me financially and I knew that a lot of people were in the same position that I was in.”

Kalick was able to find a job with an office supply company in just four months with the help of a job recruiter.

Others chose to move back in with the folks for several different reasons. Many graduates want to be close to home to be close to their families or to receive free perks from their parents. Some also may have jobs lined up in their family business. In times of economic instability, some feel that it makes the most sense to live off of your parents for as long as possible.

On the other hand, living with your parents may not be the easiest route to take. With some financial help comes the responsibility and rules of living at home again. Parents may ask their children to contribute to the bills or to take on more household chores than they used to have. For some, this may be enough incentive to take a different route.

Others may choose to take a different route: traveling to an unknown destination. Erica Schwartz, for example, graduated from UGA in December 2008. “I always knew I wanted to get out of Georgia since I lived there my entire life. I thought about working or volunteering somewhere abroad because of the economy,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz landed an internship with a public relations firm in New York, which she found on craigslist. She moved to the city in one weekend, a transition that she said was “shocking… It didn’t really give me the opportunity to say goodbye to college and move on to the real world.”

Schwartz is currently at the same job, attempting to network and climb New York’s social ladder. Even though she is living off a small salary, she says that she is maintaining a life in New York, with parental assistance. “I will still need help from my family financially, for now at least, but I'm certainly contributing and covering most of my expenses,” Schwartz said. “I just feel so fortunate that I was able to find a job at this time.”

Money is often the deciding-factor in determining which route to take after graduation. Is it better to take an unpaid internship or make the sometimes pitiful wages of a starter job? This is a decision each graduate will have to make.

Another pressing factor is whether or not a graduate will actually find a job in their respective major. Kalick graduated with a degree in English while Schwartz was a magazine major. Kalick has strayed from her degree while Schwartz is in the same field, but not the same, specialized areas. Many graduates must wrestle with the idea of switching their intended career dreams because of dwindling demands availability of positions.

UGA offers many tools to aid students in their quest for jobs. The Career Center can be visited online via http://www.career.uga.edu/ or by appointment. The Career Center offers tips on how to create a resume and how to research jobs. This Web site also allows visitors to get information about upcoming career fairs and other events that will help current students with networking for when they take the plunge and walk through the Arch. Even students that have already graduated can still access the Career Center for help in their job search.

Other students may have Peter-Pan syndrome, choosing to stay in school as a fifth-year undergraduate or continuing their education with graduate school. Of course, there are implications to these options, too, such as paying tuition for additional years and not having a steady income. However, some people require extra semesters for completing the necessary hours needed to graduate.

Fifth-year senior Andrew Shmerling believes that this is the best route for him. “Who would want to leave UGA?” Shmerling said. “I mean I do have another year of school work and exams, but isn’t that better than having a desk job? And I still get to live in Athens!”

Grad student Lize Pollack, 23, stated several reasons for not immediately beginning the job hunt after college and continuing her education. Pollack’s undergraduate degrees were in history and religious studies. “I decided to go to grad school because I knew that I couldn’t get a well-paying, good job with my undergraduate degrees alone,” Pollack said. “I also wasn’t ready to work full time yet, and I wanted some kind of cushion to help me figure out what I wanted to do.”

Others like Pollack may have chosen to go to grad school for similar reasons. Grad school can help to further your experiences, which, in the long run, can help you to get a better job in a timely manner. Also, many students go through their college careers with the perfect image of their working lives in mind. For many of these students, grad school is a major contributor in obtaining their goals. Grad school can also allow for more specialized education than undergrad degrees provide.

No matter which route they choose to take after completing an undergraduate degree, all students can agree on one thing: the hope for an improvement in the job market.


Caption for picture: Students walk through the Arch in search of the perfect career given their opportunities and availability of jobs presented to them.

Resumes Going Overseas

Meg Twomey

As unemployment across the nation reaches all time highs, some students are going to great lengths and greater distances to get hired. Skyrocketing unemployment rates nearing 10 percent in America have led some students to look for internships abroad.

“There’s been a rise in people asking about it,” said Mandi Work, a study abroad advisor at UGA’s Office of International Education (OIE). Actual numbers are hard to track, since students only have to register through OIE, if they are receiving course credit for the internship, but Work said that there has been an increase in the number of programs that offer internships. Two popular UGA programs with intern possibilities are a summer program to London and UGA en Buenos Aires.

Mary Evelyn Gray, a broadcast news major from Atlanta, is currently in the Buenos Aires program and is interning with Colmobo-Pashkus, a public relations firm. Gray and two other UGA students are working at the firm for six hours a week while also studying at Universidad de Palermo. Working with Argentinean students, they speak almost entirely in Spanish.

“I would love to work in a foreign country, and even for this company,” she said. “[My co-workers] are really nice people with a great work environment,” said Gray.

And it may be easier to get a job outside of the U.S. According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, that collects and compares data about countries across the world, the U.S. had an unemployment rate of 9.4 percent in July 2009, the second highest rate on record for the year.

U.S. unemployment rates have historically been below European rates; however, both the United Kingdom and Germany both had about 8 percent in the last sampling. Recent grads are also hoping that internship experience in another country will increase their chances of finding a job at home or abroad.

Sarah Knapp, a senior from Marietta majoring in German and Slavic studies, interned at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin this past summer.

“I enjoyed it greatly,” Knapp said. She said her internship was a great way for her to make sure she would enjoy a career in public service, especially abroad. Knapp found her internship through a state department Web site and worked with about seven other American students. Knapp mostly spoke English at her job and wouldn’t recommend the program to someone just trying to learn German, but would definitely recommend it for someone interested in a career in foreign service.

Laura Hagele, a peer advisor with the OIE, said that while studying abroad has always been popular, she has noticed an increase in students studying and working in non-English speaking countries.

“I didn’t want to go somewhere were they all spoke English,” said Hagele. She studied in Graz, Austria for a year, and is now involved in the International Student Exchange Program, a world wide network of schools and students that helps set up affordable study abroad in foreign countries that is becoming more popular according to Hagele.

Some students who study abroad for a semester decide to extend their stay for an additional semester or summer. These students make interning arrangements through their host university, so UGA has no record of their experiences. Private companies and non-profits such as CDS International, Transitions Abroad and the Peace Corps also allow students to work abroad without going through the university.

Work said these programs are recruiting on campus more frequently and they have been very popular. This rise in interest may be more than a short term alternative to looking for a job. “We’ll see what happens after I graduate, but I’d love to go abroad again," said Hagele.

Swine Flu Invades UGA Campus

Jessica Walker
left: Flyer dispayed in the University Health Center lobby on how to keep from spreading the flu.


ATHENS, Ga. – As the number of swine flu cases on campus rise, students are becoming increasingly concerned about missing important classes.

“We are estimating we have seen around 400 cases at the health center,” said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator of the University Health Center. “The actual confirmed number is 148. My guess is that there are probably at least 1000 cases on campus including students who went home to see their private doctors or weren’t ill enough to seek medical care.”

Although students’ concerns about the swine flu differ, they tend to share a common thread: Will they be able to catch up if they have to miss several days, maybe even weeks of classes?

“If I were to catch it, I would be concerned about missing a week of classes,” said senior Barclay Hendrix.

Third-year Ph.D. student Jackie Young agrees, “I would be concerned, but I wouldn’t go. I would send emails to my professors to see what work I missed and make up work.”

Despite an awareness of swine flu, some UGA faculty has not made any strides to assist sick students. In fact, some professors haven’t even addressed apprehension about the swine flu.

Food and nutrition science professor Dr. Jung Sun Lee said, “I haven’t made any specific provisions in my policies, but I have made sure to remind students to be careful and provided tips to staying healthy.”

Unlike Professor Lee, Accounting Professor Swati Bhandarkar changed the number of quizzes she drops from two to three in case students have to miss class because of the swine flu.

Of course no one wants the flu, but some students are taking more precautions than others to ensure that they stay healthy.

When asked if he was worried about catching the swine flu, Young said, “Yes, definitely. I try to wash my hands often and be aware of people around me that may be sick.”

Hendrix, on the other hand, is not concerned at all about catching swine flu. “None of my friends have it and nobody in my classes has it,” she said. “It is not something I’m worried about.”

Graduate student Katie Hudson said, “I have never had the flu and I do not plan on getting the flu vaccine.”

The University heath center will be offering the swine flu vaccine in addition to season flu vaccine

“We are expected to receive H1N1 vaccine sometime in mid- October, although a lot is still in the air as far as CDCs recommendations,” said Rachun. “We may receive as many as 14,000 doses because the desire is to vaccinate at least 40% of the student body.”

Rachun goes on to say, “We will be offering seasonal flu shots by the end of September. As soon as our supply arrives (expected September 25) we will begin making appointments. Information will be posted on our website. We will have 3,000 doses which usually meets demand.”

Despite the availability of the vaccines, some students still do not plan to be vaccinated.

UGA Students Skeptical About Tate II

A view from the fourth floor of the new Tate Expansion Center showcases ample lounging opportunities for students.

By: Blake Trent

September 21, 2009

Students have taken over the Tate Student Center Expansion and, whether, they know it or not they have also taken over the payments on the recently constructed student center.

The two-story parking deck, three-story student center and the renovations to the existing Tate Center will cost students a total of $58.2 million dollars.

“In the Spring of 2005 we asked the student body if they would create a new fee for themselves through the SGA elections and they did,” Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs and dean of students said.

Bennett refers to the $25 student fee tacked onto account invoices at the beginning of every semester. The $25 fee is one fourth of the $100 student fee that students pay. Students will be paying for the new Tate Center for the next 30 years.

“It annualizes to about $200 per student because most students are here for four years or eight semesters. It would be paid off (in 30 years) with the $25 per student fee based on our idea of enrollment in 2005,” Bennett said.

Essentially, that means that each student will pay $50 a year for the new Tate Expansion. Caty Dickensheets, a senior from Savannah, Ga., had no idea she was paying for the newly constructed student center. “I guess it’s kind of like a tollbooth fee. We walk through here, we might as well drop a quarter every time,” she said.

Not every student is as sarcastic as Dickensheets. “I think it could have been used for something better, but I’m going to be paying $200 for my time here. So, I guess that’s not a high cost,” Brannon Biddy, a senior from Atlanta, Ga. said.

Biddy and Dickensheets both found flaws in how the new student center was constructed. Dickensheets is not a fan of the Tate Café. “You would think that they would put it on the top floor or somewhere with outdoor seating. It creates a bit of a traffic jam,” she said.

But, students are not paying for the student centers’ food courts. The student fees that paid for Tate II didn’t include food court areas.” said Mike Floyd, director of food services.

"Food Services paid for that area," Floyd added.

“The building architects designed the building and they, in-turn, gave us the space,” added Floyd.

The Tate Expansion center was also constructed so it could be somewhat self-sufficient. “All meeting rooms and also the Grand Hall can be rented out,” said Banks. “That money that’s being generated is going toward the Campus Life budget to operate the Tate II facility.”

Even so, Tate II has a diverse set of facilities to offer UGA students. For example, the main floor is the new home for Print & Copy Services, it includes a large amount of lounge space, and it will soon be home to a new facility called The Dawg Pen.

“The Dawg Pen is sort of like a sports lounge. It has flat screen TVs and an area for gaming. We will also be installing two counter-style seating areas with laptop plug-in,” Willie Banks, director of student life and the Tate Student Center said.

However, the construction of the Tate Center and its’ surrounding areas is not complete. There are plans to demolish the remaining ground level parking lot adjacent to the original Tate building.

“The entire project was looked at in phases,” Bennett noted. “The first phase was to build the Tate II building. The second phase is for that surface lot to go away and for that to be a green area. We were also planning to clean up the Tanyard Creek area.”

When asked if the loss of the parking lot would be an issue for maintaining adequate parking Bennett replied, “ We felt like the 500 space parking deck would be able to absorb those spaces and the Hull Parking Deck is less than a block away.”

University receives millions in federal aid

Mark Miller

University of Georgia faculty and students have been the beneficiaries of nearly $35 million in funds from the federal stimulus package and more could be on the way.

The money comes from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 passed by Congress in February.

Most of the money has gone towards filling a gap left by a drop in state funding.

“During fiscal year 2009, $3,578,408 was allocated by the Board of Regents to UGA to help offset an $8,998,377 reduction in state appropriations that UGA was directed to absorb during the month of June,” said Ryan Nesbit, the University’s senior associate vice president for finance and administration.

“In fiscal year 2010, $19,280,574 was allocated [to the University] by the Board of Regents to supplant an equal amount of state appropriations,” Nesbit said.

In comparison, the Board allotted almost $354 million to the University for fiscal year 2010, excluding the stimulus funds. This is down almost 50 million from appropriations last year, according to the Budget Office’s Web site.

Nesbit said that in both cases, the Board of Regents, which governs Georgia’s university system, ordered the University to expend the funds for “staff and faculty payroll related expenses.”

Without the funds, layoffs and furloughs would likely have increased.

The millions come from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, part of the ARRA. The Fund provides for up to $53.6 billion to be distributed to states for a variety of public services, primarily educational operations.

In addition to the stabilization fund, the University has also received funding as part of a research initiative of the ARRA, “to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technical advances in science and health.”

As of September 8, about $13.5 million in stimulus funds have been given towards research at the University, according the Office of the Vice President for Research’s Web site.

Regina Smith, the associate vice president of research, said the total amount asked for is almost $90 million.

“[The proposals were] ranging from $15 thousand to almost $9 million,” she said. “The largest [proposal granted] was a $1.7 million proposition for the EPA to retrofit buses.”

The granted research proposals were for subjects ranging from “molecular mechanism of thymic involution” to “Jurassic-Early Cretaceous tectonism, orogenisis and basin formation in Nevada.”

“You name it, we’ve got some money for it,” Smith said.

While industry funding for research is down in terms of research grants, “We’re holding our own in a very shaky uncertain economy,” Smith said. “Last year was our best year ever. We did very well. We hope this year will be just as good.”

Smith said that the federal stimulus money, received mostly from grants from the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and Department of Energy, was responsible for filling the gap left by the drop in corporate funding.

A large portion of the grants went towards maintaining jobs, Smith said.

“With these awards, it pays salaries for technicians, pays grad students,” she said. “The bulk of our money goes to salaries.”

Marcus Lay, a chemistry professor, was awarded more than half a million dollars from the National Science Foundation to further his research on carbon nanotubes.

The tubes, composed of a one-atom-thick layer of carbon, are sensitive to atmospheric gasses and have a variety of uses, Lay said.

"We're focusing on electronic applications. Display materials, cars, stereos." he said.

Lay said that while his application for funding may have been granted even without the ARRA, it wouldn't have been for as much money, or for as long a time.

"[With the additional funding] we were able to get a new kind of microscope to examine the chemical properties of this material," he said.

The new microscope allows researchers to examine certain molecular properties that other devices can't detect and will have multiple uses in the future.

Standard grants last three years, but his funded was awarded for four, Lay said.

"The additional time is useful for training grad students," he said.

Since awards are granted on a case-by-case basis, the University could receive millions more in research grants.

As to the overall effectiveness of the money received from the federal stimulus bill, the verdict is still uncertain.

“Just in general, preventing layoffs is just as much of a stimulus as creating new [jobs],” said Greg Trandel, an economics professor.

Trandel said that since most state constitutions require them to have balanced budgets, they can’t run a deficit. Since they can’t borrow money, “The federal government must be the only source of funds.”

Unlike state and local governments, the national government does not have to have a balanced budget. This allows it to borrow money to distribute to states.

Bill Lastrapes, an economics professor specializing in macroeconomics, said it is difficult to measure the effectiveness to the stimulus.

“The economy is measured by what we produce,” he said. “[The stimulus package is] good to the extent that a good chunk [of the funds] go to states. We want decisions to be made as locally as possible on the principle that localities know where the money can be distributed best.”

Class teaches future graduates financial responsibility

By David Mitchell

College is the best time of your life. So good that many students have a hard time leaving it behind.

Characterized by late nights, wild parties and the occasional visit to the library, the college years are often viewed as a period of liberation from authority and responsibility.

“Coming to college means freedom,” Nathan Wester, a senior marketing major from Fayetteville, said. “It means not having your parents watching your every move. Once you taste that freedom, I can imagine it’s hard to leave behind.”

Brent Edmondson, a senior history major from Peachtree City, shares this belief.

“I’ll graduate in the spring,” Edmondson said, “but I’ll be in Athens most weekends during football season next year. I’m just not ready to say goodbye to college.”

This is a common sentiment among many future and recent graduates.

But, according to Diann Moorman, an assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Science at the University of Georgia, this lifestyle comes with a price.

“Most students attend college on their parents’ dime,” Moorman said. “As a result, they don’t learn how to be financially responsible. When they leave school, they are unprepared to deal with all the new responsibilities they will encounter.”

This becomes a much bigger problem when former students attempt to continue living the college lifestyle on their own paycheck. They now have much more money at their disposal and little knowledge of how to manage it.

According to Moorman, this is one of the biggest problems new graduates face when dealing with money.

“[Students] think that now that they have money they can continue their college lifestyle on a regular basis,” Moorman said. “They don’t realize that a few dollars here and there can add up. And then they’re shocked when they can’t pay their credit card bill, and they’re hit with a late fee.”

Moorman’s class, Introduction to Personal Finance, incorporates a number of qualities which she claims will help students make a smoother transition after college and avoid some of these common problems.

According to the UGA Bulletin, the class provides information on cash flow management and consumption expenditures, credit and debt, simple applications of personal income taxes, risk management, property and health insurance and employee benefits.

“We focus on all of those things future graduates will need to know to manage their personal finances,” Moorman said. “I think this is information that students should be required to learn. Not just in college, but in grade school, middle school and high school as well.”

According to Moorman, however, it is the only class of its kind at the University.

Anne Sweaney, a professor in the College of Family and Consumer Science at the University of Georgia and head of Moorman’s department said that there were currently no plans to add sessions of this course but that it would be something they would like to look into.

“Currently we offer two sessions of [the class],” Sweaney said. “We’d love to add more in the future if the budget would allow.”

Wester, as a marketing major, said he would consider taking the class if his schedule allows it.

“I think it’s obviously a useful class,” Wester said. “These are things that you really don’t hear about usually. We take classes on how to find imaginary numbers but we don’t learn about the numbers that are most important.”

Martin Aspin, a recent graduate who also majored in marketing, underscored the importance of the information it provides.

“I totally think this is stuff that should be required,” Aspin said. “I can’t tell you the amount of useful information I gained from taking that class. Everything I learned is stuff that I have to apply now.”

Moorman said that the class has become very popular over the past year, enough to split what was once just one class of 350 people into two of the same amount. She jokes that if the popularity continues to grow, a new venue may be required for the class.

“I think they may just fill up Sanford Stadium and let me teach from midfield,” Moorman said with a smile.

One of her main concerns, Moorman says, is that many people don’t talk about money as much as they should. Parents need to talk to their kids first and foremost, she said, but it shouldn’t stop there.

“Students should talk to each other about it,” Moorman said. “The more we talk, the more prepared we’ll be.”

Student Jobs Affect Academics

By Kristyna Mauch
14 September 2009

ATHENS, Ga. — University students are scrambling to find jobs in order to support themselves during these hard economic times. Students have to work harder to maintain grades and still be able to pay for school or have extra spending money.

According to a study by the American Council on Education (ACE), 23 percent of full time students work 35 hours a week or more. With a full class load and working full time, students have to work twice as hard to be successful in both. Unfortunately, the time spent away from studies causes’ student’s grades to drop.

Lauren Key, a senior art major, works about 30 hours a week.

“College is not affordable if you don’t work,” Key said. “It would be easier to just go to school. I would definitely get better grades.”

Students work in order to pay for school and support themselves. Students do not have much leisure time while they juggle both work and school. Any extra free time is used to study, but is not adequate time to spend on academics.

“Working diminishes my quality of schoolwork,” Key said.

U.S. Department data collections have consistently found that working more than 15 to 20 hours a week has a negative impact on persistence and degree completion, according to the study by ACE.

Students have to manage their time wisely. A social life is difficult to pull off when you have to work and finish a full class load of homework.

“I have no social life,” said Key. “I am so tired at the end of the day that I do what little work I can before I have to go to bed.”

According to ACE, when the number of hours working increases, the average GPA declines.
Charlie Burgamy, a senior, criminal justice major from Cusseta, Ga., claims that working 25 hours a week has negatively influenced his school work.

“It’s killed it,” Burgamy said. “But I need the money to pay bills and living expenses.”

Students work in order to support themselves financially. Justin Heath, a management major from Adairsville, Ga., works 40 hours a week and goes to school full time.

Heath needs the money to pay for his own education and thinks that it interferes with his class work because there is less time to focus on studies he said.

He does not complain about having to work and go to school to support himself.

“It’s the way it should be because you learn to manage time and life,” Heath said.

Although a majority of students work, what about the students who don’t work?
Students who do not have to work feel like they have an advantage over working students.

“I feel sorry for people who have to work,” said James Atkinson a Pre-business major from Athens, GA.

“I spend five hours studying and I still have time for a social life,” he said.

Josh Kruhm, a senior risk management and finance major from Acworth, Ga, is a full time student who does not have to work and loves his extra time.

There is more time available and you do not have to worrying about time management, Kruhm said.

“I have more of a social life than some of my friends who work,” he said.

The advantages of students who do not work are evident in both student’s responses and the study done by ACE. ACE suggests a solution by recommending that the government gives additional grant aid. This aid would limit the amount of time that low-income and academically disadvantaged students must spend time away from their studies.

Students would not have to work as much and would be able to spend adequate time on their academics, assuming that this extra time would allow students to get better grades.

Students Prepare for Tough Job Market

Yasmin Yonis

University of Georgia students have not been exempt from the effects of the recession as recent graduates face record unemployment numbers in an economy that continues to lose hundreds of thousands of jobs each month.

Only 20 percent of recent graduates had job offers before graduation, a 30 percent decrease from 2007, according to a recent study by National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The University’s Career Center offers employment help to current students and alumni through career and internship fairs, resume critiques, networking dinners and mock interview sessions.

“We have carried on with programs and advice that we think would be relevant for the market,” said Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication career advisor Cecil Bentley. “The market is tougher but the basics are still the same.”

Just as full-time, employment is becoming harder to find, internships have also become much more competitive.

Internship opportunities decreased by 21 percent compared to recent years according to NACE. Fewer openings, along with college graduates settling for internships as they look for jobs, have made it even harder for current students to gain job experience.

“It is a very competitive field and you have to make yourself look better somehow. There isn’t any better way than job experience,” said senior Caty Dickensheets, a newspaper major who has had five internships during her college career.

Graduating in December, Dickensheets is looking for public relations internships in Hong Kong.

Nervous that she would not find a job soon after graduating, Dickensheets began working in a restaurant in May to save money for potential gaps in employment.

Journalism students have not fared well in the economic recession. Only half of national graduates with degrees in journalism or mass communication found work in their field in 2008 as the media industry has taken a hard hit in this economic downturn.

Sophomore Lauren Powell said she chose to pursue a business major because of the higher prospect of getting a job in business rather than humanities.

“I have seen my parents struggle with the bills. So I didn’t want to work four years in college for something I didn’t like or [that] wouldn’t get me a job,” said Powell, who is a pre-finance major from Conyers. “Nurses and doctors are [guaranteed] jobs but business, especially finance, has taken a big hit.”

Engineering majors are faring better than the rest of their peers, even those in the popular medical and business fields, according to the NACE’s Summer 2009 Salary Survey.

Engineering disciplines accounted for four out of the top five starting salary offers, according to the survey.

Recent engineering graduates are more competitive in the overall market because the supply of graduates is not meeting the demand for their skills by employers.

Some students and alumni are settling for lower paying jobs or positions out of their fields. Others see graduate school as a way to become more competitive and wait out the recession.

“[Graduate] school is definitely an option. I do have hope that the economy will be on the upturn when I graduate,” junior Kenneth Love said.

The geography major hopes to pursue a career in geographic information system (GIS), which uses technology to map the topography of the earth, and said he is not as worried as his friends because GIS is a growing market.

“A lot of [my friends] are going to [graduate] school. They realize that they have to take whatever they can get,” Love said.

Local Graduates Must Live With Intrinsic Benefits

UGA card manager Dee Matthews at his desk on a quiet workday.

By: Andrei Mihailovic
September 21, 2009

Cherish that UGA card, students. It gets you around town, keeps you in shape, and whether you’re using it at the library or a campus newspaper stand, it keeps you informed too. These are transient boons, feats that the little-known Alumni card simply cannot live up to.

“Technically, all the card does for you is get you in the Ramsey Center,” UGA card manager Dee Matthews said. And that's only after you dish out a degree-holder's annual rate of $500.

“All that other stuff is paid for with student fees, which alumni aren't paying,” Matthews added before resuming foot-patrol around the Tate Center’s Card Services office.

That “other stuff” includes the city buses, which cost alumni $1.50 per ride, the standard rate for adults. Like students, university faculty and staff ride for free.

On the other hand, post-graduate access to UGA Libraries is fairly simple.

“Anybody can check out books with an outside borrower's card,” John Dixon, a circulation employee at the main library, said. “You apply for it at the Athens Library. It's good for about a year.”

Once a $10 fee is paid, the outside borrower's card can be used perpetually with free annual renewals.

Eric Franqui, a senior from Atlanta who plans on staying in Athens next year, isn’t all that concerned about access to university resources.

“It’s fair,” Franqui said. “I don’t want hairy, old alumni working out at Ramsey.”

Whether students care now or not, the fact is that UGA graduates aren't getting the local benefits students are. Will the university offer anything after class lets out for good?

Inevitably, this is a question for the Alumni Association. The organization features a list of discounts that members can get on their Web page. Ranging from accommodations to entertainment, the discounts stay around 10 to 20 percent off.

The Alumni Association mainly functions as a fund-raising organization that sponsors events, takes on construction projects and keeps tabs on graduates' achievements. The implication is that the greatest benefits of membership are intrinsic.

“I think as a graduate, helping the institution is part of being a good citizen, a good member of the University of Georgia,” said Alumni Association executive director Deborah Dietzler, caught in stride from a banquet with Kathryn Richt to an afternoon full of events and paperwork.

Prospective members of the Alumni Association are solicited through events, conferences and what communications assistant Claude McBride calls educational opportunities.

“We do our best to keep alumni together, make sure it's a pleasant experience and provide them with opportunities to serve the university,” McBride said.

Fair enough, but UGA’s alumni association definitely lacks some of the incentives other schools are offering.

The University of Michigan, for example, features an economic response package that promises members access to nationwide networking, a mentoring program, a resource center and 50 percent off career counseling.

Penn State gives its alumni access to an online Alumni Library, with headings boasting extensive references and resources. This is open to all alumni, regardless of participation in the association, but grants access to special materials for members only.

Even in the discount department, Georgia Tech has a little more to offer its alumni, with a 35 percent off deal on Lenovo PC’s.

Dietzler insists such benefits are not what attract people to these associations.

“We found through surveying that most people join out of loyalty and pride,” Dietzler said. “I think you should have a keen interest in your university's standing. Our graduates from past eras are benefiting from our present excellence.”

Despite a disparity in what UGA alums can look forward to, Alumni Association administrative assistant Marcus Jennings underscored this search for post-graduate perks with a simple reminder.

“Your undergrad degree definitely opens up jobs with higher salaries,” Jennings said, at last shedding light on the real benefits of life after graduation.

Don't Rush to the Altar- Singles are Thriving in This Recession

By: Sophie Loghman

September 21, 2009

The past few months have been filled with job losses, plummeting stocks and an increase in bankruptcy filings. These aren’t the dream conditions for heading to the altar.

More and more people are finding themselves either getting a divorce or wanting one, but can’t because of tough financial situations. According to an ING Direct survey, 29 percent of Americans say that the recession has “added stress,” “strained” or even “ruined their marriage or relationship.”

Recessions are no fun for anyone. This economy is affecting many, and with all the stress that comes with life in a recession, do we really need to be in serious relationships right now?

As the economy continues to plummet, the number of divorces is increasing. Job loss and decreasing incomes are associated with stress, divorce and conflicts in marriage. And although marriages are continuing to dwindle, loneliness is still lonely. People still want to date. So let’s face it- there’s no better time than to be single than now.

Brook Hardin, a junior at UGA, recently moved out of an apartment she shared with her then boyfriend. When asked to compare living expenses, she strongly urged people to reevaluate moving in with your significant other because there’s much more to consider than just which house to buy.

“Financially, it’s so much easier living alone than with my boyfriend,” Hardin said. “I’m really good with my money, but he just didn’t know how to manage his, so he would end up spending my money.”

Marriage is a serious commitment and the statement that getting married will lessen your financial troubles is not one to trust. Most people are getting married to combine salaries and increase their life savings, but is this the real result?

Mark Rosenberg, a stockbroker in Atlanta for United Bank of Switzerland, believes that marriage is an important decision and people shouldn’t rush into it to make money more available.

“Marriage has nothing to do with the economy,” Rosenberg said. “The economy will pick up in a little bit, but it won’t be like it used to be. It’s better to save your money for a few years and then get married.”

Although married couples receive tax benefits, are the benefits really worth it?

In an e-mail interview, UGA economics professor Jason Rudbeck notes that marriage could be costly if one spouse is forced to take a job in another location. Bad marriages also lead to more health problems and increased stress levels, he said.

“My personal opinion is that just because of a recession, people should not rush into marriage,” Rudbeck said.

And just remember, most people settle down after college, so this is our time to enjoy being single.

Many people are confused and ask, “Wouldn’t being in a relationship make me feel more secure?” Well, not necessarily. Learning to live on your own during this recession is a perfect way for you to gather a sense of self. People can grow their savings, work harder, build their resumes and have more opportunities to meet different groups of people.

Not all marriages are plummeting, though. Some students have been able to make it work, but not without some help from their parents.

Lisa Brörmann, a fifth year senior at UGA, has been married to her husband since 2008. Her husband found a suitable job that allows them to be independent. She does not feel that the economy has strained her relationship and jokes that the only hard part about getting married “depends on if you’re paying for your own wedding.”

Unlike the Brörmanns, older couples are finding ways to make it work. Jumping into sharing a one-bedroom apartment may not be idealistic for college graduates, but for the older crowd, this might prove to be beneficiary.

Anne Marie Parsons, a physical therapist, lived with her now husband for two years before they got married. Parsons, who was 26 when she moved in, didn’t have a job yet, but her boyfriend at the time did.

When asked to compare living alone and living with her now husband, Parsons actually saved more money when she shared a one bedroom.

“I think overall I saved more money living with him because rent was a big portion of things,” Parsons said.

She has not really felt the effects of the economy because of her steady, well paying job. She notes, however, that a lot of her family members are experiencing them.

So is right now is the time to date? According to ABC News, membership at eHarmony.com is up 20 percent and activity at OKCupid.com is up by 50 percent. So this means that singles are on the prowl.

Realistically, with school, homework, and jobs, who really has time for a serious relationship? A few casual dates are good here and there, and if you find yourself with spare time, there are many activities to do here in Athens to keep you feeling satisfied. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky by finding someone to share these activities.

Simply walking around the coffee shops downtown will help you meet people. Also, start taking classes at the Ramsey Center. Ramsey offers various yoga, spinning and dancing classes that are sure to boost your spirits.

Athens is known for its great downtown shopping and music scene. Visit music venues like the 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge and Rye Bar to have a fun-filled night of dancing and singing.

Whether you want to be married right out of college or be a single, independent person, each situation comes down to the individual.

The benefits and pitfalls of biking at UGA

Emily Karol
Slug: Be careful biking
Headline: The benefits and pitfalls of biking at UGA
September 11, 2009

ATHENS, GA.—Pedaling through the burning in their calves, the sweat rolling down their cheek, the angry driver screeching up behind, bikers face many obstacles each day to arrive to campus promptly for their first class. However, when talking to a few of the University of Georgia’s cycling fiends, they hardly complain about the aesthetics. The disjointed bike lanes, the myriad potholes, the overwhelming motor traffic, combine to create a strenuous and even dangerous commute.

“There’s a whole lot more to do to make biking safe, easier and more convenient on campus,” said Kevin Kirsche, assistant director of planning at the UGA.

From East Campus Road to Cedar Street to Milledge Avenue, the routes to and on campus are lacking a connected network of bike lanes that allow bikers to move easily and safely to their destination. Kirsche considers Cedar Street to be one of the most dangerous intersections on campus because bikers are riding with out a safe lane that separates them from the other motor traffic.

“It’s important to have a clearly marked infrastructure,” said Brent Buice, a volunteer board member for Bike Athens, a non-profit organization promoting alternative transportation in Athens. “People are more inclined to bike and walk then.”

Similarly, East Campus Rd. has a spotty bike path that abruptly ends at the hill going past Sanford Stadium causing a dangerous mixture of bikes, buses and cars. Milledge Avenue also lacks a biker-friendly infrastructure.

“Milledge can get pretty dicey at times,” said sophomore cell biology and Latin majors Rebecca Marshburn. “You never know when to pass or ride up on a sidewalk.”

Bike Athens is working on updating their map of Athens’s bike routes. The map will include color-coded streets denoting level of safety, the topography of routes and the safest routes to take to campus.

However, on campus Kirsche and his planning team have many ideas for bike routes from adding more bike lanes to creating greenways and multi-purpose paths. Currently, their obstacle is funding for these projects. While the Georgia Department of Transportation trans-enhancement grants have provided support on some projects, Kirsche is seeking other grant opportunities.

“We’re trying to come up with creative ways in a resourceful manner,” Kirsche said.

As for Milledge Avenue and other heavily biked roads off-campus, Kirsche is working with the county to provide better bike connections to campus. He is specifically working on a greenway network plan along the Oconee. A greenway is a multi-purpose path that engages people with the river and natural environment around.

The lack of bike paths and lanes isn’t the only obstacle in cyclists’ way. The spattering of potholes and rubble that obstruct the paths cause bikers to be extra vigilante. Brandon Nesmith, a senior biology major at UGA, suffered minor scrapes and bruises after hitting some gravel near the Veterinary building on September 4, 2009.

“I just lost control of the handle bars and flipped over my bike,” Nesmith said.

Meghan Just, a senior interior design major at UGA, also witnessed a bike accident caused by poor road conditions.

“At the North/South bus stop [by Morton Street], I saw a guy flip over after hitting a pot hole,” she said.

Even through the disconnected lanes and numerous potholes, bikers brave the Athens and UGA streets for many reasons that counterbalance the obstacles.

“It’s ridiculous for me to pay to park in East Campus deck when I live close enough to bike,” Just said.

Nesmith agrees, “I ride because of convenience. Sometimes the bus takes a while, especially since I have to go to the vet building. It’s hard to catch a bus over there in time.”

Economy Affects Out-of-state Students at UGA

Betsy Dienes
JOUR3510
9/21/09



The economy is not only affecting the everyday lives of students but also the kind of undergraduates that are able to attend the University of Georgia. The ongoing downward spiral of the economy is making it more difficult for out-of-state students to attend UGA due to the high tuition rate.

Nancy McDuff, the associate vice president for admissions and enrollment management at UGA believes that the economy is affecting enrollment at the university.

“We did notice an increase in the number of out- of -state students who did not accept our offer of admission the past two years, and we feel that it is probably a reflection of the current economic situation and that out-of-state students often have many options for enrollment,” McDuff said. “Because their cost to attend is much higher than an in-state student, they will usually weigh costs very heavily in their final decision.”

More students are attending their state schools to receive in-state tuition simply because their parents can not afford to pay out-of-state tuition. Currently, the UGA student body is made up of 84 percent in-state students and 16 percent out-of-state. In 2009, the admissions board saw a two percent decrease in the number of out-of-state freshmen.

The decreasing number of out-of-state students could impact diversity at UGA, but there is not enough evidence to tell just yet said Patrick Winter, senior associate director of admissions at UGA.

“Students make economic and academic decisions in their selection of colleges,” Winter said. “We are working to recruit the best students to UGA from both in state and out of state. If the economy improves, we can probably expect to see a rebound in the number of out-of-state students coming to UGA. It's just too early to tell right now.”

UGA is not only seeing a decline in out-of-state students but also an increase in transfer students. According to the August 17th, 2009 addition of Columns, a faculty/staff newspaper, UGA received 1,600 transfer students this year, 92 percent of whom are in state. Out of the incoming freshman class, a little below 13 percent are from out of state.

“Being from Texas I definitely notice the difference in the number of out-of-state students and in-state students,” said Kathleen Curley, a senior at UGA from Dallas majoring in business. “I feel like everyone at this school is from Atlanta.”

Scholarships such as HOPE, Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally, entice students to stay in state. To qualify for the HOPE scholarship, one must be a current Georgia resident who graduated from a high school in Georgia with a 3.0 GPA or above. Students who meet these criteria receive tuition paid in full for all four years, plus $150 for books per semester.

For fall of 2009, the incoming out-of-state freshman’s tuition and fees added up to $12,870 while in-state added up to $3,765. All together, UGA estimates that the cost of education for the 2009-2010 academic year will be $18,000 for in-state students and $36,210 for out-of-state. This drastic difference is a huge incentive to stay in state especially due to the present economic situation.

Dustin Barrett, a senior at UGA from Athens, Ga., majoring in finance, knew that he didn’t have much of a choice when it came down to choosing a college.

“I wanted to look at other schools but I knew that tuition would play a huge factor,” Barrett said. “I mean I’ve always loved UGA and it’s a great school so you can’t really pass up an opportunity to go here for free.”