Dive Summary:
- A new study by the University System of Georgia shows that classrooms at the University of Georgia, Georgia Regents University and four other institutions are empty most of the week.
- The average classroom at the University of Georgia is used only 18.5 hours during a 40-hour work week, with only two-thirds of the seats full when it is used, giving the school a 31% utilization rate.
- While the utilization rates--which range from College of Coastal Georgia's 26% to Georgia Gwinnett College's 77%--show some room for additional course offerings and increased class sizes, individual factors at each school place limits on what can be done.
From the article:
... It was at a 2011 meeting that Chancellor Hank Huckaby told the board his reasons for launching the analysis as a way to cope with economic realities.
“In this new environment, the major challenge is not building capacity: It is first to ensure the existing capacity is used as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said. “Accordingly, we must ensure that we are utilizing our entire space well before new buildings are approved.” ...