October letter from President Marrero

Oct. 12, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

We are now at the halfway point in the fall semester having completed mid-terms and enjoying some cooler, fall weather. Thankfully, COVID-19 cases continue to be in decline on campus and in our region. Thank you for all you are doing to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Certainly, we continue to encourage you to get vaccinated and take advantage of our vaccine incentive program now extended to the end of October. To date, over 2,000 shots in arms have been provided since our students moved in this fall, and almost 10,000 total shots have been provided since we began vaccinations on campus last year. While these efforts indicate continued effectiveness, the change in season brings a new contributing factor in spreading the virus, as well as other seasonal illnesses. I want to encourage you to get your flu shot – also available on our campuses.

As you remember from previous communications and from the State of the University address in August, enrollment growth from last year repeated this fall 2021 and should provide modest formula growth for FY 2023. Any realized new recurring revenue for FY 2023 will follow three basic priorities: the funding of positions (new and/or previously eliminated) deemed critical to achieving our strategic goals; essential operational funds lost in recurring budget reductions deemed critical to the unit, department, or divisional success; and recurring funding of market salary equity and/or merit salary increases (if appropriated by the state).  

We will be taking the remainder of October and the first few weeks of November to finalize the institution’s budget narrative for FY 2023, which is due to the University System Office on November 18. Thank you for your engagement at each level of the institution throughout this process. Once completed, we will share the document and all budgetary prioritization decisions. I want to thank the faculty and departments for providing courses for the October minimester – enrollment census is due the end of this week. Every credit hour gained not only helps our students progress in their degree programs, but also helps our overall budget outlook.

October is a month of celebration and traditions at Georgia Southern. On October 21, we will “Celebrate Together” on the Armstrong campus with activities, games, food, and fun, including yours truly in the dunking booth. And, Homecoming week begins on October 25 with events, concerts, parades, coronations all culminating with the homecoming football game Saturday, October 30, against rival Georgia State.

I also want to highlight two important projects that engage our communities and enhance Georgia Southern’s presence and impact. First is the “Blue Mile” connecting the northern point of the Statesboro campus to downtown Statesboro. Currently, the City of Statesboro is working on the first half mile stretch to move light and power poles back off the sidewalk and to improve sidewalks and business signage. As we partner with the City and County, you will soon see our banners on the new light poles going toward downtown. Second is the completion of the Gretsch Museum at Plant Riverside District, Atlantic Building, in historic downtown Savannah. In partnership with the Kessler Collection, Georgia Southern has curated a historic collection of Gretsch guitars, drums, and memorabilia telling the story of the instruments, company, Gretsch worldwide community and Georgia Southern’s Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music. Though already open, plans are underway to celebrate the grand opening November 18-20 (more details to come).

As you can see, Georgia Southern is growing, succeeding and impacting its communities!

Sincerely,
Kyle

Last updated: 4/2/2022