Atlanta — April 21, 2004

The University System of Georgia’s first fully on-line undergraduate degree in information technology – the WebBSIT, or Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - was approved today by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

The program represents a collaborative effort between five University System institutions: Armstrong Atlantic State University, Clayton College & State University, Georgia Southern University, Macon State College, and Southern Polytechnic State University. Not only does the program meet workforce demand in a specific academic discipline, it also represents a strategic response on the part of the University System to meet burgeoning enrollment growth with innovative program-delivery solutions.

The WebBSIT degree is designed primarily for Georgians whose lifestyles do not easily permit pursuing coursework in a traditional college campus setting, including working professionals, stay-at-home parents, separating military personnel, and residents who do not live within close proximity of a campus. It also presents a “laddering” opportunity for graduates of the University System’s two-year colleges who wish to earn a baccalaureate without the time and location restrictions of on-campus degree programs.

“The WebBSIT represents the new wave of delivering highly sought after academic programs to Georgians without requiring their presence on a University System campus,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith. “In addition to expanding access to a college degree for more Georgians, the WebBSIT will contribute to the knowledge-based workforce needed to recruit and retain high-tech business and industry, which is vital to our state’s continued growth.”

The coursework for the new degree program will cover critical areas such as systems analysis and design, data communications and networking, technical communication, database design, information security, Web applications development, e-commerce, and more. All courses are completed online. WebBSIT graduates will be well prepared to assume employment in a variety of high-tech roles, including those involving information technology project management and leadership roles. Research conducted in the program’s feasibility study found that many employers prefer students with on-line course experience, as they exhibit maturity, self-discipline, focus and motivation. Such attributes are especially valuable in a field such as information technology, where much work is done in virtual teams.

“The WebBSIT is the first of several fully online collaborative undergraduate degree programs that will be offered by University System of Georgia institutions,” said Senior Vice Chancellor Daniel Papp. “Such programs not only help meet the needs of students and industry; they also provide an efficient and effective means of managing the skyrocketing growth in the University System.”

Interested students should visit the program’s web site at http://www.WebBSIT.org for further information on admissions requirements, tuition and fees, and specific courses. Prospective students should apply to one of the five participating institutions of their choice to initiate the admissions consideration process.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are a list of contacts at the five collaborating institutions for follow-up interview requests.

Institution	Contact	Phone Number
Armstrong Atlantic State University	Michelle Gordon	(912) 961-3173
Clayton College & State University	John Shiffert	(770) 960-2109
Georgia Southern University	Mike Sullivan	(912) 681-0336 - office (912) 484-2622 - cell
Macon State College	Sheron Smith	(478) 471-2722 -or- (478) 757-6687
Southern Polytechnic State University	Ann Watson	(770) 528-7222

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