Letters & Bulletins

Thank You for Your Support During the Legislative Session

Mar. 29, 2013—By uniting with our sister University System of Georgia institutions in support of our shared goals and through active engagement with state leaders, our Institute and the USG are poised for another year of excellence. I am deeply grateful for your time and efforts in service to the Institute and to each other.

The Dream and the Journey Continue

January 18, 2013—May the ideals espoused by Dr. King help light the way and serve to guide us as we strive to create a brighter tomorrow.

Honoring the Service of Our Military Veterans

November 12, 2012—Each year, the United States commemorates the service of its active and retired military service personnel. In their honor, we will mark Veterans Day at 11:11 a.m. today using the campus steam whistle.

Budget Forecasting for FY13 and FY14

August 9, 2012—In an effort to keep you informed of the latest developments regarding Georgia Tech’s financial outlook, I wanted to brief the campus community on the latest communication we’ve received from the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) in the Governor’s office.

Welcoming a New Freshman Class to Campus

June 28, 2012—Enthusiasm for pursuing an undergraduate education at Georgia Tech has never been greater. This next week we will welcome the first group of freshmen to FASET as part of what is shaping up as our best and most diverse freshman class in Georgia Tech history.

Remembering the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 13, 2012—With the culmination of the 50th anniversary of the matriculation of the first African American students at Georgia Tech and last fall’s dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., this year’s observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday carries even more meaning than usual. 

On the Security of our Campus and the Safety of our Community

Nov. 17, 2011—The safety of our students, faculty and staff continues to be one of our highest priorities, and we are continually working to improve and enhance the many aspects that contribute to creating a safe environment. However, the recent report of a sexual assault on campus is an unsettling reminder that crime prevention is a constant concern, requiring our full attention and unified effort. With assistance from the victim, family and friends, we are conducting a thorough investigation and working toward its resolution.

Tuition and the Value of a Georgia Tech Degree

May 4, 2011—During the past month, I have met several times with representatives from the undergraduate and graduate student populations. They have shared their concerns regarding the increased tuition and special fees approved by the Board of Regents at its meeting April 19th. I have assured them that I share their concerns and we are working to address the challenges that are driving the escalating cost of getting a degree not only at Georgia Tech, but also throughout the state.

An Update On Budgets and Tuition

April 19, 2011—With the conclusion of the state legislative session and the monthly Board of Regents meeting occurring within the same week, I wanted to provide an update on our current financial situation, as well as how some of the actions to date will impact the members of our community.

An Update on Georgia Tech Savannah

April 8, 2011—When Provost Rafael Bras joined Georgia Tech in the fall, one of the first assignments I asked of him was to perform a thorough assessment of our education and research operations in Savannah. For the past four months, he has chaired a task force of faculty dedicated to identifying a sustainable and viable strategy for Georgia Tech Savannah.

From the President, March 2011

March 2, 2011—Following the September 24 public launch and November 12 campus launch, Campaign Georgia Tech is officially “on the road.” Over the next two years, we will be taking the Campaign to alumni and friends across the state, region, nation and world.

On Budget Cuts and Planning for Fiscal Year 2012

January 26, 2011—With Governor Nathan Deal’s first budget proposal now in the hands of state legislators, I wanted to take the opportunity to give you an impression of how these early projections are likely to impact Georgia Tech’s operations, both for the five months that remain in this fiscal year as well as next year’s cycle.

With Thanks to our Unsung Heroes

January 13, 2011—Three days later than planned, welcome back to campus. I hope you stayed safe and warm, and are ready to start another semester at Georgia Tech. The combined effects of several inches of snow and ice, along with freezing temperatures, resulted in continued hazardous driving conditions as well as numerous challenges on campus.

A Proposed Engineering Expansion at the University of Georgia

September 21, 2010—You may have recently heard discussions that the University of Georgia (UGA) has petitioned the University System's Board of Regents — the governing body for the state's public higher education system — to expand its engineering degree programs. I wanted to take the opportunity to provide some background as well as offer some thoughts regarding this proposal.

Budget Update from the President, July 2010

July 29, 2010—Despite a 3.8 percent increase in Georgia's net revenue collections for June 2010 (the final month of FY10), revenues dropped 9.1 percent over FY09. As a result, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) advised all state agencies that beginning in August, OPB will withhold 4 percent of the monthly agency allocation.

From the President, June 2010

June 2, 2010—The April announcement of our invitation to join the Association of American Universities (AAU) was not only a tremendous compliment, but also a testament to how perceptions about Georgia Tech are changing.

An Update on Georgia Tech's Budget

May 12, 2010—During its monthly meeting yesterday, the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents (BOR) set tuition and fees and also approved budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, FY11. I want to take this opportunity to explain our current financial situation, the BOR actions, and the impact of those actions.

First Public Draft of Strategic Plan Released for Review

May 3, 2010—I am pleased to inform you that the first public draft of the Georgia Tech Strategic Plan – Designing the Future – a document that describes our collective vision and goals for the next 25 years, is now posted and available on the Strategic Vision website. This draft represents the hard work and insight of thousands of individuals from the Georgia Tech community — students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, advisory groups, and friends — collected over the past nine months.

From the President, April 2010

April 16, 2010—It’s hard to believe, but Val and I recently marked our first year here at Georgia Tech.

A Message on the Budget

March 1, 2010—As I am sure you are aware, last week the Joint Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee of the Georgia General Assembly, requested that the University System of Georgia identify the impact of a proposed $300 million reduction to the state appropriation. This would result in an additional $38 million reduction to Tech’s appropriation.

From the President, February 2010

February 19, 2010—The preliminary draft subcommittee reports are in, and we are in the process of creating a cohesive vision for Georgia Tech and a first draft of the plan.

The Governor’s Proposed Budget

January 19, 2010—This past week Governor Sonny Perdue issued his proposed budget for FY 2011, along with an amended budget for the current fiscal year. I want to provide you with our best assessment of how the amended FY 2010 budget will impact our current operations.

Expanding the Role of Tech's Chief Diversity Officer

January 8, 2010—As outlined in my earlier message, this past spring I requested that the Office of Organizational Development (OOD) conduct a review of the Office of Diversity. They have now completed that review.

From the President, December 2009

December, 15 2009—It’s the end of the semester and the end of the calendar year, a natural point for us to pause and reflect on the year that was as well as look ahead to the coming one.

Addressing the Latest State Budget Reductions

November 18, 2009—Late yesterday, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved plans for an 8 percent reduction for the current fiscal year (FY10). The Board’s actions will require cost adjustments as well as increase the mandatory institutional student fee.

Provost Search Committee & Restructuring

November 17, 2009—Over the course of the past month, I have met with numerous faculty, staff, and student groups to discuss the Provost Search Committee and the current leadership/support structure within the Institute’s central administrative offices.

Veterans Day Message

November 11, 2009—At Georgia Tech we have 274 veterans among our faculty and staff. Another 275 students are enrolled in our ROTC programs. Today we honor the nobility of their commitment and contributions to this country.

From the President, November 2009

November 3, 2009—Several recent speaking engagements have led me to become even more deeply engaged in the national conversation on the future of higher education.

Dr. Gary Schuster to Step Down as Provost

October 21, 2009—Dr. Gary Schuster has informed me of his desire to step down from his position as provost and return to the faculty. He has agreed to continue in his current role as we conduct a national search for a new provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

From the President, September 2009

I want to thank everyone who attended the investiture three weeks ago and also to send a special thanks to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Georgia Tech who participated in the opening discussions of our strategic plan, Designing our Future.

A Message on Budgets and Furloughs

August 10, 2009—Tomorrow, the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Board of Regents will hold its monthly meeting, and among the agenda items it will consider are budget reduction scenarios amounting to 4, 6, and 8 percent of our state funding. These reductions will be mandated to help close the state’s budget gap brought on by declining revenues.

Governor's Directive Regarding Furloughs for State Employees

July 22, 2009—As you have undoubtedly heard, as a result of the continuing decline in state revenues, late yesterday Governor Perdue announced a “mandatory three day furlough for every state employee to be taken before the end of the calendar year.” This of course includes Georgia Tech.

From the President, July 2009

One of the important aspects of my role as president is to share Georgia Tech's story in an effort to communicate the positive impact our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have on their respective communities and the world.

Safety On and Around Campus

June 24, 2009—All of us here at Georgia Tech continue to be very concerned about the recent crimes that have occurred in the areas surrounding the Georgia Tech campus. I want to reassure you that we are committed to making our campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, where our students, faculty and staff reside, as safe as possible. I have heard from a number of you who have asked what measures, in addition to the numerous safe campus initiatives we already have in place, we are taking.

Recent Budget Reductions

May 29 2009—As was announced earlier this morning, the state of Georgia has seen precipitous declines in monthly revenue collections, ranging from 20-35 percent in monthly revenues over a year-to-year basis. These are substantial and largely unprecedented, and we are being told that this lingering economic effect is similar to what is occurring around the nation. The most recent revenue figures for the month of May 2009 have forced the state to take action to preserve a balanced budget for the current fiscal year. As a result, earlier this week the governor requested that all state agencies, including the University System of Georgia, make additional reductions to their annual state budgets.

USG Board of Regents' Recent Action on Employee Furloughs

May 26 2009—At its monthly meeting, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved language that would enable the implementation of a mandatory furlough program. In addition, the Regents requested that each USG institution include this language in all annual appointment letters and contracts for the 2010 fiscal year.

State Employees Recognition Week

May 7, 2009—In his recent proclamation of State Employees Recognition Week, Gov. Sonny Perdue states that: "These hardworking men and women demonstrate dependability, initiative and practical stewardship of state resources."

Message from President Peterson

May 4, 2009—As we approach the end of the fiscal year and prepare to close the books on FY 2009, I wanted to apprise you of how we are managing the financial situation here at Georgia Tech and, based on recent developments, offer an institutional outlook for FY 2010.