TIFTON — The first University of Georgia classroom in Tifton is about to open its doors to students, and program coordinators are buzzing with anticipation.

The first of UGA’s Agrisciences and Environmental Systems (AES) majors will be entering the newly built facility Aug. 18.

According to Donna Webb, coordinator of academic programs, the AES four-year degree program will emphasize emerging agricultural technologies, agribusiness opportunities through internships and practical agriscience study.

“We feel that this new facility will help to complement the main campus in Athens. Right now, the AES major isn’t offered in Athens, so Tifton will be the place for those students to come and learn,” Webb said.

For nearly 80 years, UGA has relied on Tifton for research and agricultural developments. With the addition of an educational component in the area, coordinators believe that more programs could be on the way.

According to Webb, the AES program could serve as the foundation for future programs to be added to the campus, although no concrete decision has been made by UGA.

While at the Tifton campus of the University of Georgia, students won’t have to travel very far for educational resources, health care or living spaces.

According to Webb, plans are in the works with Abraham Baldwin College that would allow students attending the AES program to use the library, health center and even live in the dorms if need be, for a fee.

The ABAC fee would replace some of the fees associated with going to the main campus of UGA, including transportation fees and possibly parking fees.

Officials made it clear, however, that students who complete the program will receive a four-year degree from the University of Georgia, not ABAC.

“This facility is a satellite campus of the University of Georgia and is just the same as if a student drove to Athens to take a class. When students graduate, they’ll have to drive to Athens to participate in graduation. Students will have to pay tuition for the University of Georgia, so even if there is some mutual partnership between ABAC and UGA, a student’s degree will come from UGA,” Webb said.

Classes for the fall semester will start Aug. 18. For more information, check the UGA Web site at www.uga.edu.



To contact reporter JD Sumner, call 229-382-4321, ext. 207.