consolidation: a solid choice?
by Rawls grimsley
[email protected]
What does the word “consolidation” actually mean? The word consists of two different definitions. The first literary definition of the word is the combination into a single, more effective whole. The second definition is the formation of something physically stronger or more solid. The word on the street is that there has been some discussion of the possible consolidation of Bainbridge State College with a larger institution in the area. One question comes to mind: Why does BSC need to consolidate?
The BSC interim president, Dr. Stuart Rayfield defines the current state of the University System of Georgia as like being at a “crossroad.” Many of the institutions in the southern part of Georgia are seeing lower numbers in enrollment. Dr. Rayfield states, “Much of it has to do with the demographics of this area of the state. We’re seeing much less people in this area graduating.” Dr. Rayfield went on to say that she believes the system is looking for what will provide the best opportunity not only for the financial state of the colleges but for the students as well. They believe the answer is consolidation.
When asked about the possible benefits of consolidation, Dr. Rayfield said, “The greatest pro that would occur through a consolidation is the expansion of academic offerings.” Consolidation with another institution would ultimately diminish the limitations of BSC’s bachelor programs. It would provide BSC students with the same academic opportunities the merging college has to offer. When asked whether or not he would be in favor of consolidation, second-year Bainbridge State College student, Tanner Powell, said, “Yes, I would because I feel like…there would be more four-year degrees that people could get while staying home instead of going through the transfer process. There would be more opportunity and convenience.”
Consolidation would be such a great opportunity for students to get the education they need in order to enter the workforce, and it would all take place right here in Bainbridge, Georgia. How awesome is that! Unfortunately, like all great things, there is a bad side to consolidation. What does consolidation mean for the Bainbridge State College name? Bainbridge State College would be no more. BSC would simply become a satellite campus for the other institution. Dr. Stuart Rayfield believes BSC would still be able to retain its long history and cultural background even after a consolidation.
After being asked what she thought about losing the Bainbridge State College name would be like, MOWR student, Jamie Worsley responded, “It will be sad to lose the BSC name, but I think…losing the individuality of the college could be prevented by preserving the history of the college.” From an overall point of view, consolidation seems like a great move on the college’s part. It would provide students with so many more opportunities on the academic level. It seems like a conSOLID choice, but will it actually happen? Only time will tell.
The BSC interim president, Dr. Stuart Rayfield defines the current state of the University System of Georgia as like being at a “crossroad.” Many of the institutions in the southern part of Georgia are seeing lower numbers in enrollment. Dr. Rayfield states, “Much of it has to do with the demographics of this area of the state. We’re seeing much less people in this area graduating.” Dr. Rayfield went on to say that she believes the system is looking for what will provide the best opportunity not only for the financial state of the colleges but for the students as well. They believe the answer is consolidation.
When asked about the possible benefits of consolidation, Dr. Rayfield said, “The greatest pro that would occur through a consolidation is the expansion of academic offerings.” Consolidation with another institution would ultimately diminish the limitations of BSC’s bachelor programs. It would provide BSC students with the same academic opportunities the merging college has to offer. When asked whether or not he would be in favor of consolidation, second-year Bainbridge State College student, Tanner Powell, said, “Yes, I would because I feel like…there would be more four-year degrees that people could get while staying home instead of going through the transfer process. There would be more opportunity and convenience.”
Consolidation would be such a great opportunity for students to get the education they need in order to enter the workforce, and it would all take place right here in Bainbridge, Georgia. How awesome is that! Unfortunately, like all great things, there is a bad side to consolidation. What does consolidation mean for the Bainbridge State College name? Bainbridge State College would be no more. BSC would simply become a satellite campus for the other institution. Dr. Stuart Rayfield believes BSC would still be able to retain its long history and cultural background even after a consolidation.
After being asked what she thought about losing the Bainbridge State College name would be like, MOWR student, Jamie Worsley responded, “It will be sad to lose the BSC name, but I think…losing the individuality of the college could be prevented by preserving the history of the college.” From an overall point of view, consolidation seems like a great move on the college’s part. It would provide students with so many more opportunities on the academic level. It seems like a conSOLID choice, but will it actually happen? Only time will tell.