USG Approves MGSC’s Request for Funding to Convert Former Residence Hall into Academic Center | Community Spirit

Middle Georgia State College, the new institution resulting from the consolidation of Middle Georgia College and Macon State College, has won approval for a budget request to convert Haynes Hall, a closed residence hall on the Cochran campus, into an academic type center. The budget approval is the first for the new institution, which will be consolidated on January 7, 2013.

Plan approval has been received from the University System of Georgia Central Office, and the proposed plan is currently awaiting approval from the USG Board of Regents. The renovations will move the Student Success Center and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program from their current locations into Haynes Hall. The Haynes Hall resident space will be converted into classrooms, faculty offices, and lab space for the programs’ use. Since Haynes Hall is located centrally to the resident hall complex, it will be more available to students than the current Student Success Center and OTA Program locations.

The renovation will enhance instructional ability by providing space as well as advanced teaching aids, and will allow MGSC to focus on students who need additional assistance to advance and ultimately graduate. The renovation will help MGSC maximize student access, create productive learning environments, improve facilities, and promote student success, according to the plan.The current Student Success Center space will be used for additional classroom and office space and library research, while the current OTA program space will be renovated using local funds to allow for the expansion of the current Information Technology facility, according to the submitted plan.Dr. Mary Lou Frank, the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, said “We are excited with the renovation because it reflects the consolidation of programs focusing on Student Success as well as our deep commitment to helping each student graduate with a degree or a certificate.   The programs that will be housed in Haynes Hall include the Prep Academy, Diversity Initiatives (including the African American Male Initiative and the cohort program), Tutoring Center, Supplemental Instruction, and Learning Support Coordination. All of these initiatives work together and provide outstanding resources for students and faculty. The new renovation will also include the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program, a successful and accredited program in Georgia.  We believe that students will benefit from having these programs in close proximity to the residence halls.”