The senior administrators from Macon State and Middle Georgia colleges have been meeting on a regular basis to discuss operation of the two colleges, as well as to make decisions about the creation of Middle Georgia State College.

At the group’s meeting on Oct. 3, these were among the many topics discussed:

• Workforce study — An institutional workforce study is to begin in late November by representatives from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Administrators at the two existing colleges recognize that there are staff and faculty doing similar jobs at the two institutions but they have dissimilar salaries or workloads. The study will identify where there are disparities and propose solutions. It has been pointed out that in this process, no existing employee salaries will be reduced. Also, the equalization of salaries and workload at the new consolidated college is a process that may take several years, depending on budgetary resources.
• Athletics — No decisions have been made on this topic, but administrators are discussing the new institution’s athletic programs and which of the available intercollegiate athletic associations the new college should join. The two predominant choices appear to be the NCAA or NAIA. The two associations have different athletic program requirements by which member institutions must abide; they have different costs for membership; they have different scholarship restrictions; they have different facility requirements. A thorough assessment is being undertaken to determine which association would be best for MGSC.
• Spring break — Academic calendars are set many months — sometimes years — in advance, and according to the calendars currently in place Middle Georgia College and Macon State College — which will be consolidated by the spring of 2013 — do not have the same week set aside for spring break. According to the calendars in place, Macon State’s spring break was scheduled to begin March 11, while Middle Georgia’s was to begin March 18. Administrators are aware of the importance of resolving this issue as soon as possible.
• Graduation — An issue that is equally urgent is the planning for the spring 2013 commencement ceremony (or ceremonies). No decisions have been made on where the ceremony or ceremonies will be held. Facilities in Macon, Perry and Cochran have been discussed. Like the spring break issue, this one affects not only students but their families as well. Both decisions are under careful study and will be announced as soon as possible.