Metric Three

Metric 3: Degrees Conferred by Degrees Offered

Between FY 2018 and FY 2021, South Georgia State College (SGSC) experienced a steady increase in degrees conferred and held strong, even increasing the number of degrees conferred in FY 2021 during the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, FY 2022 was further impacted by the ongoing pandemic that significantly disrupted American society and higher education. For SGSC students, several factors contributed to their delayed time-to-degree, including changes to financial aid, the need to get jobs — even low-skill, low-paying jobs — to support their families amid the ongoing pandemic, caring for others whose care arrangements had been disrupted, and other reasons related to the pandemic.

SGSC has invested in the support structures needed to help its students maintain steady and effective progress toward their degrees. The two SGSC campuses have academic success tutoring centers, STEM centers, writing centers, and 24/7 tutoring availability through tutor.com. In addition, there is a student success program for residential students on the Douglas Campus (there are no residence halls on the Waycross Campus).

Analysis and Evaluation of Metric 3

Both transfer associate and bachelor's degree production continued to increase through FY 2021, despite enrollment decreases during the five years – most notably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from the effects of COVID- 19, enrollment decreases are primarily due to the termination of a college non-degree entry program on the campus of another USG institution and the termination of some dual enrollment core curriculum offerings at area high schools. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic creates uncertainty regarding enrollment and graduation rates; consequently, the metric goal is 480 total graduates for FY 2023, with a minimum threshold of acceptability of 460— still above the number for FY 2021.