News
Date: 2020-11-17

Dean’s Message

These past few months have been trying for everyone, due to the COVID-19 world pandemic, which interfered in our plans to celebrate our special days like our Commencement 2020, and many other achievements face to face. However, it has also inspired us to engage more technology and find innovative solutions for teaching, learning, collaboration, and connection in this new reality.

In March 2020, we made an emergency switch to virtual instruction. Since it was soon decided that SDSU would not go back to face-to-face instruction this Fall, SDSU Georgia organized several training sessions for the faculty and students to better prepare them for the challenges of virtual teaching and learning. Starting Fall 2020, we have also migrated to a new Learning Management System, CANVAS, offering extended functions and integrations for a better learning experience.

Last June, we brought 86 more highly qualified professionals to the workforce. Despite the restrictions associated with the world pandemic, a lot of our 2020 graduates have managed to continue their graduate studies at different universities around the world, including San Diego State University, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France, and our partner universities in Tbilisi, Georgia. More than 50% of the 2020 graduates have found employment at the local job market as well.

Despite the hardships associated with virtual classes, Spring 2020 academic performance has been outstanding. At the end of the semester, 298 students are on the Dean’s List, which is 67% of our student population. I want to congratulate our best and brightest students on this achievement. We should all acknowledge the hard work they have put into their studies in these difficult times. I firmly believe their efforts will be invaluable in their future endeavors.

This newsletter outlines our virtual wins over our semester in quarantine, all the efforts we have made to stay connected and to face the challenges. I want to thank our partners, SDSU Georgia staff, faculty, and students who have all shown their resilience in the face of these unfamiliar difficulties. Together, we have found unique ways to work and connect with our communities while taking care of our mental health and well-being and staying efficient and productive as ever.