Peach Tree Times

State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, has been appointed by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to chair the House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions.

“I want to thank Speaker Burns for appointing me to serve as chairman of this much-needed study committee,” said Chairman Blackmon. “Since the University System of Georgia transitioned to the semester system in 1999, and the Technical College System of Georgia followed suit in 2011, we have seen the benefits of curriculum alignment, administrative efficiencies, and reduced costs. However, the longer terms and fewer graduation cycles have raised questions about whether the semester system is truly the best option for our students and workforce development. As such, I look forward to serving alongside my legislative colleagues as we are committed to thoroughly examining these issues and ensuring that our world-class educational systems best serve the needs of all students in Georgia.”

The House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions was established following the adoption of House Resolution 1384 during the 2024 legislative session. This committee will examine the respective advantages and disadvantages of semester and quarter systems for USG and TCSG institutions, with potential legislation proposals based on their findings in the upcoming legislative session.

Speaker Burns also appointed State Representatives Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta), Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), and Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta) as members of this study committee.