We will continue to maintain our focus on preparation of our students for work and careers, and we will continue to work toward the creation of seamless programs that promote and provide for the upward mobility and flexibility of Georgia s high school and postsecondary technical students. This act, which was passed by the Georgia General Assembly during its 2000 session, goes into effect on July 1, 2000. Until this legislation was approved, the institutions governed by the Board of Technical and Adult Education were prohibited from using the word college in their official names. The term technical college more accurately reflects the quality and levels of services provided by these institutions to the citizens of Georgia. This change of name is vitally necessary to the future of the technical-education system in Georgia.
Most states already designate their technical-education systems as technical or community colleges.
The media and education researchers, and thus data, that help form public opinion discuss postsecondary education only in terms of college meaning that our system and its favorable data are often ignored. Probably most importantly of all, our customers, students, business, and industry deserve to have the place where they undertake their postsecondary education designated as a technical college. The single most important reason for changing the name is marketability to the high school student. The only area in our system where we are not expanding in enrollment is in the direct high school market. The name change is a significant milestone to be celebrated at each individual institution by students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.