Abraham Baldwin Agricultural
College (ABAC), established in 1908 as the
As a unit of the University
System of Georgia, ABAC shares the following characteristics with other
two-year units in the System.
• a commitment
to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the
needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive
characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;
• a commitment to a teaching/learning
environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional
excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student
body, and promotes high levels of student learning;
• a commitment to a high quality general
education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and
prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support
programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse student body,
and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement
neighboring technical institute programs;
• a commitment to public service,
continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities
that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational
level within the college’s scope of influence;
• a commitment
to scholarship and creative work for the specific purposes of supporting
instructional effectiveness and enhancing institutionally relevant faculty
qualifications.
In addition, campus life at
ABAC shares the following characteristics with all other units in the system.
• a supportive campus climate,
necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to
educate the whole person and meet the needs of the students, faculty, and
staff;
• cultural, ethnic, racial, and
gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by
practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and
global society;
• technology to advance educational
purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and
distance education;
• collaborative relationships with other System
institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical institutes, and
business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other
resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens
of Georgia.
ABAC, an associate level
college, is a community-based residential institution offering programs in the
natural and physical sciences, the liberal arts, the social sciences, business,
physical education and recreation, and health occupations as well as a
specialized institution serving a unique role through programs in agriculture
and related disciplines. This dual emphasis, together with on-campus housing,
gives the college its distinctive character and enables it to attract
traditional and nontraditional students from throughout
ABAC provides high quality
academic programs that allow employment upon completion of two-year career
programs of fulfillment of the core curriculum requirements and an opportunity
for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs.
Off-campus and evening
programs provide educational opportunities for individuals who are unable to
attend classes in the traditional setting. Public service programs include
special- interest activities and courses, occupation-enhancing classes, youth
enrichment courses, and performing and visual arts events. The college also
provides administrative services and facilities that enable community and state
organizations as well as other units of the University System of Georgia to
bring seminars, meetings, and upper-level and graduate instruction to the
region.
ABAC’s vision for the future includes placing student
learning foremost; having an outstanding diverse faculty, staff, and
administration; valuing and encouraging lifelong learning; and ensuring
continuous leadership and improvement. The college supports its mission through
a participatory planning process involving all aspects of the campus community.
Key components of the vision include additional outreach in
The open admissions nature of
ABAC continues to require refinement of services that enhance student
development and academic success.