ATLANTA (AP) — A two-year study by the University System of Georgia shows classrooms are empty during most of the week.
The Athens Banner-Herald reports that of the 440 classrooms at the University of Georgia, the average is used just 18.5 hours per 40-hour work week. When the classrooms are used, just two-thirds of the seats are full. That is a 31 percent utilization rate.
At most schools, the results show capacity for additional courses and for some bigger classes. System administrators say each school in the system has individual characteristics that affect utilization. There's a limit to how crowded a classroom can be.
Administrators will use the data to help evaluate requests for more space. Renovation, better scheduling or changing the purpose of existing buildings will be options to new construction.
