ATLANTA (AP) — The University System of Georgia is taking several steps to establish a more comprehensive approach to guiding the state's 31 public colleges and universities.

The Board of Regents voted Wednesday to implement a new policy determining a wide range of issues, including what types of degrees each institution should offer and its emphasis on research, teaching and service.

Chancellor Hank Huckaby says the plan requires the university system to be focused and use resources wisely.

The policy also calls for classifying the state's institutions into four categories. They are research university, comprehensive university, state university and state college.

Research universities — Georgia Tech, Georgia State, UGA and Georgia Regents University — will offer a broad array of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. They'll also offer doctoral degrees and emphasize research.