Sometimes GC Journeys are literally journeys. In this case, Professor El-Jourbagy's study abroad students are planning to journey to Sweden and Denmark this summer to study corporate sustainability and leadership. For four weeks, they will be centered out of Lund, a university town in southern Sweden, and traveling in the region to learn more about Nordic businesses and culture.

Prior to their departure, however, the group got out of the classroom and up onto the climbing tower at Georgia College's East Campus. Hosted by the Outdoor Center, the team-building exercise started with ice breakers, giving students a chance to get to know each other better.

After putting on their harnesses and helmets and receiving a safety talk, the group took on two climbing challenges: a rope climb to a cargo net and then a climb up to platforms, requiring students to jump across from one small platform to another.

"The climbing exercises were done in pairs with additional students serving as spotters and backup belayers," explained Professor El-Jourbagy. "They got to partner with their roommate on the first climb and then with their travel mate on the second. This gave us a chance to confront difficult situations and learn how we react to challenges."

Participants included J. Whitney Bunting College of Business students Brett Bennett, Callie Fagan, Stephanie Geier, Jacob Hankinson, Reilly Kay, Mia Kugelman, Anna McDaniel, Savannah Peebles, Evan Stallard, and Max Weber.

The group will next meet in Lund, Sweden on Saturday, June 25.

On March 30th, Georgia College sent four students to present at the 4th annual Posters at the Capitol event. ‘Posters at the Capitol’ is a competitive event that highlights some of the top undergraduate research from around the state. The students were able to present their research for state legislatures in attendance. Also in attendance were lobbyists, members of industry, presidents and administration from Georgia colleges and universities, as well as members of the general public.

This was the first time that Posters at the Capitol has occurred in person since 2020. According to Dr. Jordan Cofer, who helped organize the event, “the amount of foot traffic exceeded our previous years. I know that GC students were able to present to legislators and members of industry.” One observer, Dr. Maged Henary, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Chemistry, at Georgia State University, was so impressed he has asked Georgia College students to submit for the upcoming Biological Stain Commission Conference in Atlanta.

GC Students Participating Include:

• Cody Cox (Mentor: Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge)
• Lauren Stone (Mentor: Dr James Daria)
• Evan Dunnam (Mentor: Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge)
• Matthew Berry (Mentor: Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge)

If you are interested in learning more about incorporating high-impact practices into your classes, join us for the 3rd annual High Impact Practices (HIPs) Summer Institute: Incorporating Transformative Experiences into the Classroom!

This professional development opportunity, sponsored by GC Journeys and the Center for Teaching and Learning, allows participants to engage with expert guest speakers on incorporating or enhancing elements of essential learning outcomes, high-impact practices, principles of excellence, authentic assessment, and signature student work into current GC courses.

Participants can learn more about capstone, first-year experiences, internships, leadership, service learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research. A team of transformative experience mentors will guide participants to decide how to incorporate one Transformative Experience as a cornerstone of their course.

Participants will meet entirely online and are eligible to receive $500 in professional development funds! Please sign up by clicking here by May 15th. For more details, please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at 478-445-2520 or ctl@gcsu.edu.

Dr. Josh Eyler, Director of Faculty Development at the University of Mississippi, and author of How Humans Learn: The Science and Stories Behind Effective College Teaching, presented to attendees on how grades can undermine learning and jeopardize our students' wellbeing.

Read the report here.

The Engagement Scholarship Consortium grant applications are now open. All faculty at Georgia College are eligible for these grants. Information and the online application are available at https://engagementscholarship.org/grants-and-awards/esc-grants-program.

ESC Grants Program Description

Conducting scholarship that is mutually beneficial for both university scholars and communities is the very foundation of engaged scholarship. Through the Engaged Scholarship Research/Creative Activities Grants Program for Faculty, the Engagement Scholarship Consortium is providing financial support that helps facilitate positive outcomes for both scholars and communities.

Guidelines

Faculty at ESC Member Institutions may apply for up to $5,000 to fund a one-year project. Collaborative projects among faculty from more than one discipline and/or at more than one university are encouraged. Funds may be used for faculty, graduate, undergraduate, community partner, and administrative stipends; supplies and expenses; and/or project-related travel. Preference will be given to Tenure-Line Assistant or Associate Professors. Fixed-term Professors of Practice may also apply. No indirect costs will be associated with this seed award. Funds may not be used for travel to conferences.

Deadlines

Applications Due: May 9, 2022

Notifications: June 13, 2022

Grant Period: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023

Presentation: All grant awardees will present plans/findings at the next ESC Conference

Final Report: due no later than one month following the conclusion of the grant program