Bobcat Families
Georgia College Parent and Family Newsletter
Student Involvement at GC
So far this year, groups have managed to safely hold nearly 200 in-person events, in addition to the ongoing club meetings, team practices, and other regular club activities that happen every week. Campus is still buzzing well after classes have ended for the day!
Where do students find out what's happening?
Every student should be familiar with GC Connect. This is our online hub for all campus events. Students can join clubs, find meeting schedules, and check out events happening every week in GC Connect. GC Connect also has a mobile app version called Corq. When a student downloads Corq, they can select "Georgia College" as their campus and have a calendar of events at their fingertips.
How can groups plan in-person events?
All student organizations are encouraged to plan hybrid and in-person events to keep their members engaged. We have several large and mid-sized meeting spaces reserved specifically for student use. All events must be registered in GC Connect. That allows us to ensure the event is meeting safety guidelines and allows for easy advertising to other students. Approved events will automatically show up on the GC Connect event calendar.
What safety protocols are in place?
The event registration process asks several COVID-safety questions. Questions about audience size, nature of the event, location, and use of PPE allow our staff to assess whether an event can be safely held or if it needs to be modified to meet our guidelines. If an event submission needs modifications, Student Activities staff works with the group to help them adjust their plans. The only hard-and-fast limitations for events are:
- No alcohol allowed
- Maximum group size of 50
- No outside community members (including parents) to limit transmission of COVID
Does this apply to sororities and fraternities?
Yes! While our sororities and fraternities were more restricted in the fall (mostly due to their large group sizes), they now fall under all the same guidelines as any student organization and submit their events the same way. Meeting spaces have been set aside specifically for chapter meetings, so groups don't have to compete for those spaces. To date, almost 75 fraternity and sorority events have been approved! Date nights, socials, sisterhood and brotherhood events, rituals, and philanthropy are all allowable under the event guidelines.
What else is happening on campus?
In addition to the student organization events going on, intramural sports are on their third season of the year. They've played more than 2,000 games this year with hundreds of students participating. Group fitness classes are happening weekly at the WRC. The Outdoor Center is hosting their awesome weekend adventure trips and activities. With our athletic conferences deferring all fall sports to spring, there are tons of athletic events happening across all of our varsity sports for students to cheer on their fellow Bobcats. Campus ministries, student musicians, service organizations, gaming clubs... every activity under the sun is find ways to keep doing what they love.
The Division of Student Life is dedicated to helping students find balance in collegiate life. We know involvement is key to learning, growing, and wellness. Safety is at the forefront of our consciousness always, and robust, safe student engagement is happening every day at Georgia College.
Gaining Fitness Confidence
The WRC is all about promoting wellness, and they aim for all patrons to feel comfortable and confident when using the facility. They are now offering one-on-one Facility and Equipment Orientations. The goal is for patrons to feel educated and familiar with the equipment, location of machines, and the programs and services offered at the WRC. Each orientation is designed to fit students' individual goals, wants and needs.
Orientation Options include, but are not limited to:
- Facility Tour
- Equipment Locations
- Detailed Information about Group Fitness Classes, Intramural Sports, and Pool Operations
- Cardio Equipment Tutorials
- How to Operate Resistance Equipment
- User Policies and Procedures
- Student Employment Opportunities
Students can complete this quick online form to schedule their personally designed orientation. A staff member will be in contact within 1-2 business days to confirm the date and time.
New Initiative: GC Mental Health
In addition to Counseling Services at Georgia College, students now have access to 24/7 support services. The first of these is the Christie Campus Health on-demand counseling line. Students can dial 833-855-0085 any time of day to be connected to a Navigator who will ask a few questions to assess the student's needs, and then immediately connect them with a licensed mental health professional. This isn't just a crisis line -- students in need of a routine counseling session for any emotional concern can use the on-demand line as needed.
The GC Wellness Hub is a cache of free online resources to help students build healthy physical, emotional and academic habits. Sleep maintenance, healthy eating, and relationship advice are a few of the topics students can work through at their own pace.
Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Shawn Brooks, recently held a webinar for parents to learn more about these GC Mental Health initiatives. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bobcatfamilies to view the recording.
Contact
Email: emily.jarvis@gcsu.edu
Website: www.gcsu.edu/parent
Location: Parks Hall 206
Phone: (478) 445-8566
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobcatfamilies