Bobcat Families
Georgia College Parent and Family Newsletter
Hugs From Home
Share this link with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and anyone who wants to cheer on your Bobcat. Everyone loves mail, and we'll make it easy to spread some joy!
"Think 30" - Summer Courses
While the pandemic may have changed their academic plans as they entered the school year, the good news is that Georgia College offers many courses in the summer terms that can give them an opportunity to make up the hours they will need to achieve at least 30 credit hours for the academic year. Core and major courses are offered online, with some courses also being offered in-person. Whether your student returns home for the summer or chooses to stay in Milledgeville, there are plenty of course options available to explore to find the best fit for them. If you get a chance, ask your student what their summer plans are and if they involve taking summer courses to stay on track to complete their degree within four years.
Summer is also the perfect time to drill down on the classes that challenge students most. Without 3-4 other courses to distract them, students almost always find that they can excel in the tough subjects during the summer term.
Summer registration will begin the week of March 22. Your student can contact their Academic Advisor to find the best options for them and for details on how to register.
Financial Aid News
Financial Aid Q&A Tuesday!
Reminder: FAFSA for 2021-2022 Now Open
In order to log in to the FAFSA and complete it, both parents and student will need an FSA ID. This is a username and password login that would have been created the first time the FAFSA was completed (if completed previously). If either the student or parent doesn’t remember their FSA ID, or doesn’t have one, they can reset it or apply for one at fsaid.ed.gov.
The FAFSA is an application that applies a student for federal grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loans, and is used as an application for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships. The GSFApps is an alternative application to the FAFSA and can be completed at gafutures.org when a student wants to be reviewed for HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships only.
We advise that students complete the applications early and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool option on the FAFSA. Using this tool allows our office the potential to expedite your application. Please contact our office with any questions about the applications or eligibility at (478) 445-5149 or by email at financialaid@gcsu.edu.
Course Program of Study: Federal Regulation That Could Affect Aid
During the Drop/Add week each semester, the Financial Aid Office will notify students who are enrolled in courses that are not required for their degree that their federal awards have been adjusted. Students are responsible for enrolling in appropriate courses and can find the courses necessary for their degree on DegreeWorks through their PAWS account, or by setting up an appointment with their Academic Advisor. For the full Course Program of Study policy visit our website here: www.gcsu.edu/financialaid/general-information and click on Course Program of Study Requirements. Or contact the Financial Aid Office at (478) 445-5149 or financialaid@gcsu.edu.
Scholarships
Scholarship Universe is a scholarship matching system that allows students to search and apply for scholarship opportunities utilizing their all in one mobile friendly site.
- Go to https://gcsu.scholarshipuniverse.com
- If you already have a login for Verify My FAFSA, use the same login information here. If not, create a login.
- Click “I’m Ready” and get matched to scholarship opportunities.
- Continue logging into Scholarship Universe until all scholarships you have been matched to and are interested in have been applied for.
April 23-25: Ceremonies for May, August, and December 2020 graduates
Regalia must be ordered by April 9. Registration closes on April 16.
May 8-9 and 15-16: Ceremonies for May and August 2021 graduates
Regalia must be ordered by April 16. Registration closes on April 23.
Graduates should visit https://www.gcsu.edu/graduation to register for their desired date and time. Additional dates will be added to meet demand if the need arises.
Details for each of the ceremonies can be found at https://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/commencement-experience-2020 by selecting the appropriate class on the righthand menu. All guests should review the instructions for arrival prior to the ceremony.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!
Spotlight on The Outdoor Center
Many of the weekend programs this year focus on survivalist skills. When faced with the elements, how well can students fend for themselves? Assistant Director Billy Copeland takes a hands-on approach to equipping students with knowledge and skills to bravely approach the wild. Whether it's making shelter or creating warmth, Billy makes these experiences fun and educational.
Outdoor Center trips and programs require no previous experience or skill! Students at any level of adventurism can join in. When we're all eager to get away from our screens, the Outdoor Center provides the perfect outlet.
Contact
Email: emily.jarvis@gcsu.edu
Website: www.gcsu.edu/parent
Location: Parks Hall 206
Phone: (478) 445-8566
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobcatfamilies