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Newsletter 006 | Winter 2008
www.gcsu.edu/parents
Housing Renewal Nears!
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By: Cindy McClanahan, Marketing Coordinator
University Housing
As your student returns home for
the holidays, you’re sure to notice some changes in the person who left in you
in August. They have spent the past semester meeting new friends, learning new
ideas, and experiencing all that college life has to offer. University Housing
plays a key role in this process. We’re here to provide support and direction
and to help ensure these that out of classroom experiences further a student’s ability
to succeed after college.
In early January, it will be time
for your family to make a decision about housing for next year. We know that
students living in University Housing have higher GPAs, are less likely to
misuse drugs and alcohol, and go on in greater numbers to graduation. Living on
campus gives a student full access to a social network and academic support and
we hope that your student chooses to return for a second, third or fourth year. In fact, if
they move into the 12-month contract at The Village, they will not have
to move anything until they graduate.
Other student housing options in
town may focus on “luxury living” and the “party life.” University Housing focuses
on connecting your student to what they need - a quality place to live while
they pursue an education. We don’t provide tanning beds and flat screen TVs to
entice them to sign contracts with “fine print.” We provide a personal
connection to key campus services such as tutoring and study groups, athletic
events, health services, student organizations, events, libraries, and much
more. Isn’t that what college is really about?
Please keep an eye out for
information on Housing contract renewal in early January. If we can assist your
family in any way, please contact us via email at
housing@gcsu.edu or by calling (478) 445-5160.
Take a look! (wmv
format)
A three minute video spotlighting the advantages of living on campus.
Holiday
Dinner, Concert Funds Music Scholarships
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By: Judy Bailey, University
Communications
 The tinsel twinkles and the lights flicker in anticipation of the Georgia
College & State University Holiday Dinner and Concert. For the first time, the
GCSU Music Department will collaborate for the musical festival of the holiday
season.
The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December, 4 in the University
Banquet Room. The concert will follow at 8 p.m. in Russell Auditorium.
“The Orchestra, Choirs, and Jazz Band have all done separate holiday concerts in
the past, but this will be the first concert to have all of these groups
together on the same stage,” said GCSU Director of Bands and Professor of Music,
Todd Shiver.
With more than 200 GCSU student musicians, the concert will feature almost every
performing group in the department. “The concept of the concert is that it will
be an evening of continuous music; the audience will be literally surrounded by
performers who will not only be performing from the stage, but also from the
balcony and in the aisles.”
Performing groups include the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Brass Ensemble,
University Chorus, Max Noah Singers, Women’s Chorus, Orchestra, electronic
Music, and much more.
“These groups will be performing your favorite holiday classics and will
culminate in a mass performance of Handel’s ‘Halleluiah Chorus’ and the
traditional piece ‘Bell Carroll,’ as performed by the popular group
Trans-Siberian Express,” Shiver said.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the music department’s scholarship fund.
“With a sold out dinner and concert, the department could triple the amount of
scholarships that it is currently able to offer students,” Shiver said. “The
department uses its scholarship funds to help support current students and to
attract new talent into the department. This will be the perfect opportunity to
usher in the holiday season and get into the spirit of the holidays.”
Tickets for the dinner are $50 and a table of six can be reserved for
$300. Dinner tickets include dinner, one drink (more available at a cash bar),
and a concert ticket. General admission, for the concert only, is $10 at the
door. For more information, contact the GCSU Department of Music at (478)
445-8289.
Campus Safety Tips
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GCSU’s Milledgeville campus has historically been a relatively safe
place for students, but it is not immune from the realities of
crime. You may wish to speak to your students regarding the
following key tips for their personal safety:
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Walk to your vehicle in pairs or in a group
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Vary your routine; use a different route, different
times
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Follow a well-lit pathway or roadway
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Be aware of your surroundings; Watch for suspicious
people or activities
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Be aware of the locations of all Emergency Call Boxes
on campus; Use them if you are concerned or feel your safety is in
jeopardy
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When you enter your vehicle, lock all the doors and
turn on your headlights; This will allow you to see anyone outside
in the dark
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If you are unfamiliar with the parking lot, drive
through it and check it first; If you don't feel safe, go elsewhere
and wait for someone else to arrive
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Have your keys in your hand so that you don't have to
search for them when you reach your vehicle
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When you know that you will be returning to your
vehicle late at night, try to pick a well-lit area
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Before getting into your vehicle, visually inspect the
interior for anything suspicious
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Do not offer rides to strangers
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If you suspect that someone is following you, drive to
the nearest open public place, to the University Police or local
police department
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Report any safety concerns to the University Police
Department at (478) 445-4400; Program the number into your cell
phone.
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If you have not already done so, visit
www.gcsu.edu/alert/ or the link on the Newsletter sidebar to
register for Connect-Ed, GCSU’s text message notification service,
in order to be alerted to any emergency situation that affects the
campus.
For questions regarding campus safety, you can contact Justin
Gaines, GCSU’s Environmental Health and Occupational
Safety Coordinator at (478) 445-2025.
Recent U.S. Legislation to Ensure Continued Access to Student Loans
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By: Cathy J. Crawley,
Director
Financial Aid & Scholarships
With the current unprecedented credit market conditions, the student
loan industry has encountered many of the same challenges as other loan
markets. In May 2008 the U.S. Department of Education worked in
collaboration with other government departments to pass legislation in
an effort to ensure continued student loan access for students and their
families during the 2008-2009 academic year (ECASLA – Ensuring Continued
Access to Student Loans Act). In October 2008, President Bush approved
a one-year extension for this law which will cover the 2009-2010
academic year. Margaret Spellings, Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Education, sent a letter in early November 2008 announcing further
measures that the Department will take to ensure continued access to
student loans for the 2009-2010 academic year. Further details can be
reviewed at
http://www.ed.gov/students/college/aid/ecasla-facts.html.
The GCSU Financial Aid
Office feels confident that our students and parents should not
experience any difficulty in securing student loans. As always, the
staff encourages students as well as parents to contact the office if
there are questions or assistance is needed. The office is located in
103 Parks Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
until 5 p.m. Contact the office by phone at (800)342-0471 or
(478)445-5149 or via email at
finaid@gcsu.edu.
The Financial Crisis Comes Home
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By: Jennifer Strole, Counselor
Counseling Services
Many people are
experiencing apprehension about the economy, and you or your student may
be experiencing the same concerns. It is a good idea to talk about
whether or how the greater economic trends are impacting your family,
rather than leaving your student to fill in the blanks, which often
results in assuming the worst.
It can be helpful to
focus on what is going well for the family, not just the losses suffered
from the economic downturn. For instance, you might stress to your
student that the family still has a vehicle, a home, and health
insurance despite other losses stemming from the economy. It may seem
as if you are pointing out the obvious, but such reassurances can help to
assuage feelings of anxiety for your student and serve as a reminder of
the difference between needs and wants. However, you should be honest
about the things that are real struggles for the family, too. It is not
only okay to talk about a job loss, a home foreclosure, difficulties
paying for college, and so on, but talking can actually help your student to feel
that he or she is being treated as an adult and included in family
problem-solving process. Try to use realistic, positive, and inclusive
language when having this discussion with your student. For example,
avoid telling your student, “Dad has lost his job and I just don’t know
what he is going to do to find another one with so many layoffs around
town. Our bills are piling up and I’m terrified we’ll lose the house
and cars!” Instead, try to communicate something like this to your
student: “You’re an adult, so I am not going to shield you from this
event. Dad has been laid off, but he is actively looking for another
job. We have sufficient savings to cover our bills and protect our home
and assets for the short-term, but we may need to look at other options
long-term if he is unable to find work. Whatever happens, I promise
that we will keep you updated and include you in the decision-making
process. As a family, we will handle this together. Right now, your
job is to focus on your studies and let us handle the finances. You can
help us by succeeding in school, not worrying about us at home.”
Talking
openly and honestly with your student about how the economy has impacted
your family, can also help to assure your student that feelings of
anxiety and sadness are normal responses to such events. Many people
have been experiencing intense feelings about the economy, especially if
they trigger memories of similar problems in the past. In addition, if
your family or student was dealing with other life stressors before the
economic downturn occurred, financial worries may have added stress
beyond their coping capacity. For that reason, it is wise to know
symptoms of “normal” distress versus those that might indicate a more
serious problem. If your student shows short-term problems with
fatigue, concentration, worry, sleep, or appetite, then he or she is
likely dealing with “normal” levels of stress. Even typically
good-natured people may exhibit irritability, guilt, and sadness under
stress. Many people find themselves having a spiritual or moral crisis
at such a time.
However, sometimes
“normal” distress turns into something more. You or your student may
need a referral to a counselor if you experience the above symptoms for
an extended length of time, or experience them in conjunction with
feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, social withdrawal, drastic
mood swings, apathy, marked change in appearance, nightmares, numbing
behavior (such as getting drunk), self-abuse, or agitation – especially
if any of these symptoms interferes with functioning. If you would like
to consult with a counselor about concerns regarding your student’s
functioning, contact Counseling Services at (478) 445-5331. If your
student would like to make a free, confidential appointment with a
counselor, have him or her contact the same number or stop by 132 Lanier
Hall.
If you or your student is
experiencing difficulty coping with the impact of the economy on your
household, here are some coping tips that may help. First, try to sleep
on a regular schedule. Be sure to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic
exercise at least three times per week. Many studies have shown such
activity to have an impact on brain chemistry and mood similar to taking
a low-dose antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Be sure that you
are eating a balanced diet, which can help take care of your immune
system, particularly during cold and flu season. Finally, try deep
(diaphragmatic) breathing, which can help to slow racing thoughts and
heartbeat, reduce blood pressure, and increase feelings of well-being.
Another helpful coping
strategy is realizing what you can and cannot control. Sometimes people
try to gain a sense of control by seeking excessive information about an
issue or alternatively, by avoiding such information altogether. Because
everyone is different, for you it may be helpful to limit your exposure
to the news about the economy, but for someone else it may be helpful to
seek out factual information to reduce anxiety. Either way, it can help
to realize that even minor economic changes are being turned into
“breaking news” headlines simply due to 24-hour media coverage and the
need for ratings. Whether you seek out or turn off the news, try to
give some of your attention to humorous, uplifting, creative and
inspirational outlets. It may especially feel good to get involved in
community service as a reminder that many people are much worse off in
the economy and that you can make a positive contribution in their
lives. Seek out the support of religious or spiritual communities if
you find that helpful, and be sure to make room in your life for loving
touch such as stroking a pet, hugging your student, or holding hands
with a loved one. Finally, it may be helpful to think about how you
have dealt with difficult situations in the past and remind yourself and
your student that the family will get through this one, too.
GCSU Fall Sports Update
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By: Al Weston, Sports Information Director
University Athletics
Soccer
The Bobcat soccer team
followed up a breakthrough 2007 season with the best season in program
history in 2008. Powered by one of the best defensive efforts in all of
Division II women’s soccer, Georgia College and first year head coach
Juan Pablo Favero went 13-3-4 and finished third in the Peach Belt
Conference (PBC) standings.
The team also cracked the
Adidas National Poll for the first time in school history, reaching as
high as No. 19 in the nation and No. 3 in the region. The Bobcats also
had the most players of any conference school make the All-PBC teams, as
seven Bobcats earned all-conference nods. Named to the first team were
junior Morgan Cobb and freshman Karen Bonilla; while senior Hayley
Ferrell, and sophomores Kayla Emerson, Ally Treat, Jessica Binkowski and
Mary Rob Plunkett earned second-team spots.
The culmination of the
season came Nov. 15, when the Bobcats were given one of three region
at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, putting the Bobcats in the NCAA
postseason for the first time in their five years of existence. Georgia
College fell to Catawba 2-1, but with just one senior in the starting
lineup, 2009 looks to add plenty more accolades to Bobcat women’s
soccer.
Cross Country
 The Bobcat women’s cross
country team had one of the best years in program history, as they took
a program-best fifth place in the NCAA Region Championships, a 10-place
improvement over last season’s finish. Head coach Joe Samprone’s women
harriers also finished one spot behind a program-best at the PBC
Championships, taking fourth.
Juniors Heather Raines
and Bonnie Ueltzen took over the team lead toward the end of the season,
giving a strong finish with the two post-season spots combined with a
team title in the Division II portion of the Pepperdine Invitational.
The men’s team was paced
by youth, as freshman Rob Manning finished three slots from All-Region
honors at the NCAA Regional, leading the team to a ninth place spot, a
two-slot improvement from 2007. Manning was joined by fellow rookie
Colin Conroy as well as two-time All-PBC selection Josh Hollar for a
third-place finish at the PBC Championships.
Each team loses just one
senior apiece, neither one coming from either team’s starting lineup.
 Tennis
The men’s and women’s
tennis teams play an abbreviated schedule in the fall, but Erick
Siqueira and Justin Pickham made the most of the brief chance to hit the
courts.
The duo won Flight-A
doubles titles in three of the four tournaments they entered, the only
one falling short was the Georgia Collegiate Championships, competing
against Division I schools in Athens, Ga.
One of the tournament
victories came in the ITA Regionals, earning the team a bid to the ITA
Division II Championship Tournament in Mobile, Ala. Pickham and Siqueira
were the first Georgia College men’s doubles team to make it to the
prestigious tournament, as 2009 Georgia College Hall of Fame inductee
Jay Torrence made the trip as an individual in 1994.
The pair buzzed through
BYU Hawaii in the opening round, then beat Concordia College in a
three-set match to get into the finals. There, the Bobcats again went to
a three-set thriller, getting beat by the team from Lynn University in a
marathon.
 Golf
Ranked No. 6 in the
nation, Georgia College golf also plays an abbreviated fall schedule,
consisting of four tournaments. The starting lineup was much the same
for the Bobcats, utilizing a group that finished fourth at the NCAA
Finals in 2008. Four starters returned, including a pair of
All-Americans in Niclas Johansson and Joe Young. One departure from last
year’s squad was senior All-American Juan Bialet, replaced by junior
Pedro C. Lima.
Lima wasted little time
making an impact, as he was named PBC Golfer of the Week after leading
the squad to a second-place finish at the Raines Intercollegiate. Lima
took fifth in just his second Division II tournament. The team also
earned third place finishes in both the Kiawah Island Intercollegiate
and the State Farm-Laker Collegiate Invitational.
Living the Good Life on Campus
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By:
Tom Miles, Director
Campus Life
GCSU’s Department of Campus Life oversees many aspects of life beyond the
classroom, coordinating all recognized student organization activities,
recreational sports, Greek life, and community service. The department spends
much of its time working directly with students to facilitate their personal
growth and development.
With that said, what are
students doing at GCSU?
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Last year, our
students completed over 45,000 hours of community service in our local
community. The value of our students’ volunteer time is estimated at over
$875,000. As you can imagine, this amount of service saves the
Milledgeville and Baldwin County areas a tremendous amount of money, while
contributing to the public good. It also provides our students with remarkable
opportunities for leadership and engagement with issues beyond the campus.
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Another favorite
pastime of students is recreational sports. The level of their involvement
in this area is staggering for a college our size. For the last two years,
GCSU averaged over 90 flag football teams, including one which placed second
in the nation last year. Last spring, the Georgia College student body
generated 115 softball teams – more than double the typical number for a
campus with our enrollment. Our students are unusually dedicated to being
physically active.
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Greek Life is
another high-involvement area of campus life. After fall sorority
recruitment, over 1,100 students are now involved in Greek life
(fraternities and sororities). Again, this level of involvement is
remarkable. Almost one out of every five students is a member of a social
Greek-letter organization.
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Because Campus
Life promotes activities that will reach all GCSU students, Recognized
Student Organizations are an important element of the operation. Over the
past year, students created 29 new student organizations bringing our total
number of student organization and service projects to over 200. The class
of 2012 is continuing the trend of adding new student organizations.
Georgia College students are
part of a campus life that is vibrant and truly student-centered. We know that
our parents are behind the scenes supporting their students, and for this we
send a hardy “thank you” for helping us to sustain quality student development
opportunities.
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