Newsletter 008 | March 2010
Parent e-Newsletter Spring 2010
Purple Gloves take Georgia College by Storm
If you've been near Georgia College's campus during the last month or so, chances are pretty good that you've seen lots of students wearing purple gloves and dancing around enthusiastically in front of a camera.
So what's the big deal?
Just ask the girl with the camera in her hand, senior psychology major Jaquie Beute. "The Purple Glove Dance was made in an effort to raise awareness and donations for support of Relay For Life," Jaquie explained when she posted her video of the dance on Youtube. "The students, faculty, and staff of Georgia College & State University put on their purple gloves and danced for the cure, and the Milledgeville community got behind the project and showed their support as well."
The idea started with the staff of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore., who filmed themselves dancing around their hospital wearing pink gloves to raise breast cancer awareness. With almost seven million Youtube views, the Providence video is an Internet sensation. When Jaquie saw it, she decided she wanted to do something similar for a good cause.
"I work in the GIVE Center," said Jaquie, "and we found a box of purple gloves. I thought, 'Maybe I could use those.'"
After she'd already decided to make the video, Jaquie discovered an online contest with the very same idea, sponsored by Cause Keepers and 4thefight.com. She knew right away that she wanted to participate.
Each Purple Glove Dance video entered in the contest is backed by a Relay for Life team, and the winning team with the most Youtube video views by midnight on July 31 will be presented with a check made out to the American Cancer Society for at least $5,000. The check will be augmented by a percentage of the sales profit from each box of purple gloves sold at 4thefight.com during the contest period.
Jaquie uploaded Georgia College's video entry to Youtube on Feb. 23, and by noon on March 1, it was already leading the contest with more than 11,600 views.
The video took about two months to complete, from the early planning stages to the final edit, and showcases the stylish moves of the members of several Georgia College organizations, including SGA, RSA, the varsity cheerleaders, and the Sassy Cats dance team.
Many sororities and fraternities are also represented in the video. Jaquie even convinced two different psychology classes to pause briefly in their studies and don the purple gloves.
"The most difficult part was organizing the big dance out on the front lawn," said Jaquie. "Event planning has never been my forte. I'm better in support roles and behind the scenes, but I was really passionate about this."
Jaquie arranged for a choreographer to help with the large group dance, which was filmed from overhead using a skybucket.
"Being the primary coordinator for this project was very stressful," Jaquie said, "but when everyone got so excited about it, that really fueled my passion. I think we were extremely successful!"
To watch the video and help Georgia College and Jaquie win the $5,000 for Relay for Life, visit http://tinyurl.com/purpleglovedance.
The Job Market for Georgia College Students
The media is still reporting a fairly dismal job market, but the University Career Center wants you to know that there is hope for seniors looking for full-time employment and undergraduates seeking internships. While it is true that some companies have cut back their recruiting efforts on college campuses, some industries continue to grow in terms of new opportunities. The University Career Center hosted over 70 companies and graduate programs this spring at our two annual career fairs – the Nursing & Health Sciences Career Expo and the GCSU Career Expo. If your students missed these career fairs, the final career fair of the year will be on April 13 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The annual College-to-Career Fair includes over 30 colleges in Georgia and attracts over 60 employers and graduate programs each year. To see who is attending thus far, students and parents can visit www.gace.org/careerfair.
Because of the challenges with our economy, a company may not be able to attend a career fair but may still be hiring. Students are also encouraged to view job postings on Career Connection at www.gcsu.edu/career. Students must register to use this service, which also includes the opportunity to upload a resume to be included in our online resume books for employers.
Before the semester ends, we will have one more on campus opportunity for students to meet employers. The University Career Center and the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business Career Services will also be sponsoring the Backpack-to-Briefcase Conference on April 9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Atkinson Hall. Recruiting professionals from GEICO, Sherwin Williams, and Hertz will be presenting sessions on resume writing, interviewing, and job search techniques. These companies are also hiring throughout the state of Georgia for positions in sales, management, and customer service. This event will focus on business students but is open to all majors.
Most of all, students need to be prepared with a good resume and outstanding interviewing skills before they start applying to positions. Encourage your student to seek assistance through career services at the university. Students can call the University Career Center at 478-445-5384 or visit us in 232 Lanier Hall.
Who are Peer Educators?
On the GC campus, we are known as P.A.W.S., or Peers Advocating for Wellness Successfully.
Below are the goals of our group:
- Peer Educators provide programming and disseminate information concerning alcohol, drugs, and other health-related issues to other college students.
- Peer Educators are caring helpers who serve as a support to fellow students in need.
- Peer Educators are role models who make healthy choices and encourage healthy and positive choices in the lives of others.
- Peer Educators are certified through a training program designed to empower them to educate, confront, listen to, and help their peers to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Peer Educators have the opportunity to gain experience in preparing and giving presentations to campus and community groups.
- Peer Educators can gain experience in conference planning and attendance on a regional level.
- Peer Educators serve as student leaders on campus.
On our campus, the group coordinates with Counseling Services, Health Services, The Wellness Depot, University Housing, the Resident Student Association, Public Safety, Parking and Transportation, and other student organizations on events throughout the year.
Safe Spring Break Days - Brought to you by PEER Educators!
It's that time of year again, when many of our students pack up and head away from campus for Spring Break! Whether Spring Break means a trip to the beach for sun and fun, skiing or boarding down a mountain, volunteering in an alternative break program, or just relaxing and rejuvenating at home, we want to help you make sure our students are well equipped to have a safe and fun time.
Safe Spring Break is an opportunity for us to get students ready for Spring Break fun while encouraging them to make positive choices for their own health as well as the safety of their friends. Peer educators attempt to be positive and supportive about healthy decision-making, while at the same time pointing out some of the real dangers and risks that need to be addressed.
Through the promotion of safe and sober driving, responsible decision-making, planned strategies for personal safety and avoiding high-risk drinking, we hope to reduce if not eliminate the number of injuries during the Spring Break period. In addition, since healthy decision-making such as choosing safe and sober driving are life skills, these efforts will save lives long after Spring Break is over.
Although the main focus may be on preventing impaired driving, our Safe Spring Break Campaign also includes information and encouragement on other health issues, such as healthy decision-making regarding sexuality, drugs, and even safe sun protection!
Co-Advisers for P.A.W.S. | Chris Lamphere, Counselor | Rachel Sullivan, Campus Health Educator
University Housing
While Priority Room Selection process for campus housing is wrapping up, there's still time for your student to claim their on-campus space for 2010-2011. Returning students can choose to live in either the Central Campus residence halls or in an apartment at The Village at West Campus. For instructions on renewing a housing contract, please visit www.gcsu.edu/housing and click on "Connect on Campus."
Campus has been full of activity lately. Recently, roommate teams from each building competed to see who knows each other best in "The Roommate Game," based on the TV classic, "The Newlywed Game." Coming soon in early April, the Resident Student Association will host the annual "Battle of the Bands." Each year this event brings out major musical talent and big crowds cheering on their favorite band. These are just two of the dozens of programs offered each week for students who live on campus.
Many students are currently planning their summers. Central Campus students who will be staying at GC over the summer can choose to live in Sanford Hall for Maymester, Summer I, and Summer II terms, or any combination of the three. Residents of The Village with 12 month contracts and are free to stay in their apartments until the end of July. The summer housing contract is available online at http://www.gcsu.edu/housing/current/forms.htm.
University Housing has recently launched Parent Connection, a program aimed at connecting the parents and families of on campus students to the events and activities at GCSU. We have recently re-designed our website to include a Parent Connection area where you can find important campus resources and view the monthly Campus Link newsletter which covers common issues your student may encounter while at school. If you are not receiving the Parent Connection e-mails, please send your e-mail and student name to housing@gcsu.edu
Student Government Association Updates
The Student Government Association has remained busy throughout the 2010 spring semester. Student leaders are currently working on a plan to increase library hours for students, moving forward with plans for the new wellness center, and continuing to build campus ethos.
SGA is currently working on completing renovations to the Den, located in the Student Activities Center. This is an area in which students can come and hang out to play video games, watch television, or relax in massage chairs. We hope that the new renovations will increase the number of students that come to this place on campus. Renovations are expected to be completed in late August 2010.
Safety continues to be on the minds of student leaders on campus. Recently, the Student Government Association funded the expansion of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout campus. Two areas designated to have AEDs are on the second floor of the Student Activity Center (SAC) outside Magnolia Ballroom and inside the field house at the West Campus Intramural Complex. There are also AEDs located at the Centennial Center, The Wellness Depot, and Student Health Services. We currently have an AED implementation timeline; continuing to add AEDs throughout campus as they become available.
The SGA Executive elections ended on February 18 and SGA is proud to announce a new executive board for the 2010-2011 academic year. Zach Mullins was re-elected as SGA President and will be joined by Evan Karanovich as Vice President, Claire Cantrell as Secretary, and Megan Moss as Treasurer. The executive elects are looking forward to their coming year serving the students and have a long list of goals and aspirations ready to accomplish. The new executive board will take office starting May 15, 2010 and will continue throughout the next academic year.
For more information, contact The Student Government Association at (478) 445-1472 or sga@gcsu.edu.
The World Views Georgia College on YouTube
Georgia College has acquired an educational YouTube license, allowing worldwide viewers an inside look at the university.
"The site provides the university visual exposure across the globe with potential students and parents we would not normally have," said University Webmaster Barbara Monnett. "The site offers a glimpse into learning and living on our campus and hopefully encourages students and parents to visit our campus and consider Georgia College as their first choice for their college educations."
The Georgia College educational YouTube site has registered 4,362 views during its first month of full operation.
And viewers can share what they see. With a simple keystroke, viewers can opt to share the videos with their friends and family members.
The educational license provides unlimited space for the university to upload large videos. Georgia College has placed 51 videos on its YouTube site and adds new ones weekly.
The playlist includes messages from President Dorothy Leland; news & events; featured videos promoting upcoming campus events; graduate students; student-produced videos; student life; campus progress; university television; features from Connection magazine and Milledgeville City Council.
Most of those videos are produced inside the university's television studio at no cost by university television staff and students studying broadcast communication.
"The university television studio is an ideal setting for our video support specialists to produce quality videos highlighting university events and promotions," said television services manager Bill Wendt. "We also video live events for placement on YouTube and upload local television news broadcasts that feature the university so everyone has an opportunity to view them."
The YouTube site looks familiar to gcsu.edu viewers. It showcases the familiar blue banner across the top of the page with the Georgia College columns in the top left corner and the slogan, "Connecting What Matters" in the top right corner.
"Another huge advantage is we are able to incorporate our gcsu.edu design from our own Web site onto our YouTube site," said university Webmaster Barbara Monnett. "Viewers can move fluidly from the gcsu.edu Web site to YouTube and back."
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Student Philanthropy
Georgia College students have embarked on a new exciting tradition – Student Philanthropy. A dedicated group of seniors have proven their leadership on campus through their involvement, dedication and belief in the mission of their university. This team is educating their peers about the importance of philanthropy and is acquainting them with the concept of giving back to their alma mater. Each member of the Senior Class is being asked to make a gift of $20.10 in honor of their graduation year. Gifts will benefit the campus through the Heritage Fund which supports the entire campus or they may designate gifts to scholarships or the department of their choice. The Student Philanthropy at Georgia College is yet another way we continue to Connect What Matters through the involvement of our students, alumni, parents and friends.
For more information about student philanthropy:
Check out the Student Philanthropy website at http://www.gcsu.edu/alumni/giveback.htm.
Or contact
Mandy Peacock, Annual Fund Coordinator at (478) 445-6930 or
Herby Agnew, Director of Alumni Relations at (478) 445-5771
Georgia College Athletics: A Night with the Stars
The Georgia College Annual Athletic Auction hits the Centennial Center once again Saturday, April 10 at 6 p.m. Dubbed "A Night with the Stars" and featuring a cinematic theme, the evening is the single biggest fundraiser of the year for Bobcat Athletics.
Admission is $100, which enters two into the event for an all-you-can-eat dinner and drinks for two, access to all auction items, and one entry in the $10,000 reverse raffle.
All proceeds go to the athletic scholarship program and special building projects with Georgia College Athletics.
For more information contact: GC Athletics at (478) 445-6341.
The Department of Public Safety
Georgia College & State University has a strong history of providing a safe atmosphere while promoting excellence in the classroom. Last year, The Daily Beast reported that Georgia College is the 8th safest college in the nation. Even though our campus has a reputation for safety, there is always room for enhancement. The Department of Public Safety would like to share a few measures taken to enhance the safety and security of your student.
Student Night Auxiliary Patrol (S.N.A.P.) is a relatively new measure taken by the Department of Public Safety to foster a healthy and safe environment on campus. SNAP employs student volunteers to provide safety escorts to students, faculty, and staff in the evening hours. These escorts are provided to and from various locations on Central Campus. Students have shown immense support for this program and have utilized this service extensively. Students can simply call (478) 445-SNAP and a SNAP officer will arrive shortly to provide a free safety escort.
Another new program started last fall is the Student Police Academy. Each semester the Department of Public Safety facilitates a police academy for all students interested. This program is free of charge and covers topics such as crime scene investigations, traffic stops, dispatch procedures, building clearing, firearms, and general traffic and criminal law. This program allows students with an interest in law enforcement to gain a general appreciation for the profession.
Georgia College's Emergency Notification System is about to expand with the recent approval of mass alert warning sirens to be installed both on Central and West Campuses. These sirens will help send lifesaving information quickly and efficiently to anyone in and around campus by sending an audible siren or voice alert in the event of immediate threat to the campus. Currently, Georgia College utilizes the Connect-ED emergency text messaging and voice call system for cell phones. The new sirens will help enhance the Emergency Notification System by utilizing both products. The Connect-ED service is free of charge and students can sign up by visiting www.gcsu.edu/alert .
For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit www.gcsu.edu/publicsafety as well as www.gcsu.edu/emergency.
Financial Aid
Beginning with Fall 2010, Georgia College & State University will begin participation in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Direct Lending provides a streamlined, high-quality and dependable loan program for GCSU families. The Direct Loan program includes both student Stafford loans and parent PLUS loans. The main difference of the Direct Loan Program versus our current method of student lending is that the funding will be provided by the federal government instead of private banks or lenders. All borrowers will need to complete a new electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) in addition to completing the 2010-2011 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to secure these loans. Comprehensive information regarding the Direct Loan program is available at www.direct.ed.gov.
Published March 22, 2010 | Gina O. Peavy | Office of Student Affairs| student.affairs@gcsu.edu
