CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The Center for Student Success has as its foundation a strong commitment to the success of all students. The First-Year Experience programs seek to establish a solid base of academic success skills. Focus is directed to academic advisement at Georgia College & State University that faculty-based system that assures you contact with a faculty member who can guide your course selection and assist in career preparation. If you have not yet decided upon a major, you'll be advised by professional advisors in the Advising Center in 232 Lanier Hall. The Center coordinates components of a year-long recruitment and retention program for incoming students, administers POUNCE (registration process for all newly admitted freshmen) and provides assistance and support for all faculty advisors. Through the University Advising Center, the Center for Student Success provides supplemental academic advising to first-year students, to students in transition, and to those unsure of their major.

The Center for Student Success coordinates and provides resources and support for the group of GCSU courses that address various aspects of leadership and success that are integrated throughout students' academic careers.

Courses with the GCSU prefix include:

GCSU 0001 - First Year Academic Seminar for General Studies – Undecided students

GCSU 1010 - Student Success

GCSU 1015 – Strategies for Learning

GCSU 1020 – Student Leadership

GCSU 1030 – Career Development

The Center for Student Success is located in 232 Lanier Hall and can be reached at (478) 445-5384.

CENTER FOR TESTING

The Center for Testing administers tests which satisfy undergraduate degree requirements, such as, the Regents' Test, the U.S. and Georgia History Tests, and the Senior Exit Exam for many majors. Other available testing programs include the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the Nurse Entrance Test (NET), and the College of Education Graduate Writing Assessment. Testing services include proctoring course tests for students who qualify for learning accommodations, proctoring independent study/distance learning examinations, scoring and generating reports for course tests for faculty, and administering some professional certification tests. For more information visit the Center for Testing Web site at http://testingcenter.gcsu.edu.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Georgia College & State University provides a range of counseling services free of charge to all GCSU students. Personal counseling helps individuals deal with the stresses and concerns that university students often experience. Career counseling and inventories may be useful to those who are undecided about a choice of major or career path. Educational counseling is offered on such matters as study skills, time management, and test-taking skills. Services to faculty and staff include consultation, presentations to classes, and crisis intervention. Group experiences, workshops, and seminars are offered to help students develop skills and achieve goals. Confidentiality is maintained, information is generally released only by authorization of the student.

For more information, visit the Counseling Services Web site at: /counseling/index.htm

DINING SERVICES

GCSU offers a variety of dining services for you to choose from. Visitors and the surrounding community can choose from the Dining Hall, located on the second floor of MSU, Einstein Bros. Bagels, located on the first floor of MSU inside the bookstore, Books & Brew Starbucks Cafe', located in the Library, The Ice Box, located on the first floor of MSU in the Bobcat Food Court, Chick-fil-A, located on the first floor of MSU in the Bobcat Food Court, Blimpie Subs & Salads, located on the first floor of MSU in the Bobcat Food Court, Sandella's Flatbread, located at The Village at West Campus, and the World of Wings Cafe' & Wingery, located on the ground floor of Sanford Residence Hall.

Visitors and surrounding community may purchase individual meals at the dining hall or visit any of the above dining locations anytime during operating hours.

For more information about Dining Services, please call (478) 445-FOOD, or visit the dining services Web site.

DISABILITY SERVICES

The Office of Disability Services provides services and accommodations to students with disabilities.

POLICY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Georgia College & State University is committed to the full and total inclusion of all individuals and to the principle of individual rights and responsibilities. To this end, policies and procedures will ensure that persons with a disability will not, on the basis of that disability, be denied full and equal access to academic and co-curricular programs or activities or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under programs or activities offered by Georgia College & State University.

This policy was developed to ensure equal access at Georgia College & State University for individuals with disabilities and to ensure full compliance with all pertinent federal and state legislation, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992.

For additional information, please visit /equity/disabilityservices.htm

DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

The primary mission of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs is to provide programming and services that foster intercultural dialogue, celebrate differences, create a nurturing and educational environment, and enhance the quality of life for all. The office encourages a university-wide approach to developing services and programs that celebrate the diversity represented in our students, faculty, and staff. Its objective is to promote and sustain an inclusive campus culture that embraces the breadth of perspectives and concerns presented by the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political or other ideologies. For more information, visit /equity/multicultural.htm

DIVISION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Division of Information Technology (IT) has responsibility for the operation and security of the technological infrastructure of the University. The departments within (IT) assures students, faculty, and staff members have the resources necessary to participate in daily administrative, academic, and residential activities.

The Technology Support Services department supports the desktop hardware, software, and audio needs for the campus, as well as the instructional technology in the classrooms. Requests for installation, service, and support are made through the SERVE Help Desk by dialing (478) 445-SERVE (7378) or via e-mail at serve@gcsu.edu.

EAST CAMPUS (LAKE LAUREL)

East Campus facilities overlook beautiful Lake Laurel and are the home of the Biological Field Station, the Outdoor Center at Georgia College, and outdoor education graduate and undergraduate programs. The eighty-three acre site features wet lands, mixed forests, walking trails, a 3.5 acre pond (Lake Laurel), and myriad wildlife. Swimming and boating are not permitted on the lake; however fishers enjoy its easy access and selected facilities are available for meetings and social gatherings.

The Outdoor Center at Georgia College provides excellent technical training, outdoor recreation education, leadership training, and group development experiences. Facilities include Lake Laurel Lodge; offices and meeting rooms; the Water Shack equipment management building; several group development areas, a multi-element low challenge course, a 25-element high challenge course, a Tango Tower with two artificial climbing walls; and a YURT.

EVENING PROGRAMS

Georgia College & State University offers evening courses on its Milledgeville campus, (and for graduate students its commuter locations in Macon and Warner Robins). Evening programs allow you the opportunity to earn credit in certain programs to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree by attending classes only in the evenings. The general education requirement (Core) can also be completed by taking evening classes on the main campus. Although senior division courses are available in various departments, bachelor's degrees are available at night in limited areas. These include accounting, information systems, criminal justice, English, history, logistics, management, nursing, and political science. For graduate students, some of these will require that some courses be taken at the University's various commuter centers and campuses. Contact the Chairperson of the appropriate department for details.

Prospective students should be advised that it will probably take a longer time to receive a degree by doing evening work rather than attending day classes or a combination of day and evening classes.

Specific information on current program availability, scheduling and registration may be obtained by calling the University's Enrollment Services at (478) 445-6286 or visit /registrar.

EXTENDED UNIVERSITY DIVISION

The Extended University Division provides many services to GCSU students, primarily through the Department of Continuing Education, the Department of Public Services, the International Education Center, Academic Engagement, Academic Outreach, and the Old Governor's Mansion. Continuing Education coordinates an aerobics program - free to GCSU students - in the Centennial Center, and provides a number of summer employment opportunities to students. The Department of Public Services supervises the Centennial Center, outdoor pool, and tennis courts, as well as Russell Auditorium, Miller Dance Studio, and several other facilities used by students. Public Services is also responsible for nonacademic facility reservations for the campus, and can assist student groups in finding meeting space. The Old Governor's Mansion - a historic house museum - provides free tours of the Mansion to students.

The International Education Center works with students, faculty, and staff across campus to promote international and cross-cultural learning, as well as respect for diversity, and assists the university in producing graduates who are prepared to accept their responsibilities as citizens of the world.  The department assists international students through the admissions process, provides information and counseling to the more than 100 enrolled international students from 50 countries, advises the International Club and assists with its programs such as the International Dinner and International Week, works with departments and schools to internationalize their curricula, and works with faculty and partner universities to provide GCSU students with summer, semester and academic year study abroad programs in more than 20 different countries. 

The Office of Academic Engagement enriches student learning through distinctive and integrative opportunities, connecting classroom knowledge with action and experience.  Its programs include the Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM), Leadership Certificate, and American Humanics programs, as well as the university's experiential transcript, service learning, and student research efforts.

Since 1968, Academic Outreach has provided free positive educational experiences for Pre-K through 12th grade students in Baldwin and surrounding counties.  The department's mission is to promote a passion for learning while having fun and increasing students' awareness of their surroundings.  This is accomplished through hands-on activities and non-traditional delivery systems at schools, environmental centers, and GCSU.  Because AO is funded through a generous endowment for science education from the Kaolin Industries of Georgia, many of its programs are science or environmental based, but they also range in programming from history and team building to art and music.  As members of the Community Action Team for Service (CATS), students of many majors reach out into the community through Academic Outreach. 

To learn more about the services Extended University provides to students, visit the division's Web site at /extendeduniversity/.

FIRST-YEAR-EXPERIENCE

The First-Year Experience is a comprehensive program of events, programs and activities that assist students in becoming familiar with GCSU and in developing the necessary college skills to thrive in GCSU's liberal arts environment. The sequenced schedule of events and activities persists over a 12-month period – from contact during a prospective student's senior year of high school through the completion of the first term of study at GCSU. The First-Year Experience not only links incoming students with the institution, but also with faculty within their prospective department, and with other incoming students. The FYE also introduces students to the mission and expectations of the learning community of GCSU, including the first year theme of "Reason, Respect & Responsibility."

Aspects of the FYE program include:

• High school recruitment activities organized through the Admissions Office, including Scholar Receptions held during the senior year when top high school scholars from around the state are invited to GCSU for a day of information and exposure to the campus community.
• POUNCE – the early registration program for incoming first-year students.
• Springfest – Springfest is an exceptional opportunity for students who have decided to attend GCSU to reaffirm their decision, and for undecided students to discover the vitality and quality of Georgia's designated public liberal arts university. The days' agenda includes: academic open houses, non-academic drop-in opportunities, information on early registration (POUNCE), summer orientation, residence life, student organizations, campus tours, and resources that support student success. /springfest
• FallFest - During the month of October, Georgia College & State University hosts a premiere visitation day for prospective students who are engaged in an early and timely search for their college of choice. At Fallfest, students and parents have the opportunity to attend academic presentations and open houses that are representative of all GCSU majors. A prospective freshman forum answers questions regarding the admissions process, financial aid, possible scholarships, campus living, early registration (POUNCE), and technology. Visiting students are encouraged to tour the Bobcat Marketplace (registered student organization fair) to preview opportunities for student involvement. /fallfest
• New Student Orientation – a one day structured program for new first-year and transfer students to foster the link with faculty in their intended major, become familiar with the campus and array of academic and extracurricular programs available at GCSU.
• Co-curricular Registration – an opportunity offered during Summer Orientation to intentionally link first-year students with campus clubs and organizations.
• Summer Reading program – a unique summer reading assignment for first-year students entering GCSU in Fall semester. Books selected each year relate to the first-year theme, "Reason, Respect & Responsibility."
• CIRCLES – a program to assign the entering class into small discussion groups. Groups are facilitated by faculty and university staff and meet during Week of Welcome to discuss the assigned reading.
• Convocation – a ceremony the evening prior to the first day of classes when the entire entering first-year class gathers for the official opening of the term.
• Week of Welcome (WOW) – a week of academic programs and social activities prior to the beginning of Fall semester.
• First-Year Academic Seminars – a one-credit course that is a required component of students' schedules during their first term. Courses in each department are designed to assist students in adapting to college life and to identify resources within their major department to assist them in achieving their goals.
• Advisement and Registration – an intentional process and relationship between students and university faculty or staff that not only provides quality advisement through the core curriculum, but also provides career exploration opportunities for students to assist them in making sound choices about majors and career directions.
• First-Year Student Web page – a source for information on the "nuts and bolts" of student life at GCSU.

GREEK LIFE

Greek Life is a unit of the Department of Campus Life. Greek Life provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to enhance the quality of GCSU fraternities and sororities. The department currently provides service to seventeen national Greek organizations, including five National Interfraternity Conference organizations, five National Panhellenic Conference organizations, and seven National Panhellenic Council organizations. Each council coordinates rush and other activities.

Further information may be obtained in the Department of Campus Life at (478) 445-4027 or at /studentlife/greeklife.htm.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Georgia College & State University has offered intercollegiate athletics since 1968. The purpose of the athletic program is to enrich the students' collegiate experience. Student athletes are expected to place a priority on academics while participating in a sport, thus striving for excellence as students and as athletes.

GCSU athletic teams compete in the Peach Belt Conference. The PBC is composed of schools from Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

The Georgia College Athletic Department supports the following teams that compete within the Peach Belt Conference and the NCAA Division II, along with cheerleading.

Further information may be obtained at /athletics/

LEARNING CENTER AND TUTORING SERVICES

The Learning Center offers tutorial assistance in many core curriculum subjects to any enrolled GCSU student.

Our mission is to provide the college community with a comprehensive program in academic support services. We understand the challenges students encounter when a learning situation arises in which they do not feel completely prepared to perform optimally. Our services aim to enhance the academic lives of those students seeking help in the areas of mathematics, science, and economics. We also offer an inviting atmosphere for studying.

As a member of CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association), the Learning Center is well staffed with highly qualified University students who provide academic mentoring. Peer tutors are chosen not only on their ability to comprehend the material, but also on their ability to communicate the material to fellow students. Qualified tutors possess at least a 3.0 overall GPA and a 4.0 in their area of expertise.

Contact The Learning Center to learn more about our tutorial services, tutoring schedules or about becoming a peer tutor.

LIBRARY SERVICES

The Library and Instructional Technology Center (LITC) maintains a student focused approach, serving as a center for academic activity, learning, and access to resources. The LITC contains a wide variety of spaces for study, reflection, conversation, creativity, and refreshments. The impressive entrance of the building contains a lounge, and Internet café and serves as a campus gathering place. With space for 450,000 volumes, the LITC includes 39 group study rooms, two electronic classrooms, three computer labs, and a media lab.

Web Enabled Resources (on line instruction) works collaboratively with the Library, Special Collections, the Museum, and the Instructional Technology Center to provide quality instructional support.

Instruction and reference librarians offer individual research assistance at the Reference Desk, by phone (478) 445-0979, or electronically reference@gcsu.edu. Library faculty provide formal classroom instruction at a variety of levels, from freshmen seminar to graduate coursework. A general orientation to the Library's resources is provided by Access!--The Library Research Methods Unit--during English 1101. The on line component of Access! is available from /library/instruction/access/index.htm. Subject guides for finding and using Library resources pertaining to specific disciplines are available on the Library Web site via /library/reference/guides/index.htm.

The latest hardware/software and support are available from the Instructional Technology Center (ITC), located on the first floor of the facility. Workstations, laser printers, color printing, scanning equipment, video capture, and recording devices are a sample of the services offered (478) 445-4219.

Special Collections maintains the University Archives, the Paul D. Coverdell Papers, the Flannery O'Connor Collection, rare books and manuscripts, the Archives of Georgia Education and the Horology Collection. The staff provides research assistance for all materials contained within the department (478) 445-0988.

Technical Services coordinates the selection, purchase, receipt, and processing of books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, and other materials for the LITC. Technical Services also maintains the Library's catalog. For more information, contact (478) 445-0983.

The Museum includes two galleries featuring rotating exhibits as well as the Flannery O'Connor Room and an electronically equipped education room available for classes, lectures and special events. The Museum entrance is located on Clarke Street. For more information about the Museum or the Pat Peterson Education Room, call (478) 445-4391.

The LITC collections contain over 190,000 volumes, including books, government documents, back files of periodicals, CDs, DVDs and videotapes, and an extensive microform collection. The Library has access to over 38,000 print and electronic periodicals. The Mildred English Curriculum Center is also located in the facility and provides support for the School of Education programs. The University System of Georgia's GALILEO system provides online access to library catalogs as well as to a wide variety of indexing, abstracting, and full-text databases. Passwords are available through PAWS each semester allowing off-campus access to most online and GALILEO databases.

A current Bobcat card (GCSU identification card) is used to borrow materials from GCSU and other libraries in the University System. Students may request books from other libraries in the University System through GIL Express, an online service that provides available materials within two working days of request. Copies of articles, as well as books and media not available in the University System may be requested through InterLibrary Loan. For general assistance phone (478) 445-4047.

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Living-Learning Communities are theme based academically centered housing options that are available for students. There are six living-learning communities in the residence halls.

• Casa Mondo: An international community where the focus of the community is pairing U.S. Students with students from various countries around the globe.
• Entrepreneurship: This community will explore the meaning of entrepreneurship and innovation with others who share the same interests.
• Fine Arts: A community who has an active interest in the pursuit of students who share an appreciation for the theatre and creative writing.
• Honors: For students who are a part of the honors program and wish to live and interact with individuals in the honors program.
• Leadership: A community devoted especially to those who want to enhance their leadership development.
• Wellness: A community devoted to students who have an interest in wellness related issues.

MAXWELL STUDENT UNION

The Maxwell Student Union accommodates a variety of student life offices, dining options, and the PawPrints Bookstore. The first level of the Maxwell Student Union houses a Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, the Ice Box ice-cream shop, and Blimpie Subs & Salads. Offices located on the first level include Institutional Equity and Diversity (Women's Resource Center, Disability Services, and Diversity Programming), The Colonnade, Black Student Alliance, Pride Alliance, Asia Student Alliance, Progressive Alliance, PawPrints Bookstore, the Bobcat Card Office, MidSouth Federal Credit Union, Mail Services, and Auxiliary Services. The second level accommodates the University Dining Hall.

MILLER DANCE STUDIO

Miller Dance Studio is located on the corner of Wayne and Montgomery Streets. This space is a classic dance studio with 2080 square feet of space, which includes a professional dance floor, mirrored walls, dance bars, and a state-of-the art sound system. It is ideal for dance, self-defense, yoga, and various other movement-related activities.

For more information or these and other campus facilities, contact the Department of Public Services at 445-2749. The on-line space reservation system is used to see available locations and make space reservations.

RUSSELL AUDITORIUM

Built in 1928, Russell Auditorium serves the University and the community for many cultural events. The auditorium seats 980 persons (with balcony) and was completely renovated in 1996. It is fully air conditioned, accessible to persons with disabilities, and ideal for large productions and other large gatherings.

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Student life at Georgia College & State University offers students a wide range of opportunities to become involved in University programs, services, and activities. Learning that takes place outside the classroom is an integral part of personal and educational development.

The educational mission of Georgia College & State University is the advancement of student learning both within and outside the classroom. The persons and offices which comprise the Division of Student Affairs contribute to this mission by providing programs and services which facilitate student learning, enhance student success, and teach responsible community membership. This Division is committed to helping students meet their full potential through providing co-curricular experiences that complement the University's academic experiences. In order to help students progress toward their educational and career goals, a number of student services, programs and activities are provided by the Student Affairs Office which is responsible for leadership, management and supervision of the operations of all departments within the Division. Counseling Services, intramural/recreational programs, Athletics, University Housing, Campus Life, and Greek affairs, are coordinated by this office.

The Student Affairs office administers the University's disciplinary code of conduct and student's rights and responsibilities; assuring due process procedures for students accused of misconduct. The University's Honor Code and disciplinary policy is administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. The office also represents student interests and concerns to the faculty, staff, and administration of Georgia College & State University.

STUDENT CENTER

The Student Center is designed to provide you with educational, recreational, and meeting space. The Department of Campus Life is located on the third floor of the Student Center and includes Student Involvement, Greek life, Recreational Sports, Club Sports, Venture Out, and The GIVE Center (located next door in Ennis Hall).

Spaces available for use include: the Magnolia Ballroom, Pine Lounge (commonly referred to as "The Den"), First Floor, Dogwood and Maple Conference Rooms, and the Game Room.

Also located in the Student Center are the Campus Activities Board, the Student Government Association, and Greek Life (all on 1st floor).

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

The purpose of Student Health Services is to provide for the maintenance of good health for currently enrolled students. Students eligible for treatment must complete a medical history questionnaire including an appropriate record of immunizations prior to registration. A valid Bobcat card must be presented to receive service at the clinic.

Outpatient medical care for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries is provided for students by certified nurse practitioners at the Health Service Clinic in Beeson Hall. Students may be referred to consultants if needed or if desired by the patient. Students are referred to Oconee Regional Medical Center in the event of an emergency.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Other staff members include a board certified physician consultant, part-time pharmacist, administrative assistant, medical assistant, and a health educator.

Student Health Services promotes the Wellness Concept as an educational process and life-style for students. Health education information, designed to have a positive influence on students' health, behavior, and manner, is provided through the office.

THE WELLNESS DEPOT

The GCSU community has a unique opportunity to engage in wellness activities such a regular exercise at the Wellness Depot, a restored train depot transformed into an attractive, functional fitness center. With a full line of strength training and cardio machines, the Depot is a great facility for the novice exerciser or an experienced fitness enthusiast. GCSU's Wellness Programs also offers a variety of healthy lifestyle educational programs and activities throughout the year.