STUDENT SERVICES

BOBCAT CARD

The Bobcat Card Office is conveniently located inside the Maxwell Student Union location of PawPrints Bookstore. The Bobcat Card is an essential key to campus life and a handy tool for managing money. As the official GCSU identification card, it offers students access to many services like Residential Hall access, meal plan access, and snack/beverage/laundry/vending access. CatCash/Dining Dollar balances roll over from semester to semester. Upon graduating/transferring/withdrawing from GCSU, any balance greater than $20 may be refunded.

Students should present the Bobcat Card to any properly-identified faculty or staff member upon request. The Bobcat Card may be required for admission to certain student activities and college facilities, including weekend use of the academic computer labs. A valid Bobcat Card is required to conduct any financial transaction at the Business Office.

For more information, please call (478) 445-CARD (2273).

BOOKSTORE

The University operates two locations of PawPrints Bookstore. The textbook store, offering school supplies and GCSU clothing and gifts, is located at 115 S. Wilkinson St., less than half a block off campus. The Maxwell Student Union location also offers school supplies, general books, convenience store items, and a larger selection of GCSU clothing and gift items.

Both stores are open Monday through Friday with extended hours during the first week of classes each semester. PawPrints also serves the Warner Robins and Macon campuses via the PawPrints on line bookstore.

For general information about PawPrints Bookstore, please call (478) 445-8117. For questions regarding textbooks, please call (478) 445-TEXT. For additional information, visit the bookstore's Web site, accessed from the Student Services tab of GCSU's homepage.

CAMPUS LIFE

The Department of Campus Life is responsible for the intentional promotion of student development by encouraging student self-appraisal, assisting students in acquiring the skills necessary to excel in all areas of their life, assisting students in developing effective social and leadership skills, and creating and encouraging involvement opportunities. Campus Life offers programming that contributes to the University's mission of providing quality educational and co-curricular experiences.

Georgia College & State University students may participate in a variety of activities that are coordinated or organized through this office. Such activities include concerts, comedians, intramural sports, movies, club sports, special interest groups, academic organizations, honor societies, and Greek organizations. The Recreational Sports programs' purpose is twofold: to provide students with recreation opportunities and to enhance their development outside the classroom. Recreational Sports provides team as well as individual sports opportunities to compete in intramural sports events at the state level. Students may participate in swimming, Ultimate, and water ski team as club sports.

CAREER CENTER

The Career Center at Georgia College & State University is committed to preparing students for their transition to graduate school or the job market. Services are also available to alumni and graduate students who may be pursuing advanced opportunities within their field or exploring new career fields. Students who participate in the career development programs and services as well as networking opportunities with employers and graduate schools are well prepared for the world of work and graduate school.

Services and programs are provided to students beginning in their freshman year, and continue throughout their undergraduate experience. Services are also available to alumni and graduate students. These services include:

• Career Connection career management system at www2.gcsu.edu/career, which includes jobs, internships, workshop calendar, career fair information, and a resource library
• Career and major exploration
• Part-time job listings for off-campus jobs.
• Career and graduate school fairs
• Career development workshops
• Assistance with searching for jobs and internships

The Career Center is located in Lanier Hall, Room 232. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We can also be contacted at (478) 445-5384, through our Web site at www2.gcsu.edu/career

CENTENNIAL CENTER COMPLEX

This 97,000 square-foot multi-purpose facility opened in October 1989, and was constructed to enhance educational opportunities through facilitating comprehensive health, physical education, and intercollegiate athletic programs, and after meeting these needs, to provide special services to the remaining university family and its community. The later addition of a swimming pool and bathhouse facility and six lighted tennis courts make the complex one of the most appealing and highly-used facilities on the campus.

For more information about the Centennial Center Complex call the Centennial Center Operations office at 445-6542.

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 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES THAT AFFECT LEARNING

It is the policy of Georgia College & State University to provide accommodations to students identified as disabled in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the subsequent Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who identify themselves as disabled through the admissions process are referred directly to Disability Services from the Office of Admissions. Faculty and staff who have reason to believe a student under their advisement or in their class has a disability that affects learning can also refer this student for consideration of services.

Faculty and staff should contact Mr. Mike Chambers, Assistant Director of Equity for Disability Services, for information and help in addressing the needs of 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.

DATA MANAGEMENT

The department of Data Management provides support to administration, faculty, staff, and students of GCSU to the Student Information System, also known as Banner. The SIS, or Banner support, includes access to the PAWS (Personal Access for Web Services) Web site. The unit also provides support to administrative offices for PeopleSoft Financials and Human Resources systems. All requests for assistance are made through the SERVE Help Desk by dialing (478) 445-SERVE (7378) or via e-mail at serve@gcsu.edu.

NETWORK & SERVER RESOURCES

The department of Network & Server Resources provides support for network connectivity with the campus and to the outside world. This unit maintains the routers, switches, fiber optic cable, and connections needed to maintain Internet access. The staff provides support for the employee and student e-mail services and maintains servers for specialized applications campus wide. All requests for services and assistance 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/.

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.

MEDIA PRODUCTION RESOURCES

The production studios and local cable broadcasts provide an opportunity for students to gain experience in TV through credit class assignments, part-time employment, or volunteering.

WEB ENABLED RESOURCES

The department of Web Enabled Resources supports the use of technology to expand instructional opportunities including online course materials, mailing lists, forums and other Internet-based applications.

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.