The Division of Student Affairs cultivates an inclusive environment to advance

students' holistic development through intentional learning and

transformative engagement.

A Message from our VP

I am always amazed at how fast the semester flows and before we know it, we are in the last few weeks of class and planning for the holidays! And here we are. It’s the season of cool breezes, pumpkin flavored everything, time with family, and endless activities! I hope you make the most of this season and spend lots of time with your loved ones.

Many of you know I have experienced some health challenges this fall. It has been an interesting journey of balancing medical appointments and keeping up with family and work responsibilities. My daughter got married last month so this fall, the semester has flown by with these activities. One group I am very grateful for is our CREST (Commit to the Relentless Enhancement of Self and Team) leadership cohort. These colleagues have committed to enhancing their own leadership skills and mindset:

Katie Jones, Counseling Center

Drew Powell, Campus Recreation & Intramurals

Casey Weaver, Dean of Students Office

Zwisel Gandia, Office of Student Conduct

Sabrina Pollitt, Campus Recreation & Intramurals

Cat Bishop Hoopaugh, Office of Student Activities

Max Hollowat, Campus Recreation & Intramurals

Sean Bear, Health Services

Katie Fester, University Housing

Kelly Dolata, Student Accessibility Resource Center

Kelli Waters, Student Accessibility Resource Center

Bridget Eubanks, Student Union Facilities and Event Services

Kasie Thompson, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement

Jodi Kennedy, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement (Co-Facilitator)

This group is committing to meeting monthly, sharing successes and challenges, and learning about our own strengths. We are reading Brene’ Brown’s Dare to Lead and thinking differently about how we lead and grow. I have just finished meeting with everyone individually and I am so honored to call them colleagues. I am reminded how talented and committed our staff is to serving students and growing and learning.

In this season where we are sharing our gratitude, I am most grateful for this CREST cohort and their commitment. I hope you have opportunities to share your gratitude this month and spend time with your colleagues and family as well.

Go Eagles!

Office of Student Activities

Lighting Ceremony (Armstrong Campus)

We are getting in the holiday spirit in Savannah! Join President Marrero and the Office of Student Activities on the Armstrong Campus for the annual Lighting Ceremony on Burnett Lawn. Enjoy an LED photo booth, inflatable games, activities, holiday treats and hot chocolate while supplies last!

Lighting of Sweetheart Circle (Statesboro Campus)

We are getting in the holiday spirit in Statesboro! Join President Marrero and the Office of Student Activities on the Statesboro Campus for the annual Lighting of Sweetheart Circle! This year, we ask that you bring unopened soap and unworn socks to donate to the elderly in our local community! Enjoy pictures with Santa Gus, cookie decorating and holiday treats while supplies last!

Office of Student Wellness & Health Promotion

The Period Equity Movement is a multi-campus initiative led by faculty, students, and staff to promote period equity. We aim to ensure that individuals who menstruate have the products they need to live their lives to the fullest.

PEM currently has 3 projects:

The Green Period Pantry
The Disposable Period Pantry
Menstrual Hygiene Product Dispensers in Restrooms

Learn more about the Period Equity Movement here.

HIV Testing

Armstrong Campus

The Department of Public Health will be providing free, quick and confidential HIV testing along with free giveaways and educational information.

Tuesday, November 29th

10am-2pm

Student Union Theater

Staff Council

The Georgia Southern University Staff Council Professional Development Committee invites you to Save the Date! Our Professional Development Conference returns to an IN-PERSON format for the Fall 2022 Semester at the Armstrong Center on November 30th from 8:00am-12:00pm.

You will receive an invitation to sign up once registration goes live! We hope to see you there!

Health Services

Health Services Director, Emily Rogers, shares about the transition of Health Services at Armstrong Campus

We sat down with Emily Rogers to discuss the transition in management of the Armstrong campus Health Services. Here are 5 things you should know.

Unexpected News: Memorial Health made the decision to step out of their contract with Georgia Southern, so a resolution was made to manage health services for Armstrong in-house.

Managing the Transition: Even with short notice, Emily, along with the Dr. Gerguis and the help of several campus partners, took this change as an opportunity to grow and better serve our students at the Savannah campus.

What has Changed: Though some medical services are limited due there only being 1 Nurse Practitioner on-site, students have access to telehealth, out-sourced care to local practitioners, and are able to shuttle to our Statesboro campus to access additional services.

What Students Need to Know: Students need to be made aware of the location of Health Services at Armstrong, as it can be hard to find. They are located in Compass Point on the bottom floor of the Student Services Annex. Health Services at Armstrong is working to be able to provide the ability for students to schedule appointments online.

The Future of Health Service at Armstrong: Health Services is looking forward to continuing their partnership with the health professions cohorts. They are also excited about the opportunity to continue to provide quality care by accepting Insurance, and accommodating students who need access to an on-site Psychiatrist starting Spring semester of 2023.

Homelessness Awareness Week

Cecilia Dockery,

Assistant Director of Student Conduct

(SBO Campus)

Cecilia Dockery moved to Georgia from Northern Utah, where she served as the Director of Student Conduct at Weber State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in Aquaculture, but has been working in higher ed since completing her master's degree at the University of West Florida in 2013. She has worked in housing, conduct, and Title IX, and is excited to join the Conduct team at Georgia Southern. Outside of work she enjoys running, hiking, baking, and cake decorating.

Taylor Elkins,

Coordinator of Student Conduct

(SBO Campus)

Taylor was raised in the small town of Cairo, Ga. During a school campus tour his senior year of high school, he fell in love with the Georgia Southern Campus and its culture. While in undergrad, he was a part of SGA, SOAR, and Southern Leaders. He earned his bachelor's degree in 2020 in Psychology from Georgia Southern, and his masters in School Psychology in 2022. He hopes to use his experience to educate others, especially new students, get acclimated to campus life and “know the code”. After hours he enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with his two lovely pets & fiance at home.

Early Voting and General Election

Early Voting

Bulloch County had an early voting location on the Statesboro Campus Oct. 25-27. The early voting locations were within two or less miles of the Armstrong and Liberty Campuses.

Division Announcements

Volunteers needed for December Commencement ceremonies

As commencement is a respected University-wide event, the Commencement Committee is currently seeking faculty and staff volunteers to serve as Commencement Hosts and Candidate Assistants for each ceremony.

All volunteers should complete this form by Monday, Nov. 7.

Ceremonies will be at the following times and locations:

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah
For undergraduate and graduate candidates who choose to graduate in Savannah
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
For undergraduate and graduate candidates who choose to graduate in Statesboro

Marvin Pittman Administration Building, Suite 1002

912.478.2796 | studentaffairs@georgiasouthern.edu