Campus Updates

The Board of Regents approved GSW to implement an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), which will provide an additional pathway for nursing students to complete a degree in a shorter timeframe. The program, set to begin Fall 2022, also received approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Fundamental Skills lab received new patient simulators with which students can complete a full set of vitals, start IVs with “blood” return, insert a catheter with fluid return and allow the insertion of fluid for an enema. Full simulation scenarios include the course facilitator using a microphone and headset speaking as if they are the patient. The nature of patient care is changing daily, especially during the pandemic, and the new simulators bring the lab to the next level in nurse training.

GSW’s College of Education is “effectively preparing new teachers for the classroom,” according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. GSW was rated a Level 3, the “expected level of performance”, out of the 4 possible levels. The Middle Grades Education program received a Level 4 “exemplary” rating.

GSW’s graduate enrollment has significantly increased in the last year, specifically in the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and the new Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership. Many Georgia teachers interested in advancing their career choose GSW because of its affordability and location.

The Communication and Emerging Media program, approved by the Board of Regents in September 2021, is set to begin Spring 2022 as a result of high student demand and regional workforce needs. The program is designed to train students in a variety of skills required for traditional and digital communication.

Digital arts classes in GSW’s Department of Visual Arts partnered with a local high school senior in creating a collection of artwork from young artists across the nation and globe that used art therapy to help students cope during the pandemic. The book, “Mend,” can be viewed online at gsw.edu/mend.

GSW’s new online Entrepreneurship certificate allows students to turn their passions into careers. With a curated selection of vital business courses, this certificate can be completed as an add-on for current students or as a standalone certificate. From bakers and photographers to artists and contractors - students will gain the knowledge they need to smoothly run their businesses and be successful entrepreneurs.

The new Double Canes program allows students to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years or less, saving time and money. Students will accelerate their progress towards earning an MBA by taking up to 12 hours of MBA courses during the final two years of undergraduate study.

Incoming Hurricanes had the opportunity to experience the first off-campus Thunder Camp August 6-8, 2021 at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley, Ga. Thunder Camp is an extended orientation program designed to assist incoming freshmen with their transition into college. In all, 68 students had the opportunity to bond with their classmates and learn more about GSW and its traditions ahead of their first semester. The inaugural 2020 Thunder Camp was held on campus due to COVIDrelated campground closures across the state.

On May 17, 2021, GSW launched a newly refreshed website with a modern design, fresh content and images, consistent layouts and mobile responsiveness all working together to improve the overall visitor experience. Over the past two years, GSW’s Department of University Relations worked to build the website within a new content management system to improve navigation for students, staff and faculty, better reflect the GSW campus community and program offerings and provide a refreshed look for new students interested in learning at GSW.

GSW’s Dining Services, managed by Aladdin Campus Dining, began operations of a campus food truck during Fall 2021. The truck’s name - Surge’s Street Eats - was voted on by students, and the truck design itself features GSW’s mascot Surge. The food truck will serve a rotating menu to both the campus community and the public, with students able to use their meal plan.

GSW hosted its first COVID-19 vaccine clinics in late March 2021 and has continued to offer additional clinics on campus throughout 2021. Staff from the Student Health Center coordinated each clinic, with faculty and students from the School of Nursing also volunteering to help administer the two-dose Moderna vaccine and boosters to students, faculty, staff and immediate family members of employees as soon as each were eligible under the State of Georgia’s guidelines.

In August 2021, GSW established The Brotherhood, a new black male initiative Living and Learning Community. The Brotherhood’s main mission is the cultivation of productive academic mindsets supported by programmatic efforts to enhance the Black male bonding experience during their first year of college. This fusion of community and education is part of GSW’s pursuit to increase the graduation rate of Black men.

In Fall 2021, GSW installed two video displays and four LED court-side scorers tables in the Storm Dome. The displays help elevate the fan experience and raise the excitement for players, while also creating new opportunities for corporate partners to showcase their business and students to gain hands-on experience in operations. As the main event venue on campus, the Storm Dome hosts graduation ceremonies, special guest speakers, student and community events and outside tournaments. A new LED display was also installed at the Felder Street entrance to campus, which allows the University to run high resolution notices and advertisements for all entering campus.