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Student Engagement working to keep students connected

Posted on Friday, April 24, 2020

A screen shot of a student engagement event

Although students are taking their courses online, there are still ways for them to interact with each other, thanks to the efforts of the Student Engagement division.

From online games of bingo to streaming concerts, the Office of Campus Life is partnering with the Panther Activities Committee to spread the word about upcoming events.

“We are trying to keep students engaged with the college outside of their virtual classrooms,” said Ryan Cook, Associate Dean of Campus Life. “We’re also interacting with alumni and the incoming Class of 2024.”

So far, the office has shared a bingo night hosted by another agency, as well as two bracket challenges.

“These are structured like sports brackets,” said Kayla Watson, Area Manager and Student Activities Coordinator. “We’ve had brackets for movies and music and are working on others.”

Building relationships is an important part of the college experience, said Dr. Brian Carlisle, Vice President and Dean of Students.

“Our small residential college experience has always allowed for students to interact closely with each other,” he said. “Students miss seeing each other and planning their weeks with their friends in mind. Online programming provides an opportunity for them to stay connected during this time of separation.”

More than 100 students have participated in virtual activities so far, Cook said, and he expects that number to grow as more programming is offered.

Dr. Karen Pruett, Associate Dean of Student Engagement, said all departments within the division are working together to offer different kinds of services and resources.

“As all of us face the challenges related to social distancing and online education, I think the role of Student Engagement is more important than ever,” she said. “With so much uncertainty, the support students receive from each department within Student Engagement is crucial.

“Everything has changed; however, we are still providing the services and resources in each department to help our students continue to move toward their goals and stay connected to the LC community,” she said.

Some of the live events planned include artists and vendors hosting things such as on How to DJ, Throwback Machine Dance Party, spoken word artists and musicians live streaming, among others. Information about upcoming events will be shared on PAC’s social media – Snapchat (@lcpouncer), Instagram (@lc_pac) and Twitter (@lc_pac).

Campus Life is also working with Resident Advisors to encourage virtual RA programs, as well as virtual check-ins with residents. Professional staff members are creating new content for the housing website and are planning a regular update on the Campus Life Instagram account (lc_campuslife).

Fraternity and Sorority Life will post information on Greek Week in the next two weeks, Dr. Pruett said. Check out Instagram (@ifc_lc), Twitter (@collegeIFC) and Panhellenic Instagram (@lc.panhellenic).

The Center for Leadership and Career Development recently sent an email to all students outlining a list of 10 things they can do during this time to prepare for the future. Visit here for a full list of tips and resources. Follow the CLCD at Facebook (facebook.com/lagrangecollegecareercenter), Twitter (@lccareercenter) and Instagram (@lagrangecdc).

The Counseling Center can provide distance counseling on a weekly basis. To schedule a 30-minute virtual/phone appointment, students may reach out to any of the counselors via email or text. The counselors will be checking their email during normal business hours. Those experiencing a mental health emergency should call 911 or text a crisis line- Text CONNECT to 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255).

Spiritual Life is engaging with students through Zoom and social media. Baptist Collegiate Ministry hosts a Zoom meeting at 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Those interested in joining the Zoom group should contact BCM president Caleb Edde at cedde@student.lagrange.edu. Wesley Fellowship is on Instagram Live at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays (@lc_wesley). SL social media includes Instagram (@lc_spirituallife and @lc_wesley).

Cook said everyone at LC is concerned about our students right now.

“In a time filled with so much uncertainty and anxiety, it’s so important to use these opportunities to build community and spread joy in any way possible,” he said.

 

Campus notes

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Social distancing is not putting a damper on the 3D Journeys lecture series. The next talk, “Is This A 5-Star Government? Rating the Italian Political Scene,” will be presented at 10 a.m. Monday by accessing visiting this web page. Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, has prepared a video presentation on the topic.

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The Nursing program provided lunch last week for workers in the ICU, ER and COVID units at WellStar West Georgia. The group also provided masks, gloves and other supplies. Pictured are Michelle Rippy, ICU nurse; Dr. Sarah Holden, LC Nursing Chair; Dr. Maranah Sauter Associate VP for Academic Affairs; & Angela McSpadden, Assistant Professor of Nursing. 

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 National History Day has gone virtual. The change has created new challenges for the program and the students, according to Dr. Kevin Shirley. “Georgia Humanities is raising funds to cover the $75 registration fee of the 80 students attending from Georgia,” he said. “We want to make sure every student can afford to compete.” The college is a co-sponsor of National History Day Georgia. 

Monday is the last day to sign up for the Sports Management Club’s online NBA2K Esports tournament. The event will be held Wednesday, and half the proceeds will go toward COVID-19 relief. There is an entry fee of $10 but donations also will be accepted. The tournament winner will receive a cash grand prize. For more info and to register, visit this site.

 

Sports

Golf

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Junior Ben Womack was selected to the NCAA Division III PING All-America second team as announced Wednesday. Womack was earlier named to the Division III PING South Region team. He is the first LC golfer to earn All-America and All-Region honors since 2017.

 

Faculty and staff May birthdays

1 - Lauren Hill

3 – Sara Lawson

4 – Amber Spratlin

Anthony Wilson

6 – Mark Yates

7 – Sarah Holden

11 – Robert Jones

13 – David Ahearn

16 – Christy Kelley

17 – Austin Wieland

18 – Trevor Lane

Mark Davis

23 – Lee Richter

27 – Luke Hopper

28 – Gail Whatley

31 – Celeste Myall

 

Video of the week

Shelter-in-place orders inspire nostalgic thoughts of classes, daily routines and cherished friends for many LaGrange College students.

 

In the headlines

Tech meets ingenuity in theater class – LaGrange Daily News, April 17, 2020

 

Category: Arts and Culture, Students, Community, Academics, College

Keywords: student Engagement COVID-19 3D Journeys career counseling

Last updated: 04/28/2020