Student Life, Activities and Honors
North Georgia College & State University offers students the opportunity to become directly involved in the leadership and management of the organizations affecting student life. Opportunities for practical experience in leadership and personnel management, for character development, and for assumption of responsibility are derived directly from the structured organization of the university's diverse student body.
Following is a brief explanation of the NGCSU student government, campus organizations, the manner in which resident students are organized for daily living, and some of the basic regulations by which all students are expected to gauge their conduct. Rules and regulations governing student conduct are included in the Student Handbook. All students are provided with copies of the handbook at the beginning of each year and are held responsible for having a knowledge of its content.
The many student organizations, the Corps of Cadets, the Resident Assistant program, the INTRO program (new student orientation), and the classroom environment encourage leadership development in students. Holding student offices, managing a military unit or a floor in one of the residence halls, and leading an orientation group all develop leadership, management, and communication skills among students.
North Georgia College & State University offers a variety of training programs to enhance student leadership development. These include leadership academics through a Leadership Minor and Military Science courses, resident assistant workshops (women), and Adventure Training (INTRO leaders). Also, an Adventure Challenge Course (ropes course) is offered both as a leadership development course for all student organization leaders and as a class in the Department of Health and Physical Education. The course is designed to promote coordination, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and trust.
In addition to experiential leadership development outside the traditional classroom environment, a number of departments offer classes in which leadership styles and dynamics are studied in depth.
Student Government Association (SGA)
NGCSU's Student Government Association (SGA) is composed of elected representatives from each class on campus and executive officers from the student body at large. It is the umbrella student organization on campus.
The SGA is the coordinating body for various student activities, organizations, and class elections; and it is a medium for communication between the administration/faculty and the student body. The SGA annually prepares a budget recommending the allocation of student activity fees.
The Corps of Cadets is the governing body of all military students. The corps is organized into a brigade structure. Specific information on the corps and the ROTC program may be found under the section titled "The Military Program."
Student Activities Board (SAB)
The Student Activities Board (SAB) is the planning and programming body for student activities on the NGCSU campus. Any student interested in a variety of campus activities can contribute her/his ideas and talents by actively participating on the board.
The Student Activities Board, headquartered in the Student Center, is a comprehensive program of student activities planned and executed by enthusiastic students. Six board committees (ideas and issues, cultural affairs, publicity/public relations, social activities, recreation and the movie crew) work with many phases of campus life to provide worthwhile educational, social, and cultural programs for the university community. The SAB is a laboratory for living and a classroom for the education of the whole person.
Intercollegiate and Intramural Sports Program
The university considers physical fitness vital to a completely satisfactory university life. Provisions are made to include the maximum number of students in the maximum number of activities throughout the entire year. Intercollegiate teams are fielded in men's and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, soccer, women's softball and men's baseball. The intercollegiate rifle marksmanship team is open to men and women. The intramural sports program is a comprehensive, traditional part of North Georgia College & State University activities and involves many men and women students. Among the more popular activities are flag football, volleyball, tennis, basketball, table tennis, track and field, softball, and badminton. Other activities include pool, chess, and whitewater rafting.
All students are required to live on campus unless they meet one of the qualifications listed under the section "Housing & Living Accommodations." A male who qualifies as a commuter may choose to participate in the military program or attend the university as a non-military commuter.
The Commuter Council serves as a unifying body for commuting students and works to integrate fully commuters into the total life of the university. Additionally, the council represents the views and concerns of commuter students to the university and works to facilitate effective communication among commuters, resident students, faculty, and staff.
While the specific rules governing student conduct are spelled out in detail in the Student Handbook and in the Corps of Cadets Blue Book, the standards of conduct expected of North Georgia College & State University students are basically those prevailing in any well-ordered society comprised of intelligent, moral men and women. Minor infractions of rules are handled within the organizational structure of the Corps of Cadets and the residence life program. Serious breaches of the standards of conduct or university regulations are referred to the University Discipline Committee by the Vice President for Student Affairs. This committee is composed of faculty and students and is the primary judicial body on campus.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has stated that any student who, acting singularly or in concert with others, obstructs, or disrupts, or attempts to obstruct or disrupt, by force or violence, or by threat of force or violence, any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary, public service or any other activity authorized to be held or conducted on the campus of North Georgia College & State University or on any other campus of the University System of Georgia, shall be subject to immediate dismissal. The words "force" and "violence" shall be construed to include such obstructive and disruptive acts as stand-ins, sit-ins, and lie-ins. Any student who remains in or refuses to vacate any building on the campus of North Georgia College & State University or on the campus of any institution within the University System of Georgia at a time when such building is normally, usually and customarily closed to students, and after having received notice to vacate from the president of the institution or other officer charged with the custody and control of the building, shall be subject to immediate dismissal (Board of Regents policy).
Any student may register and keep a vehicle on campus, provided the student is qualified to do so under the laws of the state of Georgia and the regulations of the university. All vehicles parked or operated on campus must be registered with the Office of Public Safety. A student's privilege to operate and/or possess a vehicle on campus may be revoked for good cause at any time. A parking fee is charged to all students each semester.
The university is not responsible for vehicle damage incurred in campus parking lots, nor does it guarantee a parking space for every permit issued.
Life at North Georgia College & State University is enriched by a variety of groups and organizations. Some of these organizations encourage and direct the scientific, scholarly, artistic, or humanitarian interests of students, faculty, and administration. Some provide recognition for achievement. Others are purely social or combine learned interests with social recreation. No attempt is made in the following section to present a detailed account of all organizations and their activities. Full information is provided in the Student Handbook, which is made available to all students at the beginning of each year. Student organizations include the following:
Honor Societies: Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology), Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice), Council of Honor Societies, Delta Mu Delta (Business Adm.), Honor Society of Nursing, Kappa Delta Pi (Education), Mu Epsilon Delta (Health Sciences), Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership), Phi Alpha Theta (History), Phi Beta Lambda (Business), Phi Eta Sigma (Freshmen), Phi Kappa Phi (Academic), Pi Delta Phi (French), Pi Gamma Mu (Social Science), Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science), Psi Chi (Psychology), Rho Tau (Physical Therapy), Sigma Delta Phi (Spanish), Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics), Sigma Tau Delta (English).
Academic Organizations: American Marketing Association, Association for Computer Machinery, Criminal Justice Society, Finance Society, Foreign Languages Club, Georgia Art Education Association, Georgia Association of Nursing Students, Georgia Student Education Association, Health & Physical Education Majors Club, History Students Association, Master of Public Administration Student Association, Political Science Student Association, Psychology Club, Society of Physics Students, Sociology Club, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Student National Education Association, Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
Religious Organizations: Baptist Student Union, Campus Outreach, Canterbury Club (Episcopal), Latter Day Saints Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Newman Club (Catholic), Praise Choir, Wesley Foundation (Methodist), Westminster Club (Presbyterian), World Religions Club.
Military Organizations: Association of the United States Army, Aggressor Platoon, Blue Ridge Rifles, Color Guard, Golden Eagle Band, Mountain Order of Colombo, NCO Club, Officers Club, Patriot Choir.
Greek Letter Social Organizations: Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Delta Zeta Sorority, Kappa Delta Sorority, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Phi Mu Sorority, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Colony, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Sigma Omega Fraternity, Sigma Theta Fraternity.
Special Interest Groups: Amateur Radio Club, Boundless Expressions (Poetry), College Republicans, Commuter Council, Concert Band, CYCLOPS Staff (Yearbook), Dance Team, Dead Poets Society, Democrats' Club, Environmental Awareness Club, Film Society, Gamma Sigma Sigma, Graduate Student Senate, Habitat for Humanity, Human Rights Association, International Student Association, Jazz Band, Martial Arts Society, Model United Nations, MOUNTAIN LAURELS (Literary Magazine), NGCSU Ambassadors, NGCSU Singers, Non-Traditional Student Association, Patriot Choir, Project Dignity, Resident Student Association, Rowing Club, Student Activities Board, Students for Social Awareness, Students in Free Enterprise, Student Government Association, Student Theatre Guild, Symphonic Band, Utopian Society, VOICE Staff (Newspaper).
CAMPUS WIDE AWARDS
PRESIDENT'S LIST
Students who have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 while carrying 12 or more hours are placed on the President's List.
DEAN'S LIST
Students who have a grade point average of 3.5 while carrying 12 or more hours with no grade below "B" are placed on the Dean's List.
SENIOR HONORS
A student is graduated Summa Cum Laude if her/his overall grade point average is at least 3.9; Magna Cum Laude if the GPA is at least 3.7; Cum Laude if the GPA is at least 3.5.
PAUL M. HUTCHERSON OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD
The Alumni Association presents awards to male and female students of North Georgia College & State University who have exhibited by their personal conduct and behavior, as well as accomplishments on campus or in home or community life, those traits of personal character and human endeavors which reflect on themselves and their families an unusually high degree of credit and which also exemplify the highest ideals of citizenship encouraged of all students of North Georgia College & State University.
H. MICHAEL HYAMS LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is given annually by the SGA, to a senior who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities. The award is named in honor of H. Michael Hyams, who served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students for 28 years at NGCSU.
HAWKINS CITIZENSHIP AWARD
This award, in the form of a key, is given each year to a graduating senior, selected by the entire faculty, who has been outstanding in general campus citizenship. The senior's name is engraved on a plaque which remains with the university in honor of those who have been selected.
SILER SCHOLARSHIP PLAQUE
This award is presented annually to the student who has earned the highest grade point average for not less than 50 semester hours at North Georgia College & State University.
STEWART MEMORIAL AWARD
Established by the family of the late Joseph S. Stewart, former president of North Georgia College & State University, this award is presented to the outstanding senior athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics most desirable of a North Georgia College & State University student.
WHO'S WHO IN AMERICAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Members of Who's Who are selected from the junior and senior classes and graduate students on the basis of scholarship; service to the university; contributions to and leadership in extracurricular activities; and spirit and cooperation with administration, faculty, and fellow students in furthering general university policies and ideas.
MARY ELIZA HOOD AWARD
This award is given to the female student who earns the highest number of points in the Who's Who selections process. The selection process involves both faculty and student input and recognizes academic excellence and participation in campus activities.
MR. AND MISS NGCSU
Established by the Student Government Association, this annual award is presented to the senior male and female students whose academic achievements, service, leadership, and contributions to campus life best exemplify the ideals and goals of North Georgia College & State University. This selection is made by vote of the student body. The award consists of a plaque and a picture permanently displayed in the Student Affairs area of Barnes Hall.
Biology
BEN W. SANDERS AWARD
This award is presented to the graduating biology major with the highest overall academic average.
Business Administration
ACCOUNTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is a scholarship given annually by the Northeast Georgia Chapter and Education Foundation of the Georgia Society of CPAs to a rising junior accounting major selected by the faculty for achievement through the first two courses in accounting.
ACCOUNTING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Given by the Northeast Georgia Chapter and Education Foundation of the Georgia Society of CPAs, this award goes to the graduating accounting major with the highest grade point average.
FINANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Given by the faculty of the Department of Business Administration to the student graduating in finance with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program, determined at the close of the spring semester of the senior year.
MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Given by the faculty of the Department of Business Administration to the student graduating in management with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program, determined at the close of the spring semester of the senior year.
MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Given by the faculty of the Department of Business Administration to the student graduating in marketing with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program, determined at the close of the spring semester of the senior year.
OAKES-FREEMAN AWARD
Honoring professors Newton Oakes and Lorimer Freeman, this award is given annually to the business administration major graduating with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program of study, determined at the close of the spring semester.
WALL STREET JOURNAL AWARD
Given by the publishers of the Wall Street Journal, this award, based upon classroom leadership and intellectual curiosity, is given to a graduating senior in business administration, selected by the faculty.
Chemistry
CHEMISTRY GRADUATE AWARD
This award is presented annually to an outstanding student majoring in chemistry. The recipient is chosen from students who have completed at least 24 semester hours of chemistry with at least a 3.2 grade point average and are in the top 10 percent of their class.
CHEMISTRY SERVICE AWARD
This award is presented annually to the chemistry major who has rendered outstanding support to the department.
Education
CHRISTOPHER S. SHARP EDUCATION AWARD
This award is presented annually to an outstanding senior education student, based upon faculty recommendations, academic achievement, and potential to become an exemplary classroom teacher.
Fine Arts
DISMUKES DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN AWARD
This award is a cash award, given annually to a student for outstanding contribution to and achievement in the music program.
HAL B. RHODES III AWARD
This award is given annually to the outstanding student artist, as determined by the faculty of the Department of Fine Arts.
TOMMYE SCANLIN AWARD
This award is given to an outstanding student artist for their contribution and achievement to the Department of Fine Arts as determined by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas (Tommye) Scanlin.
ELLA RAY OAKES DRAMATIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award is given annually to an outstanding student who has exhibited excellence in drama as well as one who has made a significant contribution to the theatre within the Department of Fine Arts.
Health and Physical Education
PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAJOR AWARD
This award is presented annually to the senior physical education major who has demonstrated superior achievement in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, and participation in the Physical Education Majors' Club.
History
SARAH DREW HISTORY AWARD
This award is presented annually to the outstanding senior majoring in history.
Language and Literature
DESMOND BOOTH AWARD
This award, in honor of professor Desmond Booth, is presented to the senior English major who, in the judgment of the English faculty, is the most outstanding student.
Most Promising French Student
This award is given to an intermediate student in French deemed by the French faculty as demonstrating great promise as a French major.
Most Promising Spanish Student
This award is given to an intermediate student in Spanish deemed by the Spanish faculty as demonstrating great promise as a Spanish major.
Most Promising German Student
This award is given to an intermediate student in German deemed by the German faculty as having demonstrated great promise in Germanic studies.
Outstanding French Student Award
This award is given to an upper-level French student selected by the French faculty as its most outstanding student.
Outstanding Spanish Student Award
This award is given to an upper-level Spanish student selected by the Spanish faculty as its most outstanding student.
Mathematics and Computer Science
WALTER J. CARPENTER MATHEMATICS AWARD
Each year the faculty members of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science select a recipient of this award on the basis of mathematical performance and potential from among those students who have received credit for MATH 2460 during the two most recent semesters, but who have not earned a total of more than 90 semester hours. Normally, the recipient will be a freshman or sophomore.
CLARK MEDAL
Each year the faculty members of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science select a recipient for this medal, based on mathematical ability and performance from among those students who have completed the calculus sequence and two courses at the 3000-4000 level.
MARION C. WICHT COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD
The recipient of this annual award will be chosen by the faculty members of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science from among those students who have completed CSCI 2700 and at least two other courses in computer science at the 3000-4000 level. The recipient (usually a senior) will be chosen based on ability and performance in the field of computer science.
Military
AMERICAN DEFENSE PREPAREDNESS AWARD
This award is given to an MS IV student. It is based on academics, performance in ROTC classes, performance at Advanced Camp, participation in campus activities, and demonstrated leadership.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 1 JEP TANKSLEY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This award is given to an MS I student. It is based on academic performance and support of the university and Corps programs.
AMERICAN VETERANS AWARD
This award is given to an MS II student. It is based on academic and military standing.
ARMED FORCES COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATIONS HONOR
AWARD
These awards are presented to junior cadets majoring in one of the sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science. The recipient must intend to enter the military as a career officer in one of these fields. The award is based on demonstration of military leadership and moral character, as well as activity in campus organizations.
DISTINGUISHED MILITARY STUDENT (DMS)
Distinguished Military Students are so designated because of outstanding qualities of leadership and high moral character, a definite aptitude for and interest in military service, and an overall academic standing in the upper half of the university class, the upper third of the ROTC class and the PMS order of merit list. Each DMS may apply for a commission in the U.S. Army.
DR. JOHN H. AND MARGARET OWEN OUTSTANDING SHOOTER AWARD/SCHOLARSHIP
This award is given to the junior or sophomore rifle team member who holds the highest shooting average for the year and is in good academic standing.
GOLDEN FEATHER AWARD
Up to two awards are presented annually to female cadets, recognizing academic excellence and significant contributions to the Corps of Cadets. Selection of recipients is made by the Professor of Military Science. The award was established in 1982 in memory of Cadet Gretchen Anne Blaschke.
LAMAR PITTARD AWARD
This award was established in 1971 in memory of Captain Lamar Pittard, a 1969 graduate of the university who was killed in an accident in Germany in 1972. While a student at NGCSU, Pittard was a proud member of the Blue Ridge Rifles Drill Team. Because of his interest in the drill team and his desire to perpetuate its goals, this award was established by his family to recognize annually the outstanding member of the Blue Ridge Rifles. The award consists of an engraved trophy and a monetary award. Additionally, a plaque is on permanent display in the Military Department recognizing past recipients.
MEYER-RAEBURN AWARD
In memory of Abner A. Raeburn, this award is presented to the cadet who has displayed strong moral and ethical concepts, courtesy, and respect for recognized authority.
MILITARY HISTORY AWARD
The Association of the United States Army presents an award annually for excellence in the study of military history in ROTC units.
OTHER MILITARY AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
In addition to the above recognitions, awards are presented annually from the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States, the Department of the Army, the Association of the United States Army, The Reserve Officers Association, the American Legion, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of World Wars, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of the War of 1812, the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America, the Retired Officers Association, the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Dr. John Woodson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists.
Nursing
SARA LEE PATRAM NURSING AWARD
This award was established in 1986 for the student pursuing an associate degree in nursing who demonstrates outstanding academic and clinical characteristics in nursing. It is in recognition of the first head of the Department of Nursing and the founder of the associate degree in nursing program.
B.S.N. LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is given to a student in good academic standing who demonstrates independent judgment and critical thinking, who is willing to explore new ideas and take risks to maximize learning, and who is a positive influence upon peers.
Physical Therapy
OWEN PHYSICAL THERAPY DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR
Named in honor of NGCSU President Emeritus and Mrs. John Owen, this award is given annually to the full-time physical therapy student who best exemplifies the characteristics of a clinical scholar. The recipient of this award exceeds the standard for academic achievement, clinical competence, and contributions to the profession of physical therapy. The Physical Therapy Distinguished Scholar demonstrates a high regard for knowledge, values helping others, respects the human need for dignity and quality of life, and possesses the leadership qualities characteristic of superior North Georgia College & State University students. The recipient will receive a plaque and a check for $500, and her/his name will be inscribed on a permanent plaque which will remain in the Department of Physical Therapy.
Physics
OUTSTANDING PHYSICS GRADUATE AWARD
Each year the faculty members of the Department of Physics select a recipient for this award, based on academic performance and contributions to the department. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 overall in physics is required for award eligibility.
Political Science and Criminal Justice
ROBERT PEEL AWARD
Each year, this award is given by the faculty of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice to the student graduating in criminal justice with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program, determined by the close of spring semester of the senior year.
FRANK SMITH AWARD
Each year, this award is given by the faculty of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice to the student graduating in political science with the highest grade point average for the entire four-year program, determined by the close of spring semester of the senior year.
PI SIGMA ALPHA AWARD
This award is presented each year by the faculty of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice to the student composing the best research paper during the academic year.
Psychology and Sociology
JIM G. COONE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award is presented annually to the Psychology or Sociology major making significant contributions to community service.
OUTSTANDING FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT IN THE COMMUNITY COUNSELING
DEGREE PROGRAM
This award is for the outstanding first year graduate student and is based on scholarship, research, and service to the department and community.
OUTSTANDING SECOND YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT IN THE COMMUNITY COUNSELING
DEGREE PROGRAM
This award is for the outstanding second year graduate student and is based on scholarship, research, service to the department and community, and character.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF PHILOSOPHY AWARD
This award is presented annually to the outstanding student in the Philosophy courses as determined by the philosophy faculty.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AWARD
This award is presented annually to the outstanding graduating senior in psychology as determined by the psychology faculty.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF SOCIOLOGY AWARD
This award is presented annually to the outstanding graduating senior in sociology as determined by the sociology faculty.