Student engagement

UGA students are very well-prepared. The Class of 2027 posted an average high school GPA of 4.13, an average ACT score of 30, or an average SAT score of 1322. Often such high-achieving students have never experienced any kind of failure. But the demanding pace of a research institution like UGA often poses significant and unexpected challenges for our students.

The Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) initiative is central to UGA’s approach to enhancing the effectiveness of active learning practices in the classroom. This initiative puts trained students in large enrollment, introductory/gateway classes (prioritizing historically higher DFW rates) to facilitate peer instruction. PLAs are hired and receive training through the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA).

Experiential Learning at the University of Georgia empowers every student to apply their learning in real-world contexts, equipping them with the competencies and expanded perspectives to thrive in the emerging, dynamic global society. 

The “Boost” Mindset project, so named to reflect its goal to provide participants a boost towards academic success, embodies a series of virtual workshops to which every currently enrolled student has access via SGSC’s GeorgiaVIEW LMS. The series includes content about motivation, note-taking, time management, study skills, the neuroscience of learning, etc. Those students who choose to participate may earn certificates (for which some faculty offer incentives).

At Georgia College, Community-based Engaged Learning (CbEL) courses require student participation in service projects or community engagement (either on campus or through institutional partnerships with off-campus organizations) and integrate the service experience into course content.

The International Center facilitates and coordinates international academic study, research, and internship opportunities for all Georgia College students, as well as partnerships and exchanges with institutions abroad. Students may study abroad on short-term programs - often with faculty in their majors - or through semester or even academic year-long programs at major universities throughout the world. Study Abroad/Study Away programs are one of the optional transformative learning experiences available in GC Journeys.

The Office of Leadership Programs maintains institution-wide responsibility for management, coordination, and development of all Georgia College leadership programs and initiatives. Beyond Georgia College’s core leadership programs, which are directed and administered by the Office of Leadership Programs, the staff works collaboratively with members of GC's faculty and staff to develop affiliate programs.

Students are required to sign up and complete an approved internship experience for academic credit at GCSU. These may be supported by the academic department or may be secured with assistance from GC’s Career Center. The Career Center advises students to begin their internship search at least 4 – 6 months before their desired start date.  The Career Center uses Handshake software to promote local, regional, and national internship opportunities to students.

GCSU aspires to graduate students with creative and problem-solving dispositions that prepare them to be the next leaders of the free world. Georgia College connects teaching excellence with learning beyond the classroom to provide unique undergraduate research experiences for students. Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) defines undergraduate research as, "an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original, intellectual, or creative contribution to the discipline(s)."

The Capstone is the final embedded experience built into GC Journeys. To “Complete Your Journey” for Capstone, students must successfully complete the capstone course for their program/major. Experiences will be determined by the requirements of the department/major.