Spring 2019 Bulldog Families magazine by UGA Housing

UNIVERSITY HOUSING SPRING 2019

Housing scholarship winners improving access to campus living

A CIVIL RIGHTS ROAD TRIP MOVE-OUT DONATION PROGRAM AMAZING STUDENTS ON-CAMPUS SUMMER JOBS First-year Rutherford Hall resident Bita Jadali is one of three Jim Day Housing Scholarship winners for fall 2019-2020.

SPRING 2019 EDITORIAL AND DESIGN CARRIE CAMPBELL CONTRIBUTORS KELLY STRACHAN SARAH BUCKLEITNER BULLDOG FAMILIES is written and published by University Housing at the University of Georgia and is distributed free of charge to families of University Housing residents.

Russell Hall 515 Baxter St. Athens GA 30602 Comments or questions? Contact Senior Public Relations Coordinator Carrie Campbell carrie.campbell@uga.edu

Flexible summer options offer class credit ▲ During the summer students often have to make choices between working, traveling or taking classes. Fortunately, UGA offers five different sessions during the summer that offer flexibility to fit students’ schedules, from the three-week May session to a four-week Short Session to a 10-week Extended Session. These options make working or taking on an internship a possibility during the summer even if students are enrolled in class. If it’s experience students are looking for, they can get course credit for an internship or a study abroad trip so they can keep on track with their degree program while adding to their professional portfolio. The UGA Career Center and Office of International Education work one-on-one with students to make these opportunities both accessible and affordable.

In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Executive Order 13672, the University of Georgia does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability status or veteran status in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other university-administered programs; or employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Office, 119 Holmes-Hunter Academic Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. Telephone 706-542-7912 (V/TDD). Fax 706542-2822. Email ugaeoo@uga.edu.

University Housing has spaces available during the summer so students and their families don’t have to stress about subleasing an apartment or sleeping on a friend’s couch. Summer housing registration is open now, and students must be enrolled in class for all sessions in which they live on campus. Alternatively, students can take an online course while they are away from campus for the summer. UGA has more than 700 online courses available at that count towards almost every degree. Most importantly, the HOPE scholarship can be applied to summer classes, which helps take the stress off of students and their families. Find out more about summer school at summer.uga.edu.

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FIRST LOOK

Students enjoy one of the few sunny days of early spring on North Campus.

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Residents offer input on Brumby Hall renovation

Now hiring summer desk and office assistants, as well as conference hosts.

▼ Both Russell and Brumby Hall residents had a chance in December to look at proposed plans for the Brumby Hall renovation and to offer input on what they liked about Russell and the design features they’d love to see incorporated into Brumby hall upon its renovation. Brumby Hall, currently home to 950 first-year students, is scheduled to close in May and to reopen for fall 2020. Many of the design details recently implemented in Russell Hall, such as fixtures and furnishings, will be considered for Brumby Hall. The proposed project includes reconfiguring all living, bathroom and programmatic spaces, and incorporates student-centered design components such as increased privacy for students in community bathrooms and individualized climate control. Additionally, freestanding furniture will replace built-in furniture in order to allow students more flexibility in personalizing their spaces. Most significantly, the renovation will include a complete update of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, an upgrade of one elevator to provide stretcher capacity, roof replacement, increased ADA accessibility, and exterior maintenance and repair. The proposed renovation of Brumby Hall will support the mission of University Housing by providing an affordable and comfortable housing option where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported.

Now hiring for summer and fall positions ▲ University Housing is gearing up for summer 2019 and the application site for student staff summer positions is open. The priority deadline for applications was February 28, but housing will continue to accept applications until all of positions are filled. University Housing is accepting applications for the following positions for summer 2019: conference hosts, desk assistants, office assistants and painter/maintenance assistants. These positions are both full and part-time and only available to UGA students wheter or not they are taking summer classes. In addition, the University Housing marketing department is hiring first-year and returning resident student vloggers to work summer and into fall. Housing vloggers are responsible for creating and posting content on University Housing’s YouTube channel. The University Housing vlogger position is also eligible to count towards students’ experiential learning requirement, which gives students hands-on opportunities to connect their academic foundations to the world beyond the classroom, through creative endeavors, study abroad and field schools, internship and leadership opportunities, faculty-mentored research, and service-learning. All UGA students are required to engage in at least one experiential learning activity that positions them for success after graduation. Learn more about University Housing student positions on the housing website at bit.ly/work4housing.

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COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

COMMITTED TO A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Annual move-out donation program benefits community non-profits In the past three years of spring move-out, housing’s annual service and life-long learning,” said housing Sustainability Dawgs Ditch the Dumpster and Donate program has collected Coordinator Christy Tweedy. an average of 60,000 pounds of unwanted furniture, clothing Many donations go to housing’s main partners, Goodand other items, which was then distributed to will of North Georgia, which provides funds for more than a dozen local and regional non-profit job training services, and America’s Thrift, which DONATE MAY 3-11 organizations. supports Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. furniture Dawgs Ditch the Dumpster and Donate The list of organizations that benefit from clothing non-perishable food (Dawgs Ditch for short) is an annual landfill Dawgs Ditch grows each year. Organizations will school supplies bedding diversion initiative and student volunteer opbenefit in 2019 also include: Project Safe (a shelter rugs portunity that reflects housing’s commitments for women and children in crisis), Athens Area small appliances to sustainability and student leadership. The Homeless Shelter, Bulldog Basics (provides perprogram allows residents living on campus to sonal hygiene products for students in need), the donate unwanted items that may otherwise end up in a UGA student food pantry, Free IT Athens. landfill. Thanks to a grant from the UGA Office of SustainDawgs Ditch the Dumpster and Donate relates directly ability, University Housing coordinates this annual event to core values of University Housing to promote sustainwith help from student and staff volunteers. ability and community engagement. “This program engages students to serve the commuThis year, students may drop off items at designated nity while becoming more informed and engaged environlocations throughout University Housing May 3-11. Resimental stewards. Dawgs Ditch helps the leaders of tomordents may look for an email at the end of April with more row address real-world challenges through collaboration, information on donating and how to volunteer. n

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COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUPPORT

The Dawg Vlog documents the first-year student experience.

Improving access to housing For the 2019-2020 academic year, University Housing awarded third-year Lindsay Ober (bottom right) and firstyears Bita Jadali (left) and Joshua Kim (top right) the Jim Day Housing Scholarship, which offers financial assistance to outstanding students to offset the cost of living on campus. All three students felt that living in residence halls substantially improved their college experience, helping them to make lasting connections with their peers and succeed academically.

others’ on-campus experiences by actively participating in their communities. Ober, an entertainment and media major, said of her time on campus: “Brown Hall on the Health Sciences Campus has become a second home to me; I have lived there the past two years and have made very close friends with its occupants and workers. Whether I am enjoying a social gathering in the lobby, having a movie night with my suitemates or working with other students in the quiet study rooms, I always try to bring a positive and supportive attitude to all the residents.” Brumby Hall resident Kim, who is studying computer science, hopes to give back to his community after a positive experience his first year. “I believe that being socially ac-

“Living on campus feels as if I have carved a little niche for myself— someplace I can call home.”

In the application Jadali, a biology major, wrote, “Overall, I am a very reserved introvert, so I was afraid that I would have trouble making friends at such a large extroverted school. By living in Rutherford Hall through the Franklin College Residential program, I have been able to meet and befriend a diverse and wonderful group of people whom I can hang out with and turn to in times of trouble; living on campus feels as if I have carved a little niche for myself—someplace I can call home.” These stand-out students contribute to

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HOW TO GIVE

Only funds from private donations can be used to fund the Jim Day Housing Scholarship. We’re working hard to ensure we can help students pay for housing for years to come and your donation can make a huge difference! Visit bit.ly/2dCtbZA to contribute.

tive is important for a well-knit community. I plan to meet new people in my residence hall, help other residents academically, and to form study groups. Through these actions, I hope to expand my social circles, learn from others, and give back,” Kim said. The executive director of University Housing from 1990 to 2006, Dr. James “Jim” Day, conceived and initially funded the University Housing Scholarship Fund to assist students with financial need offset the cost of on-campus housing. Recipients of the scholarships are current UGA undergraduate students with on-campus room assignments, who demonstrate financial need as determined by the UGA Office of Financial Aid. If awarded a scholarship, recipients get first pick of their on-campus space and must commit to living on campus for the 2019-2020 academic year. n

24-hours on a civil rights road trip BY KELLY STRACHAN Residence Hall Association

Innovation motivation ▲ University Housing

recently remodeled study lounges in four of its buildings to foster innovation and group activity. Traditional tables and chairs were replaced with moveable soft seating and powered work stations. We added flexible seating, as well as whiteboards and slimmed-down desktop computers to accommodate the growing need for spaces where students can gather to complete group classwork. Buildings with the new innovation spaces include Building 1516, Creswell Hall (pictured above), Oglethorpe House, Rooker Hall and Rutherford Hall.

In late February, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) took a civil rights road trip in honor of Black History Month. RHA President Ajira Haynes, along with myself helped coordinate this event. We really wanted to provide an immersive and unique opportunity to residents to learn about Black History Month as well as diversity and inclusion. Fifty-five residents boarded on a charter bus, and we drove nine hours to Memphis, Tenn. We explored the city led by Ricky Kirby, RHA advisor, Russell Hall residence hall director and University of Memphis alum. We visited the National Museum of Civil Rights at the Lorraine Motel, where assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. took place. During our guided tour we learned and experienced the deep and rich history behind the civil rights movement. The museum really submerged us in information and afterwards we all shared what this trip meant to us. UGA Ph.D. student Marques Dexter led a deep and enriching discussion where we shared how we could bring our experiences back to our residence halls. On the bus ride home, many of us talked about how this was an opportunity we had never had before and it was definitely a highlight of our college careers. I am proud to be a part of this organization and cannot wait to see it grow in years to come! n

Kelly Strachan (bottom right corner) is a second-year genetics major with a minor in Health Policy and Management. She is UGA’s National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) executive director, UGA’s Student Government Association director of programming, the Georgia Residence Hall Organization associate director of recognition and an office assistant for University Housing.

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NOW HIRING

STUDENT

EMPLOYEES

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APPLY TODAY

auxiliary.uga.edu/ student-employment

BOOKSTORE • DINING SERVICES • GOLF COURSE TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SERVICES

UNIVERSITY HOUSING RESIDENCE HALL DIRECTOR

Heather Macon A

s the oldest of four kids and daughter of a single mother, Heather Macon developed strong leadership skills early. Those skills have served her well in her role of residence hall director, where she navigates everything from roommate conflicts to lost keys for the 555 students who live in Building 1516. Although Macon has always been drawn to leadership roles, she did not initially see herself in higher education. “I went to school for psychology and journalism at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. But then a mentor talked to me about a career in higher education. I already felt like I owed a lot to my education, and wanted the opportunity to give back,” Macon said. She was drawn to the University of Georgia because of the rich history of tradition. “I wanted to work at a large institution with students who not only love football, but who are also proud of their university and community.” Macon takes her role as residence hall director beyond simply resolving conflicts: she also looks for opportunities to help her residents grow. This task sometimes keeps her busy outside of normal business hours, but she relishes

the opportunity to connect with students on a deeper level. “I love working with students to help them reach their full potential. Take a roommate conflict for example—it may be a student’s first time ever living with someone,” Macon said. “And not only can I solve the issue, but I can work with the student one-on-one to help them grow as an individual.” This emphasis on personal growth has been a theme throughout Macon’s life. Her goal is to not only overcome the challenges she is presented with, but to also grow from them. She explores the ideas of self-love and personal development through writing, in the form of poetry and blog posts. “I realized through blogging that I was writing about things that were on my heart,” Macon said. She eventually decided to publish a book, a goal that she accomplished in 2018 when she published Watering Her Roots: A Collection of Prose, Poetry, and Letters. Macon plans to continue to thrive during her time at UGA, and hopes to bring the students of Building 1516 on that journey with her. n

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FOCUS ON STUDENT AFFAIRS

Enhancing the engagement, intellect and character of UGA students

STUDENTS RAISE MORE THAN $1M FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE More than 1,000 students and community members strapped hospital bands on their wrists and raised $1,144,453.19 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during UGA Miracle’s 24 hour Dance Marathon Feb. 24-25 in Tate Grand Hall. This is the fourth consecutive year that this student organization has raised more than $1 million. UGA Miracle, the largest student-run organization at the university, seeks to encourage the families of patients and financially support the Rehabilitation Services and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Dance Marathon 2019

“The first $1 million raised directly funds Rehab Services and all additional funds support the Aflac Cancer Center,” said Lydia George, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta program coordinator. To fundraise at Dance Marathon, attendees invited friends and family to sponsor them during the event. Some attendees committed to standing for 24 hours to honor patients. “We are standing for those who can’t stand,” said Edie Threlkeld, UGA Miracle communications director. Krista Smith explained how fundraising can be hard for college students, but it does not take much to

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feel motivated to fundraise at Dance Marathon when she thinks about the families, her committee members, and the hospital. “Please know, every dollar makes a difference at Children’s,” said parent Kelli Hopkins. “You never know when the money you raise may be what gives a family just one more day with their child.” For information about UGA Miracle visit: ugamiracle.org

terwards enjoy the meal prepared in class. Class size is limited to 12 students and the cost is $5 per student ($10 for non-fees paid). Upcoming recipes include super smoothies such as Green Ginger and Key Lime Pie, as well as Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix, and No-Bake Granola Bars. Call 706543-8690 to sign up, or go to uhs. uga.edu/nutrition/kitchen for more information.

ONGOING BEWELLUGA OFFERS FREE HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDANCE BeWellUGA is a platform hosted by the University Health Center (UHC). UHC not only provides primary and specialty care but also assists students that need guidance and support throughout their career at UGA. These free wellness and prevention classes are geared towards helping UGA students thrive physically, mentally and socially. Topics include: yoga, running, bystander intervention, dating, stress and anxiety, wellness and more. All BeWellUGA programs are free for students with a valid UGA ID. Visit the UHC web page for a complete listing of programs: uhs.uga.edu/healthtopics/ be-well-uga

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER’S NUTRITION KITCHEN In the Nutrition Kitchen, a UHC Registered Dietitian teaches students how to choose budget-friendly, healthy food ingredients and prepare them into delicious, easy meals. Students get the opportunity to practice healthy cooking techniques, and af-

International Coffee Hour

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL COFFEE HOUR Every Friday during fall and spring semesters, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Memorial Hall Ballroom International Coffee Hour is a weekly program that brings UGA students, faculty, staff and community members together over coffee and international cuisine. Hosted each week by our International Student Organizations and campus departments, the UGA Coffee Hour is one of the longest running programs of its kind across the United States.

AMAZING STUDENT

WHERE COMMITMENT MEETS SOCIAL JUSTICE For third-year Charlene Marsh, getting involved in social justice on campus helped her feel at home. “I learned how I could be a voice for change, and how to help amplify the voices of other students. That’s where my passion for social justice was ignited. I got to hear other people’s stories, and that’s what made UGA home for me–we might all have different stories, but we’re united by one university in the south.” Marsh, a resident assistant in Church Hall, was awarded the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award last January in recognition of her dedication to social justice. With a double major in International Affairs and Public Policy and a minor in French, she hopes to one day find urban public policy solutions that benefit marginalized groups. She applies this passion for people to her work as an RA. “Being an RA has shown me that you’re never too old to continue to learn. My residents have taught me so many lessons, and have held me accountable in ways I never expected they would. Seeing them hit the ground running has made me very excited about the future.” Next up, Marsh plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration through the Double Dawgs program, along with her Public Affairs Professional certificate. n

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