THE TERMS VARY—SERVICE LEARNING, EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION, ACTIVE LEARNING—but the core element is that students engage in a process, an activity, a relationship beyond the campus that promotes deep learning— learning that is ingrained in their heart and soul, and that they carry forward with them as a foundational touchpoint in their careers and lives.

At Georgia College, these learning experiences are found almost everywhere and take students almost anywhere, such as:

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IS AT THE HEART OF THE NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT CLASS THAT LED STUDENTS Colin Moore and Alissa Torchia to help the Oconee River Greenway Foundation reinvigorate its mission and membership. The class developed a strategic plan for the nonprofit, designed to help raise friends and funds for the Greenway, and particularly to prepare the organization to submit grant proposals to expand its efforts. “While the Greenway is used by some community members, there are a lot of people that don’t know anything about this great resource,” Moore said.

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT ON THE STUDENTS. The experience enhances their learning, development and leadership skills. As a public liberal arts university, Georgia College is dedicated to providing the nation and the world with future professionals who will play critical leadership roles in our global society. At Georgia College, the opportunities for students to meaningfully engage with community organizations and develop professional leadership skills are a veritable cornucopia.

“SERVICE HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A PRETTY BIG ROLE IN MY LIFE,” said Georgia College senior Belinda
Dennis, twice named the university’s volunteer of the year. “I enjoy it, and I am most happy when serving others.”

Through the GIVE Center (the student volunteerism engine for Georgia College’s surrounding communities), the English major logged more than 800 community service hours during one academic year. On average, she devotes more than 20 hours a week to community service.