What is BUILD?
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Incoming First-Year Students
As a member of the freshman class, you are about to begin an exciting journey both in and out of the classroom at Georgia Southern University. Your SOAR experiences will begin to facilitate your transition into the college experience.
In addition to your orientation experience, we offer students an opportunity to build their leadership skills and begin to form relationships with members of the University community. Take advantage of BUILD (Building Undergraduate Involvement in Leadership Development), our pre-semester leadership program, and take the first step in charting your course at Georgia Southern University.
Students who participate in BUILD will experience a 5-day leader development and service program that connects students to our campus and the local Statesboro community. Students will volunteer each day with various community agencies and participate in a leadership education program in the evening. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other incoming students, and build friendships to provide the critical support network so essential to student success!
BUILD Dates
July 21st – 25th, 2024
- BUILD begins at 12pm on Sunday
- BUILD will end by 3:30pm on Thursday
- $175 fee includes all equipment, food, transportation, lodging, and leaders.
- Participants can check-in on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Complete your BUILD registration form here! Payment is due to finalize registration.
Check-in:
Student check-in for BUILD will take place on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Specific information about check-in will come in a confirmation letter e-mailed to each participant upon registering for BUILD.
Forms:
Important Information & Directions for BUILD Participants
Participants will need to complete the following forms:
University Waiver
CRI Waiver
Habitat Waiver
Payment:
The $175 fee can be paid by Cash, Check, eCheck, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. Checks can be made out to Georgia Southern University. Please do not mail cash.
Online payments are available here.
Cancellations will be accepted until June 30. After June 30, no refunds will be available.
Accommodations:
Participants will be sleeping in on-campus residence halls.
Policies:
Smoking inside the residence facilities is strictly prohibited. The consumption of alcohol or use of drugs at any time during BUILD is also strictly prohibited.
All participants who drive their cars to BUILD will have their keys collected at check-in. All keys will be locked up in a secure location and returned at check-out.
Spending Money:
All meals and activities are prepaid during the program, however, the Residence Halls do have vending machines. If you would like to purchase a drink or snacks, it is recommended to bring a small amount of cash.
Mail, Calls, and Visitors:
During the week, we strongly discourage any visitation by parents and friends. Mail may be sent in care of BUILD, Georgia Southern University, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, PO Box 8114, Statesboro, GA 30460. Please have the student name and BUILD marked clearly on the envelope. We ask that participants initiate any calls only during free time.
If parents and friends need to get in contact with students during the week of BUILD, emergency/important phone calls can be directed to the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, (912) 478-1435.
Social Outings:
In addition to the hours dedicated to serving the Statesboro community, BUILD also emphasizes fostering a community among Georgia Southern students. BUILDers will leave the program feeling comfortable with each other, the university, and Statesboro. Participants will bond through team building activities, swimming, and much more!
BUILD Staff:
The BUILD Staff is composed of student leaders and the Leadership & Community Engagement Office staff who coordinate BUILD. Prior to, during, and after the week of BUILD, staff members will be available for any questions you may have.
BUILD Staff:
- Jodi Kennedy, Director
- John Banter, Associate Director
- Urkovia Andrews, Assistant Director of Service-Learning
- Kira Jatoft, Assistant Director for Sustainability and Leadership
- Emily Tanner, Coordinator of Community Engagement
- Kasie Thompson, Coordinator of Alternative Breaks
- Lexi Booth, Leadership Educator
- Rachel West, Coordinator of Leadership and Community Engagement (Armstrong Campus)
- Cassie Corbin, Administrative Assistant II
Last updated: 2/21/2024