Division Committees
Professional Engagement
The purpose of this committee will be to promote engagement of all staff in the Division of Student Affairs. This committee will coordinate three traditional events annually (August, December/January, April) along with initiating programs to facilitate engagement of employees (i.e., lunch gatherings, sporting events, SOARIES) to promote staff interaction and engagement.
Co-Chairs: Alison Gould and Taylor Goody
Committee Membership
Professional Development
The purpose of this committee will be to define the structure of staff development for different staffing groups, promote opportunities through Building a Better You or professional organizations, survey Division staff for interests and needs with respect to staff development (and implement appropriate initiatives related to those needs), and coordinate a Division orientation for new employees which includes quarterly in-person orientations, Folio sessions, and opportunities for one on one connections with new employees.
Co-Chairs: Jodi Kennedy and Dr. Shay Little
Committee Membership
Inclusive Excellence
The purpose of this committee will be to champion the Division of Student Affairs Inclusive Excellence Action Plan, oversee implementation of the DSA Inclusive Excellence Action Plan, collaborate with all division committees to embed inclusive excellence values and principles in all activities, and support the Student Government Association in creating and implementing an SGA Inclusive Excellence Action Plan. Further, this committee will lead the discussion within the division regarding results of the 2020 climate study results for employees in the division. The co-chairs will serve on the President’s Diversity Advisory Committee (PDAC).
Co-Chairs: Dr. Mark Taracuk and Cat Hoopaugh
Committee Membership
Eagle Experience
The Eagle Experience is an orientation and transition success initiative at Georgia Southern University designed for all new, incoming students with intentional and coordinated programming under the leadership of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Academic Affairs. Guiding by holistic learning outcomes for both students and parents/family members/supporters, this university initiative began in 2021 and is viewed as a mindset for faculty/staff and an environment that students are immersed in by simply being an incoming student.
The Eagle Experience begins for students during summer orientation and continues through their first 2 semesters with heavy programming in August/September and January/February to account for critical engagement and support during the first 6 weeks of each term. Programming for students include small and large events, social and academic preparedness programs, and specific connection opportunities for international students, graduate students, military affiliated students, and those that identify as LGBTQ+, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black/African American, and First Generation as well as other identities.
The Eagle Experience is a 2-time national award winner by NASPA for excellence in student transition and orientation efforts as well as a Georgia Southern Team Award for excellence.
Co-Chairs: Dr. Ken Gassiot, Brenda Richardson, and Dr. Amy Smith
Committee Membership
Armstrong Collaboration Team
The Armstrong Collaboration Team is a group of departments invested in the engagement and support of student activities/events across the Georgia Southern campus in Savannah. This group meets monthly to collaborate and communicate in areas of event programming, support, and engagement that directly impact the student experience.
Co-Chair: Dr. Ken Gassiot
Committee Membership
Graduate Assistant Placement Program (GAPP)
GAPP is tasked with recruiting and matching prospective graduate students interested in a career in higher education, student personnel services, student development, or a closely related field from departments with Graduate Assistant positions that focus on student services, engagement, and development. Participating and hiring departments stem from the Divisions of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Inclusive Excellence, and Academic Affairs. GAPP is dedicated to the personal and professional growth of future higher education professionals.
Co-Chair: Dr. Ken Gassiot
Committee Membership
Assessment Committee
The purpose of this committee is to guide the assessment of the Division of Student Affairs student learning outcomes (SLOs) Domains by every department, and support the Council for Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education self-assessment and external review process.
Each director shall appoint a division representative to serve on this committee.
Co-Chairs: Dr. Melanie Miller and Dr. Shay Little
Committee Membership
Last updated: 1/24/2024