>> GEORGIA COLLEGE
Georgia College & State University hosted its largest ever Family Weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.
Family Weekend is an annual event that invites the families of current students onto campus to learn more about their students’ college experience and the city of Milledgeville. With a variety of activities to interact with and places to explore, families are offered an enriching opportunity to learn about their student’s new home.
“We hosted the event earlier this year, so students have been attending class for only six weeks and this allows their families to check-in,” said Sally Chapman, GCSU administrative manager for student life and parent & family program coordinator.
This year’s Family Weekend began on Friday with a Wine and Cheese event to allow families to meet GCSU President Cathy Cox and administrators. Then, families had a choice of activities to join before the dinner and concert on front campus. The Soul Shine Band, based in Watkinsville, returned from last year to play throughout the evening.
Saturday was an active day for families with a host of connection-based activities.
Family Field Day was held on West Campus and later families were led to the Bobcat Den for a sports watch party.
Multiple sports played on several screens that families could choose to watch. In addition to these activities, students participating in undergraduate research led a panel discussion and experts for the GC Journeys walked families through GCSU’s experiential learning program. The day ended with food truck vending and a show from Mark the Magic Man.
“We accommodated for a larger attendance this year by sprinkling out events and offering more choice-based options over a set schedule,” said Chapman. “Families seemed to enjoy being able to choose between multiple activities or visit some of the suggested attractions to become more familiar with Milledgeville.”
Family Weekend drew to a close on Sunday with brunch in the Max, GCSU’s dining room, with about 600 families in attendance. Family Weekend had about 2,000 people in attendance, including students. About 95% of the families were connected to first-year students, the largest incoming class GCSU has had.
According to Chapman, there are 1,813 first-year students.
“The event turned out great.
I think our students and their families were able to find comfort in becoming familiar with our faculty, staff, the campus, and the city overall,” said Chapman. “It’s always a fun event for our students and it's a great way to bring everyone together as their students continue their journey towards graduation.”