Georgia College & State University debuted the newly renovated Campus Corner Aug. 6 in its Magnolia Center.
Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellbeing Emily Jarvis and Director of Student Care and Outreach Amy Whatley oversee Campus Corner, which provides food, hygiene products, and other necessities to students in-need.
“Campus Corner is a donation-based program that provides the basic necessities for students in-need,” said Jarvis. “Post-COVID our survey data showed 40% of students at Georgia College were found to experience a form of food insecurity. Campus Corner provides for these students to promote a healthy lifestyle and address a barrier that may impact their academic and personal life.”
Formerly located in Sanford Hall, Campus Corner was moved to the first first floor of the Student Activities Center in the Magnolia Center to be in a central location for students to access. With the recent renovation, Campus Corner was upgraded to have a card-accessed door to provide 24-hour access for students, rather than limiting them to open hours.
“The biggest upgrade was being able to provide the Campus Corner’s resources to students after 5 p.m.,” said Whatley. “The new door will ensure that security is not impaired, students have access to these resources whenever they are needed, and will help us track the amount of usage Campus Corner is receiving.”
A feedback system with a short form for students to fill out when leaving the corner was also added. This anonymous feedback will be used to provide better food options for students and ensure Campus Corner stays accessible for the diverse student population.
“Through these two systems, we will be able to determine who is in need and how satisfied they are by the resources offered and how they can access those resources,” said Whatley. “This information will also be used to help us secure funding and donations to keep the corner going.”
Campus Corner is run by monetary and physical donations by GCSU departments, organizations, and from the wider community. Anyone may visit gcsu.edu/ student-care/campuscorner to view donation guidelines, place an order on the Amazon Wishlist, or donate to the Student Emergency Fund.
“Campus Corner is essential to our students' wellbeing and ensuring that they are cared for, not only on an academic level but a physical level,” said Jarvis. “In addition, we have established a sharing agreement with Milly Free Fridge to provide for the greater Baldwin County community. We never want to take away from the community, so, when we have an abundance of donations that don't move in Campus Corner, we take those to Milly Free Fridge and other agencies in town.”
To arrange donation pick-ups or inquire further about donations, email amy.whatley@gcsu.edu.