Georgia College & State University offers more beyond their four-year academic program. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers six units that greatly impact the surrounding Baldwin County community.
One of these units is Continuing and Professional Education. This unit serves approximately 12,000 members of the community annually through more than 800 noncredit course offerings from accounting to yoga.
“Continuing and Professional Education is important because we offer opportunities for community members to engage in Georgia College education through noncredit options,” said Angela Criscoe, interim executive director.
Continuing and Professional Education offers multiple services to the community including children’s programs and summer camps, professional development classes and certificates (on campus and online), customized training, personal enrichment courses and conference services.
According to the website, “In today’s rapidly changing world, workers may have up to 20 different careers over the course of their lifetimes and are in need of short-format credentials and certificates to provide the flexibility to change roles and industries at a moment’s notice. The school hopes to help today’s workers retrain and retool for the rapidly changing job market.”
In the online registration roster, by program, there are currently five athletic courses, 62 camps, one culinary course, 16 dance courses, nine Georgia Film Academy courses, 54 courses of Kids’ University for a variety of grades and two St. Stephens Community Dance courses available. Looking at the online registration log, potential students can see the fees, location and times/dates of the courses.
“Edtogo is one of our online partners to provide courses. These courses are provided in session, where you can work with an instructor, or at your own pace. Most of them are professional development courses,” said Criscoe. “They offer a variety of opportunities to come in and take that course and then you advance to another level, if you want to.”
Alongside Edtogo classes, the Continuing and Professional Education unit offers graduate certificate classes. Graduate certificate courses allow students who may not want to take classes on campus, to get graduate certifications online that are developed by faculty at Georgia College.
“The College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences and College of Education provide the courses for these online certificates,” said Criscoe. “We work with deans and the faculty of those four colleges to develop specific programs that provide a quick, accessible and quality education.”
Alongside these programs, the unit also offers general educational and enriching experiences to the public. These experiences include enrichment programs, Kids’ University summer camps, Road to Scholar at Georgia College and Learning in Retirement.
“As young as about 5 years old, until you’re 100, we are offering programs to help continue your education,” said Criscoe.
Kids’ University Summer Camps take place on Georgia College’s west campus. Typically, summer camp has 10 weeks with a variety of different camps to choose from for each week. In the past, there have been athletic camps, a camp called All Creatures Great and Small and theatre camp. To learn more about summer camps and how to sign up, go to summpercamps.gcsu.edu.
“This program allows multiple grades to be on the campus and learn about a variety of topics,” said Criscoe.
The Road Scholar program offers educational adventures and learning opportunities for seniors. Continuing and Professional Education and Road Scholar have been partners for more than 20 years.
“It sends seniors out to a variety of different locations to learn how to play bridge or play pickleball or learn about nature and so much more,” said Criscoe. “There is a week’s worth of entertainment and education through Road Scholars.”
Learning in Retirement is a program geared towards retirees who want to continue their education. There are no specific age or previous educational requirements to join and annual membership is $35 per person. Activities with this program include group trips, special interest groups, invitations to symposia and lectures on campus, campus tours, scheduled tours of historic sights and more.
“Our program truly has a lot to offer to everyone whether you choose to extend your education further on something specific or work related or if you’re just looking for personal enrichment,” said Criscoe.
Personal Enrichment courses are courses designed for personal interest and involvement. These courses help individuals upskill, reskill or gain skills that could help in the advancement of a career or special interests.
“For example, there are art classes. You may not be an artist, but you can take the course and learn how to be an artist and do your best at your own pace,” said Criscoe. “It’s about enhancing the quality of your life and adding more energy and fun to your everyday schedule.”
Among all of these different programs and courses that are offered throughout the year, Continuing and Professional Education also offers customized services for both enrichment programs and workforce training opportunities.
Workforce training opportunities can be customized courses to better the needs of local businesses and organizations. Most popularly, local businesses and organizations use customized opportunities to host computer classes or lead CPR/First Aid courses.
“This program allows businesses and organizations the chance to customize their educational programs and so we are the source that will help their employees and their businesses grow and enhance to overcome whatever challenges or changes they have,” said Criscoe.
The Continuing and Professional Education unit of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers unique programs and opportunities for the community year-round. To register for a course, camp or conference assistance, call 478-445-5277.