University System News:
WSB
What will college look like next year? Georgia State president looks ahead
By Jovita Moore
Coronavirus has impacted all of our lives, but it has meant huge changes for college students and those getting ready to go to college. The Georgia State University campus is usually buzzing this time of year with students preparing for graduation. Instead, these days, campus is empty. Channel 2 Anchor Jovita Moore talked to GSU President Mark Becker about what families can expect this fall.
Albany Herald
Students at Albany State University can access virtual career services
From staff reports
The Office of Career Services has transitioned to virtual services, while Albany State University is participating in online and remote instruction. Help is available for both students and alumni. The office provides services to increase knowledge, understanding and skill development as tools for Golden Rams entering the professional world. …The Office of Career Services will offer students the same level of service while operating virtually. This comes as part of the Golden RAM Guarantee, ASU’s continued promise to ensure continuity of instruction and student success, both on campus and in online/remote instruction.
The Brunswick News
College to host virtual Service-Learning Symposium
By Lauren McDonald
College of Coastal Georgia will present its annual Service-Learning Symposium in a fully digital format for the first time this year. The eighth annual symposium will go live online at 9 a.m. today. College faculty, students, staff, local partners and the community at-large will be able to virtually attend the symposium. The Service-Learning Symposium highlights service-learning projects at the college. Through partnerships between the college and community agencies, students in service-learning classes reinforce classroom instruction by applying what they have learned to address a need in the community.
Growing Georgia
ABAC Virtual Commencement Ceremony on May 7
Graduates of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will hear their names called on their cell phones, iPads, and computers on May 7 when ABAC presents its first ever virtual commencement ceremony. “Thanks to the hard work of our media team, we have put together a program that will recognize all graduates individually, calling their names, and allowing their friends and family to celebrate their achievements at ABAC,” ABAC President David Bridges said. “We would love to be able to celebrate with our graduates in person but that’s not possible this year.” As one of the 26 colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia, ABAC is not having its spring ceremony this year due to the pandemic.
WTOC
Georgia Southern student creates Paulson Stadium graduation ceremony in Minecraft
A senior marketing major at Georgia Southern University decided to create a graduation ceremony after the university’s was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebecca Hooper built an exceptional rendering of Paulson Stadium in the video game world of Minecraft. Twenty hours of work. Hooper posted a flythrough of the stadium on Twitter, with a comment that said, “GSU said no graduation in Paulson. I said Minecraft graduation in Paulson #HailSouthern.”
Savanah Morning News
Abbie DeLoach Foundation names scholarship recipients, introduces new fundraising campaign
The Abbie DeLoach Foundation (ADF) announced its 2020 Scholarship Class. Five years ago, on April 22, Abbie DeLoach died as the result of a tragic accident that took the lives of four of her fellow Georgia Southern University students. The nursing students were in a seven-vehicle accident on Interstate-16. Abbie’s family and friends founded the Abbie DeLoach Foundation to give back to others with a focus on Abbie’s main interests: education, athletics, world missions, and nursing, according to the a press release from the foundation. …This year’s class includes future medical professionals and a nationally ranked athlete. From Africa to Missouri and Georgia, the recipients are a diverse group. Eleven of the 2020 scholarship class come from Georgia, Abbie’s home state.
The Tifton Gazette
Young selected for ABAC Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Alma Young from Tifton has been selected as the 2020 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recipient by the ABAC Alumni Association at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. This award is normally presented at the Alumni Awards Luncheon at Homecoming each April but was postponed due to the pandemic. The event will be rescheduled, possibly during the fall term. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recognizes young alumni, 40 and younger, who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, community service and service to the college. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was initiated in 1981 by a group of former publications editors and staffers in honor of Director of Student Publications Helen Strickland. A 2005 ABAC graduate, Young received her associate degree in fashion merchandising. She then earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University.
The George-Anne
Memorial GoFundMe created to remember Georgia Southern Alum
By Sarah Smith
A group of friends have come together to honor the death of Leigh Sundem, MD, by creating a memorial fund on behalf of the Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. Sundem, a former member of GS’s Center for Addiction Recovery and 2012 summa cum laude graduate from the University Honors program at GS, died on April 14, 2020 by suicide. Sundem had struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction beginning in middle school when she began using to cope with her depression and anxiety. After spending her 16th birthday in a juvenile detention facility and two years at an intensive addiciton treatment program, Sundem found herself wanting to pursue a medical degree. Through college, Sundem found refuge in CAR and became one of the most well-known graduates from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, according to the GoFundMe.
Forsyth County News
Some UNG students eligible for CARES grants
The University of North Georgia will use $6.8 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to help students struggling financially, according to an April 24 email announcement. UNG students who have been enrolled at the school as of April 20, have completed a FAFSA for the 2019-2020 school year, were enrolled in at least one face-to-face class as of March 13 and who are eligible for Title IV financial aid can receive a grant between $100 and $500. Amounts will vary by student need “as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and the number of credit hours enrolled,” according to the UNG website. Funds will be disbursed automatically to students starting on April 28.
WGAU
UNG makes plans for federal relief dollars
By: Tim Bryant
The University of North Georgia says it will use $6.8 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help UNG students who are experiencing financial challenges because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
From UNG…
The University of North Georgia (UNG) will use $6.8 million it receives as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to directly assist eligible students who are facing financial challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OPINION: Ga.’s investment in university scientists is paying off
By David M. Ratcliffe
It can be hard to find silver linings in the clouds of COVID-19, but a few are evident. One of them is how Georgia’s research universities and the Georgia Research Alliance are stepping up in this crisis. You might have seen news reports of a promising new drug developed at Emory (it’s now in human testing) or a University of Georgia lab that pivoted its flu research program to coronavirus. Along with Emory and UGA, Georgia Tech, Augusta University, Georgia State and others are developing new tests, inventing new protective equipment and repurposing their drug and vaccine enterprises to defeat COVID-19. Outside the lab, healthcare professionals at Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer, Augusta and Emory are waging their own heroic battles.
Inside Higher Ed
DeVos Expands Second-Chance Pell Institutions
By Madeline St. Amour
The U.S. Department of Education is expanding the Second-Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative. The initiative lets colleges provide need-based Pell Grants to people who are incarcerated in state or federal prisons. The expansions will nearly double the number of colleges and states that can participate, adding 67 colleges to provide these grants, according to a news release. Currently, 63 colleges in 26 states participate in Second-Chance Pell. This expansion brings those numbers to 130 institutions in 42 states and Washington, D.C. The institutions that are invited to participate in the expansion include Georgia State University, Miami Dade College and Ozarks Technical Community College. The Vera Institute of Justice provides technical assistance to participating colleges and corrections departments.
Albany Herald
Augusta University launches COVID-19 testing app
From Staff Reports
In a recent address to Georgians regarding COVID-19, Gov. Brian Kemp applauded the launch of Augusta University’s COVID-19 telemedicine app. Georgians can use this tool from their home to receive a virtual screening from a health care provider trained to screen for COVID-19. If the result is a positive screening, staff will contact the patient to schedule a test at one of Georgia’s designated testing locations. Screening and testing are available at no cost.
11Alive
‘It shows the power of love’: Georgia families assemble 3D printed face masks for hospital staff
Video – More than a million people have visited the 3D mask blueprint site. The template itself has been downloaded in 20 countries.
Patch
North Georgia Students Performing Virtual Piano Night Friday
Nine University of North Georgia students will perform their recital pieces at 7:30 p.m. Friday on YouTube.
By Kathleen Sturgeon, Patch Staff
Nine University of North Georgia students will perform their recital pieces to a virtual audience Friday on YouTube. The Virtual Piano Night will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and livestreamed via YouTube. The public may watch online. The nine University of North Georgia students set to perform are:
The Oconee Enterprise
UNG student writes letters for seniors
by Julia Fechter
The students in Susan Brantley’s University of North Georgia intro-level biology class typically complete their required service learning projects by volunteering in person. However, due to the novel coronavirus, sophomore communications major Sam Garrett brainstormed a creative way to serve one of the area’s most vulnerable populations. Garrett wrote a number of encouraging letters and cards to accompany meals that the Athens Community Council on Aging delivers to seniors, and he even got his nieces to join in and write their own inspiring messages. “When I saw his project and his pictures, it just touched my heart, because that was such a kind and creative way to reach out to people when you can’t be with them in person,” Brantley said. She elaborated that she began offering the service learning project because she wanted to have the students, many of whom are non-science majors, do a service-focused activity that is meaningful and teaches tangible skills.
Public ow
Mathematical Model Predicts COVID-19 Hospitalizations For Those With Underlying Conditions
Washington University in St. Louis mathematician Steven G. Krantz has turned his focus to modeling COVID-19 in hopes that better predictions can help lessen transmission and save lives. Krantz is working with Arni S.R. Srinivasa Rao, director of the Laboratory for Theory and Mathematical Modeling in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Their latest study – now available on the medical preprint server medRxiv – predicts the number of hospitalizations that could occur for people over age 65 with one or a combination of three underlying conditions: hypertension, cardiovascular disease and lung disease.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BREAKING: Georgia records 942 coronavirus deaths as cases rise to 23,773
By Chelsea Prince
Georgia’s known coronavirus infections number 23,773 and its death toll stands at 942, officials said Monday. The latest figures from the Georgia Department of Public Health represent a 1.2% rise in new cases since data was last reported Sunday night. Twenty-six more Georgians were counted among the dead Monday.
Forsyth County News
State leaders call for Day of Prayer, plan service Monday
Shannon Casas FCN regional staff
A Day of Prayer service will be held Monday at the state Capitol. Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston and faith leaders will gather at 10 a.m. in the rotunda. State leaders are asking residents to participate by posting videos of their prayers on social media throughout the day. “Faith and prayer are a comfort to millions of Georgians, and whatever your background, I hope Monday will be a chance for us to focus on those who are hurting and seek wisdom for the hard road ahead,” Duncan said. The service will not be open to the public but will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/GovKemp.
The Brunswick News
State launching rotating COVID-19 mobile testing
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service
A mobile COVID-19 testing unit will begin rotating between the Augusta area, Milledgeville and Tifton starting Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Sunday. The new initiative is an effort to increase access to testing for coronavirus in parts of Georgia where tests have not been readily available, Kemp said. …The new drive-through sites will be supported by Walmart, eTrueNorth – a federal health-care contractor — and state and local officials.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
State Colleges Association Disappointed DACA Students Are Excluded From Coronavirus Aid
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President Dr. Mildred García on Friday expressed deep disappointment that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) college students are excluded from the coronavirus emergency student financial aid grants. “DACA students, as well as Dreamers, enrolled in our colleges and universities are vital members of the academic community and contribute to the critical work of teaching, learning and research that occurs on campuses across the country,” said García in a statement. Department guidelines released Tuesday said only U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have filed, or are eligible to file, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are eligible for the grants that are intended for expenses such as childcare, food and housing. But, Garcia said, the federal coronavirus stimulus package, under the CARES Act, doesn’t specifically exclude undocumented students.
The Federalist
With 26 Million Unemployed, Partially Opening Georgia’s Economy Is A Good Start
What some who don’t live in Georgia may not realize is that Gov. Brian Kemp’s original shelter-in-place order was not a total lockdown.
By Jenny Beth Martin
Undeterred by his critics, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is moving forward with the bold decision to begin to reopen his state’s businesses and launch our return to normal life. According to an order Kemp promulgated Monday, nail salons, massage therapists, tattoo parlors, bowling alleys, gyms, and other businesses may reopen on Friday. In-person church services can reopen. On Monday, restaurants and movie theaters may reopen. Dentists’ and doctors’ offices and all other health care-related practices and services that have ceased to treat patients should begin treating patients as soon as practicable.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Survey finds they are skeptical of online-only options available now — and perhaps in the fall — and don’t want to pay regular tuition rates.
By Scott Jaschik
Many parents of high school seniors and current college students are skeptical of the quality of remote instruction offered by colleges since the coronavirus came to the United States. And some of these parents would not send their children to college in the fall if instruction is online. These are the results of a Tyton Partners survey conducted this month. The survey was conducted on Facebook and answered by 464 parents. Gates Bryant, a partner at Tyton, acknowledged that Facebook surveys are not the most reliable tools. But he said Tyton valued the timeliness of the survey. In addition, the flaws in a Facebook survey — probably a sample that is wealthier and whiter than the general population — make the survey sample more indicative of those populations. Of the sample, only 57 percent said they would continue their child’s education at the same institution if it offers only online education in the fall. Seven percent said they definitely would not return to the same college. And 35 percent said they were unsure.
Inside Higher Ed
Low-Income Students Top Presidents’ COVID-19 Worry List
By Doug Lederman
In mid-March, as the novel coronavirus was taking hold on many campuses, Inside Higher Ed surveyed college presidents and found them to be focused on the job at hand: ensuring the physical and psychological safety of students and employees and enabling the smoothest possible transition to remote learning, for faculty members and students alike. Yes, they acknowledged the threat of major financial and enrollment damage to their institutions and were beginning to think about how their institutions might adapt to a landscape that could be permanently altered by a crisis that some say may be the biggest since World War II. But the focus was on emergency response, on the “now.”