Student Handbook 2016 - 2017

Student Organizations and Activities

Many student organizations are available at West Georgia Technical College, and other organizations are currently being researched in order to offer a broader range of activities in the near future. Joining one of the following organizations can enrich a student’s academic experience and facilitate meeting other students. For more information, students may contact the Student Life Coordinator at 770.537.5722 or studentlife@westgatech.edu.

I. Governance

Georgia Student Government Association (GSGA): Students on GSGA are elected by their peers. They are the voice of West Georgia Tech students and vote on behalf of all students for issues brought to the Georgia Student Government Association. Student Government is comprised of an Executive Board (President, Vice President, Etc.), campus Representatives, and Division Liaisons. All students are encouraged to participate through contact with their campus representatives as well as attendance at meetings. For more information about the Georgia Student Government Association, email SGA@westgatech.edu

II.  Academic and Professional

Answering the Call of Excellence (ACE): The ACE Program (Answering the Call for Excellence) is an academic advising, counseling, mentoring, and social support program intended to provide academic enrichment, leadership development, enhanced sense of professionalism and self-advocacy, critical thinking and communication skills leading to program completion, graduation and employment for primarily African American male students attending West Georgia Technical College. Participation is open to all students, and students from other ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to become involved as well. For more information about ACE, email ace@westgatech.edu.

Best and Crunchiest Original Nourishment : B.A.C.O.N. is an organization open to all WGTC enrolled students that consider themselves “Foodies.” The organization expands culinary knowledge throughout the community to motivate farm-to-table, community gardens, and simple cooking. Members will participate in community gardens, cooking demonstrations, and attend various food related events. The organization impacts the lives of anyone who truly loves food. For more information on the BACON Club please email bacon@westgatech.edu.

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL): Students who are interested in developing leadership, communication, and team skills, or simply looking for an organization to meet and network with others at local, state, or national levels may join. PBL is not just another student group—it gives members an opportunity to learn and grow as a business professional. Employers are looking for students with cutting-edge skills. PBL gives members the chance to gain these skills and prepares them for the “real-world” after college. The organization may assist students to prepare for careers, graduate school and for life! For more information on PBL, e-mail PBL@westgatech.edu

Radiological Association for the Development of Students (RADS): The Radiological Association for the Development of Students is an organization for students in the Radiologic Technology program at West Georgia Technical College. This organization provides an opportunity for members to improve their leadership skills, attend educational seminars, and explore the many career opportunities available in the radiology field. For more information on RADS, e-mail RADS@westgatech.edu

SkillsUSA : The SkillsUSA is the national organization for students enrolled in classes with vocational trade, industrial, technology and health occupational objectives. West Georgia Technical College’s SkillsUSA operates under a charter granted by the Georgia Association of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. SkillsUSA provides student with opportunities to learn and practice leadership and employability skills. They also learn to manage their time, communicate effectively and work as part of a team. Through SkillsUSA students can prepare themselves for future education or a full-time work experience. One of the benefits of being a SkillsUSA member is the opportunity to compete for scholarships and awards that are offered by our industry partners for achievement. Members conduct business using the democratic process. Regular club meetings are scheduled each month. Membership must be established prior to January in order to compete in the annual Local, State and National SkillsUSA Championship. For more information on SkillsUSA, e-mail SKILLSUSA@westgatech.edu

Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA): Membership in this student organization is available only for students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at West Georgia Technical College. Much like the Student Nursing Association, this program aids students in attending annual conferences for the Dental Hygienists Association, discounts, books, and recreational activities. For more information on the Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists’’ Association, e-mail SADA@westgatech.edu

Student Nursing Association: The Student Nursing Association at West Georgia Technical College is part of the Georgia Student Association of Nurses. This program is for students majoring in Registered Nursing and is the way to maximize a student’s experience in the nursing program. This program provides networking opportunities, NCLEX review courses, aid with books, discounts, and educational conferences in- and out-of-state. For more information on the Student Nursing Association, e-mail SNA@westgatech.edu

III. Honorary

Kappa Beta Delta (KBD): Kappa Beta Delta is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among business students and to encourage and promote aspirations toward personal and professional improvement. It is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Students must be enrolled in an Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited degree program, rank in the upper 20% of students pursuing business degrees at the time of invitation, have completed at least 15 semester hours of credit with a minimum of six semester hours of credit in business subjects toward the degree program in which they are enrolled, and have attained a 3.0 GPA. For more information on Kappa Beta Delta, e-mail KBD@westgatech.edu

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS): The National Technical Honor Society is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of excellence in career and technical education and a major scholarship source for its members. NTHS membership is recognized by business, industry, and education as the hallmark of student achievement and leadership. Today, more than 3,000 schools and colleges are affiliated with the Society, and member schools agree that NTHS encourages higher achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps top students find success in today’s highly competitive workplace.  Founded in 1984, NTHS is a non-profit, educational organization carrying out its mission with the help of thousands of dedicated advisors at affiliated member institutions. NTHS provides excellent resources to promote higher scholastic achievement and to bring greater recognition to top students.  In order to become a member of West Georgia Technical College’s NTHS, the student must:

  • Be enrolled in a degree or diploma program
  • Be recommended by an instructor in his/her program;
  • Have competed 15 consecutive semester institutional GPA hours in one program;
  • Have maintained a 3.66 or higher overall GPA in his/her program;
  • Must have a 2 or better in Work Ethics; and
  • Have good character, exhibit leadership skills, and plan to pursue a career in his/her program of study.

For more information on National Technical Honor Society, e-mail NTHS@westgatech.edu

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): Phi Theta Kappa is a highly recognized international honor society for students who achieve superior academic success at a two-year college or institution. Chapter members serve as leaders for other students and for people in the community. Membership into the Beta Theta Phi Chapter offers intellectual enrichment and personal development as well as academic scholarships. For more information on Phi Theta Kappa, e-mail PTK@westgatech.edu

IV. Fine Arts

VOICES Magazine: VOICES is published annually by West Georgia Technical College.  The magazine seeks to showcase the best examples of the creative spirit that is alive and well at WGTC. Submissions are solicited during the fall semesters, compiled and edited during the late fall, and released in the middle of the spring semester each year. Submissions are welcome from all current students, as well as staff and faculty members.  Student editors are encouraged to volunteer to assist with selections, compilation, and binding of the magazine during the fall and spring semesters.  For more information about VOICES, visit the website, www.westgatech.edu/voices, or email