Funding for assistantships is essential to recruiting top talent to UGA, and PSO will commit additional funds to help UGA provide this competitive advantage. In FY10, PSO programs supported 39 graduate students with assistantships totaling over $225,000. Through external funding and reallocation of state funds, PSO will expand its support of graduate assistantships while also providing a unique learning experience for students interested in public service and scholarship. PSO support of graduate students will contribute to the University’s goal of enhancing graduate education as outlined in its new strategic plan.

The PSO Graduate Assisantship Program is one avenue through with the Office of the Vice President is continuing to grow its support of UGA graduate students. The goal of this program is to give UGA graduate students expanded opportunities for engaging in research, and public service and outreach endeavors. The program provides a unique learning experience for students while contributing to UGA's goal for enhancing graduate education.

The University of Georgia’s 2005 Task Force Report on General Education and Student Learning recognized the importance of community and civic engagement to student learning and to supporting UGA’s mission as a land-grant institution. The Public Service Scholars program, modeled after a program at UNC—Chapel Hill, will allow undergraduate students to engage deeply in a PSO initiative that addresses critical statewide needs. Students will develop an understanding of the role of public service in society, hone their civic leadership skills, and apply academic learning to public issues.

PSO will establish a faculty fellowship program to immerse tenured faculty in the work of the PSO units. As they are able to do in the University’s Study a Second Discipline Program, faculty members will spend a semester working in a PSO unit and have opportunities to enhance their academic courses, conduct community-based research, and apply their academic expertise to outreach initiatives. An anticipated outcome of the Fellowship experience will be the participants’ sustained involvement with PSO once they return to their academic departments.

As service-learning courses become more common across the curriculum, there will be a growing need for more community-based projects and connections to outreach initiatives. The OSL will create more connections between academic and PSO units in order to provide service-learning opportunities that are linked to PSO initiatives. In addition, the OSL will work to reduce barriers to PSO faculty participation in instruction.

Participation in professional development activities encourages innovation and fresh thinking among PSO faculty and staff. The VP’s Office will support PSO faculty and staff participation in professional development experiences that will enhance their job performance, especially activities that strengthen linkages to academic departments. Reviving the Leadership Academy will be a top priority under this new plan.

PSO statewide relationships provide a platform to facilitate internships throughout the state and connect community needs with student interests. PSO can address the most common challenges of internships by defining the work plan, identifying on-site sponsors to guide student interns, and assessing the impact of the experiences on students. The Archway Partnership, for example, provides community-based experiences that enhance the student learning experience, including opportunities to present their work before key leaders.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

Through a contract finalized with Georgia Sea Grant on March 15 and another with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant Program on March 27, the Vinson Institute’s Environmental Policy Program will educate coastal communities about the potential effects of sea level rise and help them incorporate these considerations into their community and emergency preparedness planning. For the two-year Georgia Sea Grant project, environmental faculty will collaborate with Institute demography and geographic information systems technology experts to predict which areas will likely experience future growth and anticipate which properties will encounter increased risk from sea level rise as well as the dollar amount for potential lost property values at the regional level. The second project is a partnership between the City of Tybee Island, the Vinson Institute, Georgia Sea Grant, and the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to develop a detailed climate adaptation plan for the Tybee barrier island. NOAA expects this project to serve as a model for advanced adaptation planning and implementation for other coastal communities of Georgia, of the southeast region, and across the nation. 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} u

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On March 1, SBDC cohosted an event with Google at the High Museum in Atlanta to introduce small business owners to a program offering free Web site development and hosting by Google and Intuit. Approximately 1,000 participants registered, and several SBDC staff served as instructors and exhibitors. This event is one of several that SBDC has been involved in over the past year at the request of Google in partnership with the national Association of SBDCs. 

To find out more: Georgia Get Your Business Online | Archway Partnership

On February 29, the Vinson Institute launched GOV360™, the first 360-degree assessment tool designed specifically for government managers. The tool gives them insights into their leadership performance based on feedback from raters and helps them set professional development goals. The launch marks the culmination of a multiyear partnership with faculty from UGA’s Department of Psychology. The Vinson Institute hopes to expand its market nationally and internationally.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

End-of-year statistics for 2011 were reported: 197,000 people visited the Garden, a 5 percent increase over an average of 188,000 visitors. Much of the increase came in the final quarter (41,000 people compared with an average of 34,000—a 20 percent increase).

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On  January 13, 2012, MAREX faculty John Crawford led a group of visiting marine scientists to Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge near Savannah aboard the RV Sea Dawg. Crawford coordinated with Dr. Jens C. Nejstgaard of the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the MESOAQUA group from the University of Bergen, Norway. MESOAQUA projects study changes in aquatic ecosystems from the Arctic to the Mediterranean.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In December, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded a $59,786 grant to the State Botanical Garden Research Department to support restoration of quality bird habitat on the Garden’s floodplain and along the power line. This grant is provided through the Southern Company Power of Flight program and augments recent grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and U.S. Forest Service. A goal of the program is to generate a set of recommendations for floodplain restoration for landowners and land managers who wish to address habitat devastation caused by Chinese privet.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

1.     The Vinson Institute and the Fanning Institute finalized plans to jointly provide mediation services for local governments that are undergoing the potentially contentious process of renegotiating distribution of the local option sales tax (LOST). Work began with Douglas County and the City of Douglasville on December 15. Through the Vinson-Fanning project, cities and counties will have access to experienced, impartial mediators who are well versed in the intricacies of legal aspects of LOST.

To find out more: Fanning Institute | Fanning Institute

From October 15 to November 12, 2011 (five Saturdays) a Spanish/English Medical Interpreter Program is being conducted at the University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus. This 40-hour (continuing education unit award) certificate program prepares bilingual professionals with the theoretic, linguistic and procedural training necessary to comply with the Medical Interpreting Standards of Practice.

To find out more: Georgia Center |

On October 24-27, 2011, a certificate in grant writing program was held for the first time at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah, Georgia. This 30-hour (continuing education unit award) certificate program included comprehensive modules on the fundamentals of nonprofit development, proposal process, writing skills, funding resources, and grant management.

To find out more: Georgia Center |

On October 26, 2011, Office of Service-Learning (OSL) Assistant Director Paul Matthews presented overviews of service-learning and resources for students to William Kisaalita’s First-Year Odyssey Seminar. In addition, the OSL held two special presentations of this seminar on October 20 and 24, 2011, at the Miller Learning Center as featured events for UGA's new First- Year Odyssey program.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On October 19, 2011, the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) continued its fall workshop series with a two-hour session on Improving Student Learning Outcomes with Critical Reflection. Held at the OSL, this workshop introduced faculty members and graduate student attendees to best practices in implementing critical reflection in service-learning. The final workshop in this series will be held on November 9, 2011, and will focus on working effectively with community partners. Registration information is available on the OSL website.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On October 13, 2011, 15 undergraduate students from the College of Coastal Georgia's Ecology 3300 class attended sustainable landscape and invasive plant presentations at the Marine Extension Service Brunswick Station and toured the on-site CoastScapes conservation landscaping demonstration garden.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 13, 2011, Washington County Archway Partnership Public Health Professional Laura Gillman coordinated a meeting at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel on the University of Georgia campus to connect Family and Consumer Science agents and students and faculty in the College of Public Health. The meeting was attended by 15 Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists. The goal of the meeting was to facilitate student internships with Family and Consumer Science agents and potential collaborations with the colleges.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On October 11-12, 2011, the Fanning Institute facilitated the third immersion session of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Leadership Academy at the Fanning Institute.  The two-day event featured Quinn Hudson, Hudson Group principal, and Bucky Johnson, mayor of Norcross and chairman of the Atlanta Regional Round Table on Transportation. The ARC Leadership Academy will continue over the next eight months with independent work, guest speakers, and topical cohort brown discussions.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On October 11, 2011, the Service-Learning Fellows monthly meeting was held and focused on effective strategies for student reflection (written, arts-based, and oral). The Fellows took part in sample reflective activities and applied specific models of critical reflection. Eight faculty members from across campus are participating in this year-long, competitive faculty development program and working to implement service-learning projects throughout the academic year.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On October 1-4, 2011, Office of Service Learning Director Shannon Wilder and Assistant Director Paul Matthews presented and facilitated sessions at the National Outreach Scholarship Conference held at Michigan State University. Presentations featured an overview and evaluation of the OSL’s faculty development programs, as well as assessment of the Spring 2011 pilot of the Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars program.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

In October 2011, data on the impact of the 2010-2011 Scholarship of Engagement Grants became available. The grant program was funded by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. The six grants, ranging from $4,610 to $8,000 and totaling $41,255, supported projects by academic faculty members who combined public service and outreach with teaching and research activities.

To find out more:

In October 2011, staff members John Maynard, Teresa Williams, and Roswell Lawrence began their participation in the University of Georgia Public Service and Outreach Leadership Academy.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

In October 2011, the Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars meetings featured visits to the Botanical Gardens, the Small Business Development Center, and Marine Extension Service. PSO Scholars met with faculty members in these units and learned about their activities, programs, and history. The PSO Student Scholars are a competitively selected group of 10 undergraduates coordinated by the Office of Service-Learning and sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, who are exploring UGA's public service and outreach mission and will participate in a 150-hour internship in a public service unit during the Spring semester. On October 29-31, 2011, during UGA's Fall Break, the PSO Scholars also had a three-day visit to the Georgia coast, including meetings with the Washington County Archway Partnership professional, programming at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island, and volunteer and networking activities with the UGA Alumni Association for the Georgia-Florida Oyster Roast on Jekyll Island.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

Office of Service-Learning (OSL) faculty members continue to provide course-based presentations overviewing service-learning to students as guest speakers for classes. September sessions included presentations to students in Pratt Cassity’s Global Engagement Learning Community (September 13), Trish Kalivoda’s First-Year Odyssey Seminar (September 19), and Stephanie Tingler’s Music Learning Community (September 26). OSL Assistant Director Paul Matthews also presented a service-learning videoconference for an education course at the University of Pretoria, South Africa (September 16).

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On September 22, 2011, over 30 faculty, students, staff and community members attended the Fall Service-Learning Interest Group (SLIG) meeting at the Office of Service-Learning (OSL). This session provided a venue for information sharing about engagement between campus and community, especially relating to the OSL “engagement hubs” of community food issues, Latino initiatives, and K-12 service-learning.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On September 20-22, 2011, the Campus Kitchen Project (CKP) began its fall food collection and deliveries to food insecure senior citizens by establishing a new partnership with Talmage Terrace/Lanier Gardens Senior Residence. Talmage Terrace provides commercial kitchen space and ServSafe supervision, as well as an opportunity for intergenerational service-learning as senior citizens in their facility volunteer alongside UGA Campus Kitchen students. Senior citizens and UGA students provided meals for 14 families headed by Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with local produce grown at UGArden, and food from local restaurants. Campus Kitchen is a food recovery and redistribution program with affiliates at 29 colleges and universities nationwide.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On September 20, 2011, the Service-Learning Fellows monthly meeting focused on effective service-learning course design. Denise Domizi, Center for Teaching and Learning, led a session on linking assessment with learning goals, and fellows also provided updates on their individual service-learning projects. Eight faculty members from across campus are participating in this year-long faculty development program.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On September 19, 2011, Paul Matthews, assistant director of the Office of Service-Learning, presented a workshop on incorporating service-learning into study abroad courses in conjunction with UGA Costa Rica’s “Teaching Here vs. Teaching There” workshop series. Intended for faculty members offering coursework at UGA Costa Rica, this session included an overview of a faculty toolkit for international service-learning developed collaboratively by UGA Costa Rica and the Office of Service-Learning.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement has been experiencing tremendous growth recently. In January 2011, the Journal transitioned to a completely online, open access format, meaning there are no longer subscription fees and that all articles are available on the Journal’s website, www.jheoe.uga.edu. Since this migration, the Journal has averaged 993 unique visitors to the website each month, a significant increase over the fewer than 200 subscribers at the end of 2010. As of mid-September 2011, those users had downloaded more than 70,000 articles, and there was a nearly 40 percent increase in manuscript submissions for peer review.

To find out more:

On September 15, 2011, the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) debuted its fall workshop series with a three-hour session on Effective Service-Learning Course Design. This workshop introduced faculty attendees to best practices in service-learning, including course and syllabus design, learning outcomes, characteristics, and resources available to support service-learning. Additional workshop sessions in this series will focus on facilitating critical reflection and working with community partners.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

The impact data for the 2010-2011 Scholarship of Engagement Grants has been released. A total of six Scholarship of Engagement Grants were awarded to UGA faculty members in four colleges at the Athens and Griffin campuses. Grants ranged from $4,610 to $8,000 with a total of $41,084 awarded to the faculty members in support of their public service and outreach activities. Priority was given to projects that include a service-learning opportunity for students; that demonstrate collaboration among faculty members in the schools and colleges, and public service units; and that have an assessment-of-impact built into the project. The grants are supported by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach.

To find out more:

During September 2011, the Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars meetings featured visits to the Office of Service-Learning, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. The PSO Student Scholars are a competitively selected group of 10 undergraduates coordinated by the Office of Service-Learning who are exploring UGA's public service and outreach mission and will participate in a 150-hour internship in a public service unit during the Spring semester.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

In September 2011, Sarah Brackmann, graduate assistant in the Office of Service-Learning, was one of 14 graduate students internationally selected as a 2011 Editorial Fellow by the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE). As part of this program, the Editorial Fellows will work to produce the 2011 IARSCLE annual conference proceedings.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

In September 2011, four new marine education interns arrived for 50 weeks of learning and teaching. This longstanding Marine Education Internship program is funded through Georgia Sea Grant and administered and coordinated by Marine Extension Service faculty members. The new interns are: Ashley Powenski, Orchard Park, New York, graduated from the University of New England with a B.S. in marine biology; Kelly Muench, Marlton, New York, graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.S. in marine science; Jaclyn Miller, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a B.S. in marine biology; and Catharine Parker, New Ark, Delaware, graduated from Eckerd College with a B.S. in environmental studies.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In September 2011, the Georgia Center Professional and Personal Development (PPD) Program had its first class of 12 people in the online course, “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 205: Green Buildings and Preparing for the LEED Green Associate Exam” offered in partnership with Learning Resources Network, Inc. (LERN). The participants are from the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service and are located throughout Georgia.

To find out more: Georgia Center for Continuing Education |

This Fall semester (2011), Senior Associate Vice President Trish Kalivoda is teaching a First Year Odyssey Seminar focused on UGA's public service and outreach mission, community engagement, and citizenship. In the course, students are discussing what it means to be a part of the UGA, Athens-Area, and Georgia communities, and beyond. They are exploring opportunities for community engagement as part of UGA's Land-Grant mission through course-based service-learning projects, community service, and volunteerism.

To find out more: First Year Odyssey |

During August 2011, Marine Extension Service aquarium staff members collaborated with Savannah State University (SSU) to provide an opportunity for Edge Fellowship winner Heather D’Hanna to gain aquarium maintenance and animal husbandry experience. The fellowship awarded by SSU has allowed D’Hanna to work in the aquarium for the summer, and now that school is in session, D’Hanna continues to participate as a volunteer.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

During June-August 2011, Heather Cram, a student from West Georgia College, completed an eight-week internship program at the Marine Extension Service education facility on Skidaway Island, Georgia. She worked with Marine Extension Service staff members in the summer marine science programs, and taught students ages four to 12 about Georgia's coastal environment, salt water fish, and invertebrates. In addition, Cram worked closely with aquarium curator Devin Dumont to assist with animal care and feeding at the aquarium. The intern program is tailored to the interests of each student, and offers hand-on learning experiences in an education/aquarium setting.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On August 29, 2011, the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) presented "Get Involved! An Introduction to Service-Learning for First-Year Students" at the Miller Learning Center. This presentation, designed to support the learning outcomes of the new First-Year Odyssey program, provided an overview of service-learning at UGA, showed students how to get involved and learn more about courses available, and shared the benefits of service-learning enhanced courses for students and community partners. In addition, OSL Director Shannon Wilder and Assistant Director Paul Matthews are each teaching First-Year Odyssey Seminars this semester, directly involving new students with service activities including those relating to community-based art and food system issues, as well as tutoring of English-learning children.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On August 26, 2011, the 2011-2012 Service-Learning Fellows program (now in its seventh year) held a day-long workshop at the State Botanical Garden for the eight faculty members taking part in this year-long faculty development program. At the workshop, participants learned about service-learning best practices from Office of Service-Learning Director Shannon Wilder and Assistant Director Paul Matthews, worked on course design with Denise Domizi of the Center for Teaching and Learning, received an overview of UGA’s engagement work from Trish Kalivoda, Senior Associate Vice President in the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, and took part in team building activities with graduate assistant Sarah Brackmann.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On August 19-20, 2011, the PSO Student Scholars program began with an overnight retreat at Unicoi State Park coordinated by OSL Assistant Director Paul Matthews. This year-long program provides an opportunity for undergraduates to explore the breadth of UGA's public service work through cohort meetings and site visits and participate in a 150-hour internship within a PSO unit under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Trish Kalivoda, Senior Associate Vice President, represented the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach with an overview of UGA's land- and sea-grant missions. Joy Wilkins, Senior Public Service Associate in the Fanning Institute, led the 10 undergraduates participating in leadership activities.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On July 8-22, 2011, Danny Bivins and Leigh Askew Elkins led an engaging, service-learning- based course in Costa Rica as part of the College of Environment and Design's Nature and the Environment study abroad experience. With seven graduate and two undergraduate students from the University of Georgia and Washington State University, Bivins and Elkins focused on two projects selected by the San Luis community - redesigning a bus stop that serves as a gateway to the community, and designing amenities for the local soccer field that is heavily used by both children and adults. The experience concluded with a presentation to the community.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On July 14, 2011, the Office of Service-Learning hosted a campus visit from a delegation with the Service-Learning and Leadership Development Program at Benedict College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Columbia, South Carolina. UGA was selected as part of Benedict College's annual site visits of top service-learning and leadership programs in the nation. The visiting group learned about the Office of Service-Learning’s faculty development programs and service-learning course tracking and assessment; the Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars program sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach; and participated in Dawg Camp Classic City, a program sponsored by the Center for Leadership and Service in Student Affairs.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

This Fall semester (2011), the PSO Fellowship Program will support two faculty members: Michael Marshall, associate professor, Art (photography), who will work with the Fanning Institute; and Michelle Carney, professor, School of Social Work and Director of the Institute for NonProfit Organizations in the School of Social Work, who will work with the Archway Partnership. The goal of the program is to provide tenured faculty members an opportunity to immerse themselves in a PSO unit for one semester. Their work enriches the work of the PSO unit while providing the faculty fellows with research and outreach opportunities to benefit communities in Georgia.

To find out more:

This Fall semester (2011), PSO’s Graduate Assistantship Program will fund six master’s level and one doctoral level graduate assistantships in three PSO units. The goal of the program is to give UGA graduate students expanded opportunities for engaging in research, and public service and outreach endeavors. The program provides a unique learning experience for students while contributing to UGA’s goal of enhancing graduate education.

To find out more:

This Fall semester (2011), Senior Associate Vice President Trish Kalivoda will teach a First Year Odyssey Seminar. The theme of the course is community and civic engagement. Students will discuss what it means to be a part of the UGA, Athens-Area, and Georgia communities, and beyond. They will explore opportunities for community engagement as part of UGA’s Land-Grant mission through course-based service-learning projects and community service.

To find out more: First-Year Odyssey |

The 15(2) June 2011 issue of UGA’s Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement was published in an online, open access format. UGA’s Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach continues to support this peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal to advance theory and practice related to all forms of outreach and engagement between higher education institutions and communities. From January to June 2011, there were more than 4,800 unique visits to the Journal’s website.

To find out more: JHEOE Issue 15(2) |

In July 2011, the Office of Service-Learning completed an annual inventory of service-learning courses offered at UGA. The following is a profile of service-learning at UGA for the 2010-11 academic year:Service-learning course sections taught: 297 (Fall: 116; Spring: 117; Summer: 64)Number of faculty members teaching courses: 135Number of students enrolled: 7,290Percentage of UGA student enrollment: 21%Service-Learning Study Abroad Programs Offered: 19

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

During July 2011, Marine Extension’s Shellfish Research Laboratory hosted two graduate students from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. One student tested the uptake of bacteria from the water by oysters, while the second student examined the uptake of pharmaceuticals from the water by oysters. The research will help with the Marine Extension Service efforts in building oyster reef for the improvement of coastal water quality.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In June 2011, the Service-Learning Course Survey (SLCS) — offered at the end of each semester to students enrolled in service-learning courses and designed to provide course- and institution-level data to aid faculty members teaching service-learning courses and inform the Office of Service-Learning’s faculty development programs — results from 2009-2011 were released. The instrument assesses student demographics, the time and type of service and in-class activities, and students’ perceptions of the impacts of academic service-learning.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On June 1, 2011, Sarah Jackson joined the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) as a full-time Campus Kitchen Project (CKP) Coordinator. Jackson was a PSO Scholar who worked as an OSL intern. CKP is a food recovery and redistribution program with chapters at 25 colleges/universities nationwide. The OSL is sponsoring UGA's application to become a national affiliate and the first CKP in Georgia. Since March, students have delivered nearly 250 meals for 20 families (55 individuals) in the Athens Community Council on Aging's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

During June 2011, the Georgia Center for Continuing Education’s Summer Academy @UGA program offered 13 specialty enrichment camps on a wide variety of subjects, including Aviation, Mini Medical School, Video Game Design, Mock Trial, Fashion Design, and more. At each camp, students spent the week with expert instructors, exploring specialty topics in dynamic and hands-on learning environments. Over the course of the month, Summer Academy@UGA served 209 students, including 78 overnight students, with more camps scheduled for July.

To find out more: Georgia Center for Continuing Education |

During June 2011, the seventh Mercer medical student in the Georgia Rural Medical Scholar Program started his rotation in Sandersville, Georgia. The program has grown in popularity among Mercer students, bringing more recognition to the community.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

This Fall semester (2011), PSO's Graduate Assistantship Program will fund six master's level and one doctoral level graduate assistantships in three PSO units. The goal of the program is to give UGA graduate students expanded opportunities for engaging in research, and public service and outreach endeavors. The program provides a unique learning experience for students while contributing to UGA's goal of enhancing graduate education.

To find out more:

On May 11, 2011, Public Service and Outreach graduate student James Graves (Institute for Nonprofit Organizations) presented the first stage of a community asset inventory project to the Archway Executive Committee. The executive committee hopes to further develop the inventory, which will facilitate connections and the sharing of resources between individuals and organizations within Hart County.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

In May 2011, UGA College of Environment and Design students neared completion of an inventory of existing downtown retail space. Utilizing state of the art data base technology, this project will allow potential businesses to quickly scan available properties and refine their search to those that meet their needs.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

In May 2011, a team of UGA environmental engineering students continued work begun in March with the Hart County Work Ready Committee and the Hart County School System to create designs for "Sustainable Cafeteria Food Waste Remediation and Methane Production by Two-Stage Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion.” Goals of this project were helping Hart County “go green” via renewable energy and reducing cafeteria food waste going into landfills. The students presented their results to the local committee members.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

The University of Georgia was recognized by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its institutiional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research, and public service with the Community Engagement Classification. UGA is one of only 115 colleges and universities to achieve this elective classification in 2010 and will join the ranks of only 311 institutions nationally.This designation reaffirms UGA's commitment to the Public Service and Outreach mission of applying the knowledge of this university to the state's evolving economic, social, and community needs.UGA is an engaged university, not only through the efforts of the Office of the Vice President and the eight PSO units, but also through UGA's schools, colleges, and student affairs division.UGA's application for the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification designation "documented excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement," said Anthony S. Bryk, president of the Carnegie Foundation.

To find out more:

On May 8-13, 2011, the top 32 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) winners advanced to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, California. The three-day state finals of the 63rd GSEF, coordinated by the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, were held at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia, in April. Winners from more than 210 local fairs advanced to 22 regional fairs, then the 662 regional winners competed in Athens. The Georgia Science Fair System encourages every Georgia middle and high school student to isolate and solve problems through logical thought and scientific research.

To find out more: Georgia Center for Continuing Education |

The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement has continued its online, open access availability instead of its paid subscription print subscription. Since January 2011, the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement has experienced an almost 30% increase in the number of visits to its website (and a 22% increase of number of unique visitors (1200). This is a significant increase in access to the Journal and visibility for UGA as compared to the 168 paid subscriptions in 2010.

To find out more: JHEOE |

MAREX's Lisa Liguori and Lindsey Parker were invited plenary speakers at the inaugural Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Meeting on Jekyll Island. To open the conference, 416 registered participants gathered to honor the life's work of Sinkey Boone, the Georgia shrimper and inventor of the first Turtle Excluder Device. Lisa and Lindsey spoke about Sinkey's dedication to conservation. In addition, they collaborated with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to create a permanent tribute exhibit.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service