Parent & Family Programming Initiative
At the College of Coastal Georgia, the relationship we have with our students’ parents and families is a partnership. Built on the shared interest in your student’s success and well-being, our Parent & Family Programming aims to help you stay connected to your student and support their educational and co-curricular experiences.
Dear Mariner Parents and Families,
As the old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Our version of that at the College of Coastal Georgia: It takes a village to help a Mariner be successful! Having been in this business for a number of years, I have found nothing to be more true! Having a loving and supportive family structure gives students the confidence to explore and challenge themselves in college. Pair that with the academic and social support they are receiving while on campus (something we do better than anyone else), and your student is set up for ultimate success.
That’s why we are so excited to launch the College’s first Parent & Family Programming Initiative. Rooted in our shared interest in the success of your student, the work of the Parent & Family Programming at the College will center on three things:
- To inform parents and families of Coastal Georgia students with pertinent information about the College, its goals, and activities.
- To involve parents and families in the life of the College by providing a variety of opportunities to engage with our community.
- To exchange ideas and support strategies to assist your students in their success at the College.
The program is designed to start slow and build on the synergy we receive from our participants. We welcome your input, feedback, and help as we chart a new course for this exciting initiative.
Be sure to save the date for our inaugural Fall Parent & Family Weekend, October 24-26, 2025. The “choose your own adventure” weekend will begin with an event in conjunction with the City of Brunswick’s First Friday festival and will include a cookout, a walk on the beach, and a few other surprises.
As always, we are grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in us by sending your student to our campus. Please reach out to me if there is anything we can do to help!
Take good care, and GO MARINERS!
Dr. Jason W. Umfress
Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
jumfress@ccga.edu
912.279.5970
Rooted in our shared interest in the success of your student, the work of the Parent & Family Programming at the College of Coastal Georgia will center on three things:
- To inform parents & families of Coastal Georgia students with pertinent information about the College, its goals, and activities.
- To involve parents & families in the life of the College by providing a variety of opportunities that engage with our community.
- To exchange ideas and support strategies to assist your students in their success at the College.
We do this through communication, events, and outreach.
SAVE THE DATE!
Inaugural Fall Parent & Family Weekend:
October 24-26, 2025!
The “choose your own adventure” weekend will begin with an event in conjunction with the City of Brunswick’s monthly First Friday festival, and will include a cookout, a walk on the beach, and a few other surprises.
Contact us at:
Dr. Jason Umfress
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
jumfress@ccga.edu
912.279.5970
Friday, October 24 | ||
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Weekend Check In / Welcome to Town Reception | Student Solution Center |
Officially begin your weekend with the Welcome to Town reception in the newly renovated Student Solution Center. Mingle with campus leaders, enjoy light refreshments, and pick up your Weekend Welcome packet. Some of your favorite Mariners will be around to provide recommendations for dinner in the Golden Isles and to help you build your schedule for this "choose your own adventure" event. | ||
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Salty's Spooktacular Glow Fun Run 5K | CCGA Tennis Courts |
Grab your costume, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to glow hard or glow home. Whether you're running, walking, or just here for the dance party, Salty's Spooktacular 5K Glow Run is your chance to shine - and support something meaningful while you're at it! Proceeds support the Coastal Georgia Alumni Association. Click HERE to register. | ||
6 p.m. until | Dinner on your own | The Golden Isles |
Take the evening to explore the culinary treasures of the Golden Isles. Whether you're craving a cozy bite in historic downtown Brunswick or a seaside feast on St. Simons Island, there's something delicious waiting for every palate. A few of our local favorites include: Tipsy McSway's - A lively spot with great food, music, and local charm. Reid's Apothecary - A stylish downtown eatery offering elevated Southern dishes in a vintage-inspired setting. Southern Soul BBQ - A St. Simons staple serving up smoky, soulful barbecue. Fiddlers - Marsh-front dining with fresh seafood and unbeatable views. And if you're feeling festive, head over to Jekyll Island for the Shrimp & Grits Festival, where you'll find live music, artisan vendors, and mouthwatering coastal cuisine. Cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show at 7:15 p.m., lighting up the sky over the Atlantic. | ||
Saturday, October 25 | ||
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Morning Yoga with Athena | SAC Back Patio |
Greet the morning with a gentle yoga flow led by Athena, one of our most beloved instructors. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Teel, this session is the perfect way to center yourself before a day of festivities. Bring your mat and breathe in the coastal calm. | ||
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Destination: Coastal - Parent & Family Weekend Check-In Table | Campus Center Lobby |
For families who couldn't make the Welcome to Town reception, be sure to stop by the Parent & Family Weekend check-in table to pick up your Weekend Welcome packet. While you are there, say hello to the prospective families visiting for our Destination: Coastal Campus Visit Day, and catch up with some of the campus support services your student has access to. | ||
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Homecoming Tailgate | SAC Lawn |
Tennis Exhibition | ||
Softball vs. Baseball Club | ||
Golf Team Putting Demonstrations | ||
Campus Bookstore Open | ||
Put on your Mariner blues and join us for a lively homecoming tailgate celebration! Enjoy lawn games, live entertainment, and the club and org showcase as we celebrate our Coastal pride. Featured activities include: -Tennis Exhibition - Watch our athletes showcase their skills. -Softball vs. Baseball Club Game - A friendly rivalry on the diamond -Golf Team Putting Demonstrations - Try your hand at sinking a putt with our top golfers. -Lighthouse Bookstore Open House - Stop by the campus bookstore to stock up on Mariner gear, souvenirs, and gifts. The 2 lunch tickets you receive in your Weekend Welcome packet will be good for lunch in Mariners Galley...or let's go Dutch Treat at the Food Truck Round Up. Either way, we invite you to share a meal and enjoy time with your student. | ||
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. | 2025 Season Kick Off Men's Basketball Game | Coffin Gym |
HoCo Royalty Crowning | ||
Don't miss this historic, tide-turning moment as the Mariners launch their season under the leadership of new Head Coach Tim MacAllister! The legendary Coach Gerald Cox Court has been freshly refinished, making this game a true celebration of past, present, and future. Join the roar of the crowd as our team takes the court for the first time this season. Expect fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of our Homecoming Royalty. Be there to witness this historic moment in the life of the College and Mariner Athletics. | ||
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival | Jekyll Island Historic District Jekyll Island, GA |
Parent & Family Weekend coincides with a coastal favorite - the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival. This internationally acclaimed event combines the classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, artist markets, live music, food, and more. The island comes alive during this fun-filled festival. If you don't make it on Friday night for the fireworks, be sure to stop by on Saturday to see Jekyll Island at its best! | ||
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Parent & Family Weekend Bye Bye Brunch | Mariners Galley Dining Hall |
Before you set sail for home, you and your student are welcome to grab an informal brunch in Mariners Galley Dining Hall. It's the perfect way to reflect on the weekend and share one last meal with your student. Discounted rates available for parents and families. | ||
