Eager, new faces joined the throng of returning crowds on the College of Coastal Georgia’s Brunswick and Camden campuses Monday as students began the fall semester. Many of the familiar — and happy — grins belonged to faculty and staff and even some students who greeted students throughout the day, helping pass out water bottles and protein bars and providing directions.
One of those grins belonged to college president Greg Aloia, who was likely one of the most excited people on either campus.
“If things were going any better, we’d be at spring break already,” Aloia joked about how smoothly the first day went. “We’ve got so many fresh-faced students, that means there’s a whole crop of kids who haven’t heard any of my corny jokes yet. But the students, new and returning, are really what keeps me feeling young and enthusiastic. There’s a real nice feel on this campus, and it’s a good place to be.”
Aloia applauded the efforts of his faculty and staff for lending a helping hand to a smooth start, including those who participated in Saturday’s official move-in day at the on-campus residence hall. There are several places on campus where students with questions, particularly directions, will be able to get help, and even a protein bar or bottle of water, that will remain for some time, he said.
“There are several things happening over the next couple weeks, which includes making sure the campus security and police are doing due diligence. There’s a lot of new faces, they’ll be making sure students are aware of their surroundings,” Aloia said. “The financial aid office is working overtime, trying to make sure students aren’t waiting in line; the faculty did a lot of work ahead of time and are making sure they’re available for advising or class changes… we’re trying to anticipate where students will have needs.”
The landscaping and maintenance departments put in extra effort to make the campus immaculate, Aloia says, and have already quickly responded to some issues include a water line problem in the dorms. Aloia said the college has received many compliments from both students and parents since Saturday.
The satisfaction rating will show in the enrollment numbers, too: Aloia says this could be the largest incoming freshman class ever, and says the 65 percent retention rate of returning students is almost 50 percent higher than it was just two years ago.
“It shows we’re attracting more serious students — students coming with full-time goals, getting a degree,” he said. “CCGA is a very unique place, and it’s a special place in the landscape of higher education.”
Aloia says by enhancing social and cultural experiences on both campuses, he expects that satisfaction to grow. During the next four to six weeks, they’ll be expanding team clubs and sports on campuses, opening a new rec center, gaming room, cafe, basketball court and will create more connections to off-campus activities.
“We now have weekend meals available all year-round to students. We’ve increased transportation to different parts of the area — we’ll have a presence at First Friday in Brunswick taking advantage of the offerings from great, local merchants, and transportation is provided to the movie theater, the mall, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island … it’s going to mean a lot for students to connect to the area. They might even find jobs and future careers,” Aloia said.
The Brunswick News
SARAH LUNDGREN
Photo by Bobby Haven, The Brunswick News