UNG Hosting Digital Town Hall Monday For Questions About Fall

DAHLONEGA, GA — After this summer's announcement that the University of North Georgia will resume face-to-face instruction in August, students and their families want to know how courses, classrooms and campus life will differ.

North Georgia administrators plan to address courses, the revised academic calendar, preparations to return to campus, and more in a virtual town hall session from noon to 1 p.m. July 27. Geared toward students, their parents and families, the town hall may be accessed online.

"As all of our students return for the fall, whether virtually or face to face (or a combination), the University of North Georgia is committed to providing an engaged student experience that will enhance their learning environment," said James Conneely, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "Even though some of our programs and services may look different, we are committed to the same quality and variety that will help students to be successful at the University of North Georgia. I strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities being provided and to build connections that will enrich their educational experience."

Students, parents and family members may submit their questions in advance or during the town hall to enrollment@ung.edu. Questions will be compiled and asked during the question-and-answer portion, which will conclude the online session.

Before the Q&A, several University of North Georgia officials will speak about various aspects of the fall 2020 plan, which are covered on the website Nighthawks Together: UNG's Fall Reopening Plan. Topics will range from academic advising and enrollment to the student life experiences and financial challenges and scholarships available.

"We will also talk about health, wellness and safety on campus. We want our students and their families to know that we are taking every precaution to protect our campus community during the pandemic," said Michelle Eaton, director of enrollment management for student success. "We will touch on resources available to help students be successful this fall."

Eaton believes this digital platform will allow students, parents and their families to voice their questions and concerns about the health care crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think the students and their families deserve to be heard and to hear the University of North Georgia's plan for the fall," Eaton said. "Plus, they deserve the opportunity to have their questions addressed."

Eaton said holding another online town hall in the fall has been discussed.

"First-time students at the University of North Georgia may not have questions before they start their courses, but I expect they will have some once classes begin," Eaton said.

For students, parents and family members unable to attend, a recording of the digital town hall will be available on the Nighthawks Together website.

Virtual celebration Monday of spring and summer graduates

The University of North Georgia will honor its spring and summer graduates with a virtual celebration on Monday.

Graduates with a cellphone number on file with the university will receive a text message on or around July 27 with a personalized link to join the virtual graduation celebration. The interactive experience will include the opportunity to upload custom Snapchat and Instagram filters to post and celebrate their accomplishment.

"We are excited to partner with Full Measure Education to bring an engaged virtual celebration experience to our spring and summer graduates," said Jessica Brown, coordinator of University Events. "We want to help our students and their families mark this milestone, even though we had to postpone the in-person event."

In-person commencement ceremonies for spring and summer graduates are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18-20, and students had until July 13 to declare their intent to walk in September. Ceremonies set for May and August were postponed in keeping with directives from state and federal governments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Georgia Department of Public Health to restrict large gatherings and promote social distancing due to COVID-19.

When students receive the text and click on their personalized link, they will be able to watch a congratulatory video from University of North Georgia President Bonita Jacobs, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Chaudron Gille, and the University of North Georgia's deans. Other components will include the Snapchat and Instagram filters, a congratulatory letter from Jacobs and the chance to update their contact information with the university.

As with the May virtual celebration, all graduates, family members, friends, University of North Georgia faculty and staff, and others are encouraged to post congratulatory photos and short videos on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #UNG20grad and #UNGremotegrad. They are also encouraged to use the hashtags #bestvirtualdayever and #UNGtogether. Posts will feed into a landing page that will be linked from the commencement website.

Students will still earn their degrees during the summer semester, consistent with academic standards. Students who have applied for graduation this semester who meet the requirements for graduation will receive their diploma via U.S. mail within four to six weeks of the semester ending.

Fall commencement ceremonies are scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 11-13, with details to be announced at a later date.