As technical and adult education takes an increasingly dominant role in the spectrum of education for greater numbers of people, CGTC must continue and increase its emphasis on broader student and community development opportunities. This initiative is a two-fold approach that will include:
• increasing College and community involvement, and
• enhancing the collegiate environment.

Technical colleges in Georgia have served technical and adult education students and the business community very well; however, student, faculty, and community involvement beyond the scope of direct workforce development has been somewhat limited. As technical and adult education takes an increasingly essential and dominant role in the spectrum of education for greater numbers of people, technical colleges must look beyond workforce development curricula and business/economic development services to address broader student and community development opportunities.

A. Increased College and Community Involvement

    Expanded Student Activities, Organizations, and Service Learning

CGTC will employ a Student Activities Coordinator to expand participation in Skills USA; student government; and student professional organizations, such as Phi Beta Lambda (PBL); and to establish and promote a student leadership-development group. The new Coordinator will also involve student groups in College orientation and marketing activities.

Increase customer, former-student, and community activities and participation by developing an alumni association, emphasizing alumni living and/or working in the service area. Increase faculty/staff interaction with the community by participating in mentor programs established by service area high schools. Explore development of recreational activities and special events that can include and benefit the community at large.

CGTC will improve the image of the College with all constituencies by implementing a comprehensive integrated marketing, communications, and outreach program; by emphasizing brand identity and recognition; and by enhancing recruitment activities, fundraising, internal communications, constituency communications, electronic communications, promotional activities, and partnerships with other entities.

B. Enhanced Collegiate Environment

    Renovation, Furnishings, and Equipment for Renovation Projects

Building A will be the focal point of the Macon Campus and will house the renovated President’s office, boardroom, administrative offices, and meeting space. Additional renovations for Building A will include updating classrooms and offices on the 3rd and 4th floors, ensuring that the elevator is ADA compliant, and providing a faculty/staff common area. The final Building A renovations will be remodeling the 1st and 2nd floors. Technologically advanced, state-of-the-art equipment and/or required furnishings will be purchased for biotechnology program implementation, welding program exhaust systems, and AST program air compressors; for renovated instructional space; and for other projects such as Building A renovation, wellness centers, and faculty and staff lounge areas. HVAC systems at the Eatonton and Crawford facilities will be updated to protect technology assets and enable instructional use of present warehouse space.

Buildings at CGTC campuses and centers will be connected to develop a convenient, student-friendly collegiate atmosphere by providing walkways, covered walkways, and outdoor plazas. Smoking gazebos will be replaced with attractive aluminum and fiberglass shelters surrounded by landscaping. Transportation carts will be provided for travel within and around campus facilities for use during recruitment and in IT and security monitoring activities.

Wellness centers will be located on campus, such as one in Building A on the Macon Campus, or educational discounts will be provided for memberships in community health/wellness centers. Programs offered in the wellness centers may include smoking cessation, yoga, financial and retirement planning, eating disorders and others that could benefit faculty, staff, students, alumni, and possible others. Wellness classes could be provided by local hospitals. A hiking/walking nature trail will add an environmental element to supporting healthy life choices. The campus locations include wetlands and endangered species, which can be utilized by K-12 schools as another bridge to schools, as previously utilized by DCA with sponsorship of a water festival. CGTC is committed to provide a healthy, safe, secure, and esthetically pleasing collegiate environment to enhance learning and to increase equal access to its facilities for all including special populations by utilizing modern and up to date technology. Restrooms in Macon Campus A-G wings will be renovated with new fixtures and finishes. Emergency planning and implementation of additional safety and security measures will entail camera surveillance system, alarm systems, antenna boosters, updated security shelters, and exterior and interior signage for all campuses and centers.

CGTC will utilize and promote existing Macon Campus facilities to offer students a one-stop approach to handling their student services and business services needs. The College will utilize and promote Building I on the Macon Campus to offer a student-life and community-services center concept through its food court, bookstore, library, conference rooms, continuing education classes, and business and industry services while utilizing existing space at the College’s branch campus and centers to provide the same concept.