The following is an excerpt from a GT Newsroom release that quotes Dr. Barke on the initiative:

“ ‘The X-College Initiative grew from the very strong recommendations from students and faculty in the strategic planning process that Georgia Tech needs to increase student-faculty interaction and allow more flexibility in curricula,’ said Richard Barke, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and chair of the X-College planning committee. ‘For example, the X-College is considering whether to allow students — with strong faculty guidance — to compose programs of study that focus on particular ‘grand challenges’ facing society, using knowledge from a wide range of relevant fields. The committee is investigating how to achieve these goals while balancing disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning, maintaining the traditional rigor of a Tech education, innovating in learning techniques and educational technologies, and respecting the expectations of graduate schools and employers.’

The vision is broader than student-designed degrees, however. An X-College experience should also serve to challenge faculty to experiment with learning techniques, balancing core instruction with problem-based approaches. Other opportunities could lie in developing alternatives to regular courses taught in semester-length blocks. ”

Click here to read the full release!

Undergraduate: Trey Birch (EIA, 2010)
Graduate: Cate Powell (INTA)
Alumna: Sarah Kenagy (INTA)
Faculty: Adam Stulberg (Associate Professor, INTA)

This is an annual prize competition.   Keep this in mind when it comes time next year for another round of nominations.Each winner receives at our Founder’s Day celebration a very handsome glass sculpture and (in the case of students and faculty) a check for $1,000.

Thanks to those who either allowed their names to be put forward or who took the time to nominate colleagues, students, or alumni.

• Name
• gtID#
• Semester of entry
• Answer the following question: “How do you hope to benefit from becoming a part of the GT Honors Program?”

This information is needed by 5pm on Wednesday, October 14th. For additional information regarding GT HP, including academic expectation, please visit http://www.honorsprogram.gatech.edu.

Heard of the Research Option, but want to know more?  Then, attend our fall information session on the option.  We’ll discuss how to become involved, the requirements, and make suggestions on how to fit this into your schedule.  We’ll also hear from at least one Research Option alumna on their experience with the program. For additional information, contact urop@gatech.edu.NOTE: Students planning on graduating with the option in Spring 2010 or later should be aware that changes are being implemented in the Research Option’s proposal and thesis writing course.  The current 2-hour course (LCC 4700) will be replaced by two 1-hour courses (LCC 4701 and LCC 4702) which will better meet the option’s timeline.  Students should contact the UROP office  or the undergraduate coordinator for the school in which they are receiving the option for additional information.  Students who have submitted an online intent form will be provided specific information on the transition via email.

For additional information on the Research Option visit: http://undergradresearch.gatech.edu/research_option/index.php

Executive Round Table is an elite group with a high caliber membership and rich history at Georgia Tech. ERT is unique among GT’s student organizations in its meritocratic structure of open engagement and equality of contribution between students, faculty, and industry members. These members come from diverse walks of life and seek intellectual challenge, professional development, and networking with other driven individuals. In the spring, ERT members travel to a resort location near Atlanta for a weekend conference which provides an in-depth development of a central theme. This conference represents ERT’s capstone program, and the experience is a journey of personal growth and camaraderie for attendees.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, October 2nd. Interested students may apply online at www.gtert.org. Additional information about ERT and membership requirements are available on our website, and please feel free to contact Kaitlyn Frazier at vp.student@gtert.org if you have any further questions.

October 16th!!!

Good Resources and Workshops:one-on-one tutoring- which is great because its on your own time and you can keep switching tutors as needed. http://www.successprograms.gatech.edu/academic_support/plugins/content/index.php?id=28

Workshops:

September 29th PLAYING GAMES WITH YOUR STUDY SKILLS. 3-4pm Room 321 Student Center or Wednesday September 30th 3-4pm Room 321 Student Center (attend one session only).
Explore ways to learn and organize nre mateial for maximum retention.

September 30th Stressbusters - (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM) Counseling Center
Do you have trouble meeting new people?  Do you feel anxious when you are preparing to talk to a professor or give a presentation in a class?  This one-hour workshop will provide tips on how to manage anxiety in social and academic situations and teach a relaxation exercise.

October 1st Overcoming the Stressors of Perfectionism & Procrastination – (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM) Main Library- Wilby Room (lower level)
Perfectionism and procrastination are key ingredients in recipe for stress and also for inefficiency.   In this workshop, students will learn some strategies for overcoming perfectionism and for putting an end to procrastination, thereby decreasing their overall stress.

October 8th Don’t Believe Everything You Think – Using Logic to Address your Stress – (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM) Main Library – Wilby Room (lower level)
This workshop will help participants develop skills in recognizing and changing thought patterns that cause unnecessary stress an suffering.   These skills are based   on the principles of cognitive therapy, which have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and increasing well-being.

October 12th TO DROP OR NOT TO DROP: MAKING INFORMED ACADEMIC DECISIONS- Crescent Room Student Center
This interactive panel discussion will help you navigate the drop decision process and arrive at a conclusion that is right for you.

Other:

Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching is available to any Georgia Tech undergraduate student with an interest in developing their academic skills. Students can meet with one of our coaches on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis to review progress and develop study and time management skills. The individualized sessions are designed to help students set academic goals and remain focused on achieving them. Contact eric.moschella@vpss.gatech.edu 404.894.1970

Other Academic Resource Links:  http://www.successprograms.gatech.edu/academic_support/plugins/content/index.php?id=6

Submit resumes through Career Buzz by September 26:

https://gatech-csm.symplicity.com/students/

We look forward to meeting students who are interested in careers as teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators in private/independent PK-12 schools around the south. Please encourage your students to attend.

· STA works with hundreds of schools around the South.
· Certification not required for most middle- and high-school jobs
· Certification is required for elementary teaching positions
· Math, science & language majors strongly encouraged to apply
· Placement services are always FREE for candidates

STA provides personal service as you search for a great teaching job.
We are your advocate in a competitive job market.

Southern Teachers Agency
When only the best will do!

Location:  Main Library – Wilby Room (lower level)

Thursday, October 1, 11:00am – 12 noon

Applications for travel awards are accepted anytime up to one month before the conference trip, but not before you’ve been accepted to present your work by the conference. Funding may be limited for travel this year, so cost-sharing will be appreciated.

We encourage students to attend our next information session on PURA to be held Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 11am-12 Noon in Student Center Room 301.  Eligibility, timing, and application tips and hints will be discussed. Plus, UROP staff are available to provide advice on proposals in progress.

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