Student Activities

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Gadsden State Community College is committed to producing well-rounded, socially adept students. The College recognizes that valuable student learning and growth occur through non-academic activities, as well as through classroom pursuits. Gadsden State students are encouraged to participate in numerous non-academic activities designed to enhance intellectual and social development. Gadsden State offers a variety of cultural, recreational, political, and entertainment experiences so that every student can find something appropriate to his/her needs. For more information about student organizations, students should contact the Coordinator of Student Activities, 126 Inzer Student Center, Wallace Drive Campus. More information about specific organizations, athletic teams, and activities is available from the faculty sponsors or coaches responsible for them.

Honors and Recognitions

Gadsden State recognizes both academic and non-academic student achievement in a variety of ways during the graduation ceremony and on Honors Day, usually in April. Listed below are the awards and scholarships presented to Gadsden State students throughout the year. More information appears in this catalog under the sections entitled “Academic Honors” and “Scholarships.”

James B. Allen Award – presented to an outstanding student nominated by faculty and then selected by a faculty committee
President's Cups – presented to students who have demonstrated unique success in all academic and technical phases of college life
Outstanding Achievement Awards – presented to students who have excelled in their fields of study
Outstanding Ambassador(s)
Outstanding Art Student
Outstanding Computer Science Student
Outstanding Engineering Student
Outstanding International Student
Outstanding Math Major Award
Outstanding Music Student
Outstanding Paralegal Student
Outstanding Physical Education Student
Outstanding Science Student
Outstanding Student Government Association Officer(s)
All Alabama Academic Team
Alpha Beta Gamma Scholarship — presented to an Alpha Beta Gamma member for outstanding academic achievement and service to the College and
the community
Cam Menzies Award of Excellence — presented to the outstanding second-year Realtime Reporting student
Chad Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship — presented to an outstanding freshman
Circle K Awards
Dr. Jesse L. Walker, Jr., Business Faculty Scholarship — presented to an outstanding business student to continue the sophomore year at Gadsden State Community College
Dr. Lucian Newman, Jr., Award — presented to an outstanding student in Emergency Medical Services
Homecoming Queens and Campus Favorites
Jacksonville State University Scholarships
James L. Brown Free Enterprise Scholarship — presented to an outstanding business student to continue the sophomore year at Gadsden State Community College
Larry Chesnut Award
Linda Roberts Memorial Award — presented to an outstanding office administration graduate
Miss Gadsden State Community College
Nightingale Award — presented to an outstanding nursing student from the technical campus
Phi Beta Lambda Scholarship — presented to a Phi Beta Lambda member for outstanding academic achievement and service to the College and the community
Phi Theta Kappa Awards
Sue McMeekin Griffith Nursing Scholarship
Technical Faculty and Staff Scholarship — presented to a deserving Technical Division student with financial needs
University of Alabama at Birmingham Transfer Scholarship
University of Alabama in Huntsville Transfer Scholarship
University of Montevallo Transfer Scholarships
VICA Awards
Who's Who in American Junior Colleges — presented to students who have distinguished themselves in various areas of campus life, selected by faculty committee

Student Organizations

Gadsden State Community College encourages students to organize clubs for entertainment, recreation, networking, and community service, as well as for interaction and learning beyond the classroom experience. If students and/or faculty members wish to create a new club and if sufficient student interest in such a club exists to sustain the organization, the group requests a faculty sponsor and approval of both the President and the Coordinator of Student Activities. Following such approval, the group must present its constitution or bylaws to the Coordinator of Student Activities before it is recognized as a campus organization. Membership in a student organization can be restricted on the basis of academic qualifications clearly spelled out in the bylaws of the club so long as these restrictions do not violate the College's policies on discrimination.

The following organizations are currently chartered:

Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association

All former students of Gadsden State, as well as former students of any of the three institutions merged to form the Community College, are invited to become members of the Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association. Dues are $20 per year or $300 for a lifetime membership.

At the alumni reception, held annually, members honor outstanding former students and outstanding faculty members and present distinguished service awards to community leaders. From dues and contributions, the association presents scholarships to deserving students for the coming year. Anyone interested in the College or in supporting student scholarships can become a member of the Gadsden State Alumni Association. Checks may be sent to the Alumni Association Treasurer, Gadsden State Community College, P.O. Box 227, Gadsden, AL 35902-0227

Gadsden State Show Band

Any Gadsden State student with the appropriate musical competence may audition for the Gadsden State Show Band. Students interested in auditioning should contact the Director of Bands by calling 256.549.8394 or visiting the office, which is located in Wallace Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus.

Gadsden State Singers

The Gadsden State Singers, an outstanding musical group, offers students the opportunity to perform for audiences in Etowah and the surrounding counties. For more information, students may contact the Choral Director by calling 256.549.8391 or visiting the office, which is located in Wallace Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Over the years, Gadsden State’s intercollegiate athletic program has enjoyed remarkable success. The College's teams have won several state and regional championships, and they have appeared in national championship competitions. As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Gadsden State sponsors intercollegiate teams in men’s tennis, men's basketball, men's baseball, women's basketball, women's softball, women’s cross country, women's volleyball, and cheerleading. If a student is qualified for any of these teams and is interested in participating, he/she may contact the team coach or the Athletic Director in Beck Field House, Wallace Drive Campus, telephone 256-549-8310.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA), a body of student representatives and officers elected by the students, is the coordinating body for student activities and special events approved by the College. Its purposes are to foster interest and involvement in all aspects of college citizenship, to encourage involvement in important decisions affecting students, and to afford students opportunities for leadership development.

R.O.T.C.

The Department of Military Science is a cooperative venture between the United States Army and Colleges and Universities across the country. The program provides a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program with the mission of commissioning students as officers in the Army upon completion of a baccalaureate degree. Classes are offered at Gadsden State in conjunction with the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Department of Military Science. The program provides students an opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills necessary in society and as an officer in the Armed Forces. The emphasis of the program is on leadership development. Students are challenged to apply accepted leadership theory to practical situations. A theoretic basis of knowledge is developed through attendance in military science classes and courses offered in other academic departments. Satisfactory completion of the program may lead to a minor in military science.

Enrollment

There are two primary ROTC program options: A four-year program and a two-year program. The Gadsden State cooperative program is designed for students who will complete the four-year program and is addressed, in depth, below. However, options are available for students who wish to complete a two- or three-year program. More information on those programs is available through the JSU ROTC Department at 256.782.5601.

Basic ROTC: The Basic Course is taken during the freshman and sophomore years. These courses are open to all students on an elective basis. Offered as prerequisites for students to enter into the Advanced Program, these courses incur NO military obligation and are open to all registered, full-time Gadsden State students. Basic Course curriculum focuses on introductory leadership theory, basic military knowledge and skills, and the Army’s role in national security policy and practices. The Basic Course consists of MSC 101, 101L, 102, 102L, 201, 201L, 202, 202L. These courses are mandatory for entry into the Advanced Course of instruction.

Advanced ROTC: The Advanced Course is taken during the junior and senior year of the four-year program. Students in this program must have completed the Basic Course, have two years remaining in college, and enter into a contract with the United States Army to serve as officers upon graduation. The contractual obligation varies depending upon the amount of participation and whether the student is a scholarship beneficiary.

Advanced Course Requirements

Entry into the ROTC Advanced Course for commissioning is open to students who have earned a GPA of 2.0 or higher, who have attained junior status, who meet established Army medical and physical standards, who have completed the Basic Course requirements as noted above or received placement credit for such, who demonstrate the requisite leadership potential, and who have departmental approval. Students pursuing a commission must successfully complete the following ROTC Advanced Course classes: MSC 301, 301L, 302, 302L, 303, 305, 401, 401L, 402, and 402L. Additionally, students must complete HY 304 and approved core curriculum courses in written communications, computer literacy, math, and human behavior before commissioning. Students should contact the Department of Military Science for specific details as to approved courses. Normally, during the summer before their senior year, students must attend and successfully complete the National Leaders Course in Washington, D.C. This course lasts approximately four weeks. Students receive academic credit for completion (MSC 305 or NU 444 for nursing students) and are paid for their attendance and travel.

Commissioning

Eligible students may be commissioned once they have met all pre-commissioning requirements and are awarded the baccalaureate degree. Students commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army may serve either on Active Duty, in the Army Reserve, or in the Army National Guard. Assignments are based upon the needs of the Army and student requests. Students who desire a commission in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard may elect the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty option (if eligible) upon entry into the advanced course.

Scholarships

Competitive two- and three-year scholarships are available to Gadsden State students upon transfer to JSU. Currently, scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books and provide a monthly living expense. Additionally, JSU provides selected student dorm fees. The Army National Guard and Army Reserve also offer tuition assistance and other benefits in conjunction with ROTC. Students interested in scholarships or other assistance should contact the Department of Military Science at 256.782.5601 for specific details.