With the first weekend only a few days away, it's a good time to share some tips about what to pack, expect, etc.
Looking at the weather, Sunday should be partly cloudy with a high of 59/low of 36 and Monday may see showers with a high of 48/low of 28. Dressing in layers is a must for days like these! While a parka isn't necessary, you may want to have a jacket and scarf for the morning chill.
Don't forget an umbrella! While you will be in Memorial Hall for most of the day Monday, you wouldn't want to get caught in the rain!
When thinking about clothing choice for these two days, Sunday is business casual. This means dress pants, nice khakis, skirts, and dresses. Button down shirts and blouses are always good, as well as sweaters - remember layers! Comfortable shoes are a must! Georgia's gorgeous campus can be quite hilly and we will be touring it Sunday afternoon!
Sunday you won't need much with you during the afternoon and evening. Don't worry about bringing along your resume or other interview materials this day. You will be getting a packet of information, so a bag may come in handy!
For Monday, suits seem to be the way to go! You want to present yourself as a professional. This does not necessarly mean black with a white shirt, though. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Again, comfortable shoes are nice, but you will not be walking as much today.
Many people will have downtime in between interviews. This is a good time to get work done if needed or get to know the other interviews and current CSAA students. We will be stopping in throughout the day to see how you are doing! You can also write your thank you notes during this time. It helps to get them done while the interview is fresh in your head.
As for what to bring, below is helpful list of things to have on hand for the interviews:
1. Resumes - Although the interviewer will have a copy, bring extras in case other professional staff or graduate students sit in on your interview. Plain white paper is fine in this case.
2. Position Description - You will receive copies of the position descriptions for the assistanships you are interviewing. Use these to make notes and write questions in advance.
3. Thank you notes
4. Notepad
5. Pens or Pencils
6. Business cards (if you have them - if not, don't worry!)
7. Portfolio or folder - This will come in handy when you are given paper or notes.
We are so excited for this first weekend! If you have any last minute questions, please don't hesitate to ask your host student! And one last tip from our UGASPA president, Brad:
"Don't forget to bring your ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, and EXCITEMENT!"
Safe travels!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
One week!
Hi, all! For those who are coming for the first interview weekend, we are now one week away! Things are a buzz in Athens as the final preparations are being made. In the next week, check back for weather info, what to pack, and interview tips! For now, get to know another awesome CSAA student...
Meet Daniell:
Hey all! I'm a first year and my assistantship is with University Housing as a Graduate Resident.
At my undergraduate institution, the University of Florida (go Gators!), I became involved with the Residence Hall Association. Through that organization, I found other areas of involvement whichpiqued my interest within the field of student affairs. I was President of my Hall Council, became a RA - but the most influential experiences I had were with the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH, for short)
SAACURH is a regional affiliate of the national organization, NACURH, which promotes interaction of student leaders in the residence halls through networking at student-led and student-run conferences, and through a series of other resources designed to improve residence life on college campuses.
As an undergrad, I had the privilege of serving as the Conference Chair for the 2007 SAACURH conference. I knew at that point I wanted to continue my involvement, so in March 2008, I bid for a position on the Regional Board of Directors (RBD), even though I knew I would be entering graduate school that coming fall.
Despite my enthusiasm about running and the list of goals I outlined, I had some serious reservation about taking on such a time-consuming position in my first semster of grad school. I was going to be new to the University of Georiga, the city of Athens, and the state of Georgia. I began to think that maybe I needed to a semester (or two) to get used to the new place, the new kinda of work, and the feeling of being a graduate student.
But I threw that rational thinking out of the window, successfully ran for the position, and I am currently the Regional Education and Development Coordinator on the RBD. Being on the RBD has served to augment the skills I'm learning in my classes, and has (more importantly) allowed me to network with other students and professional staff members - which will hopefully be helpful when I'm job searching next year! Being involved in an organization like SAACURH also allows me to take a break from class or Housing related work.
Thanks for reading my story! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you at interviews. Good luck!
Meet Daniell:
Hey all! I'm a first year and my assistantship is with University Housing as a Graduate Resident.
At my undergraduate institution, the University of Florida (go Gators!), I became involved with the Residence Hall Association. Through that organization, I found other areas of involvement which
SAACURH is a regional affiliate of the national organization, NACURH, which promotes interaction of student leaders in the residence halls through networking at student-led and student-run
As an undergrad, I had the privilege of serving as the Conference Chair for the 2007 SAACURH conference. I knew at that point I wanted to continue my involvement, so in March 2008, I bid for a position on the Regional Board of Directors (RBD), even though I knew I would be entering graduate school that coming fall.
Despite my enthusiasm about running and the list of goals I outlined, I had some serious reservation about taking on such a time-consuming position in my first semster of grad school. I was going to be new to the University of Georiga, the city of Athens, and the state of Georgia. I began to think that maybe I needed to a semester (or two) to get used to the new place, the new kinda of work, and the feeling of being a graduate student.
But I threw that rational thinking out of the window, successfully ran for the position, and I am currently the Regional Education and Development Coordinator on the RBD. Being on the RBD has served to augment the skills I'm learning in my classes, and has (more importantly) allowed me to network with other students and professional staff members - which will hopefully be helpful when I'm job searching next year! Being involved in an organization like SAACURH also allows me to take a break from class or Housing related work.
Thanks for reading my story! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you at interviews. Good luck!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Travel & Accomodations
As you begin to plan your trip to Athens, we wanted to provide you with some helpful details.
Transportation:
If you are flying, the closest major airport is the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It is approximately 80 miles from Athens and generally a 1 1/2 hour car drive to campus, depending on traffic. Consider this when scheduling flights and be sure to leave extra time in case of delays or traffic incidents. You should plan to get into Athens no later than Sunday morning as the informational session will begin at 1pm on that day. There is also a smaller airport serving Athens, Ben Epps Airport. There are now cheap flights flying from ATL to Athens. Depending on your plans, this may be an affordable option.
A shuttle is available directly from the airport to Athens, with stops at local hotels and campus. If you choose this option, you will need to call ahead and make a reservation. Rental cars are another option used in the past.
Accommodations:
Those who are interested in housing have the options of being hosted by a current CSAA student or stay at a Athens hotel. Jason F. will be in contact with all interviewees with regards to CSAA student hosting and be sure to let him know if you are interested!
In terms of hotels, one of the most convenient options is the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, located directly on campus.
Also close to the interview locations are the Holiday Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Hilton Garden Inn. All three are within walking distance to campus, with the Holiday Inn being right across the street and the Hilton Garden Inn located right downtown - a must see for any Athens trip! All four are great options if you do not have access to a car.
Other options include:
Best Western
Comfort Inn
Courtyard by Marriott
Days Inn
Foundry Park Inn
Howard Johnson Inn
Even more options
If you have any questions about either traveling to UGA or accommodations, please let Jason know!
Transportation:
If you are flying, the closest major airport is the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It is approximately 80 miles from Athens and generally a 1 1/2 hour car drive to campus, depending on traffic. Consider this when scheduling flights and be sure to leave extra time in case of delays or traffic incidents. You should plan to get into Athens no later than Sunday morning as the informational session will begin at 1pm on that day. There is also a smaller airport serving Athens, Ben Epps Airport. There are now cheap flights flying from ATL to Athens. Depending on your plans, this may be an affordable option.
A shuttle is available directly from the airport to Athens, with stops at local hotels and campus. If you choose this option, you will need to call ahead and make a reservation. Rental cars are another option used in the past.
Accommodations:
Those who are interested in housing have the options of being hosted by a current CSAA student or stay at a Athens hotel. Jason F. will be in contact with all interviewees with regards to CSAA student hosting and be sure to let him know if you are interested!
In terms of hotels, one of the most convenient options is the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, located directly on campus.
Also close to the interview locations are the Holiday Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Hilton Garden Inn. All three are within walking distance to campus, with the Holiday Inn being right across the street and the Hilton Garden Inn located right downtown - a must see for any Athens trip! All four are great options if you do not have access to a car.
Other options include:
Best Western
Comfort Inn
Courtyard by Marriott
Days Inn
Foundry Park Inn
Howard Johnson Inn
Even more options
If you have any questions about either traveling to UGA or accommodations, please let Jason know!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
True Story: I'm a CSAA First Year
What better way to get to know the CSAA program and our students then through testimonials about school, our assistantships, and life in Athens?
Meet Samantha:
Hi! My name is Samantha and I am a first year student hailing from Pennsylvania. My assistantship is in UGA's Greek Life Office, lovingly referred to as "the GLO."
One of the best experiences for me so far has been the GLO's Executive Board Retreat. It was held before school began in January and included members of our four councils (Interfraternity (IFC), Multicultural (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC), and Panhellenic) and the GLO staff. We traveled to a wonderful inn nestled between the north Georgia foothills and spent two days reviewing UGA policies, goal setting, building leadership skills, and bonding!
Along with our NPHC advisor, I led a workshop on diversity. It went really well and the discussion that followed was revealing and honest. By the end of the retreat, we were all tired, but energized about the upcoming year! Personally, I am so excited to work with our new leaders and can't wait to help implement their plans.
Up next for me is the ugaMIRACLE Dance Marathon, being held over 24 hours on February 7th and 8th. This event culminates a year's worth of fundraising for the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The students have been working overtime in preparation and it is going to be a great event! For those interviewing the second weekend, I apologize if I'm exhausted on Sunday, but it will be completely worth it!
Meet Samantha:
Hi! My name is Samantha and I am a first year student hailing from Pennsylvania. My assistantship is in UGA's Greek Life Office, lovingly referred to as "the GLO."
One of the best experiences for me so far has been the GLO's Executive Board Retreat. It was held before school began in January and included members of our four councils (Interfraternity (IFC), Multicultural (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC), and Panhellenic) and the GLO staff. We traveled to a wonderful inn nestled between the north Georgia foothills and spent two days reviewing UGA policies, goal setting, building leadership skills, and bonding!
Along with our NPHC advisor, I led a workshop on diversity. It went really well and the discussion that followed was revealing and honest. By the end of the retreat, we were all tired, but energized about the upcoming year! Personally, I am so excited to work with our new leaders and can't wait to help implement their plans.
Up next for me is the ugaMIRACLE Dance Marathon, being held over 24 hours on February 7th and 8th. This event culminates a year's worth of fundraising for the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The students have been working overtime in preparation and it is going to be a great event! For those interviewing the second weekend, I apologize if I'm exhausted on Sunday, but it will be completely worth it!
Check out our terrific Greek leaders:
Friday, January 9, 2009
Congratulations, Interview Recipients!
Welcome to the University of Georgia's College Student Affairs Administration's blog!
As you prepare for your interview weekend, use this as a resource for information about the program, the interview process, and our amazing students and faculty!
Check back often for updates regarding schedules, travel information, and student stories and be sure to visit CSAA's website and our facebook page for even more information!
We are looking forward to meeting you in February!
As you prepare for your interview weekend, use this as a resource for information about the program, the interview process, and our amazing students and faculty!
Check back often for updates regarding schedules, travel information, and student stories and be sure to visit CSAA's website and our facebook page for even more information!
We are looking forward to meeting you in February!
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