ASU nursing students tour new home
By LaTina Emerson, communication coordinator at GHSU, contributing writer
The consolidation is becoming a reality for nursing students at Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University.
Photo courtesy of Phil Jones, GHSU
On Thursday, over 100 students from ASU’s College of Nursing toured their new educational home in the Health Sciences Building on the GHSU campus. During the College of Nursing Open House, ASU nursing students were divided into groups led by GHSU nursing students and had a chance to view classrooms, computer labs, faculty offices, the Simulation Center, and Learning Resource Center.
“At the GHSU open house staff, faculty, and students could not have been more welcoming. Their graciousness really helped to put students at ease regarding the relocation of the program,” said Jean Pawl, interim chair of the Department of Nursing.
As they explored each floor of the building, ASU students were greeted by faculty, staff, and GHSU students who provided information, snacks, and other treats. At the conclusion of the tours, ASU students gathered in classrooms to ask last-minute questions to ensure a successful transition.
“One of the first-year students told me afterward that he was really excited about the technology available to them as well as the accessibility to other health professions, and he saw it as a win-win situation for students as they move to the Laney-Walker campus,” said Pawl.
In January, 146 ASU nursing students will attend classes on the GHSU campus as the two nursing schools consolidate. Nursing is the only shared academic program at the soon-to-be consolidated university, Georgia Regents University.
The College of Nursing Open House was designed to familiarize ASU students with their new home and was a “happy, fun, exciting event,” said GHSU Assistant Professor of Nursing Rebecca Rule.
“We’re excited about all of the brain power that’s going to be here,” Rule said. “There are very talented students at both institutions, and of course exceptional faculty at both institutions. Although we will be teaching out two different curricula next semester, in the Fall of 2013, we’re going to be launching a brand new BSN curriculum. We couldn’t be more excited or more proud.”
Rule recognized the efforts of GHSU undergraduate nursing students in the graduating classes of 2013 and 2014, as well as staff, for making the open house a success.
“We had more than 35 GHSU students here leading the students on tours, answering questions and reaching out,” Rule said. “I really appreciate their volunteer spirit and their professionalism. They’ve had long days. Everybody’s been in class or clinical, and both groups of students showed up with smiles on their faces.”
ASU faculty and staff will officially relocate to the GHSU campus Dec. 19, but some ASU faculty have already started moving into their offices, Rule said.
“We hope that we have made the students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. It’s always a little unnerving to go to a new and different place, and we hope that by hosting the open house we’ve made them a little more familiar with their new home. We’re here to do everything we can to make that transition as smooth as possible,” Rule said.
