Digital town hall to focus on spring semester changes

University of North Georgia (UNG) students along with their parents, guardians and family members will have the opportunity to hear updates on spring term modality and health and safety on campus next week.

UNG will host a virtual Parent, Family and Student Town Hall at noon Thursday, Nov. 12, at https://go.ung.edu/pfs-town-hall. The town hall will focus on instructional changes for spring, on-campus experience, and resources available to aid in the success of each student.

"We care about our students. We are working hard to prioritize providing quality education while protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff," said Michelle Eaton, director of enrollment management for student success.

A couple of the adjustments include changing hybrid classes to 50% face-to-face instruction and modifying the traditional weeklong spring break to a four-day weekend.

"We are making adjustments based on feedback we have received from our stakeholders," said Dr. Chaudron Gille, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at UNG. "A lot of the feedback was generated from parents calling and students asking for more face-to-face instruction. The University System of Georgia office heard similar requests, too."

Students, parents and family members may submit questions in advance via email to enrollment@ung.edu. Questions will be compiled and asked during the question-and-answer portion, which will conclude the virtual session.

"In addition to providing our students and their parents and families with an update about UNG's COVID-19 response, this is an opportunity for them to hear from UNG leaders about spring semester instructional plans, efforts to enhance the student experience, and health, wellness, and safety resources," Eaton said.

She believes this virtual platform will allow students and their families to have their questions answered, while addressing concerns students raised in a survey conducted in October.

This marks the third student and parent forum that UNG has held.

For students, parents and family members unable to attend, a recording of the digital town hall will be available on the Nighthawks Together website.