Support Services
Services to Students in Special Populations
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College provides support services for students who are in special population categories including single parents, out of work individuals, homeless individuals, youth who are in or have aged out of foster care, youth with a parent in the armed forces and on active duty, economically disadvantaged, non-traditional (students enrolled in programs non-traditional for their gender), ESL students (students whose first language is not English), and students with disabilities. Students who self-disclose that they meet special population criteria are notified of support services through a variety of media, including mail-outs, text messages, student e-mail, flyers, and on-campus television announcements. Support services include Lunch and Learn sessions, connections groups, and counseling opportunities.
Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn sessions are offered free of charge to currently enrolled special populations students and are designed to help attendees build a range of skills such as financial management and planning, nutrition basics, study skills, stress management, and parenting skills. Sessions are generally offered at noon and last approximately 50 minutes. Lunch is provided. Flyers, social media and other announcements notify students of upcoming events. Sessions are offered on all campuses on a regular basis and are organized by the Special Populations Department.
Connections Sessions
Connections sessions for specific special populations are offered at regular intervals. Students in special populations groups are notified via e-mail of connections group opportunities for their category. These sessions allow individuals the opportunity to meet and share with others who may have similar interests and/or face similar challenges.
Services to Students with Disabilities
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College provides equal educational opportunities to qualified students with documented disabilities. Assistance is available for students with physical or psychological disabilities or with learning disorders, including but not limited to attention deficit disorder, acquired brain injury, and specific learning disabilities. To receive services, students must self-disclose, request accommodations, and provide documentation that meets the guidelines set forth by the college and by the Technical College System of Georgia. Evaluations submitted as documentation must clearly indicate that a physical, psychological, or learning disorder is present and substantially limits one or more of the major life activities. For all types of disabilities, reasonable accommodations are provided in order to offset as much as possible the effect the disability may have on learning, classroom performance, and testing. Based on the students’ documentation and a personal interview, an accommodation plan is developed by the Special Populations Department. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Assistive technology (e.g. magnification software, hearing amplification devices, electronic readers)
- Extended time for tests (extended time is not allowed for course criteria that require time as part of the competency; for example, typing speed of 25 words per minute)
- Note takers
- Preferred seating in classrooms
- Permission to use audio tapes for classroom lectures
- Sign language interpreters
- Classroom relocation if needed for accessibility
To request reasonable accommodations based on valid documentation or to schedule an appointment to receive additional information, students should contact the Special Populations Department.
Substance Abuse Awareness/Counseling Referrals
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College provides students and faculty with opportunities to receive information on drug and alcohol abuse. While WGTC does have a Zero Tolerance Policy on drugs and alcohol, we provide information and confidential referrals for professional assistance to those suffering from the disease of addiction. Persons seeking referrals should contact the Special Populations Department. If the Director or Coordinator are not available, students may contact the Vice President for Enrollment Management. Additionally, students who are dually enrolled, enrolled in the Commercial Truck Driving program, or in COMP 1000 are required to complete online modules for drug and alcohol awareness and sexual assault prevention as part of their requirements for graduation.
Personal Counseling
Personal counseling is offered free of charge to all currently enrolled students. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has a collaborative agreement with Valdosta State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program whereby their graduate interns provide private confidential counseling sessions to students enrolled at WGTC. Students on all campuses may contact FamilyWorks at (229) 219-1281 or via an electronic form submission located on the website and identify themselves as WGTC students to arrange for free counseling sessions at FamilyWorks on the VSU campus. Students may also be referred to outside agencies for counseling. Please contact the Special Populations Department.
Mental Health & Wellness Counseling
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has contracted with Uwill Mental Health and Wellness Services to provide students with 24/7 access to Mental Health & Wellness Counseling. These services are free to students if they use their Wiregrass email to set up their account at https://app.uwill.com/. Students on all campuses experiencing a mental health crisis may contact Uwill Mental Health & Wellness at (833) 646-1576. Help is available regardless of the day or time.
Career Placement and Follow-Up
The purpose of the Career Services office at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is to assist current students and graduates in obtaining gainful employment in their field of study or other chosen area. The Career Services office partners with business and industry to provide information about available job openings in the community. Job opportunities are displayed in the Wiregrass Online Job Center, as well as shared with faculty, students, and graduates via email. The Career Services office helps with resume preparation and interviewing skills, arranges for employers to visit campuses, hosts employer spotlights and workshops, and conducts follow-up with graduates to assist in job placement. All students and graduates are encouraged to contact the Career Services office for assistance or visit the Student and Graduates Resources webpage.
Student Organizations and Activities
Student organizations and activities are an integral part of student life at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and are strongly supported by the faculty and staff. Because the faculty and staff believe that a student’s academic life is greatly enhanced through involvement in activities that develop and promote professionalism and interaction with other students, all students are strongly encouraged to participate in one or more of several student professional organizations supported by the college. Student meetings or assemblies on campus must be approved by the President or appointed representatives.
Association of Surgical Technologists Student Association (ASTSA)
The Association of Surgical Technologists Student Association promotes leadership and education for program surgical technology students through planned activities within Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and through planned seminars around the state and nation. ASTSA is nationally affiliated with the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Its leadership consists of club officers and a club advisor.
Dental Assisting Technology Student Organization (DATSO)
The purpose of DATSO is to advance the science of dental assisting technology. Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program have the opportunity to participate in this organization. This group works to promote public awareness of good oral health, provide community service during dental clinics, and improve student awareness of the profession. The organization is affiliated with the Georgia Dental Association for Expanded Functions (GDA) and the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).
National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)
NTHS is an organization for honor students where membership is by invitation only. Full-time and part-time students are recommended for membership by their instructors, approved by the administration, and must meet local and national membership standards. Membership is determined by overall grade-point average, work ethics, and professionalism. WGTC has a state and national affiliation with NTHS and is governed by selected student officers and a faculty advisor.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a professional student organization that consists of students from technical trades, health occupations, and business programs. SkillsUSA members participate in activities that promote leadership and professionalism through competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, as well as through various community service functions each year. SkillsUSA has a state and national level affiliation with SkillsUSA, Inc. SkillsUSA leadership consists of elected student officers and faculty advisors.
Society of Radiologic Technology Students
The Society of Radiologic Technology Students is composed of students in the Radiologic (X-ray) Technology program. Students compete in local and state competitions designed to promote technical and leadership skills in categories related to the education and training received in the program.
Student American Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA)
The Student American Dental Hygiene Association is an organization for students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program. This organization supports student participation in networking, clinics, and competitions. SADHA is a component of the American Dental Hygiene Association, a constituent of the Georgia Dental Hygienists’ Association, and is affiliated nationally with Sigma Phi Alpha. SADHA is governed by student officers and a faculty advisor.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Student Government Association (SGA) is a representative body of students composed of student representatives from each diploma and degree program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The members are trained to foster the general welfare of students through committee work, volunteer experience, and leadership skills training. Composed of representatives from each instructional program, governed by the SGA Constitution, and led by a staff of elected student officers, SGA voices students’ issues concerning school policy, rules, and practices. SGA also provides activities which are open to the entire student body each semester. By assisting other student organizations, SGA is able to serve the WGTC student population. Georgia Student Government Association has a national affiliation with the American Student Government Association.
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
The mission of SVA is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. SVA is a coalition of student veterans groups on college campuses across the globe. These member chapters are the “boots on the ground” that help veterans reintegrate into campus life and succeed academically. SVA is open to both veterans, and non-veterans who would like to be supportive of veterans. SVA’s leadership consists of club officers and faculty advisors.
Wiregrass Georgia Tech Collegiate Fellowship (WGCF)
All Wiregrass Georgia Technical College students are invited to join and participate in the activities of the WGCF. The purpose of the organization is to provide members with opportunities to grow, learn, and develop in Christian faith and fellowship. WGCF members participate in local ministries and in community activities, such as service to The Haven and area nursing homes.
Wiregrass Health Information Technology Students (WHITS)
Wiregrass Health Information Technology Students (WHITS) promotes awareness of the profession and educates the community about Health Information Technology. Through WHITS, students support each other and network with HIT professionals to gain career and educational insight by attending South Georgia Health Information Management Meetings. WHITS brings awareness of HIT to others through its participation in community and College events.
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