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As students began to readjust to this new reality, many student workers were left wondering where they stand now with their jobs and if they should start looking for another line of work.
The university has kept the student workers in mind during this time of transition. Students who could work remotely from home were able to continue work, but if that was not a possibility, they would find reassignment for those who needed the work hours.
Ben Phillips, who is the Coordinator of Leadership Development in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, was selected to work and take over this project from human resources. It is his job to match students with new temporary assignments.
There are still 77 students waiting to be reassigned as of April 12. Phillips states this is due to a disproportionate amount of students needing work, and departments needing additional assistance.
Phillips has said so far his team has, “helped 97 students find temporary student worker assignments for the rest of the semester, across both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.”
Kayla McCook, who worked at the on-campus Starbucks, was one of the lucky students who were able to be reassigned.
When campus closed and I wasn’t able to work anymore, I was so stressed out and upset. I was excited to hear the news of being reassigned, working at a whole new place on campus.
Kayla McCook
McCook was reassigned to the grounds departments where she helps with the upkeep of the campus, doing things like planting trees. She says it’s a lot different than what she is used to at Starbucks but is thankful for this new experience.
Shay Heard is among the student workers who are able to work from home during this time. Heard works as a student assistant in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement and was surprised to hear that she was able to keep her job.
Heard said, “I’m still getting the same amount of hours, thankfully. We are now doing everything online, of course, from checking emails to doing project requests for people in the office.”
Rebecca Cortner, a work-study student who works in the office of testing services as a proctor for online exams, said the worst part during this time was trying to figure out if she was going to be paid the same amount of money she was awarded or if she needed to find a job in the midst of places already laying off workers.”
Cortner explained the university had set aside a certain amount of money for the semester that she will continue to receive weekly. She is still able to keep her job even though the campus is closed. Cortner was given the option to proctor exams, which she assumes will take place via webcam.
A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of the student workers who are still without work. In fact, the student did not even know there was a reassignment process for student workers until the interview.
I received no emails from any of my managers or even Eagle Dining Services about student workers staying home or any other type of information about reassigning us to a new department if possible. No one reached out or gave us any type of instruction on handling the situation. Even now, I have yet to receive any emails from my department.
A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons
Phillips stated that students needing temporary work were supposed to have been sent forms from them that ask students to identify their home department, normal working hours, and some of the interests and skills that they have. The departments as well can share this information and form.
“It is hard to say exactly what might have happened with this particular student. One of our largest groups of students that have applied for temporary assignments has been students from the Dining Commons. It seems like it was an unfortunate oversight for this particular student,” said Phillips
Phillips also said if any students have any questions about anything or would like to communicate with him that he is open anytime, and would love to hear from them and do his best to advocate for them.
Though a lot of uncertainty is going around, the university is trying its best in helping students continue work has helped ease their stress.
“I’m thankful that I work for such a great university that amidst all of the chaos can find us a place to work, ” McCook said.
If you’re a student worker still in need of work and reassignment you can reach out to Ben Phillips @[email protected] for help.
Savannah King works for the on-campus Starbucks on the Statesboro Campus
]]>Location
Finding the optimum space in your home is ultimately the first step. And depending on your household size, this can vary from an actual home office to the tiniest part left in your bedroom. There is no right or wrong spot. It’s what works best for you.
Limit Distractions
Distractions are all around us, from our TVs to our phones or even our family. Your workspace should be free of any of those temptations. When you are in your work mode, try placing your phone in another room, so you aren’t tempted to grab it. This can work the same with your TV remote.
Light
Lighting is another important factor. When we are exposed to more sunlight, our cognitive function is better, according to Environmental Health, a medical journal. Try shifting your desk or space in front of an open window.
Supplies
No matter where you find your perfect setting, it should always be filled with the essentials such as your computer, paper for notes, writing utensils and a planner. Having to take a break and hunt for tools can hinder you from working efficiently.
Design
Your workspace doesn’t have to be fancy or overly dramatic. But, if you are a fan of the aesthetic, adding your favorite decor can help you stay focused and actually want to work.
Comfortable clothes
Although this doesn’t directly pertain to your workspace, it is a key factor in your success rate. Many schools or businesses require dress codes that can be uncomfortable to work in. A benefit from working from home is there isn’t a strict set of rules you have to follow. You can dress up or dress down as you please.
Here are a few workspaces from GS students and professors who sent in their photos via Twitter using #DailyDesk.
No matter where you find yourself working, it is important to create that barrier from your relaxing space to your workspace. That way there is a designated area only for work, and you will be more likely to function proficiently.
Tweet us your at-home workspace with the hashtag #DailyDesk!
]]>Spotify, Apple Music and every other music streaming service is likely working overtime right now. I’ve made a Spotify playlist that has all of my favorite nostalgic classics because staying inside is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the music of years past. I’ve listed a few of the songs from the playlist, so if you do not use Spotify, you could easily add them to your Queue!
Link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VOhs33GoYhQQJpxKnsTX9?si=9gzqf9XTQlCLRIakr1WM6g
Songs
- “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
One of the songs you NEED in your back-pocket for your next karaoke takeover.
Best Line: I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand
- “Marry Me” by Train
Such a cute song that warms my forever single heart.
Best Line: You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you
- “Single Ladies” by Beyonce
The best anthem to get ready for a night out, tbh.
Best Line: Just broke up (up) I’m doing my own little thing
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
The quickest way to give me flashbacks to my elementary school talent show.
Best Line: There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move
- “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
I cannot express how much of a different person I become when I listen to this song. I can somehow perfectly relate to singing my heart out in the middle of times square, obviously.
Best Line: But nothing’s greater, than the rush that comes with your embrace
- “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey
While I can’t think of this song without thinking of the Chippettes jamming out on a rooftop, it’s a bop.
Best Line: Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams
- “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele
This song is one of the many that made the world take Adele seriously, and it deserves all your respect.
Best Line: My hands, they were strong, But my knees were far too weak
- “Eenie Meenie” by Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber
One of my fav JB songs, quite iconic, if I do say so myself.
Best Line: Can’t make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind
- “Lucky” by Jason Mraz
This is one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard still to this day, and it automatically evokes daydreaming of falling in love.
Best Line: They don’t know how long it takes, waiting for a love like this
- “No One” by Alicia Keys
I do not know anyone that doesn’t know this song. Talk about a cultural reset…
Best Line: Everything’s gonna be alright, People keep talking, they can say what they like
- “Diamonds” by Rihanna
Another song that defined an era. Everyone and every radio station was singing this song.
Best Line: You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
- “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney
This song introduced me to the amazing-ness that Jesse McCartney. I still have a childhood crush on this wholesome man.
Best Line: I don’t want my love to go to waste, I want you and your beautiful soul
- “ Like A Boy” by Ciara
You probably remember this one from middle school.
Best Line: If I played you like a toy, Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy
- “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
This song put Spears on the map and is one of the greatest throwback songs to date.
Best Line: My loneliness is killing me (and I)
- “Animal” by Neon Trees
I turn into a literal rockstar when this song comes on, and it’s the greatest feeling.
Best Line: And I’m afraid I won’t get out alive, No, I won’t sleep tonight
- “No Scrubs” by TLC
This song makes me remember my worth and how powerful TLC was.
Best Line: Hanging out the passenger side,Of his best friend’s ride, Trying to holler at me
- “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
One of my favorite songs to sing with my friends. I think it brings us closer every time.
Best Line: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
The list continues! Take a look at 70+ more on the Spotify playlist (linked above).
]]>Software Downloads
GS offers free downloads for a variety of resources, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Cloud. If you log on to your MyGeorgiaSouthern and scroll till you reach the section titled Technology Resources and click Download Software, you can get free access to a series of different computer software.
eBooks
While you can’t physically check out books, eBooks are still an option! Under the section titled Library Resources on MyGeorgiaSouthern gives you a list of appropriate links.
Virtual Tutoring
The Academic Success Center has moved entirely online but is still readily accessible. Virtual tutoring is here to offer services such as economics, foreign languages and engineering. You can schedule an appointment here!
Internet Access
If you are housed locally near Georgia Southern and is in need of internet access or a computer then you can make an appointment at Henderson Library here.
Video Chat
Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t see your friends! Still wanting to set up that study group, you can try Google Hangouts Meet or Zoom. Both are free, accessible software where you are able to still get “face-to-face” contact.
While online classes may not seem the most ideal, they can still be very efficient when we have access to the right tools.
]]>At the beginning of April, Tinder released this statement under the “Passport” section on its website: “A message for our community: In these trying times, while we all know we need to stay home, this doesn’t mean we have to be alone with our thoughts. Having someone to talk to can make a world of difference. And that’s why we decided that starting this week we’ll make our Passport feature, free to everyone, everywhere.”
If you are planning to take advantage of this feature, here is everything you need to know:
1. It’s free
From now through April 30, Tinder has made its Passport feature free. This is normally a feature you can only get on Tinder Plus & Gold subscriptions.
Make sure that your app is on the latest update to get the passport feature for no cost.
2. How to Change your location
Go to settings – Location (under “discovery”) – Add a new location – Search (put in your new location)
3. You can travel anywhere in the world
Visit France, New York, Italy or even your college hometown. There’s no limit to how many places you can visit, so use your (virtual) passport and go crazy!
“People you’ve liked while using the Passport feature may see your profile up to 24 hours after you’ve changed your location(s),” according to Tinder.
Note: You can only visit one place at a time
4. This is your chance to practice the languages you’ve been learning in your classes
Did you spend three years learning Spanish in high school? Have you taken six credit hours of French in college? Now is the time to put these skills to the test and interact with people from different countries.
5. It may be a good idea to put your home country in your bio
As you travel to different countries, it’s a good idea to let others know where you’re from, whether through a flag emoji of your home country, a comment like “I’m trying to practice my French. Will you help me out?”, or just telling them straight up that you’re from [insert country]. This may help when going to foreign locations and trying to communicate via Google Translate.
6. Reconnect with people from your college town or hometown
Many people have gone home to be with family, while others have stayed in their college town. Whichever one of these situations you are in, it’s likely that you’re missing the other. With the Passport feature, however, you’re able to reconnect with people in the places you call home.
7. Talk to others who are going through the same thing
This pandemic is affecting everyone, everywhere. Having someone to talk to about it during this difficult time can make you feel less alone.
What are you waiting for? Take your virtual passport and travel to all the places you’ve been dreaming of going–at no cost to you!
If you or a loved one are going through a loss caused by COVID-19, Dr. Lauren Patterson, assistant director of outreach and community engagement for the Counseling Center at Georgia Southern, said in an email that we must remember that grief is an individualized experience, and that there is no wrong or right way to grieve. Some common feelings caused by grief are shock/numbness, denial, sadness, shame, guilt and anxiety.
“It can be helpful to identify and express these emotions , take care of yourself, manage stress, and-or seek professional help as needed” said Patterson.
For those who suffer mental illnesses that get worse when cooped up inside all day, Patterson said that since each person’s experience with stressful situations is different, individuals may benefit from creating a self-care plan.
“Individuals may find it beneficial to create holistic plans that address a myriad of physical and emotional needs tailored to their situation” said Patterson.
One could include continuing medications as prescribed and seeking treatment via telehealth in their routine said Patterson.
Patterson also shared some tips from the CDC to help people with avoiding a mentally unwell state. The CDC’s website said that taking a break from the news is one way to avoid falling into a mentally unwell state. The website also suggests things like taking care of your physical health (eat well, exercise, etc.) as well as engaging in activities such as a hobby or an interest. The CDC list also recommends seeking social support.
For those who are extroverts, this time of isolation could be difficult.
“Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation” Patterson said.
She referenced a list by Active Minds of ways to connect with other people without coming into physical contact with them. A few of the suggestions include virtual trivia nights, social media challenges, group check-ins or meditations and many more. It is times like these when the world’s advancement with technology is appreciated.
A lot of students had to uproot their lives and move back home due to the college closing or losing jobs, and they had to change their day-to-day routine.
Patterson said that change, both good and bad, can be difficult.
“It’s important to remember that all feelings are valid and taking time to attend to those feelings may be necessary,” she said.
The Counseling Center website offers a list of quick resources for mental health as well as hotlines.
They also offer a page with more information on coping with grief and loss: https://students.georgiasouthern.edu/counseling/resources/tragedy-resources/
The counseling center is also working out phone call appointments as well as group telemental health therapy sessions.
If you or another student are having difficulties during this time, the Statesboro Counseling Center number is (912) 478-5541, and Armstrong’s is (912) 344-2529. Always remember that your feelings are valid and the Counseling Center is here to help.
]]>As the number of people affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) increases across the nation, the city of Statesboro is taking steps to keep the community safe and to slow the spread. In a town hall meeting on Sunday, March 22, Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar brought forward an executive order.
The executive order called for businesses to close and prohibited gatherings larger than 10 people. This did exclude some businesses such as grocery stores, some restaurants, hospitals, doctors’ offices and some retail stores.
This executive order is to last 15 days and will be revisited at the end of this period. With this executive order in place, it means many local businesses are having to close their doors because they are deemed “non-essential.” However, these businesses are still finding ways to keep business going.
Local retail stores such as Dish, Stella, Cheeky Bliss and Sole have had to close their stores. Each store has gone completely online for the time being, but many of them are offering free shipping on orders and curbside pickup.
They are also all remaining active on their social media accounts and are allowing people to order off of them as well. These stores are also offering discounts on orders!
Restaurants are also feeling the effects of COVID-19, and the executive order as they are also having to close their lobby area. Local restaurants are also finding ways to continue to serve customers in the safest way.
Local coffee shop Three Tree Coffee Roasters had to be creative with their ways to continue to serve the community their coffee. They have created a local delivery service on select items as well as online ordering through the app Cloosive for curbside pickup.
Three Tree Coffee Roasters have also shifted their Saturday Brunch to their trolley. You can now order brunch and drink orders at the trolley, with your order being brought straight to your car.
Founder and Owner of Three Tree Coffee Roasters Phillip Klayman said that there has clearly been a drop in sales across the board, but it has been so cool to see the community’s support and response to their efforts.
Greg Filipek, the manager of Bites on Brampton, said Bites is taking extra health and safety precautions during this time to ensure the staff’s safety and the customer’s safety. They have reduced the staff and are allowing only three people in the lobby at once to ensure everyone will have six feet of space.
Filipek said, “We’re just going to keep it going forward with the business, but really focus on providing a safe environment for customers.”
Like Bites and Three Tree Coffee Roasters, other local restaurants are offering curbside pickup and even delivery. Restaurants that serve alcohol like Gnats Landing and Del Sur are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages during this time.
Filipek says Bites are lucky that they are able to stay open when so many other businesses have not been as fortunate.
“It has affected business for us since we have such a young customer base and a lot of the students have gone home for the semester,” Filipek said.
This time has put a strain on all local businesses, and each will be hit with some kind of economic hardship. In this time of difficulties and uncertainties, it has raised the importance to continue to support locally owned businesses.
Filipek said, ” The best thing to do right now is to support local and family-owned businesses, but do so in the safest way possible.”
Feature image credit to Lauren Sabia
]]>Being required to stay at home all day encourages sleeping and eating all day long, but here are a few tips to keep you out of a rut to keep you not only mentally healthy but also help keep you physically healthy.
Here are five ways to avoid falling into a quarantine slump.
Stick to a schedule
This will help provide some stability in this time of uncertainty. Try to wake up at a decent time every day and go ahead and get ready for the day, regardless of if you plan on leaving the house or not. This will help get you up and moving and keep you from sleeping all day.
Find a new hobby
Being stuck at home can easily become boring. If you have something you have been wanting to learn like knitting or guitar, then go for it. Now is the best time to pick up a new hobby in order to defeat boredom and just learn something new.
Spring clean
Houses can quickly get messy and cluttered when you are spending 24/7 in them. It is springtime, so why not go ahead and do some spring cleaning? This will not only give you something to do, but it will also ensure that everything is clean and disinfected so you have less of a chance of getting sick.
Go for a hike
Most state parks are staying open during this trying time. With all of this free time, you should try to get as much fresh air as you can. Not only will some exercise be good for your body after staying inside for so long, but it will also be good for your mental health to get out of the house.
Start a project
This one goes hand-in-hand with picking up a new hobby. You could maybe start a little garden or read a book that you have been meaning to get to. You could even redecorate your room or house. Any kind of time consuming project since there is no telling how long this pandemic will last.
This is a difficult time for all of us. Having to uproot and change your whole routine in the middle of the semester is hard, so if you are in a slump because of all of this, it is completely valid. I hope these tips help and that all of you stay safe and healthy.
During this difficult time, it’s important to maintain social distancing, even when it comes to dating. Despite this, dating apps like Tinder are still–and perhaps even more–active.
Some men even tried to use the situation to their advantage through their bios, pickup lines and conversation starters.
Bios
There were a few bios relating to quarantining and the Corona Virus. The most common was “quarantine and chill?”, but there were some more creative ones:
“A date with me gives you immunity against the coronavirus”
“My smile is more infectious than coronavirus”
“If I see ‘quarantine and chill?’ one more time, I’m calling the police”
The DMs
The Charmer
How sweet.
His Answer? You, My Dog and a Bottle of Tequila.
I mean, if the dog is there…
The Guy Who Wanted to Take Me Out
No comment.
The Guy That was Glad for the Switch the Online Classes
Those attendance policies make all the difference.
The Fearless Guy
Is beer flu what we’re calling it now?
The Guy Who Looked on the Bright Side?
That’s one way to look at it.
The Guy Who was Concerned
Remember: just because the virus might not affect you personally, there’s a chance it could spread to someone you know or care for.
The Guy Who Just Needed Some Toilet Paper
We’ve all been there, buddy.
The Guy Who Hopes Everyone Stays Home
Social distancing is extremely important!
The Irritated Guy
Relatable.
The Guy Who’s Taking it Seriously
This can be a stressful time. Here are some tips on managing anxiety and stress from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Special Guest: Purell Hand Sanitizer
Hold on to him tight and never let go.
So you’re saying it was on Tinder this entire time? Who would’ve thought.
While some of the pickup lines and DMs were all in good fun, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is something to be taken seriously. This means following CDC prevention tips, including those on how to protect yourself and others.
Besides, do you really want to catch the coronavirus disease from someone who’s probably going to ghost you in two weeks?
Tinder also advised not meeting in real life. They sent this message out to users:
“Social distancing doesn’t have to mean disconnecting
In the last week, we’ve seen longer chats from our members in areas most impacted by COVID-19 – and we know there’s a lot to say to each other as we all do our best to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
We hope to be a place for connection during this challenging time, but it’s important to stress that now is not the time to meet IRL with your match. Please keep things here 
[phone emoji] for now and be sure to stay informed with the most up-to-date recommendations from the World Health Organization below:
Find out more from WHO.
Please come back regularly and check the link as information is updated. Remember: keeping yourself safe and healthy helps to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy, too.”
So, how do you date when there’s a national pandemic? It’s not impossible, but you’ll have to be creative. Click here for some date ideas while social distancing.
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