SGTC dorm students learn how to create a safer campus environment

September 19, 2016
The John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center teleconference room was recently packed with students who attended an informational session to learn from local law enforcement and social work agencies about how to keep themselves and others safe in SGTC’s dormitories and on campus.
The John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center teleconference room was recently packed with students who attended an informational session to learn from local law enforcement and social work agencies about how to keep themselves and others safe in SGTC’s dormitories and on campus.

Col. Eric Bryant (front) of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department was a featured guest speaker at a recent informational session that was held for dorm students at SGTC. Their topics included sexual assault, dating violence, and possession of illegal substances.

Col. Eric Bryant (front) of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department was a featured guest speaker at a recent informational session that was held for dorm students at SGTC. Their topics included sexual assault, dating violence, and possession of illegal substances.

South Georgia Technical College’s (SGTC) Campus Safety officers recently hosted a special informational session for all dorm students on how to create a safe environment for themselves and their classmates.  The event featured guest speakers from local law enforcement and social work agencies. The session was held in honor of September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month, but Campus Safety holds a similar informational session at the beginning of each semester, said SGTC Director of Campus Safety Sammy Stone.

Annie Leggett and Nancy Collins of Middle Flint Behavioral Health Care spoke to students about the dangers of alcohol abuse, as well as about sexually transmitted diseases. Ursula Wright, LCSW of Benchmark Human Services informed the students about Benchmark’s Crisis Response Services that they could utilize if they were ever in need. Monica Hood, RN, also informed the students about how safe sex practices.

Americus Police Department Chief Mark Scott talked to the dorm students about safety and laws, including robbery in particular, and explained to them what proper student conduct looked like on a college campus. Col. Eric Bryant and Major Joe Monts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department closed the evening session with the important message that sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time, and they also spoke about dating violence, stalking, and penalties for the possession of illegal substances.

“It’s very important for our students—especially dormitory students at this young age—to understand how to keep themselves and others safe on our college campus and not put themselves into situations where they can come to harm,” said Chief Sammy Stone. “They received lots of good information tonight from our gracious guest speakers and I think each of them left here tonight with a little more knowledge than they came with.”

South Georgia Technical College is one of only two technical colleges in the state of Georgia that offers campus housing. James Hall and Martin Hall are available for men and women currently enrolled in credit classes at SGTC. Private and semi-private dorm rooms are available, and each wing of the dormitories has a Resident Assistant (RA) to help its residents with any situations that may occur. Each room provides basic cable television service, free wifi, keyed entry, basic furnishings including a bed, dresser, desk, and chair; and a private bathroom.

For more information about SGTC campus housing and meal plans and to apply for housing, visit www.southgatech.edu/campus-life/campus-housing-dining.