Student Organizations and Special Programs
Savannah Technical College encourages students to participate in organizations to build leadership and service capabilities and to further their professional development. Student organizations exist to offer fellowship, related educational experiences, continuing education, networking, and professional competition at local, state, and national levels. Savannah Technical College administers a program of co-curricular activities through the Student Activities Office. Membership in all student organizations and participation in all student activities is open to all students regardless of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, or age. Students should contact the Office of Student Activities for a complete list of the organizations available to students.
Student Representation in Governance
Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL)
Skills USA (A state and national student competition)
Phi Beta Lambda
National Technical Honor Society
Student Professional Organizations
Student Representation in Governance
Students’ role in decision-making is an advisory one accomplished through the Savannah Technical College Student Leadership Council (SLC). The purpose of the organization is to promote better relations between the students and faculty, to enhance the physical appearance of the school, to help promote the school and its functions, to plan student activities and to help the school in any way possible. SLC meets on a monthly basis and other times as needed.
Representatives from each program area serve on the Student Leadership Council. The council sponsors various events and manages community service and college improvement projects. Students interested in serving on the council should contact their respective program advisors.
During Spring Semester, council representatives elect officers who serve a one-year term that begins the following Fall Semester. The permanent slate of officers includes the president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. A majority vote of the council establishes other officer positions. The officers serve on the Executive Board of the Student Leadership Council. The Executive Board approves expenditures of student activity fees, oversees budget requests submitted by student organizations, determines fund raising policies for student organizations, evaluates fund-raising activities conducted by student organizations, establishes meeting schedules for the student advisory council, reviews and recommends changes to the by-laws of the council, and coordinates the activities of the council. The Coordinator of Career Services and Student Activities serves as the College advisor for the student advisory council and is an ex-officio member of the Executive Board.
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Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL)
The program was established in 1971 to recognize and reward excellence in technical education. The GOAL program is an outstanding example of education joining hands with business and industry. The objectives of the GOAL program are as follows:
1. To spotlight the role of technical education in our modern economy.
2. To reward those students who excel in learning a gainful skill.
3. To stimulate greater pride in workmanship.
4. To generate greater public respect and appreciation for the working man and woman.
5. To emphasize the dignity of work in our society.
Instructors nominate outstanding students for the GOAL program. A winner is then chosen by means of a two-part interview process. The Savannah Technical College winner competes at the consortia level and at the state level where Georgia’s technical college student of the year is announced.
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Skills USA
Skills USA is a professional organization that recognizes outstanding students in secondary and postsecondary education. Skills USA members participate in chapter meetings, competitions, leadership conferences, and activities. Members conduct community service projects. They can also interact with local business people in their field of study. Through the Skills USA Championships program, members can earn recognition, industry tools and prizes, and college scholarships by competing in local, state, and national competitions.
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Phi Beta Lambda
The purpose of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is to provide opportunities for postsecondary students to develop vocational competencies for business and office occupations. PBL is an integral part of the instructional programs at Savannah Technical College and promotes a sense of civic and personal responsibility in students.
The specific goals of PBL are to:
1. Develop competent, aggressive business leadership;
2. Strengthen the confidence in students;
3. Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise;
4. Encourage membership in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business and community;
5. Promote sound financial management;
6. Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty;
7. Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; and
8. Facilitate the transition from school to work.
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National Technical Honor Society
The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an honor organization for students enrolled in occupational technical programs. NTHS works to promote leadership, honesty, career development and skilled workmanship; to award student achievement; to encourage and assist student education and career goal setting; to promote stronger linkage between local technical colleges, business and industry; and to promote the image of technical education.
In order to become a member of NTHS, a student must:
1. Be recommended by an instructor in his/her program;
2. Have taken 12 credit hours per semester for two consecutive semesters in one program;
3. Have and maintain a 3.5 overall average, excluding courses in developmental studies;
4. Not make lower than a final grade of B in any course; and
5. Have good character, exhibit leadership skills and plan to pursue a career in his/her program of study.
Benefits of membership in NTHS are:
Certificate of membership card and pin
Seal indicating membership on diploma
Panel indicating membership to wear on graduation gown