Nearly 190 join Corps of Cadets
The week before the University of North Georgia's (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½) fall semester started, 187 incoming cadets experienced Freshmen Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week. The Aug. 14-20 set of events helped them acclimate to life as ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ cadets.
The FROGs learned about the expectations of the Corps of Cadets in part from a history-making leadership duo. This academic year marks the first time both ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ cadet battalion commanders are women. Bentlee Roberson is the first battalion commander and Allyson Smith the second battalion commander.
Smith, a junior from Nashville, Tennessee, pursuing a degree in mathematics, recalled her FROG Week as humbling with the vast amount of newness at one time. Roberson, a junior from Florence, Alabama, pursuing a degree in kinesiology, said her situation was different as she'd just completed a 12-week program in basic training for the Georgia Army National Guard.
It's definitely a challenge... if it wasn't a challenge, everybody would be doing it. The superiors are hard on you, but they're hard for a reason. It's to prepare you and get you in the mindset of the Corps of Cadets."
Nicholas Conowal
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ freshman cadet
"I walked in thinking I knew everything. Well, they knocked me off my high horse quickly," Roberson said. "I realized quickly that there was plenty for me to learn during FROG Week."
The pair realize the responsibility that comes with their leadership role for 2022-23.
"I believe a lot of our leadership style comes from our experiences. We try to adjust the things we saw to improve them," Smith said. "We give guidance and are ultimately responsible."
Roberson and Smith are among the cadet leadership responsible for the creation and execution of FROG Week and all corps events, with supervision from the commandant staff. The FROG Week days started early, usually about 6 a.m., and lasted until taps at 10 p.m. They included arduous physical activity and learning everything there is to know about being a cadet, from recognizing ranks to dorm room standards.
"It's definitely a challenge," Nicholas Conowal, a freshman from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with pre-law concentration, said. "If it wasn't a challenge, everybody would be doing it. The superiors are hard on you, but they're hard for a reason. It's to prepare you and get you in the mindset of the Corps of Cadets."
Olivia Sullens, a freshman soccer student-athlete from Dahlonega, Georgia, pursuing a degree in strategic and securities studies with a concentration in international affairs and Russian minor, thrived on the high demands of FROG Week.
"My experience has been amazing and also somewhat difficult, but also very fun," Sullens said. "It's nice to know that other people, people I've never met before, are going through the same thing as I am and are helping me through it."
Jones heading to Taiwan thanks to FEA scholarship
A FEA scholarship changes the life of a nontraditional student with an opportunity to study in Taiwan this spring.
Pair discusses ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Press project at conference
A pair of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ graduates presented their innovative work with the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Press at the Open Education Conference held Oct. 28-30 in Denver, Colorado.
Spring teams aim to maintain high standards
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s spring sports teams are gearing up for another season competing at the highest levels both in the Peach Belt Conference and nationally.
Students offer free tax preparation
Students pursuing bachelor's and master's accounting degrees at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are providing free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS.