Clayton State TEAM Students Lend Talent to University Website

Clayton College & State University has recently initiated a collaboration between students and administrators in the on-going development of the University's web site.

In fall 1998, Clayton State implemented the TEAM (Technology Enriched Academic Mentors) program, a technology-driven academic cooperative, pairing gifted students with chosen faculty. TEAM's primaryfunction is to serve the faculty's technological needs while helping students increase their knowledge and skill base.

This initiative, led by technology outreach coordinator Anthonio Finger, combines the prowess and imaginations of students and faculty in a technologically creative environment.

CCSU has now extended a rare learning opportunity to these students by involving them in the continuing development of the University's official web site. The project is scheduled to last throughout the summer, during which TEAM members will help with graphic design, navigational tools and other features. This phase of web site development not only will allow students to gain hands-on experience with web technologies, but also will enhance professional and interpersonal skills as students work with outside contractors and university personnel.

Students participating in the project represent talent from all over the world: Adam Puhl of Conyers; Luca Yearsovich of Sighisoara, Romania; Jared Lange of Chicago; Steven Straker of Bridgetown, Barbados; Steven Miller of Houston; Zachary Ross of Phoenix; Ian Gaenssley of Atlanta and Daniel Radachi of Locust Grove.

CCSU interim President Mike Vollmer said, “This unique initiative is already paying rich dividends for the entire campus. These students are conducting work for various faculty and departments on campus and learning at the same time. The TEAM members are now working in secondary schools to help high school students develop a similar program that will provide assistance to teachers.”

“Working in the TEAM program has given me the opportunity to attend professional workshops, seminars, conferences and work toward earning industry certifications that I would not have been able to afford on my own,” said TEAM member Seven Miller. “This gives me a decided advantage on other IT graduates when I start to pursue a career.”

Jared Lange concurs: “The hands-on experience I have gained by working with faculty in the TEAM program, will go a long way when I enter the job market.” Clayton College & State University, a member institution of the University System of Georgia, is in Morrow.