Since its inception in the 2020 fall semester, the Virtual HUB has grown from serving 660 students in its first month to now serving more than 2,800 students at Georgia Highlands College this semester. The ongoing tool continues to help in-person and online students access resources virtually and more conveniently than ever before.

The goal of the Virtual HUB is to provide the same services students would typically seek out in a face-to-face setting in a more convenient virtual environment. Students are able to video chat and connect with specialists in Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, Admissions, Advising, Business Office and Student Support Services such as counseling, disability services and WIOA.

“There is a regular presence from Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid and Student Accounts, and having these services in a virtual format allows students to meet with someone on their own time and from anywhere,” Executive Director of Enrollment Management Jennifer Hicks said. “We’ve had students connect while they were on a break at work or a day they needed to stay home with their children.”

Students can go to virtualservices.highlands.edu to connect, click the “Virtual HUB” logo on various pages at highlands.edu to connect or they can scan the QR Code on any posters on campus advertising the HUB with their smart phone or tablet to get started.

“Offering Virtual HUB services is just one way we show just how committed we are to meeting students where they are and in their own time,” Hicks said. “The convenience of clicking a link and almost instantly being connected to a live person on the other end who can help navigate various college processes is a game changer for many of our students.”

In addition to the Virtual HUB, GHC’s Academic Success Center webpage is a great place for students to find resources to help them succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Students can find quick links to resources like Advising, the Library, Student Support Services, STEM411, Student Engagement, Tutoring, the Virtual Hub and the Writing Center, as well as some useful technology and online learning tips.

The Virtual HUB is staffed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.