Events Calendar
Spring 2024
Tuesday, |
Silent Book Club Reading Event Time: 12:00 pm Bring your favorite book or even your homework text and come read with us! We are having our very own Silent Book Club where you can be with people without having to "be with people". Find a cozy chair in the Writing Center. This event will help you find time to enjoy reading by doing it with friends. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers |
Wednesday, |
Tackling the Essay! Time: 12:30 pm This workshop will provide strategies for succeeding in developing the college essay. The workshop is designed with feedback from Learning Support faculty. Contact: Dr. Sharon Colley FLYER |
Thursday, |
Tackling the Essay! Time: 12:30 pm This workshop will provide strategies for succeeding in developing the college essay. The workshop is designed with feedback from Learning Support faculty. Contact: Dr. Sharon Colley FLYER |
Tuesday, |
ESO Book Club: The Help by Kathryn Stockett Time: 11:00 am ESO book clubs are informal, student-led discussions of books. For this book club, we will be discussing The Help by Kathyrn Stockett. If you've seen the movie or read the book or even if you haven't, come join us for a fun book discussion. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers FLYER |
Tuesday, |
Play Auditions Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Auditions for Spring play, 'By the Way, Meet Vera Stark'. Performance to take place in April. Contact: Cindy Sams FLYER |
Thursday, |
Play Auditions Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Auditions for Spring play, 'By the Way, Meet Vera Stark'. Performance to take place in April. Contact: Cindy Sams FLYER |
Monday, |
Design on the Edge Time: 6:00 pm Multi-artist show featuring the theme "Design on the Edge" showcasing graphic design submissions from across the US. Contact: Luke Buffenmyer FLYER |
Tuesday, |
HSO's Cochran Trivia Night Time: 7:00 pm Join the History Student Organization for a night of trivia! Contact: Dr. Tracie Provost FLYER |
Thursday, |
French Conversation Table Time: 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Come and practice your French with games and fun conversation! Contact: Dr. Sabrina Wengier FLYER |
Monday, |
Celebrate French Crepe Day! Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Come celebrate the French tradition of La Chandeleur (Crêpe Day), learn about French and French culture, and sample some crêpes. Contact: Dr. Sabrina Wengier FLYER |
Tuesday, |
ESO Book Club: Their Eyes Were Watching God Time: 1:00 pm ESO book clubs are informal, student-led discussions of books. For this book club, we will be discussing Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Even if you haven't read the book, we are happy for you to participate. Come join us for a fun conversation about this book. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers FLYER |
Tuesday, |
HSO's Cochran Movie Night: Frank Capra's Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer Time: 7:30 pm Viewing of Frank Capra's Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer Contact: Dr. Tracie Provost FLYER |
Wednesday, |
ESO's Give a Valentine, Get a Valentine Time: 10:00 am Want to feel special and do something nice for someone on Valentine's Day? ESO will be proving you with all the materials you need to make a Valentine. You make a Valentine to put in our box and then you get a Valentine from someone who has already made one. Share some happiness on this day of love and appreciation. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers |
Monday, |
Film Screening: Dear Daughter (A Short) Time: 5:30 pm Michael Gaffney presents 'Dear Daughter', a short film for which he composed the music. The film is currently touring various film festivals; he will present the film, and follow it with an open Discussion and Q&A forum. Contact: Prof. Michael Gaffney FLYER |
Tuesday, |
¡Fiesta Flamenca! Across Middle Georgia Time: 11:30 am Join the School of Arts & Letters across MGA's campuses for an electrifying performance presented by Berdole Flamenco. Contact: Aleece Bustamante FLYER |
Tuesday, |
¡Fiesta Flamenca! Across Middle Georgia Time: 2:30 pm Join the School of Arts & Letters across MGA's campuses for an electrifying performance presented by Berdole Flamenco. Contact: Aleece Bustamante FLYER |
Tuesday, |
¡Fiesta Flamenca! Across Middle Georgia Time: 5:30 pm Join the School of Arts & Letters across MGA's campuses for an electrifying performance presented by Berdole Flamenco. Contact: Aleece Bustamante FLYER |
February 26th - 28th |
Pan-African Good Reads Poster Display Location: SoAL Lobby | Macon Campus Students will create posters for their favorite Pan-African literary works, including poetry, short stories, plays, and drama. You will be able to see some great reading recommendation by Pan-African authors, recommended by other students and faculty. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers |
Tuesday, |
Pan-African Read-In Time: 2:00 pm Bring your favorite poem or short story or non-fiction work by your favorite Pan-African author to share. You may also just come and listen to a wide variety of fantastic literary works. We hope to see you there. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers FLYER |
Tuesday, |
ESO Cochran Book Discussion: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Time: 4:30 pm Join us for a conversation about Suzanne Collins's novel Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy). Even if you haven't read the book or seen the film, we'd love to have you with us. Contact: Dr. Mary Christian FLYER |
Thursday, |
Public Relations Student Organization Information Session Time: 11 am This information session will introduce a new student organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The session will give an overview of the organization along with the exciting extracurricular opportunities that come with being a part of it. There will be two sessions available - one in person and the other online. It is open to all majors including Media & Communication, English, History, Business, and others who are interested. Contact: Dr. Claire Joa FLYER |
Thursday, |
Public Relations Student Organization Information Session Time: 6 pm This information session will introduce a new student organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The session will give an overview of the organization along with the exciting extracurricular opportunities that come with being a part of it. There will be two sessions available - one in person and the other online. It is open to all majors including Media & Communication, English, History, Business, and others who are interested. Contact: Dr. Claire Joa FLYER |
Friday, |
ESO Writing Marathon Time: 10:00 am A Writing Marathon brings the joy back to writing. No running necessary! You will get a chance to write without criticism and in the company of others. Begin at the Writing Center, then you will go around campus and return to the Writing Center for some food and debrief at the end. Please make sure to bring paper and a writing utensil (or computer, but paper is recommended). Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers FLYER |
Tuesday, |
ESO Cochran Read-In: Favorite Childhood Books Time: 4:30 pm Cochran ESO is hosting a read-in and discussion for favorite childhood books. Come and read a passage from a book you especially loved in your early years, and tell why it is meaningful to you. Or if you just want to come to listen, we'd love to have you there too! Contact: Dr. Mary Christian FLYER |
Tuesday, |
HSO's Cochran Movie Night: Frank Capra's Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain Time: 7:30 pm Viewing of Frank Capra's Why We Fight: The Battle of Britain Contact: Dr. Tracie Provost FLYER |
Wednesday, |
SoAL Graduate Program Information Session Time: 6:00 pm Continue your journey to success. That graduate degree or certificate credential Contacts: Dr. Monica Miller and Dr. Andre Nicholson FLYER |
Thursday, |
CANCELED - The Alice Experience Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm The Alice Experience will be rescheduled for Fall 2024. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers |
Tuesday, |
ESO Cochran Book Discussion: The Handmaid's Tale Time: 4:30 pm Join us for a conversation about Margaret Atwood's novel The Handmaid's Tale. Even if you haven't read the book or seen the Hulu series, we'd love to have you with us. Contact: Dr. Mary Christian FLYER |
Tuesday, |
Jackson Griffith in Concert Time: 5:30 pm Jackson Griffith returns to MGA for an incredible performance. This is an outdoor event - in the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Math Auditorium on the Macon Campus. Contact: Aleece Bustamante FLYER |
Thursday, |
Work in Progress: Stephen Taylor on Authenticity Time: 2:30 pm Dr. Stephen Taylor will be sharing a work in progress on the Commodification of Historical Authenticity. Come hear about the project and offer feedback and questions. Contact: Dr. Mary Christian |
Monday, |
CANCELED - Perspectives on Ukraine Time: 4:00 pm Yuriy Laboda, MGA resident Fulbright Scholar, discusses the history and current political events occurring in Ukraine. Presented by the HSO. Contact: Dr. Carol Melton FLYER |
March 25 - April 15 |
Reel People Arts Festival: Celebrating Diversity in Film and Media Arts
SoAL’s 2024 Reel People Arts Festival seeks to explore diversity in filmmaking and media in Georgia and beyond. The festival will celebrate the filmmakers, composers, creators, and stories that defy the historical homogeneity of Hollywood. Sponsored by the School of Arts & Letters (SoAL), all events are free and open to the public. |
Tuesday, |
ESO Book Club: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides Time: 11:00 am All of our book discussions are informal and student led. If you've read the novel or watched the movie or would just like to participate in a discussion on the book, come and join us for a fun chat about The Virgin Suicides. Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers |
Tuesday, |
HSO Cochran Trivia Night Time: 7:00 pm Play trivia for fun and prizes. Open to all interested students. Contact: Dr. Tracie Provost FLYER |
Wednesday, |
Grammarpalooza Time: 12:00 pm Grammarpalooza is a writing refresher aimed at reviewing writing basics for freshmen/sophomores. The writing skills vary each semester, but the social game always includes drawing prizes and way too much candy for everyone. Contact: Dr. Sharon Colley FLYER |
Wednesday, |
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Patrick Brennan Screens and Discusses The Celluloid Closet (Rob Epstein et al, 1995) Time: 7:00 pm MGA partners with The Douglass Theatre to present The Celluloid Closet, a documentary highlighting the history of LGBT characters and representation in film, with discussion led by MGA's own Prof. Patrick Brennan. Contact: Dr. Patrick Brennan and Dr. Bob Burnham FLYER |
March 28 - April 5 |
MGA Student Art Exhibition (runs through April 5) Location: SoAL Building Lobby | Macon Campus The 2023-2024 Student Art Exhibition is a juried exhibition featuring Middle Georgia State University art students. The exhibition in Macon will run from March 28 through April 5. Join us for a reception and awards celebration in Cochran on April 11 to reveal winners in categories such as 2-D design, 3-D design, student choice, as well as best of show. Contact: Dr. Sheree' Keith FLYER |
Thursday, |
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Zardosht Afshari Screens and Discusses His Recent Films, She Does Not Smile (2022) and An Endoscopy (2023) Time: 5:30 pm MGA's own Prof. Zardosht Afshari will present two of his own short films, She Does Not Smile (2022) and An Endoscopy (2023). In She Does Not Smile, Samantha, a music composing student in the U.S., hears someone playing a Middle Eastern musical instrument in the next room. She is determined to find the player. An Endoscopy (2023) follows a film student as she accompanies an international student for his endoscopy, with the agreement that he will be her subject in a documentary. Contact: Prof. Zardosht Afshari FLYER |
Monday, |
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Michael Gaffney Screens and Discusses His Score for Dear Daughter (A Short) Time: 2:00 pm Michael Gaffney presents 'Dear Daughter', a short film for which he composed the music. The film is currently touring various film festivals; he will present the film, and follow it with an open Discussion and Q&A forum. Contact: Prof. Michael Gaffney FLYER |
Monday, |
Senior Vocal Recitals: Jacob Moore and Ommar Huston Time: 5:30 pm Jacob Moore presents his senior vocal at 5:30 pm. Ommar Huston presents his senior vocal recital at 6:30 pm. Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara FLYER 1 FLYER 2 |
Tuesday, |
French Conversation Table Time: 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Come and practice your French with games and fun conversation! Contact: Dr. Sabrina Wengier FLYER |
Tuesday, |
ESO Cochran Book Discussion: The Testaments Time: 4:30 pm Join us for a conversation about Margaret Atwood's novel The Testaments (sequel to The Handmaid's Tale). Even if you haven't read the book, we'd love to have you with us. Contact: Dr. Mary Christian |
April 2, 3, 4 |
By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage Time: 6:00 pm Student actors perform By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, a comedy about an African-American maid who dreams about being a star. Contact: Cindy Sams FLYER |
Wednesday, |
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Zardosht Afshari Screens and Discusses His Recent Films, She Does Not Smile (2022) and An Endoscopy (2023) Time: 3:30 pm MGA's own Prof. Zardosht Afshari will present two of his own short films, She Does Not Smile (2022) and An Endoscopy (2023). In She Does Not Smile, Samantha, a music composing student in the U.S., hears someone playing a Middle Eastern musical instrument in the next room. She is determined to find the player. An Endoscopy (2023) follows a film student as she accompanies an international student for his endoscopy, with the agreement that he will be her subject in a documentary. Contact: Prof. Zardosht Afshari FLYER |
Monday, |
Georgia Film Academy Information Session and Video Game Trailer Time: 11:00am; 12:00pm - 3:00pm Learn all about the Georgia Film Academy's industry certifications, including Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development. Then head outside and experience the games yourself with Middle Ga Game Trailer! The trailer will be located outside of Haynes Hall from 12pm to 3pm. Contact: Dr. Heather Ness-Maddox FLYER |
Monday, |
Composer Jongnic Bontemps Screens and Discusses His Score for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Steven Caple, Jr., 2023)
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Tuesday, |
Music Workshop with Composer Jongnic Bontemps Time: 2:00 pm Renowned composer Jongnic Bontemps leads a music workshop. All are welcome to attend. Contact: Prof. Michael Gaffney |
Tuesday, |
Senior Lecture: Iris Sanchez Time: 6:30 pm Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara |
Tuesday, |
Chamber Singers Time: 7:30 pm MGA's Chamber Singers performs. Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara |
April 9, 10, 11 |
Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson Time: 7:00 pm Moonlight and Magnolias tells the story of how, in 1939, Hollywood producer David O. Selznick locked himself, director Victor Flemming, and screenwriter Ben Hecht in his office for five days where the three men, subsisting on nothing but peanuts and bananas, completely rewrote the screenplay for Gone with the Wind. It's the hilarious, true story of how Hollywood's most famous and highest-grossing film was actually written. Contact: Prof. John Iverson FLYER |
April 10 - April 13 |
MGA Undergraduate Conference: Celebrating Middle Georgia
MGA's 2024 Undergraduate Conference, sponsored by the School of Arts & Letters, serves to highlight exceptional student work across MGA's many undergraduate programs. The conference will take place on MGA's Cochran and Macon campuses. Highlights include student panels. poster sessions, student art exhibitions, and keynote speakers. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Wednesday, |
Nursing Panel Discussion Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The Nursing department presents a panel discussion for the Undergraduate Conference. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Wednesday, |
"Middle Georgia Politics": A Panel Discussion Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Political Science department presents a panel discussion for the Undergraduate Conference. A reception will follow the panel discussion in the Arts Complex Rehearsal Hall. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Thursday, |
MGA Student Art Exhibition Reception Time: 3:30 pm The 2023-2024 Student Art Exhibition is a juried exhibition featuring Middle Georgia State University art students. Join us for a reception and awards celebration to reveal winners in categories such as 2-D design, 3-D design, student choice, as well as best of show. The exhibition in Cochran will run from April 8 through April 18. Contact: Dr. Sheree' Keith |
Thursday, |
Student Panel Presentations Time: 4:30 pm Contact: Dr. Crystal O'Leary-Davidson |
Thursday, |
MGA Percussion Ensemble Time: 7:30 pm MGA's Percussion Ensemble performs. Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara |
Friday, |
“Celebrating Middle Georgia Businesses,” Will Butler, COO Pilot International and MGA alumnus Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm MGA's Undergraduate Conference welcomes guest speaker Will Butler, COO Pilot International and MGA alumnus. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Friday, |
Student Panel Presentations Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Saturday, |
Student Panel Presentations Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Contact: Dr. Monica Miller |
Monday, |
Georgia Film Academy Information Session and Video Game Trailer Time: 11:00am; 12:00pm - 3:00pm Learn all about the Georgia Film Academy's industry certifications, including Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development. Then head outside and experience the games yourself with Middle Ga Game Trailer! The trailer will be outside of the Arts Complex from 12pm to 3pm! Contact: Dr. Heather Ness-Maddox FLYER |
Monday, |
Film Screening: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Steven Caple, Jr., 2023) Time: 6:00 pm Join SoAL for a second screening of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, featuring music composed by Jongnic Bontemps. Contact: Prof. Michael Gaffney FLYER |
Tuesday, |
MGA's Jazz Ensemble Time: 7:30 pm MGA's Jazz Ensemble performs. Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara |
Tuesday, |
HSO's Cochran Movie Night: Frank Capra's Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia Time: 7:30 pm Viewing of Frank Capra's Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia Contact: Dr. Tracie Provost FLYER |
Thursday, |
Gothic Masquerade Ball Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm This year's annual ball theme is Gothic Masquerade. We will have dancing, waltz lessons, food, games and socializing. Costume is not required, but there is a costume contest for the best Gothic look. Don't have a mask? No problem. Come join us for this fun social event! Contact: Dr. Shane Trayers FLYER |
Monday, |
Movie Night with Around the World Club and ISSA Time: 6:00 pm Come enjoy a movie from a different culture! Contact: Dr. Marina Spears or Dr. Charlotte Miller |
Tuesday, |
Poetry Reading with Dr. Jeff Newberry Time: 11:00 am Dr. Jeff Newberry reads from his latest collection, How to Talk About the Dead. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller FLYER |
Tuesday, |
Poetry Reading with Dr. Jeff Newberry Time: 2:30 pm Dr. Jeff Newberry reads from his latest collection, How to Talk About the Dead. Contact: Dr. Monica Miller FLYER |
Tuesday, |
Shakespeare Birthday Celebration Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm You are invited to join in celebrating William Shakespeare’s 460th birthday. We welcome performances by students, faculty and staff, and community members. Contributions could include (among other things):
If interested in participating, please contact Dr. Mary Christian (mary.christian@mga.edu) by April 16. Contact: Dr. Mary Christian FLYER |
Wednesday, |
Public Relations Student Organization Information Session Time: 12:30 pm This information session will introduce a new student organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The session will give an overview of the organization along with the exciting extracurricular opportunities that come with being a part of it. There will be two sessions available - one in person and the other online. It is open to all majors including Media & Communication, English, History, Business, and others who are interested. Contact: Dr. Claire Joa FLYER |
Thursday, |
Senior Recital: Vincent Perez-Sanchez Time: 7:30 pm Contact: Dr. Justin McAdara |
Tuesday, |
Knighted Publication Reception Time: 2:00 pm Celebrate the publication of our 2024 issue of Knighted: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Undergraduate Research! Students will give brief presentations of their work and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Contact: Dr. Lucia Palmer FLYER |
An archive of past events of the School of Arts & Letters (SOAL) is available:
Fall 2023
Spring 2023
Fall 2022
Spring 2022
Fall 2021
Spring 2021
Fall 2020
Spring 2020
Fall 2019