Center for Student Affairs and Engagement

The Center for Student Affairs and Engagement fosters a positive learning community using a student-centered approach to personal and professional development. As the principal advisor for events, student governments, clubs and organizations, the center promotes the qualities of leadership and service and prepares students for careers in the medical and health related fields.

Learning communities

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine has established a learning community model to support your personal and professional growth with a longitudinal connection to a community of learning. This model supports you through a developmental and proactive approach to maximize your potential by providing differential assistance and a community of faculty, interprofessional staff and peers to engage you in your personal and professional development. 

In the learning community model, you’ll: 

• Take part in interactive learning community team activities/touchpoints through the year
• Participate in a virtual communication platform to promote and encourage interactions in real time with your peers, regional campus team and learning community
• Engage in a positive learning environment that supports the formal and hidden curriculum

For more information on learning communities, contact Julia Kolcharno, MA, at jakolcharno@geisinger.edu or 570-504-9635.

Leadership development

The Leadership Institute provides you with the knowledge, skills and tools to demonstrate leadership and service and prepares you for a career in medical and health-related fields.

For more information on the Leadership Institute, contact Kelsey Savka, MS, at ksavka1@geisinger.edu. 

Clubs and organizations

Student clubs and organizations can enhance your quality of life and the college community. They give you the chance to participate in academic, cultural, social and athletic activities that help you develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes expected from healthcare professionals. 

The Center for Student Affairs and Engagement is always interested in meeting student needs. We work collaboratively with the Medical Student Council, the governing board, to welcome suggestions for starting new clubs. If you’re interested in connecting with someone about Geisinger College of Health Sciences clubs and organizations, reach out to Kelsey Savka at ksavka1@geisinger.edu. 

Activities and functions of student clubs and organizations are considered college activities and therefore must:

• Be registered with and approved by the Center for Student Affairs and Engagement
• Function in an organized manner consistent with the values, identity and mission of Geisinger College of Health Sciences
• Comply with policies and procedures of the college
• Complete at least one service project per academic year
• Have at least 10 enrolled students as members

Clubs and organizations at Geisinger College

Check out the MSC Canvas page, which holds all updates, policies and procedures related to clubs and organizations.

Awards/honor society-related clubs

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA)
• Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)

GCHS student groups

• Affinity groups 
• Service groups
• Social groups
• Special interest groups
• Specialty medicine-related groups
• Sports/wellness-related groups nursing student council (coming soon)

For the most up to date list of student groups, reach out to Kelsey Savka at ksavka1@geisinger.edu. 

Student governments

• Graduate student council
• Medical student council
• Nursing student council (coming soon)