Department of Student Life
The Student Life Department’s mission is to foster and support co-curricular activities that enrich each student’s academic experience. We support campus clubs, host a variety of events, and amplify the student voice on campus. We embrace the diversity of each student’s unique interests and help create opportunities to build networks and friendships that enhance campus life and last a lifetime.
Successful students are involved in their education both in and out of the classroom. Research has shown that involved students have a better chance of reaching their academic goals. We offer a variety of ways students can get involved while at GHC:
Student Government
The Associated Students of Grays Harbor College (ASGHC) consists of all students who enroll in one or more college credit hours. ASGHC provides social, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities for the campus community through student-initiated campus activities, programs and events. These events promote a marketplace for ideas and an opportunity for students to be engaged outside the classroom. The Executive Board represents the ASGHC and students’ interests to the college administration and faculty. They participate in setting college policy and allocating funds for campus organizations, serve on college committees, and are continuously evaluating services to meet the changing needs of the diverse GHC student body. ASGHC Executive Board meetings are open to all and all students are encouraged to attend. More information about the Executive Board may be obtained in the Department of Student Life located across from the Bookstore in the Schermer Building, Room 4134A or by visiting https://www.ghc.edu/studentlife.
Student Handbook
The Department of Student Life ensures that all students have access to the Student Handbook which is found under the courses tab on Canvas. This publication includes important dates, GHC policies and information, student rights and responsibilities, and reference guides.
Student Organizations
Clubs and organizations are a great way to share experiences and meet friends with common interests and goals. Membership in organizations are open to all currently enrolled GHC students, with the exception of Honor Societies, which have minimum member requirement.
Want to join an existing club or start a new club? Come by the Student Life Office for more information.
Esports
Launched in Summer 2020, the GHC Esports program is organized, competitive, online video gaming. Esports allows students and educators to redefine athletic culture, promote physical and mental health, diversify opportunities for student participation, increase career and collegiate scholarship opportunities, and honor the importance of play.
In addition to these five main tenets of a responsible esports program, esports expands the soft skills sought by future employers and increase the likelihood of student matriculation due to engagement in extracurricular activities.
Grays Harbor College Esports is committed to competition. We’re also firmly on the side of accessible, non-toxic, good sporting behavior. Our esports athletes participate in and help us build a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and integrity.
For more information, go to ghc.edu/esports.
Diversity and Equity Center (DEC)
The mission of the Diversity & Equity Center of Grays Harbor College is to educate and advocate for inclusion, equity, and fair treatment for all people. We help create safe spaces and build paths for communication and understanding between groups and individuals of diverse races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, backgrounds and beliefs. Located in Schermer 4331, the DEC offers programming, advocacy, and training for the campus community. Make sure to check out one of our Diversity Lecture Series speakers! For more information, stop by the DEC or the Student Life Office in Schermer 4134A.
Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa is the official International Honor Society for two-year colleges. The Beta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) was chartered in 1932 and is the oldest chapter in the State of Washington. The hallmarks of PTK are scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.
To be eligible for invitation to the Beta Iota Chapter, students must be enrolled in a full time course load and attain a quarterly grade-point average of 3.5 in at least 10 credits listed as meeting requirements for earned degrees. Additionally, students must accumulate at least five credits listed as meeting requirements for the Associate in Arts degree and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of no less than 3.0 in required degree courses.
New Student Orientation (NSO)
New Student Orientation is designed to orient students with the various resources and services offered at Grays Harbor College. This program is offered quarterly through live presentations and online through Canvas. NSO will help you navigate campus and provides details on where you can find campus resources and support services. To learn more about the College’s quarterly new student experience, please visit https://www.ghc.edu/admissions/new-student-orientation.
Harbor Landing Food Pantry
The Harbor Landing Food Pantry was established as a partnership between the ASGHC and Coastal Harvest. Students and community member households who may be struggling to find their next meal are provided with a wide variety of nutritious food. We aim to lessen the food insecure population both on campus and in the Aberdeen community so that students may be able to focus more on their studies and less on hunger. Please visit http://www.ghc.edu/studentlife/harbor-landing-food-pantry.
Bookstore
The Grays Harbor College Bookstore is located on the Aberdeen campus and is open during regular business hours of the institution. For more information about hours of operation, ordering books and materials, textbook buyback and rental returns, or speaking with a staff member, call (360) 538-4105, email bookstore@ghc.edu or visit us online at https://www.bookstore.ghc.edu.
Campus Childcare
Year-round licensed childcare is available on campus through Wunderland Childcare.
Operating hours are 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center enrolls children ages one month through 12 years. Call (360) 538-4190 for information and registration.
Student Employment
The Human Resources Office administers the on-campus and off-campus student employment opportunities and assists students with referrals to federal, state, and campus work study positions. Notices of employment opportunities are posted online at https://www.ghc.edu/hr/student-employment-work-study.
Food Service
During the duration of the Student Services & Instructional Building project, GHC has a variety of food options available, including grab and go in the Kiosk and in the Bookstore in Schermer, local businesses and food vendors as scheduled, and vending machines. Please watch for campus wide announcements for the re-opening of additional campus food options during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Housing
Grays Harbor College does not currently provide student housing. Information regarding housing information resources is available in the Student Life Office in Schermer 4134A.
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