College Recognized With Unplugged University Award
Inspired by the Global Day of Unplugging, the College and Kelley Cours Anderson are hosting Unplugged Week: Fall Edition, Oct. 27–31, 2025.
Above: Giveaways and prizes that Global Day of Unplugging sent to the College of Charleston
Each year, the Global Day of Unplugging honors standout efforts to help individuals and communities disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world around them. This year, the College of Charleston and Assistant Professor of Marketing Kelley Cours Anderson have been named the 2025 Unplugged University Award winner for its efforts in getting the campus to unplug.
“At Global Day of Unplugging, one of our greatest joys is seeing how our community helps individuals and communities step away from screens and reconnect,” the GDU team wrote in its award letter. “Your creativity and leadership inspired students and staff to pause technology and rediscover presence together.”
Anderson led the charge with creativity and passion, collaborating with campus units across campus and inspiring students and staff to pause technology and rediscover presence together.
The annual GDU is 24-hour digital break in March, when schools, businesses and individuals around the world host tech-free gatherings to maximize impact. It’s a chance to step away from screens and step into offline activities, real conversations and meaningful moments.
Still, it’s the College that is leading the Charleston efforts by example. Through faculty development workshops and creative class activities, the College has embraced initiatives that foster a healthier relationship with technology among students and the entire campus community.
Take, for example, the College of Charleston ScreenSaver’s Club, which promotes digital wellness among students. Focusing on peer support, the club encourages unplugging practices and organizes outdoor events and activities that foster a sense of community and underscore the power of slowing down.
Such efforts have been an overwhelming success – so much so that the College of Charleston has taken the GDU a step further, celebrating GDU for an entire week.
Although the official GDU is held in March (this year, March 6–7, 2026), the College plans events for the entire week in March – and even has an Unplug Week: Fall Edition.
This year, Unplug Week: Fall Edition will be held Oct. 27–31, with digital wellness workshops and events and activities that give students the opportunity to connect, reflect and recharge.
In addition, Unplug Week challenges faculty and staff across campus to run tech-free meetings and classes. Instructors have embraced the idea, coming up with creative ways to teach students through outdoor classes, hands-on activities and field trips.
For ideas for getting involved with this year’s Unplug Week: Fall Edition, contact Anderson at
[email protected].
