Freshmen Information

What is Orientation?
What is the cost of Orientation?
What does my Orientation fee pay for?
Why do I have to pay for Orientation?
How long is Orientation?
What is the Math Placement Test and what does it effect?
What is the Compass Test and do I have to take it?
How are COMPASS scores used?
What exactly are learning communities and how do the effect me?
Is food included during Orientation?
Should I bring a family member (Parent or Guardian)?
I have a younger sibling.  Can I bring them to Orientation?
Is there a specific Orientation session that I should attend?
Where do parents and guests stay?
What if I need to make a change to my Orientation registration?
If I register for Orientation and decide not to come, can I receive a refund?
If a family member registers for Orientation and decides not too come, can
I receive a refund?
How long should I wait before I registering for Orientation?
I called earlier this morning to try to get into a closed session, but they said
it was full. Is there any way I can get put on a waiting list for that session?
I want to attend the same Orientation session as my friend, how can we do
this?
What do I need to bring to Orientation?
Will I have to walk a lot during Orientation?
If I or a family member have a special need or disability, will assistance be
provided?
Are all sessions and programs required during Orientation?
I had a family member attend GSW previously, do I need to come to
Orientation?
Do I meet with my academic advisor during Orientation?
Will I be able to register for classes during Orientation?
When do I get my Student ID card?
When do I find out my roommate?
If I meet someone at Orientation that I want to room with during the year,
can I do this?
I heard there is a packet of information that has lots of great information about my son or daughter's transition to GSW.  Where can I find it?
I missed some of the information the Dean of Academic Services, (Lynda Lee Purvis) presented.  How can I hear this information again?
Where can I find the Information that was on the jump drive they passed out during orientation?

What is Orientation?

Orientation marks the beginning of the semester for new students. It's designed to help you settle into university and provide you with information to fully prepare you for the start of your classes. During Orientation O'Team leaders and University staff will guide you through registration process and familiarize you with different services available to you at Georgia Southwestern.
 

Orientation fees for freshmen students are $70, this is paid for during your first semester at GSW and is included with your fees.  Please do not send any money for Orientation fees.
 

The Orientation fee covers the cost of lunch, receptions, mailings, printing, insurance, T-Shirts, meeting room rentals, student staff salaries, advising costs, and administrative costs.
 

We do not receive state or institutional funds for the program. We make every effort to keep costs at a minimum while still providing the best experience possible for incoming students and parents.
 

Summer Orientation for freshmen is a one-day program beginning at 8:00a.m. and ending at approximately 5:00p.m. The session is full of programs and meetings designed to provide you with information needed to register for classes, prepare to live on campus, and transition you to college life.

Transfer Orientation is a one-day program beginning at 10:00a.m. ending approximately 1:00p.m. The session includes programs and meetings with information concerning credit evaluations, registration for classes and your transition to GSW.

What is the Math Placement Test and what does it effect?
 

Beginning GSW freshmen will take a Math Placement Test during S.T.O.R.M. Day. This test is designed to determine potential success in college-level mathematics courses and the results are used for placement in the appropriate beginning math course. This means that your results on the Math Placement Test will be used to determine the math course (e.g., intermediate algebra, college algebra, pre-calculus, etc.) for which you may register, so it is very important that you know that you will be taking this test on your scheduled S.T.O.R.M. Day.  All beginning freshmen are required to take the GSW Math Placement Test, except for students who have taken the Compass Test for math. 

What is the Compass Test and do I have to take it?

COMPASS is an untimed, computerized test that helps your college evaluate your skills and place you into appropriate courses. COMPASS offers tests in reading, writing, math, writing essay, and English as a Second Language (ESL). You will receive your COMPASS test results immediately upon completion of testing, and your score report will include placement messages informing you what courses you should take and how to register. The Office of Admissions will let you know if you are required to take the COMPASS test.

How Are COMPASS Scores Used?

COMPASS is not used like a traditional test. There is generally no "passing score." Rather, COMPASS scores indicate areas in which you are strong and areas in which you may need help. Thus, COMPASS can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your educational progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses. You and your institution can use scores from COMPASS tests to prepare a course of study that will be appropriate, relevant, and meaningful for you.

What exactly are Learning Communities and how do they effect me?

Space in fall courses has been reserved for beginning GSW freshmen in groups of classes called “Learning Communities”.  Learning Communities are specifically designed to assist freshmen with building social connections to enhance academic success during their first term in college.  Each community has been developed around one of the majors offered at GSW (including “undecided”) and includes a full course load of classes appropriate for the major (12-14 credit hours or approximately 5-6 classes).  Each Learning Community also includes a section of UNIV 1000, The GSW Experience, which is our freshmen orientation class. 

 Learning Communities will be discussed in more detail at S.T.O.R.M. Day and you will have an opportunity to talk to your advisor about the various Learning Community options during group advising and individual advising/registration sessions.

 

Freshmen Orientation: Includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.

Transfer Orientation: Includes lunch or dinner, depending on which session you choose to attend.

Family Orientation: Includes breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. Each family member will need to pay $20 per family member.  Please provide this payment with registration or at check-in.  Acceptable payments are cash, check & credit card. There is an ATM Machine located in the Student Success Center for your convenience.

While parents do not have to attend Summer Orientation, we encourage parents/guardians to participate in the orientation process. We do offer specific programs and activities for parents where they will have an opportunity to meet other parents, join a parent network group, and learn about the different opportunities and areas of assistance on campus for your student.
 

The programs we offer are designed specifically for parents and entering students. Younger children may tire easily and get bored with the process. We highly advise against bringing younger children. However, if a child i will be attending the program with a parent/guardian, a $20 registration fee will be accepted at the beginning of the program.
.

Any STORM Day is a great addition to your GSW experience, it is important to register early for registration and sign up when it is convenient for you. Spots are limited to 150 students per session.  Sign up early and get the classes you want.

Honors College students are encouraged to attend the first Orientation session June 6.  Students not participating in these programs may still attend these sessions.

Student-athletes may attend any session or a session advised by their coaches.

 

Parent and guest accommodations are available for your convenience. For Orientation Hotel Specials please refer to the Lodging and Visitor Information listed above.

Please call the Office of Admissions at (229) 928-1273 for any changes to your Orientation registration.

 

Orientation fees are refundable; if there are any questions, please call the Office of Admission's at (229) 928-1273.

 

Yes, a family member can receive a refund if they have paid in advance and then decide not to attend the Orientation program.

 

Orientation sessions are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. To get the session that fits within your summer schedule, please register as soon as possible.

 

Unfortunately, we do not maintain waiting lists for any of our sessions. You will need to choose a different orientation session.

 

You and a friend can attend the same Orientation session if you register and complete payments at the same time, requesting the same Orientation session. We will do all that we can to accommodate this request, however, because reservations are made on a first-come-first-served basis, we cannot guarantee your request.

 

Please bring an open mind, patience and excitement! Bring comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be walking a lot. It is also recommended to bring an umbrella and raincoat.  Orientation is a fun, but sometimes an overwhelming experience. The Orientation Team  and Staff are here to assist you during your stay!

 

While the campus of GSW is a close-knit community, it can be quite a walk around during our tours.  We will be providing a club cart for people with disabilities throughout the day.  Most people find walking around GSW to be quite normal and do not have difficulties doing so during STORM Days. When it comes to a long day, we recommend cool, comfortable clothes and shoes.

 

Yes! On your Orientation registration please note any assistance that may be required. We will provide special transportation for persons requiring assistance getting around campus.

 

The majority of the programs are required for attendance at Orientation. The information may sometimes be repeated, but this is only to reiterate the importance of the information as we have tried to develop a program that will aid in this transition period. STORM days typically last to about 5pm, please try to make travel arrangements according to the estimated time of departure.

 

Yes! Orientation is unique to each student who attends. GSW is continually improving its programs and services, thus it is important to attend Orientation to learn about GSW's current academic requirements, services and policies. Orientation is also an opportunity to meet other students experiencing the same transition. Many life-long friendships have been established from attending Orientation.

 

Yes! During Orientation you will meet with your academic advisor, and hear more information about your major.

 

Yes, there will be time for you to meet with your academic department and register for fall or spring classes.

 

You will take your picture for your GSW ID card during Orientation and will pick-up the card during Move-In day. Transfer students and commuter students not living in the Residence Halls can pick up their ID's during the Registration Day.

 

Roommate housing assignments are mailed at the end of July. Due to the number of students living on-campus we are unable to assign roommates prior to Orientation.

 

Yes! If you attend a STORM Day and meet someone you would like to room with during the school year, you and your selected roommate should visit the Office of Residence Life before you leave campus to receive further assistance. If you have any questions about Housing or your assignment, please email lsj@canes.gsw.edu for more information about Housing.

I heard there is a packet of information that has lots of great information about my son or daughter's transition to GSW.  Where can I find it?

You can find it by downloading it from this link.  New Student Guide 2008-2009.

I missed some of the information the Dean of Academic Services, (Lynda Lee Purvis) presented.  How can I hear this information again?

You can find it by downloading it from this link:
2 options have been given depending on your downloading time.

Freshman Orientation - High Quality
http://itc.gsw.edu/videos/Orientation/Freshman_Orientation_HQ.html

Freshman Orientation - Medium Quality
http://itc.gsw.edu/videos/Orientation/Freshman_Orientation_MQ.html

Where can I find the Information that was on the jump drive they passed out during orientation?
New Student Guide
Technology at GSW
GSW Weathervane