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Step onto campus for a Welcome Week full of island-worthy fun, sun-soaked games, and connections that last all semester. Whether you're networking with fellow students, exploring the campus, or gearing up for a semester full of new friendships, this is your time to couple up... with the perfect classes, clubs, and crew.
Attend Welcome Week events and settle into your villa — er, campus — during your first few days at Georgia Southwestern! Various events will be held for plenty of opportunities to meet lifelong friends.
Get to know other Hurricanes throughout the week by finding your tribe and attending various events on campus. Log in to myGSW to setup your profile and begin finding events and groups.
Freshman Convocation marks the end of New Student Orientation and is the official welcome into the GSW family. Following Convocation, GSW students, faculty, and staff will line Hello Walk to cheer freshman on as the newest class of Hurricanes.
As freshman begin the walk, they will receive a Silver Challenge Coin from GSW President Dr. Kerry J. Palmer. When students graduate, they’ll exchange it for a gold one and give the silver coin to someone who made an impact during their time at GSW.
New Student Orientation provides new Georgia Southwestern students with various information sessions and networking opportunities to assist in the successful transition to college.
Welcome Week Tents
8am - 12pm | Hello Walk
Stop by the Welcome Tents along Hello Walk to grab a snack, pick up a campus map, and connect with our amazing staff and faculty.
Mocktail Mixer
11am - 1pm | The Pods
Want to learn more about getting involved in a Registered Student Organization? The RSO Fair is just for you! You’ll have the opportunity to meet RSO presidents and vice presidents while learning how to get involved and making new friends! Hosted by the Office of Campus Life. Light refreshments will be served!
First Day of Class Party
6pm - 8pm | The Commons
Celebrate the first day of class with the Student Engagement Team! Join us on The Commons for free food, Scoops ice cream, a waterslide, an inflatable basketball tournament, and the best vibes on campus.
Welcome Week Tents
8am - 12pm | Hello Walk
Stop by the Welcome Tents along Hello Walk to grab a snack, pick up a campus map, and connect with our amazing staff and faculty.
RSO Fair
3:30pm - 5:30pm | Hello Walk
Let's get you involved! Come and meet representatives from all of our Registered Student Organizations. The first 25 students to attend will receive a free gift!
Field Day
7pm - 9pm | South IM Field
Missing Field Day? No worries—we're bringing Field Day to campus! Join SET on the South IM Field for an afternoon packed with all your favorite Field Day games, activities, and plenty of fun. Grab your friends and come join in on the fun!
Splash Bash
2pm - 5pm | The Commons
Splash into the fun! Join SET and NPHC for the ultimate Splash Bash featuring a water slide, Kona Ice, and all the summer vibes you need. Grab your friends, cool off, and don't miss out!
Dodgeball Tournament
7pm - 9pm | Intramural Gym, Storm Dome
Are you the ultimate dodgeball champ? Join SET and Rec Well for a friendly dodgeball tournament.
Open Play
2pm - 9pm | Intramural Gym & Game Room, Storm Dome
Sunday Funday! Come hang out in the IM Gym or Game Room! Play your favorite games, shoot some hoops, or join a pickup basketball game.
Open House
1pm - 2:30pm | 3rd Floor, Student Success Center
Want to learn more about Housing and Campus Life? Join the Department of Residential and Campus Life staff for an Open House! The first 25 students to attend will receive a gift bag!
Panhellenic Mixer
6pm - 8pm | The Pods, Marshall Student Center
You get the best of both worlds! The ladies of Kappa Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha sororities invite you to attend their annual Panhellenic Mixer.
State of the Campus Address
5:30pm | Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium, Carter I
Join us at the first Student Government Association meeting as SGA shares important campus updates, celebrates student achievements, and outlines their vision for the future. This is your opportunity to hear about the current state of campus, learned about upcoming initiatives, and discover how your voice can help shape the student experience. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend and be part of the conversation.
Tropical Skate Escape
7pm - 9pm | Intramural Gym, Storm Dome
Roll into the semester one skate at a time. Grab your friends, hit the rink, and let the good times roll!
Americus Showcase
11:30am - 1pm | Storm Dome
Connect with the Americus community! Discover local businesses, learn about the services and opportunities they offer, explore ways to get involved, and find out who's hiring. Don't miss this chance to build connections on and off campus!
Greek Interest Meeting
7pm - 8pm | Room 127, Wheatley Administration Building
Interested in Greek Life? Come meet the members of our GSW Greek Life Community, ask Questions, and Engage. We hope to see you there. Go Greek!
IFC Tailgate
7:30pm - 10pm | Sanford Lawn
Join the brothers of Chi Phi, Sigma Chi, and Kappa Sigma on a relaxing night on the lawn. Live music and refreshments!
Meet the Jags
5:30pm - 7:30pm | The Pods, Marshall Student Center
Ready to meet the NOBLEST! Join Alpha Psi Lambda in The Pods for a Meet and Greet! Light refreshments will be served!
Get settled into your residence hall during Move-in Day! Our GSW family will be playing second fiddle by volunteering and helping you lift the heavy notes. Be sure to arrive during your designated move-in time.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
August 6 |
President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program Move-In |
Southwestern Oaks II |
1pm – 5pm |
|
August 8 |
Freshman Move-In |
Southwestern Oaks I & II |
8am – 1pm |
|
August 9-11 |
Upperclassman Move-In |
Southwestern Magnolia I & II and Pines |
Begins at 8am until classes start on August 12 |
College is a new experience for you, which can be very nerve wracking, but it also can lead to so much growth and happiness. Get out of your shell and try something new. You’ll never know what you are missing out on if you don’t go out and try new things. Go join a club or an organization. Go talk to a new person. Just go experience new things!