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New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to help you settle into campus life and fully prepare you for the start of your classes and college journey. You’ll learn more about campus resources, bond with classmates at social events, and familiarize yourself with campus before classes begin.
New Student Orientation is mandatory for all first-year students. Attendance will be counted towards your grade in your UNIV 1000 class.
Yes, attendance is mandatory for the entire NSO program. This program is your first step to success as a GSW Hurricane! If you have further questions, contact fye@gsw.edu.
Breakfast will not be required or provided during NSO. If you would like to grab a bite to eat, we encourage you to stop by one of the campus dining locations before the day begins!
Download the myGSW app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. This app includes your required event passes needed to check in and out of and keep track of New Student Orientation events. After download, you will sign in with your CanesNet credentials.
Download the myGSW App!
Move-In Day (Required for all residential students)*
8:00am – 1:00pm | Residence Halls
Get settled into your new home on campus and start your GSW journey!
Storm Day*
10:00am – 11:00am | Canes Central
Kick off orientation with fun, games, and GSW spirit!
Parents' & Friends' Reception*
2:00pm | Private Dining Room
Join us for light refreshments and meaningful conversation as we welcome parents and supporters to the GSW community.
Residence Hall Welcome Meetings (All first year residential students)
2:00pm | Residence Halls
Meet your peers, residential community leaders, and get plugged into your campus network.
Parents' Goodbye
3:00pm | Residence Halls
A special moment for heartfelt goodbyes before students begin their new adventure at GSW.
Dinner
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Hello Walk/Commons/IM Gym
Enjoy a meal with fellow students, connect with the GSW community, and refuel as you continue your first day on campus.
Lighting Events*
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Hello Walk/Commons/IM Gym
*Optional Event
Taking Care of Business*
9:00am - 1:00pm | Campus Wide
Use this time to complete any remaining campus errands and prepare for the semester!
Local Church Services*
9:00am – 1:00pm | Local Church Locations
Visit local churches and explore the downtown Americus community.
Brunch with the Canes*
11:00am – 1:00pm | Dining Hall
Enjoy brunch and connect with fellow Hurricanes and campus staff.
Check-In (All first year residential and commuter students)
1:00pm | Storm Dome
Get officially checked in for New Student Orientation!
NSO Welcome
1:30pm | Storm Dome
Kick things off with a warm welcome from the NSO team!
Keynote Speaker
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Storm Dome
Student Conduct Session
3:15pm – 4:15pm | Storm Dome
Discover how GSW fosters a respectful and supportive campus through student conduct policies.
Spirit Showdown Practice
4:15pm – 5:15pm | Assigned Locations on Campus
Prep for the spirited showdown!
Dinner
6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dining Hall
Enjoy a delicious dinner and gear up for game night!
Game Night
8:00pm - 9:00pm | Private Dining Room
Close out the day with a night full of yard games, board games, and music in the PODS!
*Optional Event
Check-In (All first year residential and commuter students)
8:30am | Storm Dome
Start your day by checking in and preparing for a day full of academic engagement and fun!
Battle of the Canes
9:00am | Storm Dome
Face off against your fellow Canes in this high-energy showdown of skill, strategy, and school spirit. Who will come out on top? Let the battle begin!
Academic Session 1
9:30am – 10:50am | Assigned Academic Location
Dive into your first academic-focused session and get a feel for college-level learning at GSW.
Meet Your UNIV 1000 Instructor
11:05am – 11:50am | Assigned Academic Location
Connect with your UNIV 1000 instructor and learn what to expect from this essential first-year course.
Lunch with Faculty / Tech Session
12:00pm – 12:45pm OR 1:00pm – 1:45pm | Assigned Computer Lab
Enjoy lunch with faculty and explore the tech tools you'll use throughout your college experience.
Academic Session 2
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Assigned Academic Location
Continue your academic exploration with a second engaging session.
Spirit Showdown Practice
3:00pm – 4:00pm | Campus Wide
Prep for the spirited showdown!
Dinner
6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dining Hall
Enjoy a delicious dinner and gear up for the DJ party!
DJ Party*
8:00pm – 10:00pm | Private Dining Room
End the day with music, dancing, and campus spirit at a fun-filled DJ party with your fellow Canes!
*Optional Event
All Offices Open
All Day | Campus Wide
Campus offices are open throughout the day to assist with any last-minute needs or questions.
Check-In (All first year residential and commuter students)
8:30am | Storm Dome
Begin the day by checking in and getting ready for your final orientation experience.
Battle of the Canes
9:00am - 9:15am | Storm Dome
Face off against your fellow Canes in this high-energy showdown of skill, strategy, and school spirit. Who will come out on top? Let the battle begin!
Integrative Learning Session
9:30am - 10:15am | Assigned Academic Location
Prep for Convocation
10:15am | Storm Dome
Get ready for Convocation!
Parade of Canes: Freshman Convocation
10:30am | Storm Dome
Mark the official beginning of your academic journey with GSW's annual convocation.
Cohort Photo
11:30am | Canes Lawn
Capture the moment with your fellow Hurricanes!
Lunch/Spirit Showdown Practice
12:00pm | Dining Hall
Grab lunch at your own pace! Shuttle availability TBA.
Taking Care of Business*
2:00pm – 5:00pm | Campus Wide
Use this time to complete any remaining campus errands and prepare for the semester.
Dinner/Meet the Greeks*
5:00pm – 7:00pm | Dining Hall / PODS
Learn about Greek Life, refuel, and relax with a delicious dinner before the evening festivities!
Spirit Showdown
7:00pm – 9:00pm | Storm Dome
Bring the energy and show your Canes pride! Compete with your peers in a high-energy celebration of spirit, teamwork, and campus tradition.
*Optional Event