We are excited that you have decided to take tomorrow by storm at Georgia Southwestern State University! One of the final steps before starting classes is attending one of our Storm Days – our registration and orientation program for freshmen. Students and staff will be here to help guide you through life on campus. The day is filled with activities so you can get familiar with your new community. Registration will close as capacity is met. Register early to ensure your first choice!
Your session of activities includes the opportunity to explore campus, go through academic advising, select courses, and gain exposure to departments and student support resources at the institution.
Learn more about the majors and focus areas offered, & get financial aid questions answered.
Learn about student involvement, meet your classmates, & sign up for your residence hall room.
Log in to GSW online platforms & register for classes. Parents participate in Q&A sessions.
Summer dates are reserved for students taking courses beginning in June.
Incoming freshmen beginning in Fall 2023 semester should register for one of the following dates:
Thursday, July 27th – Open to All Majors
Printable Fall Entry Schedule
Make sure to arrive promptly for check-in. Your session of activities includes the opportunity to explore campus, go through academic advising, select courses, and gain exposure to departments and student support resources at the institution. Students must attend one session to complete the program and be registered for courses.
Storm Day is an orientation and registration program for incoming freshman students. Each student may bring two guests.
Transfer students are required to complete the Transfer Orientation process online.
Students will be taking photos for their Canes Card student ID and should wear suitable clothing for taking a photo. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you will be exploring various buildings and resources across campus.
The freshman Storm Day fee is $85 and will be applied to your tuition bill after registering for classes. There is also a $15 fee per guest (max of 2 guests per student) which must be paid with cash, check, or credit card during check-in.
For starters, Storm Day is only a few hours whereas Orientation takes place over multiple days. Both are required to ensure students are fully prepared for their first year at college.
At Storm Day, students have the opportunity to explore campus, go through academic advising, receive class schedules and student IDs, and gain exposure to departments and student support resources at GSW.
During Orientation, you'll learn more about campus resources, meet faculty in your focus areas, familiarize yourself with campus and where your classes will be held before the first day of class, meet student leaders, participate in interactive activities, and so much more. Orientation is designed to help you settle into campus life and fully prepare you for your college journey to ensure your success. On the last day of Orientation, you will attend Freshman Convocation. This is your official welcome into the Hurricane family by GSW administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Additionally, Thunder Camp is another great opportunity to further enhance your transition from high school to college. It is not required, but highly encouraged so you can get introduced to your new peers before arriving to campus through fun and interactive activities.
Once registered for a Storm Day session, students should complete the following prior to attending in order to make the most of their session:
Time |
Session |
---|---|
8:30 am |
Check In Opens Carter I Pavilion Coffee with the Canes Carter I Atrium |
9:00 am |
Hurricane Welcome Carter I Lecture Hall |
9:30 am |
Academic Advising Overview and Preparing for First Year |
10:30 am |
Online Platforms Computer Labs Parent/Family Support Carter I Lecture Hall |
11:15 am |
Student & Parent Session |
12:00 PM |
Lunch & Campus Tours |
1:30 pm |
Parent & Student Session Carter I Computer Labs |
2:30 pm |
Money Matters Carter I |
3:15 pm |
Campus Resources Carter I Learn more about student life, Thunder Camp, recreations and intramurals, Greek Life, and more |
3:45 pm |
Wrap Up Carter I Pick up you new Canes Card and your exclusive Storm Day t-shirt |