Every Bulldog takes a different path to the University of Georgia. They all start from different points, but the one place they intersect is New Student Orientation.
Designed for incoming first-year and transfer students, New Student Orientation provides the essential information, resources, and connections necessary for students to succeed academically and socially. These programs foster a sense of belonging and prepare both students and families to confidently navigate the collegiate journey.
“Ultimately, what we come back to is how we are preparing students to be engaged at UGA,” says Jansen Rouillard, director of New Student Orientation. He leads a group of 20 energetic orientation leaders, who guide the newest Bulldogs along the first steps of their journey.
“For the majority of students, we are the tone setters, the culture setters, and the primary source of information and connection during their first steps as new Bulldogs,” Rouillard says.
Orientation sessions look a little different each year. For example, based on data gathered from students about their experiences, Rouillard’s team moved from one-day to two-day sessions for all incoming students, allowing them to be engage with the content, thus creating a more dynamic experience.
The session content also changes as needed. This year, incoming students will hear more about the use of artificial intelligence at UGA, as well as active learning initiatives. New students will attend their first academic advising sessions, complete placement tests, check in with housing, and take part in a variety of sometimes-loud, always-energetic group activities.
Since it is common for parents or other family members to accompany their new Bulldogs to orientation, a separate schedule for families is available. However, there are ample opportunities for families to go through orientation together.
More than two dozen orientation sessions take place from May through August, and more than 80 offices across campus come together to make that happen. The goal is to offer incoming students an authentic experience so that they know what to expect when classes begin.
