Summertime is still in full swing, but with the first day of classes set for Aug. 17, Georgia Perimeter College’s student deans want to make sure new students are ready. Orientation sessions for the fall semester, which already are underway and run through Aug. 14, provide a valuable introduction to college life.

“Our presentations [which may be slightly different on each campus] are designed to create your game plan to have a successful collegiate experience,” says Dr. Matthew Robison, Dunwoody Campus dean of students. “We bring different campus partners together.”

Students learn the ins and outs and expectations of college life from college deans and student leaders and then are paired with faculty academic advisors to explore their chosen majors before registering for classes. They receive financial aid and enrollment and registration advice and can take tours of the campus with student leaders. They also are given snacks and goodie bags stuffed with GPC Jaguar paraphernalia, Robison says. 

Parents and family friends who accompany their students to orientation attend separate sessions providing information on public safety, personal counseling and how to help their student succeed in college.

Nicolas Hairell came to a GPC Newton Campus orientation excited to start his college career. The Morgan County teen hopes to major in engineering.

“I looked at a lot of other programs, but Georgia Perimeter had a great connection to Georgia Tech with the RETP program (Regents Engineering Transfer Program). Plus, this campus is really close to where I live, and the tuition is really cheap.”

Ashlyn Berry and Jackie Campbell, friends from Eastside High School in Covington, also were among the more than 50 students who attended an orientation session at Newton Campus. The two students already are certified nursing assistants and hope to continue their journey at GPC to become nurses.

“We both came here because it was close to our home,” says Berry.

Some students are really excited to come to college—but others also are overwhelmed and scared, says Keith Cobbs, dean of students for Newton Campus.

“We have older students who are coming in, and they say one of their largest fears is just making that decision to get out of the car in the parking lot and come in the building,” he says. “It’s something different, and it’s a commitment, and it’s a very big step for them to start. If they can get in the door, we can hopefully lessen their fears and assist them in their educational endeavors.”

Students may attend orientation at any GPC campus.

Multiple times are offered. See schedule in the Events section on the GPC Newsroom home page. Students can register for orientation when their college application is accepted.