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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.
All Orientation events listed on this schedule are mandatory unless otherwise noted with an asterisk, and attendance will be counted towards your grade in your University 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 prior to entering the gates.
Dining Hall - Marshall Student Center
Opens at 8:00am
Download the Corq app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. This app includes your required event passes needed to check in and out of New Student Orientation events. After download, you will select GSW as your campus and sign in with your CanesNet credentials.
Download the Corq App for CanesConnect!
Move-In Day
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 | Location TBA
Kick off orientation with fun, games, and GSW spirit!
Parents & Friends Reception
1:00pm | Location TBA
Join us for light refreshments and meaningful conversation as we welcome families and friends to the GSW community.
Parents' Goodbye
2:00pm | Location TBA
A special moment for heartfelt goodbyes before students begin their new adventure at GSW.
Community Welcome Meetings
3:00pm | Location TBA
Meet your peers, community leaders, and get plugged into your campus network.
Thunderolympics
4:30pm – 6:00pm | Location TBA
Team up and compete in spirited challenges that will test your wit, strength, and teamwork!
Check-In
6:00pm – 8:00pm | MSC Hallway
Stop by to check in, pick up your materials, and get ready for dinner and Spirit Showdown practice!
Dinner and Spirit Showdown Practice
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Location TBA
Fuel up and prepare for the ultimate spirit showdown!
DJ Party
8:00pm – 10:00pm | Location TBA
Celebrate your first night with a live DJ and fun!
*Schedule subject to change.
Taking Care of Business
9:00am - 1:00pm | GSW Shuttle from Oaks II Parking Lot
The GSW Shuttle will be available to provide transportation to local businesses, including Walmart, and to the local churches in the community. Please call the Shuttle at (229) 815-9689 for a ride.
Local Church Services
9:00am – 1:00pm | Various Locations
Visit local churches and explore the downtown Americus community.
Brunch with the Canes
11:00am – 1:00pm | Location TBA
Enjoy brunch and connect with fellow Hurricanes and campus staff.
Check-In
1:00pm | Location TBA
Get officially checked in for New Student Orientation!
NSO Welcome
1:30pm | Location TBA
Kick things off with a warm welcome from the NSO team!
Keynote Speaker: Willie Spears
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Location TBA
Be inspired by dynamic speaker Willie Spears.
Trivia
3:15pm – 4:15pm | Location TBA
Rotational Session: Student Conduct & Public Safety
4:15pm – 5:15pm | Location TBA
Learn how GSW keeps its campus safe and supportive.
Dinner and Spirit Showdown Practice
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Location TBA
Enjoy dinner and prep for the spirited showdown!
Game Night
8:00pm - 9:00pm | Marshal Student Center Private Dining Room
Grab your team and compete at game night.
*Schedule subject to change.
Check-In
8:30am | Location TBA
Start your day by checking in and preparing for a day full of academic engagement and fun!
Battle of the Canes
9:00am | Location TBA
Academic Session 1
9:30am – 10:50am | Location TBA
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 | Location TBA
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 | Location TBA
Enjoy lunch with faculty and explore the tech tools you'll use throughout your college experience.
Academic Session 2
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Location TBA
Continue your academic exploration with a second engaging session.
GSW Scavenger Hunt
3:00pm – 4:00pm | Location TBA
Join the hunt! This interactive experience will help you discover campus resources—leading right into the RSO Fair.
Dinner/Spirit Showdown Practice
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Location TBA
Refuel and relax with a delicious dinner before the evening festivities.
Movie Night
9:00pm – 11:00pm | Canes Lawn
Wind down with friends and a snow cone during Movie Night on the Canes Lawn!
*Schedule subject to change.
All Day
All Offices Open | Location TBA
Campus offices are open throughout the day to assist with any last-minute needs or questions.
Check-In
8:30am | Location TBA
Begin the day by checking in and getting ready for your final orientation experience.
Battle of the Canes
9:00am - 9:15am | Location TBA
Integrative Learning Session: What Motivates You
9:30am - 10:15am | Location TBA
Join Dr. DiPaula, Dr. Merritt, and fellow students in a reflective session about motivation and your learning journey.
Prep for Convocation
10:15am | Location TBA
Get ready for Convocation!
Parade of Canes: Freshman Convocation
10:30am | Location TBA
Mark the official beginning of your academic journey with GSW's annual convocation.
Cohort Photo
11:30am | Location TBA
Capture the moment with your fellow Hurricanes!
Lunch/Spirit Showdown Practice
12:00pm | Location TBA
Grab lunch at your own pace! Shuttle availability TBA.
Taking Care of Business
2:00pm – 5:00pm | Location TBA
Use this time to complete any remaining campus errands and prepare for the semester.
Dinner/Meet the Greeks
5:00pm – 7:00pm | Location TBA
Learn about Greek Life, refuel, and relax with a delicious dinner before the evening festivities!
Spirit Showdown
7:00pm – 9:00pm | Location TBA
Bring the energy and show your Canes pride! Compete with your peers in a high-energy celebration of spirit, teamwork, and campus tradition.
*Schedule subject to change.