New students get ready for fall

As the University of North Georgia (UNG) gears up for a return to normal operations this fall, new students can make a personalized campus visit this summer once they complete the required online orientation session.

UNG's Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions (NEST) office encourages incoming freshmen and transfer students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their campus and cross items off their checklist such as getting a student ID card and finding their classrooms.

"These visits are the first step of getting students excited about being on campus and having a traditional college experience," Darcy Hayes, director of NEST, said. "And we're going to build off that with the Weeks of Welcome activities."

Jayley Anderson, a junior from Toccoa, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, is an orientation team leader. She is excited to help new students start a more traditional school year.

"It's nice to see how everything is getting back to normal," she said.

It's nice to see how everything is getting back to normal.

Jayley Anderson

Junior, orientation leader

New students on any of UNG's five campuses can meet with staff from financial aid, student accessibility services, or dining services. Dahlonega Campus students may tour residence and dining halls, which were not part of campus visits during the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spanish speakers are available to assist with personalized campus visits. A list of available dates is on the NEST website.

Most importantly, students and their families can submit any questions ahead of time, particularly about what to expect at UNG this fall, as student events and other portions of campus life ramp up again.

"We can build an itinerary around what they need and answer their specific questions," Hayes said. "It's strengthened our connections with students and allowed our orientation leaders to help those students feel more confident and excited about coming to UNG."

Students may ask orientation leaders to walk them to each of their class locations on the personalized visit. They also may have their student ID printed.

"The first day of class can feel hectic and rushed," Derrick-Robert Fookes, NEST coordinator, said. "If any new students can make that personalized visit this summer and become more familiar with their campus, their first day is going to be a lot smoother."

Though a 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Zoom orientation session is the only requirement for incoming students, those who work with NEST ensure the personalized visits add value. Will Reeves, a senior from Macon, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, is the head orientation leader and has enjoyed helping students get excited for what UNG will offer in its return to normal.

"Personalized campus visits give our new Nighthawks one-on-one time to ask upperclassmen questions about the college experience at UNG," Reeves said. "It's the best opportunity before move-in day and the first day of classes to explore campus with someone who can help."