New visitor centers for prospective students

Prospective students touring UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses will be greeted with new, larger visitor centers that feature easy access and colorful imagery depicting campus life and academic programs.

"This new center is going to kick off a fantastic tour experience for prospective students," Christopher Bryan, director of Undergraduate Recruitment and interim director of Cadet Recruitment, said. "They will learn about UNG's admissions process, what it's like to be a student, and the admission criteria."

The Dahlonega Nighthawk Visitor Center, on the second floor of the Chestatee building, in a storefront-like space near Starbucks, opened Oct. 3. The inviting new space is easily accessible from Chestatee Street for visitors in downtown Dahlonega. The branded wall décor highlights UNG's five campus locations, campus scenery and Nighthawk-themed spirit graphics.

"There are a lot of pictures and graphics and different imagery to portray the University of North Georgia, the senior Military College of Georgia," Bryan said. "We do a specialized tour for prospective cadets to give them a glimpse of cadet life."

The center will accommodate 60 people, a 50% increase over the previous space. In addition, there are more than 30 parking spots adjacent to the Chestatee building marked "Future Nighthawk" dedicated to prospective students and families who are coming to campus for tours. 

At the Gainesville Campus, the new visitor center will open in spring 2024 in the Dunlap-Mathis building.

"The new Nighthawk Visitor Center in Gainesville will provide a warm and welcoming environment for prospective new Nighthawks who visit campus," Molly Potts, director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Gainesville Campus, said. "The new space in Dunlap-Mathis will provide us with the opportunity to host larger tour groups, with seating for up to 40. It will be branded throughout and will give our visitors an elevated visitor experience."  

Visitors to both facilities will view a brief video featuring a message from President Michael Shannon, highlights of campus life and activities, the Corps of Cadets, athletics, intramurals, and the Recreation and Wellness Center. A presentation about admissions and a walking tour completes the experience.

"We want first-time folks to have a very positive impression of the university," Dr. Brett Morris, associate vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, said. "You only get one shot to make a first impression and doing that well is very important to whether they decide to come. If the tour is exciting, then the institution is, too."

Signage will direct visitors to the new locations.