Steven P. Girardot, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Success Programs

At Georgia Tech, we have an informal expression that says we don’t admit students, we admit graduates. One of the first steps a new freshman can take towards his or her goal of graduating with a degree from Georgia Tech is enrolling in GT1000, our Freshman Seminar course. Coordinated by the Office of Success Programs, GT1000 is a one-hour (one-credit), letter graded course that helps first-year students adjust to a new environment and make the most of their experience at Georgia Tech.

For more than 20 years, Georgia Tech has offered a freshman seminar - and for good reason. The data consistently show that, on average, students who successfully complete GT1000 and participate in the Residence Life’s Freshman Experience program perform better academically than those who do not. Through GT1000, students learn strategies that promote academic, social, and professional success. Examples of course topics include Time Management and Study Skills; Academic Enrichment Programs (Co-Op, Internships, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research); Leadership, Community Service, and Involvement Opportunities; Career and Major Exploration; Resume Writing; and Team Building and Presentation Skills. In addition, most classes utilize upper-class students referred to as “Team Leaders” or “TLs.” Team Leaders volunteer to work closely with the instructor to facilitate small group interaction and offer mentorship, advice, and support to freshmen.

There are three types of GT1000 sections: discipline-specific, cohort, and interdisciplinary. While the curriculum taught is generally the same for all sections, there are some differences. Discipline-specific sections are taught within an academic department or college and have a more specific focus on that department or college. Cohort sections are intended for students who are participating in a specific program, such as President’s Scholars or the Honors Program. There are also cohort sections for freshmen who began Tech in the summer (“Summer Freshman” section) and for engineering students who are considering co-op or intern programs. For students who are not in a specific cohort, or who are in a major that does not offer a discipline-specific section, they should enroll in an interdisciplinary section.

This fall, there are more than 70 sections of GT1000 offered at a variety of days and times that will to accommodate virtually any class schedule. A full schedule of GT1000 classes is available at www.gt1000.gatech.edu. If your student did not register for GT1000 during FASET, he or she will have the opportunity to register during Phase II of registration, which will begin during the week of move-in August 12 - 21. The textbook for GT1000, which contains important information and resources specific to Georgia Tech, is available for purchase at the Georgia Tech bookstore. If you or your student has any questions about the course including registration, please contact the Office of Success Programs at www.successprograms.gatech.edu or 404.894.1945.

The GT1000 instructors and team leaders are looking forward to working with your student this fall to help provide a successful start to his or her undergraduate experience.