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 GT 1000, our First-Year Seminar course. Coordinated by the Center for Academic Enrichment, GT 1000 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 25 years, Georgia Tech has offered a first-year seminar. The data consistently show that, on average, students who successfully complete GT 1000 and participate in the Residence Life’s Freshman Experience program perform better academically than those who do not. Through GT 1000, students learn strategies that promote academic, social and professional success. Examples of course topics include:

• Career and Major Exploration (i.e. what does it mean to be in my major? What are my career options?)
• Time Management and Study Skills
• Academic Enrichment Programs (Co-op, Internships, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research)
• Leadership, Community Service, and Involvement Opportunities
• Resume Writing
• Team Building and Presentation Skills

Perhaps most importantly, each class has upper-class students who serve as Team Leaders. They volunteer to work with the instructor to facilitate small group interaction and offer mentorship, advice, and support to the first-years.

There are three types of GT 1000 sections: discipline-specific, cohort, and interdisciplinary. While the curriculum taught is 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 Wreck Camp, the International Plan, President’s Scholars, or the Honors Program. There are also cohort sections for engineering students who are considering undergraduate research programs, or who are international students, or those who looking at education abroad opportunities. We will also have cohort sections for pre-law students, pre-health students, military veterans, and first-generation students. For students in a major that does not offer a discipline-specific section, they should enroll in an interdisciplinary or cohort section. Descriptions of the sections are available on our website at www.gt1000.gatech.edu. Please navigate to “Course Information”.

This fall, there are more than 90 sections of GT 1000 that will accommodate virtually any class schedule. If your student does not register for GT 1000 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 10-15. The eBook for GT 1000, available for purchase at the Georgia Tech bookstore starting July 23, 2014, contains important information and resources specific to Georgia Tech. If you or your student has any questions about the course including registration, contact Dr. Trivedi at gt1000@gatech.edu or 404.385.7648.