Lacy Hodges, Assistant Director for Academic Transition 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 first-year students can take towards their goal of graduating with a degree 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 30 years, Georgia Tech has offered a first-year seminar. The data consistently show that students who successfully complete GT 1000 and participate in the Residence Life’s First-Year Experience program perform better academically than those who do not. Through GT 1000, students learn strategies that promote academic, social, and professional success. In addition, classes employ upper-class students as team leaders, who volunteer to work with the instructor to facilitate small group interaction and offer mentorship, advice, and support to freshmen. Examples of course topics include:

• Career and Major Exploration 
• 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

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 the International Plan, Stamps President’s Scholars, or the Honors Program. There are also cohort sections for students who are considering undergraduate research programs, or those who are looking at education abroad opportunities, or students who are interested in leadership development. We also have cohort sections for pre-law students and pre-health 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 gt1000.gatech.edu. 

This fall, there are more than 100 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 run August 10-23. If you or your student has any questions about the course including registration, contact Lacy Hodges at gt1000@gatech.edu or 404-385-7648.