Eric Tack
Assistant Director of Success Programs/Coordinator of Sophomore and Transition Programs

Last spring, the Office of Success Programs launched Sophomore Programs - a new initiative designed specifically to support students in their second year. Building on the success of Tech’s freshman and new student programs, Sophomore Programs is a collaborative effort across Georgia Tech’s campus to meet the unique needs of second-year students and help them thrive in their sophomore year. During the upcoming academic year, Success Programs will be offering a number of exciting programs and services for sophomores.

The sophomore year can be an engaging but challenging phase of the undergraduate experience. It is typically a time when students start to explore how their degree relates to life after college. Many students begin taking more advanced coursework in their major and begin participating in co-operative or internship positions, study aboard opportunities, undergraduate research, and other academic enrichment experiences offered at Georgia Tech. For some students this can reaffirm their direction, but for others this can lead to questions about their major and future career and life plans. With these issues in mind, a variety of programs have been developed, including the following:

GT 2.0: Sophomore Programs Week (September 13-18)
GT 2.0: Sophomore Programs Week is a series of programs during Welcome Home Month designed to help sophomores successfully jump start their sophomore year. This year GT 2.0 includes a Sophomore Welcome event; workshops on changing majors, finding a co-op or internship, and prestigious fellowships; and the Sophomore Trip.

Sophomore Trip (September 18)
Students can join fellow sophomores on a white water rafting and rock climbing trip to the world-renown Ocoee River - site to several of the 1996 Olympic water sport competitions. Open to all second-year students regardless of skill level, the Sophomore Class Trip is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and build new friendships while having fun. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, September 8. Click here for more information.

Sophomore Summit (Oct. 22-23)
Sophomore Summit is a retreat designed to provide students an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking, assist them in creating a sense of purpose in college and life, develop goals for the duration of their time at Tech, and provide an opportunity for student and faculty/staff interaction. Space is limited. Applications will be available in early September. Visit the Sophomore Summit website for more information.

Sophomore EXCEL Cohort
The Sophomore EXCEL Cohort is the premier academic support program for at-risk second-year students. The EXCEL Cohort program seeks to provide members personalized attention and customized success plans. Cohort members also gain access to additional academic support services including 1-to-1 Tutoring, Academic Coaching, and PLUS sessions. Space is limited to 25 students.

Be sure that your sophomore student takes advantage of the programs and resources listed above and the many others on campus to make the most of your sophomore year. For more information visit, www.sophomores.gatech.edu or e-mail Eric Tack, assistant director of Success Programs, at eric.tack@vpss.gatech.edu.