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 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. 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.

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 Honors Program, Wreck Camp, or President’s Scholars. There are also cohort sections for students who are interested in a Pre-Health track, Research and Innovation, or the International Plan, to name a few. For students in a major that does not offer a discipline-specific section, they should enroll in an interdisciplinary or cohort section. The complete schedule, including the descriptions of the cohort sections are available on our website  (navigate to the “Course Information” page).

This fall, there are more than 90 sections of GT1000 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. The textbook for GT 1000 is an ebook that will be available for purchase starting July 30th. Information on the textbook will be available on our website, http://www.gt1000.gatech.edu . The ebook contains important information and resources specific to Georgia Tech. If you or your student has any questions about the course including registration, contact Dr. Lacy Hodges at lacy.hodges@gatech.edu or 404-385-8135.