To view 2016 photos visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/gtalumni/sets/72157678717698626/

Register today and be a part of this fun 3.141592… tradition with fellow Georgia Tech alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff and Tech friends!

Online registration  for the Pi Mile, is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 15. Registration will also be available at Early Race Bag Pick-up at the Georgia Tech Alumni Association on Friday, April 17, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-up registration will be available on race day but will not include an electronic timing chip. For more information, visit gtlalumni.org or visit the link above.

With the start of the spring term, the study abroad scholarship season for summer and academic year/fall begins. The OIE Administered Scholarships deadline is February 15, 2022. There are also many Georgia Tech and national study abroad scholarship deadlines which fall in March and April, including: 

• the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships 
• the Mundy Study Abroad Funds for CEE majors
• the Gilman Scholarship for students who receive a Pell Grant
• the Freeman ASIA scholarship for students studying in Asia
• the Campoamor Scholarships for students studying on an LBAT

Finally, now is a great time for students to get started on finding a Global Research and Internship Program for the fall, as the search for summer internships is already in full swing. All Georgia Tech students are eligible to do a Global Internship (this includes undergraduate and post-graduate students; domestic and international students). To sign up for the bi-monthly newsletter and learn about the Global Internship opportunities with Tech, please visit: http://grip.oie.gatech.edu. 

Please let us know if you have questions or concerns and stay in touch! 

Georgia Tech Arts is working to bring the Georgia Tech community into conversation with each other, and to connect with the ideas explored by our spring 2022 artist-in-residence, composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gabriel Kahane.

In creating his newest work, Magnificent Bird, which he will perform at Georgia Tech on April 4, Gabriel considered the role that technology plays in our lives, and what happens when we no longer consider why we’re using it. Communicating through paper and pen is a great opportunity to reflect and connect, and A Note from Me to You gives our students that chance. 

Campaign to Connect

For six weeks in January and February, Georgia Tech Arts will partner with a different group on campus to uplift our community. Students are encouraged to visit one of our pop-up tables to say hi, learn about our upcoming events, and write or draw a note of support to a fellow Yellow Jacket. They're guaranteed to get a cheerful message in return - everyone who writes a note, gets a note!

We hope you’ll encourage your student to find A Note from Me to You on campus every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. through February 15. For exact locations and more information, follow us on social media @gatecharts, or visit the Campaign to Connect website. The students (and Georgia Tech Arts staff) have been having so much fun - check out our Instagram stories and see for yourself! 

Guidelines for Selection of Recipients:

1. The Scholarship Committee will award up to six qualified student scholarships of $2,000 each for the 2022-23 Academic Year. Applicants must be a current Georgia Tech undergraduate student and have completed at least one full semester at Tech.

2. The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a permanent employee of Georgia Tech, or an organization recognized as an affiliated organization by the Georgia Tech Office of the General Counsel.

3. The applicant must fully complete the application at https://baseline.campuslabs.com/gatech/fwcsa22

4. There is no minimum GPA to apply. The applicant must submit a headshot and an official Georgia Tech transcript via Parchment from the Registrar’s Office emailed directly to Scholarship Chair Brenda "B" Woods at drbwoods@gatech.edu. 

DEADLINE to apply is March 27, 2022. Questions? Please contact the GTFWC Scholarship Chair, Brenda "B" Woods, Director of Research and Assessment for Student Engagement & Well-Being at drbwoods@gatech.edu. 

Come join SCPC in learning different types of art! Make whatever your heart desires with acrylic pain, watercolor paint, charcoal, ink. We will have instructors to teach Georgia Tech students how to use the materials but allow them to express themselves in multiple ways. The event will take place in two sessions: the first session will be from 6-7 p.m., the second session will follow right after from 7-8 p.m. We are so excited to give this unique opportunity to the tech students! For those who don’t feel artistically inclined, we have multiple different activities including textured art, string art, and paint by number. Students can get tickets on campus tickets. If they sell out, we will have a select number of walkup tickets available. 

There is nothing better than spending Super Bowl Sunday with your Georgia Tech family! Whether it’s a love of food, football, or fun, this event’s the one for your student. Students can join us for a night full of Super Bowl fun at the Exhibition Hall Midtown V. Tech students will be able to test their ability to join the NFL with our football themed inflatables and other challenging activities such as Spikeball, frisbee, football, and cornhole. Students can enjoy other activities with friends like bingo, card games, trivia, and board games while watching the game inside. Students can relax while eating traditional American food and keep up with the latest Super Bowl commercials. We hope to see students dressed up in football spirit! 

Tickets will go on sale, Friday, February 4. Transportation from campus to the Aquarium will be provided at no additional cost (just make sure to also reserve a bus ticket). Please go to gatech.universitytickets.com to reserve your ticket!

• If they choose to live on-campus, encourage them to apply early within their phase as spaces may be limited as more phases begin. 
• If your student is unsure about where they want to live next year, they can consult the courtesy listing of nearby apartments linked in our Applicant FAQs to explore alternatives. 

You and your student may also benefit from reviewing our online application guide, which walks you through each step of the application, with notes about particular action you should take as part of those steps. We encourage students to look over the guide before getting into the application in the portal, particularly if it is their first time filling it out. You can also find answers to many questions in our Applicant FAQs. 

Purchase regalia at a discounted rate online and in-person at the Barnes and Noble at Georgia Tech. 

• RSVP for Commencement. 
• Learn about the class ring ordering process. 
• Take professional cap and gown photos. Graduate portraits can be purchased after the event. 
• Attend virtual and in-person sessions hosted by the Career Center. 
• Purchase discounted beverages when picking up regalia. 
• Enter a raffle for a Georgia Tech gift basket. 

The Lorraine program has safely operated during the pandemic since the Fall 2020 semester. With safety measures and precautions in place set by both U.S. and French authorities, Georgia Tech-Lorraine can continue welcoming students in the upcoming semesters. Read more about specific Covid-related safety guidelines in place on the Lorraine campus here. 

Applications will open on April 1 for the Spring 2022 semester, and students can apply online!

If you have any questions about Georgia Tech-Lorraine, information sessions are held online each Thursday at 11 a.m., and you can find the link to join here. You can also reach out directly to Allie Crain, Georgia Tech-Lorraine Outreach Coordinator.

Georgia Tech places the highest priority on providing a safe and secure environment for the students, staff, faculty, and visitors of our community. With the support of the Institute, the Georgia Tech Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency with over 90 sworn officers dedicated to the safety and security of the campus and surrounding community. Additional support is provided by civilian public safety officers, dispatch officers, emergency management staff, and office administrative staff, including a full-time crime analyst.

We know that many of you are concerned about crime in Atlanta, and how it may affect your student. Please be assured that we are continually monitoring situations and events that have the potential to impact safety on campus. We are committed to proactively addressing and communicating safety concerns to ensure the Georgia Tech community remains safe and secure.

A crime log, crime statistics, crime map and our most recent Annual Safety Report are readily available on our website: police.gatech.edu. You can also read more about our department and our programs there, as well as transparency into how our department works.

We encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your concerns. For general questions, please send an email to crimeprevention@police.gatech.edu. I can be reached directly at Robert.Connolly@police.gatech.edu.

Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day on foot, bicycle, car, and ATV (sometimes with a K-9 companion) – but it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. Whether your student is just beginning their college experience or returning to Tech, they should understand and embrace the following tips to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime.

Personal Safety

• We strongly encourage your student to download LiveSafe, a powerful and free safety app for mobile phones, selected by Georgia Tech students. Features include “GoSafe,” which invites roommates, friends, and family to virtually follow students as they travel from one location to another (particularly helpful after a late-night studying session), and anonymous reporting.
• In an emergency, students can contact GTPD quickly through LiveSafe or by calling 404.894.2500. We encourage students to program this number into their cell phones, in addition to downloading the LiveSafe app.
• If a suspicious or armed person demands their property, we tell students to comply with the request, then immediately seek police assistance. There are more than 500 emergency “blue” phones located inside and outside buildings throughout the campus.
• GTPD provides a variety of free training and safety classes including self-defense, alcohol safety, mental health first aid, civilian response to active shooter, and emergency preparedness. 
• All residence halls have key or secure-card entry. Students should be wary of anyone who attempts entry to a residence hall without these items. Housing staff are on duty 24 hours a day if students lose their keys.
• When not in their room, or when asleep, students should keep all doors and windows locked.

Crime Prevention Tips

• The most common crimes on campus are thefts of opportunity. Students should never walk away from their belongings or leave them unsecured.
• The most commonly stolen items are bicycles. Purchase a good quality U-lock to secure bicycles (and a good quality bicycle helmet as well). Georgia Tech is located in an urban area, and cyclists are required to ride the roads and obey all motor vehicle laws.
• GTPD offers many free services including laptop engraving and bicycle registration, to help the recovery process in the event of theft. 
• Cybertheft is on the rise. Students should report to GTPD any kind of online, unsolicited demand for money or investment “opportunity,” especially from someone who claims to represent the U.S. government. 
• If students see anything suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately. We’re happy to investigate any cause for concern.
• Students who have vehicles on campus should remove or hide all valuables to help prevent break-ins. Leaving any items in plain view — GPS devices, laptops, purses, spare change, books, and gym bags — increases the risk for a vehicle break-in.

Other Safety Measures

• Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Have them log in at buzzport.gatech.edu and click on the red phone icon.
• GT Parking & Transportation Services provides after-hours transport options, including the Midnight Rambler and the Stingerette, so students do not have to walk on campus after dark. Students can request Stingerette rides through the LiveSafe app. 
• Students can call GTPD for an escort home if campus transportation has ended for the day and they feel unsafe walking alone. 
• The Georgia Tech Counseling Center offers stress management and wellness workshops, as well as free counseling and emergency services for students.
• Campus-wide emergency alerts are delivered through an outdoor siren warning system and to classrooms through computers and projectors that are connected to the campus computer network. In addition, the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) alerts students to campus-wide emergencies via campus email. Students can opt into additional voice and text messages by registering at Buzzport. Parents can watch for GTENS notifications through Twitter @GTPDalerts.
• GTPD collaborates with the Atlanta Police Department to increase public safety around the campus perimeter.

You can learn earn much more about campus safety by talking with an officer, exploring our website police.gatech.edu, and following GTPD on Facebook facebook.com/GaTechPD, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. GTPD’s Office of Emergency Management provides emergency information and updates through prepare.gatech.edu, Facebook facebook.com/GTEmergency and Twitter @GTPD alerts.

The men and women of the Georgia Tech Police Department are dedicated to campus safety 24/7/365. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any reason. We look forward to a safe and productive year!
 

"The Parent and Family Programs staff is excited to collaborate with campus partners to host our special hybrid Spring Family Weekend,” said Laci Weeden, director of Parent and Family Programs. “We know this academic year has been hard for students and their families and we hope this provides a small opportunity for additional student support and family connection in as safe an environment as possible." 

This weekend of events will look different from past Georgia Tech Family Weekends but will offer families a hybrid option that allows them to connect with their students while staying as safe as possible. Activities include a virtual Institute Update with President Ángel Cabrera; virtual Tech Talks with John Stein, vice president of Student Life and Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair; self-guided campus tours with parents and their student; webinars with colleges and schools; a trip to Zoo Atlanta co-hosted by the Student Center Programs Council; and a few other special virtual activities. 

All events will be virtual and free, except for the socially distanced Zoo Atlanta event. Family Weekend t-shirts will be available for purchase, for pickup, or delivered by mail. Family Weekend at Georgia Tech is special time to connect families and students, to allow families to learn more about campus life, and for families to create special memories together.

For more information and to register, visit parents.gatech.edu/content/family-weekend. If you have questions, contact Parent and Family Programs at parents@gatech.edu or 404.385.1396. 

What is an Accommodation?

An accommodation is a legally mandated modification or service that gives a student with a disability an equal opportunity to benefit from the educational process.

Who Qualifies?

Federal and state disability laws mandate that universities make the necessary modifications to their academic requirements to ensure that they do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating against qualified students with disabilities. To be considered a "qualified" individual with a disability, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that a student meet the academic and technical standards for admission and continued participation in a university's education program or activity. Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) define an individual with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Examples of recognized disabilities include but are not limited to, blindness, deafness/hard of hearing, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic medical conditions, and mental health conditions.

How to Register with our Office:

1. Visit our website disabilityservices.gatech.edu/
2. Complete New Student Application and submit documentation.

When Submitting Documentation:

Please remember no documentation over five-years-old can be considered. If you had an IEP or 504 in high school we can look at it, but this cannot be solely your only piece of documentation. Please refer to the documentation guidelines from the University System of Georgia: bit.ly/usgacademicaffairs

• Gupta Aniruddha, Industrial & Systems Engineering major, from Johns Creek GA
• AnLi French, Architecture major, from Douglasville GA
• Casey Barton, Public Policy major, from Marietta GA
• Christina Sun, Biomedical Engineering major, from Marietta GA
• Derek Alan Doolittle, Mechanical Engineering major, from Hampton GA
• Jessica Nguyen, Architecture major, from Marietta GA
• Lavanya Chellam, Computer Science major, from Alpharetta GA

Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners!

Join with other Yellow Jacket families as we host Georgia Tech’s Family Weekend on Friday, September 28 – Sunday, September 30. This exciting weekend of activities includes a special presentation by President Peterson, stimulating presentations by faculty and staff, College and School receptions, Family Fun Night, Family Weekend Tailgate, Georgia Tech vs. Bowling Green State University football game, student performances, the 30^th Celebration of Family Weekend at Zoo Atlanta, a special event with Arts@Tech, a Jazz Brunch with Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students John Stein, , and more!

Visit http://parents.gatech.edu/familyweekend/ to learn more. Registration closes on Thursday, September 13. Please note that some events may sell out early due to capacity, so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Throughout the summer I met many of you as you brought your son or daughter to FASET Orientation as a new first-year student or transfer student. For returning parents, it is the start of another year … maybe the second, third, fourth, or fifth. For everyone, new and returning, each year presents many opportunities for your student to explore his or her options through involvement in both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Personally, I always enjoy the start of a new academic year — it is a time filled with emotion and fanfare. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing newly enrolled students and their families move in to the residence halls and put all the pieces in place to start their new experience. Our returning students come back to campus with stories of their study abroad adventures or co-op, internship, or work experiences. It is also a time to reconnect with faculty or meet new faculty and staff who have recently arrived at Georgia Tech.

However, for some parents it is potentially a time filled with emotion and some worry. This is a very normal response. Rest assured there are support services for both you and your student. The reality is, we are only a telephone call or email away. I recommend that parents take advantage of all the services, programs, and support Georgia Tech offers, particularly our Parent & Family Programs (www.parents.gatech.edu). Being involved with our Parent & Family Program is one of the best means to stay informed about life at Georgia Tech, important deadlines/dates, and ways you can become more engaged with the Tech community.

All of our students will experience many new and wonderful things over the next few months and academic year. I ask that you, as parents, encourage your student to take advantage of all Georgia Tech has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. And if you feel that your student could benefit from the support services offered at Georgia Tech, please advise him or her to seek help quickly. Identifying and addressing issues early on offers students a greater opportunity to succeed.

Georgia Tech is a wonderful place filled with great opportunities and challenges, and the Division of Student Life is here to serve you and your student. Please do not hesitate to contact me with a question or feedback, or just to let me know how your son/daughter is enjoying the Georgia Tech experience. I can be reached at john.stein@studentlife.gatech.edu or 404.894.6367. Go Jackets!

Officers patrol the campus 24-hours a day, on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, car, ATV, and Segway (sometimes with a K-9 companion) – but it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. Whether your student is just beginning their college experience or returning to Tech, they should understand and embrace the following tips to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime.

Personal Safety

• LiveSafe, a powerful safety app, was selected by Georgia Tech students and is a free download for mobile phones. Features include “GoSafe,” which invites roommates, friends, and family to virtually follow students as they travel from one location to another (particularly helpful after a late night studying session).
• In an event of an emergency, students can contact GTPD through LiveSafe or by calling 404.894.2500. We encourage students to program this number into their cell phones, in addition to downloading the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides free training and safety classes in self-defense, alcohol safety, and emergency preparedness.
• If a suspicious or armed person demands their property, students should comply with the request, then immediately seek police assistance. There are more than 500 emergency “blue” phones located inside and outside buildings throughout the campus.

Crime Prevention Tips

• The most common crimes on campus are thefts of opportunity. Students should never walk away from their belongings or leave them unsecured.
• Students who have vehicles on campus should remove or hide all valuables to help prevent break-ins. Leaving any items in plain view — GPS devices, laptops, purses, spare change, books, and gym bags —increases the risk for a vehicle break-in.
• All residence halls have key or secure-card entry. Students should be wary of anyone who attempts entry without a key.
• When not in their room, or when asleep, students should keep all doors and windows locked.
• Cybertheft  is on the rise. Students should report to GTPD any kind of unsolicited demand for money or investment “opportunity” they receive, especially from someone who claims to represent the U.S. government.
• If students see anything suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately. We’re happy to investigate any cause for concern.

Other Safety Measures

• The most commonly stolen items are bicycles. Purchase a good quality U-lock to secure bicycles, and a good quality bicycle helmet as well. Georgia Tech is located in a heavily traveled urban area, and cyclists are required to ride the roads and obey all motor vehicle laws.
• Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• Parking & Transportation Services provides after-hours transport options, including the Midnight Rambler and the Stingerette, so students do not have to walk on campus after dark. Students can request Stingerette rides through the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides after-hours escorts for students who feel unsafe.
• The Georgia Tech Counseling Center offers stress management and wellness workshops, as well as free counseling and emergency services for students.
• Housing staff are on duty 24-hours a day if students lose their keys.
• GTPD offers many free services including laptop engraving and bicycle registration to help the recovery process in the event of theft.
• Campus-wide emergency alerts are delivered through an outdoor siren warning system and to classrooms through computers and projectors that are connected to the campus computer network. In addition, the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) alerts students to campus-wide emergencies via email. Students can opt into additional voice and text messages by registering at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• GTPD collaborates with the Atlanta Police Department to increase public safety around the perimeter of the campus.

You can learn earn much more about safety on campus by talking with an officer, exploring our website, police.gatech.edu, and following GTPD on Facebook facebook.com/GaTechPD, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (a Division of GTPD) also provides emergency information and updates through prepare.gatech.edu, Facebook facebook.com/GTEmergency and Twitter @GTPDalerts.

The men and women of the Georgia Tech Police Department are available 24/7/365 and are dedicated to campus safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any reason.

We look forward to a safe and productive year!

Rob Connolly
Chief of Police
A Safer Community, Together

Opportunities for research experience are available year-round, either for course credit or for pay. Research classes for credit count toward free electives in most majors and discipline-specific electives in others. Faculty mentors may hire students as research assistants, or students may receive funding through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) http://urop.gatech.edu/pura. Options for research also include full-time summer experiences, both on- and off-campus, and international research.

While open to all students, students planning to pursue graduate degrees or a future career in research and development industries should consider a more robust research experience: the Research Option http://urop.gatech.edu/research-option. It is an excellent way to gain valuable skills and experience into applied or basic research, thus bolstering their graduate school preparation.

To take the student research initiative even further, the Institute has placed an increasing emphasis on students thinking and acting innovatively, hence the creation of the InVenture Prize Competition http://www.inventureprize.gatech.edu. Starting with the student’s own idea, faculty mentors help lead students through a process that culminates in a final, on-stage competition which is broadcast live on public television.

Student interested in innovation and research can tap into a network aimed at providing strategic, student perspectives on how to get involved. The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URA) seek to inspire undergraduates to seek out research opportunities, and strive to bridge the gap between faculty and students as well as to expose students to applications of research in academic, professional and industry settings. Visit here to learn about who your ambassadors are for the 2018-2019 academic year.

For additional information, visit the UROP website at www.urop.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook or contact us at urop@gatech.edu. The Student Innovation website at innovation.cae.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook (InnovationGT), Instagram (@studentinnovationgt), Twitter (@innovatorsGT), or contact us at studentinnovation@gatech.edu. Videos of previous InVenture Prize competitions can be viewed on YouTube at Inventure Prize at Georgia Tech.

Here are a few ideas and strategies to help make this transition home a little merrier!

Be flexible and realistic.
Communicate holiday plans in advance so students are not caught off guard.

For those with extended or blended families, it is important to realize that students may wish to spend part of their break with the other family. Avoid putting them in an impossible situation by making unreasonable demands of their time.

Compromise is a two-way street.
Keep in mind that college students are no longer children that we can shuttle here and there. Students are emerging into adulthood. For the past several months, students have been following their own schedules and making their own decisions. Embrace this opportunity to have an adult conversation, listening to their perspectives, feelings, and needs. Do not try to guilt them into doing what you want.

Most students have been living independently for a few months and may not be ready to follow your schedule. Additionally, most have just gone through a stressful period of studying and test taking. Patience will come in handy here.

Start the negotiations early — starting the conversation sooner can prevent conflict later. Do not try to have this talk during exam time — students are usually feeling stressed enough.

Be prepared for changes in your child.
As we know, many college students alter their appearance, perhaps getting a tattoo, piercing, or changing their hair color. If extended family members judge them too harshly, it can lead to hurt feelings. It is important to support your student at family gatherings. You do not have to agree, but you have to try to respect their choices.

Many students will want to reconnect with high school friends. However, they may find that these friendships may not be the same as they were only a few months earlier. People change, have different interests, and find they do not have as much in common. Be prepared to listen if your students struggle with this loss.

Avoid major changes.
Talking to your student before making any major room changes would be the best. If you have already turned their room into something new, maybe now would be the time to bring back a few of their things. Students love the independence they enjoy on campus, but almost all of them want to feel they are an important part of their family.

Money management.
Will your student have to work during break to save money for back-to-school needs such as books and supplies or even tuition? This is a good time for students to reevaluate their meal plans and to review spending habits.

How to help a struggling student.
Remind your student about tutoring. Seeking help early is always the right way to proceed.

Listen and avoid taking over when there is a problem. A family’s love, support, and motivation are most important. How you react may dictate what they tell you in the future. Sometimes it is not winning the race, but simply finishing it. Often getting a C or B can be the success!

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. Students will complete the program by applying their knowledge and skills through a project based experiential learning course. The minor is currently comprised of three tracks – Business, Global Engineering & Public Policy, offered through the Institute for Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the Scheller College of Business, the College of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy at the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. 

Students with 30 completed hours at Georgia Tech interested in the minor in Leadership Studies can apply today at https://leadership.gatech.edu/content/minor-leadership-studies-0

11/6: Student Center Piedmont Room 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
11/20: Stamps Health Services 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
1/8: Stamps Health Services 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
1/22: Stamps Health Services 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

No appointment is necessary to get a flu shot at the Flu Clinic but come early to beat the line. Your BuzzCard is required when checking in for the flu shots. Students can make an online appointment in the allergy and immunization clinic at health.gatech.edu/appointments. You can also request a flu shot during any of your visits at Stamps Health Services. For more information about flu go to health.gatech.edu/flu.

This year we will celebrate first-gen students at Georgia Tech with a sticker awareness campaign and interactive tabling event hosted by the Office of Parent and Family Programs, New Student and Transition Programs, STAR, the Office of Undergraduate Admission, and the First-Generation Student Organization. The event will take place on Tech Walkway on Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We encourage you to stop by — there will be stickers for first-generation students, faculty, and first-gen advocates. We welcome the support of the entire Tech community in celebrating first-generation students, understanding the systemic challenges they face, and helping them thrive. 

Mark your calendars and wear your stickers proudly!

This fund has been established to support Tech students who have a demonstrated financial need related to the COVID-19 crisis and campus closures. Funding is available to all enrolled Georgia Tech students and can be used to alleviate financial challenges resulting from the current public health crisis, including travel assistance, housing assistance, medical expenses, moving costs, financial support, food insecurity, and much more. 

Students in need of financial assistance should complete the application form, and the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students will contact them to coordinate the assistance through the Office of Financial Aid. The maximum amount of each grant is $1,000.

Funds are limited but are currently being raised. Parents looking to support this fund can make a gift through the Georgia Tech Parents Fund. Alumni can make a gift through Roll Call. And faculty and staff can make a gift by visiting the Office of Development website, clicking on Give Now, and entering Student Relief Fund in the space for "other designation."

Plans for iGniTe and related registration processes, as well as decisions about summer events and other affected programs, are currently under review and more information will be forthcoming.

As a reminder, the USG has asked all institutions to continue current telework and flexible work strategies for faculty and staff until further notice. USG institutions remain open, with only minimal staff physically on-site to ensure continuity of certain services.

Consistent with the Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order to shelter in place, we will continue to operate in a research ramp-down mode with only previously approved essential research activities happening on campus for at least the next two weeks, and, after that, until further notice. Although instruction will be remote for the summer, our education and research missions are interrelated, so we are continuously evaluating the appropriate level of research activities that should take place on campus as we navigate this situation.

Impact on Fall Semester 2020

All institutions within the USG are tentatively planning to return to normal on-campus operations for the fall semester should guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health allow it.

Registration for Fall 2020 also began on March 23 and continues through May 15 for continuing students. There will be a Phase II registration period for Fall 2020 that begins on August 8.

We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. A communications archive and FAQ are available at: health.gatech.edu/coronavirus.

• Plan Ahead: If your student will be traveling, encourage them to be aware of the laws at their destination. Ask your student to give you an itinerary of their trip, complete with hotel information as well as dates of departure and arrival. 
• Alcohol Use and Abuse: It is important to know the legal drinking age for the destination, the expectations, using a designated driver, not taking drinks from strangers, not leaving drinks unattended, feeling confident about choosing not to drink. 
• Staying Healthy: It is important to learn about staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and accessing local medical help. 
• Travel Safety: When traveling it is essential for students to aware of not driving when tired; know local traffic laws; know how to access embassies when abroad, and foreign travel customs. During this week, students should also always use the buddy system when possible.
• Finances: As a student setting and sticking to a budget, expectations for using or not using a credit card, how to get extra cash in an emergency, and avoid carrying all their money in their wallet or purse can be extremely beneficial. 

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for tips on Spring Break Health and safety.

News reports on the public health risk associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) have generated questions from members of the campus community who are understandably curious about how Georgia Tech is responding to COVID-19 internationally as well as how it is preparing for the possibility of increased risk in the United States. It is important to remember there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia at this time, and risk of exposure in the U.S. is still very low.

To date, Georgia Tech has canceled its spring programs in China and South Korea and advised faculty to cancel any travel commitments to China. While the University System of Georgia (USG) will make overall decisions regarding summer programs and other travel at a later date, Tech has preemptively canceled its China Summer Program. Our Office of International Education is working with students who are negatively affected by these changes. 

On campus, Georgia Tech has developed an initial emergency response plan, and is conducting tabletop training exercises for the purpose of improved internal coordination and communication. Key Tech staff maintain close relationships with colleagues at the Georgia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure we have the latest information and guidance.

We continue to encourage all members of the campus community to follow the same preventative strategies used during a normal cold and flu season: getting a flu shot, washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when experiencing symptoms of illness. 

In partnership with the state’s Department of Health, the USG has updated its resource guide with the latest information concerning travel warnings and other guidance at www.usg.edu/coronavirus.  You can also visit health.gatech.edu/coronavirus for any campus specific updates.

Anticipating factors to consider for full time offers while students work internships, co-ops, on campus, summer opportunities, class projects can prepare them for that first permanent offer. Work integrated learning helps identify some of the factors students like and don’t like; preferences about work environments, co-workers, management styles, “perks,” and sense of satisfaction with the company or organization are additional ones they may have the opportunity to explore.  Tech was recently name #5 for internships: http://www.careerdiscovery.gatech.edu/world-your-internship-oyster

Below are ways you can help your student prepare and successfully navigate their job search and offer guidelines:

• Encourage them to take advantage of workshops and programs to build their networking and job search skills. Available resources include C2D2-sponsored workshops, programs offered by campus and student organizations, company information sessions, and class assignments related to careers. Academics will address technical skills, which are obviously in demand. These skills will prove useful, not only to secure their first job, but actively manage their careers beyond Georgia Tech
• While a 4.0 GPA is great, essential communication and relationship-building skills partner with technical skills in today’s workplace. Encourage your student to become involved in leadership opportunities, clubs, athletics, service organizations, Greek life, drama, music, intramurals, the Student Alumni Association and many other options to develop and practice the “soft” skills that are a challenge for some students.
• As a successful interview leads to an offer, encourage them to thank the company for the offer and then carefully consider the offer and benefits before responding. http://career.gatech.edu/campus-interviewing-policies-students

Staff and faculty are here to help!

If a room change is desired, students currently living on-campus can do this themselves using Room Swap. They may also submit an Administrative Room Change request. Room Switch Day is Sunday, December 15, 2020. Incoming students for Spring 2020 are encouraged to complete room changes prior to January move-in, Sunday, January 5, 2020. Room Swap and Administrative Room Change are services available in My Housing. 

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December if they plan to reside on campus in the spring; however, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements: 

• Friday, December 13, 2019, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2020 
• Sunday, December 15, 2019, by noon: Move out for graduating students 
• Sunday, December 15, 2019, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch 

Our assignment staff is available to answer questions and offer assistance by phone (404-894-2470), email (information@housing.gatech.edu), or at our office in the North Avenue Apartments – room 126.

Students from any major can study at Georgia Tech-Lorraine, as we offer a wide variety of courses each semester. Check out the course lists for each semester here. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and most students travel independently from Thursday evening through Sunday. 

The opportunity to spend a semester at Tech’s campus in France and discover Europe on the weekends allows students to grow not only educationally, but also socially. Students get out of their comfort zone, visit new places and learn firsthand about new cultures. Many students decide to attend Georgia Tech-Lorraine without knowing any other students on the program. While this can seem daunting at first, students return with friendships to last a lifetime, and countless new memories! 

It is easy to find others wanting to travel in groups and explore the region together. It is also fun for students to join in group activities planned by the Bureau des Étudiants, a student council group that plans events throughout the semester, as well participate in the Leonardo Program, led by a French professor at Georgia Tech-Lorraine and offering students opportunities to attend local events such as Opera performances, lunch at a French culinary school, or a trip to a u-pick fruit and vegetable farm. 

Overall, Georgia Tech-Lorraine benefits students both inside and outside the classroom. Students become global citizens and return with the confidence to travel the world. Applications for Georgia Tech-Lorraine are open now for Summer and Fall 2020 at lorraine.gatech.edu/apply. 

Although the Georgia Tech-Lorraine experience is priceless, please review our website’s costs page for all details and breakdowns on tuition, program fees and other expenses, and make sure you read and understand our cancellation Policy. If you or your student have any questions about Georgia Tech-Lorraine, visit our website or contact our Outreach Coordinator, Allie Crain, at allie.crain@gtl.gatech.edu.

Did you know that OIE has Peer Advisors? Peer advisors are students who have studied abroad and now volunteer their time to share about their experiences studying or interning abroad with campus. If your student would like to learn more about this program or contact a current peer advisor, go to: https://oie.gatech.edu/ea/peer-advisors. Here’s a little bit about peer advisor Tyler Bandini. 

In addition to providing ample travel opportunities and life-long friendships, my exchange program with the University of Leeds allowed me to branch out and take classes in other areas of interest not related to engineering. The highlight of my academic experience while in Leeds was taking a course on the history of Victorian England. Since history is a favorite subject of mine, this experience was greatly enhanced by the number of Victorian buildings and historically significant sites in proximity to the University. Leeds itself is the archetypal Victorian city, with its city hall, numerous markets, and churches all prime examples of Victorian architecture. You might think that with my love of English history that I must have some English heritage, and you’d be right! Using the Leeds City Library and its population records, I traced a branch of my family back to 1150! So in addition to making great friends and learning much about the country, I learned quite a bit about my own family history as well!

In order to minimize disruption to the campus community and help ensure continuity of services during construction, the design-build team came up with a staged approach that consists of two construction phases. Phase I of the construction project will focus on the development of the four new buildings: an exhibition hall, two pavilions, and a standalone café. When Phase II of the Campus Center project will focus on renovating the existing Student Center building, and is expected to begin in summer 2020. While details about Phase II of the project are still being finalized, the team anticipates completing the entire Campus Center project in late 2022. 

More information about the Campus Center project can be found at reinnovation.studentcenter.gatech.edu.

Did you know that there are students who study abroad at Georgia Tech (aside from our awesome international students)? Georgia Tech recently had the opportunity to welcome eight students from Tokyo Institute of Technology for a special visiting program on leadership in collaboration with OIE and LEAD. The program focused on assisting students to develop leadership skills, intercultural competency, and insight on the history, social issues, and community empowerment movements in the United States. For information on this program and other On-Campus Internationalization efforts, go here.

It's not too late for students who plan to live on campus for 2019-2020 and have not yet applied! Sign up today and be prepared for August. Be sure to watch our website later this summer for details about the fall move-in procedure. All campus housing applications are made online through My Housing which can be accessed from the Department of Housing website. Important messages, updates, and Housing news can always be found on our homepage. Email information@housing.gatech.edu anytime or call us at 404-894-2470 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You are also welcome to visit us in our office which is located in room 126 of the North Avenue North Apartment building.

From Portugal to Paris, Italy to Ireland, London to Lisbon, and more, Georgia Tech-Lorraine students have the unique opportunity to travel to a new city or country each weekend. In fact, with the help of trains and budget airlines, some GTL students have seen upwards of 16 countries in one semester. 

The GTL campus is situated on the edge of France, bordering Germany and Luxembourg, in a city called Metz. This location truly is a gateway to Europe, making cross-country travel possible in just one weekend (especially since weekends at GTL are three days long!). 

“I’ve really enjoyed the ability to turn weekends into adventures. It's feasible to leave every weekend, go a few hundred miles away, and be back in time for class on Monday without much effort. That’s not really something that is common studying in Atlanta,” Gabriel Weese, a computer engineering major from Georgia Tech and GTL Spring 2019 student, said. 

Students even have the opportunity to travel in some of their classes when professors take them on group field trips to visit sites which are relevant to their class. For example, Professor Tim Stoneman teaches at GTL and often takes his classes to visit the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, and the BMW facility in Munich, Germany. 

Between classes and travel, students at GTL grow both academically and personally. Studying in a foreign country molds more independent and culturally aware students, which will benefit them throughout their life and career. 

“As you step outside your comfort zone, you will learn different ways to approach problems that were previously unknown and will discover how to work alongside people with different backgrounds and cultures. Most importantly, however, as you explore new worlds, you will better understand and learn about yourself, a feature that will help you become a successful professional and individual,” Valeria Boesch Neira, an electrical and computer engineering major from Georgia Tech and GTL Spring 2019 student, said. 

To learn more about studying at Georgia Tech-Lorraine, please visit lorraine.gatech.edu or contact Allie Crain, GTL outreach coordinator, at allie.crain@gtl.gatech.edu. And, don’t forget to review the parent’s page on our website.

GTL students on a class field-trip to the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. 

Whatever the reason, both you and your student may have mixed emotions about this arrangement. It is not uncommon as parents to have conflicting feelings such as happiness, excitement, anxiety or even anger. Your student may feel relief about paying bills but may also feel uneasy about this temporary loss of independence. There are some risks for you as a parent, including the possibility of increased tension, misunderstandings and resentment, as well as the financial strain this may put on you. However, this arrangement may create a wonderful opportunity to form a new adult relationship with your student, which you may not have otherwise been able to do.

To minimize the risks and maximize the benefits, a few guidelines may be helpful. Overall, the key to having a successful living arrangement with your student is to communicate openly and proactively. Expectations for your student should be clear and negotiated in advance of the move back home. Some parents prefer to write a contract outlining house rules and expectations. That way, there is no room for ambiguity or lack of clarity. Other parents prefer to have an oral agreement. Regardless of how you outline these rules, the following areas should be addressed:

1. Timeline. Both you and your student will benefit from discussing the general timeline for when the student plans to move out. This helps make it clear that the student should not expect to stay indefinitely.
2. Paying rent. About half of students who move home contribute financially to the household. Whether or not the student contributes financially may depend on whether or not they have a source of income. Some parents expect their student to contribute a certain percentage of their income for rent (such as 20-30 percent). Others charge a flat monthly fee or charge a nominal amount to cover the increase in costs of utilities. Still others will save the money their student gives them and return it to the student to use as a safety net when he or she moves out. If your student has the financial means to contribute even a small amount, this will teach financial responsibility and will help with adjustment when they move out.
3. Household chores. A household functions best when all members are contributing to it. Some chores around the house should be delegated to your student.
4. Privacy issues/boundaries. It is a good idea to set rules regarding guests and/or overnight visitors, whether you expect a phone call if your child spends the night elsewhere, whether alcohol is permitted in the house or what areas of the house, if any, are off-limits. Parents should also respect the privacy of their student and relinquish some of the control they had when their student was younger.

In general, you will be happiest if you continue to live your lifestyle in the same way as before. It is important not to slip back into old roles and recognize that it is healthiest for everyone if you treat your grown child as an adult. Although there are some potential challenges, clear expectations and open communication will make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

The Georgia Tech Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building and is open each day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Center offers free consultations, as well as individual, couples, and group counseling for enrolled Georgia Tech students. Additionally, we offer seminars and workshops on a variety of topics (stress management, time management, healthy relationships, depression and anxiety) throughout the semester. Students and parents can call our office for more information at 404.894.2575 or visit counseling.gatech.edu for more information.

Undergraduate research helps students learn how to investigate challenging questions and solve open-ended problems that most likely have not been solved before. Such experiences strengthen a student’s resume and can lead to promising new career paths and interests.

Opportunities are available in programs for all majors. The National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsors programs from Alabama to Washington. Other research programs are sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Mayo Clinic, and the Department of Defense. In addition, the NSF and other international organizations and universities offer research programs abroad. Most domestic programs provide the participating student with a stipend, housing allowance, and some travel assistance.  Many programs also sponsor professional development seminars and workshops as well as social events and outings. Often, these summer research programs are identified as internships, so be sure to include them in your search.

You can also find summer research opportunities on the Georgia Tech campus. One is the SURE program, founded in 1992, which is aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students in STEM fields. The 10-week program is open to approximately 30 to 40 juniors or seniors in the Colleges of Computing, Engineering, and Sciences. 

Another great research opportunity is the President’s Undergraduate Research Awards.  The deadline for summer applications is March 1, 2019.

The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are hosting a Research for Undergraduate Experience Information Session on Thursday, January 24, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Clough Lounge, located in Clough Commons, Suite 205. For more assistance, students can stop by the regular Ambassador Office Hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Clough Lounge. 

Most programs’ application deadlines are in February, and some are as early as mid-January. Many of them use rolling admissions, so apply early and often!

Click here http://www.urop.gatech.edu/summer-research for additional information and links to programs. Information is updated regularly, so check the website often.

http://oue.gatech.edu/student-innovation-georgia-tech

http://oue.gatech.edu/task-force-examines-ways-improve-academic-advising

Check-in and breakfast will be served at the Student Center Ballroom beginning at 7:30 a.m. and buses will leave for their respective sites at 8 a.m. Contact Brittny James at bjames44@gatech.edu with any questions or concerns about this year’s service program. Visit https://diversity.gatech.edu/mlk-celebration-events for more information.

Spring Meal Plans go on sale December 7! Sign Up Here on 12/7!

Gifts and More: Cookies, Cakes, and Pies, oh my! Send your student some sweets or order some for the holidays.  Our baked goods are made fresh daily in our local bakery on campus.   Shop today!

• Friday, December 14, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2019.
• Sunday, December 16, by noon: Move out for graduating students.
• Sunday, December 16, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch.

Detailed information can be found on our housing website, housing.gatech.edu.

New Spring 2019 residents can move in on Sunday, January 6, 2019. The spring Campus Housing Application is still open for new students or returning students who are not residing on campus this fall, and the application can be accessed through “My Housing” on the Housing website. If your student has not yet applied – it’s not too late!

As always our assignment staff is available to answer questions and offer assistance by phone (404-894-2470), email (information@housing.gatech.edu), and at our new office location in North Avenue North Apartments, room 126. We hope all of our residents have had a successful semester and enjoy a relaxing break.

Leading Edge | One-on-One Leadership Coaching

In One-on-One Leadership Coaching, students are paired with a trained leadership coach to actively explore and improve their individual and team leadership skills through self-evaluation and feedback from others. They will design and conduct leadership experiments that put their new skills into action and grow their leadership capacity. The time commitment is five one-hour sessions throughout the semester. Meeting days/time are flexible. Encourage your students to foster their personal and professional leadership skills that will apply throughout their education and after graduation.  Apply Now for Spring 2019!

Minor in Leadership Studies

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. Students will complete the program by applying their knowledge and skills through a project based experiential learning course. The minor is currently comprised of three tracks – Business, Global Engineering Leadership and Public Policy, offered through the Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship at the Scheller College of Business, the College of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy at the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. Apply Now

For more information, visit leadership.gatech.edu.

As the semester winds down and folks can take a break, now is a great time to plan for the year ahead. OIE has some wonderful resources to aid in the planning and preparation for a study abroad experience. We host a blog and a podcast that feature our Peer Advisors who share about their international experiences. We encourage students planning to study abroad in 2019 to take advantage of these resources and to finalize their plans soon, as deadlines are fast approaching.

Upcoming deadlines:

• Academic Year, Fall, and Summer 2019 : February 1, 2019
• Summer 2019 general *: February 15, 2019
• OIE Administered Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2019

*Program deadlines may vary. Please check the website for the most accurate information.

Please reach out to the Office of International Education if you have questions and encourage your student to make an appointment with us. We hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season!

On December 10, the CRC will host a Spin and Screen event where you can spin while watching the animated film “Happy Feet.” This class is free for all CRC members. Snacks and refreshments are provided and we will take rest breaks along the way. Space is limited so make sure to arrive early! This event takes place Monday, December 10, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Studio B.

Please inform your students about this free event and encourage them to come for a fun, food-filled time amidst all the studying. Students must present their Buzzcard for admittance to this event. To avoid overcrowding, students are requested to reserve a time slot.  https://gatech.universitytickets.com/w/

This event is made possible by the Parents Fund for Student Life & Leadership, the Student Center Programs Council, and Campus Services BuzzFunds.

Research completed by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning found that Georgia Tech students who frequently visit the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) have higher GPAs and are more likely to return to Georgia Tech the following year. While there are a number of influential factors in the academic performance of our students, data analysis indicates, “that the difference in retention rates are not due to chance alone – frequency of CRC visits does play a role.” For many students, finals make or break students’ grades in their classes, and the CRC is an excellent focus booster in approaching such an important time of the semester.

All classes are FREE during final exams for CRC members. Encourage your student to utilize the CRC in preparation for their finals– their focus will increase, and the studies show that their GPA’s will appreciate it!

First-year students may be especially worried about final exams since this is a new experience for them. Students may feel that they need to re-work every problem, memorize, or re-read everything that has been assigned since August. If this were true — and it is not! — finals would be very overwhelming. Remind students that planning and time management will help them prepare and thrive. Now is the time for students to review syllabi, past exams and assignments, and to identify what they need to review and master prior to final exams. Remind them to make themselves aware of deadlines, such as the last day for tutoring appointments, and to plan to visit their professors’ and TAs’ office hours before the last day of classes. Parents can also help by encouraging students to manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy meals and snacks.

Although registration is currently closed until Phase II opens on January 3, December can be a great time for students to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor. Students considering making changes to their spring schedules should meet with advisors, but students can also use this relatively quiet time to explore studying abroad, undergraduate research, or other programs, including learning about minors and certificates. December is also a good time for students who are worried about their academic standing or are considering changing majors to meet with advisors for help connecting with campus resources or for a professional and supportive perspective.

Students who are disappointed with their fall semester grades should take some time over the winter break to reflect on and learn from their academic performance. Anyone can make plans for a strong start to spring semester by checking out the Success Summit. http://success.gatech.edu/success-summit

Gifts and More: Cookies, Cakes, and Pies, oh my! New items are being added to the Village Bakery shop online. Send your student some sweets or order some for the holidays. Our baked goods are made fresh daily in our local bakery on campus. Shop today!

If a room change is desired, students currently living on-campus can do this themselves using Room Swap. They may also submit an Administrative Room Change request. Room Switch Day is Sunday, December 16, 2018. Incoming students for Spring 2019 are encouraged to complete room changes prior to January move-in, Sunday, January 6, 2019. Room Swap and Administrative Room Change are services available in My Housing.

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December if they plan to reside on campus in the spring; however, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 14, 2018, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2019
• Sunday, December 16, 2018, by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 16, 2018, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

As always our assignment staff is available to answer questions and offer assistance by phone (404-894-2470), email (information@housing.gatech.edu), or in our NEW office in the North Avenue Apartments – room 126.

Ambassadors have developed several programs to help students find undergraduate research opportunities and to nurture those that are already participating in research. URA will be hosting the Fall 2018 Undergraduate Research Fair on Thursday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

They will continue a series of workshops on Presentations Skills, Adding Research to your Resume and What to Expect in Research during the Spring 2019 semester along with coffee talks with graduate students, faculty, and representatives from Pre-Health and Pre-Graduate programs.

For students who are interested in just speaking with an ambassador, they can come during the weekly office hours that are held on Monday and Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. in the Clough Commons, Room 205Q, or contact an ambassador via our webpage.

Questions? Contact the program at urop@gatech.edu or visit http://urop.gatech.edu/content/undergraduate-research-ambassador-current for additional information.

Each November Georgia Tech celebrates International Education Week or IEW and this year IEW happens the week of Nov 12-16. IEW is a chance to celebrate our diverse global campus and the benefits of international exchange. Find out how to study or intern abroad, taste food from across the globe, learn how to greet people in other languages, see the photo contest winners and put yourself on the map in Clough. Learn more at iew.gatech.edu!

Apply Now! Application deadline is Monday, November 12, at 11:59pm.

For more information, visit leadership.gatech.edu

The second fair hosted each year happens early in the spring semester. This year’s Spring All-Majors Career Fair will be hosted at McCamish Pavilion on January 16-17, 2019. Typically, the spring fair is a one-day event, but the past few years have been so well-attended that the event had to be stretched over two days. The expanded format will allow more companies to come on campus to recruit your students.

One question that always comes up around fair time is, “should I attend the fair as a freshman”? The short answer is: absolutely! The Career Fair is open to students from all majors and class levels and is an excellent opportunity for networking and professional development.

If your student is anxious about attending the fair, Andrea Comsa, senior director of career education at C2D2 has some very helpful tips:

• Prepare for it. Preparation is key before attending a career fair. Make sure your resume is professional and highlights relevant skills and experiences. 
• Review the career fair layout and have a plan. The scale of the fair can be intimidating and overwhelming if you do not have a plan. Use the Jobs and Careers  app to identify the top 10 companies you want to visit.
• Research participating companies. Knowing who the participating companies are and what they are looking for is important. Browsing and researching the companies ahead of time can provide a marketable advantage to candidates. A list of companies is available here. Find out what positions the participating companies are recruiting for by navigating the list of jobs in CareerBuzz. 
• Know your elevator pitch. Articulating the value you bring and showcasing your skills and experiences can distinguish you as a candidate.

There are also a few common mistakes first-timers can make that can be easily avoided:

• Be professional. Although this may seem obvious enough, professionalism is more than just attire. “Recruiters need to see students as young professionals, not as college students,” said Lindsay. Avoid clumping in groups with your friends, and resist the urge to grab all of the free items. “Students are attracted to the freebies, but it is not professional to trudge through with a bag full of stuff.”
• Go early in the day. “Recruiters are burned out by the end of the day, and some employers might pack up early,” said Lindsay. He recommends getting to the fair as early as possible to catch recruiters when they are most alert and engaged.
• Follow Up. “Don’t wait too long to follow up with the recruiter,” said Lindsay. To stand out from the crowd, students should say something memorable that they can refer to in the follow-up, to help recruiters remember the conversation. “Take notes after speaking with the recruiters. Ask for their business cards and take notes on the back.”
• “If a company is known as an aerospace company, that does not mean they are only recruiting aerospace engineers,” said Lindsay. “Companies are multi-faceted and need people in many different areas.” Lindsay encourages students to treat the fair like a strategic networking event. “If the recruiter is not recruiting for the area you’re interested in, then ask for a contact in your field. If all else fails, ask for a human resources contact.” 

Don’t forget to encourage your student to participate, even if it feels a little daunting. It’s never too early to start their career, and there’s no better place to start that journey than at a Georgia Tech career fair. If your student hasn’t had time to practice their “elevator pitch” or work on their resume, don’t worry! C2D2 has a number of free workshops hosted throughout the year to help with just that (C2D2 Workshops). And if your student needs to borrow business attire, the Georgia Tech Campus Closet offers free suit rentals. Visit their website for more information on how to borrow from their selection of business attire.

• • Over 30 Locations plus food trucks
  • 13 accept swipes and 6 are in the center of campus
• Money Saving
  • No sales tax
  • Plans as low as 50 Swipes and $50 Dining Dollars
• • Dining Dollars Roll over May 2019
  • Use at any time throughout the day

Purchase today!

Gifts and More: Mid-semester Pick me up!  Try our Conscious Cravings package.  The package comes with beverages and snacks for 2-4 people, including a few house-made treats from our Village Bakery. Shop today

Remind your student to try out an Elite Event at our locations!  Find this month’s events here.

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gatechdining.com
404-894-2383

Registration is free and available online through mycrc.gatech.edu. Onsite registration will also be available on race day; however, all participants must register by 7 a.m. All members of the Georgia Tech community are welcome to attend this event, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliates. Additionally, you do not need to be a member of the CRC to participate.

Race check in will open at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, October 26. Arrive early to increase your chances of winning a Halloween Holla t-shirt! The first 200 students to check in the morning of the event will win a free t-shirt.

Runners and walkers will convene in front of the CRC at 7 a.m. to prepare for the race, which begins at 7:30 a.m. The race will follow the Tyler Brown Pi Mile through campus. Visit http://crc.gatech.edu/halloweenholla for more information.

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December. Note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 14, 2018, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2019
• Sunday, December 16, 2018, by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 16, 2018, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

These dates were emailed to your student in September to help when end of semester plans are made.

If your student resides with us now or will in the future, we hope that their experience in our housing is positive and promotes academic success. We are available to help by email (information@housing.gatech.edu) or by phone (404-894-2470) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Beginning Monday, October 8, 2018, the Assignments Team for the Department of Housing will no longer be in the Smithgall Building. Our new location is in North Avenue Apartments on the east campus in room 126, between the North Avenue Community Restaurant and the turnstile entrance to the complex.

Thank you for choosing GT Housing!

Study Abroad Scholarships

Each year the Office of International Education (OIE) administers nearly $250,000 in study abroad scholarships. Many generous donors who recognize the importance of education abroad make these scholarships possible. To apply for an OIE Administered Scholarship, students should submit an application by October 15, 2018. Students need only submit one application to apply for six different scholarships. Please note that students will apply in the spring application cycle on Atlas and that they can select the appropriate term (i.e.: summer 2019) in the application itself.

In addition to the awards through OIE, there are other study abroad scholarships available. For a list of Georgia Tech and national scholarship opportunities, please visit: https://oie.gatech.edu/find_scholarships

If you or your student have questions, please contact us at scholarships@oie.gatech.edu.

Misconception: Undergraduate research is only available if the faculty advertises an opening.

The reality: Few undergraduate research opportunities are initiated by a professor posting an opportunity. The best way for students to get involved in research is to review faculty webpages, journal articles, books, presentations or attend a lecture, and when they find something that excites them, they should contact the professor. Tell faculty that they are really interested in their research, giving specific reasons why, and then request a meeting. If students want more guidance on this, they can talk to their school’s undergraduate coordinator at http://urop.gatech.edu/undergraduate-coordinators, academic advisor, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors or follow some basic guidelines found at http://urop.gatech.edu/get-involved.

Misconception: Students don’t have time for undergraduate research because of classes or jobs.

The reality: Undergraduate research is extremely flexible and can be done for course credit or pay.

Misconception: Research is only in labs.

The reality: There are opportunities in every field. Students have worked with faculty on research in a broad spectrum of topics from designing robots that explore other planets to collecting coral samples for evidence of past climates to analyzing the desegregation patterns of cities.

Misconception: Students can’t do research until they are juniors or seniors.

The reality: Students can begin research at any time during their undergraduate career.

Misconception: Students can only do research within their major.

The reality: Students can do research in any field of study they are interested in at Georgia Tech.

For more information on Undergraduate Research at Georgia Tech, visit http://urop.gatech.edu/.

Nicknamed "American Idol for Nerds," the InVenture Prize at Georgia Tech is an interdisciplinary innovation competition open to all undergraduate students and recent graduates of the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 2018, six InVenture Prize finalists took the stage to vie for top spot in the competition that is filmed before a live audience and broadcast to over 3.6 million households.

Why Your Student Should Get Involved
The InVenture Prize has had a long history of success by paving a way for students to get a foothold in the world of entrepreneurship. The competition has birthed startups including:

• FireHUD, building devices aimed at protecting firefighters;
• Wish for WASH, focusing on social entrepreneurship within Africa with its principal product, an inexpensive, portable plastic toilet;
• Titin, focusing on weighted exercise clothing aimed at building strength;
• AnemoCheck, enabling the screening of anemia in just a couple of minutes;
• BWHealth, redesigning crutches that minimize underarm pain;
• TEQ Charging, making it possible for multiple drivers to plug their cars into a charging queue;
• PickAR, utilizing augmented reality to help workers find and pick orders in warehouses;
• InternBlitz, enabling students to find and enables students to apply to more than 12,000 companies for internships.

Past participants in the competition are able to develop mindsets that companies seek to be a part of the new workforce – the ability to think creatively about solving problems, work successfully in teams, resolve problems from different perspectives, critical thinking skills, and to communicate effectively to a broad audience. Signups for the InVenture Prize started October 1, so if your student is interested in competing, send them to inventureprize.gatech.edu for more information and to register!

While these organizations have received their funding and are off to host events and programming, we still need your support to continue helping Georgia Tech Create the Next. Throughout the year, we support individual students through the Student Leadership Grant program. So please make your donation today so you can to directly impact the lives of students at Georgia Tech. No donation is too small and all are greatly appreciated. 

More than 54 percent of Georgia Tech students have an experience abroad before graduating. GTL is the largest of Tech’s study abroad programs and allows students to stay on track towards their degree by taking Georgia Tech courses taught by Georgia Tech faculty, accompanied by the experience of being abroad and a widened world-view. All courses are taught in English, so students attending GTL do not even need to know French!

“I always knew that I wanted to study abroad while in college and had a special interest in Europe,” said Nataly Granados, an undergraduate in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. “Looking into the GTL program, it provided me with a central location in Europe and the time to explore many countries I have always wanted to visit. Also, it had course offerings that fit with my degree requirements.”

One of the biggest concerns for most parents with a student hoping to study abroad is the cost. While sending your student abroad is not free, it may turn out to be a way to save some money. For out-of-state students, the cost is less expensive than if the student were to remain on the Atlanta campus. For in-state students, tuition is the same, but housing in France is less expensive. Scholarships are available to students attending GTL; students should check the website for details.

Safety and security is a big priority for Georgia Tech-Lorraine staff. Safety precautions taken on campus include: key fob entry for campus buildings, an on-site nurse several times per week, staff advising and attending to students, a Facebook group to help students to plan to travel in groups, and an app that can track a student’s location in case of an emergency.

GTL provides a safe yet adventurous environment for students to study and explore. It allows for growth and independence as the students learn to navigate new territory, it teaches the students valuable time management skills as they balance study and travel, and it provides a great addition to resumes that demonstrates a student’s ability to adapt to cultural differences.

Applications for spring, summer, and fall 2019 are now open. Please contact Allie Crain, GTL Outreach Coordinator, with any questions.

The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Office can assist our students in developing the social skills necessary to be successful at Georgia Tech and beyond.

• Leading Edge | One-on-One Leadership Coaching
  In One-on-One Leadership Coaching, students are paired with a trained leadership coach to actively explore and improve their individual and team leadership skills through self-evaluation and feedback from others. They will design and conduct leadership experiments that put your new skills into action and grow their leadership capacity. The time commitment is six one-hour sessions throughout the semester. Encourage your students to foster their personal and professional leadership skills that will apply throughout their education and after graduation. Apply Now! Application deadline is Monday, November 12, at 11:59pm.
• Minor in Leadership Studies

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. Students will complete the program by applying their knowledge and skills through a project based experiential learning course. The minor is currently comprised of three tracks – Business, Global Engineering Leadership, and Public Policy — offered through the Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Scheller College of Business, the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the School of Public Policy. Apply Now

For more information, visit leadership.gatech.edu.

It is officially feedback time – Midterm Progress Reports. If your student is enrolled in 1000- and 2000-level courses, grades are now available to help assess their progress. The information is timed so that there is still time left in the semester to make adjustments if needed. These grades are meant to advise the student and their academic advisor, but do not contribute to a student’s GPA or show up on a transcript. Progress report options are S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory, indicating a performance level of D or lower) and should be based on the completion of at least one graded assignment. 

Do something with this information. Students who would like to do better are encouraged to contact the Center for Academic Success (success.gatech.edu) to find out what they can do to improve their performance. Connecting with a tutor or academic coach, visiting a professor or TA during office hours, or participating in a workshop or study group can help students turn a rough start into a successful finish.

All our services are free to students. In academic coaching, students meet with one of three trained Learning Specialists for 1-on-1 strategizing about student skills and challenges, including time management, study strategies, note-taking, organization, and motivation. This personalized approach to academic success allows students to take further control of their education and align their habits with those goals. Our workshops — also delivered by learning specialists — cover a similar range of topics in an interactive group setting, creating the opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and actionable steps. Remind your student that help is available! Appointments may be scheduled online at academicsupport.gatech.edu/TracWeb40/Default.html or the student can come into our office and make an appointment there. Our office is in the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, suite 283.

There are many programs to help your child tackle Tech on two wheels:

• Rent a bike: Students can take advantage of discounted membership rates for Atlanta’s citywide Relay Bike Share program. The Georgia Tech program, BuzzBikes, also offers bicycles for rent by the semester.

• Purchase a pre-owned bike: Students can purchase pre-owned bicycles from Starter Bikes, an organization run by student volunteers that is dedicated to helping students fix and maintain their bikes. Starter Bikes is open Fridays from 4:00-6:00 PM in the CRC parking deck.

• Get a helmet: Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has helmets available for purchase for $12. Visit their office at 828 West Peachtree.

• Take a safety class: How can your student feel more safe and confident on a bike? Attend one of the monthly bike safety classes at the CRC. Participants learn the rules of the road and tips for being visible, alert, and safe. The class is free to attend and includes giveaways such as lights and helmets.

• Register your bike: The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) can add your student’s bike to the National Bike Registry, a database that allows police departments across the country to contact you if your bike is stolen and recovered. Registration, along with use of a U-lock, will significantly reduce the risk of bicycle theft.

• Find your route: Google Maps makes it easy to locate the bike lanes and paths on campus. Students who live off-campus can take advantage of bike lanes that connect to Midtown, West Midtown, and Home Park. Bicycle parking is available outside almost every academic building, and secured bicycle parking is available inside residence halls.

For more information and the latest news on programs and activities, visit bike.gatech.edu.

Are you a Tech Alumni?

Our alumni love to give back to our students. They donate their time and experiences through SAA to help the organization instill a sense of spirit, pride, and philanthropy in all Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. If you are an alum, you can also get involved! Connect with current Georgia Tech students by mentoring in 1:1 mentoring or our Minute Mentoring program. In addition, if you are a local, then consider hosting a Dinner Jacket Event. See our networking page for a list of all the ways you can connect with the students.

Health Initiatives is seeking students to be part of the new peer health education program. Peer educators are student leaders who give presentations on a variety of health topics, design and implement health programs for students, and collaborate with campus partners to create a healthy community. Don’t let your student miss out on this great opportunity. For more information, visit http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/healthyjacket

Future Pharmacists Needed!

Stamps Health Services Pharmacy is looking for pre-health students who are interested in a medical or health related career field. The volunteer program is designed to give the individual insight into the operations of a retail pharmacy. For more information and the application, visit http://health.gatech.edu/services/pharmacy.

Annual Ski Trip Information Session

Students can celebrate finishing the semester by joining Campus Recreation in Big Sky, Montana for its annual ski trip. Students can learn more about the trip at the information session on September 11 at 6:30 p.m. in CRC, Room 240. For more information, visit http://crc.gatech.edu/services/trips/ski

Check in at Fresh Check Day

Fresh Check Day is a celebratory fair-like event promoting mental health and well-being among students on campus. Students chat with their peers, visit booths on different well-being topics, meet staff from on-campus departments and participate in interactive activities. The event is taking place on Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom and will have free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes.

Group Fitness Passes on Sale Now

The Campus Recreation (CRC) offers more than 35 drop-in group fitness classes every week during the semester so students can add variety to their exercise routine. A semester membership to group fitness is available for $73 and can be purchases in person at the member services desk, online at mycrc.gatech.edu, or by calling 404-385-7529.

New Program Encourages Healthy Relationship with Food

Students can explore their relationship with food, dieting, and body image with Health Initiatives’ new Intuitive Eating Program. Intuitive eating is an evidence-based non-diet approach that will help you create a balanced and compassionate relationship with food and your body. For more information and the dates of the workshops, visit http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/nutrition/intuitive-eating.

Life Skill Building with Adulting Program

The Adulting series introduces students to life skills that are not taught in the classroom. This fall, this five-week series begins on September 20. Topics being covered this semester include time management, purpose, networking, cooking, and self-branding. Registration is encouraged. To learn more and register, visit http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/adulting.

Two Opportunities for Students to Learn about Financial Well-Being

Health Initiatives is offering two programs to help students take control of their finances: Transit Financial Wellness, an online course, and Foundations of Finance, an in-person five-week course. Students can sign up for Transit anytime online and access the modules using their Georgia Tech account. Students interested in an in-person course can register for Foundations of Finance online. Deadlines to register for the in-person course are September 15 for session one and Oct 26 for session two. To learn more, visit http://healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/well-being/finance.

Opt Outside with Campus Recreation

Caving, backpacking, bountain biking, or whitewater kayaking are just some of the outdoor instructional adventures your student can participate in with CRC’s outdoor recreation program. Spots fill up quick for these trips, so students are strongly encouraged to register early. Registration is done in person at the Wilderness Outpost in the CRC. To learn more about various trips, visit http://crc.gatech.edu/outdoor/adventure.

Gifts and More: Missing your student? It is never too early to send some love. Pre-order birthday cakes or care packages for your student to conveniently pick up from a Georgia Tech Dining Services location. Shop today

Never pay taxes on food with Dining Dollars! Dining Dollars can be added at any time and are tax-exempt funds to use at all Dining locations for food purchases. Purchase today!

Auditions is open and running! Be sure to let your student know they can try each new concept every week and vote on various food selections they would most like to see featured in the new Campus Center! Best of all-meal swipes are accepted!

Stay in Touch through our social media accounts and be aware of foodie events on campus as well as up to date info regarding open locations and updates.

Facebook @gtdining
Twitter @gtdining
Instagram @gatechdining

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December; however, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 14 by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2019
• Sunday, December 16 by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

If your student resides with us now or will in the future, we hope that their experience in our housing is positive and promotes academic success. We are available to help you and/or your student by phone (404-894-2470) or in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by email (information@housing.gatech.edu). Thank you for choosing GT Housing!

This year OIE will host the second annual Global Internship Resource Expo on September 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The Expo will highlight opportunities for students to intern abroad during their time at Tech. Students will be able to interact with internship employers and providers as well as connect with previous Georgia Tech interns through poster presentations. All undergraduate and graduate students interested in interning outside of the U.S. are encouraged to attend!

OIE is hosting the 23^rd Annual Study Abroad Fair on October 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The Fair showcases the wide variety of international opportunities open to undergraduate students like exchanges abroad, faculty-led study abroad programs (like the Pacific Spring Study Abroad Program or the China Summer Program), Global Internships, and more. This is the best chance for students to meet program directors, student alumni from these programs, and get information on how financial aid and scholarships will work when they study abroad. There will be tasty treats and fun raffle prizes. We hope to see students there!

Students who want to nail the interview and land the job can prepare by taking advantage of mock interviews, resume blitzes, seminars, etiquette dinners, and workshops, where professionals from business and industry, their college, or Georgia Tech’s Center for Career Discovery and Development share their guidance and expertise.

But what advice might students have for other students when it comes to making the most of Georgia Tech’s many face-to-face job search opportunities? How do they manage the pitfalls of personal appearance, the intimidation of the interview, the hazards of the handshake, the night-before nerves? CLICK HERE to see tips from students regarding their Career Fair experiences from 2016.

Encourage your students to attend the Career Fair and make the most of their time while they are there. Even if they’re not looking for a job right now, the connections they can make during this time can put them in a good position for whenever they decide to start job hunting.

CLICK HERE for a bonus article that discusses the “5 Tips to Avoid the Most Common Career Fair Mistakes.”

This year, our fraternity and sorority community celebrates 130 years of history and is now home to 54 chapters! Naturally, this can seem a little overwhelming to students when they consider their options in deciding which chapter is right for them. The fraternities and sororities at Georgia Tech are grouped under four governing boards, each with their own unique recruitment and membership process. The following is a brief overview of each governing board and related recruitment events.

Collegiate Panhellenic Council

The Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) is the governing body for 10 sororities: eight National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sororities and two national associate member sororities.

CPC will host formal recruitment for seven NPC sororities August 16-21. Female students interested in joining an NPC sorority are required to register for formal recruitment online at http://www.gatechcpc.com  before 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 16. Our two associate member chapters, Alpha Delta Chi and Alpha Omega Epsilon, will host their recruitment period the following week. Visit the “Chapters” page at http://www.gatechcpc.com to find out more about the specific times, dates, and locations.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing board for Tech’s 32 inter/national fraternities. IFC hosts rush August 16-21, and registration is required. Interested men can find the online form on the IFC website, www.fraternity.gatech.edu. Although registration is required, rush is an informal, relaxed period of time when the chapters host events to meet and get to know potential new members for the fraternity.

Multicultural Greek Council

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for five culturally based and cultural interest fraternities and sororities. The chapters of the MGC coordinate and implement their own new member recruitment processes. MGC will cohost a Welcome Back Dinner on August 24 at 7 p.m. which will kick-off their recruitment week. Information about the Multicultural Greek Council and its chapters can be found at http://mgc.gtorg.gatech.edu/

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body for seven historically African American fraternities and sororities. There are four fraternities and three sororities in NPHC. The chapters coordinate and implement their own new member process, which is commonly referred to as “membership intake.” NPHC will cohost a Greek Convocation in early September. Information about NPHC and the member chapters can be found at http://greek.gatech.edu/.

If you or your student has any questions about the councils or their recruitment and membership intake processes, please contact Fraternity & Sorority Life at 404.894.2002 or visit us online at www.greek.gatech.edu.

Here are some ways in which students can develop self-advocacy and be successful at Georgia Tech:

• Be knowledgeable about your disability and how it affects your functioning across domains, cognitively, academically, socially, occupationally, physically, and with independent living. It is also helpful to understand your strengths and weaknesses, compensatory strategies, and learning styles.
• Self-identify, by locating the Office of Disability Services and disclosing your disability through a request for services.
• Be able to articulate the accommodations you have been provided to professors.
• Ask your disability services coordinator questions when you don’t understand something or for help when you run into difficulties. We have strategies and tips to employ and knowledge to help when you need it.
• Use problem-solving with professors to properly implement accommodations and/or immediately report problems to the Office of Disability Services.
• Learn about and utilize support services available on campus (e.g academic coaching, tutoring, counseling center).
• Develop independent living skills.

Please reach out to the Office of Disability Services with any questions.

Contact Information

Office of Disability Services
404-894-2563 (Voice); 404-894-1664 (TDD)
dsinfo@gatech.edu
http://www.disabilityservices.gatech.edu/

Sponsored by Leadership Education and Development

Leadership.gatech.edu

Leadership continues to be one of the most pressing issues faced by global organizations today. Organizations are looking for students who have the ability to collaborate across boundaries, conceptualize new solutions, and motivate diverse teams. Encourage your student to level up their leadership skills by applying to Leading Edge (One-on-One Leadership Coaching) for the 2018 Fall Semester. In Leading Edge, they will actively explore and improve their individual and team leadership skills through practice and critical reflection, challenge themselves to be a better leader, and develop their leadership vision. For more information, visit leadership.gatech.edu.

Applications for remaining slots are due Thursday, August 23 at 11:59 p.m.

Georgia Tech is unique in the breadth and depth of international opportunities open to students. Tech provides undergraduate students 120+ different study abroad programs spanning every academic discipline, the chance to do global internships to broaden their professional acumen regardless of level, and the opportunity to internationalize their degrees by participating in the award-winning International Plan. In addition to exploring the globe, students are encouraged to engage with their international student peers not only in classes, student organizations, or in campus housing, but also through programming like the monthly OIE coffee hour, International Education Week, Culture Fest, and alternative break trips. For more information, visit: https://oie.gatech.edu/news-events

Contact us:
Office of International Education
Phone: 404-894-7475
www.oie.gatech.edu

Gifts and More: Send a hug from home with a Gifts and More package. Pre-order birthday cakes or care packages for your student to conveniently pick up from a Dining Services location. Shop today

Auditions is our newest dining location located on the first floor of the student center featuring a variety of rotating pop-up concepts. Each concept in the Auditions collection will feature a unique menu with a fusion of cuisines. Rotating weekly, customers will experience variety, authenticity, and discover new flavors. The menus range from a total vegetarian concept to mashups where east meets west. Customers will be able to provide feedback and vote on various food selections they would most like to see featured in the new Student Center! Best of all-meal swipes are accepted!

Stay in Touch through our social media accounts and be in the know for foodie events on campus as well as up to date info regarding open locations and updates.

Facebook @gtdining
Twitter @gtdining
Instagram @gatechdiningservices

gatechdining.com
404-894-2383

Move-in times, dates, locations, and other details for freshmen can be found at Freshman Students Move-In, and all other students at 2018 Move in for All Students Who are Not Freshmen. On the Move-in page of our Housing website, you will find links to other helpful information about the move-in process. Please encourage your student to read this information, also!

The assignment staff for the Department of Housing is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to help you with any questions or concerns. You may contact us by calling 404-894-2470 or email information@housing.gatech.edu.

One thing you will realize very quickly is that Georgia Tech cares a great deal about the success of your student (see Whole-Person Education) while they’re at Tech, and giving them the skills to be successful once they’ve graduated and start their careers. This is where the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) comes in. Whether your student needs help with a challenging course; wants to identify an undergraduate research opportunity; or plans to find a co-op or internship position, OUE can help.

Is your student interested in research opportunities, innovation competitions, Living Learning Communities, or campus-wide first-year programs? Check out..

The Center for Academic Enrichment (CAE), which fosters student growth by delivering research and innovation programs, academic seminars, campus-wide engagement programs, LLCs, and other opportunities for students to share ideas, explore possibilities, and take initiative.

Does your student want to stay proactive with their coursework through 1-to-1 tutoring, Peer-Led Undergraduate Study, or academic coaching sessions? Visit…

The Center for Academic Success (CAS), which supports undergraduate students in achieving their academic goals through a range of both personalized and campus-wide initiatives that foster self-regulated learning, enhance academic skills, and create opportunities for leadership and continued development within and beyond Georgia Tech's rigorous environment.

Does your student want a more in-depth learning experience and to live in a community of people just like them? They should consider…

The Honors Program (HP), which combines the challenging academic standards of one of the world's finest research universities with the closer student-faculty connections one might expect to find at smaller colleges. Its mission is to create a lively environment where students and faculty members learn from each other through a common commitment to intellectual inquiry, careful analysis, and energetic exchange of ideas.

Is your student interested in sustainable communities, and how they can use their degree to impact the world around them? Check out…

The Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain (SLS), which helps students to learn about, serve, and create sustainable communities. SLS advances students’ knowledge and capabilities to prepare them to address sustainability challenges and interrelated community-level societal needs. SLS programs and services provide exposure to issues, development of foundational knowledge and skills, connection of knowledge and skills to professional practice, and deep learning experiences.

Is your student interested in available careers in their major, internships or co-ops, or pursuing a degree in teaching, law, medicine, or apply for a prestigious fellowship? They need to visit…

The Center for Career Discovery & Development (C2D2), which provides career education, resources, experiential learning (including GT’s co-op and internship programs), employment, and pre-professional opportunities to all GT students. C2D2’s vision is to ensure that all students graduate career-ready, which means they are: positioned to launch successfully upon graduation; prepared to navigate their careers effectively; and committed to lifelong learning for professional growth and satisfaction.

We hope that your student will take advantage of these programs and services while they’re on campus. Again, congratulations parents & families, and go Jackets!

*Follow @GTOUE on twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or flickr to stay up-to-date with everything we’re doing!

• Plan Ahead: If your student will be traveling, encourage him or her to be aware of the laws at their destination. Ask your student to give you an itinerary of their trip, complete with his or her hotel information as well as when their party should arrive and return.
• Alcohol Use & Abuse: legal drinking age for the destination, your expectations, using a designated driver, not taking drinks from strangers, not leaving drinks unattended, feeling confident about choosing not to drink
• Staying Healthy: staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, accessing local medical help
• Travel Safety: not driving when tired; know local traffic laws; know how to access embassies when abroad, and foreign travel customs. During this week, students should also always use the buddy system when possible.
• Finances: setting and sticking to a budget, expectations for using or not using a credit card, how to get extra cash in an emergency, and avoid carrying all their money (credit cards, debit cards, checks and cash) in their wallet or purse.
• Use LiveSafe's Safety Map, SafeWalk, and Check-In features to help keep you and your travel buddies safe.  As long as you have connectivity, LiveSafe will work anywhere in the world.

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for tips on Spring Break Health and safety.

The 2018 ASB spring break trip locations and service projects are noted below. ASB is especially excited to expand to the west coast by hosting its first trip to California while also maintaining strong partnerships with sites like Jacksonville, FL where ASB has served each year since 2010. Biloxi, MS (Community Collaborations – Early Childhood Education)

• Concord, NC (Habitat for Humanity – Affordable Housing)
• Jacksonville, FL (Habitat for Humanity – Affordable Housing)
• Maryville, TN (Once Upon a Time – Environmental Preservation)
• Oakland, CA (Community Collaborations – Community Sustainability)
• Dominican Republic (Outreach 360 – Teaching English)
• Nicaragua (Community Collaborations – Environmental Education & Preservation)

These spring break trips are seven of the 12 total trips that ASB will have offered to Tech students during the 2017-2018 academic year; ASB hosted three fall break trips (Asheville, NC; Cherokee, NC; and Columbia, SC); one winter break trip (Port Arthur, TX); and will host one summer break trip in May (Belize).

If you live in one the trip areas and/or are interested in supporting ASB’s upcoming trips, please contact Sarah Perkins, Assistant Director for Civic Engagement, at sarah.perkins@gatech.edu.

Students studying at GT-Shenzhen pay low tuition & fees that are comparable to the in-state rate at GT-Atlanta. US citizen graduate students with GPA of 3.25 or above are eligible to apply for the $2,500 Coulter Scholarship (application deadline is 3/15 for Summer). Senior undergraduate students can take graduate classes with departmental approval. Complimentary non-credit Chinese language and cultural classes are also available. Students wishing to spend a semester at GT-Shenzhen should email gtshenzhen@ece.gatech.edu for consultation. Please include your phone number.”

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. The benefits are simple, yet impactful: add to your technical skills, distinguish yourself from your peers and gain valuable leadership experience. Click here to learn more.

RSVP here - https://www.facebook.com/events/145627626106126/

Campus Services will award five scholarships, in the amount of $6,000 each. Applications must be submitted by March 7, 2018.

For complete information, including selection criteria and applicant requirements, visit http://campusservices.gatech.edu/scholarships .If you have any questions or issues, please contact Melissa Moore at melissa.moore@gatech.edu.

March is here, and it is time to begin thinking about the end of the semester. Students that plan to move out of a residence hall or switch rooms at the end of the spring semester should check the dates and details in Spring 2018 End of Semester Room Info on our website before making travel plans. 

The Georgia Tech Department of Housing strives to provide a safe environment that meets students’ needs and interests and supports their academic success. Don’t let your student miss out on the convenience, comfort, and experience of on-campus living next year! Also, watch for the Summer 2018 campus housing sign-up, which begins online April 21, 2018.

Students who graduate with the Research Option will have opportunities to extend their communication and writing skills, increase their knowledge in a specific area of emphasis, and, depending on the research project, learn either independent research or teamwork skills. Students will be exposed to how research projects are created and sustained and what research within their field of study really entails. While the option appears on the student’s transcript as a special designation, the true benefit of the program comes from the immersion in a specific independent research topic, interaction with peers from other disciplines also completing research, and special instruction in small classes on research-related skills and tools.

While the Research Option is open to all students, it is specifically tailored for Academically-track students, those who are considering graduate school, or Professionally-track students, those who are planning a career in research and development. Interested students need to have support from a faculty member to participate in the program. Once a student has faculty support, they must complete the online application. 

We currently have 24 schools participating in the program and just his past fall, the new Neuroscience program has joined.  The popularity of this program has grown so if your student is interested in receiving this designation, they need to sign up earlier in their Georgia Tech career.

The exact requirements for research option vary by academic unit, however, students typically:

• Create an independent research project and written proposal for the work planned,
• Complete at least 9 units of undergraduate research (over at least two, preferably three terms),
• Take a sequence of two 1-hour writing courses in support of various aspects of the option:
  • LMC 4701: Undergraduate Research Proposal Writing offers students support and tools as they write the proposal required for the program (This course requires you take the prerequisite of ENGL 1102.)
  • LMC 4702: Undergraduate Research Thesis Writing supports students during their final semester of research as they complete the thesis and present it to the faculty of their school (This course requires you to take the prerequisite of ENGL 1102 and LMC 4701.) , and
• Write an undergraduate thesis/report of research on their findings

For additional information on the Research Option, a list of participating schools, and additional resources, visit http://urop.gatech.edu/research-option.

For more information on undergraduate research and the research option, email urop@gatech.edu.

1. Remember that stress isn’t all bad. Without some degree of stress, we would not feel motivated to do our work. An optimal amount of stress feels energizing, motivating, and helps us focus on the task at hand.
2. Too much stress feels overwhelming. Over-stress can show up physically (e.g., rapid heart rate & high blood pressure, muscle tension, sweating, digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, increased frequency of colds and infections); emotionally (anxiety, irritability, emotional outbursts, restlessness, concentration difficulties, forgetfulness, pessimism); and behaviorally (avoidance, social withdrawal, conflict, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, increased use of substances).
3. If any of the signs of over-stress are present, regard them as important information that something needs to change. Try:
   • Reaching out for social support
   • Attending to The Big 3: sleep, diet, exercise.
   • Building in fun – but not in a way that facilitates procrastination.
4. Speaking of procrastination, the avoidance of stressors is a common response to stress – that tends to cause more stress. Here are some suggestions for overcoming procrastination:
   Excuse: “I can’t get motivated.”
   Action comes first, motivation follows. Plan to give yourself a reward for performing the behavior you intend. When all else fails, tell yourself to just “do just 10 minutes.”
   Excuse: “It seems overwhelming. I don’t know where to start.”
   Make an outline and break it down into smaller tasks. Ask yourself: “What’s the first step?” Identify starter tasks (and combine with the “10 minute” strategy.) Remember that perfect is the enemy of the good – and the finished.
   Excuse: “I keep engaging in avoidance and distractions.”
   Eliminate distractions and time wasters. Use your distractions (e.g., social media) as time-limited rewards. Tackle the most difficult part first.
5. If these strategies are not enough, remember that the Counseling Center is here to help. We provide Life Skills workshops and other counseling services designed to support students through stressful times. Please visit counseling.gatech.edu for additional information about our programs and services.

Generally speaking, a grade of Satisfactory (S) indicates a performance at the level of C or better; a grade of Unsatisfactory (U) indicates a performance at the level of D or F. Please know that an instructor may assign a U to indicate possible trouble (because of poor attendance or low quiz grades), even for students who are not yet failing.

What should your student do if they have a midterm U?

• Schedule an appointment with their academic advisor. The advisor will help the student figure out next steps. The advisor will require that your student visit if your student has more than one mid-term U. Sometimes students are tempted to ignore this, but this is a bad idea. They should see the advisor as soon as possible in order to avoid registration holds. An advisor can also advise students regarding the consequences of dropping a class.
• Your student should use campus resources:
  • Meet with professor
  • Meet with Teaching Assistant (TA)
  • Go to http://www.success.gatech.edu/progress-reports-faq to learn more about all coaching and tutoring programs.

• Other campus resources that may be of value to your student are the Learning Assistance Program, Communications Center, Counseling Center, and the Center for Career Discovery and Development. Click on the various links at http://www.success.gatech.edu/progress-reports-faq for additional information.
• Participate in online or in-person workshop. For a list of upcoming in-person workshops, go to http://success.gatech.edu/workshop-registration-0 or go to http://www.success.gatech.edu/success-workshops for online workshops.

Encourage your student to use the free services that are available to help them achieve their goals. Are they unsatisfied with a grade? The Center for Academic Success can help! Visit www.success.gatech.edu to learn more or have your students stop by The Center for Academic Success, located in Clough Commons in Room 283, is open throughout the week and even on Sundays. Encourage your student to stop by and maximize their potential!

What do Happiness & Sustainability Mean to You? What is the connection between happiness and sustainability—and how can we apply this connection to the Georgia Tech community? Students are invited to join us for a workshop hosted by Scott Cloutier as we consider what happiness and sustainability mean for Georgia Tech, and how students can create a happier, more sustainable Tech community. We will discuss how happiness and sustainability are intertwined, how students might explore happiness through sustainability in their own lives, and what the happiness-sustainability connection means for Georgia Tech. The workshop will be on Thursday, March 1, 11-11:45 a.m. in the Clough Lounge.

The Second Annual Project One Film Scramble will also kick-off this spring. The Film Scramble is a timed filmmaking competition in which Georgia Tech undergraduates are challenged to create short films—from concept to completion—in one high-paced, caffeine-fueled weekend. Films can be any genre—science fiction, horror, romance, comedy, documentary—as long as the theme of your film is “happiness.” Filmmakers will be given a prop and a line of dialogue to be included in their short film masterpiece. Films must not run more than three minutes in length. Selected films will be on the big screen at the premiere event on April 11 at the Student Center Theater.

For more information, visit projectone.gatech.edu

In the past six months, the Center has added three full-time staff members, providing essential services to a wider range of Georgia Tech students. With the addition of new staff, we can now offer Academic Coaching without appointments every Tuesday from 1 – 7 p.m., allowing more students to access our resources. For more information on this development and all of our services, please visit success.gatech.edu.

Graduating students and their parents are invited to Georgia Tech’s Commencement Fair, a one-stop-shop for all graduation needs. The event will be in the Student Center Ballroom on Tuesday, March 6, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information and a list of our participating vendors, visit http://www.commencement.gatech.edu/commencement-fair

Spring 2018 Commencement

Georgia Tech will celebrate its 255th Commencement at McCamish Pavilion in May. The bachelor’s commencement will be on Saturday, May 5, and split into two ceremonies based on students’ majors. To view the times and major divisions for each ceremony, visit http://www.commencement.gatech.edu/schedule. Both undergraduate ceremonies will be ticketed events. We encourage guests to arrive early for general seating.

The Ph.D. and master’s ceremony will take place Friday, May 4. We encourage guests to arrive early for general seating.

In addition, we encourage all parents and their guests to share in the excitement of Commencement with their graduates at the President’s Graduation Celebration. Held on Friday, May 4, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tech Tower lawn (rain location – Student Center), families and graduates will have an opportunity to take photos with beloved Tech mascots, meet administrators, faculty, and staff, and share in unique traditions that make Georgia Tech such a cherished institution. For more information about Commencement, visit www.commencement.gatech.edu.

Be a part of this fun 3.141592 tradition…come out and enjoy all of the Pi Mile’s race day activities – music, food and hanging out with Buzz. Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing. 

Shop our secure e-commerce site for a Valentine’s Day tokens of love. We will notify your student when their special order is available for pick-up, and we will even include a customized note. Shop today.

Auntie Anne’s

We are Excited to Announce that your student may now use Dining Points and Buzzcard Funds at Auntie Anne’s, located in the Student Center Commons!

Returning students who apply for 2018-2019 Academic Year housing by March 4, 2018, are guaranteed housing and may participate is the room self-assign process. Parents, encourage your student to monitor his/her Georgia Tech email, the housing website, and their Tech P.O. Box for information, updates, and brochures about the application and room self-assign processes. 

Any time you or your student have questions about campus housing or need assistance with an application, our assignment staff is ready to help. You may contact us by phone (404-894-2470) or email (information@housing.gatech.edu).

With the start of the spring term, the study abroad scholarship season for summer and academic year/fall begins. The OIE Administered Scholarships deadline is February 15, 2018. There are also many Georgia Tech and national study abroad scholarship deadlines in March and April, including:

• the Mundy Study Abroad Funds for civil and environmental engineering majors;
• the Gilman Scholarship for students who receive a Pell Grant;
• the Freeman ASIA scholarship for students studying in Asia;
• the Coca-Cola First-Generation Mobility Scholarship;
• the Campoamor Scholarships for students studying on an LBAT;
• the Diversity Abroad Scholarship.

Now is a great time for Atlanta students to get started on finding a global internship for the fall, as the search for summer internships is already in full swing. All Georgia Tech students are eligible to do a global internship (this includes undergraduate and post-graduate students; domestic and international students). To sign up for the bi-monthly newsletter and learn about the global internship opportunities with Tech, visit: https://oie.gatech.edu/gip.

Stamps Health Services is still providing flu shots. A free student flu shot clinic will be held Wednesday, February 7 from 9am - 3pm at Stamps Health Services. More information can be found at: http://health.gatech.edu/flu.

For more information visit, http://counseling.gatech.edu/content/collegiate-recovery-program or email Christina.owens@studentlife.gatech.edu

Increasing Meal Plan value and convenience, students may use a meal swipe all day inside of the Student Center Food Court at Essential Eats, Simply to Go, Simply Sustainable Salad and Soup Bar, and for beverages and snacks beginning on January 8! (Available during standard operating hours. Visit Gatechdining.com to view hours of operation).

Spring into a culinary adventure with a meal plan

Student meal plans are thoughtfully designed to stimulate healthy living and quality of life. Your student will have access to multiple dining facilities campus wide, that help fuel bodies and brains for a vigorous academic performance; and serves as a place to relax and chill with friends. Use a meal swipe at three community restaurants, and for purchases valued up to $10 at West Village- micro restaurants, and in the heart of campus at the Student Center Food Court. Wait no more, purchase today to ensure your student is ready to thrive at Georgia Tech.

Auntie Anne’s New to Campus

Last semester Auntie Anne’s joined the GT Dining campus team. Visit Auntie Anne’s located inside of the Student Center Commons during your next campus visit.

Put the Icing on the Cake for all Birthdays

Pre-order your student’s birthday cake or cupcakes through the campus Village Bakery. It’s really simple. Order online at Gatechdining.com/shop, and we will notify your student to pick-up. We will even include a special note. Text GTDining to 82257 to receive exclusive promotions for our Gifts and More website.

Although it is only January, it is time to make plans for the 2018-2019 Academic Year. The fall housing application for returning students opens Friday, January 26. Parents, encourage your student to monitor his/her GT email, the housing website, and their Tech P.O. Box for information, updates, and brochures about the application process.

Anytime you or your student have questions about Georgia Tech campus housing or need assistance with an application, our assignment staff is ready to help. Contact us by phone (404-894-2470), email (information@housing.gatech.edu), or visit our website (housing.gatech.edu).

“Hi, my name is Sabrina! I am a third-year biomedical engineer with a minor in Chinese. I am from Baltimore, MD and enjoy spending my free time watching television and movies, exploring Atlanta, and baking new dessert recipes.

I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the China LBAT program this past summer. It was my first time travelling to China and I was very excited to put to practice the vocabulary and grammar structures I had spent the past nine years learning. When some of the scholarships I was awarded for the LBAT explained that a follow-up service project must be completed upon my return to school, I thought creating a unique video highlighting my time in China would be the perfect blend of my love for photography and scholarship requirements.

Gathering the footage for the video was very easy; I took over a thousand photos and videos combined while abroad. The most difficult part was picking which were my favorites to showcase in the video. One of my friends from the LBAT was kind enough to let me record some of her thoughts about the program, which ended up being the introduction to my video. After a lot of time spent editing and re-editing, I think the end product is a good indicator of the incredible adventure I had with all my new friends from the program. I hope you enjoy my video and consider applying to your own study abroad program!” https://youtu.be/OXE4ZMaBc8E

Office of International Education Upcoming Dates

• Study Abroad 101 January 16, from 11 a.m. - noon (Student Center #301) These sessions are intended to give more in-depth information about international opportunities and how to begin narrowing down a student’s program choices. This session will focus on students wanting to learn more about exchanges.
• How to Afford Study Abroad January 18, from 11 a.m. – noon (Savant #308)
• International Opportunities Open House, January 23, from 11 a.m. - noon in the Student Center’s Crescent Room. Students are invited to meet with OIE’s Peer Advisors to ask questions about study abroad programs, Global Internships, and the International Plan. For more information on current events, please visit: http://oie.gatech.edu/
• How to Afford Study Abroad January 30, from 11 a.m. - noon (Student Center #301)
• OIE Administered Scholarships Deadline (LAST DEADLINE FOR SUMMER 2018 FUNDING) February 15, https://oie.gatech.edu/oie-administered-scholarships

• Study Abroad Deadline February 15, 2018: deadline for many exchange and faculty-led study abroad programs. For more information, please visit: https://oie.gatech.edu/study-abroad-programs

- Well-Being Activators: Well-Being Activators are champions and ambassadors charged with enhancing a culture of health, well-being, and caring at Georgia Tech. They are the first to know about the latest health and well-being happenings on campus and have access to information, tools, and resources to help them and their colleagues lead a healthier lifestyle. Being an activator will also help your student gain relevant skills and grow their peer, professional, and cross-campus network. Students can find out more information and apply to become Activator at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/WBA. The deadline to apply is January 17!

- Adulting Series: This four-part series helps your student nurture essential life skills. The four sessions will cover topics including saving for spring break; healthy cooking; personal, family and community purpose; and building professional relationships. Students can find out more information and register at healthinitiatitves.gatech.edu/adulting.

- Foundations of Finance Course: A five-week series that empowers college students to save, budget, avoid debt, and spend wisely. Students will learn the skills to start practicing sound financial habits now that will set them up for success in the future. Students can find out more information and register at healthinitiatitves.gatech.edu/finance.

- Lifeguard Certification Course: Does your student want to work at the Campus Recreation Center (CRC)? By becoming a certified lifeguard, they will be eligible to work at the CRC’s McAuley Aquatic Center. The course takes place January 25 through 28 and costs $50. The cost of the course may be reimbursed after employment. Students can find out more information and register at crc.gatech.edu/lifeguard-certification.

It is also cold and flu season! If your student has not already received their flu shot, additional flu shot clinics will take place on January 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second floor of Stamps Health Services. Your student can also make an appointment at Stamps Health Services to get their flu shot. To schedule an appointment, your student can use our online portal: health.gatech.edu/appointments.

Please note:

• BuzzCard/GT ID is required for admission
• Students do NOT register for the event
• Students are expected to wear business attire
• The Campus Closet is available to students who need business attire: http://campuscloset.gatech.edu/
• Students should bring copies of their resumes

The Department of Housing is looking for new Student Leaders in Georgia Tech’s Residence Halls! 

We have a total of 287 Resident Advisors and Peer Leaders serving our students in our residential communities. The function of the Student Staff Member (SSM) position is to work with residents to facilitate and develop a community environment within residence halls, which will contribute to the intellectual, social, and cultural growth of their residents, which will result in increased academic success and retention for these participants. The SSM works closely with the Hall Director in order to maintain a level of consistency both within the area and within the department. The student staff position requires dedication, flexibility, commitment, and enthusiasm as the staff member will actively respond to the changing needs and situations with residents. The SSM works directly with the Hall Director and receives additional direct supervision and training from the Hall Director and department.

The application is available until Wednesday, January 17, 2018. For more information, visit http://housing.gatech.edu/residents-job-opportunities

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. The benefits are simple, yet impactful: add technical skills, distinguish yourself from your peers and gain valuable leadership experience.

Interested? Apply now

Questions / More Information

This event is made possible by the Parents Fund for Student Life & Leadership, the Student Center Programs Council, and Campus Services BuzzFunds.

After a 20-hour journey spanning 2 days, I was finally on the ground in Mumbai, India. I was relieved to be out of an airplane seat, but as I rode across the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge in a taxi, I was filled with a sense of impending doom. “What am I doing here? This is a huge mistake,” I thought to myself. I would come to India as a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar and would now be spending the next nine months living and working at a government research lab. Despite some previous global travel, the reality of living abroad for so long without my family and friends nearby was overwhelming. However, I knew that, in my experience, temporary discomfort while abroad is usually part of a meaningful experience. And so, I hung with it. Now, as I go into my last month of working in India, I can conclude the experience I had while here was well worth the initial discomfort. Based on my time living and working abroad, I have a few reasons I am glad I participated in a global internship, which are also reasons you should consider pursuing one.

First is the opportunity to gain global experience for a marketplace that is increasingly globally interconnected. The realities of living, working, and conducting business in another country become very real through a global internship. When someone wants to talk about the logistical constraints of India, I know firsthand what that looks like. When someone wants to talk about the emerging middle class in India, I know them, because I lived next door to them for nine months. These constraints and emerging economies will define the future challenges and opportunities for many global companies. Working abroad and having that experience certified through Tech’s Global Internship Program shows companies that you have what it takes to engage and succeed in a global marketplace. Not to mention it is a tremendous competitive advantage to have this on your resume in that line of 30 people interviewing at the fall career fair.

While the professional gains of working abroad are tremendous, they are dwarfed by the second reason you should consider a global internship — personal growth. When you immerse yourself in a culture that is different from your own, you become a master of observation. All the sights, sounds, smells, and behaviors are new. Your “cultural norm” compass has to be completely recalibrated. This starts an interesting process wherein you ask the question, “Why?” of almost everything you observe. What is most interesting about this process is that inevitably you shift from asking “Why?” of everything around you to asking “Why?” of yourself. Why do I believe this? Why do I value that? Why am I pursuing this career? In India, I have come to a much fuller understanding of not only India culture, but also of myself by wrestling with why I am the way, I am and why my Indian friends are the way, they are. It is not a matter of right and wrong, but a matter of deeply held, often completely unrealized, values. Ultimately, the more in touch you are with these values in yourself and others, the better your decision-making and leadership.

The final and, perhaps, for some people, most compelling reason is simple: make money while being abroad. My salary while working in India was measly by U.S. standards. However, in India I was quite wealthy. So wealthy, in fact, that I travelled to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Agra, Rishikesh, and Pench National Park collecting loads of memories along the way. While all your friends are paying thousands to study abroad or travel independently, you could be getting paid to be abroad. If nothing else this shows potential employers that you are indeed a Helluva’ Engineer.

Research completed by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning found that Georgia Tech students who frequently visit the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) have higher GPAs and are more likely to return to Georgia Tech the following year. The study also concluded that those who never visited the CRC represented a significant portion of students who had the lowest grade point averages and, more importantly, did not continue school at Georgia Tech! While there are a number of influential factors in the academic performance of our students, data analysis indicates, “that the difference in retention rates are not due to chance alone – frequency of CRC visits does play a role.” For many students, finals make or break students’ grades in their classes, and the CRC is an excellent focus booster in approaching such an important time of the semester.

All classes are FREE during final exams for CRC members – click here to view the schedule. Encourage your student to utilize the CRC in preparation for their finals– their focus will increase, and the studies show that their GPA’s will appreciate it!

First-year students may be especially worried about final exams since this is a new experience for them. Students may feel that they need to re-work every problem, memorize, or re-read everything that has been assigned since August. If this were true — and it is not! — finals would be very overwhelming. Remind students that planning and time management will help them prepare and thrive. Now is the time for students to review syllabi, past exams and assignments, and to identify what they need to review and master prior to final exams. Remind them to make themselves aware of deadlines, such as the last day for tutoring appointments, and to plan to visit their professors’ and TAs’ office hours before the last day of classes. Parents can also help by encouraging students to manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy meals and snacks.

Although registration is currently closed until Phase II opens on January 4, December can be a great time for students to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor. Students considering making changes to their spring schedules should meet with advisors, but students can also use this relatively quiet time to explore studying abroad, undergraduate research, or other programs, including learning about minors and certificates. December is also a good time for students who are worried about their academic standing or are considering changing majors to meet with advisors for help connecting with campus resources or for a professional and supportive perspective.

Students who are disappointed with their fall semester grades should take some time over the winter break to reflect on and learn from their academic performance. Anyone can make plans for a strong start to spring semester by checking out the Success Summit (http://www.success.gatech.edu/success-summit ).

Applications are due Friday, November 10 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit leadership.gatech.edu.

New and Improved West Village Dining introduces Route 4!

Saving more time while offering more convenience, flexibility and variety. Route 4 allows customers to order from four micro-restaurants in a single transaction. Visit West Village during your next campus visit.

Treat your student to a Conscious Craving package to help them get through exam season. Order two days in advance of pick-up date and we will notify your student when it is ready. Order today

MyDtxt

Text ParentInfo to 82257 to join our text-messaging list and receive current dining alerts, promotions and announcements. (for Dining Services Messages Only)

We have a total of 289 Resident Advisors and Peer Leaders serving our students in our residential communities. The function of the Student Staff Member (SSM) position is to work with residents to facilitate and develop a community environment within residence halls which will contribute to the intellectual, social, and cultural growth of their residents which will result in increased academic success and retention for these participants. The SSM works closely with the Hall Director in order to maintain a level of consistency both within the area and within the department. The student staff position requires dedication, flexibility, commitment, and enthusiasm as the staff member will actively respond to the changing needs and situations with residents. The SSM works directly with the Hall Director and receives additional direct supervision and training from the Hall Director and department.

The application is available through January 17, 2018. For more information, click on this link http://housing.gatech.edu/residents-job-opportunities.

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December if they plan to reside on campus in the spring. However, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 15, 2017, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2018
• Sunday, December 17, 2017, by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 17, 2017, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

NOTE: To avoid unnecessary penalty charges when terminating the housing contract for acceptable reasons, we encourage your student to read and follow the instructions in “VI. CONTRACT TERMINATION BY STUDENT - AFTER CONTRACT BEGINS” of the 2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR CONTRACT.

As always our assignment staff is available to answer questions and offer assistance by phone (404-894-2470), email (information@housing.gatech.edu), or in our office in the Smithgall (Flag) Building.

The ambassadors have developed several programs to help students find undergraduate research opportunities and to nurture those that are already participating in research.In cooperation with student government, URA hosted the first Undergraduate Research Fair in Spring 2017 with more than 150 students attending. This fair was designed to allow labs; faculty and graduate students share their research with undergraduate students and actively recruit for the upcoming fall semester. We held the fair again in Fall 2017 with great success and will host one in Spring 2018 on April 11.

They have also developed a series of workshops on the following topics: Presentation Skills, Library Resources and Research, Adding Research to your Resume, and How to Write a Literature Review. These are held over a two-week period for the Fall and Spring.

For students who are interested in just speaking with an ambassador, they can come during the weekly office hours or contact an ambassador via our webpage.

Questions? Contact the program at urop@gatech.edu or visit http://urop.gatech.edu/content/undergraduate-research-ambassadors for additional information.

If you have questions or would like more information on the Beijing/Singapore Program or IEW, please do not hesitate to contact us: info@oie.gatech.edu.

Course Overview

The structure of the courses requires students to dive rigorously into one class at a time. All the materials of a semester are condensed into about three weeks. It is a very intense and focused studying process. All this may sound overwhelming, but the upside to this structure is that we are a small class and the professor is extremely flexible with office hours and helping each student understand the material. I am very thankful for my peers as well because we really bonded through the struggle and motivated each other to learn. I know I could not have survived the classes without them. I think another amazing part about the courses offered is that it really gives a sense of what each concentration in ISYE is like. Some courses were taught through application by allowing us to work on projects with local students. It was a great experience because you really get to see another perspective of industrial engineering in Singaporean and Chinese culture. Although courses are rigorous and challenging, the overall experience strengthened my learning and cross-cultural communication skills.

Cultural Experience

Weekends were filled with amazing memories and new experiences! We traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Hanoi, Bali, and Hangzhou, to name a few. One amazing thing about Asia is that these places are so geographically close to each other and yet the culture is completely different. We were constantly absorbing new information and adapting to the types of customs suitable to that culture. One phrase that we used very often was “living on the edge”, literally. After coming back to the states, I realized how much I have grown and matured. I learned that travel is really a lesson in itself. The Beijing-Singapore Program gave me the opportunity to gain all these memorable experiences!

Will I do this program again? Of course!

Two other ways to get a flu shot:

1.  Students can make an online appointment in the allergy and immunization clinic at health.gatech.edu/appointments. 
2. If you have an appointment to see a provider at Stamps, just ask to have your flu shot given while you are there. Any of the nursing personnel will be happy to administer the shot for you at this time.

Additional Dates: 

• Tuesday, November 14, 2017
• 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 28, 2017
  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1. Start early

Start NOW. There are several quizzes and tests scheduled prior to the final exam. Do not lose focus. Prepare fully for them. As you get closer to finals, be intentional and intensify your studying. This should start approximately one or two weeks before the finals.

2. Know what to expect

When is your final? Where? Is your final cumulative or does it only cover the last few weeks of class? Is there grade replacement with your final? What percentage of the grade is your final exam? Be sure you know the answer to all these questions so that you can determine what you will need to earn the grade you desire. Talk to your professor and TA regarding topics and format of the final.

3. Get ready!

Make a calendar outlining a daily schedule of topics for review. Be thorough. Use it. Spreading study sessions out over time – known as distributed practice – is the most effective way to study. By creating a balanced study plan and schedule, you will be able to study each subject in its entirety and ultimately boost your test performance.

4. Self-test & review sessions

Underlining, highlighting, re-reading, and summation are not the most effective ways to study. Teaching something to someone else and self-testing have been proven to be the most effective strategies, and why review sessions with classmates are so important! Try to complete a practice test at least a week prior to the final. This will help you know where to focus your studying. Be sure to make the test as similar to what the professor has shared as possible. You should time the test and take it without any aids. If your professor allows use of old exams, use them to determine how much you know and where you will focus. If you do this ahead of the exam and still have outstanding questions, you will have time to go to see your professor, TA, or tutor for clarification.

5. Don’t cram

Do not wait until the night before your exam to begin studying for it. Instead, begin preparing now! Set aside study time, review notes from class, and plan early. This will help you feel prepared. On the other hand, cramming causes anxiety, which lowers your ability to retain information. (While studying, take short breaks every hour or so, for approximately 10 minutes. Leave your study area when you do — that bit of fresh air may be just what you needed to clear your head.)

6. Avoid the all-nighter

Almost every college student pulls an all-nighter but it is a bad idea. All-nighters impair reasoning and memory for as long as four days. Get sufficient sleep. You need at least seven hours of sleep a night to function. During sleep, the brain synthesizes information, especially topics covered in the hours before bedtime. You want to be as fresh as possible and able to fully engage your working memory when you take the exam.

7. Unplug!

Turn off your cell phone. That means social media, email, or other unnecessary distractions. While studying, disconnect for a couple hours. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish when there is silence and focus.

8. Stay healthy

During finals, it is easy to overindulge on junk food, up your caffeine intake, and suspend all personal hygiene. Do not fall into this rut. Instead, schedule time for healthy meals and regular exercise.

If you need more help, please visit www.success.gatech.edu

Here are a few ideas and strategies to help make this transition home a little merrier!

Be flexible and realistic.

Communicate holiday plans in advance so students are not caught off guard.

For those with extended or blended families, it is important to realize that students may wish to spend part of their break with the other family. Avoid putting them in an impossible situation by making unreasonable demands of their time.

Compromise is a two-way street.

Keep in mind that college students are no longer children that we can shuttle here and there. Students are emerging into adulthood. For the past several months, students have been following their own schedules and making their own decisions. Embrace this opportunity to have an adult conversation, listening to their perspectives, feelings, and needs. Do not try to guilt them into doing what you want.

Most students have been living independently for a few months and may not be ready to follow your schedule. Additionally, most have just gone through a stressful period of studying and test taking. Patience will come in handy here.

Start the negotiations early — starting the conversation sooner can prevent conflict later. Do not try to have this talk during exam time — students are usually feeling stressed enough.

Be prepared for changes in your child.

As we know, many college students alter their appearance, perhaps getting a tattoo, piercing, or changing their hair color. If extended family members judge them too harshly, it can lead to hurt feelings. It is important to support your student at family gatherings. You do not have to agree, but you have to try to respect their choices.

Many students will want to reconnect with high school friends. However, they may find that these friendships may not be the same as they were only a few months earlier. People change, have different interests, and find they do not have as much in common. Be prepared to listen if your students struggle with this loss.

Don’t make major changes.

Talking to your student before making any major room changes would be the best. If you have already turned their room into something new, maybe now would be the time to bring back a few of their things. Students love the independence they enjoy on campus, but almost all of them want to feel they are an important part of their family.

Money management.

Will your student have to work during break to save money for back-to-school needs such as books and supplies or even tuition?

This is a good time for students to reevaluate their meal plans and to review spending habits.

How to help a struggling student.

Remind your student about tutoring. Seeking help early is always the right way to proceed.

Listen and do not jump the gun and take over when there is a problem. A family’s love, support, and motivation are most important. How you react may dictate what they tell you in the future. Sometimes it is not winning the race, but simply finishing it. Many times getting a C or B can be the success!

Is your student still without a meal plan? Sign up today for the Meal Pass 336 or 200. Using a Meal Plan at Community Restaurants help you save money per swipe. The more swipes you purchase, the more you save. You also save with a meal plan because Dining Points are tax exempt! Georgia Tech students on a meal plan have access to multiple dining facilities that help fuel bodies and brains for a vigorous academic performance. Visit mealplan.gatech.edu/ to purchase.

Gifts & More

Missing your student? I bet they miss you too! Send them some love with one of our care packages like the Movie Night or Mediterranean Munchies. For a complete list of packages and to order, visit www.gatechdining.com/shop.

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December; however, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 15, by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2018
• Sunday, December 17, by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 17, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

These dates were emailed to your student in September to help as end-of-semester plans are made.

If your student resides with us, we hope that his/her experience in our housing is positive and promotes academic success. We are available to help you and/or your student by email (information@housing.gatech.edu) or by phone (404-894-2470) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visits to our office in the Smithgall (Flag) Building are welcome, also.

Thank you for choosing Georgia Tech Housing!

Stamps Health Services will be offering flu shots at no charge to all Georgia Tech students who have paid their health fee on the following dates from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.:

• Tuesday, October 17 and October 24 
• Tuesday, November 14 and November 28. 

No appointment is necessary to get a flu shot at the Flu Clinic, but come early to beat the line. The BuzzCard is required when checking in for the flu shots.

Two other ways to get a flu shot:

1.  Students can make an online appointment in the allergy and immunization clinic at health.gatech.edu/appointments.
2. If a student has an appointment at Stamps already, encourage them to ask for the flu shot while they are there.

For more information, please visit www.health.gatech.edu.

Registration is free and available online through mycrc.gatech.edu. Onsite registration will also be available on race day; however, all participants must register by 7 a.m. All members of the Georgia Tech community are welcome to attend this event, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliates. You do not need to be a member of the CRC to participate.

Race check in will open at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27. The first 100 students to check in the morning of the event will win a free t-shirt, so arrive early!

Runners and walkers will convene in front of the CRC at 7 a.m. to prepare for the race, which begins at 7:30 a.m. The race will follow the Tyler Brown Pi Mile through campus.

Related Links

• Registration
• Halloween Holla 5K
• Tyler Brown Pi Mile Map

Join us for a field trip to Midtown Art Cinema to see the limited release film, Dolores! Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century and she continues the fight to this day, at 87.

Women’s Night on the Wall

October 13, 5-7 p.m., CRC climbing wall

No experience needed: the Women's Resource Center and Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech are teaming up to offer you an evening at the CRC Climbing Wall. Come join us for an all-women’s night on the wall. We will provide everything you need, including gear and instruction. We will be teaching in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

STEM Women’s Coffee Talk

October 25, 3-4 p.m., Clough Lounge

Join the WRC and Women in Engineering for our monthly series for women majoring in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas of study. This series gives STEM women a chance to informally gather, get to know one another and to discuss topics – technical and personal – that are important to them. Coffee, tea and dessert will be provided.

In addition to the awards through OIE, there are other study abroad scholarships available through Georgia Tech — the Coca-Cola Mobility Scholarships for First Generation College Students, the Mundy Global Learning Experience Endowment Fund, the Campoamor Scholarship, for example — as well as national study abroad scholarships available.

To find out more, please visit: http://oie.gatech.edu/ea-scholarships or email: scholarships@oie.gatech.edu

Misconception: Undergraduate research is only available if the faculty advertises an opening.

The reality: Few undergraduate research opportunities are initiated by a professor posting an opportunity. The best way for students to get involved in research is to review faculty webpages, journal articles, books, presentations or attend a lecture, and when they find something that excites them, they should contact the professor. Tell faculty that they are interested in their research, giving specific reasons why, and then request a meeting. If students want more guidance on this, they can talk to their school’s undergraduate coordinator at urop.gatech.edu/undergraduate-coordinators, academic advisor, or follow some basic guidelines found at urop.gatech.edu/get-involved

Misconception: Students do not have time for undergraduate research because of classes or jobs.

The reality: Undergraduate research is extremely flexible and can be done for course credit or pay.

• Course Credit: In nearly every major the research credit counts toward the degree, and it can also be extended to allow a student to graduate with the “Research Option” urop.gatech.edu/research-option.
• Pay: Most faculty have funding through grants to pay students a stipend, but Georgia Tech also has the President’s Undergraduate Research Awards (PURA) urop.gatech.edu/pura-salary. Students must apply for this award. The deadline for Summer 2018 is February 23, 2018, and for Fall 2018 the deadline is May 11, 2018.
• Time: Students can do research for 9 hours/week or 20 hours/week depending on their course load. All this is up to the student and the faculty member.

Misconception: Research is only in labs.

The reality: There are opportunities in every field. Students have worked with faculty on research in a broad spectrum of topics, from designing robots that explore other planets to collecting coral samples for evidence of past climates to analyzing the desegregation patterns of cities.

Misconception: Students cannot do research until they are juniors or seniors.

The reality: Students can begin research at any time during their undergraduate career.

Misconception: Students can only do research within their major.

The reality: Students can do research in any field of study they are interested in at Georgia Tech.

Misconception: Only a few undergraduate students are involved in research.

The reality: Last year there were approximately 2,800 undergraduate students doing research with faculty. There are plenty of opportunities. Encourage your student to explore!

For more information on Undergraduate Research at Georgia Tech, visit urop.gatech.edu.

It is officially feedback time – Midterm Progress Reports. If students are enrolled in 1000- and 2000-level courses, grades are now available to help assess their progress. The information is timed so that there is still time left in the semester to make adjustments, if needed. These grades are meant to advise the student and his or her academic advisor, but do not contribute to a student’s GPA or show up on a transcript. Progress report options are S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory, performance level of D or lower) and should be based on the completion of at least one graded assignment. 

Do something with this information. Students who discover that they are off-track or just think they would like to do better are encouraged to contact the Center for Academic Success (success.gatech.edu) to find out what they can do to improve their performance. Connecting with a tutor or academic coach, visiting a professor or TA during office hours, or participating in a workshop or study group can help students turn a rough start into a successful finish. All our services are free to students. Let your student know that help is available! Appointments may be scheduled on line at academicsupport.gatech.edu/TracWeb40/Default.html or the student can come into our office and make an appointment there. Our office is in the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, Suite 283.

LEAD programs, which include everything from one-on-one leadership coaching to living-learning communities, are designed to help students:

• Gain valuable insights into leadership potential
• Improve communication skills
• Learn how to get projects done in teams
• Understand what it takes to create change and inspire others
• Chart a leadership development pathway to real results within Georgia Tech and beyond

For more information about how to get involved and develop your leadership skills

Current residents are not required to move out of their residence hall during the semester break in December; however, please note the following dates before making travel arrangements:

• Friday, December 15 by noon: Move out for all students not residing on campus Spring 2018
• Sunday, December 17 by noon: Move out for graduating students
• Sunday, December 17 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Room switch

NOTE: To avoid unnecessary penalty charges when terminating the housing contract for acceptable reasons, we encourage your student to read and follow the instructions in “VI. CONTRACT TERMINATION BY THE STUDENT - AFTER CONTRACT BEGINS” of the 2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR CONTRACT.

If your student resides with us now or will in the future, we hope that his/her experience in our housing is positive and promotes academic success. We are available to help you and/or your student by phone (404-894-2470) or in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by email (information@housing.gatech.edu).

Launched in 2014, Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business’ MBA Pathway initiative enables qualified Tech students to be accepted into the MBA program prior to graduation, gain professional career experience after leaving Tech, then exercise one of two MBA options: return to enroll in the full-time MBA program (22 months) or continue with their career and earn their MBA in the self-paced evening MBA program.

A diverse group of students from colleges across the Institute have applied to the Pathway program. Katie Lloyd, executive director of MBA admissions states, “The Georgia Tech undergraduate degree coupled with the MBA is a powerful combination. It is a profile that resonates extremely well with employers.”

The Georgia Tech Scheller MBA admissions team will be hosting an on-campus information session Thursday, October 5, at 5:45 p.m. Register to attend or contact Paula Wilson, director of MBA Admissions, paula.wilson@scheller.gatech.edu for more information on the MBA Pathway program.

While many overseas internships take place in traditional corporate settings, students also do research internships, government internships, and service-based internships.

Most students who intern abroad are juniors and seniors, with prior internship, research, or study abroad experience. First- and second-year students with an interest in interning abroad are encouraged to seek advising early, as there are things students can start doing to position themselves for an international internship.

We encourage students who are interested in interning abroad to attend the upcoming Global Internship Fair, taking place on Thursday, September 28, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. This fair will feature employers and organizations hiring overseas interns, returned global interns showcasing their experiences and answering questions from potential participants, and resources that are helpful to students seeking overseas employment.

To sign up for the GIP newsletter, please go to: https://oie.gatech.edu/content/gip or please contact us (globalinternships@oie.gatech.edu) with any questions.

Students who want to nail the interview and land the job can prepare by taking advantage of mock interviews, resume blitzes, seminars, etiquette dinners, and workshops, where professionals from business and industry, their college, or Georgia Tech’s Center for Career Discovery and Development share their guidance and expertise.

But what advice might students have for other students when it comes to making the most of Georgia Tech’s many face-to-face job search opportunities? How do they manage the pitfalls of personal appearance, the intimidation of the interview, the hazards of the handshake, the night-before nerves? CLICK HERE to see tips from students regarding their Career Fair experiences from last year in 2016.

The director of C2D2, Dr. Michelle Tullier, also has some great advice for students looking to get the most out the Fair:

Attend the fair. This may seem obvious, but not every student does. "The Co-op and Internship Fair is a great networking and exploration opportunity for students of all majors,” Tullier said. “If you get there and talk to an employer who is looking for engineering students and you're a liberal arts or sciences major, for example, ask if they have recruiter colleagues you could contact about opportunities in other areas of their company.”

Practice. “Most students know to practice for an interview, but not a fair,” said Tullier. She recommends preparing a 20- to 30-second “elevator pitch” that briefly captures who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for. “Every interaction with a recruiter is like a mini interview. Practice delivering a smooth elevator pitch, giving a firm handshake, and making good eye contact.”

Plan your strategy. To make the most of your time at the fair, Tullier recommends that students plan ahead by reviewing the company list to know who will be there and identifying priority employers to target. Look online at the list of employers attending the fair to see which companies you want to talk with and look up background information on those employers. 

Get — and stay — organized. Tullier also advises having a plan for how to keep everything organized as you get materials during the fair. “You can walk out with a lot of business cards and handouts, and it can be overwhelming,” she said. “Take only the information you need, and make notes on the back of business cards or on your phone or tablet to remember key discussion points for when you follow up after the fair.”

Follow up. If recruiters instruct you to apply on CareerBuzz after the fair, be sure to do so promptly. Also, many recruiters use LinkedIn as a resource for filling positions, and students should be visible and active there. Tullier recommends that students ask to connect on LinkedIn with anyone they connected with in person at the fair. Even if the request isn’t accepted, students will have gotten their names in front of the recruiter one more time.

Encourage your students to attend the Career Fair and make the most of their time while they are there. Even if they’re not looking for a job right now, the connections they can make during this time can put them in a good position for whenever they decide to start job hunting.

CLICK HERE for a bonus article that discusses the “5 Tips to Avoid the Most Common Career Fair Mistakes.”

Here are some ways in which students can develop self-advocacy and be successful at Georgia Tech:

• Be knowledgeable about your disability and how it affects your functioning across domains, cognitively, academically, socially, occupationally, physically, and with independent living. It is also helpful to understand your strengths and weaknesses, compensatory strategies, and learning styles.
• Self-identify, by locating the Office of Disability Services and disclosing your disability through a request for services.
• Be able to articulate the accommodations you have been provided to professors.
• Ask your disability services coordinator questions when you don’t understand something or for help when you run into difficulties. We have a tool belt of strategies and tips to employ and knowledge to help when you need it.
• Use problem-solving with professors to properly implement accommodations and/or immediately report problems to the Office of Disability Services.
• Learn about and utilize support services available on campus (e.g academic coaching, tutoring, counseling center).
• Develop independent living skills.

Please reach out to the Office of Disability Services with any questions.

Contact Information

Office of Disability Services
404-894-2563 (Voice); 404-894-1664 (TDD)
dsinfo@gatech.edu
http://www.disabilityservices.gatech.edu/

This handbook, brought to you through sponsorship of the Office of Health & Well-Being and the Division of Student Life, has been tested at several universities and is supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It provides a variety of strategies you can adapt to fit your own personal style and relationship with your student. For more information, visit: http://healthpromotion.gatech.edu/alcoholeducation/families

The Minor in Leadership Studies is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of leadership theory, skills, and experience through a rigorous and multi-disciplinary program of study. The benefits are simple, yet impactful: add to your technical skills, distinguish yourself from your peers and gain valuable leadership experience. Sound interesting? Visit leadership.gatech.edu

Don’t forget to get your computer in our Technology Store or shop online at www.techstore.gatech.edu.

The building will be accessible to students 24 hours a day with their BuzzCard, giving them access to small group study rooms and lounge space whenever needed. Follow Georgia Tech Dining Services on twitter at @GTDining for current pics and Grand Opening details. 

Fall 2017 Meal Plans 

Meal plans are designed to stimulate healthy living and quality of life. Georgia Tech students on a meal plan have access to multiple dining facilities campus wide that help fuel bodies and brains for a vigorous academic performance. Purchase a Meal Plan Today

Gifts and More

Send a hug from home with a Gifts and More package. Pre-order birthday cakes or a care package for your student to conveniently pick up from a GT Dining Services location. Shop today

Move-in times, dates, locations, and other details for freshmen can be found at Freshman Students Move-In, and all other students at Fall 2017 Move-in. On the Move-in page of our Housing website, you will find links to other helpful information about the move-in process. Please encourage your student to read this information, also!

The assignment staff for the Department of Housing is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to help you with any questions or concerns. You may contact us by calling 404-894-2470 or email information@housing.gatech.edu.

This year, our fraternity and sorority community celebrates 128 years of history and is now home to 53 chapters! Naturally, this can seem a little overwhelming to students when they consider their options in deciding which chapter is right for them. The fraternities and sororities at Georgia Tech are grouped under four governing boards, each with their own unique recruitment and membership process. The following is a brief overview of each governing board and related recruitment events.

Collegiate Panhellenic Council

The Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) is the governing body for 10 sororities: eight National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities, and two national associate member sororities.

CPC will host formal recruitment for seven NPC sororities August 17-22. Female students interested in joining an NPC sorority are required to register for formal recruitment online at www.panhellenic.gatech.edu before 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. Our two associate member chapters, Alpha Delta Chi and Alpha Omega Epsilon, will host their recruitment period the following week. Visit the “Chapters” page at www.panhellenic.gatech.edu to find out more about the specific times, dates, and locations. 

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing board for Tech’s 32 inter/national fraternities. IFC hosts rush August 17-22, and registration is required. Interested men can find the online form on the IFC website, www.fraternity.gatech.edu. Although registration is required, rush is an informal, relaxed period of time when the chapters host events to meet and get to know potential new members for the fraternity.

Multicultural Greek Council

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for five culturally based and cultural interest fraternities and sororities. The chapters of the MGC coordinate and implement their own new member recruitment processes. MGC will cohost a Greek BBQ on August 25 at 5 p.m. in the Curran Parking Deck area and a MGC Field Day at 11:00 a.m. at the Student Center. Information about the Multicultural Greek Council and its chapters can be found at www.mgc-gatech.com.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body for seven historically African American fraternities and sororities. There are four fraternities and three sororities in NPHC. The chapters coordinate and implement their own new member process, which is commonly referred to as “membership intake.” NPHC will cohost a Greek Convocation in early September. Information about NPHC and the member chapters can be found at www.nphc.gatech.edu.

If you or your student has any questions about the councils or their recruitment and membership intake processes, please contact the Office of Greek Affairs at 404.894.2002 or visit us online at www.greek.gatech.edu.

Opportunities for research experience are available year-round, either for course credit or for pay. Research classes for credit count toward free electives in most majors and discipline-specific electives in others. Faculty mentors may hire students as research assistants, or students may receive funding through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) http://urop.gatech.edu/pura. Options for research also include full-time summer experiences, both on- and off-campus, and international research.

While open to all students, students planning to pursue graduate degrees or a future career in research and development industries should consider a more robust research experience: the Research Option http://urop.gatech.edu/research-option. It is an excellent way to gain valuable skills and experience into applied or basic research, thus bolstering their graduate school preparation.

To take the student research initiative even further, the Institute has placed an increasing emphasis on students thinking and acting innovatively, hence the creation of the InVenture Prize Competition http://www.inventureprize.gatech.edu. Starting with the student’s own idea, faculty mentors help lead students through a process that culminates in a final, on-stage competition which is broadcast live on public television. From idea to innovation, concept to prototype, problem to solution, the InVenture Prize Competition helps develop individuals who not only have the technical know-how, but also are entrepreneurially savvy.

For additional information, visit the UROP website at www.urop.gatech.edu. Student may also follow us on Facebook or contact us at urop@gatech.edu.

The Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides students with services to guide them with earning their degree, to enhance their study habits and to support them in academic areas in which they desire personal improvement. One example of their programs is the Success Summit. This is a half-day program, offered at the beginning of each semester, designed for students who want to enhance their academic skills. They learn strategies for time management, study skills, developing resilience and grit, test taking, overcoming test anxiety, learning strategies and goal setting. The Fall Summit will be held on August 18 in Clough 273 from 1-5 p.m. Visit success.gatech.edu to learn more about this program and to register for the upcoming session.

The Center for Academic Enrichment (CAE) gives students the opportunity to engage with one another and faculty in research and innovation programs, academic seminars, campus-wide engagement programs, living-learning communities, and other events in which they can share ideas, explore possibilities, and take initiative. enrichment.gatech.edu

The Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain (CSLS) facilitates campus-wide, interdisciplinary efforts linking teaching, research, and action to create sustainable communities, in Georgia, the United States, and around the globe. CSLS convenes faculty, post-doctoral fellows, staff, students, and off-campus partners to examine key themes related to sustainable community-building and to support new directions in research, teaching, and action related to engineering, science, technology, design, and policy. serve-learn-sustain.gatech.edu

The Center for Career Discovery and Development (C2D2) provides career education, resources, and experiential opportunities to Georgia Tech students across all majors. C2D2 helps students find employment in private, public, and non-profit sectors, prepare for graduate and professional school, explore entrepreneurship, and pursue research careers or fellowships, become involved with community or public service, and much more. C2D2 also helps place students in co-op and Internship programs while they are still students. careerdiscovery.gatech.edu

The Honors Program (HP) combines the challenging academic standards of one of the world's finest research universities with the closer student-faculty connections one might expect to find at smaller colleges. Its mission is to create a lively environment where students and faculty members learn from each other through a common commitment to intellectual inquiry, careful analysis, and energetic exchange of ideas. honorsprogram.gatech.edu

Officers patrol the campus 24-hours a day, on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, car, ATV, and Segway (sometimes with a K-9 companion) – but it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. Whether your student is just beginning their college experience or returning to Tech, they should understand and embrace the following tips to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime.

Personal Safety

• LiveSafe, a powerful safety app, was selected by Georgia Tech students and is a free download for mobile phones. Features include “GoSafe,” which invites roommates, friends, and family to virtually follow students as they travel from one location to another (particularly helpful after a late night studying session).
• In an event of an emergency, students can contact GTPD through LiveSafe or by calling 404.894.2500. We encourage students to program this number into their cell phones, in addition to downloading the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides free training and safety classes in self-defense, alcohol safety, and emergency preparedness.

• If a suspicious or armed person demands their property, students should comply with the request, then immediately seek police assistance. There are more than 500 emergency “blue” phones located inside and outside buildings throughout the campus.

Crime Prevention Tips

• The most common crimes on campus are thefts of opportunity. Students should never walk away from their belongings or leave them unsecured.
• Students who have vehicles on campus should remove or hide all valuables to help prevent break-ins. Leaving any items in plain view — GPS devices, laptops, purses, spare change, books, and gym bags —increases the risk for a vehicle break-in.
• All residence halls have key or secure-card entry. Students should be wary of anyone who attempts entry without a key.
• When not in their room, or when asleep, students should keep all doors and windows locked.
• Cybertheft is on the rise. Students should report to GTPD any kind of unsolicited demand for money or investment “opportunity” they receive, especially from someone who claims to represent the U.S. government.
• If students see anything suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately. We’re happy to investigate any cause for concern.

Other Safety Measures

• The most commonly stolen items are bicycles. Purchase a good quality U-lock to secure bicycles, and a good quality bicycle helmet as well. Georgia Tech is located in a heavily traveled urban area, and cyclists are required to ride the roads and obey all motor vehicle laws.

• Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• GT Parking & Transportation Services provides after-hours transport options, including the Midnight Rambler and the Stingerette, so students do not have to walk on campus after dark. Students can request Stingerette rides through the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides after-hours escorts for students who feel unsafe.
• The Georgia Tech Counseling Center offers stress management and wellness workshops, as well as free counseling and emergency services for students.
• Housing staff are on duty 24-hours a day if students lose their keys.
• GTPD offers many free services including laptop engraving and bicycle registration to help the recovery process in the event of theft.
• Campus-wide emergency alerts are delivered through an outdoor siren warning system and to classrooms through computers and projectors that are connected to the campus computer network. In addition, the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) alerts students to campus-wide emergencies via email. Students can opt into additional voice and text messages by registering at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• GTPD collaborates with the Atlanta Police Department to increase public safety around the perimeter of the campus.

You can learn earn much more about safety on campus by talking with an officer, exploring our website, www.police.gatech.edu, and following GTPD on Facebook www.facebook.com/GaTechPD, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (a Division of GTPD) also provides emergency information and updates through www.prepare.gatech.edu, Facebook www.facebook.com/GTEmergency and Twitter @GTPDalerts.

The men and women of the Georgia Tech Police Department are available 24/7/365 and are dedicated to campus safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any reason.

We look forward to a safe and productive year!

Rob Connolly
Chief of Police
A Safer Community, Together