Get ready to kick off the new academic year with Student Engagement and Well-Being's annual Week of Welcome, happening August 12 – 18. The week offers new students an opportunity to explore the myriad ways in which they can become familiar with Georgia Tech’s campus, make new friends, learn campus traditions, and discover what campus and Atlanta life have to offer before classes commence. “Research has documented that first-year experiences that are intentionally designed and delivered can have a significant and positive impact on college student retention and persistence,” observed Luoluo Hong, vice president of Student Engagement and Well-Being. “Week of Welcome is the beginning of that first-year experience when students arrive to Georgia Tech, so it’s essential that we make a meaningful investment of our time and efforts to help our newest Yellow Jackets build a strong foundation for their academic journey.” All new students, including first-year students, transfer students, and graduate students will move in Aug. 10 – 11. Thereafter, new first-year students are invited to join their fellow Class of 2028 peers from Aug. 12 – 18 for a vibrant week filled with workshops, events, and outings, all designed to facilitate their transition into college life and develop meaningful connections with others.  Throughout the week, new students will be encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves. A variety of educational and social events will take place each day and into the weekends- with at least one signature event featured each day. All activities are designed to highlight opportunities for students to make new friends, as well as learn about opportunities to lead, serve, and give back to the community. A full schedule of events can be found on the Week of Welcome website. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate by hosting workshops or events as well. If you are interested in hosting an event or facilitating a workshop during Week of Welcome, please fill out the Week of Welcome Program Submission Form by June 30. Events and workshops will be featured on the Week of Welcome Guide through the Georgia Tech Guidebook app that students download to attend FASET. To stay updated on Week of Welcome events and activities, visit welcomehome.gatech.edu. For any questions or to get involved, please contact Brett Hulst at hulst@gatech.edu or Carly Bloomingdale at carly@gatech.edu.