For some students and families, it is their first experience with college. I hope our newly enrolled first-year and transfer students and parents enjoyed their FASET Orientation experience this summer. I also hope that you left FASET better informed about our programs, services, and opportunities for involvement both on and off campus.

For our returning students, it is a time to come back to campus and focus intently on coursework; choose a major; obtain an internship, co-op, or work experience; prepare for a study or work abroad program; or follow a passion by getting involved in a club or organization on campus.

Personally, I always enjoy the start of a new academic year - it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing newly enrolled students and their families move into the residence halls and attend Convocation. Our returning students come back to campus with stories of their adventures studying abroad, co-oping 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.

For some parents it is potentially a time filled with emotion and some worry. Rest assured that there are an array of support services that exist for both you and your student. The reality is we are only a telephone or e-mail message away. I recommend that parents take advantage of all the services, programs, and support Georgia Tech offers, particularly, our Parents Program. Being involved with our Parents Program is one of the best means to stay informed about life at Georgia Tech, important deadlines/dates, and ways that you can get involved on and off campus.

All of our students will experience many new and wonderful things over the next few months and academic year. As parents, I ask that you encourage them to take advantage of all that Georgia Tech has to offer both in and out of the classroom. If you and/or your student feel that they could benefit from the support services offered at Georgia Tech, please advise them to seek help quickly. Proactively addressing issues early on allows students a chance of being more successful.

Georgia Tech is a wonderful place filled with great opportunities and challenges. The Office of the Dean of Students is here to serve you and your students. Please do not hesitate to contact me with a question, feedback, or just to let me know how your son/daughter is enjoying their Georgia Tech experience. I can be reached at john.stein@vpss.gatech.edu or by telephone, 404.894.6367. Go Jackets!

Sincerely,
John M. Stein
Dean of Students