Fallfest draws over 900 to campus

Saturday, Oct. 15, marked the tenth annual Fallfest extravaganza for prospective students on Georgia College’s campus.

The event is an opportunity for guests to experience life at GC. It is a chance for prospective students to get an idea of what being a GC student is like and to spend time with representatives from various departments and Registered Student Organizations.

Attendance at Fallfest is not free, but the required fee includes everything for the day.

“It’s a $10 registration fee per person, whether you are a student or a guest of a student or a parent,” Coordinator of New Student Programs Alissa Torchia said. “Their registration fee includes lunch, all of their check-in materials as well as a gift at the end of the day.”

Students received T-shirts and parents got mugs.

Fallfest is advertised online, post cards are sent and the admissions counselors take information to fairs that they visit. The advertising pays off.

“On average we have 940 people come, which the capacity of Russell,” Torchia said. On Oct. 15, 903 interested people were on the Georgia College campus for the day-long event.

Current students at GC showcased their RSOs at the Bobcat Marketplace on Front Campus.

“I feel like it’s a great way for potential students to find out what we have to offer as a university and see what the groups are like,” senior music therapy major and Co-President of the Pride Alliance Grace Nichols said. “It’s a great way to make people feel welcome.”

Services offered by the university also had tables at the event.

“It’s a good opportunity to let students know what services are available,” Counselor for Counseling Services Susan Spencer said. “It helps put a face with an organization. It shows we are not just a place on a website.”

There were six scheduled activities for students and parents to attend.

After the check-in process on Front Campus handled by the Office of Admissions staff, visitors caught the welcome program in Russell Auditorium from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

At 11 a.m. an academic showcase flaunted the various colleges and departments the university offers.  Faculty members were on hand to discuss and field questions about the different majors within each college and department.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. guests had the opportunity to test out The Max for lunch.

During the same time period, visitors could visit the Bobcat Marketplace on Front Campus for a chance to talk to members of various RSOs.

From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., the prospective students could take a shuttle to West Campus and tour the newly completed $28 million Wellness and Recreation Center.

There was a prospective freshman forum in Russell Auditorium from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. that rounded out the day.

“We hope that a lot of those students will decide to apply and come to Georgia College. That is ultimately the goal of the day,” Torchia said.

The guests used this event to gain insight into what GC is really like.

“I like it a lot,” Parkview High School senior Colleen Curlee said. “This has opened my eyes to what this school really is.”