Jean So, director of Transitions programs for the Office of Transition Programs (OTP), headed efforts to host KSU’s third Owl Expedition, which took place July 26-29 at Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Dahlonega, Georgia.  Led by Student Directors and Flight Crew Leaders, almost 100 new and incoming first-year students met first on the Kennesaw campus to participate in team-building exercises with Nature Bound at the Siegel Student Recreation and Activities Center.  The four-day/three-night extended orientation camp experience also provided opportunities for students to learn more about Kennesaw State and its resources; to meet and interact with new classmates and fellow peers; and participate in presentations from the Center for Student Leadership, Career Planning and Development, Student Life, and the NEST.  Dr. Michael Sanseviro served as this year’s keynote speaker. The trip concluded with a rafting trip on the Ocoee River.  Now that fall semester has begun, Flight Crew Leaders will host periodic meet-up events to encourage involvement and retention throughout and beyond the first year of college.

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​Additionally, Express Ignition Freshmen and Transfer attendees were invited back to the Kennesaw campus for Transition Programs’ New Owl Welcome (NOW) event, which was held on August 9th.  This free event included a panel discussion and breakout sessions on student involvement and how to get engaged on campus, an opportunity for students to interact with administrators and current students, brief student-led campus tours, and the chance to attend the SOAR Fair which showcased student organizations and resources.  The event also included a special meet-up for transfer and non-traditional students at the Legacy Gazebo. Over 200 new students attended, and the event signaled the conclusion of a busy and successful summer for OTP.