This time Saturday, approximately 880 college students – with 289 of those being new freshman – will be settling in to their homes for the next 10 months on campus as Georgia Southwestern State University hosts the 2015 edition of “Move-In Day.” Classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 19, marking the official beginning of the fall semester. And with a new year comes new energy and often times new academic programs and construction.

“The beginning of fall semester is the most exciting time to be on a college campus,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson. “This is my first fall at Georgia Southwestern, yet I can sense the energy and anticipation for the coming year. Faculty and staff have been in the midst of planning all week and are ready to welcome our new and returning students. The University maintains one of the most beautiful campuses in the state, and the campus improvements made throughout summer will help preserve an atmosphere that is conducive to living and learning.”

The Fine Arts Building has undergone a major renovation, including an improved Visual Arts studio space and a total renovation of the experimental theater; a sidewalk extension has been added to the east end of Perimeter Road; the Susan K. Smith Tennis Complex received a complete resurfacing; and the coffee shop has a new look and a new name – “Higher Grounds Café.”

Summer enrollment increased by 62 students, or 4.6 percent, from summer 2014. Fall enrollment projections are greater, as well, which is counter to the trends seen across the University System of Georgia, particularly in South Georgia. Final numbers will not be official until later this semester, but a sharp increase is expected.

This fall, Georgia Southwestern also begins its first eMajor – a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice – offered collaboratively with Dalton State College. Southwestern is also an affiliate institution of the University System of Georgia’s eCore Program, which allows students to take the first two years of their college curriculum online.

And Georgia Southwestern's commitment to quality and affordability – online or on campus – is reflected in its national ranking as one of the most affordable small colleges in the United States by both greatvaluecolleges.net (#23) and bestvalueschools.com (#40). In both studies released this summer, Georgia Southwestern was ranked as the most affordable institution among all Georgia universities.

For additional information about Georgia Southwestern, visit www.gsw.edu.