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First impressions can make all the difference to prospective students who are comparing colleges.

Toward that end, Georgia Gwinnett College has opened its redesigned welcome center, located in building D on GGC’s main campus. The inviting space will serve as the first point of contact for prospective students, parents and visitors, while hosting student orientation, campus tours and college information sessions. The 9,100 square-foot center has undergone a complete renovation that included the removal of a number of walls to give the area an open feel.

“The center is important for our current and prospective students because it’s a window to the college in terms of technology and personal attention. That’s what we provide at GGC,” said Michael Poll, GGC’s enrollment management vice president.

New technology implemented into the center includes a large video wall where student visitors are recognized by name and high school. While they wait to tour the campus, students are invited to interact with state-of-the art touchscreen monitors, where they can watch videos, explore majors and learn about campus happenings.

“We put a lot of energy into providing potential students a space where they can be proud of this college before they even enroll,” Poll explained.

The center also offers resources for current GGC students. Touted as a “one-stop shop,” the redesigned space provides private consultation areas for students seeking help with their accounts, financial aid, registrar or other campus services.

Materials used in the redesign have been responsibly sourced. Low-e glass used will reduce energy costs while enhancing the natural light of the center. Refurbished wood that came from GGC’s basketball court accents the reception area. Even the entrance and exit doors have been repurposed from other campus buildings.

An important addition to the renovation is The Joseph Family Presentation Room. The 728 square-foot presentation space seats 40 and is home to a portrait of Dr. Edwin Joseph, the late husband of GGC President Jann L. Joseph. Joseph’s late husband succumbed to cancer in 2018.

With warm and inviting spaces and new technologies, Poll hopes that first impressions are lasting ones and that every student’s experience is special.

“We want to recruit every student like they’re the high school star quarterback.”

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