Jansen Rouillard, director of New Student Orientation at the University of Georgia, said on May 15 that his team is focused on helping incoming students begin their academic journey with confidence and support.
Rouillard said it is important to have a structure and network in place for new students. “The beautiful thing about the University of Georgia is that there are opportunities everywhere you look,” Rouillard said. “It’s very important that we have a structure and network of support in place to guide those initial steps. It’s a way to make sure everyone can have the great experience they aspire to at UGA.”
Rouillard has worked in higher education since his own time as a student, earning degrees from Rockhurst University and Oklahoma State University before coming to UGA through an internship in 2021. He returned as assistant director in 2023 and became director in December 2024.
New Student Orientation programs are designed for first-year and transfer students, providing information, resources, and connections needed for academic and social success. The programs also help families prepare for college life alongside their students.
Rouillard oversees planning, development, and implementation of orientation activities throughout the year. His responsibilities include managing staff members such as graduate assistants, interns, and Orientation Leaders.
Orientation sessions now last two days based on feedback from participants so content can be more detailed. This year’s sessions will include topics like artificial intelligence use at UGA and active learning initiatives.
“Ultimately, what we come back to is how are we preparing students to be engaged at UGA,” Rouillard said. “For the majority of students, we are the tone setters, the culture setters and the primary source of information and connection during their first steps as new Bulldogs.” He added that transitioning from high school means adjusting to greater independence: “In high school…our students have someone who helps bring opportunities to their attention. But in college…it’s up to you to tell your story and make choices that feel right to you.”
Rouillard works with over 80 university offices each year as part of orientation programming efforts while also pursuing his doctorate at UGA’s Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education.
