Gordon State College resident students will begin moving into the residence halls on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 10 and 11 with Fall 2015 Semester classes set to get under way Wednesday, Aug. 12.

In all, more than 4,100 students are anticipated this academic year. Of those, approximately 900 will be living on campus.

Students will find that the Hightower Library is closed for renovation but the library staff has worked through the summer to relocate to the first floor of the Instructional Complex in IC 117. Renovation is expected to be completed next spring.

As the campus improves its facilities, degree offerings are also expanding and some students will be entering one of the three new degree programs this year. Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration, Bachelor of Science in Middle Grads Education and pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, join the eight other bachelor degree programs offered, Early Childhood Education, Mathematics, Biology, History, English, RN to BSN, Health Information Management, Human Services and three areas of concentration that offer Associate Degrees.

The majority of Gordon students are commuters which could lead to some traffic confusion for the first few days of classes.

"While most of our freshmen students have visited the campus during orientation and visit days, that first day of college is still a big day," said Tamara Boatwright, public information officer for Gordon State College. "So freshmen, and even the returning students, should give themselves plenty of time for parking and getting to class the first few days."

And there is plenty of parking, according to Jeff Mason, Gordon State College Police Chief.

"Students may park in any lot designated for students, but can't park in lots designated for faculty/staff," said Mason. "Some spaces may not be as close to the academic buildings as a student might want, but there are plenty of spaces."

The beginning of a new academic year is always exciting for students and even faculty and staff.

"New friends, new classes, new experiences," Boatwright said. "Even those of us who have been here for many years get excited about each new year."