GSC Earns Third Place in Debut Competition at NODA Region VI
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College’s Orientation Leaders (GOLs) recently earned third place in their debut competition at the Association for Orientation Transition and Retention in Higher Education (NODA) Region VI Conference.
This marks a significant achievement for GSC, as Highlander Nation was the smallest college to place and the only University System of Georgia institution to rank in the Song, Skit, Step and Dance (S3D) competition.
GSC joined NODA as an institutional member in fall 2023 to enhance its orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) initiatives. NODA Region VI, also known as SROW, hosts a three-day conference dedicated to developing and supporting OTR student leaders and professionals.
“Our team is incredibly proud of our GOLs for representing [GSC] so well at this year’s SROW. We may have been small in number, but we were mighty in spirit. And now, NODA knows our name!” said Dr. LaToya Stackhouse, GSC dean of students.
GSC attended its first SROW in March 2024 with three GOLs. Inspired by the experience, the team set a goal to compete this year, beginning preparations in early spring for their S3D performance, which opened the conference. The competition showcases school spirit, teamwork, and talent while highlighting each institution and its orientation program.
The GOLs plan to take their involvement a step further next year by competing in undergraduate case studies and serving as presenters, especially as regional conferences shift to a Spring Learning Communities format.
As stated on its official website, NODA is an inclusive community that fosters the growth of orientation, transition, and retention practices in higher education, while promoting the professional development and education of student leaders, graduate students, practitioners, and scholars.