MEET WITH A TRANSITION LEADER
Transition Leaders are current UGA students who are here to help all students navigate UGA and its resources. They are a great starting point if you're unsure where to turn. While they are not professional advisors or counselors, they offer peer support and can connect you with the right people and resources at various stages of your UGA experience, from your first semester to graduation. See what Transition Leaders can and cannot answer during a quick chat in the accordion panel below.
Transition Leaders can:
- guide you in exploring campus resources available to you as a student.
- point you toward the right people and campus offices for extra support.
- share personal tips and strategies for making the most of your time at UGA.
- explain campus culture and share insights to help make your transition smoother.
Transition Leaders cannot…
- advise on degree requirements, including general education and major-specific requirements.
- provide support for test preparation or academic skills coaching.
- assist with exploring or changing majors.
- provide mental health counseling or wellness coaching.
- offer professional career coaching or job search strategies.
- provide personalized coaching for getting involved on campus – however, ELS Peer Leaders can!
For questions on these topics, please reach out to a professional staff member listed below. Transition Leaders are here to help you get connected with the appropriate resources and support.
Ways to Connect with Professional Staff
- Academic Advisors can guide you on the requirements for your degree. Schedule an appointment with your advisor via SAGE.
- Student Care and Outreach offers individualized support if you are facing complex, hardship, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Wellness Coaches can help you work through barriers to personal health and well-being.
- CAPS Clinicians can offer you mental health support for both urgent and non-urgent needs.
- Academic Coaches support you in developing goals and strategies for academic success.
- Career Consultants provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your career goals.
- Exploratory Center Advisors assist undecided students in exploring majors and support intended-business and intended-Grady majors.
- Pre-Professional Advisors can help you explore career paths in healthcare or law.
Feeling unsure about which professional resources might be helpful? A Transition Leader can guide you in connecting with the support you need!
GET SUPPORT NAVIGATING UGA FROM AN EXPERIENCED PEER!
1
Check out our bios below and choose a Transition Leader you’d like to connect with.
2
Click the button below to book a quick chat. On the booking page, select a Transition Leader, then choose a date and time from their availability on the calendar to complete your booking.
3
Once you’ve booked your quick chat, meet your Transition Leader in Memorial Hall 216 or join the virtual meeting using the link emailed to you on the scheduled date and time!
MEET THE TEAM
ABBY BROWN
ABBY BROWN
Hi! My name is Abby Brown and I am a third-year from Huntsville, Alabama. I’m a Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in General Business. I love music, traveling and trying new restaurants around Athens. You’ll usually find me studying on the fourth floor of the MLC or walking on Milledge! I’m so excited to meet you all! Go Dawgs!
Ask me about: Arch Society, Equal Education for Athens, UGA Mentor Program, Greek Life, Peer Tutoring, Jere W. Morehead Honors College, Leadership UGA, or being an out-of-state student
AVA GRUSZCZINSKI
AVA GRUSZCZINSKI
Hi Dawgs, my name is Ava Gruszczinski! I’m a fourth-year English major and History minor on the pre-law track from Clarkesville, Georgia. Aside from being a Transition Leader, I’m involved in Phi Alpha Delta and volunteer at Gentiva Hospice. If anyone wants to know good study spots on campus, I’m your gal! I’m always down to discuss study strategies, academic goals, or personal wellbeing and community. UGA is a great place to be, and it’s my goal to help you feel the same!
WOOF WOOF! 🐶
AVA HAMILTON
AVA HAMILTON
Hi y’all! I’m Ava, and I’m from Richmond Hill, Georgia. I’m an Exercise and Sport Science major, Biology minor, on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. I love good food and sweet treats, animals, little crafts, movie nights, and taking trips with friends. Most of all, I love UGA and I’m so excited to meet you all! I’m always looking to explore new study spots, free activities, or walking trails around Athens. Let’s chat about being in STEM, getting involved, study strategies, choosing a major, greek life, adjusting to campus, UGA gymnastics, the McDonald’s rewards system, or anything else you’d like! Welcome and Go Dawgs!
BRANDON NOEL
BRANDON NOEL
Hey y’all! My name is Brandon Noel and I’m a fourth year Civil Engineering Major with a minor in Urban Planning from Woodstock, Georgia. I hope to continue on to get my Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning! I love doing anything outdoorsy, listening to all kinds of music, and trying new restaurants! You’ll usually find me somewhere south campus near Science Library, Driftmier Engineering Center, or sitting in Jittery Joes with an iced dirty chai latte!
Ask Me About: College of Engineering, National Society of Black Engineers, Melanin in Motion, transferring from an H.B.C.U. to a P.W.I., Study Spots, exploring majors, and Iced Coffee!!!
BRYSON CLARK
BRYSON CLARK
Hey, I’m Bryson! I’m from Madison, Georgia and I’m currently a fourth-year International Affairs student. On campus, I’m probably in Ramsey, Tate, or the MLC pretending to study. I love reading, getting active, and helping others. Coming from a close by town, I had always heard about UGA. I had lots of expectations of the university and my experience coming here was mostly navigating the actual reality of being a student here. Thankfully, this is an experience lots of people share and I’m very happy to talk about it.
Ask me about: Choosing the right major, How to make friends, Getting involved, Campus resources, and anything UGA!
DHRUTI KALLUR
DHRUTI KALLUR
Hi! My name is Dhruti Kallur, and I’m currently a second-year Biology major from Johns Creek, GA. I’m interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field; while I’m still figuring out the exact path I want to take, I know my goal is to help others and make a meaningful impact with my career.
Starting at UGA felt like a big transition at first, and it definitely came with its challenges. Over time, though, I began to get more comfortable by stepping outside my comfort zone, and learning what works best for me both academically and personally. That experience is a big reason why I enjoy supporting other students as they navigate their own college journeys.
Outside of academics, I love to paint, go to the gym, dance, and sing. I’ve been training in Indian classical dance and music for about 11 years. On campus, you can usually find me studying at the Science Library or Tate with my chai latte, or taking strolls around campus during sunset hours. I also enjoy exploring Athens and going on side quests to shop and grab food with friends. I love getting to know new people, so please feel free to reach out!
Ask me about: Adjusting to college life, pre-health/healthcare interests, getting involved on campus, volunteering, and exploring Athens
QUENDAN GEORGE
QUENDAN GEORGE
Hey y’all! My name is Quendan George, and I am from Atlanta Georgia. I am a third year; Nutritional Sciences major on the pre-PA track who loves volunteering and working in the healthcare field! I enjoy playing and listening to music (especially to new artists), trying new foods, exploring new areas around the city, and meeting new people. You can find me in Ramsey, the Tate Student Center (especially Chick-Fil-A), or attempting to study at Sci-Li. Being a waitlisted student and coming from an urban city to a smaller college town, my transition was not the easiest. However, through different resources and organizations, I have grown to love my experience here as a student.
Ask me about: Xtension, Georgia Daze, finding community at a big university, campus resources, changing majors, navigating campus, and getting involved
SIMS ALLIGOOD
SIMS ALLIGOOD
Hello! My name is Sims Alligood, and I am currently a fourth-year Psychology major with an area of emphasis in Neuroscience and a minor in Educational Psychology from Dublin, Georgia! Besides being a Transition Leader, I am a Dawg Camp Counselor, Digital Dawg, Research Assistant, ESL Teacher, Orientation Leader, and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassador! Please feel free to reach out to me about anything! My primary focus is on helping you transition smoothly (whether that is coming in as a first-year or transfer), navigate campus life, and getting involved with various organizations. I’m here to support you in achieving a fulfilling and high-quality life at the University of Georgia. I would love to meet with you, hear your stories, and assist you in any way I can!
TIM LE
TIM LE
Hi! My name is Tim Le, and I am a second-year Mathematics major from Lawrenceville, Georgia. I also pursue the Actuarial Science Certificate at Terry. During my time at UGA, I have been involved in the First Year Program Engage, Leadership UGA (LUGA), MathCounts, and Peer Tutor. On campus, you will probably find me at MLC, Main Library, Bolton, or any boba shops in town. One fun fact is that I was born and raised in Vietnam. Coming from a different culture and being a first-gen, my transition was not easy. I’m glad that I have found the way and would love to share it with you. My goals are to help you feel comfortable in the community and with the resources on campus so that you can get support when needed and make the most of your time here at UGA. Please remember you are not alone, and we are always here when you need us. Feel free to reach out. As always, Go Dawgs!
Ask me about: How to get involved, campus resources, navigating campus, First Year Program, MathCounts, Honors College, Leadership UGA, and Peer Tutor