Jansen Rouillard named director of New Student Orientation

Jansen Rouillard has been named director of New Student Orientation at the University of Georgia. Rouillard was previously assistant director of New Student Orientation.

New Student Orientation supports the transition to campus for incoming students by providing essential information, resources, and connections for them to succeed academically and socially. These programs foster a sense of belonging and prepare students and families to navigate the collegiate journey with confidence.

In this role, Rouillard will be responsible for the comprehensive planning, development, and implementation of orientation programs for incoming students at the University of Georgia. This position oversees the execution of summer and spring orientation sessions for approximately 7000 students and their families. He will serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team and report to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Jan Barham.

Barham expressed the university’s desire to connect efforts to support student navigation and family engagement.

“Thanks to existing efforts by administration, faculty, and staff, UGA already provides an opportunity to experience the best learning environment in the country,” said Barham. “An effective, vibrant orientation experience, connected with other campus efforts to support student navigation and family engagement, will enable students and their families to access all the benefits of a University of Georgia education.”

Rouillard said that he is energized to build upon the rich culture and practices of an already successful and effective orientation program.

“Through highlighting experiential avenues, uplifting institutional points of pride, and amplifying resources and opportunities to students and their supporters, I have observed how an effective orientation experience can create a sense of belonging and build community,” said Rouillard. “I am energized to build upon past successes and to construct a vision for what we can accomplish moving forward.”

Rouillard’s appointment is effective December 1.

As director, Rouillard will oversee the New Student Orientation staff, graduate assistants and interns, and the student Orientation Leaders, as well as act as a valuable resource and thought leader in student campus acclimation.

He served in various student activities and student orientation roles at Oklahoma State University and McMurry University before coming to the University of Georgia, and is actively involved in NODA, the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education.

Rouillard holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and communication and religious studies from Rockhurst University, and a Master of Science in educational leadership studies from Oklahoma State University.

Writer: Stan Jackson, 706-542-1793, ugastan@uga.edu
Contact: Jan Barham, 706-542-3564, davisjk@uga.edu