Several freshmen were still arriving for their 8:30 a.m. SDV 100 classes during the Journal's visit to Mountain Gateway Community College this morning.

Freshman Orientation Underway at MGCC By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (Aug. 21, 2025)— It's a big day for college freshmen at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). Today marks the beginning of dozens of their collegiate journeys as nearly 100 first-year students found their way into one of three SDV 100 classes on the Clifton Forge campus. The Journal caught up with Suzanne Ostling, Vice President of Student Affairs at MGCC, who guided us to each one while giving us a rundown of this second-year program —also referred to as "Freshman Orientation." According to Ostling, SDV 100 (Student Development) is designed to prepare freshmen for college life and familiarize them with the campus. Today, there are four classes happening, each with about 30 students participating. Three SDV 100 classes are on the Mountain Gateway Campus, and the fourth is being held at the Rockbridge Campus in Buena Vista. "It's not the thirteenth grade. This is college. It's completely different from high school," Ostling said as she described the program. As for those who are yet to sign up for college classes, but still wish to do so, Ostling says that registration is ongoing throughout the year. Additionally, registration remains open for classes during the current eight-week program. That deadline is next Friday, August 29th.

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