Beyond the Nest: A Georgia Southern Family Programs Podcast

Episódios

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  Episode 10- "Fall Family Weekend Registration Launch" 22.07.2026 56min

  In this episode, Peter and Mike share important information about the opening of Fall Family Weekend registration. Fall Family Weekend is one of the highlights of the year for many Georgia Southern families. In this episode, they review the registration process, explain the ticket options, and provide a general overview of what families can expect during Fall Family Weekend in October. If you plan to purchase tickets and attend Fall Family Weekend, we highly encourage you to listen to this episode before registering.In the Mailbag segment, Peter and Mike discuss housing capacities and share important information for students who are still waiting to sign up for SOAR and register for classes.We hope you enjoy this episode of Beyond the Nest!
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  Episode 9- "New Student Transitions and the Eagle Experience" 15.07.2026 1h 6min

  In this episode, Peter is joined by the three co-chairs of the Eagle Experience Committee here at Georgia Southern. Eagle Experience is our award-winning transition programming for new students. Your student may have gone through SOAR, but there is more to getting acclimated and transitioning into college life here at Southern. In this episde, the Eagle Experience team will share insight on what "Eagle Experience" actually is, why it is important, and what events students need to be aware before or shortly after classes begin. In the mailbag segment, Peter and Mike provide information on housing assignments as well as tuition bills. There are also some important updates on Fall Family Weekend and Parent and Family Association Scholarships. We hope you enjoy this episode of Beyond the Nest.
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  Episode 8- "Dining and Parking On Campus" 29.06.2026 37min

  In this episode, Peter and Shauna are joined by Michael Murphy from our Dining team and Miles Hamilton from our Parking and Transportation team. They share some useful tips from their departments as well as different ways they impact your student and the greater Georgia Southern Community. Peter and Shauna also dive into the mailbag segment and cover topics ranging from SMS Messaging inside the Eagle Family Portal, when to expect your student's final bill to be applied, as well as where to find the Parent & Family Association Scholarship Applications.This episode is packed with important information — we hope you enjoy it!
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  Episode 7: "Operation Move In With University Housing" 15.06.2026 44min

  In this episode, Peter and our guest Co-Host Shauna are joined by returning guests Jenni and Katie, from the Housing Department, to discuss everything related to Operation Move-In! If you are supporting a new incoming student, you don't want to miss this episode! We discuss move in does and don'ts, protocol for receiving a move-in time, day of logistics, and so much more.In the mailbag segment, Shauna and Peter recap the first few sessions of SOAR and cover some trending questions and points of interest for those who have not yet attended SOAR.This episode is packed with important information — we hope you enjoy it!
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  Episode 6- "What to Expect at SOAR" 11.05.2026 47min

  Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, Peter and Mike are joined by members of the New Student and Family Programs team to discuss everything related to SOAR (Southern’s Orientation, Advisement, and Registration). If you are supporting a new incoming student, SOAR is a required part of your student’s transition to Georgia Southern. This episode previews what students and supporters can expect during a SOAR session. We also discuss how to register for SOAR, change session dates, and steps to complete before attending.Mike and Peter also recap the Spring Regional Social events and share details about the upcoming Parent and Family Association Scholarship application process during the mailbag segment.This episode is packed with important information — we hope you enjoy it!
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  Episode 5: "Applying and Next Steps with Undergraduate Admissions" 05.05.2026 59min

  Welcome back to Beyond the Nest! In this episode, we are joined by our good friend Joey Hughes, Director of Undergraduate Admissions Recruitment at Georgia Southern. Joey shares insights into his path into higher education and how his experience may relate to many of our students. He also highlights what makes Georgia Southern a unique and special place for prospective students. Additionally, Joey walks through next steps for those who are still deciding on a college, as well as for those who have already chosen Georgia Southern. This episode is a great listen for any incoming family considering the university.In this week’s mailbag segment, Peter and Mike review important upcoming dates, including commencement. They also provide brief updates on Family Weekend and FERPA, specifically how to ensure you have access to your student’s final semester grades.
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  Episode 4- "Operation Move-Out with University Housing" 20.04.2026 30min

  On this episode of Beyond the Nest, we are joined by members of the University Housing staff to discuss the details of Operation Move-Out. If you have a student living on campus, this episode is for you—we’ll share important information about the process of moving out for the summer.As always, we’ll continue with our mailbag segment, which includes general information about Operation Move-In. We’ll also provide a few updates on Fall Family Weekend and upcoming Regional Social events.On this episode of Beyond the Nest, we are joined by members of the University Housing staff to discuss the details of Operation Move-Out. If you have a student living on campus, this episode is for you—we’ll share important information about the process of moving out for the summer.As always, we’ll continue with our mailbag segment, which includes general information about Operation Move-In. We’ll also provide a few updates on Fall Family Weekend and upcoming Regional Social events.
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  Episode 3- "Preparing for Final Exams" 06.04.2026 39min

  In this episode, Peter and Mike are joined by Aaron Wortham and Maleek Jones from the Academic Success Center. They share great tips and strategies to help students prepare for upcoming final exams. Aaron and Maleek also highlight services their office offers for those who may need last-minute support before the end of the term.We also return to our mailbag segment with a major update on Fall Family that you won’t want to miss.This episode is jam-packed and definitely worth a listen for both supporters and students.
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  Episode 2: "Enrollment, Consolidation, and the Student Experience: A Conversation with Scott Taylor" 24.03.2026 55min

  In this episode, we welcome our first official guest to the podcast. Scott Taylor, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, joins us to discuss a variety of topics, including consolidation updates, Destination Eagle Nation, student success resources, and student experience initiatives.Our mailbag segment also returns, featuring updates on Fall Family Weekend, SOAR registration, and our regional Parent and Family Association social events.
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  Episode 1 -"Pilot and Upcoming Spring Events" 09.03.2026 18min

  Welcome to the pilot episode of Beyond the Nest! In this inaugural episode, we recap the highlights from Spring Family Weekend and share exciting details about upcoming Spring Regional Social Events. We also take a look at some of the trending conversations happening on the Eagle Family Portal discussion boards.In addition, we’ll provide important updates on plans for Fall Family Weekend and share key information about the upcoming Spring Commencement ceremonies. Whether you’re a new Eagle family member or a returning one, this episode will help keep you informed and connected to everything happening in the Georgia Southern community.