The program began in the fall of 2011 as the University's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) as a part of the reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
The implementation of the First-Year Odyssey program signaled a significant change in how UGA introduced its first-year students to the academic life and culture of the University, with the belief that a small seminar taught by faculty whose seminars focused on their scholarship would “shrink the University” and improve the student experience. It was also expected that teaching such a seminar to a small group of 15-18 students would improve the faculty experience. The program has delivered on both counts as demonstrated in the 5-year and 10-year impact reports.
The University's commitment to the program enthusiastically continues.