Welcome to Georgia State University! We are committed to the success of your student and are honored that they have chosen to join the Panther family. We know the college experience is not just one for the student but involves the entire family. Whether your student is joining us right out of high school, or coming back to continue an educational journey, there are sacrifices of time and resources. Our entire university community is here to support them both inside and outside the classroom, from college to career. Across every campus and pathway, there are dedicated faculty, staff and student leaders ready to serve our diverse and hardworking students. Georgia State is a place for all, and we know your student will find a unique place here that will provide lifelong connections. Welcome to the Panther family. We look forward to seeing you at graduation and throughout the many opportunities for family engagement over these next few years.
Best wishes for a wonderful year!
Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown Senior Vice President Student Success
FACT SHEET
Georgia State University is an enterprising urban public research institution in Atlanta, the leading cultural and economic center of the Southeast.
A PUBLIC R1 RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS
Georgia State is nationally recognized for programs and initiatives that help students from all backgrounds earn degrees. Our seven locations in Atlanta, the cultural and economic center of the Southeast, provide faculty and more than 53,000 students with unsurpassed access to opportunities in one of the nation’s great global cities.
• No. 1 public university for undergraduate teaching in the U.S. (6 years in a row)*
• No. 5 public university for learning communities in the U.S.*
• No. 2 public university for the first-year experience in the U.S.*
• Top 5 most innovative public university in the U.S. (11 years in a row)
JUNE HOUSING & CAMPUS SERVICES
Living in University Housing is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make campus feel like home. From academic support to social opportunities, on-campus living allows your student to make the most of their Georgia State experience.
PantherDining has four unlimited, allaccess academic year meal plans for Atlanta Campus students that offer your student convenience, variety and a community experience with 24-hour weekday service and weekend hours. Visit dining.gsu.edu.
The PantherCard is your student’s access to all things Georgia State and should always be carried while on campus. The PantherCard also links to PantherCash. This easy-to-use debit account saves you money across campuses at dining halls, parking decks and more. Visit services.gsu. edu/panther-card.
Parking varies by campus. All students must register their vehicle to park on any campus. The university is well-served by public transportation lines such as the MARTA rail and bus systems. Your student can purchase passes at a discounted rate. Visit parking.gsu.edu.
New members of the Panther family settle in during move-in for University Housing. Details about on-campus housing can be found at myhousing.gsu.edu.
ACADEMIC SERVICES
JUNE
Academic Advising is essential to your student’s success at Georgia State. The University Advisement Center provides comprehensive services to help your student make it from New Student Orientation to their commencement ceremony. Visit advisement.gsu.edu.
All students seeking an undergraduate degree are required to complete basic core curriculum. Encourage your student to make sure they are on the correct path via Degree Works. This web-based tool provides real-time advice on degree progression. Visit advisement.gsu.edu.
Navigate is a student success management system that links your student with administrators, advisors, deans, faculty and other staff in a coordinated care network. This system is designed to aid academic services but is not intended to replace face-to-face advising sessions. Visit gsu.navigate.eab.com.
Each campus has a University Advisement Center as well as individualized contact information. Locations, hours and more can be found online at advisement.gsu.edu.
Staff from the University Advisement Center help students register for classes during New Student Orientation. Students will register themselves after this point.
STUDENT LIFE
The Panther Involvement Network is a onestop shop for attending events, joining a student organization and anything else outside the classroom at Georgia State.
The Atlanta Campus’ Student Center is a hub of student activity and a focal point for the rich social, recreational and cultural life that plays out on our diverse campus.
When students join Fraternity & Sorority Life, they have the opportunity to build lifelong bonds. Joining a Greek organization can make our large campus feel smaller. Greek life is only offered on the Atlanta Campus.
The Spotlight Programs Board organizes activities to enhance and enrich student life on the Atlanta Campus. On each of our Perimeter campuses, Panther Activities Council strives to create the same rich student experience as the Atlanta Campus. Both organizations host fun social, cultural and educational events.
Student Media provides support for journalistic activity across all campuses. From the student-led radio station, student newspaper, video production group and more, there is something for everyone. Visit engagement.gsu.edu.
Campus is rich with opportunities for great social experiences. Weeklong festivities such as Homecoming and Spring Fling are a staple of student life.
ATHLETICS
JUNE
Georgia State is a fully accredited NCAA Division I athletics program and a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Student tickets to ALL Georgia State events are free (supported by student fees). Students simply need to scan their PIN Event Pass (pin.gsu.edu/eventpass) upon entry to any event.
The home opener football game against North Carolina A&T is on Sept. 4, and we hope you encourage your student to participate in the #FanFromDay1 program. Through this program, your student will receive a free T-shirt they can wear when they run out on the field with the football team at the first home game!
Home football games are already marked on your calendar, but basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer and many more official team schedules are available at georgiastatesports.com. Be sure to come out and catch our men’s and women‘s basketball teams at the Convocation Center, and in fall 2026, join us as we unveil a brand new baseball stadium!
The Georgia State Panthers take the field at Center Parc Stadium. Home football games are a chance to experience traditions, have fun and make friends!
MONEY MATTERS
We know college tuition can be an intimidating topic. Our Student Financial Services team is staffed with specialists and counselors ready to help your student answer financial aid and account questions. Visit sfs.gsu.edu.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), you will only be able to view your student’s records if they grant you access. For more information on how to request access, visit the Panther Family Portal or review details in the back of this calendar. Visit pantherfamily.gsu.edu.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed every academic year. The earlier the application is filled out, the better the chance for the best aid package. The Georgia State school code is 001574. Visit studentaid.gov/fafsa.
The Scholarship Resource Center offers year-long promotion of many scholarship opportunities. Your student should complete the general application each year when the form opens. The center is open to all Georgia State students regardless of financial aid eligibility status. Visit gsu.academicworks.com.
The Student Financial Management Center is dedicated to making a Georgia State education affordable and accessible for each and every student.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Office of International Initiatives (OII) provides access and opportunities for all GSU students to engage in a global education.
Fast facts:
• $1 million+ in study abroad programs scholarships awarded annually
• Global Scholar Distinction: award granted to students who complete five courses during their undergraduate degree
• 100+ study abroad programs offered in 30 countries
Virtual Exchange (VE) allows students to collaborate with international peers and build intercultural skills. Currently, there are 85 partner institutions in 41 countries.
Through the Free Passport Program, Georgia State offers all students who are U.S. citizens (who do not have a passport) the chance to obtain a passport at no cost. More than 1,600 students have already secured their free passport! Visit studyabroad.gsu.edu.
International Education Week is a time to celebrate cultures around the globe with food, colorful traditions and celebrations.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The Student Health Clinic provides high-quality medical care to all enrolled Georgia State students. Students who attend to their own healthcare needs are more likely to meet their educational goals. Visit health.gsu.edu.
Georgia State strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students. In compliance with the State Board of Regents immunization requirements, all students must show proof of being immunized. Immunizations must be submitted by your student through the Patient Portal. Visit gsuwellness.gsu.edu.
Georgia State is committed to ensuring access to mental health support services. The Counseling Center provides a range of counseling, testing, psychiatric and holistic health services to support students. Visit counselingcenter.gsu.edu.
The Georgia State Police Department provides law enforcement, security and safety services (such as safety escorts, 24/7 assistance, security guards and more) to the university community and the immediate surrounding areas. Visit safety.gsu.edu.
gsu.edu
The GSU Blue Line features clearly marked wayfinding signage, brightly lit walkways and modern infrastructure that creates a safe place for living, learning, working, playing and connecting.
REGISTRAR
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for many university services. Through this office your student can request transcripts and academic records, view the university academic calendars, apply for graduation, review their academic evaluations and much more. Visit registrar.gsu.edu.
Class registration is conducted in the Panther Access to Web Services system (PAWS). Your student will be assigned a registration time-ticket. Students who wait until late registration will incur a $50 late registration fee. Visit paws.gsu.edu.
JANUARY
HIGHLIGHT
Each year Georgia State honors the life and legacy of Atlanta native Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with our annual Day of Service and numerous activities in January. Campus events feature great lectures, discussions, celebrations and community service opportunities that reflect King’s dream and vision for civil rights and social justice. Visit belonging.gsu.edu.
The new year is full of new engagement opportunities. To view spring family engagement events, visit pantherfamily.gsu.edu and encourage your student to visit pin.gsu.edu.
JUNE
CULTURES, COMMUNITIES & INCLUSION (CCI)
Cultures, Communities & Inclusion (CCI) supports the ways all students experience their own senses of identity and how they interact with people who share their identities and perspectives, along with those who hold identities and perspectives different from their own. When students feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, it can positively impact their retention, progress, graduation, future success in their chosen professions, and their contributions and service to their families and communities.
A place for all, Georgia State highlights our common connections and intersections while upholding the free expression rights of each individual.
CCI is proud to observe designated heritage and history months throughout the year. These months celebrate the customs, values and traditions of different cultures while examining the issues and struggles of different communities. All Heritage and History Months programming is open to all students. For more information, visit belonging.gsu.edu.
Students celebrate at Holi, one of the many events hosted during the year. Both university departments and student organizations host themed events across the campuses.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) provides services to assist your student in being an engaged and successful member of the Georgia State community.
Services include but are not limited to:
• Connecting students with important campus resources
• Helping students resolve issues and complaints
• Highlighting the values of the university community
• Encouraging student involvement
• Addressing emergency concerns
For some students, the demands of college can be overwhelming. Faculty, staff, friends and family members can help identify students who need assistance and, using the Dean of Students website, refer these students to the appropriate resources.
The ODOS contributes not just to student success, but student retention by helping students understand the resources available to them. Staff are on hand to help them navigate university systems. Visit deanofstudents.gsu.edu.
Students can make individual appointments to meet with ODOS team members. These appointments are available across campuses and departments to help your student succeed at Georgia State.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Your student is embarking on a new journey in an unfamiliar environment. Freshman Learning Communities (FLCs) and Perimeter Learning Communities (PLCs) are built to help students make friends, explore interests and find success. The benefits of FLCs & PLCs extend well beyond the first semester. Students who are engaged in their education have higher GPAs, retain the HOPE scholarship at a higher rate and graduate in less time.
While college is an adventure, it can get overwhelming with classes, studying, social activities and cocurricular events. Student Support Services provides resources and support that extend beyond the classroom.
Students who attend tutoring and group study sessions regularly throughout the semester typically earn a half (if not full) letter grade higher than those who don’t.
Some courses are traditionally tougher than others. Supplemental Instruction sessions are weekly study sessions led by student leaders who have previously received an A in that course. Visit success.students.gsu.edu.
Student Success Programs provides initiatives and services to help students succeed at every stage of their journey at Georgia State, from orientation to graduation.
Move-Out:
If your student is not living on campus but would like to, they can reapply between semesters. Details are online at myhousing.gsu.edu. If your student would like to move off campus, assistance is available online at georgiastateoffcampus.com.
CAREER SERVICES
Your student’s future starts the moment they arrive on campus. University Career Services provides resources to assist them throughout their academic journey. Services include:
• On- and off-campus job support
• Career opportunities
• Virtual career assistant: VMOCK resume and interview support
• Access to the Career Closet
• Drop-in career chats and appointments
• Graduate school planning
• Co-op and internship searches
• Professional headshots
• Career fairs
• Career workshops
The main Career Services office is on the downtown Atlanta Campus, but Career Centers operate on the Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur and Dunwoody Perimeter campuses. Visit career.gsu.edu.
Handshake is an online job board that both university departments and local community partners use to recruit GSU students. Encourage your student to set up a detailed profile and become familiar with the platform. Visit gsu.joinhandshake.com.
University Career Services offers several resources to help students make informed career decisions as they explore their interests and skills.
Commencement is a ticketed event; each graduating student must RSVP. The amount of tickets allotted to each student is based on the number of students planning to attend. Visit commencement.gsu.edu.
SUPPORTED POPULATIONS
Diversity is a defining part of Georgia State’s DNA, and our seven locations include a rich tapestry of students from different backgrounds and walks of life.
Georgia State supports our military connected students by developing and implementing outreach programs and services tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by today’s military community. Visit military.gsu.edu.
The Honors College offers talented and motivated undergraduate students the experience of a highly selective small college combined with the programs and opportunities of a large public research university in the heart of Atlanta. Visit honors.gsu.edu.
Commuter students are an important part of our community. Relaxation spaces, study halls, discounted parking and hybrid engagement programs are just a few of the opportunities available to your commuter student to help them make the most of their time at Georgia State. Visit engagement.gsu.edu.
Georgia State is a place for all. Supporting students across all campuses and preparing them to succeed in a diverse workforce is of paramount importance.
FERPA
(FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT)
UNDERSTANDING FERPA
This federal law affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents/legal guardian to the student. This means that when your student enrolls in college – regardless of their age – they become the sole owner of their academic and financial information. University staff, faculty and employees are prohibited from sharing sensitive information regarding the student with anyone (including parents or legal guardians) without the student’s written consent.
We know your student’s information is important to you. To help you and your student be successful, Georgia State has implemented a safe and secure way to view your student’s academic and financial records with student consent via the Panther Family Portal.
To Request Your Student Connection:
1. Register for the Panther Family Portal at pantherfamily.gsu.edu and select the Graduation Cap Icon in the right hand corner.
2. Complete the request with your student’s Georgia State student email (StudentCampusID@student.gsu.edu) and request access to student records.
3. Your student will receive an email to approve your connection request. Once the connection is approved, you are able to view the approved information in the Panther Family Portal by clicking on the Graduation Cap Icon.
UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
TEXTBOOKS AND COURSE MATERIALS
Your student’s instructors work with the Georgia State University Bookstore to ensure they have the right materials in enough quantities every semester. If a course requires any materials, they will be available at the bookstore and ready for your student in a few different formats: digital, new, used and rental textbooks.
TECH, SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MORE
Save with student pricing on laptops, tablets, keyboards, audio technology, accessories and more. Prefer a pen and paper? You name it, the bookstore carries it!
GEORGIA STATE SPIRIT
Make sure you stop by the bookstore during New Student Orientation, Family Weekend or whenever you may be on campus to pick up hats, T-shirts, mugs and plenty of other options to rep that Panther pride.
FINANCIAL AID
For qualifying students, financial aid funds will be available through the first week of classes for books and supplies at the bookstore. Your student should monitor their student email for updates regarding availability.
Study Abroad Programs studyabroad.gsu.edu 404-413-2529 Technology Services technology.gsu.edu 404-413-4357
CAMPUS MAPS
YOUVISIT – VIRTUALLY VISIT ANY OF OUR CAMPUSES
Georgia State provides virtual tours that give you a glimpse of life on each of our unique campuses. Take a virtual stroll down the streets of whichever campus your student studies on at welcome.gsu.edu.
COLLEGE TOWN DOWNTOWN
We encourage you to explore the Atlanta Campus at your convenience whenever you are downtown using the Self-Guided Tour Map. We’ve highlighted seven of the most popular spots on campus where your student will probably spend a good portion of their time. The map and other helpful materials can be found online.
A new way for you to stay involved with your student and Georgia State.
Your one-stop shop for:
• Accessing a digital version of the Family Calendar
• Accessing important campus news and deadlines
• Discovering new ways to stay engaged as a family member
• Receiving newsletters and announcements on your schedule pantherfamily.gsu.edu
