WELCOME TO GEORGIA STATE
Missed New Graduate Student Orientation? No worries. Catch up with the recordings below! We've linked individual sessions (and slides) in the description of each session.
Next Steps - Getting Started
Once you're enrolled, you'll start to receive regular communications from The Graduate School, including the dean's monthly newsletter, event invites and more. The following resources will help you find your way as you begin your graduate school experience.
Advisement
The graduate director for your program is the point of contact for advisement on matters related to graduate study, such as course selection, enrollment requirements, assistantships, etc. For information on degree/program requirements and academic and administrative policies, please consult the Graduate Catalog.
Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships, fellowships and financial aid to help finance the cost of graduate study and related expenses. Learn more about paying for graduate school.
Individual departments award graduate research assistantships and graduate teaching assistantships to qualified students. Assistantships include an annual stipend and a tuition waiver. Please contact your graduate director for information and requirements. Students interested in federal student aid should visit the Financial Aid page.
If you have not already done so, you are required to turn in a final transcript showing proof of an earned degree from your graduating institution (unless it's Georgia State). Registration for classes will not be allowed until proof of an earned baccalaureate degree is submitted to our office.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires all students applying to Georgia State University to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United States in order to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes.
This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policies:
- Policy 4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in the United States
- Policy 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence
Students may be verified through one of the following options below:
1. Verification through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you are either a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or eligible non-citizen (does not apply to international students on a visa) that has completed and submitted a FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your lawful presence. If you are not able to be confirmed as lawfully present the Office of Financial Aid will follow-up with you for additional documentation.
2. Submission of one of the following documents:
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- Current Georgia Driver’s License issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
- Current Georgia ID Card issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008*
- Current driver’s license or state-issued ID card issued by any of the USG approved states (see chart below). Licenses/ID cards must be valid and meet USG requirements.*
- Current U.S. Passport *
- An original or certified Birth Certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States bearing an official seal* (The copy must very clearly show the raised or written seal to be acceptable. Copies that are not clear or do not show the seal cannot be accepted.)
- Permanent Resident Card (front and back)*
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization *
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship *
- U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad*
- Military ID (only for a current military member of Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve; must be verified in person)
*Copies of these documents are acceptable.
Submit documents directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions in-person or through the status page of your online application. Please allow 3 business days for the registration hold to be removed.
3. Verification through SEVIS (Student and Exchange Information System)
If you have or are applying for an F, or J visa we will verify your lawful presence through SEVIS. As this is already part of the immigration process there are no additional steps required to have your Citizenship Verification Hold removed. Simply comply with the requirements outlined by our Office of International Student and Scholar Services as you prepare to arrive at Georgia State University.
4. Verification through SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)
Since SAVE will not be available to USG institutions until after fall semester 2011, all nonresident alien students on some sort of visa will need to submit immigration documents verifying their lawful status to the office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Such documents may include an I-94 card, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) approval notice or receipt notice, or other documentation that the student is in lawful visa status.
This includes students who have been previously enrolled at Georgia State but are either returning (re-entry) to a degree program or applying for a new degree program. Transient students must also be verified.
USG Approved List of Driver’s License and ID Cards:
Temporary/interim driver’s licenses and IDs (paper copy provided until the official DL/ID card is generated) cannot be accepted.
| State | DL/ID Requirements for Acceptance |
| Alabama | Must NOT be marked “FN” |
| Alaska | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| California | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term.” Instruction Permits, Commercial Learner’s Permits, and temporary licenses cannot be accepted. |
| Delaware | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” or “Temporary” |
| Florida | Must NOT be marked “Temporary” |
| Georgia | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Idaho | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Iowa | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Kentucky | Must NOT be marked “Not for REAL ID purposes” |
| Louisiana | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Maryland | Must NOT indicate “T” restriction |
| Missouri | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Montana | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” or “Temporary” |
| Nevada | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| North Carolina | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Ohio | Must NOT indicate that it is “nonrenewable and nontransferable” |
| Oklahoma | Must NOT be marked “Temporary” |
| South Carolina | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Tennessee | Must NOT be marked “Temporary” |
| Texas | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” or “Temporary” |
| Vermont | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
| Wisconsin | Must NOT be marked “Limited Term” |
Your offer of admission is, in part, contingent upon submitting any outstanding official transcripts and test scores.
Official Transcripts
Please refer to this page for directions when submitting official transcripts. Transcripts must be received directly from the institution by the first day of class. Please note - you don't need to submit transcripts for Georgia State University or Georgia State's Perimeter College.
Official Test Scores
Please refer to this page for institution codes and/or directions when submitting official test scores. Test scores must be received from the testing agency by the first day of class.
Students in the University System of Georgia have access to affordable, high-quality health coverage through United Healthcare thanks to the Board of Regents’ decision to develop a state-wide health insurance consortium. Certain individuals are required to enroll in the Mandatory Plan. They are:
- International students holding “F-” or “J-” Visa status
- Graduate students receiving qualified graduate assistantships, fellowships or training grants
If you already have comparable coverage you can request to waive the insurance requirement. For enrollment periods, insurance premiums, waiver information and premium contributions, visit the Student Health Insurance website at sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/student-health-insurance.
PAWS, or Panther Access to Web Services, is your online connection to Georgia State University resources and information. In this single location, you can register for classes, view academic records, pay tuition and fees, update personal information, apply for on-campus housing, check out news/events and much more. PAWS also allows you to customize your view, meaning you can design your layout with access to the channels of your choice. It's your Georgia State, your way.
Prior to logging into PAWS you will need to activate your CampusID and create a password. Follow the instructions below:
- Go to campusid.gsu.edu
- Click “Activate your CampusID”
- Enter your name, date of birth and PantherCard number
- Find your CampusID and create a password
- Log into PAWS with your CampusID and password at paws.gsu.edu
The PantherCard is the official Georgia State identification card. It is used for library privileges, after-hours access and as a debit card for PantherMeals and PantherCash. To obtain a PantherCard and sign up for PantherMeals or PantherCash, please visit Auxiliary and Support Services in the University Bookstore Building upon your arrival.
PantherMail, or student email, can be setup through this link.
Emergency contact information is required for all students. You can easily provide this information via your PAWS account. To ensure compliance, a registration hold has been placed on your student record and will be automatically released once you have provided this information.
Proof of immunization must be submitted to the Georgia State University Health Services prior to registration for classes. You may receive the vaccines from your local health department, private physician or Georgia State University Health Services. There is a fee at all locations for the vaccines. For more information, please visit the University Health Services page.
Students enrolled in online programs are not required to provide proof of immunization.
University Housing provides quality on-campus housing to enhance the personal growth and development of students. Within modern, safe and secure facilities are opportunities for intellectual and social engagement as well as purposeful interactions between residents and staff. Visit the University Housing site for options and rates.
Downtown Atlanta, the heart of metro Atlanta, is a fusion of arts, culture and history, dining, sports, major attractions and living. For more information on life in downtown Atlanta, please visit atlantadowntown.com, which also includes interactive maps and neighborhood profiles.
New Graduate Student Orientation
New Graduate Student Orientation, hosted by The Graduate School, provides a general overview of Georgia State University and the graduate student experience to help you successfully launch your graduate career.
New Graduate Student Orientation consists of three components:
- A virtual orientation session to introduce you to The Graduate School and resources available to you as a graduate student at Georgia State.
- A self-paced online orientation with modules highlighting different resources to make the most of your time at Georgia State, both personally and professionally. Get to know campus resources such as the Counseling Center, Career Services, The Writing Center, and more!
- An in-person session that will allow you to network and meet your peers, tie up any loose ends before the start of the semester or join your fellow students on a campus tour.
New Graduate Student Orientation is optional, but we encourage you to attend if your schedule allows. Students with mandatory college orientations that overlap with The Graduate School's events are still expected to attend their college or school's orientation.
We’re excited for you to join us at Georgia State, and hope you find this information helpful as you begin your journey through graduate education.
New Graduate Student Orientation
9:00–9:30 a.m. | Welcome to Georgia State University
In this general session, Lisa Armistead, Ph.D., dean of The Graduate School will welcome new graduate students to Georgia State and give a little insight into what to expect during New Graduate Student Orientation.
General Session
9:30–10:15 a.m. | Negotiating Advising and Mentoring Relationships
What is a mentor? What do they do for me? What are my responsibilities? In this general session, Lisa Armistead, dean of The Graduate School, will share key tips for building and maintaining good relationships with your mentor advisors.
General Session
Morning Breakout Sessions
10:30–11:15 a.m. | Looking Ahead to Employment
Whether you're on an industry or academic track, having a general career plan can be helpful as you navigate graduate school. In this session, University Career Services will offer points for consideration as you look ahead to post-graduate employment.
category: career management
10:30–11:15 a.m. | Be Well at Georgia State: Support for Health and Wellness
Focusing on your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is essential to success in graduate school and in your career. In this session, the Counseling and Testing Center will highlight some of the many resources available to graduate students.
category: wellness
BREAK (15 MINS)
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Building Community Around Underrepresented Groups
In this session, the Multicultural Center will highlight several of its programs and initiatives aimed at building community around underrepresented groups.
category: community
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Nationally Competitive Fellowships
Learn more about how to find and apply for nationally competitive and prestigious fellowships. In this session, graduate fellowships adviser Katrina Helz will share insight into the application process for fellowships such as the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program, the National Institute of Health, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Boren Awards, Ford Foundation Fellowships, and others.
category: career, research, financial
LUNCH BREAK (45 MINS)
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1–2 p.m. | Grad Life at Georgia State Panel Discussion
Join a stellar group of Georgia State graduate students and alumni as they come together to answer your questions and share tips on finding community, time management, study tips and more!
category: community
1–2 p.m. | Research Support from Day One to Graduation: An Introduction to the University Library
Learn about the University Library and the many resources they have available to graduate students, including an array of professionals to assist you in finding and collecting existing published research to ground and guide your own research, and more!
category: research
BREAK (10 MINS)
2:10–3 p.m. | Navigating Academia: A Workshop for First-Generation Graduate Students
In this session, Lisa Armistead Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School and Curtis Byrd, Ed.D, special advisor to the Provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, will cover hidden expectations, specifically related to the three pillars of academia—research, teaching, and service. Through discussion, attendees will leave with a working knowledge of how to navigate academic processes and succeed as scholars.
category: research, teaching
2:10–3 p.m. | Academic Socialization for International Students: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Graduate School
In this session, Sharon Cavusgil, senior lecturer in the Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL will examine the academic socialization processes often experienced by international graduate students beginning graduate programs in the United States. The session will focus on challenges new graduate students often experience related to culture and language as well as explore suggestions to foster a positive academic experience.
category: community, writing support
BREAK (10 MINS)
3:10–4 p.m. | Academic Writing Support: Academic Integrity and Avoidance of Plagiarism.
Writing support is available for every part of the writing process at Georgia State University, whether you’re brainstorming a short paper or need final revision assistance on your dissertation. In this session, Lisa Armistead will join the Writing Studio to highlight writing support options and introduce participants to the Writing Studio.
General Session
4 p.m. | Closing Remarks
Lisa Armistead, Ph.D., dean of The Graduate School will wrap up the first day of sessions.
General Session
Friday, August 13, 2021 | New Graduate Student Orientation Day Two
Georgia State Student Center East | 55 Gilmer St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
The in-person orientation sessions will be held in the Student Center East building on the first floor. Please visit this website for a map of the building.
Parking: Discounted parking is available for $5.00 at the M Deck, which is located right across the street from the Student Center at 33 Auditorium Place SE, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Morning Session
Breakout Sessions | 9–10 a.m.
Court Salon | Success in Your Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)
Learn what attributes are needed to be a successful graduate research assistant. This session will not focus on obtaining GRA appointments, so only students with GRA positions should attend.
House Salon | Building Community Around Underrepresented Minority Groups
In this session, the Multicultural Center will highlight several of its programs and initiatives aimed at building community around underrepresented groups.
category: community
Senate Salon | Navigating Academia: First-Generation Graduate Students
In this session, Lisa Armistead Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School and Curtis Byrd, Ed.D, special advisor to the Provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, will cover hidden expectations, specifically related to the three pillars of academia—research, teaching, and service. Through discussion, attendees will leave with a working knowledge of how to navigate academic processes and succeed as scholars.
category: research, teaching
Speaker's Auditorium | Resources and Support from The Graduate School
In this session, Dori Neptune, project coordinator for The Graduate School, will highlight the resources and opportunities for professional development available through The Graduate School
category: professional development
10-10:30 a.m. Visit Resource Tables
Breakout Sessions | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
House Salon | Grad Life at Georgia State Panel Discussion
This session will highlight strategies graduate students can use to get involved with graduate life at Georgia State.
category: community
Senate Salon | Resources and Support from The Graduate School
In this session, Lisa Armistead, dean of The Graduate School, will highlight the resources and opportunities for professional development available through The Graduate School
category: professional development
Speaker's Auditorium | Success in Your Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)
Learn tips for first-time teaching assistants, instructional support resources, FERPA and Title IX guidance. This session will not focus on obtaining GTA appointments, so only students with GTA positions should attend.
Closing Session | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Atlanta Campus | Tying Up Loose Ends
Students can use this time to make sure their affairs are in order before the semester starts - whether you need to get your Panther card, get vaccinated (appointments must be set up in advance), purchase a parking pass, or take action on any items preventing you from enrolling in classes. For students who are interested, campus tour guides will be available to take students on a tour of campus.
Afternoon Session
Breakout Sessions | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
House Salon | Resources and Support from the Graduate School
Learn about The Graduate School's various programs and initiatives designed to support graduate students throughout their time at Georgia State.
category: professional development
Senate Salon | Navigating Academia: First-Generation Graduate Students
In this session, Lisa Armistead Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School and Curtis Byrd, Ed.D, special advisor to the Provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, will cover hidden expectations, specifically related to the three pillars of academia—research, teaching, and service. Through discussion, attendees will leave with a working knowledge of how to navigate academic processes and succeed as scholars.
category: research, teaching
Speaker's Auditorium | Success in Your Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)
Learn tips for first-time teaching assistants, instructional support resources, FERPA and Title IX guidance. This session will not focus on obtaining GTA appointments, so only students with GTA positions should attend.
2:30–3 p.m. Visit Resource Tables
Breakout Sessions | 3–4 p.m.
Court Salon | Success in Your Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)
Learn what attributes are needed to be a successful graduate research assistant. This session will not focus on obtaining GRA appointments, so only students with GRA positions should attend.
Senate Salon | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources for Graduate Students
Learn about DEI events, activities, programs, research projects, opportunities, and resources to support graduate students. In this session, Lisa Armistead Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School, and Curtis Byrd, Ed.D, special advisor to the Provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion, will take you on a guided tour through Georgia State's DEI website and THRIVE inventory.
category: research, community
House Salon | Building Community Around Underrepresented Groups
In this session, the Multicultural Center will highlight several of its programs and initiatives aimed at building community around underrepresented groups.
category: community
Speaker's Auditorium | Grad Life at Georgia State Panel Discussion
This session will highlight strategies graduate students can use to get involved with graduate life at Georgia State.
category: community
Closing Session | 4–5 p.m.
Atlanta Campus | Tying Up Loose Ends
Students can use this time to make sure their affairs are in order before the semester starts - whether you need to get your Panther card, get vaccinated (appointments must be set up in advance), purchase a parking pass, or take action on any items preventing you from enrolling in classes. For students who are interested, campus tour guides will be available to take students on a tour of campus.
The self-paced online orientation highlights different resources available on the Georgia State campus to help you make the most of your time here. Completion of the orientation modules is optional but highly encouraged.
ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE.
ENGAGE IN THE GEORGIA STATE COMMUNITY.
Join an array of student-run organizations, like the Graduate Alliance. Associations range from program-specific to philanthropic and hobby-based. Have an idea for an organization that could serve graduate students across the university? Lead the way and start your own.
Contact Us
We are here to help. Contact The Graduate School Admissions office for information on the enrollment process. Program-specific inquiries should be directed to your college, school or institute of interest.