1. What are the first thing(s) I should do after being accepted to Georgia State ?

Set up your E-mail. The university administration and your academic department will primarily use e-mail to communicate with you. To access important information, after receiving your acceptance letter you should immediately set up your Georgia State e-mail account:

To access your e-mail in future, you will go to: http://mail.student.gsu.edu (Be sure to check your e-mail frequently. Note: You have the option to forward your Georgia State e-mail to another personal e-mail account once you have set it up.)

Turn in your Immunization Form. Complete the required immunization form and return it with your proof of immunization directly to Georgia State University Health Services as soon as possible. Note: If you have previously attended Georgia State, you are not required to resubmit this information. Information and instructions on completing your immunization requirements are available at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwuhs/

2. Can I visit Georgia State before the semester begins?

You are welcome to visit the campus any time. You may call the Georgia State Welcome Center at 404-651-3900 for information or schedule a tour of the campus and visitor parking using the online form. (Tours are given at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays or by appointment). The Visitor Center is located online here: http://www.gsu.edu/visitor_center.html. If you would like to arrange an advising appointment or meetings with faculty in your department, please contact the Office of Academic Assistance one week before you plan to visit campus and we will help make these arrangements.

3. How do I get to Georgia State ?

A campus map and driving instructions are available online at: http://www.gsu.edu/map.html. You may call the Georgia State Welcome Center at (404) 413-2063 for specific directions. Atlanta rapid raid system, MARTA, provides access to campus from the central 5 Points Station or the Georgia State University Station. See map at: http://www.itsmarta.com/getthere/railmapbig.htm

4. Can I park on campus?

Student parking is available in designated lots; you may pay for parking daily, or sign up each semester. Detailed information about student parking options is available at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwaux/parking/index.htm

5. How can I find a place to live in Atlanta ?

The Housing Office provides applications for the University Lofts (the only oncampus graduate housing facility). Apartments at the Lofts include all utilities, local phone service, internet connections and basic cable. Parking is available for an additional fee.

The Housing Office also provides a link to Off-Campus Housing options. Most graduate students find apartments to rent off-campus that are close to the MARTA (rapid-rail) line. Contact the Housing Office, Suite 250 Student Center, (404) 413-1800 or: www.gsu.edu/housing

6. Can I get Health Insurance while attending Georgia State University ?

An optional group health insurance plan is available to Georgia State students. Insurance applications are available from the Dean of Students, Room 300 Student Center or at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwdos/healthinsurance.html
International students are required to purchase health insurance or fill out a waiver form listing their alternate insurance information with the International Office.

7. When should I register for my classes?

The first eight days of registration for each semester are scheduled with a time ticket. Access your GoSolar account to view your time ticket. Note: your appointment is the first (not the only) day you can register. After this initial period, anyone eligible can register with the exception of new international students. New international students will register during International Orientation. It is best to register at the earliest time allowed, in order to get your preferred schedule. The general calendar schedule is here. The (Registration) "Calendar of Principal Events" for each term is available at: http://www.gsu.edu/registrar/semester_calendars.html

8. How do I register for classes?

Georgia State 's online registration system, GoSolar, allows you to register from home or anywhere you can log in to the Internet. For complete instructions, refer to the Registration Guide : https://www.gosolar.gsu.edu/webforstudent.htm

(You may also register on campus at the computer lab directly across from the Registrar's Office, 228 Sparks Hall, or at any of the open access computer labs on campus--see next question.)

9. Are computers available on campus?

These open-access computer labs are available to students using their Panther (ID) card:

228 Sparks Hall: This location is the Office of the Registrar's GoSOLAR web site lab open during the semester on a space-available basis specifically for access to student records and registration. It is available Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. , Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

109 Library South: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - Midnight ; Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. ; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. ; Sunday, Noon - 11:00 p.m.

120 Kell Hall: This is an open access lab open during the semester on a space available basis from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday- Thursday.
200 Arts and Music Building : 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. , Monday-Friday.

747 AYSPS Building: 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. , Monday-Friday.

Computer labs are closed during university holidays and official closings.

 

10. How do I know which classes to register for first?

Graduate Certificate students may take any of the four classes listed for their certificate program, provided they have the prerequisite(s) for that class.

MA-EC and MA-EC-Policy Track students in the Economics Department should consult with the MA faculty adviser to plan their program of study before registering for classes. You will usually register for two or three required classes the first semester. The courses recommended to be taken first are listed below.

MA classes:
ECON 8100 Applied Microeconomic Analysis
ECON 8110 Macroeconomic Analysis
ECON 8740 Applied Statistics and Econometrics

MPA and MS-UPS students in the Public Administration Department will usually register for two or three required core classes their first semester. The courses recommended to be taken first are listed below. If core classes are not available, or not possible because of your schedule, it is permissible to take a course in your career track first, provided you have had the prerequisites required for that course.

MPA classes:
PAUS 8091 Communication in Public Service
PAUS 8111 Public Administration and Organizations
PAUS 8121 Applied Research Methods and Statistics I , or
PAUS 8141 Microeconomics for Public Policy

MS-UPS classes:
PAUS 8011 The Urban Policy Arena
PAUS 8121 Applied Research Methods and Statistics I , or
PAUS 8141 Microeconomics for Public Policy

MPA/JD students usually take two semesters of law classes before beginning their MPA curriculum. Contact your College of Law adviser for recommendations on your first semester schedule.

Doctoral Students. Your Doctoral Coordinator will specify your first semester classes.

11. What is considered "full-time" for a graduate student at Georgia State ?

The university has determined that 9 semester hours (3 classes) equals "full-time" enrollment for a graduate-level student at Georgia State during fall semester or spring semester; 6 semester hours (2 classes) are full-time in summer semester. Note: PhD students will have different registration requirements and must consult their Doctoral Coordinator.

12. Am I required to be registered "full-time"?

Any student receiving a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and any student attending Georgia State on a student visa is required to be enrolled full-time. Most other students receiving financial aid from the university, or attending on a visa, are also required to be full-time students.

13. Can I see my Academic Evaluation (Program Plan) on the Web?

Yes, you can view and print your academic evaluation in GoSolar:

-Log into GoSolar (where you register for classes) and choose Student Records option.
-Choose the last option, which is Academic Evaluation .
-Select Term.
-Scroll down and select Generate New Evaluation .
-In this menu, select Generate Request .
-In the Academic Evaluations options menu, select Academic Evaluation .
-Click submit. That's it, you will see your academic evaluation on the screen.

14. When and how do I pay fees?

You can pay your fees in person, by mail, in the drop box at Student Accounts, or online using a credit card. Specific policies, instructions and a fee schedule are available at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwfas/StudentAccounts/index.htm

15. How do I qualify as a resident of Georgia (for fee-paying purposes)?

The Regents requirements for residency are available at: http://www.gsu.edu/registrar/gastate_residency.html

If you are being charged out-of-state fees in GoSolar and you believe you should have been determined to be a resident of Georgia, contact the Office of Academic Assistance for more information.

16. What is a PantherCard and how do I get one?

A PantherCard is the official university ID card, used for identification, to access computer labs and the library, and may also be used as a debit ("PantherCash") card. Once you have registered and paid for classes, you may stop by the PantherCard Office (Suite 200, University Bookstore Building) to have your picture taken and card made on the spot. For more information about the PantherCard: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwaux/panthercard/panthercard.htm

17. How can I get a Graduate Catalog?

The university does not print catalogs. The Graduate Catalog is available online at: http://www.gsu.edu/registrar/catalogs_courses.html

18. How do I change or declare my career track or specialization in the graduate program?

Contact the Office of Academic Assistance or complete the form available at:
http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwsps/acassist/resources/index.htm

19. How do I request transfer credit?

In some cases, transfer credit may be approved for graduate-level courses recently completed with a grade of "B" or higher at an accredited institution in the U.S. To request transfer credit, fill out a transfer credit form at the Office of Academic Assistance and submit a detailed course description and a syllabus for each class. Transfer credit should be requested during the first semester you enroll at Georgia State . Your request will be reviewed by the relevant department for course equivalency. Note: a maximum of 6 credit hours of transfer credit is allowed into the master's programs.

20. I have a disability and need special accommodations, who should I call?

Contact the Office of Disability Services, Suite 230 Student Center, (404) 413-1560 or: www.gsu.edu/disability

21. I feel generally stressed out, is help available?

The Georgia State University Counseling Center, 106 Courtland Street, provides individual and career counseling, help with stress management, and other academic support and personal growth services to promote student success. For more information: (404) 413-1640 or: www.gsu.edu/counseling

22. What is considered satisfactory performance in the graduate program?

The faculty consider a good performance in a graduate-level course to merit a "B." The grade of "A" indicates an exceptional performance. A "C" indicates only fair work. Graduate students are expected to maintain a "B" (3.00) grade point average, so receiving a "C" could result in academic warning or exclusion if your GPA falls below 3.00.

23. How do I arrange to speak with an academic adviser?

Contact the Office of Academic Assistance to schedule an appointment, or for telephone, walk-in, or e-mail advisement: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwsps/acassist/index.htm

24. Who is my faculty adviser and how was he or she assigned?

Your faculty adviser's name is listed in the bottom left corner of your program evaluation (that can be viewed in GoSolar). Our advisement system integrates the Office of Academic Assistance and faculty advisers within the School. You have been assigned to a faculty member with expertise in your area of interest, based on the career track or specialization(s) you selected within your degree program. If at any time you change your career track, your faculty adviser may change. To make an appointment with your adviser, contact that professor directly via telephone or e-mail, or by calling their department to leave a message. Before you meet, take a few moments to jot down thoughts about your interests, goals and objectives; this will help your adviser guide you in course selection.

25. How can I find out about what is going on at AYSPS and Georgia State ?

For AYSPS news, read The Briefing at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwsps/news/briefing/index.htm and check the AYSPS Calendar of Events at: http://www.gsu.edu/happenings_calendar.html
Check the AYSPS list of research seminar series at: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwsps/events/seminars.htm
For the latest Georgia State news: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwexa/news/ and check the Georgia State Calendar of Events at: http://www.gsu.edu/gastate_calendar.htm