Next Steps for Admitted Graduate Students

Admitted Graduate Student Next Steps

1. Activate your CampusID and set up your PAWS account and email.

Activate your CampusID. Your Campus ID is your passport to access online services at Georgia State.
Set up your student email account. All official communication from the university is sent to your student email.
Access your PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account. This is the online system you will use to register for classes, view academic records, update personal information, view financial aid, pay tuition and fees, and much more!

2. Verify your citizenship/lawful presence.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires that any student applying to Georgia State University will be required to provide verification of their lawful presence in the United State before admission to the university can be finalized. Specific information on this requirement is located at this webpage.

You may submit your lawful presence documentation directly into your application status page:

Login to your application
Scroll to the bottom of your application status page to the Upload Materials section.
Browse and upload document as “Citizenship Verification”

Questions regarding the verification process may directed to Graduate Admissions at [email protected].

3. Submit your immunization records before classes begin.

Submit your immunization records by the first day of classes. Find the immunization form here. Scan the completed immunization form into the Patient Portal.

If you can’t secure immunization records, you can receive the needed vaccines from your local health department, private physical or the Georgia State University Health Services. There is a fee at all locations for vaccines. For more information on GSU’s health services or with questions about your immunization form, visit the University Health Services web page.

4. Update your Emergency Contact information in PAWS.

To ensure Georgia State University can reach you or close contact person in case of an emergency each student must update his or her information each semester. A hold is placed on your PAWS account each semester to remind you to update your information. Instructions on removing the hold are located here.

5. Submit your final transcript and proof of degree.

Admitted graduate students are required to turn in an official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended, and an official, final transcript and degree certificate showing proof of earned degree from your graduating institution (unless Georgia State University) before the first day of classes. Review your application status page for outstanding transcripts required, and our transcript submission page for details about how to submit your transcripts. You should submit final transcripts to :

For Regular Mail	In-person or Express Carrier	Official Electronic
Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs Georgia State University P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302	Graduate Admissions, The Graduate School Georgia State University 55 Park Place NE, Suite 308 Atlanta, GA 30303	E-mail: [email protected]

6. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online.

If you are looking for any type of federal financial aid (loans, grants etc.), you will need to complete a FAFSA application through the U.S. Department of Education. Information about FAFSA and the online application are located at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.

Once processed, your application will be sent to Georgia State University and you will be able to review your award status online through your PAWS account. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you have any questions about your federal financial aid.

7. Review your Academic Evaluation and Register for Classes.

Review your Academic Evaluation in your PAWS account to determine the courses required in your course of study and to check if you are on track. Instructions on how to register for classes is located here.

Follow the links below for advisement contacts and registration information specific to your program. Register early and pay your tuition and fees by the due date to secure your class schedule.

8. Pick-up your PantherCard.

The PantherCard is the official Georgia State University identification card. It is used for library privileges, after hours access and can also be used as a debit card for PantherCash. PantherCards are available online at the PantherCard Office.

9. Review and pay your tuition and fees.

Once registered you should check your tuition and fees through PAWS. You may review student tuition and fees on the student accounts page. Please note that tuition and fees are due on the last day of regular registration before classes begin. You should check the registration calendar and make note of the due date.

10. Organize your transportation or parking needs.

Students have multiple transportation options:

Discounted monthly MARTA cards
Panther Express shuttle service
On-campus parking:
- All vehicles parking on campus require pre-registration through your PAWS account, and a valid parking permit displayed in your car. Complete and current information can be found online or by calling the Auxiliary Services Office at (404) 413-9500.

11. Review your student health insurance options and requirements.

Students receiving a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and International Students are required to carry health insurance. Review the University System of Georgia’s mandatory health insurance plan for more details. A voluntary plan is also available for students not covered under the mandatory plan.

12. If moving to Atlanta, review your housing options.

Atlanta and the surrounding area have many affordable housing options for graduate students. If you are interested in living on campus, you should apply for housing via the online housing application. Georgia State also offers an off-campus housing site to start your housing search.

13. Familiarize yourself with Campus.

As a new student of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies you are also part of the Georgia State University community. Plan a campus tour to find important locations, resources and opportunities on campus. You can also take a virtual tour of campus.

14. Get to know Atlanta!

Atlanta is a great place to study and live. Metro Atlanta offers a number of events to attend, places to see and other fun activities. See what downtown Atlanta has to offer by visiting the Atlanta Tourism Bureau.

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