Admitted Graduate Student Next Steps

Getting Started

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

Activate your CampusID. It is your passport to access online services.
Set up your student email account. 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 students applying to Georgia State must provide verification of their lawful presence in the United State before admission to the university can be finalized. Specific information on this requirement is at this webpage. Citizenship verification documentation should be submitted through the “Upload Materials” section of your application status page. Questions about the verification process may be 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. If you can’t secure immunization records you can receive the needed vaccines from your local health department, private physician or Georgia State Health Services. There is a fee at all locations for vaccines. For more information on Georgia State’s services visit the University Health Services web page.

4. Update your emergency contact information in PAWS.

To ensure Georgia State can reach you or a close-contact person in case of an emergency students must update their 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 here.

5. Submit your final transcript and proof of degree.

You 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 an earned degree from your graduating institution (unless it is Georgia State) before the first day of classes. Review your application’s status page for outstanding transcripts required and our transcript submission page for details about how to submit your transcripts. Final materials should be sent to:

For Regular Mail	In-person or Express Carrier
Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs Georgia State University P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302	Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs Georgia State University – Sparks Hall 325 33 Gilmer Street, SE Atlanta, GA 30303

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

Filling out your FAFSA application is important if you are looking for federal financial aid (loans, grants etc.). If you have not already filled the form out take a few minutes to do so here. You will be able to review your award status online through your PAWS account once it is processed and sent to Georgia State. You may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid with questions about federal financial aid.

7. Register for classes.

Follow the links below on where to begin the advisement and registration process. Register early and pay your tuition and fees by the due date to secure your class schedule.

8. Pickup your PantherCard.

The PantherCard is the official Georgia State identification card. It is used for library privileges and 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. 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, including: discounted monthly MARTA cards, Panther Express shuttle service and on-campus parking. Parking requires that a vehicle be pre-registered and display a valid parking permit. Vehicle registration can only be done online through PAWS/GoSOLAR. 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. For more information on this requirement review the mandatory health insurance plan provided by the University System of Georgia. A voluntary plan is also made 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 part of the Georgia State 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 activities in which to participate. See what Atlanta has to offer with the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta and the Atlanta Tourism Bureau.

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies