On Sunday, August 23, Georgia State University faculty and staff were present in their regalia to induct the incoming Freshman class of 2024. Due to the pandemic, students were unable to be welcomed face-to-face and instead were greeted through a virtual Convocation on the Georgia State University Facebook page.
The Convocation began with statements from President Becker, Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, the VP of Student Engagement & Programs, and Kaelen Thomas, the Student Government Association President.
In the past, the Freshmen Convocation has taken place in-person with sessions throughout the day to allow students to learn more about Georgia State. As Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown said, “We know this may not be the fall semester you would have envisioned. The COVID-19 pandemic has required many, many changes, but the Georgia State community is up to the task of teaching, learning, and working at the highest possible level while staying safe and healthy.”
Although students were unable to connect in-person, the Convocation was live on Facebook, allowing them to meet virtually where they could live chat and connect with each other. Some of the Georgia State staff were present on the live chat to answer student’s questions as well.
There were appearances from special guests: Wil Lutz (Placekicker for the New Orleans Saints), Matthew Kaminski (Atlanta Braves Organist), Malory Atkinson (Managing Partner of SHEAR Structural), Geri Thomas (Vice President of Bank of America), Jennifer Grant Warner (President and CEO of Fernbank Museum), Grady Jarrett (Defensive Tackle for the Atlanta Falcons), and Ambassador Andrew Young. These guests welcomed the students to Georgia State University and shared personal pieces of advice to the incoming class.
The live Convocation video displayed all of the names of incoming students, and a picture mosaic was introduced to help students gain a sense of community.
The picture mosaic was launched in hopes of allowing incoming students to realize the huge community they are a part of. Students, faculty, and staff are able to upload a photo and share the mosaic through Facebook and Twitter.
To view the mosaic and upload a picture, access https://pantherwelcome.org/.
This Fall, we have more than 7,000 incoming students joining our downtown campus and Perimeter campus family. Even though things are different this year, we wish the incoming class success on their path to graduation. Welcome to Georgia State University Associate Class of 2022 and Bachelor’s Class of 2024!
By Pearl Dang