Panther Welcome

These booths are set up across campuses during the first week of classes to help students navigate Georgia State. Staff volunteers from various departments are available to answer questions, help students find their classrooms, and hand out fun swag. Booths operate Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first week of the semester, unless otherwise noted. Additional volunteers wearing Ask Me buttons will also be available around campus to assist students.

Not on campus?  Panther Answer is your one-stop shop to ask questions and set up appointments with admissions, academic advising, financial aid and the registrar’s office.

• Alpharetta: AA Building lobby
• Atlanta:
  • 25 Park Place
  • 92 Piedmont Ave. NE (between Piedmont Central and the Centennial Hall parking lot)
  • Courtland St. & Gilmer Ave.
  • Library North entrance with extended hours until 7 p.m. Mon. & Tues. 
  • NOTE: The Information Center on the first floor of Student Center East is available to answer questions from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. every Monday - Thursday, and 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Fridays.
• Clarkston: CN Building lobby, near the info center
• Decatur: SC Building lobby, near café seating
• Dunwoody:  NB Building lobby, lower level
• Newton: 1N Building lobby, near open seating

Thursday, Aug. 21, 1 - 4 p.m., Urban Life Plaza

Global Grillout is the signature orientation event for new and continuing international students. All new and returning students and scholars are welcome to come hang out, enjoy some free food and have fun.

Learn more in PIN.

Saturday, Aug. 23, Hurt Park

Join Spotlight Programs Board to watch a student's choice movie under the stars in Hurt Park.

Details to be announced soon.

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2:30 p.m., Convocation Center

Kick off your Georgia State journey at First-Year Convocation! Convocation happens at universities across the nation and serves the official welcome for new students. At Georgia State, however, we invite the entire Panther family to join us as we welcome our newest students and upper-class students and families are encouraged to join in the celebration.

Right after Convocation, the excitement continues at the Panther Welcome Party! Come enjoy free food, music and an overall block party atmosphere.

Registration is requested, details coming soon.

Grab some free breakfast (while supplies last) on your way to classes on any GSU campus! Must have a current Panther ID and your PIN Event Pass.

• Alpharetta:
  Monday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m., AB Lobby
  Tuesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m., AA Lobby
• Atlanta: Speaker's Auditorium Lobby
  Monday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.
  Tuesday, Aug. 27, 9  a.m.
• Clarkston: CN Café
  Tuesday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m.
• Decatur: Campus Quad
  Monday, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m.
  Tuesday, Aug. 26, 9:30 a.m.
• Dunwoody: NB 2000 Student Center
  Tuesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.
  Wednesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.
• Newton: 1N Patio/Lobby
  Monday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m.
  Tuesday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m.

Join Panther Activities Council at one of the events below. Must have a current Panther ID.

• Newton: Panther Pre-Game Prep Day, Thurs., Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., 2N Building
• Newton: Panther Activities Council Meet & Greet, Wed., Aug. 28, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 1N Patio   
• Decatur: Ice Cream Social, Thurs., Aug. 29, 12 – 1 p.m., SC Gym Lobby 
• Dunwoody: Foam Party, Wed., Sept. 4, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., NB Quad
• Alpharetta: Student Leader Meet & Greet, Thurs., Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., AA Patio/Parking Lot/AB 105
• Clarkston: Foam Party, Tues., Sept. 10, 1 - 4 p.m., CN Student Center and Quad
• Decatur: Dive-In Movie, Thurs., Sept. 12, 2 – 5 p.m., Decatur Campus Pool

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Unity Plaza

Come meet your Recreational Services department and learn about all the great programs and services available to you as a student! There will be games, giveaways and more information on how to get involved at the Student Recreation Center.  

More details coming soon.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Student Center East Ballroom

Want to work on  campus? Join University Career Services to explore opportunities at Georgia State University departments and with local employers seeking students for part-time employment to gain communication and leadership skills.

More details coming soon.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Student Center East Ballroom

Interested in Greek Life but not sure where to begin? This non-committal information session will provide students with an overview of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Georgia State; including information about all 4 councils, all 28 chapters, how to join these organizations and much more.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 1 - 3 p.m., Student Center East Second Floor

Explore all the resources and services available through our Cultures, Communities & Inclusion (CCI) department! Food, fun, giveaways and live entertainment will be throughout the second floor of Student Center East.

Thursday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Cinefest Theatre

Learn about opportunities to get involved with Album 88 (radio station), The Signal (campus newspaper), Underground (undergraduate literary journal), Neo Network (video production), BELT (TV production) and other student media platforms. All students are invited.  

Each Perimeter College campus will host an event to familiarize new students with the resources available to them. Select your campus location to learn more.

• Alpharetta 1:
  Wednesday, Sept. 3, Noon - 2 p.m.
• Alpharetta 2:
  Thursday, Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Clarkston:
  Thursday, Sept. 4, Noon - 3 p.m.
• Decatur: 
  Thursday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Dunwoody: 
  Thursday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Newton: 
  Thursday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hurt Park

Join your fellow Panthers at this outdoor block party in Hurt Park for ALL students. There will be interactive attractions, departmental resource displays and music provided by DJs.

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 3 - 5 p.m., Student Center East Ballroom

New to campus or just looking to expand your social network? Come out for an exciting afternoon of speed friending — a fun and relaxed way to break the ice and get to know other students. Whether you're hoping to find a study buddy, a new lunch partner, or even your next best friend, this event is the perfect opportunity to expand your social circle. Free refreshments will be available, so bring your curiosity and come ready to chat, laugh, and connect.

Pop in for 5 minutes or stay for the whole time!

Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 - 10 p.m., Atlanta Recreation Center - Aquatic Center

Join Spotlight Programs Board for an unforgettable evening filled with food, pool games, and exciting water activities. Whether you dive into the pool or hang out on the patio soaking in the vibes, this is the perfect way to celebrate Panther Prowl: a signature Georgia State tradition.

Friday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. - midnight, Six Flags Over Georgia

Georgia State night at Six Flags returns! This annual tradition grants the Georgia State community exclusive, private access to the park. Season passes are not valid for entry on this night. Shuttles to the park will be provided to and from the Student Center.