Student Center Event Management coordinates reservations for the Student Center’s indoor and outdoor venues, as well as for display cases, easel poster and banner spaces, and information and commercial solicitation tables. Reservable spaces inside the Student Center can accommodate groups ranging from 15 to 674 for meetings, lectures, conferences, receptions, banquets, concerts, exhibits and other functions. Several attractive outdoor plazas and Hurt Park are popular, informal sites for special events, fairs and festivals.
To reserve indoor or outdoor spaces, see Make a Reservation below. 
For information about marketing opportunities such as commercial solicitation, display spaces and information tables, see Marketing & Event Promotion below.
For more information or to inquire about space availability, contact Event Management by email, by phone at 404-413-1870 or in-person in Student Center East, Suite 305.
Because the Student Center is supported by student fees and is designed primarily to facilitate student activities, Georgia State University registered student organizations receive priority in the reservation process. In addition, university departments are strongly encouraged to use the facilities and take advantage of the services. Spaces in the center are also made available to external clients (outside groups requesting space for an event or faculty, staff or student group hosting an event not on behalf of the university).
The audiovisual support staff provides equipment, expertise and technical support for events held in the Student Center. Technicians offer free audiovisual needs consultations and are available to provide support on the day of the event.
Technical Support
Many events require an audiovisual technician throughout the event to adjust microphones, lights and video. The Student Center reserves the right to determine whether or not an event needs an audiovisual technician. Technicians will attend to any difficulty that is experienced during an event. The fee for a technician is $15/hour.
Livestreaming and recording services are available and must be requested and scheduled in advance. Additional fees will be applied based on the exact services requested.
Equipment Rental
A wide range of audiovisual equipment may be rented at competitive rates for events in the center. Equipment must be requested in advance to avoid a late fee; equipment may only be rented for use in SC spaces. For a listing, see the Student Center AV Equipment Rental Rates. To reserve equipment, contact Event Management by email, by phone at 404-413-1870 or in-person in Student Center East, Suite 305.
Free Equipment Demonstrations
Audiovisual technicians will provide a free demonstration of any of the items on the center's equipment list to help presenters master the new technology and make their presentations the best they can be.
Internet Connections
All reservable rooms in the Student Center have internet connection capability.
In order to maintain the academic mission of Georgia State University and to minimize interference with the efficient operation of the institution, commercial solicitation on a university-owned or controlled property (the campus) is governed in accordance with the following procedures. For purposes of this policy, the term commercial solicitation includes but is not limited to, the selling or promoting of products, goods or services on campus to members of the university community by non-university entities. This policy shall not apply to fundraising activities (e.g., candy sales, bake sales, etc.) held by members of the university community or to token giveaways by significant sponsors of university events. Commercial solicitation directed at the university itself (e.g., concerning the purchase of university supplies and equipment) is governed by the purchasing regulations of the state of Georgia and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
Inquiries regarding commercial solicitation on the Atlanta campus of Georgia State University should be directed to Student Center Event Management unless the request is for the University Bookstore Building, Perimeter College campuses or athletic facilities. Inquiries for solicitation activities to take place in the University Bookstore Building or any Perimeter College campus should be submitted to Craig Lipsey, senior director for Campus Services. Inquiries for solicitation activities to take place in the Sports Arena should be forwarded to Charlie Cobb, athletic director. Inquiries for all other campuses should be directed to Craig Lipsey, senior director for Campus Services.
Approved commercial solicitation is generally permitted in outdoor spaces in Unity Plaza (adjacent to Student Center East at the corner of Courtland Ave. and Gilmer Street) and Hurt Park (25 Courtland St. SE), and all such solicitation activity must remain in the assigned designated area. Reservations for these spaces are made on a first-come,first-served basis with limitations on the number of days a vendor may be on campus. Requests for solicitation (as part of an event) or other campus locations must be submitted at least ten business days in advance of the requested date and must be approved by the director of the Student Center.
Inclement Weather: No refunds are given in the event of rain. However, if the solicitation is scheduled to take place in exterior designated areas, the university will make an effort to provide another commercial solicitation date if the solicitor calls before 11 a.m. the morning of the scheduled solicitation date. No rescheduling will be provided after 11 a.m., and rescheduled dates will only be offered in the same semester during which the original solicitation date was scheduled.
To request commercial solicitation space, submit an executed Commercial Solicitation Application and Agreement. Once the space is confirmed, a link to an online payment option to pay the non-refundable fee via credit card will be sent. Payment must be made at least three business days before the desired reservation period.
For more information, contact Event Management by email, by phone at 404-413-1870, or in person in Student Center East, Suite 305.
The following resources will help anyone organize a successful event. Several event planning forms and checklists are available to help organizers to clarify their plans, establish a timetable, create a budget, coordinate their event and evaluate its results.
A list of resources for individuals planning events at Georgia State University is available from University Events Management.
Helpful Tips
- Evaluating the Need for Your Event
- Brainstorming for a Successful Event
- Event Planning Checklist
- What's In a Budget?
- Event Budget Planner
- Program Evaluation
For more information, contact Event Management by email, by phone at 404-413-1870 or in-person in Student Center East, Suite 305.
All food and beverage brought by the event sponsor to events held in Student Center-managed spaces must first be requested and approved via this form. The only exception to this policy is for brown bag events where individual attendees may choose to bring food and beverage for personal consumption. In addition to operating food courts in Student Center East and Student Center West, PantherDining is Georgia State’s on-campus caterer. Find out more about their services.
Submission deadlines vary per the type of food request; requests should be submitted according to the schedule below:
- Commercially prepared food/beverage and PantherDining: 3 full business days before the event date
- Outside caterer catering onsite and homemade food requests: 2 weeks before the event date
Only one form is needed per event. You do not need to submit separate forms if you are planning to make homemade food and provide commercially prepared snacks for the same event; instead, please check off all the food options that will apply for your event. Separate forms are needed for separate events.
Please consider catering/set-up needs (e.g., serving tables, access time, etc.) when placing reservation requests. Organizations that are found to have brought in unapproved food or beverage will be charged a non-compliance fee. Additional clean-up charges may be added for these events if food items, debris, or equipment or items to store, display, or serve remain after the event. The Student Center does not provide table linens for tables at which food or beverage will be displayed or consumed.
Food Trucks
University departments that want to arrange for a food truck on a Georgia State University campus must use the university contract available at Legal Services and Forms - Office of Legal Affairs (gsu.edu) to ensure the health and safety of the Georgia State University community.
Alcoholic Beverages
Requests for alcoholic beverage service in the Student Center must be approved through the alcohol review process. Read more about the process.
Event sponsors must be aware of the Student Center’s Facility Regulations and Reservation Policies.
Reservations are not confirmed until the requesting organization receives written confirmation from the Student Center Event Management office. Do not sign contracts or advertise events before receiving written confirmation.
Select the type of event sponsor from the options below.
Registered Student Organizations
Registered student organizations (RSOs) may request reservations, changes, and cancellations online through the Virtual Event Management System (Virtual EMS) for the use of event and meeting space in Student Center East, Student Center West, Veterans Memorial Hall in Dalhberg Hall, West Exhibit Hall in the Urban Life Building, Unity Plaza, and Urban Life Plaza.
Registered student organizations should complete this Reservation Delegate Form to designate member(s) of your RSO as Reservation Delegates so that they can be provided training and access to make reservations on behalf of the RSO for space on the Atlanta campus that is reserved by the Student Center Event Management office. A helpful tutorial on using Virtual EMS is available here. Please visit our Virtual Event Management System (and use your GSU email address and password) to submit a request or to create a reservation account. Requests to schedule an event or make changes to an event within 72 hours of a reservation date must be made to Event Management by phone at 404-413-1870 or via email.
Requests to reserve Hurt Park must be submitted using this form.
Priority Scheduling
- Registered student organizations receive priority in the reservation process because the facility is supported by student fees and is designed primarily to facilitate student activities. Registered student organizations may submit reservation requests up to one year before the date they wish to use Student Center facilities.
- Co-sponsored events (hosted with a registered student organization or university dept) would fall under the external event pricing and reservation guidelines.
- Reservation requests for recurring meetings are only accepted per semester. Spring semester recurring requests may be submitted starting October 15 at 9 a.m. Recurring requests for the summer and fall semesters may be submitted starting April 15 at 9 a.m. Recurring requests for meeting rooms only may be considered and approved.
- Groups that wish to request space further in advance may submit a Priority Scheduling Exception Request through Virtual EMS indicating why their reservation request should be accepted before the regular scheduling period.
More Information
For descriptions of the Student Center's indoor and outdoor venues, see Reservable Spaces. For information about reserving display spaces for promotional materials, information tables, and commercial solicitation tables, see Marketing & Event Promotion. For other information or to inquire about space availability, email Student Center Event Management, visit Student Center East, Suite 305, or call 404-413-1870.
University Departments
University departments may request reservations, changes, and cancellations online through the Virtual Event Management System (Virtual EMS) for the use of event and meeting space in Student Center East, Student Center West, Veterans Memorial Hall, Unity Plaza, and Urban Life Plaza.
A helpful tutorial on using Virtual EMS is available here. Please visit our Virtual Event Management System (and use your GSU username and password) to submit a request or to create a reservation account. Requests to schedule an event or make changes to an event within 72 hours of a reservation date must be made to Event Management by phone at 404-413-1870 or via email.
Requests to reserve Hurt Park must be submitted using this form.
Priority Scheduling
- University departments may submit requests 180 days in advance.
- Co-sponsored events (hosted in conjunction with a registered student organization or university dept) would fall under the external event pricing and reservation guidelines.
- Reservation requests for recurring meetings are only accepted per semester. Spring semester recurring requests may be submitted starting October 15 at 9 a.m. Recurring requests for the summer and fall semesters may be submitted starting April 15 at 9 a.m. Recurring requests for meeting rooms only may be considered and approved.
- Groups that wish to request space further in advance may submit a Priority Scheduling Exception Request through Virtual EMS indicating why their reservation request should be accepted before the regular scheduling period.
More Information
For descriptions of the Student Center's indoor and outdoor venues, see Reservable Spaces. For information about reserving display spaces for promotional materials, information tables, and commercial solicitation tables, see Marketing & Event Promotion. For other information or to inquire about space availability, email Student Center Event Management, visit Student Center East, Suite 305, or call 404-413-1870.
External Clients
Scheduling Window/Timeframe
- External clients (outside groups requesting space for an event or Georgia State faculty, staff, individual students or student group hosting an event, not on behalf of the university) may book events no more than 5 months in advance during the academic term (mid-August to the first week of May).
- During the summer months (second week of May to mid-August) and spring break, external clients may book space 10 months in advance.
Policies and Fees
Fees will apply for the use of space and for additional services. External clients whose events must be scheduled during hours when the center is closed will be charged an additional $100 per hour.
PantherDining is the preferred caterer for Student Center spaces, but an outside caterer may be requested and approved. A 5% service charge will be added when an outside caterer is approved.
Requesting Space
Prospective external clients must email written requests for space to the assistant director for operations and events for review and approval. Clients should have event details in order prior to contacting the Event Management office. Please include in the written request:
- Event date(s) and time(s) (access, start and end)
- Space required (number of rooms)
- Details of necessary room layout(s) including equipment and services
- Anticipated number of attendees
- Sponsoring group and contact information
- History or description of event and references of previous venues
Clients’ flexibility in terms of dates and space is highly encouraged. External clients who can schedule functions during non-peak times on campus will benefit significantly in terms of space availability.
External clients must request the use of Hurt Park through the City of Atlanta. Visit iPARCS Atlanta to make a reservation.
Approval Process and Payment
Once the event request has been approved by the Student Center assistant director for operations and event services, the following process will occur:
- A facilities use agreement and reservation quote will be created. Co-sponsored events (hosted in conjunction with a registered student organization or university dept) would fall under the external event pricing and reservation guidelines.
- The signed agreement and a 50 percent deposit will be collected.
- Once the Director of Administration signs the agreement, the date and venue will be confirmed. Until this step has been completed, the requested space may be approved and confirmed for other organizations.
- A walk-through will be scheduled prior to the event to verify event details.
- Ten days prior to the event, the final payment, certificate of liability insurance, a completed W-9, and confirmation of the final event details will be due.
- On the day of the event, the client should arrive and work with the building manager to facilitate a successful event.
More Information
For descriptions of the Student Center's indoor and outdoor venues, see Reservable Spaces. For information about reserving display spaces for promotional materials, information tables, and commercial solicitation tables, see Marketing & Event Promotion. For other information or to inquire about space availability, email Student Center Event Management, visit Student Center East, Suite 305, or call 404-413-1870.
Marketing in and around the Student Center is an effective way to promote events, programs and services. Marketing services offer powerful opportunities to catch the attention of hundreds of the center’s daily visitors and campus pedestrians, including students, faculty, staff and other guests. Registered student organizations and university departments and can take advantage of the marketing opportunities listed below. External clients can only take advantage of the Commercial Solicitation and advertising in The Signal (as listed in Campus Print, Radio and Video). All posting of printed materials at Georgia State University must be in compliance with the Campus Posting Policy.
A-Frames
Banners
Guidelines
- All banner display areas except that above the Student Center East atrium are reserved for one week from Monday to Monday and may be renewed for one additional week if space is available. See Indoor Banner Display Areas below for the length of atrium banner reservations.
- Banner space is not guaranteed, and banners should not be created until a reservation confirmation has been received.
- Reserved banner space may not be reassigned to any other organization.
- Indoor banners must be professionally made and have one-inch grommet holes to accommodate mounting ties.
- Indoor banners are hung and removed by Event Management staff and must be delivered to Event Management, Suite 305, at least two business days before the scheduled display date.
- Outdoor banners may be hung by the reservation holder at any point after 12 p.m. on the first Monday of the reservation period and must be removed by noon on the last Monday of the reservation period. Banners not removed by that time will be removed and discarded, and a $10 removal fee will be assessed.
- Banners may not be attached to any unauthorized fixtures, including doors, light poles, walls, trees, and buildings.
- Special requests to install banners in undesignated areas may be made via email to the coordinator of event support services. See Reservations below for guidelines.
- Banners are hung in public areas and may be subject to vandalism or theft. The Student Center is not responsible for damaged or stolen banners. Outdoor banners that become damaged or unsightly from the weather may be removed and discarded.
Location (number of spaces available)
One Banner Space on the Second Floor Railing Above the Student Center East Atrium
- This display area is available to advertise activities and events occurring in the State Ballroom.
- The maximum banner dimensions for this location are eight feet wide by three feet tall.
- Banners in this location may be displayed on the day of the event only and will be removed and returned to the client following the event.
Two Banner Spaces on the Second Floor Railing Above the Courtyard in Student Center East
- Maximum banner dimensions for this location are four feet wide by three feet tall.
- All banners for this location must be picked up from Event Management within five days of removal or a $10 special handling fee will be charged. Banners that are not picked up within two weeks of removal will be discarded.
Outdoor Banner Display Areas
One Banner Space on the Piedmont Street Fence at the east entrance to Student Center East (across from the Recreation Center)
- Maximum banner dimensions for this location are three feet wide by three feet tall.
- Banners must be attached to the fence with string or plastic connectors.
Reservations
Submit a Promotional Space Request to Event Management or call 404-413-1870 for more information.
Reservation requests must be completed at least one week before the date requested for space, and requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Email requests for banners in undesignated areas, including the need for the banner, the banner size and the location requested, to the coordinator of event support services.
Campus Print, Radio and Video
Student Media Opportunities
Commercial Solicitation
Digital Signage
Digital signage submissions are accepted from Georgia State University departments. Registered student organizations are ineligible to post content to the display screens. Departmental submissions should meet requirements in the University Digital Signage Policy in addition to the following guidelines in order to be added to the Student Center playlist.
Guidelines
File Submission
- A digital ad must be submitted as a JPEG file that is 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high [16:9 aspect ratio]. File resolution must be 72dpi; pixelated files will not be accepted.
- Files should be saved in the following format: date of event_name of organization_event name.jpeg
- To submit a digital ad to be displayed inside of the Student Center, please email Student Center Marketing at: [email protected].
Operating Procedures
- A maximum of 25 general ads is displayed on screens in a repeated 9-second sequence, with ads being categorized according to the priority list outlined in the University Digital Signage Policy.
- An individual digital ad may be displayed for up to ten (10) consecutive days. Requests for a longer run time will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Failure to meet these guidelines will result in the request being denied. Requestors can re-submit when necessary changes are made.
Digital signage in the third floor Student Center West food court seating area is coordinated by Campus Services.
Digital signage located outside of the Multicultural Center and inside the Black Student Achievement office is not managed by the Student Center.
Questions regarding digital signage can also be sent to Raychel Briggs.
*WOW Wall (large screens outside of the Courtyard in Student Center East) are not included.
Display Cases
Guidelines
- Display cases are reserved for one week from Monday to Monday and may not be reserved for two consecutive weeks.
- Display materials may be installed in cases any time from 10 a.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the beginning of the reservation period. An Event Management staff member will unlock and lock display cases for installation and removal of items; contact Event Management for assistance between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- If materials are not installed by 4 p.m. Tuesday of the reservation period, the reservation will be considered a no-show. Any organization or department that fails to utilize a reserved display case without submitting a cancellation request email will have its access to display cases restricted for six months.
- Display materials must be installed inside the case, not taped, glued, or affixed to glass on the inside or outside.
- Materials must be removed from display cases by noon on the last Monday of the reservation period. Materials not removed by that time will be removed and discarded, and a $10 removal fee will be assessed.
- The Student Center is not responsible for any materials not removed from a display case by the end of the reservation period.
Reservations
Submit a Promotional Space Request to Event Management or call 404-413-1870 for more information.
Reservation requests must be completed at least one week before the date requested for space, and requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Flyers
- 1st floor SCE by entrance/exit to Urban Life (near Wow Wall)
- 2nd floor SCE by Multicultural Center
- 3rd floor SCE by vending machines
- 3rd floor SCE by elevator
- All floors SCW Grip Strips in north and south stairwells
Bulletin boards assigned to departments and student organizations throughout the center are the responsibility of the sponsoring organizations and are not available for posting by other groups.
Posting: Registered student organizations and university departments are able to post flyers on the bulletin boards listed above and the grip strips in Student Center West following the guidelines below.
Guidelines
- All flyers and notices for grip strips and bulletin boards must clearly identify affiliation with Georgia State. Organizations not affiliated with the university may not post items.
- Bulletin board notices and flyers on grip strips must be no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches.
- Only one posting for an event or program is permitted per grip strip or bulletin board.
- Notices on grip strips may not be posted over previously posted items.
- Improperly posted items on grip strips are removed and discarded daily. Persons or organizations that post items improperly may be charged for any resulting property damage.
- Flyers are left up for 1 week or the day after the event (whichever is sooner).
A public posting board is located on the third floor of Student West by the University Bookstore Textbook Buyback window.
Information Tables - Indoor
Activities such as membership drives, promoting organization events, administering surveys, handing out literature, to-go packets, or free giveaways may be conducted at designated information tablespaces. Five tablespaces on the first floor of Student Center East are available for reservation by registered student organizations and university departments for official university activities. Indoor table reservations may not be made for partnerships with an off-campus vendor, business, or employer.
Commercial solicitation on campus by off-campus vendors and organizations, including promoting goods, products, and services, must be conducted at commercial solicitation tablespaces on Unity Plaza. See Commercial Solicitation for more information.
Guidelines
- Information tables are available for use 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
- One table and two chairs will be provided for each reserved table space.
- The use of additional materials, such as displays and equipment, must be approved, and approval must be requested at the time the reservation is placed. The Student Center cannot provide storage for any materials.
- No sales of any kind or donation requests are allowed at these tables.
- No amplified sound is allowed at any time.
- Preference of table location is on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations of specific table locations are not allowed.
- Organizations and departments are able to submit up to six indoor table reservations in a 2-month window, and reservation requests will only be accepted up to 60 days in advance.
Reservations
For information tables, submit a request through the Virtual EMS system.
Reservation requests must be completed at least one week before the date requested for space, and requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information Tables - Outdoor
Commercial solicitation on campus by off-campus vendors and organizations, including promoting goods, products, and services, must be conducted at commercial solicitation tablespaces on Unity Plaza. See Commercial Solicitation for more information.
Guidelines
- Information tables are available for use 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- One table and two chairs will be provided for each reserved table space.
- The use of additional materials, such as displays and equipment, must be approved, and approval must be requested at the time the reservation is placed. The Student Center cannot provide storage for any materials.
Reservations
For commercial solicitation tables, see Commercial Solicitation.
For information tables, submit a request through the Virtual EMS system.
Reservation requests must be completed at least one week before the date requested for space, and requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Poster Easels
Guidelines
- Easel poster display space is reserved for one week from Monday to Monday and may not be reserved for two consecutive weeks. Easels may also be reserved for the day of an event.
- Only one easel poster display space may be reserved per organization.
- One easel will be provided for each easel poster display space reservation.
- Due to fire code regulations, easels cannot be used in hallways or outside office suites.
- Minimum poster dimensions are 24 inches wide by 24 inches tall; maximum dimensions are 30 inches wide by 36 inches tall. Posters must be printed on poster board or have substantive foam core backing.
- Event Management staff will place easels and posters. Posters must be delivered to Event Management, Student Center East, Suite 305, two business days before the reservation period and will be marked with an approval sticker on the back. Posters displayed without an approval sticker will be immediately removed.
- Posters must be removed by noon on the last Monday of the reservation period. Posters not removed by that time will be removed and discarded, and a $10 removal fee will be assessed.
- Easel posters are displayed in public areas and may be subject to vandalism or theft. The Student Center is not responsible for damaged or stolen posters.
Reservations
Submit a Promotional Space Request to Event Management or call 404-413-1870 for more information.
Reservation requests must be completed at least one week before the date requested for space, and requests are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Publications
Guidelines
- The Signal student newspaper, Recreation Rap-Up, New South literary journal, Underground literary journal and Cinefest Film Theater schedules may be placed in designated bins in Student Center East and Student Center West.
- Permission may be requested to place racks for other publications in two locations on the third floor of Student Center West: by the University Bookstore Textbook Buy Back window and by the display board near dining seating.
- The removal of expired publications is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization.
- Unapproved, outdated or improperly placed publications and racks will be removed and discarded.
- The center is not responsible for damaged or stolen publications or racks.
Requests
Submit a written request listing publication description, distribution schedule and official contact person to the associate director for building administration.
Table Tents
Information and photos regarding event spaces is available from Event Spaces.
To reserve any of those spaces, see Make a Reservation. External clients wanting to use Hurt Park must request the use directly from the City of Atlanta. Use iPARCS Atlanta to make a reservation.
For information about marketing opportunities like commercial solicitation, display spaces and information tables, see Marketing & Event Promotion.
For more information or to inquire about space availability, contact Event Management by email, by phone at 404-413-1870, or in-person in Student Center East, Suite 305.
Contact Us
Student Center Administration
Mailing Address
Georgia State University
Student Center Administrative Office
PO Box 3973
Atlanta, GA 30302-3973
Delivery Address
Georgia State University
Student Center Administrative Office
Student Center East, Suite 310
55 Gilmer St.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Student Center Event Management
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Student Center Information Center
Building Hours of Operation
Our regular hours of operation for the fall and spring semesters will be in place from Thursday, August 22, 2024, to Friday, May 2, 2025.
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, noon - 8 p.m.
Sunday, 2 - 8 p.m.
See our Building Hours for exceptions.