August 15, 2008

Contact:
Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356
University Relations

Georgia State welcomes students to campus with more than 40 events

Atlanta – Over the next two weeks, new and returning students will have more than 40 opportunities to discover why it is easy to say, “We love Georgia State.”

That is the theme of this year’s Panther Welcome program, which runs Sunday (Aug. 17) through Sept. 1, with activities and events designed to get students acquainted with campus services, involved in organizations and meeting new friends.

“Starting college is a really exciting time,” said Matthew Robison, Georgia State’s director of new student programs and parent relations. “I would suggest students take advantage of all the resources out there at Georgia State and get involved with something outside of the classroom.”

From a pool party to an ice cream social to a student organization street fair and a movie night, students have fun and learn more about the university by participating in Panther Welcome. Here are some of the highlights:

Freshman Convocation: Panther Welcome kicks off at 3 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 17) in the Georgia State Sports Arena with Freshmen Convocation, the annual formal induction ceremony welcoming new freshmen to Georgia State. President Carl Patton will lead the freshmen class in a medallion ceremony and reciting the Freshman Pledge. Bill Curry, the coach of the Georgia State football team, will be the guest speaker.

Mega One Stop Shop: Instead of running around campus for information on academic programs and support services, students can easily find answers to their questions at the Mega One Stop Shop, held this week in the Student Center Ballroom. The shop is a centralized enrollment services center with advisors from academic programs, housing, financial aid, class registration, student accounts and more. It will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday (Aug. 18), Thursday (Aug. 21) and Friday (Aug. 22), and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 19) and Wednesday (Aug. 20).

The Second City Improv Show: At 7 p.m. on Aug. 23, Chicago’s legendary comedy troupe, The Second City, will appear at Georgia State’s Student Center Ballroom. The performance will feature some of the best sketches, songs and improvisations from The Second City’s forty-five plus year history. Faculty, staff, and guest tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Student Center Information Desk.

3rd Annual Georgia State Idol: Could a Georgia State student be the next Kelly, Ruben or Carrie? Georgia State is once again hosting its own version of the hit TV show American Idol, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

For a complete list of Panther Welcome activities, visit www.gsu.edu/pantherwelcome