Student Life

Committee on the Student Fee

The Committee on the Student Fee (including five fee councils) is appointed by the dean of students of the university. This committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff, is responsible for reviewing requests for funds generated by the student activity fee and making recommendations for the allocation of those funds to the president.

Office of African-American Student Services and Programs

The Office of African-American Student Services and Programs (OAASS&P) was established in December, 1990. Currently within the Dean of Students unit, it serves as a liaison between the Division of Student Life and Enrollment Services, academic affairs, and the GSU administration on topics related to African-American students, faculty, and staff. The office provides university-wide programming in such areas as cultural, ethnic, and racial awareness, diversity appreciation, community service, degree completion, leadership training, and organizational development. OAASS&P sponsors a number of academic, cultural, student orientation, and social activities.
     The office also helps recruit and retain African-American students, faculty, and staff through such efforts as the Minority Advising Program, providing mentoring, tutorials, interest inventories, scholarship searches, peer advising, and networking. OAASS&P is also active in African-American studies, curriculum infusion, and multicultural and exchange programs. The office is located in Room 431 University Center, telephone 404/651-3609.

Office of International Services and Programs (OISP)

The Office of International Services and Programs (OISP) is a unit within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment Services. The OISP is located in Room 430 University Center, 404/651-2209. International Studies.
     The OISP coordinates and administers all study abroad programs for the university and conducts predeparture orientations for study abroad participants. The office also assists faculty in developing new programs and coordinates international exchange programs as well as hosting international delegations. In addition, the OISP serves as the campus adviser for U.S. faculty and student Fulbright applicants, NSEP grants, and other international research opportunities.
     The OISP provides support for Georgia State's non-immigrant international student/faculty/researcher population, their dependents, and to any foreign-born citizens and permanent residents of the United States who may need our services. Services include orientations, immigration advisement, insurance coverage, student advocacy, and other personal assistance in adjusting and joining the university community. Assistance is provided to students and scholars in J-1 status as well as assisting academic departments who wish to hire foreign faculty in H-1 status. Assistance is provided in F-1 status and other non-immigrant statuses.
     The OISP provides assistance and support to international students, scholars, and faculty and also promotes discourse among and between international students and their U.S. counterparts. Orientation and on-going assistance in adjusting to the new and unfamiliar academic and cultural environments, as well as the U.S. systems of insurance, health care, law, employment, etc., are addressed in this office. Certification letters for the purpose of currency release and/or for military deferment, and immigration documents for travel, for change of nonimmigrant status, and to bring family members to the U.S. are provided upon request. The office staff serves as a liaison with academic departments, the diplomatic corps, and a variety of international agencies. International students who need to withdraw from classes or from the university should see an adviser in the OISP before doing so. The Alternate Regents Test is available to non-native speakers of English and international students; applications for approval to take the Alternate Regents Test are in this office. The office advises and supports the twenty-three (23) international student organizations on campus, and sponsors weekly coffees and other programs to provide opportunities for interaction among students. A quarterly newsletter informs students about immigration law and on programs of interest to international students. Assistance is available for emergency situations involving international students.
     A limited number of out-of-state fee waivers is available to nonimmigrant, degree-seeking international students on a competitive basis after completion of one academic year of study in a degree program at Georgia State University.
     Ted Heidecker International Student Emergency Loans for tuition are also available to enrolled international students with demonstrated financial need. Applications for an Eva Whetstone International Student Emergency Loan are available for enrolled international students at International Services.
     International Student Associations
     There are twenty-three international student associations whose purpose is to provide culturally sensitive programming which recognizes and celebrates the backgrounds and perspectives of international students, while including and promoting awareness of other cultures.
     For additional information contact: Georgia State University, International Services and Programs, Suite 430 University Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3083. Telephone: 404/651-2209. Fax: 404/651-4136.

International Student Health Insurance

Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all international students and scholars in nonimmigrant status enrolled at Georgia State University. A special international student health and accident insurance policy is made available each academic year and payment of the quarterly insurance premiums is collected along with tuition during the process of registration.
     Individuals who are covered by a policy in their own country should bring a copy of the policy and proof of coverage to the Office of International Services and Programs (OISP). These policies will be reviewed to see if they provide comparable coverage with the university's international student health insurance. If the insurance coverage is comparable, then the student may be exempted from purchasing the university's international student health insurance. You must apply for the exemption in the OISP in the quarter prior to registration.

Health Services

GSU Health Services is located in Room 147 Sparks Hall. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., and from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Fridays. Between quarters, hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Immunizations are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. During registration, immunizations hours vary.
     Health Services provides effective, high quality, acute primary health care to GSU students, faculty and staff. Emphasis is placed on the promotion of disease prevention and health education. The services include immediate medical attention for injuries and illnesses such as colds, flu, sore throat, earaches, sprains and minor cuts/lacerations. Some additional services that are provided include pregnancy tests, glucose test, tuberculosis skin testing, immunizations (tetanus, Hepatitis B, flu vaccines and measles, mumps, and rubella), CPR classes, health promotion services such as smoke cessation and weight loss, limited lab services and medical counseling with resource list.
     The Health Services staff at GSU is not only concerned with physical and mental illnesses but cares about the entire well-being of the individual. Currently, the professional staff includes family nurse practitioners (registered nurses with advanced education and training who provide health education, assess, diagnose and treat health-related problems such as minor illness and injury), registered nurses, one part-time physician, a medical assistant and an administrative staff.      Appointments are strongly encouraged but "walk-in" visits are available for acute illnesses.      Presentation of a valid/current GSU ID card is required for services. For further information, contact Health Services at 404/651-2229 or 404/651-1171.

EMERGENCY

Health Services DOES NOT TREAT LIFE OR LIMB THREATENING ILLNESS. In case of a serious, life-threatening illness or injury, FIRST DIAL 9-911, THEN DIAL 1-3333 (GSU Police) and the injured or ill individual may be transported to the nearest hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

Student Health Insurance

The university has a voluntary student health insurance plan available to all Georgia State University students who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. The plan is an attempt to meet the needs of those students who do not have insurance or have been removed from their parent's policy. The premium is prorated by quarter and is payable in a lump sum. The policy is administered by the T.W. Lord Insurance Agency, Marietta, Georgia.
     Applications for the insurance are available in Room 400 University Center, in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students, 404/651-2204.
     For international students health insurance, see the section titled "International Student Health Insurance."

Student Accident Insurance

A portion of the Georgia State University student activity fee is used to provide accident insurance for Georgia State University enrolled students under certain circumstances and conditions. Georgia State University enrolled students who do not pay a student activity fee also may be eligible to purchase accident insurance. For further information, contact the Georgia State University Safety Office, 158 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, telephone 404/651-2167.
     The student must immediately report any accident or injury sustained to the Georgia State University Safety Office at the above address and telephone number. This may also be done by submitting a completed accident report form to the Georgia State University Health Clinic, which will then forward it to the Safety Office. At that time, a determination will be made regarding whether the accident or injury is covered.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The Office of Disability Services coordinates the services that are available for students with disabilities. A brochure describing the services will be mailed on request. Questions concerning the accessibility of the Georgia State University campus for students with disabilities should be directed to this office. The office also coordinates special parking needs of students. Information is available in Room 153 Sparks Hall. The telephone number is 404/651-1487 (Voice/T). Students with disabilities should register with this office at the beginning of their first quarter of attendance. A handbook detailing support services will be provided when the student registers with the office.

University Housing

During the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, 4,000 athletes will live in the community that is now premier housing for 2.000 Georgia State University students. Accommodations for single graduate and undergraduate students are available in our Georgia State University Village.
     The University Village is a great place to live, learn, and make friends. Studies show that residential students have a proven track record of enhanced academic success and make connections that last throughout their lives. Our Village offers affordable, up-scale apartment-style housing in a quadrangle of four residence halls featuring plazas, restaurants, a gym, and other community conveniences. Residents can study, shop, exercise, eat, mingle, attend activities, or enjoy the quiet of private bedrooms all without leaving the Village .
     The four and six bedroom apartments in the Village come complete with furniture and a private room for each student with a full bath to serve every two residents. The kitchen features an ice maker in the refrigerator, a dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, and garbage disposal. A data port in each bedroom offers access to the university computer network, including online library resources. Optional parking and a bike storage room are available. Safe and convenient access is provided thrugh a 24-hour card-key access system with checkpoints for grounds and building entry. On-site secirity offices have police officers on duty twenty-four hours a day. These facilities meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
     "One bill pays it all" convenience means your payment includes rent, local phone service, cable TV, all utilities, transportation to campus, membership in the fitness center, and admission to programs and activities. Students may choose to make either one payment annually or a payment for each quarter. Application forms, Village information packets, and tours are available via University Housing. Call 404/651-4082 or visit the office in Suite 202 of the University Center. The Village is housing and a whole lot more!

Commuter Housing

The Office of Commuter Housing maintains a list of off-campus accommodations but does not approve, inspect, or assume responsibility for those facilities. The office is located in Suite 400 of the University Center. Phone information is available by calling 404/651-3906.

Student Parking

Limited parking for students is available in several on-campus parking areas. These lots provide parking spaces for students on a space-available basis for a nominal fee.

Deck G open for entry to students from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Decks K, N, and S open for entry to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lots B, C, I, and L open for entry to students from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lot J open for entry to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
*Lot F open for entry to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
*Lot M open for entry to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lot R open for entry to students from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
*Lots F and M will close in 1996 due to construction.

Weekends:
     Deck G (Enter on Collins St.) open for entry Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., open for entry Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Entry to these lots is available on a space-available basis until the time stated; exit is available 24 hours a day, except for lots B and I, for which no exit is permitted after the closing hours. The after-hours exit for G Deck is at Collins Street.
     The map on the inside back cover shows these designated lots and decks. A GSU photo ID and a current quarter ID card must be presented at the budget card office in the University Center to purchase a parking card. These three cards, presented together, allow students to enter the parking areas.
     Unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles will result in the towing of the vehicle at the owner's expense.
     For assistance to the mobility impaired, contact the director of disabled student services; telephone 404/651-1487 or 2206.
     GSU also operates a shuttle bus from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, which is 1.3 miles from the campus. Call 404/651-1227 for more information.
     There are several commercial parking facilities near campus, a few of which offer reduced rates to GSU students after 4 p.m. A list may be obtained from the parking office.
     All students are urged to use public transportation when possible. MARTA transcards and tokens are sold at the parking office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
     For further information on parking and transportation, call the parking hotline at 404/651-1CAR (651-1227).