PROGRAMS & SERVICES
The Office of the Dean of Students has compiled a list of activities and services available for students. The list below provides ways to stay connected though events, videos, and resources aimed towards continued student success. Please be aware of hackers when connecting virtually. More information can be found here.
Freedom of Speech
Georgia State holds the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to assemble peaceably as essential rights of a free people and the cornerstone of scholarly inquiry. The University is firmly committed to affording the University Community with the opportunity to engage in the peaceful and orderly exercise of these rights. To achieve this objective, while at the same time fulfilling its educational mission and maintaining a safe campus environment, the University has certain time, place and manner restrictions that apply to speech activities, without regard to content.
The Office of the Dean of Students distributes handbills that provide useful information and support resources. An electronic version is available here.
University Community Members
Georgia State University students, staff, faculty and their guests are supported in their right to engage in speech activities and may do so on campus in any place where, at the time of the speech, expression, or assembly the persons are permitted to be (including, but not limited to, designated public forums | speech areas) with the exception that distribution of printed materials is not permitted in classrooms and laboratories, dining areas, elevators, escalators, libraries, or entrances and exits to buildings. University Community Members may also engage in speech activities in, but not limited to, designated public forums listed in Section 4 of the Freedom of Expression Policy. These rights are subject to the time, place and manner restrictions set out below. Members of the University Community are responsible for their invited guests at all times while visiting the university or engaging in university related activities whether on or off campus. It is the responsibility of the University Community member host to accompany their invited guests at all times, and ensure those invited guests are aware of and comply with all university policies and procedures.
Non-University Community Members
Persons who are not members of the University Community may engage in speech activities in designated public forums (“Speech Areas”) available at the locations listed in Section 4 of the Freedom of Expression Policy. Each Speech Area is identified with University signage. These designated public forums are to be used for all speech activities by non-university community members. These rights are subject to the time, place and manner restrictions set forth below.
More information about the Freedom of Expression Policy can be found here.
Creating Effective Citizens
Overview
To vibrantly engage students in celebrating core panther values, while actively learning career competencies, the Office of the Dean of Students has launched a new program entitled CREATING EFFECTIVE CITIZENS. The Creating Effective Citizens (CEC) Program’s co-curricular activities build community, facilitate student success, and encourage a seamless college to career transition. Specifically, the program is designed to:
- Enhance students’ critical thinking skills;
- Provide opportunities for students to give back to the community;
- Teach students effective communication and interpersonal strategies; and,
- Offer engagement and leadership opportunities for students.
The identification of the core Panther values (Diversity and Inclusion, Ethical Leadership Development, Community and Civic Engagement, Tradition and Legacy, and College to Career Preparation) is the result of recommendations from focus groups that met in 2016, comprised of student leaders of the Student Judicial Board, Spotlight Programming Board, New Student Orientation Leaders, and Peer Health Educators, combined with the Office of the Dean of Students integrating Ernest Boyer’s Principles of Community and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s career competencies. The Panther values were replaced with the POUNCE Pillars.
The POUNCE PILLARS:
P-Promote Panther Pride
O-Own Your Academic Journey
U-Understand Ethics & Integrity
N-Nurture Healthy Habits
C-Connect College to Career
E-Engage Campus, Cultures & Community
The Creating Effective Citizens Recognition Process
The CEC program provides a variety of engagement opportunities for our diverse student community. Student involvement is acknowledged based on the number of events students attend. Events eligible for CEC recognition will occur from August 2020 through March 2021. Paw Points will be determined accordingly:
- Cub Crew = 1-6 engagement activities
- Pouncing Pride = 7-9 engagement activities
- Roaring Royalty = 10 + engagement activities from all POUNCE Pillars
- Panther Prestige = Roaring Royalty multiple years through senior year
Participation
Participation in CEC is highly encouraged for all students at Georgia State.
Attendance
Paw Points are assigned based on event participation (students must swipe-in or sign an attendance sheet at each attended activity). Periodically, students will receive a Paw Point notification of their Paw Point status.
Recognition
Students will receive the following recognition:
- Cub Crew = An email from the Dean of Students acknowledging their Paw Point status.
- Pouncing Pride = Acknowledgement on the ODOS website, Visix screen, and/or social media.
- Roaring Royalty = Dean’s Pin presented at the Royal Flame Awards.
- Panther Prestige = CEC completion letter and Dean's graduation cord.
For more information on the Creating Effective Citizens Program, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 404-413-1515 or email LaRonda Brewer.
The most updated event information can be found on the ODOS PIN page.
Campus Safety Month
Safety is a priority at Georgia State University. In 2008, National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) was unanimously approved by Congress to encourage a public conversation on important topics in violence prevention at our nation’s colleges and universities. Georgia State supports this initiative by providing the campus community with events, workshops, safety information, and safety walks on each campus. Find out more about Campus Safety Month at the Georgia State Police Safety Site.
Videos and Podcasts
The Office of the Dean of Students has resources available to help educate and develop your growth as a Panther and beyond! Click on the links to start your growth today!
Georgia State University YouTube
Counseling Center: Staying Well During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Traveling & the COVID-19 Pandemic
Non-GSU Videos and Podcasts
DeStress Fest
DeStress Fest provides in-person and virtual activities as well as online resources for you to relieve stress and be successful during final exams. From meditation to aerobics, there are activities and resources here for you!
- You Deserve a Break: Dunwoody Campus
- December 7, 9AM - 10 PM
- NB Student Center
- Coffee Break: Dunwoody Campus
- December 7, 10AM - 2PM
- NB Student Center
- #TakeCareOfYouGSU
- December 7, 12PM
- BeWellPanthers YouTube Channel
- DeStress Table
- December 7, 12PM - 2PM
- Student Center East, Lobby
- Coffee Break: Atlanta Campus
- December 8, 10AM - 2PM
- Student Center East
- Wellness Wednesdays
- December 8, 11AM - 11:30AM
- @BeWellPanthers, IG Live
- Virtual Stress Reducing Yoga: Dunwoody Campus
- December 8, 11AM - 1PM
- NB Student Center
- Virtual Stress Reducing Yoga: Dunwoody Campus
- December 9, 11AM - 1PM
- NB Student Center
- Positive Affirmation Break: Atlanta Campus
- December 9, 9AM - 3PM
- Student Center East, Lobby
- Healthy State: DeStress Fest: Atlanta Campus
- December 9, 11AM - 1PM
- Dahlberg Hall/Veterans Memorials Hall
- Wellness Walk
- December 9, 11AM - 11:30AM
- @BeWellPanthers, IG Live
- Virtual Stress Reducing Yoga: Dunwoody Campus
- December 10, 11AM - 1PM
- NB Student Center
- Peaceful Place Meditation
- December 13, 10AM - 10:30AM
- @BeWellPanthers, IG Live
- Beach Meditation
- December 13, 10AM - 10:30AM
- BeWellPanthers YouTube Channel
For more events with DeStress Fest, please visit the BeWellPanthers' PIN Events page.
This series of stress relief events and resources is brought to you by the Office of the Dean of Students, Counseling Center, Student Health Promotion, Spotlight Programs Board, Multicultural Center, Recreational Services, Perimeter College Student Life, Panther Activities Council, Leadership Programs, University Career Services, Student Nutrition Services, and Panther's Pantry.
Men in Violence Prevention (MVP)
Men in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a student-led initiative supported by the Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with MVP mentors from various university departments. In light of campaigns such as #MeToo, It’s on Us and countless others, MVP seeks to do its part to train and equip the Georgia State community with the proper tools to address relationship violence and to provide education and resources that will support healthy relationships.
The mission of MVP is to:
- Combat gender-based violence through education and training
- Explore and evolve concepts of masculinity
- Build bridges and promote collaboration between different Georgia State communities
- Create local, national and global leaders
Annually, October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. MVP is committed to expanding the scope and attention given to these issues on our campuses and in our community. Nationally, sexual violence is more prevalent on college campuses when compared to other crimes. In addition, college-age women experience an elevated risk of experiencing such behavior. MVP is here to utilize its platform and its voice to ensure that here at Georgia State, all members of this community are free to experience and explore their education in a safe and healthy environment. You can view MVP’s feature in the Signal here.
All MVP events are listed in the Panther Involvement Network (PIN) as well as the application to become a MVP!
Conflict Resolution & Decision-Making Workshops
The Office of the Dean of Students provides Conflict Resolution as well as Decision-Making workshops for Georgia State students. Whether you are attending to enhance your skills or you are required to attend, these workshops will help you manage conflict effectively and identify ways to make better decisions.
Conflict Resolution: Conflict is inevitable. It is imperative that students are well equipped to deal with conflict appropriately. This conflict resolution workshop focuses on several key skills necessary for resolving conflict. Participants will learn about different conflict styles and methods for managing conflict, as well as how to generate helpful options. The workshop will include a guide that students can reference when they are involved in future conflicts.
Decision-Making: Identifying and understanding your values, strengths, and goals are needed in order to consistently make effective decisions. This workshop asks participants to reflect on these things in order to create a personal code of ethics statement. Participants will also gain valuable communication and conflict resolution skills, as well as tools for strategic decision-making. Students will receive student training guides that they can take with them to help them make difficult decisions in the future.
Register for a workshop in the Panther Involvement Network (PIN). In the search box, type "Making Better Moves: Decision Making Workshop" or "Conflict Resolution Workshop" to see the available workshop dates. Workshops are one-hour long.
Note: Currently, all sessions are held virtually. If you are unable to make it to any of the available times, please email LaRonda Brewer.
More Fun Things
Stay connected to the division of Student Engagement and Programs for a full list of student activities, news and more.
Email is the preferred method of communication, and email should be sent from your Georgia State student email account.
Office Locations
- AA 1400 (Alpharetta)
- Student Center East 300 (Atlanta)
- CN 1400 (Clarkston)
- SC 2130 (Decatur)
- NB 2200 (Dunwoody)
- 2N 1210 (Newton)