Home > College of Arts and Sciences > Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice > Marriage and Family Therapy > New Student Resources

Welcome to the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at VSU!

The class of 2010 and the MFT faculty have put together a guide to help you get from where you are living now to your first day of graduate classes. In this guide, we will help you figure out how to get books and parking passes, where to find the health center and the library, places to live, places to eat, and places to shop. We hope to make your transition to VSU’s MFT program as smooth as possible.

School-Related Information MFT New Student Orientation

  • New Student Orientation is always held 9 – 5 on the Friday before classes start in the Fall.
  • The MFT NEW Student Orientation is always held in the University Center, room 1159.
  • We keep you busy the whole day, so plan on a “working lunch.” The program will provide pizza and you should bring change so you can get a soda or water from the vending machines (feel free to bring your own beverage and/or lunch if you have food preferences).
  • As part of the orientation session, we will register you for Fall classes. Because the registration system is not open before this date, this will be your first chance to register. Our classes are never closed to our students, so you don’t have to worry about getting blocked out of a course because it is full. We will also be talking about program requirements, answering your questions about the program, and discussing additional learning opportunities, like Study Abroad and Immersion Learning programs.
  • To get a preview of what your Fall schedule will likely look like, see the “Where to view MFT Class Schedules” section below.
  • It is important that you print out a copy of the MFT Clinical Training and Personal Disclosure Policy. Please read the document and note any questions. We will review the policy during our orientations session and you must turn in a signed copy during the orientation meeting.
  • Bring your student ID (found under your name on your acceptance letter from the Graduate Dean), your personal calendar, your VSU email (Blazenet), and Registration log-in information (see the “How to Access Your Blazenet Email Account” and “How to Access the VSU Web Registration System” sections below).
  • Before you arrive for Orientation, learn how to access your Blazenet account and be sure you can successfully log into the VSU web registration system (don’t worry, it will likely not let you register, but you should be sure you have the ability to log-in). See the “How to Access Your Blazenet Email Account” and “How to Access the VSU Web Registration System” sections below. You will need to be able to log into your accounts to register during the orientation session, so it is important that you have successfully accessed these accounts before you arrive for orientation. Contact the good and helpful folks at the Information Technology Helpdesk if you have difficulties.
  • It is strongly recommended that you complete the online Graduate School Orientation before the MFT Orientation meeting. You are responsible to know all the information included in this online orientation, and we will not re-cover that same material in the MFT orientation session.

How to Access Your Blazenet Email Account

  • Your student ID is your user ID in the university computer system
  • Your student ID/User ID is the nine-digit number that begins with the number 8. It can be found at the bottom of the acceptance letter you received from the Dean of the Graduate School.
  • Your initial password is always your date of birth in six digit format. You can change your password after your account has been established.
  • Next, follow the instructions at the Logging into Blazenet Guide, and you will be whizzing around your account in no time.
  • If you have difficulties, you can contact the Information Technology Helpdesk at 245-4357.

How to Access the VSU Web Registration System

  • Go to the Registrar’s Login Page.
  • Select the “Login” icon.
  • Enter your social security number or student ID number and PIN (which is your 6-digit birth date, unless you’ve changed it).
  • The menu options will guide you through the online registration process.

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Where to view MFT Class Schedules

  • Go to the VSU Registrars homepage
  • On right of the page, scroll down to Class Schedules
  • On the right side of the page scroll to “Schedule of Classes”
  • Select the semester you want to view
  • Scroll to the MFTH prefixes
  • View class schedules
    • Fall full-time, 2-year plan (12-credit/semester) recommended courses:
      • MFTH 7500 Development in the Family System (3 credits)
      • MFTH 6700 Family Sociology (3 credits)
      • MFTH 7650 Foundations of Family Therapy (3 credits)
      • MFTH 6800 Orientation to MFT Practice and Ethics (3 credits)
    • Fall part-time, 3-year plan (9-credit/semester) recommended courses:
      • MFTH 7500 Development in the Family System (3 credits)
      • MFTH 7650 Foundations of Family Therapy (3 credits)
      • MFTH 6800 Orientation to MFT Practice and Ethics (3 credits)
    • Fall part-time, 4-year plan (6-credits/semester) recommended courses:
      • MFTH 7500 Development in the Family System (3 credits)
      • MFTH 6800 Orientation to MFT Practice and Ethics (3 credits)

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Graduate Assistantships

  • VSU provides a limited number of graduate assistantships across campus every year.
  • Compensation generally includes a small stipend and tuition waiver, you are responsible for all other student fees.
  • Interested applicants should contact the Graduate School at 229-333-5694.
  • For more detailed information click here.
  • You can access the Graduate Assistantship application online.

Recommended Reading: In the past, students have found it helpful to begin reading about the field of Family Therapy before they begin classes. Some of the books may be used in your classes—but faculty are notorious for tinkering with their syllabi and changing texts from year to year, and since faculty often make text decisions only a short time before classes start, there is no predicting if any of these texts will show up in one of your classes or not! The following books are all worth reading before you arrive:

Becvar, D., & Becvar, R. (1982) Systems theory and family therapy: A primer. Boston, MA: University Press of America.

  • This book is an introduction into systemic thinking. They provide the reader with the basic concepts of systems theory and its application in family therapy in a clear and concise manner. They use many case examples and illustrations.

Combs, G., & Freedman, J. (1990). Symbol, story, & ceremony: Using metaphor in individual and family therapy. New York: W. W. Norton.

  • In this book, Coombs and Freedman invite us to learn how to use and apply metaphors in therapy as well as give us examples of a wide variety of metaphors.

Flemons, D. (2002). Of one mind: The logic of hypnosis, the practice of therapy. New York: W. W. Norton.

  • A simply marvelous book packed with fascinating case examples about how to think relationally and practice like a family therapist.

Hoffman, L. (2002). Family therapy: An intimate history. New York: W. W. Norton.

  • A personal account of the history of family therapy from the very first exciting days of its inception by an independent band of systems-thinkers to the present day. Hoffman takes us with her through her journey into the field of MFT through personal examples, case stories, and theory.

Miller, S., Duncan B., & Hubble, M. (1997). Escape from Babel: Toward a unifying language for psychotherapy practice. New York: W. W. Norton.

  • This book helps the reader to become aware that while there are many different models of therapy, the magic may not be in the model, but in the mix. Te authors have researched the countless models of therapy and identified those underlying themes and characteristics that are important to all therapy, regardless of model.

Treadway, D. (2004). Intimacy, change, and other therapeutic mysteries: Stories of clinicians and clients. New York: Guildford.

  • In his fictional book, Treadway–a therapist himself–explores situations which therapists and clients may encounter. He explores day-to-day examples of therapy as well as what occurs beyond the therapy room to show the effects of therapy on both the therapist and client.

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One Card

  • The VSU One Card is a multipurpose identification and online account card, which you can use to check out library books, make purchases at VSU dining facilities and bookstores, and gain access to residence halls and athletic events.
  • Visit the 1 Card Services website for more information about your VSU One Card.
    • For new or replacement cards, call 229-259-2593 or stop by the office at 1204 North Patterson Street next to the Bursary (a picture ID is required to have your One Card made).
  • Students who have registered and paid for one or more courses will be provided with a per-semester print credit of $12.50. This credit will automatically be loaded on your 1 Card.
    • On-campus printing can most conveniently be found in the University Center computer lab. For a list of other locations go to printing locations.

Parking

  • The Department of Parking and Transportation is located in the Sustella Street Parking Deck.
  • The Department of Parking and Transportation is open 8:00-5:30 Monday – Thursday and 8:00-3:00 Friday (229-293-7275).
  • All students and visitors are required to have a parking permit at all times. The cost of an annual permit is $50.
  • You may register for a permit on the phone, online, or in person.
  • Parking citations will be issued for infractions of parking policies or for failure to secure a permit. Unpaid citations will result in a hold on student records, which restricts your ability to register for classes, order transcripts, or graduate.

Bookstore

  • The University Bookstore, located at 1306 North Patterson Street, is across the street from the University Center
  • It is open from 8:30 – 5:30 Monday through Thursday and 8:30 – 3:00 on Friday (229-333-5666 or 333-5669).
    • The bookstore has extended hours during rush periods each semester. Visit their website for information on extended operating hours.
  • The bookstore sponsors a textbook buy-back service during the first three days of class and at the end of the semester during final examinations.
  • MFT Faculty members always place an order with the University Bookstore for all books they require in their classes. The bookstore publishes a list of required books 4-6 weeks before the first day of the semester.
    • Follow the links for online shopping and VSU textbooks at the VSU Bookstore website to learn what books are required for your courses.

Library

  • VSU’s state-of-the-art Odum Library houses two computer labs, study rooms, a media center, and more than 50 resource search stations.
  • Odum Library is located at 1500 North Patterson on the main campus (229-333-5869).
  • GALILEO is the Georgia University System set of academic search engines that will find articles in journals, encyclopedias, and other authoritative sources of information. The GIL catalog is for locating books and other items inside Odum Library.
  • You can access Odum Library, GALILEO, and GIL on-line at http://www.valdosta.edu/library/find/index.shtml.

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Student Recreation Center

  • VSU has a new multi-million dollar fitness center on Sustella Avenue behind the PE Complex. Facilities include a climbing wall, indoor track, indoor pool, sundeck, multi-purpose courts, racquetball courts, a weight room (circuit, free weights and cardio areas), an aerobics room, locker rooms, and a fitness lab.
  • Fitness center hours are tentatively set for 6:00am-11:30pm Monday – Thursday, 6:00am-9:00pm Friday, 10:00am – 9:00pm Saturday, and 2:00pm – 11:30pm Sunday. PLEASE CHECK WITH CENTER TO CONFIRM HOURS by calling 333-5898.
  • Also, visit the Campus Recreation homepage or call 333-5898 for information on aerobics, aquatics, club sports, intramurals, and informal recreation opportunities.

Farber Health Center

  • Farber Health Center provides health care to all VSU students who are taking more than 3 hours and who have paid their health fees. Appointments are recommended, so call (229) 333-5886. Farber Health Center
  • is located at 200 Georgia Avenue.
  • is staffed 24 hours a day by RNs and a physician or physician assistant is available 8:30-5:00 Monday-Friday.
  • offers a wide range of health care, including strep tests, pregnancy tests, over the counter medications and an in-house pharmacy. Visit their website https://services.valdosta.edu/health/faq.aspx for more information.

On-Campus Housing

  • Housing & Residential Life offers on-campus housing for single students (married housing is not offered), including graduate students.
  • You can view descriptions, prices, and apply for campus housing through the Housing & Residential Life website.
  • The halls have regulations that must be followed regardless of age or academic level of study.
  • Pets are not allowed.

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Helpful Information

  • Click here to view the VSU Campus Map
  • South Georgia Newcomers offers a Map of Valdosta and other great information about our region on their website
  • Here are some frequently used numbers:

Office

Phone

Academic Affairs

229-333-5950

Admissions

229-333-5791

Bookstore

229-333-5666 or 5669

Campus Police

229-333-7816 or 259-5555

Cashiers/Bursary

229-333-5718 or 5719

Financial Aid

229-333-5935

Graduate School

229-333-5694

Housing

229-333-5920

Student Health

229-333-5886

Library

229-333-5869

Parking and Transportation

229-293-7275

Registrar

229-333-5727

Local Community Information Housing

  • The VSU Housing webpage provides a list of apartments and rental agencies in the area. Not all of the options in our area are represented, some of the pricing information may be outdated, but they do give you lots of phone numbers and a good place to start!
  • Several real estate companies in the area also rent houses. Here are three companies that MFT students have used:
  • Barker Realty, 229-244-1988,
    1216 Baytree Rd
    Valdosta, GA 31602

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Places to Eat

  • Here are just a few that are favorites for some MFT students:
    • El Toreo
    • Loco’s Deli and Pub
    • Chili’s
    • Texas Roadhouse
    • Michael’s Seafood and Deli
    • Bleu Café
    • Masato Japanese
    • Charley O’Corley’s Bar
    • taqueria del SurEste
    • Outback Steak House
    • Longhorn Steak House
    • China Garden
    • Mellow Mushroom
    • Luna Ristorante
    • Antoine’s the Flavor of New Orleans
    • Red Lobster
    • Hunan Garden
    • Heidi’s Deli
    • Covington’s
    • 306 North
    • Hildegard’s
    • Zaxbys

     

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Shopping

  • Colonial Mall Valdosta on Norman Drive
  • Lake Park Outlet Mall, just off Exit 5
  • Target (across from the Colonial Mall), 1815 Norman Drive, (229) 242-0330‎
  • Best Buy (across from the Colonial Mall), 1705 Norman Drive, (229) 247-9079‎
  • Pier 1,  (across from the Colonial Mall), 1819 Norman Drive (229) 249-8130
  • TJ Maxx, 1200 N Saint Augustine Road, (229) 244-5988
  • Books-A-Million, 1705 Norman Drive, (229) 253-1155
  • Miller Hardware, 211 E Hill Avenue, (229) 244-0924

Things to Do

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Cable, Satellite TV, and Utilities