Upcoming Events

  • Graduate Student Research Symposium: April 5, 2024  from 3-6 pm
  • Dissertation and Thesis deadline: April 12, 2024
  • Spring Commencement May 3, 2024 at 5 PM

 

 

 

EXPLORE THE RESOURCES BELOW

Welcome to VSU! The information and guidance offered below are intended to facilitate a smooth transition as you begin your graduate study at VSU.  After viewing the materials provided below, if you have any other questions, please contact the Graduate School at 229-333-5694 or visit us on the third floor of Converse Hall on the main campus.

 

Fall 2024 New Graduate Student Kickoff:

      Dates: August 15, 2024 from 6-7:30PM 

Will meet by Teams
join us for an introduction to Graduate School, student panel forum, and an opportunity to ask your questions.     

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

 TEAMS Invite TBA

 

Did you miss VSU's Graduate School Orientation? No worries!

 

Did you know you have access to a Study Room in the Library?

  • Graduate Students Study room is located in the Odum Library Room 1629 just use the acccess code 1103 to enter.

 

Introductory campus resouce videos

                               

 Graduate School eLearning Overview

Auxiliary Services

Parking

VSU IT Students Services

Grauate Student Wellness-Maintaining Relationships

Graduate Student Wellness-Time Management

 Graduate Student wellness-Finding Balance

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • To look up your VSU email address/username, please visit: Look up your email address/VSU username. Your VSU email/username allows you to access MyVSU, which links to the orientation, email, registration, and many other services.
  • Look up your 870 (student ID number). This number is also noted in your acceptance letter.  If you receive an error message, be sure to enable cookies for that site. 
  • Log into MyVSU for registration.
  • How to use Visual Schedule Builder to create a schedule and register
  • Registration Guide
    • Information on Online Registration
    • Drop/Add Information
    • Advising Requirements
  • Advising Requirements

    • Make an appointment with your advisor before registration.
    • Contact the Graduate School if you are unsure of your advisor.
    • Communicate with your advisor for approval of course selections.
    • Your advisor will go into VSU’s BannerWeb system and lift your registration flag. 
    • If you have any holds, your advisor will be able to see those when the flag is lifted.  Information about holds should come through your VSU email address from the office that placed them (Graduate School, Student Health, Parking, etc.).

    Accessing Class Schedules

    Class schedules are posted online.  Click here for course offerings.

    Registration Guides are updated each semester and are available through the Registrar's website. The Guides list important dates for each semester (registration, midterm, etc.) and information on registration, fee payment, and other processes that you will navigate during your time at VSU. 

    Online Registration

    • Communicate with your advisor for approval of course selections. 
    • Log in to MyVSU.  Instructions are here: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/it/helpdesk/new/student.php
    • Select "Banner Registration" from the Portals menu. 
    • The menu options will guide you through the online registration process.
    • A step-by-step guide to registration is located here.

    Drop/ Add Information

    • Drop or add courses to your schedule (with no financial penalty) during the registration period.
    • The dates of these registration periods can be found in the online version of the schedule of classes.
    • After registration is over, the appeal process begins.  To initiate this process, access the Late Registraton Drop/Add form
    • When you withdraw from all classes, fees returned are pro-rated; see the Board of Regents and Federal Refund Policy for information about removal of tuition charges if withdrawing.

        Campus Maps & Tours

 
  • Campus Directory

    While enrolled as a graduate student at VSU, you will likely need location, telephone, and contact information for a number of important offices. 
  • The directory can be accessed for this information.
  • Use VSU's Visitor's Information page to familiarize yourself with our campus. 
  •  

    Housing

    The Office of Housing and Residence Life, located in Hopper Hall, is open Monday – Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-3:00 (229) 333-5920. The Housing website provides a wide range of information including prices, application process and residence hall information.
  • Centennial Hall is the only residence hall on campus with apartment-like units (private bedroom, semi-private bath, and full kitchen. Limited space is available.The apartment facilities are on a 10 or 12-month contract beginning in August. 
  • VSU provides a helpful Apartment Finder list; however, it is important to note that this information is not intended to endorse or suggest any particular facility. You should investigate and visit your options before making an independent selection. 
  •  
  •  Bookstore

    For information on The University Bookstore or to order books (or V-State gear!) online, please visit: https://www.vsubookstore.bncollege.com/valdostastore/home
  • It is located in the Student Union and 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, schedules for refunds or exchanges, and online shopping.
  •  

    Local Information

     For a calendar of local event and helpful newcomer information about our community, visit   the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce website or contact them at 229-247-8100.
  •  Visit the Lowndes County Tourism Authority website for local history, maps, and points of interest.
  •  You may also request a visitor’s guide online or by calling 229-245-0513.
  •  For city council or local government information, visit the City of Valdosta website

 

         Career Opportunities 

Career Opportunities is a multifaceted career center designed to assist VSU Students and Alumni in meeting their career goals; through our partnerships with local, regional, and national employers to identify talent to enhance today's workforce.  Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM and Fridays 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Walk-in Hours: We provide walk-in hours for students needing assistance with Resumes.  For Career Counseling and other career related services, schedule and appointment to meet with the Career Counselors, Employer Relations Team, or Volunteer Services Coordinator. Tuesdays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Wednesdays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and Thursdays 9:00 AM - 12 Noon

 

 

 

 

  • Odum Library | Anywhere Access
  • VSU One Card
  • Health Center
  • Access Office
  • Writing Assistance
  • Counseling Center
  • Career Services
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Student Rec Center
  • Activities and Athletic Events
  • Odum Library

    VSU’s state-of-the-art library, which houses two computer labs, study rooms, a media center, and more than 50 resource search stations, is located at 1500 North Patterson on the main campus (229-333-5869)

    Visit their website for information on resources, services, hours, interlibrary loan procedures and more.

    Library Services and Resources for Students

    • The library staff can also help familiarize you with GALILEO, the Georgia set of academic search engines for articles from magazines, journals, encyclopedias and other authoritative information, and the GIL catalog for locating books and other items within Odum Library.  You can also access GALILEO and GIL on-line and log in from off-campus through Anywhere Access.
    • Odum's reference librarians offer one-to-one research help to VSU students, faculty, and staff.  Use the consultation request form to schedule an appointment with a reference librarian. Phone and e-mail consultations are also options.

    Computing Facilities

    • Campus standard software includes MS Office Pro package, email products and virus protection software; visit the IT homepage to download free anti-virus software for your home computer.
    • For assistance, contact the VSU Helpdesk at 245-4357, online, or stop by their office in ODUM LIBRARY next to the Circulation Desk (8:00-5:30 Monday –Thursday and 8:00-3:00 Friday).
    • For more information on computing services, contact the Information Technology office, located in Pine Hall, at 333-5974 or visit their website.
    • Visit our online resources for instructions and general information on your VSU student email account.

    VSU 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 VSU One Card 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). 

    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.
    • The beautiful new health center is now located on Georgia Avenue!
    • VSU’s Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day by RNs; a physician or physician assistant is available 8:30-5:00 Monday-Friday.
    • Appointments are recommended (229-333-5886).
    • They offer a wide range of health care, including strep tests, pregnancy tests, over the counter medications and an in-house pharmacy.  Visit their website for more information.

    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.  

    Activities and Athletic Events

    • Visit Blazer Zone, the online home for VSU athletics, providing a sporting calendar, information on both men’s and women’s sports and other athletic news.
    • The VSU Athletic Department, 229-333-5890, is housed on the first floor of the PE Complex, located on the corner of Baytree and Sustella.
    • Visit the Office of Student Life homepage for information on concerts, upcoming events, student organizations and the campus activities board.
    • The Office of Student Life can also be reached at 333-5674 or 259-2513
  • Access Office for Students With Disabilities

    • The VSU Access Office (formerly Special Services Program) is responsible for coordination of services for student with disabilities.
    • Services include, but are not limited to, special testing accommodations, textbooks in alternate formats, tutoring, access to adaptive technology, and referral to other services.  All services are provided free of charge.
    • For eligibility, students must provide current documentation of a disability that meets Georgia Board of Regents criteria.
    • Visit the Access Office website or call 229-245-2498 (voice) for more information.

    Writing Assistance

    • A key to your success as graduate student is a willingness to "raise the bar" on your ability to write. We recommend that students take full advantage of the many resources at VSU for improving your writing. In particular, the VSU Academic Support Center has free tutoring for writing at any stage of the process. Come get advice about how to solve grammar problems, how to develop your ideas, how to proofread carefully, or to get feedback about how clearly you are conveying your ideas/research.

      Tutorials are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis. You can make an appointment for yourself online ( here ) or by calling 229-333-7570. The ASC also offers on-line tutoring! Check out "Ask On-Line".

      Hours:

      Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm

      Friday: 9 am to 3 pm

      Sunday: 4 pm to 8 pm  

    Counseling Center

    • To facilitate a positive learning and working environment for the University community, the Counseling Center provides services at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.
    • Services include personal counseling, educational counseling, outreach activities, consultation and referral services, seminars and workshops, training, and testing services.
    • For more information visit the Counseling Center website or call 229-333-5940.  They are located on the second floor of Powell Hall East.

    Conflict Resolution

    • Conflict Resolution Process and Committee Information (formerly Alternative Dispute Resolution) Graduate students may utilize the CRC when mediation can be used to resolve conflict between a student and another student, or a faculty member and a student, or other parties. This is a service for Faculty, Staff and Students.

    Career Services

    • The Office of Career Services, located on the second floor of Powell Hall West, provides career development and awareness, experiential learning, and professional employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.
    • Visit the Career Services website or call (229) 333-5942 or 333-5414 or 259-2013.

    University Police

    • The University Police located in the Oak Street Parking Deck, second floor, south side - 229-333-7816. In case of an emergency, call 259-5555.

  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition and Fee Payment
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Financial Aid

    • Financial aid applications may be submitted at any time after you have applied for admission.
    • The Office of Financial Aid is located in the University Center, Entrance #5 (229-333-5935).
    • VSU’s Office of Financial Aid website provides detailed information on everything from the application process to grants and loans (including Stafford and other state and federal programs).  The website even has an online fee calculator.
    • For on-campus employment opportunities, including the Student Assistant Program, contact the Student Employment Office in Langdale Hall (229-333-7574).
    • For assistance in finding Federal Work Study, contact Tanja Rouse in Financial Aid at 229-333-5935.

    Scholarships

    Graduate Assistantships

    • VSU provides a limited number of graduate assistantships across campus every year.
    • Compensation generally includes a small stipend and tuition waiver.
    • Interested applicants should contact the graduate school at gradschool@valdsota.edu, or call 229-333-5694 or 800-618-1878 ext 5 for more information.
    • For more detailed information click here.

Parking Permits

  • The Department of Parking and Transportation, located in the Sustella Street Parking Deck, 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 at the Parking and Transportation website, 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.

Paying Fees

  • It is the student’s responsibility to determine the balance due on their account and render payment of the full balance by the fee payment deadlines. Students with an outstanding balance on their account after fee deadlines are subject to class cancellation and holds. If classes are canceled, the student will be notified by e-mail.
  • Students with sufficient authorized financial aid or scholarships to pay for ALL charges will automatically have their schedules validated and receive an email notification. However, it is the student's responsibility to review their account at EACH fee payment deadline to ensure no additional payments are due (i.e., account changes due to class schedule adjustments, financial aid removal, etc.).

Types of Payment Accepted:

  • WebCheck - checking or savings account online. NOTE: If you plan to pay your account balance online using a checking or savings account, plan ahead now! Account information must be entered online AND validated before you can use it for payment. Allow 7 or more days for Online account validation.
  • Credit/Debit Card - Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. NOTE: There is a third party service fee of 2.85% when paying by credit/debit card. This fee is assessed and retained by our third party vendor for use of this service.
  • Cash
  • Check (payable to Valdosta State University with the student’s Banner ID number and telephone number on the check)
    • Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, Cashiers Checks and Money Orders payable to Valdosta State
    • Not Accepted: Counter or Starter Checks, 3rd party Checks and Credit Card Checks
    • Check 21 Law: PLEASE REVIEW
  • Financial Aid
WHERE TO PAY:
  • Online - WebCheck or Credit/Debit Card through VSU's Student Online Account Center (click here for instructions)
  • In Person - checks or cash only.
    • University Bursary– 1200 N. Patterson Street (8 AM to 5 PM Monday – Thursday, 8 AM to 2:30 PM Friday)
    • Bursary Night Drop Box - located on the west side of the Bursary building (available 24 hours)
  • By Mail - Address to Cashiers, Registration Fee Payment, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31698 (Should be received by fee payment deadline; please include student ID# and current phone number on check or money order).
HOW MUCH TO PAY:
  • The number of hours you are registered for and your residency status determines your tuition amount.
  • The Board of Regents approves tuition and fees each school year.
  • Rates are usually effective each Fall, but are subject to change according to Board policy.
  • You can use our fee schedules to help you determine what your tuition and fees will be each semester based on the number of registered hours.
FEE PAYMENT FAQ’s
  • If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Griffin or call the University Bursary at (229) 333-5718, (229) 333-5719, (229) 333-5725 or 1-800-618-1878 (option 6). 

Military Base Entry

  • Students taking classes at Moody AFB, Kings Bay NSB or Albany Marine Corps Base require vehicle passes for base entry.  For more information call:
  • For Moody AFB:  Call 229-257-4163
  • For Albany Marine Corps Base:  Call 229-257-4163.  For Kings Bay Naval Base:  Call Mr. Richard Gilboy at 912-882-6573.

Important Graduate School Policies

  • Courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements.
  • No more than six semester hours of graduate course work may be accepted by transfer from another institution to VSU.
  • Graduate students are considered "full time" if the are enrolled in nine (9) or more graduate courses each semester.
  • In order to receive a course waiver or to substitute an alternative course for a required course, you must complete a Request for Course Substitution/Waiver Form.  This form, which must be signed by your advisor, department head, and dean, is available in the Registrar's Office; it is not available online.
  • You may be admitted to VSU as a  "regular" student (have met all entrance requirements)  "irregular" student (all application requirements not yet submitted; therefore, you may not take more than nine hours of credit until application is complete) or "probationary" student (failed to meet one or more of the requirements for admission; therefore, you must receive a GPA of 3.0 or higher after nine semester hours in order to be reclassified as a regular student). 

Appeals

  • Graduate students may appeal decisions concerning denial of admissions, dismissal from the Graduate School, and other academic matters.
  • Students may appeal assigned GRADES within 30 days of the posting of grades at the end of each semester. A GRADE APPEAL form may be found on-line or picked up from the Registrar's Office.  Grade appeals begin with instructors first, then department heads, and last, college deans (not the graduate school dean).
  • Appeals must follow the procedures established in the Department and College involved.  In general, a student must appeal decisions in the following order: Department, College, Dean of the Graduate School (for denial of admission and dismissal appeals).
  • For more information concerning appellate procedures, please review our online appeals information.   

Academic Requirements

  • Graduate students are required to be in good academic standing during their tenure here.
  • A GPA of no less than 2.5 must be maintained at all times, and a GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
  • No grade below a C will be credited toward a degree.
  • Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences:
  • Admitted prior to Fall 2011: If a graduate student acquires two grades lower than a C (i.e. D, F, WF or U), the student will be dismissed from the Graduate School.
  • Admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter: Students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one
  • deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.
  • Warning letters will be issued to students for each earned deficiency point until enough points are accumulated to warrant dismissal. Additional policies related to retention, dismissals, and readmissions.
  • Students should work with their advisors and professors to avoid earning deficiency points (e.g., withdrawing from school before receiving failing grades). See withdrawal polices.
  • For more information on academic or other Graduate School policies, stop by our office, now located on the third floor of the new Psychology Building on main campus, and pick up a  Graduate Catalog or visit our website

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL PROCEDURES GOVERNING APPEALS

GRADUATE STUDENT APPEALS FORMS

Appeals made by graduate students must follow the procedures established in the Department and in the College involved. The Graduate School will not hear an appeal by a student unless that student has exhausted the appellate procedure in the relevant Department and College and has been unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the problem. In general, a student must appeal decisions in the following order:

  1. Department 
  2. College

  3. Dean of the Graduate School

  4. Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, and

  5. President of the University

Academic Calendar

  • Access the Registrar's Office academic calendar and other university calendars online.

Graduate Catalog

Graduate Student Handbook

  • For detailed information on policies and procedures that will affect you as a graduate student, access the Graduate Student Handbook   

Thesis and Dissertation Guide

  • For comprehensive information on procedures and format for your thesis or dissertation, access the Thesis and Dissertation Information page. Students should submit dissertation and thesis committee forms to the Graduate School at least three semesters before graduating, before writing begins! Dissertation committee forms are located in doctoral program handbooks. Committee members must have graduate faculty status and be approved by the Graduate School.

EDD Doctoral Handbook

  • For comprehensive information on the Doctoral Program at VSU, stop by the College of Education, 136 Education Center, and pick up a Doctoral Program Handbook or access it online.  

DPA Handbook

  • For detailed information on the advanced program of study designed to suit the information and skill needs of professionals currently in the PA field, see the DPA handbook online or contact the Political Science Department at 229-333-5771 or the MPA/DPA Office at 229-293-6058.

Request for Assistance/How can we Assist you Better?

  • VSU's Graduate School staff wishes to see you succeed.  We recognize this can be a challenging process and we pledge our support to you.  If you encounter situations where you believe we could have served you better, we want you to let us know.  Please send an email message to gradschool@valdosta.edu explaining the situation (what happened and when it happened) as well as recommendations on how we could have served you better.  Please include your name, address, and telephone number so that we may respond to you.
  • If you prefer, you can send a paper letter instead of an email message.  Our address is as follows: The Graduate School; Valdosta State University; 1500 N Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31698.

Campus Offices Quick Guide

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
Access Office for Students with Disabilities  229-245-2498 or 219-1348 (TTY)
Student Accounts 229-333-5725
Student Affairs 229-333-5941
VSU Main Number 229-333-5800