Orientation

2024 Syllabus and Schedule now available:

2024 Socialization Syllabus – PADP 6980

2023 Socialization Schedule Overview

New Student Form
Please fill out this form to complete your profile on our website directory. Being a searchable entity on this UGA website is a great resource and networking tool for you to take advantage of. It gives you a professional space to display all of your accomplishments, interests, and aspirations where employers and other professionals can find you. Also consider arriving between 7:30 to 8 AM to take advantage of our photographer and receive a free professional headshot for your profile and your personal use. A quality photo is strongly encouraged to enhance your professional profile and to help faculty and staff to get to know you.

Additionally, this form will ask you to upload a signed photo release form to obtain their permission to use their image for specific purposes, such as marketing, social media, or publications. It protects privacy rights, prevents legal disputes, and clarifies how the images can be used, ensuring we have clear consent to avoid any potential issues.

Fall 2025 classes begin August 13th. Visit Courses for departmental course listings, syllabi, and downloadable schedules.

See the UGA Bulletin for official information about majors, course and academics as well as important academic dates pertaining to the Graduate School.

Campus Transportation

The University of Georgia Campus Transit System provides prompt, safe, reliable transportation throughout the University campus. Class-day service is provided using 37 buses on 9 different routes and covering 3,500 route miles each day. A reduced schedule is operated evenings, weekends, and when classes are not in session. The University of Georgia Transportation Services now has bus routes and real-time tracking available on the UGA app which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Those participating in the Alternative Transportation Program will receive 1-2 days of free parking per month in designated locations, in return for biking, walking and/or riding an Athens Transit Bus as their primary means of getting to campus. More information is available from UGA Parking Services.

Parking on Campus

Campus is divided up into permit-required areas and short-term pay lots. Permits are distributed based on a unique priority system that takes into account factors such as cumulative hours for students, and years of service for employees. Parking Services implemented an online permit registration process to limit the amount of vehicles parking on campus.

• You may choose specific parking lots and rank your preferences. Be sure to note that cost varies by lot location.
• MPA Students tend to choose lots on North Campus (labeled with an “N” before the #) or West Campus north of Baxter St.
• Two of the most popular lots among PADP students and faculty are N06 (North Campus Deck) and N08.
• Pay parking lots on campus include all the parking decks and a lot at the Tate Student Center and Ramsey. These will cost no more than $10 a day. Parking permits are quite costly. If you are a part-time student, daily parking may be a less expensive option for you.
• Gwinnett Center parking is available on the north and south sides of the Intellicenter Building. Parking is free and shared by UGA program participants and other building tenants. No parking decal is needed.

Bulldog Bucks is an online debit card program open to anyone with a UGA card. Bulldog Bucks are accepted as payment at the Bookstore, Food Services Retail Operations, and at several other on-campus sites. In addition, Bulldog Bucks may be used to pay for copying, printing, vending, and laundry services in the residence halls. You may open an account, make deposits online, and view account activity. Bulldog Bucks may also be used at stores and restaurants off campus.

• Don’t forget to send your final transcript (if you are a graduating senior) and your immunization records to UGA before you arrive. If you do not do this, you will not be allowed to register.
• Set up your UGA ID and email address online before you come to campus.
• Get to the Tate Student Center UGACard Office as soon as you’ve registered to get your UGA ID card.
• Request a parking permit from Parking Services.
• Explore the PADP and other UGA websites (more information below). Be sure to check out the course schedule and syllabi online to make advising and registration easier.
• Fill out your New Student Form for the departmental website with a headshot. If you do not have a headshot, you can schedule for one to be taken before or after your advising appointment at the above address. Remember this is a professional program and your headshot should reflect that.

New student advising and registration takes place the week of Socialization. Returning students receive instructions on advising in March and October of each year. For questions, contact Kristin Lawrence. Kristin is also your contact for any future problems or questions with:

• Registration rules
• Program and Graduate School requirements, deadlines, and paperwork
• Graduation paperwork and requirements
• The MPA and PhD listservs
• Comprehensive exams (MPA and PhD)
• Scheduling Prospectus and Dissertation Defenses

You can contact Kristin at 706-542-3510 or [email protected].

Advising FAQs

Answers to many questions about UGA administrative details can be found on the UGA website:

• Registrar’s Office
  • Academic Calendar
  • Registration dates and rules
  • Student FAQ’s
  • Change of Address and Petition for In-State Residency
  • Commencement Ceremony Information
• Bursar’s Office
  • Tuition Payment Amounts
  • Tuition Payment Deadlines
  • Questions about existing student loans or financial aid disbursement
• Athena
  • Schedule of Classes
  • Registration
  • Drop/Add
  • Payment of Student Account
  • Flags
• Graduate School
  • Graduate Student bulletin
  • Administrative forms
  • Graduate School deadlines