The Office of Student Affairs is the home for academic advising and issues related to the undergraduate experience for students majoring in Political Science or International Affairs. We help continuing, new, and prospective students understand our programs and learning opportunities; connect students with SPIA academic departments, centers, and student organizations; and promote intellectual and professional engagement with public affairs, career readiness, and experiential learning.

Academic Advising: How to Get Advised in SPIA

Academic advising is required at the University of Georgia each term before a student can register for classes. In SPIA, academic advising is provided by appointment with the student’s assigned advisor.  Students must schedule advising appointments online through SAGE to meet with their advisor each term and be cleared for registration. During the appointment, students and advisors will review the student’s academic progress and discuss course options for the remaining degree requirements. Students are also encouraged to track their programs of study independently with the help of Degree Works. After the student has been advised, the advisor will remove the student’s advising hold in Athena, the UGA online class registration system, so that the student may register for classes each semester.

Questions about appointments, or any other element of the advising system, may be directed to the Advising Office at 706-542-4114.

Advising appointments are available throughout the term and begin every fall after Labor Day and every spring after the Martin Luther King holiday.

Advising appointments will be in person from fall 2022 forward.

Open Office Hours: Follow Ups & Other Questions

For follow-up questions related to advising or other issues (study abroad, internships, exploring students, etc.), advisors are available from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the term. These times are not intended as substitutes for advising appointments or for lifting advising holds which require a formal advising appointment, but as follow-ups to scheduled appointments or to assist with other academic questions.

Meetings during open office hours (or “walk-ins”) will be either in person in Candler Hall or remotely via Zoom at Meeting ID 91656340404.

Prospective & New Students to SPIA

Prospective high school students, transfer students, and current UGA students interested in majoring in Political Science or International Affairs are welcome to attend open office hours (via zoom during fall 2021) or call the advising office for more information. Our advisors are available to all UGA students with questions about majors, minors, and certificate programs.

Currently enrolled UGA students may declare a major in SPIA at any time via Athena by selecting the “Student” tab, and then the “My Programs” tab.  Always add the major you want first before deleting any programs from your records.  Minors and Certificate Programs may be added in the same location in Athena. Once the SPIA major is added, the student’s SPIA advisor will contact them via e-mail.

Students experiencing any problems or issues accessing Athena or making adjustments to their academic programs should call the Office of the Registrar at 706-542-4040.

SPIA encourages prospective students interested in majoring in Political Science or International Affairs at UGA to mark their intention on the application for admission.

Admitted students who demonstrate a commitment to racial equality and improved community relations through previous experience, initiative, and creativity may apply for our SPIA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Recruitment and Outreach Scholarship. Recipients of the awards will be notified before May 1st, and will receive their awards in August for the Fall 2023 semester.

New and prospective students should never hesitate to reach out to the SPIA Advising office for help: 706-542-4114 or [email protected].

Please note: SPIA does not require special application to any of its majors. Any UGA student may declare a SPIA major at any time by simply following the required steps in Athena.