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A.L.P.H.A. Ceremony

ISSS will be host an A.L.P.H.A Ceremony at the end of each spring semester for our graduating international students. If you are an international student participating in May commencement and would like to participate or would like to purchase a sash with their country's flag to wear at graduation, please fill out the sash order form and submit it to International Student and Scholar Services by TBA.

Each spring International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) hosts a special ceremony for all international students who are graduating that term. It is called the A.L.P.H.A. Ceremony:  Acknowledging the Leadership, Perseverance, Hardwork and Accomplishments of international students. Alpha means ‘beginning’ and thus symbolizes a new beginning for our graduating students. This ceremony in no way replaces the actual University commencement exercise, but rather supplements that program by acknowledging the unique sacrifices and achievements of international graduates. We hope it will give visiting family and friends more opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, and provide a memorable way to close out your time at Georgia State. The ceremony is optional for anyone who wishes to participate at no cost to the student, and is held the day before commencement. 

Each student participating in the A.L.P.H.A. Ceremony will be allowed to invite as many guests as they wish, and will be given a Georgia State pin, certificate of achievement, and optional graduation sash featuring his/her home country’s flag at the ceremony. The sashes can be worn the next day at commencement as well and are available for purchase by the student through International Services for $28.50.  See http://www.visionwear.com/ under International Sashes for details (a sample sash is also available at our front desk).  Each student will be recognized individually, and a few will be chosen to speak at the ceremony as well.  Afterward, a small reception will take place in the lobby of the Student Center. 

Graduating students must fill out an application and return it before the deadline. The form can be dropped off at the International Student and Scholar Services office at any time from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday-Friday. Additionally, if you know fellow students who are American citizens or permanent residents but consider themselves international students and want to participate in the ceremony, they can pick up an application form at the International Services office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at isss@gsu.edu or call us at (404) 413-2070.