Contact:
Leah Seupersad, 404-413-1354
University Relations
Georgia State University will welcome back students this fall with two weeks of Welcome Week activities that will run until Aug. 30.
Students can earn points and badges during the first-ever GSU Panther Welcome Hunt by going to events, campus locations and completing GSU trek challenges, while using a smart phone or SMS with a free app called SCVNGR.
“We hope SCVNGR will add a new dimension to Panther Welcome events and make the events more exciting and engaging,” said Amanda Antara, coordinator of new student orientation. “Students achieving a certain points level will unlock an invitation to a special event where students can come together and meet others who have also been on the hunt, enjoy great food, and receive special prizes.”
Antara said SCVNGR also includes a social media element, which will allow students to automatically post to Facebook and Twitter accounts, “so their friends and family can see what they’re up to during the first two weeks of classes.
“Students will enjoy meeting new people, going to events such as the comedy show featuring Mike Epps and GSU Idol all while learning about what the campus has to offer,” said Charis Hanner, a GSU junior and member of the Panther Welcome Social Media Committee. “Attending Panther Welcome will equip students with the tools to exceed academically and socially, and it never hurts to walk away with a plate of tasty free food and great memories with friends.”
Panther Welcome kicked off Aug. 19 with Freshman Convocation and a Freshman Block Party. During Convocation, GSU President Mark Becker officially inducted the new freshman class into the GSU community.
The excitement will continue this week with more than 50 other Welcome Week events, including the Student Alumni Association Welcome Back Bash from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22 in Unity Plaza; and the Welcome Back Comedy Show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts. Panthers also can attend the first home football game of the season, when GSU faces South Carolina State at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome.
Kristopher C. Raybon, a member of the Panther Welcome events subcommittee, says Welcome Week introduces students to a portion of services that GSU has to offer including Try Me Week at the Student Recreation Center, Meet the Greeks and the Mega-One-Stop-Shop.
“Welcome Week serves as an initial taste of what students have to look forward to this year at Georgia State University,” Raybon said. “It brings a massive amount of organizations, information, and values to newcomers of the GSU community and returning GSU students.”
Welcome week includes a host of events about university resources available to students and student involvement activities, including the Student Organization Fair at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28 and the College Fair on the Plaza at noon, Monday, Aug. 27 in Unity Plaza. Freshmen can learn how to get involved in community service during the Freshman Community Plunge at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25.
“Panther Welcome is an exciting time at Georgia State,” said Tonya Cook, a program specialist in Intercultural Relations, who has been planning a variety of events to introduce students to Intercultural Relations. “There are a diverse range of events for students, faculty and staff. I hope everyone will participate, have fun and learn something new about the university.”
For more information about the scavenger hunt or other Welcome Week events, view the full schedule at http://www.gsu.edu/pantherwelcome/events.html
Aug. 20, 2012