Student Affairs News

HIGHLIGHTS FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS

Graduate Student Well-Being Challenge Fosters Personal Growth at UGA 

The Graduate Student Well-Being Challenge, launched in Fall 2024 by UGA Recreational Sports and the Graduate School, encourages students to build sustainable wellness habits through an eight-week series of physical, mental, and emotional health activities. Participants earn points for completing weekly challenges, with top scorers winning prizes.
Esteban Lazaro leads his team into small groups outside Tate Student Center in Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Photo/ Hosanna Worku; @Hos.an.na)

A day in the life of an ‘Epic Eight’ at New Student Orientation

It’s 11:50 a.m. on a Wednesday, and 370 upcoming freshmen and parents fill the Tate Student Center’s Grand Hall. Behind a thin curtain, chatter of excitement and a playlist of oldies fill the room. The lights go down, and a hype video plays at noon on the dot. It's time to welcome them all to the University of Georgia.

Embark@UGA supports students facing housing insecurity

Embark@UGA offers vital support to students who have experienced housing insecurity or foster care, helping them thrive at the University of Georgia. Through personalized care, financial resources, and community-building opportunities, the program empowers students to overcome challenges and succeed. By fostering open dialogue and reducing stigma, Embark@UGA ensures that every student feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.

Legacy, Commitment, and Excellence: National Champions’ Sorority Experience

On June 14th, the University of Georgia made history as they captured their first-ever NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championship. Among them, three remarkable members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council: Sydney Harris, Aaliyah Butler, and Kaila Jackson.

Parents Leadership Council raises $1.5M for student programs

The University of Georgia Parents Leadership Council raised a record-breaking amount of $1.5 million to support student programs during the 2025-26 academic year. This service-oriented group of highly engaged UGA parents gives an annual gift of $5,000 or more per individual family.

Carrie Truax named senior director of development for Student Affairs

Carrie Truax, previously director of development for university wide initiatives at Clemson University, has been named senior director of development for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia.

No Bulldog Barks Alone: UGA Student Builds Community Through Dawg Camp 

Brady Hawkins, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, found his most meaningful college experience through Dawg Camp, a program that helps incoming students connect and adjust before classes begin. After attending as a camper, he returned as a counselor to guide others, building community and growing as a leader in the process.

UGA Class of 2025 spreads its wings and learns to fly

A total of 8,781 students — 5,971 spring undergraduates and 953 expected summer undergraduates, along with 1,857 graduate students — met requirements to walk in the university’s spring Commencement ceremonies and had their degrees conferred by UGA President Jere W. Morehead.

Miss UGA turns crown into community impact 

Ella Ryann Cottrell had never even thought about competing in a pageant before when she signed up for the Miss UGA contest. “I thought, if I were to win this thing, it could really set me up to be able to serve and connect with people in Athens in a way that I normally wouldn’t be able to,” Cottrell said.