Student Affairs News

HIGHLIGHTS FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS

Thrive at Georgia program helps scholars transition to college

Fourteen incoming students kick-started their college career this summer through Thrive at Georgia: Bulldog Bridge, a weeklong residential program designed to help students feel prepared, connected and excited about their first year at the University of Georgia.

UGA Miracle receives the 2025 Excellence in Event Experience Award

On July 17, Children's Miracle Network awarded UGA Miracle with the Excellence in Event Experience Award at their annual leadership conference held in Kansas City, MO. This award recognized UGA Greek Life student leaders’ work to shift their annual fundraising Dance Marathon event model from 24+ hours to 13.1 hours.

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.