THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS is responsible for student services, educational support services and programs, and learning experiences gained through out-of-classroom activities. Student Affairs interacts with students through organized services, programs, and facilities to create a campus responsive to individual student needs. The Division’s overarching mission is to enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia. The following units report to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

The Department of Counseling and Testing provides comprehensive counseling and testing services to the University community. Service areas include individual and couples counseling, group programs, outreach programs, consultation, career exploration services, training, administration of national and Universitywide testing programs, computer-based testing, and test-scoring services.

The Dean of Students Office serves as the primary liaison between students and university administration. It is comprised of four program units: Greek Life, Judicial Programs, Minority Services and Programs, and Student Leadership Development Programs. Greek Life directs educational initiatives designed to challenge, support, and recognize students associated with Greek organizations. The office advises the National Pan-Hellenic, Panhellenic, and Interfraternity Councils. Judicial Programs receives reports of alleged violations of University Conduct regulations from other departments and members of the faculty or staff and directs the proper filing of a compliant with the Student Judiciary. The staff provide training for students serving in the University Judiciary and supervise the panels conducting disciplinary hearings. Minority Services and Programs supports and encourages academic success among minority students by providing mentoring opportunities through the B.E.S.T. (Black Educational Support Team) program and sponsoring cultural enrichment activities and programs through the African American Cultural Center. The office advises various minority student organizations and offers workshops that teach leadership and organizational development skills to student leaders. Student Leadership Development Programs strive to develop responsible campus and community leaders and citizens through the use of leadership education and experiential learning opportunities. The office provides numerous leadership programs and advises the Leadership Resource Team and the Arch Society.

The Department of Disability Services provides academic and support services to qualified students with disabilities to ensure equal access to all programs and activities at the University. The mission of Disability Services is to create an accessible academic, social and physical environment for students with disabilities. The department also seeks to foster positive attitudinal and behavioral responses from faculty and staff who interact with people with disabilities. To accomplish these goals, staff provide direct services to students and routinely consult with the University community regarding disability access issues.

The Office of Student Financial Aid encourages students to apply for student financial aid, applies a consistent and equitable procedure to determine the aid eligibility of students, allocates resources to students who are to receive assistance, coordinates all student financial aid packages to prevent over-awards, and reports to the Board of Regents, the federal government, and University officials all aid awarded to University students.

The University Health Center is a comprehensive primary healthcare facility serving students and their spouses. A limited range of services also are available to faculty and staff. It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Services offered include urgent care, general medical care, mental health care, women’s health care, and dental care. Specialty clinical services such as travel medicine and allergy care are also provided. Health education and health counseling on a variety of topics are also offered.

The Department of University Housing provides on-campus residence hall and family housing accommodations for students. In addition, a variety of social, educational, and recreational programs are provided to promote individual growth and development. The department serves as a liaison between the University and those fraternity and sorority house corporations with houses on University property.

The Department of Student Activities is responsible for student clubs and organizations, the University Union, the All Campus Homecoming Committee, the yearbook, the radio station, student government, Communiversity, the National Student Exchange, international student life, Legion Field and Pool, the campuswide Reservations Office, and the processing of student identification cards. The department is housed in the Tate Student Center and Memorial Hall.

The Department of Recreational Sports provides diverse recreational sports programming including intramural sports, outdoor recreation (GORP), club sports, aquatic programs, informal sports, fitness and wellness programs, ropes course, and special events. The department manages the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, a 430,000-square-foot facility with five gymnasia, three pools, 11,000 square feet of strength and conditioning space, ten racquetball courts, two squash courts, c mile track, and a 44-foot-high climbing wall. The Recreational Sports Complex of fields and tennis courts, Lake Herrick Beach, and all recreational tennis courts on campus also are managed by this department.

Student Life Studies provides research, evaluation, and assessment for the Division of Student Affairs. These activities help improve the quality of services and programs, as well as increase the knowledge base about student development and services and assess the organizational effectiveness of the Division. Student Life Studies assists with division planning and provides opportunities for graduate students to participate in research projects.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs administers a number of services and programs, in addition to supervising the various division units. University withdrawals, all course withdrawals after the midterm, liaison for the Campus Ministry Association, student affairs research and development activities, staff development, and budget coordination all originate from this office. The office provides advisement for the Student Government Association, University Round Table, and Golden Key International Honour Society.