The top team was again GTRI’s Thighs, a group of 10 riders from the Georgia Tech Research Institute that collectively biked more than 6,000 miles during the challenge. Francisco Valdes, a senior research engineer at GTRI, was the top rider for the second year in a row, logging 1,812 miles. 

Alexa Harter, director of GTRI’s Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research Laboratory, was the team’s top encourager and ranked third on her team for distance. 

“The contest ranks how many people you’ve encouraged to participate,” she said. “I love Biketober, so I’m eager to tell people how great it is. Through sharing how much I enjoy it, a lot of other people decided to sign up.”  

The Biketober challenge takes place each October as a way to encourage cycling in the area. This year, 2,643 riders participated and biked 326,934 miles. Their trips for commuting, transportation, fun, and fitness equated to keeping nearly 46,201 pounds of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted via other transportation methods out of the atmosphere. “There are just so many wonderful aspects of biking — the positive environmental impact, building exercise into your day, and getting to see and participate in the city instead of being stuck in a car,” Harter said.  

She says the Atlanta area is a great starting point for beginner cyclists looking to build confidence.  

“The current bike infrastructure makes it easier to get up to speed slowly. There are places like the Beltline Westside Trail that don't have a lot of people, allowing you to get more comfortable on a bike. Once you get the hang of it, there is no shortage of places to ride,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Harter says GTRI will participate in Biketober again next fall, as will many other Georgia Tech teams. 

“You can expect GTRI’s Thighs to be back in 2026. Biketober is something we all look forward to — what better excuse to ride a bike all month?” 

On May 6, Georgia Tech’s youngest Yellow Jackets rolled up their sleeves and got their hands in the dirt during a special Garden and Pot Planting event at The Children’s Campus @ Georgia Tech (TCC). The joyful event was a collaboration between Campus Services team members from Auxiliary Services, Engagement, and Sustainability, who partnered with TCC to help plant a vibrant garden full of herbs, vegetables, and colorful flowers.

Guided by staff and volunteers, the children eagerly participated in every step of the planting process. Adding a sweet seasonal touch, the event also included a hands-on activity where the children decorated reusable flowerpots. Using composting soil from the GT Community Garden, each child planted a cheerful marigold to gift their mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day.

This event served as a beautiful reflection of Georgia Tech’s commitment to community, sustainability, and nurturing future generations. It was more than just a gardening day – it was a chance for the little members of the Tech family to connect with nature, learn through play, and kick off the summer season!

Propel ATL, metro Atlanta's premier micromobility advocacy organization, hosted its annual Blinkie Awards ceremony on May 9, celebrating achievements in micromobility and pedestrian initiatives in Atlanta. Georgia Tech was honored with a Blinkie Award for Institutional Leadership in Mobility.  

Georgia Tech Expands BuzzCard Access to Online International Students 

In alignment with Georgia Tech’s 2024 goal to assess the needs of various student populations and implement changes that enhance holistic success and belonging, the BuzzCard center within the cabinet of Student Engagement and Well-being has launched a pilot program to provide BuzzCards* to international students enrolled in the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program. Beginning in Fall 2024, a test group of OMSCS international students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), India, Singapore, and South Korea received their official Georgia Tech BuzzCards via international shipping. 

Support for Graduate Student Families: Childcare Tuition Assistance Program and Perks 
 

Graduate students at Georgia Tech now have even more resources to support their academic journey and personal well-being thanks to a new child care tuition assistance opportunity. Launched by Auxiliary Services, a department within the cabinet area of Student Engagement and Well-being, this program was created to help ease the financial burden of child care costs, which reflects the Institute’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its students. 

A groundbreaking for the Curran Street Residence Hall took place Wednesday, March 5, on the west side of campus. The new housing facility is intended for first-year students and will rise along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth streets.

The 191,000-square-foot building will contain around 860 beds with rooms configured for double occupancy. The project is scheduled for completion next year.

At the groundbreaking, students and campus leaders celebrated the milestone for campus growth. President Ángel Cabrera noted the role campus housing often plays in the student experience.

“I travel across the country talking to alumni and the one place they all start in reflecting on their time at Georgia Tech is their first-year dorm,” he said.

Recent graduate Amanda Johnston and current undergraduate Ethan Morlu also spoke at the event, as did Kasey Helton, associate vice president for Campus Services; Luoluo Hong, vice president for Student Engagement and Well-Being; and Randy Simon, director of Capital Planning and Space Management.

Learn more about the project.

Growing a Greener Campus: Georgia Tech Celebrates Georgia Arbor Day

Georgia Arbor Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits of trees and promote reforestation efforts across the state. Observed on the third Friday of February, Georgia Arbor Day takes advantage of the region’s mild winters to encourage tree planting before the arrival of spring. At Georgia Tech, this occasion is particularly meaningful, as the Institute continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship by enhancing its tree canopy and fostering student-led sustainability projects. 

Georgia Tech: A Proud Tree Campus 

Georgia Tech was first awarded Gold status in 2016 as part of an elite group and has been renewed at that (second highest) level for two cycles. "We're happy to again be recognized as a Gold-level bike-friendly university, the only one in Georgia," said Lisa Safstrom, campus transportation planner. "The Institute's progress in providing high-quality bike and micromobility infrastructure and programs to encourage and support safe riding has earned us this designation, and we look forward to making continuous improvements and achieving platinum status in the next cycle, when projects that are currently under construction and our planned amenities have been implemented."

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) collaborates with Planning, Design, and Construction (both units within Infrastructure and Sustainability) to support biking to and on campus safely. PTS partners with Propel ATL (the Atlanta region's bike and micromobility advocacy organization) to provide monthly in-person bike classes/rides led by certified League of American Bicyclist instructors. This started in the summer of 2022 and the program is constantly being refined to best serve the campus community. The department also offers a free online bike/scooter safety class (12-minute YouTube video); those who complete the course and a follow-up quiz can receive a free helmet. PTS also coordinates with the Georgia Tech Police Department, other departments throughout campus, and Institute Communications to help get the word out about riding safely.

Learn more about bicycling on campus at pts.gatech.edu/bicycling.

Rules of the Road 

In keeping with its mission to protect the campus community, GTPD is expanding its education efforts to ensure that users understand the rules of the road, primarily that operating a micromobility vehicle — defined as bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards — carries many of the same responsibilities as a car.  

• Micromobility vehicles are considered to be vehicles by state law and cannot be used on sidewalks or in pedestrian crosswalks. If you are crossing the street with a micromobility vehicle, you should step off and walk it across the crosswalk.  
• When operating a micromobility vehicle, you must follow the rules of the road, obeying posted signs, traffic lights, and emergency personnel.  
• You must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.  
• Georgia's hands-free law also applies to micromobility vehicles, meaning you cannot use your cellphone while riding.  
• Operating micromobility vehicles under the influence can result in DUI charges.  
• Park your micromobility vehicle near a bike rack and away from the street or walkways.  

Posted speed limits apply to micromobility vehicles, and while most do not reach high speeds, Capt. Walton said the department has observed students adding extra voltage to scooters and e-bikes to increase speed.  

"We don't put anything past our engineers," he said.  

The ordinances that govern the use of these vehicles on campus are not developed by Georgia Tech but rather by the City of Atlanta, meaning violations carry the same penalty as most traffic tickets.  

"We want students to know that the exact violation you're committing is the exact violation that a car would commit, and the fine is the same price. If you fail to stop at a stop sign in a vehicle, it would cost you about $250 a ticket. It is the same if you do it on a scooter or a bicycle,” he said. 

GTPD hopes to use education to promote safety. In addition to expanding its Communications team, GTPD is coordinating conversations with campus organizations and departments to reach students, faculty, and staff. A comprehensive campus education plan is also in the works that will promote micro-mobility safety year-round online and across campus with digital and physical signage.  

Propel ATL’s Georgia Tech Community courses offer cyclists of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the rules of the road in a safe and supportive environment. The last class of the year will be on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Register here.

Safe Practices 

Capt. Walton emphasized that all campus community members, including faculty and staff, must abide by the law and are subject to citation. Whether you're new to micromobility or an experienced rider, keep these safety tips in mind.  

• Wear a helmet. Capt. Walton noted that in most accidents, riders were not wearing protective headgear.  
• Do not ride distracted. Do not use your phone or listen to music and make sure you can hear the environment around you.  
• Watch for Stinger buses pulling away from curbs.  
• Do not ride with two people on one scooter or bike.  
• At night, make sure your micromobility vehicle has a front light and a reflective red light on the back, and wear reflective clothing.  
• Register your scooter with GTPD so that owners can be contacted if a scooter is blocking access or is stolen and recovered. 

Drivers have the responsibility of sharing the road with micromobility users. Only pass a micromobility user if there is at least 3 feet of clearance. Drivers should regularly check mirrors and blind spots to avoid potential accidents.  

To limit speeding and aggressive driving, GTPD purchased 14 radar speed detection signs earlier this year, and the data collected could eventually lead to reduced speed limits on campus as the Institute's infrastructure becomes increasingly micromobility-friendly. 

Parking and Transportation Services similarly encourages the safe use of micromobility vehicles on campus, offering a free safety class for members of the Tech community. After completing the course, participants receive a free helmet. Helmets can also be purchased from the department for $12.

For additional information regarding micromobility safety on campus, visit GTPD’s website.  

Imagine a campus where you spend less time waiting for the bus, have eco-friendly travel options, and your daily commute is more enjoyable. Sharing your feedback with Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) could make those things a reality.  

• Child Care: Preferred enrollment at Bright Horizons centers, tuition discounts at partner facilities (outside of the Bright Horizons network), and assistance in finding trained and screened nannies.
• Summer Camp and School Break Programs: Exciting activities from performance arts to coding, provided by the reputable Steve & Kate’s Camp.
• Academic Support: Virtual and in-person tutoring services with exclusive discounts to support children's academic performance.
• A+ Enrichments: Programs focusing on coding and early childhood learning to boost STEM and literacy skills.
• Elder Care Planning & Support: Caregiver search tools and 1:1 guidance from senior care experts.
• Even More for Families: Free Sittercity membership with search tools for sitters, pet care services, housekeeping assistance, and before-and-after-school programs available nationwide.

This program will provide many new support services from trusted providers to GT families facing diverse family challenges. This initiative also contributes to employees’ overall well-being and productivity in the workplace. As organizations strive to create inclusive and supportive environments for their workforce, programs like Enhanced Family Supports emerge as a vital component in fostering employee satisfaction and retention. This new program is now available to all regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.
To learn more about Georgia Tech’s family support services or to sign up for Enhanced Family Supports, please visit: https://campusservices.gatech.edu/child-care

“Tech Square has played an integral role not only in the Tech community, but also the Atlanta area,” said Julie Birchfield, Director of Community Engagement for Campus Services. “As we celebrate this milestone, we must also look to the future. We are very excited about the addition of Tech Square III, and the opportunities the new building and retail space will bring to the neighborhood. We are taking a collaborative approach by bringing new partners to Tech Square to further engage our community and create a vibrant environment where technology and academic achievement can thrive.”

Two establishments owned by Georgia Tech Alum, Tin Drum and Ray's New York Pizza, are also marking 20 years of being part of this dynamic ecosystem. These restaurants have served as quality on-campus dining options and as gathering places where ideas are exchanged and connections are made. 

Ray's New York Pizza, owned by GT alum Joseph Karam, often collaborates with student organizations through proceed nights, supporting their initiatives and causes. They also host recruiting dining events for major corporations seeking Georgia Tech talent. Similarly, Tin Drum, which was established by Yellow Jacket Steven Chan, partners with student groups and organizations as a meeting place and fundraising partner. Their commitment to building lasting relationships with customers and the broader Georgia Tech community remains at the forefront of their mission, making them essential contributors to Tech Square's tapestry of innovation and community.

As Tech Square continues to serve the campus community, they invite students, faculty, and staff to engage in all that the area has to offer! To learn more about Tech Square and its many offerings, visit gatech.edu/tech-square. 

On May 30th, we gathered to honor and celebrate the legacy of the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center, which recently closed its doors. It was a heartwarming event, filled with reflections on the center’s remarkable contributions to our campus community. 

In her new position, Gerrior will spearhead strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Women's Resource Center, working closely with staff, stakeholders, and community partners to advance its mission of supporting and advocating for women's rights, well-being, and empowerment. 

"Melissa Gerrior's return to Georgia Tech as the Director of the Women's Resource Center is a homecoming for both her and the institution," said Dr. Kim D. Harrington, interim associate vice president for Arts, Belonging and Community. "Her extensive experience makes her the ideal leader to guide the center's efforts to cultivate opportunities for community building, transformative learning, collaborative leadership, and identity development for graduate and undergraduate women.”  

For the last ten years, Gerrior has worked at Georgia College, and currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Women's Center & LGBTQ+ Programs. She started her career at Georgia College State University with Project BRAVE (Georgia College's sexual violence prevention and education initiative). In Spring 2019, she received Georgia College's Inclusive Excellence Award as well as the Faculty/Staff LGBTQ+ Community Impact Award, and in 2020 received the Bobcat Award for RSO Advisor of the Year for her work with GCSU’s Pride Alliance.  

“I am thrilled to serve as the next Director for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at Georgia Tech,” Gerrior said. “My own involvement with the WRC, Residence Life, and Student Engagement were highlights of my time at Georgia Tech as a student as well as the catalyst for my pursuing a degree and career in Student Affairs. I am honored to be able to give back to a place that was such an important part of my journey as an undergraduate student, and I’m excited to come home. Go Jackets!” 

Outside of academia, Melissa is a lifetime member and current volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the USA and serves as the Inaugural Vice President for the PFLAG Milledgeville chapter. In her free time, Melissa likes to read, play cozy video games like Sims, learn various types of arts and crafts, and spend time with her two cats, Charlie & Sally. 

Please join us in welcoming Melissa Gerrior to Student Engagement and Well-Being as the new Director of the Women's Resource Center. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive community. Melissa will start June 1, 2024, at the Women’s Resource Center in Smithgall Student Services (Flag Building) Suite 131. 

In May, Georgia Tech’s R. Kirk Landon Learning Center will officially close. This announcement was recently shared with all R. Kirk Landon families by Student Engagement and Well-being’s Auxiliary Services department. The decision came after consideration of a few key factors impacting Georgia Tech’s child care services. Previously, the Institute operated two child care centers: the Children’s Campus (TCC), situated in Family Housing at 10th and Home, and the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center, located a few blocks away in the Home Park neighborhood. Managed by Bright Horizons, both centers offer a 10% tuition discount to Georgia Tech families.

Since the reopening of both centers after the pandemic, occupancy rates have not exceeded 67% at either location. Furthermore, while the centers are primarily intended to serve Georgia Tech employees and students, the percentage of campus families using these facilities dropped to less than 50% since the pandemic. One contributing factor to this decline in enrollment is the shift to hybrid work schedules, prompting employees to seek child care options closer to where they live.

Lower enrollment led to increased operational costs and inefficiencies; as a result, a consolidation of operations to enhance effectiveness was needed. The decision was made to retain TCC due to its on-campus location and modern facilities. Most Georgia Tech families at R. Kirk Landon will relocate their children to TCC. Bright Horizons is also equipped to accommodate children and teachers at one of their other nearby facilities.

As a result of the consolidation, the Institute will be able to redirect resources to offer a new service for all benefits-eligible employees: Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports. This online platform provides access to discounted services that can support working parents.

Enhanced Family Supports includes:

• Child Care: Preferred enrollment at Bright Horizons centers, tuition discounts at partner facilities, and assistance in finding trained and screened nannies.
• Summer Camp and School Break Programs: Activities from performance arts to coding, provided by Steve & Kate’s Camp.
• Academic Support: Discounts for virtual and in-person tutoring services to support children's academic performance.
• A+ Enrichments: Programs focusing on coding and early childhood learning to boost STEM and literacy skills.
• Elder Care Planning and Support: Caregiver search tools and one-on-one guidance from senior care experts.
• Even More for Families: Search tools for sitters, pet care services, housekeeping assistance, and before- and after-school programs.

This transition will provide new support services from trusted providers to Georgia Tech families facing diverse family challenges. This initiative also has the potential to contribute to employees’ personal wellness and productivity in the workplace. As organizations strive to create supportive environments for their workforce, programs like Enhanced Family Supports emerge as a vital component in fostering employee satisfaction and retention. The new program will be available by July to all regular employees working 30 or more hours per week, with plans to extend the program to graduate students by September.

There is an increased focus on providing healthier food and beverages to help students, faculty and staff adopt healthier lifestyles. Eight healthy machines are now available offering snacks and grab-n-go meal alternatives to help with the busy day ahead. In the traditional snack machines, 25% of the inventory consists of healthier items such as Nature Valley granola bars, Dole snack fruit, Blue Diamond almonds, and more. Users can find nutritional fact stickers placed on the machines to help make the best selection for their dietary needs. In addition to healthier food choices, Coca-Cola is also offering various hydrating beverages as part of their commitment to supplying an array of snack and beverage options throughout the campus. 

“The new vending efforts are a significant part of the Division of Student Engagement and Well-Being (SEWB)’s mission to enhance the overall wellness of our campus community,” said Allison Watkins, retail operational manager. “We are excited for our entire campus to enjoy the new options that are available while also taking advantage of easy-to-use features.” 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company worked to replace older models and install high-quality machines throughout the campus to include top-of-the-line glass fronts and hassle-free transactional readers. To make the vending process more seamless and secure, all transactions are now cashless. Credit cards are accepted via tap or swipe. Users can swipe their BuzzCard Funds or Dining Dollars to make purchases as well. With the cashless feature and reader sensors which only charge when a product is dispensed, users can experience minimal transactional issues. 

With 105 drink machines and 95 snack machines, you’re sure to always find one close by. For additional vending options, please contact Allison Watkins at Allison.Watkins@gatech.edu. To learn more about on campus vending, please click here. 

All outpost locations offer different options: 

• Klemis 489: Located in Room 489 of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, this outpost is stocked with food items that can be eaten on the go with minimal preparation, such as protein bars, ready-to-eat sandwiches, and snacks. 
• Grace House Community Fridge: Located underneath the back deck of Grace House (182 Fifth St., between Techwood and Fowler on East Campus), this outpost is similar to the original Klemis Kitchen. 
• Graduate Student Lounge: Located on the third floor of the John Lewis Student Center (accessible to graduate students only). 

The first outpost opened in Spring 2022 in Clough Commons. This location is set up in a breakroom style with limited fresh and shelf-stable food items. It was intended for students to grab a quick meal or snack during breaks between classes. The latest outpost, in the John Lewis Student Center, was established in partnership with Auxiliary Services, Tech Dining, Campus Kitchens, the Georgia Tech Library, and the Student Center.  

The Klemis Kitchen program has come a long way since the 24/7 food pantry opened in the Biotech Quad in February 2015. It is named in honor of Tommy Klemis, a former Georgia Tech student and owner of Tech’s longtime favorite, Junior’s Grill. The popular Tech eatery was open from 1948 to 2011, first located at the corner of North Avenue and Techwood Drive, then relocated to the Bradley Building in 1994. Today, the Whistle Bistro occupies the space. Georgia Tech’s mission to address food insecurity on campus started with a tribute to Klemis by naming the food pantry after him. Approximately 250 – 275 students access the pantry each semester.  

The outposts serve the campus community in two ways: with scheduled open access hours that are staffed; and 24/7 access via the STAR program to students who are already registered with the Klemis Kitchen main location.  

“We hope these new locations across campus will break down barriers to members of the campus community in need of some support,” said Steve Fazenbaker, STAR program director. “Many think they are not experiencing food insecurity, or they are not insecure enough to be able to access our services.” Learn more about Klemis Kitchen services.

The main Klemis Kitchen location was updated in 2019 and serves as a 24/7 kitchen with prepared meals, a pantry, and grab-and-go options. Students can access the main location by filling out this form.  

In 1998, the inaugural year of utilizing the BuzzCard, three priority service categories of focus were established – Academic Services, Administrative Services and Campus Activities. After the start-up year, BuzzCard’s growth happened organically. Each successful service offering often inspired interest by other departments who then contacted BuzzCard to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. BuzzCard later implemented cardholder identification and several traditional Auxiliary Services applications (i.e., meal plans, door access and bookstore sales).

In 2015-2016, Georgia Tech introduced the Transact concession module, a major milestone for BuzzCard. This integration allowed students to use their BuzzCards for purchasing concessions at various athletic venues. Tech Dining partnered with BuzzCard to offer a mobile-friendly experience for all. As a result of this, our campus community conveniently ordered meals using their BuzzCards through mobile apps, making their campus life more convenient and efficient.

Through 2003, BuzzCard displayed social security numbers. However, in January 2004, Georgia Tech switched to using GT ID numbers for increased security and protection of student information. This change demonstrated the institution's commitment to safeguarding student privacy.

Throughout its evolution, BuzzCard has undergone five design modifications. As a part of the 25 Years of BuzzCard celebration, first-year students entering in Fall 2023 will have the opportunity to enjoy a new design! This change will not only enhance its look but also reflect the ever-evolving nature of Georgia Tech’s brand.

“As we continue to move BuzzCard forward, we’re excited to introduce a fresh design that amplifies Georgia Tech’s vision of inclusive innovation,” said Jennifer Rocke, BuzzCard Operations Manager. “We have a lot to celebrate with 25 years of excellence and commitment to our campus.”

BuzzCard's impact is evident in the staggering numbers recorded with over 8 million access assignments facilitated to connect individuals to various points across the campus. Its versatility and reliability have solidified its position as a key resource to the Georgia Tech community. Here’s a summary of recent statistics:

• As of this summer, Georgia Tech proudly boasts the highest number of GT IDs in the institute’s history, with a staggering 3 million+ GT IDs created and over 605,000 cards issued since its inception.
• Within the latest system, over 582,000 cards have been created.
• Over 7.4 million transactions were facilitated in just Housing last year alone
• Retail transactions have exceeded 47 million, highlighting the widespread acceptance of BuzzCard as a payment method.
• Meal plan transactions have reached a remarkable 16 million, emphasizing the essential role BuzzCard plays to ensure student accessibility to dining services.

“Over the last ten years, we have been working closely with our campus card partners and other campuses around the country to imagine what the future would mean for campus cards,” said Donald Smith, Director of Access Control Services. “This has led to our latest project, bringing your BuzzCard to mobile devices.” 

“We currently have a pilot group of about 200 people using their Apple and Android phones, along with Apple Watches as their BuzzCard. Before we can roll this out campus wide, we need to ensure that the environment is as seamless as possible. Anywhere you can currently use your plastic BuzzCard, we hope to be able to allow the use of a mobile device. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to bringing BuzzCard into the future!”

With its continuous evolution and promising future, Georgia Tech's BuzzCard remains a symbol of technological progress and student services access. BuzzCard will continue to be an integral part of the Georgia Tech community, facilitating convenience, security, and innovation on campus.

“I’m excited to have this wonderful group join the I&S team,” said Maria Cimilluca, vice president of I&S. “This move is a great fit with the I&S portfolio of services, and PTS will be a strong partner as we work together to implement strategic, sustainable, and resilient transit operations across campus.”  

PTS moves from Student Engagement and Well-Being to I&S to better align departments and services with the Institute’s strategic goals in sustainability. Transit is critical to the future of Georgia Tech, which aims to provide more sustainable service offerings to the campus community. The addition of PTS to the I&S portfolio complements and advances several of the Institute’s strategic goals and efforts for which I&S is responsible. These include the Sustainability Next Plan, the Comprehensive Campus Plan, and the Living Campus initiative. In addition, PTS leadership values operational strategies that prioritize sustainability, exceptional service, and responsible fiscal stewardship. This is evident with their transition one year ago to a self-operation model and the recent addition of fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles to the Stinger bus fleet. 

As the PTS team transitions to I&S, they will report temporarily to Jerel Harris, assistant vice president for Environmental Health and Safety, until a permanent reporting structure is established. To help ensure a smooth transition, no changes to PTS’s organizational structure or service offerings will happen until the PTS team is fully integrated and is able to take part in long-term visioning and goal-setting.

The Film Logistics Committee includes members from Institute Communications, Facilities, Fire Safety, Georgia Tech Police Department, Risk Management, Parking & Transportation Services, Legal, Georgia Tech Athletic Association, and the Student & Campus Events Centers. When filming and photography occur, the Committee works to ensure that the structural integrity of the campus is protected, the Institute’s brand is well-represented, and appropriate logistical support and security is provided. The Committee is also responsible for pre-planning each project, including reviewing license agreements, reserving campus spaces, aligning with the campus calendar, and ensuring all fire safety measures are in place.

The Committee is led by Julie Birchfield, Georgia Tech’s recently appointed assistant director for Film Logistics and Business Development in Auxiliary Services. Julie is no stranger to the task, having worked in commercial film management, developing a diverse portfolio of commercials, TV shows, and major motion pictures.

“It’s an exciting time to work with film and live in Atlanta,” said Julie. “There are so many productions in and around the Atlanta area, and since we have such a beautiful campus, with gorgeous architecture and landscaping, it’s not surprising that the interest from the film community has already been overwhelming.” 

“It takes a village to pull off these big projects and the film logistics committee has been great to work with. The team makes it look easy when it’s not entirely easy…but isn’t that part of the movie magic?”

Julie Birchfield manages all aspects of film production on Georgia Tech’s campus from logistical planning to campus communication. Since September 2022, she has managed 12 commercial film/photography projects and six internal projects. So, the next time you walk around and see a camera crew on campus, you will know that Julie and her team are behind the effort!

Under Julie’s leadership, the Film Logistics Committee is committed to opening doors for Georgia Tech to thrive in film and for Georgia Tech to continue its mission to amplify impact beyond our campus. For more information about filming at Georgia Tech and the process for requesting projects, visit www.campusservices.gatech.edu/campus-filming or contact Julie Birchfield at Julie.Birchfield@gatech.edu.

The refreshed website introduces updated navigation, new ways to explore PTS programs and dedicated audience landing pages. Services found on the upgraded website include purchasing permits and a demand-response, shared-ride transportation service from the Stingerette. The upgraded website helps our campus community learn how to get to campus safely and sustainably with services such as the Commute Concierge program and regional transit passes like MARTA.  

The new PTS website includes numerous features that are more user-friendly and facilitate access to the most commonly used services and information that customers seek. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Locating the Customer Service office at 770 Spring St. (E81 parking deck) connected to the Georgia Tech hotel 

• Game day parking information 

• A Rules and Regulations button, making citations easier to avoid 

• Real-time tracking information from the TransLoc app 

• Route maps now broken down by route colors to easily find where you want to go 

In late spring, a new and improved experience for customers to purchase permits and pay citations is set to take place. Currently known as the Driver’s Seat, PTS has received feedback from customers on some of the difficulties of the current platform and is working to improve the customer experience by breaking down current barriers. Visit pts.gatech.edu to find all the answers to your questions about parking and transportation at Georgia Tech. Parking and Transportation Services is a department within the division of Student Engagement and Well-Being. For more information, please email support@pts.gatech.edu 

This year’s application for the 2023-24 academic year closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.  

Hear from four current RAs about their experiences. 

It’s All Connected  

Purna Pratiti Saha is a third-year industrial engineering major and is an RA for Nelson Shell. She started working as an RA in her second year and is now in her fourth semester supporting residents.  

“I’m a Covid-19 first-year and my RA was really helpful during that time, and I wanted to pay it forward. The RA compensation package is good, we get free housing and meals, and we get to have a great community, so it’s a lot of fun.” 

Purna called the Nelson Shell building “love at first sight.” She likes how close the hall is to West Village, the CRC, and the shared courtyard with Maulding and Zbar.  

“We have a community of 430 residents here. We arrange events together, we go off campus, and we also have events on campus where we go together. It’s a great leadership opportunity and you get to make a one-on-one impact on each resident and get to know Georgia Tech on a deeper level.”       

Each year, RAs go through extensive training for their responsibilities, and they can meet with campus departments and learn about resources for students, giving them insight into the ecosystem at Tech that they can share with their residents. 

“It’s all connected, and I feel like I am actually a part of Georgia Tech and contributing to this community.”  

Wouldn’t Change a Thing 

Third-year neuroscience major Christina Whitehead is in her second year as an RA in Armstrong Hall.  

“I’ve loved working in Armstrong. We are a tight community among the RA staff and the residents. I’ve loved being an RA and realizing there are no strangers at Tech. I’ve met so many residents being a second year as an RA. I’m always passing someone I know, someone to wave at, someone in the dining hall, and it’s been a welcoming experience.” 

Christina originally became an RA because she wanted an on-campus job and was searching for a way to get more involved in the Georgia Tech community.  

“This is the best job on campus because you’re living where you work, and it completely enhances your campus involvement and community. I can say I’ve found the best community I could ever ask for and I wouldn’t change anything about it.” 

Live Where You Work 

Hector Collazo is a third-year biomedical engineering major and is in his first year as an RA in North Avenue Apartments South. He likes the convenience of being an RA there because of the amenities and being close to North Avenue Dining Hall.  

“This is my first semester being an RA and the thing I like most is that I get to meet all the residents and make new friends. I decided to be an RA because it’s convenient to live where you work, and you get free housing.” 

Hector was a first-year during the Covid-19 pandemic and had the chance to live in North Avenue Apartments, typically allocated to upper-class students. Most of his interactions with his RA were virtual during his first year, so he likes being able to connect in person on the other side of the experience.  

“Every time a resident passes by, I say ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ and ‘How are classes?’ I invite them to all the events, so I try to make it more fun and less stressful. After a long day of school, you go back to your room and keep studying, so at least that interaction in between can make it less stressful.” 

This year Hector is an RA for the Second Year Experience Program, a self-selected living option to help second-year residents, including transfers, access the services and resources that are relevant to their needs.  

“Being an RA for second-year experience and above is more professionally driven since they will come to you with internship questions, interviewing questions, or resume questions.” 

Paying It Forward 

Fourth-year industrial engineering major Jessie Turner is an RA in Howell, and this is her third year on staff. She has also had the opportunity to work in Cloudman and Towers residence halls and has a lot of experience supporting students. 

“I’m a big believer in paying it forward — someone was there for me, so let me be there for someone else.” 

Jessie was a summer first-year and had a hard transition to college, not knowing many other students when she got here.  

“I lived right next to my RA, and she was amazing, talking to me, dragging me out of my room, texting me to check on me, and I always felt very seen and welcomed. It was very crucial to my transition to college, and I wanted to be this for somebody else one day, and that’s why I applied.” 

She has many great memories from the events and connections when she joined Grand Challenges, one of the first-year Living Learning Communities (LLC). LLCs offer opportunities to further explore an interest through experiential and academic programming while residing with other students who share that interest.    

“It’s been one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve had five groups of first-years and it’s so great to see everyone out and about and be in class with them and play intramurals with them. Everywhere I go, there is one of my residents, and it’s fun to watch them grow and thrive and see them make an impact.” 

RAs are available to provide general information and support and make appropriate referrals as needed. They also have a responsibility for residential safety within the halls. They function as liaisons between residents and the administration. 

“Being an RA has helped me with conflict resolution, communication, de-escalating situations, supporting students, and pointing them to resources. I’m a caregiver and I didn’t realize how important it was to me.” 

Some of her favorite memories are coming back from winter break and reuniting with her residents. Her best friend was her co-RA, and she believes she wouldn’t have the friendship if she hadn’t been an RA. She’s hoping to continue supporting others after she graduates, getting involved, or volunteering with similar groups. 

“I want to be here, and I hope I’m enriching their lives because they are enriching mine. A lot of us come in for the free housing and stay because of the residents. I have no regrets, and I love it so much.” 

Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 7 to join the RA community. Additional information and the application are available at housing.gatech.edu/reslife/employment. 

Photos by Catherine Rennell.

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, Tech Tower Lawn will be closed and will reopen at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25. During this time, pedestrians will need to choose an alternative route around this space.

In addition, the Callaway Plaza on the north side of Bobby Dodd stadium will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24. Athletes may still enter and exit the Edge Building; however, they should expect brief delays.

The following roads will have partial closures on Monday, Oct. 24.

• A portion of Bobby Dodd Way, from Fowler Street NW to Techwood Drive NW, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 to 10 a.m. 
• A portion of Brittain Drive, from the alleyway at Alpha Chi Omega House to Bobby Dodd Way, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5 to 10 a.m.
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic in these areas may also be delayed. Please consider an alternative route, or plan for additional time if you need to pass through these areas.

Parking in the nearby areas will also be affected as follows:

• Lot E-46 Surface Lot and the Centennial Olympic Park Gravel Lot will be closed Sunday, Oct. 23 through Tuesday, Oct. 25, and will reopen Wednesday, Oct. 26.
• Parking spaces on the south end of Brittain Drive will be unavailable on Monday, Oct. 24.
• Peters Parking Deck will have limited availability on Monday, Oct. 24.
• Parking and Transportation is reaching out to permit holders in these locations with additional information on alternative parking.

“Flu viruses evolve quickly, so last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s viruses,” said Dr. Ben Holton, Senior Director of Stamps Health Services. “New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses, so it’s important to get the flu shot every year.” 

Stamps Health Services’ Fall Flu Shot Clinic is available to students on the following dates:  

• Thursday October 20, 2022, | 3pm - 7pm 

• Wednesday October 26, 2022 | 3pm - 7pm 

• Wednesday November 2, 2022, | 3pm – 7pm 

• Tuesday November 8, 2022 | 3pm – 7pm 

• Wednesday November 30, 2022 | 3pm - 7pm 

Faculty and staff can also get their vaccine at Stamps Health Services through the pharmacy.  The pharmacy accepts most prescription insurance plans. Faculty and staff can schedule an appointment by calling the pharmacy at 404-894-1430 ext. 5, Mondays through Wednesdays 8am to 4pm, Thursdays 9am to 4pm and on Fridays 8am to 4pm. Walk-in patients will take longer during lunch hours 11:30am-2pm.  

For more information about the flu and getting your flu shot on campus, please visit health.gatech.edu/flu. 

Georgia Tech has 1.5 miles of shared paths, or paths shared by riders and pedestrians, throughout campus, including the paths around Tech Green and the Campus Center, the EcoCommons, and Atlantic Drive, which connects Home Park to the north and Tech Green to the south. Atlantic was first closed to cars in 2004, and, as active transportation grew on campus, in 2019, marked granite pavers were added to help separate slower and faster traffic.  

Jason Gregory, a senior planner with Georgia Tech Capital Planning and Space Management, saw the effectiveness of the pavers during a trip to Amsterdam to study riding infrastructure with the School of Civil Engineering’s Sustainable Transportation Abroad class. “The pavers remind pedestrians to stay to the right, near the outside of the path, while riders pass on the left. The hills of Atlantic allow riders to move quickly, and, by separating traffic moving at different speeds, we can help to improve the safety of the corridor for all users.” 

During the week of Oct. 10, the student organization S.M.I.L.E. (Spreading Messages in Love and Encouragement), will bring an art installation to Atlantic Drive to help increase awareness of safety on shared paths. 

“Riding, walking, and being outside are great for physical and mental health, but they also represent ways for people to connect and engage,” said S.M.I.L.E. Committee Director Laavanya Rajesh. “We hope that this project will encourage community members to learn more about active transportation while working together to add color and creativity to the path.”  

More information about S.M.I.L.E. and the events they put on can be found on their Instagram @smile.gatech.  

S.M.I.L.E. will start the project on Monday, Oct. 10. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Georgia Tech community members are invited to add their foot and tire prints to connect the designs. Chalk will be available on Atlantic Drive outside of the College of Computing. Free helmets for participants in the online Ride Smart Bike/Scooter Safety Class will also be available for pickup.  

Shared Path Safety Reminders 

• Whether riding, walking, or rolling, minizine distractions such as phones and earphones, and focus on your surroundings. 

• Riders should travel at an appropriate speed for sharing the path with pedestrians.  

• Pedestrians should walk toward the outside of the path; riders should pass on the left. 

• Riders should announce that they are passing by ringing their bell or saying, “On your left.” 

• Riders should allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. 

• Before entering a path or changing directions on a path, riders and pedestrians should check in all directions for other people. 

• Additional riding safety information can be found at bike.gatech.edu.  

Riding Resources on Campus 

• Helmets are available for $12 from the Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) customer service center in the Tech Square parking deck, just inside the Spring Street entrance. 

• The monthly, in-person City Cycling class from PTS and Propel Atlanta provides students with the opportunity to ride on the road with an experienced instructor. The next class is Thursday, Oct. 27. 

• Help with bike maintenance and repairs is available from Aztec Cycles at the Community Market on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Starter Bikes on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. 

• The student organization Starter Bikes offers group rides and classes on Thursdays. Follow them on Discord for event information. 

• With the completion of the construction of the Campus Center, 39 new bike racks will be added north of the Ramblin’ Wreck garage, in addition to smaller clusters of racks located throughout the area.  

For more ways to safely ride around campus, visit campusservices.gatech.edu/news/maximize-your-campus-commute. 

Students and staff worked together to improve the process by removing gender and socioeconomic barriers for students wanting to apply to be a part of the student awards scholarship program. They conducted surveys and research, and met with stakeholders. Members of the Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) examined what other colleges practiced during their homecoming week, their homecoming award titles, and historical context for existing names and titles. SCPC also administered a survey to students in Spring 2022 about the name change. The majority of respondents reacted positively and believed it supported the Institute’s strategic plan and values.  

Several meetings with campus stakeholders in various departments and student groups took place over the past year to gain a better understanding of the change and to ensure the process was as inclusive as possible. This is not the first time the Homecoming scholarship program has changed its name. It began in the 1950s as a pageant for only women, some who were not even Georgia Tech students. It was not until the 1970s that a Tech student was crowned Miss Georgia Tech. In the 1980s, they allowed men to be a part of the program and changed the Homecoming awards to Mr. and Ms. Georgia Tech. In 2022, students who do not identify with a Mr. or Ms. title can feel included and can participate in this program.  

This year’s finalists were announced on Sept. 30 at the Homecoming Gala. They include Sean Alexander, Doug Dillman, Emmett Halloran, Jacob Lewis, Hrydesh Patel, Ainsley Ronco, Sofia Vainikos, and Elizabeth Wright. Finalists will take the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8, during halftime of the Homecoming game, when this year’s Ramblin’ Royalty winners will be announced. For more information, visit studentcenter.gatech.edu or follow @gthomecoming on Instagram. 

Chick-fil-A will have a new home on the bottom floor of the commons.  The building will host one of the first franchised campus locations in the nation which will be operated by Chick-fil-A and will accept the Chick-fil-A One rewards program. 

Twisted Taco and Panda Express will be moving from their temporary location in the Exhibition Hall to the Student Center.  Both concepts will be expanding their service footprints and menus.   

Blue Donkey, which currently has a location in the Sideways Café in Clough Library, will open an additional store in the Student Center. 

Local favorite food truck Gyro Chef Mediterranean will upgrade to a full-size store with a larger service footprint.  Those familiar with There on Fifth will be excited to try the restaurant’s second location on the Tech campus: There Burger Bar.  Bento Sushi will roll sushi fresh daily in addition to offering varied Poke Bowls, Bento Boxes and Ramen. 

In addition to these established franchise brands, Tech Dining will also self-operate several venues.  Campus Crust will be a pizza lover’s dream with pies straight out of the oven and Tech It To Go will provide expanded grab and go options for students and employees on the run.  At Test Kitchen, an experimental restaurant with a regularly rotating menu, Tech Dining will bring new recipes and concepts to students.   

The John Lewis Student Center and Stamps Commons will open in July and grand opening activities will occur on Thursday, September 29, 2022. 

“Student wellness was at the forefront of designing each feature and space,” says Student and Campus Event Centers Senior Director Lindsay Bryant. “Lounge spaces, outdoor seating, and connecting the experiential pathway to the building all contribute to fostering a sense of connection and belonging.” This advances one of the four goals of the new Cultivate Well-Being Action and Transformation Roadmap for students.  

A notable addition to the main entrance of the building on the second floor is the large mural of the late John Lewis, former U.S. representative. The Student Center was renamed after the civil rights leader, who was an influential student leader while in college. There is also an endowment named to honor Lewis’ legacy that will provide comprehensive, inclusive leadership development opportunities for student leaders, including some scholarships. 

The project itself was “student-centered.” “Students’ voices helped convey the need for an expansion, students voted on mandatory fees that funded the project, and students were included in the planning and management of the project,” said Luoluo Hong, vice president for Student Engagement and Well-Being. “It is this kind of student advocacy and leadership that we want to amplify through the John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways Program.”  

Renovated spaces on the first floor include Tech Rec and the Georgia Tech Post Office. Some new additions include a late-night eatery connected to the bowling alley and a theater to host guest speakers and events. Outside the first-floor entrance, construction continues on the Campanile. Completion of this campus landmark is set for late September. 

The Student Organization space has expanded to the second and third floors and is now referred to as the Student Organization Hub. Student Media has moved from the Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building to the Student Center and WREK radio is back now that construction is complete. The move offers these organizations higher community and student interaction. 
 
Reservable meeting rooms are located on the third floor, named after streets in the 5th Congressional District, which John Lewis represented from 1987 to 2020. Also located on this floor is a 298-seat theater, which was once the ballroom in the previous Student Center, and the administrative offices, now known as the Student and Campus Events Center (SCEC). This team manages and hosts programs in several new spaces that include the Graduate Student Lounge and the Multicultural Lounge, as well as returning and expanded favorites such as the Reflection Space and Student Center Programs Council. The Center for Student Engagement is also located on the top floor of the building.  

The Student Center is just one space managed by SCEC. Other spaces managed by this team include the Exhibition Hall, the Historic Academy of Medicine, the Pavilions, and West Village. For information on how to reserve spaces in these buildings or to reserve outdoor and classroom spaces, visit studentcenter.gatech.edu/reservable-spaces. 

A formal dedication to honor the Lewis family will be held on Sept. 29, along with an event designed to bring the Yellow Jacket community together for celebration and rejuvenation. For more information, visit studentcenter.gatech.edu. 

TransLoc will provide fixed route bus tracking and on-demand Stingerette safety shuttle access all in one mobile application, shifting away from using two tracking apps. TransLoc is available in the App Store and Google Play.  

This enhanced technology is installed within the new bus fleet, providing a robust reporting suite that includes automated passenger counting and stop announcements. This new feature will help PTS improve service delivery and service planning. It will also help retrieve estimated real-time ridership data for the Stinger shuttle service. 

TransLoc is used locally by other Metro Atlanta institutions such as Emory, Kennesaw State, and SCAD. 

For more information and to download the app, please visit transloc.com/app/. Real-time route information can be found at bus.gatech.edu. 

The move-in process on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 is expected to include impacts to traffic patterns and additional congestion. Here’s what those on campus those days need to know: 

• Residents moving in will enter campus heading westbound on North Avenue and turn right on Tech Parkway to get to the back of the CRC Parking Deck for check-in. There will be additional congestion on these routes, expect delays. 
• After check-in, residents will turn left onto Ferst Drive from the CRC Parking Deck and take either a left onto 6th Street for West Campus or stay straight on Ferst Drive, turning right onto Techwood Drive for East Campus and North Avenue Apartments. Ferst Drive will remain open to through traffic. Please use caution as GTPD officers and volunteers will be on-site directing traffic. 
• Expect additional delays and congestion throughout West Campus, on Techwood Drive and Centennial Olympic Park Drive for East Campus and North Avenue move-in, and along 10th Street for Graduate housing. 

Additionally, drivers should abide by all parking notices and posted No Parking signage as these areas are needed for resident check-in, unloading, and long-term parking. This includes: 

• W10-CRC Deck alternative parking: W02-Student Center Deck. 
• ER54-North Ave South Deck: please park on Levels 2 and 3 only. 
• WR29 on-street parking alternative: WR30-Curran Deck or W31-IPST Lot. 
• ER51 on-street parking alternative: E52-Peters Deck. 

For more information about move-in, visit the new student move-in page. Welcome home, Jackets! 

The renovation has brought exciting new dining venues, lounge and study areas, and event spaces such as community favorite Tech Rec back to the heart of campus after more than two years of construction. To honor the building’s namesake, meeting rooms are named after streets in the 5th Congressional District, which John Lewis represented.

Tech Dining is offering faculty and staff a special sneak peek of the dining venues on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employees will receive a 40% discount on mobile orders with the code STAFFTXS. Download the mobile ordering app at dining.gatech.edu/mobileordering. Employees can also enjoy free bowling and billiards at Tech Rec during the event.

The opening of the John Lewis Student Center is one phase of the larger project to renovate the area, which is comprised of several buildings including the Exhibition Hall, Pavilion, and Experiential Pathway. Over the next few months, the next phase of the project will take place. This includes the retrofitting of spaces in the Exhibition Hall and Pavilion, buildings that served as temporary locations for services during the past two years. Paper & Clay will also reopen in the Pavilion later this fall.

A formal dedication and grand opening celebration of the John Lewis Student Center will take place this fall. Find more information at the project website.

“Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in ridership of scooters, e-bikes, and skateboards on campus,” said Aaron Fowler, Director of Transportation with Parking and Transportation Services. “This has made alternative transportation more accessible to the Georgia Tech community and getting around campus much easier.” 

With the increase in the use of different riding devices, along with walking, traffic in some parts of campus will have a wide variety of commuting. 

The Division of Student Engagement and Well-Being departments of Stamps Health Services, Parking and Transportation Services, Health Initiatives, and Campus Recreation have collaborated to share tips to make your campus commute safer. 

Take a Class  

Get comfortable traveling by bike with a free city cycling instructional group ride sponsored by Propel ATL on July 28 at 4 p.m. This in-person class meets behind the CRC on Tech Parkway, near the turnaround parking area, and is expected to occur monthly. This class is designed specifically for members of the Georgia Tech community, including students, staff, and faculty. After a few quick drills, riders will hit the city or campus streets for a 45-minute ride of three to four gentle miles. Class attendance requires a liability waiver and registration. 

Ride Smart is a twelve-minute online class that offers an introduction to riding safety in an urban environment whether by bike or scooter. Participate in the comfort of your home and you can even receive a free helmet.  

“Riding is great for physical and mental health and can be very safe, but, just like driving, safety increases with knowledge and experience,” said Becky James, chair of Bike Georgia Tech. “The Ride Smart class introduces riders to the basics of riding in an urban environment, and the City Cycling class offers the opportunity to practice handling skills and ride on the road with an experienced rider, which is the best way to learn and build confidence.” 

Protect Your Brain & Body 

We have some of the best minds at Georgia Tech, so why not do everything you can to protect it! One of the best ways to prevent injuries while riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard is to wear a helmet. Did you know Parking and Transportation Services sells helmets for only $12? Visit their customer service center located on the Ground Level of the E81-Tech Square (the Georgia Tech Hotel) parking deck just inside the Spring Street entrance. 

“While wearing a helmet is one way to protect yourself, so is modifying how you use a riding device like reducing your speed, stopping at intersections, and riding in designated lanes,” said Dr. Benjamin Holton, Senior Director of Stamps Health Services. “This past academic year, we saw a significant number of riding injuries coming into Stamps, some of which were very serious. Equipping yourself with resources that teach you how to use your riding device, follow laws, and share the road can have a substantial impact on injury prevention.” 

Engage with Student Groups  

There are student organizations that you can engage with that provide resources and support riding on campus. Starter Bikes sells used bikes and teaches students how to repair and maintain their bikes. On Fridays, they are open from 4-7 p.m. in the CRC parking deck. On most Thursdays from 5-7 p.m., Starter Bikes offers workshops and group rides. Follow them on Instagram @starterbikesgt or on Facebook to learn more.  

Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (ORGT) offers mountain biking and bikepacking trips for beginning and intermediate riders. Visit crc.gatech.edu/adventure-trips-0 to learn more. These student organizations provide the opportunity to ride with experienced riders and gain time and experience in the saddle. 

Make Sure Your Ride is in Tip-Top Shape  

Aztec Cycles brings its mobile repair shop to the Community Market each Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.  Maintenance of your ride is essential because often there may be students riding on bikes that are not fit for the road, which can cause accidents or injury. To learn more, visit www.aztec-cycles.com. 
 
Complete the ABC Quick Check! It only takes 10 seconds to check the air, brakes, chain, and quick releases before each ride. This is especially important with shareable scooters and bikes. Watch this short video to learn the steps to take to keep you safe. 

Tips for Riders  

While there are plenty of on-campus resources for you to take advantage of, here are the top tips to keep in mind:  

• Per Georgia law, bikes are considered vehicles, and riders must obey traffic laws. Stop at stop signs and red lights, yield to pedestrians, and don't ride distracted. 

• Riding on sidewalks can be more dangerous than riding on the road. Drivers are not expecting someone going as fast as a cyclist on the sidewalk.  

• When riding on a shared-use path, ride at the same speed as people walking; when passing, ring a bell or say, “on your left,” and give ample space. 

For more Smart Cycling tips, visit www.bikeleague.org/content/smart-cycling-tips-0.   

Tips for On-Campus Drivers  

On-campus drivers play an important role in the safety of all modes of transportation. Here are a few tips to increase safety for everyone: 

• Obey all traffic laws, including Georgia’s Hands-Free Act, and watch for people using all modes of transportation - bikes, scooters, skateboards, and walking.  

• When riding on a road with a bike lane, before turning, glance behind and beside you for a rider in the bike lane and check the crosswalk for pedestrians. 

• When passing a rider, slow down and pass with care. Per Georgia law, drivers must give 3-feet space when passing a person on a bike.  

• Bikes are allowed on all roads except limited-access freeways. Make sure to share the road respectfully with other users. 

Although you might commute to campus using various modes, PTS recommends finding alternative ways to get around campus once you’re here. Whether it is walking, taking the Stinger buses, or renting a bike or scooter, you can make it across campus without having to get back into your car. Move Georgia Tech shows you how long it takes to get from one part of campus to another and talks about the impact of active transportation on the environment and your health. 

Secure Your Ride  

Protecting your ride from theft is also important in maximizing your campus commute.  You can register your scooter or bike through the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) at police.gatech.edu/registration or by bringing it to the police station in person. 

Use a U-lock. U-locks offer the best theft deterrence, as they better resist prying and cutting than a cable. U-locks are available on campus with Aztec Cycling. Lock your bike to a rack as they are designed to deter theft, and secure it through the frame or rear triangle. On-campus bikes may only be locked to bike racks, not to trees, railings, signs, etc. 

If you need to store your bike after your commute, overnight, or over a campus break, you can use one of the bike rooms on campus. The Dalney (W22) and Tech Square (E81) parking decks feature secure, covered bike parking for commuters. Students, faculty, and staff can access the bike rooms using their BuzzCard, however, bikes must be registered with GTPD. For information about bike storage over a campus break, email commute@gatech.edu. 

To learn more about steps to take to stay safe on every ride, the rules of the road, how to properly adjust and wear a helmet, and what to do if you are involved in a crash, check out this Bicyclists Pocket Guide produced by the Georgia Bikes. You can also visit bike.gatech.edu and pts.gatech.edu/bicycling-georgia-tech to learn about riding at Georgia Tech. 

• Retail services will shut down at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 27; reopening date is TBD.   

• Mail and package pickup will shut down at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 and will reopen in the John Lewis Student Center on Tuesday, July 5 at 8:30 a.m. Mail and package pickup will be unavailable during the temporary closure.   

The Post Office will reopen in its new home on Tuesday, July 5 at 8:30 a.m., with limited services. We greatly appreciate your patience as we transition to our permanent home, and we apologize for the inconvenience.  

If you have questions about the change in your mailing address or our move to the new location, reach out to the Postal Services team at 404.894.4560 or at postofficeask@po.gatech.edu.

The Student Center will reach substantial completion in May, allowing the recently rechristened Student and Campus Event Centers (SCEC) team to begin the move-in of services and departments located elsewhere during the past two years. To facilitate this transition, most of the services provided by the SCEC team will shut down in May, restarting in late summer alongside the opening of the new building. Full details about which services are moving in and when are available on this page, but the community should be aware of some notable disruptions: 

• The Georgia Tech Post Office will close in the Exhibition Hall on Tuesday, June 28 and reopen on Tuesday, July 5 after the Independence Day holiday in the Student Center.  
• The Dining Hub currently in the Exhibition Hall will be closed beginning May 6 and dining options will be very limited until they reopen in late July in the new Student Center. Visit the Tech Dining website for a full list of dining options and their summer hours of operation. 
• All meeting room spaces supported by the SCEC team will be offline beginning May 28, reopening in phases in early fall 2022. During this time, new reservations for classrooms and outdoor spaces will be on hold. Find more details on this website.

It is important to note that, as part of the building transformation, the mailing address will change for the building (now 351 Ferst Drive) and anyone who gets their mail through the Post Office. Those with mail service through the Post Office should check their email for details about their action items.  

When complete, the new Student Center will include 11 soon-to-be-announced dining concepts, including some returning favorites and new options. The third floor of the building will house several spaces for student resources that did not previously exist such as Reflection space, Grad Student Lounge, and Multicultural Space. Additionally, the building boasts both a 150-seat and 298-seat theater that will support student events, admissions tours, and more. The other eight meeting rooms in the building are named by student vote after neighborhoods in Atlanta’s fifth congressional district, long served by Congressman John Lewis.  

A staff and faculty open house event is planned for late July, with a grand opening slated for early September. More details on opening celebrations will be listed on the Student Center’s Facebook, Instagram, and website as they become available. 

Once the transition of services into the Student Center is complete, the last phase of the Campus Center project will begin. This phase entails the retro fitting of the spaces in Exhibition Hall and Pavilion buildings that served as temporary locations for services in the past two years. More about this work and the opening of new services in them (such as Paper & Clay, the campus creative studio) will be announced in the fall. For now, the community can find more information at c.gatech.edu/CampusCenter.

In recent updates, Georgia Tech will offer summer bike parking for those who will not be on campus but want to leave a bike behind for fall. Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) will accommodate summer bike parking in the Dalney Deck (W22) and the Tech Square Hotel deck (E81). Users are required to register your bike with the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) and can enter the rooms using their BuzzCard.

For those who will be on campus this summer, Spin e-bikes are now available for use, and discounts are offered for the Tech community. New bike racks have been added to the Klaus Parking Deck, accessible through the pedestrian entrance on Ferst Drive.

PTS continues to offer its own online bike/scooter safety class for the Tech community. Participants learn practical tips for bike care, safety, and rules of the road, and receive a free helmet upon completion of the class. Learn more and sign up.

A new class is also being offered in partnership with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. The 45-minute class on Thursday, May 26, at 4 p.m. will include a ride on campus beginning on Tech Parkway, in the parking turnaround area behind the Campus Recreation Center (near the rear entrance to the CRC parking deck). Students, faculty and staff are welcome. Participants may bring their own bike, or Spin will also be on hand with e-bikes for participants. Helmets are required and participants will sign a waiver.

PTS also sells helmets for $12, and U-locks can be purchased at Earl’s Bike Shop, located just west of campus. Campus cyclists are also encouraged to register their bikes with GTPD. Bike registration can aid in getting bikes back to their owner if they are stolen or need to be removed from a campus rack. Registration is easy and free. Scooter owners can also register their scooters through the same system.

The Atlanta Cycling Festival is currently underway, with events running through May 22 that include group rides, outdoor social events, and bike tours, and informational classes.

For Tech employees, switching to a bike or other alternative mode of transportation can be lucrative — cash incentives are offered through Georgia Commute Options. For resources on getting started as a bike commuter, visit pts.gatech.edu/bicycling-georgia-tech.

Creating a Safer Future for Cyclists

Two Ph.D. students in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering are researching ways to collect better data and create safer bicycle infrastructure so that more people will feel comfortable cycling on city streets.

Rachael Panik and Reid Passmore aren’t just interested in cycling as an academic pursuit — they are also active cyclists who ride their bikes to commute and run errands, giving them a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of cycling in Atlanta.

According to Passmore, many cyclists are hesitant to share the road with cars because they don’t feel safe. He says infrastructure like bike lanes and multi-use paths are needed to make cycling more accessible. Passmore’s research leverages cyclists’ preferences to estimate the perceived safety contributions of new bike infrastructure projects to help city planners and engineers.

Panik says there is still not enough data to fully understand the risks affecting bicycle crash rates, especially in communities where active travel culture is just beginning to grow. In partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), her research will create activity estimates of bicycle travel volumes and risk estimates to prioritize safety projects within Atlanta and Georgia.

Learn more about these students and their research to make cycling safer and more enjoyable:

What led you to this area of study?

Panik: I became interested in multimodal transportation after studying abroad in Japan. I loved that I could travel around Japan without a car but instead by walking, biking, and train. My interests in bicycling grew even more during my master’s degree internship and first job. I worked for an engineering firm that specialized in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure design and planning, and through that work I learned about all of the challenges we need to solve for people bicycling in the U.S.

Passmore: Between undergrad and grad school, I interned at the Atlanta Regional Commission and took inventory of all of metro Atlanta’s bike infrastructure. I saw lots of gaps, and I wanted to find ways to fix those gaps in a systematic way.

What is your experience with cycling?

Passmore: Since I started at Georgia Tech in 2015, I’ve been car-free. I use my bike for getting groceries, getting to class, exploring, and socializing.

Panik: I actually never cycled for transportation until moving to Atlanta in the summer of 2020. I took advantage of there being fewer cars on the road due to Covid-19. Less traffic (for a little while, at least) gave me the opportunity to gain confidence biking in the city. Now, I cycle for many of my trips, including my commute to Georgia Tech.

What’s the major problem you see with cycling safety and infrastructure?

Passmore: The lack of connected and protected cycling infrastructure.

Panik: If I had to boil it down to one major problem with cycling safety, it would be vehicle speed. Since most of the severe and fatal crashes in the United States involve cars, vehicle speed is an incredibly important problem in cycling safety.The way that we design our transportation system in the U.S. gives priority to moving vehicles fast. That decision is inherently at odds with people cycling safely, no matter what kind of infrastructure we design.

How does your research aim to address this problem?

Passmore: I’m trying to measure how new cycling infrastructure would improve the existing cycling network. Then I can rank cycling infrastructure according to this metric and know what needs to get built first.

Have you found a disconnect between what cyclists prefer and what infrastructure exists or has been proposed by policymakers and city planners?

Panik: Yes. I In general, people who cycle for trips prefer traveling on roads where drivers go slowly and where they are physically separated from cars. To create enough of those kinds of roads to make traveling feasible for people who are not already bicycling requires long-term political willpower and commitment to a shared vision of what we want transportation in Atlanta to be. We see really great examples of this kind of infrastructure all over the city, like the Atlanta BeltLine and the new Spring Street bike lanes — we just need much more of these kinds of projects so that there is a real cycling network in the city.

How could volume and risk estimates be used to prioritize safety projects?

Panik: A big problem for engineers who decide how to improve roadway safety is knowing where to prioritize safety projects. There are many roadways and intersections in Atlanta and in Georgia that have bicycle crashes — so how do they decide which ones to tackle first? If we assume that the most important projects are those that would mitigate the most risk, then we have to effectively measure risk. That’s where my research comes in. I hope to help GDOT engineers better measure risk on Atlanta and Georgia roadways so they can more systematically implement safety projects.

What are the benefits of more robust cycling options?

Passmore: Driving isn’t for everyone, yet the current conditions make driving one of the only viable options. I’d be miserable if I was forced to drive everywhere because it stresses me out, so having cycling as an option lets me avoid driving entirely. In addition, cycling is cheap, efficient, healthy, and environmentally friendly.

Panik: If Atlanta had a more robust cycling network, I think the city would be a fundamentally different (and, in my opinion, better) place. Of course, more people would cycle if there were better options to do it, and that would go hand in hand with a different kind of physical space. Think about the development that surrounds the BeltLine: it’s just different from the rest of the car-oriented development in the city. Now, imagine that kind of people-oriented development throughout the city connected by a network of great roads for biking. It would be a safer, more sustainable, and (importantly) more fun way to live.

How do you think civil engineers will help improve the future of cycling in cities?

Passmore: Civil engineers of the past have largely ignored designing for cyclists, and this has led to inadequate and dangerous conditions. I think civil engineers of the present and future have a duty to improve these conditions through physical infrastructure (like bike lanes, multi-use paths, and traffic calming) until cycling is safe enough for a parent to feel comfortable letting their child bike on their own.

Panik: Civil engineers are important members of the group of people (such as urban planners and politicians) who decide what it feels like to live in a city. That is a huge responsibility and privilege. Engineers can improve the future of cycling by prioritizing the safety of all road users over speed and moving cars. That kind of thinking is a big shift from what transportation engineers do now, but it is a necessary one if we want to make cycling safer and more enjoyable.

Related Links:

• https://www.midtownatl.com/about/midtown-transportation/bike-to-work-week-2022 
• https://www.atlantabike.org/classes 
• https://www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/atlanta-cycling-festival-2022

The week invites first-years, new transfers, and new graduate students to become acquainted with campus, their peers, and Atlanta the week before classes start with the goal of a stress-free transition to college. First-year students begin to move into campus residence halls on Friday, August 12, with new transfers and new graduates moving in on August 13, and 15 – 20. 

Week of Welcome kicks off on Sunday, August 14 at Rock, Ramble, and Roll, a large outdoor kick-off dinner event full of food and fun after move-in. This will be the first official event held in the new Student Center when it reopens in the Fall after two years of renovations. The event is a partnership between Student & Campus Events Centers, Student Center Programs Council (SCPC), and Tech Dining. 

From August 15 to 20 new students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, events, and outings organized by the campus community. Departments, colleges, campus offices, and student organizations are invited to host engaging, and informative workshops during business hours to help share information with the new students. Workshops can be informative about the work that an office or organization does on campus or about particular topics of interest to students. 

“Week of Welcome was an amazing, stress-free way for me to transition to college and become familiar with campus, my peers, and Atlanta,” says Jeffrey Kramer, SCPC’s 2022 Week of Welcome Committee Chair. “From the moment I set foot on campus, I felt like I was a part of the amazing Georgia Tech community. Week of Welcome inspired me to join SCPC and get involved, and now I have the incredible opportunity to help organize it for future students.” 

Student organizations and groups are not the only people who can plan and implement workshops for new students during Week of Welcome. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in workshop offerings, as well.  

“The Georgia Tech Library hosted our historic Week of Welcome event, RATS Night, along with 7 other workshops and tours during the 2021 Week of Welcome,” said Public Programming & Community Engagement Librarian Catherine Manci. “We had over 1,300 students come to the Library for RATS Night alone. While pulling off these events took lots of coordination, the payoff was worth it to welcome students into our Library buildings and familiarize them with our services.” 

The Georgia Tech Library will once again be hosting its signature event for the week, RATS Night, for Recently Acquired Tech Students or RATS again this year.  

“Students are truly our top priority, and kicking off the year with an exciting Week of Welcome event like RATS Night set the tone for the semester,” said Leslie Sharp, Dean of Libraries. “While the Library is a focused academic space, it can also be a space of joy and community.” 

Afternoons and evenings during the week will be filled with social events for new students to engage with one another and get to know their community. GT Athletics’ House Party at Bobby Dodd, Taste of Tech Square, CRC’s RecFest, and other large signature events and small events are being planned for the nights that week to allow students variety in their experiences. 

If you are interested in planning an event or facilitating a workshop to help introduce our incoming students to life at Georgia Tech in August, fill out the Week of Welcome Program Submission Form by July 15, 2022. Events and workshops will be featured on the Week of Welcome Guide through the Georgia Tech Guidebook app that students download to attend FASET. 

For the latest about Week of Welcome as planning evolves, visit welcomehome.gatech.edu. For questions about Week of Welcome, please email Brett Hulst at hulst@gatech.edu or Carly Bloomingdale at carly@gatech.edu.

During this time, the entrance and exit gates, as well as visitor pay stations, at the W02 Student Center Parking Deck will not be operational. Annual W02 permit holders, including those with SmartPark and Flex permits, will continue to park as normal. Visitors will need to pay for parking upon arrival to the garage using ParkMobile Zone 8631. During this time, the Charge Point electric vehicle chargers in the W02 lot will also not be operational.

Currently, contractors are not anticipating disruption to cell phone coverage. More information will be provided if the situation changes.

Since 2007, SCPC has put on Sting Break each year with a different theme but the same crowd-pleasers: free student appreciation with carnival rides, large inflatables, food, music, and giveaways. The experience is even more special to students because of the faculty and staff volunteers who facilitate the activities and distribute the giveaways. These outside-the-classroom opportunities to connect are invaluable to both students and volunteers, with the added bonus that having staff allows SCPC to limit the number of student volunteers needed to put on the event.   

“It’s one of my favorite events each year - it’s nice to see students in a relaxed setting, enjoying the festivities,” says 2022 event Chair Paula Punmaneeluk. “Our volunteers seem to have a lot of fun interacting with students too, so it has been exciting to lead the planning this year to make that happen again!” 

After two years of covid-related challenges, the team behind Sting Break is looking forward to bringing the event closer to the full experience known previously. With the support of Georgia Tech Licensing, SGA, Buzzfunds, and Parents Fund, this year’s event will host 2,500 students in activities spread across Tech Green and the W21 parking lot, all with the theme Sting Break on Deck. Having enough staff and faculty volunteers to facilitate will be critical – those interested in serving as a volunteer should fill out this form to receive more information about volunteer roles and goodies.  

Students will be able to sign up for tickets to Sting Break after Spring Break. Details will be announced on the Student Center Programs Council social media, @GTSCPC and Campus Tickets.  

“This new collaboration will support the expansion and accessibility of bicycling options on campus,” said Aaron Fowler, director of transportation with PTS. “In conjunction with the many other bicycling initiatives and resources we have on campus, this will be a great opportunity for the community to have another way to get around.”  

The partnership includes incentives to Georgia Tech users if you sign-up with your "gatech.edu" email address when registering. Riders may park the e-bikes throughout campus, ideally at the nearest bike rack or Spin's designated locations. Spin will offer riders discounts off future rides for returning bikes to designated parking locations on campus. Additionally, discounts will be offered to Tech users for e-bike trips that originate from campus. 

Spin e-bikes will be placed at these five staging locations each morning, fully charged and ready for campus use.   

• Near the entrance to the Curran parking deck on Turner Place 

• Techwood Drive near Ferst Drive 

• Techwood Drive across from Bobby Dodd Stadium 

• Ferst Drive in front of the CRC 

• Near the entrance to the Area 4 parking lot at Ferst Drive/State Street 

Trips starting on campus are $1 to start, 20 cents per minute. Riders who park in one of the designated parking points on campus get a 50-cent ride credit on their next ride.  

To start a ride:     

1. Find a nearby device using the Spin app.

2. Scan the QR code on the device.   

3. Acknowledge safety and rider rules.  

4. Unlock the device.

5. Use the device to your destination.  

Safety reminders: 

• Avoid parking a bike or scooter in a way that blocks doorways, sidewalks, or travel routes that could create a hazard for others. 

• Wear a helmet while bicycling and scootering. Discounted helmets can be purchased at the PTS customer service center for $12. 

• If you are new to bicycling or scootering in Atlanta or want a refresher on safe riding practices, Georgia Tech offers a 12-minute online safety class for free. 

If you need assistance when using a Spin e-bike, please email support@spin.pm, call 1-888-249-9698, or get live support in the Spin app. 

For more information about bicycling at Tech, visit pts.gatech.edu/bicycling-georgia-tech. For questions about the new Spin partnership, reach out to commute@gatech.edu.  

Georgia Tech remains focused on the well-being of students, faculty, and staff — especially during these very stressful times when many are feeling the substantial impact of rising gas prices.

We know that Georgia Tech thrives only because of hard work and dedication from the entire Yellow Jacket community. And as we all face the uncertainty of the future, we want to assure you that we are here for you.  

Georgia Tech is taking a proactive stance now with the resources we have available and is committed to continuing to monitor the situation and adjust our approach as needed. So, multiple units campuswide are collaborating to identify and implement measures that will ease the cost of driving to work.

We recognize this situation is rapidly evolving. While we continue to re-evaluate business operations at Tech and will continue to offer a residential experience for our students, including in-person course delivery, we strongly encourage all employees to explore more immediate alternatives to their daily commutes.

Cost-Effective Commuting Options

Here are a few options with potential cost-savings:

• Carpool and Rideshare Programs
  Did you know a Georgia Tech carpool permit costs $100 less than annual individual permits and can be split among carpool members? Visit pts.gatech.edu to explore carpooling incentives through Georgia Commute Options, Waze Carpool, and even Zipcar.
• Public Transportation Discounts
  Students and employees can purchase discounted monthly transit passes. Employees can purchase their transit passes via payroll deduction for MARTA, GRTA Xpress, CobbLinc, and Gwinnett County Transit.  
• Scooters and Bike Sharing Options
  Whether commuting to campus or navigating when you get here, Georgia Tech is a Gold Level Bike Friendly University and has worked hard to encourage bicycling (or scooting) as a healthy, convenient, and low-cost form of transportation.
• Flexible Work Arrangements
  In addition to telecommuting, consider flextime or working a compressed workweek to help reduce travel time and costs. Discuss your flexible work options with your supervisor. Click here for tips that will prepare you for the discussion. 
  
  Please Note: Telework approvals are based on management discretion and should be granted based on what best serves students, lessons learned from the past year, and the overall institutional mission. Please work with your manager to determine your most practical teleworking options.

Share Your Suggestions

We know uncertainty of any kind is not easy. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide solutions where we can. We want to hear from you: email staffcouncil@gatech.edu or visit Georgia Tech’s Staff Council’s virtual office hours to discuss or share your suggestions.

Employees are also encouraged to reach out to their HR Business Partner or Unit HR Director to ask questions and share ideas. 

In anticipation of the newly transformed John Lewis Student Center and Stamps Commons coming online late this summer, reservations for all spaces within the newly renovated Student Center and Exhibition Hall are now open to the campus community. 

The completed Student Center will include eight new meeting rooms, as well as a 165-seat theater with retractable theater seating and 297-seat theater. With the conclusion of the Campus Center project, services that have been temporarily located in the Exhibition Hall will move to their permanent home in the Student Center, allowing those spaces within the Exhibition Hall to return to their original purpose as event space. When this transition is complete, there will be an additional seven reservable spaces in the Exhibition Hall, including full use of the 11,598 square foot Midtown Ballroom space. Each room in the Exhibition Hall is named after an Atlanta neighborhood, and those in the new Student Center are named after Atlanta’s major streets. Names for both buildings were chosen by Georgia Tech students. 

• More about Exhibition Hall Rooms 
• More about Student Center rooms 

The community is encouraged to explore these future spaces online following the links above to find information on available setups and comparisons to rooms with which the community is already familiar. All spaces are reserved through GT Events. 

Those planning events over this summer should note that all spaces in the Exhibition Hall and West Village will be offline beginning May 28, 2022, to allow the team to focus on the transition to operations in the new Student Center. Spaces will reopen in a phased approach: 

• West Village spaces reopen Thursday, July 28. 

• Exhibition Hall Midtown Ballroom spaces reopen Monday, August 1. 

• John Lewis Student Center and Stamp Commons’ meeting spaces open Monday, August 15. 

• John Lewis Student Center and Stamp Commons’ Atlantic Theater open Monday, August 29. 

• Exhibition Hall second floor meeting spaces reopen Monday, October 31. 

Community members looking to reserve space for the summer can explore alternatives meeting and event spaces on GT Events. 

Further updates on the Campus Center project and the move of services into the Student Center this summer will be available on the Student Center's social media.  

With the completion of the Campus Center project, the portfolio of spaces managed by the Student Center team will include five buildings and portions of the campus’ outdoor spaces. This growth in scope precipitates a clarifying change in name for the team of more than 100 people that manage it. Now called the Student and Campus Event Centers team, this unit will continue to focus on providing high quality spaces for the community to work and play, and life-shaping opportunities for our students to grow and develop.  

“Our overall mission has not changed,” say Dr. Lindsay Bryant, Senior Director. “We are still here to help build a strong sense of campus community through our wide variety of services. The Student and Campus Event Centers team will continue to do this daily with the students, faculty, and staff we serve in our spaces.” 

As the new name indicates, the new Student and Campus Event Centers department is made up of multiple buildings and spaces.  Those include: 

• The John Lewis Student Center and Stamps Commons: Construction is currently on schedule to be complete in summer. The building is expected to be ready to welcome students and the community once again in fall 2022.  

• The Exhibition Hall: This 46,000 square-foot building, located across from the ISYE building and next to the Student Center parking deck(map), is built to serve the meeting and conference needs of the entire community. It is currently home to the Georgia Tech Post Office and Dining Hub while Student Center renovations continue.  

• The Pavilion: Nestled in the greenspace between the Instructional Center and the Student Center parking deck you’ll find a collection of smaller buildings that include the Rising Roll Café, Burdell’s and DePoe Optical, and administrative offices for Student and Campus Event Centers and Student Engagement. (map)

• The Historic Academy of Medicine: The Historic Academy of Medicine, built in 1941, was previously host to the city’s oldest medical society, the Medical Association of Atlanta. Now a gem of an event space (and filming location), it is located at the edge of campus at 875 West Peachtree in Midtown.  

• West Village: While it hosts the Music Technology program and several Tech Dining concepts, this community-centered space on west campus has been operated by the Student and Campus Event Centers team since it opened in 2017.(map)

• Experiential Pathway and Outdoor Space: Several of the buildings in the collective are connected by a vibrant pathway that boasts some of the best outdoor seating on campus. Additionally, this team has taken on the management of reservable outdoor spaces on campus, bolstered by the team’s strong background in event services. 

The change in name also comes with the addition of several new positions meant to help further transform the team’s work – including graduate student programs, outdoor space reservations, and multicultural events. The community will start to see the new name appear in the coming months but contact information for those in need of assistance remains the same. 

As the Student and Campus Event Centers programs and services grow and transform spaces across campus, their mission and vision to bring the community together and provide spaces to enrich the educational experience has not changed. Every facility and program advances a sense of community on campus in its own way, led by the committed members of the Student and Campus Event Centers team. Now with a network of support distributed throughout campus, that team hopes to better serve the needs of all Georgia Tech students, staff, and faculty of today and tomorrow. More information about the team and the facilities they manage is available at studentcenter.gatech.edu. 

1. Schedule a weekly walk with a co-worker or friend. Follow the Pi Mile course or learn more about the sculptures and history of campus through tours available on the Campus Map. 
2. Switch to an alternative commute one day per week. From regional bus service to riding your bike or MARTA, explore your transportation options with PTS's Commute Concierge and learn more about incentives for choosing a cleaner commute from Georgia Commute Options.  
3. Incorporate local, seasonal produce into your meals with the new Farm Share program, which delivers personalized boxes of produce and much more from Rise N Shine Farm to campus each week. 
4. Volunteer in your community. STAR (Students' Temporary Assistance and Resources) is a network of programs dedicated to connecting students with the resources that they need to thrive, and they need volunteers to participate in food recovery shifts, sponsor food collection events, or you can contact Steve Fazenbaker for help with facilitating a service project. 
5. Join one of Georgia Tech's seven Employee Resource Groups (ERG), organized around common dimensions of diversity. ERGs are designed to offer forums where like-minded employees can enhance their employment experiences. 
6. Try the CRC's recreational fitness classes. Discover classes that help develop strength, get you moving, or provide a time to release tension and focus on the breath. 
7. Conduct a meeting or class outside once per week; consider the EcoCommons and different gardens and green spaces throughout campus. 
8. Deepen your appreciation and understanding of the universe by attending a public night at the Georgia Tech Observatory. 
9. Learn more about the dimensions of well-being by participating in a workshop through Be Well, Georgia Tech’s Benefits Education and Wellness series, or exploring their library of past presentations. 
10. Join a Tapping Circle for Stress and Calm. Tapping Circles are offered weekly online. 
11. Make sure that your bike is ready to ride. Learn to repair and maintain your bike with Starter Bikes on Fridays from 4 - 7 p.m. or bring it to Aztec Cycles at the Community Market on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
12. Go meatless one day a week and prioritize seasonal produce; use the Nutrislice app to explore Dining's daily vegetarian options and explore recipes from Health Initiatives. 
13. Watch a two-minute video to learn about office recycling through the AWARE (Actively Working to Achieve Resource Efficiency) program and empty your desk-side containers each afternoon. 
14. Each day, walk or ride to one place that you would normally drive. Consider using a Relay Bike for a meeting across campus. 
15. Try 3-5 minutes of meditation each day. Browse the Counseling Center's list of free podcasts and apps for options. 
16. Try a new adventure outdoors. ORGT (Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech) rents camping and boating equipment to the Georgia Tech community. 
17. Explore learning opportunities through the Campus Learning Directory and participate in a program, event, or activity that excites or inspires you. 
18. Connect with co-workers each week at $5 Friday in North Ave and Brittain Dining Halls, where employees can enjoy a reduced door rate of $5 for lunch. Open to faculty and staff using Faculty/Staff Dining Dollars. 
19. Identify your personal strengths and opportunities as a people leader with PLAT (People Leader Assessment Tool). PLAT provides a personalized learning roadmap, which serves as a year-long professional development plan. 
20. Create a self-care plan and schedule the time into your week. Consider a yoga class, walk, or schedule a massage therapy session at the CRC.
21. Write a letter of support to a fellow Yellow Jacket. Each week until Feb. 15, Georgia Tech Arts will be partnering with a different group on campus to uplift our community through a campus-wide letter-writing campaign. 
22. Commit to volunteering to support fellow Yellow Jackets this semester. Whether it's through Commencement, Move-In, Week of Welcome, or events like Midnight Breakfast, find a way to engage with the campus community.

During this time, the campus community will not be able to pass between the buildings as utility work is completed and the existing sidewalk between the buildings is replaced. Additionally, the east door of Smithgall will be closed until work concludes. Access to both Smithgall and the Ferst Center for the Arts will be maintained. No other impacts are anticipated.

While this delay does not change the overall completion deadline for the project, the diversion of the pathway is expected to last for several weeks. Updates will be shared with community as work progresses. For updates and other news about the Campus Center project, visit c.gatech.edu/CampusCenter. 

Tuesday, December 7 

Finals Week kicks off with Buzz’s Winter Wonderland on the last day of class from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in W21 Parking Lot (near MRDC). Students can learn how to ice skate, take a tube ride down a snow slide, decorate some winter themed arts, and have a cup of hot cocoa. The first 300 students will get a free Georgia Tech beanie hat!  RSVP on Campus Tickets.

Wednesday, December 8 

On the first reading day, SCPC will host two different events to help students de-stress in between study sessions. From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., students can come to the Exhibition Hall for Relaxation Station, a chill out and destress event with massage chairs, aromatherapy, wax hands, scented candle-making, and more. That night from 7-10 p.m., SCPC will host a Silent Disco in the Bobby Dodd Club Lounge to let students dance the night and the stress away. Both events will have free giveaways while supplies last, so be sure to reserve your free ticket to Relaxation Station and Silent Disco events on Campus Tickets. 

Monday, December 13 

This year, SCPC’s Relaxation Fest will feature ways to actively release stress in a safe and fun way, hosted on Tech Green 4-6 p.m. before Midnight Breakfast. Students can smash their stresses (and a plate) through our plate throwing activity, throw an inflatable axe, do some bungee trampoline jumping, and destress in a number of safe and effective ways. Get your ticket on Campus Tickets. 

From 8 p.m. to midnight that night, SCPC and Tech Dining will bring beloved the finals week tradition of Midnight Breakfast to the Exhibition Hall.  Georgia Tech leadership and administrators will be there to serve eggs, bacon (or beyond meat sausage), potatoes, and grits as students take a late-night study break to fuel their body and mind. Students that have dietary restrictions will be accommodated.  There are limited tickets available, students should RSVP on Campus Tickets. 

Throughout the Week 

For both full weeks of finals beginning Saturday, December 4 – Friday, December 17, the CRC will host free fitness classes for students! Check out the schedule online, make plans to come with a friend, and be sure to RSVP for the class on the CRC’s website.  If you’ve been meaning to check out a fitness class or two at the CRC, this is the week to try it out! 

SMILE will be giving out Finals Encouragement Bags at different opportunities around campus. You can find them at Relaxation Fest, as well as other days and times throughout the week. Come get your bag with stickers, activities, snacks, and vouchers for free coffee.     

There will be an opportunity free Kaldi’s Coffee on the morning of December 15 from 8-10 a.m. 

Look for giveaways while supplies last at the events like tote bags at Midnight Breakfast and glow in the dark bracelets at Silent Disco! Follow SCPC, SMILE, and the CRC for the most up to date information and details. Get your tickets to SCPC’s events on Campus Tickets at https://gatech.universitytickets.com/  

To help the campus community understand their best alternative commute options, Parking and Transportation Services has launched Commute Concierge, a program that tailors alternative transportation for the Georgia Tech community. The concierge service allows individuals to schedule one on one communication with PTS' transportation experts to discuss personalized commuting options, routes, and program offerings. Commute Concierge is backed by staff experts who bring more than 17 years of education and experience in alternative transportation, bike advocacy, ride matching, and city and regional planning.

Communicating with the concierge is easy, beginning with a brief survey that captures the user’s starting point and destination, days worked on campus, arrival and departure times, and preferred transportation modes. Customers also schedule a virtual meeting time with the experts to discuss their personalized commute recommendations and available incentives and rewards.

Campus transportation planner Lisa Safstrom believes this service can help make choosing a commute option easier for potential customers. "There are lots of options to get to campus, and people might not know how to find the relevant information,” Safstrom said. “We can help with that. Many people that drive now might not have to. MARTA buses and rail, Xpress, CobbLinc and Gwinnett commuter buses, biking or even walking may be more viable than people might think.”

Not only can carpooling, biking, or taking transit make one’s daily commute simpler, but it can also save money, decrease pollution, and reduce stress.  “I really missed my bike commute while working from home during Covid, as it was a daily ritual where I could clear my mind and get in a little exercise,” said Aaron Fowler, director of transportation.  “Now that many of us are transitioning back into the office again, we anticipate an increase in interest in what commute options are available and we hope we can help as folks create new commuting habits.”

Responsible stewardship is one of Tech’s core values, and Commute Concierge fosters sustainability and efficiency by offering cleaner commute options to the campus community. “This effort is in alignment with Transportation’s strategic TDM plan and is intended to give commuters more options to choose when making daily commute decisions,” said senior director Sherry Davidson.  “Our hope is that this program will introduce a broad range of commute options to campus commuters and encourage the use of affordable, low-carbon transportation options, which will help reduce traffic congestion, promote well-being, and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Visit pts.gatech.edu/commute-concierge to request concierge services and learn more about commuter rewards, route planning, and transportation options.

Current Campus Commute Options

Carpooling - two or more students or employees may drive together to campus and receive $100 off the cost of a yearly parking permit. Georgia Tech supports carpooling as a commute alternative to reduce traffic and parking congestion and to improve air quality in the region.

Biking - Georgia Tech holds national designation as a Gold Level Bike Friendly University. Most campus streets have bike infrastructure, and bike racks are available throughout campus.

Transit - PTS offers discounted monthly MARTA passes for students, faculty, and staff and pre-tax discounted commuter bus (Xpress, CobbLinc, and Gwinnett County Transit) and MARTA passes for employees through payroll deduction.

Walking - Many students and employees live within walking distance of campus. Georgia Tech works with city and community organizations to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety in getting to campus.

The Exhibition Hall  

The Exhibition Hall, one of the new facilities built in phase one of the Campus Center project, has been open for a more than a year. This 46,000ft² building, located across from the ISYE building and next to the Student Center Parking Deck, is built to serve the meeting and conference needs of the entire community. In its short history this facility has already become a magnet for campus events like Midnight Breakfast, resource fairs, and the vaccine clinic.  

Many services have been housed in the Exhibition Hall temporarily while the Student Center is closed for renovations, so the community can look forward to the opening of four new meeting spaces and full use of the 12,000ft² Midtown ballroom space once the transition of services to the Student Center is complete and final work is done on the rooms. Those spaces will be open to the community for reservations starting in Spring 2022. More about the spaces that are available for use now and those coming in Fall 2022 can be found at this link. 

The *NEW* Student Center 

Watching from over the fence line, the community will see the new and improved Student Center and Stamps Commons take shape over the rest of this academic year. Construction is currently on schedule to be complete next summer, so the building is expected to be open to welcome students and the community once again in Fall 2022. Registration for hard hat tours of the Student Center is now full, but more spots will be available in Spring 2022.  

When it opens, the completed Student Center will include eight new meeting rooms, as well as a small theater with 165-retractable seats, 297-seat performance theater, and the bowling and billiards areas of the new Tech Rec. Each room in the new Student Center is named after one of Atlanta’s major streets, chosen by student vote. Reservations for all spaces within the Student Center will be open to the campus community in Spring 2022. Until then, the community can explore these future spaces online by following the links on this page to find renderings, capacity information, and more.  

New Buildings Means New Team Name 

With the completion of the Campus Center project, the portfolio of spaces managed by the Student Center team will include five buildings and portions of the campus’ outdoors. This growth in scope precipitates a clarifying change in name for the team of more than 100 people that manage it. Now called the Student and Campus Event Centers team, this unit will continue to focus on providing high quality spaces for the community to gather and life-shaping opportunities for our students to grow and develop.  

“Our overall mission has not changed,” say Dr. Lindsay Bryant, senior director of the team. “We are still here to help build a strong sense of campus community through our wide variety of services. The Student & Campus Event Centers team will continue to do this daily with the students, faculty, and staff we serve in our spaces.” 

The community will start to see the new name appear in the coming months, but contact information for those in need of assistance remains the same.  

The Pavilion 

Nestled in the greenspace between the Instructional Center and the W02 Student Center Parking Deck you’ll find a collection of smaller buildings that include the Rising Roll Café, Burdell’s and DePoe Optical, and both the Student Center and Student Engagement team offices. In addition to these community must-haves, the space around the Pavilion features some of the best outdoor seating on campus. When the Student Center renovations are complete, all Pavilion services except for the café will move into new homes in the Student Center. More details about what will be installed in the Pavilion after that, including a new and improved Paper & Clay (campus creative studio), will be available in Spring 2022.  

The Historic Academy of Medicine 

Not everyone in the community knows about the team’s historic gem of an event space, located at the edge of campus in Midtown. The Historic Academy of Medicine, located at 875 West Peachtree in Midtown, has long been an important part of the campus events scene at Georgia Tech, serving as long time host for retirement dinners, the Annual Women’s Leadership Conference, and more. The historically renovated space is also often recognized for its role in many movies, such as Zombieland 2, Selma, and the Accountant.  

While known for its historic charm, the team at the Academy - as it is affectionately known - have worked hard over the past year to help the community see the space as the hip and modern location it can be. With a hands-on approach to working with the event hosts, the Academy team can turn the space into the best possible environment for any number of events. Much about the building’s event services have all been updated to make the space more accessible to students and accommodating to campus and private events of all kinds. More details about the Academy’s event spaces and service can be found on this webpage.  

The Georgia Tech Post Office 

While its permanent home in the Student Center is closed for renovation, the Post Office and the Postal Services team have operated out of a space on the second floor of the Exhibition Hall. Despite being in a smaller space, the team has continued to provide service to the entire community - thanks in part to their transition to High Density Mail. They were honored with Georgia Tech’s 2020 Giant Leap Award for this improvement in space efficiency and mail management.  

High Density Mail operations will still be in place after returning to the first floor of the Student Center in 2022, meaning that those with mailing addresses will continue to receive mail at the service counter instead of a mailbox. Students can find more information about updates to mail services on the Post Office website.  

West Village 

As part of Georgia Tech’s transition to self-operated Tech Dining, West Village has seen significant changes to the second floor of the dining commons, where all-you-care-to-eat style dining has been implemented. Those familiar with the old space should take a moment when they first visit to understand the new traffic patterns that will take them to any - or all - of the five new dining concepts. The new concepts brought on through the switch to Tech Dining include Ginger & Spice, The Leaning Tower of Tech, White & Gold Grill, and more. 

Diners may also notice another substantial change for that building: the transition to real dishware. These dishes, glasses, and flatware are now run through a dish return like those in the other dining halls. Those who eat in West Village should be mindful that all dining-related dishware and waste must now be brought to the second floor for disposal. The change to real dishware should greatly reduce waste in the dining space.  

Despite the spread of the Student Center’s programs and services across campus, their mission and vision to bring the community together still holds. Every facility and program advances a sense of community on campus in its own way, led by the committed members of the Student and Campus Event Centers team. Now with a network of support distributed throughout campus, that team hopes to better serve the needs of the Georgia Tech students, staff, and faculty of today and tomorrow. More information about the team and the facilities they manage is available at studentcenter.gatech.edu. 

Starting January 1, 2022, you may also upgrade your Semester Permit to an Annual Individual Permit for Spring and Summer 2022 and keep your current lot/deck assignment.

If you miss the renewal period, you may purchase Semester Permits in The Driver’s Seat starting Saturday, January 1, 2022. Purchases after January 1 will be based on lot/deck availability only. The last day to purchase a Spring Permit is Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Note:

• Spring Semester Permits are valid January 1, 2022 through May 15, 2022.
• Permits purchased during the renewal period will show a 2021 “valid” date. Valid dates will be updated automatically to January 1 through May 15 shortly after purchase.
• If you do not renew or purchase a new permit, your parking privileges will be removed from your BuzzCard and online parking account after December 31, 2021.
• Students who purchase Spring Semester Permits during the renewal period will be billed to the Bursar’s office on January 3, 2022.

For more information about the Annual Individual and Semester Permit programs, please visit this link: http://pts.gatech.edu/permits.

Improving Housing’s Campus Footprint 

Housing and Residence Life has the largest carbon footprint of any Campus Services division and therefore has the biggest opportunity to make an impact. Efforts to retro-commission older buildings to improve their efficiency and indoor air quality, and long-term plans in the new Housing Master Plan will ensure that a sustainability lens is used when looking for improvements to current buildings and future development. 

Several residence halls now have options for composting, with plans to expand the program. Residents are encouraged to consider their utility consumption through energy competitions and a peer-to-peer educational program called the EcoReps that trains RAs on sustainability topics to inform their residents through programming. Learn more about Sustainability in the Halls here. 

Sustainability through Well-Being 

"Good health and well-being" was one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015. The Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE) offers programming that promotes mental health and well-being and provides practical skills and resources that support sustainability. The CARE Student Ambassador program allows students to partner with CARE to increase the utilization of mental health and well-being resources on and off-campus. The program amplifies students’ voices in reducing mental health stigma on campus and promoting help-seeking behaviors among peers. CARE Ambassadors create outreach events for the Tech community. 

Coffee with CARE is a drop-in opportunity for students to learn about campus and community resources and ask questions in a non-clinical setting. This outreach focuses specifically on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities to help reduce barriers to access to mental health resources for traditionally marginalized groups. Events are hosted throughout the school year on a variety of topics. 

Learn more about CARE’s offerings at care.gatech.edu.  

Sustainability Opportunities in Dining’s New Operation 

Georgia Tech’s new in-house dining program began in July of this year. Tech Dining’s operation presented new opportunities to prioritize sustainability. The department has committed to sustainability by hiring a sustainability specialist and student employees to support the implementation and growth of its sustainability program across campus. 

Tech Dining prioritizes local, sustainable, and ethical purchasing whenever possible, supporting the local economy and community farmers while increasing the availability of fresh, nutrient-dense produce across campus. Additionally, they work to purchase compostable to-go wares and cutlery as much as possible and seek to identify recyclable alternatives when necessary. Dining also manages institution-wide composting collections at the Exhibition Hall, Brittain and North Avenue Dining Halls, and West Village. 

Through regular sustainability tabling at the Community Market, Tech Dining’s local, ethical, and plant-forward offerings are highlighted and often sampled, during regular sustainability tabling at the Community Market. This approach allows students to learn about Tech Dining’s sustainability practices while exploring opportunities to incorporate sustainable habits into their own lives.

Learn more about Tech Dining’s sustainability operations at dining.gatech.edu/sustainability-dining.

Serving Students Sustainably 

The Students’ Temporary Assistance and Resources (STAR) program provides stability for students to pursue a fulfilling college experience. The program collaborates across campus to support students and increase campus awareness of its resources. Klemis Kitchen is an initiative that serves as a food pantry for Georgia Tech students with dietary needs and financial concerns that limit their access to proper nourishment. Tech Dining provides regular donations to Klemis Kitchen, thereby directly increasing the accessibility of fresh, wholesome meals to students who are experiencing food insecurity. 

Campus Closet is another initiative that lends appropriate clothing to students who are prospective hires without proper business attire. Learn more about the STAR program at studentlife.gatech.edu/content/star-services. 

Options for Commuters and Planning for Transit’s Future 

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has implemented and planned several initiatives to increase energy efficiency and reduce Tech’s impact on greenhouse gasses. Through updating the existing infrastructure with more efficient LED lighting, energy costs have been reduced by up to 80%. When campus transit brings its new fleet to campus, a portion of the new transit fleet is expected to be hybrid electric.

PTS primarily uses virtual permitting without a physical hangtag, is considering all-electric options for parking enforcement vehicles, and allows campus commuters flexible options to support teleworking and alternative work schedules. Alternative commute programs, like Commute Concierge, help the campus plan different ways to get to and around campus by encouraging biking, walking, transit use, carpooling, and ridesharing. 

Click here for more information about PTS’s sustainability initiatives.  

Encouraging Active Transportation 

Move Georgia Tech is a new initiative from Campus Services seeking to encourage the campus community to choose “active,” or human-powered transportation for traveling to, from, and around campus. By choosing active transportation, the initiative hopes to connect the community through an increased sense of well-being and belonging. Learn more about Move Georgia Tech at crc.gatech.edu/move  

Green Goodbyes 

Through a partnership between Housing and Residence Life, the Students’ Temporary Assistance and Resources (STAR) program, and the Office of Campus Sustainability, materials donations drives are held around move-out to ensure that residents can donate the reusable clothing, food, and household goods they no longer need instead of throwing them away. These items are then donated to local charities or given back to the student community before the fall semester. Learn more about Green Goodbyes here. 

Sustainability Alignment with the Campus Center Project  

The Campus Center project has been an important opportunity for the Student and Campus Event Centers team to realign sustainability efforts throughout their portfolio of buildings and services. As each of their facilities is built or renovated, the design-build team focuses on meeting ASHRAE standards by opting for a low-finish design that uses fewer materials, outdoor elements that support natural water management, and flexibility of program so that facilities can fulfill multiple needs to maximize space-efficiency.  

Waste and recycling practices are also being standardized across the portfolio to ensure that the composting or waste sorting experience is consistent and optimized in all of their buildings. As the project concludes this summer with the completion of the Student Center's transformation, the community can expect to see more examples of sustainable practice in action. 

Savings at the Bookstore 

Barnes & Noble @ Georgia Tech has made efforts to improve energy savings in the bookstore and paper savings for students. The lighting has been replaced with high-efficiency bulbs to reduce energy consumption. More ebooks and digital course materials were provided than in previous years, reducing the need for paper to produce the materials. The Bookstore is also saving water bottles in two ways, by implementing touchless water filling stations and providing graduation regalia that is made from recycled water bottles.  

Upgrades at the CRC 

The Campus Recreation Center has undergone and is planning future upgrades to the facility to support its sustainability goals. Lighting in the Fitness Center, Basketball Courts, and the Leisure Pool were converted to LED in 2017 with plans to convert the Competition Pool and Stamps Recreation Fields in the future. All program waivers and transactions for patrons have gone digital. Stamps Recreation Fields is a rainwater infiltration area that allows 44,500 cubic feet of water to be gradually released into the ground, recharging the basin’s groundwater system. 

To support sustainable transportation, the CRC launch the Commuter Shower Pass to expand access to showers on campus for active commuters. Learn more about the CRC’s sustainability efforts here. 

FASET Goes Green 

New Student and Transition Programs (NSTP) has made an effort to go digital with FASET schedules since 2019. Before Covid-19, approximately eight thousand schedules were printed for FASET. Other programming for FASET, like resource fairs and information sessions, also went digital due to the pandemic. NSTP is evaluating the shift to digital resources and programming as they plan to support new students in the coming year. 

With much of campus back in person, look out for impacts to traffic and additional congestion on Wednesday, August 18, and Friday, August 20. Here’s what you need to know:

• Residents moving in will enter campus heading westbound on North Avenue and turn right on Tech Parkway to get to the back of the CRC Parking Deck for check-in. There will be additional congestion on these routes, expect delays.
• After check-in, residents will turn left onto Ferst Drive from the CRC Parking Deck and take either a left onto 6^th Street for West Campus or stay straight on Ferst Drive, turning right onto Techwood Drive for East Campus and North Avenue Apartments. Ferst Drive will remain open to through traffic. Please use caution as GTPD officers and volunteers will be on-site directing traffic.
• Expect additional delays and congestion throughout West Campus, on Techwood Drive, Luckie Street, Pine Street, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive for East Campus and North Avenue move-in.

Additionally, please abide by all parking notices and posted signage as these areas are needed for resident check-in, unloading, and long-term parking. This includes:

• W10 permit holders, who can park in W02-Student Center deck.
• ER54 permit holders, who can park in ER54-North Ave. South deck (levels 2 and 3).
• West campus on-street parking can park in WR30-Curran deck and W31-IPST lot.
• East campus on-street parking can park in E52-Peters deck and E65-McCamish lot.

For more information about move-in, visit housing.gatech.edu/move-in. Welcome home, Jackets!

Due to an electrical fire on August 12 at the Mail Processing Center, campus mail service will continue to be limited through August 20. This affects mail service for students with mail folders at the Post Office and campus mail delivery to departments.

Students should not come to the Post Office to pick up their mail unless they have received an email notification from the Postal Services team. Delivery delays are expected while mail processing capacity resumes. Students are encouraged to redirect important items currently in route, if possible. If you are able to, consider purchasing items locally as this disruption will delay package delivery. To help our team return to normal operations, students should not send large packages to their campus address at this time.

Campus mail delivery to departments will be delayed through Friday, August 20. Critical campus deliveries will resume today. USPS deliveries to campus will resume on August 17 and delays are expected as the Post Office processes the incoming mail that was delayed due to the disruption.

Outgoing mail metering services for more than 200 pieces remain suspended. Please contact the Post Office for mail metering services and specific postal needs while we resume service.

The Postal Services team will continue to provide updates as delivery services resume at postoffice.gatech.edu. 

Senior director Sherry Davidson says this early access will be beneficial especially to employees. “Typically, parking permits are activated on August 15 annually. This year we are providing early access to help benefit our students as well as faculty and staff who are transitioning back to campus August 1 after teleworking full-time last year.”

Permits eligible for early access include Annual Individual, Carpool, Evening/Weekend, Motorcycle, and Retiree permits.

Permit holders should update license plate numbers and vehicle information in The Driver’s Seat to ensure accurate permit access. Email support@pts.gatech.edu for customer assistance.

Early access does not apply to visitors parking, temporary permits, Flex Permits, SmartPark Permits, Vendor/Contractor Permits, or Semester Permits. Permit refunds will not be allowed August 1-14. E82-Centergy permit holders will have early access to the E81-Tech Square/GT Hotel parking deck August 1-14 and may park in E82 beginning August 15. 

“Our students told us that they wanted better quality and value,” said senior director of Tech Dining Ryan Greene. “After years of working with contractors, we knew that bringing the operation in-house was the opportunity to improve the dining program. When we put Georgia Tech talent and resources to work, we can provide the very best for our students.”

Turq Daniels, director of dining retail operations, described the process of gathering student feedback. “The entire process was student-driven. We started by asking students what types of dining options they wanted on campus,” said Daniels. The dining team discovered that students were interested in more vegetarian and vegan options, as well as expanded international cuisine. In addition to reviewing the results of multiple surveys, Daniels and the Tech Dining team brought more than 40 vendors to campus for the Taste of Tech Dining sampling event in late April. Students cast more than four thousand votes for their favorite foods and vendors.

The Team

Greene knew that quality personnel was critical to a quality product, so his first step was to create a team of top-notch culinary professionals. This team includes formally trained chefs who direct menu planning and food preparation. In response to input from students, the culinary team developed new menus focusing on high-quality entrees, authentic international flavors, and expanded vegan and vegetarian dishes. 

Culinary director Scott Bruhn, who received his training at Johnson & Wales, is passionate about the freshness of the food served at all campus locations and strives to provide a quality of food that is higher than normally expected on a college campus. “We have assembled outstanding culinary talent for Georgia Tech,” said Bruhn. “We want to give these team members every opportunity to work with the best ingredients so they can demonstrate their skills. Whenever possible, we make things from scratch as opposed to simply assembling frozen or pre-packaged ingredients.” Examples of this effort include the dining team grinding spices on-site to improve freshness and quality, fresh fruit for juicing, and the bakery at West Village running 24/7 to produce baked goods, sweets, and fresh buns and bagels on campus. Bruhn also plans to add smokers, a popcorn kettle, and homemade donuts.

Bringing the team in-house has benefits for employees as well as students, faculty, and staff. Food-service employees, previously paid as contract employees, are now state employees with competitive wages and benefits such as retirement plans, health coverage, and tuition assistance. Opportunities for employee growth and development are available as well.

Meal Plans

The Tech Dining team built the dining program from the ground up, going back to the very basics of what is offered and how it’s provided. One of the first major changes was to the structure of the student meal plans. Switching to unlimited dining hall visits either five or seven days per week for on-campus first-years gives students better value for their money. In the unlimited dining system, a student can visit a dining hall as many times as they wish per day. While there, they can enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining. Upper-class students can either choose an unlimited plan or a meal pass plan that allows a limited number of meals on a block plan.

Changes to Dining Venues

Tech Dining will operate three all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and more than nine retail dining locations across campus. Both Brittain and North Avenue dining halls are featuring new concepts, and West Village has transitioned from a food court to an all-you-care-to-eat model. All three dining halls offer a convenience store, WreckStop or WreckStop Express, where patrons may use cash or credit instead of a meal card to purchase select grocery items, assorted beverages, and other convenience items.

Tech Dining has partnered with PJ’s Coffee in New Orleans to create a signature blend of coffee exclusively available at Georgia Tech. Called Burdell’s Brew, the rich, flavorful blend is named after Tech legend George P. Burdell. Both Brittian and North Avenue dining halls will offer the coffee, freshly ground, iced, cold brew, and brewed to order.

Brittian Dining Hall

Brittian Dining Hall boasts all-new food stations. With one swipe of their meal card, students have access to nine different serving areas. Home Network provides homestyle foods, such as meatloaf and chicken tenders. Diners can enjoy fresh greens with a plethora of vegetables and toppings at Engineered Salads. Those who crave waffles, scrambled eggs, or a pancake at four o'clock in the afternoon can find it at Sideways Diner which offers a full breakfast all day and traditional fare of burgers and fries. Students with a multi-cultural palate can find international food at Global Connection. Pi Zone, featuring a variety of pizzas, is a favorite of Bruhn. “Pizza is my favorite dish to cook,” he states. “It’s such a versatile food. You can really get creative with it.” Bruhn has brought his passion for pizza to life at Georgia Tech by using fresh dough, made in-house. For those focusing on eating healthfully, Wellness Innovation offers vegan and vegetarian entrees that go beyond a basic salad. The finishing touch is Hi Rez Pastries where pastry chef Allison Polaski bakes up a variety of cookies, pies, cakes, and other desserts.

North Avenue Dining Hall

Like Brittain Dining Hall, North Avenue Dining Hall has been equipped with all new serving stations. New York Pi offers New York-style pizza, flat & floppy, the kind you have to fold over to eat. Build your own sandwiches are created at Techwich. Vegetarian and vegan options can be found at Vega-Byte. Firewall Grill provides burgers, fries, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Flavors from around the world can be found at International Import, and Action Expo serves a rotation of stir fry, pasta, rice bowls, and more. Fresh Cuts salad bar displays a wide range of salad vegetables with just-picked freshness. HTML Eats homestyle food station proffers home cooking options such as chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and greens. Finally, CADfections Bakery station allows diners to satisfy their sweet tooth with desserts including brownies, cookies, cupcakes, pies, and hand-scooped Mayfield ice cream.

West Village Eatery

West Village, which previously operated as a food court model, is now, like Brittan and North Avenue, an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall with brand new station concepts. Modeled after Ponce City Market, it has the modern feel of a converted industrial warehouse with concrete floors and raw wood. Guests can enjoy a variety of diverse menus, including Asian and Indian-style cuisine at Ginger and Spice, Mexican-inspired cookery at Tech Taqueria, or Italian food at The Leaning Tower of Tech. Those seeking more traditional fare can head to the White & Gold Grill. Mindful Bytes is the place for students in search of vegan, vegetarian, and healthy food. Ramblin’ Coffee and Sweets is a full-service coffee shop where baristas make drinks to order and serve an extensive number of freshly made pastries, scooped ice cream, and assorted desserts.

Retail Vendors

The changes coming this fall aren’t limited to the dining halls. Retail dining across campus will also be changing. The Dining Hub, located in the Exhibition Hall will house two vendors: Panda Express and Twisted Taco. Local Atlanta favorites Cluck N Mooh and Kaldi’s Coffee will also be welcomed to campus.

Kaldi’s will set up a full coffee shop in Clough this fall, replacing the current Starbucks. Kaldi’s co-owner Tyler Zimmer is excited about the partnership with Georgia Tech. “We are thrilled to bring our coffee and culture to Tech,” said Zimmer. Kaldi’s takes special care in sourcing coffee. The beans for the Georgia Tech location will come from Los Tablones in El Salvador.  The sustainable Los Tablones farm is operated by Georgia Tech grads, members of the Markwort family who have been farming coffee in El Salvador for over four generations. Kaldi’s has been buying coffee from their award-winning farm since 2015.

Cluck N Mooh, a restaurant known for its burgers, wings, and fries, with locations around Atlanta, is developing special menu items for their Georgia Tech location. “Partnering with Tech has allowed us the perfect opportunity to develop new vegan and vegetarian items such as made-from-scratch black bean and falafel burgers that will appeal to the students,” said Cluck N Mooh owner Rinku Patel.  

Rising Roll Gourmet Café is returning for a second year on campus. Owner Mike Lassiter is excited about serving students. “Based on our success despite the pandemic last year, we expect the Georgia Tech Rising Roll location to be a staple among students,” said Lassiter. “We are expanding our brand to new college campuses across the nation and Georgia Tech is being used as the model for those new locations.”

In the Sideways Café in the Price Gilbert Memorial Library, Blue Donkey is also back for a second year. In addition to the library location, a coffee cart will also be on campus, primarily at Tech Square and IC Lawn.

The Blue Donkey cart joins a fleet of food trucks that will be on campus five days a week.  In addition to favorites like Chick-fil-A and Gyro Chef Mediterranean, new vendors will be offering lunch on a rotating schedule.

A new concept in the Tech Tower, replacing Highland Bakery, is Whistle Bistro. The new restaurant offers both sit-down dining and takeout entrees and will serve Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, brew specialty coffee, and offer fresh baked goods. 

By paying careful attention to detail and responding to student feedback, the Tech Dining team has created an assortment of high-quality dining opportunities for Georgia Tech’s students and staff members. “Throughout each step of the creation of Tech Dining, we have focused on expanding quality, variety, and value for the Tech students,” said Greene. “We’ve pulled together an amazing team that has the talent and skill necessary to make Tech Dining one of the premier college dining operations in the nation.”

To learn more about Tech Dining, visit dining.gatech.edu.

“There is no better way to welcome our newest students than through a wide variety of events that reflect the diversity of our incoming student body,” said Runyi Wang, Student Center Program Council’s Week of Welcome Committee Chair. “We hope that incoming students will be able to find their community at Georgia Tech. By working closely with our campus partners, we are excited to offer events that cater to students’ varying interests and needs to do exactly that.” 

The second annual Week of Welcome kicks off with first-year move-in on Saturday, August 14, and Sunday, August 15, with events and programming starting the night of August 15. Second-year, new transfer, and new graduate students are invited to move in on Wednesday, August 18, with remaining upper-class residents moving in August 20 – 21. 

From August 16 – 22, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, events, and outings to help get acclimated to life at Georgia Tech. New programming will be offered for second-years, new transfers, and new graduate students beginning Thursday, August 19. 

Afternoons and evenings will be filled with opportunities for students to engage with one another and get to know their community. RATS Night at the Library, FASET Social, RecFest at the Campus Recreation Center, student organization fairs, Greek Recruitment, Grad Expo and Convocation, are some of the many events planned for the week.  

“I loved the experience of presenting workshops in 2020 and can't wait to do it again this year,” said Bryan Gomez, Residence Hall Association President. “As upper-class students, we sometimes forget how much we know about this campus and how much we have to share with the incoming class. Week of Welcome is the perfect time to share the experiences you've gathered over your semesters here, calm a few nerves, and excite the next group of Yellow Jackets about all that there is to offer here at Tech!”  

Departments, colleges, campus offices, and student organizations are invited to host engaging and informative workshops to help share information with students. Programming will be featured on the event schedule in Guidebook. 

Dr. Chris Reaves, Executive Director of the Center for Academic Enrichment and Director of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities & Student Innovation Programs held a workshop during Week of Welcome last year that was so well-attended it was offered multiple times throughout the week. 

“Week of Welcome was a great way to kick off the fall semester. We had 680 students attend the workshops we offered in the Office of Undergraduate Education. Though mostly virtual, the week was a wonderful way to welcome our students back to campus after being mostly away from Tech for five months.” 

To follow along as Week of Welcome planning evolves, visit welcomehome.gatech.edu. 

Plan Programming for Week of Welcome 

If your office, department, or organization would like to create events and workshops to welcome our incoming first-year, second-year, and transfer students, fill out the Week of Welcome Interest Form by July 6. Programming will be featured on the event schedule in Guidebook. 

For organizations that want to plan an event for incoming students during Week of Welcome but are unsure about how to proceed, email weekofwelcome@gatech.edu. 

Volunteer to Help with First-Year and Upper-Class Move-In

Housing and Residence Life invites campus partners and student organizations to sign up to help students and their families move into their residence hall communities for first-year move in August 14 and 15, second-year, new transfer, new graduate move-in on August 18, and upper-class move-in August 20-21. 

Students, faculty, and staff who are interested in volunteering can sign up through the Volunteer Interest Form. 

Student organization volunteers for move-in who will live on-campus this fall have an opportunity to move in early on August 13. Interested organizations should complete the Student Org Move-In Volunteer form by June 20. 

The Green Goodbyes program will make it easier for students to donate items like clothing and household goods rather than throw them away. The impact of this effort will be measured not just in waste diverted from landfills, but also in the number of students who will benefit from donated items in the future. To highlight the potential value of this sustainability effort, two of the program founders sat down to discuss their views on how Green Goodbyes will amplify Georgia Tech’s impact. 

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Steve Fazenbaker is the director of the STAR (Students’ Temporary Assistance and Resources) program, which secures resources for students who are in need.  

Thiago Esslinger is a third-year undergraduate student (BioChem/EAS). He currently works as the residential sustainability engagement assistant with Housing and Residence Life, where he leads the EcoReps sustainability ambassadors program. 

Steve Fazenbaker: What got you interested in the Green Goodbyes program? 

Thiago Esslinger: I got involved through my job with Housing, and it’s one of those things I am passionate about.  I feel like we have this generic mindset that trash and waste need to be discarded in a linear fashion. That is the mindset I want to help change, and I think with our Green Goodbyes move-out program we can provide alternatives to on-campus residents’ end-of-semester waste. For some, this will be a new opportunity to divert their dorm waste, and for all, this is an opportunity to increase their personal awareness of the life cycle of purchased goods. Just because you’ve thrown away your trash doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. In fact, it usually contributes to pollution elsewhere. 

SF:  One of the biggest things that motivated this program was people throwing away things like microwaves and refrigerators because, apparently, it's cheaper to throw your refrigerator in a dumpster in the spring and buy another one in the fall than it is to ship it home or store it somewhere. And that is true waste.  So, if we can recover those things, they can still be used. That is far better than putting it in a landfill and then making another one. 

TE: And I think that is something I have seen grow in terms of awareness: the sustainability-mindedness of students. Yet, I don't know if that's just because I've become more involved in this space or if there really is a general attitude shift. I'm curious to hear how it was when you were a student at Georgia Tech. 

SF: Yes, back in the 1980s.  It was a very different time. 

TE: Was there a move-out program then and, if so, how was it different? 

SF: There was nothing like this back then. Everybody just packed their stuff up and took it home and that was it.  

TE: During your time at Tech, how did this program get started and how have you seen it grow? And how do you see it continuing to grow? 

SF: I see this program as another manifestation of this idea that everything you need to succeed at Georgia Tech is somewhere at Georgia Tech. I also work with Klemis Kitchen, the food pantry on campus, and many students will come to me and say, “I've got enough food to get through 11 out of 14 days. I get paid every two weeks and I can make it about 11 days, so I'm not really sure that I qualify for this program.” But my response is always that it is better for the student to take food that's going to end up in the landfill than to let it go into the landfill. And a lot of the food that we have in Klemis Kitchen is food that's recovered from the dining halls.  

I think we need to build that mindset into our society and into the way we function because there seems to be a belief that if it's repurposed it's not as good as something new, and that’s just not true. I mean, this stuff is here, and it is available, and there's no reason for anybody to go without. And there's no reason to be filling the landfills with it. I think the two things work together, and that's what excites me about this program. It ties into that mindset that there are more than enough resources available for everybody to get everything they need at Georgia Tech. 

TE: I admire your vision of what Georgia Tech has to offer, and this approach of providing for our students while diverting from the landfill. What excites me about this program is the idea that it is going to be associated with the fall rummage sale and students today can give to students tomorrow. It circles back to the idea you were discussing of repurposing items. 

SF: When we started working on this in Fall 2019, my little quip was it's not a flea market. It's a free market because we're not allowed to sell. 

TE:  In addition, we need to make sure our work encompasses and fulfills all three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social). Even when you think about Georgia Tech's recent endorsement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and what those are, one of them is “zero hunger.” I think it’s pretty encouraging to see that we are making those changes on campus, and I really do hope more students can see that sustainability includes environmental action, but it is also so much more. You can still support the environment by supporting people, and I feel like that's the part that's not talked about a lot. 

SF:   We set a bar as to how much it costs to go to college, for example. And if your financial resources are under that bar then you fall into this “low-income” category. But that cost assumes brand new clothes, brand new refrigerator, and brand new microwave. If we start looking at stuff that we can re purpose and share, then the bar actually drops, so the definition of “low income” gets massaged a little bit.  

A perfect example of that is the Campus Closet. When the project started, it was to help low-income students have professional attire to wear to interviews and career fairs. As the closet became populated with professional attire, soon we had enough that every student at Georgia Tech is able to borrow out of there and return it. You don't have to be “low income.” There are more than enough resources in the Campus Closet to serve every single student on campus. It has nothing to do with being classified in any kind of socioeconomic status. There are some students who showed up at Georgia Tech and never had to wear a suit before and so it wasn't on their list of things to bring to school. Campus Closet is a perfect micro example of this idea of resources being available to everybody in the community. 

TE: One thing I have noticed about initiatives— like our Green Goodbyes move-out program, for example —is that one of the hardest parts is getting the message out and getting people to listen to it. How have you seen engagement evolve, especially during the pandemic? 

SF: I have noticed that the best approach to getting folks to buy in is offering them a chance to be helpful. When I first moved into this role, I would talk about resources for under-resourced students. That was the main message. Nine times out of 10, students’ eyes glaze over, and they’d say, “I'm not under-resourced, I'm never going to be under-resourced, so I don't need to know anything about this.” Then we shifted our marketing to, “You may not need it. You may never need it, but you're going to meet somebody who does, and we need you to know this so that when you meet the person who needs it, you are able to point them in the right direction.” And that led to students asking to volunteer, which has moved us into our current program. I'm really looking forward to being back in person in the fall so we can really develop that aspect of it.  

We're not divided into the helpers and the helped, but we are all helping. We're all working together to take care of ourselves, and we're working to take care of the community.  The resources are there to get us through those times when we need a little bit beyond what's in our personal wheelhouse, but the goal is to get back into our wheelhouse and to start helping the other folks when they need a hand. That's how we move forward together. 

TE: I love the part about helpers versus those being helped. Specifically, I think that's something I can relate to in environmentalism. I often don't like calling people or being called an environmentalist because I think it puts us in a box and gives the impression that you either act for the environment or you can't do anything, and that’s just not true. We need to let people know that they can still take some actions here and there, and if everyone had imperfect environmentalism, so much change could happen. That’s something that is not often recognized or appreciated.  

With the Green Goodbyes program, I think about the residents who may donate half of their items and the residents who may donate everything, in addition to the residents who see this program and aren’t sure if they can participate in it. Our outreach, however, not only helps get the word out for the program and let people know that we want everyone’s help, but hopefully also contributes to the growing environmental awareness of our residents. Labels can sometimes be limiting, and these programs are meant for everyone! It is just so heartwarming to know that our donations not only divert waste, but also provide for others. 

----------------- 

Items donated through Green Goodbyes will be available to students during Fall Week of Welcome activities – look for information about the Green Good “Buys” No-Cost Market later this summer.  

More information and opportunities to volunteer for the Green Goodbyes move-out program are available on the Housing Sustainability page. Information about Georgia Tech’s programs that support students in need is available at on the STAR Services page.

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) offers monthly MARTA passes for faculty, staff, and students at discounted prices. Passes go on sale in the PTS office the last five days of each month for the upcoming month. Employees can also purchase passes using payroll deduction. Monthly passes are also available for Gwinnett County Transit, CobbLinc, and Xpress for faculty and staff discounted rates.

Related Links

MARTA Bus Service Restoration

Georgia Tech Regional Transit Pass Program

One of Georgia Tech’s most beloved symbols has been missing this year – the Tech Trolley. Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) made the tough decision to remove the Tech Trolley from campus bus routes to help with social distancing on campus transit. Due to Covid-19, campus buses are providing 50 percent of their normal occupancy to maintain distance between passengers. Stinger buses seat 45 passengers while the Trolley seats only 35. PTS decided to replace the Trolleys with Stinger vehicles to provide the most seating possible. The current Trolley fleet has been in service 10 years and was costly to repair and maintain.

“Prior to the pandemic, we had planned to phase out the Trolleys over the course of this academic year and replace them with additional Stinger buses,” said Aaron Fowler, Director of Transportation. “The Trolleys were purchased by our transit vendor in 2010 and have fully met their useful life. As campus began planning for re-opening with in-person instruction last fall, we knew that the bench-style seating in the Trolleys would not be optimal for encouraging social distancing. The pandemic forced us to move up our Trolley retirement timetable without a lot of fanfare, but we knew it was the right decision for everyone's safety.”

The Tech Trolley was introduced to campus in August 2003. Its route was created to connect main campus to MARTA and the newly opened Technology Square. A new fleet of Trolleys graced the campus in 2010, carrying more than 10 million passengers in 10 years. It was the first university transit system in the state to utilize real-time GPS bus tracking through the Nextbus system in 2005

The Trolley was known for its bright yellow color, tinkling bell, and wooden bench seating, which made it a popular choice for special events. With an average of 50 bookings per year, the Trolley has been a part of the Atlanta Pride Parade, Invest Atlanta House tours, Alumni Association Homecoming campus tours, new employee orientation and Georgia Tech Advisory board meetings. Trolleys have also been a favorite for wedding ceremonies, transporting brides, grooms, and their wedding parties, and serving as backdrops during photoshoots.

Serina and Simon Awadalla used the Tech Trolley in their November 2019 wedding.  “Most of our bridal party are GT alums,” said Simon (ME 2009). “We all have Yellow Jacket pride, so we sang the fight song the entire time we were onboard.”

Tech alumnus Steve Martin (BS, Chemistry, 1969) chartered the Trolley to transport guests for his 50^th wedding anniversary with wife Loni. Steve, whose family boasts four consecutive generations of Tech alums, chose the Trolley because it brought a special touch to their celebration. “When planning, we instantly thought of the Trolley,” said his daughter-in-law Susan Martin (BTE 1994). “It was a lot of fun and memorable for the whole family.”

What began as an innovative way to connect campus to metro Atlanta quickly became an iconic symbol of Georgia Tech. “The Tech Trolley was originally chosen as a way to bring attention and excitement to a new bus route traveling to a completely new part of campus,” Fowler said. “The Trolley route was very effective in building ridership. Nearly half of all our campus ridership is now on the Gold Route, which is the former Tech Trolley route.”

The Tech Trolley holds many special memories for students, employees, visitors and alumni. If you have special memories of the Tech Trolley, share them at support@pts.gatech.edu.

Preparing for a New Fleet and Self-Operation

Once the current transit contract expires, Georgia Tech will be moving to a self-operated transit service for July 2022. The self-operated program will allow Tech to purchase a more sustainable bus fleet, including hybrid electric buses and adding more buses to the highly used Gold Route during peak hours. The move also will allow drivers to be Institute employed and open the door for funding outside of student fees.

Senior director Sherry Davidson said moving to self-operation improves sustainability while maintaining fiscal responsibility. “Transportation took a hard look at how we could build the future that we all wanted to see. The result was changing the way in which we operate.

“Over the past two years we have had a series of conversations with the Student Government Association, sustainability groups, and the Mandatory Student Fee Advisory Committee on what the future of campus transit could look like,” Fowler said.

New buses will be ordered this spring, with new technologies and services being procured over the next 18 months. Onboarding for approximately 50 employees will take place before the new fleet begins operation in July 2022.

As the current transit contract with Groome Transportation approached expiration in 2021, PTS released an RFP in 2019 for new campus transit services. “The results were not as sustainable as everyone had hoped,” Fowler said.  “As we took a step back to reevaluate our priorities, our leadership team made the case that campus could move to a more sustainable bus fleet and receive a higher level of service for an overall lower cost if we transitioned to self-operation.”

Since 2018, PTS has worked with students and employees to garner feedback about future transit services and self-operation. The campus community noted five focus areas: sustainable fleet, more reliable service, less overcrowding, increased accessibility, and improved technologies.

PTS is hopeful that it can meet these focus areas with self-operation, including implementing at least 30 percent of the new fleet as hybrid-electric buses. Hybrid buses generate power as they are on route, which reduces overall oil consumption and carbon footprint. “Over time we anticipate the entire fleet being transitioned to hybrid-electric,” said Fowler.

Davidson noted the move to self-operation is expected to result in significant cost savings and reduce the impact to student fees. “We expect to have more funding sources, which has the potential to further increase the level of service at a lower cost per service hour.”

Next steps include completing funding and incorporating stakeholder input. “During stakeholder meetings, the community spoke clearly about the need to move toward a more sustainable model for our transportation system, as well as the need for improved service reliability, capacity, technology and cost containment,” Davidson said. “We have relied upon that feedback as we've finalized the details of our future program.”

To track the status of the new fleet’s implementation, bookmark Tech Transit: 50 Years and the Future. Share your thoughts about the move to self-operations via the Transit Self-Operation Feedback Form. 

“This last year presented numerous challenges, but I am so proud of our residential community for the way we found creative ways to navigate and grow together as a community,” said Jenny Cotton, senior director of Housing and Residence Life. “Our residents and staff found ways to spend time together safely, to encourage one another to get tested weekly, and to support each other despite any distance. ”

That sense of community is one of the primary reasons residents of campus housing see greater success in the classroom and beyond — a fact made more apparent in a time of distanced activities and limited social contact — and why Cotton hopes even more students apply in the coming year.

While applications for the 2021-22 academic year are open, Housing and Residence Life’s website and social media are focused on information for students about the application process and timeline, as well as more on why they should choose to live with the swarm next fall. In addition to the support and sense of belonging that residents get from living with their peers, benefits of living in the residence halls include:

• Proximity to campus and city life
• Leadership opportunities
• Furnished room
• Free laundry
• Supportive student and professional staff

Applications for current students to live on campus for the 2021-22 academic year are open until Feb. 28 at housing.gatech.edu. Students who complete their housing application and sign the 2021-22 contract by the deadline will be able to participate in roommate search and self-assign later in the semester. Students can still submit their application after that date, but will not have the same roommate and self-assign opportunities. Applications are open to all current students, even if they are not currently living in campus housing.

To learn more about the perks of living on campus next year, and how to apply, visit housing.gatech.edu or watch the recording of our Fall Housing Information Session here.

This strategic decision allows Georgia Tech to refocus its priorities and further define its vision for on-campus dining where our dining environments offer cuisine, atmosphere and service that enhances and supports our commitment to student engagement and well-being. To align the program with campus stakeholder demand, students, faculty, and staff are being asked to participate in a short survey that will be used to plan the future of Tech Dining and name many of its new dining locations. Please take ten minutes to complete this survey before Sunday, Jan. 24. 

Over the next year, Tech Dining will prioritize healthier foods, more diversified offerings, sustainability initiatives, and high-quality ingredients to increase campus satisfaction and meal plan demand. Beginning in Fall 2021, meal plans will move to all-you-care-to-eat in all three traditional dining halls, including West Village, while avoiding a price increase for the first time in decades. Dining will also look to partner with local restaurants to bring popular cuisines to the heart of the Georgia Tech campus.   

Current dining employees will have an opportunity to continue working at Georgia Tech, and additional information will be available soon. More information about Tech Dining and its proposed improvements will be communicated over the coming months. For immediate questions, please contact ryan.greene@gatech.edu.

The challenge gives participants an opportunity to set up teams, encourage each other to ride, and win prizes for their mileage. Last year, a Georgia Tech team won the citywide challenge.

It’s also a chance to learn about or get reacquainted with on-campus cycling resources. That includes a Ride Smart class offered by the Georgia Tech Police Department, Campus Recreation, and Parking and Transportation Services, which is now available online. The 12-minute course highlights bicycle and scooter safety and can be accessed via the Bike Georgia Tech website. At the end of the video, class participants will be directed to complete a short quiz, which will make them eligible to receive a free helmet. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is also offering virtual classes during the pandemic.

This month, Starter Bikes will host a bike tear-down event on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the group’s storage area in the Campus Recreation Center parking deck. Volunteers are sought to help break down bikes for reuse and recycling . The event will help keep frames and parts out of landfills, and allow them to be used in new bike builds someday. Volunteers will be spread out, are required to wear masks, and are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Those interested can email bike.gt@gatech.edu.

Georgia Tech’s campus continues to become more bike friendly each year — with validation from the Bicycle Friendly University program, which gave Tech a gold rating in 2016. Tech now has indoor bicycle parking in multiple buildings, bike paths encircling and crisscrossing campus, and several stations of the citywide Relay Bike Share program. Construction projects continue to improve the riding experience — right now, a project at Ferst Drive and Sixth Street is providing better connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians to West Campus housing.

To learn more about campus bicycling resources, including maps and other information, visit bike.hwb.gatech.edu.

Students can reserve either a ticket to sit on a provided blanket on the turf or a ticket to sit in the stands on the north end of the stadium in the Stinger Seats. Stinger Seats are in groups of two or less and the groups are at least 6 ft apart. On the turf, Campus Services has provided weatherproof blankets that will be spaced at least 8 ft apart. It is recommended that students sit one student to a blanket or one to a cluster of two Stinger Seats. However, if roommates or two students who have been in close contact with one another already wish to sit together on a blanket or in a cluster of two Stinger Seats, they may do so. No more than two students can sit together in a cluster of Stinger Seats or on a blanket. If a student sits on the turf, they can take the blanket home and bring it back to sit on during future movies at Bobby Dodd Stadium this Fall. Events are free to students. Students can get their digital ticket here. 

For this Friday’s movie, the gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting at 7:30 p.m. The next Fall Flicks Outdoor Movie will be Thursday, October 1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, featuring the movie Jumanji: The Next Level. Enjoy the show!

One Student Center, Many Locations

Construction of the new Student Center is underway. The new Exhibition Hall is open and features Panda Express, Graze salad bar, Kaplan Test prep, and the Post Office. Many of its previous offices and services have new homes in temporary spaces. Click here to locate restaurants, the Student Engagement Office, Burdell’s bookstore, and other services.

High-Density Mail

The Student Center’s traditional mailboxes have been replaced with an efficient high-density mail system in the Exhibition Hall. Students will receive email notifications when they have mail and can access it using their BuzzCards.

New Eats at Food Trucks and Exhibition Hall

New dining options are featured in the Student Center Exhibition Hall, including Rising Roll, Panda Express, Yahala! Mediterranean Kitchen, and Grab & Go. The Homestyle line features new menu options each day. Meal swipes are accepted for lunch and dinner. Also, a variety of food trucks are available across campus (BuzzCard Funds, Dining Dollars, and credit/debit accepted).

Tech Trolley’s Last Ride

This summer, PTS said farewell to the iconic Tech Trolley. Due to social distancing guidelines on campus transit, the Trolley was replaced with Stinger buses, which can hold more passengers than the Trolley while maintaining a safe distance. Now called the Gold Route, the former Trolley route continues to provide service from the main campus to Tech Square and MARTA.

Get Fit Virtually

Over the summer, the CRC developed a virtual fitness program to support the Georgia Tech community. Work out remotely with CRC’s virtual fitness program. Log on to view the Workout of the Day or specialty workouts like yoga, boot camp, strength training, and kickboxing. The program also includes fitness advice, weight alternatives, and tips for staying healthy.

Improved Housing Maintenance Request System

Housing and Residence Life implemented a new system for submitting maintenance requests. Students can link their requests to their individual rooms or shared spaces and submit photos. They can monitor project progress, receive status notifications, and reopen requests that need additional attention.

Recycling on the Go

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) installed new recycling bins in several of its parking decks. As part of the department's ongoing sustainability efforts, customers can now recycle plastic in each location. Recycling bins will be installed in all 14 decks in the coming months.

Residence Halls Face Lift

More than 850 rooms in seven campus residence halls were given a makeover just in time for fall. Updates included fresh paint, flooring upgrades, LED lighting, and themed interior design. New sprinkler systems were installed in Field, Hanson, Hopkins, and Perry/Matheson. Several residence halls are scheduled for upgrades later this year.

Burdell’s Moves to Pavilion

Online textbook orders can be picked up for free at both Burdell’s in the Student Center Pavilion and Barnes & Noble @ Tech Square during the first two weeks of classes. Textbooks, supplies, computers, and other course materials can be paid via Bursar’s accounts.

Short-term Parking

To accommodate the needs of students and employees who take virtual classes or telework, PTS offers several convenient short-term parking solutions. Pay per use or on a weekly or monthly basis in most campus lots or decks. Most parking permits are now virtual and do not require a physical hangtag. To purchase a permit or update license plate information, access The Driver’s Seat using your Georgia Tech login.

Mobile Ordering and Reservations

Order food or make reservations in campus dining halls with the Georgia Tech Mobile Ordering app. The app allows users to pre-pay using BuzzFunds, meal plans, or credit cards. Customize orders, track delivery, get ready notifications, earn rewards, and rate your experience all on the go. Download Transact Mobile Ordering from the Apple Store or Google Play Store and choose Georgia Tech Mobile Ordering.

Note: if you have purchased a permit but want to switch to one of these short-term parking options, please complete the request form at http://pts.gatech.edu/2019-2020-permit-return-request after your permit purchase. Request forms submitted after August 15 are subject to a prorated refund.

NEW: Flex Permits (Pilot Program)

Best for teleworkers or commuters who prefer to purchase short-term parking permits online for non-SmartPark and non-visitors locations.

How it works: Log on to driverseat.gatech.edu to purchase a Flex Permit for a specific lot or deck (credit card only). Permits are valid also after-hours (5:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.) in ungated, nonresidential locations. Customers can choose permit dates up to 60 days in advance of use/activation. Permits allow in/out access while the permit is active. All permits are virtual (customers will not receive physical hangtags).

• Daily: $8
• Two Days (Consecutive): $15
• Weekly: $35
• Monthly: $110

Flex Permits expire at 11:59 p.m. at the end of valid period. Permits are not available three (3) days before home football games or major campus events. Permits are nonrefundable. Overnight parking is not allowed in after-hours locations.

Where to park:  E40-Klaus Deck, ER51-SE Housing, ER54-North Ave. Apartments South, E65-McCamish Pavilion, ER66-10th and Home/Family Housing Deck, E70-GTRI/GPB/14th St.  Deck, W01-Tech Parkway/Ferst Drive, W04-OHR/Business Services, W06-Tech Parkway/Marietta St., W21-Physics/Boggs/Mason, or WR29-Woodruff/West Campus. All locations are based on availability.

More information: http://pts.gatech.edu/permits-payment

SmartPark Permit

Best for teleworkers or commuters who will come to campus fewer than three times a week.

How it works: Purchase a SmartPark permit for $25 and use a SmartPark unit each time you park. Units are $6 and are sold in bundles of three, five, or 10. SmartPark is a virtual permit program (customers will not receive a physical permit hangtag). Use your BuzzCard to enter and exit parking locations.

Where to park: Park in one of these campus locations: E81-Tech Square/GT Hotel Deck, W23-North Campus Deck, and Visitors Area 1 (North Avenue). New SmartPark locations for 2020-21 are W02-Student Center Deck and W22-Dalney Deck (available August 15, 2020).

More Information: http://pts.gatech.edu/permits-payment

Visitors/Hourly Parking

Best for teleworkers or commuters who will come to campus fewer than two times a week or who work in buildings far from SmartPark locations.

How it works: Pull a ticket upon entry (gated locations), pay by credit card at a kiosk or pay for your parking space via the Parkmobile app (non-gated locations). Visitors parking costs $2 to $3 per hour.

Where to park: Visitors lots and metered spaces are located all over campus. Additionally, several parking decks offer hourly parking.

• 3rd Street
• 555/575 14th St.
• 8th Street
• Area 1 (North Avenue)
• Area 2 (Student Center/Ferst Center lot)
• Area 3 (Student Center parking deck – W02)
• Area 4 (Ferst Drive/State Street)
• Area 5 (North Campus parking deck – W23)
• Area 6 (Tech Square lot at 5^th Street/Spring Street)
• Area 8 (Tech Square/GT Hotel parking deck – E81)
• Area 11 (Curran parking deck – WR30)
• Area 12 (Dalney parking deck – W22)
• Brittain Drive
• ER55—Greek Lot
• Habersham Building CRC/Tech Parkway
• Holly Street/Family Housing
• McMillan Street
• North Avenue Apartments
• W09—NARA
• W24-Cherry Street
• W31-IPST Fountain
• W31-RAB

More Information: http://pts.gatech.edu/visitors

Temporary Permits

Best for teleworkers or commuters who come to campus for a special project or for a specific stretch of time (i.e. one week, three consecutive days).

How it works: Visit the PTS office to purchase a temporary permit for a specific lot or deck. Temporary permits function like Annual Individual Permits. Purchase permits on the day you will begin parking (advance purchases are not allowed).

• Daily Temporary Permits: $15
• Weekly Temporary Permits: $35
• Monthly Temporary Permits: $110

Where to park: Choose from any available parking lot or deck. All temporary permit purchases are first come, first served.

More information: http://pts.gatech.edu/visitors

Parking permit registration has been rescheduled for June 2020 to allow all customers a chance to renew or purchase their permits.

• Permit Renewals: June 1-10, 2020
• Wait List Awards: June 12-17, 2020
• General Permit Sales: June 19-July 10, 2020

Click here for details.

Parking Permit Enforcement

Permits are not required to park on campus, until further notice. Regular parking permit requirements will not be enforced. Restricted/reserved spaces, ADA spaces, visitor lots and no parking zones will be enforced. Parking deck gates will remain down for security.

Parking Permit Refunds

Click here to learn more about parking permit refunds for students or employees who paid via payroll deduction, credit card or check.

Transit Services

Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2020 the following bus routes will temporarily suspend service:

• Red
• Blue
• Green
• Emory
• Midnight Rambler
• Tech Square
• NARA/TEP

The following routes will continue to operate under reduced schedules. 

• Gold/Tech Trolley route (operates Monday through Friday only)
• Grocery route (operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday)

Track campus transit at bus.gatech.edu or via the Passio GO! mobile app. 
 

As a safety precaution, PTS has increased measures to disinfect all transit vehicles multiple times daily. Please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and the well-being of the community.

April MARTA Passes

Monthly MARTA pass sales for April 2020 will be offered online at driverseat.gatech.edu instead of in the PTS office. Online sales will be available Wednesday, March 25 through Tuesday, March 31. Customers will receive an email confirmation with a date and time to pick up passes from the PTS office.

Please note:

-Until further notice, monthly MARTA passes will not be available for purchase from the PTS office.  Customers should purchase passes for May and subsequent months directly from MARTA and other regional transit providers. 

-Customers who purchase monthly MARTA passes via payroll deduction will receive a pass for April as these have been already purchased/processed by OHR. If you would like to cancel your pass for May and subsequent months, please cancel your deduction in OneUSG Connect between March 30 and April 4.

1. Sign into Techworks to access OneUSG Connect.
2. Click on the OneUSG Connect tile.
3. Click on the Voluntary Deductions tile.
4. Click on your MARTA or other transit pass deduction.
5. Enter a Deduction Stop Date of April 4 (so your April check is not deducted for the May pass).
6. Click Submit.

Questions about MARTA passes may be directed to commute@gatech.edu.

Stingerette Nighttime Service

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Stingerette will operate on a modified schedule from 6:00 p.m. until midnight seven nights a week. Reserve rides at stingerette.com or via the Stingerette mobile app.

PTS Office Closure

The PTS office will be closed starting Wednesday, March 25, 2020. The PTS Customer Service team will be available to assist customers via email at info.parking@parking.gatech.edu during normal business hours (7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday). Parking account management is available 24/7 at driverseat.gatech.edu .

Grocery Shuttle

Additional operating hours to Publix at Atlantic Station Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Wednesday, March 18.

View route information here. Track the Grocery Shuttle at bus.gatech.edu or with the Passio GO! mobile app.

Airport Shuttle

Direct transportation to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (South Domestic Terminal only). Service is provided every 2.5 hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 23 through Tuesday, March 31.

Stops include North Avenue Apartments, Techwood/Bobby Dodd Way, Graduate/Family Housing, Fitten Hall, West Village and 8^th Street/Hemphill Avenue.

View route information here. Track the Airport Shuttle at bus.gatech.edu or with the Passio GO! mobile app (no time predictions will be available).

Please note:

-All passengers must be seated. In order to maintain safe social distancing, please sit in every other row while on the bus.

-Assistance with luggage may not be available.

-The shuttle will not provide return trips from the airport.

Airport access is also available via MARTA. Students may use the Tech Trolley to access the Midtown Station or the Tech Square Route to access the North Avenue Station. Use the Red or Gold rail lines heading south to travel to airport.

The Driver’s Seat

Driverseat.gatech.edu will be available for citation appeals and account management.

Jenny Cotton, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, led the Q&A and was joined by  Sheree Gibson, director of Residence Life; Alex Becking, associate director of Residence Life; Ryan Greene, interim director of Housing Administration; Sherry Murray, interim assistant director of Residence Life; and Chris Taylor, senior director of Housing and Residence Life Facilities. Morgan Miller, director of communications for Campus Services, moderated the event.

Housing and Residence Life announced in an email Friday that residents are now able to cancel their housing agreements with no penalty until Thursday, July 30. More information is available at the Housing website. 

Watch the event in its entirety.

Virtual Q&A

I may be commuting to campus this semester. What will visitation with individuals who live on campus look like?

Sheree Gibson: For the first eight weeks we are asking that residents not have visitors in their rooms or apartments. As we continue to monitor what’s happening in the city and state, we will determine if that request will continue throughout the semester. If you want to visit a friend who lives in the same building as you, that is acceptable.

How will we be able to physically distance ourselves in an apartment where we share bathrooms and a common area? Will Tech move to two students per apartment?

Jenny Cotton: We are not moving to two students per apartment. We have limited our shared bedroom capacity to two students, but apartments will continue to share common spaces which may include the bathroom. At the beginning of the semester you will review this information as well as your roommate agreement with your RA. To clarify, shared bathrooms are common throughout all of our facilities.

What should I do if my roommates aren’t being safe about Covid-19 and I feel that their actions outside of our apartment are putting me and our other roommates at a greater risk?

Sheree Gibson: The RAs will communicate with everyone regarding expectations and implications. We also will limit the number of people who can change rooms. So we will be monitoring the impact that changes will have on roommates.

Are we allowed to move in after the designated move-in dates if we are unable to move in on the given dates?

Alex Becking: Yes, you can move in after the given dates. If you come after hours you can contact the RA on duty and come to the desk the next day to get your keys.

If the university enacts Contingency 3, which is moving all classes online, does Housing intend to again ask students to leave campus? If students are asked to leave campus will Housing offer a prorated refund?

Jenny Cotton: We take our guidance from the Board of Regents. If we switch to fully remote classes but keep the residence halls open, then we would not issue a refund because students would be allowed to remain on campus and our services would continue. If they decide to close the residence halls, like last spring, then yes, we would issue a prorated refund because we are no longer allowed to house students.

If someone becomes infected, what are the quarantine procedures for them, for their roommates, and for the whole building?

Jenny Cotton: We have a quarantine isolation protocol that follows CDC guidelines. It will vary case by case depending on where the student lives, if they have a confirmed test, how many roommates they have, and where their apartment is located within the building. We will assess this in conjunction with Stamps Health Services. The infected student’s level of contact with others will determine how we proceed with the quarantine process for roommates and others in the building.

Will meals be provided for students required to quarantine even if they are not on the meal plan?

Ryan Greene: Yes, anyone who is under quarantine will be provided meals because they are not allowed to leave the quarantine space. There will be a flat charge per meal, and it will be billed directly to your student account. We also will take into consideration any dietary concerns to ensure that the food we’re providing meets your needs.

Are there any concerns regarding the HVAC systems increasing the spread of Covid-19?

Chris Taylor: The HVAC system will not take the air from your neighbor’s apartment and pull it into your apartment. It takes the air from your space and either heats it or cools it. The air in the hallway is handled through an air filtration system on the roof. We will be installing the highest rated MERV filters available, and we will inspect and change those regularly.

There has been limited detailed communication via the mobile app. Will this information be published in a written, finalized Georgia Tech plan of action?

Morgan Miller: Last Friday most returning students received an email that mentioned downloading the mobile app for move-in along with screenshots of how to use the app. If you try to open the app this weekend, it will say “closed for training” because it doesn’t open until Monday morning for you to choose your move-in time slot. This information isn’t currently on the website; it’s only in your emails. But we will add it to the website. The app will also be an important tool this fall for dining.

The app is called Transact Mobile Ordering, and you can download it now. Then choose Georgia Tech Connect, select an app icon, and then log in using your Georgia Tech login. From there, you can see Campus Check-In.

Will there be a block sign-up sheet for move-in for each residence hall and apartment building? How many people are allowed to help a student with move-in?

Sheree Gibson: You will need to use the mobile app to sign up for your move-in time. We are asking that you bring no more than two people to help you move.

When will we know about the locations for drive-thru check-ins?

Alex Becking: If you live in North Avenue South and East, you will go to the North Avenue South Garage. If you live in North Avenue North and West, you will go to the North Avenue North Garage.

Sherry Murray: For West Campus, check-in will be in front of Fitten Hall. There will be signs to direct you to the correct buildings and unloading zones.

If you are moving in late, can it be after classes have started?

Alex Becking: Yes, but please let us know when you plan to arrive and we will hold your space for you. Email information@housing.gatech.edu

When will transfer students hear about their housing? Is there still housing available?

Jenny Cotton: We are including transfer students with upperclass students. So, information for upperclass students also applies to transfer students. If you have specific questions please send those to us. Otherwise, please follow the upperclass communications.

Ryan Greene: We have gone through our wait lists a few times. We are close to occupancy across campus. Let us know if you have a specific question about where you stand regarding your housing assignment.

How will obtaining food from dining halls work? Can we carry out all meals? And, who do I contact regarding removal of a meal plan that I didn’t sign up for?

Ryan Greene: We are adding dining options such as food trucks and pop-up food stands to spread individuals out across campus. We’re providing more grab-and-go options in our dining halls and in our retail areas. There will be limited seating available in Brittain Dining Hall and North Avenue Dining Hall. When you enter you may dine in if seating is available, or we will ask you to get your food and go if there isn’t any seating. We will shut down between meals to thoroughly sanitize. And we will clean seating areas between guests. If you have questions about your meal plan, please visit the BuzzCard website.

August 8 through 16 was to be the first to see students move in a week earlier than in years previous, allowing students to build greater familiarity with the campus and a stronger sense of community with a full week of programming and events before classes begin. Now those extra days are proving critical for spacing out the move-in process and adapting other traditionally high-volume activities to maintain social distance.

Following move-in on August 8 and 9, the week will include virtual and in-person workshops and events from FASET, Campus Services, Student Engagement, and other campus partners to introduce students to resources and traditions while building community.

Despite the absence of large scale and in-person events like the involvement fairs and spirit festivals typically associated with weeks of welcome, the team of departments has still found ways for students to get to know their hallmates, the campus, and the resources available to them.

“Given the new campus partner collaboration for programming, Week of Welcome was already going to be a big shift from previous move-in experiences,” said new Housing Executive Director Jenny Cotton. “The need to adjust our plans for safety is even more possible within this new model. Our partners are working to find creative ways to still provide as rich and robust of an experience as these distanced times allow.”

Many in-person programs will be self-guided or in small groups that will allow students the flexibility to go at their own pace, while other elements will be virtual to limit contact. Plans for large events that can be done at a social distance, such as an outdoor movie screening, are being carefully worked out. In recognition of the still-evolving state of campus operations during the pandemic, organizers note that many aspects of the week are still subject to change in the interest of the safety of the campus community.

“We’ve learned through our on-campus resident surveys that some students are craving more connection and community building and need more time to engage with resources to support their time at Georgia Tech,” said Associate Vice President for Campus Services Kasey Helton. “With an opportunity to interact with all of our on-campus services both in person and virtually, participate in job and student organization fairs, learn campus traditions, and interact with their peers and support systems all before classes begin, we believe first-years will have a stronger foundation to set themselves up for academic success.”

Learn more about Week of Welcome at welcomehome.gatech.edu.

Get Involved with Week of Welcome

If you are interested in offering a virtual or in-person open-house, information session, or event during the Week of Welcome, or are interested in volunteering for first-year move-in August 8 and 9, please fill out this form or email weekofwelcome@gatech.edu.

Move-in Focus on Safety

Week of Welcome begins with first-year move-in on August 8 and 9. Details on the process are being finalized now to maximize safety when the expected 3,000 residents arrive on campus.

• Students will have an assigned move-in time and appointments for move-in will be widely spaced out to allow Housing to limit the number of people in one space at any given time.
• There will also be a drive-through check-in process that will minimize contact and touchpoints.
• Sanitizing stations and enhanced surface area cleaning will also be incorporated into this year’s move-in process.
• Volunteers will be present to assist and will be wearing masks.

Students who are planning to move in can find details at housing.gatech.edu.

Log on to DRIVERSEAT.GATECH.EDU to renew or purchase your 2020-2021 parking permit this June. 

All customers who renew/purchase a 2020-2021 permit between June 1 and July 10 will be entered in a drawing to win one of four $100 permit discounts! Click here for rules and regulations.

Click here to learn how to purchase parking permits on The Driver's Seat.

PERMIT RENEWALS: JUNE 1-10
Renewals Available for Annual Individual, Carpool, Semester, Evening/Weekend, SmartPark & Motorcycle Permits
Renewals guarantee your current parking permit type and location for 2020-2021.
Excludes Secondary Motorcycle Permits.

*Note: if your permit was returned due to COVID-19, renew your permit June 19-July 10 during general permit sales. You will be guaranteed your same location and permit type. See below "Permit Purchases: June 19-July 10."
　

WAIT LISTS ASSIGNMENTS AWARDS: JUNE 12-17
Wait List Awards Issued for Annual Individual & Carpool Permits
Awards will be issued on June 12　and must be accepted on or before June 17.

PERMIT PURCHASES: JUNE 19 - JULY 10
Year-Round Sales Open for 2020-2021 Annual Individual, Carpool, Semester, Evening/Weekend, SmartPark & Motorcycle Permits
Customers should purchase permits beginning June 19 if:

• You want to change locations or permit types (permits sold first come, first serve), or
• Your permit was returned due to COVID-19 (all previous permit locations/types will be guaranteed),
• You are a new permit customer (permits sold first come, first serve).

Questions? Email carpool@gatech.edu  for Carpool Permits and info.parking@parking.gatech.edu for all other permits.   

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?

NO INCREASE IN PERMIT PRICES

Due to growth in special events and daily parking revenue, prices for the following parking permits will remain the same in 2020-2021:

• Annual Individual Permit: $795
• Carpool Permit: $695
• Evening/Weekend Permit: $235
  • Evening /Weekend + 1 Hour Access: $335
  • Evening/Weekend + 2 Hours Access: $435
  • Evening/Weekend + 3 Hours Access: $535

• Motorcycle Permit (primary vehicle): $145
• SmartPark Permit: $25 (plus $6 per entry from BuzzCard)
• Semester Permit: $400

This is the fifth year that PTS has made no increase in student, faculty and staff permit pricing.

Click here to view the 2020-2021 parking permit price list (scroll down to 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Permit Prices).

VIRTUAL PERMITS ADDED

All Annual Individual, SmartPark, Semester and Evening/Weekend Permits will be VIRTUAL in 2020-2021.

Customers may purchase/renew their permits as usual in The Driver’s Seat. However, they will not receive a physical permit to display in their cars.

BuzzCards will be the primary method of entry in all gated locations. License plate numbers will serve as permit credentials and will be used for enforcement and gate entry in some parking locations. Customers should keep their BuzzCards handy and update their license plate information in their Driver’s Seat accounts.

Carpool, Motorcycle, Retirees, Alumni and all departmental permits will be issued with a physical hangtag.

Benefits of the virtual permit program include reducing the number of physical permits mailed from the PTS office; eliminating parking customers’ need to display permits as they have in previous years; and reducing the number of customers purchasing permits in the PTS office.   

NOTE: Customers will be required to park front-in only (no backing in) as their license plate information will be used for parking enforcement. Vehicles that are backed in are subject to citation.

Click here to learn how virtual permits work (scroll down to Virtual Permits).

TWO NEW SMARTPARK LOCATIONS

SmartPark is a pay-as-you-go permit program for occasional drivers, including teleworkers, virtual learners, and commuters. Two new parking locations will be added to SmartPark permit access in 2020-2021:

• W02-Student Center deck
• W22-Dalney deck (pilot location for 2020-2021)

Other SmartPark locations include Visitors Area 1 – North Avenue, E81-Tech Square/GT Hotel deck, and W23-North Campus deck.

SmartPark unit sales for 2019-2020 will end June 1 and resume July 27. New SmartPark units will be valid for use starting August 15, 2020.

For more information about SmartPark, click here (scroll down to SmartPark Permits).

ONLINE PERMIT PURCHASES ONLY

All 2020-2021 Annual Individual, Carpool, Semester, Evening/Weekend, SmartPark and Motorcycle Permits will be sold online via The Driver’s Seat. These permits will not be available for purchase in the PTS office.

Note: current year (2019-2020) permits will not be available online starting March 26, 2020. These permits will be on sale in the PTS office only.

The following permits will not be available online. Please visit the PTS office starting July 27, 2020 to purchase:

• New Reserved Spaces
• Retirees Permits
• Alumni Permits
• Secondary Motorcycle Permits
• Temporary Permits
• Vendors/Contractors Permits
• Official Business Permits*
• R-All Permits*
• Dual/Multi/All Access Permits*
• Departmental Permits*

*Campus departments will be notified to purchase these permits when paid with departmental funds. 

PERMIT MAIL AND PICK UP OPTIONS

Most permits will be virtual with no physical hangtag to be mailed.

Carpool permit customers paying via credit card will be required to pick up and pay for their permits in the PTS office beginning July 27, 2020.

All other permits purchased online will be mailed. Customers should update their addresses in  The Driver’s Seat to ensure that permits are mailed successfully.

Due to Georgia Tech’s precautions regarding COVID-19, PTS Brown Bags have been CANCELED. Food for Fines will be POSTPONED. We will inform you when new dates are scheduled.

Contractors have mobilized for Phase 2 of the project, beginning work on the hardscape and utilities around the entrance to the Ferst Center for the Arts. Initially slated for 2022, work that would have taken place piecemeal — and disruptively under normal campus operations — has been moved up for completion while in-person instruction is suspended.

With students and staff working remotely, work can proceed without the need for complex staging and sequencing to maximize construction efficiency and minimize impacts to the community. For those still living or working on campus at this time, pathways through the plaza in front of the Ferst Center have been diverted to the south and west around the Smithgall Student Services Building and to the east around the Student Center and Ferst Center. (See Phase 2a diagram.)

As crews prepare for this phase, which includes the renovation of the current Student Center and the demolition and rebuilding of the Stamps Commons, they will soon begin abatement and demolition on the food court greenhouse, mobilization of the construction trailer, and site preparations. Fencing around the Phase 2 site is expected to be in place in late July, at which point pedestrian traffic will be diverted to the north around the free speech area and to the south along Ferst Drive. (See Phase 2b diagram.)

The hardscape around Ferst Plaza, including a new home for the beloved Dean Griffin statue, is expected to reopen with some temporary pathways in place when students return to campus in August. The plaza is expected to be fully open in October.

As campus gradually reopens, most of the Student Center’s critical functions will begin operating in temporary locations in the new exhibition hall and pavilion buildings. The Georgia Tech Post Office will continue to operate in the Student Center until early July. For more details on temporary locations and timing for each function’s move, visit studentcenter.gatech.edu/student-center-move-out.

The entire Campus Center project is expected to be complete in late 2022. For more information about the project, visit c.gatech.edu/CampusCenter.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes. It should work on most mobile devices but may be easier to navigate on a larger screen. Instructions on how to use the survey are posted on the welcome screen.

Information gathered from the survey will also be used to inform a 10-year strategic plan for the Tech Square district, being developed by Capital Planning and Space Management.

The survey will close at midnight on Monday, Jan. 20. Click here to participate.

In August, Georgia Tech announced that Tech Square Phase III would include Scheller Tower, a new building for the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business. Last spring, Georgia Tech received approval from the Board of Regents, the state legislature, and Gov. Brian Kemp to provide state funding for the architectural design of Tech Square Phase III. Pending full project funding and approval by the Board of Regents and the governor, construction could begin as early as the summer of 2020 and could conclude by the end of 2022.

Tech Square Phase III will be located on the northwest corner of West Peachtree and Fifth Streets and will include an additional tower for the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, as well as for other programming.