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.
For years, the BuzzCard has been an essential part of the Georgia Tech student experience, providing identification, access to campus services, and a tangible connection to the Institute. With more than 3,000 international students currently enrolled in OMSCS out of a total of over 16,000 students enrolled this semester, the need for a more global solution is apparent. Recognizing this, Jennifer Rocke (Operations Manager for the BuzzCard team) and Ana Mary Rusch (Associate Director of Learner Engagement and Student Life for OMSCS) collaborated with leadership to ensure that online students worldwide could benefit from the same sense of belonging as their on-campus peers. They also cited the collaborative efforts from Michael Teed, Manager of Georgia Tech’s Printing and Copying Services, as another integral part in the success of this test project.
“The BuzzCard Center has produced and shipped over 11,050 cards to students within the United States which reflects a 75.5% increase since the program’s inception in 2017,” said Rocke. “We are looking forward to this partnership with OMSCS to service students based outside of the U.S. starting in the fall of 2025.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between online and in-person experiences for Georgia Tech students. By offering BuzzCard distribution internationally, the Institute strengthens its commitment to fostering a global community where every student—regardless of location—feels fully integrated into the Georgia Tech experience.
"We've always been proud of the fact that our online offerings are equal to on-campus—they grant the same degree with the same rigor and prestige," said David Joyner, Executive Director of OMSCS & Online Education and Associate Dean for Off-Campus & Special Initiatives. "This effort further emphasizes that at Georgia Tech, there aren't ‘in-person’ students and ‘online’ students—there are just Georgia Tech students."
The international shipping pilot program will be closely monitored, with the possibility of expansion to additional countries based on demand and logistical success. Georgia Tech is one of the few universities pioneering this level of inclusion for online students, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in global education.