Aloha Yellow Jackets,

The weather is definitely showing signs of spring in the air – along with the seasonal allergies that accompany it for many! In this issue of our monthly newsletter – the final one for the academic year - we will cover the following topics:

• Taking Care of Yourself as the Academic Year Comes to a Close
• Real Talk: Expanding Access and Listening to Your Feedback
• Organizational Changes for SEWB
• Looking Ahead to Summer—and What’s Next in Atlanta

Taking Care of Yourself as the Academic Year Comes to a Close
As coursework, deadlines, and exams begin to converge, remember that you don’t have to navigate this stretch alone. We recognize grades and transcripts are important, but it’s equally vital to prioritize yourself as a human being who needs to not only survive but also thrive and flourish.

For all students, our comprehensive Student Resource Guide connects you to support across all eight dimensions of wellness – including but not limited to academic challenges, financial concerns, and more.  If you are a fully-online student, Georgia Tech offers a dedicated guide that brings together academic, health, wellness, and community resources specifically for remote learners.

Whether you need immediate support, ongoing care, or simply a place to start, these guides are here for you. Faculty and staff are just a phone call or email away – and on campus we are readily accessible during business hours. However, during this time of the year, we realize that you may especially want to reach out for advice, guidance or just a listening ear in the late night or early morning.  We want to particularly highlight resources that are available 24/7 at no charge for Georgia Tech students:

• If you're experiencing significant mental health difficulties and need immediate support, our Center for Mental Health Care & Resources professionals are available during business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Call 404.894.2575 or visit us in Suite 238, Smithgall Student Services Building, 353 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. After hours, call 404.894.2575 and select the option for the after-hours counselor.
• Stress can oftentimes be triggering for survivors of trauma. Students who have experienced sexual violence or have questions related to victim-survivor support, referrals, accommodations, and reporting options can speak to a VOICEAdvocate. For confidential support contact VOICE at 404.894.9000 24 hours per day.  You can also schedule an appointment with a VOICE Advocate using this link.
• In an emergency, call the Georgia Tech Police Department at 404.894.2500 on campus or 911 off campus. They can help reach the on-call team member from the Dean of Students Office as needed for students in distress.

You got to Georgia Tech with the help of family, parents, friends, siblings, teachers, coaches, and mentors – it wasn’t something you achieved alone.  While at Georgia Tech, #TheHiveWillThrive – rely on each other, take care of each other, and reach out whenever needed.

Real Talk: Expanding Access and Listening to Your Feedback
Real Talk is one of the ways we stay connected with you. As a reminder, Real Talk is a monthly town hall–style series open to all students, designed to foster open dialogue and transparent communication. It was started in Fall 2025 in response to feedback from students and student leaders following ad hoc open forums hosted in Spring 2025.

We’ve heard from students studying from locations around the globe that they would also like a way to participate. Therefore, beginning Academic Year 2026–27, Real Talk will include a virtual option so that fully online students can join us more easily. Information about these dates and times will be provided in early August.

We’ve also heard that Thursday mornings may no longer be the most accessible time for many of you who are homebased on the Atlanta campus. Some students have suggested that Fridays might work better.  So, we want your input! Please take a moment to vote on a potential new day and time. Your voice helps shape how we show up for you! We will announce the outcome in the first newsletter issue of Fall 2026.

Organizational Changes for SEWB
Beginning May 1, Student Engagement & Well‑Being (SEWB) will experience an organizational change as part of a broader Institute‑wide realignment. This pivot aligns revenue generating auxiliary services with policy guidance from the University System of Georgia (USG) and is intended to ensure these areas are better positioned to operate with fiscal efficiency while maintaining standards of excellence in student services delivery.

BuzzCard, Dining and Retail Services (such as the bookstore), Housing and Residence Life, and other campus services will transition to Administration & Finance. Campus Recreation and Stamps Health Services will remain within SEWB. You can learn more details about the reorganization and the broader context for these changes on the Administrative & Finance organizational announcements page.

At our most recent Real Talk Thursdays event, students had the following questions, and these were our responses:

1. What does this change mean for me and my overall student experience?
   For students, this transition should not change how you access or receive services, programs, or support. All existing departments will remain intact and continue serving students. SEWB remains focused on fostering engagement, belonging, and well‑being – doing so in collaboration and partnership across the Georgia Tech community. Our goal is continuity and clarity, with no disruption to the student experience.
    
2. Will any of the well‑being initiatives currently underway be affected by this transition?
   No. The initiatives advancing under the Cultivate Well‑Being strategic area of focus as noted in the Roadmap for Students, such as the First-Year Wellness Experience and enhancements to mental health care, will continue. SEWB’s mission and priorities remain the same, and this organizational change does not alter our commitment to supporting students’ holistic engagement and well‑being.
    
3. How did the Institute decide which departments would move to Administrative & Finance and which would remain within SEWB?
   Each institution within the USG is complying with the guidance in a way that aligns with their unique campus culture and context, as well as administrative and operational structures. Georgia Tech’s decisions were guided by the USG’s expectations for how auxiliary and business‑focused operations should be organized, as well as Georgia Tech’s commitment to its values of students are our top priority and responsible stewardship.
    
4. How will SEWB leadership be structured following the reorganization?
   SEWB’s leadership will continue to focus on student engagement, well‑being, and belonging.  We anticipate minimal changes to our leadership and governance structures. An updated organization chart will be posted to the SEWB webpage on or shortly after May 1^st.  As always, SEWB administration will remain in ongoing communication and consultation with students and student leaders.
    
5. What will happen to registered student organizations (RSOs) that are supported by departments moving to Administrative & Finance?
   RSOs should not expect changes to their registration status or ability to operate. Departments that advise, mentor and otherwise support student organizations will continue to do so, and students will be notified if any processes or points of contact change in the future.
    

Looking Ahead to Summer—and What’s Next in Atlanta
As the academic year comes to a close, I hope you are able to rest, and recharge before we return for Fall 2026. Whether your plans include classes, internships, research, travel, or time at home – perhaps with family, friends, and fur babies or alone in reflection - I wish you a summer season that restores your energy and curiosity.

And as you look around Atlanta, you’ll see the excitement building—FIFA and the World Cup is coming to our city. This moment will bring global energy and new opportunities right to our doorstep, and I look forward to seeing how our Georgia Tech community shows up as part of it.

Go Jackets!