Student Resources

Your Online Classroom

Your online classroom is in a learning management system (LMS) that UGA uses as the primary software for delivering distance education. Faculty have the flexibility to utilize additional online learning tools to help make learning engaging, and interactive, and to provide an enriched online learning experience for students. Get an overview of UGA’s learning management system, e-Learning Commons (eLC),  in this brief video to learn how to access and interact with course content.

Academic Advising

Online programs each have their own process for advising, but all are committed to working with you to identify your goals, and your unique path and ultimately guide you through to graduation. To connect with a program advisor, click Request info and choose your program of interest.

If you are a UGA student taking one or more online courses, meet with your academic advisor in your school or college every semester. Be sure to schedule your appointment as early as possible. You can see the available appointments for your advisor in SAGE. 

Advisors play a key role in the academic life of online students. Once admitted, students are assigned an advisor. The process for advising is tailored per program to provide the best experience for you. Advisors provide information and advice to help you identify the best sequence of courses, policies, and procedures, and provide guidance throughout your experience.

In graduate programs with a thesis requirement, the graduate advisor also guides your research from beginning to degree completion. This includes detailed conversations about research interests, professional goals and aspirations, and establishment of a graduate committee.

Financial Advising for Graduate Students

The Graduate School offers a FREE Financial Education Program to all UGA Graduate students. To learn more or to request a workshop, please contact gradfineduc@uga.edu

Graduate Student Financial Education Program website.

Disability Resources

We are committed to providing equal educational opportunities and a welcoming academic, physical, and social environment for all students with disabilities. The UGA Disability Resource Center (DRC) assists the University in fulfilling its commitment to educate and serve students with disabilities.

To request services and learn what documentation you will need to provide, visit the Disability Resource Center website or call 1 (706) 542-8719. Once you have registered for services, the Disability Resource Center will ensure that the necessary technology and accommodations are made for you.

Financial Aid

UGA has financial aid counselors who will assist you in finding the best available options to help finance your degree. Various types of aid including corporate or military assistance, grants, loans, and scholarships are options. Contact UGA’s Office of Student Financial Aid to view a comprehensive list of available financial aid resources or call 1 (706) 542-6147.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Grants and Loans

U.S. Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to explore your options and to access the free online FAFSA application.

Scholarships

HOPE, and Zell Miller scholarships also apply to online courses for undergraduates. Visit UGA’s FAFSA information page for more information.

Graduate and undergraduate students may research and apply for various academic, need-based, merit-based or other achievements to help pay for their education expenses and generally do not require repayment. For example, the American Institute of CPAs sponsors a number of scholarships for students pursuing degrees and careers in Finance and Accounting. The GetEducated.com Distance Learning scholarship is offered twice a year with deadlines on March 15 and October 15. 

UGA students are encouraged to use Scholarship Universe to search and apply for scholarships. 

UGA Student ID Card

Having a student ID can provide numerous benefits such as access to professional conferences, and discounts on shopping, events, activities, and programs. Many businesses offer student discounts for you to receive a reduced or free product or service by showing your student ID. The UGA OneCard is the official University of Georgia identification card for students, faculty, staff, official campus visitors, and their dependents.

UGA Online Students may order the Student UGA OneCard. This ID is the same ID all UGA Students are issued. You may find many merchants who will offer student discounts upon presentation of this Student Identification Card.

You can order your UGA OneCard online. The cost is $30.00. You will upload a photo of your government-issued photo ID and a passport-style headshot photo. Upon approval, you will receive an email with a payment link. After you submit your payment, you must send an email to ugacard@uga.edu with your mailing address so that we will know to ship your card to you.

If your address has changed, please update your records with the UGA Registrar’s Office. 

Services that require the photo UGACard may also require assessment of additional student fees that aren’t normally assessed to Online Students, so please check with the service provider you are interested in. Please visit the UGA card website for more information.

Career Center

The UGA Career Center prepares UGA students and alumni for meaningful opportunities after the Arch through career exploration and decision-making, job search skill development, experiential learning, career employment, employer relations, university partnerships, and mentorship.

Appointments and Drop-in Hours

Career Consultations are offered in two virtual formats based on individual needs. 

• Drop-In Hours: Drop-In hours are great if you have a question or if you aren’t sure where to start. The UGA Career Center hosts virtual drop-in hours on Fridays from 11 am – 2 pm via Zoom. Learn more about participating in virtual drop-in hours here.
• Appointments: Need more in-depth assistance? The Career Center offers virtual career coaching appointments. To schedule an appointment, please do so through your Handshake account or call (706) 542-3375. Need help? View this step-by-step video tutorial. To find the name and contact information for your designated Career Consultant, review your appointment options in handshake or view their directory. 

Career Development Support for Graduate Students and Alumni 

The UGA Career Center offers customized resources and services to support the career growth of both Graduate Students and Alumni. Take advantage of these valuable resources today to enhance your career development.

Career Development eLC Modules

The UGA Career Center’s free, self-paced career development eLC modules are designed exclusively for UGA students, providing flexibility to complete them individually or as a series at your own pace. With a wide range of topics to choose from, our modules offer the perfect solution for busy students looking to enhance their professional skills and prepare for their future careers. Learn more and self-enroll today!

Events and Programs

The UGA Career Center hosts a diverse range of events and programs throughout the year, including career fairs, workshops, diversity events, and the Arch Ready Professionalism Certificate. To discover the many options available for professional growth, visit the center’s events page. 

Resumes and Cover Letters

The UGA Career Center provides an abundance of application materials to support you in your career journey. With access to resume templates and examples of effective email correspondence, you can feel confident in crafting materials that set you apart from other candidates by emphasizing your unique skill sets that align with those outlined in the job description.

Interview Preparation 

The UGA Career Center offers numerous interview preparation resources, including advice on attire and strategies for acing interviews. Practicing before your actual interview is essential, and you can do so by taking advantage of the UGA Big Interview Platform, which is available 24/7, or by scheduling a virtual mock interview appointment with one of our Career Consultants.

Asynchronous Professional Document Review Services

Due to schedules, responsibilities, location, and more there may be barriers to meeting with a career consultant, attending drop-in hours, or engaging in programming. However, the UGA Career Center now offers asynchronous professional document review services for graduate and professional students. You are invited to submit any of the documents below and/ or a sample job posting for review.

Job and Internship Search

Looking for a job or internship can seem overwhelming, but the UGA Career Center offers a variety of job search resources to make the process easier.

Explore Majors and Careers 

If you’re unsure about how to begin exploring potential majors or career paths, the UGA Career Center has several resources that can help. These include career assessments, “What Can I Do with a Major In…?” Guides, the UGA Mentor Program, and access to UGA Career Outcomes Data. By utilizing these resources, you’ll be equipped with valuable information to make informed decisions about your major and career path.

Veterans and Dependants

The University of Georgia is recognized for its commitment to providing veterans and their families the unique support they need. We understand that your path to choosing an online program might be different than your civilian counterparts.

UGA offers service members, veterans, and their families access to flexible, convenient degree programs and courses delivered to you online.

This page offers information specific to military service members and their families. In addition, the services outlined in this Student Resources section are available to all online students.

Library Services

The UGA Libraries offer online faculty and students distance learning services. There is a UGA librarian designated to help distance learners. Our library supports online students and faculty through eReserves where you can get assistance with research questions, locating materials, one-on-one assistance, document delivery, and much more! 

Watch the 3 Part webinar series on Library Resources on YouTube. The first of the series is UGA Library at a Distance – the Basics; the second of the series is Library at a Distance, Part 2 – Introduction to Citation Managers, Part 3 is titled: Library at a Distance: Finding Research at a Distance.

Licensure

Students interested in professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to see information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements for professional practice prior to enrolling in an educational program.

Students should review the programs below and their listing on our licensure and certification page to see if the program you’re interested in meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in your state (or state where you intend to work).

UGA Online programs that can lead to licensure:

Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed) – Special Education
Ed.S. in Learning, Design, and Technology -Instructional Technology
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education – Literacy Specialist
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Psychology – Gifted & Creative Education
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – General Curriculum
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track)
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology – Gifted & Creative Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning, Design, and Technology – Instructional Technology
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Middle Grades Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Science Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Workforce Education
Master of Social Work (MSW)

Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

Complaints Procedures

The University of Georgia seeks to resolve concerns and complaints in a fair and prompt manner. Before pursuing external options, exhaust all internal avenues of complaint resolution by first visiting the University of Georgia Division of Student Affairs Complaints and Appeals page. Complaints about grades or student conduct should be submitted to the university and may not be appealed to the SARA portal agency. 

More detailed information about the SARA student complaint process can also be found on the NC-SARA website and in the NC-SARA manual.

Complaints should be filed with the SARA State Portal Entity for Georgia unless you are located in CA.

Georgia Portal Entity Contact
Magda Rivers, Deputy Director/GA-SARA Coordinator
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
2082 East Exchange Place
Tucker, GA 30084
770-414-2644
GA-SARA Complaint Form

California
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

Current or prospective University of Georgia students with a concern directly related to online learning may call the Office of Online Learning toll free at (844) 842-3894 or submit a complaint via email to online@uga.edu.

In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be resolved through the University of Georgia process, students may file a complaint with their resident state licensing authority. Georgia residents may complete the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission Authorized School Complaint form.

If you live outside of Georgia, contact information for your state can be located at the State Portal Entity Contacts list.

Complaints that are not resolved after all University avenues have been exhausted may also be filed with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

SACS policies and information for filing a complaint (.pdf)

Mentor Program

The UGA Mentor Program provides an opportunity for students to search and request an experienced UGA alumni mentor using a variety of search criteria, including identity, industry, and more! Finding a UGA mentor narrows down the world of possibilities to meaningful connections.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are guidelines, icebreakers, and resources on the UGA Mentor Program’s website to help you along the way. To learn more and get started, visit mentor.uga.edu.

Well-being Resources

UGA’s Well-being Resources include a broad range of clinical and non-clinical programs and services to promote student well-being and success. Including the departments of Student Care and Outreach, the Disability Resource Center, Testing Services, Recreational Sports, and the University Health Center (which also includes Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Health Promotion, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP), and the Fontaine Center), in addition to well-being partnerships with units across campus, this initiative offers digital, virtual, and in-person engagement and services to support students’ physical, social, financial, community, and career well-being needs. Visit well-being.uga.edu for digital-virtual resources for more information! 

UGA Online Contacts

You don’t have to be on campus to find help at the University of Georgia. Here is a list of contacts to help you navigate through your educational journey at UGA.

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Office of Online Learning
Email online@uga.edu Phone 1 (844) 842-3294

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Financial Aid
Email osfa@uga.edu Phone 1 (706) 542-6147

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Graduate Admissions
Email gradadm@uga.edu  Phone (706) 542-1739

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Undergrad Admissions
Email adm-info@uga.edu Phone 1 (706) 542-8776

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Military and Veteran Support
Email svrc@uga.edu Phone 1 (706) 542-7872

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State Authorization and Online Student Support Services
Email online@uga.edu Phone 1 (844) 842-3294

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Bursar’s Office (Student Accounts)
Email bursar@uga.edu Phone 1 (706) 542-2965

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Registrar’s Office (Student Registration & Academic Records)
Email reghelp@uga.edu Phone 1 (706) 542-4040