Georgia State University will establish a new Graduate School as part of the university’s strategic efforts to expand and strengthen graduate and professional programs at the institution.

The Graduate School will build upon programs in the Office of Graduate Programs in admissions, marketing and professional development activities for the university’s graduate students. Work directed through the office will transition to the Graduate School through the 2019-20 academic year.

Growing and strengthening graduate and professional programs is part of the university’s 2011-16/21 strategic plan, which has set the university’s trajectory for innovation in student success, graduate and professional programs, research, addressing the issues of modern cities and internationalization.

The school will coordinate university-level policies related to graduate education. It will also work to increase the number and quality of graduate students, enhance professional development opportunities for graduate students, boost financial support for graduate education at Georgia State and collaborate with the university’s colleges and schools to strengthen interdisciplinary academic programs.

“The establishment of a Graduate School will enable Georgia State to focus more attention on the success of graduate students throughout the university,” said Risa Palm, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “It will add value by efficiently providing services and training that all graduate students, regardless of major, need to have to succeed.”

“The Graduate School will partner with the academic colleges to ensure that students are provided with the support and preparation they need to pursue their goals and to meet the demands of today’s workforce,” said Lisa Armistead, associate provost for graduate programs.

Armistead will coordinate the transition through the academic year.