The Office of University Events and Protocol plans and executes special events for the Office of the President and university leadership. These high-level campus events include ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, faculty and staff recognition events, First-Year Convocation, meetings, and events for visiting dignitaries. Additionally, the Events Office collaborates with University Advancement to produce high-end donor and alumni events. It is the mission of the Events Office to facilitate strategic and meaningful university-wide, donor, and recognition events designed to reflect the university’s Liberal Arts mission.
The Events Office also offers event consulting for on-campus partners. Please send initial inquiries and requests to events@gcsu.edu. Event planning check lists and guides are also available for download on our website.
Event Planning Resources
Event Planning Check List
All events have their own unique needs and it can be challenging to know where to begin. This planning check list is great place to start!
VIP Event Protocol Manual
The Event Protocol Manual was developed to provide process guidance through university-wide protocol that is applicable to all on-campus event planners. Special events and public VIP visits are opportunities to enhance the positive reputation of Georgia College and should be conducted with the highest level of professionalism.
Visiting VIP Notification form
Georgia College has a responsibility to ensure that VIP guests are given appropriate regard and security during their visit. It is essential that the Office of University Events and Protocol is informed when an invitation has been extended, and accepted, by a VIP. You must be signed into Unify to access this form.
Open Flame Policy
LED candles should be used at all events. In instances where an open flame is necessary to enhance the quality of your event, please submit the Open Flame Policy form found under GC Signatures.
Student Event Handbook
There are many resources available through the Department of Campus Life provides to assist student event planners. The intent of the Student Event Handbook is to promote a wide variety of activities and to ensure successful events for student organizations when possible.
Additional Protocol Resources
The Emily Post Institute
This isn't your grandmother's Emily Post. Information on social and business etiquette, table manners, and proper dress code have been updated for the 21st century.
United States Flag Protocol
This code excerpt from the United States House of Representatives describes the position and manner of display for use of the American flag. The full flag code can be found here.
Order of Precedence of the United States of America
For purposes of protocol, the U.S. Order of Precedence establishes the order and ranking of the United States leadership for official events at home and abroad, e.g. seating or speaking order. Although this document establishes a general order for the country’s highest-level positions, it does not include every positional title across the federal government.
Alumni Events
Are you interested in planning an alumni event or reunion? The Alumni Office is here to help! For more information on how to get started, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@gcsu.edu.
If you are an on-campus planner and you have an alum returning to campus for one of your meetings or events, let us know by completing our online Campus Alumni Engagement form. The Alumni Office can assist you with making the most of your visiting alum’s time on campus.
View more information on the Alumni Association and Alumni Office