The Office of International Student Admissions and Programs (ISAP) is monitoring federal immigration and visa-related developments that may affect international students and scholars. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

June 2026

Proposed DHS Rule Change Update

As of June 3, 2026, the proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule change remains under review.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025, and the public comment period ended on September 29, 2025. DHS has completed its review of the final rule, which is currently pending review and clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If approved, the final rule would become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Potential changes under the proposed rule include:

In accordance with University System of Georgia (USG) identity verification standards, all newly admitted and readmitted students are required to verify their legal name before registering for classes. This process helps ensure accurate student records, supports identity security, and reduces the risk of fraud or impersonation.

This requirement applies to all student types, including:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Online students
• International students
• Dual enrollment students
• Guest or transient students
• Readmitted students

Students who do not complete the Legal Name Verification process by the required deadline may have a registration hold placed on their account or may be removed from enrolled courses.

What Is a Legal Name?

A legal name is the first and last name that appears on an official government-issued document. The legal name listed in the university鈥檚 student information system must match the name shown on the submitted documentation.

Students may also choose to provide a preferred name for use in select university systems and communications; however, the official student record must reflect the verified legal name.

Accepted Documents for Legal Name Verification

Students may submit one of the following approved documents:

• Driver鈥檚 License
• State-issued Identification Card
• Passport
• Certified Birth Certificate
• Permanent Resident Card
• Visa Documentation
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Military Identification
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Court-issued Guardianship Documentation
• Adoption Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Court Order for Legal Name Change
• Official Immigration Documents (including I-20, DS-2019, I-94, I-797, or other USCIS, CBP, or ICE documents)
• FAFSA verification data (if applicable and eligible)

International students may also submit:

• Official credential evaluations
• International academic transcripts
• Government-issued identification from their home country

Name Changes

If your current legal name differs from the name listed on your original documents, you must also provide supporting documentation showing the name change. Acceptable supporting documents include:

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Court Order for Legal Name Change
• Other official government-issued documentation reflecting both names

Lawful Presence Documentation

In some cases, documentation already submitted for Lawful Presence Verification may also satisfy the Legal Name Verification requirement if it includes the necessary legal name information. Additional documentation may be requested if needed.

Need Assistance?

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Office of Admissions
Address: P.O. Box 8024, Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-5391
Email: admissions@georgiasouthern.edu

快猫app短视 uses defined WordPress roles and permissions to support safe, consistent and well-managed website updates. These roles help ensure that web content remains accurate, accessible, on brand and aligned with University web governance standards.

The University Web Team, housed in University Communications and Marketing, manages Georgia Southern鈥檚 Content Management System and provides WordPress training and access. The Web Team also reserves final authority over web assets, user experience, navigation, SEO, domain and subdomain management and website architecture. 

Why Roles & Permissions Matter

Georgia Southern鈥檚 website includes thousands of pages across colleges, departments, offices and other units. WordPress roles help ensure that users have the right level of access for their responsibilities without creating unnecessary risk for the website.

Tiered permissions help:

• Protect the integrity of the University website
• Reduce accidental changes to pages, navigation or media
• Support consistent training and accountability
• Keep content accurate, accessible and up to date
• Limit access to advanced tools and settings
• Maintain a consistent Georgia Southern user experience

Content Managers

Each college, department or office is responsible for identifying content managers who help maintain web content for their area. Content managers are responsible for keeping assigned content accurate, relevant and timely.

Content managers should have strong writing skills, a basic understanding of multimedia, familiarity with web accessibility guidelines, knowledge of Georgia Southern brand guidelines and the ability to regularly review and maintain assigned web content.

University Communications and Marketing provides support and training for content managers and may assist with web edits, but departments and units should not rely on the Web Team for routine day-to-day maintenance.

WordPress Roles

Georgia Southern WordPress users may be assigned one of several roles based on their responsibilities, training level and approved access needs.

Web Contributor

A Web Contributor is an entry-level WordPress role designed for new contributors.

Web Contributors can:

• Make basic text edits to existing content
• Save changes for review
• Support updates within their assigned section

Web Contributors cannot:

• Publish changes to the live website
• Upload files or images
• Create new pages
• Edit advanced layouts, forms, tables or custom elements

Web Contributors work through their college or division Web Author or Web Editor to publish updates to the live site.

This role is best for users who need to make basic content edits but do not need publishing access.

Web Author

A Web Author is a secondary-level WordPress role for users with more advanced editing responsibilities.

Web Authors can:

• Edit existing pages
• Publish edits to existing content
• Maintain approved content within their assigned area
• Support routine page updates

Web Authors cannot:

• Upload images or files
• Create new pages
• Make major layout or navigation changes
• Add custom HTML, scripts, forms or advanced components

Web Authors should work with the Web Team when they need images or files uploaded, new pages created or advanced functionality added.

This role is best for users who regularly maintain existing content and are approved to publish routine updates.

Web Editor

A Web Editor is a power editor role within a division, college or assigned area.

Web Editors can:

• Edit assigned pages
• Create new pages when approved
• Publish changes to the live site
• Review and approve edits from other users
• Coordinate content review cycles
• Help maintain web content with contributors, authors and subject matter experts

Web Editors should coordinate with the University Web Team before uploading images or files to live sites. They should also consult the Web Team before making changes that affect navigation, site structure, major layouts, SEO, accessibility or the overall user experience.

This role is best for experienced users who help manage web content at a broader unit, college or division level.

Web Administrator / Web Team

Web Administrator access is reserved for the University Web Team and Information Technology Services.

Web Administrators can manage advanced site settings, templates, system-level tools, permissions and other administrative functions. This role has full access to the website and is not assigned to general content managers.

The Web Team is responsible for:

• Managing the WordPress CMS
• Providing CMS training and access
• Supporting web governance standards
• Maintaining brand and user experience consistency
• Managing top-level and marketing-critical webpages
• Supporting accessibility and SEO standards
• Reviewing advanced requests
• Managing redirects, archiving and content strategy
• Supporting custom photography, image cropping, optimization and videography
• Providing final authority on web assets, navigation, SEO and site architecture

Who Can Publish Changes?

Publishing access depends on the assigned WordPress role.

Who Can Upload Media?

Most WordPress users cannot upload images, PDFs or files directly to the website.

Media uploads are restricted because images, documents and files must meet University standards for accessibility, branding, file size, naming, optimization and appropriate use.

If you need to add or replace an image, PDF, file, video or other media item, submit a web request to the Web Team.

Restricted Permissions

Some WordPress tools and actions are restricted to protect the website鈥檚 accessibility, usability, security and brand consistency.

Most users should not:

• Change page URLs or slugs
• Change parent pages
• Change navigation menus
• Upload images or files without approval
• Create new pages without approval
• Delete pages or published content
• Edit forms
• Edit Ninja Tables
• Add scripts or embeds
• Use Custom HTML blocks
• Change templates or advanced layouts
• Edit sitewide settings
• Modify SEO metadata without guidance
• Make changes outside their assigned section

If a requested update affects the page structure, navigation, URL, accessibility, SEO, media, forms, tables or another department鈥檚 content, submit a web request before making the change.

Training Requirements

Before gaining CMS access, users must complete required WordPress training through University Communications and Marketing. Training provides a foundation for managing web content safely and consistently.

Training topics include:

• Web accessibility best practices
• Writing for the web
• Using the CMS
• Brand positioning and visual identity
• Working with images and documents
• Advanced CMS templates and components
• SEO basics

Basic CMS training is required before access is granted to new contributors.

Maintaining WordPress Access

To keep a WordPress account in good standing, users must:

• Log in at least once a year
• Follow all web standards and guidelines
• Review assigned pages each semester
• Keep content accurate and up to date
• Complete required refresher training
• Stay current with video trainings and access requirements

Accounts that remain inactive for more than one year may be deactivated by the University Web Team.

When to Submit a Web Request

Submit a web request if you need help with:

• Access or role changes
• New pages
• Page removals
• URL or slug changes
• Parent page changes
• Navigation updates
• Media uploads
• PDFs or documents
• Forms
• Ninja Tables
• Custom layouts
• Custom HTML or scripts
• Hero image updates
• Accessibility concerns
• SEO or metadata changes

Quick Rule

Your WordPress role determines what you can edit, publish and manage. If a change affects structure, navigation, media, accessibility, SEO, forms, tables, permissions or content outside your assigned area, submit a web request before making the update.

Images and media used on 快猫app短视 websites should support the page鈥檚 purpose, reflect the University brand and create a positive experience for all users. Every image, video or media file should be accessible, properly sized, optimized for fast loading and appropriate for the audience of the page.

Georgia Southern鈥檚 web governance model gives the University Web Team final authority over web assets, creative direction, user experience, accessibility, SEO, navigation and website architecture. The Web Team also provides support for custom photography, image cropping, optimization and videography for web pages as needed.

General Image Guidelines

Use images that are clear, current, high-quality and relevant to the page content. Images should help users understand the page, support the Georgia Southern brand and avoid adding visual clutter.

Images should:

• Avoid outdated, blurry, stretched or low-quality visuals
• Represent Georgia Southern accurately and professionally
• Support the content and purpose of the page
• Follow University brand standards
• Be properly sized for the block or section where they appear
• Be compressed and optimized before upload
• Include appropriate alt text
• Avoid any amount of embedded text

Do not use images downloaded from Google, social media or other websites unless Georgia Southern has permission to use them.

Media Library Usage

The WordPress Media Library is used for website images, not general file storage. PDFs, Word documents, flyers and other downloadable files should not be uploaded directly to the Media Library.

Most users are not able to upload images directly to WordPress. If you need an image added, replaced, cropped or optimized, submit a web request to the Web Team.

Image Sizing Standards

Use the correct image size for the block or layout where the image will appear. Images that are too small may appear blurry, while images that are too large can slow down page load time.

Image File Naming

Before an image is uploaded to WordPress, the file should be renamed using a clear, descriptive filename. File names help the Web Team search the Media Library and can support SEO when written properly.

Use lowercase letters, hyphens between words and descriptive keywords.

Required Naming Format

Image filenames should follow this general structure: blocktype-georgia-southern-department-description.jpg

hero-georgia-southern-cri-arc-fitness.jpg

headshot-georgia-southern-admissions-jane-smith.jpg

vr-georgia-southern-statesboro-campus-tour.jpg

IMG_12345.jpg

photo-final-final.jpg

screenshot.png

Image Optimization

Images should be compressed before they are uploaded to WordPress. Large image files can slow down pages, create a poor mobile experience and affect search performance.

Before submitting or uploading an image, make sure it is:

• Cropped to the correct dimensions
• Saved in an appropriate file format
• Compressed for web use
• Clear and not pixelated
• Free of unnecessary white space
• Not larger than needed for the page layout

Recommended tools include Photoshop鈥檚 鈥淪ave for Web鈥� option, Squoosh, Optimizilla or another approved image compression tool.

Alt Text

All meaningful images must include alternative text, often called alt text. Alt text helps users who rely on screen readers understand the purpose of an image and also supports accessibility and search visibility.

Good alt text should be clear, concise and accurate.

• Good Alt Text: 快猫app短视 students walking across the Armstrong Campus quad
• Bad Alt Text: Image
• Bad Alt Text: Campus
• Bad Alt Text: IMG_12345

If an image is decorative and does not add meaning to the page, it may use empty alt text so assistive technology can skip it. When in doubt, ask the Web Team.

Text in Images

Avoid using images that contain large amounts of important text. Text inside images can be difficult to read on mobile devices, may not resize properly and is often inaccessible to screen readers.

Do not use image-based flyers as the only way to share important information. Instead, place the key information directly on the webpage using accessible text.

If a graphic includes important information, make sure the same information is also available in the page content.

Videos

Videos should be approved, relevant and appropriate for the page where they appear. A video should support the content, not replace required page information.

Before adding or requesting a video, make sure:

• The video is accurate and current
• The video supports the page鈥檚 purpose
• The video is appropriate for Georgia Southern audiences
• Important information from the video is also available as text when needed
• The video meets accessibility expectations, including captions when appropriate

YouTube embeds are usually acceptable when the video is approved and relevant. Other video platforms, custom embeds or scripts should be reviewed by the Web Team.

Documents, PDFs and Flyers

The Media Library should not be used as a storage location for PDFs, Word documents, flyers or forms. When a document must be linked from a website, it should be accessible, approved and hosted in the appropriate departmental Google Drive folder or another approved location.

Before linking to a document, make sure:

• The document is accessible
• The file is current and approved
• The sharing settings allow users to view it
• The link text clearly describes the document
• Important information is also available on the webpage when possible

When possible, convert important PDF or flyer content into regular webpage content. Webpage content is usually easier to update, easier to search, more accessible and better for mobile users.

Approved Image Sources

Use official or approved Georgia Southern photography whenever possible. Photos of campus events, buildings and University life may be available through official University photo resources.

Do not use images from Google Images, stock websites, social media or third-party websites unless Georgia Southern has permission or licensing rights to use them.

When to Submit a Web Request

Submit a web request if you need help with:

• Uploading a new image
• Replacing an existing image
• Cropping or resizing an image
• Updating a hero image
• Adding or replacing a headshot
• Creating or editing a visual block
• Adding a video or embed
• Linking a PDF or document
• Reviewing image accessibility
• Choosing an appropriate image for a page

The Web Team can help determine the best image format, size, placement and accessibility approach for your content.

Quick Rule

Use images and media to support the content, not replace it. If an image, video or document affects accessibility, branding, page speed, layout or user experience, submit a web request before adding it to the website.

Summaries of the web accessibility standards established by Section 508 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are provided below. Click the link in the WCAG outline to view detailed information about each standard.

WCAG 2.1 Guidelines

Section 508 Standards

1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications.

1. A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via “alt”, “longdesc”, or in element content).
2. Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.
3. Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.
4. Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.
5. Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.
6. Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape.
7. Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.
8. Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers.
9. Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation.
10. Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.
11. A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes.
12. When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology.
13. When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with .
14. When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.
15. A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.
16. When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

Updates

Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in July 2025, which introduced several changes to federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. These changes do not affect student borrowing for the current academic year (2025鈥�2026). Students who have already borrowed federal loans for their current academic program may be considered a 鈥渃ontinuing borrower鈥� and therefore legacy in if enrolled in the same academic program through June 30, 2026. The information below is intended to help you understand how these changes may apply to you.

A Note to You

At Georgia Southern, we remain committed to offering affordable undergraduate and graduate programs and supporting you throughout your academic journey. We understand that this change may impact your financial planning, and our goal is to help you explore all available options.

Undergraduate Students

*If the student or parent borrower has a Federal Direct Loan made before July 1, 2026, while the dependent student is enrolled in a program of study, the parent can continue to borrow under the old loan limits for 3 academic years or the remainder of their dependent student鈥檚 expected time to credential, whichever is less

Graduate/ Professional Students

*The bill currently defines professional students as those pursuing a degree in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Law (L.L.B. or J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.), Theology (M.Div., or M.H.L.), and Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D.).

**Current Graduate/Professional students can finish out their current program under the old loan limits, as well as have access to Graduate PLUS loans until the end of their academic program, or three academic years, whichever is first. Current borrowers are defined as those who have borrowed at least one Graduate PLUS or Direct Unsubsidized loan prior to July 1, 2026 and who will remain in the same academic program after July 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Private Loans

Excellence Unleashed: A Day of Growth, Innovation & Impact

The 2025 EMSS Workshop brought together faculty and staff from across Georgia Southern for a powerful day of insight, collaboration, and inspiration. With dynamic sessions on growth mindset, adaptive leadership, and everyday innovation, participants left energized and equipped to soar beyond in their roles. The event featured engaging speakers, meaningful breakout discussions, and a shared commitment to student success and institutional excellence.

Watch the Seminars

Catch up on all the insightful presentations and discussions at your convenience. View the seminar recordings below and explore the valuable content you may have missed.

Office of Admissions

Email:听admissions@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5391