Georgia State debuts virtual event planning system

Student organizations and departments now only need to jump through a few digital hoops to orchestrate events, which allows them to skip visiting the Student Center office to fill out event-planning paperwork.

Georgia State’s Student Center unveiled the Virtual Event Management System (EMS) on June 19, replacing a physical method of form delivery to expedite the event space reservation process, according to a Georgia State news release.

Jeannie Cho, the Student Center’s event planning manager, said she hopes EMS will “streamline the reservation process and that people will find it easy to use.”

EMS must be accessed through the Student Center’s event page before students can use the system. Cho said the Student Center intends to add an easy-to-spot link to its website in the near future.

Still accessing the new client is infinitely less monotonous than delivering event space application paperwork to their office as was previously required.

Advisor permission is needed before EMS can process and approve the accounts, which can now be acquired and approved via email. Before, the advisor had to sign a paper approval form, according to Cho.

However, Student Government Association’s Vice President of Student Services Fortune Onwuzuruike said the initial account setup phase is very quick.

Once inside the EMS site, prospective planners can assess event space availability at the newly named Student Center East and West, Veterans Memorial Hall, Library Plaza, Unity Plaza and Urban Life Plaza.

To organize affairs at Hurt Park, an off campus location or in promotional space, inquirers must call the Student Center offices and address the requisite paperwork.

Since the system is still young, the Student Center Event Management Office has offered to coach web-wandering students on the new software.

Curious club members can congregate at 133 Sparks Hall June 23 and 24 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively to learn the functions of Virtual EMS. Space is limited to 24 seats per seminar. Those interested should jump on OrgSync to register.

If attendants don’t get their fill of knowledge on the virtual client from the training sessions, Cho said the Student Center offices will be glad to offer assistance.

“As always, if clients have specific event questions, they can contact our office directly,” she said. “We look forward to working with everyone on their upcoming events.”

Onwuzuruike commended the new virtual system for its ease and convenience.

“The move to Virtual EMS is a great move for student organizations and departments,” he said. “It now allows groups to reserve spaces from the comfort of their office or home.”