Emphasizing GTMI’s innovation ecosystem, the program will also highlight GTMI startup success. Representatives from several Georgia Tech’s manufacturing services, such as the Enterprise Innovation Institute, will also be in attendance. Participants are encouraged to meet one-on-one with faculty and students to discuss current activities, GTMI successes and possible partnerships.

The day will include lab tours, networking opportunities and panel discussions on:

• Lightweight composites with Dr. Ben Wang and Dr. Chuck Zhang

• Economic development and manufacturing with Dr. Nancey Green Leigh

• Additive manufacturing with Dr. Suman Das

To round out the day, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute will host a cocktail reception in the Research Building atrium.

With more than 70 percent of U.S. exports coming from manufacturing and more than 66 percent of U.S. scientists and engineers working in the industry, it is crucial for the U.S. economy to nurture manufacturing by encouraging communication between industry, academia and government.  Georgia Tech has more than 125 years of providing such a bridge, and this year’s Manufacturing Industry Partners’ Symposium will build new roads for advancing manufacturing from research to production and beyond.

To register, click here.

“To make this happen, we had to show compliance with 480 standards set forth by CALEA,” said GTPD Chief Teresa Crocker. “It’s an honor to be recognized by such a  prestigious organization, but attaining this accreditation is one of several steps along our path to pursuing professional excellence.”

CALEA was created in 1979 as a national credentialing authority when several law enforcement agencies, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association, decided to join forces.

To earn the accreditation, which is valid for three years, GTPD had to demonstrate compliance with CALEA standards including those related to crime prevention and community development, criminal investigations, and critical incidents.

“One of the main reasons we participated in this process is it enabled us to develop a comprehensive set of written directives for GTPD,” Crocker said. “But it also helped us strengthen the department’s accountability.”

For more information, contact Crocker.

Current SAA members and Tech alumni will be stationed across campus to talk with potential new members about the programs and benefits of SAA membership — as well as give away a variety of goodies.

SAA’s three tenets are to provide a connection between students and alumni, promote pride through Tech spirit and traditions, and encourage philanthropy to Tech. It sponsors year-round programs such as Mentor Jackets, which pairs alumni with student mentees, and Dinner Jackets, where students can dine with faculty, staff and alumni. The organization recently earned national awards for its Mentor Jackets and Expert Jackets programs.  

Members pay a $10 annual donation to participate in programming and receive a free T-shirt, among many other benefits, upon joining. The donation is split between Roll Call, an annual Tech philanthropic fund, and the SAA Gift to Tech, an annual gift to campus that is voted on by students and this year will be matched by Tech alumnus and Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer. Last year the Gift to Tech awarded nearly $30,000 to Georgia Tech Bands.

For this year's kickoff, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, students can look for SAA stations Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fifth Street Bridge, Instructional Center lawn, Noonan Courtyard, Tech Green, and Callaway Plaza. The day will culminate that evening with an event for SAA members at GameX, a new gaming restaurant downtown. Transportation will be provided from the Student Center Transit Hub beginning at 5:45 p.m., with the event running from 6–8 p.m. Members will have access to unlimited gaming, networkingw ith alumni, a dessert bar and other activities.