VSU is the only college in the state of Georgia that offers a MLIS degree, which has become threatened by Georgia Senate Bill 390.   Georgia Senate Bill 390 was created for public libraries in the state of Georgia to disaffiliate from the American Library Association. If passed, it will go into effect on July 1, 2025.   The ALA is the ...

As the new semester begins, many students face escalating problems in their dormitories, with lack of hot water and elevators being past due for a mechanical check.  The residents living in the largest dorms on campus- Centennial, Hopper and Georgia- have started to file multiple complaints about the housing issues they have had to endure since the semester started. In ...

Vice President, Kamala Harris, announced a bus tour through southeast GA on Aug. 28, alongside Minnesota Gov, Tim Walz.   They have not announced the travel stops, but there is wide speculation that Harris will make way through Valdosta, GA. She will be meeting supporters, voters and small business owners throughout her tour.  Harris settled in Savannah on Wednesday at ...

Welcome back, Blazers! The 2024-25 school year has begun, and with a new year comes a new staff. Whether fresh or familiar faces, each new member has written out an introduction for readers to get to know us. Meet our staff for the new year!   Hi! My name is Jenna Arnold and I am the Editor-in-Chief for The Spectator! ...

Yik Yak users create sexual rumors on VSU campus  On April 3, 2024, at approximately 10:25 p.m., Officer Kent James with the Valdosta State University Police Department responded to the Hopper Hall front lobby in reference to harassment.   Upon arrival, he contacted the anonymous female student who stated that a group of unknown individuals spread damaging information concerning her through ...

Collision in Hopper Circle On Monday, March 25, at 9:49 a.m., Officer Kenny McDonald with the Valdosta Police Department responded to a private property collision in Hopper Circle, where later both drivers decided to handle the incident themselves. A white Ford Fusion driven by Akasha Williams hit an orange Honda Pilot owned by Leslie J. Slaughter. Officer McDonald reported no ...

The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) has announced a new youth program. Stand Against Youth Violence Education (S.A.Y.V.E) is aimed to inform 13-16-year-olds of the reality of common problems. According to the VPD press release, it will combat issues such as, “Bullying, gang activity, substance abuse, firearms safety, and the importance of mentorship.” The program will be a week long from ...

VSU’s Student Government Association (SGA) held a combined event with the campus police department and offered free coffee to students to build a stronger unity between students and the police. The event took place at Converse Square on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event was open to all passing students and had a consistent flow of ...

On Feb.23, The Spectator won seven awards applauding their hard work and performance during the Georgia College Press Association Awards.  Once again, The Spectator made their way down to Athens, Georgia, onto the University of Georgia’s campus to prepare for the big day.  Every year, multiple colleges in Georgia compete against one another for prestigious awards such as Best Review, ...

Georgia Sen. Larry Walker proposed a substitute to Senate Bill 390 to protect VSU’s Master of Library Science program.   Walker first presented Senate Bill 390 to completely disaffiliate from the American Library Association (ALA) to the Georgia Senate Committee on Feb. 7. He showed concerns of what this could mean for VSU, which is the only university in Georgia ...

VSU has earned a “red light” rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, the worst rating we have ever received. Here’s what it means for the university community.  The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, is a national organization dedicated to the preservation of free speech. They have helped college campuses in particular since their inception ...