Academic Information

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The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. While every effort will be made to insure accuracy of the material stated herein, Gainesville State College reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog, including but not limited to academic requirements for graduation, curricula, course offerings, and academic regulations without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes. Students should refer to our web site at www.gsc.edu for the most recent update of our catalog.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs has administrative responsibility for the overall instructional program. Educational policy, academic programs, and courses are developed by the faculty, presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval, and forwarded to the Board of Regents by the President for final approval.

Students are integrally involved in academic affairs as members of the College Curriculum Review Committee and other committees of the College.

Gainesville State College offers a limited number of baccalaureate degrees along with a wide array of two-year and certificate programs. Course requirements for each baccalaureate degree program and each area of concentration in both transfer and career programs are outlined in Section VII of this catalog.

B.S. in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis is a blend of both education and training designed to produce graduates with skills that meet the needs of employers in the Geospatial Technology field with little or no further training by employers. The AESA degree is made up of two components. The educational base for this degree is the Geospatial Technology component: courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing (RS) and Information Technology (IT). Students may choose the second component from three options, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or Information Technology.

1. Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements. 
2. Declare a major in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis (AESA).   Students who have accumulated 60 credit hours or more must complete all required 1000- and 2000- level science and mathematics courses prior to declaring the AESA major.
3. Successful completion of all courses required in the degree program (minimum 120 semester credits), including the lower division associate degree requirements. 
4. Successful completion of a minimum of 42 general education credits according to the distribution established by the college (Areas A-E) for its Associate of Science degree program. 
5. Successful completion of at least 39 credits of upper division coursework in the major (3000 and 4000 level courses with the GISC and ESCI or ENST prefix). 
6. Grades of C or higher required for all major courses (GISC & ESCI or ENST). 
7. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation. 
8. Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at GSC which must include all GISC courses.
9. Successful completion of the Georgia Legislative Constitution and History requirements. 
10. Successful completion of the Regents’ Reading and Writing Requirements.
11. For students with previous GIS course work, credit for GISC courses will be determined by placement testing. 
12. Meet all other college graduation policies.
13. Students entering the AESA Environmental Science Program in Fall 2011 or later will be required to successfully complete a senior thesis.  A completed senior thesis will require approval by the thesis advisor, a second reader, and the senior thesis coordinator before it is sent to the IESA Executive Director for final approval.  Upon final approval by the IESA Executive Director and completion of all other graduation requirements, a student becomeseligible for graduation with the B.S. AESA degree.

B.S. in Early Childhood Care and Education (Ages 0 - 5) (Teaching Certification)

Graduates of this major are certified to teach in Head Start, Early Start, Pre-K programs, Kindergarten, and private child care settings and are qualified to work as directors or center coordinators of child care programs, and social service public and private organizations. There is a critical need for well educated teachers working with children from birth to five based on well documented research. This research proves that children in high quality early childhood care and education settings are more likely to be emotionally secure, self-confident, more advanced intellectually, and better able to regulate aggression. Child care providers who receive education in early childhood development are more likely to provide the high quality care needed to reach these outcomes. Candidates who complete the GSC B.S. in Early Childhood Care and Education program are caring and reflective decision makers who are committed to maximizing all students’ development as contributing citizens in a diverse and democratic society. They balance professional dispositions and content knowledge with pedagogical skills as they collaboratively interact with students, families, and the community.

1. Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements. 
2. Declare a major in Early Childhood Care and Education. 
3. Successful completion of all courses required in the degree program (minimum 120 semester credits), including the lower division associate degree requirements. 
4. Successful completion of a minimum of 42 general education credits according to the distribution established by the college (Areas A-E) for its Associate of Science degree program. 
5. Successful completion of at least 39 credits of upper division coursework in the major (3000 and 4000 level courses with the ECDV prefix). 
6. Grades of C or higher required for all major courses. 
7. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation. 
8. Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of major courses in residency at GSC.
9. Successfully pass GACE Content for ECCE.
10. Maintain a professional disposition and adhere to the PSC Code of Ethics.
11. Successful completion of the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements.
12. Successful completion of the Georgia Legislative Constitution and History requirements. 
13. Meet all other college graduation policies.
14. Agree to request a criminal background check.
15. Agree to random drug tests, if requested.

B.S. in Early Childhood Education (P-5) (Teaching Certification)

To be eligible to receive the initial four-year teaching certificate in Georgia, a student must complete a bachelor’s program designed to meet the needs of teachers in a specific teaching field and be recommended by the institution whose program has been completed. The Early Childhood Education Program develops expertise for teaching students from pre-school through the fifth grade. It prepares the teacher candidates to be caring and reflective decision makers who are committed to maximizing all students’ development as contributing citizens in a diverse and democratic society. They balance professional dispositions and content knowledge with pedagogical skills as they collaboratively interact with students, families, and the community. They are also effective teachers: subject-matter expertise coupled with an understanding of how students learn and develop; skill in using a range of teaching strategies and technologies; sensitivity and effectiveness in working with students from diverse backgrounds; the ability to work well with parents and other teachers; and assessment expertise capable of discerning how well children are doing, what they are learning, and what needs to be done next to move them along. The Program is designed to create instructional leaders who orchestrate learning experiences in response to curriculum goals and student needs, and who challenge students to high levels of independent performance. Students graduating with the B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education have also earned the Reading and ESOL endorsements.

1. Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements. 
2. Declare a major in Early Childhood Education. 
3. Completion of Core Curriculum Areas A, B, C, D, E* (42 hours).
   *PSYC 1101 is recommended in Area E because it is a prerequisite of EDUC 2130.
4. Complete all courses in Area A of the core curriculum with a grade of “C” or better. 
5. Complete EDUC 2110, 2120, and 2130, ISCI 2001, ISCI 2002, and MATH 2008 with a grade of “C” or better. 
6. Complete associates degree (or equivalent) with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
7. Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of major courses in residency at GSC.
8. Successfully complete the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements. 
9. Successful completion of the Georgia Legislative Constitution and History requirements.
10. Post a passing score on the GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) Basic Skills Test (or proof of exemption) for admission and the GACE ECE Content Test (for certification). 
11. Agree to request a criminal background check.
12. Maintain a professional disposition and adhere to the PSC Code of Ethics.
13. Meet all other graduation policies.
14. Agree to random drug tests, if requested.

B.F.A. Design and Technology for Theatre

The Design and Technology for Theatre degree program consists of a one hundred twenty (120) semester hour sequence designed to meet the educational employment requirements of workers in theatrical design and the entertainment technology industry.  As a natural extension of the entertainment Technology Certificate program developed and inaugurated in 2006 and GSC’s well established Associate of Arts degree in theatre, the Design and Technology BFA degree program focuses on application as well as theory with a firm scholarly foundation an intensive hands-on approach to learning.

1. Successful completion of courses required in degree program (minimum 120 semester credits, plus Physical Education requirements).
2. Successful completion of minimum 42 general education credits according to distribution established by GSC (Areas A-E) for Associate degree program. 
3. Successful completion of at least 39 credits of upper division coursework in the major with grade of “C” or higher; 45 semester hours must be in residency at GSC.
4. Successful completion of the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements.
5. Successful completion of the Georgia Legislative Constitution and History requirements.
6. Meet all other GSC graduation policies.
7. Successful completion of portfolio review.  A signed letter of recommendation from the reviewing jury must accompany the plan of study.
8. Successful completion of THEA 4900, Senior Thesis Project.
9. In addition to the above requirements, students will be required to serve in a production leadership capacity for a minimum of two shows per year.  This leadership capacity may take the form of designer, stage manager, crew leader, master carpenter or electrician or other capacity.  Production assignments will be made by the faculty with input from the student.

B.A.S. in Technology Management

The Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Technology Management degree program prepares graduates to move into supervisory positions in businesses and industry, retail environments, law offices, and travel or tourism related businesses. Courses in management, marketing, and accounting help students blend their specific expertise with new technology skills. The curriculum combines experiential learning opportunities in the A.A.S. degree with vital topics such as using technology to enhance management, marketing, personnel relations, professionalism, and quality control.

1. Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements. 
2. Declare a major in Technology Management. 
3. Hold an appropriate career associate degree (e.g., A.A.S. or A.A.T.) from an institution regionally accredited to grant associate degrees. Students who hold associate degrees (usually A.A. or A. S.) that are designed to constitute the first two years of a B.A., B.S., B.B.A. or other traditional baccalaureate degrees will not be eligible for admission to the B.A.S. program. A student who wishes to pursue the B.A.S., but who has not yet completed a career associate degree, must finish the career associate degree at Gainesville State College or another regionally accredited institution before applying for entry to the B.A.S. major. 
4. Successful completion of all courses required in the degree program (minimum 120 semester credits), including the lower division associate degree requirements. 
5. Successful completion of a minimum of 42 general education credits according to the distribution established by the college (Areas A-E) for its Associate of Arts/Science degree program. 
6. Successful completion of at least 39 credits of upper division coursework in the major (3000 and 4000 level courses with the ACCT, CISM, MGNT, BUSA, MKTG, FINC prefix). 
7. Grades of C or higher required for all major courses. 
8. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation. 
9. Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of major courses in residency at GSC. 
10. Successful completion of the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements.
11. Successful completion of the Georgia Legislative Constitution and History requirements.
12. Meet all other college graduation policies.

TRANSFER PROGRAMS

The transfer programs are organized around a basic curriculum consisting of: Essential Skills (English and Mathematics); Institutional Options (Human Communications and electives); Humanities and Fine Arts; Science, Mathematics, and Technology; Social Sciences; and additional courses in the students’ chosen area of concentration. Depending on the program of study, the appropriate degree in either arts or sciences is awarded.

The Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degree programs are traditional two-year college programs for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university upon graduation.

Gainesville State College

1. Complete one of the programs of study offered by the College; 
2. Enroll in and pass a minimum of two Physical Education courses, one of which must be Health/Wellness (PHED 1020); 
3. Enroll in and pass Introduction to Human Communications (COMM 1100); 
4. Earn a minimum of 20 semester hours at Gainesville State College; 
5. Achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; 
6. Earn grades of C or higher in ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101H and ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102H;

University System of Georgia

7. Achieve good academic standing; 
8. Successfully complete the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements;

State of Georgia

9. Completion of one course in Survey of U.S. History (HIST 2111, 2111H or 2112, 2112H) or Survey of World Civilization II (HIST 1112 or HIST 1112H) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates U.S. and Georgia History will satisfy both the U.S. and Georgia history legislative requirements; and
10. Completion of American Government (POLS 1101, 1101H) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates the essentials of the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions will satisfy the U.S. and Georgia Constitution legislative requirements.
11. Completion of Introduction to State and Local Government (POLS 2201) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates the essentials of the Georgia Constitution will satisfy the Georgia Constitution legislative requirement.

NOTE: Enrolled students who have been awarded CLEP credit or are transferring any of the above designated courses that do not meet the Georgia history and/or the Georgia Constitution component of the legislative requirements must request to take the appropriate on-line examination by contacting the School of Social Sciences.  On-line examinations are only offered during the first nine weeks of fall and spring semesters and during summer semester.

Career Programs

Career programs are designed to provide students with job-market skills. While the curricula also contain the courses necessary for a more broadly based Liberal Arts Education, these programs are primarily for the student who does not plan to transfer to a senior college or university to pursue the baccalaureate degree. These programs do qualify for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science program offered by Gainesville State College.

Gainesville State College offers the Associate of Applied Science degree in certain approved cooperative programs with area technical colleges.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded in all career programs. Students may select an area of concentration from one of the two types of career-related programs leading to the Applied Science degree:

1. COLLEGE PROGRAMS
   Career programs offered by Gainesville State College 
2. TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
   Career programs offered cooperatively by Gainesville State College and area Technical Colleges

Gainesville State College

1. Complete one of the programs offered by the College or through the College in cooperation with the Technical College; 
2. Enroll in and pass a minimum of two Physical Education courses, one of which must be Health/Wellness (PHED 1020); 
3. Enroll in and pass Introduction to Human Communications (COMM 1100); 
4. Earn a minimum of 20 semester hours at Gainesville State College; In addition to the specific courses listed above and below, this must include a science with lab and either a Humanities or Fine Arts course selected from Area C of the Core Curriculum or one of the following Social Science courses from Area E:  ANTH 1102, PSYC 1101, or SOCI 1101.
5. Achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; 
6. Earn a grade of C or higher in ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101H.
7. Enroll in and pass MATH 1001 or MATH 1111 or MATH 1113 or BUSA 1120;

University System of Georgia

8. Achieve good academic standing; 
9. Students who earn a Career Associate Cooperative degree are exempt from the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements.  However, a student transferring to another University System of Georgia institution should check the Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements at that institution if the student has not completed ENGL 1102 with a grade of C or higher at GSC prior to transferring;

State of Georgia

10. Completion of one course in Survey of U.S. History (HIST 2111, 2111H or 2112, 2112H) or Survey of World Civilization II (HIST 1112 or HIST 1112H) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates U.S. and Georgia History will satisfy both the U.S. and Georgia history legislative requirements; and
11. Completion of American Government (POLS 1101, 1101H) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates the essentials of the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions will satisfy the U.S. and Georgia Constitution legislative requirements.
12. Completion of Introduction to State and Local Government (POLS 2201) with a grade of “D” or higher, which incorporates the essentials of the Georgia Constitution will satisfy the Georgia Constitution legislative requirement.

NOTE: Enrolled students who are transferring any of the above designated courses that do not meet the Georgia history and/or the Georgia Constitution component of the legislative requirements must request to take the appropriate on-line examination by contacting the School of Social Sciences.  On-line examinations are only offered during the first nine weeks of fall and spring semesters and during summer semester.

Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs are designed to meet either the needs of an employment area or the requirements of an academic area of interest. Certificate Programs teach the skills necessary for immediate employment, while the academic area programs are add-on concentrations for students who have completed a degree or are enrolled in a degree program. Specific course requirements for Certificate Programs can be found in Chapter VII entitled Academic Programs. If interested in a particular program, students should contact the appropriate school; School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Fine Arts, School of Business, Education, Health, and Wellness, or the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Requirements for Certificate Programs

Students must complete certificate-specific requirements and achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in certificate coursework. Students must meet the GSC course residency requirement as specified for each Certificate Program.

STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT CHANGES IN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ARE MADE PERIODICALLY. CLOSE COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR ACADEMIC ADVISORS AND THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE WILL INSURE CURRENT INFORMATION.

The Gainesville State College Honors Program offers an opportunity for talented and motivated students to take enriched versions of academic courses. Classes are small (12-18 students) and seminar-oriented with an emphasis on discussion, critical thinking, and independent study. The central aims of the program are to better engage the abilities of gifted students, prepare them for more challenging upper-level courses at the university level, and provide more individualized mentoring by faculty. The program offers other advantages such as additional scholarship opportunities.

In general, the minimum requirement for entry into the program is a 3.2 college GPA.  For entering first-semester freshmen, the high school GPA must be at least a 3.5.  If the student has taken the ACT, we look for a score of at least 24.  If the student has taken the SAT, we look for a combined 1100+ SAT (Verbal and Math).  Exceptions may apply.  Qualified students may apply online at the GSC Web site:  GSC>Academics>Honors Program>Apply Now.  The Director will review and respond to applications submitted any time during the academic year.

Honors courses are designated on the schedule and on the student’s transcripts by an “H” suffix at the end of the course number (e.g., POLS 1101H).  The current course list is available at:  GSC>Academics>Honors Program>Schedule.

Students who complete four honors courses will be recognized as “Honors Scholar” on their transcripts and at the commencement ceremonies.  To complete the program, students must maintain an overall 3.2+ GPA and take at least four honors courses before graduation.  Qualified students may also take individual courses without completing the program if they wish.

NOTE:  Participation in the program does not add or change any requirements for graduation.  For inquiries, please see the Director of the Honors Program.

eLearning is a course management software that enables instructors to create and manage web-based learning activities and course materials for fully online classes or to supplement face-to-face classes.  The easy-to-use eLearning course tools include discussion boards, grade book, assessment and assignment tools, interactive calendar, chat rooms, whiteboard, e-mail, group management, student presentation areas, and tools for incorporating linking content.

Students use the same username and password for eLearning as used for Banner Web and GSC email.  eLearning assistance is available by visiting the GSC eLearning site and selecting the “24/7 Online Support Center” link.  The Online Support Center is the first tier of support concerning eLearning for students and course instructors.  Additional resources can be viewed on the eLearning page by selecting the Student Resources or Faculty Resources links.

For more information, visit the eLearning website:

http://www.gsc.edu/academics/eLearning/Pages/default.aspx

The mission and purpose of the IGI is to support and promote globalization of the campus, the curriculum and the various communities we serve. By sponsoring collaborations, research, exchanges, and conferences, the Institute promotes a global purpose and deeper cultural understanding. Information about study abroad opportunities for students can be found in the Institute and on its website.

Policies and Procedures

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the activation and administration of the policies and procedures developed by the Academic Affairs Committee, the faculty, and the administration in accordance with Board of Regents Policy. While the student may never come into contact with all of the policies and procedures, it is advisable to be aware of them. Students should contact the Registrar’s Office (located in the Student Center on the Gainesville Campus) if they have questions concerning registration, program and transcript evaluation, the recording of grades, graduation, and/or academic procedures.

Notification of Student Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the records(s) they wish to inspect. The College officials will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her rights to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. 
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Gainesville State College will disclose information from a student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, except:

• to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as the National Student Clearinghouse, an attorney, auditor, state and local educational authorities, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
• in connection with a student’s application for, and receipt of, financial aid. 
• to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
• to officials of other higher education institutions in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or has enrolled.
• to parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, Section 15. 
• if the information to be disclosed is designated by the College as Directory Information: student’s name, address, telephone number, email address, major, participation in activities, enrollment status (full- or part-time), degrees, and awards received, unless the student has submitted a written request to the Registrar’s Office not to release his or her directory information. 
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Gainesville State College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Academic Year

The academic year is divided into two semesters (Fall and Spring) of approximately fifteen weeks and a shorter Summer Semester. Summer Semester includes a three week May session and the traditional summer sessions. Students may enter Gainesville State College at the beginning of any semester.

Students first entering Gainesville State College prior to Spring Quarter, 1998, and applying for readmission after Summer Semester, 2007, will no longer be eligible to graduate under quarter system requirements and must meet semester degree requirements.

Unit of Credit

The Unit of Credit is the semester hour. A semester hour represents one-hundred fifty minutes of class time per week. Thus, a class having three fifty-minute lecture periods a week will generally award three semester hours of credit. Similarly, a seventy-five minute lecture period meeting two times a week will also award three semester hours of credit. Generally, two laboratory or activity contact hours per week are the equivalent of one lecture hour.

Course Numbering

Freshman and sophomore level courses are numbered 1000-2999 respectively. Junior and Senior level courses are numbered 3000-4999 respectively. Courses are identified by a four-letter prefix and a four-digit number. Select science courses are designated on the schedule and on the students’ transcripts by a “K” suffix at the end of the course number, a designation that the lab is embedded with the lecture; e.g., ESCI 3001K. This means that while there is a lecture and a lab there is only one grade for the lecture and lab. Learning Support courses (ENGL 0099, MATH 0097, MATH 0099, READ 0099), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESLR 0083, 0084, 0085 and ESLW 0073, 0074, 0075) courses, and Regents’ Skills courses (RGTE 0199, RGTP 0199, RGTR 0198) carry institutional credit only. These courses do not grant credit toward any degree and are not transferable to another college or university and do not affect the GPA.

Classification of Students

A student will be classified as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior according to the number of semester credit hours earned. Students are classified as freshmen if they have less than 30 semester hour of academic credit. A student must have earned 30 semester hours of credit to be classified as a sophomore, 60 hours for classification as junior, and 90 hours for senior classification, exclusive of institutional credit.

Simultaneous Enrollment in Other Institutions

With the permission of the Registrar, a student in good academic standing may be enrolled in classes at another institution (transient status) while enrolled in a degree, career, or certificate program at Gainesville State College. Students requesting to take an upper-level course (3000-4999) in transient status must also obtain permission of the Dean responsible for the students’ degree program. Students should contact the Registrar’s Office for details. An official transcript must be sent by the transient student to the Gainesville State College Registrar’s Office in order for work completed on another campus to be considered for transfer credit. Students with Learning Support requirements at GSC are not allowed transient permission to enroll in any courses at other institutions.

Credit by Examination

Credit may be awarded for certain Business Education, Business Administration, and Economics courses by passing specific sections of the Certified Professional Secretary Examination, the Professional Legal Secretary Examination, and the Certified Legal Assistant Examination. Interested students should contact the School of Business, Education, Health, and Wellness for additional information.  Students may also exempt specific courses by departmental testing and/or placement examinations.

CLEP, FLATS, DSST, AP, or IB Credit

A student may earn up to 30 semester hours of credit through CLEP, FLATS, DSST, and/or AP.  A student may earn up to 24 semester hours of credit through IB.  A maximum of 30 semester hours of any combination of CLEP, DSST, AP, and IB credit may be recorded on a student’s academic record.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, students are eligible to take standardized examinations in a number of areas to earn credit for specific courses, provided a minimum score is attained on the tests.  Credit earned will be recorded on the student’s academic record.  For specific information concerning subject areas in which tests are available, the cost and minimum score required for credit, and dates tests will be given, visit the Testing Center’s website.  Students cannot CLEP a course when they are currently enrolled in the course.

Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS)

Students may earn academic credit in select foreign languages through the Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) offered by Brigham Young University (BYU).  FLATS credit may not be earned for languages that are currently offered through the GSC Department of English and Foreign Languages.  However, the list of FLATS testing options is extensive.  Students must contact the GSC Testing Office by telephone or e-mail before registering for a FLATS test via the BYU website.  The GSC Testing Office will provide the FLATS Registration Guide outlining how to proceed with the testing process.

Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Recommended by the American Council on Education, students are eligible to take standardized examinations in various areas to earn credit for specific courses, provided a minimum score is attained on the tests.  Credit earned will be recorded on the student’s academic record.  For specific information concerning subject areas in which tests are available, the cost and minimum score required for credit, and dates tests will be given, visit the Testing Center’s website.  Students cannot earn DSST credit for a course when they are currently enrolled in the course.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

AP credit for certain classes may be awarded in which an equivalent is offered and for which the required score is achieved.  AP tests are administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.  For details on the scores required and course equivalencies, visit the Testing Center’s website.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB is a two-year college diploma program.  Students who complete IB tests in high school may submit official score reports for evaluation for Gainesville State College academic credit.  IB credit may be awarded for certain classes in which an equivalent is offered and for which the required grade is achieved.  A maximum of 24 semester hours of credit may be awarded for IB classes.  For details on the scores required and course equivalencies, visit the Testing Center’s website.

Transfer Credit Appeals Process

The Core Curriculum of the University System of Georgia was established to facilitate the transferability of credits among all colleges of the University System. Students who experience transfer-of-credit problems should:

1. Contact the Director of Admissions or Registrar of the institution to which they have transferred (Receiving Institution) to determine the nature of the problem. If the problem is not resolved, 
2. Contact the Chief Transfer Officer (www.usg.edu/academic_planning/committees/core_transfer/ )of the institution from which they have transferred (Sending Institution) to determine the nature of the problem. If the Chief Transfer Officer of the Sending Institution believes a problem of transfer of Core Curriculum credit does exist, he/she will contact the Chief Transfer Officer of the Receiving Institution in an attempt to resolve the problem. If the problem is not resolved, 
3. The Chief Transfer Officer of the Sending Institution will notify the President of the Sending Institution, or a designee, that a problem exists. The President will attempt to resolve the problem with the Receiving Institution. If the problem is not resolved, 
4. The President of the Sending Institution will notify the Chancellor of the nature of the problem. If appropriate, the Chancellor may refer the matter to the appropriate Regents’ Administrative Committee. Decisions regarding the fulfillment of transferability requirements remain the sole prerogative of the University System of Georgia.

Registration

To be officially enrolled in the College, students must be academically eligible, complete the registration process, and possess a receipt issued by the Office of Business and Finance for payment of current tuition and fees. Students are expected to complete registration and payment of tuition and fees by the advertised deadlines to avoid cancellation of their classes.

Registration at Gainesville State College occurs in three phases - Pre-Registration (Phase I), Registration and Schedule Adjustment (Phase II), and Late Registration and Schedule Adjustment (Phase III).

Phase I Pre-Registration for the upcoming term occurs after the midpoint of the term in which students are currently enrolled. Students must pay all tuition and fees by the specified deadline in order to retain the pre-registration schedule. Currently enrolled students and newly accepted students are eligible for Phase I. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in Phase I in order to increase the likelihood of obtaining their preferred schedule.

Phase II Registration and Schedule Adjustment usually occur the day before the first day of classes for each term. At this time students with a pre-registration schedule may also adjust their schedules. All tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration for Phase II.

Phase III Late Registration and Schedule Adjustment begin the first day of each term and continue for two to five days (depending on the dates of the term). During Phase III students who have not previously registered may do so. However, there is a late registration charge of $50. Students may make schedule adjustments (drop or add classes) to their schedules during this phase. All tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration. Students should consult www.gsc.edu each semester for specific dates, times, locations, and details of each phase of registration.

The College reserves the right to cancel any course because of inadequate enrollment. Registration in any course may be closed when the maximum number of seats for efficient work has been reached.

Change of Schedule

During the dates specified in the semester schedule of classes, the student may make changes in his/her schedule. To do so, the student may access the registration system with his/her GSC password and make changes. If not eligible to self-register and make schedule changes, the student must consult his/her Academic Advisor to make schedule adjustments. Students are reminded that they assume responsibility for course selection when making schedule changes and adjustments. Questions regarding the appropriateness of courses being considered should be addressed with his/her Academic Advisor.

A student may withdraw from a course during the semester. Withdrawal from courses after the last day of classes is not permitted. The deadline for withdrawing from a course without academic penalty is midpoint of the term. If the student withdraws from a course before the published midpoint, the grade of “W” will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript, but the semester hours will not enter into the grade point average. If the student withdraws from a course after the deadline, a grade of “WF” will be recorded on the student’s transcript. A WF is treated as an F in the evaluation of suspension conditions and in computing the student’s grade point average.

Failure to follow the official procedures for course changes may also result in a failing grade for the course. Students should also note that there is no refund for course drops occurring after Phase III registration ends.

Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing from them will have the grade of “F” recorded.

Student Course Load

Students taking twelve hours of academic work per semester (normally three to four courses, depending on the credit hours of the courses taken) are considered to be taking a full load. Students who wish to schedule more than eighteen academic hours in any one semester must have the written approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs or Executive Dean on the Oconee Campus prior to registration.

Gainesville State College addresses the need for flexibility in scheduling in a number of ways including extensive course offerings in the evening hours. In the interest of realistic academic advisement it should be noted that it is usually inadvisable to expect to be able to complete a full two-year program at the College (sixty academic hours and the physical education requirements) within four semesters all within the confines of the evening program.

Additionally it is inadvisable to attempt to maintain a full employment schedule and expect to complete the necessary requirements within the span of four semesters. Twelve (12) semester hours of credit are considered a full load for financial aid, insurance, and other purposes.

Arranged Classes

Arranged classes and/or independent study courses require the joint approval of the Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For further information contact the Dean of the appropriate School.

Auditing a Course

The student admitted as a regular student who desires to audit a course while taking one or more additional courses for credit must declare his intention to do so before the class to be audited begins. One must fill out the Audit Form, which may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office at the Gainesville State College Campus and in the Administration Building at the Oconee Campus. The fees are the same for courses audited as for those taken for credit. The student should understand that all course requirements are to be met with the exception of taking the final examination. No credit is earned, no grade is given at the end of the semester in which a course is audited, AND no credit will be given at any later time. If at some future date the student wishes to receive credit for the course(s) audited, he/she must re-enroll in the course(s) as a regular credit student. It is the stated policy of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia that a student may not change his status from audit to credit or vice versa after coursework has begun.

A student placed in a Learning Support and/or ESL course(s) or having a CPC deficiency may not audit that course(s). Students who voluntarily enroll in Learning Support courses are limited to two attempts each in ENGL 0099 and READ 0099 and three attempts in total in any combination of MATH 0097 and MATH 0099. They are not subject to any exit requirements, and they are not eligible to receive federal financial aid for such courses. In addition, a student who places in MATH 0099 may not audit MATH 0097. If the student chooses to volunteer to take MATH 0097, it will count as one of the three semesters allowed in Learning Support Math.

Online and Hybrid Classes

An online course is one in which all instruction is delivered online and the class does not meet as a group, with the possible exception of an orientation meeting and/or the course exams. The online format delivers the course materials and allows communication and interaction between faculty and students via e-mail, course management software, and other modes of electronic communication.  Registration in online courses is required before the first day of class.

In a hybrid class students meet with the instructor in a classroom setting for a reduced amount of time and complete all other course work in an online classroom environment. Students must participate both in the live classroom portion and in the online classroom environment.

Online and hybrid courses are open to students who are in good academic standing.  Students who plan to take an online or hybrid course should be comfortable with computers and have Internet access at home.  Students with Learning Support requirements should determine if they are eligible to take specific online or hybrid courses by reading the See Note attached to the course schedule online.

President’s List

To earn a place on the President’s List, a student must attain a 4.0 grade point average with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours of academic work in one semester.

Dean’s List

To earn a place on the Dean’s List, a student must attain a 3.5 or higher grade point average with a minimum of fifteen (15) semester credit hours of academic work in one semester.

Merit List

To earn a place on the Merit List, a student must attain a 3.5 or higher grade point average with a minimum of nine (9) and less than fifteen (15) semester credit hours of academic work in one semester.

Grading System

It is the responsibility of the Registrar to compute students’ grades and maintain student files. At the end of each semester, a grade report showing courses taken, hours carried/attempted, grades earned, hours earned, and quality points awarded is made available online to each student. If the student earns a place on the President’s List, Dean’s List or Merit List, or has been placed on Academic Probation or Suspension, an appropriate notation appears on the grade report. The student should be aware of all the grades entered in his/her records and agree with their validity. If the student becomes aware of a mistake, he/she should report it immediately to the Registrar.

Letter Grade		Numeric Range
A		90	-	100
B		80	-	89
C		70	-	79
D		60	-	69
F		00	-	59

Letter Grade				Quality Points Per Semester Hour
A				4.0
B				3.0
C				2.0
D				1.0
F				0.0
I		(Incomplete)		0.0
IP		(In Progress)		0.0
S		(Satisfactory)		0.0
U		(Unsatisfactory Progress)		0.0
W		(Withdrew)		0.0
WF		(Withdrew Failing)		0.0
V		(Audit)		0.0
K		(Credit by Examination)		0.0
NR		(Professor failed to report grade)		0.0
P		(Passing - institutional credit only)		0.0

“I” – A grade of Incomplete is assigned when a student has not, for excusable reasons, completed the requirements of a course. This grade may be assigned only with the consent of the Dean or Instructional Coordinator on the Oconee Campus. An Incomplete grade must be made up within the next semester, excluding Summer, or the symbol “I” will be changed to the grade “F”.

“IP” – A grade of In Progress is assigned when a student enrolled in a Learning Support course, in spite of conscientious work and definite progress during the semester, fails to reach the competency required to complete the course. The student enrolls in the course again the next semester, and receives a grade and credit for the course when competency is attained.

“V” – This symbol indicates that the student audited the course. No credit is earned and the student may not change from Audit to credit status or vice versa.

“K” – This symbol indicates that the student was given credit for the course via a credit by examination program (CLEP, AP, etc.) or through institutional/departmental proficiency examination.

“U” – A grade of “U” is assigned under conditions listed below:

For Learning Support Reading, English and Math Courses

1. A student has been enrolled in Learning Support READ 0099 and/or Learning Support ENGL 0099 and/or MATH 0097 and has not exited within the two semester limit. 
2. A student has been enrolled in Learning Support MATH 0097 and MATH 0099 for three semesters and has not exited within the three semester limit. 
3. A student failed to make adequate progress toward exiting in any semester.

For ESL Courses

1. A student failed to exit the ESL level within the three semester limit 
2. A student failed to make adequate progress toward exiting in any semester.

“W”, “WF”, AND “NR” – A student who officially withdraws from a course before the course mid-point (the penalty date) will be assigned a “W” (withdrew) grade. A student who withdraws from a course after the mid-point will be assigned a “WF” (withdrew failing) grade. The “W” grade is not considered in computing grade point averages. The “WF” grade is computed as an “F” grade. “NR” is a symbol on the grade report to indicate that no grade was submitted by the professor at the time the grade reports were processed.

Grade Point Average Calculation

The Grade Point Average is computed only on work attempted at Gainesville State College. The formula for computing the GPA for a student is as follows:

		(Total Quality Points)
GPA	=
		(Total Hours Attempted)

Example: A student took a 3 hour mathematics course and made an ‘A’, a 3 hour science course and made a ‘C’, a 4 hour Spanish course and made a ‘B’, a 3 hour history course and made a “B’, and a 1 hour physical education course making an ‘A’. The GPA for that semester would be calculated in the following manner:

Quality Points =		3 Hours x 4 Quality Points +
		3 Hours x 2 Quality Points +
		4 Hours x 3 Quality Points +
		3 Hours x 3 Quality Points +
		1 Hours x 4 Quality Points		= 43 Quality Points

Total Hours Attempted = 14

		43
GPA	=		=	3.07
		14

The grades of I, IP, K, S, U, V, W, and NR are not used in computing the Grade Point Average (GPA).

Grade Appeal

Students wishing to appeal an assigned grade should contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

Academic Standing

Good Standing
Degree-seeking students are in good standing (making progress toward the required 2.0 grade point average requirement for graduation) if their cumulative Gainesville State College grade point average is a 2.0 or higher.

Probation
Students will be placed on academic probation when they have not earned at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Students who are placed on academic probation are required to seek academic advisement before enrolling in courses.

Continued Probation
Students who earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average during any semester in which they are not in good academic standing will continue on academic probation until the cumulative grade point average is raised to a minimum of 2.0. Students must seek academic advisement before enrolling in courses as long as their cumulative grade point average is less than a 2.0.

First Academic Suspension
Students who are on academic probation will be suspended for one semester if they fail to earn a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 for their current semester of enrollment. Their suspended semester will be the first Fall, Spring or Summer Semester following the suspension. Students who are placed on academic suspension are not eligible to register for a future term during their semester of suspension but will be eligible to register once their suspended semester has ended. Students who are returning to GSC following a period of academic suspension are not permitted to enroll in courses that are scheduled for May session.  Students must seek academic advisement in the Advising Center before enrolling in courses as long as their cumulative grade point average is less than a 2.0.

Students placed on academic suspension may request readmission through an appeal to the Admissions Committee, which on hearing the student’s appeal, recommends action to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Appeals should be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and will be considered by the Admissions Committee at the start of each semester.   If the appeal is approved and the student successfully meets the conditions set forth for readmission by the Admissions Committee, the student will be permitted to register for a future term during the student’s semester of suspension appeal.  If the appeal is denied, the student may not appeal again and must sit out the terms of the suspension.

Subsequent Academic Suspension(s)
Students who re-enroll following a first or subsequent academic suspension must earn a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 for every semester of their enrollment until their cumulative grade point average is raised to a minimum of 2.0 to avoid subsequent suspensions. Students who earn less than a 2.0 semester grade point average will be suspended for one academic year including a Fall, a Spring and a Summer Semester. Students who are placed on suspension for one academic year must re-apply for admission to the College and will not be eligible to register for a future term until the year of suspension has ended. Students who are returning to GSC following a period of academic suspension are not permitted to enroll in courses that are scheduled for May session.  Students must seek academic advisement in the Advising Center before enrolling in courses as long as their cumulative grade point average is less than a 2.0.

Students placed on one-year academic suspension may request readmission through an appeal to the Admissions Committee, which on hearing the student’s appeal, recommends action to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Appeals should be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and will be considered by the Admissions Committee at the start of each semester.   If the appeal is approved and the student successfully meets the conditions set forth for readmission by the Admissions Committee, the student will be permitted to register for a future term during the student’s semester of suspension appeal.  If the appeal is denied, the student may not appeal again and must sit out the terms of the suspension.

Students enrolled in Learning Support OR ESL courses should note policies regarding requirements for continued enrollment as stated below:

Learning Support Suspension

Enrollment in Learning Support courses is not reflected in the Semester Hours Earned in student’s Academic Information, nor are grades earned in such courses reflected in students’ Grade Point Averages.  However, performance in Learning Support courses is a factor in determining the students’ academic standing.  Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress in any Learning Support course may be suspended at the end of their first or any subsequent semester of enrollment.  Attempts in Learning Support courses are counted toward number of hours attempted for the HOPE Scholarship.  In addition, to be eligible for financial aid, students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree.  Students who attempt more than 30 semester hours of Learning Support classes are viewed as not making SAP.  Students who fail to exit Learning Support ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 and/or MATH 0097 after two semesters will be suspended for one year (three consecutive semesters).  Students who fail to exit MATH 0099 after three semesters in Learning Support Math, regardless of whether they began in MATH 0097 or MATH 0099, will be suspended for one year (three consecutive semesters).  Students who fail to exit ESLR or ESLW after three attempts at any level will be suspended for one year (three consecutive semesters).  The suspension will be enforced regardless of students’ performance in other courses.  There is no appeal for additional attempts in Learning Support courses.  Students on ESL suspension may appeal for up to two additional attempts.

ESL Appeal

Students who are suspended from ESLW 0073, 0074, or 0075, or ESLR 0083, 0084, or 0085 may appeal for up to two additional semesters.  There is no appeal for ESLV 0051, ESLV 0052, or ESLC 0061.  Students must submit a written request for an appeal to the Coordinator of Academic Support by the deadline provided via GSC email to students in their final ESL semester.  Prior to meeting with the student, the Appeal Panel, including the ESL Coordinator, the appropriate Dean, the appropriate ESL faculty, the Coordinator of Academic Support, and/or the Director of Learning Support, evaluates information provided by the student and the instructor who posted the suspension.  A successful appeal allows the student to return as soon as the following semester.

Academic Renewal

The Academic Renewal Policy allows University System of Georgia (USG) degree-seeking students who have experienced academic difficulty at a USG institution to have one opportunity to make a fresh start at that same institution after an absence of five calendar years.  Academic Renewal signals the initiation of a new grade point average (Renewal GPA) to be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation.  The Academic Renewal Policy became effective at GSC on June 1, 2009.  The calculation of an Academic Renewal GPA begins when the student resumes enrollment following approval for Academic Renewal and includes all coursework taken since the student’s re-acceptance.  A statement of Academic Renewal status along with the Academic Renewal GPA will be displayed on the student’s academic record including the official academic transcript.  All previously attempted coursework and any previous academic suspensions and/or dismissals remain on the student’s permanent record including the official academic transcript.

Students who are eligible for Academic Renewal

• are re-accepted at GSC for the Summer 2009 semester or later and were not enrolled at GSC for a period of at least five consecutive calendar years prior to their re-acceptance.
• petition for Academic Renewal within the first calendar year following their re-acceptance/re-enrollment at GSC.
• did not enroll at another USG institution during a period of academic suspension/dismissal from any USG institution.
• have never been granted Academic Renewal at GSC, or if have unsuccessfully petitioned for Academic Renewal before, have waited at least one calendar year before petitioning again.

Transfer coursework completed during a student’s absence from GSC will not be accepted for transfer students who are granted approval for Academic Renewal.

For students who are granted approval for Academic Renewal, academic credit for previously completed coursework will be retained only for courses in which an A, B, C, or K grade has been earned, including any applicable transfer coursework.  Retained grades are not calculated in the Renewal GPA but will be calculated in the cumulative, overall GPA.  Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements currently in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is granted to the students.  Specific institutional program regulations must also be met, such as minimum GPA based upon all attempted coursework, since reentry into any academic degree program is not automatic.  Courses with D, F, or WF grades that are required in the student’s degree program must be repeated at GSC.  No transient credit for these courses will be accepted.  Students who wish to earn a degree must satisfy GSC residency requirements after approval for Academic Renewal is granted.  At least 50% of coursework toward a degree must be completed at GSC after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.  The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Eligible students who wish to petition for Academic Renewal should contact the Registrar’s Office for the required petition forms or go to www.gsc.edu/registrar/Pages/forms.aspx.

Absences

Attendance at all scheduled classes is expected. The individual instructor’s “Absence Policy” is specified on the course syllabus. Questions regarding an instructor’s attendance/absence policy should be directed to the instructor.

Course Withdrawal

Students who wish to withdraw from a course without academic penalty (to receive a W) must do so prior to the midpoint of the session. Course withdrawals after the midpoint date result in a grade of “WF” unless otherwise approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Withdrawal from courses after the last day of classes is not permitted.

To withdraw, the student must complete the “Request to Withdraw after Drop/Add Has Ended” electronic request available in Banner Web, or he/she may submit a written withdrawal request to the Registrar’s Office through his/her GSC e-mail.

There is NO REFUND for a COURSE WITHDRAWAL - withdrawing from part, but not one’s entire schedule of classes.

Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing from them will have the grade of “F” recorded.

Total Withdrawal from the College

Students who register for courses and subsequently desire to withdraw from all of their classes must complete the “Request to Withdraw after Drop/Add Has Ended” electronic request available in Banner Web, or he/she may submit a written withdrawal request to the Registrar’s Office through his/her GSC e-mail. Students who officially withdraw within the first half of the term may be eligible for a refund of a portion of the tuition and student activity fees based on the University System of Georgia withdrawal policy. Course withdrawals after the midpoint date result in a grade of “WF” unless otherwise approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students who discontinue attendance without officially withdrawing will receive failing grades and will be ineligible for any refund. Withdrawal from the College after the last day of classes is not permitted.

Repetition of Course Work

When a course is repeated, both grades will be entered on the student’s permanent academic record and included in the grade point average, but course credit toward graduation will be given only once, unless otherwise stipulated in the course description or in the degree requirements.

Change in Program of Study

Upon initial enrollment, the student is asked to declare the Program of Study he/she plans to pursue at Gainesville State College. The student may change his/her Program of Study by submitting a Request for Change in Program of Study request in Banner Web.

Program Graduation Modifications

Each student is responsible for following the requirements of his/her selected program of study as specified in the catalog and in accordance with the regulations of the College. For this reason, every student is strongly encouraged to maintain close contact with his/her Academic Advisor in order to meet course requirements for the program of study. Variations in program requirements are considered only upon petition and approval of the Academic Advisor, the Dean responsible for the program of study, the Department Chair responsible for the required course, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Variations from course requirements are approved only under exceptional circumstances and only in cases where courses of the same academic value and type can be substituted. The petition is an electronic form submission process that is initiated with the student’s assigned academic advisor.

Double Major in Baccalaureate Programs

Students enrolled in baccalaureate programs may seek a double major in the same degree by completing the requirements for two separate majors simultaneously. A double major is earned when the requirements for a major in each of the two program areas are satisfied and the requirements for the degree are satisfied. It is sometimes possible to count the same course twice, once in each major, thus satisfying the major requirements.

Second Degree

If a student already has earned one degree from Gainesville State College and would like to earn a second, the Program of Study for the second degree must be approved by the advisor for the new program and the Dean in which the program is offered.

All requirements for the second Associate’s degree must be met, including a minimum of eighteen (18) additional Area F hours as outlined in the catalog with elective courses selected in conjunction with and approved by the Academic Advisor.

A graduate of any Bachelor’s program may receive the baccalaureate degree of any other program by completing the additional studies required in that program. The minimum residency requirement is 30 semester hours. Courses taken in residence at GSC for the purpose of meeting program requirements for one degree may be counted toward the residency requirement for the second degree.

Application for Graduation

Students must meet with their assigned advisor or an advisor in the Advising Center to complete a Program Planning Sheet (PPS) before registering for their final semester of enrollment. The PPS should then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Following an official graduation audit by the Registrar’s Office, approximately two weeks after receipt and review of the PPS, a graduation application will be e-mailed to students. The completed application and $45 graduation fee payment for the first degree or $25 for a subsequent degree must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office before students may be considered as graduation candidates. No portion of the graduation fee is refundable, and the payment is required whether or not a student participates in the ceremony.  All graduation candidates must complete an exit interview with the Financial Aid Office.

Graduation Ceremony

The commencement ceremony for summer and fall graduates will be held at the end of the Fall Semester in December. The commencement ceremony for spring graduates will be held at the end of Spring Semester in May. At this time the degrees are conferred by the President of the College, and the graduates receive their diplomas once a final degree audit has been concluded by the Registrar’s Office. Students completing degrees in Summer, Fall, and Spring Semester are invited and encouraged to participate in their respective commencement ceremony.

Graduation with Honors

Baccalaureate Degrees
Scholastic recognition at graduation will be based on a cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculated on the basis of all work in the student’s college career, including any attempted at other institutions. Credit by examination, DSST, CLEP, and AP credit, as well as courses specifically excluded by college policy cannot be used to in the GPA calculation for graduation with honors. The student must complete no fewer than 30 semester hours of course work in residency at GSC.  The specific award, based on the student’s cumulative GPA, will be one of the following:

Cum Laude		3.50-3.69
Magna Cum Laude		3.70-3.89
Summa Cum Laude		3.90-4.00

Associate and Career Associate Degrees
As a part of the graduation ceremony, recognition is given to the Honor Graduate(s) who have the highest grade point average (GPA) in the categories of Associate of Arts and/or Associate of Science with forty-five (45) semester hours earned at GSC, and Associate of Applied Science with thirty (30) semester hours earned at GSC.

John Harrison Hosch Library

The Hosch Library provides professional staff to assist students in locating information resources and in the effective use of these resources. Assistance is provided in using GALILEO, the award-winning collection of databases provided by the University System of Georgia, and in using GIL, the online catalog. GIL provides access to over 80,000 books, videos, and other items housed at the Hosch Library and the Oconee Library/ACTT, as well as to resources in other University System of Georgia Libraries. Inside the Library are various types of student areas - individual study carrels, tables, study rooms for group work, a large multi-purpose room, and a smaller classroom/meeting room. Students are offered a large number of computers on the first floor for their use. Major emphasis is placed on supporting the curriculum by providing basic works in all subject areas and by subscribing to periodicals, newspapers, indexes, bibliographies, microfilm, and similar tools of scholarship. Library instruction is available to individuals and to classes. A joint agreement with Student Life provides popular books for recreational reading. The cordial atmosphere of the Library makes it a popular center for study and relaxation.

The Academic Computing, Tutoring, and Testing (ACTT) Center at the Gainesville Campus

The Academic Computing, Tutoring, and Testing (ACTT) Center at the Gainesville Campus comprises the central part of the Academic III Building. It provides access to the use of the largest concentration of computers on the Gainesville Campus, provides tutorial assistance and Regents’ Test Skills Courses, and administers make-up tests. All these services are available evenings as well as regular week day hours.

ACTT Center computers are available for any student, faculty, or staff to use any time the Center is open. All of the computers in the ACTT Center are connected to the campus network, which provides easy access to several hundred software applications and to the Internet.

Professional and peer tutors provide assistance in Math, English, Foreign Languages, ESL, and a variety of other subjects. Student employees of the Information Technology Department provide computing assistance. There are TV/VCRs and cassette players available to support class work, as well as study materials (e.g., old tests, answer books, study guides, etc.), which faculty make available to their students on a reserve basis.

Library/ACTT Center at the Oconee Campus

The Library/ACTT Center on the Oconee Campus combines the best features of the separate Hosch Library and ACTT Center on the Gainesville Campus. The Library/ACTT houses a collection of over 10,000 books, videos, and other academic materials and provides professional staff to assist students in locating the information resources they need. Oconee students also have easy access to library resources on the Gainesville Campus. A large group of computers provides access to GALILEO, the widely-acclaimed collection of online databases, to GIL, the catalog, to an extensive array of software applications on the campus network, and to the Internet. Professional and peer tutors provide assistance in math, English, foreign languages, and a variety of other subjects. Student employees of the Information Technology Department provide computing assistance. The Library/ACTT also provides Regents’ Test remediation, administers make-up tests, and has TV/VCRs available to support class work, as well as study materials which faculty make available to students on a reserve basis.

Student Academic Success

The Student Academic Success Office (SAS) ensures that students achieve educational, career, and personal goals, are engaged throughout their college experience, and are making satisfactory progress toward graduation. 

With an emphasis in the first year, the office focuses on college transition and academic adjustment, academic skills, and orientation to the Gainesville State College community through a variety of resources, programs, and initiatives. 

The Learning Support program at Gainesville State College provides the opportunity for students to improve their basic academic skills in the areas of English, Mathematics, and Reading, before enrolling in related college-level courses. In addition to formal classroom instruction, the Learning Support program incorporates the use of the multi-media ACTT Center, the College counseling staff, and other college resources to enhance the academic and personal development of students.

Students whose previous academic record, admissions test scores, and placement test scores indicate the need for additional preparation in English, Mathematics, and/or Reading are required to take the appropriate Learning Support courses.  The maximum college credit, which can be earned before completion of ALL Learning Support requirements, is thirty (30) semester hours.  Learning Support courses carry only institutional credit, which is NOT applicable to the requirements for graduation.

Students who are required to take one or more Learning Support course must enroll each semester in the required Learning Support courses(s) before enrolling in any credit course until the requirement has been satisfied. Students may enroll concurrently in college-level courses for which they have satisfied the prerequisites.  If students withdraw from any Learning Support course, they will not be allowed to remain in any regular college credit courses.  If they remain enrolled in at least one Learning Support class, they will be allowed to remain in GSCE 1101, 1000-level PHED courses, and/or performance courses.  The maximum time allowed for the completion of Learning Support READ 0099, ENGL 0099, and MATH 0097 is two semesters.  The maximum time allowed for the completion of Learning Support mathematics is three semesters.  Any semester a student is enrolled in a Learning Support course beyond the midpoint counts as one of the allowed semesters toward completion of Learning Support requirements.  If students place into MATH 0099 but voluntarily enroll in MATH 0097, the semester(s) of enrollment in MATH 0097 also count toward allowed number of semesters toward completion of Learning Support Math.  Additionally, students who place into MATH 0099 but voluntarily enroll in MATH 0097 must pass MATH 0097 before being allowed to advance to MATH 0099.

If transfer students took but did not complete Learning Support/Developmental Studies courses at other University System of Georgia institutions, the time spent in those courses will count toward their maximum semester allotment when they enroll in Learning Support courses at Gainesville State College. Students who have been suspended from any University System of Georgia institution without completing Learning Support requirements may not be exempted from their Learning Support requirements at GSC through transfer of course credit unless they are eligible for transfer admission under the institution’s regular transfer admission policies.

Students who fail to complete any Learning Support course within the time allowed or who do not make satisfactory progress will receive a grade of U in the course and be placed on Learning Support Suspension for one year (three consecutive semesters). They may apply to return after that suspension and begin anew with a placement test and all prior attempts set to zero (0).  Visit the Learning Support Program on the GSC website for more information about the Learning Support program and policies.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) Program

Gainesville State College offers courses designed to prepare students whose native language is not American English for success in college credit courses. Placement in ESL is determined by TOEFL score, COMPASS placement testing, or professor’s recommendation.

In addition, students who score high enough on COMPASS placement tests to enroll in collegiate-level courses may also choose to take some ESL courses in order to enhance their academic performance. With the exception of ESLO 1101, ESL courses carry institutional credit.

GSC offers one course in pronunciation, one course in college orientation/classroom communication, two in academic vocabulary, three in writing/grammar taught on different skill levels (intermediate, high-intermediate, and advanced), and three in academic reading, also taught on different skill levels (intermediate, high-intermediate, and advanced).  A student’s placement within the ELS program is determined by COMPASS score, an internal English test, and a writing sample.  Students have three attempts to exit each level.  Students exit from the intermediate and high-intermediate level classes by earning passing grades in these courses.  Students exit the advanced reading class by earning a grade of C or higher in the class and by attaining a passing score on the COMPASS reading test.  Students exit the advanced writing/grammar classes by earning a grade of C or higher in the class and by passing the Exit Essay, which is scored by members of the ESL and English faculty.

Students who are placed in ESL Reading must also take both ESLV 0051 and ESLV 0052 (Academic Vocabulary for ESL Students), which are non-sequential courses.  Students who are placed in both ESL Reading and English/Writing must take and pass ESLO 1101 (Classroom Communication and College Orientation) with a grade of C or higher.  Lower-level students or students with deficits in speaking and/or listening skills may also be required to take ESLC 0061 (Pronunciation).

Students who fail to pass a course in three semesters will receive a grade of U and be placed on Learning Support (ESL) Suspension for one year (three consecutive semesters).  Students may apply to return after serving their suspension and begin anew with a placement test and all prior attempts set to zero (0).  Students wishing to appeal for an additional semester should see the section titled, ESL Appeal.

Academic Advisement

Upon enrollment in Gainesville State College, students are assigned Academic Advisors. Students will be assigned to faculty or professional advisors based on their academic placement and program of study. Students with less than a 2.0 GPA will be required to meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes.

Advisors assist students in planning and achieving their educational objectives. Therefore, it is important for all students to establish early contact and maintain close and continuous working relationships with their Academic Advisors throughout their enrollment.

Each semester students should meet with their advisors to discuss academic progress and to plan subsequent semester courses or long-range plans. However, ultimate responsibility for course selection and fulfillment of degree requirements lies with students. When scheduling courses, students should consider Gainesville State College graduation requirements and core requirements of transfer institutions. Questions concerning policies and procedures related to academic advising should be directed to the Academic Advising Center.

The Academic Advising Center

The Academic Advising Center serves as a central point of contact for students requesting information about academic programs, campus referrals, and transfer institutions.  The Center also serves as a resource for faculty and staff advisors.

The Academic Advising Centers located on both campuses are staffed with professional advisors who are available to all students with academic questions or concerns. Students not in good academic standing are required to meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center and complete an Academic Success Plan.

The Academic Advising Center maintains a comprehensive website with up-to-date information on programs of study, withdrawal policies, academic resources, student success support services, and the core curriculum.  Members of the Advising Center staff also teach GSCE courses, train faculty and staff advisors, coordinate the ACCEL and Peer Advisor programs and participate in SOAR, Weeks of Welcome, Advising Weeks, and Registration.

Disability Services

Gainesville State College, in keeping with its commitment to serve all citizens in its service area, welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities and attempts to accommodate those students in every reasonable way. Support services available include the following: academic support labs with free tutoring, note takers, interpreters for users of American Sign Language, and career and personal counseling. Students who need special arrangements must apply to Gainesville State College and notify the Coordinator of Disability Services on the appropriate campus at least two semesters prior to the term of their initial enrollment. Accommodations for students with diagnosed disabilities will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Fulfillment of College Preparatory Curriculum Requirements

Students having College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) deficiencies in English or Mathematics may satisfy these deficiencies by placement test (COMPASS) exemption or by completing the Learning Support area(s) required as a result of COMPASS scores.

Students with CPC deficiencies in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Foreign Language may satisfy these deficiencies by completing (with a grade of “C” or higher) the following courses:

Social Science
	ECON 1100		Survey of Economic Principles, or
	HIST 1111		Survey of World Civilization I, or
	HIST 1112		Survey of World Civilization II, or
	HIST 1121		Survey of Western Civilization I, or
	HIST 1122		Survey of Western Civilization II

Science
	BIOL 1101/Lab		Biology-A Human Perspective, or
	BIOL 1102/Lab		Introduction to Ecology, or
	CHEM 1151/Lab		Survey of Chemistry I, or
	ESCI 1101/Lab		Environmental Science, or
	GEOG 1111/Lab		Intro-Physical Geography, or
	GEOL 1250/Lab		Physical Geology, or
	GSCI 1101/Lab		General Science I

Foreign Language
	CHNS 1001		Elementary Chinese I, or
	FREN 1001		Elementary French I, or
	GRMN 1001		Elementary German I, or
	ITAL 1001		Elementary Italian I, or
	JAPN 1001		Elementary Japanese I, or
	LATN 1001		Elementary Latin I, or
	RUSS 1001		Elementary Russian I, or
	SPAN 1001		Elementary Spanish I

Students with CPC deficiencies who earn 20 or more semester hours of college-level credit and who have not satisfied College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies in science, social science, or foreign language may not register for other courses (except required Learning Support courses) unless they also register for the deficiency course or courses.  Courses completed to satisfy CPC deficiencies cannot be used to fulfill Core Curriculum or degree requirements.  Final grades of completed courses used to satisfy CPC deficiencies are included in the cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Summer Semester

The College offers a full range of classes each summer. In keeping with the desire for scheduling flexibility there are short session offerings as well as the more traditional full session courses. The College also offers limited course offerings in response to student interest and demand in a three-week May session, which is a part of the Summer Semester.  For more specific information about the programs and courses available during the various parts of Summer Semester, contact the Registrar’s Office.

Continuing Education and Public Service programs, in keeping with one of the basic missions of the College, provide a necessary link between the College and the communities of Northeast Georgia. Programs in Continuing Education are developed in response to special educational demands and requests of citizens, professional and business groups, governmental agencies, and civic groups. The major role of Continuing Education is to develop and implement short courses, workshops, seminars, and institutes for (1) career and professional development and (2) personal interest and enrichment.

Career and Professional Programs are developed to meet the Continuing Education needs of personnel in banking, education, real estate, insurance, social services, general business, law and other occupational areas. Typical workshops, seminars, and short courses include Leadership Strategies, Customer Service, Real Estate Salesperson’s Preparation, Conflict Management, Basic and Intermediate Word Processing and Spreadsheets, and Web Page Design and Publishing. More comprehensive programs are tailored to meet on-going, in-depth needs of personnel and organizations. For example, the Human Resource Management Certificate (PHR and SPHR exam preparation) and the Supervisory/Management Certificate programs involve detailed and sequential short courses designed for career and professional improvement.

Personal enrichment programs are developed with special focus upon educational needs and desires as they may relate to arts and crafts, musical training, physical education, health concerns, and other areas of interest. Individuals from the community, civic groups, and other organizations are encouraged to make the Department of Continuing Education and Public Service aware of any special areas of interest for which personal enrichment programs might be developed. Classes, offered during both day and night at a variety of locations, are selected to serve people of all ages with different interests from a wide region of Northeast Georgia. Typical short courses and workshops in this area include Swimming, Communicative Spanish, and Driver’s Education.

A variety of locations throughout Northeast Georgia are utilized for Continuing Education programs. A special focus of delivery provides training on location within the facilities of area businesses, social service agencies and medical facilities. Any group wishing help with training and development for employees should contact the Department of Continuing Education for further information.

The public services offered by the College are designed to extend the use of college resources and facilities to the community. Special training programs, organizational meetings, recreational programs, and other educationally related meetings may be permitted on a space available basis.

Registration Information for Continuing Education Programs
Registration for Continuing Education programs may be completed at the Division of Continuing Education/Public Service in person, by mail, fax, or telephone. Special registration procedures are generally set up for off-campus programs.

1. Credit: There are generally no educational prerequisites for enrolling in Continuing Education courses. Continuing Education Units (C.E.U.’s), indicating successful completion, may be awarded for approved short courses, seminars and workshops. One C.E.U. is defined as “ten contact hours of participation in organized Continuing Education under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction”.

   Certain Continuing Education courses offered under a co-sponsored arrangement with another educational institution may carry undergraduate or graduate academic credit by that institution.

2. For additional information or to request details on a specific program, interested persons should contact the Division of Continuing Education/Public Service at 678-717-3605 or visit the web site at www.gsc.edu and click on “Continuing Education.”

In keeping with the philosophy of The Board of Regents in bringing the resources of the University System to Northeast Georgia, and in support of the Chancellor’s regional initiatives, Gainesville State College and other area institutions of higher education and technical colleges collaborate to provide varied educational opportunities for the citizens of Northeast Georgia.

Currently, Gainesville State College maintains close working relationships with North Georgia College and State University and Lanier Technical College. North Georgia College and State University teaches classes on the Gainesville Campus through the University Center which lead to baccalaureate degrees, graduate programs, and the ASN degree.

Additionally, Gainesville State College partners with several area high schools to provide instruction in the high schools for students jointly enrolled in high school and at Gainesville State College (ACCEL Program).

Students interested in courses offered by North Georgia College and State University on the Gainesville State College Campus are advised to contact the Gainesville State College University Center.

Regents’ Engineering Transfer Program (RETP)

As a regional leader in math, science, and technology, Gainesville State College is an established Regents Engineering Transfer Program institution. In 1986 the Board of Regents approved the establishment of an Engineering Transfer Program (RETP). Qualified students seeking a bachelor of engineering degree may begin their college studies at designated institutions of the University System of Georgia through the Regents’ Engineering Transfer Program. Upon successful completion of the engineering curriculum, students may transfer to the Georgia Institute of Technology to complete the degree requirements. It is expected that students in this program, like other Georgia Tech graduates, will normally require four to five and one-half years to complete the degree requirements, depending on their pre-college preparation, involvement in extracurricular activities, and the specific engineering major.

By enrolling in the RETP, students may attend college close to home, which can decrease the cost of their education and ease the adjustment to college life. Generally, classes at the RETP institutions are small, which permits more individual attention and interaction with professors.

At the same time, RETP students enjoy many of the advantages of Tech students. They have equal access to engineering majors at Tech, they can participate in the Co-op program, and they are invited to the Tech campus each spring for campus tours, information sessions, and meetings with advisors in their engineering major.

To be eligible for RETP, a student must be a resident of Georgia. The admission requirements are:

1. A combined SAT score of at least 1090 (including a minimum 560 math and 440 verbal); and, 
2. A high school GPA of at least 3.0, OR have been admitted to an engineering program at Georgia Tech

Students may also qualify for the RETP after the end of their freshman year by completing the first Chemistry course, the first Physics course and Calculus I and II with grades of 3.0 (B) or higher and by attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Finally, students who complete the courses included in the first two years of the desired Tech engineering program with an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher in those courses plus a 2.7 Math GPA and a 2.7 Science GPA may be admitted to RETP at the discretion of the Georgia Tech RETP Director.

Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA)

The Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) was formed at Gainesville State College in 2001. The Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis is a teaching and public service resource whose mission includes:

• providing programs to maintain and improve environment in NE Georgia watersheds, 
• providing individuals the technical and conceptual tools they need to assess and manage water quality and other environmental issues in a watershed context, 
• provide outreach efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of environmental issues and the effects of land use changes and development on water quality and environmental health,
• provide state of the art geospatial education,
• provide course work for the B.S. in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis (AESA) and, 
• provide course work for the Regents Engineering Transfer Program (RETP).

For more information, visit http://www.gsc.edu/iesa.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), co-sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), functions in cooperation with 14 other higher education associations, the Department of Defense, Active and Reserve Components of the Military Services, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary education opportunities for servicemembers worldwide.  GSC is a member of the SOC Consortium to help coordinate voluntary postsecondary educational opportunities for servicemembers. 

Consistent with a SOC Consortium institution of higher learning, GSC follows the general principles of transfer practice as outlined in the “Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit” that considers the educational quality of the transferred learning experience, the comparability of the nature, content, and level of the learning experience to that offered by the college, and the appropriateness and applicability of the learning experience to the programs offered by the college in light of the student’s educational goals. Academic residency requirements for active-duty servicemembers is limited to no more than 25 percent of the student’s undergraduate degree program.  GSC uses the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services to determine any transferable course credit for appropriate learning acquired in military service at levels consistent with ACE Guide recommendations.  Additionally, servicemembers may demonstrate prior learning experiences through life or work outside of structured higher education courses through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process in which students identify areas of relevant learning from past experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials so that they can be evaluated for possible course credit that is relative to specific GSC course objectives.  Interested students should refer to the “Prior Learning Assessment (PLS) Student Manual.”

North Georgia College and State University (NGCSU) currently uses Gainesville State College facilities to provide instruction leading to the completion of selected bachelor degrees. NGCSU also offers selected upper level courses for students to work toward advanced degrees. Additional information regarding University Center programs on the Gainesville State College campus may be obtained from the University Center located in the Dunlap Mathis Building on the Gainesville Campus.

NGSCU PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Accounting		Bachelor of Business Administration
Finance		Bachelor of Business Administration
Marketing		Bachelor of Business Administration
Management		Bachelor of Business Administration
Nursing		Associate of Science
Nursing		LPN to RN Career Mobility Program

In addition to the undergraduate degrees, the NGCSU School of Education offers certificates, endorsements, and graduate level courses on the Gainesville State College campus.