Accreditation and Compliance

Accreditations

The University of North Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. The University of North Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of North Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

In addition to accreditation by SACSCOC, which applies to the entire institution, the following undergraduate programs at University of North Georgia are accredited or approved by discipline-specific agencies.

Compliance

Privacy of Student Records

The University Registrar’s Office is the custodian of education records at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Education records generally include any record (handwritten, electronic, print, film, or other medium) containing information directly related to the student and maintained by or for UNG or an agent of the University.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) affords any student, regardless of age, who is or has been in attendance at UNG the right to inspect and review his or her education records within 45 days following the receipt of the student’s request. Copies of education records may be provided upon written request for students who do not live within commuting distance of any UNG campus. The fee for copies will be $0.15 per page. Copies of education records will not be provided to students who have an unpaid financial obligation to the University or against whom there is an unresolved disciplinary action.

Access to the following records will not be permitted:

1. records kept by UNG personnel which remain in the sole possession of the maker;
2. law enforcement records maintained by campus security;
3. employment records which relate exclusively to employment;
4. records of professionals providing medical or psychological treatment to the student;
5. financial records of parents or legal guardians;
6. confidential letters of recommendation for admission to the University;
7. records connected with an application for admission to UNG if that application was denied;
8. application for employment or honors for which the student has voluntarily signed a waiver;
9. information pertaining to another student if the record contains information about more than one student.

The student’s written consent is required before UNG may disclose education records to a third party except to school officials or in response to conditions as defined below:

• to UNG personnel who have a legitimate educational interest in the information in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities;
• to officials of other institutions where the student seeks or intends to enroll;
• to representatives of federal agencies and state and local officials authorized by law to have access to education records and members and staff of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia;
• to appropriate persons in connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid;
• to a person or company with whom the University has contracted;
• to accrediting bodies or to organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the University;
• to necessary individuals in connection with a health or safety emergency;
• to the parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the University, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance;
• to persons in response to lawfully issued subpoenas or court orders. Every reasonable effort will be made to notify the student in advance of compliance;
• to parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, Section 152;
• to the victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense concerning the final results of a disciplinary hearing with respect to the alleged crime;
• to any third party the final results of a disciplinary proceeding related to a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense if the student who is the alleged perpetrator is found to have violated the University’s rules or policies;
• if the information to be released is designated as directory information.

UNG has designated the following items as directory information:

• Student’s name, mailing and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, and UNG e-mail address;
• Degree(s) pursued and/or awarded and dates;
• Major, minor, and/or concentration;
• Enrollment status (i.e., full- or part-time);
• Class standing (i.e., senior, freshman, etc.);
• Dates of attendance;
• Anticipated graduation date;
• Participation in University-sponsored activities and sports;
• Honors and awards received.

The student may present a written request to the Registrar’s Office to maintain privacy and prevent disclosure of the student’s directory information unless exceptions defined above pertain. The request to prevent disclosure remains in effect until the student submits a written request to rescind it.

Written consent by the student for the release of personally identifiable information must include:

1. type of records to be released;
2. full name (no relationship) to whom records are to be released;
3. date;
4. student’s signature.

Students may request to amend an education record that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his or her privacy. FERPA, however, may not be used to challenge a grade, an opinion, or a substantive decision made by a UNG school official. The student should write the official responsible for the record and identify the part of the record he or she wishes to be amended along with a description of its inaccuracy.

Upon review of the student’s request, if UNG determines not to amend the record, the student shall have an opportunity for an impartial hearing to challenge the accuracy of his or her record. UNG will notify the student within 48 hours of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The hearing will be conducted by an impartial hearing officer who may be a UNG school official. The student will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised pertaining to the student’s request to amend his or her education records. The student may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.

UNG will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. If the record is found to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, the record will be amended as such, and UNG will notify the student in writing that the record has been amended. If the determination is made that the record is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right to privacy, the student may insert into his or her record a written statement setting forth his or her views. The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s education records as long as the contested record is maintained. If UNG discloses the contested record, the student’s statement must also be disclosed.

FERPA affords students the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of North Georgia to comply with FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520

FERPA notification will be published annually in the UNG Student Handbook and on the UNG Student Privacy website.

Questions and concerns regarding student records should be directed to the Registrar’s Office:

• Cumming campus: (470) 239-3105; registrar-cmg@ung.edu
• Dahlonega campus: (706) 864-1760; registrar-dah@ung.edu
• Gainesville: (678) 717-3644; registrar-gvl@ung.edu
• Oconee: (706) 310-6320; registrar-ocn@ung.edu

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The academic and administrative policy of the University subscribes to the non-discrimination provision of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states: “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity” of the University of North Georgia. The University of North Georgia also adheres to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in regard to admission, employment, and access to programs or activities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The University of North Georgia subscribes to provisions as outlined in The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as revised and/or amended. Accordingly, the University of North Georgia will not discriminate in employment, admissions, programs, or services with regard to any position for which the applicant, employee, or student is qualified and will make reasonable accommodation for physical and mental limitations.

Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972

The academic and administrative policy of the University also subscribes to the non-discrimination provision of Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, which states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity” of the University of North Georgia.

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy

In order to promote the full realization of equal opportunity for all University constituents, the University commits to engaging in continuing practices in support of broad inclusivity. As such, the University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disabled status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status (except in those circumstances proscribed and mandated by law) or veteran status in the administration of admissions policies, educational policies, employment policies, or any other University governed programs and activities. The University’s equal opportunity and non-discrimination policy applies to every member of the University community. Furthermore, the University’s affirmative action program, Title IX program, and related policies are developed in compliance with applicable law. This nondiscrimination policy also encompasses the employment of personnel and contracting for goods and services.