2011-2012 Gainesville State College Catalog

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Accreditations
• Special Notes
• History
• Overview
  
• Mission
• Vision
• Core Values
• Strategic Goals
• General Education
• Campuses and Buildings Gainesville Campus
• Campuses and Buildings Oconee Campus
• Affiliated Organizations

THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

P.O. Box 1358
Gainesville, Georgia 30503
Telephone 678-717-3639
Fax 678-717-3643

www.GSC.edu

Gainesville State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools to award the Associate Degree and a limited selection of Baccalaureate Degrees.  Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gainesville State College. 

The Gainesville State College Business Division is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs for the offering of the Associate Degree in Business Administration and Education. The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies and the Certificate of Paralegal Studies are approved by the American Bar Association.

Gainesville State College is an institutional member of the American Council on Education, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, Georgia Association of Colleges, College and University Personnel Association, National Association of College and University Business Officers, National Association of College Auxiliary Services, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. 

The academic and administrative policy of the College 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 Gainesville State College. Gainesville State College 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.

Additionally, Gainesville State College subscribes to provisions as outlined in The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as revised and/or amended. Accordingly, Gainesville State College 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.

The academic and administrative policy of the College 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 Gainesville State College.

Gainesville State College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of the 1974 “Buckley Amendment,” by affording students certain rights with respect to their education records. This Act requires that Gainesville State College not disclose information contained in education records without the student’s written consent, except under conditions specified in the Act. Refer to the Policies and Procedures section in the Academic Information chapter of this catalog, or go to www.gsc.edu/registrar/ for more information concerning the College’s responsibility for FERPA compliance.

Authorization for access by anyone to student records covered by this Act must be made in writing by the student and addressed to the Gainesville State College Registrar.

The genesis of Gainesville State College is to be found in a pattern of emerging leadership in Gainesville and Hall County.  For several decades prior to the 1960’s, Gainesville-Hall County had been an agricultural and financial center for Northeast Georgia.  Several factors converged in the 1950’s, including the planning and ultimate completion of interstate highways and other modern thoroughfares between Gainesville and Atlanta and the completion of the largest man-made lake in Georgia, which made property costs soar.  Gainesville-Hall County then found itself in a position to become the Northeast Georgia leader in banking, finance, medicine, law, and industry.  What was needed to complete the pattern was a public higher educational institution.  In 1962, taking note of the University System Board of Regents’ policies concerning the establishment of junior colleges, the people in Gainesville and Hall County established a community college as recommended by Governor Sanders’ Commission to Improve Education.  Since an adequate site was required by the Regents, along with a million dollars for building purposes, the people in Gainesville and Hall County indebted themselves through a bond issue to make this facility possible.

The Regents chose a site near a proposed four-lane connector highway six miles southwest of the City of Gainesville.  This site could serve Gainesville and Hall County and Northeast Georgia while benefitting from a location only forty-five minutes away from the rapidly expanding metropolitan Atlanta area.

Gainesville State College and Lanier Technical College, located on adjacent campuses, initially received large amounts of state and federal monies.  City, county, and state forces as well as private corporations, made substantial contributions in construction, donations of land, and other services.  Many citizens of this area contributed to the project.  The work of the citizens was coordinated by an educational task force.  This representative group was instrumental in the preparation of the comprehensive educational complex.

Gainesville State College (Gainesville Junior College until 1987 and Gainesville College until 2005) opened in the fall of 1966 with an enrollment of 419 students, almost double the size predicted.  The College began classes in Gainesville using the Civic Center and the First Baptist Church as campuses but was able to move into its own buildings for Winter Quarter, 1967.  The College continued to enroll more students than had been projected by the long-range studies, necessitating a tripling of educational facilities during the College’s early years.  In the fall of 2009, the enrollment of the College reached 8,800 with 6,597 of those students on the Gainesville campus.

Enrollment growth in recent years has resulted in the construction and renovation of several buildings to bring the total number of buildings on the Gainesville campus to thirteen.  The most recent major addition was the state-of-the-art Science, Engineering, and Technology Building.  The first parking deck funded by student fees was dedicated in July of 2009.  Construction is currently underway for a new 13,000 square foot academic building which is scheduled to be open in the fall of 2011.

During the fall of 2000, the Board of Regents granted Gainesville State College permission to establish the Gainesville State College University Center on the Gainesville campus.  Through the University Center, Gainesville State College is able to form partnerships with other baccalaureate degree granting institutions to provide coursework leading to the bachelor’s degree on the Gainesville campus.  Several baccalaureate degree programs as well as some graduate programs from North Georgia College & State University are currently offered through the University Center.

In the spring of 2001, the Board of Regents granted Gainesville State College permission to open a site in Athens, Georgia.  This effort was directed at meeting the needs of local residents who desired the services and support offered by a University System of Georgia two-year college.  Enrollment in the initial term, fall of 2001, was more than 200 followed by over 600 the next year.

In the summer of 2003, the College moved to a campus south of Athens in Oconee County.  The Oconee campus located in Watkinsville enrolled 2352 students in the fall of 2009 representing an unprecedented growth that reflects the need for a public two-year college in Northeast Georgia.  Gainesville State College does not offer all academic programs on the Oconee campus.  For a complete list of available programs, please refer to the website at http://www.gsc.edu/academics/catalogs/Pages/ProgramsofStudy.aspx.

In October of 2005, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted to allow Gainesville College to expand its mission and change its name to Gainesville State College.  Gainesville State College moved into a category of USG institutions known as “state colleges,” which offer a wide array of two-year degrees and certificate programs along with a limited selection of baccalaureate degrees.  Initially, under its new name and mission, Gainesville State College was granted permission to offer the Bachelor of Science in Applied Environmental Spatial Analysis, a “niche” bachelor of science degree unavailable at other institutions in the College’s service area.

In January of 2006, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to grant permission for Gainesville State College to offer the Bachelor of Science with a major in Early Childhood Care and Education and the Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Technology Management.

In April of 2006, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to grant permission for Gainesville State College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

In October of 2008, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology for Theatre degree program.

In May of 2009, the first new building on the Oconee campus was dedicated.  The Faculty Center was a much needed facility designed to relieve some of the space constraints that the Oconee campus has faced over the past few years.  The approximately 11,000 square foot facility contains 18 faculty/staff offices, the College Bookstore, and a multi-purpose room.  The multi-purpose room was named in honor of the Bishop family of Watkinsville and will be known as the Bishop Wellness and Activities Hall.  The Bishop family was instrumental in the initial development of the Oconee campus prior to Gainesville State College’s acquisition of the campus.

In May of 2010, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the College’s request to establish a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Delivery and Administration degree program.  This new degree program will begin in the fall of 2011. 

In March and April of 2011, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the College’s request to establish a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Research in Psychology degree programs respectively.  Both degree programs will begin in the fall of 2012.

Serving Northeast Georgia since 1964, Gainesville State College is a non-residential unit of the University System of Georgia.  The Gainesville State College Gainesville Campus, located 45 miles northeast of Atlanta and six miles southwest of downtown Gainesville in Oakwood, is easily accessible from I-985 via Exit 16 (Highway 53).  Gainesville is very close to beautiful Lake Lanier, the Appalachian Trail, white water canoeing, and the rich multicultural activities of metropolitan Atlanta.  The Gainesville State College Oconee Campus is located at 1201 Bishop Farms Parkway in Watkinsville, Georgia.  The Oconee Campus is part of a community known for its rural beauty, vibrant art community, and recreational and sports complexes.  Its proximity to Athens provides ready access to the intellectual and cultural activities characteristic of a university town as well as the State Botanical Garden.  Students are drawn primarily from the increasingly diverse Northeast Georgia area.

With an enrollment that will exceed 8,500 in Fall 2011, Gainesville State College offers courses leading to the Bachelors of Applied Science in Environmental and Spatial Analysis, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education for Grades P-5, Bachelor of Science with a Major in Early Childhood Care and Education, Bachelor of Applied Science with a Major in Technology Management, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, in addition a variety of certificate programs.  Over ninety percent of Gainesville State College students are in programs transferable to four-year colleges and universities.

Gainesville State College integrates academic and extra-curricular activities in order to emphasize development of the “whole person.”  Gainesville State College students can enjoy the “total college experience” by participating in student activities such as:  intramurals, clubs and organizations, bands, chorale, publications, cultural affairs programs, fine arts offerings including theatre, and international-intercultural studies programs.

The College also values its role as a service organization that responds to the economic and educational needs of the community and reaches out to the citizens of Northeast Georgia. By offering continuing education programs, public service activities, cultural enrichment experiences, and forums for public discussion, the College expands its tradition of service beyond its immediate student body and into the community at large.

To accomplish its mission, the College will serve its students by:

• Offering lower-division courses to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities and to provide opportunities for University System of Georgia institutions to offer appropriate upper-division and graduate courses and programs through the College’s University Center; 
• Offering a limited number of baccalaureate programs and upper-division courses to meet the educational, civic, and economic needs of the community and region; 
• Offering a Learning Support Program to enhance students’ academic success; 
• Offering career programs and courses relevant to area employment needs and the interests of students; 
• Integrating technology into instruction and support services, whereby the College assures the technological proficiency of its students and effectiveness of services;
  
• Providing a climate supportive of student success through academic support, administrative support, and student development services and activities that complement and enhance the instructional program; and
  
• Providing safe and aesthetically pleasing facilities and grounds including the renovation and addition of facilities that reflect effective functionality and efficient use of resources.

To accomplish its mission in meeting the broader needs of the community, the College will:

• Offer continuing education programs, public service activities, and facilities for people who want to enrich their lives intellectually, socially, culturally, physically, and vocationally; and 
• Promote the aspirations of students and their academic preparation through outreach programs to the public schools and organizations in the College’s community.

Gainesville State College systematically assesses its effectiveness in reflecting its values, accomplishing its goals, and promoting its vision, and uses the results to enhance programs and services.

In meeting the educational needs of the citizens of Georgia, Gainesville State College shares with all other institutions in the University System of Georgia the commitment to ensure academic excellence and educational opportunities through:

• A supportive campus climate, leadership and development opportunities, and necessary services and facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff; 
• Diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;
• Technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education; and 
• A commitment to sharing physical, human, information, and other resources in collaboration with other System institutions, the public libraries, state agencies, local schools, and technical colleges to expand and to enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.
   

The mission of Gainesville State College is to provide broad access to a quality liberal arts higher education primarily for the population of Northeast Georgia.  Gainesville State College seeks to assure the success of its students and contribute to the quality of life in the surrounding region.  The institution, with an emphasis on diversity and international issues, prepares students to function in a global society.
 

Gainesville State College seeks to be recognized as the region’s premier teaching institution by building on its tradition of teaching excellence and the strength of its student-focused and learning-centered environment.  As a dynamic institution, the College will continue to address the region’s call for accessible, high-quality academic programs in an atmosphere that fosters student success.
 

At Gainesville State College we value:

• Our student-oriented environment focused on student learning and growth. 
• The philosophy that all humans have potential and equal worth. 
• Qualified and dedicated faculty and staff who play a critical role in the education of our students. 
• Academic freedom and scholarship. 
• Open and effective communication. 
• A caring and collegial environment. 
• The growth and well-being of employees. 
• Providing a range of opportunities to meet the cultural, educational, and entertainment needs of our diverse community. 
• Innovation and experimentation to facilitate progress and to advance knowledge. 
• Teaching, which recognizes the relationship among academic disciplines. 
• The integration of technology into the fabric of the college. 
• A clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment. 
• The cooperative process for carrying out the business of the college. 
• The strong support of our community and alumni. 
• Positive influence of education on improving people’s lives. 

The Strategic Goals of Gainesville State College are:

• To affirm the College’s core values and provide access and opportunities for a quality higher education.  This includes a review of our institutional values, seeing the connection between values and goals, and seeking ways to assure that policies, procedures, and programs reflect these values. This goal emphasizes access and includes such actions as clearly communicating our mission.  The College will add programs, degrees, institutional baccalaureate programs and graduate degrees as needed.  This also includes collaborating with other institutions (peer, feeder, and transfer) and providing flexible delivery in terms of scheduling, format, and international components to enhance students’ ability to succeed in a global society.

Objective 1:  Increase the number and percentage of individuals from the GSC service area (Northeast Georgia) who are enrolled in the College.
Objective 2:  Identify and add needed certificate and degree programs.

• To facilitate success and educational goal attainment for all students and to foster a welcoming environment that values and reflects diversity and inclusion.  This includes the broad array of academic and student support services that promote academic success as well as programs and activities that promote service, leadership, and ethical behavior.  It also includes increasing academic and need-based scholarships, increasing the diversity of students, faculty, and staff, and dealing with diversity issues in the curriculum and in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

Objective 1:  Provide a broad array of academic and student support services that promote academic success.
Objective 2:  Increase student participation in co-curricular activities.
Objective 3:  Enhance student academic success and increase student retention, progression, and graduation rates.
Objective 4:  Create an environment that supports first year and at risk students.
Objective 5:  Improve communication with applicants to GSC.
Objective 6:  Enhance physical environment for students.
Objective 7:  Encourage faculty and staff care, interaction/intervention, communication, and support of students.
Objective 8:  Strengthen and support positive relationships between GSC and school systems.
Objective 9:  Facilitate success through diversity and inclusion.

• To maintain academic standards of excellence with accountability. This goal includes reviewing academic programs to ensure regional and global relevancy, maintaining academic standards, and accessing student performance at the College, after transfer, and in the workplace.

Objective 1:  Ensure regional and global relevancy in academic programs.
Objective 2:  Improve student performance at the college.
Objective 3:  Improve student performance after transfer.
Objective 4:  Improve student performance in the work place.
Objective 5:  Communicate academic standards to stakeholders.

• To promote the growth and well-being of faculty and staff through professional development and recognition.  This goal includes providing opportunities for faculty and staff to participate in regional, national, and international professional organizations and activities and support for further educational opportunities.  The institution supports and rewards faculty and staff members who make a meaningful contribution to their disciplines, student learning, and student success.

Objective 1:  Increase opportunities for faculty and staff to participate in regional, national, and international professional organizations and activities and support for further educational opportunities.
Objective 2:  Support and reward faculty and staff members who make a meaningful contribution to student learning and success.
Objective 3:  Develop online training opportunities for faculty and staff.
Objective 4:  Assure faculty and staff compensation comparable to other similar institutions and areas.

• To continue developing sources of funding while maintaining sound fiscal and operational standards and practices.  This includes continuing to work with the University System of Georgia to increase state funding allocations to reflect the College’s enrollment and needs as well as complying with University System policies, state regulations, federal guidelines, and other accountability measures.  The College will also seek alternative funding through grants, public-private partnerships, and community financial support through the Foundation.

Objective 1:  Work with the University System of Georgia to increase state funding allocations to reflect the College’s enrollment needs and increased expenditure per Full Time Equivalent student to approach the System average for State and Two-Year Colleges.
Objective 2:  Comply with University System policies, state regulations, federal guidelines, and other accountably by reviewing procedures on a continuous basis to ensure:

1. The effectiveness of internal control processes and systems.
2. The accuracy, reliability and timeliness of management information reporting.
   
3. Compliance with laws, regulations and university policies and procedures.
   
4. The effectiveness and efficiency of management systems for achieving university objectives and for considering business risks.
   
5. The reliability and security of information systems and computer operations.
   

Objective 3:  Seek alternative funding to support new and existing programs and services.
Objective 4:  Promote cost effective operation of the College.
Objective 5:  Maximize instructional space on both campuses.

• To enhance the College’s services and opportunities to the community.  This includes a broad array of activities including Continuing Education and Public Service programs, Gainesville Theatre Alliance, birth through grade 12 collaboration, and other cultural and educational opportunities and programs.

Objective 1:  Utilize programs, services, and resources to respond to community needs.
Objective 2:  Support faculty, staff, and student involvement in the community.
Objective 3:  Increase community awareness of services and opportunities.

General Education at Gainesville State College is a shared set of curricular and co-curricular experiences that cultivates in students the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary for lifelong learning and productive citizenship in a dynamic and multi-cultural society.

As a result of their experiences at Gainesville State College, students will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively through speaking, writing, reading, and listening;
2. Perform basic arithmetic and algebraic operations and use mathematical concepts to comprehend, interpret, and communicate quantitative information; 
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and a basic understanding of systematic methods of inquiry and apply those principles and procedures; 
4. Demonstrate knowledge of history and political systems and their implications in local, national, and international contexts; 
5. Demonstrate an awareness of cultures different from their own; 
6. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to plan and execute a personal wellness program; 
7. Use computers and other forms of technology to perform a variety of tasks; 
8. Develop an appreciation of a broad range of artistic experiences; 
9. Work effectively in groups; 
10. Further education and professional areas of their lives; and 
11. Gain enrichment in the personal areas of their lives. 

The Gainesville Campus is located six miles southwest of Gainesville on Mundy Mill Road (Highway 53) and near Exit 16 of Interstate Highway 985. The campus contains approximately 150 acres. Eighty additional acres, contiguous to the original campus, have been made available for educational use through a gift from Johnson & Johnson to the Gainesville State College Foundation.

DUNLAP-MATHIS BUILDING

This building was recently renovated for the Gainesville State College University Center, which assists with delivering selected four-year Bachelor’s Degrees and some graduate courses on the Gainesville State College campus. It also houses the Art Department, Office of Planning and Institutional Research, Institute for Global Initiatives, Testing Center, Disability Services, and Information Technology Department.

ACADEMIC BUILDING II

In this building are located the offices and classrooms for the School of Social Sciences as well as the Center for Research and Public Service. It also contains two computer labs and two multimedia classrooms.

ACADEMIC BUILDING III

This building houses the offices and classrooms for the Mathematics and Computer Science Departments, the Academic Computing, Tutoring, and Testing Center (ACTT Center), and Math Labs.

The ACTT Center’s (Academic Computing, Testing and Tutoring) primary focus is to serve the students and faculty of Gainesville State College.  The ACTT Center is located in Academic III and provides students with math and accounting tutoring services.  There is one Math Lab and one Learning Support Math Lab, both of which house professional and peer tutors who are available from 8 am - 10 pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 8 am - 3 pm.  The ACTT Center provides students with numerous computers, access to IT Help Desk professionals, and two group study rooms, which can be reserved on an hourly basis.  The Front Desk staff is able to administer make-up exams and will also loan on a daily basis popular textbooks, calculators, and electronic dictionaries.

ACADEMIC BUILDING Iv

This building houses the Business, Education, Humanities, and Fine Arts.  It also houses the Office of Academic Enrichment (including Learning Support, ESL, and Supplemental Instruction).

ACTT II, located on the second floor of Academic IV, houses Gainesville State College’s Writing Center.  Within ACTT II, professional and peer tutors facilitate students in the writing process.  Students can receive tutoring on a walk-in basis or reserve time with a tutor.  ACTT II also assists English as a Second Language students in the realms of reading, writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary development.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

This building houses the offices of the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Business and Finance, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement (Marketing & Public Relations, Foundation and Alumni Affairs).

CONTINUING EDUCATION/PERFORMING ARTS

This 40,000-square-foot building contains two wings, one with offices and classrooms for continuing education/public service activities and the other for classrooms and related instructional space to support the Theatre Department. The wings are connected to a common lobby, which is the center of many College activities. A 300-seat teaching theater is included, as well as the Roy C. Moore Art Gallery.

CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND PUBLIC SERVICE

The Center for Research and Public Service utilizes the institutional expertise of GSC to provide public service through research, consultancies, faculty, and students’ community engagement, and programs which will improve the lives of peoples in envisioning communities and farther afield and directly benefit the Private, Non-Profit, and Public Sectors.

JOHN HARRISON HOSCH LIBRARY

In addition to a collection of over 160,000 items, students at Gainesville State College have access to knowledgeable library faculty who provide skilled instruction in the use of library resources.  Some of these resources include books, electronic books, videos, and the borrowing privileges provided by GIL Express, which allows for inter-library loan for GSC students from any school in the University System of Georgia.

Physically, the library provides the second largest computer lab on campus, with a large lab downstairs, and new computers installed in study carrels upstairs in a designated “quiet area”. Student study rooms are provided for students working in groups, and couches and study tables are present throughout the library, so that students will find many areas in which they may read, use laptops connected to the library’s wireless access, or study. 

Students will find a browsing room downstairs, featuring more couches, rocking chairs, and a large window offering soothing views of shady trees, in addition to resources such as periodicals, newspapers, and a “popular books” section (provided as a joint agreement with Student Life) for leisure reading and relaxation.

Available books in the circulating collection support students as they research and explore concepts covered in class, and librarians (faculty with specialized knowledge of content areas) are eager to assist students with research and locating materials.  Students can also make research advisory appointments with librarians to get on-on-one support throughout the research process.

PLANT OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES

There are two buildings for Plant Operations and Facilities. One contains the administrative offices for Plant Operations and Facilities and Public Safety and additional warehouse storage. The other building contains the building maintenance, landscape services, cleaning services, shipping and receiving, construction shop, mobile equipment service and repair shop, surplus and warehouse storage and sheds for mobile equipment.

MUSIC BUILDING

This structure houses the Music Department and the support facilities. This includes the lecture room, electronic-piano laboratory, sound-proof practice rooms, applied-music studios, offices, and space for equipment storage.

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING

The state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot Science, Engineering, and Technology facility contains faculty offices for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, as well as four lecture halls, five classrooms, two class/lab rooms, a microcomputer based physics lab, three chemistry labs, a microbiology lab, three biology labs, two multipurpose labs, an analytical chemistry instrument room, a research lab, a soil/rock prep lab, a geographic information science lab, an integrated technology lab, and a large general-use Multimedia Science Computer lab.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION COMPLEX

The Physical Education Complex houses the Health and Wellness Department and includes the gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, fully equipped Fitness Center, classroom, and dressing facilities.  A  mechanical lift is available to assist disabled persons with getting into and out of the pool. Outside facilities include an all-weather track, bike trail, exercise trail, intramural fields, tennis courts, and fishing ponds. These facilities are widely used by students, faculty and staff.

STUDENT CENTER

At the heart of the campus is the Student Center which houses many convenient accommodations for students, faculty members, and other groups who seek workshop, seminar, or general meeting rooms. Student Government Association Offices, recreational areas, game room, food service, and the bookstore are located in this building. The facility also includes the Student Affairs Office, Admissions, Counseling and Career Services Center, Minority Affairs Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Life Office, Financial Aid Office, Academic Advising Center, and the Cyber Cafe/Gameroom. 

The Oconee Campus is located on Bishop Farms Parkway in Watkinsville off Highway 53 (Experiment Station Road), easily accessible from Highway 441. The campus contains 14 acres in a pastoral setting of rolling hills. The Campus was acquired in 2003 with the first classes offered Summer Semester 2003.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

This building houses the Campus CEO/VP, business services, testing center, advising center, Learning Support and some faculty offices along with all Student Affairs offices. 

student resource center building

The Library, Information Technology Department, Foreign Language Lab, Office of Student Life, “The Voice” student newspaper office, and a coffee kiosk are located in this building.  Faculty offices, a science lab, and classrooms are also contained in the building.

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 and other USG schools through GIL, the Libraries’ catalog.   A large group of computers provides access to GALILEO, award-winning collection of databases provided by the University System of Geogia and the College network. Professional and peer tutors provide assistance in math, statistics, English, and a variety of other subjects.  The Libary/ACTT also administers make-up tests, checks out calculators, and has AV equipment available to support class work, as well as study materials which faculty make available to students on a reserve basis.

CLASSROOM BUILDING

Classrooms, computer labs, science labs, and faculty offices are located in this building.

FACULTY CENTER BUILDING

The latest addition to the facilities on the Oconee campus, the Faculty Center Building houses the Bookstore, the Bishop Wellness and Activities Hall, and faculty and staff offices.  The offices of Oconee academic leaders are also in the Faculty Center. The building was completed during Fall Semester 2008.  The Bishop Wellness and Activities Hall allows the College to offer Physical Education courses on the campus. 

GAINESVILLE STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Gainesville State College Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1967 to secure and administer private financial support of the College. Overseeing the funds raised by the Foundation is a continuing responsibility of the Board of Trustees which operates through an Executive Committee. The mission of the Foundation is to support the mission of the College by promoting access to quality higher education for students in the Northeast Georgia region and enhancing the excellence of the College’s educational programs.

Funds provided through the Foundation are used for student scholarships, innovative teaching grants, book purchases for the library, student organization support, disability testing, as well as important technology upgrades for students and faculty. Funds are raised through special events and annual fund drives. The Foundation is very fortunate to have the strong support of the College’s faculty and staff through its annual Faculty/Staff Campaign.  For further information about the Foundation, please call the Office of Institutional Advancement.

GAINESVILLE STATE COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Gainesville State College (GSC) Alumni Association, established in 1985, functions as a division of the Gainesville State College Foundation.  The goals of the Alumni Association are to promote and support the objectives of the College; to provide financial support; to identify distinguished candidates for awards and honors; to strengthen the bond among alumni and community; to enhance the quality of student campus life; and to enhance public appreciation and awareness of Gainesville State College.  The Alumni Association is able to accomplish these goals with the support of alumni and friends, staff members and the dedication of the GSC Alumni Council.