2017-2018 Georgia Gwinnett Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Georgia Gwinnett Catalog [ARCHIVED COPY]

Academic Policies and Procedures



Student Success Courses

See University System of Georgia Academic & Student Affairs Handbook Section 2.9 and Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 3.3.2.

In keeping with the admission policy of the University System of Georgia and Georgia Gwinnett College, students who lack the fundamental skills needed for success in college level courses may be admitted to the college, provided they enroll in Student Success courses specifically designed to meet their unique needs. Student Success courses are a sequence of studies to assist students with developing their academic skills, their personal goals and appropriate curriculum plans. Special one-on-one consultation and academic advisement are provided to help students progress towards enrollment in college level credit courses.

Student Success Courses in English(Reading/Writing) and Math

The School of Transitional Studies offers Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses designed to prepare students for college-level work.

  1. These courses include, but are not limited to, ENGL 0989 : Foundations for English Composition, ENGL 0999 : Support for English Composition, MATH 0987 : Foundations for Quantitative Reasoning, MATH 0997 : Support for Quantitative Reasoning, MATH 0989 : Foundations for College Algebra, and MATH 0999 : Support for College Algebra.
  2. No degree credit will be earned in Student Success courses, but institutional credit will be awarded.
  3. The following grades are approved for Student Success courses in English (reading/writing), and mathematics:
  • Passing course grades: A, B, C, S
  • Failing course grades: F, U, WF
  • Progress insufficient for completion of the course: IP
  • Academic progress satisfactory, but coursework incomplete: I
  • Withdrawal without penalty: W
  • Student auditing Student Success course that is not required but taken voluntarily: V

Georgia Gwinnett College may use any of these grades or symbols that it deems appropriate for its Student Success program. “D” is not allowed as a grade in Student Success courses.

Student Placement Test Scores Relative to Course Placement

Students taking courses or seeking to enter programs leading to the associate or baccalaureate degree must be evaluated for Learning Support placement in English (reading/writing) and mathematics. (See USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 3.2.4 for test score information.) In all cases, students should be encouraged to submit test scores that can be used to exempt placement testing. New students with fewer than 30 semester hours are required to demonstrate proficiency in English (reading/writing), and mathematics to register for college-level courses. Those entering without transferable English credit (e.g., ENGL 1101 ) or mathematics credit (e.g., MATH 1001 , MATH 1111 ) and scores below acceptable SAT/ACT minimums will be required to take a placement exam to determine the appropriate level of coursework. Students may take the placement exam twice.

Placement exams are administered by Testing Services. The University System of Georgia may mandate or recommend the use of specific placement exams (e.g., Accuplacer) and scores for placement into college-level courses. Georgia Gwinnett College may require students to take additional placement exams to refine placement of new students within the guidelines of the University System. Absent SAT, ACT, or other scores high enough to exempt placement testing, an approved placement exam (e.g., Accuplacer) will be used as the placement test.

When available, a Mathematics Placement Index (MPI) and an English Placement Index (EPI) will be calculated based on High School Grade Point Average (HSGPA), SAT or ACT and, when indicated, the ACCUPLACER placement test or other approved placement test. (See USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 3.2.4 for more information.)

For some students who score below the cutoff EPI or MPI, those students will be required to take the appropriate ACCUPLACER or other approved placement tests. The placement test score will be combined with the HSGPA and SAT/ACT and the resultant EPI or MPI will be compared to the System level cut scores to determine students’ Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) placement.

Specific information about the placement exams and placement scores are available on the Georgia Gwinnett College website. The majority of students with Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) requirements will be placed into corequisite courses.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Students whose secondary education was completed outside the United States system of education whose first language is not English may be admitted with acceptable foreign credentials and English language proficiency as demonstrated on a test of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). Please refer to the chart provided in USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 3.2.6 for approved exams and minimum standards or some other USG-approved evaluations of English.*

*Institutions and departmental programs within the institution may set higher minimum test scores for admission.

Institutions such as GGC may develop procedures to determine whether there is a need for placement in Learning Support English and/or ESL courses for students who meet the minimum English Proficiency requirements. At GGC, entering students who are non-native speakers of English and who score below 480 on the verbal section of the SAT or below 21 on the English ACT are required to take the EAP placement test administered by Testing Services. The EAP placement test may be taken twice. Students with transfer credit for ENGL 1101  and no RHSC deficiency in English are not required to take the EAP placement test (See APM 3.3.2.2.1 Criteria for Determining EAP/ESL Placement).

Math admissions criteria–including the SAT or ACT–and placement criteria are required for international students.

An academically admissible applicant with credentials from another country who needs supplemental English language instruction (as indicated by an approved method for determining English Proficiency described above) may be admitted to a degree program on the condition that the student will receive the supplemental English language instruction in a System-approved program. This conditional admission is possible only at those institutions approved to provide English language instruction for non-native speakers of English. Programs of English as a Second Language (ESL) used under this provision must be approved by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.

Policies for Students with Student Success Requirements

Advising

Students enrolled in Student Success courses are provided help to develop their personal goals and appropriate curriculum plans. Students may be assigned a Student Success advisor in the Georgia Gwinnett College Mentoring and Advising Center to make sure they remain on track to exit their Student Success courses and succeed at Georgia Gwinnett College.

Student Success Courses Take Priority

Each institution that admits students required by USG policy to enroll in Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses before or as they attempt core curriculum courses shall have program designed, at a minimum, to meet the specific needs of students who, according to USG placement standards, must enroll in Learning Support. GGC may set higher standards for placement, and the program may include other Learning Support components. It is the policy of the University System of Georgia that during each semester of enrollment, a student must first register for all required Student Success courses before being allowed to register for other courses. This policy also applies to part-time students. Two exceptions are possible:

  1. When two Student Success areas are required and the student is enrolled in at least one Student Success course, a freshman orientation course (e.g., GGC 1000) or physical education course or other activity or performance course may, if available, be taken that semester instead of another required Student Success course.
  2. In the event that a required Student Success course is not available, a student may enroll in a course for degree credit if the student has met the course requirements, subject to the written approval of the President or designee.

Students who have accumulated a maximum of 30 semester hours of college-level credit and have not successfully completed required Learning Support courses may enroll only in Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses until requirements are successfully completed. Students with transfer credit or credit earned in a certificate or prior degree program who are required to take Learning Support courses for their current degree objectives may earn up to 30 additional hours of college-level credit. After earning the additional hours, such students may enroll in Learning Support courses only. GGC may limit accumulation of college-level credit to 20 hours.

Prerequisites for College-Level Classes

  1. Required Student Success classes can restrict the range of collegiate level courses students may take. Students who are required to enroll in Student Success courses are not permitted to enroll in credit courses that require the content or the skills of the prerequisite courses.
  2. The following core curriculum areas require students to complete or exempt certain Student Success requirements:
  • Completion or exemption from Foundations-level Student Success English is a prerequisite for Social, Natural, and Physical Science courses.
  • Completion or exemption from Foundations-level Student Success English or placement into corequisite English is required for placement into college-level English courses (ENGL 1101 ).
  • Completion or exemption from Foundations-level Student Success mathematics or placement into corequisite mathematics is required for placement into college level mathematics courses.
  • Completion or exemption from Foundations-level Student Success mathematics is a prerequisite for physics and chemistry courses.
  • GGC may set higher prerequisite standards, such as completion of Student Success requirements at the corequisite level.
  • Any courses with prerequisite of any other college-level course requires exit or exemption from related Student Success requirements. Exceptions to this policy are allowed for co-requisite programs that link Student Success courses and college-level courses.
  • Courses such as music, art, and film are open to students with Student Success requirements.
  1. Students who exceed the USG minimum requirements but are required by GGC to take Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses in order to prepare for core curriculum courses may, at the institution’s option, be exempted from any or all of the requirements specified in Section 3.3.2.1.2.3.b above. However, all such requirements imposed by GGC must be satisfied by the time the student has earned 30 semester credit hours or the student must enroll in course work that will satisfy the requirements every semester of enrollment until the requirements are satisfied. GGC has the authority to limit accumulation of college-level credit to 20 hours.

30-Hour Rule

Students who have accumulated a maximum of 30 semester hours of college-level credit and have not successfully completed required Student Success courses may enroll only in Student Success courses until requirements are successfully completed. Students with transfer credit or credit earned in a certificate or prior degree program who are required to take Student Success courses for their current degree objectives may earn up to 30 additional hours of college-level credit. After earning the additional hours, such students may enroll in Student Success courses only.

Withdrawal from Student Success Courses

Students with Student Success requirements who are enrolled in both Student Success courses and college-level credit courses and who withdraw from required Student Success courses are not required to withdraw from unrelated collegiate courses.

Maximum Number of Attempts and Suspension

  1. An attempt is defined as an institutional credit course in which a student receives any grade or symbol except “W” or “WM”.
  2. If students do not complete requirements for Foundations-level English or mathematics in two attempts, they will be suspended for a calendar year. Suspended students may be considered for readmission before the end of one year if they can provide evidence that they have taken measures to improve their skills.
  3. Students who have been suspended from the institution without completing Student Success requirements may complete their Student Success requirements and additional collegiate-level work at SACSCOC-accredited TCSG institutions during the year of suspension.
  4. There are no limits on attempts in corequisite Student Success courses.

Transfer Students and Student Success Courses

Time spent in Student Success course work in a disciplinary area is cumulative within the University System of Georgia. A transfer Student Success student with fewer than two attempts in Foundations-level English (reading/writing) and/or mathematics may be granted an additional semester in Foundations-level Student Success course(s) at Georgia Gwinnett College. Students who have been suspended from Georgia Gwinnett College may not be exempted from their required Student Success courses through transfer of course credit unless they are eligible for transfer admission under GGC’s regular transfer admission policies. Students who complete course work and exit an area of Student Success/Learning Support at any institution in the USG shall not be required to re-enter that area of Student Success upon transfer to GGC. For students transferring from SACSCOC-accredited TCSG colleges, exit will be considered according to guidelines issued by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of the USG.

Resuming College Work and Student Success Requirements

  1. Students who leave a USG school for any reason may be re-admitted without Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) requirements if they meet one of the following conditions:
  • Students have completed all Student Success/Learning Support requirements at a SACSCOC TCSG institution and completion of Student Success/Learning Support requirements is documented on their TCSG transcript.
  • Students have earned transferable credit at a regionally-accredited non-USG institution for ENGL 1101 or 1102 (for completion of the Student Success/Learning Support English requirement) or an Area A mathematics course (for completion of the Student Success/Learning Support Mathematics requirement). Georgia Gwinnett College will decide whether to grant Area A credit for courses taken elsewhere.
  • Students have completed Student Success/Learning Support requirements at another USG institution and completion of Student Success/Learning Support requirements is documented on their transfer transcript.
  1. Students who leave Georgia Gwinnett College and return without having satisfied their Student Success requirements in the interim may be readmitted to the college under the following conditions:
  • Students who have been suspended for a calendar year for failure to complete a Foundations-level Student Success course within two attempts have two options on their return: See 3.3.2.1.6.
  • Students with Student Success requirements who voluntarily leave Georgia Gwinnett College for periods of less than one calendar year will return to the level of Student Success (Foundations-level or corequisite) they were in immediately prior to their absence:
    • Time spent in Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) course work in a disciplinary area is cumulative within the USG. Students who return to Georgia Gwinnett College less than one calendar year after one attempt in Foundations-level Student Success will return on their second attempt in the Foundations-level Student Success course.
    • Students who had completed requirements for Foundations-level Student Success and had been recommended for corequisite Student Success may reenter at the corequisite support level.
  • Students in Student Success who voluntarily leave Georgia Gwinnett College for periods of one calendar year or more must be retested with the Accuplacer or other approved placement test in any previously unsatisfied Student Success area:
    • Such students may be readmitted without a Student Success requirement if they meet the institutional criteria for exemption.
    • Students who do not score high enough on the placement test to exempt Student Success requirements may be placed in either Foundations-level or corequisite courses.
    • Students placed in Foundations-level Student Success may be readmitted and allowed up to two additional attempts in Foundations-level Student Success in both English and mathematics, as applicable, if individual evaluation indicates that the student has a reasonable chance of success on readmission.
  1. Students readmitted under this provision are subject to the 30-hour limit on college-level coursework and may not take credit work if they had earned 30 or more credit hours during their previous period(s) of enrollment and have not completed Student Success requirements in the interim (See 3.3.2.1.2.4).
  2. Completion of transferable Area A courses in English or mathematics from any institution will eliminate further Student Success requirements in that area upon transfer back to Georgia Gwinnett College.

Reporting and Recording Learning Support Status on Transcripts

All students enrolled in Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses will be reported in the USG Data Warehouse as having Learning Support requirements or enrolling as volunteers.

USG procedures for Learning Support programs require that records of each student’s Learning Support placement evaluation and current status be maintained in a USG-approved format. Transcripts of all students evaluated for Learning Support need to include placement and current status information for each Learning Support area as described in USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 2.9.3.

Exit Policies for Student Success Courses

Students will exit Student Success (corequisite Learning Support English or Mathematics) requirements by successfully passing the corresponding Area A collegiate-level course with a grade of C or better. Because registration for the next semester occurs before final grades are calculated, students may initially register for college-level courses but then not exit the Student Success requirements that are prerequisites for the college-level courses. It is the responsibility of the student to amend his or her class schedule by removing the college-level courses for which the student has not satisfied the prerequisites and register for any required Student Success courses from which the student did not exit. There are no limits on attempts in corequisite Student Success courses.

Voluntarily Enrolling in Student Success Courses

Students who are required to take Learning Support courses in an area may not register as auditors in any Learning Support course in that area. Students who are not required to take Student Success courses in a disciplinary area may elect to enroll in Student Success courses in the non-required area for institutional credit or on an audit basis. Such students are limited to a maximum of two attempts if they elect to enroll in Foundations-level English (reading/writing) or mathematics but are not subject to the requirements specified in 3.3.2.1.5. There is no limit on attempts for students who elect to enroll in corequisite Student Success courses. An attempt is defined as an institutional credit course in which a student receives any grade or symbol except “W.”

Student Success Suspension in English and Mathematics

Students placed into Student Success courses must complete requirements for Foundations courses for English (reading/writing) or mathematics in two semesters (an attempt being defined as an institutional credit course in which a student receives any grade or symbol except “W” or “WM”) or the student will be suspended for one calendar year. During this time, students are expected to take measures to improve their skills before being readmitted to Georgia Gwinnett College. Suspended students may be considered for readmission before the end of one year if they can provide evidence that they have taken measures to improve their skills. Students who have been suspended from the institution without completing Student Success requirements may complete their Student Success/Learning Support requirements and additional collegiate-level work at SACSCOC accredited TCSG institutions during the year of suspension. There are no limits on attempts in corequisite Student Success courses.

Readmission from Student Success Suspension

Students suspended for not completing Student Success requirements may apply for readmission. Students who have been suspended for a calendar year for failure to complete a Foundations-level Student Success course within two attempts have two options on their return:

Students may return to placement in the Foundations-level Student Success course and have two more attempts.

Students may take the ACCUPLACER test and accept the resulting Student Success placement. If placed in Foundations-level Student Success, they will have two more attempts to complete this level.

Students suspended from the institution without completing Student Success requirements may not be exempted from the Student Success course requirements through transfer of course credit unless they are eligible for transfer admission under GGC’s regular transfer admission policies.

Students with Special Needs Required to Enroll in Student Success Classes

Students with documented learning disorders as defined in the Academic & Student Affairs Handbook, Section 3.11.1, who are required to enroll in Student Success (i.e., Learning Support) courses must fulfill all stated requirements, including placement testing (ACCUPLACER or system-approved alternate) and course requirements. General and specific guidelines for documentation of learning disorders appear in Section 3, Appendices D and E of the USG Academic Affairs Handbook. Students will be provided with appropriate testing and/or course accommodations as described in the USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 3.11.5, “Learning Support Considerations.”

Appropriate course and testing accommodations should be made for students with sensory, mobility, or systemic disorders.

Student Success Courses in English for Academic Purposes/English as a Second Language

Students whose native language is not English must show proficiency in English before being admitted to the college. Students who graduated from a high school outside the United States must present a satisfactory score on an approved English language proficiency exam (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). Students with scores that admit them to Georgia Gwinnett College will be placed in either English for Academic Purposes/English as a Second Language (EAP/ESL) or collegiate-level English courses depending on their placement test results,

Criteria for Determining EAP/ESL Placement

Entering students who are non-native speakers of English and who score below minimum scores for collegiate-level English placement on the verbal section of the SAT or the English ACT are required to take the EAP placement test administered by Testing Services. The EAP placement test may be taken twice. Students with transfer credit for ENGL 1101  and no RHSC deficiency in English are not required to take the EAP placement test.

English for Academic Purposes/English as a Second Language (EAP/ESL) Program

The English for Academic Purposes/English as a Second Language (EAP/ESL) program provides instruction in academic English, including reading, writing, and communication skills, for non-native speakers of English. The EAP program is designed to prepare students in the language skills necessary for successful academic work at Georgia Gwinnett College.

EAP/ESL Prerequisites for College-Level Classes

Students who are enrolled in EAP courses may be restricted as to which other courses they may take while taking EAP courses. Students should consult the Georgia Gwinnett College Catalog to determine course prerequisites.

EAP/ESL Registration Takes Priority

During each semester of enrollment, EAP/ESL students must first register for all required EAP courses before registering for other courses. This policy applies to full-time and part-time students, and any exceptions must be approved through the office of the dean.

EAP/ESL Withdrawal Policy

EAP/ESL students may withdraw from one or more EAP courses. They will not be withdrawn from unrelated collegiate courses as long as they remain enrolled in a minimum of one EAP course. Students who withdraw from all EAP courses will also be withdrawn from all unrelated collegiate courses.

EAP/ESL Exit Policy

In order to exit the EAP program, students must achieve passing grades in the upper level EAP course(s) and/or any required final exit exams. Final exams in EAP courses may be given after registration for the following semester, and students may have registered for courses that have their current EAP courses as prerequisites. Because of this, if students do not pass their final exams in the EAP courses, they may not exit and be unable to take some collegiate-level courses the next semester. It is the responsibility of students in Student Success classes like EAP to amend their schedule to reflect their exit results.

GGC Honors Program

The GGC Honors Program provides a distinguished, integrated educational experience that challenges students of distinction to demonstrate excellence in Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Creativity. The Honors Program challenges students to discover the deepest meanings of these core values and apply them to their studies, potential careers, and daily lives. Qualified students admitted to the GGC Honors Program explore the core values via a rich and varied set of curricular and co-curricular experiences that challenge students academically; develop their creativity; foster within them an abiding commitment to civic engagement; and enhance their leadership skills.

Members of GGC’s Honors Program are offered a variety of benefits. They are eligible for enrollment in: Honors versions of several core curriculum classes, designated as such on student transcripts; Honors 1000, a one-credit, pass-fail Honors seminar designed for first-year students; and for Honors Program students who meet pre-requisites, interdisciplinary Honors 3000 Special Topics seminars developed by faculty from disciplines across the college. Honors courses are limited in size and emphasize in depth discussions and active, student-centered learning in an engaging and supportive atmosphere. Members also have access to our Honors Learning Lounge and a range of co- and extra-curricular programming, events, and opportunities to enrich the college experience with particular focus on the College’s four core values.

In addition, Honors Program members may be able to graduate from the College “with honors” and their Honors Program membership noted on their transcripts and diplomas if they:

In addition, Honors Program members may be able to graduate from the College “with honors” and their Honors Program member ship noted on their transcripts and diplomas if they:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in college-level courses;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to leadership, creativity, scholarship and service;
  • Demonstrate mastery of the Honors Program Student Learning Outcomes; and
  • Remain enrolled at GGC and in the Honors Program for at least four semesters.

Honors Program Student Learning Outcomes

Members of GGC’s Honors Program are expected to demonstrate progress related to and eventual mastery of the following outcomes:

  • Effective multi-modal communication;
  • Creative thinking;
  • Critical thinking; and
  • Civic engagement.

GGC Honors Program Admission Policy

Admission to the Honors Program requires that all applications are reviewed holistically, and those students who desire admission into the GGC Honors Program must:

  • Have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher;
  • Write an essay illustrating the student’s personal commitment to GGC’s core values of scholarship, service, leadership and creativity;
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation from a GGC faculty and/or staff member. Or, in the case of first-year or transfer students, a letter of recommendation from a faculty and/or staff member from the student’s previous institution;
  • Successfully complete an interview conducted by the Honors Programs Selection Committee; and
  • Complete the GGC Honors Admission Application form, which requires students to give information about their co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Honors Program Expectations and Requirements

  • Students accepted to the program are expected to:
  • Participate in and document at least one activity per semester related to each of the four core values;
  • Attend one of two monthly meetings;
  • Play an active role in at least one service project each semester
  • Document their activities related to the four core value and the Honors Program outcomes for inclusion in a portfolio;
  • Represent the college appropriately at school functions and in the community; and
  • Abide by all schools policies and codes of conduct.

Students in the program are required to:

  • Enroll in and successfully complete the Honors 1000 1-credit seminar (open to all members but required of only first-year students);
  • Enroll in and successfully complete a minimum of two (2) Honors 3000 classes over the course of their time in the program;
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, barring extraordinary mitigating circumstances;
  • Remain active in the program for four or more semesters (in order to graduate with the Honors Program distinction); and
  • Maintain a portfolio demonstrating their commitment to the four core values and appropriate progress towards mastery of the program learning outcomes.

Student Study Abroad Policy and Procedures

The following policies guide Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students who wish to study or perform service abroad.

Types of GGC Study Abroad Programs

Georgia Gwinnett College considers study abroad one of the most important experiences that the institution can offer its students. GGC sponsors a variety of study abroad programs, including spring break, maymester, summer, semester, and academic-year programs. These programs fall under the following categories:

  1. GGC Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs: The Office of Internationalization works with GGC’s academic schools to develop faculty-led study abroad programs. These programs are primarily spring break, maymester, and summer programs led and taught by GGC faculty members. The programs tend to focus on a particular topic or theme and generally attract between 10 and 20 students, though some programs may be larger. These programs grant GGC resident credit, and no course substitution or transient permission is necessary. Students participate in lectures, site visits, excursions, and tours as part of the program. These programs can last between ten days and six weeks. Students find the programs a great way to get to know their professors and other GGC students while earning GGC credits and grades. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
  2. GGC Exchange Programs: Currently, GGC has formal exchange agreements with these foreign universities: Hanyang University (South Korea), Sookmyung University (South Korea), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Thai Nguyen University of Technology (Vietnam), University of Prizren (Kosovo), Nguyen Tat Thanh University (Vietnam), and such other universities as may be added from time to time. GGC exchanges will offer semester or academic-year studies at a foreign university, and classes may be taught in the host language, English, or both. Exchange programs are among the most affordable study abroad options, as the costs are comparable to spending the semester at GGC. Students who are very independent tend to do well on exchange programs. These programs offer a high level of cultural immersion as GGC students take their courses at the overseas partner institution with local students. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Courses taken through GGC exchanges or with GGC exchange partner universities count as transfer credit.
  3. USG Affiliate Programs: In cases where one of the above-referenced GGC programs does not suit the student’s academic needs or interests, the student may choose from many other programs within the University System of Georgia such as the USG European Council programs or the USG Asia Council programs.
  4. GGC International Internships and Independent Study: Students interested in pursuing creditbearing international internships or independent study under the supervision of a GGC professor should contact the Office of Internationalization. There are some additional requirements related to insurance and documentation, since the student is not on an organized study abroad program. No course substitution or transient permission is necessary. If a student pursues a non-GGC-supervised international internship, course approval and transient permission is required.

Study Abroad Program Selection and Approval

The first step for GGC students interested in studying abroad is to contact the Office of Internationalization (OI) in order to create a Getting Started account in Terra Dotta. Students should make an appointment to visit in person. The Office of Internationalization’s goals for this initial intake process are as follows:

  1. Set appropriate student expectations regarding program options and requirements.
  2. Explain in detail the various study abroad program options available to GGC students.
  3. Verify that applicants are GGC students who meet the basic requirements, including number of collegiate credit hours and GPA. Students will also understand that certain study abroad programs may require a higher GPA or have other prerequisites.
  4. Discuss the basics of studying abroad, including choice of destination, types of programs, financial aid, availability of scholarships, credit transfer, passport/visa issues, and health and safety abroad. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that, through his/her advisor, this is the right course of study. If the student needs to receive course approval, s/he will work with his/her designated point of contact (POC) for study abroad to make sure courses will count towards his/her academic program. If a student selects a non-GGC study abroad program, the student must obtain approval from his/her POC or faculty mentor as well as the appropriate dean. After this, depending on the type of program, the student will do one of the following:

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that, through his/her advisor, this is the right course of study.

If the student needs to receive course approval, s/he will work with his/her designated point of contact (POC) for study abroad to make sure courses will count towards his/her academic program. If a student selects a non-GGC study abroad program, the student must obtain approval from his/her POC or faculty mentor as well as the appropriate dean. After this, depending on the type of program, the student will do one of the following:

  • For GGC Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs
    1. Meet with the faculty leading the study abroad program for initial approval to participate in the program.
    2. Apply for the program in Terra Dotta.
    3. Forms to be completed in Terra Dotta:
      1. GGC Institutional Study Abroad Application Form
      2. Education Abroad Emergency Contacts
      3. Education Abroad Participant Health Statement
      4. Liability Participant Agreement-Adults OR Liability Participant Agreement-Minors
      5. Financial Aid Form (optional)
      6. Passport Information (including visa information for non U.S. citizens)
  • For Affiliate Programs and Non-GGC Study Abroad Programs
    1. Apply for the program in Terra Dotta.
    2. Complete and submit the following forms in Terra Dotta:
      1. Study Abroad Course Approval Form (in order to receive credit approval)
      2. Education Abroad Emergency Contacts
      3. Education Abroad Participant Health Statement
      4. Liability Participant Agreement-Adults OR Liability Participant Agreement-Minors
      5. Financial Aid Form (optional)
      6. Passport Information (including visa information for non-U.S. citizens)
      7. Supplemental Education Abroad Information
      8. Copy of any and all forms completed for program provider
      9. GGC Request for Transient Permission Form** or a Consortium Agreement Form (unless advised otherwise)
      10. Course Substitution Form
    3. Obtain signatures of approval as part of their study abroad application and Individual advisement process from the following:
      1. School Point of Contact (POC) for study abroad
      2. School Dean
      3. Wellness Center Representative
      4. Office of Internationalization Assistant Director for Education Abroad

Note: Students for both GGC faculty-led study abroad programs and non-GGC study abroad programs are required to submit their applications within the published deadlines, as well as attend all mandatory pre-departure orientations.

Service Learning Programs

Service learning is a form of study abroad, except that it may or may not be credit bearing. It focuses on contemporary global and transnational issues and emphasizes human connection, thereby challenging notions of nations and cultures. Service learning incorporates community work into students’ educational experiences, by providing real-world learning experiences that enhance students’ academic learning while providing a tangible benefit for the community in which activity occurs. The only existing international service learning program at GGC is the Global Civic Engagement Program, a non-credit service learning program which offers students non-credit experiences in activities which address human needs or learning about an international community. In many instances, the community and student/institution are equal partners. The program requires students to dedicate thought, time, and ability to working with communities to learn about local challenges, while digging into complicated questions of power, injustice, and inequality in a global context. Each gains from the other by having significant opportunities to reflect on their service and experiences and engage theory and knowledge reflexively with the experience. The Global Civic Engagement Program is organized by the Office of Internationalization; however, other GGC faculty/staff members may also establish and lead their own service-learning programs.

Service Learning Intake Process

Service Learning Intake Process Students interested in participating in a GGC service-learning program should do the following:

  1. Meet with the faculty or staff member leading the program for initial approval to participate in it.
  2. Complete and submit a GGC Institutional Service-Learning Application in Terra Dotta.

Note: Students for both study abroad and service learning programs are required to submit their service-learning applications within the published deadlines, as well as attend all mandatory pre-departure orientations.

Eligibility and Requirements

  1. GGC students who wish to participate in study abroad programs must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; students who wish to participate in service learning abroad must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  2. Students may not be on any form of academic probation, suspension, dismissal, warnings, or continued probation.
  3. Certain study abroad programs may require higher GPAs or other prerequisites.
  4. Students must have achieved the required GGC GPA by the application deadline of the study abroad program.
  5. GGC students are eligible to study abroad participate in service-learning programs after completing a minimum of 24 collegiate credit hours by the program application deadline. Transfer students must complete a minimum of one full-time semester at GGC before they may study or serve abroad.
    International students wishing to study abroad should consult the Office of Internationalization to verify that their student visa will allow them to study or serve in the proposed host country.

Transfer Credit for Study Abroad

Credit vs. Non-Credit: Not every experiential program abroad is credit bearing. For an education abroad program, students must be sure to verify whether it is credit bearing or not. If it is credit bearing, students must verify how many credits and whether the credits will transfer to their GGC program of study.

Affiliate Programs and Non-GGC Programs: GGC has agreements with several affiliate program providers, and students are encouraged to consider using one of these providers. For non-GGC and affiliate study abroad programs, courses will be reflected on another institution’s transcript and will count as transfer credit at GGC. Please note the following important policies:

  1. Completed GGC Request for Transient Permission or a Consortium Agreement Form (unless advised otherwise), Course Substitution, and Study Abroad Course Approval forms are required prior to registering for the program. These forms allow students to plan how courses will transfer in. They also enable students to maintain student status at GGC for financial aid and other purposes.
  2. Courses may transfer as major, minor, core, or elective credit. The appropriate GGC school(s), in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office, will determine how the course(s) will transfer and how the course(s) will be applied towards degree requirements.
  3. GGC students should contact the Office of Internationalization as early in the planning process as possible to review the steps required for completing the transfer credit or transient permission approval process.
  4. Transfer credit will be given only for courses that are from accredited U.S. universities/colleges and/or operated by approved GGC study abroad affiliates or consortia.
  5. Other USG Programs: These programs include all public colleges and universities within the state. GGC students may be eligible to participate in study abroad opportunities through these institutions. Students should consider the following regarding USG programs:
    • USG programs tend to be around the same cost and are often led by a faculty member from the host USG institution.
    • To participate in a program through another USG institution, students will need to apply as “transient” students to that school as well as apply to their particular study abroad program.
    • Each institution is different, so students should pay special attention to the instructions given to them by the contact person for that specific USG study abroad program.
  6. Foreign Language Programs/Schools: In order for credit to transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College, it must originate from an accredited institution of higher learning in the US or be evaluated by one of the approved credential/evaluation services.

Financial Aid and Requirements

Financial Aid

GGC students can use their federal and state aid, including the HOPE Scholarship, for study abroad. Financial aid can be used on any study abroad program for which the student will receive academic credit. Students studying abroad for an academic year are eligible to apply for both the fall and spring grant competitions. Interested students should make an appointment to meet with Office of Internationalization or Financial Aid.

Important Note: While most students are able to use financial aid to assist with the cost of studying abroad, it is very likely that the student will need to cover these expenses up front and be reimbursed at a later date by financial aid or other scholarships. Due to federal regulations, these funds very rarely come through in time to use them to cover study abroad expenses in advance. Students should be aware of this and make arrangements to have their expenses covered in the meantime.

Securing Financial Aid for Study Abroad Students should complete their FAFSA application well in advance of their term abroad. They should verify how their financial aid package will apply to their study abroad program. This is easily accomplished by meeting with a Financial Aid counselor.

International Education Fee (IEF) Stipends The GGC Study Abroad Grant Program is funded by a mandatory international education fee (IEF). The program has limited funds, and applications will be accepted as long as there are funds. Application deadlines are as follows:

TERM ABROAD DEADLINE
Fall April 15
Spring November 15
Maymester/Summer March 15

Criteria for IEF Stipends: All IEF stipend applicants must:

  1. Have been enrolled the previous semester and be working toward completion of a degree program at GGC,
  2. Have earned 24 credit hours,
  3. Have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 (transfer GPA not considered),
  4. Be in the process of enrolling in a study abroad program for which they will receive academic credit.

ote:

  • Meeting eligibility requirements and submitting an application do not guarantee an award.
  • IEF funds may not be used towards study in countries that are currently under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning.
  • Maximum number of awards per student during his/her time at GGC: 2

Award Amounts: If approved for an IEF stipend, students may receive the following amounts:

  • Less than 28 days: $500
  • 28-41 days: $700
  • 42 days or longer: up to $1,500 (depending on availability of funds)

Considerations for determining award amounts for programs lasting four weeks or longer:

  • Financial need (based on applicant’s financial aid package),
  • Program sponsor (GGC or other),
  • Program location (traditional or non-traditional),
  • Previous international experience and OI funding,
  • Number of credits being earned (applicable only to maymester and summer programs)

Education Abroad Student Pre-Departure Checklist

Be sure to check off all applicable items below before you depart for your program:

  1. Obtain/renew your passport and make sure it is signed and valid for at least six months after your return.
  2. Obtain a visa, if required.
  3. Determine whether your file is complete for your study abroad program with the Office of Internationalization.
  4. Meet with your academic advisor or school Point of Contact to discuss your course selection and have them approve your selection (see Study Abroad Approval Form).
  5. Finalize your financial aid (if applicable).
  6. For semester programs: Make necessary housing arrangements at GGC for your return.
  7. Learn about your host country.
  8. Pay any remaining program balance on your study abroad program.
  9. If you are registered at GGC: Pay your tuition and fees before departure.
  10. Obtain a medical release from your doctor allowing you to travel to the host country (if this is required).
  11. Finalize registration for courses if necessary.
  12. Register with the US Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  13. Reconfirm your flight(s) to your destination.
  14. Check your airline for any baggage restrictions.
  15. Make a copy of your passport and other important documents for your family.
  16. Make a list of all contact information in your host country. Carry a copy with you and leave one with your family.
  17. Bring copies of insurance cards, medical prescriptions, passport/visa, ID cards.
  18. Inform your credit card company and/or bank of your travel dates.

Summary of Student Obligations (Mandatory) for Student Abroad and Service Learning

For study abroad: Students ensure that, through their academic advisors, they choose the right course of study. For service learning: Students ensure that, through their advisors, they choose the right service program.

All students:

  1. Complete, sign, and submit to the Office of Internationalization all required forms, including an application form, a Waiver of Liability, and the pre-departure checklist for their program within the published deadlines. Electronic forms must also be duly completed and submitted.
  2. Submit to the Office of Internationalization all required documents.
  3. Obtain signatures of approval as part of their study abroad application and individual advisement process.
  4. Attend all mandatory pre-departure orientations.
  5. Sign up for the US Department of State Smart Traveller Enrollment Program.
  6. Take all recommended travel prophylaxes/shots, and according to the recommended schedule.
  7. Secure and take with them all required travel documents, including passport, visa, and health card. Failure to do so would result in the student not traveling. GGC is not responsible for ensuring participants have the appropriate travel documents.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the dates below for each semester.

Fall Semester May 1

Spring Semester November 1

Summer Semester April 3

All documents must be submitted by the dates below for each semester.

Fall Semester May 8

Spring Semester November 8

Summer Semester April 10

Application and document deadline dates may be moved to later dates in the year by the Senior Associate Provost for Operations in consultation with others if conditions warrant. Any change in dates will be communicated to prospective students on the GGC website and in other communications through the admissions office. The deadline is the next business day if the deadline falls on the weekend.

Global Studies Certification

Global Studies Certification Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Global Studies Certification Program, a student must:

  1. Possess a 2.7 Cumulative GPA
  2. Have completed 24 hours of academic credit (with at least 12 hours completed at GGC)
  3. Complete/sign the Certification Agreement available in the Office of Internationalization. (This process involves the student, faculty mentor and Certification Coordinator.)

Global Studies Certification Program Completion Policies

To complete the Global Studies Certification program, a student must:

  1. Complete at least two (2) i-courses at the 3000 or 4000 level at GGC with a grade of “C” or better. NOTE: Students who took a course in 2012-13 through 2015-16 that is subsequently identified as an i-course may submit a request for the course to fulfill this requirement. The Certification Coordinator will verify whether the course qualifies as an i-course and respond to the student’s request.
  2. Complete the Global Studies Certification Capstone Course with at a grade of “C” or better. NOTE: Capstone Course Registration: Pre-registration for the Certification Capstone Course signals the completion of all other certification requirements.
  3. Complete a credit-bearing study abroad program, or a course offered in an international location, earning a grade of “C” or better and a minimum of 3-credit hours for the experience.
  4. Satisfy the foreign language requirement by demonstrating proficiency in at least one language other than the student’s native language. The foreign language requirement for the Global Studies Certification can be satisfied in any one of the following manners:
  • Two Courses at GGC: Completes two GGC courses at any level (in the same language) in Chinese, French or Spanish with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Transfer Courses in Foreign Languages: Transfers into GGC with two courses at any level (in the same foreign language) in any USG recognized modern foreign language with a grade of “C” or better.
  • AP or IB Credit: Completes Advanced Placement (AP) or IB examinations and scores at the recommended score/level, he/she will receive academic credit in those circumstances and subsequently satisfy the Certification’s proficiency requirement.
  • CLEP Testing: Completes CLEP testing for a foreign language and scores at the recommended score/level to receive academic credit.
  • Language Testing International Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Writing Proficiency Test (WPT): Completes LTI testing and scores at the recommended level to test out of the GGC language requirement without credit.

Global Studies Certification Language Proficiency

The following is a reference chart, which provides additional descriptive factors regarding the range of proficiency standards to satisfy the foreign language requirement of the Global Studies Certification:

Language Category Based on Difficulty Class A: Western European Languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, etc.) Class B: Other World Languages (Asian languages, Middle Eastern Languages, Creole, indigenous languages of Africa and the Americas, Eastern European Languages, etc.
ACTFL Standard Goals (http://actflproficiencyguidelines2012.org/) Intermediate Low (Reading, Writing, or Speaking) Novice Mid (Reading, Writing, or Speaking)
Satisfaction of Requirement With College Foreign Language Credit
College Coursework 2 semesters in the same language, completed with a “C” or better1 2 semesters in the same language, completed with a “C” or better1
CLEP Score 50 (Spanish, French, and German)2 N/A
AP Scores 3, 4, or 5 (Spanish, French, Italian, and German)3 3, 4, or 5 (Chinese and Japanese)3
IB Scores HL 4/SL 5 (Spanish, French, and German) HL 4/SL 5 (Arabic and
Satisfaction of Requirement Without College Foreign Language Credit
Language Testing International Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Writing Proficiency Test (WPT)
(http://www.languagetesting.com/actfl-tests-for-higher-education)
Intermediate Low Novice Mid

[1] Any level, need not be consecutive

[2] Credit in German is currently not awarded through the CLEP, although students are allowed to transfer in credit in German.

[3] At present, students must make a 4 or 5 on the German, Italian, or Japanese AP exam, in order to receive credit, although they can receive credit for Chinese, French, or Spanish 1002 with a score of 3.

I-Courses

I-courses are those courses offered by GGC that have been intentionally designed to promote student learning and development in relation to the College’s 2013-2018 Quality Enhancement Plan. These courses are intended to provide students with opportunities to build intercultural competence and skill. As such, i-courses contain both a high level of international content and the requirements and activities needed to promote student success in achieving the desired learning outcomes at an appropriate level for a given course. The QEP Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) address three broad areas of competence: intercultural awareness (SLOs 1 and 2), communication and collaboration (SLOs 3 and 4), and application (SLO 5).

Student Attendance Policy

The classroom experience is a vital component of the college learning experience. Interaction with instructors and with other students is a necessary component of the learning process. Students are expected to attend regularly and promptly all class meetings and academic appointments. Students who are absent from classes bear the responsibility of notifying their instructors and keeping up with class assignments in conjunction with instructor provisions in the course syllabus. Individual instructors bear the decision as to whether a student’s absence is excused or unexcused and whether work will be permitted to be made up; the decision of the instructor in this case is final. Students who are absent because of participation in college-approved activities (such as field trips and extracurricular events) will be permitted to make up the work missed during their college-approved absences, provided that the student discussed with and obtained approval from the instructor to make up the work missed prior to the student’s going on the field trip.

Individual instructors may establish additional attendance requirements appropriate to their course’s context, e.g., lab attendance. A student whose class schedule would otherwise prevent him or her from voting will be permitted an excused absence for the interval reasonably required for voting.

Student Field Trip and Off Campus Event Policy

Participation in field trips/off-campus events provides students the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning outside the classroom and as such, these trips are a valuable part of the college experience. Such outings permit students to integrate theoretical aspects of learning with practical applications and observations in environments other than the classroom. These experiences thus afford students an alternative means of applying knowledge.

Certain guidelines need to be followed to ensure that students gain the most from participation in field tri ps.

  1. Attendance on field trips/off campus events is optional and students will not be penalized if they do not attend.
  2. Alternate assignments may be given in lieu of a student’s participation in field trips/off campus events where said participation would have derived extra credit or other course points.
  3. Students who choose to go on field trips must contact the professors of the other classes which will be affected by their participation on the field trip prior to going on the field trip. However, participation on field trips does not exempt students from completing the work which is assigned in the classes that will be missed, nor does it provide a reason for students to miss tests, exams, or other graded work which is performed in the classes that will be missed.
  4. Students who are absent because of participation in college-approved activities (such as field trips and extracurricular events) will be permitted to make up the work missed during their college-approved absences, provided that the student discussed with and obtained approval from the instructor to make up the work missed prior to the student’s going on the field trip.
  5. The field trip originator will ensure that the students who attend field trips complete the appropriate waivers and forms.
  6. The faculty member/field trip originator should deliver copies of the waiver forms to the Dean’s/Director’s office for appropriate filing prior to or within five business days after returning from the field trip or off campus event/project.

Mandatory Participation in Alert Notification System

Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to the safety of our students, staff and faculty. Communication is an important component of campus safety and part of our communication plan includes an alert notification system. Email participation is mandatory for all GGC students, staff and faculty. We also require that each participant provide either a cell phone number for SMS based text messages or a phone number for a voice message alert at a minimum.

Academic Standards of Progress

Course Load

Twelve (12) semester hours constitutes a full-time course load for each semester of enrollment. Any enrollment of fewer than 12 semester hours constitutes a part-time course load for the semester of enrollment. Students may enroll for up to 17 hours per semester without additional approval. Students who desire to enroll in more than 17 hours must obtain approval from their major school. Approval must be given in writing each semester.

Grading

Student progress in a course is measured at the end of each semester in the form of a grade assigned by the course instructor based on the student’s completion of course requirements as stated in the course syllabus. The grade for a course is officially recorded on the student’s academic transcript in the Registrar’s Office. The student is notified of his/her final grades as well as the student’s academic standing for the semester via the college’s web-based academic records system. Final grades and academic standing can be accessed by semester and reflect a semester grade -point average as well as a cumulative grade-point average of all work completed at Georgia Gwinnett College as well as all accepted transfer credit. The deadlines for grade submission may be found in the academic calendar.

Grades Approved in Determining the Grade Point Average

Georgia Gwinnett College shall use the Board of Regent’s Uniform Grading System with the additional grades of WA and FN.

The following grades are approved by the Board of Regents for use in institutions in the determination of the Grade Point Average. Georgia Gwinnett College has added the grade of WA and FN:

Grade Grade Point Average
A Excellent (40.0)
B Good (3.00)
C Satisfactory (2.00)
D Passing (1.00)
F Failure (0.00)
WF Withdrew Failing (0.00)
WA Administrative Withdrawal (0.00)
FN Failure due to Non Attendance (0.00)

The minimum passing grade for most courses is the “D” grade. ENGL 1101 , ENGL 1102 , MATH 1111  (or equivalent courses) and all Student Success courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “C.” Courses in Area F of the Common Core as well as all courses in the student’s major must be passed with a minimum grade of “C.” In addition, courses that are pre-requisites to other courses require a “C” or better to meet the pre-requisite requirement.

The following grade symbols will be used in the cases indicated but will not be included in computing the student’s grade point average:

I = indicates an incomplete grade for the course due to non-academic reasons which prohibited the student from completing the requirements for a course. The assignment of the “I” grade is at the discretion of the course instructor and Dean but should only be assigned if the student has completed satisfactory work up to the last two weeks of the semester then faced extreme personal hardships in completing the semester. Prior to the last two weeks of the semester, the grade assigned should be “W” or “WF.” Assignment of an “I” grade indicates that the instructor and the student have worked out a plan for completing the remaining course requirements unless otherwise stated in the incomplete contract. The deadline for removing an “I” grade is the last day of the following semester. If the “I” grade is not removed within the defined time period, the “I” converts to a grade of “F” and is then factored into the student’s grade- point average. Requests for the approval of extensions must be made to the office of the dean.

IP = indicates a student has made progress in a Student Success course, but not sufficient progress to meet the requirements for the next course in the Learning Support sequence. The “IP” grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s grade-point average.

K = indicates credit given by external examination (CLEP, AP, etc.). The “K” grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s grade-point average.

S = indicates successful completion of the Regents’ Writing Skills course and/or the Regents’ Reading Skills course and successful completion of the corresponding Regents’ Test. The “S” grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s grade-point average.

U = indicates unsuccessful completion of the Regents’ Writing Skills course and/or the Regents’ Reading Skills course and unsuccessful completion of the corresponding Regents’ Test. The “U” grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s grade-point average.

V = indicates that a student was given permission to audit this course. Students may not transfer from audit to credit status or vice versa. Students may register, however, on a credit basis for a course that has previously been audited.

W = indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after mid-semester except in cases of hardship as determined by the Registrar.

WM = indicates a student was permitted to withdraw under the Board of Regents policy for military service refunds. The use of this symbol indicates that this student was permitted to withdraw without penalty at any time during the term.

Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average will be calculated by dividing the number of hours scheduled in all courses attempted in which a grade of A, B, C, D, F, FN, WF or WA has been received into the number of grade points earned on those hours scheduled. The cumulative grade point average will be recorded on the student’s permanent record. Institutional credit shall in no way affect the cumulative grade point average. The grade point average is computed by multiplying the quality points earned by the credit hours of each course and dividing the total quality points earned by the total credit hours attempted. Below is an example of the GPA computation for a 12 credit hour semester load where the grades earned were an “A”, two “B’s” and a “C”:

  3 sem hrs of B = 3 x 3 = 9 quality points  
  3 sem hrs of A = 3 x 4 = 12 quality points  
  3 sem hrs of B = 3 x 3 = 9 quality points  
  3 sem hrs of C = 3 x 2 = 6 quality points  
  12 hrs   36 total quality points  
         
  36 quality points ÷ 12 hours attempted = 3.0 GPA  

Grade Appeals

Students wishing to appeal a final grade in a course must first discuss the grade appeal with the course instructor within 30 calendar days of the assignment of the final grade. If the student still wishes to appeal beyond the discussion with the course instructor, the student may then file a grade appeal with the appropriate dean or director. The student must submit a written request along with all supporting documentation to the dean or director within 15 calendar days of the instructor’s decision. An interview with the student and/or the course instructor may be a part of the dean’s or director’s decision. If the student wishes to appeal the dean’s or director’s decision, he/she may then appeal to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs submitting the same documentation as was submitted to the dean or director within 15 calendar days of the decision. The decision made by the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs is binding.

Grade Changes

Errors in grades must be reported to the Office of the Registrar immediately. In general, no grade changes will be made after the end of the next semester after the grade was assigned, except with the approval of the Dean or Director. No requests for grade changes will be considered beyond the end of the following semester in which the grade was assigned. A petition for a grade change will not be accepted after the date of graduation.

Mid-Term Grades

Instructors will post mid-term grades to the student’s web-based academic record, but the mid-term grades do not calculate into the student’s grade point average for that semester or into the student’s cumulative grade point average. The mid-term grade on a course is not an official grade report and therefore is not permanently recorded on the student’s academic transcript; it is a periodic evaluation of the student’s progress in a course in the middle of the semester.

Grade Point Average Upon Academic Renewal

Academic Renewal (AR) allows Georgia Gwinnett College degree-seeking students who earlier experienced academic difficulty the opportunity to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Application for Academic Renewal (AR):

  • Students must be admitted to GGC and have had a previous absence of three (3) years from GGC or a regionally accredited institution of higher education to apply for AR.
  • Students with transfer credit taken during the period of absence will receive transfer credit for all coursework eligible to be awarded; however only credit taken over three years ago is eligible for AR.
  • Students are encouraged to apply for AR as soon as possible after admission to GGC. Students may not apply for AR if they were admitted one full year or longer prior to their application for AR.
  • Students must have a GGC transfer grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.0 at the time of admission in order to be considered for AR.
  • Students who are approved for AR will be eligible to graduate with honors based on GGC’s policy regarding academic honors at graduation.
  • All previously attempted coursework continues to be recorded on the student’s official transcript.
  • GGC’s registrar will review the application and determine eligibility.
  • Students who are denied AR can appeal. Appeals will go to the AR appeal committee for a decision.

Procedures for Academic Renewal (AR):

  1. The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation.
  2. To earn a degree, a student must meet the institution’s residency requirements after acquiring academic renewal status.
  3. At least 50% of work toward a degree must be completed after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.
  4. Academic credit for previously completed coursework – including transfer coursework taken more than three (3) years ago – will be retained only for courses in which an A, B or C grade has been earned.
  5. Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit by examination and courses with grades of “S.”
  6. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at the Academic Renewal institution if they are required in the student’s degree program. Further, all remaining courses for the current degree objective must be completed at the Academic Renewal institution, i.e., no transient credit will be accepted.
  7. Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements currently in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific institutional program regulations must also be met.
  8. If a student does not request Academic Renewal status at the time of re-enrollment after a three (3) year or greater period of absence, the student may do so within one full calendar year.
  9. The Renewal GPA begins with the semester following re-enrollment.
  10. Reentry into any program is not automatic.
  11. If a student is denied Academic Renewal and subsequently does not re-enroll, he/she may resubmit an Academic Renewal application after no fewer than three semesters have passed since the initial petition.
  12. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  13. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs (e.g., teacher education, nursing) which require a specific minimum grade point average based upon all coursework.
  14. The Academic Renewal GPA will include all coursework taken since re-enrollment.

Registration

Registration periods are published on the website at www.ggc.edu and additional notification is sent to students via the approved Georgia Gwinnett College student email address. Students are required to meet with their mentor prior to choosing and registering for classes each semester.

Currently enrolled students are encouraged to register early after consulting with their mentor.

Immunizations Policy

Georgia Gwinnett College requires proof of immunizations for all new students (first-year, transfers and others) as directed by policy consistent with recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, developed collaboratively by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Such policies shall be on file in each institution’s office of student affairs.

Information is available to every new student regarding required and recommended immunizations using information developed by the Division of Public Health in concert with the Office of Student Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Specific colleges or departments, with concurrence of the president and the Chancellor, may require some immunizations not required for all new students by this policy. Institutions are also authorized to impose additional immunization requirements for students when, in the opinion of the president of the institution and with concurrence of the Chancellor and appropriate public health authorities, there is a substantial risk of exposure to other communicable diseases preventable by vaccination.

Pursuant to legislation, all students residing in campus housing are required to sign a document stating that they have received a vaccination against meningococcal disease or reviewed the information provided by the institution.

Drop/Add

Dropping and Adding Courses - Students may drop or add courses without penalty during the designated drop/add period for each semester or term within a semester. See the academic calendar for specific dates for drop/add. A course that is dropped during the drop/add period will not generate an official record of enrollment in the class. When adding a course, the student should complete this process online unless the student has a registration issue that requires additional approval. For special requests that require an approval from a faculty, dean or other area of the college, students should see the appropriate school office to obtain the approval and override. Overrides may be completed by the academic office or may require completion of a drop/add form.

Withdrawal from College

Students may find that there is a need to withdraw from a class after the drop/add period for the semester. The student’s academic advisor should be consulted prior to withdrawal. Once it is determined that a withdrawal is necessary, the student should complete the Course Withdrawal On-Line eForm to withdraw from a course. Course withdrawals submitted prior to midterm will result in a grade of “W”. Course withdrawals will not generate a refund of tuition. Any course withdrawals that occur after mid-term will be awarded a “WF” unless special circumstances exist where a non-academic hardship has been established. Potential non-academic hardships include medical, psychological, or personal emergencies. The student must petition for a hardship withdrawal by submitting a personal statement and supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office. A small committee consisting of representatives from the Registrar’s Office and the Division of Student Affairs will convene to review the withdrawal. The Registrar’s Office will then notify the student of the decision regarding the hardship withdrawal.

Occasionally students may need to withdraw from college for the semester. To withdraw from class prior to the end of term, a student should complete the College Withdrawal Form which can be found on the Registrar’s website. The date the student begins the school’s withdrawal process is based on when the student notifies the college of the withdrawal.

In addition, refunds for complete withdrawal will be calculated based on the date when the student notifies the college of the withdrawal.. Note: Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office. Grade assignments for withdrawal from Georgia Gwinnett will be the same as the above for course withdrawals. If the student wished to appeal, he/she should follow the procedure for Student Complaints found in the Georgia Gwinnett College Student Handbook.

Academic Advising and Mentoring

In keeping with its commitment to create a culture devoted to the holistic development of students, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) embeds traditional academic advising (course selection and academic program planning) within a broader context of career planning, goal clarification and personal growth. Georgia Gwinnett College has chosen the term “mentoring” for its academic advisement program to emphasize this focus on the whole student, rather than simply on academic matters.

Mission

The mission of the GGC Student Mentoring Program is facilitating student success, development and retention by supporting the design and implementation of educational and career plans and enhancing student engagement in the academic community.

Academic Advising Model

In its broad definition of academic advising, the University System of Georgia asserts that academic advising “…represents…an opportunity for the faculty and the institution to express a special interest in both the personal and academic welfare of the students.” In keeping with this view, the overall goal of mentoring at GGC is to assure that all students achieve the Integrated Educational Experience (IEE) outcomes of the college:

  1. Clearly communicate ideas in written and oral form.
  2. Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in inter- and multidisciplinary contexts.
  3. Demonstrate effective use of information technology.
  4. Demonstrate an ability to collaborate in diverse and global contexts.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of human and institutional decision making from multiple perspectives.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of moral and ethical principles.
  7. Demonstrate and apply leadership principles.

In support of these goals, mentoring at GGC enAccuplaceres the three broad areas of academic advising, career advising and personal growth. Within these three broad areas, the outcomes of mentoring are:

Academic Advising

  1. Development of academic program plans appropriate for students’ anticipated majors and career goals.
  2. Progression toward completion of academic requirements and graduation at a reasonable rate.
  3. Awareness of policies and procedures pertinent to completion of students’ planned academic programs.
  4. Awareness of special academic opportunities such as study abroad, internships, etc.

Career Advising

  1. Identification of educational and career objectives commensurate with students’ interests and abilities.
  2. Exploration of academic and other requirements for students’ chosen careers.
  3. Exploration of post-graduate educational or employment opportunities for students’ chosen careers.

Personal Growth

  1. Awareness of on-campus support available to students.
  2. Engagement in the co-curricular program of the college.
  3. Demonstrate leadership in the classroom, college and/or community.
  4. Make appropriate life decisions and accept personal responsibility for the consequences of decisions.

Ultimately, Georgia Gwinnett College graduates will be informed, engaged citizens of the community who are inspired to a lifetime of service.

Role of Faculty

All faculty and selected staff are engaged in mentoring students. Effective mentoring is a critical element in the annual evaluation process for faculty. All GGC students are assigned a faculty mentor at the point of matriculation and continue to be mentored by a faculty member throughout their educational careers.

Advising for New Students Who Place Below the University System Placement Standards

All entering students without transferable English credit (ENGL 1101 ) or college level Math credit (Math 1101 or higher) and scores below University system placement standards will be required to take Student Success English, Reading and/or Student Success Math. All entering students without transferable credit are required to take the English, Reading and Math portion of the Computer Adaptive Assessment and Support System (ACCUPLACER). Students whose English score falls between the range of 60 and 79 on the ACCUPLACER are required to write a sample essay. Students should call the Testing Center to sign up for the tests.

These placement tests will determine at which level students begin their classes. Students are allowed to retake the placement tests one (1) time before classes begin. The placement test consists of a computerized English and Reading exams and a math exam.

Student Success Orientation

After a student is admitted, takes the placement test and is determined to need academic assistance, he/she will receive an invitation to GGC Bear Essentials. At Bear Essentials the student will learn more about the College, will speak either with an advisor to determine what classes are needed and will register.

Advising for Continuing Student Success Students

Advising for continuing Student Success students is an integrated process between Student Success Faculty and a dedicated advisor in the Mentoring and Advising Center. Advising will take place during the semester. Once students exit Student Success Courses they will be assigned a faculty advisor in the student’s chosen major.

EAP Policy

Students whose native language in not English and do not have transferable English credit, or score below college level English on the placement test will be required to take an EAP sequence of courses. These courses are designed to prepare them for ENGL and other regular college level courses.

New EAP Students

All entering non-native speakers of English without transferable English credit (ENGL 1101 ) and scores below SAT I 480 or ACT 21 will be required to take the ACCUPLACER EAP Placement Test and a writing sample. All entering students without transferable math credit (Math 1101 or higher) are required to take the math portion of the Computer Adaptive Assessment and Support System (ACCUPLACER). Students should call the Testing Center to sign up for the tests.

These placement tests determine at which level students begin their classes. Students are allowed to retake the placement tests one (1) time before classes begin. The EAP placement test consists of a computerized listening comprehension, reading comprehension and grammar exam. In addition, there is a required writing sample. Students must complete all four (4) parts of the exam to register for classes. Because the writing sample is not machine scored, it usually takes approximately one (1) week to get the results back. Students must take the EAP placement test before the semester begins.

EAP Orientation

After a student is admitted and takes the placement test, he/she will receive an invitation to GGC’s Bear Essentials Orientation. At Bear Essentials the student will learn more about the College, will speak with an advisor to determine what classes are needed and will register.

Advising for Continuing EAP Students

Advising for continuing EAP students is an integrated process between Student Success Faculty and a dedicated advisor in the Mentoring and Advising Center. Advising will take place during the semester. Once students exit Student Success Courses they will be assigned a faculty advisor in the student’s chosen major.

Minority Advising Program

See Board of Regents Academic & Student Affairs Handbook Section 2.7.1

Georgia Gwinnett College Students Enrolling at Other Institutions as Transient Status

A Georgia Gwinnett College student who wishes to take a course at another institution must complete an application for admission to the transient institution. Transient enrollment requires approval by both institutions and it is the student’s responsibility to comply with that college’s standards and application deadlines. Georgia Gwinnett College students seeking transient approval should coordinate the process with his/her academic advisor and the Office of the Registrar.

Students who seek transient status must obtain approval from the appropriate dean.

Those students who are enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett may request to be a transient student at other institutions provided that the courses that they seek to take at another institution fall into one of the following categories:

  1. The course(s) which the student is requesting to take is/are not offered at Georgia Gwinnett College during the semester in which the student desires to take the course(s)
  2. The course(s) which the student is requesting to take is/are closed due to full enrollment during the semester in which the student desires to take the course(s).

Students will complete the Request for Transient Permission. This form is valid for one term of enrollment only. In order to receive transient permission, it is the student’s responsibility to:

  1. Be currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College as a degree-seeking student;
  2. Be in good academic standing;
  3. Have completed all Learning Support and/or English for Academic Purposes requirements;
  4. Have completed all Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) requirements.

In order to receive transfer credit at Georgia Gwinnett College for the specified courses, it is the responsibility of the student to:

  1. Be currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College as a degree-seeking student;
  2. Be in good academic standing;
  3. Have completed all Learning Support and/or English for Academic Purposes requirements;
  4. Have completed all Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) requirements.

Georgia Gwinnett College
Enrollment Management Office
1000 University Center Lane
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Students receiving HOPE scholarship or Veteran’s Affairs Benefits must coordinate payment details with the financial aid offices at both Georgia Gwinnett College and the transient institution.

ARCHE - Cross Registration

Georgia Gwinnett College is one of twenty partnering schools that participate in the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) cross registration program. The cross registration program allows students at member institutions to broaden their academic experience by registering for courses at other member colleges and universities. To be eligible to participate in ARCHE, a student must be in good academic standing and be currently enrolled in at least one credit course.

ARCHE Students Attending Georgia Gwinnett College

Applications for cross registration will be reviewed if received by the Arche Cross Registration Application Deadlines listed below. Students must meet the prerequisites (if any) of the requested course as defined. Students will be registered based on space availability after all Georgia Gwinnett College students have had an opportunity to register for courses. Official transcripts will be sent to the student’s home institution following Georgia Gwinnett College’s end of semester.

Georgia Gwinnett College Students Attending other ARCHE Institutions

First-semester freshman are not eligible for cross registration (unless cross registering for marching band). Students must meet the prerequisites (if any) of the requested course as defined by the host institution. Students will not be approved for cross registration if the course is available at Georgia Gwinnett College. Students will pay all tuition and fees to Georgia Gwinnett College; however special fees or security deposits may be required at the host institution. Grades are determined according to the standards and practices of the host institution. The host institution will send the grade to Georgia Gwinnett College and the grade will be included on the official Georgia Gwinnett College transcript.

Students must submit an application for cross registration to the Registrar’s Office in time for the Registrar to send the application to the host institution by the ARCHE cross registration application deadline listed below. Students will be required to have the approval of their mentor in order to submit the application form. Students who have holds on their record will be required to have all holds resolved in order for the application for cross registration to be processed.

Arche Cross Registration Application Deadlines:

Fall: July 15, Spring: November 15, Summer (if applicable): April 15

Auditing Courses

The auditing of courses will be permitted for regularly enrolled students who have obtained the approval of their adviser. Proper paperwork obtained in the Office of the Registrar must be filed before the end of late registration, drop/add. Such courses count at full value in computing the student’s course and fees load and the student’s name should appear on the official class rolls of the courses audited. The courses being audited should also appear on the student’s approved schedule of courses. No credit is granted for courses scheduled on an auditing basis and students are not permitted to change to or from an auditing status except through the regular procedures for schedule changes. The grade for auditing is V (visitor) and this grade should at no time be changed to a W on the basis of the auditor’s attendance in the course. The grade of V will have no effect upon the student’s grade-point average and students will not be permitted to have the audit grade changed at any future date.

Repeated Courses

In the case of courses that are repeated, the higher grade will substitute for the lower grade on the student’s academic degree evaluation. The higher grade will replace the lower grade in the computation of the student’s GGC-GPA. However, the repeated course will be counted as an attempt for the maximum timeframe component of 150% of the required number of hours for the degree program.

NOTE: All grades may be factored into the cumulative GPA in compliance with financial aid programs and credentialing programs external to the College. Each student will limited to two repeats of a course (a maximum of three attempts). Students who wish to repeat a course after three attempts must meet with the Dean. It is at the Dean’s discretion if the student remains in good standing.

Academic Standing

Classification of Students

Class designation is generally based on the number of hours the student has earned in courses offered at Georgia Gwinnett College or transferred from other educational institutions. Following is a general explanation of class designation.

Freshman: A student who has earned fewer than 30 hours of credit.
Sophomore: A student who has earned 30 to 59 hours of credit.
Junior: A student who has earned 60 to 89 hours of credit.
Senior: A student who has earned 90 or more hours of credit.

Class designation does not necessarily reflect the students’ readiness to graduate or progress in their chosen program of study.

Good Standing - Students are considered to be in Good Standing with the College if they are eligible to enroll in classes and are not on Academic or Conduct Probation. Students in Good Standing with the College may hold office in any college club or organization, and participate in athletics. Students not in Good Standing with the College, who wish to appeal holding office in any college club, organization, or participation in athletics, must submit their appeal through the Student Complaint Process.

Good Academic Standing - Georgia Gwinnett College seeks to provide ample opportunities for all students to fully realize their academic potential and goals. In turn, all students attending Georgia Gwinnett College are expected to maintain certain academic standards that are outlined in the table below. A student is in good academic standing if their cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College grade point average is at or above the Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College Grade Point Average for the number of semester hours attempted plus transfer hours. These standards stress the importance of successful performance by students to maintain an academic status of good academic standing.

Semester Hours Attempted
(Including Transfer Hours)
Minimum Cumulative
GGC GPA
0-15 1.50
16-30 1.60
31-45 1.80
More than 45 2.00

Academic Warning - If a student in Good Academic Standing fails to maintain the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA, they will be placed on Academic Warning. The student will receive a written notice alerting them that a continued deterioration in academic performance will result in Academic Probation. The student will also be required to meet with their advisor to implement a plan for improvement before registering for the subsequent semester as a way to promote academic progress and student success. Students will have one semester to raise their GPA to the appropriate Minimum Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA and return to Good Academic Standing.

Academic Probation - Students will be placed on academic probation if they fail to achieve the appropriate minimum cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA for two consecutive semesters. A student on academic probation will be restricted to a maximum of 14 semester hours of course work in the subsequent semester of enrollment and may not represent the college in any official capacity (student organizations, athletics, etc.). Students on Academic Probation may also be subject to a loss of certain financial aid funds and should check with the Financial Aid Office regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations for Financial Aid. Students will remove themselves from probation by raising their GPA to the appropriate minimum cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA.

Continued Probation - Students who earn a 2.00 GPA during any semester in which they are on Academic Probation, but do not raise their Georgia Gwinnett College cumulative GPA sufficiently to be removed from probation, will continue on Academic Probation and thereby avoid Academic Suspension.

Academic Suspension - A student who fails to a) remove themselves from Academic Probation or b) meet the requirements of Continued Probation will be placed on Academic Suspension. A student on Academic Suspension will be prohibited from taking courses or participating in college level activities for the duration of the exclusion. Students excluded at the end of Fall semester must sit out the following Spring semester and are eligible to apply to return the following Summer semester. Students excluded Spring Semester must sit out the following Fall semester are eligible to apply to return the following Spring semester. Students excluded Summer semester must sit out the following Fall semester and are eligible to apply to return the following Spring semester.

After this absence, the student may apply for readmission to the college through the Admissions Committee. Students readmitted following an Academic Suspension are placed on Academic Probation and are subject to the cumulative GPA requirements listed above. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

Academic Dismissal - Students who are placed on Academic Probation returning to the college after Academic Suspension during their tenure at the college and who fail either to remove themselves from this status or to meet the requirements of Continued Probation will face Academic Dismissal. A student on Academic Dismissal will be prohibited from taking courses or participating in college-related activities for one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the dismissal occurred, after which the student may apply for readmission to the college using the procedures followed by any new student. Students readmitted following an Academic Dismissal are placed on Academic Probation and are subject to the cumulative grade point average requirement listed above. Students who receive a second Academic Dismissal will not be eligible for readmission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

Dismissals from Other Institutions - A student serving a dismissal or similar penalty from another institution must serve that time and not be allowed to attend Georgia Gwinnett College until their penalty has expired. If a student has been permanently suspended from another institution, the Admissions Committee will process the student like any other transfer student who appeals the denial of admission to Georgia Gwinnett College. Any exceptions to this policy must be appealed to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

Recognition of Scholarship

President’s List – The President’s List may include undergraduate students who achieve a 4.0 semester GPA in 12 or more hours. All work must be taken on a letter-graded basis and students must be in good academic standing. This distinction is noted on the academic transcript. Students will not be eligible for the President’s List by virtue of repeated courses. A student who has been found responsible for a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is not eligible for the President’s List.

Dean’s List – The Dean’s List may include students who complete 12 semester hours or more and achieve a minimum term grade-point average of 3.60 or higher. All work must be letter-graded with no grade below a C and students must be in good academic standing. Part-time students achieve Dean’s List status if they complete at least 8 hours to 11 credit-bearing hours on a letter-graded basis, earn no grade below a C and attain a grade point average of 3.6. Students are not eligible for the Dean’s List by virtue of repeated courses. A student who has been found responsible for a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Transcript Requests

Georgia Gwinnett College has partnered with Scrip-Safe to provide our students, former students and alumni with access to “Transcripts on Demand,” an online transcript ordering system which provided 24/7 access to transcript ordering. Transcripts may be delivered either through Scrip-Safe’s Global Electronic Transcript Delivery Network or by traditional U.S. mail. Students can order a transcript by accessing Transcripts on Demand at https://iwantmytranscript.com/ggc. Student will need to create an e-Script-Safe personal account to submit a request for an academic transcript. Students may request an electronic transcript or a transcript to be mailed. Transcripts cost a minimum of $3 per transcript. Transcripts are issued only if a student’s account is paid in full and no other holds restrict the student’s account or registration. Copies of transcripts will not be faxed to the student or specified institutions. Such copies are not considered official transcripts and Georgia Gwinnett College cannot assume responsibility for the confidentiality of such records. Unofficial transcripts may be printed by the student from the Banner Web account.

Academic Integrity

Georgia Gwinnett College students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and are expected to encourage others to do the same. Further, students are expected to take responsible action when there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of others. While it is not possible to list all acts of academic dishonesty, examples include:

Cheating

This act of dishonesty includes giving information to or taking information from other students during examinations. Cheating is also committed when students copy from unauthorized sources and/or represent some other person’s work as their own. Collaboration on out-of-class assignments or examinations is considered to be cheating if prohibited by the professor.

Plagiarism

This category includes copying material from unpublished or published sources, including electronic resources and submitting that material as the student’s own work. Students are responsible for identifying the proper source and for giving credit to that source anytime that they present ideas which are not their own.

Collusion

This act of dishonesty includes buying or selling material which will be misrepresented as a student’s own work. In addition, students who fail to report known acts of academic dishonesty on the part of others are guilty of collusion.

Previously submitted material

Students must not submit work which has been or is being concurrently submitted, in whole or in part, in another class without first having received the permission of all the professors involved.

Misrepresentation or falsification of material

This act includes misrepresenting, fabricating, or altering academic material, such as transcripts, diplomas, grades or records, professors’ or administrators’ signatures or initials. In addition, students must not take an examination or test in the name of another student or present another student’s work as their own.

Misrepresentation of circumstances

Students must not misrepresent personal circumstances (e.g., illness, conflicting responsibilities, etc.) to avoid meeting academic responsibilities.

Academic dishonesty carries severe penalties ranging from a grade of “0” on the affected assignment to dismissal from Georgia Gwinnett College. Each faculty member at Georgia Gwinnett College bears the responsibility for assigning penalties for cases of academic dishonesty. Students may appeal a penalty for academic dishonesty to the Academic Dean or Director of the School in which the course is taught or to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

The decision of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs is considered to be final. In cases of dismissal from college, the student may appeal to the President utilizing procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct for “Further Review for Cases Resulting in Suspension, Expulsion, Charter Suspension/Revocation and Revocation of College Registration.”

Program Completion

Upon completion of the student’s degree requirements and any other requirements listed below and upon recommendation and approval by the College faculty, Georgia Gwinnett College students will receive a diploma reflecting their graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen major.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Georgia Gwinnett College offers baccalaureate degrees in Arts, Education, Science and Business Administration. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) majors include English, History and Political Science. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) majors include Information Technology, Math, Psychology, Biology and Criminal Justice. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) major is Business Administration. The Bachelor of Science in Education includes majors in Early Childhood and Special Education.

Commencement ceremonies are held three times a year following the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Although students may complete requirements for graduation during any semester, degrees and diplomas will not be officially conferred until the graduation ceremonies. The official date when the student has completed requirements for the degree will be specified on the student’s permanent record. All students are required to participate in graduation exercises. Students who cannot attend for some reason known in advance of the ceremony must request to be excused from this requirement by obtaining and completing the appropriate form available in the registrar’s office. All necessary signatures must be obtained by the student who should then return the In Absentia Form to the registrar’s office.

Students must submit their application for graduation by the graduation application deadline. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for deadline dates. The graduation fee covers the cost of the diploma, cap and gown, as well as other administrative costs associated with graduation.

In order for Georgia Gwinnett College to confer a baccalaureate degree, the following general requirements must be met:

  1. The student must submit the graduation application to the Office of the Registrar by the application deadline.
  2. Students must pay $50 graduation fee.
  3. The student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 123 semester hours of college work.
  4. A student must be in good academic standing at the time of graduation.
  5. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the time of graduation. Some majors require a higher minimum grade point average. Consult the appropriate department section for specific requirements.
  6. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the time of graduation in all course work required for their major. Some majors require a higher minimum major grade point average. Consult the appropriate department section for specific requirements

Residence Requirement for Degree

Georgia Gwinnett College requires all students to complete at least 25% of their overall semester hours of credit in residence prior to graduation. A student is defined to be “in residence” when taking Georgia Gwinnett College courses. Transient courses taken at another institution and courses transferred from other colleges are not considered to qualify a student as “in residence.”

Typically, the last thirty-one (31) semester hours of a student’s academic program satisfies the requirement to be “in residence.” Alternative arrangements to using the last thirty-one (31) semester hours of the student’s academic program must be approved by the appropriate School Dean with notification of the approval sent to the Registrar’s Office.

Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to graduate from Georgia Gwinnett College without satisfying the “in residence” requirement.

Graduation with Honors

Students graduating from Georgia Gwinnett College may qualify for one of three honors designations. Eligibility for one of these honors designations will be based on the cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College GPA (all coursework taken at GGC’s as well as all credit awarded transfer credit) at the point of completion of all course work. The appropriate honors designation will be noted on the student’s diploma as well as on the student’s academic transcript from Georgia Gwinnett College.

Cum Laude: Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College -GPA = 3.50 to 3.74
Magna Cum Laude: Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College -GPA = 3.75 to 3.874
Summa Cum Laude: Cumulative Georgia Gwinnett College -GPA = 3.875 to 4.00

General Education

The General Education program at Georgia Gwinnett College is an outcomes-based curriculum that is consistent with Georgia Gwinnett College’s mission and vision. Georgia Gwinnett College has determined the outcomes expected of a student completing the program. Thus, Georgia Gwinnett College expects its general education program will produce engaged and informed citizens who:

  1. Clearly communicate ideas in written and oral form;
  2. Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in inter- and multi-disciplinary contexts;
  3. Demonstrate effective use of information technology;
  4. Demonstrate an ability to collaborate in diverse and global contexts;
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of human and institutional decision making from multiple perspectives
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of moral and ethical principles;
  7. Demonstrate and apply leadership principles;
  8. Demonstrate an ability to reason quantitatively;

These core competencies represent the intellectual skills and knowledge required of an educated person in a diverse, global and technologically-oriented society. In addition, these core competencies represent a multidisciplinary foundation on which the major programs of study build an interdisciplinary component to a student’s chosen specialization. Thus, the general education program becomes the key to a fulfilling life of self-knowledge, self-reflection, critical awareness and lifelong learning

Incoming freshmen students should use the table below to assure they meet all the course requirements of the General Education program.

Core Curriculum

For specific requirements for Georgia Gwinnett College refer to Program Completion in the Georgia Gwinnett College Catalog. In addition to the 60 hour core curriculum all students are required to complete three credit hours of physical education that includes one credit hour of wellness (such as PHED 1101 ) and two additional credit hours of physical education. Veterans with 12 months or more active military service may request a waiver of the required physical education credits.

Students transferring to Georgia Gwinnett College should be aware of the following University System of Georgia policy:

  1. Students completing any core curriculum course at one USG institution or through eCore will receive full credit for that course upon transfer to another USG institution within the same major, even if a core area is not completed and even if it means giving transfer credit across areas (e.g., credit of a math course in Area C).
  2. All transfer students are required to complete ITEC 1001  (or higher IT course) unless completed at a prior institution. This is not an additional graduation requirement but will count toward completion of Area B, Area D, or the program of study.
  3. Assessment of the core curriculum by each institution is required as part of their accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the USG Comprehensive Program review process.
Georgia Gwinnett College General Education Requirements
Area A - Essential Skills (9 to 10 hours)
(Depending on major)
ENGL 1101  and ENGL 1102  (English Comp I & II) and MATH 1001  (Quantitative Reasoning) or MATH 1111  (College Algebra) or MATH 1113  (Pre-Calculus) or MATH 2200  (Calculus I) or higher math (must receive a grade of “C” or better)
Area B - Institutional Option (4 hours) Institutional Option (4 hours)
Information Technology (4 hours) ITEC 1001  (Introduction to Computing) or higher information technology
Area C - Humanities/Arts (6 hours)  
Arts/Literature (3 hours) MUSC 1100  (Music Appreciation) or ARTS 1100  (Art Appreciation) FILM 1005  (Intro to Film) or ENGL 2110  (World Literature)
Global Culture (3 hours) RELN 1100  (World Religions) or ENGL 1101  (Human Geography) or one semester of intermediate level foreign language (2001 or higher in Spanish, French, or Chinese)
Area D - Science, Mathematics, and Technology (11 hours)  
Science (7 hours) Choose one sequence: PSCI 1101K  and PSCI 1102  (Physical Sciences I & II) BIOL 1101K  and BIOL 1102  (Biological Sciences I & II) CHEM 1211K  and CHEM 1212K  (Principles of Chemistry I & II)
CHEM 1151K  and CHEM 1152K  (Survey of Chemistry I &II)
Information Technology (4 hours) ITEC 2110  (Digital Media) or ITEC 2120  (Introduction to Programming)
Area E - Social Sciences (12 hours)  
History (6 hours) Choose one US History course: HIST 2111  (U.S. History I) or HIST 2112  (U.S. History II) and one other course from the following: HIST 1111  (World History I), HIST 1112  (World History II), HIST 1121  (Western Civilization I), or HIST 1122  (Western Civilization II)
Human and Institutional Behavior (6 hours) POLS 1101  (American Government) Choose one of the following (If proficiency in American Politics and Georgia history and constitution is demonstrated choose two of the following) PSYC 1102  (Introduction to Psychology) or SOCI 1101  (Introduction to Sociology) or ANTH 1102  (Introduction to Anthropology) or ECON 2100  (Introduction to Economics)
Area F - Pre-Requisites for Major (18 hours) Requirements to be determined by the academic program. Must receive a grade of “C” or better.

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 3.3.1.

Upper Division Major Requirements

Each graduate must complete all curriculum and related requirements for one specific major as listed in the appropriate section of the catalog. In addition to courses, graduation requirements may include GPA minimums, experiential learning, residency regulations, assessments, examinations, remedial work, or other requirements as explained in the Georgia Gwinnett catalog or official program handbooks. Unless otherwise stated, all upper division courses in baccalaureate degree programs require a minimum grade of C. At least 39 semester hours must be taken at the 3000 level or above.

Demonstration of English/Reading Competency and Regents Writing Competency

Georgia Gwinnett College has established standards and criteria for demonstrating competency in writing and in reading. Students with transfer credit for ENGL 1101  and/or ENGL 1102  will meet the criteria for demonstrating competency. Students’ records will be updated to show satisfaction of English/Reading Competency and Regent Writing Competency upon receiving transfer credit for ENGL 1101  or ENGL 1102  (with a grade of C or better) or completion of ENGL 1101  or ENGL 1102  at Georgia Gwinnett College (with a grade of C or better).

United States and Georgia History and Constitution

All colleges and universities sustained or in any manner supported by public funds shall give instruction in the history of the United States, in the history of Georgia and in the essentials of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia and no undergraduate student in any college or university shall receive a certificate of graduation or a degree without successfully completing course work or previously passing a satisfactory examination on the history of the United States and the history of Georgia and upon the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.

United States and Georgia History Exams

Eligibility to Take History Tests

The tests are designed to allow students to meet the legislative requirement of demonstrating knowledge of US and Georgia history, only if they failed to fulfill it in the normal course of completing their general education requirements. Students will be required to take the US History test or to take an additional specific history course if they completed the Area E history requirement without taking a US history course.

Students will be required either to take the Georgia History test or to take an additional specific history course if they fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Students who received US History AP credit which exempted their taking the General Education Area E required history courses.
  2. Students who completed a US History course in fulfilling the Area E history requirement at a non-USG system school.

Students may take either test only twice in their academic career and not more than once per semester. If they fail a test twice, they MUST take an additional course that meets the legislative requirement.

Overview of US History Test

This computer-based test contains multiple choice questions that replicate a rigorous final exam in a course that meets the US History legislative requirements. Thus the test format includes 33 US history multiple choice questions worth 3 points and one question worth 1 point for a total of 100 points. The thirty-four questions are generated from a test bank of over 900 questions.

Overview of Georgia History Test

This computer-based test consists of 40 multiple choice questions that focus on the political and social history of the state from prehistory to contemporary experience.

Alternatives to Taking Test

Students may take history courses at Georgia Gwinnett College that meet the legislative requirement. These courses currently include the US History surveys (HIST 2111  and HIST 2112 ) and HIST 3265  (Georgia History).

Multiple Majors

Double Major

Students may enroll in a program leading to a double major. A student may complete a double major by completing one type of baccalaureate degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Science) and electing to concurrently pursue two majors of that type of degree. A student must complete a double major simultaneously. In order to complete a double major students must satisfy all requirements for both majors, including general education requirements across schools if applicable. Courses common to both majors may be counted toward the requirements of each major. Courses that are required or are electives in one major may be used to fulfill electives in the other major, however, the double major must contain coursework of a minimum of 150 credit hours. Student completing a double major will receive one diploma with both major fields of study noted on the transcript. To declare a double major, students must be advised by faculty in both academic disciplines and complete the Application for Double Major form.

Double Degree

Students may enroll in a program leading to a double degree. A student may complete a double degree by completing two types of baccalaureate degrees (e.g., a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration). A student must complete a double degree simultaneously. In order to complete a double degree students must satisfy all requirements for both majors, including general education requirements across schools if applicable. Courses common to both majors may be counted toward the requirements of each major. Courses that are required or are electives in one major may be used to fulfill electives in the other major, however, the double degree must contain coursework of a minimum of 150 credit hours. Students completing double degrees will receive two diplomas. Both degrees will be noted on the transcript. To declare a double degree, students must be advised by faculty in both academic disciplines and complete the Application for Double Degree form.

Multiple Concentrations

Students may choose to complete multiple concentrations within the same academic degree program. In order to complete multiple concentrations, students must satisfy all required courses for each concentration, including specified general education requirements across schools, if applicable. In addition to the completion of these required courses, students must earn the total number of credits required in the first concentration and they also must take a minimum of 15 additional hours for each concentration, or the stipulated amount of hours for the concentration in that discipline, as is applicable. Multiple concentrations will be noted on the transcript.

To declare multiple concentrations, students must complete the “Application for Multiple Concentrations” form. After declaring multiple concentrations, students must be advised by the appropriate faculty in each of the academic specialty areas, if applicable. If a student would like to take 15-18 hours in a discipline or major outside of his/her academic degree program, the student should pursue the appropriate academic minor.

Academic Minors Policy

An academic minor allows students to expand and broaden their educational experience by exploring a particular subject or subjects in sufficient depth to gain competency. By completing a minor, a student can become familiar with an additional area of study which will supplement the expertise gained in the major. In the case of an interdisciplinary minor, the student will have had the opportunity to learn about a particular theme or focused area of inquiry or study.

Each minor has a particular set of curricular goals and student learning outcomes which are determined by the school or unit which offers the minor. By following the prescribed courses of study in the minor, a student must master these curricular outcomes.

GGC Guidelines

  1. The minor will be comprised of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 18 credit hours.
  2. At least 9 hours of upper level courses must be included in the coursework for the minor, subject to all other guideline restrictions.
  3. Courses taken to satisfy core Areas A through E may not be counted as coursework in the minor.
  4. Courses from Area F may be counted as duplicative courses for the minor.
  5. If a course in the minor requires a pre-requisite, the pre-requisite must be a course that is required either in the general education sequence, the minor itself, or the student’s major.

Other Guidelines

  1. The School offering the minor will be responsible for the following areas:
    1. Appropriate Curricular Approvals. A School seeking to offer a minor will request approval for the minor through the appropriate institutional channels and receive approval before offering the minor. The minor must be approved through the college’s curriculum review process; subsequent approval must be obtained from the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The USG must be notified of the addition of a minor in a discipline with an approved major. The addition of a minor in a discipline that does not have an approved major must be approved by the USG.
    2. Requirements determining requirements for the minor shall be the responsibility of the school.
    3. Grade Point Average. Grade point average requirements for the minor, if any will be determined by the School
    4. Graduation eligibility. Verifying clearance for graduating with a minor shall be the responsibility of the School.
    5. Interdisciplinary Minor. An interdisciplinary minor will be handled by the School designated to offer the minor in consultation with appropriate faculty from the other areas. This School also must obtain the appropriate curricular approvals, including the curriculum committees and subsequent approval from the Deans of the other schools and the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.
  2. Mentoring/Advising
    1. Selection of a Minor. A student may select a minor in consultation with his/her assigned faculty mentor. The student may consult with a faculty member in the minor field, but the faculty mentor remains the primary contact for program plan advising.
    2. Advising. The Schools that sponsor minors will prepare program plan sheets to be used by faculty mentors and students.
  3. Responsibilities of the Registrar
    1. Banner. The Registrar will build minors into CAPP.
    2. Graduation Application. The Registrar shall be responsible for adding an option for minor on the application for graduation.
    3. Student Transcript. Listing the minor and date completed on the student transcript will be the responsibility of the Registrar.
    4. Completion of Requirements. After applying for graduation, if a student fails to complete the requirements for the minor but otherwise meets the requirements for graduation, the student may choose to graduate without the minor.

University System and Technical College System of Articulation Agreement

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 3.3.5.

Associate Degrees, Diplomas & Certificates

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 3.3.5.1.

General Education Course Transfer

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 3.3.5.2

Georgia Gwinnett College Credit Granting Policy

The credit hour at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is the unit by which course work is measured. All courses originate at the school level and are reviewed based on the standards set forth by the College Curriculum Committee’s Policy and Procedures.

GGC adheres to the view by the Department of Education indicating that learning outcomes are the final and most important result of varied educational platforms, and that individual institutions set standards for granting academic credit. Specific learning outcomes are assessed by each school.

A variety of teaching platforms (traditional day, evening, weekends) are available to the traditional and nontraditional students at GGC. Below are the typical formats used by GGC with the indicators of engaged learning time per credit to which the institution adheres. In addition, selected courses are offered in split sessions in the fall and spring semesters or mini sessions in the summer. The contact time for these different formats is equal to the full semester as per the chart below. Georgia Gwinnett College participates in eCore through the University of Georgia initiative (INGRESS). Contact hours for eCore courses are defined by the University System of Georgia.

Academic Activity Formula
(1)= 50 minutes
1= hour of credit
Meeting Plan Minimum Instructional Minutes Per Day Minimum Engaged Learning Time Per Credit Per Semester
Classroom (1)-1 15 Weeks: 3 meetings per week 50 minutes per day 750 minutes
Classroom (1)-1 15 Weeks: 2 meetings per week 75 minutes per day 750 minutes
Classroom (1)-1 15 Weeks: 1 meeting per week 150 minutes per day 750 minute
Laboratory (2)-1 15 Weeks: 1 meeting per week 100 minutes per day 1500 minutes per credit hour in classroom
Internship (3)-1 15 Weeks Varies per internship; however minimum of 450 minutes of time on task per week 2250 minutes per credit
Externship (3)-1 15 Weeks Varies per externship; minimum of 450 minutes of time on task per week 2250 minutes per credit hour
Student Teaching ( 8 CR)   15 Weeks Minimum of 2400 minutes of field time on task each week 5015 minutes per credit hour