Admission Policies

Priority Admission Deadlines

Admission Policy

It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College (“GGC”) to create admissions requirements that fulfill the stated mission of the college, by encouraging students of diverse levels of preparation, ethnicity and age to enroll and develop their full potential. These requirements are in keeping with Georgia Gwinnett College’s strong commitment to student success.  Georgia Gwinnett College complies with the access mission institution admission standards established under University System of Georgia (“USG”) Board of Regents policies and is committed to ensuring that the admissions procedures support these standards. 

Application Procedures

General Admission Requirements

Definitions:

Applicant: A person who applies for admission to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC).

Application: The process by which individuals apply to gain admission to GGC. 

Admission requirements are determined annually in conjunction with USG policy, the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer (“VP for Enrollment Management”), and the President. The current admissions requirements and deadlines can be found on the GGC website. Several programs of study such as Nursing and Education have an additional application for program admission. Information on a particular degree program or major may be found on the Academic Degrees and Programs website.

Admission Services reviews and evaluates applications and required documents submitted by applicants when the application file is complete and ready for review. An application file is considered complete when GGC Admissions Services has received the following:

1. A completed application for admission to Georgia Gwinnett College submitted online with a nonrefundable application processing fee.
2. Official high school and college transcripts from all colleges previously attended, regardless of transferable credit sent directly from those institutions through an approved electronic service or delivered in a sealed institutional envelope to GGC.

3. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing services to GGC for student types required to submit test scores for admission.

4. Applicants who indicate that they have a criminal conviction or charges pending, or charged with disciplinary action or misconduct must provide supplemental information. Failure to provide this information may impact the applicant’s eligibility for admission

The mailing address for submission of all documents (except the electronic admissions application) is:

Georgia Gwinnett College
Admissions Services
1000 University Center Lane
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Application Deadlines:

Application and document deadline dates may be moved to later dates in the year by the VP for Enrollment Management 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.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

All non-native speakers of English must demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency as defined by the BOR Academic & Student Affairs Handbook Section 3.1.1.2

Admission Requirements for Programs Leading to the Baccalaureate Degree

Definitions:

Freshman: Applicants who have never attended other colleges or who have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester hours from previous colleges.

Transfer: Applicants with 30 or more transfer hours of college credit.

Freshman Requirements

High School Diploma/Required High School Curriculum

1. Freshmen must have a diploma from a high school accredited by a regional accrediting association (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (“SACSCASI”)), or University System of Georgia recognized accrediting bodies or from a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education. Certificates of attendance or special education diplomas are not acceptable. High school students with a general diploma must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average calculated by GGC based on the grades in the 17 units of Required High School Curriculum (“RHSC”) as defined by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
2. As part of the admission process, each student will be evaluated to determine satisfactory completion of the following 17 units of the University System of Georgia 3.1.1.1 Required High School Curriculum.

• MATHEMATICS:  Four (4) Carnegie units of college preparatory mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Advanced Algebra and a 4^th unit of advanced math, or equivalent courses.

• ENGLISH:  Four (4) Carnegie units of college preparatory English:  Literature (American, English, World) integrated with grammar, usage and advanced composition skills.
• SCIENCE:  Four (4) Carnegie units of college preparatory science: Must include two courses with a laboratory component. Georgia public high school students should have at least one (1) unit of Biology, one (1) unit of Physical Science or Physics, and one (1) unit of Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science, or an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course or the equivalent, and a 4^th science unit. 
• SOCIAL SCIENCE:  Three (3) Carnegie units of college preparatory social science: Must include one unit focusing on U.S. studies and one unit focusing on world studies.
• FOREIGN LANGUAGE or AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE or COMPUTER SCIENCE:  The two (2) units of the same foreign language must have an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing. The two (2) units of computer science must have a coding and programming emphasis.

For the most updated information and specific course requirements, see:  https://www.usg.edu/student_affairs/assets/student_affairs/documents/Staying_on_Course.pdf

3.  Students who attend a high school outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service such as Joseph Silny and Associates; World Education Services; or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or other BOR-approved services.  The student must submit transcripts to an evaluation service and request that an appropriate evaluation be submitted directly to the Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Office. If college semester credit has been earned, the applicant must submit a course-by-course evaluation.

Test Scores

Test scores are not required for freshman admission to Georgia Gwinnett College.

College-level Course Placement

• Students with a calculated high school GPA of 2.50 or higher will automatically place into college-level English and math courses. Testing is not required.
• Placement into college algebra (MATH 1111) requires a calculated high school GPA of 2.80 or higher.
• Students with a calculated GPA of less than 2.50 or who earned a GED will place into co-requisite English and math courses unless ACCUPLACER, SAT or ACT test scores are submitted which meet the minimum score requirement.

Minimum scores for college-level course placement:

SAT on or after March 2016:

• Evidence Based Reading and Writing 480
• Math 440

SAT prior to March 2016:

• Critical Reading 430
• Math 400

ACT:

• English: 17 or Reading: 17
• Math: 17

SAT/ACT test scores older than seven (7) years are not accepted

Accuplacer:

• Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics: 258
• Reading Comprehension 237
• WritePlacer 4

Test scores may be required for scholarship consideration

Applicants with Fewer than 30 Transfer Hours of College Credit

1. The college transcripts of students who have attended other colleges (but earned fewer than 30 semester hours of eligible transfer credit) will be considered as part of the admissions process. If a student meets the freshman requirements listed above and their cumulative combined GPA from previous college work is at or above a 2.00, the candidate will be admitted without condition; those who fail to meet both these requirements will be denied admission.

   2.  An applicant who has fewer than 30 semester hours of college credit will be admitted on Academic Probation, if one of the following two conditions occur:

• The student meets the freshman admission requirements listed above but has a combined GPA from previous college work below a 2.00 or
• The student does not meet the freshman admission requirements listed above but has a combined GPA from previous college work above a 2.00. Furthermore, students will be required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by their academic classification in order to be placed in good academic standing at Georgia Gwinnett College.

Home School Applicants

1. Applicants graduating from non-accredited home schools or high schools must meet the admission criteria required of other applicants and criteria set forth in the GGC Home School Portfolio.
2. All home school and non-accredited high school applicants must demonstrate equivalent RHSC competence as required by Board of Regents policy.  Home school applicants who receive credit from accredited institutions and curriculum providers can demonstrate compliance by submitting official transcripts from these providers. These transcripts will be evaluated for RHSC completion based on the general RHSC requirements detailed in Freshman Requirements. 
3. The Admissions Services Committee will review the GGC Home School portfolio for RHSC compliance, and at its sole discretion can recommend that an applicant has met some, all, or none of the RHSC requirements. Applicants who do not satisfy these requirements may still be admitted following an Admissions Appeal Committee review.
4. Home School Portfolio Admissions Appeals Committee Review. The committee will review the applicant’s portfolio with the primary goal of determining the applicant’s potential for success at the college level. If the committee is not satisfied with the material submitted in the portfolio, it will seek additional information from the applicant for further admission review. If the committee’s review is not satisfactory, the applicant will be denied admission.  

Transfer Requirements

• Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

1. Applicants who have attended other colleges are required to submit an official transcript(s) from each college previously attended, regardless of whether or not the applicant receives transfer credit. Documents must be sent directly from the sending institution to GGC’s Admissions Services office through an approved delivery method.
2. Transfer applicants must present a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above (based on a 4.00 scale) on all work attempted and must be in good academic standing at the last institution attended in order to be admitted to Georgia Gwinnett College in good academic standing. Transfer applicants with a GPA below 2.00 will be denied with the option to appeal their decision.
3. Dismissals from Other Institutions. If an applicant has been permanently suspended from another institution, the Admissions Appeals Committee will process the application 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 VP for Enrollment Management.

• Transfer of Credit

1. Evaluations of transfer credit are available for admitted students  by viewing  the Grizzly Den within  Banner.
2. Credit earned from regionally accredited colleges may be transferred to Georgia Gwinnett College provided the course content is comparable to that of a course offered by Georgia Gwinnett College. Non-comparable courses that satisfy the guidelines of the University System of Georgia may also be transferred.
3. Transfer students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all Area A requirements (ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102, MATH 1001, MATH 1101, MATH 1401, MATH 1111, or equivalents) in order for those courses to transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College. In addition, a grade of “C” or better is required in all courses used in Area F and in the major.
4. The total number of combined hours through military experiences shall not exceed 15 semester hours. In order to determine military credit, the student must submit discharge paperwork (DD-214) or a military course transcript (Joint Services Transcript, AARTS, SMART, CCAF, etc.).
5. Transfer credit from colleges and universities outside the United States must be evaluated by an approved, National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) evaluation service or InCred.  The applicant must submit transcripts to an evaluation service and request that an appropriate course by course evaluation be submitted to the office of Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Services.
6. Transfer students must complete requirements in United States History and Constitution as well as Georgia History and Constitution prior to graduation. Completion of American History and American Government at a previous University System of Georgia institution will transfer to Georgia Gwinnett College. Completion of American History and American Government at a non-University System of Georgia institution (including out-of-state institutions) will satisfy the U.S. History and Constitution requirement upon transfer, but not the Georgia History and Constitution requirement. A proficiency examination in these legislative requirements is available for the student to complete prior to graduation. See the Testing Center for additional information.

Non-Traditional Students

• In order to make the University System of Georgia more accessible to citizens who are not of traditional college-going age and to encourage a higher proportion of Georgians to benefit from life-long learning, Georgia Gwinnett College is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to admit non-traditional students. The number of non-traditional students GGC enrolls is not counted against the percent of limited admissions allowed by the Board of Regents at GGC.
• Non-Traditional Freshmen. Non-traditional freshmen are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Have been out of high school at least five (5) years and whose high school class graduated at least five (5) years ago;
2. Hold a high school diploma from an accredited or approved high school as specified in the High School Diploma/Required High School Curriculum Section of this Policy Manual or have satisfactorily completed the GED; and,
3. Have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours.

• Admissions Services will make the decision on non-traditional applications without going to the Admissions Committee based on the following criteria:

1. H.S. GPA of 2.0 or greater - regular admissions
2. H.S. GPA between 2.0 and 1.50 - conditional admission up to 14 hours
3. H.S. GPA less than 1.50 - applications still reviewed by the committee.

• All non-traditional freshmen will be evaluated for learning support status in English (reading/writing) and mathematics using GGC placement criteria.  In order to possibly avoid placement in Learning Support, applicants are encouraged to submit SAT/ACT scores if exam date is within seven years or Next-Gen Accuplacer scores for Write Placer, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics.
• Non-Traditional Transfer

1. Non-traditional transfer students are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

• Have been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five (5) years ago; and,
• Have earned thirty (30) or more transferable hours of college credit.

  2. Placement evaluation for English and Mathematics will be  completed if students have not yet completed these requirements.

Admission Appeals

• Any applicant denied admission to Georgia Gwinnett College may appeal the decision by submitting a written letter of appeal directly to the Admissions Appeals Committee. The Committee will review the appeal and academic history to determine the student’s potential for college-level academic work. Additional documentation may be required, including official test scores to support the applicant’s appeal. If an appeal is approved, the applicant will be admitted conditionally with a probationary status and must complete any prescribed conditions as specified by the Committee. If an appeal is denied, the decision of the Committee may be appealed to the VP for Enrollment Management.
• The letter of appeal must be typed and include the applicant’s electronic or handwritten signature, and it should be delivered to Admissions Services.
• The  letter should provide details that will help the Committee make an informed decision to help the student achieve success at the College.  Such information may include:

1. Reasons why the applicant’s previous academic work may have suffered
2. How the applicant intends to perform better academically
3. The applicant’s weekly work and/or family commitments
4. Any other information the applicant would like the committee to consider

Admission Requirements Exceptions

Limited Admissions Category

• In recognition of the fact that a limited number of students do not meet established standards but do demonstrate special potential for success, GGC grants admission to a limited number of such students. Multiple measures are used whenever possible, such as interviews, portfolios, and records of experiential achievements, for students being considered for Limited Admission. The number of students who may be granted Limited Admissions is restricted and cannot exceed 33%  of the institution’s annual first-time freshman headcount enrollment.
• Students who enter under the Limited Admissions category (including Presidential Exceptions as described below) must make up any Required High School Curriculum unit deficiencies in accordance with University System of Georgia procedures. They must also be screened, as applicable, for placement in Learning Support courses based on their standardized test scores and must meet University System of Georgia criteria for exemption or exit of Learning Support in reading, English, and mathematics. If no test scores are provided, the student will automatically default into the English and Math Learning Support courses.
• Presidential Exceptions. The President of GGC is authorized by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to grant Presidential Exceptions to the Required High School Curriculum units and requirements for Limited Admissions if the student shows promise for academic success in college and has at least a high school diploma or General Educational Development (“GED”), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (“TASC”), or High School Equivalency Test (“HiSET”) approved by the Board of Regents. College officials are required to report to the University System of Georgia chief academic officer on those students granted Presidential Exceptions. Presidential Exceptions must be included as part of GGC’s maximum percentage for Limited Admissions.

General Educational Development (“GED”), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (“TASC”), and High Equivalency Test (“HiSET”)

• Persons over 18 years of age (or whose class has already graduated from high school) whose secondary schooling was interrupted may be admitted by presenting the GED, TASC, or the HiSET and other approved high school equivalency. test Official GED, TASC, and HiSET transcripts must be mailed directly from the Testing Service to the Georgia Gwinnett College Admissions Office.
• GED , TASC, and HiSET applicants are  encouraged to submit College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (“SAT”) scores, American College Test (“ACT”) scores, or Next-Gen Accuplacer scores for course placement consideration. If standardized test scores are not submitted for placement consideration, the student’s course placement will automatically default to English and Math Learning Support.
• GED , TASC, and HiSET applications may be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, and an interview with the candidate may be required. In addition, all GED, TASC, and HiSET applicants must meet the regular freshman admissions requirements. 

Addressing Required High School Curriculum (“RHSC”) Deficiencies

1. Students with RHSC deficiencies are required to satisfy those deficiencies using one of the following methods:

1. Address Deficiency Prior to Enrollment
   • Applicants, including those coming from other states, who have RHSC deficiencies but can demonstrate competency in the deficient area(s) will be deemed as meeting the RHSC requirements. If these students meet all other requirements for regular admission, GGC is not required to admit them under the Limited Admissions category.
   • A student can satisfy any RHSC deficiency by demonstrating competency in the subject matter area(s) considered deficient or by addressing the deficiency through an appropriate course successfully completed prior to enrollment at another institution.
   • Option 1: Demonstrate Subject Matter Proficiency through Approved Standardized Tests
     • A student may demonstrate competency through standardized examinations such as the SAT, ACT, College Level Examination Program (“CLEP”), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (“DSST”), Next-Gen Accuplacer, or other comparable examinations approved by the BOR.
     • Students must complete four Board of Regents-approved science units, including two units with a laboratory component, as outlined in the Staying on Course document. Additionally, Georgia public high school students are required to complete coursework in four areas of science (see “Required High School Curriculum” for science in the previous section).  Students with a science deficiency may address the deficiency prior to enrollment through a standardized examination provided the examination demonstrates competency in an area not already reflected in their high school coursework.
     • A student whose SAT or ACT score in the deficient area is at or above the average SAT or ACT score of the previous year’s fall semester first-time freshmen admitted to GGC indicates competency in the area.
     • A student may use the following SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate competency in a deficient area: English, Writing, Literature, Foreign Languages, Math Level 1 or Math Level 2, American History and Social Studies, World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students may use SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate exposure and competencies for areas not reflected in their course work.
     • A student may use the CLEP and DSST subject examination to demonstrate competency in a deficient area.
     • Students with an English deficiency who are placed into co-requisite English will satisfy the deficiency upon successfully exiting Learning Support English. Students with a mathematics deficiency who are placed into co-requisite mathematics will satisfy the deficiency upon successfully exiting co-requisite mathematics.
   • Option 2: Demonstrate Subject Matter Proficiency Through Approved Coursework.
     • A student may address the deficiency prior to enrollment by taking a USG-approved high school course in the deficiency area(s) or a three-credit collegiate course (with a course grade of “C” or better) in the appropriate subject area(s). A student who has taken a terminal course in a subject area (for example, a student who has completed calculus in the eleventh grade) will be deemed as meeting the RHSC requirement in that subject area.
2. Address Deficiency After Enrollment

• Students who have RHSC deficiencies that are addressed after enrollment can be admitted under the Limited Admissions category.
• Students who have RHSC deficiencies and who successfully complete collegiate courses addressing all of their deficiencies within their first 30 credit hours will be considered as having satisfied the deficiency or deficiencies. These students will receive collegiate credit that can count towards the student’s degree program. If a student does not address the deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours, then the student may not register for other courses, unless they also register for the appropriate deficiency course or courses. Successful completion (“C” or better) of a three-credit collegiate course in the appropriate subject area demonstrates collegiate-level preparedness and is sufficient for satisfying an RHSC deficiency in that subject area.

Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements

The dual enrollment program provides eligible high school students with the opportunity to take college courses to satisfy high school graduation or home study completion requirements while earning college credit.

• Participants in the dual enrollment program must meet the Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements listed on the GGC Dual Enrollment Admission webpage
• These requirements include the following:

1. Be entering the junior or senior year of high school and be age 16 or older by the first day of the semester of enrollment.
2. Submit a high school transcript showing student is on-track for completing all high school graduation requirements and the University System of Georgia Required High School Curriculum (“RHSC”).
3. Meet the minimum high school grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.25 or higher, calculated by GGC on the 17-unit RHSC courses completed.
4. Test Scores not required for admission. Dual Enrollment students may only enroll in an English or mathematics course if they exempt placement in corequisite Learning Support.

USG Minimums for Dual Enrollment Students to Exempt Placement in Co-requisite Learning Support:

• ENGL 1101: 2.7 GPA* with at least 2 RHSC English units successfully completed**; or SAT 480 ERW; or ACT 17 English or 17 Reading; or Accuplacer 237 Reading Comprehension and 4 WritePlacer; or Transferable credit for an Area A English course***
• MATH 1001, MATH 1101, MATH1401, STAT 1401: 3.1 GPA with Algebra II, Advanced Algebra or equivalent high school course successfully completed; or SAT 440 Math; or ACT 17 Math; or Accuplacer 258 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• MATH 1111: 3.2 GPA with Algebra II, Advanced Algebra or equivalent high school course successfully completed; or SAT 510 Math; or ACT 20 Math; or Accuplacer 266 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics; or Transferable credit for an Area A mathematics course***

Note:

                        *  GPA calculated by GGC based on the grades in the 17 units of Required High

                              School Curriculum (“RHSC”) as defined by the University System of Georgia

                               Board of Regents.

                        **   High school courses with a grade of “C” or higher may be counted as

                               successfully completed.

                        *** Must meet the minimum grade requirement for the institution which may be a

                               “C” or higher.

5. Submit Parent/guardian consent agreement and funding application via the Georgia Student Finance Commission’s (GSFC) Dual Enrollment Funding Application. The approved funding application is required for enrollment.

6.  Home-school Students. Home schooled students may be considered if they are enrolled in Non-traditional Educational Centers that are recognized by GAPSAC or by state departments of education. Students attending non-accredited home school programs or non-accredited high schools must submit a GGC Home School Portfolio for admission eligibility review.   

7.  Take courses from the GSFC approved courses directory for approved course placement.

Persons Aged 62 and Over Program

Persons 62 years of age or older may be admitted to GGC to take courses on a space available basis at little to no cost. To be eligible for GGC enrollment in the program, applicants:

1. Must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and shall present a birth certificate or other comparable written documentation of age to enable the institution to determine eligibility.
2. May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses offered for resident credit on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory, or shop fees.
3. Will meet all University System of Georgia and institution undergraduate or graduate admission requirements; however, GGC officials may exercise discretion in exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In instances involving discretionary admission, GGC staff will provide diagnostic methods to determine whether or not participation in Learning Support will be required prior to enrollment in regular credit courses. Reasonable prerequisites may be required in certain courses.
4. Must meet all GGC and legislated degree requirements if they are degree-seeking students.

Notes about Admission

An applicant may be declared eligible for admission, registration, enrollment or re-enrollment at University System institution only after satisfying all requirements established by the University System of Georgia and the institution concerned. The institution shall have the right to examine and appraise the character, personality and qualifications of the applicant. In order that this examination and appraisal may be made, the applicant shall furnish to the institution such biographical and other information, including references, as may be required. Each unit of the University System reserves the right to refuse admission to a non-resident of Georgia, to an applicant whose admission would cause the institution to exceed its maximum capacity, to an applicant whose request for admission is only to a program that is already filled, to an applicant whose transcript(s) are from unaccredited institution or who is otherwise ineligible for admission. Applicants seeking additional information on referral of students to other institutions, right to limit admissions, limited admissions/Presidential exceptions, or the use of social security numbers, should refer to the Board of Regent’s manual: www.usg.edu.

Readmission

Students who have not been enrolled for 12 consecutive months (3 terms) as well as students changing classification are required to apply for readmission. Transient students are required to apply for each semester of enrollment. If the student does not enroll, the process must be repeated. The application for readmission is online. The readmission application must be submitted along with the non-refundable processing fee and any required supporting credentials by the deadline for the term of the desired re-enrollment.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs Not Leading to the Baccalaureate Degree

Admission of Non-Degree Students

Georgia Gwinnett College will not allow students to apply under this status, but will permit the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Services to allow students to be admitted under this category on an as needed basis. Students may be permitted to enroll as non-degree students for a maximum of 18 semester credit hours, including institutional credit. Students may not enroll in any course for which there is a learning support prerequisite unless they have been screened for and have exempted the relevant learning support course. ESL coursework does not count towards the 18 semester credit limit.

Admission of Post baccalaureate Students

Students who have earned the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution may enroll as non-degree students in courses with no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn. Post baccalaureate applicants must provide an official transcript reflecting the appropriate baccalaureate degree.

Admission of Auditors

Students who submit evidence of graduation from a high school, as specified in the undergraduate admissions policy, or a GED, TASC, and HiSET transcript approved by the Board of Regents may register to audit a course as space in the course permits. Under extraordinary circumstances, the President may waive the requirement of high school diploma or equivalent. Students registered as auditors shall be required to pay the regular tuition and fees for enrollment.

Admission of Transient Students

• Transient Students from Other Institutions

A student enrolled in a degree program at another accredited college or university may apply to Georgia Gwinnett College for transient status. Such a student is one who expects to return to the college or university where currently or previously enrolled and must have the permission of the home institution to attend Georgia Gwinnett College. The applicant who desires transient status must submit an application for admission and transient permission form from the home institution and must be in good academic standing at their home institution. Transient students are admitted on a semester basis only. Georgia Gwinnett College does not guarantee that a transient student will be able to secure the courses desired, nor is Georgia Gwinnett College responsible for advising a transient student of courses that are applicable to their program of study at the home institution. Transcripts are not automatically forwarded to the home institution. Transient students must submit a written request to have a transcript sent back to the home institution.

• Georgia Gwinnett College Students Enrolling at Other Institutions as Transient Students
  1. 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  Registration Services. Students who seek transient status must obtain approval from the appropriate dean.
  2. Georgia Gwinnett College students may request to be a transient student at other institutions provided that the courses they seek to take at another institution fall into one of the following categories:

• 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).
• 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).

3.  Students also must 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:

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

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

• Enroll in courses appropriate to his/her major at the proper level and in the proper sequence.
• Complete the courses with a grade of “C” or better. Grades obtained in courses taken as a transient student will be calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA at Georgia Gwinnett College.
• Have an official transcript of transient courses sent to the following address at the end of the transient term: Georgia Gwinnett College, Enrollment Management Office
  1. 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.

Out-of-State Enrollment

See Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 4.3.1

Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes

Georgia Gwinnett College (“GGC”) adheres to Board of Regents Policy Manual 4.3.2 when classifying students for tuition purposes.

Tuition Differential Waivers

GGC adheres to Board of Regents Policy Manual 4.3.3 Tuition Differential Waivers.

Verification of Lawful Presence

In accordance with Board of Regents (“BOR”) Policy Manual 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence, Georgia Gwinnett College (“GGC”) will verify the lawful presence in the United States of every successfully admitted person applying for resident tuition status, as defined in BOR Policy Manual 7.3 Tuition and Fees, and of every person admitted to an institution referenced in BOR Policy Manual 4.1.6 Admission of Persons Not Lawfully Present in the United States.

International Students

Definitions:

International student:  At GGC, an international student is an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

1. Currently living outside the U.S. and will require an F-1 or a J-1 visa to study in the U.S.
2. Not a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”) and is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.
3. Currently in the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa classification which permits part-time or full-time study.

Admission of Degree-Seeking International Students

All international students must meet GGC admission requirements, which can be found in APM 4.2.

1. Freshman Students

1. Freshman applicants educated outside of the United States shall demonstrate academic preparation comparable to that required of applicants completing high school within the United States.
2. English Language Proficiency Requirement:

• Completion of a test of English language proficiency is required of all applicants. Please refer to the USG English proficiency chart for approved exams and minimum standards or some other USG-approved evaluation of English. GGC’s minimum required English proficiency scores are as follows: TOEFL IBT 69, IELTS 6, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section Score 480, ACT English 17, or Accuplacer Reading Comprehension 237 and WritePlacer 4.
• For a full list of approved exams and minimum standards, see BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook 3.1.1.2 International Freshman Requirements.

   3. Foreign Credentials. Students must submit official records from secondary school and all college(s) attended. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service such as Josef Silny and Associates; World Education Services; or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or other BOR-approved internal/external services.  Students must submit transcripts to an evaluation service and request that an appropriate evaluation with GPA be submitted directly to Georgia Gwinnett College, International Student Services. A minimum 2.00 Grade Point Average is required. In lieu of GPA, freshman applicants may submit SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer scores.

   4.  Some non-post secondary credit and/or examinations may be considered for college credit and may require a course-by-course evaluation for college level credit to be awarded.

1. Transfer Students

1. Applicants who have earned 30 or more transferable semester hours from a regionally accredited college or university are classified as transfer students. Students admitted from other colleges are required to meet all general requirements and application deadlines. See GGC Transfer Admission.
2. Transfer students who are non-native speakers of English and who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the U.S. where English was not the language of instruction must submit proof of English proficiency as listed in the BOR Academic and Student Affairs Handbook section 3.1.1.6 International Transfer Requirements. Foreign credentials must be evaluated through an approved evaluation service.

Financial Requirements

1. International students requesting the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Georgia Gwinnett College must provide documentation showing sufficient resources to cover tuition, room and board, health insurance, and other living expenses.
2. In accordance with the payment policy of the College, students agree to pay all tuition and fees when due to Georgia Gwinnett College (including, but not limited to, tuition, mandatory student fees, and College Housing fees). Failure to pay a student account in full by the published deadline may result in a student being dropped from classes, which could jeopardize the student’s ability to maintain valid immigration status.

Health Insurance

• International students holding F or J visas are required to have student health insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the University System of Georgia.
• Students in these categories who are not covered by a policy held by a parent, spouse, employer, or if the policy does not meet the minimum standards, will be charged for a USG Student Health Insurance Plan (“SHIP”) policy.

1. Students who are already covered by an insurance policy (i.e., through parent plans, family plans or employer-sponsored plans) can opt out of the plan. Once the information has been verified, the requirement for SHIP health insurance will be waived and the moneys paid to Georgia Gwinnett College for insurance will be refunded. Students must apply for the waiver each semester for which they are enrolled in classes, and this must be done during the waiver period.
2. Students who do not apply for and receive the waivers during the enrollment period will be responsible for the insurance fees. Students who fail to submit comparable health insurance information by the end of the waiver period will automatically be enrolled in the SHIP insurance plan.

1. Students should not purchase insurance from their home country until they have reviewed information on the insurance waiver policy and are sure they will qualify for a waiver. Students should verify that the insurance policy they are considering meets the waiver minimums before they purchase it. Additional information is available through this website.

Housing for International Students

On-campus housing is not available year round. If students choose not to return home during semester breaks, they must make alternative off-campus living arrangements.

Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures

University System of Georgia International Student Resources, Handbooks, and Forms

Right to Refuse Admission

Georgia Gwinnett College (“GGC”) adheres to Board of Regents Policy Manual 4.2.3.3 Right to Refuse Admission. In accordance with this policy, GGC reserves the right to refuse admission to:

1. A non-resident of Georgia;
2. An applicant whose admission would cause GGC to exceed its maximum capacity;
3. An applicant whose request for admission is only to a program that is already filled;
4. An applicant whose transcript is from an unaccredited institution; or
5. An applicant who is otherwise ineligible for admission.

Rescission of Admission

Definitions:

Enrollment: For the sole purpose of APM 4.2.7, “enrollment” shall be considered as occurring at the time of the first day of class for which the student is registered.

Student: A person who has been admitted, or is enrolled at GGC.

GGC reserves the right in its sole discretion to rescind any notice of acceptance or admission and/or any enrollment of any student at any time for submission of false information and/or failure of the individual to disclose information requested on an application for admission. The student/applicant shall be afforded that due process to which they may be entitled to under the law.

Background Review for Admissions

Right to Deny or Conditionally Admit

A.  Georgia Gwinnett College specifically reserves the right to deny or conditionally admit any applicant for admission or housing as a result of an applicant background review. Denial of admission to the College shall also result in denial of GGC housing. Denial of housing shall not necessarily result in denial of admission to the College. Other criteria may be used by the College to deny or conditionally admit any applicant or provide housing to any applicant as set forth in BOR Policy Manual 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions and APM 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions.

B.  Applications for admissions and applications for housing may be considered separately or together. Any criteria and/or conditions for admissions and/or housing may be identical for both admissions and housing or may be different for admissions than those established for housing.

C.  An applicant to the College or to housing is required to disclose the following:

1. Criminal convictions
2. Pending criminal charges
3. Disciplinary actions
4. Suspension or expulsion from any high school or college

D.   Failure to disclose these circumstances by an applicant may result in denial of admission. Failure to disclose these circumstances by a currently enrolled GGC student may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the College or College housing.

1. E.   If a student or housing applicant is subject to a GGC student integrity matter, the student/applicant will be on probation as to admissions and/or housing until all student integrity conditions are satisfied. The student or applicant may still be placed on probation for matters unrelated to GGC integrity matter(s).

Admissions Applications

• When an applicant discloses any criminal conviction, pending criminal charge, disciplinary action, or suspension or expulsion, the Office of Enrollment Management Services will send a letter to the applicant requesting supplemental information and/or documentation to explain the nature of the matter(s) involved.
• Once the Office of Enrollment Management has received the supplemental information from the applicant, the Director of New Student Connections will distribute the material to the Student/Applicant Background Check Committee. The Student/Applicant Background Check Committee will be composed of three members appointed by the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer, two members appointed by the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost, the Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police, and, in an advisory capacity, the General Counsel for the College or their designated representative(s). The Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police’s (or designee’s) sole responsibility will be to provide updated criminal background information on any applicant being considered under the policy. If for any reason a member of the Committee is unable to attend a meeting, the member will notify their Vice President.
• This Committee will examine the documentation submitted by the applicant in terms of the nature of the matter(s) under consideration, how recent is the activity and/or conviction, and dispensation of the matter(s) under consideration.
• The Student/Applicant Background Check Committee shall meet at least every two (2) weeks to review the submitted material. In special circumstances, Committee members may vote via electronic communications.
• Three possible categories of decisions for first-time or returning admissions applicants that may be rendered by the Committee:
  1. Admissions will move the applicant forward through the application process with no applicant background admission conditions.
  2. Admissions will move the applicant forward through the application process with applicant background admission conditions, pending eligibility for admission based on the College admissions criteria. Conditions for admissions may be different than conditions for admission to housing if the applicant is also applying to housing. Conditions for admission can include, but are not limited to:

• Probation for a set amount of time
• Probation for the duration of the applicant’s enrollment;
• Activity and/or association restrictions;
• Providing updated criminal probation reports;
• Providing outcome of pending charges by a set date;
• Requesting additional information and/or explanation from the student/applicant;
• Reserving the right of the College to reconsider any admissions decision, including, but not limited to, denying the applicant continued enrollment at the College;
• Delaying admission for a set period of time.

3. Admissions will deny the applicant based on the documentation presented relative to the applicant background. If an applicant is denied admission to the College, the applicant shall also be denied as to any housing application.

F.  The applicant will receive a customized acceptance letter if admitted with applicant background conditions. The applicant will be notified in writing if his/her application is being denied. All materials related to the applicant background review process will be maintained in the Office of Enrollment Management and will not be part of the official student record.

G. Appeals. Any applicant denied admission or admitted with conditions to the College based upon a Student/Applicant Background Check Committee decision may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer within ten (10) business days of the decision. The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer shall provide a written decision on the appeal within a reasonable time. The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer may deny the appeal, modify the appeal (including lessening or increasing any conditions of admissions), return the appeal to the Committee for further consideration, or grant the appeal without conditions. The decision of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Institutional Research/Chief Enrollment Management Officer shall be the final decision of the College.