General Information

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

The authoritative source of information concerning Board approved policies and procedures governing academic and administrative matters is the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents. In cases of inconsistency, the Board of Regents policy takes precedence. The Administrative Policy Manual is Georgia Gwinnett College's primary policy manual. In the event of a conflict between this Catalog and the Administrative Policy Manual, the Administrative Policy Manual prevails. 

The statements outlined in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and the institution. While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, Georgia Gwinnett College reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog, including but not limited to academic requirements for graduation, without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on changes will be available in various academic and administrative offices, the Registrar's Office, and online at https://www.ggc.edu/academics/registrar/. Students are responsible for keeping up to date with information regarding catalog changes and current graduation requirements. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination 

Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect and is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. In accordance with applicable law and Georgia Gwinnett College's Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, Georgia Gwinnett College prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, marital, parental, and pregnancy status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, creed, or veteran status ("protected status"), or any other protected status or characteristic as defined by law, in its programs and activities. No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any GGC program or activity because of the individual's protected status.  

Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy and practice of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote, retain, and educate persons without regard to their protected status, as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Executive Order 11246).  

Any individual who feels that they may have been discriminated against should contact the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance office at titleix@ggc.edu or 678-407-5085. 

General Information 

Vision 

GGC will be a premier 21st Century Liberal Arts college where learning will take place continuously in and beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Its cornerstones will be innovative use of educational technology and a commitment to an integrated educational experience that develops the whole person. GGC will be a wellspring of educational innovation. It will be a dynamic learning community where faculty engagement in teaching and mentoring students will be the hallmark. It will be a driving force for change in student success. As such, it will be a model for innovative approaches to education, faculty engagement with students, and highly efficient student, facility and administrative services. 

Mission 

GGC provides access to affordable, high-quality associate, bachelor's, and selected professional graduate degrees that meet workforce and economic development needs in the Atlanta metropolitan region and beyond. Through an inclusive and supportive learning environment, we empower students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. Our graduates are prepared to adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By delivering education with lasting impact, we create opportunities that strengthen families, drive economic growth, and transform communities. 

Operating Principles 

Georgia Gwinnett College is committed to: 

• Continuous review, assessment, change, and experimentation. 
• Holistic development of students. 
• Building partnerships with its business and community constituents. 
• Developing a workforce of highly competent teachers and staff who are also action-oriented and innovative. 
• Innovatively integrating technology into educational experiences. 
• Diversity and building a multicultural environment to prepare students to succeed in a global society. 
• Being the community of choice to work for faculty, administrators and staff. 
• Providing a supportive work environment that encompasses involvement, open communications, a spirit of collegiality, and an appropriate reward system. 

History of Georgia Gwinnett College 

Early History 

In October of 2004, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents (USGBOR) voted to create a new four-year college in Gwinnett County. In March of 2005, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 33, authored by Senator Don Balfour, establishing a new college in Gwinnett County, later signed by Governor Sonny Perdue. In September of 2005, the BOR hired Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, a retired Army brigadier general, as the college's inaugural president. A month later, the Regents voted to name the institution "Georgia Gwinnett College." 

GGC opened its doors to 118 students on August 18, 2006, as the nation's first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first four-year public institution created in Georgia in more than 100 years. It welcomed its first freshman class in 2007 and graduated 17 students at its inaugural commencement ceremony in 2008. In January of 2009, GGC held its first winter graduation ceremony, and that spring, it graduated 38 students. It added a summer commencement ceremony in 2013. 

In 2009, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges granted Georgia Gwinnett its initial accreditation in record time, giving the college the ability to apply for research grants and awards from foundations for students and faculty members, and expand its degree programs. More than 3,000 students enrolled for the 2009 fall semester. 

In 2010, GGC celebrated the opening of its new Library and Learning Center and its first student residence halls, transforming the commuter college into a residential campus. More than 5,300 students enrolled for the 2010 fall semester. The new Student Center opened in January 2011, and a new laboratory building opened that summer. GGC's enrollment reached 9,400 in fall 2012. 

The 2012-13 academic year was the Grizzlies' first season of official intercollegiate competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and marked the completion of the varsity athletics facilities. 

President Kaufman departed GGC for the presidency of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in July 2013, and Dr. Stanley C. "Stas" Preczewski, formerly vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, served as interim president for about a year before being named president in May 2014. In fall 2014, the College opened its new Allied Health and Sciences building, home of the School of Science and Technology, and the newly formed School of Health Sciences and its nursing program. 

The College celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015 with a year-long "GGC10" observance. As it enters its second decade, GGC will build upon its success in upholding its unique mission and vision. 

Today 

Today, the college enrolls almost 12,000 students. It is ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college by U.S. News & World Report (2015, 2016), which also ranks GGC as producing the fifth least student debt among Southern regional colleges. 

Georgia Gwinnett offers 5 nexus degrees, which SACSCOC credentials at the level of Associate degrees, 3 certificate programs, and 21 baccalaureate degrees in the form of Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, for a total of 29 programs in 22 academic areas. Pending SACSCOC approval, Georgia Gwinnett College will offer its first graduate program in 2027.  Its students score it among the nation's top colleges in several areas of student engagement, a critical predictor of student success. Studies commissioned by the University System of Georgia indicate that GGC has contributed more than $7 billion to the local economy since 2007, including creation of more than 3,500 jobs in fiscal year 2024 alone. 

GGC's innovative practices, caring culture and extremely affordable tuition are changing the game in higher education and changing the future for students at all levels, of all ages and from all walks of life. Its groundbreaking, four-year college model changes how educators facilitate and support student learning and is characterized by its integrated approach to attention, affordability and access. 

Hours of Operation 

Observation of Religious Holidays by Students 

In accordance with the University System of Georgia policies and procedures, Georgia Gwinnett College provides students the option of observing religious holidays unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the college. Students who miss class to observe a religious holiday during scheduled class times must make arrangements in advance with the faculty member. Faculty should be sensitive to the student issues regarding religious holidays and are encouraged to provide an alternative option for making up class work. 

This policy is aligned with that of the USG Academic Affairs Handbook, Section 2.1, "Semester System, Uniform Academic Calendar, Cancellation of Classes, and Religious Holidays." An excerpt dealing with the observance of religious holidays by students is provided below: 

Religious Holiday Schedule 

Decisions as to which religious holidays are covered by institutional policy are left to the discretion of individual USG institutions since the characteristics of the student body and faculty may vary considerably among institutions.