This particular handbook is prepared for the convenience of students and does not constitute an official publication of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In case of any divergence from or conflict with the bylaws or policies of the Board of Regents, the official Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents shall prevail.
The statements set forth in the handbook are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the material stated herein, Georgia College & State University reserves the right to change, without actual notice to individual students, any provision listed in this handbook including but not limited to academic requirements for graduation. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes.
Information regarding academic requirements for graduation is available in the offices of the director of admissions and records and the deans of major schools/colleges. It is the responsibility of each student to keep himself apprised of current graduation requirements for a degree program in which he is enrolled.
The responsibility for knowing the information presented in this handbook rests ultimately with the student.
[Note: The use of the male terminology is meant to reflect both male and female student, faculty, and staff at Georgia College]
Student Academic Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
(For all students enrolled at Georgia College)
Section I. Student Academic Bill of Rights
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Student Government Association of Georgia College, that university policies and procedures shall be interpreted so as to afford students enrolled at Georgia College the following academic rights:
· The right to receive a syllabus for each course at the beginning of every semester that documents the expected learning outcomes, grading criteria, and course rules; being informed by the professor of any changes or modifications made to the syllabus with ample time to adjust to new modifications.
· The right to attend classes during regularly scheduled times without penalty if the student is absent from instructional, lab, or examination times scheduled outside of the originally agreed upon times, unless cited in the original syllabi.
· The right to consult with an assigned and qualified advisor for a reasonable amount of time each term.
· The right to consult with faculty outside usual classroom times such as regularly scheduled office hours, by appointment, or online.
· The right to receive a realistic evaluation of academic standing and performance in a class prior to the point at which one may withdraw from the course without penalty.
· The right to have graded work returned in a fashion deemed appropriate by the syllabi.
· The right to have time, as allocated by the syllabus, to complete a course requirement.
· The right of each student to receive access to any of his/her records kept by the institution.
· The right of each student to have access to his/her graded course materials.
· The right to be informed of the grade appeals process.
· The right to be informed of the university-approved definition of academic dishonesty.
· The right to an intellectually diverse learning environment that exposes students to and provides the free exchange of ideas regarding a variety of political, ideological, and other perspectives.
Section II. Student Academic Responsibilities
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Student Government Association of Georgia College, that, in consonance with the Student Academic Bill of Rights, students bear the following academic responsibilities:
· The responsibility to read and be familiar with all syllabi.
· The responsibility to come to class having all needed materials and assignments completed for that class period.
· The responsibility to consult a designated advisor when appropriate.
· The responsibility to approach faculty with questions or concerns.
· The responsibility to complete assignments on time.
· The responsibility to share your thoughts and input in-class discussion.
· The responsibility to be attentive in class and to participate where needed/appropriate.
· The responsibility to show respect to faculty and fellow students inside and outside of the classroom.
· The responsibility to network with your classmates in the event of an absence.
· The responsibility to utilize campus facilities to enhance the learning experience.
· The responsibility to know and follow the Georgia College Honor Code and Code of Conduct.
Approved by the Georgia College University Senate, April 5, 2006
Student Roadmap
Georgia College students are expected to set their own personal development goals, take responsibility for their learning, take advantage of the opportunities available to help them develop and implement their career plans, and to be meaningfully engaged and involved in the campus community. This link to the student road map checklist should serve as a useful guide to students in meeting these expectations.
Academic Information and Policies
If the information listed below does not address a particular concern, please contact the Dean of a College or the Provost. The paragraphs below contain brief explanations of the content of the various topics. The official information is found in the current catalog and links have been provided to that source.
Advising Goals of the program, assignment of advisors, and responsibilities for meeting requirements.
Statement of policy and procedures for appeal (Also see Student Academic Appeals Process)
Official Class Attendance Policy Although it is recognized that absences will sometimes be necessary, students are expected to attend classes regularly. It is the responsibility of students to be cognizant of their own record of absences and to consult the instructor regarding work missed. The decision to permit students to make up work rests with the instructor. At any time during the semester, an instructor has the right to drop a student from the course and assign a grade of F for excessive absences when a student exceeds the number of allowable absences specified in the instructor’s attendance policy distributed to the student in the instructor’s course syllabus. If a student is representing the university in an official capacity, as verified on a list released from the Office of the Provost, the instructor will not penalize the student for those absences. However, students should consult their instructor before anticipated absences.
Class attendance is required by most faculty. The student is always responsible for what happens in each class. Each class and professor differs, so students should be certain they understand the attendance requirements for each course taken. The student should communicate directly with the instructor concerning any absences to determine what is required to remain current with instruction. Best advice: GO TO CLASS.
Course Catalog The Georgia College Catalog is prepared for students, parents, and high school counselors and is available online at the above link. It is also used as the basic resource document for faculty advisement once a student has been admitted to Georgia College. All the information in it should be considered very important to prospective and current students.
Drop-Add Students may change class schedules or late register during specified times, but this critical activity known as Drop-Add should be avoided whenever possible. To drop or add a class, follow the procedures outlined in the current catalog. Students should be aware that courses dropped after the initial drop-add period are considered attempted hours for the purposes of figuring financial aid, including the HOPE scholarship.
New Student Orientation New students and their families have many questions when they first arrive at Georgia College. The Orientation Program is designed to answer those questions and help the newest members of the Georgia College community feel at home. Current upper-class students are selected and trained to help ease the transition of new students to the college.
Registration Information about selecting and signing up for classes each term.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Students have the right of assurance that their academic records, compiled and maintained by Georgia College, will be recorded accurately, and retained in confidence.
Staying in School
Those students whose academic performance falls below the standards prescribed in the catalog will be placed on academic warning, probation, and may even receive notice of dismissal (see the catalog for details). If students realize they are getting behind in classes or having problems studying, they should ask for assistance. The first source of support is the professor in a particular course. A student may also want to talk with a faculty adviser, the learning center, or a counselor.
Withdrawing
A student cannot officially withdraw during the course of a semester without going through the Office of the Registrar. At that time a student will be given further instructions for completing the withdrawal process. Withdrawing without going through the proper procedures will result in all "Fs" for the term.
Office of the Registrar | 107 Parks Hall
Office: 478-445-6286 | Fax: 478-445-1914
International Services And Programs
The International Education Center is directed by the assistant vice president for international education. The office provides information and counseling to international students on immigration regulations and procedures, medical insurance, financial assistance, taxes, adjustment to life in the U.S., and academic concerns, advises the Georgia College International Club, and organizes community and campus activities.
The assistant vice president for international education promotes the internationalization of the curriculum by directing the International Studies Minor and the core international studies course. The office also organizes the international lecture series, coordinates visits by foreign scholars and visits abroad by Georgia College faculty, and advises students on study abroad opportunities.
Freedom of expression policy
Georgia College holds the first amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to assemble peaceably as an essential cornerstone to the advancement of knowledge and the right of a free people. Georgia College remains firmly committed to affording every member of the university community the opportunity to engage in peaceful and orderly exercise of these rights. Such opportunities must be provided on an equal basis and support the principle that the university should remain neutral to the views of public expression. In order to achieve this objective, while at the same time ensuring that the university fulfills its educational mission, the university has the responsibility to maintain a peaceful, safe environment for its campus community as well as visitors to campus. This policy will help to ensure that individuals’ or groups’ rights are not abridged, while also supporting a means to maintain safety. Assuming responsibility for the use of university facilities includes ensuring that the university does not restrict the First Amendment rights of the public, students, staff, and faculty, including protecting the rights of speakers to be heard, the rights of the university community to hear speakers, and the reputation of the university as a center for free speech and scholarly inquiry.
The law permits reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to allow for reasonable regulation of use of campus facilities to support university missions for teaching, education, research, student success, providing residential communities and other forms of learning. This policy is intended to make it possible to support the university’s goals by implementing balanced procedures.
Students, faculty, staff, and their invited guests are supported in their right to assemble in unrestricted outdoor areas of the campus. They can publicly assemble on campus in any unrestricted outdoor areas of the campus.
Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted as preventing Georgia College from prohibiting student-on-student harassment as defined by Georgia law; from complying with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; or from prohibiting, limiting, or restricting expression that is not protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, true threats or expressive activity directed to provoke imminent lawless actions and likely to produce it.
Administrators, campus police officers, residence life officials, and professors shall be trained on this policy.
Student Organizations
Georgia College recognizes that co-curricular activities are important in the educational development of the individual and therefore encourages students to participate in student organizations.
The President of Georgia College is charged by the Board of Regents with the responsibility and authority for the registration and operation of all organizations on the Georgia College campus. This responsibility has been delegated to the Department of Campus Life through the Vice President for Student Affairs.
See Student Organizations for specific details related to registering an organization, policies pertaining to Registered Student Organizations (RSO), list of RSOs at Georgia College, etc.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Georgia College expects students to benefit from learning opportunities both within and outside of the classroom. Research has shown that those who participate in co-curricular organizations are more likely to perform well in the classroom, graduate on schedule, and find more satisfying positions after graduation than those who do not participate. Students who represent the university in intercollegiate athletic, musical, and dramatic activities or performances must not be on academic or disciplinary probation. Below are some of the opportunities students can take advantage of at Georgia College.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Georgia College has offered intercollegiate athletics since 1968. The purpose of the athletic program is to enrich each student's collegiate experience. The student is expected to place a priority on academics while participating in an athletic program, thus striving for excellence both as a student and as an athlete.
Georgia College fields National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II (NCAA-II) teams in the Peach Belt Athletic Conference. The following sports are offered:
BASEBALL
MEN'S BASKETBALL
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHEERLEADING
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
GOLF
SASSY CATS DANCE TEAM
WOMEN'S SOCCER
SOFTBALL
MEN'S TENNIS
WOMEN'S TENNIS
VOLLEYBALL
Georgia Education Mentorship Program (GEM)
In the Georgia Education Mentorship Program (GEM) Georgia College students are matched with leaders in fields such as business, education, politics, healthcare, law, and industry - many of whom are members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These executives serve as mentors for participating students, supporting their personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for them to learn about the principles and practices of effective leadership that benefit the professional world and the community.
Georgia Leadership Certificate Program (LCP)
In the Georgia College Leadership Certificate Program (LCP), students learn about the principles and practices of effective leadership through the study of leadership topics and models, the acquisition of hands-on leadership experience, and the process of intentional personal reflection.
The leadership training, education, and development of these students supports their performance in current leadership positions, benefits the organizations and programs with which they work, and prepares them for future leadership endeavors.
LCP members improve their understanding of important leadership concepts, develop valuable leadership skills, and gain direct leadership experience by participating in courses, workshops, discussions, retreats, service projects, presentations, and conferences.
Members who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate at a closing ceremony held at an end-of-the-year GC Leadership Programs recognition ceremony and a medallion to be worn at graduation.
Department of Music
The Department of Music offers a wide range of opportunities for students to master the principles, skills, and techniques necessary to be successful in the performing arts. The program provides a competitive advantage to students as they seek entry into the larger cultural community, and provide an outlet for students' creative and interpretive energies in their pursuits of a more meaningful appreciation of our society and of the human spirit.
Department of Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance has a mission "to provide the best possible education in theatre and dance for our students, preparing them for careers in the professional and educational arenas both in and out of the performing arts. We cultivate imagination, passion, discipline, and collaboration in the creation of art and artists. We emphasize interdisciplinary connections and a global perspective as essential components of a liberal arts education."
Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
RSOs provide out-of-class contact with faculty, staff, and students who share similar interests. This can be very helpful as students pursue career options. RSOs are categorized as one of the following:
Academic
Civic Engagement
Diversity
Fine Arts
Greek
Honors/Professional
Institutional
Media
Political
Religious/Spiritual
Sports Clubs
Student Organizations on the campus of Georgia College are required to register through the Department of Campus Life. For a list of RSOs, see Student Organizations. For more information about RSOs contact the Department of Campus Life at 478-445-4027 or email Tom Miles, Director of Campus Life.
The American Democracy Project (ADP)
The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education's role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The project began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in partnership with The New York Times.
The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities. The 230 participating colleges and universities, as members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, have been described as "Stewards of Place." As today's undergraduates complete their studies and return to their communities, universities must prepare the next generation of citizens to become tomorrow's "Stewards of Place."
Academic Engagement
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance provides a certificate in nonprofit management that accompanies a 4-year bachelor's degree. This program is open to students from all disciplines.
Experiential Transcript
The experiential transcript reflects a student's total learning experience at GC by documenting the wide range of educational opportunities outside the classroom.
Service Learning
Courses utilizing Service Learning components give students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom to real-world settings as they provide a beneficial service to the community.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Georgia College holds the Greek Life system responsible for making a positive contribution to the primary functions of the university. It is therefore under an obligation to encourage the intellectual, physical, and social development of its members. In achieving these objectives, the organizations should:
promote conduct consistent with good morals and good taste;
create an atmosphere that will stimulate intellectual and emotional progress and superior intellectual achievements; and
instill principles of sound business practices, both in chapter finance and in the business relations of its members.
Membership in all social Greek letter organizations is open to all regularly enrolled students of Georgia College who meet the academic requirements of the organization. No person, due to race, color, or national origin, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination with respect to membership in a social Greek-letter organization or in any program or activity sponsored by the organizations.
See Fraternity & Sorority Life for more information concerning Greek Life at Georgia College.
History of Georgia College
Presidents and their terms
1889-1905 – J. Harris Chappell
1905-1926 – Marvin McTyeire Parks
1926-1934 – J. Luther Beeson
1934-1953 – Guy Herbert Wells
1953-1956 – Henry King Stanford
1956-1967 – Robert E. Lee
1967-1981 – J. Whitney Bunting
1981-1997 – Edwin G. Speir, Jr.
1997-2004 – Rosemary DePaolo
2004-2011 - Dorothy Leland
2012-2021 - Steve Dorman
Photo and Video Release
As a student at Georgia College, from time to time you will be on campus, in class, or at a university-designated activity where our campus photographer and/or videographers are present and working to capture visual images. These videos and photos will be used across multiple platforms (i.e. social media, university websites, university print materials, etc.) to help tell the Georgia College story. If you do not want to be a part of these photos or videos, let the videographer or photographer know, and they will exclude you from the shots. If you do not say that you wish to be excluded, you consent to be a part of the photos or video to be used by Georgia College.
If you have any questions about the photo and video procedure at Georgia College, please contact University Communications at 478-445-4477.
Helpful Places on Campus
Student Activities Center
The Student Activities Center serves as the "living room" of the campus. We connect students, faculty, and staff with the life of the campus. With over 150 student organizations, there is always something happening in the Student Center. Join us in the video cafe for the latest in gaming technology or in the lounge for a full-body massage. The game room is filled with pool tables, ping pong, and card tables. Located throughout the lower level are four televisions, viewable from all locations. The Student Center has meeting rooms throughout and also includes offices for the Student Government Association, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Campus Activities Board. The Department of Campus Life, which oversees the Student Center, is located on the second floor, room 215. For more information on the Student Center and the services provided, please contact us at 478-445-4027.
Campus Bookstore
The bookstore offers a full range of academic supplies. From textbooks to specialized art supplies, from dissecting kits to supplemental study guides, you should be able to meet your educational needs with one-stop shopping. The bookstore also carries a wide selection of Georgia College clothing and gifts. General books, software, magazines, health and beauty aids, and greeting cards are available.
The Bookstore accepts Cash, Checks, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover Card. During the first week of classes each semester, the Bookstore will use the student's financial aid (if available) as a method of payment. The bookstore also conducts a daily buyback of textbooks throughout the year.
More information about bookstore services and specific policies concerning purchases and returns can be obtained by accessing our homepage through our link on the University Home Page.
University Career Center
The University Career Center (232 Lanier Hall) is a full-service career office. Among its services are assistance in making decisions about positions following graduation, instruction in resume writing and interviewing, placement services, cooperative education, and internship experiences, and listing of part-time or summer employment as well as full-time positions. The University Career Center's Resource Library houses information on a large number of regional employers, school systems around the state, and a collection of current college catalogs from institutions around the nation.
Challenge Course
The challenge course at Georgia College is located at Lake Laurel. The course consists of several group and individual physical and emotional challenges. While this type of course is sometimes referred to as a ropes course due to the wire rope strung between two trees at various heights, the total program of problem-solving, team building, and individual challenge is kept at the forefront by emphasizing the name Challenge Course in designating the Georgia College program. To make a reservation or for more information, call the Outdoor Center.
Admissions and Records
The staff in the Office of Admissions and Records directs admissions to Georgia College, coordinates the high school and junior college student contact program, and organizes registration and other academically related activities. Georgia College catalogs and enrollment information are available in this office.
Financial Aid
The purpose of the Office of Student Financial Aid is to provide financial support for students who can benefit from higher education, but who could not attend without the assistance. Financial aid awards at Georgia College are based on scholastic ability, financial need, and contributions to the campus community, or a combination thereof. Students may receive aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or employment opportunities. All students are encouraged to apply.
Library
The Russell Library of Georgia College in Milledgeville houses over 185,000 books and videotapes, 900 current periodicals, and maintains an extensive microform collection. The University System of Georgia's GALILEO site on the World Wide Web provides online access to library catalogs, a wide variety of indexing, abstracting, and full-text databases, and to the Internet. GALILEO resources may be accessed from terminals in the library or from any computer connected to the World Wide Web at www.galileo.usg.edu. Students are issued a password each semester allowing home access to GALILEO databases. The Library also subscribes to JSTOR, an online collection of full-text journals.
Students may also request a University System Borrower's Card, which provides borrowing privileges at libraries throughout the 34 institutions of the System. In addition, these students may borrow books and request copies of articles from other libraries through the library's interlibrary loan service.
Coin-operated copy machines for both print and microform are available on the first floor of the Russell Library. A validated Georgia College identification card must be presented to borrow materials from the Library.
Maxwell Student Union
The first level of the Maxwell Student Union houses conference rooms, Chick-Fil-A and Blimpies. Offices located on the first level include: Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Black Student Alliance, The Colonnade, PawPrints Bookstore, The Bobcat Card Office, a branch of Mid-South Federal Credit Union, and the University Mailroom.
The second level accommodates the University Dining Hall, the Hoke Dining Room and the Bobcat Dining Room, and the University Banquet Room, as well as the catering office.
J. Michael Peeler Athletic Complex
The J. Michael Peeler Athletic Complex is located off the U.S. Highway 441 By-Pass on West Campus Drive and consists of soccer, baseball, softball fields, and eight tennis courts. A shelter and picnic facilities also are located at the complex.
The Georgia College Designated Public Forum Area
The Flagpole Plaza at the east end of the Georgia College Front Lawn (the area on and immediately surrounding the circular concrete pad which holds the university flagpole and Olympic column) is the designated "Designated Public Forum Area" at Georgia College. Non-Georgia College students, faculty, or staff who wish to utilize the Designated Public Forum Area are asked to notify the Office of Student Activities (478-445-1473) in advance to ask about conflicts and confirm the permitted location. The university does not limit speech based upon controversial content or the point of view of the speaker.
Advisory Groups
A number of Boards and Advisory Groups have been established to provide input and direction for the efforts of the Division of Student Affairs. Many of these groups have student members who are appointed by the President of the Student Government Association. Contact SGA to express your interest in being involved.
Find information on the following:
- Multicultural Affairs Committee
- Student Activities Budget Committee
- Student Media Advisory Boards
- The Colonnade Advisory Board
- WGUR Advisory Board
Multicultural Affairs Committee
The committee serves as an advocate for minority students and is involved in all areas affecting student's lives at Georgia College. It also makes recommendations for educational services and experiences which are designed to enable minority students to successfully achieve educational goals.
Student Activities Budget Committee
The purpose of this committee shall be to oversee and manage the allocation and use of the student activity fee funds as an advisory board to the University President. For details see: Student Activities Budget Committee.
Student Media Advisory Board
The Student Media Advisory Board shall serve as an advisory board to the vice president and dean of students on all policies and procedures for student media on the Georgia College campus. All media which are supported in whole or in part by funds from student activities fees shall be defined as student media and shall be under the jurisdiction of the Student Media Advisory Board.
Georgia College provides advisers to the student media. Advisers guide rather than censor. Student media are free to exercise their rights under the first amendment guarantees, with no restraints beyond the limitations of ethical and legal responsibilities in matters of libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy. Publications, both oral and written, are expected to conform to professional ethics and standards.
The following advisory boards have been established under the Academic Affairs Division to provide leadership and direction for the student newspaper and the student radio station:
The Colonnade Advisory Board:
- Publisher of The Colonnade - Chair
- The Director of media services
- One journalism major appointed by the faculty coordinator of the major program
- One student appointed by the Student Government Association President
- Editor of The Colonnade
WGUR Advisory Board:
- Director of media services - Chair
- Student activities representative
- WGUR staff adviser
- Student station manager
- One student appointed by the Student Government Association President
These boards shall have the option to elect from the voting membership a vice-chair and a secretary.
The media advisory boards shall advise the vice president and dean of students in the following areas:
- Development and/or approval of operational policies for student media.
- Approval of student media budgets and student staff salaries.
- Recommendations for reallocation of funds within student media budgets.
- Approval of any individual student media contracts in accordance with Georgia College procedures.
- Approval of candidates for head student media positions (editors and station managers) according to minimum standards as determined by the Student Media Advisory Board.
- Declaration of vacant positions and recommendation of student media positions according to procedures enumerated by the Student Media Advisory Board.
- Chartering of all student media and determination of the interpretation of individual student media rights and responsibilities.
- Submission of the student media budgets for each fiscal year to the SABC.
Amendments to all the foregoing guidelines must be presented in writing at a meeting and voted upon at the next meeting by a majority of the Student Media Advisory Board members.
Services for Students
Find information about the Bobcat Card, meal plans, parking permits, career advising, public safety, and getting involved on campus.
Bobcat Card
The Bobcat Card is an essential key to campus life and a handy tool for managing your money. As your official Georgia College identification card, the Bobcat Card gives you access to facilities, services, and fun.
You can also use your Bobcat Card for making purchases at participating locations. The Bobcat Card is truly an all-inclusive card, serving as your:
• Debit card to access available funds in a CatCash Account
• Meal plan card
• CatCash dining card (for purchases at retail dining facilities)
• Library card
• Access card to residence halls
• Access card to gated parking
• Ticket to Georgia College Athletic events
• Laundry card
• Snack and beverage vending card
• Copier card
• Bookstore debit card
• Computer lab pay-for-print card
• Debit card for use with off-campus merchants
Email questions or concerns to bobcat.card@gcsu.edu.
Meal Plans
For a list of meal plans that are available visit http://www.gcsudining.com/.
Parking Permits
Each student is required to register and obtain a parking permit from the Parking and Transportation Office (located at West Campus) for any vehicle which he operates on campus. This permit is required 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For detailed information, visit Parking and Transportation.
In order to obtain a handicapped parking permit, you must go to the Office of Disability Services to complete the required paperwork. For more information contact Disability Services.
Career Advising
The University Career Center (located in Lanier Hall) provides placement assistance to students and graduates who are seeking employment through on-campus interviewing programs, current listings of job notices, and a variety of employment resources like the College Placement Council Annuals. While the office does not function as an employment agency, the staff seeks to assist students in identifying potential employers, developing resumes, and preparing for job interviews.
In addition, the University Career Center hosts a number of Career Days each academic year which enable students to meet with college recruiters from business, industry, and government agencies to gather information and develop job prospects.
The University Career Center also offers education majors an opportunity to develop and maintain a credentials file of reference letters, transcripts, and other career-related materials that would be sent at the student's request to prospective employers. All students participating in interviews scheduled during Teacher Placement Day must have a completed credentials file in The University Career Center. Additionally, a resume resource service exists for student use. Students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with placement resources and to establish their credentials files at the beginning of their senior year.
Students who are unsure of their career direction may wish to visit the Counseling Services office for assistance with choosing a major or a career. A variety of career assessment instruments and literature are available with assistance from the counseling staff.
Public Safety
The Georgia College Department of Public Safety wants to get to know you as friends, and we encourage you to help us by learning and abiding by established university regulations, municipal, and state laws. The Department of Public Safety, in turn, pledges to perform law enforcement duties and various services consistently and effectively. By working together, we can enjoy a safe and successful year.
The Public Safety office is located in Miller Hall at 300 N. Wayne Street and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department employs 16 trained officers who are certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council of Georgia. This is the same certification that any city police officer or county deputy sheriff receives before they can be certified as law enforcement officers in Georgia. The sworn officers and communications staff are proud to serve the Georgia College community.
As Georgia College officers, we enforce the state laws as well as local ordinances. We issue citations, make arrests, and work vehicle accidents. Some of our other duties include the locking and unlocking of campus buildings, assisting motorists, and patrolling the campus on foot, bicycle, or in marked patrol vehicles.
Please feel free to stop by Miller Hall to learn more about the Public Safety operations, or call the office and speak to an officer or one of the staff. Whether you are representing yourself or a group, we encourage you to let us know how the Georgia College Police Department can best serve you.
Getting Involved on Campus
There is Something for everyone.
The Department of Campus Life supports the institutional mission by offering students the opportunity to participate in social, recreational, educational, and cultural activities. In addition, Campus Life acts as an advocate for students by providing a variety of services that cater to individual and organizational needs of students.
Non-Academic Grievance or Appeal Process
Policy Statement
Georgia College recognizes the importance of providing a prompt and efficient procedure for fair and equitable resolutions of a nonacademic grievance or appeal. A nonacademic grievance or appeal alleges discrimination by a university employee on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or involves personal behavior and/or university policy. Accordingly, students are encouraged to use the nonacademic grievance or appeal process without fear, prejudice, or reprisal for initiating the process or participating in its resolution.
A non-academic grievance or appeal is an allegation by a student concerning (1) a university employee, (2) administrative policies, procedures, regulations or requirements of the university, (3) actions impeding a campus climate of intellectual diversity, (4) student employment, or (5) a university program, service or activity. Students shall have the right to file a grievance or appeal according to established procedures.
Procedures
The following are the proper procedures for resolving a nonacademic grievance or appeal:
1. The student shall submit a complaint in writing to the appropriate university official responsible for the action which forms the basis of the grievance or appeal. If the student is uncomfortable addressing the complaint to the university official responsible for the action, the student may, as an alternative, address the complaint to the university's Director of Institutional Equity. The complaint shall contain a clear and concise statement of the grievance or appeal, the remedies sought and a request for a meeting with the involved person or persons. The complaint must be submitted within five days of the event, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
2. The respondent shall schedule a meeting with the student within ten class days of receiving the written grievance or appeal, to discuss the matter. A written reply by the respondent to the student indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the results of the discussion and/or the reply, and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the respondent's supervisor to seek a resolution. This consultation must begin within ten class days after the conclusion of the discussion with the respondent. A written reply by the respondent's supervisor to the student indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.
4. If the student is not satisfied after seeking consultation at the supervisor's level and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the secondary supervisor to seek a resolution. This consultation must begin within ten class days after the supervisor has completed consideration of the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the secondary supervisor to the student indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.
5. If the student is not satisfied and wants the grievance or appeal to be considered further, the student shall appeal in writing to the next appropriate supervisor. This grievance or appeal must be filed within ten class days after the secondary supervisor has completed consideration of the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the next appropriate supervisor to the student indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal.
6. The decision of the president will become the final campus decision on the grievance or appeal. A written reply by the president to the student indicating the results of the meeting and including further action, if any, to be taken shall be attached to the written grievance or appeal. The student and appropriate university officials shall be notified in writing of the decision within ten class days after the last consideration of the grievance or appeal.
Students should be aware that their faculty advisors, the Office of Counseling Services, the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Affairs may be resource areas where students may receive assistance on a grievance or appeal. The time limit may be extended upon approval of a written request submitted to the vice president and dean of students.
Traditions and Georgia College
Please see a complete, updated list of Georgia College Traditions at: www.gcsu.edu/traditions.
Some of our oldest and dearest traditions include:
Front Campus
The picturesque front lawn of Georgia College bordered by Corinthian column buildings is a popular gathering space for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The front campus is home to leisure activities, convocations, graduations, outdoor concerts, and even weddings. Periodically, our faculty teach in this beautiful outdoor classroom. The front lawn is a special place and is identified by our alumni as one of their favorite memories of Georgia College.
Pergola
The dome structure between Atkinson and Terrell Halls is a pergola and serves as both a Georgia College landmark and symbol. A pergola is a linear structure over a pathway, and its columns form something of a "colonnade." Before freshman convocation, new students walk through the pergola, symbolically entering the university and its academic square. On graduation day students walk under the pergola in the other direction, processing out to the front lawn for the commencement ceremony, thereby symbolically leaving the university.
Olympic Column
On July 13, 1996, 25,000 gathered on the university front lawn to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch as it made its way to the Centennial Olympic Games. The Corinthian column next to the flagpole adorned the stage on which the torch ceremony was conducted. Today, the column stands in honor of the Olympic spirit of excellence, and its flame is lighted for special campus observances.