STUDENT SERVICES
Academic Advising/Faculty Advisors
Academic advising is an integral part of the student’s overall educational experience. A faculty member who serves as academic advisor assists the student in choosing an academic major, in developing a program of study consistent with the student’s life goals and objectives, in evaluating progress toward established goals, and in developing decision-making skills. Advisors provide students with up-to-date information concerning institutional policies, procedures, and programs. Advisors make referrals to other support services on campus.
Because the academic advising process is an integral aspect of student success, NGCSU has adopted the following philosophy of academic advisement.
Academic advisement is a process-oriented, interactive professional relationship between advisor and advisee. It is viewed as process-oriented because it involves the developmental stage of career exploration of the advisee, followed by a course of action that includes discovery, knowledge, timeliness, and precision on the part of both advisor and advisee. Both parties are responsible for the success of the relationship, as follows:
An advisor is expected to
· respect advisees,
· have knowledge of the University’s general education curriculum,
· have knowledge of advisement issues related to the major(s),
· be efficient and accurate when completing programs of study,
· help advisees explore their academic progress,
· assist advisees with career choice(s), and
· be available for advisement throughout the academic year, including prior to and during pre-registration.
An advisee is expected to
· respect the advisor,
· read and apply the information in the Undergraduate Bulletin,
· make and keep appointments with the advisor,
· be prepared for appointments with the advisor,
· be familiar with the general education curriculum,
· learn about prerequisites and other aspects of the chosen major, and
· engage in exploration of career choice.
With the exception of freshman students in selected degree programs, each student who chooses an academic major is assigned to an advisor in the academic department of the student’s major. Open-option students – i.e., those who have not chosen a major – and freshman students in pre-education are advised by selected faculty in the university’s Academic Advisement Center.
During a designated advising period each semester, Advisement Center personnel assist students in scheduling appointments with faculty advisors. Each student is encouraged to communicate with her/his advisor concerning contemplated schedule, educational, or career plan changes or to discuss academic problems and concerns. Although advisors provide guidance and assistance to students, it is ultimately the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the requirements of her/his program of study and this document.
Counseling Services
The Office of Student Counseling provides a wide array of services for enrolled students. Concerns that are addressed include, but are not limited to the following: academic and career counseling, relationships, human sexuality, depression, anxiety, stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, eating disorders, problems with alcohol and drugs. Individual counseling is provided to assist students with any difficulties they may be having in any of the areas listed above. Biofeedback training is available to help students understand and manage tension's effects on the body. Annual screenings are offered to help students recognize that they may have problems with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or alcohol dependence. Anonymous on-line screenings are also offered on our website, and students are encouraged to bring the results in to the office for discussion. Support groups are held regularly for those coping with depression, eating disorders, or problems with alcohol or drug issues. In addressing academic and career decisions, students are given individual guidance, and are also helped to utilize computer programs such as Discover to help them identify their interests and strengths and match them to potential careers. The office is located in Room 210 Barnes Hall, and may be contacted at 706-864-1819.
Contacts with the office are strictly confidential within the guidelines of state and federal laws. Office staff will be glad to talk to parents/faculty/friends about concerns they have about a student and what help the office might be able to provide. However, information can be released about a student only if this office has a release signed by the student.
Career Services
The Office of Career Services provides career related services to undergraduate students, faculty, alumni, and the regional employment community. Students are offered programs to assist in the preparation and search for meaningful career employment. These programs and services are offered to promote the transition from education to the world of work through instruction and assistance in the techniques of an effective employment search. In addition, listings of employer postings and referrals are available for students as well as opportunities in experiential education through part-time, summer, seasonal, temporary, internships and cooperative work.
Specific Services within the Office of Career Services include the following:
• Listings of employment opportunities for which a student or graduate may use to directly contact a potential employer.
• Electronic postings of resumes and employer needs through the GaHire program allowing for direct interaction with employers. Assistance is available to new graduates and alumni in conducting self-directed employment searches through use of both traditional and electronic means: internet access to various job bulletins, state and federal job listings, Department of Labor offices nationally, and specialized web sites such as TeachGeorgia.
• Career Expo programs for students to interact one-on-one with representatives of actual occupations and opportunities in business and industry, health sciences, the physical, natural and social sciences, as well as liberal arts fields. In addition these Career Expos have representatives from the public sector as well as opportunities for advanced education through graduate and/or professional schools.
• The Georgia Career Information Center is an online system providing information pertaining to specific occupations in Georgia. The GCIS data includes information on qualifications, educational requirements, salaries, and the projected growth of occupations within Georgia. This program also provides valuable career planning information as well as information about graduate education opportunities within Georgia.
The Career Center houses information for the exploration of particular companies or government agencies and business profiles. Also available are instructional videos and CD’s on resume development, interview techniques, electronic job searches, business etiquette, and appropriate business correspondences. In addition, the Georgia Labor Market Quarterly Report and the U.S. Labor Department Occupational Outlook Reports are also available. Many of these resources are available for student checkout.
Cooperative Education and Internship Programs
North Georgia College and State university offers off-campus learning experiences through cooperative education and internship programs. These programs are designed to incorporate a students’ academic studies in his/her major with a planned and structured off-campus work setting. These programs provide hands-on work experience with a cooperating business or agency.
Students are selected on a competitive basis, must meet certain academic requirements, and have the approval of the sponsoring academic department. Degree credit awarded for the experience is solely at the discretion of the academic department.
The Office of Career Services is responsible for coordinating the work experience documentation for internships as well as cooperative education. Students should be sure that all documentation is on file in the Career Services Office by the end of the first week of the term.
The Office of Career Services maintains listings of upcoming internships in business, industry and government agencies including the Georgia Legislative Intern Program, the Georgia Governor’s Intern program, and the U.S. Congressional Intern Programs on a competitive basis.
Interested students should register with the Office of Career Services, 114 Barnes Hall, early in the sophomore year.
Testing Office
The Testing Office administers group and individual tests for the college community. Available tests include the Institutional Scholastic Aptitude Test (ISAT), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Praxis I and II, COMPASS, Major Field Tests, Foreign Language Placement Test, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), TEAS Test, C-Base, and Regents' SkillsTest. CLEP tests, MAT, and independent study exams are administered upon request to non-NGCSU students.
The office is also responsible for providing testing accommodations for students with disabilities who need extended time and/or a quiet testing environment.
Student Health Services
North Georgia College & State University maintains a Student Health Services facility on the campus for all students, which is supported by a health fee. Students who have paid the health fee are eligible for service. There is no additional charge for the professional service of the physician or nurse practioner.
Student Health Services is open from 8 AM through 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Treatment is provided for nearly all minor illnesses and injuries that are sustained while school is in session. Other illnesses and injuries are referred to the student’s home physician or Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega or Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Student Health Services cannot assume treatment for a pre-existing condition of any student.
The university assumes no responsibility for injuries received in voluntary or required activities, for the cost of prescriptions not stocked within Student Health Services, for X-ray work, lab work or surgery of any kind, or for the health of students who do not abide by regulations of Student Health Services or the instructions of the university physician. Workers compensation cases and automobile accidents are referred to the student's physician or the emergency room.
Student Center
The Hoag Student Center is the community center for all members of the university family, students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and guests. As the “living room” of the campus, the Student Center provides the service, conveniences, and amenities the members of the university family need for getting to know and understand each other through informal association outside the classroom.
Facilities located in the Student Center include the following:
• AUDITORIUM: 300-seat facility used for campus movies, speakers, drama, and musical performances.
• BOOKSTORE: Provides a complete line of textbooks, school supplies, NGCSU clothing, and gift items. It also offers a complete line of military uniform items and supplies.
• CAMPUS POST OFFICE: Provides mail service and mail boxes for students and academic departments. Stamps, U.S. Mail, and U.P.S. services are available. The correct mailing address format for students is
Name
NGCSU Box_____
Dahlonega, GA 30597
• CANTEEN: Snack bar providing a variety of “fast food” items. Meal plan students may charge purchases to their declining balance account.
• COMMUTER LOUNGE: Provides a lounge for commuter students. Facili- ties include lockers, microwave oven, refrigerator, vending machines, television, campus/local phone, and tables for study/meals.
• CYBER CAFE': An informal computer lounge featuring 24 computers (with internet access) as well as tables and lounge chairs for study or socializing. Coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino are available.
• LOUNGE AREAS: Provides a variety of areas for leisure and social activities and for individual and group study. Televisions are provided in several areas for student use.
• MEETING ROOMS: Several rooms for meetings of campus organizations.
• The Student Center also houses the Academic Advisement Center, Print Shop, Meditation Room, and various offices.
Orientation (INTRO)
North Georgia College & State University sponsors a summer orientation program, called INTRO, for all new students. Faculty, administrators, staff members, and student leaders conduct the program. Orientation activities include screening tests; assignments of faculty advisors; academic counseling; registration; activities designed to familiarize each student with services, facilities, and personnel of the university; and social/recreational activities.
Upon acceptance to North Georgia College & State University, each new student receives by mail a brochure relating the pertinent information concerning the requirements, fees, etc., for participants in the orientation program. Abbreviated orientations are conducted immediately prior to the spring semester.
Housing and Living Accommodations
Students who have been admitted as resident students will receive a housing contracts once they have paid the confirmation fee. The housing contract and the housing deposit must be returned to the Office of Residence Life for non-military women and the Office of the Commandant for military students before housing assignments can be finalized. Non-military women should direct any questions regarding housing to the Office of Residence Life. Military students should direct any housing inquiries to the Office of the Commandant. Students desiring to live in Owen Hall should contact Owen Hall directly.
General policies on housing for the NGCSU campus are based on the philosophy that residence hall life is a vital part of the total educational function of the institution. Therefore, the policies which govern the management and operation of campus housing are
1. Undergraduate students are required to live in residence halls. Exceptions to this policy may be made in the following cases:
a) Living with and commuting daily from the legal residence of parent(s), grandparent(s), legal guardian (legal documents required) within a 50 mile radius of Dahlonega (25 mile radius for Cadets);
b) married and living with spouse;
c) Completed 90 institutional semester hours of passing work (Cadets must obtain approval from the Commandant of Cadets.);
d) Over 23 years of age;
e) Student-teaching or internship;
f) Been honorably discharged after two (2) full years of military service (Attach copy of DD214);
g) Taking six (6) hours only;
h) Graduated with an Associates' degree from an accredited institution;
If the student does not meet any of the above requirements, he/she may attach a letter of appeal to Chair of Residence Policy Waiver Committee;
Current students applying for exemption from the on-campus requirement (commuter status) must be made in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs no later than 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester during which the student anticipates living off-campus. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. Application forms for commuter status are available in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Students moving off campus must do so no later than the end of the drop/add period in the first week of the semester. The university reserves the right to revoke this exemption and to require students to reside on campus or disenroll if they are found to be in violation of the university’s residency regulations.
2. Roommate requests will be honored whenever space permits. Such requests can be accommodated more easily if students indicate their roommate preference on their application.
3. Rental rates on campus housing facilities are subject to change without notice.
4. Most rooms are designed for double occupancy. Room rates are computed based on double occupancy. Private rooms may be obtained on a space available basis for an additional fee each semester.
5. Campus housing accommodations may be denied, cancelled, or changed at the discretion of the university. The university reserves the right to enter and inspect any campus residence room or space at any time.
6. The university assumes no responsibility for damage or loss of personal property resulting from any incident over which it has no control. All residential students are strongly advised to purchase renter's insurance.
7. Termination of Residence Hall Contract by the Student: In order to be released from this contract and to be eligible for a room deposit refund, notification must be made in writing to the appropriate university housing officials according to the following schedule:
a. Newly Admitted Students must cancel their housing contract through
the Office of Admissions by May 1 for Fall Semester and November 20 for Spring Semester.
b. Currently Enrolled Students must cancel their housing contract through the Residence Life Office or the Assistant Commandant’s Office by April 1 for Fall Semester and November 1 for Spring Semester.
(1.) When written notification of cancellation is received after the appropriate deadline, the student will forfeit the deposit.
(2.) When written notification of cancellation for Fall Semester is received after July 15, the student is bound to the terms of the contract and is responsible for payment of all room fees for Fall Semester. No refunds will be given after July 15.
(3.) When written notification of cancellation for Spring Semester is received after December 1, the student is bound to the terms of the contract and is responsible for payment of all room fees for Spring Semester.
(4.) A student may terminate this contract without penalty if the student withdraws from the university. A student may terminate this contract without penalty if he/she is suspended for
academic or disciplinary reasons. Deposit deadlines will still apply.
(5.) Military students must have written permission from the Commandant of Cadets to live in Owen Hall housing.
(6.) If traditional residence halls are full, residential students who are not eligible to commute but meet the requirements for Owen Hall must live in the Owen Hall residence halls.
c. Students seeking a change in residency status must refer to the Policy on Commuter Status in the University Student Handbook.
(7.) As the Residence hall Contract states in Article I, Section C,"Residence hall space is available to NGCSU students who are enrolled for at least 12 credit hours. Students who are enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours must have permission from the Director of Residence Life or Assistant Commandant to remain in the residence halls."
Residence Halls
There are three residence halls for cadets at the NGCSU campus: Sirmons, Gaillard and Sanford Halls. Residence halls for non-military women include Lewis Hall, Lewis Annex, and Donovan Hall. Owen Hall is an apartment-style residence hall that housesresident women, and cadets with permission of the Commandant.
Individual rooms are furnished with beds, dressers, desks, and closets. Students are expected to provide their own linens, lamps, trashcans and other personal items. Items that are recommended and prohibited will be included with housing information. Comfortable lounges and coin-operated laundry are available for student use in each residence hall.
