HANDBOOK FOR PART-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS

Contents

General Information

Institutional History

Mission Statement for the University system of Georgia

Core Mission Statement of Two-year Colleges in the University System of Georgia

The Georgia Highlands College Mission Statement

Accreditation

Campus Information

Administrative Personnel and Contact Numbers

Food Service

Health Services

Parking Facilities

First Aid Kits

 

Academic Information

 

Academic Calendar

Bookstore

Classroom Changes

Class Cancellations

Mail

Office Assignments

 

Library Information

 

Library Instruction Classes

Library Assignments

Reserve Materials 

Circulation Policy

Billing for Lost Materials

Library Hours

GALILEO

Audiovisual Services

Interlibrary Loan

GIL Express

Library Acquisitions

 

Instructional Academic Information

 

Class Attendance

Complete Withdrawal

Core Curriculum and Major Program Requirements

Course Auditing

Course Drops

Course Syllabus

Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Evaluation

Expectations of Part-time Instructors

Final Exams

Final Grade Deadline

Grade Changes

Grading Policy

 

Student Services Information

 

Counseling and Career Services

Student Life

 

Important Policies

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

Civil Rights Compliance

Drug Free Workplace

Equal Employment Policies

Right to Know

Sexual Harassment Policy

Support Services for Students with Disabilities

Access Center Mission  

Access Center Locations

Access Center Accommodations

Requesting Services

Available Accommodations

     In the classroom

     On quizzes / exams

     Other areas

Accommodation Delivery

Policies and Procedures

      Confidentiality

     Sharing Information

Interpreters / Captionists

Testing

Tips for Interacting with Students with Disabilities

 

Appendix

 

Access Center: Responsibilities of Students, Interpreters, & Instructors

Copies of Various Academic Forms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

INSTITUTIONAL HISTORY

In its 37-year history, Georgia Highlands College has served the Northwest Georgia community with a solid educational foundation for the first two years of college. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College, Georgia Highlands College is a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia. It serves students who commute from throughout a large portion of northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.

In 1968 the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia authorized the establishment of Floyd Junior College in Floyd County. Under the Board's policy, the local community provided a campus site and funds for the construction of the initial facilities. Led by the Junior College Committee headed by Rome attorney J. D. Maddox, Floyd County citizens responded enthusiastically by approving a $3.2 million bond issue by a margin of nearly three to one. Construction began in early 1970. The College's first classes were offered during the fall quarter of 1970 in temporary facilities, but by the end of 1970 all operations were moved to the new campus on U.S. Hwy. 27, six miles south of Rome.

Dr. David B. McCorkle became the first president of Floyd Junior College on January 1, 1970, and served in that position until June 30, 1991. Following Dr. McCorkle's retirement, Dr. Richard Trimble was appointed acting president of Georgia Highlands College and served until the November 1992 selection of Dr. H. Lynn Cundiff as the College's second president. Dr. Cundiff left the College in August 2000. During the 2001 academic year, Robert Watts served as Interim President. The Board of Regents named Dr. J. Randolph Pierce the third president of Georgia Highlands College on June 15, 2001.

Now enrolling approximately 3,500 students in transfer and career academic programs, Georgia Highlands College operates additional campus sites in Cartersville, Acworth and Haralson County. The College pioneered cooperative programs with Coosa Valley Technical Institute as early as 1972 and now also offers joint programs with North Metro Technical Institute in Acworth.

In recent years, the college has become more innovative with its outreach and programming, offering more courses via nontraditional means to meet the needs of its diverse student population and initiating programs which serve as models for colleges across the country.

In 1994 the college opened Heritage Hall in downtown Rome to be more accessible to the working student. GHTV, a 24-hour cable television station, went on the air that same year, offering classes that could be viewed multiple times a week for students with scheduling conflicts. An open-access channel, GHTV is broadcast in Floyd County through the Comcast and cable system.

The 1997-98 academic year brought national attention to Georgia Highlands College as the institution embarked on a groundbreaking program to change the way students learn. The Information Technology Project incorporated technology in the classroom, and provided increased access to instructors and classmates outside of class, and access to a world of resources all by putting laptop computers in every student's hands.

In 1999 construction was completed on a new classroom building on the central campus in Rome. In addition to classrooms, the building features an art lab, an art gallery, and an exhibit hall. The College's student center has also recently undergone extensive expansion and renovation.

The new Bartow County campus, completed in 2005, is located convenient to I-75 and is expected to serve more than 1,500 students.

As Georgia Highlands College enters the 21st century, it continues to offer the best, most advanced educational foundation to its student body. Your support and comments are appreciated.

 

Contextual Preface (Historical and Philosophical Perspectives)

Georgia Highlands College, a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia under the governance of the Board of Regents, was founded in 1970 to provide educational opportunities for the physical, intellectual, and cultural development of a diverse population in seven northwest Georgia counties. With the advent of distance learning technologies, specialty programs, satellite campus centers, collaborative arrangements, and cooperative degree programs with technical colleges, the College has expanded its scope of influence beyond the institution’s original geographical area.

 

The philosophy of Georgia Highlands College is expressed in the beliefs that education is essential to the intellectual, physical, economic, social, emotional, cultural, and environmental well-being of individuals and society and that education should be geographically and physically accessible and affordable. In support of this philosophy, the College maintains a teaching / learning environment that promotes inclusiveness and provides educational opportunities, programs, and services of excellence in response to documented needs.

 

Mission Statement for the University System of Georgia

 

The mission of the University System of Georgia is to contribute to the educational, cultural, economic, and social advancement of Georgia by providing excellent undergraduate general education and first-rate programs leading to associate, baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctorate degrees; by pursuing leading-edge basic and applied research, scholarly inquiry, and creative endeavors; and by bringing these intellectual resources, and those of the public libraries, to bear on the economic development of the State and the continuing education of its citizens. Each instituti0n in the University System of Georgia will be characterized by:

 

  • A supportive campus climate, leadership and development opportunities, and necessary services and facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff;
  • Cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by the practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic and global society;
  • Technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education; and
  • A commitment to sharing physical, human, information, and other resources in collaboration with other system institutions, public libraries, state agencies, local schools, technical colleges to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

 

Core Mission Statement for Two-Year Colleges in the University System of Georgia

Within the context of the University System's mission and vision, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Atlanta Metropolitan College, Bainbridge College, Coastal Georgia Community College, Darton College, East Georgia College, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Perimeter College, Gordon College, Middle Georgia College, South Georgia College, and Waycross College share core characteristics as two-year colleges. While these colleges all embody the common characteristics presented below, variations in their purposes, histories, traditions, and settings allow each also to focus on its own distinctiveness and accomplishments.

 

The core characteristics include:

  • a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;
     
  • a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;
     
  • a high quality general education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse student body, and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement neighboring technical institute programs;
     
  • a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the college's scope of influence;
     
  • a commitment to scholarship and creative work to enhance instructional effectiveness and meet local needs.
Georgia Highlands College Mission and Goals

In support of the mission of the University System of Georgia and the core mission components for two-year colleges in the University System, Georgia Highlands College, possessing a degree authority to award the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science, is committed to student success. Georgia Highlands College is a collegial community that values academic excellence, individualized quality service, and community outreach. The institution emphasizes an education based on the college's student learning outcomes, which promote diversity and global awareness in a technologically enhanced environment through multiple instructional sites that include distance-learning delivery systems. To achieve this mission of being a gateway to success for students, Georgia Highlands College has articulated the following goals:

  1. provide core curriculum and transfer programs
  2. provide learning support programs
  3. provide cooperative degree programs with area technical colleges through collaborative agreements and partnerships for four-year degree completion programs
  4. provide career programs that complement community needs
  5. provide student services that meet the needs of our population
  6. serve our communities through multiple educational sites
  7. be involved in our communities and responsive to their needs
  8. be innovative in our approach to teaching, learning, and support services
  9. use technology as a teaching and learning tool
  10. maintain efficient and effective administrative services to support the instructional and community outreach programs of the college

 

 

Accreditation

 

Georgia Highlands College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, and the Associate of Applied Science degrees. The National League for Nursing accredits the Associate Degree Nursing Program for Nursing.

 

CAMPUS INFORMATION

 

Floyd Campus

3175 Cedartown Highway, SE

Rome, Georgia 30161

702-802-5000

800-332-2406

 

Georgia Highlands College’s 226 acre campus includes numerous buildings, ample space for parking, athletic activities, and space for future expansion.

 

The David B. McCorkle Building and Annex houses administrative offices, faculty offices, classrooms, an instructional resource center, and a language laboratory.

 

The student center complex, located in the McCorkle Building includes the Student Life Office, College Bookstore, Cafeteria, and Student Center area. The College Bookstore located in the McCorkle Building stocks all textbooks, supplements, equipment, and supplies needed for academic or continuing education courses. The Student Center provides for dining, meetings, and studying. Overlooking the lake, the Solarium serves as an informal lounge and contains a television viewing area.

 

The Wesley C. Walraven Science and Math Building includes science laboratories as well as faculty offices and classrooms. The computer support services offices are located in this building.

           

The Physical Education Complex includes a gymnasium, dressing rooms and showers, fitness laboratory, CPR laboratory, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer field, walking trails and a three-hole golf teaching area.

 

The College Library houses learning resources, the Tutorial Center, and the Assessment Center.

           

Completed in July 1999, the Lakeview Building is Georgia Highlands College’s newest building and has been designed with the community in mind. It contains an elegant lobby, art gallery, five general classrooms with Internet accessibility, an art classroom/lab, and a versatile auditorium/exhibit hall with retractable auditorium-style seating ideal for high-tech meetings.

The Physical Plant Building and warehouse includes offices for Plant Operations and Purchasing, and equipment.

           

Ample parking areas are provided for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Students should note that certain areas are designated for reserved and visitor parking. All students enrolled for academic or community service courses are responsible for knowing and adhering to parking regulations.

           

The Georgia Highlands College Wetland Preserve is a 25-acre natural wetland area on the central campus of the college. The Preserve features a 1,200-foot boardwalk with an elevated observation deck. The project was opened in September 1996 and is open to visitors and school groups.

 

Heritage Hall-downtown Rome

415 East Third Avenue

Rome, Georgia 30161

706-802-5300

 

Heritage Hall is located approximately six miles from the Rome campus and serves as an extension center for the Rome campus facility.

 

Heritage Hall houses the Division of Health Sciences, the Department of Continuing Education, the Small Business Development Center, and GHCTV (Georgia Highlands College’s local cable television station.) The downtown Rome location offers quick access to area employees for both academic classes and Continuing Education offerings for professional enrichment and personal development.

 

Centre Stage is a state-of-the-art business presentation facility.  The facility may be leased by outside groups for other uses as well.

 

Students taking classes at Heritage Hall share student services and learning resources access with the central campus.

 

Georgia Highlands College at Cartersville

5441 Highway 20 NE

Cartersville, Georgia 30121

678-872-8000

 

The Georgia Highlands College Cartersville Center is located in downtown Cartersville, approximately 1 1/2 miles from Interstate 75 and about 40 minutes from the Rome campus. Administrative services are available to students at this site.

 

Georgia Highlands College at North Metro Technical College / Acworth

Room 207F Technical Building

North Metro Technical College

5198 Ross Road

Acworth, Georgia 30102

770-975-4088

 

The Georgia Highlands College Center at North Metro Technical College is located in Acworth, approximately ten miles below Georgia Highlands College’s Cartersville Center and forty miles from the Rome campus. Administrative services are available to students at this site.

 

The College utilizes classrooms, faculty and administrative offices in the Technical Building at North Metro Technical College. A library and media center operated by Georgia Highlands College on the technical college campus serves the student body of both institutions and students from the Cartersville campus.

 

General education core for cooperative degrees with North Metro provides the basis for course offerings at the Center. Additionally, course work toward other career and transfer degrees is available at this site.

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia Highlands College at Marietta

Building D, Southern Polytechnic State University campus

1100 South Marietta Parkway

Marietta, Georgia 30060

678-915-5010

 

The Georgia Highlands College Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway approximately one mile west of Interstate 75 and approximately five miles north of Interstate 285.

 

In addition to administrative offices and faculty offices, Georgia Highlands College at Marietta utilizes seven classrooms on the campus of Southern Polytechnic State University.  Students have full access to the SPSU library and computer labs.  On campus housing is available and students are permitted to participate in SPSU campus activities. Transfer and career classes applicable to a wide variety of programs are available at this location.

Administrative Personnel and Contact Number

Switchboard Floyd campus .................................. 706-802-5000 or (800) 332-2406

Switchboard Cartersville campus ………………….. 678-872-8000

 

GHC Employee Directory: GHC Homepage →About Us→Telephone Directory

 

Food Service

 

Floyd Campus

 

The college cafeteria located in the student center, serves hot meals and short orders. The cafeteria is open from 7:45 am–3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Snack machines are located in the student center and in classroom buildings.

 

Heritage Hall, Cartersville Campus, Acworth Center, and Marietta Center

 

Snack machines are provided in locations on each campus.

 

Health Services

 

Georgia Highlands College, being a non-residential, commuter college, does not maintain complete health services on campus. Students are expected to make arrangements for their own health care through area medical resources. Students who become ill or have an accident while on campus should have their parents or spouse notified immediately by the most conveniently located staff, faculty or administrative office. If the illness or accident requires emergency treatment, the student, if conscious, will be transported to the local medical facility chosen by the student. If the student is unconscious, a college official will have the student transported to the emergency room at Floyd Medical Center. If ambulance transportation is required, the cost will be borne by the student. First aid kits are available in the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, the Office of Admissions and Records, the Office of Student Life, and the Office of Counseling and Career Service.

 

All accidents and illnesses involving students should be reported to the Office of Student Life or the Director of the satellite campus site.

 

 

Parking Facilities

Ample parking areas are provided for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors for our locations. Part-time faculty members may park in the reserved parking areas upon receipt of a Faculty-Staff parking permit from the Business Office. Please check with the director of the satellite campus sites for any special parking regulations.


List of First-Aid Kits at Georgia Highlands College Campuses

A first-aid kit is located in each of the following locations:

Main Campus:
Access Center (W-213), Charger Card Office, Kitchen, Office of Social and Cultural Studies, I.T. Department, HPER, Library, Counseling and Career Services (AA-26), Division of Business (W-122), Science and Math Department, Academic Support Office (W-208), P.E., and the Office of Student Life, Public Relations.

Cartersville Campus:
Student Services Office (1st Floor), Biology Lab (334), and Biology
Lab (330).

Heritage Hall Campus:
Dental Hygiene Clinic and SBDC Room (HH-131), ETTC.

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

 

Academic Calendar

 

The academic year is divided into three semesters; fall and spring semesters consist of approximately fifteen weeks and summer is divided into a Maymester of approximately three weeks and an eight-week summer session. Specific academic calendars can be found in the newsprint schedule of classes and on the GHC homepage: http://www.highlands.edu/currentstudents/catalog/index.htm.

 

Bookstore

 

http://www.highlands.edu/currentstudents/bookstore/index.htm

 

Floyd Campus

 

The Georgia Highlands bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, is located in F Building and stocks all textbooks, equipment and supplies that are required for any academic or public service course at the college; faculty are reminded that they are not allowed to obtain materials from outside to sell to the students. The Bookstore also carries imprinted sportswear, a selection of souvenir and gif items, greeting cards, and snack items and other related merchandise. Bookstore hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6: p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. During registration, the bookstore is open from 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The bookstore will give cash for used books that are current editions during final exams each semester.

 

Heritage Hall

 

No Bookstore services are available. Heritage Hall students utilize the bookstore on the Floyd Campus.

 

Cartersville Campus

 

The Cartersville Campus Bookstore stocks books for the courses offered at the Cartersville Center, supplies, and Georgia Highlands College clothing. The bookstore is open from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. They are also open from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

Acworth Center

 

Books can be purchased at the Cartersville campus or on-line. The bookstore owned by North Metro Tech does not sell texts for the Georgia Highlands College classes.

 

 

 

 

Class Cancellations

 

Insufficient Enrollment

 

Decisions regarding class cancellations due to insufficient enrollment are made during the first week of class. The Division Chair or discipline coordinator will notify you if your class is cancelled.

 

Inclement Weather

 

http://www.highlands.edu/about/emergency/index.htm

 

 

Classroom Changes

 

Classrooms are assigned by the Vice President’s Office when the class schedule is initially prepared. All changes in the assigned classrooms on the Floyd campus and Heritage Hall must be coordinated through the Vice President’s Office at 706-295-6331. Room changes at the Cartersville campus, the Acworth center, and the Marietta center must be coordinated with the Director of the pertinent site.

 

Mail

The division secretary distributes mail to faculty mailboxes. Check with the division secretary for the location of your mailbox. Courier services are established to handle mail for the satellite campus canters. Check with the center director for the courier schedule for your campus.

 

Office Assignments

The Division Chair makes office assignments on a space available basis.

 

 

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Georgia Highlands College Library welcomes part-time faculty into the College community and extends an invitation to visit the Libraries on the Floyd, Cartersville, Marietta, or Acworth campuses. We want you to discover what the libraries offer for both you and your students.   Please also visit the library homepage to access many online resources at: http://www.highlands.edu/academics/library/index.htm

 

SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE:

 

Library Instruction Classes

 

You may schedule a bibliographic instruction class, a general orientation to the library, or other related library instruction. While, library orientations are required for ENGL 1102 and FCST (or GHST – if renamed) 1101, the librarians are happy to teach other classes as well. Classes can be tailored to your needs. The library would like to have at least one week’s notice to prepare for the class.

 

Library Assignments

 

Many instructors assign a library exercise to their students to familiarize them with basic library skills and the resources of the library. Since every library is different, you may want to ask one of the librarians to review your assignment to make sure that all the materials and resources necessary are there to complete the exercise. The Library would like to avoid the inevitable frustration that crops up when twenty or thirty students are all looking for one book or an article that we do not own. (This will also help us to know if we need to place materials on reserve for your class). It would be helpful for you to provide a copy of the assignments for us to keep on hand. With advance notice, the Library can even provide an exercise, which we will grade, that will accommodate your instruction requirements. 

 

Reserve Materials

 

When many students need to use one book or other library materials, it is a good idea to put those materials on reserve. Please call or come by the library with the following information: 

 

Your name

A day phone number or email where you can be reached

Course name and number

Title(s) of the materials

How long you want the item to circulate (3 hours-s in library only, one day, two days, threes days, or seven days

 

You may also put personal copies of your own materials on reserve as well as copies of articles, notes, and other written materials. Personal copies are kept behind the circulation desk to minimize loss.

 

At the end of the semester, reserve items are returned to the general collection. Please contact us near the end of the semester, if you want to continue the reserves.

 

Circulation Policy

 

Part-time faculty may check out items based on the circulation period for that particular item; for example, books circulate for one semester and AV items for one week. You may have up to 30 items in your possession at one time. All materials must be returned at the end of the semester.  Any materials not returned at that time will be considered lost, and you will be billed for the replacement cost.

 

Billing for Lost Materials

 

Replacement materials will be ordered when available. Out-of-print items will be billed based on the replacement cost of an appropriate substitute based on the subject matter of the item lost.

 

Library Hours

 

Library hours are posted at each location. The phone numbers for the various locations are as follows:

 

Floyd Campus:  706-2956318

Cartersville Campus:  678-8728400

Acworth Center:  770-6754134

Marietta Center:  678-915-5023

 

GALILEO

 

GALILEO (GeorgiA Library LEarning Online) provides access to nearly 200 databases indexing thousands of newspapers, books, periodicals and scholarly journals. Over 2,000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications. A description of these databases is available on the GALILEO homepage by selecting “About GALILEO.” Over 35,000 full-text electronic books on a wide array of topics may be accessed through GIL, the online library book catalog, or directly through the netLibrary database on GALILEO. Remote access to GALILEO is available with the current password available from the libraries. Remote access to netLibrary requires registration on one of the GHC campuses on the netLibrary site in the upper right corner of the screen by selecting “Create a Free Account”. Electronic books may then be “checked out” for a four hour block.  Training for use of GALILEO may be arranged with the GHC public service librarian at your location. 

 

Audiovisual Services (AV)

 

AV services are centralized through the AV department on the Floyd campus. All equipment needs should be requested through them at 706-2956319, at least one week in advance.

 

AV materials are circulated through the libraries. Students may not check out any AV item; however, they may view VHS tapes or DVDs in the libraries’ viewing rooms.

 

AV equipment may be set up hours before the actual need; therefore, it is important that you leave it where you find it. If there is equipment in your classroom that you did not request, it is probably set up for a class later that day or the next morning. For the same reason, if you need AV equipment, don’t borrow it from the classroom next door. The AV department needs to know where all the items are.

 

Interlibrary Loan

 

If we do not own a book or article you need, we can order it through this service. Most loans are free; however, if there is a charge, you must provide payment for it. Request forms are available in the libraries and online. Ordering through this service typically takes 7-10 days depending upon where the item is coming from.

 

GIL Express

 

GIL Express is a service being offered at all libraries within the University System of Georgia (USG). The service is an innovative resource sharing initiative that allows students, faculty and staff access to all eligible circulating material at all USG libraries. GIL Express is available to all eligible patrons through both an on site (walk up) requesting service and a remote requesting service. Other information can be found in the GIL Express homepage and FAQs and by contacting any GHC library.

 

TRAINING FOR USE OF GALILEO, NETLIBRARY AND GIL EXPRESS MAY BE ARRANGED WITH THE GHC LIBRARIAN AT YOUR LOCATION.

 

Library Acquisitions

 

Please feel free to recommend titles for purchase by the GHC libraries.  Although we may not receive them in time for your current class, they may be available for future use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

 

Please refer to http://www.highlands.edu/academics/academicaffairs/index.htm for comprehensive and current Academic Affairs information.

 

Class Attendance

 

Instructors are expected to establish their attendance policies and to make clear statements to their classes regarding their attendance policies. Regardless of their attendance policies, instructors will be expected to maintain attendance records. Some students may require special attendance reports to be signed by the instructor.

 

Regular and punctual attendance at all classes is the student’s responsibility. Students are expected to account for absences to each instructor and, at the discretion of the instructor, to make up all work missed because of the absence. Final approval for any class absences remains with the instructor.

 

At the beginning of each semester, instructors will make clear statements to their classes regarding their attendance policies.

 

Field trips and extracurricular activities which require a student’s absence from class must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

 

Complete Withdrawal

 

Any student who desires to completely with draw from the college for the current semester before mid-semester must submit a form which pertains to complete withdrawal these forms are available from administrative offices on each campus. Other rules may apply depending on the age of the student and whether or not the student receives financial aid. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

  • A student against whom disciplinary charges are pending will not be permitted to withdraw officially until charges have been resolved.
  • In general, a student voluntarily withdrawing may return later if scholastically eligible.
  • A grade of “W” will appear by the student’s name on the SCORE

 

Core Curriculum and Major Program Requirements

 

The core curriculum and major program requirements are detailed in the current college catalog which can be found at http://www.highlands.edu/currentstudents/catalog/index.htm

 

Course Auditing

 

Persons who wish to audit regular academic courses must meet all college admission requirements, with the exception of those pertaining to SAT or ACT scores. Auditors are subject to the same tuition fees as those enrolled for academic credit. Audits must be declared at registration. A credit course cannot be changed to an audit nor can an audited class be changed to a credit course.

 

On transcripts and other records, the symbol V indicates a course was audited. An audited course does not count for academic credit, and the V cannot later be changed to a credit grade.

 

 

Course Drops

Students who wish to officially withdraw from a course may either complete a withdrawal form and have the instructor sign the form or complete the withdrawal on-line (in which case, the instructor receives an email notification) or those who withdraw before the midpoint of the total grading period will receive a “W”. Withdrawals without penalty will not be given after the midpoint of the total grading period (including final examinations) except in cases of hardship as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The mid semester date is published in each semester’s schedule.

Students may not drop an academic support course and maintain enrollment in a credit level course. Please contact the Office of Academic Support for more information.

 

Course Syllabus

 

Course syllabus guidelines are available at http://www.highlands.edu/academics/academicaffairs/polsandprocedures.htm

 

A copy of each course syllabus should be on file in the division office. Academic coordinators or Division Chairs may review syllabi for accuracy before it is distributed to students.

 

Disruptive Classroom Behavior  

 

http://www.highlands.edu/campuslife/handbook/html/code_of_conduct.htm

 

Evaluation

 

The Division Chair will define evaluation procedures and methods.

 

Expectations of Part-time Instructors

 

The role of the part-time faculty member will be discussed and defined by the Division Chair for the area employed.

 

Final Exams

 

A final exam schedule is issued for each semester by the Vice President’s office and will be available in the division offices. Instructors, with the exception of those teaching academic support courses, are expected to give their exams as scheduled. Those who teach courses for the Division of Academic Support should consult the chair of that division regarding the timing of the final exam. The Division Chair must approve all exceptions.

 

Final Grade Deadline

 

Instructors are notified by the Registrar’s Office of the deadline for turning in final grades. Instructors are expected to submit final grades within 48 hours after your last exam but no later than two days after last day of exams. Grades must be submitted on-line using the SCORE.  Copies of final grades are to be turned in to the respective academic division chair office.

 

Instructors teaching academic support courses must adhere to the final grade deadline established by the Chair of the Academic Support Division.

 

 

Grade Changes

 

Grade changes will be made by the Registrar’s Office only upon the receipt of a Grade Change Form initiated by the instructor. Grade change forms are available in departmental offices or administrative offices of the satellite campus centers.

 

Grading Policy

The grading system used by Georgia Highlands College is as follows:

           

Letter Grade     Nature of Work                       Quality Points per credit hour

 

                 A                Excellent                                  4.0

                 B                 Good                                       3.0

                 C                 Satisfactory                              2.0

                 D                Passing                                     1.0

                 F                 Failure                                     0.0

                 F$               Unearned Failure                     0.0

     H                Honor Project Completed        Not computed

                 I                  Incomplete                               Not computed

                 IP                In Progress                               Not computed

                 K                Credit by Examination             Not computed

                 NR              No Grade Reported

                 S                 Satisfactory Performance         Not computed

                 U                Unsatisfactory Performance    Not computed

                 V                Audited                                                Not computed

                 W                Withdrew Passing                    Not computed

                 WF              Withdrew Failing                     0.0

                 WM                        Military Withdrawal                 Not computed

 

            I--A grade of incomplete indicates that a student who is performing satisfactory work is unable to meet the full course requirements for non-academic reasons beyond the student’s control. An I must be removed within two semesters of residence, or one calendar year, whichever is shorter, or it will automatically become an F.  An I grade is not given in Learning Support courses. Arrangements for the removal of an I should be made with the instructor during the semester immediately succeeding the semester in which the I was awarded. Students do not re-register for a class in which an I has been given.

All grade change requests must be made within two semesters of residence following the semester during which the course was taken, or one calendar year, whichever is shorter. After this time, any grade change request must be made through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

F$--This symbol is for an unearned F, which indicates that the student stopped attending class and did not fill out appropriate paperwork to withdraw.  This grade is computed in the grade point average as an F.

H--This symbol indicates that a student has successfully completed an Honors project. See the Honors section of the GHC catalog for requirements.

            IP--This grade may be assigned only in Learning Support courses. It indicates that the student made satisfactory progress, but did not successfully complete the course and must register again. Ordinarily, a student may receive no more than two grades of IP in any one area of Developmental Studies.

            K--This symbol indicates an awarding of course credit to a student via credit by examination program.

            NR--This symbol is temporarily posted on a student’s transcript when a professor fails to turn in grades on time. It will be removed when the actual grade is reported.

            S--This symbol indicates that credit has been given for completion of degree requirements other than academic course work.

            U--This symbol indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work.

            V--This symbol indicates that the student audited the course. The V carries no credit and cannot later be changed to a credit grade, either during the time in which the student is enrolled in the course or at a later date.

            W--This symbol indicates that the student was permitted to withdraw from the course without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted past the midpoint of the semester, except in cases of hardship as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

            WF--This symbol indicates that the student was permitted to withdraw from the course while doing unsatisfactory work. The dropping of a course under these circumstances is equivalent to a failure.

            WM--This symbol indicates that the student withdrew due to military orders.

            * -- This symbol indicates a course credit for a CPC deficiency

            # -- This symbol indicates academic renewal

            % -- This symbol indicates academic support coursework

            T -- This symbol indicates transfer coursework

 

 

STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

Counseling and Career Services

The office of Counseling and Career Services offers a variety of services to students that are designed to help them adjust to college, promote growth and development, and make realistic decisions regarding the choice of majors and careers. The office is a place for students to obtain assistance with career, educational and personal concerns. Counseling is available, free of charge, to all students. Services include:

 

  • Counseling – career, personal, and educational;
  • Outreach – personal enrichment seminars, academic success and career development workshops, class visits;
  • Transfer information – college catalogs and applications;
  • Job Search Assistance – resume writing, interview skills, and networking’
  • Orientation – the department also coordinates the New Student Orientation Program, as well as the Tutors-for-Success and Mentors-for –Peers programs.

 

Further information may be obtained by call 706-802-5000 ext. 6336 or 1-800-332-2406.

  • Orientation – the department also coordinates the New Student Orientation Program, as well as the Tutors-for-Success and Mentors-for-Peers programs.

 

Student Life 

 

The Office of Student Life seeks to develop the Georgia Highlands College student body through a series of co-curricular activities that promote experiential learning, wellness, and an appreciation of the arts, leadership and volunteerism. The unit encourages and provides student involvement opportunities to complement the academic programs of study and to enhance the overall college experience for all Georgia Highlands College students.

 

The Office of Student Life coordinates a wide variety of campus activities and programs and encourages all students, faculty and staff to participate as fully as possible. The OSL oversees the forming of clubs and organizations by students and provides resources for those groups as they sponsor a wide variety of programs and events; schedules general entertainment and cultural events on campus; distributes discount tickets to area cultural venues.

 

A current calendar of events and programs can be found on-line at the Campus Life Calendar (http://www.highlands.edu/cgi-bin/campuscalendar/calendar.cgi ) or by contacting the OSL at 706-295-6363 at the Floyd Campus, or 678-872-8040 at the Cartersville Campus.

 

Office hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Evening hours vary each semester, but are posted outside the office.

 

 

IMPORTANT POLICIES

 

American With Disabilities Act

 

Georgia Highlands College is committed to the goals and objectives of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Georgia Highlands College also provides reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities in accordance to law.  Employees may self-identify any qualified disability (as defined under ADA) for which assistance is needed in carrying out their assigned duties.  The offices of Disabilities Support Services, Human Resources and the Vice President for Finance and Administration are all responsible for some aspects of providing services to the disabled.  Please contact either one of these offices for issues, services and programs for employees with disabilities.

 

Civil Rights Compliance

 

Georgia Highlands College is an equal educational opportunity institution and, as such, students are admitted and treated without regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, or disability. The college is in compliance with the regulations for the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1978 Georgia General Assembly Act 807.

 

Drug Free Work Place Policy

As a recipient of Federal funds, Georgia Highlands College supports and complies with provisions of the Omnibus Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.  Georgia Highlands College is and remains a drug-free workplace.  Georgia Highlands College expects faculty and staff to meet appropriate standards of performance, to observe basic rules of good conduct, and to comply with institutional personnel policies and procedures.

In the discharge of its responsibilities as an employer, Georgia Highlands College promotes and requires a drug free work place among its Faculty and Staff.  The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs by Georgia Highlands College employees is prohibited by institutional policy.  Violations of the policy including felony and/or misdemeanor drug convictions during the course of employment with Georgia Highlands College may result in appropriate disciplinary penalties being imposed by the College, up to and including termination.   The Human Resources Department shall communicate the policy to new employees.

The following requirements are made to comply with the published policy. 

A.  A drug-free awareness program is hereby established to inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.  This is done by the posting of notices and posters concerning the symptoms and penalties of drug abuse.  This will be done periodically throughout the year. 

B.  Drug abuse in the workplace is to be treated as an illness for the first offense and the employee is expected to use all his resources to correct his or her problem, including the use of personal health insurance, the College’s Employee Assistance Program (counseling), or rehabilitation, as appropriate to the case.  An evaluation will be made of the situation to determine the seriousness of the case in relation to the employee’s employment.  A second instance of drug abuse in the workplace will result in dismissal of the employee.

C.  It is a requirement of the Drug-Free Workplace policy that the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Director be notified of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such convictions

D.  There is a toll free telephone number available for employees’ use, questions and the ordering of materials relating to drug-free awareness.  The number is 1-800-843-4971.

E.  Copies of this policy for a drug-free workplace must be given to each employee employed under a sponsored contract and a copy of the policy must be included in all grant and contract proposals.

Georgia Highlands College is committed to maintaining a campus community that is drug and alcohol free.  As part of our commitment to this goal, materials are available in Counseling and Career Services regarding the dangers of drug and alcohol use.  Information regarding Georgia Highlands College’s policies and disciplinary procedures which may be invoked for illicit drug or alcohol use are printed in this Handbook and are otherwise available in the Human Resources Department.  Should you have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol, please notify your supervisor who will help you seek assistance, or call our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1 (800) 424-6053.  We urge you to carefully read this information and to join us in our effort to improve the health and well being of our campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Georgia Highlands College to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals on the basis of merit and performance only and without regard to race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability.  All personnel actions involving employees, students, and other personnel contacts will be governed by an affirmative action program developed in compliance with the statutes and rules of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and Georgia Highlands College and the applicable Federal Executive Orders, 11246 and 11375, as amended.

 

Right to Know

 

All part-time faculty are required by the University System’s Right-to-Know Program to receive initial and annual Right-to-Know training to become aware of policies concerning hazardous materials and their proper handling. All personnel must make an appointment with Human Resources for their initial training. In addition, all part-time science faculty must receive quarterly chemical-specific training from their area coordinator. Please contact Dr. Harvey Moody, Georgia Highlands College right-to-Know coordinator, for more information. He can be reached at 706-295-6306

 

 

Sexual Harassment Policy

I.  Policy Statement:

Federal law provides that it shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer, because of the sex of any person, to discharge without cause, to refuse to hire, or otherwise to discriminate against any person with respect to any matter directly or indirectly related to employment or academic standing.  Harassment of an employee on the basis of sex violates this federal law.

It is the policy of Georgia Highlands College that no member of the College community may sexually harass another.  Any employee or student who violates this policy will be subject to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance with procedural due process requirements.

II. Definition:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

A. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education;

B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting this individual;

C. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.

III. Examples of Sexually Harassing Behavior

Behaviors which constitute an example of the first part of the definition include those which imply that the receipt of employment and educational enhancements depend on the employee's or student's accepting such conduct from those in positions to bestow such enhancements.

Behaviors that are examples of the second part of the definition include those that seek to require the actual submission to such conduct as the basis for employment or educational decisions.

Those behaviors which are examples of the third part of the definition include such conduct as creates an employment and educational atmosphere which can detrimentally affect one's ability to perform one's duties.

IV. Procedures for Handling Complaints of Sexual Harassment

The following procedures are applicable to complaints against faculty or professional, non-faculty staff and shall be followed by students, classified employees, and other faculty or professional, non-faculty staff in reporting incidents of sexual harassment.

Reports of inappropriate sexual conduct by a faculty member or professional, non-faculty staff should be made in writing to the Division Chairperson or Department Head who is the supervisor of the faculty member or professional, non-faculty staff involved.

The Division Chairperson or Department Head, with consultation from the Director of Human Resources, will immediately investigate the allegation of harassment. Failure to do so is also misconduct subject to disciplinary action.

The Division Chairperson or Department Head will immediately report the complaint of harassment to one’s respective Vice President.

The Division Chairperson or Department Head, with collaboration from the Director of Human Resources, will conduct a complete investigation of the matter and submit a report of the investigation to the appropriate Vice President of the College who in turn will recommend a disposition of the case to the President.

The following procedures are applicable to complaints against classified employees and should be followed by faculty or professional non-faculty staff, students, and other classified employees in reporting incidents of sexual harassment.

Reports of inappropriate sexual conduct by a classified employee should be made in writing to the Human Resource Director.

The Human Resource Director will investigate the allegation of harassment. Failure to do so is also misconduct subject to disciplinary action.

The Human Resource Director will submit a report of the investigation and a recommendation for disposition to the President.

The following procedures are applicable to complaints against students and should be followed by classified employees, faculty or professional, non-faculty staff, and other students in reporting incidents of sexual harassment.

Reports of inappropriate sexual conduct by a student should be made in writing to the Vice President for Student Development.

The Vice President for Student Development, with consultation from the Director of Human Resources, will investigate the allegation of harassment. Failure to do so is also misconduct subject to disciplinary action.

The Vice President for Student Development will submit a report of the investigation and a recommendation for disposition to the President.

Note: If the employee against whom the complaint is made is the supervisor of the person making the complaint, or if any other circumstances exist in which any member of the College community prefers to report the misconduct through other channels, this can be done by contacting the President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for Student Development or the Director of Human Resource. An investigation will be made and, if necessary, appropriate action shall be taken.

Plan For Educating the Institutional Community to Prevent Sexual Harassment:

The text of the Sexual Harassment plan will be included in every issue of the Student Handbook and the Faculty/Staff Handbook.

President's Statement

Sexual harassment is antithetical to the collegiate atmosphere of the Georgia Highlands College community and will not be condoned or tolerated.

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Our Mission

The Access Center develops programs and services that allow students with disabilities to meet the demands of college life, as independently as possible.

The Access Center provides accessible programs, services, and reasonable accommodations for any student with a documented, qualifying disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

 

Access Center Locations

 

Cartersville Campus-Serving students attending the Cartersville, Acworth, Marietta campuses, and students in the UWG Accelerated Transfer Program.

Student Services Hub120E                                          Director: Sheryl Ballenger

5441 Highway 20, NE                                                 678-872-8100
Cartersville, GA 30121

                       

Floyd Campus–Serving students attending the Floyd and Heritage Hall campuses.

Walraven Building-Suite W-213                                               Assistant Director: Wilma Maynard

3175 Cedartown Hwy., SE                                           706-802-5003
Rome GA 30161                                                          706-802-5123 (TTY)

                                                                                    800-332-2406 ext. 5003

Marietta Center (limited)

Southern Polytechnic State University                                     Director: Sheryl Ballenger
D-253                                                                                      678-915-5021                         

1100 South Marietta Parkway            
Marietta, GA 30060
                                                   

 

Access Center Accommodations

The Access Center is committed to assisting students with disabilities in obtaining equal access and opportunity to all programs and activities of Georgia Highlands College. The Access Center provides education for faculty and staff, and serves as an advocate for the student. The Access Center also assists the student in developing independence and responsibility.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantee persons with disabilities protection from discrimination based on disability. These laws, as pertaining to post-secondary education, protect students (those who meet all the academic and technical standards of admission) in the areas of admissions, recruitment, academic requirements, housing, financial, and non-academic services.

Students who have been accepted for admission to Georgia Highlands College and have a chronic physical or mental disability, which subsequently limits one or more major life activities, are eligible for services. Such disabilities include (but are not limited to): blind or low vision, deafness or hard of hearing, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), mobility impairment, chronic health conditions, psychological/emotional disorders, and communication disorders. A complete list of accommodated disabilities is available on the Access Center website.

Once accepted, it is the student’s responsibility contact the Access Center in order to receive services. The student must self identify and provide documentation of the disability from a qualified professional. The Board of Regents has established criteria that must be met in order for documentation to be accepted. During an intake interview the student and an Access Center member will discuss individual needs and determine appropriate accommodations.

Services and accommodations provided to students with disabilities are no guarantee they will be successful, but they do have an equal opportunity to access whether it be physical access, educational access, developmental access, access to opportunities, and access to healthy attitudes about disabilities.

Requesting Services

ALL STUDENTS needing accommodations in their classes must request an Accommodation Letter from the Access Center to share with their instructors during registration or during the first two weeks of each semester.  No accommodations should be provided directly by the instructor without an official Accommodation Letter from the Access Center. Instructors should refer all students with disabilities to the Access Center.

Available Accommodations

Eligible students with disabilities may receive any one or a combination of the following services. Services are accommodations that are appropriate and reasonable to the degree that physical and cognitive barriers are removed, thus providing equal opportunity for full inclusion in the college experience.

In the classroom

·      ALTERNATE MEDIA: Students may have electronic textbooks or audio textbooks recorded by Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. or provided by AMAC Alternative Media Access Center.  It is the student’s responsibility to apply for this service; the Access Center will certify the student’s needs.

·      INTERPRETER/CAPTIONING SERVICES: Students requiring sign language interpreters and/or captioning will have this service coordinated on an individual/group basis.

·      NOTETAKING ASSISTANCE: Students may have a class member take notes. Copies are available in designated Access Center locations.

·      RECORDED LECTURES: Students will be allowed to record any regular class lecture with the instructor’s permission.

·      COPIES: Students will be provided a copy of certain lecture materials, including overheads and Power Point presentations.

·      A/V MATERIALS PREVIEW: In the event some media may not be available captioned, students are allowed to preview audio/visual materials used in the classroom with an interpreter.

·      CLOSED CAPTIONING: Students may need A/V material presented in closed-captioning. Faculty should request closed-captioned media when it is available. It is suggested that only materials with closed captioning be used when a deaf/hard of hearing student is enrolled in a class.

·      ENGLARGED PRINT: Students may request enlarged print on course syllabus/handouts (legal size min. 18 pt.) The Access Center will make enlarged copies for students at no charge.

·      LAB ASSISTANT: Students may request a lab assistant be provided for course labs.

·      GENERAL ASSISTANCE: Students may request assistance in positioning keyboards/laptops and/or materials.

·      CALCULATORS: Students may use non-programmable calculators in class and on assignments in Math courses.

·      COMPUTER DICTIONARY, SPELL/GRAMMAR CHECK, and OR OTHER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Students who use special equipment or Assistive Technology must make arrangements with the faculty for timely completion and submittal of assignments when such technology is used.

·      ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Students may use assistive technology, including voice recognition software or text-to-speech software to complete assignments.

·      ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICE: Students may borrow assistive listening devices on a loan basis. Some training and coordination among the Access Center, the student, and the instructor may be required.

·      SEATING ACCOMMODATIONS: Students may need specific seating arrangements to accommodate needs. Such arrangements may include front row seating, seating near an entrance, and alternative seating if in-class desks/chairs are not accessible.

·      INSTRUCTOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Instructors may be requested to face the class when speaking, wear a lapel transmitter/microphone during lectures, repeat student questions, and use only black markers on whiteboards. Other instructor accommodations may be needed. Instructor will be notified by Access Center if this becomes necessary.

·      ABILITY TO ENTER AND EXIT CLASSROOM: Some students require accommodation to manage pain or anxiety, and should not be penalized for missing information. However, students should record missed sections or obtain notes.

·      ATTENDANCE ACCOMMODATION: Only those absences reported to the Access Center as directly relating to a disability will be excused. Instructors will be notified by the Access Center when student absences fall within this guideline.

On quizzes / exams

Please refer to the Testing section below to view the Access Center Testing Policy. This policy must be followed in order to test with the Access Center.

·      EXTENDED TIME: Students may be granted up to 2 times the normal time to complete quizzes and exams. Under no circumstances is un-limited time permissible. Proctoring assistance is available on the Floyd and Cartersville campuses and limited on the Marietta campus through the Access Center.

·      DISTRACTION REDUCED TESTING ENVIRONMENT: It is the student’s responsibility to inform faculty/staff of their intent to use their extended time, and to make agreeable arrangements for a distraction reduced environment with the teaching faculty member or staff. Exam proctoring assistance is available on the Floyd and Cartersville campuses and limited on the Marietta campus through the Access Center.

·      COMPUTER DICTIONARY, SPELL/GRAMMAR CHECK, and OR OTHER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Students who use special equipment must make arrangements with the faculty for timely completion and submittal of exams when such equipment is used.

·      ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Students may use assistive technology, including voice recognition software or text-to-speech software, to complete quizzes/exams.

·      CALCULATORS: Students may use non-programmable calculators on exams involving mathematical calculations. 

·      STOP-THE-CLOCK: Some students require accommodation to manage pain or anxiety and may need to take a break or breaks during quizzes/exams. These breaks should not be included in the student’s overall time allotment.

·      ALTERED FORMAT: Altering the format of tests or answer sheets may be necessary to accommodate a student’s needs. This may include the addition of field blanks using MS Word’s form feature or Test Talker software.

·      ENGLARGED PRINT: Students may request enlarged print on quizzes/exams (legal size min. 18 pt.)

·      TESTING ASSISTANCE: If quizzes/exams must be completed using a SCANTRON format, students with difficulty or limited mobility may need assistance in filling in bubbles. If no other accommodation for test format can be made, the Access Center will assist the student in this way. 

Other areas

·      TUTORIAL CENTER: Students are allowed to utilize any Georgia Highlands Tutorial Center. Centers are located at the Floyd, Cartersville, Acworth, and Marietta campuses.

·      TTY: Students needing a TTY to make phone calls may use the TTY in the Access Center.  A video relay system is available in the Floyd Access Center. Long distance calls are not permitted.

·      SORENSON VIDEO RELAY SYSTEM: The Sorenson VRS is a relay system students may use free of charge to call whomever they wish. Students must contact the Access Center to use the VRS. The Sorenson VRS is available at the Floyd campus only.

·      OTHER: Individualized special services may be necessary and will be coordinated with the appropriate faculty and the director of the Access Center.

Accommodation Delivery

Services may be delivered according to individual requirements. The Access Center will provide consultation to faculty and staff members by request.

The primary form of service delivery will be Accommodation Letters, which will describe recommended accommodations. The student is responsible for requesting services and providing an Accommodation Letter to each faculty member the student is taking a class with each semester.

All facilities used by students at each campus are monitored for accessibility to the best of the Access Center’s ability. The Access Center will provide consultation to any school, department, or institutional organization regarding ADA and/or Section 504 compliance.

Policies and Procedures

Confidentiality

In order to provide confidentiality and develop a trust relationship with students, disability-related information will generally be treated as medical information and handled under the same strict rules of confidentiality, as is other medical information until legally challenged. This includes the documentation that students must provide to establish the existence of their disability and their need for accommodation or consideration. The position of Georgia Highlands College is that it is ethically inappropriate to release any information without the student’s permission unless in extreme circumstances.  These circumstances would be child abuse, and suicide or homicidal intent.

Sharing Information

Disability-related information will be shared only on a limited basis within Georgia Highlands College. It may be shared only when there is a compelling reason deemed appropriate to do so.

Unless there is a threat to an individual’s safety and/or an emergency situation, consent of the student will be requested before providing any copies of medical/psychological documentation to a third party.

Interpreters / Captionists

(See Appendix A for responsibilities of instructors, students, and interpreters/captionists).

Interpreting or Captioning Assignments are scheduled through the Access Center. The interpreter is scheduled until the end of class. If an instructor goes past the designated time, or if a student needs to speak to the instructor after class, the interpreter may stay if his/her schedule allows. If the interpreter has another class or assignment, s/he may leave at the end of the scheduled time. If the interpreter has to leave, and the instructor continues teaching, the interpreter should inform the instructor that s/he has to leave and inform the Access Center of the situation.

Ethics and Confidentiality

Interpreters are expected to adhere to the RID Code of Ethics. They are to provide interpreting services to the best of their ability and not allow personal feelings to interfere in the interpreting process. The interpreter should keep all information about interpreting assignments confidential, regardless of how inconsequential the information may seem. Instructors should address all communication to the student rather than to the interpreter or captionist.

Testing

Students, faculty/staff, and members of the Access Center must each play a part in the testing process so that quizzes/exams are conducted and completed as efficiently as possible. Qualified students may receive special administration of the Georgia Regents’ Exam.

 

Testing / exam proctoring policy

 

Student Responsibilities

·         Students must be registered with the Access Center. All required documentation must be complete.

·         Students must provide the professor with an Accommodation Letter from the Access Center outlining appropriate and approved accommodations, which would include taking exams with extended time and/or in an alternative environment.

·         Students must complete the “TEST REQUEST FORM” (Cherry Form) and provide it to their professor/instructor to complete.

·         The student is responsible for returning the “TEST REQUEST FORM” to the Access Center at least two days before the scheduled exam.

·         Students must arrive on time to take the exam. Exams must be scheduled and completed during the Access Center hours.

·         In the event of an emergency unrelated to the student’s disability (for example: illness, death in the family, car trouble, oversleeping, etc.), the student must contact the professor to reschedule the exam.  The professor must inform the Access Center of any time and date changes.

·         Students must adhere to the College’s code of conduct.  Students suspected of academic dishonesty will be referred for disciplinary action.

 

Faculty/Staff Responsibilities

·         Verify that the student is registered with the Access Center by referring to the Accommodation Letter sent by the Access Center outlining appropriate and approved accommodations. No accommodations are to be allowed until an Accommodation Letter is received.

·         Thoroughly and legibly, complete the Professor/Instructor section of the “TEST REQUEST FORM” and return the form to the student.

·         Have the exam delivered to the Access Center at least 2 hours before the exam is to be taken. The Access Center will be responsible to return the completed exam to the location designated by the Professor in a sealed envelope.

 

Access Center Responsibilities

·         Maintain accurate documentation for each student and approve appropriate accommodations.

·         Provide courier service to deliver completed exams.

·         Maintain integrity of the exam by providing security (sealed) envelopes for returning exams, and securing the exams in a locked file cabinet in the office.

·         Monitor all exams taken in the Access Center.  Report any suspected academic dishonesty to the appropriate faculty member/department.

 

Tips for interacting with students with disabilities

1)      Offer assistance, but wait for acceptance

2)      Always talk directly to the person with a disability (not to their interpreter or attendant).

3)      When teaching a student with a hearing impairment try to face the class as much as possible to ensure clear speech reading can take place.

4)      Don’t worry about using phrases such as, “walking to your class” or “see you later” because they are general terminology used by everyone.

5)      Always introduce yourself when interacting with a student who is blind (explain verbally information on overheads).

6)      Be aware of classroom barriers such as furniture, signs, or items in aisles or doors.

7)      Students with mobility impairments may arrive late to classes due to barriers associated with navigating campus.

8)      Do not lean or rest on wheelchairs being used by persons with disabilities.  The wheelchair is an extension of their body.

9)      Start each lecture with an outline of material to be covered that period.  At the conclusion, briefly summarize key points.