About Georgia Highlands College




	Georgia Highlands College is one of 34 units of the University System of Georgia, and one of 12 two-year colleges in the system. History 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 would provide a campus site and funds for the construction of the initial facilities. 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 in downtown Rome, but by the end of 1970 all operations were moved on campus. Degree Programs Transfer Programs: Two-year Associate Degree programs of study in which students take a core of classes that will transfer to any baccalaureate-awarding institution upon completion. Career Programs: A terminal program of study that prepares the student to go directly into the workforce. Examples are nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapist assistant, and business. Cooperative Programs: Programs of study in which the student takes academic classes at Georgia Highlands College, and specific job training classes at either Coosa Valley Technical Institute or North Metro Technical Institute (in Acworth). Alumni Nearly 100,000 people from Northwest Georgia have taken at least one class at Georgia Highlands College in the past 30 years! Georgia Highlands College has graduated more than 13,000 students--most of whom have remained in this area. Highlights Georgia Highlands College pioneered the development of cooperative programs with Coosa Valley Technical College as early as 1972 when such a partnership between a community college and a technical college were unheard of. The college now offers joint programs with North Metro Technical College in Acworth as well. The college has a long-standing tradition of conducting programs and providing services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. As part of providing services for this community the college developed and instituted an Interpreter Training program that is offered throughout the state via GSAMS technology. The Information Technology Project (ITP), now it its fourth year, has received widespread support locally, throughout the state and nationally. Through the project, students lease laptop computers from the college for their exclusive use throughout the semester. Students have online access to expanded services that include application for admission and financial aid, advising, registration, student activities, and health services. Community Resources *Continuing Education Center* offers non-academic personal and professional enrichment classes that usually require no previous experience or training. The department’s iTech Training Center provides customized high tech support and training for Business and Industry. 706.295.6324 *Small Business Development Center* helps businesses improve their competitive advantage by providing advice and technical information on all phases of small business management, including free individual consulting in basic operational and strategic planning. 706.295.6326 *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 first phase of the project was opened in September 1996 and in its first year hosted over 300 visitors, mainly elementary and secondary students. 706.295.6306 *The Bishop Observatory* was opened in 1997 and features a 16” reflecting telescope that is equipped with a CCD star imager which allows computer image capture and enhancement of telescopic views. There is also a 12” telescope, student telescopes, and a computerized classroom. Open houses are held twice a year to allow the public to “star-gaze.” 706.295.6306 *Paris Lake, a 56-acre lake on the central campus, provides both scenic beauty and a teaching laboratory for canoeing, sailing, and water safety. The lake can be used by the public for fishing, and the nearby pavilion can be rented for use for picnics, reunions, and other events. Facilities for Rent* *Centre Stage* at Heritage Hall is Rome’s premiere multi-purpose meeting facility that can accommodate up to 230 for banquet style functions or 300 for stage events. Enjoy unobstructed views with entertainment- quality sound, and presentation features including overhead, slide, video and computer options. In addition, satellite technology connects your local staff to almost any place on the planet. 706.295.6324 *The Lakeview Building* on the central campus was completed in 1999 and features an Art Gallery, lobby and exhibit hall, which can be rented for a variety of functions. The 96’ x 58’ exhibit hall features auditorium-style seating for 334 people. The seats are retractable for setups involving banquet tables or trade shows. Special features of the hall include a 400-watt sound system with wireless and wired mikes, two 12’ x 12’ video screens, and Internet access. 706.295.6324.