Frequently Asked Questions

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE ENTIRE NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION SESSION?

You must attend the entire orientation program in order to be advised and receive priority registration. The entire program will take at least five hours so make arrangements to stay. If you do not attend an orientation session (1) you will not be able to register until registration day, (2) you will not receive priority registration, and (3) you will still need to meet an advisor before classes begin.

IF I AM A TRANSFER STUDENT, DO I STILL NEED TO ATTEND ORIENTATION AT GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE?

Yes. Even though there are similarities between any two schools, there are also many differences. Orientation is critical to your successful transition to a new school. Also, students attending orientation receive priority registration. However, if you are a Transient student orientation is not mandatory.

HOW DO I SIGN UP AND WHAT IS THE CHARGE?

The New Student Orientation Brochure is mailed to students in their Acceptance Letter. There is no charge for attending an orientation session. A confirmation will be sent through the mail or via e-mail once you complete the session request form. SPACE IS LIMITED so we encourage you to sign up as early as possible to improve your chances of getting the classes you need and want. If your choice of orientation date is full we will assign you to the next available orientation date.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE COMPASS PLACEMENT TEST?

Students required to take the COMPASS Placement test need to complete testing at least three (3) days prior to their orientation date. This will ensure that your scores will have time to properly be processed and available at your orientation date. The COMPASS testing flyer with dates is attached to your Steps to Enrollment.

WHEN DO I PAY FEES AND WHAT DOES THIS FEE COVER?

For priority registration students fees are due by the payment deadline. If the payment deadline has passed all fees are due in full when you register at orientation! Fees cover all charges except books (i.e., tuition, technology fee, student activity fees, Charger Card, etc.) See Accounting Services. Fees paid prior to the payment deadline, can be made online with a credit card or in person at any of our campus locations with cash, money order, credit card, financial aid or any combination of these. Please keep in mind that GHC only accepts Visa or Mastercard.

CAN I GET HELP WORKING OUT MY SCHEDULE?

Learning to create a class schedule is an important skill for a college student. During orientation, you will meet with a qualified academic advisor who will teach you the basics of putting together a class schedule. The advisors will assist you with the course selections, but working out a schedule is one of your responsibilities as a college student.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC CLASSES I WILL NEED?

Every degree may have different requirements. Most degrees and many certificates require English, math, and other general education requirements. Course requirements are listed in the GHC catalog according to your program of study. It is important to meet with an advisor to gain a complete understanding of which "basics" apply to you.

WHO CAN TELL ME WHAT THE COURSES ARE ALL ABOUT?

Check GHC catalog for short course descriptions of classes offered.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO DECIDE ON A MAJOR?

It is generally more helpful to begin the process of reviewing possible majors than to focus on the decision. Good educational and career decisions are the product of knowing yourself and learning about the options open to you. The Counseling and Career Services Department staff are available to assist your as you focus on choosing a major and career. Counseling and Career Services also assist students with career decisions by offering one-on-one career counseling. Contact the Counseling and Career Services Department for more information on this invaluable resource.

WHAT IF MY PARENTS OR SPOUSE WISH TO ATTEND ORIENTATION?

We would be delighted to have your parents, spouse, or significant other attend the special orientation designed for them at the same time as the student session. Please indicate the number of people who will be accompanying you on the registration form. Please note that there are no childcare facilities, so please plan accordingly.

WHAT DO I BRING WITH ME TO ORIENTATION?

Automobile Tag number
Money for fees and to buy books

WHAT ABOUT BOOKS?

Books can be purchased from the Bookstore located on the Floyd Campus, Cartersville Campus or from the Virtual Bookstore. Your information from your Schedule/Bill printout is needed to purchase books. For those students attending our Marietta Campus at Sothern Poly Technical College, their bookstore does not accept our Financial Aid.

WHEN DO CLASSES BEGIN?

See the Academic Calendar for the beginning date for each semester.