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Policy Manual: Section 400: Student Affairs

401 GENERAL POLICY

401.01 INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Admission, discipline, promotion, graduation, and formulation of all rules and regulations pertaining to students of institutions of the University System are matters to be handled by the institutions within the framework of regulations of the Board of Regents. Students violating rules and regulations of an institution may be punished, suspended, excluded, or expelled as may be determined by the institution.

401.02 NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Board of Regents stipulates that no student of the University System, on the ground of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or any of its several institutions now in existence or hereafter established (BR Minutes, October, 1969, p. 154; 1979-80, p. 15).

401.03 STUDENT VOTING PRIVILEGES

Students are encouraged to vote in all federal, state and local elections. A student whose class schedule would otherwise prevent him or her from voting will be permitted an excused absence for the interval reasonably required for voting (BR Minutes, 1977-78, p. 245).

401.04 FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES

Each institution of the University System shall be authorized to decide for itself whether social fraternities and/or sororities shall be established and whether they shall be local only or affiliated with national groups. Each institution also shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations concerning the establishment, organization, governance, and discipline of social fraternities and sororities (BR Minutes, 1964-65, p. 651).

402 UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Every student admitted as an undergraduate in any University System institution must meet the requirements for one of the categories listed below and must meet any additional requirements that may be prescribed by the institution. Applicants should be advised that meeting minimum requirements will not guarantee admission at any institution. Institutions may set additional and/or higher requirements than listed here. Except as explicitly permitted in this policy manual, any exceptions to these admissions policies may be made only with written approval of the University System chief academic officer. Exceptions to these admissions policies will also be reviewed by the Board biennially to ascertain how such action impacts institutions within a given sector. Students must submit transcripts of all secondary and college work and must follow the application procedures specified by the institution to which they are applying.

402.01 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAMS LEADING TO THE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

These policies apply to first time freshmen as well as to those who have not earned the equivalent of 30 semester hours of transferable college credit.

402.0101 FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS

Students applying for freshman admissions to a University System institution must meet the following criteria:

Required High School Curriculum. Completion of the University System of Georgia's Required High School Curriculum ("RHSC") requirements and graduation from a high school accredited by a regional accrediting association (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission or from a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education. Students applying to any institution must present credit for 16 specified units. Students who graduate from high school in 2012 or later must present credits for 17 specified units.

The 16 (17 for students who graduate in 2012 or later) specified University System units are:

  1. MATHEMATICS: 4 units of Mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. For students who graduate from a Georgia Public School in 2012 or later, the 4 units of Mathematics must include a course at the level of Math 3 or higher.

  2. ENGLISH: 4 units of English which have as their emphasis grammar and usage, literature (American, English, World), and advanced composition skills.

  3. SCIENCE: 3 units of science, with at least one laboratory course from the life sciences and one laboratory course from the physical sciences. Students who graduate Fall 2012 or later must have 4 units of science. Georgia Public high School graduates must have at least one unit of biology; one unit of physical science or physics; one unit of chemistry, earth systems, environmental science or an advanced placement science course.

  4. SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 units of social science, with at least one course focusing on United States studies and one course focusing on world studies.

  5. FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2 units in the same foreign language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 2 units of American Sign Language may be used to satisfy this requirement.

In addition to these minimum requirements, students are encouraged to take additional academic units in high school to improve their probability for admission and success.

Freshman Index. A designated score on the Freshman Index ("FI"), which is based on a combination of a student's SAT I or ACT assessment scores and high school grade point average (HSGPA). The Freshman Index is:

FI = 500 x (HSGPA) + SAT Verbal/Critical Reading + SAT I Math

OR

FI = 500 x (HSGPA) + (ACT Composite x 42) + 88

The minimum FI required for admission to a research university is 2500; regional university--2040; state university--1940; and a state or two-year college--1830.

In addition to the FI, students must have a minimum SAT I Verbal score of 430 and Mathematics score of 400 (or ACT equivalent) for admission to a university (research, regional, or state). Students without these minimum scores but with SAT I scores of at least 330 Verbal and 310 Mathematics may be considered for admission to a two-year college but will be required to exempt or exit learning support ("LS") in the areas of deficiency.

Institutions may set higher requirements for admission. Students meeting the minimum FI requirements are not guaranteed admission.

  1. EXCEPTIONS TO FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL GROUPS OF STUDENTS

    Students may also be admitted as freshmen based on alternative evidence of college readiness. Following are modified or additional requirements for specific groups of applicants:

    1. LIMITED ADMISSIONS CATEGORY

      In recognition of the fact that a limited number of students do not meet established standards but do demonstrate special potential for success, institutions are authorized to grant admission to a limited number of such students. Institutions will use multiple measures whenever possible, such as interviews, portfolios, and records of experiential achievements, for students being considered for Limited Admission. The number of students who may be granted Limited Admissions will be restricted based on institutional sectors, with two-year colleges allowed the highest percentage for Limited Admissions. The FI required for Limited Admission to a research university is 2020; regional university, 1830; and state university, 1790.

      Nontraditional freshmen will not be included in the Limited Admissions percentage allowed for each institution.

      In addition to the FI, Limited Admissions students must have a minimum SAT Verbal/Critical Reading score of 430 and Mathematics score of 400 (or ACT equivalent) for admission to a university (research, regional, or state). Students with SAT I (or ACT equivalent) scores of at least 330 Verbal and 310 Math may be considered for Limited Admission to a two-year college but will be required to exempt or exit LS in the areas of deficiency.

      At research, regional, and state universities, students granted Limited Admission must also have completed the 16-unit Required High School Curriculum (Students who graduate in 2012 or later must have completed 17 units.) At state and two-year colleges, students may be considered for Limited Admission if they have a high school diploma or GED and meet the minimum SAT/ACT score requirements. A GED is acceptable only if the student's high school class has graduated. Certificates of attendance or special education diplomas are not acceptable.

      PRESIDENTIAL EXCEPTIONS: Presidents of University System institutions may grant exceptions to the Required High School Curriculum units and FI requirements for Limited Admissions if the student shows promise for academic success in college and has at least a high school diploma or GED credential. Institutions will be required to report to the University System chief academic officer on those students granted Presidential Exceptions. Presidential Exceptions must be included as part of the institution's maximum percentage for Limited Admissions.

      Students who enter under the Limited Admissions category (including Presidential Exceptions) must make up any Required High School Curriculum units deficiencies in accordance with University System procedures. They must also be screened, as applicable, for placement in LS courses using a placement test administered by a University System institution and must meet University System criteria for exemption or exit of learning support in reading, English, and mathematics. (For students transferring from a Commission on Colleges ["COC"]-accredited DTAE technical college, comparable scores from the DTAE technical college may be used according to guidelines issued by the University System chief academic officer.

    2. ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF NONACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOLS

      Applicants from home schools or graduates of nonaccredited high schools may validate the Required High School Curriculum in an alternative way. SAT scores and satisfactory documentation of equivalent competence in each of the areas at the college-preparatory level may be used in lieu of the FI and Required High School Curriculum unit requirements.

      A student whose SAT Composite (Verbal/Critical Reading plus Mathematics) (or ACT equivalent) score is at or above the average SAT score of the previous year's fall semester first-time freshmen admitted to the University System institution to which he or she is applying and who has completed the equivalent of each of the areas as documented by a portfolio of work and/or other evidence that substantiates completion of the Required High School Curriculum qualifies for consideration for admission. Students in this category must also meet the minimum SAT Verbal/Critical Reading requirement and the minimum SAT Mathematics requirement (or ACT equivalent) for the sector to which they apply.

      Applicants who achieve designated scores on each of the following SAT II Subject Tests in an area will be considered to have demonstrated equivalent competence and do not need to submit additional documentation in that area: English Writing, Literature, Math IC or Math IIC, American History & Social Studies, World History, Biology, and one of the following: Chemistry or Physics.

      Students admitted in this category with satisfactory documentation of competence in all areas will not be counted in the institution's Limited Admissions (including Presidential Exceptions) category. Those with qualifying SAT I scores and documentation of partial completion of the Required High School Curriculum may be admitted on the same basis and with the same conditions as other students with deficiencies.

    3. ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING SCORES

      Students who demonstrate very high academic ability by achieving a composite SAT Composite (Verbal/Critical Reading plus Math) score in the upper five percent of national college-bound seniors according to the most recent report from the College Board and who show other evidence of college readiness may be admitted under this section. (An ACT score which is equivalent to this SAT score may also be used.) Institutions must carefully evaluate such students to determine their ability to benefit from college coursework. Students must satisfy any Required High School Curriculum deficiencies in areas other than English or mathematics through college coursework.

      Students admitted in this section will not count in an institution's Limited Admissions exceptions.

    4. ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

      Freshman international students may be admitted in another admissions category or may be admitted in a separate category for international students under procedures established by the University System of Georgia. If these students do not meet the alternative admission procedures established under the University System of Georgia, they might be considered as Presidential Exceptions.

    5. ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

      Because the core curriculum of each institution requires students to complete college-level courses in English, mathematics, social science, and science, all students must complete the Required High School Curriculum in these areas. Students with disabilities that preclude the acquisition of a foreign language may petition for admission without this requirement according to procedures established by the System. Students with disabilities are expected to meet the sector's minimum SAT or ACT score requirements but should request the appropriate testing accommodations from the agencies administering the SAT or ACT.

    6. DUAL ENROLLMENT/JOINT ENROLLMENT/EARLY ADMISSION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

      The University System of Georgia recognizes the need to provide academically talented high school students with opportunities for acceleration of their formal academic programs. This recognition has led to the development of three organized programs: (1) a dual enrollment program in which a student, while continuing his/her enrollment in high school, enrolls in a course(s) for both high school and college credit, (2) a joint enrollment program in which a student, while continuing his/her enrollment in high school as a junior or senior, enrolls in courses for college credit, and (3) an early admissions program in which the student enrolls as a full-time college student following completion of the junior year in high school. The minimum admissions standards for the dual enrollment, joint enrollment and early admissions programs have been developed to allow certain students to receive both high school and college credit for some courses. Procedures for admission, course selection, and instruction can be found in sections 301.01-301.06 of the Academic Affairs Handbook. (BR Minutes, September 2004)

    7. RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

      The University System of Georgia offers residential programs for gifted, talented, and motivated students at two institutions: the Advanced Academy of Georgia at the State University of West Georgia and the Georgia Academy of Mathematics, Engineering, and Sciences at Middle Georgia College. Admissions and program requirements are established by the individual institutions. (BR Minutes, September 2004)

    8. EARLY COLLEGE

      Early Colleges enhance students' opportunities to accelerate their education by participating in a joint high school/college program. Each Early College represents an approved partnership between a Georgia public school system and a University System of Georgia college or university. Students in University System of Georgia recognized Early Colleges are eligible for enrollment in college courses while they are enrolled in the Early College. (BR Minutes, September 2004)
402.0102 UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students with fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours must meet the freshman admission requirements at the institution to which they are transferring. Students who have earned 30 or more semester hours must have completed any learning support and Required High School Curriculum deficiency requirements if transferring from a System institution. Depending on the sector of the institution to which students transfer, students must meet the transfer grade point average, as indicated in the following table:

MINIMUM SYSTEM ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
SECTOR 30-59 *SEMESTER CREDITS 60 OR MORE SEMESTER CREDITS
Research Universities At least 2.30 GPA** and have met all LS and RHSC requirements At least 2.30 GPA
Regional and State Universities At least 2.00 GPA** and have met all LS and RHSC requirements At least 2.00 GPA
State and Associate Degree Colleges Eligible to continue or return to sending institution Eligible to continue or return to sending institution

* Transferable Hours are defined as hours which would be acceptable by the receiving institution according to the University System's and the receiving institution's prevailing policies. Excluded are institutional credit courses, Required High School Curriculum deficiency makeup courses, and vocational courses. These hours should include transferable hours earned at all postsecondary institutions attended.

**Transfer GPA is defined as the GPA calculated on all transferable hours (see previous definition) plus all attempted but unearned hours at regionally accredited institutions in courses applicable to transfer programs at the receiving institution.

Students completing non-transfer associate degrees (e.g., Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science in various health areas, and Associate of Applied Technology) at regionally accredited institutions will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine their eligibility for admission.

Priority Consideration. In addition to the minimum transfer standards listed above, students must meet higher System and/or institutional standards to be considered for priority transfer admission. Institutions must give priority consideration for admission to students transferring from another University System institution who meet these established standards. Students meeting these higher standards would be ensured of receiving priority consideration for admission. In addition, transfer students must be given the same consideration as native students in determining program admissibility.

402.0103 NON-TRADITIONAL FRESHMEN

In order to make the University more accessible to citizens who are not of traditional college-going age and to encourage a higher proportion of Georgians to benefit from life-long learning, institutions may admit as many non-traditional students as is appropriate based on institutional mission, academic programs, and success in retaining and graduating non-traditional students. The number of non-traditional students an institution enrolls will not be counted against the percent of Limited Admissions allowed each institution. Institutions may set additional criteria for admission of non-traditional students.

  1. Non-Traditional Freshmen

    Non-traditional freshmen are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

    1. Have been out of high school at least five years and whose high school class graduated at least five years ago.
    2. Hold a high school diploma from an accredited or approved high school as specified in Section 402.0101 or have satisfactorily completed the GED.

    3. Have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours.

    All non-traditional freshmen must be screened for placement in learning support courses using a placement test administered by a University System institution and must meet University System criteria for exemption or exit of learning support in reading, English, and mathematics. (For students transferring from a Commission on Colleges (COC)-accredited DTAE college, comparable scores from the DTAE college may be used according to guidelines issued by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs.) As an alternative, an institution may allow non-traditional freshmen who have within the past seven years posted SAT scores of at least 500 in both Verbal/Critical Reading and Mathematics or ACT scores of at least 21 on both English and Mathematics to exempt the placement test.

  2. Non-Traditional Transfers

    Non-traditional transfer students are defined as individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

    1. Have been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five years ago.

    2. Have earned 30 or more transferable hours of college credit (as defined in section 402.0101).

    A non-traditional transfer student can be admitted, according to the institution's policy, if his/her transfer GPA is below the transfer standard for the institution's sector. These students do not count against the number of Limited Admissions allowed for transfer students at that institution. Institutions should require placement criteria as appropriate.

402.0104 PERSONS AGED 62 OR OVER

Pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Constitution, the University System of Georgia establishes the following rules with respect to enrollment of persons 62 years of age or older in programs of the University System. To be eligible for enrollment under this provision such persons:

  1. Must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and shall present a birth certificate or other comparable written documentation of age to enable the institution to determine eligibility.
  2. May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses offered for resident credit on a "space available" basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.
  3. Shall meet all System and institution undergraduate or graduate admission requirements; however, institutions may exercise discretion in exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In those instances involving discretionary admission institutions will provide diagnostic methods to determine whether or not participation in Learning Support will be required prior to enrollment in regular credit courses. Reasonable prerequisites may be required in certain courses.
  4. Shall have all usual student and institutional records maintained; however, institutions will not report such students for budgetary purposes.
  5. Must meet all System, institution, and legislated degree requirements if they are degree-seeking students.
  6. May not enroll in dental, medical, veterinary, or law schools under the provisions of this policy.
402.0105 COURSE CREDITS FOR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA COMPLETION

  1. Systemwide Implementation Guidelines

    In recognition of the fact that a strong predictor of college success is a rigorous high school curriculum, the institutions in the University System of Georgia will award academic credit for appropriate courses in the USG core curriculum for corresponding subject areas in a completed International Baccalaureate ("IB") Diploma Program in which the student obtained designated end of course assessment scores. Both Standard Level (college preparatory) and Higher Level (college comparable) courses will be considered for credit in a completed Diploma Program, as the program does not allow students to take all Higher Level courses. Higher Level end of course assessment scores of four or more and Standard Level scores of five or better suggest that the IB Program work is comparable to a college course. The course credit schema in the table below will be used Systemwide, with allowances made for variable credits in each category to account for labs, and on occasion, for depth of material covered in the IB Program subject area that may be comparable to more than one college level course.

    Semester Credit Hours Granted
    Score Standard Level Higher Level
    4 0 3 - 4
    5 0 - 4 3 - 8
    6 - 7 3 - 8 3 - 12

    The particular courses for which students receive college credit may vary from institution to institution, depending on what courses the institution offers. Determinations of course comparability will be made by the respective departments. Institutions shall, however, attempt to have consistency across the System on common numbered core courses.

    The total college course credits awarded for IB assessments may not exceed 24.

    All institutions shall have a widely disseminated policy governing the award of course credits for IB assessments.

    The policy will apply to both resident and non-resident students.

    Institutions will collect data on IB students, analyze the data, and recommend revisions to the policy if warranted.

    A student may opt not to accept credits if he or she sees that acceptance of credits may disadvantage him or her. Further, if a student believes that the assessment of his or her work from the IB Diploma Program and subsequent awarding of credits for such is in error, he or she may file an appeal with the appropriate department chair and request a re-assessment. As with other academic matters, if the issue is not satisfactorily resolved at the department level, the student may then appeal to the dean of the respective college, with a final appeal to the vice president for academic affairs, whose decision in the matter will be final.

  2. Individual Campus Implementation Guidelines

    Along with the Systemwide policy, individual campuses may choose to offer additional benefits. After the appropriate core courses are credited, if the student (diploma completer) has additional acceptable IB assessment scores (4 or better for HL, 5 or better for SL) that have not been awarded course credits, individual institutions may award credit for other lower-division courses outside of the core for up to a maximum of 24 credits (total). Institutions may choose to award other benefits to diploma completers as well (e.g. early registration, parking pass, etc). If that is the case, details will be available on the institution's website.

    Institutions may choose to award credit to students who did not complete the diploma program but were awarded a certificate for completion of a specific subject area for Higher Level courses with an assessment score of 4 or better.

402.02 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS NOT LEADING TO THE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
402.0201 ADMISSION TO CAREER PROGRAMS

Admissions requirements for career certificates and career degrees (Associate of Applied Science degrees and Associate of Science degrees in allied health areas) depend upon the extent to which the general education component is based on Core Curriculum courses. There are two sets of admissions requirements (specified in Academic Affairs Handbook, Section 3.02.01): 1) for programs with a Core-based general education component (allowing more than 12 semester hours of Core curriculum course work) and 2) for programs with non-Core general education components (allowing 12 or fewer semester hours of Core Curriculum coursework).

Students admitted in the career degree or certificate category who have not completed a career degree may apply for admission to programs that lead to a baccalaureate degree if they meet regular or Limited Admission requirements. Students admitted in this category can be admitted into a program leading to a baccalaureate only if a) on admission to the institution they would have met the requirements for regular or Limited Admission or b) they show exceptional promise and are admitted as a Presidential Exception. Students admitted in this category must fulfill all learning support and CPC requirements.

402.0202 ADMISSION OF STUDENTS TO CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT DESIGNATED VOCATIONAL DIVISIONS

Students admitted to vocational divisions at Bainbridge College, Clayton College & State University, Coastal Georgia Community College, and Dalton State College are not required to meet the CPC and FI standards for regular or Limited Admissions; however, they are required to meet the admissions standards established by the Department of Technical and Adult Education for the same or similar programs, and they must meet prerequisite requirements for Core Curriculum courses. A student seeking admission to a transfer program must meet the requirements for freshman or transfer admissions.

402.0203 ADMISSION OF NON-DEGREE STUDENTS
  1. Institutions may permit students to enroll as non-degree students for a maximum of 12 semester credit hours (including institutional credit). Students may not enroll in any course for which there is a learning support prerequisite unless they have been screened for and have exempted the relevant learning support course.
     
  2. Institutions may permit students who have earned the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution to enroll as non-degree students in courses with no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn.
402.0204 ADMISSION OF TRANSIENT STUDENTS

An applicant who is enrolled in one college or university and who wishes to take courses temporarily in another college or university shall submit the documents outlined in the Academic Affairs Handbook.

402.0205 ADMISSION OF AUDITORS

Students who submit evidence of graduation from a high school as specified in Section 402.0101 or a GED certificate may register as auditors. Under extraordinary circumstances, the president may waive the requirement of high school diploma or equivalent. Students registered as auditors shall be required to pay the regular tuition and fees for enrollment.

402.03 ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS POLICIES
402.0301 IN GENERAL

In addition to the general admissions policies described above, each unit of the University System may increase the requirements, entry levels, and/or testing procedures for general admission to the institution or to special programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels provided they do not conflict with University System of Georgia policies. Institutions should make available appropriate admissions information to students.

402.0302 REFERRAL OF STUDENTS TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Institutions should actively assist Georgia applicants who have been denied admission to find another institution which more appropriately matches their academic credentials.

402.0303 RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION

An applicant may be declared eligible for admission, registration, enrollment or re-enrollment at a University System institution only after satisfying all requirements established by the University System of Georgia and the institution concerned. The institution shall have the right to examine and appraise the character, personality and qualifications of the applicant. In order that this examination and appraisal may be made, the applicant shall furnish to the institution such biographical and other information, including references, as may be required.

Each unit of the University System reserves the right to refuse admission to a non-resident of Georgia, to an applicant whose admission would cause the institution to exceed its maximum capacity, to an applicant whose request for admission is only to a program that is already filled, to an applicant whose transcript(s) are from an unaccredited institution or who is otherwise ineligible for admission.

402.0304 RIGHT TO LIMIT ADMISSIONS

The Chancellor may limit the number of students admitted to an institution.

402.0305 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

The social security number shall be required from all entering students for a permanent and lasting record. When possible, an alternative number will be assigned and used by institutions for all purposes which do not require the social security number. In no event shall grades be posted by using the social security number. The University System of Georgia is dedicated to insuring the privacy and proper handling of confidential information pertaining to students and employees.

403 STUDENT RESIDENCY

403.01 OUT-OF-STATE ENROLLMENT

Each University System institution is required to file an annual report detailing the number of out-of-state students enrolled during the previous academic year (BR Minutes, April, 1995, p. 21).

403.02 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS FOR TUITION PURPOSES (CURRENT POLICY)

  1. (1) If a person is 18 years of age or older, he or she may register as an in-state student only upon showing that he or she has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of registration.

    Exceptions:

    1. A student whose parent, spouse, or court-appointed guardian is a legal resident of the State of Georgia may register as a resident providing the parent, spouse, or guardian can provide proof of legal residency in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of registration.
    2. A student who previously held residency status in the State of Georgia but moved from the state then returned to the state in 12 or fewer months.

    3. Students who are transferred to Georgia by an employer are not subject to the durational residency requirement.

    (2) No emancipated minor or other person 18 years of age or older shall be deemed to have gained or acquired in-state status for tuition purposes while attending any educational institution in this state, in the absence of a clear demonstration that he or she has in fact established legal residence in this state.

  2. If a parent or legal guardian of a student changes his or her legal residence to another state following a period of legal residence in Georgia, the student may retain his or her classification as an in-state student as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled in the University System of Georgia, regardless of the status of his or her parent or legal guardian.

  3. In the event that a legal resident of Georgia is appointed by a court as guardian of a nonresident minor, such minor will be permitted to register as in-state student providing the guardian can provide proof that he or she has been a resident of Georgia for the period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of the court appointment.

  4. Aliens shall be classified as nonresident students, provided, however, that an alien who is living in this country under an immigration document permitting indefinite or permanent residence shall have the same privilege of qualifying for in-state tuition as a citizen of the United States.

THE FOLLOWING POLICY 403.02 WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2007:
403.02 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS FOR TUITION PURPOSES

  1. United States Citizens

      1. An independent student who has established and maintained a domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term shall be classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes.

        It is presumed that no student shall have gained or acquired in-state classification while attending any postsecondary educational institution in this state without clear evidence of having established domicile in Georgia for purposes other than attending a postsecondary educational institution in this state.

      2. A dependent student shall be classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes if either i) the dependent student's parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term and the student has graduated from a Georgia high school or ii) the dependent student's parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term and the parent claimed the student as a dependent on the parent's most recent federal income tax return.

      3. A dependent student shall be classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes if a U.S. court-appointed legal guardian has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term, provided that appointment was not made to avoid payment of out-of-state tuition and the U.S. court-appointed legal guardian can provide clear evidence of having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.

      1. If an independent student classified as "in-state" relocates temporarily but returns to the State of Georgia within 12 months, the student shall be entitled to retain in-state tuition classification.

      2. If the parent or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian of a dependent student currently classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes establishes domicile outside of Georgia after having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia, the student may retain in-state tuition classification as long as the student remains continuously enrolled in a public postsecondary educational institution in the state, regardless of the domicile of the parent or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian.

  2. Noncitizens

    Noncitizens initially shall not be classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes unless there is evidence to warrant consideration of in-state classification. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or other eligible noncitizens as defined by federal Title IV regulations may be extended the same consideration as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify for in-state classification. International students who reside in the United States under nonimmigrant status conditioned at least in part upon intent not to abandon a foreign domicile are not eligible for in-state classification.

    A glossary defining the terms in the tuition classification policy can be found in the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Tuition Classification Guidelines Manual (BR Minutes, June 2006).

403.03 TUITION DIFFERENTIAL WAIVERS

See section 704.041 for instances in which an institution may waive the differential between in state and out-of-state tuition.

404 REGENTS' FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

404.01 REGENTS' OPPORTUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

The 1978 General Assembly (H.B. 1463) amended the law creating the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Authority so as to authorize the Board of Regents to award grants, scholarships, or cancelable loans to economically disadvantaged students who are residents of Georgia enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program in a university of the University System.

In compliance with provisions of this Act, the Board adopted the following criteria for the award of such scholarships:

  1. Each institution shall submit an annual request to the Chancellor for a specific number of scholarships and grants based upon estimated numbers of eligible candidates in the following year. The Board of Regents shall annually allocate the available positions to the Institutions based on the objectives and needs of the institutions of the University System. The Board of Regents will notify the Higher Education Assistance Authority of the total amount of funds they are to disburse to each institution.

  2. To attract the most talented students from the target groups to programs within the University System, 100 scholarships and grants in the amount of $5,000 each per academic year shall be offered. These scholarships and grants may be utilized as part of a total student financial aid package.

  3. Each institution awarding the scholarships and grants shall be responsible for determining compliance with the intent and the terms of the law establishing the scholarships and shall maintain adequate records of students receiving scholarships and grants. A recipient does not have the right to transfer this scholarship to another University System institution. Each institution will make an annual report to the Chancellor on the utilization of these funds.

  4. To remain eligible to receive funds under this program, the recipient must maintain good standing and minimum status of effective full-time graduate study, as defined by the institution in which enrolled.

  5. The scholarships are renewable and priority will be given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria as defined by the awarding institution.

  6. Each institution will determine the timing and amount of payments on the scholarship and grant award (BR Minutes, April 12, 1978, p. 210-211).
404.02 FINANCIAL NEEDS ANALYSIS

Applicants for Student Financial Aid Programs which are based on need must file an acceptable needs analysis which has been approved by the United states Department of Education.

All member institutions will accept and process the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for Federal and State student aid programs. In addition, institutions may elect to accept and process other needs analysis systems approved by the United States Department of Education (BR Minutes, 1986-87, p. 135).

405 ATHLETICS

405.01 MANAGEMENT OF ATHLETIC AFFAIRS

Management and control of intercollegiate and intramural athletic affairs shall be the responsibility of the respective institutional authorities. Each institution participating in a program of intercollegiate athletics is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that its management of the program is in compliance with the provisions of applicable federal laws and the regulations of any athletic conference with which it is affiliated. There shall be an annual audit of any separately incorporated athletic association, with a copy of the audit to be filed with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit (BR Minutes, 1983-84, p. 170).

405.02 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS IN ASSOCIATE DEGREE COLLEGES

The associate degree colleges in the University System are authorized to establish and participate in a program of intercollegiate and intramural athletics. Intercollegiate football programs may be established only with prior approval of the Board (BR Minutes, 1993-94, p. 185).

406 DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS

406.01 WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The Board of Regents has determined that the use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs constitutes a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and academic achievement of students enrolled in the University System of Georgia. Therefore, all student organizations, including but not limited to societies, fraternities, sororities, clubs, and similar groups of students which are affiliated with, recognized by, or which use the facilities under the jurisdiction of institutions of the University System, are hereby charged with the responsibility of enforcing compliance with local, state and federal laws by all persons attending or participating in their respective functions and affairs, social or otherwise.

As provided by the Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse Act, any such student organization which, through its officers, agents or responsible members, knowingly permits, authorizes or condones the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, serving, consumption or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs at any affair, function, or activity of such student organization, social or otherwise, is hereby declared to be in violation of the laws of this state and shall have its recognition as a student organization withdrawn and, after complying with the constitutional requirements of due process, shall be expelled from the campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of determination of guilt. Such organization shall also be prohibited from using any property or facilities of the institution for a period of at least one year. Any lease, rental agreement or other document between the Board of Regents or the institution and the student organization which relates to the use of the property leased, rented or occupied shall be terminated for knowingly having permitted or authorized the unlawful actions described above. All sanctions imposed by this policy shall be subject to review procedures authorized by the Board of Regents (Article VIII of the Bylaws).

An appeal to the Board of Regents shall not defer the effective date of the adverse action against the student organization pending the Board's review unless the Board so directs. Any such stay or suspension by the Board shall expire as of the date of the Board's final decision on the matter (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 384).

This Policy amendment is intended to implement The Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse Act of 1990 (Ga. Laws, 1990, p. 2033).

406.02 VIOLATIONS OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAW

A student in any institution of the University System of Georgia who is charged with or indicted for a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, may be suspended pending the disposition of the criminal charges against him. Upon request, the student shall be accorded a hearing as provided in Section 407.01 of this manual. At such hearing, the student shall have the burden of establishing that his or her continued presence as a member of the student body will not be detrimental to the health, safety, welfare or property of other students or members of the campus community or to the orderly operation of the institution. Upon final conviction, the student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (BR Minutes, 1959-60, p. 306; 1983-84, p. 168).

406.03 DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

See section 1902.

406.04 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS ON CAMPUS

The Board of Regents recognizes and supports Georgia laws with respect to the sale, use, distribution and possession of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, as well as the Drug-free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 with respect to the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlled substances or dangerous drugs on college campuses and elsewhere. To this end, the Board has encouraged its institutions to adopt programs designed to increase awareness of the dangers involved in the use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana or other illegal or dangerous drugs by students and employees of the University System. Such programs shall stress individual responsibility related to the use of alcohol and drugs on and off the campus.

To assist in the implementation of such awareness programs, and to enhance the enforcement of state laws on the campuses of the University System, each institution shall adopt and disseminate comprehensive rules and regulations consistent with local, state and federal laws, concerning the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, controlled substances or dangerous drugs on the campus and at institutionally approved events off campus. Disciplinary sanctions for the violation of such rules and regulations shall be included as a part of each institution's disciplinary code of student conduct.

Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs, shall include the forfeiture of academic credit and the temporary or permanent suspension or expulsion from the institution. All sanctions imposed by the institution shall be subject to review procedures authorized by the Board of Regents (Article VIII of the Bylaws).

The rules and regulations adopted by each institution shall also provide for relief from disciplinary sanctions previously imposed against one whose convictions are subsequently overturned on appeal or otherwise.

An appeal to the Board of Regents shall not defer the effective date of the adverse action against the student pending the Board's review unless the Board so directs. Any such stay or suspension by the Board shall expire as of the date of the Board's final decision on the matter.

A copy of the rules and regulations adopted by each institution shall be filed with the office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services. (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 383)

This policy amendment is intended to implement The Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990 (Ga. Laws, 1990, p 2037).

407 APPEALS

407.01 GRADE, PARKING, RESIDENCY, AND TUITION APPEALS

Final judgment on all appeals regarding residency, student grades, traffic citations, and the Guaranteed Tuition Plan rests with the president of the institution at which the appeal is heard (BR Minutes, June 2006).

407.02 APPEALS ON OTHER MATTERS

Appeals by or on behalf of students on other matters or applicants for admission shall be made according to Article VIII of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents.

408 IMMUNIZATIONS

408.01 IMMUNIZATION AGAINST DISEASE DURING AN OUTBREAK/EPIDEMIC

During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by immunization on a campus of the University System, and when an emergency has been declared by appropriate health authorities of this state, the president of that institution is authorized, in conjunction with the Chancellor and appropriate health authorities, to promulgate rules and regulations specifying those diseases against which immunizations may be required.

Any individual who cannot show proof of immunity or adequate immunization and refuses to be immunized shall be excluded from any institution or facility of the University System until such time as he/she presents valid evidence that he/she is immunized against the disease or the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger (BR Minutes, 1989-90, p. 406).

408.02 IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS
  1. Each institution of the University System of Georgia shall implement immunization requirements for all new students (first-year, transfers, and others) as directed by policy consistent with recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, developed collaboratively by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Such policies shall be on file in each institution's office of student affairs.
     
  2. Each institution shall make available information to every new student regarding required and recommended immunizations using information developed by the Division of Public Health in concert with the Office of Student Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
     
  3. Specific colleges or departments, with concurrence of the president and the Chancellor, may require some immunizations not required for all new students by this policy. Institutions are also authorized to impose additional immunization requirements for students when, in the opinion of the president of the institution and with concurrence of the Chancellor and appropriate public health authorities, there is a substantial risk of exposure to other communicable diseases preventable by vaccination (BR Minutes, 1990-91, p.114).
     
  4. Pursuant to legislation enacted in 2003, all students residing in campus housing are required to sign a document stating that they have received a vaccination against meningococcal disease or reviewed the information provided by the institution (BR Minutes, October 2003).

409 UNIVERSITY SYSTEM STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

There shall be a University System of Georgia Student Advisory Council which shall provide a forum for communication and recommendation between the students of the University System and the Chancellor and as appropriate, the Board of Regents, concerning problems and issues which are important in providing information and assistance in programs and activities of the member institutions.

This Council shall meet at least once annually with the Chancellor (or the Chancellor's designee) and her or his staff for the purpose of discussing plans and growth of the University System of Georgia and various problems connected therewith. The Council should prepare an annual report to be presented to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at a spring meeting.

Membership of the University System Student Advisory Council shall be composed of duly elected student body presidents, or equivalent elected officers, of institutions in the University System of Georgia. The organization and governance shall be according to policies and procedures established by the members of the University System Student Advisory Councit in consultation with the Chancellor (or the Chancellor's designee) and approved by the Board of Regents. (BR Minutes, August 2004)

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