Developmental Studies programs began in Fall 1974 as a means of bringing the reading, English, and mathematical skills of marginally prepared students up to standard. In 1993, Developmental Studies policy and procedures were revised and Developmental Studies programs were included under a broader Learning Support (LS) structure. LS programs serve students who need preparation in reading, mathematics, English, and/or other areas for success in college. Students who do not meet standards for regular admission are required to take the appropriate part(s) of the Collegiate Placement Exam or Compass exam to determine whether they are to be placed in LS courses. In admissions, placement, and exit requirements, institutions may set higher standards than required by the System. No degree credit may be earned in LS courses, but institutional credit is awarded. LS programs may serve three groups of students:

1. Students required to take LS courses because they are below System minimum requirements for placement (430 SAT-Verbal or 400 SAT-Math or CPC English or CPC Math);
2. Students who are above the System minimum requirements but are required by the institution to take LS courses or other courses;
3. Students who volunteer to take LS courses to prepare for regular college courses.

Learning Support Requirements 1996 High School Graduates as First-Time College Freshmen, Fall 1996
INSTITUTION	Number of First Time Freshmen			Number with any LS Requirement*			Percent with any LS Requirement*			Number Below System Minima			Percent Below System Minima
Georgia Institute of Tech.	890			15			1.7			15			1.7
Georgia State University	1,558			376			24.1			102			6.5
Medical College	2			0			0.0			0			0.0
University of Georgia	3,067			500			16.3			16			0.5
University Total	5,517			891			16.2			133			2.4
Georgia Southern Univ.	2,931			1,310			44.7			515			17.6
Valdosta State University	1,596			561			35.2			NR			NR
Regional University Total	4,527			1,871			41.3			515			11.4
Albany State University	418			284			67.9			284			67.9
Armstrong Atlantic State Univ.	526			259			49.2			193			36.7
Augusta State University	628			232			36.9			117			18.6
Clayton College & State Univ.	365			197			54.0			86			23.6
Columbus State University	547			148			27.1			145			26.5
Fort Valley State University	483			288			59.6			288			59.6
Georgia College & State Univ.	636			234			36.8			108			17.0
Georgia Southwestern State Univ.	253			78			30.8			63			24.9
Kennesaw State University	969			268			27.7			19			2.0
North Ga. College & State Univ.	490			78			15.9			28			5.7
Savannah State University	393			282			71.8			282			71.8
Southern Polytechnic State Univ.	336			0			0.0			0			0.0
State University of West Georgia	1,072			385			35.9			243			22.7
State University Total	7,116			2,733			38.4			1,856			26.1
Abraham Baldwin Agric. College	580			243			41.9			206			35.5
Atlanta Metropolitan College	155			105			67.7			105			67.7
Bainbridge College	122			67			54.9			39			32.0
Coastal Georgia Community College	203			116			57.1			115			56.7
Dalton College	397			177			44.6			144			36.3
Darton College	359			237			66.0			100			27.9
DeKalb College	1223			950			77.7			430			35.2
East Georgia College	144			84			58.3			81			56.3
Floyd College	418			417			99.8			417			99.8
Gainesville College	321			120			37.4			50			15.6
Gordon College	533			307			57.6			307			57.6
Macon State College	374			242			64.7			144			38.5
Middle Georgia College	554			279			50.4			279			50.4
South Georgia College	216			100			46.3			88			40.7
Waycross College	130			72			55.4			50			38.5
Associate Degree College    Total	5,729			3,516			61.4			2,555			44.6
SYSTEM TOTAL	22,889			9,011			39.4			5,059			22.1

• The columns representing "any LS requirement" include students who were required to take LS courses because they fell below System minima, students who were required to take LS courses because they fell below institutional minima, and a small number of students (612) who volunteered to be placed in LS courses.

Source: The Policy Manual; Academic Affairs Handbook; Learning Support Administrative Procedures; Student Information Reporting System