Student Affairs

The mission of the college’s Student Affairs Division is to provide support services which enable Gwinnett Tech students to pursue their education and career goals and enhance their capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.

The Student Affairs Division is comprised of the following offices: Student Recruitment, Customer Service Desk, Campus Call Center, Enrollment Support (student advisement), Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Assessment, Student Retention, Student Grant Programs (Special Populations, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), Office of Veterans Affairs, Banner Services and Student Life.

Highly skilled, professional staff are available in the One Stop Enrollment Support Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Recruitment Information Sessions

Students who seek to learn about academic program offerings and apply to the college should sign up for and attend an information session and campus tour, which provide an important overview of the college, the admissions process, financial aid, and general program information. Information sessions are available throughout the week. Register for a session online at www.GwinnettTech.edu.  Click on the “Visit Us” tab to create a profile and view the available sessions. Students may also visit the Student Recruitment Center, located in room 601, building 100 on the Lawrenceville campus, or building A, reception desk of the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or call 678.226.6751 to schedule an appointment.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation sessions are offered each semester. New students are required to attend orientation before registering for classes. These sessions provide an important foundation for academic success and transition for the first semester at the college.

Some programs may also require a specific program or department orientation in addition to the New Student Orientation sessions the college provides. Students should review their admissions acceptance letters for more information.

Admissions Policy

The following section provides information on student classifications, admissions requirements, admissions procedures, application deadlines, and course credit.

Admissions Process: Admission to a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) college is a multi-step process which consists of evaluation of prior academic experience and assessment for post-secondary readiness of eligible applicants.  The ability of a student to succeed in a program at a technical college is greatly determined by the math and language skills possessed by that student.  The Technical College System of Georgia is committed to assisting each student to achieve at their maximum potential.  All students applying for diploma, degree, and certificate programs must be assessed prior to acceptance to a program of study at a technical college.  Students will then be admitted in accordance with the academic standards applicable to that program.

Nondiscrimination In accordance with the Statement of Equal Opportunity, Gwinnett Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of military member or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Any student with a complaint or grievance should contact Lisa Richardson, 678.226.6691, building 100, room 323B.

Eligible Applicants: Individuals 16 years of age or older or Dual Enrollment high school students in the9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades who seek access to quality instruction at the post-secondary level are eligible for admission. Dual Enrollment students must be age 14 or older.  Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and health sciences program applicants must be at least 17 years old. Paramedic technology applicants must be 18 years old upon completion of the program.

Required Academic Criteria

To be admitted by a Technical College, applicants must satisfy one of the six academic readiness paths below:

1. High school graduates must submit an official high school transcript (including graduation date) that reflects the student has met the attendance, academic, and/or assessment requirements for the state’s board of education or equivalent agency.
   • Secondary schools must be accredited by an agency included on the TCSG approved accreditation agency list. Please review the college website at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/; “TCSG Accreditation Agencies”.
   • Applicants with diplomas from secondary schools located outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated for equivalency by an approved outside evaluation organization. Please review the college website at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/; “Foreign Transcript Evaluation” for recommended agencies.
   • High school Certificates of Attendance or other certificates, credentials or other documents where the student did not complete all required coursework or testing required for a high school diploma in that state are not recognized for admission purposes.
2. Submission of an official transcript reflecting the student has passed an examination the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g. GED).
3. The only exception to requirements 1 or 2 is for those students seeking enrollment into an approved basic workforce certificate that does not require a high school diploma or GED for admission.
4. Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions (accredited by an accepted accrediting agency) reflecting the successful completion (C or better) of a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours of coursework at the degree level.
5. Applicants who were home schooled in the state of Georgia and did not attend a recognized accredited program must submit:
   • Certificate of Attendance form from the local superintendent’s office or a Declaration of Intent to utilize a Home Study Program from the Georgia Department of Education verifying that the parent or legal guardian complied with the requirements of home study programs as referenced in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.
   • Annual progress reports or a final transcript for the equivalent of the home schooled student’s junior and senior years (the final progress report or transcript must include the graduation date).
6. Applicants who were home schooled outside the state of Georgia and did not attend a recognized accredited program must submit:
   • Annual progress reports or a final transcript for the equivalent of the home schooled student’s junior and senior years (the final progress report or transcript must include the graduation date); and
   • One of the following:
     • PSAT, SAT or ACT scores that meet or exceed the TCSG system and college minimum score requirements for program readiness.
     • ACCUPLACER placement scores that meet or exceed the TCSG system and college minimum score requirements for program readiness.
7. Service members of the U. S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy may submit an official copy of their DD Form 214 indicating high school graduate or equivalent.

Exception: Presidents of technical colleges may waive the high school diploma/high school equivalency requirement for those pursuing a high school equivalency who are otherwise eligible to enroll in a specific program of study.

Admissions Categories

Regular Status 
Students who meet all requirements for admission into a selected degree, diploma or a technical certificate of credit at Gwinnett Technical College and are eligible to take all courses in the program curriculum are granted regular admission status.

Admissions requirements and application deadlines vary by program. In addition, certain programs accept students only once or twice a year; others, primarily in health sciences, are full-time day programs only. Program students have first priority in registering for classes and are assigned registration times according to credit hours completed. Financial aid for eligible program students is effective for the semester and program specified in the acceptance letter.

Provisional Status
Students who do not meet all requirements for regular admission into a selected program are granted provisional admission status. Provisionally admitted students may take learning support classes, and certain specified occupational courses as long as class prerequisites and corequisites are satisfied.

All technical certificate of credit, diploma, and associate degree program students initially admitted on a provisional basis must have satisfactorily completed the necessary prerequisite and learning support coursework in order to progress through the State Standard Curriculum. Note: Dually/Jointly enrolled students are not eligible for Provisional Admission status.

Special Admit Status (Non-credential seeking) 
Applicants who wish to take credit coursework, but are not seeking a certificate, diploma, or associate degree are granted Special Admit status.  The following specifics define the parameters of this status:

1. May apply up to a maximum of 25 quarter or 17 semester credit hours into a specific program for credential seeking purposes after achieving regular admit status.  The number of hours taken as a special admit student in no way waives the requirement of the regular admission process.
2. May enroll in classes only on a space-available basis.
3. Must adhere to Gwinnett Technical College’s prerequisite and test score requirements when selecting courses. Special admit students must complete an application, pay the application fee, and meet admissions requirements.  A student can be classified special admit for one semester only.
4. Will not be eligible for any financial aid.

Pending Admit Status (High School Seniors only) 
Applicants who are in their final year of high school and are applying for a college term immediately after they graduate are granted Pending Admit Status.  The following specifics define the parameters of this status:

1. Applicants must submit a transcript showing the applicant is on track for completing all required high school courses before the semester they wish to enroll.
   • A letter from the high school confirming the pending completion is encouraged to be sent with the transcript.
2. Will be allowed to register for courses after course placement requirements have been met.
3. These applicants are not eligible for federal financial aid until a final high school transcript showing the high school diploma conferral date has been received.

Transient Students (another institution’s students)

Students currently enrolled at another regionally accredited institution may enroll as a transient student on a space-available basis in order to complete coursework to transfer back to their home institution.

Students who submit an application for admission, pay the application fee, and submit to the Registrar’s Office a Transient Agreement Letter from their home institution, are granted Transient admission status at Gwinnett Technical College.  The Transient Agreement Letter must verify that the student is in good standing at their home institution and must list the specific semester and course(s) the student is eligible to take.  Transient students are not eligible to register for courses for which they have not met the prerequisite requirements. Unofficial college transcripts may be required to determine that course prerequisites are met. GTC uses the transient letter and unofficial college transcripts to determine course eligibility.

Transient students are not guaranteed registration into desired classes. An application for admission to GTC and a new Transient Agreement Letter are required for each term of enrollment at GTC. Transient students are required to meet Gwinnett Technical College’s admissions application deadlines.

Transient students are accepted to the college and eligible to enroll in Gwinnett Tech credit courses only on a space available basis during late registration. Transient students will receive a registration time ticket for late registration only and must pay the $45.00 late registration fee. Gwinnett Technical College does not guarantee that transient students will be able to enroll in desired courses, nor is Gwinnett Technical College responsible for advising transient students about which courses are applicable to their programs or transferable to their home institutions. Gwinnett Technical College does not automatically forward transcripts to the home institution; transcripts are sent only at the students’ written request.

Transient Students (Gwinnett Technical College students)
Gwinnett Tech’s program accepted students who wish to take courses at other institutions must complete a Request for a Transient Letter form, which is available in the Enrollment Support Center. If the course is an online course offered through GVTC, the student must also apply online at gvtc.org. Students must be currently enrolled, and have an overall grade point average of 2.0, and must meet all prerequisites or test score requirements. If the student meets transiency requirements and has not exceeded the 60 percent transfer credit limit or 18 hour course load limit, the Registrar’s Office will forward a letter of transiency to the visiting institution. Gwinnett Tech will not guarantee the acceptance of coursework taken without transiency approval on file. Students completing coursework at other institutions must request that an official transcript be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Gwinnett Tech before credit will be awarded. Transfer credit will be awarded upon course completion with a grade of 2.0 or better.

General Studies Students
These are students who plan to take degree-level courses in arts and sciences (English, math, psychology, etc.). General studies students must complete an application, pay the application fee, meet admission requirements, and submit test scores or transcripts to satisfy prerequisites. General studies students do not qualify for financial aid. General studies students have access to classes listed under General Education Courses .

Readmission Status after Absence or Graduation
After an absence of two consecutive semesters, previously accepted program students become inactive and must reapply for admission to their programs and re-enter under the current catalog’s policies and program curriculum. Readmission is not guaranteed. Former students will not be required to pay the application fee. Students who registered at other postsecondary colleges during their absence must have all official transcripts sent to the admissions office. Students who have completed program requirements and graduated from their major must reapply for admission under a new major.

Dual Enrollment Student Participation Policy The Dual Enrollment Program is a dual credit enrollment program administered by Georgia Student Finance Commission, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-2-161.3. It aims to assist students who are attending a participating eligible high school or eligible Home Study program located within the State of Georgia, to enroll in coursework at a participating eligible postsecondary institution as dual credit enrollment students. Please refer to GAfutures.org for detailed information about the Georgia Student Finance Commission’s Dual Enrollment program. Dual Enrolled students may continue to participate in activities, clubs and athletics at their high schools, but those activities do not excuse them from the requirements of their college courses. Students must meet all deadlines posted, and must follow all guidelines set forth in the catalog. Dual Enrollment participation at Gwinnett Technical College is available for students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Student age and level:

• must be a minimum of age 14 by the first day of the semester and
• must be approved and classified as a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader by an eligible high school and

2. Students must meet all Gwinnett Tech admissions requirements:

• Complete a Gwinnett Tech application every semester.
• Submit official eligible test scores (Compass, Accuplacer, SAT or ACT).
• Complete Dual Enrollment student participation agreement every semester.
• Submit proof of completion of Part 1 of the Dual Enrollment funding application available through GaFutures.org.
• Home school students must provide a declaration of intent.

3. Students must complete all Georgia Student Finance Commission requirements for Dual Enrollment funding every semester of participation
4. Students must also meet the minimum age requirements set for some programs

Once the admissions process is complete, an eligible Dual Enrollment student will be accepted as a type “H” student, meaning “high school” and not a beginning, returning, or transfer level college student. Accepted students must register themselves during the registration period. It is the responsibility of the student to verify approved courses through the GaFutures.org course directory.  Gwinnett Tech provides Dual Enrollment textbooks through a rental program. Therefore, students must sign a textbook agreement form and will be charged a lost or damaged book fee if the book is not returned, and/or not returned in the required condition. No refund shall be made for books issued to students participating in the Dual Enrollment program. Late registration fees and course related fees and supplies, not including book(s), may be assessed to the student’s account. These charges are NOT waived and are the student’s responsibility for payment.

Due to the admit type, age, maturity, and life experience levels, Dual Enrollment student participation in on-campus activities, clubs, and etc. is limited. Dual Enrollment students….

• may participate in internships if minimum age and program requirements are met.
• may participate in off-campus instructional events only; parent/legal guardian must accompany student at own cost.
• may participate in on-campus activities, speakers, events, and services.
• may not join campus clubs.
• may not participate in SkillsUSA; must participate at the secondary level with affiliated high school or home school.
• may not participate in the ambassador or student leadership programs.
• are not eligible for the GOAL competition.
• are not eligible for outstanding program student, distinguished student, SOLA, award of merit, or spirit awards.
• are not eligible for NTHS or PTK.

Additional information is available on our website at GwinnettTech.edu/DualEnrollment or from the Dual Enrollment Office at the Lawrenceville campus in building 100, room 519, 678.226.6889 or at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus in Building A, room 237, 470.282.5285.

Transfer Students 
These are students who wish to transfer to Gwinnett Tech from other postsecondary institutions. The admissions office should be contacted for any exceptions. Transfer students must have official transcripts sent from all colleges attended.

Continuing Education Students
These are students who plan to attend Gwinnett Tech for the purpose of taking noncredit courses, seminars, and/or specialty courses and do not wish to earn a degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit. Continuing Education students are not required to follow the same admissions procedures as program students; however, completion of an information form is required at registration. Registration information for Continuing Education students is available by selecting the link for Continuing Education on our website at GwinnettTech.edu Additional information is available from the Continuing Education office at 770.995.9697.

General Admissions Procedures

To be accepted to Gwinnett Technical College as a program student, all applicants must complete the following process:

1. Submit a completed, signed application for admission with a non-refundable application fee of $25.

2. Submit official documents to satisfy one of the academic readiness paths described above. Applicants currently in high school should submit a partial high school transcript at the time of application and an official final transcript following graduation.

   Note: “Official” means mailed directly or hand-delivered in an unopened, sealed envelope from the releasing institution. 

3. Provide proof of Lawful Presence in the United States and Residency status for tuition rate purposes. Please review the college website at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/; “Residency Verification”.
4. Submit official transcripts from all domestic and international colleges, universities, or other postsecondary institutions attended (regardless of length of attendance or completion of courses). Please note, transfer credit evaluation is not performed during the admissions process.
5. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES approved agency. Please review the college website at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/; “Foreign Transcript Evaluation” for approved agencies.
6. Submit official authorized placement test scores taken if taken within five years of the student’s date of acceptance to Gwinnett Technical College. If no scores are available or if scores are over five years old, testing is available in the Assessment Center.
7. Some programs may require additional documentation. For more information contact the program advisor.

Students will receive an acceptance letter once all documents have been received and all admissions requirements have been met. (Some programs use additional selection criteria to determine acceptance. For competitive admissions programs see “Competitive Admissions Program Entrance Requirements” below).

Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States Requirements

Effective January 1, 2012, all students applying for in-state tuition must provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. The following documents will serve as proof of lawful presence in the United States and documentation will be required before you are eligible for consideration of in-state tuition:

• A current Driver’s License issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
• A current ID issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
• A current Driver’s License or ID issued by a state that verifies immigration status and only issues to persons lawfully present in the United States. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) will accept the following:

Alabama: Issued after August 1, 2000
Florida: Issued after January 1, 2010
South Carolina: Issued after November 1, 2008
Tennessee: Issued after May 29, 2004

• A certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. A photocopy is not acceptable.
• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551).
• A current, valid military identification card for active duty soldiers or veterans.
• A current U.S. Passport.
• A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
• A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).
• Conditional Permanent Resident Card (I-551C).
• Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) issued by Department of Homeland Security showing:
  • Refugee
  • Asylum Granted
  • Parolee
  • Victim of Human Trafficking

Any student who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition, regardless of how long he or she has lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy 6.2.2 and Procedure 6.2.2p to warrant an in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state, and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also have to meet the verification requirement.

Georgia Residency Requirements

Determining a student’s residency status must be based on the existence of surrounding objective circumstances that indicate a student’s intent to maintain a permanent presence, or Domicile, in the State of Georgia.  No single factor is conclusive. Similarly, there is no predetermined number of factors required to be met.  The following indicators may be considered when documenting the Domicile of an individual, but this is not an exhaustive list:

• Location of employment.
• Location of voter registration.
• Location of property, including home purchase, and taxes paid thereon.
• State for which the individual filed and paid state income taxes.
• Address and other information on federal and state income tax returns.
• State where the person’s automobile title is registered and the payment of property taxes thereon.
• Address on the driver’s license and state of issuance.
• Address on the Georgia Driver’s License Bureau ID.
• Reasons for initially coming to Georgia.
• Citizenship Requirements.
  • A student meets the Citizenship Requirements, for the purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is a United States Citizen, born or naturalized.
  • A student meets the Citizenship Requirements, for the purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is an Eligible Non Citizen, according to the Federal Title IV definition.
    • Eligible Non Citizen: a person who, in accordance with the Federal Title IV definition, is a United States permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); or a conditional permanent resident (I-555C); or the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: Refugee, Asylum Granted, Parolee (I-94 confirms paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired): “Victim of human trafficking,” T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.), or Cuban-Haitian Entrant. Persons with an F1 or F2 student visa, or J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa do not meet the definition of an Eligible Non-Citizen.
  • Ineligible Non-Citizens: A Non-Citizen cannot qualify for in-state tuition.  However, in the discretion of the President of the college the international tuition may be waived in favor of an out of state tuition rate for a Non-Citizen who has been verified as lawfully present in the United States in accordance with state and federal immigration laws.

Dependent Students:

• A Dependent Student is an individual under the age of 24 who receives financial support from a parent or United States court-appointed Legal Guardian whose most recent tax return lists the individual as “dependent.”
• A Dependent Student meets the Georgia residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if his or her parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the student is seeking in-state tuition, and
• Such student graduated from an eligible high school located in the State of Georgia; or
• The parent claimed the student as a dependent on the parent’s most recent income tax return.
• A Dependent Student meets the Georgia residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and related policies, if a United States 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 of the school term for which the student is seeking in-state tuition, provided that the appointment was not made to avoid payment of Out-of-State tuition.

Independent Students:

• An Independent Student is an individual who is not claimed as a dependent on the most recent income tax returns of a parent or United States court-appointed legal guardian who has ceased to provide support and right to that individual’s care, custody, and earnings.
• An Independent Student meets the Georgia Residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the student is seeking In-State Tuition.

Retaining Georgia Residency

• Dependent Students: If the Parent or United States court-appointed Legal Guardian of a Dependent Student who was correctly determined to meet Georgia Residency requirements for the purposes of this procedure and the related policies, establishes Domicile outside of the State of Georgia, such student shall continue to retain his or her status as a Georgia Resident, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, as long as such student remains Continuously Enrolled at Gwinnett Technical College.
• Independent Students: If an Independent Student who was correctly determined to meet Georgia Residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, temporarily relocates outside of the State of Georgia, but returns to the State of Georgia within 12 months, such student shall retain his or her status as a Georgia Resident, for purposes of In-State Tuition.

Assessment Center

The Assessment Center at Gwinnett Tech provides appropriate assessment services to meet the needs of college students, area businesses, and the community. For a complete list of testing services available please review our website at GwinnettTech.edu/program/assessment-testing-center/.

ACCUPLACER Test

Student admission to a program requires official SAT, ACT, GED, MILESTONES, ACCUPLACER test scores be sent directly to the Admissions Office if taken within five years of the student’s acceptance to Gwinnett Technical College. Only 11th grade MILESTONES test scores will be accepted for admission. Please note that students using the MILESTONES test will still need to take the math portion of the ACCUPLACER.  Students who do not have appropriate scores may sit for the ACCUPLACER test in the Assessment Center during the posted hours of operation. Initial tests are provided free of charge with a current application and include reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic and elementary algebra. Candidates must provide current picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, student ID). The test is adaptive and un-timed. Candidates should allow approximately 3 hours for completing the test. Results are available at the time of testing, and an enrollment advisor reviews the recommendations with each applicant.

Applicants may retest on ACCUPLACER only one time following a mandatory 14-day period from the initial test date. The Assessment Center staff can provide a list of helpful websites for additional practice. The cost of the retest (reading  comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, and elementary algebra) is $25 per section and is paid by the candidate prior to testing. The candidate only pays for the section retested. If cut scores on the retest are not adequate for program admission, the student must complete the recommended learning support courses.

For additional admissions assessment score options please see your Enrollment Advisor.

Minimum test scores have also been set for admission to the credit programs. Students not attaining the required scores will be referred to the Adult Education office for ACCUPLACER support services. These services are offered at no charge to students and assist them in attaining the skills necessary for success in credit classes. Students may elect to self-remediate; however, they must achieve the required minimum score before being eligible for any credit program courses.

Information for taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) program can be obtained from high school counselors; CEEB, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08541, 609.771.7600, collegeboard.com, for SAT information; or ACT Records, P.O. Box 451, Iowa City, IA 52243, 319.337.1320, act.org, for ACT information.

Proctored Exams

The Assessment Center is a member of the Consortium of the National College Testing Association and proctors exams for distance learning/online courses. Contact 678.226.6605 for more information and to arrange college exams at Gwinnett Tech.

Competitive Healthcare Admissions Program Entrance Requirements

Admission to some healthcare programs require the use of a combination of factors for evaluating admissibility. These factors may include required college courses (prerequisite courses), placement examination scores, and grade point average. In addition, these programs may have file completion deadlines. For health sciences programs with a file completion deadline, applicant files must include, but are not limited to, the following items by the deadline:

• A completed Competitive Program Application Packet submitted to the Enrollment Support Center by the program application deadline. Application packets are available at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents.
• Must be currently enrolled or admitted to the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree or Healthcare Assistant certificate.
• Student must be in good academic standing.
• All previous transcripts - GED, high school and/or all previous colleges must have been received by the College.
• Required prerequisite courses must be completed with minimum grade of “C” or higher. 
  Note: Some programs may allow “in progress” prerequisite courses, currently enrolled in, to be completed by the prerequisite deadline. 
• Overall minimum program GPA or higher must be earned in the prerequisite courses.

Health science program applicants are placed in the Interdisciplinary Studies degree or Healthcare Assistant certificate program to complete any required prerequisites. Applicants not accepted to their selected program of study are encouraged to meet with the staff at the Enrollment Support Center to choose an alternate program.

Competitive Admission Program Application, Prerequisite, and Deadlines

Special Priority file completion deadlines and prerequisite course completion deadlines apply for certain competitive admissions programs. Please visit the Enrollment Support Center located in building 100 of the Lawrenceville campus or in building A of the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus for additional information regarding application and prerequisite deadlines for competitive admissions programs. All materials submitted in support of a student’s application become the property of Gwinnett Tech and will not be returned to the applicant. Applications for admission and supporting documents are maintained for one year.

Deadlines and start dates are subject to change. For application and prerequisite completion deadlines for competitive admissions programs, please visit GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents. For specific questions please contact the Enrollment Support Center in building 100, or call 470.448.1201 or by email at HealthTeam@GwinnettTech.edu.

FILE COMPLETION DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE. PREREQUISITES MUST BE COMPLETED BY DEADLINES LISTED. 

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

BIOL, BUSN, and ALHS courses must be completed within five years prior to the published Health Program file completion deadline.

Chemistry and physics courses have a 10-year limit. Exceptions will be made on an individual basis for students with bachelor degrees in chemistry or physics.

Biology courses have a 5-year limit. Students who have passed biology lecture and lab courses (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, General Biology) more than 5 years ago are eligible to take an exemption exam for a particular biology course in the Assessment Center. If a student scores a 70% or above on the course exemption exam, he/she will receive exemption credit (lecture and lab) for that particular course.

The following Health programs require additional testing:

• Paramedic: Applicants must complete EMT program first, pass EMT registry exam and submit proof of their GA EMT license. Once accepted, applicants will be advised to take core classes before they can begin Paramedic classes.
• Imaging Science (Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Echocardiographic Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical Assisting, and Veterinary Technology: ATI TEAS. Please see competitive health packets at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents for additional testing information.
• Nursing: Kaplan exam. Please see competitive health packets at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents for additional testing information.

Kaplan and ATI TEAS study guides are available for purchase at the Gwinnett Technical College bookstore or may be purchased online at efollett.com. Additional study materials are available at the Enrollment Support Center. Health programs are highly competitive and space-limited. A comprehensive selection process is required for health programs. Applicants who complete their file, prerequisites and other requirements by program deadlines given will be considered for the program but are not guaranteed acceptance.

Credit Hour

Following the U.S. Department of Education guidance to institutions and accrediting agencies, as noted in the final regulations published on October 29, 2010, Gwinnett Technical College defines a credit hour as follows:

“An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practicums, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

One distance learning or hybrid course credit hour is defined as an equivalent amount of instruction and student work leading to equivalent learning outcomes, as required for a traditional class.

Course Credit

Course credit awarded by other than satisfactory completion of a course at Gwinnett Tech may be earned as follows:

• Advanced Placement Credit
• Secondary Articulation Credit
• College Level Examination Placement Credit (CLEP)
• Exemption Exam
• Credit by Transfer
• Military Credit (see Credit by Transfer)
• DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
• Non-Collegiate Course Credit

Advanced Placement Credit

Students who receive a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) test will be awarded appropriate credit. Official test scores should be mailed directly from the College Board to Gwinnett Tech’s Registrar’s Office. Students who have not received confirmation of credit prior to registration should contact the Enrollment Support Center.

Secondary Articulation Credit

Program students who qualify for advanced standing credit by articulation or through articulation agreements must have earned a minimum grade of B in comparable secondary technical courses in order to exempt Gwinnett Tech courses. Course credit by articulation is recorded as AC on the transcript and does not require payment of course fees. This credit is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. The institution requires an examination and a minimum score of 80 percent on a written and/or performance test on the course competencies. This examination may be taken only once. Those programs that provide for transfer to four-year institutions may approve articulation agreements which award Gwinnett Tech program credit for completion of selected secondary courses. Such dual credit options will be earned through the administration of the specific Gwinnett Tech program course final examination under the direction of Gwinnett Tech program faculty. Award of credit requires a minimum score of 80 percent on the examination. A grade of B will be awarded for scores of 80 to 89 and a grade of A will be awarded for scores of 90 to 100. Such credit will not require Gwinnett Tech course enrollment and will be reflected on the transcript as Gwinnett Tech credit and calculated as part of the student’s GPA. This examination may be taken only once. This credit shall be applied to the student’s record once he/she matriculates to the technical college. The secondary student must articulate within 2 years after high school graduation, unless dictated by program’s standards. Additional information is available from the Assessment Coordinator at 678.226.6303. Current high school students are encouraged to review the benefits and requirements of the Dual Enrollment program.

College Level Examination Placement Credit (CLEP)

Gwinnett Tech awards credit for a number of college level subject exams. For credit to be granted, the scores received must be at the 50th percentile or higher. Students wishing to earn CLEP credit for any courses should contact the Assessment Center at 678.226.6605 or email AssessmentOffice@GwinnettTech.edu for further information.

Exemption Exam

A currently enrolled or accepted program student may receive course credit by passing an examination if one is offered. A list of Exemption exams is available in the Assessment Center. The student must achieve a minimum score of 80 percent in order to receive course credit. Course credit by examination is recorded as EXE on the transcript and is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. EXE credit does not count as institutional credit. Exemption exams are administered in the Assessment Center by appointment. Students should consult with their advisors regarding specific program procedures. Students may not request exemption tests for courses in which they have been enrolled or withdrawn from nor may they take an exemption test more than once. Students must have completed any required prerequisites prior to taking the exam. Exams must be completed and graded prior to the start of the upcoming term. In order to graduate from Gwinnett Tech, at least 40% of program credits must be earned from courses taken at Gwinnett Tech.

A non-refundable testing fee of $50.00 will be charged for each course to be exempted. The procedure for requesting credit by examination is as follows:

1. Complete an Exemption Examination Request Form available in the Assessment Center.
2. Contact the Assessment Center to schedule a time to complete the exam. Course competencies are also available for each exam.
3. Pay the non-refundable exam fee of $50.00 in the Assessment Center at the scheduled time.
4. Show identification with a photograph at the time of the test.

The test will be graded and forwarded to the Registrar’s Office with the completed exemption test form indicating Pass (recorded on transcript as EXE) or Fail (not recorded on transcript). Exemption exam must be completed and graded prior to the start of term. Once a student has registered and begins attendance for a class, exemption credit is no longer an option.

Credit by Transfer

Transfer credit evaluations are performed on current “Accepted” applications only. Students will receive notification of the completed transfer credit evaluation by email. Transferred credit is viewable online by logging in on the Student Secure Area at GTC-Web.org. Course credit by transfer is recorded as TR Grade (e.g. TRA,TRB) on the transcript and does not require the payment of course fees. This credit is not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA and does not count as institutional credit. Transfer credit is not part of the admissions process. Students should contact the Registrar’s Office with any questions (email RegistrarsOffice@GwinnettTech.edu).  In order to graduate, at least 40% of the program credits must be earned from courses taken at Gwinnett Tech. The following guidelines apply to the evaluation of transfer credit:

• Official transcripts are required from all colleges previously attended. Transfer credit will only be considered from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions previously attended. Only appropriate equivalent courses with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) will be considered for transfer credit.
• A review of college transcripts and evaluation of courses for transfer credit is initiated by the Registrar’s Office only after the student is officially accepted to the college and to a program of study. Transfer credit evaluations may take 4 to 6 weeks to process and during peak periods, such as the three weeks prior to the start of a term, evaluations may take as long as 6 to 8 weeks. If a written course description or syllabus is needed, students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate course documentation. Equivalencies and requirements may change without notice. Information regarding Transfer Credit can be found on the college website at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/transfer.
• Students seeking transfer credit for additional courses not transferred in from initial evaluation of transcripts by the Registrar’s Office upon acceptance for admission may submit a “request for reevaluation” via email to: RegistrarsOffice@GwinnettTech.edu. Reevaluation requests must specify the originating college and course number(s), and the Gwinnett Tech corresponding course number.
• The division or program faculty and academic dean may be consulted for the Gwinnett Tech equivalencies of some courses. Any question or dispute regarding the granting of transfer credit is ultimately decided by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose decision is final.
• Time limits are imposed on some courses (for example, Automotive Technology, Accounting, Business, Management and Marketing courses have a ten-year time limit). Testing (written and/or performance) may be required.
• Transfer credit for military service schools is awarded based on American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations as listed in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services and approval by the appropriate division dean/program director.
• Gwinnett Tech reserves the right to rescind previously awarded student course exemption and transfer credit as warranted. Previously awarded transfer credit applicable to graduated student programs are permanent and will not be removed.
• An evaluation of courses for transfer credit is required for each program of study. Comparable course-to-course transfer may be accepted based on demonstrated learning competencies consistent with Gwinnett Tech’s courses, program of study applicability, and credit requirements
• Credits from one former institution appearing on the transcript of another institution can neither be evaluated nor accepted for credit until a transcript has been received from the institution originating the credit.
• Transfer credit will not be awarded for credit earned by examination or test that was administered at other institutions.
• Advanced Placement Credit (AP) (a score of 3 or higher is required) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (a score of 50 or higher is required) can only be awarded if official reports of AP/CLEP credit scores are sent from the College Board to the Gwinnett Tech Registrar’s Office. Unofficial or faxed copies cannot be accepted. Grades are not granted for credits earned.
• Credit weight in terms of hours must be equal or equivalent to the Gwinnett Technical College course(s).
• It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that all appropriate transfer credit has been posted to their academic transcript prior to making decisions about what courses to take.
• Only college-level, degree/diploma applicable coursework is eligible for transfer credit.

Non-Collegiate Course Credit

Students can request credit for non-collegiate sponsored instruction (e.g. standard industry certification/licensing) by completing a request form and providing official transcripts, test scores, certificates, and/or licenses as appropriate. Students submit the completed request form and accompanying material to the Assessment Center for evaluation. Credit awards will be granted in compliance with American Council on Education guidelines in accordance with institutional policies as provided in the Gwinnett Technical College catalog. Industry certification must be current for college credit to be awarded.

Process for Handling Industry Certifications

Students who wish to be considered for course exemption based on industry certifications should go to the Assessment Center. The Assessment Center is located in building 100, room 528 of the Lawrenceville campus and in building A, room 117 of the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus. The Assessment Services Coordinator will copy both the certification documents as well as the student’s government issued identification. The coordinator will then request appropriate course credit based on parameters established annually by Academic Affairs and will forward the exemption request form to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

All students must meet college graduation requirements as noted in the Course Catalog and Student Handbook. Students are required to earn (register for and complete with a grade of “C” or better) a minimum of 40% of their program’s required credits at Gwinnett Tech in order to be granted an award.  

If the industry certification is not listed in the document below, please send a copy of the student’s records to the academic program director for further evaluation. Once the program director has evaluated the documents you will receive notice of final determination. 

Industry Certification Exemption

Noncredit Courses/Continuing Education Units

Noncredit courses/Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) do not qualify for credit toward technical certificates of credit or diploma/degree programs.

Registration

Gwinnett Tech registration dates are listed on the academic calendar . Individual registration dates and times are available by signing on to Gwinnett Tech’s web site, GTC-Web.org. Students who no show or withdrawal from classes in a given term will be assigned a later time ticket for registration in the following term. Registration is conducted via the web and occurs in two phases: priority registration and late registration.

• Schedule of classes contains information and deadlines concerning registration. Students are advised to read the schedule carefully and note the required procedures and deadlines. Failure to follow these instructions exactly may result in unnecessary delays in registration or inability to get required classes for the term. Students are encouraged to seek academic advisement prior to registration. Students may not attend classes until registration has been completed and registration fees are paid.
• Drop for non-payment-Students who fail to pay their registration fees by the end of registration, late registration or the drop/add period as stated in the Schedule of Classes may be dropped from their classes and notified by their student email account. Those who have applied for financial aid but have not received notification of financial aid award at time of payment deadline must pay their registration fees by the deadline.
• Priority registration is open to all students who apply by the application deadline for priority registration. Individual registration times vary based on program acceptance and hours completed towards graduation.
• Late registration is open to all students who do not take advantage of early registration or who apply by the application deadline for late registration. A non-refundable late registration fee applies.
  Students may make changes to their schedules during priority and late registration as well as during drop/add (first three days of term A or first 2 days of Term C). Changes are done via the web. Courses dropped during this time will not be included on a student’s transcript. A 100 percent refund is given for drops done before the end of the drop/add period.
• Drop/Add - Students who wish to make changes to their schedules must do so via the web no later than the third day of the term for Term A and no later than the second day for Term C. Courses dropped during this time will not be included on a student’s transcript. A 100 percent refund is given for drops done before the end of the drop/add period.
• Drop for No-Show - Students who do not participate or attend in the first week of classes will be designated as “No-Show” and will be removed from the class roster. Online students who do not participate during the first week of the term will be dropped as a “No-Show.” For hybrid courses that meet once per week, students must attend or participate online during the week to avoid “No-Show” designation. For web-enhanced courses, students must attend during the first week to avoid “No-Show” designation. When submitted as a No-Show, the course will not appear on the student’s academic record and a 100% refund of applicable tuition and applicable refundable fees will be given. Financial aid students will be responsible for all charges related to any classes for which they are designated as “No-Show.” Financial aid will not pay for “No-Show” classes. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm registration status for each course during the registration and drop/add periods. The responsibility to register for classes and drop those classes that are no longer desired to be taken resides solely with the student. Classes in which students no longer desire to participate should be dropped during registration or the drop/add period. The “No-Show” process is the college’s administrative recordkeeping process and students should not attempt to use or rely on this process to ensure classes are removed from their schedules.
• Withdrawal - Students who need to withdraw from one or more courses may do so online or in person. Students are required to review the academic calendar for withdrawal deadlines and to determine the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade; this information is available at GwinnettTech.edu/programs/academic-calendar. Students who must withdraw from all classes will have to do so in person. Students may withdraw in person at the Enrollment Support Center by completing and signing a course withdrawal form. All withdrawals are subject to published deadlines in the class schedule and academic calendar. Course withdrawals after the drop/add period of the term will be included on the student’s transcript. Financial aid students should check with their Enrollment Advisor in the Enrollment Support Center prior to withdrawing from a class to ensure their award will not be impacted negatively. If a student drops a class within the drop/add period of the term, the student will receive 100% refund of the tuition and fees paid. After the drop/add period of the term, no refunds will be given. Students can withdraw from all, but their last class, online via BANNER Web.

Audit Status

Students who wish to audit a course must obtain approval from the appropriate division dean or program director prior to registration and payment of course fees. Students who wish to change from credit to audit status may do so during the first seven calendar days of the term with approval from the division dean. A student must be admitted to the college to a major which allows the course to be audited and meet any prerequisite or co-requisite requirements to audit a course. A course may be audited more than once. An audit does not count as an attempt with regards to the three time rule outlined under “Letter Grades.” At the discretion of the instructor, auditing students may be required to meet any or all of the course requirements such as attendance, examinations, etc. Auditing students will receive a grade of AU (noncredit) upon completion of the course. Financial Aid will not cover audited courses. It is the student’s responsibility to cover the cost of audited classes.

Course Load

Students may not register for more than 18 hours of credit in any one semester. This includes courses taken at the college and as a transient student.

• Full-time: A student who carries a minimum of 12 credit hours. This is the minimum academic load required by the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration. (Note: During an 8-week term the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires 6 credit hours to be considered full-time for certifying courses when receiving Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits.)
• Freshman: A student who has completed less than 30 semester hours.
• Sophomore: A student who has completed a minimum of 30 semester hours.
• Students on Academic Probation: A student on academic probation is limited to 12 hours per semester.

Change of Major

Students are limited to two changes of major per academic year. The “Change of Major” form must be completed with the Enrollment Support Center no later than the admissions file completion deadline for a given term. The change of major form is available at the Enrollment Support Center located in building 100 of the Lawrenceville campus and in building A of the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus. Classes which are not required for the new major for the term in which the change will be effective must be dropped before the change of major form can be submitted to the Enrollment Support Center for processing.

Second Major

To add a second major, students should meet with an Enrollment Advisor in the Enrollment Support Center. Student must be in good academic and financial aid standing, meeting minimum SAP standards. Before completing the second major request, a student must have either completed at least two terms in current program with no withdrawals and a “C” or better for all courses attempted or must be enrolled in a major for which the start of the technical course sequence is delayed.

Distance Education Courses

The policies/procedures for registering for distance education courses are as follows:

• For Gwinnett Tech distance education courses, students must follow the normal online web-registration process, including dates and times.
• For distance education courses offered by other technical colleges in the Georgia system, students should apply online via gvtc.org. Students wanting to take courses offered by other technical colleges should follow the host school’s transient student guidelines.
• Students must have a reliable connection to the internet, preferably a broadband connection using DSL or cable. Dial-up internet connections will not provide adequate speed or bandwidth to effectively participate in a distance education course. To learn more about computer requirements for distance education courses, go to gvtc.org/
• Students are required to take 40 percent or more of their program’s coursework credits from Gwinnett Tech if they wish to graduate from Gwinnett Tech. Distance education courses offered by Gwinnett Tech count towards that 40 percent; distance education courses offered by other technical colleges count as transfer credit.

Graduation

Graduation Services, in the Registrar’s Office, works with advisors to verify and confer student graduation awards. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor before registration for their final term at Gwinnett Tech. Your program advisor or Enrollment Advisor can confirm that you are on track to complete the requirements for your program of study.

Students must submit an application for graduation at GTC-Web.org by clicking on Personal Information, then clicking on Graduation Application & Exit Survey. Completion of program requirements does not constitute graduation. Graduation applications must be received within two years of program completion in order to be awarded. (Students who have completed more than two years earlier should contact the Graduation office for further assistance.)  A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required at the end of the term the program of study is to be awarded. Students are required to earn a minimum of 40% of their program’s required credits at Gwinnett Tech in order to be granted an award. The remaining 60% may be either transfer, exemption, or industry certification credits. Students must complete all required learning support coursework in order to graduate from certificate, diploma or degree programs. This includes certificates which do not include any arts and science coursework. Please note that some courses have an expiration date. The student’s options are to take the expired course(s) over or take an exemption exam, if available, in the Assessment Center. Students should review their DegreeWorks progress with their Enrollment Advisor if they have any questions.

To graduate, students must fulfill program of study curriculum requirements as published in the applicable catalog. If a student has had continuous enrollment at Gwinnett Technical College, he/she has two options:

• Fulfill all of the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of your most recent acceptance to your program of study, or
• Fulfill all of the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time the graduation application is submitted.

Once a graduation application is received in the Graduation Office, students will receive an email to their student email account the following business day, including confirmation the graduation application has been received, along with an attached DegreeWorks graduation audit. Students are to contact an advisor with all questions regarding completion of their program of study.

There will be a $40 fee assessed for the processing of a graduation application. This is a one-time fee per academic year and will appear on the student account the following business day after the application is processed. This means that if a student is charged this fee once during an academic year, he or she will not be charged this fee a second time during that academic year, even for additional graduation applications. This is a non-refundable fee. This graduation fee is charged even if the academic award applied for is ultimately denied because of outstanding coursework or failure to meet other graduation requirements and even if the student does not plan to march in the Commencement ceremony.  The fee will be posted for the term the student indicates will be their graduation term.  The fee will not be assessed for certificates which are embedded in the curriculum of a degree or diploma the student is pursuing.

Gwinnett Tech’s formal Commencement ceremony is held each year at the end of spring semester. Students completing graduation requirements during the current academic year (fall, spring, and summer) are eligible to participate in the formal ceremony. Students are encouraged to complete the graduation application before registration for their final term. All graduation applications must be received by April 1 in order to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

For additional questions or information concerning graduation, contact the Graduation Office at GraduationOffice@GwinnettTech.edu or 678.226.6619.

Commencement Ceremony

Students wishing to participate in the Commencement ceremony must register to march by emailing their name, 900#, and the name of their program of study to Commencement@GwinnettTech.edu. Submitting a graduation application does not register a student to participate in Commencement. Specified caps and gowns are required for the formal ceremony. Information for purchasing/renting caps and gowns is available from the bookstore. Students participating in Commencement will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. Applications for graduation must be submitted by March 1 for program completion during the current academic year in order to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Additional information on the annual ceremony is located online at GwinnettTech.edu/graduation.

Courtesy Commencement March Policy for Those Completing in Summer Term

Students completing all coursework for a degree, diploma, or certificate in summer term will be allowed to march with their class during the Commencement ceremony held annually at the end of spring semester if the following criteria have been met:

1. Must have submitted an application for graduation for summer term.
2. Must be registered for the outstanding course(s) for summer term.
3. Must register by email their intent to march in the Commencement ceremony.

Students allowed to “courtesy march” in each year’s Commencement will be awarded their degree, diploma, or certificate at the end of summer term, pending satisfactory completion of all mandatory program requirements.

For additional information concerning Commencement email Commencement@GwinnettTech.edu.

Instructions to Evaluate Your Degree Status

• Login to GTC-Web.org
  Enter Student/Faculty Secure Area
  • User Name: FLLLLLLXXXX (F= First Initial L= first 6 of last name XXXX= last four digits of student 900 number) example: My name is Sam Johnson 900001234 it would be=sjohnso1234
  • Password: gtcMMDDYY -six digit birthdate (example: gtc060688)
• Select Student Services & Financial Aid
• Select DegreeWorks
• Select Link to DegreeWorks
• To run a query on another program, select What If from the menu at the left of the screen.
• Select Catalog Year
• Select Program Name from drop down menu (If program includes a concentration, select Concentration from drop down menu.
• Select Process What If
• Contact your Faculty Advisor if you have any questions regarding your DegreeWorks graduation audit.

Student Records

Notification of Rights under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Access: Annually, Gwinnett Tech informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The college is committed to ensuring the privacy and personal information of all students, including those enrolled in distance education/online learning courses and programs. The college’s learning management system (Blackboard) and online grade submissions are password protected; neither violates FERPA. Online instructors are required to respect students’ privacy rights regarding their educational records. Student educational records are maintained and disclosed according to the guidelines of this policy. This Act, with which the institution fully complies, was designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Educational records include any records (in handwriting and in print, on tape, film, computer, or other media) maintained by Gwinnett Tech that are directly related to a student as specifically outlined in the federal guidelines and in this catalog. Under FERPA, TSCG and its technical colleges must provide an eligible student with an opportunity to inspect and review his or her education records within 45 days following its receipt of a request. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605, concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that Gwinnett Technical College, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from that student’s education records.

However, TCSG or its technical colleges may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised the college to the contrary. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent.

If a student does not want the college to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify the college, in writing, by the first day of the semester, at the Registrar’s Office. A student needs only to file this notification once during his or her enrollment. However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another TCSG technical college, a new notification must be filed.  Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Gwinnett Tech may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.

The Technical College System of Georgia and Gwinnett Tech define “directory information” as follows: full name of student, address(es), email address(es), telephone number(s), major and field(s) of study, enrollment status (full-time, part-time, etc.), degrees and awards and date received, dates of attendance (start and end dates of attended semester(s), and participation in official activities. Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student. Questions concerning the release of student information should be addressed to the TCSG Office of Legal Services.

Institutional policy explains in detail the procedures to be used for compliance with the provisions of the Act. Copies of the Statement of Policy: Access to student records, are available in the Registrar’s Office. Gwinnett Tech guarantees students, regardless of dates of attendance, the right to inspect and review all official records created during their period of enrollment at the college. Any requests for a record review shall be presented in writing to the Registrar. The Registrar will complete a file review within a reasonable time frame as set by federal regulations. Any review of records will be conducted on college premises, and no material may be copied or removed from the file.

Academic records for students are maintained by the Registrar’s Office and include acceptance letters, entrance exam reports, admissions applications, transcripts from other postsecondary institutions, high school transcripts, GED transcripts, relevant correspondence, transfer credit evaluations, graduation applications, graduation evaluations, and Gwinnett Tech transcripts.

Students who wish to allow parents or other third parties to have access to their confidential records and information must complete a “Consent to Disclose Information” form in the Enrollment Support Center. This form specifies what information may be released and to whom it may be released. Valid government-issued photo identification is required of all parties upon submission of the form. All parties are required to be present upon submission of the form.

Student records relating to disabilities and special services are maintained by the ADA/Section 504 coordinator. These records are confidential and are not released to any faculty or staff member without expressed permission from the student. These records are kept separately from academic files and are not used in determining admissibility for any program, club, or service provided by Gwinnett Tech.

Required Annual Notification to Students of Their Rights under FERPA

Students are hereby notified through publication of this catalog, also available online on the college website at GwinnettTech.edu, that they have rights under FERPA including: right to inspect and review education records; right to request amendment of education records; Right to consent to disclosures, with certain exceptions; and right to file a complaint with U.S. Department of Education. Students requesting a review of education records must send a written request to the Registrar of the college. The Registrar will respond within the timeline and in the manner required by law. Students should be advised that education records may be disclosed to school officials including full-time administrators and academic program with legitimate educational interest, for making decisions regarding student placement, program acceptance and completion or for the generation of required state and federal reports.

Retention of Records

Gwinnett Tech follows the guidelines set by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as published in Retention of Records. The Registrar’s Office permanently retains Gwinnett Tech academic records (grades) for all credit students.

Student documents maintained for a minimum of five years after the last date of attendance include: applications, acceptance letters, test scores, transcripts from other schools, program changes, applications for graduation, graduation authorizations, and transfer credit evaluations.

Release of Directory Information

Students are advised that no education records will be released to anyone (except certain organizations stipulated by FERPA regulation) without the written consent of the student. In addition, under terms of the Act, the college classifies certain items of a student’s records as “directory information.” These items of information may be released to any third party at the discretion of the college.

Student directory information is defined as the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, program of study, dates of attendance, status as full- or part-time, and degrees, diplomas, certificates, and awards applied for and/or received. To suppress the release of directory information, students must complete a Request for Restricting the Release for Directory Information available in the Enrollment Support Center or on the website GTC-Web.org.

Solomon Amendment

The Solomon Amendment requires Gwinnett Tech to release directory information to the military for recruitment purposes. The scope of information that Gwinnett Tech is required to produce under the Solomon Amendment is broader in scope than the student information traditionally released by schools as “directory information” under FERPA. Gwinnett Tech functions in compliance with the regulations of the Solomon Amendment. To suppress the release of information, students must complete a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information available in the Enrollment Support Center or on the website at GTC-Web.org.

Change in Address

Students with changes in address, email, or phone numbers should complete a student change form. Students must present photo identification in the Enrollment Support Center or use secure student email. Electronic requests, via secure student email, must include the student’s ID number and be emailed to RegistrarsOffice@GwinnettTech.edu.

Change in Name

Students with changes in name should complete a student change form. Students must present, to the Enrollment Support Center, photo identification with legal verification of change and one of the following: social security card, marriage license, divorce decree. Only original documents will be accepted.

Transcripts

Requests for official transcripts are processed by a third party, eCrendentials Solutions. Current students may request their official transcript by logging into their Banner Web account at GTC-Web.org. Both current and former students may request their official transcript at GwinnettTech.edu/enrollment/request-transcript.  The college will not release copies of student transcripts without consent from the student.  Same Day transcript requests may be ordered online and will be mailed or sent electronically for a $25 fee. Same day pick-up requests are processed at the Lawrenceville campus only and cannot be requested online. Transcripts are processed only after all financial obligations to the college have been satisfied. ACCUPLACER scores will appear on the transcript. The Registrar’s Office is not responsible for delays caused by postal or courier services.

Registration

The Registrar’s Office is available to assist with questions related to registration and other banner web-related services. Contact the Registrar’s Office at 678.226.6411 or email RegistrarsOffice@GwinnettTech.edu.  Please call the Student Help Desk at 770.962.7580 if you need assistance logging on to BannerWeb.

CLEP Test

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program of credit by examination that allows students to obtain recognition for college-level achievement. Most exams last 90 minutes. All tests are available; limited credits are accepted at Gwinnett Tech. Check with the Assessment Center for testing information and prices. Call 678.226.6605 to schedule a test date and time.

Proctored Exams

The Assessment Center is a member of the Consortium of the National College Testing Association and proctors exams for distance learning/online courses. Contact 678.226.6605 for more information and to arrange proctored college exams at Gwinnett Tech.

Career Services

The Career Services Center (CSC) provides a comprehensive assortment of job assistance services and resources to students, prospective students, and alumni. These services are designed to integrate career exploration and planning into the student’s academic studies to prepare them for advancement into their respective fields of study upon graduation. Students develop extensive knowledge of job-search strategies, as well as a host of skills important to be successful in their career. A full range of student-focused programs and services are offered through the center and online, including individual and group career counseling, interest and aptitude assessments, mock interviews and resume preparation.

The Center offers services to students and alumni at two locations:

Lawrenceville Campus                                  Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus

Building 100, Room 604                                A 158

Monday - Thursday                                       Wednesday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.                                              10 a.m. - 3 p.m.                                 

Friday                                                              

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.     

Students may visit either center or call 678.226.6252 to schedule an appointment with a career professional. Learn about on-campus recruiting, search for internships and jobs, register for events - lunch & learn, workshops, onsite-recruitment and information sessions. Start building your career today by logging into http://GwinnettTech.edu/CareerLink

Student Grant Programs

Special Populations

The Special Populations Program is specifically designed to support the Carl D. Perkins Technical Education Act plan. The program provides support services, resource referrals, customized workshops and life skills workshops to special population students who face unique challenges. The program’s goal is to provide effective guidance to assist students in overcoming barriers to stay in school and achieve eduational success. Students who should self-identify as special populations include: single parents, displaced homemakers, limited English proficienct, disabled, economically disadvantaged, and/or enrolled in a nontraditional gender training field. Any student seeking more information about these available services should contact the Special Populations & Disability Services Coordinator, Lisa Richardson, at extension 6691, or stop by room 323B in building 100 of the Lawrenceville campus. At the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, students should contact the Support Services Coordinator, Juan Wilson, at extension 5453, or stop by room 162, building A.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act serves dislocated workers and/or economically disadvantaged individuals who are in need of updated skills for a return to work. WIOA customers may qualify for funding to assist them in the cost of their training and education. The focus of the WIOA program is to assist unemployed individuals and underemployed workers to obtain the skills necessary to be sustainably employable in today’s labor market. WIOA funds can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, tools, certification exams and daycare expenses while in training. Job search assistance is provided when training is completed. The WIOA offices are located in building 100, room 604 of the Lawrenceville campus. For further information, call 678.226.6664 or log on to https://GwinnettTech.edu/community/wioa

Office of Veterans Affairs

Gwinnett Tech’s Office of Veterans Affairs assists U.S. military veterans, guardsmen, reservists, spouses and dependents with:

• Applying for GI Bill Benefits.
• Certification of GI Bill Benefits.
• Referrals to appropriate campus and community veteran resources.
• VA Financial Aid Specialist Advisement.
• Academic and career counseling.
• Veterans Resource Advocate assistance.

Contact the Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Travis Simpson, at 678.226.6841, or at TravisSimpson@GwinnettTech.edu to schedule an appointment. On the Lawrenceville campus, visit the Office of Veterans Affairs in building 100, room 323. On the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, students should contact the contact the Support Services Coordinator, Juan Wilson, at extension 5453, or stop by room 162, building A.  Log on to GwinnettTech.edu/veteran-affairs for more information.

Gwinnett Technical College is in compliance with The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Student (HEROES) Act of 2003. The HEROES act is intended to ensure that service members who are receiving federal student aid are not adversely affected because of their military status and to minimize the administrative burden placed on such individuals. These individuals must self-identify to the institution. Priority registration is provided to veterans, spouses, and dependents one week prior to the opening of regular registration.

Please visit Student Organizations and Clubs for additional information about Gwinnett Tech’s Student-Veteran Organization (SVO).

Student-Veteran Organization (SVO)  

Veteran’s Education Benefits/GI Bill/Institutional Support