Academic Information

All degree/diploma/certificate-seeking students are assigned advisors through the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center. Students may contact the One-Stop or access their TargetX Enrollment Portal, to determine their advisor assignment. All students are required to contact their advisor before attempting to register for the term. Students are also encouraged to seek counsel from their advisors to resolve problems or issues encountered within the academic program during the term. Advisement sessions can also include, but are not limited to, the following:

For New Students:

1. Major Exploration
2. Assistance with Admission
3. Official Transcripts Assistance
4. Financial Aid Assistance
5. Orientation Sessions
6. Career Objectives
7. Co/Prerequisites in Program Courses
8. Dual Major Advisement
9. Inform Student of Clubs and Organizations
10. Work with Students on Issues During the Semester

For Current/Returning Students:

1. Major Exploration
2. Financial Aid Assistance
3. Orientation Sessions
4. Career Objectives
5. Satisfactory Progress within Program
6. Academic Probation or Suspension
7. Co/Prerequisites in Program Courses
8. Dual Major Advisement
9. Work with Students on Issues During the Semester
10. Inform Student of Clubs and Organizations
11. Troubleshoot Student Issues During the Semester
12. Graduation Assistance and Preparation

Students registering for courses outside of the advisor’s recommendation may have financial implications and delay expected graduation.

Course Numbering System

The Technical College System of Georgia applies a statewide system of coding for each approved course within a program. This system includes a four alpha prefix combined with a four-digit number. The four-digit number delineates the level of the course, as explained below:

General Education Core courses

Diploma courses: 1000 - 1099
Degree courses: 1100 - 2999

Occupational courses

1000 - 2999* (*Advanced level courses may begin with a 2000 number code)

Prior Learning Credits

Advanced Placement allows incoming students at WGTC to receive course credit based upon previous experience, formal or informal, and results in advanced standing within a technical certificate, diploma or degree program. Advanced Placement includes the following:

Transfer Credit

As part of the admission process, any official transcripts received are evaluated for possible transfer of credit. Ordinarily, institutions from which credits are transferred must be accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. As a general rule, credit will be given on a course equivalent basis. Transfer credit will be considered for courses completed with a “C” or better from a college, university, or other accredited postsecondary institutions. A student who receives transfer credit must be aware that the awarding of this credit by WGTC does not guarantee that institutions subsequently attended by the student will also accept these credits. Course transfer credit is recorded as “TR” (“A”, “B”, or “C”) 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 evaluations will be completed and posted to the student’s academic history which may be accessed through Ellucian Experience. Any student with questions regarding the evaluation of transfer credit should contact the Office of the Registrar. To graduate from a program, at least 25% of a student’s program credit hours must be completed at WGTC.

Students who have completed all or part of their secondary and postsecondary education outside of the United States are required to have their foreign postsecondary educational credentials evaluated by an independent evaluation service. Please contact the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for a list of approved agencies.

The following guidelines apply to the evaluation of transfer credit:

• Official transcripts are required from all postsecondary institutions verifying a minimum grade of “C” in all courses for which students are seeking transfer credit to their program of study.
• Ordinarily, institutions from which credits are transferred must be accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In some instances where course equivalency is questioned, credit must be validated by examination.
• A desktop review (evaluation of courses for transfer credit) is required. If a written course description or syllabus is needed, students are responsible for obtaining appropriate course documentation.
• Decisions regarding the granting of transfer credit are made at the academic program level and confirmed by the Registrar.
• Specific occupational courses may not be more than 10 years old (120 months) at the time the student is accepted to the college.
• There are no time limits on transferability of general education courses.
• Testing (written and/or performance) may be required to validate proficiency of a student for coursework to be transferred.
• WGTC reserves the right to rescind previously awarded student course exemption as warranted.

GATRACS

The Georgia Transfer Articulation Cooperative Services (GATRACS) is a partnership between the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Department of Education, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. GATRACS is a tool designed to assist students in the transfer process. For more information, visit their website at https: www.gafutures.org.

Time Limits of Credit to be Transferred

There are specific time limits for transferable credit. General academic core courses taken at other postsecondary institutions or credit obtained through standardized examinations are transferable for an indefinite period of time. These courses include English, Mathematics, Psychology, Speech, Economics, and other general academic courses. Specific occupational courses such as computer courses, electronics, accounting, keyboarding, allied health core courses, and other occupational specialized skills courses are transferable for a period of no more than 10 years (120 months) except with the approval of faculty and administration.

Standardized Exam Credit

Advanced Placement credit will be awarded based on nationally normed exams including, but not limited to, the following:

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - Credit will be awarded for successful completion of any appropriate CLEP subject area examinations. Credit should be awarded based on score recommendations of the Council on College Level Services.
• International Baccalaureate Credit (IB)- Credit will be awarded to students who have taken appropriate courses (determined equivalent to courses offered at a Technical College) in high school and achieve a score of 3 or more on the International Baccalaureate Examination. The IB Examinations are offered by the International Baccalaureate Examination Board.
• Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) - Credit will be awarded to students who have taken appropriate courses (determined equivalent to courses offered at a Technical College) in high school and achieve a score of 3 or more on the Advanced Placement Examination. The Advanced Placement Examinations are offered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Official AP transcripts must be submitted to the college to receive credit.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit will be awarded to students who score in the 50th percentile or higher in the following subject areas. Credit will not be granted for the general exam. Students who wish to receive credit for any course subject not listed below should contact the Office of the Registrar at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

*Students are given credit for the lecture portion only of this course. Students are required to complete the lab portion of this course at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

National Testing Center

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has contracted with Moody Air Force Base (MAFB) to become a National Testing Center to provide CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support). Testing is administered through their on-base education center.

CLEP gives military personnel, their dependents, and students enrolled in any college at MAFB the opportunity to receive college credit by earning qualifying scores on any of the 33 examinations. Information regarding specific awarding of these college-level credits for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College students may be found in the “Credits Earned Outside The College” section of this catalog.

CLEP exams are administered at the Moody Air Force Base Extended Campus - National Testing Center and Valdosta Campus by appointment only. CLEP and DANTES are both computer-based exams.

To assist military personnel in meeting their educational goals, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) funds CLEP exams for eligible military service members and eligible civilian employees. Professional and Certification Exams for a number of IT certifications and national certifications for many of the programs taught at WGTC are offered at the National Testing Center through Pearson Vue, ACT, AMP, and DANB. Contact the National Testing Center at MAFB for additional information at (229) 253-9571.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) credit will be awarded to students who score 3 or higher in the following subject areas once official transcripts are received from Collegeboard.org.. Students who wish to receive credit for any course subject not listed below should contact the Office of the Registrar at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Prior Learning Assessments

Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs) provide a pathway to enable students who have stopped short of a degree, but have acquired knowledge through other means, the chance to complete their education. PLA is a process through which students identify areas of relevant learning from their past experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials so that they can be assessed and possibly awarded academic credit relative to specific course objectives. Credit received through PLA may only be awarded if the student has been employed in the occupational field within the last ten years or can demonstrate work experience in field within the last ten years.

WGTC may award college credit with the following methods:

• Military Training - Credit awarded based on the American Council of Education or the Community College of the Air Force.
• Joint Service Transcripts (JST) - Validates a service member’s military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations.
• Student Portfolios - Credit awarded by faculty evaluation of a student’s documented life-work.
• Corporate Training - Occupational training provided by organizations and/or manufacturers.
• Apprenticeship Training - Training provided through an official work-based program (often required for licensure).
• Professional Certification and Licensure - Specialized certifications earned through training programs and required for employment (example: POST, BICSI, Trade Organizations)
• Institutional Exemption Exam - Challenge exams that demonstrate a mastery of the course competencies.
• Standardized Exam Credit - Credit based on nationally normed exams including, but not limited to CLEP (College Level Exam Program), International Baccalaureate Credit (International Baccalaureate Exam), Advanced Placement Exams (AP).

The following guidelines apply:

• The number of credits students may earn will vary. Students must meet the residency requirement of the college which is 25% of the program.
• If a student does not agree with the recommendation of credit, he or she has the right to appeal the college’s decision, but ultimately the college reserves the right to deny the awarding of credit based on the faculty’s findings thus ensuring the quality of education delivered by WGTC.

1. Non-Traditional/Experiential Learning: Course credit may be awarded for military training or corporate courses where appropriate. In addition, WGTC recognizes that college level learning does take place through experiential learning and other methods including, but not limited to, professional certifications and training programs, manufacturers training, and in apprenticeship type programs. Credit awarded in these areas does not count toward the college’s residency requirement, and no guarantee of credit can be made without a formal review by the Registrar and/or faculty. Additional fees may be charged depending on the method of advanced placement chosen by the student. Details of the process including a fee schedule are outlined in the WGTC Prior Learning Assessment Handbook.
2. Military Training Credit: WGTC may award credit for training received in the Armed Forces. The training shall be certified by the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education to (ACE), by the official catalog of the Community College of the Air Force, or some similar document. Credit shall be given when training experience meets required competencies of courses offered at the institution. Military course transfer credit is recorded as ‘TRM’.
3. Institutional Exemption Exam: Students may be allowed to exempt courses by demonstrating thorough mastery of written and/or performance tests that have been developed locally and adequately demonstrate achievement of the necessary competency level. WGTC publishes information every term based on courses that have exemption tests and how to apply for them. Students are charged 25% of normal tuition to exempt a course. No fee shall be charged to students taking an exam to validate articulated credit from high school. Exemption exam course transfer credit is recorded as ‘EXE’.
4. Individualized Student Portfolios: WGTC may allow for credit to be awarded based on a student’s portfolio. The student typically develops a specifically designed portfolio that helps them identify and articulate their learning from a variety of experiences equating prior learning to college courses, educational plans, and integrates prior and new learning to achieve academic goals. Faculty with appropriate subject-matter expertise evaluates the student’s portfolio to determine the equivalent level of college credit. Portfolio course transfer credit is recorded as ‘EXP’.
5. Apprenticeship Training: WGTC will evaluate apprenticeship training for college credit. Consideration may be given to working with trade associations to evaluate prior apprenticeship training for college credit as well as offer part of the training through the college for credit. Proper documentation including a transcript or a training record may be required.
6. Program Evaluations of Non-Credit Instruction: WGTC will evaluate and may award credit for recognized proficiencies that equate to specific courses offered at their institutions. For example, police officers may receive some credit for police academy training, and they can apply this credit to degree programs in criminal justice.

Residence Requirements for Degree/Diploma/Technical Certificate

A minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the course work for a particular program of study must be completed at WGTC for degrees/diplomas/technical certificates granted by the college. The Office of the Registrar will ensure that students are notified at the time of award of advanced placement credit if they are not in compliance with the residence requirements.

Course Substitution

Students in diploma programs may elect to take degree level academic core courses within their program of study without converting to degree-seeking status. A degree level course may be taken as a substitute for a regular diploma-level course but cannot be taken as a substitute if the diploma-level course has already been taken.

Financial aid will not be affected by the proper substitution of courses.

A student who registers for a degree-level course without meeting the minimum requirements will be withdrawn from those classes and will be responsible for any financial ramifications.

Courses that are allowed as substitutes for diploma level courses are:

Elective Credits

Within academic programs there are courses which are designated as elective courses that may be chosen to fulfill the academic requirements of the program. Students should confer with their advisor while choosing which electives will be approved for credit.

Credits Earned Outside the College

Students must complete at least 25 % of coursework towards a particular program of study at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to be eligible for graduation from the college. Up to 75 % of coursework may be transferred from another postsecondary institution, through a combination of Advanced Placement (AP), Articulation Credit, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or other such examinations.

Reverse Transfer

Students completing credit after leaving WGTC can transfer those credits back to the College for a period of 120 months (10 years), to complete the requirements for their original program of study. Students must have enrollment at WGTC within 60 months (5 years) of the reverse transfer credit being received to graduate.

Registered Apprenticeship

WGTC sponsors and operates a Registered Apprenticeship Program through partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor. Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training system that combines on-the-job training with job-related technical instruction. Apprenticeships follow an earn-while-you-learn model that allows students to gain a college education, valuable work experience, and steadily rising wages. Students who complete a registered apprenticeship will receive an industry-recognized, national certificate as well as a college credential.

Course Attendance

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College expects that all students shall regularly attend all scheduled class meetings held for instruction and examination. It is recognized that class attendance is essentially a matter between students and their instructors. Instructors must explain their absence policy in the course syllabus if the course is an attendance-taking course. All students are held responsible for knowing the specific attendance requirements as prescribed by their instructors and for the satisfactory make-up work missed by absences. When students are to be absent from class, they should immediately contact the instructor.

Attendance Taking Courses

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College prepares students for successful employment upon graduation. Business and industry expect employees to be present and on time for work each day, and WGTC supports this expectation by encouraging students to attend class regularly to prepare for the workforce. WGTC is a non-attendance-taking institution. However, some instructors may develop reasonable attendance requirements appropriate to the type of course, delivery method, frequency of class meetings, and in accordance with the rules of respective licensure boards and/or accrediting agencies. Instructors will communicate the requirements to students within the course syllabi; and will apply the requirements fairly and consistently to all enrolled students.

Attendance Taking Courses  

Adding and Withdrawing From Courses

Adding Courses/Creating a New Schedule

Students who need to be added to an open course beyond the fifth instructional day will need to work with their One-Stop Enrollment and Success Advisor to receive approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs for that area. New and returning students who create a new schedule during the late registration period (generally starting the day after the previous term ends) may be subject to a late fee penalty. See the WGTC Calendar for specific dates. Students adding courses to an existing schedule during the late registration period will not be charged a late fee.

Dropping a Course or Courses - First Five Instructional Days of Term

Students may drop courses during the first five instructional days of the term with no financial or academic penalty; however, any amount charged in the bookstore against Financial Aid will be owed back to the college. Students who drop courses during this period and have paid tuition and fees out-of-pocket are eligible for 100% reimbursement less non-refundable fees. Refunds may take four or more weeks to process. Please check the WGTC Calendar for refund dates.

Any student who has not arranged payment for courses through personal means, financial aid, or the NelNet Payment Plan Option (please see the ‘NelNet Payment Plan Option’ section of the catalog for more information) will be dropped from all courses in accordance with the posted payment deadline for each semester. Students should check their student account and the WGTC website for specific dates and more information.

Drop/Withdrawal Procedures

Students enrolling in college courses assume the financial and academic responsibility to properly withdraw from courses if they decide not to complete them. They have the privilege of dropping a course during the first five instructional days of each semester through their student account, without the drop becoming part of their permanent academic record and without it affecting their financial aid. However, any amount charged against Pell or HOPE in the bookstore will be owed back to the college.

Students who withdraw from a class from the fifth instructional day of the term through 60% of the term, will receive a grade of W. For students who withdraw after the published withdrawal date (60% of the term), a grade of F will be assigned. Students should be aware that withdrawals may result in a loss of financial aid and that failing to properly withdraw from a course will result in receiving a failing grade (F) for that course. F grades, and/or failure to complete the term, may cause a recalculation of financial aid and could result in a balance owed to Wiregrass. The specific deadline dates for withdrawal are published on the Wiregrass’ home website page, under Academic Calendar.

Students should contact their One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center Advisor and/or Financial Aid to discuss financial aid implications. Students receiving Veterans or WIOA benefits should contact that office before withdrawing.

Official Withdrawal Policy

Students in non-attendance taking courses must withdraw from course(s) using the Withdrawal Form. Non-attendance taking courses are those that do not require attendance to be recorded because there is no licensure or other requirement at the end to mandate it. In the case of extenuating circumstances, someone other than the student can initiate a withdrawal by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

However, if a student is enrolled in an attendance-taking course, which requires attendance tracking and clinical hours to be met, the instructor can initiate a withdrawal for the student if too many required days/hours have been missed. This is called a college-initiated or instructor-initiated withdrawal, and the grade reflected will depend on the last day of attendance marked by the instructor. The student is still held to the same policies regarding withdrawal deadlines.

Instructor Responsibilities

Students who do not follow proper procedures to withdraw from a course (or courses) and simply stop participating in class will receive the grade they have earned from their complete and incomplete work. For specific information on how to withdraw, please check the Student Handbook for more information, or visit the website at Wiregrass Student Withdrawal Procedures.

Instructor Responsibilities

Students who do not follow proper procedures to withdraw from a course (or courses), and simply stop participating in class will receive the grade they have earned from their complete and incomplete work. For specific information on how to withdraw, please check the Student Handbook for more information, or visit the website at Wiregrass Student Withdrawal Procedures.

Unofficial and Midpoint Withdrawal Policy

Students who stop attending a course(s) and do not earn their full financial aid award, are subject to being unofficially withdrawn. The last date of activity will determine whether a student has earned their aid and if their aid should be recalculated. Pell recalculations can result in the student owing a balance due to not earning the aid that was awarded. This includes students that earn a final grade of F and did not complete the course.

Pre/Co-Requisite Errors and Withdrawing From Courses

Students withdrawing from courses may be subject to having other courses removed from his/her schedule. If the courses from which the student is withdrawing are a pre/co-requisite to another course on the student’s schedule, the student will be withdrawn from the other course at the same time.

Military Withdrawals - National Emergencies

In the event of a military emergency, whereby a student who in the Armed Services, the National Guard or an Armed Forces reserve is activated or otherwise called to duty and as a result may no longer attend class(es), Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is authorized to allow the student to elect one of the following options. Documentation of such military
service must be provided to the Office of the Registrar from an appropriate military official.

• The student may choose to withdraw from WGTC for the semester. With this option, the student’s record will reflect no enrollment for the semester. No grades of any type will appear on the student’s transcript, and all tuition and fees shall be refunded excluding the application fee. Title IV funds shall be returned in accordance with federal regulations.
• The student may choose to receive appropriate letter grade(s) and receive any applicable refunds. With this option, courses will be calculated as attempted courses for HOPE purposes.

Hardship Withdrawal

Hardship Withdrawals are available to students after the official withdrawal deadline has passed. It is an exception based on unusual or emergency circumstances beyond the student’s control. Physical, psychological, or personal criteria must be met, and documentation must be provided in order for a student to be considered for a hardship withdrawal. A formal request must be made through the Office of the Registrar no later than three (3) weeks after the current term has ended. Any requests received after that time will not be eligible for review. In only extremely rare cases a 3rd party may enter the request for the student.

Grade Reporting and Grading System

Grade Reports

Grade reports can be accessed by authorized users via BanWeb/Ellucian Experience. A letter academic grade and a numeric work ethics grade is issued for each course in which a student was enrolled.

Grading System

Evaluation of each student’s progress, conduct, and attitude is continuous. Instructors report irregularity in attendance and progress to a Dean of Academic Affairs or Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs whereby corrective steps may be taken to assure quality training. At the end of each semester, the achievement of each student is reported using the following system of grade assignment:

• A (4) - Excellent 90-100
• B (3) - Good 80-89
• C (2) - Average 70-79
• D (1) - Below Average 60-69
• F (0) - Failure 0-59
• I - Incomplete
• IP - In-Progress
• Z - Withdrew/Failed/Stopped Attending Due to a Qualifying Emergency
• W - Withdrawn (by midterm)
• AU - Audit - no credit earned
• TRA - Transfer Credit
• TRB - Transfer Credit
• TRC - Transfer Credit
• AC - Articulated Credit
• TRM - Transfer Credit (Military)
• EXP - Credit by Exemption (Portfolio)
• EXE - Credit by Exemption (Exam)

A grade of “I” (incomplete) may be issued to any student not completing all required coursework by the end of the semester, upon approval from the course instructor and program Dean. If the incomplete “I” is not removed before the midpoint of the following semester, it will be recorded as a failure “F” on the student’s official transcript. Student must see their advisor for more information as certain programs are excluded or require a quicker completion. A grade of “I” may prohibit a student from registering for specific courses for the next term due to not meeting prerequisite requirements.

A grade of “IP” (in-progress) indicates the course continues beyond the end of the semester. The final grade is reported at the end of the following semester except in special circumstances. A grade of an “IP” issued in Spring Semester for a Dual Enrollment student for a course taken at the student’s high school may continue through the end of the following Fall Semester. A grade of “IP” for a qualified emergency as determined by the college or other authority that alters the deliver of academic coursework may continue until the qualifying emergency is deemed over. A grade of “IP” may prohibit a student from taking specific courses during the next term due to not meeting prerequisite requirements. An “IP” may be issued upon approval of the program Dean. A grade of “I” that is not resolved in the above-mentioned timeframes would be recorded as an “F”.

A grade of “W” indicates the student withdrew prior to 60% of the course completion.

A grade of “Z” was given when a student has stopped attending, failed, or withdrew during a qualifying emergency that altered the delivery of academic coursework during the emergency. The grade “Z” is only to be used for students that have been given a waiver in response to the qualifying emergency. A qualifying emergency is determined by the college with guidance from the Technical College System of Georgia, Department of Education, Accreditors and other organizations with governance over college policies and procedures. Qualifying emergency definitions may be tied to regional, state or national emergency response procedures. *This is no longer an active grade; however, it may show on previous terms.

Grades are based upon quality and quantity of achievement in both the classroom and the laboratory. Students failing to maintain a standard of satisfactory progress will be withdrawn from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Academic Grade Appeal

Students receiving a final course grade that they believe is incorrect should first discuss the matter with their instructor. This appeal should be completed within the first two weeks of the semester following the term in which the grade is questioned. The instructor will determine whether a grade change is warranted. A student who is not satisfied with the instructor’s decision may request a review by a Dean of Academic Affairs within four weeks of the following term in which the grade is posted. A student who is not satisfied with the Dean’s decision may request a review by the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs within six weeks of the following term in which the grade is posted. The reviewer will examine the facts and any applicable documentation to determine if the grade was determined fairly according to the course syllabus and will communicate the results of this review to both the student and the instructor. The decision of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Work Ethics

The Technical College System of Georgia and WGTC believe it is extremely important to identify, evaluate, and encourage good work habits as an integral part of the instructional program. Learning outcomes for this work ethic model are included in each program. By including work ethic learning outcomes, each program teaches and assesses the 10 work ethic traits. A system to evaluate “work ethics” in each credit course has been developed. Work ethics grades (3,2,1,0) are earned in each completed credit hour course and are included on the student’s permanent record and transcript. WGTC adheres to the work ethic grading policy as stated below. The list of work ethics characteristics includes:

• Attendance: Attends class; arrives/leaves on time; notifies instructor in advance of planned absences.
• Character: Displays loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.
• Teamwork: Respects the rights of others; respects confidentiality; is a team worker; is cooperative; is assertive; displays a customer service attitude; seeks opportunities for continuous learning; demonstrates mannerly behavior.
• Appearance: Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.
• Attitude: Demonstrates a positive attitude; appears self-confident; has realistic expectations of self.
• Productivity: Follows safety practices; conserves materials; keeps work area neat and clean; follows directions and procedures; makes up assignments punctually; participates.
• Organization: Manifests skill in prioritizing and management of time and stress; demonstrates flexibility in handling change.
• Communication: Displays appropriate nonverbal (eye contact, body language) and oral (listening, telephone etiquette, grammar) skills.
• Cooperation: Displays leadership skills; appropriately handles criticism, conflicts, and complaints; demonstrates problem-solving capability; maintains appropriate relationships with supervisors and peers; follows chain of command.
• Respect: Deals appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in harassment of any kind.

Work Ethics Rating Scale:
3 = Exceeds Expectations
2 = Acceptable
1 = Needs Improvement
0 = Unacceptable

Note - Ecampus classes will not receive Work Ethics Grades

Grade Point Average

Semester Grade Point Average

The Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) is the average calculated on all credit courses taken each semester at the institution.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a reflection of the total credit instructional activity attempted by the student. The CGPA is not affected by program of study, changes in program, or student classification. It is inclusive of all attempts at all credit courses taken at the institution. CGPA is recalculated after each semester to include the currently completed semester’s grade(s).

Graduation Grade Point Average

The Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) used for graduation is calculated only on those courses required in the student’s course of study from which he or she is graduating.

Calculating Grade Point Average

The formula for calculating grade point average is:
The Sum of Quality Points Earned divided by the Number of Credit Hours Attempted.
Quality Points Earned equals the credit hour value of a course times the value of the grade received.
Students will be awarded quality points for each credit course grade according to the following scale:

A = 4 Quality Points
B = 3 Quality Points
C = 2 Quality Points
D = 1 Quality Point
F = 0 Quality Points

The quality points awarded are then multiplied by the credits for that course to get the quality points earned for the course. Quality points earned for all courses are then added together and divided by the total credits for the semester to obtain the semester grade point average (GPA).

Courses receiving grades “I, IP, W, TR, AC, AU, Z, or EX” are not included in the GPA calculation.

Example:

Grade Quality Points x Credits = Quality Points Earned

A 4 x 5 =20

B 3 x 10 =30

c 2 x 5 =10

Total Credits 20

Total Quality Points Earned 60

Grade Point Average = 60/20 = 3.0

Academic Progress and Standing

Students attending Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are expected to meet certain academic standards. These standards stress the importance of successful performance by students to maintain good standing with the College. Students shall be made aware of the specific WGTC requirements for maintaining Good Academic Standing, Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Aid), and the required qualifications for graduation. Academic standing is reflected each term on the student’s transcript.

Academic Good Standing

Students are considered to be in good standing if they maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Students on academic warning may also return to good standing, regardless of cumulative GPA, upon earning a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Academic standing determinations are made at the end of each semester.

Academic Warning

The first time a student earns a semester grade point average of less than 2.0 and also has a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0, they will be placed on academic warning. To be removed from academic warning, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher during the next semester of attendance. A student who does not achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher while on academic warning will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation

A student previously placed on academic warning who earns a semester grade point average of less than 2.0 will be placed
on academic probation. Students remain on academic probation until they earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or
better. Students will receive notification via student email that they have been placed on academic probation.

Academic Dismissal

A student on academic probation whose semester and cumulative grade point averages are less than 2.0 will be placed on academic dismissal. Students on academic dismissal are required to sit out for one semester. In certain circumstances, a student may be dismissed or suspended from an academic program or the technical college without first being placed on probation. These circumstances may include program specific GPA deficits, attendance issues, or other requirements as outlined in the program specific academic requirements. Students who are dismissed due to academic misconduct are subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Student Conduct code and will be required to meet with the Vice President for Enrollment Management, or appropriate designee, prior to applying for re-admission. Students who are on academic dismissal will not be allowed to graduate.

Students must additionally comply with the satisfactory progress requirements for Title IV eligibility according to 20 U.S.C 1091(d), Sec. 668.34 and other college policies regarding financial aid.

To return to WGTC after an academic dismissal, a student must meet with a One-Stop Enrollment and Success Advisor during the dismissal term to create a plan for academic success. The student is required to follow all imposed sanctions upon returning to the College. An example of an imposed sanction may require the student to complete the CareerScope aptitude and interest assessment, or complete the College Success (COLL 1010) course.

A student who is approved to return to WGTC after an Academic Dismissal will be placed on Academic Probation their first term back. The student is required to earn a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to continue to the next semester. The student will remain on academic probation until obtaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to achieve good academic standing.

Health Science Program Academic Probation and Dismissal

For certain health science occupations which require licensure, once program accepted, students will be required to maintain the progress standards specifically designed for their particular program. Each program has specific minimum GPA requirements; please see the program coordinators for individual program requirements. New students will receive a written explanation of the satisfactory progress standards for their particular program in accordance with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Technical College System of Georgia policies. In these programs, failure to maintain the minimum GPA would result in dismissal from the program, but not the college. Students in these programs who fail to maintain the specified standards will be referred to the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for career assessment and advising.

Honors Lists

President’s List

Students who complete 12 or more credit hours (with no grades of “I” or “IP”) in a semester, and achieve a 3.8 or better grade point average will be designated as honor roll students and will be recognized on the President’s List.

Dean’s List

Students who complete 12 or more credit hours (with no grades of “I” or “IP”) in a semester, and achieve a 3.5 to 3.79 will be designated as honor roll students and will be recognized on the Dean’s List.

Graduation and Commencement

To be eligible for graduation, students must have completed all college/program requirements satisfactorily and cannot be on Academic Dismissal. All occupational classes must be completed with a “C” or better and must have a graduation GPA of at least 2.0. All general education core courses must be completed with a “D” or better. Students enrolled in Allied Health programs must complete general education core courses with a “C” or better. Transfer credit for up to 75 percent of a program of study may be applied toward graduation. All pre-requisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better. All financial obligations to the college must be met prior to graduation and any holds cleared.

Students who have met all program requirements with an overall program graduation GPA of 3.5 or better will be designated as honor graduates. Degree, diploma, and technical certificate students designated as honor graduates will be recognized in the commencement program and wear gold honor cords during the commencement ceremony.

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for graduation. Graduation application forms may be found via student email announcements and online at www.wiregrass.edu. Students must complete all sections of the online Application for Graduation. Students should complete this form upon their last advisement session. A student must have enrollment within the last five years of the graduation term to receive an award. There is a $40 Graduation Fee applied to all students. Students are only required to pay the fee one time if they are staying within the same major and moving from a technical certificate to diploma to degree. If students move to a new field of study, the student will be required to pay a second fee. Students can pay the $40 fee in the Bookstore.

Commencement exercises will be held for degree, diploma, and technical certificate candidates for graduation. The dates for commencement exercises will be announced and published on the college’s website and through student email. Student participation in commencement exercises is strongly encouraged. There is a $40 fee for participation in the Commencement ceremony; however, there is no fee to apply for graduation.

Warranty of Graduates

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) guarantees the skills of its students for up to two years after graduation from a degree, diploma, or technical certificate program of study. Graduates who are found to be deficient in one or more competencies may can retake the related course work at no instructional cost to the graduate or employer, at any TCSG institution within the state.

Transcripts

Transcripts are a vital part of the student’s personal record. No transcript of a student’s record will be issued without the express, written authorization of the student. Requests should be made through the student’s BanWeb/Ellucian Experience account or through Parchment Services. No telephone or third-party requests will be honored by the college for information from, or transmittal of, the student record. In addition, the college will not issue transcripts of an official or unofficial nature if there is a disciplinary hold on the transcript.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has retained Parchment to accept transcript orders over the Internet.

Unofficial transcripts may be viewed or printed by authorized individuals through BanWeb/Ellucian Experience.

Record Retention

Documents shall be held for no less than five (5) years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance. Records for students who apply but never attend will be held for no less than three (3) years after application term.