GGC Grizzly Guide 2025/2026 by Georgia Gwinnett College

GRIZZLY GUIDE 2025-2026

NAME GGC EMAIL

STUDENT ID

FOCUS AREA

MAJOR

The following steps are important for new students to complete by the respective deadlines and before beginning classes at GGC.

Activate your GGC account Page 14

Complete your FAFSA to receive financial aid Page 9

Submit any outstanding Admissions documents Page 4

Complete and submit your immunization documents Page 5

Review your academic map and program plan Page 21

Academic planning Page 20

Dear New Grizzly,

Congratulations and welcome to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC)! We are excited that you have chosen GGC as your institution for higher learning. Our leadership team, faculty and staff are dedicated to providing you with an engaging, high-quality education. We are committed to supporting your intellectual, social and personal growth, ensuring you are well-prepared for a lifetime of opportunities. We call this “access to success.”

Your journey begins the moment you step onto campus. As you prepare to earn your bachelor’s degree, GGC is where you can discover your place, passion and purpose – both inside and outside the classroom. To help you transition into college life, we aim to make your start as a Grizzly as seamless as possible. At the same time, we encourage you to take an active role by staying open to new ideas, paying attention to the resources shared during your Grizzly Orientation, and following up on opportunities presented to you.

GGC’s campus is a hub of innovation and creativity, offering numerous paths for personal and professional growth. Here, you will engage in an environment that fosters meaningful connections and a rewarding college experience.

Once again, on behalf of everyone at Georgia Gwinnett College, welcome to the Grizzly community!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER (AEC) aec@ggc.edu

678.407.5191

ADMISSIONS ggcadmissions@ggc.edu

678.407.5313

B BOOKSTORE sm595@bncollege.com

678.407.5986

C CAREER SERVICES careerservices@ggc.edu

678.407.5702

CLAW CARD

clawcard@ggc.edu

678.407.5529

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)

counseling@ggc.edu

678.407.5592

D DANIEL J. KAUFMAN LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER askalibrarian.ggc.edu circulation@ggc.edu

678.407.5317

DEAN OF STUDENTS

deanofstudents@ggc.edu

678.407.5882

DISABILITY SERVICES disablilityservices@ggc.edu

678.407.5883

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND TITLE IX COMPLIANCE titleix@ggc.edu

678.407.5085

F FINANCIAL AID ggcfinancialaid@ggc.edu

678.407.5000

G GRIZZLY DINING grizzlydining@ggc.edu

678.407.5090

H HEALTH SERVICES healthservices@ggc.edu 678.407.5675

HELPDESK helpdesk@ggc.edu

678.407.5611

I IMMUNIZATIONS immunizations@ggc.edu

NEW STUDENT CONNECTIONS grizzlyorientation@ggc.edu

678.407.5754

P PARKING SERVICES parking@ggc.edu

678.407.5015

PUBLIC SAFETY

publicsafety@ggc.edu 678.407.5333

R REGISTRAR

ggcregistrar@ggc.edu

678.407.5700

S STUDENT ACCOUNTS studentaccounts@ggc.edu

678.407.5293

STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS studentaffairs@ggc.edu

678.407.5882

STUDENT HOUSING housingapplication@ggc.edu

678.407.5501

STUDENT LIFE getinvolved@ggc.edu 678.407.5582

STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISING CENTER ssadvising@ggc.edu

678.407.5645

T TESTING SERVICES

ggctesting@ggc.edu

678.407.5322

V VETERANS SUCCESS veterans@ggc.edu

678.407.5203

WELLNESS AND RECREATION CENTER wellnessrec@ggc.edu

678.407.5970

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Admissions Services: ggcadmissions@ggc.edu

ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTATION

Your admissions documents include items such as final high school transcript, final college transcript, and if applicable, advanced placement and CLEP test scores, and verification of lawful presence.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS

Submit your final transcripts from your last term of enrollment. Freshman students should submit official high school transcripts, including graduation date with diploma type. Transfer students should submit official final college transcripts with no “in progress” courses posted.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND CLEP TEST SCORES

Submit advanced placement and CLEP test scores. If you have taken advanced placement courses, or have completed a CLEP test and wish to receive college credit, official test scores must be sent to GGC. Request official reports at www.collegeboard.org. Please review the GGC AP-CLEP Policy for further information. If you are interested in taking a CLEP test at GGC, please visit Testing Services.

VERIFICATION OF LAWFUL PRESENCE

Lawful presence documentation is required for every student who is classified as an in-state resident or is applying for a University System of Georgia tuition waiver. For more information, visit www.ggc.edu/admissions/lawful-presence. Email questions to lp@ggc.edu

CHECK YOUR TUITION RATE

Go to the Banner-Web Student Information Page.

1 Click on Student Profile under the Student Information tile.

2 Check the Residency field under General Information in the middle of the Student Profile page.

If you are listed as a non-resident and believe you qualify for in-state tuition, or have questions about the requirements for in-state tuition, email tuitionclassification@ggc.edu. Remember to use your GGC email address and include your name and GGC ID in your message.

PARKING

STEPS TO REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE

1 Go to parking.ggc.edu. Log in with your GGC account.

2 Enter your vehicle information: Year, make, model, color, tag number and state.

3 Enter dealer tag information if registering a new vehicle with no license plate.

4 Please check the box to confirm that you have read and understood the rules and regulations.

5 Visit Parking Services to retrieve your parking decal after you have confirmed your registration.

6 Place the parking decal on the left rear window of your vehicle.

7 No decals should be placed on the front of a vehicle. If you have a soft top convertible, the decal needs to be placed on the left side of the bumper.

8 If you are having difficulty signing on, stop by the Parking Services office located in Building D for assistance.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

All incoming students are required to use Med+Proctor to submit medical/immunization records. Submitting is easy.

1 Visit the following link about how and where to upload your immunization records and/or supporting documents: www.ggc.edu/immunizations. Click on Med+Proctor Login. Then enter your GGC account to get started. Follow the directions to register a new Med+Proctor account.

2 Download the Immunization Certificate and follow the instructions provided.

3 Be sure to log in to your Med+Proctor account 24 to 48 hours following your submission to check the status of your records.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Immunizations at immunizations@ggc.edu

Your well-being as a college student encompasses a wide range of factors, including physical health, mental and emotional well-being, academic success and the development of essential life skills. Following is a framework for you to prioritize your well-being and create a foundation for a healthy, successful and fulfilling life.

1.PRIORITIZING PHYSICAL HEALTH

• Movement: Engage in regular physical activity like sports, exercise or simply staying active throughout the day.

• Nutrition: Fuel your body with a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a rrelaxing bedtime routine.

• Medication: Adhere to recommended and prescribed medication regimens for both physical and mental health conditions.

2. NURTURING MENTALAND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

• Stress Management: Practice stressreducing techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises and spending time in nature.

• Building Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with family and friends, join clubs or groups that share your interests, and develop effective communication skills.

• Self-care: Incorporate regular self-care activities that help you relax and recharge, such as reading, listening to music or pursuing hobbies.

3.ESSENTIAL “ADULTING” SKILLS

• Time Management: Develop effective time management strategies, including planning, prioritizing and breaking down large tasks into smaller steps.

• Financial Literacy: Learn about budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt responsibly.

• Independent Living Skills: Acquire essential life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and basic home maintenance.

4.ACADEMIC SUCCESS

• Effective Study Habits: Develop and implement effective study techniques, such as active learning, note-taking and seeking help when needed.

• Goal Setting: Set realistic academic goals and track your progress towards achieving them.

5.ACCESS ESSENTIAL SUPPORT

• Health Services: Use available health services, medical providers, health professionals, on-site clinics and mental health professionals.

• Counseling Services: Seek support from mental health professionals to address emotional, social and academic challenges. See Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), p. 18.

• Wellness and Recreation: Participate in wellness programs and recreational activities to promote physical and mental well-being.

KEY TIPS:

Individual Needs: Remember that everyone’s needs are unique. Tailor these strategies to your specific circumstances and preferences.

Start Small: Begin by incorporating one or two healthy habits at a time and gradually build upon them.

Be Patient: Building healthy habits takes time and consistency. Celebrate your successes along the way.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, counselors or other support systems when needed.

TUITION AND FEES

Georgia Gwinnett College and the University System of Georgia reserve the right to change any of their policies, rules, regulations and fees without prior notice to the public.

To view the most current listing of tuition and fees, visit: www.ggc.edu/tuition

For payment deadlines, visit: www.ggc.edu/studentaccounts.

PAYING YOUR BILL

Student Accounts sends bill notifications directly to your Claw Mail account. Additionally, you may view your bill at any time using the Self-Service Student Account Center at www.ggc.edu/payonline. You have multiple options for paying your bill with GGC, although online payments are highly encouraged.

PAYING ONLINE

Visit www.ggc.edu/payonline to make an online payment. Most major credit cards are accepted, or you may pay by an electronic check transaction.

NELNET PAYMENT PLAN

GGC is pleased to offer, through Nelnet Business Solutions, a convenient payment plan letting you pay your tuition and fees over time. Automatic bank payment and credit/debit card are acceptable payment methods. There is a nonrefundable enrollment fee per semester based upon when you sign up for the plan. For more information, visit MyCollegePaymentPlan.com/ggc.

PAYMENT MAILING ADDRESS

You may pay your bill by mailing a check or money order to Student Accounts, Georgia Gwinnett College, P.O. Box 931992, Atlanta, GA 31193-1992.

PAYING IN PERSON

You may pay your bill by visiting Student Accounts in the Grizzly Welcome Center. Only money orders or checks are accepted at the cashier’s window. Debit and credit card payments are not accepted in person.

PAY USING 529 PLAN OR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

To make payment through a 529 College Savings Plan or a non-GGC scholarship, visit www.ggc.edu/studentaccounts to view the applicable instructions under “Payment Resources.”

FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid Services provides assistance with federal, state and institutional aid for funding your education.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available as early as Oct. 1 of each year, so don’t wait! Complete it as soon as possible.

• Pay attention to your Grizzly Den and GGC Claw Mail account for any missing requirements and respond in a timely manner. Contact us early if you have questions.

YOU ARE RECEIVING AID NOW, BUT HOW DO YOU KEEP IT?

• Always attend class. Your attendance is crucial for verifying your availability. No show, no money!

• Visit the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from any classes. Continue to attend class until you have formally withdrawn through Grizzly Den.

• Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. Students who are not meeting GPA or Pace of Progression standards are ineligible for financial aid.

IT TAKES SEVERAL YEARS TO COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE. BE SURE TO MANAGE YOUR FINANCIAL AID SO THAT YOU DON’T RUN OUT BEFORE YOU FINISH!

• All financial aid programs are subject to limits that include length of time, annual amount limits and lifetime amount limits.

• Stay on track! Taking classes outside of your degree program or changing your major multiple times can extend your time in school, but not your financial aid limits.

STUDENT HOUSING Where greatness lives

Forget community bathrooms and shared bedrooms. Student Housing at GGC will have you feeling like a V.I.P. As a GGC resident, you have access to suite-style living, featuring shared living spaces with private bedrooms, well-equipped kitchenettes and on-site laundry facilities that alert you when your clothes are done.

Choose from two-, four-, six-, eight- or 12-bedroom suites in which each two bedrooms share one bathroom. Some four-bedroom units offer double-room occupancy. Each suite is fully furnished and equipped with everything you need to feel right at home.

Student residents must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Tuition, room fees, communication fees and meal plan fees posted to your Grizzly Den account within Banner must be paid in full before keys are distributed for move in.

1 Apply for housing at www.ggc.edu/studenthousing Scroll down to click on Become a Grizzly Resident, and then click on the Housing Application Portal.

2 Log in with your GGC account.

3 Follow the instructions on the portal. Be sure to pay the $250 application fee and read/sign your contract.

4 Receive a room assignment for the 2025-2026 academic year and move-in instructions via email.

CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION

housingapplication@ggc.edu | 678.470.5501 www.ggc.edu/studenthousing

FACILITY CONVENIENCES

Study/program spaces/computer labs

Laundry facilities

Individual housing contracts

Card-controlled access

Grassy courtyard with amphitheater

Bike storage

Vending machines

24-hour security

After-hours, on-call staff

RA programs and social events

Academic support

Walk to class, dining locations, game room and recreational facilities

GRIZZLY DINING

DON’T FORGET YOUR MEAL PLAN!

Grizzly Dining has a variety of retail locations and an all-youcare-to-eat dining facility that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during weekdays and brunch and dinner on the weekends. Visit www.ggc.edu/mealplans

BE WELL

To BeWell, we believe that good food is essential to a healthy life. Learn more at Grizzly Dining about the delicious and nutritious BeWell wellness approach to your menu choices.

YOUR CHOICES, DEFINED

Meal plans offer discounted package plans each semester. Selecting a meal plan is easy for commuter students to opt in. Commuter students may add meal plans to their Grizzly Den student accounts before the add/drop deadline and enjoy the convenience of dining on campus. Never lose your parking spot or pay out of pocket for food.

QUESTIONS?

Email Grizzly Dining at grizzlydining@ggc.edu or call us at 678.407.5090.

1 STARBUCKS

DANIEL J. KAUFMAN LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER

This is a great place to meet, greet and eat between classes. Enjoy your favorite selection from the full line of gourmet coffee beverages, along with pastries and sweet treats.

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @GGC_GRIZZLYDINING

2 CHICK-FIL-A

BUILDING A

Chick-fil-A serves its popular chicken sandwiches, freshcut waffle fries and more all day

3 GENERAL STORE

BUILDING A

This is a full-service convenience store that provides grab-and-go dining options, beverages and personal care supplies. You name it!

PANDA EXPRESS

BUILDING A

Panda Express offers Asian-inspired selections and a wide variety of side dishes and appetizers.

5 GGC CAFÉ

BUILDING B

The café offers fresh-baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches and flat-bread pizza, crisp salads and coffee.

6 DINING HALL

STUDENT CENTER

GGC’s premier, all-you-care-to-eat dining hall features a variety of popular food offerings. With an ever-changing menu, you will never find a lack of options at its many food stations.

7 MEZZE TABLE

BUILDING A

Mezze Table presents a delightful array of Eastern Mediterranean-inspired dishes, featuring a variety of side options and beloved classics such as gyros, plates and bowls.

STUDENT LIFE

Enrich your college experience and make life-long connections through Student Life activities and programs.

CAMPUSWIDE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Student Life presents a variety of educational, cultural and social activities such as Grizzly Welcome Week, Homecoming Week and Grizzly Palooza.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

GGC offers 90+ Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) focused on hobbies, the arts, sports, music, careers, academics and other interests. RSOs help you make friends, have fun, explore new horizons or build your skills in collaboration, project management and leadership. Here are just a few examples:

Asian Student Association

Baptist Collegiate Ministries

Black Student Union

Chess Club

Elite Scholars

Empowering Business Women of Tomorrow

Greek fraternities and sororities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Chi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Kappa Alpha

Grizzly Percussion

Indian Student Club

International Student Association

Muslim Student Association

Pre-Dental Society

Women of Worth

STUDENT OUTREACH AND SERVICE

You can help make a real difference in the lives of others through activities like GGC’s microfarm, the GGC Care Pantry, the Alternative Break Program and other volunteer activities.

COMMUNITY AND BELONGING

Community and belonging programs promote awareness, advocacy and cross-cultural communication, preparing you to thrive and lead in our global society.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Build your personal and professional leadership skills by participating in the Student Government Association, Greenlight Activities Board, Grizzlies Serve or Grizzly Registered Organization Council (GROC), or serve as a student engagement specialist.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

GGC’s expanding fraternity and sorority options cultivate

The Student Center is the heart of campus life, providing a welcoming environment where you can connect, engage and thrive.

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY

TECH RESOURCES

Tech resources are available with your GGC account. itservices.ggc.edu/accounts-and-access/

Your GGC account is comprised of a GGC username and password and is secured using multifactor authentication. The GGC account provides access to many services and resources including MyCourses, Grizzly Den within Banner, Claw Mail, and Degree Works. GGC accounts may only be used to conduct official activities of the college. Please consult itservices.ggc.edu/accountsand-access for additional information on the acceptable use policy. For questions, contact helpdesk@ggc.edu or 678.407.5611.

GGC WIRELESS NETWORK AND CAMPUS COMPUTERS

Your GGC account is used to provide access to the GGC wireless network and computers in classrooms and open labs. itservices.ggc.edu/wireless/ itservices.ggc.edu/open-computer-labs/

TECHNOLOGY HELPDESK

Requests for assistance with GGC accounts, systems and computers should be sent to helpdesk@ggc.edu. You can also visit the Helpdesk in Building A -1040.

MYCOURSES (BRIGHTSPACE BY D2L)

Access MyCourses for course specific information such as the syllabus, content, exams, assignments and grades at mycourses.ggc.edu.

If taking online courses taught through GGC, use mycourses.ggc.edu.

If taking online courses taught through the eCore program, use go.view.usg.edu

STUDENT IT SERVICES CATALOG

Links to all student IT services are found at itservices.ggc.edu.

GRIZZLY DEN WITHIN BANNER

1 Go to www.ggc.edu/GrizzlyDen

2 Click on the Grizzly Den: Student Self-Service tile/link.

3 Login to Grizzly Den within Banner using your GGC account.

CLAW MAIL

1 Go to clawmail.ggc.edu.

2 Login to Claw Mail using your GGC account.

DEGREE WORKS

1 Log in to Grizzly Den within Banner using the steps above.

2 Under the tile labeled Registration, click on the Degree Works link.

PUBLIC

SAFETY

SAFETY TIPS

• Keep the door to your room or apartment locked.

• Don’t invite someone into your room, apartment or house who you don’t know VERY well.

• Develop a buddy system when you go out. Date in groups.

• Trust your gut feeling. If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

• At social events, DO NOT drink from open containers or leave your beverage unattended at any time.

• Do not accept excuses from someone who you are dating who hurts you, destroys your things, insults you or exhibits jealousy or possessive behavior.These are warning signs!

GGC PUBLIC SAFETY

• Public Safety is responsible for providing a safe and secure educational environment for the entire Georgia Gwinnett College campus. Visit www.ggc.edu/PublicSafety for more information about campus safety, crime prevention, crime statistics and GGC’s emergency alert system, RAVE.

REPORTING EMERGENCIES

• Call Public Safety at 678.407.5333 or 911 An officer will be dispatched immediately.

What to report:

• Your name

• Your location or address

• Your telephone number

• The nature and location of the emergency

RAVE ALERTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

GGC BOOKSTORE

The Barnes & Noble bookstore is conveniently located in the Student Center and carries everything from textbooks, school supplies and the latest Grizzly gear to snacks and beverages, catering to every student’s needs. www.ggc.edu/bookstore

TEXTBOOKS

New, used, digital and rental options are available.

RENTALS

Rental textbooks are due back on the last day of final exams each semester. After the due date, the rental will be charged to your securing credit card for purchase.

PRICE-MATCHING

Textbooks will be price-matched at the time of purchase. For any orders placed early, textbooks will be price-matched through the first week of any semester.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Dual enrollment students shopping in the bookstore are asked to bring their class schedules and speak with a bookseller.

SHOP 24/7 ONLINE ggc.bncollege.com

DIGITAL COURSE MATERIALS SAVINGS PROGRAM

First DayTM is a digital course materials textbook savings program designed to ensure students have their required materials within MyCourses (Brightspace by D2L) and are prepared for the first day of class. This First Day inclusive access model offers significant savings, a simplified payment process, automatic enrollment and an option to easily opt-out.

Bookstore vending machines are located in Building A and the Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center. Visit GGC’s First Day program

FINANCIAL AID BOOK ADVANCE (FABA)

A financial aid book advance (FABA) is excess aid available on your student account that is used to purchase books and supplies from the bookstore. FABA will be loaded on your Claw Card. You are responsible for any charges that arise from using FABA, including changes to your available financial aid.

FABA begins May 1 for summer semester, July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Purchases using FABA are allowed through the add/drop deadline each semester.

No action is required if you do not want to use FABA, and no charges will be placed on your Grizzly Den account when not used.

FABA may be used to place orders in person or through the online GGC Bookstore.

For more information, visit www.ggc.edu/bookstore

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS RESOURCES

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER (AEC)

The Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) provides tutoring services in many disciplines through one-on-one and group tutoring, the tutors in the classroom (TIC) program, tutors around campus (TAC) program, and tutoring online, everywhere (TOE) program. The AEC also provides Peer Supplemental Instruction (PSI), which are structured review sessions led by a trained peer leader. Finally, the AEC offers academic coaching to help you develop the time management, study techniques and test-taking skills you need to succeed in college. The AEC is located in Building W, Room 1160. Call 678.407.5191, or email aec@ggc.edu for more information. www.ggc.edu/aec

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services supports your educational and career decisions through the following services: Individual appointments for career counseling and coaching for career and major exploration, graduate/professional school, resume/cover letter review, interview preparation, networking skills, goal setting, building a professional brand, job fairs and more. Career Services is located in the Student Center, suite 2130. For more information, call 678.407.5702 or email careerservices@ggc.edu www.ggc.edu/careerservices

CLAW CARD

The Claw Card is your official GGC identification card and with it, you can access services, events and make purchases on campus without needing to carry cash. You will receive your Claw Card during orientation as long as you bring your proof of identification. For more information, call 678.407.5529 or email clawcard@ggc.edu www.ggc.edu/ClawCard

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) assists in identifying challenges and developing skills that empower you to develop broader insight and create positive change in your life. CAPS contributes to students’ mental health and well-being by offering an initial consultation, individual and group counseling, psychoeducational workshops, prevention programming, outreach and consultation services. Our services are free for GGC students who are currently enrolled and taking classes. To connect with us, simply stop by our office in Building I, give us a call at 678.407.5592, or email counseling@ggc.edu. www.ggc.edu/caps

DEAN OF STUDENTS

The Dean of Students office provides leadership and support around student conduct and student assistance issues and concerns. In addition, the Dean of Students office manages the Student Code of Conduct.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Disability Services ensures reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. If you are seeking accommodations at the college level, you must self-identify by making an appointment to meet with a disability services provider. All information is confidential. To make an appointment, call 678.407.5883 or email disabilityservices@ggc.edu.

www.ggc.edu/disabilityservices

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND TITLE IX COMPLIANCE

Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance (Title IX) welcomes you as a valued member of our campus community. We uphold the institutional commitment that every student has a right to learn, work and thrive in an environment that is safe, supportive, inclusive and free from sexual misconduct or discrimination.

This office works to ensure that GGC provides equal opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, ethnicity or national origin, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities.

Title IX will respond, on behalf of GGC, and in compliance with federal statutes and the college’s Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Policy, to address all reports of sex or gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct involving members of the campus community, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.

We provide confidential resources and options to support and assist our campus community, including students, faculty and staff. We encourage anyone who has been impacted, or knows someone who has been impacted, by sexual harassment and/or other sexual misconduct to contact us about reporting options or available resources. All other allegations of harassment or discrimination that are based on a protected category will be administered through the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. For more information, or if you feel you have experienced any form of sexual misconduct, discrimination, and/or harassment, call 678.407.5085 or email TitleIX@ggc.edu.

www.ggc.edu/compliance

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Services provides health care services, acute care and preventive services to students and is staffed with a nurse practitioner. The immunization coordinator in Health Services handles immunization requirements for incoming students. For more information or to make an appointment, call 678.407.5675 or email healthservices@ggc.edu or immunizations@ggc.edu. www.ggc.edu/healthservices www.ggc.edu/immunizations

THE DANIEL J. KAUFMAN LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER

Kaufman Library is your source for scholarly resources, research assistance and study space. Library databases provide access to thousands of full-text articles, e-books, images, statistics, reports, etc. Research assistance is available in a variety of formats via Ask a Librarian. Computers loaded with campus software are available throughout the building. The library provides 37 reservable group study rooms, including those with computers. Individual and group study spaces are located on all three floors. A leisure reading collection is available to browse and check out titles of interest. For more information, call 678.407.5317 or contact Ask a Librarian at askalibrarian.ggc.edu. www.ggc.edu/academics/library

STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISING CENTER

Advisors in the Student Success Advising Center assist students, through academic advising and coaching, to develop and implement plans for achieving educational and life goals. Students who are assigned an advisor in the Student Success Advising Center will meet each semester to understand their degree requirements and academic policies, connect with campus resources, establish personal and academic goals, and develop educational success plans. Students can meet with their advisors by appointment.

Drop-in hours are available for quick questions. For more information call 678.407.5645 or email ssadvising@ggc.edu. www.ggc.edu/studentsuccessadvising

STUDENT LIFE

Student Life serves students by promoting an environment where you can explore your passions, develop leadership skills and advance your civic engagement. There are lots of ways to get involved: Start and/or join a campus organization, run for office in the Student Government Association, help plan official campus activities by joining the Greenlight Activities Board, become part of Greek life, or champion your favorite cause by organizing a fundraiser or service project for charity. For more information, call 678.407.5582 or email getinvolved@ggc.edu

www.ggc.edu/studentlife

VETERANS SUCCESS

This office provides services, programs and resources to serve military veterans, spouses and dependents. It is focused on successful transition into the academic environment, promoting high academic performance and facilitating career readiness. Veterans Services also provides connection to partner veteran service and support organizations and maintains contracts for local VA facilities. For more information, call 678.407.5203 or email veterans@ggc.edu www.ggc.edu/vetsuccess

WELLNESS AND RECREATION

The Wellness and Recreation Center is a hub for fitness and outdoor activities. It houses an indoor track, basketball court, free weight area, cardiovascular area, machine weight area, cycling room and a group fitness area. GGC offers wellness programming and club sports such as basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer, and intramural sports like flag football, dodgeball and bubble soccer. In addition, Wellness and Recreation offers information about alcohol and other drug use, physical activity, nutrition, sexual health and stress management. For more information, call 678.407.5970 or email wellnessrec@ggc.edu. www.ggc.edu/wrc

ACADEMIC PLANNING

PLANNING TOOLS

Not sure what classes to take for your intended program of study? GGC offers two tools to assist you in the planning process. Pairing these tools with the helpful advice from your mentor or advisor will help you be successful in completing your degree in your allotted time.

PROGRAM PLANS

Program plans can be used to assist in tracking academic progress for degrees and concentrations. The courses are divided by area and not necessarily listed in sequential order.

Accessing Program Plans

1 You’ll find program plans in the course catalog for each major’s concentration, minors and other programs. You may also find program plans at www.ggc.edu/ProgramPlans.

2 Search the GGC Catalog or select “Programs of Study” from right column options. catalog.ggc.edu

3 Select major, concentration or minor under affiliated academic school.

4 Locate and select document icon to view and print program plans.

Additional options are available to identify favorites for your portfolio, share programs of study to Facebook, Instagram and X, print program details and get help using the catalog.

ACADEMIC MAPS

Academic maps suggest a four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the GGC Catalog and serve as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each semester. They give you a suggested sequence of courses that would allow you to graduate in four years.

www.ggc.edu/AcademicMaps

DEGREE WORKS

Degree Works is an online program map that serves as a tool that helps track your progress towards completing your degree. See instructions about how to access Degree Works on p. 15.

Degree Works displays:

• Required courses for your selected focus area or major

• Classes registered for/or in progress

• Completed courses and earned credit hours (transfer credits, AP and CLEP credit)

• GPA

• Your assigned mentor’s name

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

BACHELOR’S

DEGREES

Biology*

Business administration

Chemistry*

Cinema and media arts production

Criminal justice/criminology

Education – Elementary

Education – Middle grades

Education – Special educationø

English*

Environmental science

Exercise science

Health science

History*

Human services

Information technology ø

Integrative studies ø

Management information systems

Mathematics*

Nursing

Political science*

Psychology

NEXUS DEGREES

Motion picture set lighting

Production design

Production for film and television

Professional editing for film and television

Professional sound design for film and television

To explore nexus degree programs, visit www.ggc.edu/nexusdegrees

MINORS

African American studies

Anthropology

Biology

Business administration

Chemistry

Creative writing

Criminal justice/criminology

Cultural studies

English

Film

Gender studies

Geography

History

Information technology

Integrative arts

Legal studies

Mathematics

Musical studies

Physics

Political science

Professional studies

Religious studies

Social work

Sociology

Spanish

Visual arts

CERTIFICATES

Biomedical science for academic enhancers

To explore bachelor degree programs, visit www.ggc.edu/degrees .

*Teacher certification available

ø Online program available

Biomedical science for career changers

Business intelligence

Campaign management

Chemistry of fermentation science

Community psychology

Cybersecurity

Gerontology

International diplomacy and conflict resolution

Latin American studies

Non-profit advocacy

Political economy

Professional legal administrator

Spanish for professionals

CERTIFICATIONS

Global studies

Paralegal

Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)

IMPORTANT TERMS

CLASS LOAD Refers to the number of credit hours a student is taking per semester. A full-time class load is at least 12 credit hours of academic course work per semester.

CO-REQUISITE A course you must take during the same semester as another course.

CREDIT HOURS The number of hours for which you are given credit for completing a course.

DROP/ADD A period of several days at the beginning of each semester during which you may adjust your schedule without penalty. This action may change the tuition charges on your account. The number of credits you attempt may also affect the amount of your financial aid.

HOLD There are certain administrative processes you must complete either before entering the college or during the course of your college career, such as attending orientation or meeting with your academic advisor. Before you accomplish such tasks, an authorized GGC office may place a hold on your account until you complete the tasks. Some holds will restrict course registration. Active holds can be viewed in Banner in your Student Profile. Click on Holds on the top right corner of the screen to view any holds.

PREREQUISITE A course that must be successfully completed before enrollment in another course.

WITHDRAWAL After Drop/Add, you may withdraw from a course before the mid-point of the semester. Please be sure to check the academic calender for important dates such as the last day to withdraw. It is also recommended that you consult with your instructor and mentor as well as Financial Aid Services to determine any effect a withdrawal may have on your financial aid and progression to graduation.

WANT TO LEARN MORE IMPORTANT TERMS AND ACRONYMS ?

AEC, Claw Mail, MyCourses, learning communities and SAP ... What does this all mean? Higher education includes a lot of terminology and acronyms that can be confusing until you become used to them. To look up unfamiliar terms and acronyms, visit: www.ggc.edu/TermsAcronym.

ACADEMIC SURVIVAL TIPS

SEMESTERS AND CREDIT HOURS

A normal academic year of study consists of two semesters, fall and spring, plus a shortened summer semester. A full courseload for an undergraduate is considered to be between 12 and 17 credit hours.

The credit value of a course is determined by the number of hours it meets each week. For example, a course with three one-hour lecture sessions per week is a three-credit-hour course. For courses with a laboratory, it generally takes two hours of a lab to equal one hour of lecture, as is the case for a four-credit-hour science course.

ATTENDING CLASSES

Be sure to attend the first class day each semester! If you don’t attend the first day and haven’t been in touch with the professor to explain why, you may be dropped from that class.

Be sure to attend EVERY time it meets! Since classes and professors differ, be certain you understand the attendance requirements for each course you are taking. Some professors lower grades for excessive absences.

FERPA

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. It is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The college may not discuss your records with your parents unless you give signed consent. To give your consent, you need to submit a FERPA form. To find out more, go to www.ggc.edu/ferpa.

To submit a FERPA form, visit the Grizzly Welcome Center in Building D, along with the individual(s) to whom you are granting access.

Ask to complete the FERPA form. Be sure that all parties bring a valid photo ID.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

First-year students are assigned a professional advisor to help them transition into college. Your advisor will help you connect with campus resources, assist you in selecting courses and help you understand academic policies. You will then be moved to a faculty mentor related to your major after you have completed 30 hours and any co-requisite course requirements.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES

First-year students may select a learning community at registration during Grizzly Orientation. Students with math and English co-requisite Student Success courses may also join learning communities. To see your available learning communities, click on the LC tab after selecting your semester in Grizzly Den during registration.

Learning communities help you make new and supportive friends while learning things that matter to you and your academic journey. GGC’s learning communities consist of linked courses connected by these meta-degree areas:

• Business (BUSI)

• Education (EDUC)

• Health professions (HEPR)

• Humanities and arts (HUAR)

• Information technology (ITEC)

• Social sciences (SOSC)

• Science, technology and math (STEM)

Students in these groups take courses together, creating opportunities for study groups and long-lasting friendships that will enrich your educational experience.

Other benefits include engaging in lively discussions and debates, participating in events, connecting with campus resources, and developing a growth mindset.

Email learningcommunities@ggc.edu for more information.

ACADEMIC SURVIVAL TIPS

Continued from p.19

LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES

As funding is available, GGC offers living-learning community programs, which have similar benefits as learning communities, but with additional benefits for students living in campus housing. For more information, contact learningcommunities@ggc.edu.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Registration includes selecting the courses you wish to take, arranging these into a schedule, signing up for the classes in Banner, and then paying your tuition.

New students register at orientation. Then, beginning with your first semester, you will receive an email notification around midsemester that assigns you a time ticket for the first date and time you can register for the upcoming semester.

You must make an appointment with your advisor before registering for the following semester. Once you meet, your mentor hold will be released. You will then be able to register beginning at the time specified on your time ticket, pending all holds on your account have been satisfied.

After you are advised, and once you know your registration time, go to Banner and select the courses you will take, arranging these into a schedule.

You need to take into consideration your program plan for your major and your work schedule.

Make sure you pay your tuition and fees before the deadline.

Please note: You can view your registration time ticket in Banner in your Student Profile. Click on Registration Notices on the top right corner of the screen and your time ticket information will appear as one of the items from the drop-down list.

To find out more, go to www.ggc.edu/registration

THE ADD/DROP PERIOD AND WITHDRAWALS FROM CLASS

Please see the current GGC Catalog for the policies and procedures for add/drop and withdrawals. catalog.ggc.edu

MENTORING

There are certain responsibilities that the mentor has and responsibilities that YOU have.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTORS

The mentor serves as your primary contact for advising and support related to academic and career issues.

The mentor’s role is to:

• Help you develop educational and career objectives suited to your demonstrated abilities and expressed interests.

• Help you to understand the relationships among the courses, programs, undergraduate research opportunities, internships, study abroad programs and other academic experiences provided by the college.

• Encourage you to take advantage of campus services, activities, programs and resources that contribute to personal development.

• Help you plan a course of study and give advice about courses and the adjustment of course loads.

• Monitor your progress and intervene when needed to overcome impediments to progress.

• Meet with you in a face-to-face session at least once each semester.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

• Acquire the information needed to assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning and the successful completion of all graduation requirements.

• Seek the academic, personal development and career information needed to develop and meet educational and personal goals.

• Become knowledgeable about the relevant policies, procedures and rules of the college, schools and academic programs.

• Be prepared with accurate and relevant information when contacting your mentor.

• Consult with your mentor at least once per semester to decide on courses, review the accuracy of the degree audit, check progress towards graduation and discuss the suitability of other educational opportunities provided by the college.

• Take personal responsibility for your actions and behavior.

• Get involved! Enhance your Grizzly experience by joining a student organization, participating in events or even attending special training. Take advantage of all the opportunities college provides. Whether you live on campus or commute, explore your interests and put classroom theory into practice – academically, socially and through civic and service activities.