Welcome to Georgia Southwestern State University Graduate Studies!

We are pleased you have chosen to continue your education with us in a caring community of learning. Faculty and staff are dedicated to making your education a rewarding experience. For your convenience, Georgia Southwestern offers courses in the evenings and on weekends, on campus and on-line as well as the regular daytime graduate schedule. At the same time, we invite you to become actively involved in our community and to contribute to its continuing growth and quality programs.

The Orientation program presented here is designed to expedite your understanding of the procedures you need to follow to accomplish your goals. Please take the time now to read through this information, fill out the short evaluation survey, and send it electronically to the appropriate school.

We look forward to working with you and sharing your excitement about learning at Georgia Southwestern State University.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Georgia Southwestern graduate programs offer the degrees of Specialist in Education, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Computer Science. Those seeking admission to a graduate program should click on the Graduate Admission link found on the website of the appropriate school below.

School of Business
The Master of Business Administration offers the options of taking elective courses in accounting, management, or a combination of courses approved by the MBA advisor. A certificate in Not-For-Profit Management is offered also.

School of Education
Students may earn the Master of Education degree in the following fields: Biology, Early Childhood Education, English, Health and Physical Education, History, Mathematics, Middle Grades Education, Reading (P-12), and Special Education. The Specialist in Education degree may be earned in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Middle Grades Education.

School of Computer and Information Sciences
The Master of Science in Computer Science degree offers a concentration in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems and a certificate program in Computer Information Systems.

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Link to graduate admissions

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Complete application packets for the following terms must be received by the deadlines listed below:

TYPES OF ADMISSION

There are six general types of admission to graduate studies at Georgia Southwestern State University: Regular, Non-Degree, Personal Development, Post Baccalaureate, Transient, and Certificate Program Only. The six types are described below.

- Regular Admission (without conditions). An applicant in this category has completed all the requirements for admission to a specific degree program.

- Regular Admission (with conditions). An applicant who does not meet all the requirements for admission to a specific degree program may be admitted with the condition that he or she must complete nine (9) hours of graduate credit with a grade no lower than B. At the time the conditions are met, the student's record will be updated to reflect the change to regular admission without condition. If the conditions are not met (a grade lower than B in those nine hours), the student will be expelled from the graduate program.

- Non-Degree Program Admission. An applicant in this category must have a baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree from an accredited college or university. This type of admission allows one to take graduate courses for credit in the Alternative Preparation Program, for purposes of initial certification to teach, for certification renewal, or for adding certification in additional teaching fields. It does not admit one to a degree program. Under no circumstances can more than nine semester hours taken under non-degree status be used in a master's degree program. No courses taken under this status can be used in the specialist degree program. Applicants should refer to admission requirements for the individual graduate degree programs for additional requirements.

- Personal Development. An applicant in this category must have a baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree from an accredited college or university. Graduate courses taken under this category cannot be applied towards a master's degree.

-Post Baccalaureate. An applicant in this category must have a baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree from an accredited college or university. This type of admission allows one to take graduate courses for credit without pursuing a graduate degree, i.e. satisfying graduate level pre-requisite course requirements, or pursuing graduate level certificate is not a part of degree program. Students who wish to have certificate courses apply toward a degree program must meet admission requirements without condition. Under no circumstances can more than nine semester hours taken under post baccalaureate status be used in a master's degree program.

-Transient. An applicant who is currently admitted to full graduate standing at another recognized institution may be admitted as a graduate transient student, with permission from the home institution once official transcripts have been received. An applicant for transient admission must submit an application, application fee, official transcripts from the home institution and a letter of transient permission from the appropriate dean of the student's home institution.

- Certificate Programs. An applicant seeking one of the certificate programs offered by the School of Business or the School of Computer Information Sciences must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or the foreign equivalent thereof. Click the appropriate certificate listed under the school for specific admission requirements.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

Georgia Southwestern State University welcomes applications from international students to its graduate degree programs.

In addition to requirements for admission to a graduate degree program listed elsewhere in this section, international students must submit the following items:

1. An official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 193 on the computerized test (523 on the paper test) is required for all types of admission to all graduate programs.
2. A pre-entrance medical form (supplied by the University) completed by the student and a physician.
3. Upon acceptance into a graduate program, a certified statement from the student's family, bank, or government that finances are available to cover educational expenses for the international student. This statement must be received by Graduate Admissions in order for an I-20 visa to be issued. There are assistantships available to be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified students.
4. Proof that the student is covered by a health and accident insurance plan annually.
5. All official international transcripts must have a foreign credential evaluation completed. Applications for this service can be obtained from the Graduate Admissions Office or from the following website:
   http://www.gsw.edu/international/index.html
6. Certified copies of original diploma, degrees awarded and English translation of diploma, degrees awarded.
7. Certified English translation of original transcripts from each institution previously attended. In cases where there is only one original copy, GSW will inspect the original copy, make a photocopy for the institutional records, and return the original to the applicant.

F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Georgia Southwestern State University is part of the Department of Homeland SecurityÆs Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Through this system, the university has become a liason between GSW international students and a number of government agencies. To meet federal obligations imposed by these agencies, Georgia Southwestern State University is required to report certain personal, academic, and employment related data on international students and scholars to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration.

Georgia Southwestern State University is dedicated to enabling international students to accomplish their educational goals on our campus so long as the student maintains visa status and abides by the policies of the university. In an effort to assist students with immigration matters, each international student has been assigned a Designated School Official (DSO). All F-1 international students must consult a DSO before making any changes that will affect their immigration status. These changes include, but are not limited to, a change of major, a change of degree program, a change of address, a change of school, etc.

F-1 international students will be required to attend an international student orientation session at the beginning of each semester. The orientation session will inform and remind students of general international regulations that may affect their stay in the United States. As part of the orientation, students will be issued an International Student Handbook to use as a reference for international questions and concerns.

Maintaining F-1 Visa Status

In order for international students to maintain a valid F-1 Visa status, the following conditions must be met:

1. Maintain a valid passport at all times.
2. Attend the University that the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (BCIS) has authorized you to attend by stamping your I-20 when you entered the U.S., or by being notified of your transfer to another school.
3. Continue to carry a full course of study (12 hours for undergraduate students, 9 hours for graduate students) each regular semester (fall and spring).
4. Apply with your Designated School Official promptly for an extension of stay if you are unable to complete your program of study by the ending date on your I-20.
5. Apply with your Designated School Official for proper documentation to notify BCIS of a change of education level and/or a change in major.
6. Do not change schools without first contacting your Designated School Official for proper documentation.
7. Do not engage in any employment without proper authorization.
8. Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
9. Report a change of address to the ADSO or DSO and the RegistrarÆs Office within 10 days of the change.
10. Carry approved health insurance coverage.
11. Request travel documents from your ADSO or DSO in advance of leaving the U.S.

Applicants who do not enroll in the term indicated on the application must inform the Graduate Studies Office of their plans and indicate a new date of entrance.

An applicant for transient admission must submit an application, application fee, official transcripts from the home institution and a letter of transient permission from the appropriate dean of the student's home institution.

READMISSION OF FORMER STUDENTS

Former students who have not been in attendance for a calendar year or more must reapply through Graduate Admissions. Students who have attended another college since last attending Georgia Southwestern must submit an official transcript from that institution.

Students readmitted or reinstated will be evaluated for graduation from the catalog in effect at the time of readmission or reinstatement or any catalog in effect during subsequent periods of continuous enrollment.

TRANSIENT STUDENT PROCEDURE

Students wishing to enroll in coursework in another college or university to count towards degree requirements at Georgia Southwestern State University must be in good standing and petition the appropriate Dean for transient permission. They must have the approval of the faculty advisor and the appropriate Dean or Department Chair prior to enrolling at the other institution. Transient credit is considered the same as credit by transfer and is included in the nine-semester hour limit stated above. Transient permission forms are available in the RegistrarÆs Office and on-line.

TRANSFER CREDIT

In any graduate program a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution under the following conditions:

1. Work must have been completed within the seven-year period allowed for the completion of degree requirements.

2. Work accepted in transfer to the Master of Business Administration program must have the approval of the Dean of the School of Business Administration.

3. Work accepted in transfer to teacher education programs must have the approval of the Dean of the School of Education.

4. Work accepted in transfer to the Master of Science in Computer Science program must have the approval of the Dean of the School of Computer and Information Sciences.

5. Work accepted in transfer to the Specialist in Education Degree programs must have been completed by the student while fully admitted as a regular student in a sixth year or doctoral degree program at an accredited college or university and must have the approval of the Dean of the School of Education.

6. Grades in transfer credits will not be used in calculating the grade point average and do not reduce residence requirements.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CREDIT

GSW grants no credit for experiential learning at the graduate level except under the supervision of the institution.

CORRESPONDENCE CREDIT

Under no circumstances may credit earned through correspondence work be used to satisfy graduate degree requirements.

OFF-CAMPUS COURSES

When approved by the University, courses taken off campus, including those taken through an Area Teacher Education Service, may be applied towards a degree. Students enrolling in such courses must have the approval of their advisors prior to registration. (See residence requirements for each graduate degree).

ADVISEMENT

Upon admission to the Program of Graduate Studies, each student is assigned an academic advisor. Advisors for reading, early childhood, middle grades and special education are assigned by the Dean of the School of Education. Advisors for secondary education majors are assigned by the appropriate Department Chair or Dean.

Academic Advisors in the MasterÆs of Business Administration programs are assigned by the Dean of the School of Business.

Advisors to students in the Computer Science MasterÆs programs are assigned by the Dean of the School of Computer and Information Sciences.

Graduate students should enroll for courses only with the advice and approval of their advisors.

REGISTRATION

Once the acceptance letter is received, the student should contact his/her advisor as indicated on the letter. After consultation with the advisor, the student may register with the advisor or online through the Registration Academic Information Network (RAIN). See section below for additional information about RAIN.

CHANGE IN PROGRAM

Before a graduate student may transfer from one Teacher Education degree program to another, a request for transfer must be approved by the Dean of the School of Education and the chair of the new program. Students wishing to transfer to or from the MasterÆs of Business Administration or the Master of Science Program in Computer Science must have their request approved by the appropriate dean and department chair. Students who were not admitted in the regular admission category for their current program must reapply for regular admission to the new program.

APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION

The Application for Graduation for graduate students must be completed one full semester prior to the academic term in which the degree is expected.

ADDING AND DROPPING COURSES

Following registration for the term, students may add or drop courses during the published add/drop period.

• Students must discuss adding or dropping courses with their advisors.
• Students who enter courses after the first day of class are responsible for making up missed assignments.

After the published add/drop period, students may adjust their schedules only by "withdrawal." (See below.)

Students registered for courses that have the first class meeting after the designated add/drop period will be subject to the withdrawal from class policy or the withdrawal from the university policy below. Any orientation session for online or off-campus courses is considered the first class meeting for the course.

WITHDRAWALS

A student who wishes to withdraw from the University should confer with the Counseling Services Office for the proper procedure. A student who wishes to withdraw from an individual class should initiate action in the RegistrarÆs Office.

LOAD LIMITATIONS

Graduate students taking nine or more hours will be considered full-time. Graduate students may take a maximum of fifteen hours per term.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grade Point Average for Graduate Students
The grade point average (GPA) for graduate students includes all attempts on all graduate courses. It is a true cumulative GPA.

Policy on Repeating Graduate Courses
Normally, a course is counted only one time for credit hours toward a degree. If a graduate student wants to repeat a course that falls into this category, the student may do so with the understanding that credit hours attempted and quality points earned in all attempts of the course will be counted in the student's grade point average (GPA) .

The grading system for graduate courses is as follows:

A grade of I may be given in extenuating circumstances. If a grade of I is not removed before the end of the following term, it automatically becomes an F.
Students enrolled for thesis or directed study credit will receive an S for satisfactory performance or a U for unsatisfactory performance.
Students who for non-academic reasons stop attending class prior to midterm should withdraw from the course. A grade of "I" cannot be assigned in this situation.

RE-EXAMINATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduate students will not be allowed a retest on any final examination.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Students pursuing a MasterÆs degree must maintain the following standards:

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
2. Only two courses with grades of C can be applied to the degree
3. No course with a grade below a C will be applied toward a degree
4. In any graduate degree program, all requirements, including course work at Georgia Southwestern State University, transfer credit and transient credit course work, must be completed within seven (7) calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in course work, without regard to the initial admission status and without regard to credit hours earned.

Graduate students pursuing the Specialist degree must maintain the following academic standards:

1. Maintain an overall graduate GPA of 3.25
2. No course with a grade below a B will be applied toward the degree
3. Only one course with a grade of C may be repeated one time
4. Degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) calendar years from the time of first enrollment.

Please review other requirements for the School of Education. Students under review or dismissed will follow the same procedures as for the MasterÆs degree.

Each School with a Graduate Program may have other academic requirements; please check the School web site or the appropriate section of the current Bulletin.

STUDENTS UNDER REVIEW

Graduate students who fail to maintain academic standards will be placed under academic review at the end of the semester in which their status falls below the required standards.

1. Students who have been placed under review will have early registration cancelled for the following semester. These students will not be able to register on-line and must report to their advisor.
2. The Registrar will send the names of students under review to the Director of Graduate Studies, the Deans of each School, the Department Chairs with graduate courses,, and the graduate advisors.
3. Students under review must meet with their advisor to develop a remediation plan to demonstrate how the student can be returned to good standing. The plan will be forwarded to the Dean of the School for his or her signature before being placed in the student's file. A copy of the form will also be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies and to the Graduate Admissions Specialist.
4. At the end of the probationary semester, if the student is not successful in returning to good standing, the Dean of the School, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, will send a certified letter of dismissal to the student with a copy to the student's advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate Admissions Specialist.
5. Graduate students who are dismissed from the School may write a letter of appeal within ten class days from the receipt of the dismissal letter to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students re-admitted on appeal will have one additional semester to return to good academic standing.
6. Re-admitted students who do not return to good standing after the initial probationary semester will be dismissed from the program and the university.
7. Dismissed graduate students may re-apply for admission to the program after three calendar years. If the student is re-admitted, he or she must meet all requirements for the degree program at the time of re-enrollment. The years completed prior to dismissal will count towards the total seven (7) years to complete the degree. Re-admission is not automatic. Each application will be considered individually.

Please review other requirements for the School of Education. Students under review or dismissed will follow the same procedures as for the MasterÆs degree.

RAIN (REGISTRATION AND ACADEMIC INFORMATION NETWORK)

The Registration and Academic Information Network (RAIN) allows students to access their academic and financial records on-line. Students can view holds, midterm grades, final grades, academic transcripts, registration status, class schedules, curriculum sheets, as well as their financial aid status, account summaries and fee assessments. RAIN provides a convenient method for students and faculty to obtain information via the web. It is a secured site which is continually expanding to provide 24 hour access to all students. Information is routinely added to RAIN, including term-specific notices and deadlines. Students must access RAIN to receive grades for all courses since grade mailers are no longer produced. Instructions for access to RAIN can be found at www.gsw.edu or in the Registrar's Office.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available within the Academic Affairs Division. Application forms are available by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies, room 206 of the Administration Building.
E-mail: gswgs@canes.gsw.edu

Applications should be submitted by April 15 in order to be considered for the following year. Students must be fully admitted to a degree program before Graduate Assistantships can be awarded. International students must hold appropriate visas before applications for Graduate Assistantships can be processed. In addition, Graduate Assistantships may be awarded during an academic year if vacancies occur and if funding is available. Applications are therefore encouraged throughout the year but most will be processed in April.

Graduate Assistants will be assigned to particular Schools or Departments that will specify and supervise responsibilities. They will be expected to maintain a minimum load of nine credit hours each semester. Graduate Assistants will be evaluated each semester, and the continuation of the assistantships will depend on satisfactory evaluations.

Assistantships also are available in the Departments of Athletics and Student Affairs, and interested students should make direct application to those Departments.

GRADUATE LOAN APPLICATION

Georgia Southwestern State University has funds available for short-term loans to assist graduate and specialist students accepted under regular admissions status. Funds are generally available within one to five working days to qualified students who are currently enrolled in three or more graduate semester credit hours. For additional information, click on the link below:

Foundation Graduate Loan Application

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Financial aid is available only for graduate students who have been officially admitted into a graduate degree program. Refer to the following website for in-depth financial aid and HOPE scholarship information:

http://www.gsw.edu/academics/bulletin/contents/grfin.htm

ANNUAL LOAN LIMITS FOR SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOANS

MAXIMUM TOTAL DEBT FROM STAFFORD LOANS WHEN YOU GRADUATE

POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students at Georgia Southwestern State University are expected to conform to high standards of intellectual and academic integrity. The University assumes as a basic and minimum standard of conduct that students be honest and that they submit for credit only the product of their own efforts. Scholastic ideals and the need for fairness require that all dishonest work be rejected as a basis for academic credit. They also require that students refrain from all forms of dishonorable conduct in the course of their academic careers.

Dishonest work will be treated as a serious offense by the faculty and administration of Georgia Southwestern. Multiple infractions may be cause for permanent expulsion from the University. An instructor who receives dishonest work from a student has several options. At a minimum, the work should be rejected as a basis for academic credit. At the discretion of the instructor, the student may be given a score of zero on the assignment in question, may be required to rewrite the assignment, may be given a grade of F in the course, may not be recommended for admission to teacher education or the nursing programs, or may be penalized in some intermediate way. A student found guilty of submitting dishonest work will have this information and the instructorÆs course of action placed on file in the Office of Academic Affairs so that if future instructors receive dishonest work from that same student, the institution may penalize the student, resulting in possible expulsion. Given the serious nature of infractions of this policy, students have a right to know what constitutes academic dishonesty and have a right to a fair and consistent procedure before severe penalties are imposed. The examples given below are intended to clarify the standards by which academic integrity is judged. They are meant to be illustrative and are not exhaustive.

DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES OF DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

Plagiarism

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit plagiarized work. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, asking someone to write part or all of an assignment, copying someone elseÆs work (published or unpublished), inadequately documenting research, downloading material from electronic sources without appropriate documentation, or representing othersÆ works or ideas as the student's own.

The student is responsible for understanding the legitimate and accurate use of sources, the appropriate ways of acknowledging and citing academic, scholarly or creative indebtedness, and the consequences of violating this responsibility.

Cheating on Examinations

It is a violation of academic integrity to cheat on an examination. Cheating on an examination includes, but is not limited to, giving or receiving unauthorized help before, during, or after an in-class or out-of-class examination. Examples of unauthorized help include using unauthorized notes during an examination, viewing another studentÆs exam, and allowing another student to view oneÆs exam.

Unauthorized Collaboration

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit for credit work that is the result of unauthorized collaboration. It is also a violation to provide unauthorized collaboration. Unauthorized collaboration includes giving or receiving unauthorized help for work that is required to be the effort of a single student, such as the receiving or giving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any academic or clinical laboratory assignment.

Falsification

It is a violation of academic honesty to falsify information or misrepresent material in an academic work. This includes, but is not limited to, the falsification of citations of sources, the falsification of experimental or survey results, and the falsification of computer or other data.

Multiple Submissions

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once without the explicit consent of the instructor(s) to whom the work is submitted for additional credit. If a work product is to be substantially revised or updated, the student must contact the instructor in advance to discuss necessary revisions. The faculty member may require a copy of the original document for comparison purposes.

Obligation to report suspected violations

Members of the academic community (students, faculty, administration, and staff) are expected to report suspected violations of these standards of academic conduct to the appropriate authority: the instructor, department chair, academic dean, or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Evidence and burden of proof

In determining whether or not academic dishonesty has occurred, the standard, which should be used, is that guilt must be proven by the instructor with a preponderance of evidence. That is, it should appear to a reasonable and impartial mind that it is more likely than not that academic dishonesty has occurred.

Procedure for resolving matters of Academic Dishonesty

When an instructor believes that academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor will inform the student that academic dishonesty is believed to have taken place. The instructor will explain to the student what the penalties will be should the guilt be proven by a preponderance of evidence. If the student maintains that academic dishonesty did not take place, the student should discuss the matter with the instructor and present evidence (if possible) demonstrating that the work was done in an honest manner. Should the instructor and student not resolve the matter, then they will bring the matter to the Department Chair. If the matter is not resolved at this level, then the matter will be brought to the Academic Dean. If the matter is still unresolved, it will be brought to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President may be appealed to the President, who would then refer it to the

Committee on Academic Grievance for its recommendation before rendering a decision. The PresidentÆs decision is final and binding.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Georgia Southwestern State University provides access to programs and makes reasonable accommodations for the needs of students with disabilities. Students must self-identify by completing a Statement of Health form prior to enrollment. These students must follow up by contacting the Director of Student Support Services for an interview to determine their needs before registration. Each student is responsible for identifying his or her needs to each professor the first day of class. If problems arise, the student should notify the Director of Student Support Services or the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Faculty members are sensitive to the special needs of students with disabilities and are willing to make reasonable and appropriate accommodations for these students when enrolled in their classes.

SERVICES TO STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

The Student Support Services Office at GSW provides services to students with learning disabilities. Students must self-identify by informing the Director of Student Support Services. The student is requested to provide a copy of written documentation from a qualified authority concerning the disability and previous assistance received.

The types of services that can be provided include readers, notetakers, tutors, academic advising, individual counseling, and alternate testing accommodations. Certain types of equipment such as tape players and calculators are available for loan to students.

ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL WITHDRAWALS

For the provision of an academic learning environment and the protection of students and the total University community, the University has adopted a policy for the administrative medical withdrawal of students. A student may be administratively withdrawn from the University when, in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs in consultation with the Director of Counseling Services, the University physician, the student's parents or spouse, the student's physician, and appropriate health professionals, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which (1) poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others or (2) causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the University community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the University or its personnel or (3) causes the student to be unable to meet institutional requirements for admission or continued enrollment, as defined in the Student Conduct Code and other publications of the University.

Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded an appropriate hearing prior to the final decision concerning his or her continued enrollment at the University.

STUDENTS IDENTIFICATION CARDS

The student ID card is the official means of identification for currently enrolled students. GSW student identification cards are made during the registration process at the beginning of each term and also on a specific day each week throughout the semester. In order to obtain an ID card, the student should contact the Office of Student Life at 229.928.1387. A student must present the ID card in order to receive services at the University and at the request of a University faculty or staff member. Each semester the student must have his/her card updated with a current validation label in the Office of Student Life. A $5.00 fee is charged for replacing a lost or stolen student ID card and is paid at the Business Office. A receipt must be presented to the Office of Student Life to receive a replacement ID card.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In order to help create an environment conducive to the furthering of educational pursuits and personal development, the University has established minimum behavioral expectations of students. These expectations, as well as student rights, are published in the Rights and Responsibilities section of the GSWeathervane. Also included in this publication is the University policy statement relative to implementation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Each student is responsible for reading and observing the policies stated in the student handbook. The GSWeathervane is revised annually and is made available to students in the Office of Student Life, located in the Marshall Student Center, and online at http://www.gsw.edu/student/handbook.html.

HOUSING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

On-campus housing is available for graduate students. There are five residence halls on the GSW campus ranging in size from less than 100 to approximately 275 students. The halls are staffed with professional and student staff members whose primary objective is to insure a comfortable, congenial, and secure place for students to live and learn.

In order to provide on-campus housing at the lowest possible rate, the University operates its residence halls on a contract basis for the full Academic Year, beginning with the Fall Semester and continuing through the end of Spring Semester. A separate contract is signed for the Summer Term. Since the ANNUAL HOUSING CONTRACT is a binding agreement between the student and the University, applicants are advised to read this document before signing.

Releases from contracts are not all automatic and must be approved by a contract review administrator. Failure to follow published guidelines for requesting the cancellation of a housing contract may result in denial of such a request.

All applicants for on-campus housing must submit a $75.00 housing reservation/deposit along with the ANNUAL HOUSING CONTRACT to be guaranteed a space for the applicable term. This deposit will be returned to the student less any fees for damages, assessments, or improper cancellation when he/she leaves GSW residence halls by proper procedures outlined in the ANNUAL HOUSING CONTRACT. Cancellation of the housing contract after the published deadline will result in forfeiture of the deposit.

For additional information about living on campus, please write or call the Office of Residence Life at Georgia Southwestern (229/931-2375).

Refund of Housing fees

If, after matriculation, a student is granted cancellation of the housing contract or withdraws from the University, housing and food service fees will be refunded on a prorated basis, determined by the date that the student officially checks out of the residence hall. No refunds will be made, however, for a fractional part of a week and no refunds are made for students who leave housing due to disciplinary sanctions of the University. Refunds are processed by the Business Office within thirty days of the date of the student's departure.

Housing contract buy-out

A student who is obligated by a housing contract for an academic year may buy out the contract by paying an assessment of thirty percent (30%) of the value of the contract. Contract buy-outs must be completed by 5:00 PM on the first official day of classes for the affected term. The student who buys out his/her contract will forfeit the housing deposit upon release from the contract.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Public Safety DepartmentÆs primary responsibilities are for the safeguarding of the lives and the properties of the GSW Campus Community. This is accomplished by providing law enforcement services throughout the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the entire year.

The Public Safety Officers perform not only law enforcement services, but incorporate campus orientated services as well, including campus escorts and vehicle emergency assistance.

The telephone numbers to reach Public Safety are 229.931.2245 or 911. Emergency call boxes are located around campus with direct phone access to Public Safety.

GSW Parking Decals

Parking decals are required for all visitors, students, faculty and staff. Decals can be obtained from the public safety office on the first floor of Sanford Hall during regular working hours, 8:00am û 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The cost for a decal is $14. Decals are valid through the end of the academic year, including summer term. Temporary parking permits may be obtained for visitors at no charge.

Parking stickers must be displayed in the lower left corner of the vehicleÆs rear window or bumper. Vehicles with improperly displayed stickers may be ticketed.

Parking is organized by zones as follows:
            ôBö zone is for residential students
            ôXö zone is for commuter students
            ôFacultyö is for faculty, staff and other GSW employees
Visitors may park in ôBö or ôXö zone, or in designated visitor parking areas. Parking zones are enforced only on school day and only between 8:00am and 5:00pm with the exception of no parking zones (yellow curbs), handicapped parking zones and parking in the area of the Health Center.

SERVICES AVAILABLE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS

The following services are available to graduate students. Click on the indicated link for additional information.

Health Services
Optional Health Insurance
Food Services
Career Services
Library Services
Multicultural and Minority Affairs

POLICIES APPLICABLE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS

The following policies are applicable to graduate students. Click on the indicated link for additional information.

Family Educational Right To Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Drug Free Campus Policy
Sexual Harassment Policy

GRADUATE FACULTY

GRADUATE ADVISORS

WHO TO SEE AT GSW

ACADEMIC SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS

RESIDENCE HALLS

EVALUATION

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