GMC News

Goal is college completion Technical and Independent colleges agree to credit hour transfer, acceptance 2/22/2013 2:30 pm ATLANTA – The Georgia Independent College Association and the Technical College System of Georgia have made it easier for technical college graduates to enter many four-year private colleges in Georgia with transfer of credit hours. Representatives of the two organizations signed the Transfer Articulation Agreement in a State Capitol ceremony hosted by Governor Nathan Deal at 10 am today in the north wing. “The purpose of this unprecedented public-private partnership is to facilitate college completion throughout Georgia and empower the future workforce,” GICA President Dr. Susanna Baxter said. “This agreement formally recognizes that Georgia’s technical and private colleges are active educational partners in providing educational opportunities for currently enrolled and prospective students of both college sectors. Agreement to this partnership requires a commitment by all to facilitate a student’s ability to transfer select coursework without jeopardizing the intended mission and stated goals of any participating entity,” Baxter said. Based on a recent survey of other state higher education systems, the agreement is believed to be one of only a few such credit transfer and admission acceptance arrangements in the nation. “The articulation agreement for general education courses between the GICA and the TCSG creates additional education pathways for our students, and it’s another big step in our state’s effort to provide seamless educational ladders for all Georgians. Collaborations like this allow us to open greater opportunities for students to pursue their dreams of career advancement through steady and continuous education,” TCSG Executive Director for Academic Affairs Joe Dan Banker said. Under the agreement, a TCSG student having a minimum 2.5 GPA for all academic work attempted at a SACS-accredited TCSG institution and an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science degree from a TCSG institution will be admitted to participating GICA member baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. GICA member baccalaureate degree-granting institutions may deny admission only if coursework beyond the two-year degree falls below minimum admission standards or applicants are not in good standing. Admission to the GICA participating institution does not guarantee admission to specific majors or programs. Students must meet minimum admission requirements specific to select majors or programs to be considered for admission into such majors or programs. Students who have not completed pre-requisites for admission to specific majors will be required to complete the pre-requisites at the transferring GICA institution. Members of GICA participating in the agreement include the following: Andrew College Berry College Brenau University Brewton-Parker College Covenant College Emmanuel College Georgia Military College LaGrange College Mercer University Paine College Piedmont College Point University Reinhardt University Shorter University Thomas University Toccoa-Falls College Truett McConnell College Wesleyan College Young Harris College The Technical College System includes 25 institutions located throughout Georgia.