REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

      To be admitted to Clayton State University, a new student must qualify under one of the admission categories listed below.  Applicants in all categories must submit (1) a completed application for admission with immunization form, (2) the required application fee, and (3) all documents required by the appropriate category under which they are applying. 

    The admissions application and immunization form may be obtained from the Office of Admissions in the Student Center Building or on-line at www.clayton.edu.  If you need assistance or have questions about admission, please contact the Office of Admissions by email at Clayton State University-info@mail.clayton.edu or call 770-961-3500.  

Application DEADLINES

      To insure admission consideration for a given term, applicants in all categories must meet the appropriate application deadline* as follows:

Priority Deadline

Fall Semester...........................April 1

Spring Semester......................September 1

Summer Semester...................February 1         

Final Deadline

Fall Semester...........................July 1

Spring Semester......................December 1

Summer Semester...................April 1

* Next business day when the first falls on a weekend.

      Students using the on-line application by the priority deadline pay an application fee of $5.00.  An application fee of $40.00 is assessed to those who use the paper application at any time or who apply on-line after the priority deadline.

TRANSCRIPTS AND TEST SCORES

      High school and/or college transcripts must be official copies in sealed envelopes provided by the high school and/or college; student copies are not acceptable.  Test scores (SAT I & II, ACT, AP) must be submitted to Clayton State University directly from the testing service or on the official high school transcript; copies provided by the student are not acceptable. In cases requiring the SAT II, the University will provide information about which tests are needed and what scores are acceptable.

Admission Categories

      Applicants for admission to Clayton State University are classified into one of the following categories:

•     Recent High School Graduates (graduation class in the past five years)

•     Non-traditional (applicants whose high school class graduated more than five years ago).

•     Transfer Students

•     Freshmen Scholars/Joint Enrollment (concurrent high school/university enrollment)

•     Transient Students

•     International Students

•     Other Categories (post-baccalaureate, auditors, age 62 and older)

      These categories and the standards and procedures for them are defined and explained under the headings that follow.  The University reserves the right to change admission standards and procedures.

Program admission

      General admission to the University does not guarantee admission to certain programs that have limited enrollment capacity and/or additional standards.  This includes such programs as nursing, dental hygiene, music, teacher education, information technology, and business.  Please consult the appropriate chapters of this catalog for full information.

      This category is designed for students who have recently graduated from high school or who will do so soon.  Students in their senior year of high school who anticipate graduating prior to their admission to Clayton State University (Clayton State University) are in this category.  Applicants in this category must have graduated from high school within the past five years, and if they have been to college they must have completed fewer than 30 semester hours (or quarter equivalent) of college-level credit. Applicants who have 30 or more credit hours of college-level work must apply under the transfer category.

      Clayton State University’s admission standards are based on grade point average, College Preparatory Curriculum, and standardized test scores as explained under the headings below.  Depending of their level of achievement in high school, accepted applicants are classified into “regular” or “limited” admission status.

·          “Regular” Admission Status.  This status indicates that the student has met all of the admission standards required by Clayton State of a recent high school graduate (see below) and is ready to begin college level work.  (Preparatory work may be needed in mathematics.)

·          “Limited” Admission Status. A restricted number of students who have not achieved all of the standards for “regular” admission but who do meet the University’s minimum admission standards may be admitted on a “limited” basis. Students admitted on this basis may be required to take special placement tests and may be placed in Learning Support courses if indicated by the results. 

STANDARDS FOR “REGULAR” ADMISSION STATUS

1.  College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) Completed.  To qualify for regular admission to Clayton State, an applicant must have graduated from an accredited high school and completed the “college prep” high school courses specified by the University System of Georgia College Preparatory Curriculum as follows:

·          four years of  college prep English

·          four years of  college prep mathematics

·          three years of college prep science

·          three years of college prep social studies

·          two years of college prep foreign language

Applicants with questions about the CPC should contact their high school counselors or call the Clayton State University Office of Admissions (770-961-3500).  Students who graduated from an out-of-state high school and do not meet Georgia’s  CPC requirements (e.g. foreign language) but are otherwise well-prepared may be considered as Presidential Exceptions.  (See heading below.)

2.  Freshman Index (FI) of 2000.  The FI is calculated based on a sliding scale between high school grade point average in CPC courses (HSGPA) and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).    To qualify for regular admission to Clayton State University, an applicant must have achieved the following:

·          SAT-ACT Minimum: SAT-I score of at least 830 with subscore minimums of 430 verbal and 400 math (or ACT score of  at least 17 English and 17 math).

·          Freshman Index (FI) of at least 2000.  The FI is calculated as follows:

-- Using SAT-I:   SATV + SATM + (HSGPA x 500).

-- Using ACT:  (ACT composite score x 42) + (HSGPA x 500) + 88.

For example, using the SAT, a student with scores of 510V and 520M and a HSGPA of 3.00 would have an FI of 2,530 (510 + 520 + [3.00 x 500] = 2,530).

Note: Applicants with transfer credit must also meet transfer standards; i.e. 2.00 transfer GPA and be in good standing to quality for regular admission.

“LIMITED” ADMISSION STATUS

Students who meet the CPC and SAT/ACT minimums for regular admission but whose freshman index (FI) falls in the window between 1830 and 2000 may be reviewed by the Admission Appeals Committee for “limited” admission. Students admitted in this status will be required to take additional placement tests and may be required by the institution to take Learning Support courses if indicated by test results.  

Standards for home school and non-accredited graduates

      In lieu of the Freshman Index and CPC requirements, applicants from home schools or graduates of nonaccredited high schools may validate the CPC through satisfactory documentation of equivalent competence in each of the CPC areas at the college preparatory level.  A student whose SAT I Composite (Verbal plus Mathematics) score is at or above the average SAT I score of the previous year's fall semester first-time freshman and who has completed the equivalent of each of the CPC areas as documented by a portfolio of work and/or other evidence that substantiates CPC completion qualifies for consideration for admission. For students with ACT scores, the ACT composite score comparable to the average SAT I total score is required.

      Applicants lacking an acceptable CPC portfolio may validate CPC by the following SAT II scores: English Writing (520), Literature (530), Math IC ( 500) or Math IIC (570), American History & Social Studies (560), World History (540), Biology (520), and one of the following: Chemistry (540) or Physics (590). Contact the Office of Admissions for details (770-961-3500).

“Limited” Admission to vocational programs

      Applicants who wish to enter a certificate or career associate degree program (except Information Technology or Paralegal Studies) may be considered for admission under the limited category if they do not qualify for regular admission.  This applies especially to students in “Tech Prep” programs in high school.  Certain substitutions in CPC requirements may be made for such students.  Students entering under limited admission to a vocational program may not change majors to a non-vocational major until they have exempted or exited from all Learning Support requirements and completed all of the Core Curriculum courses (Area A-E) in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree with a minimum 18 hours and GPA of at least 2.00 in the Core.  Contact the Office of Admissions for details (770-961-3500).

Special Admission Circumstances

        A recent high school graduate otherwise not eligible for admission may be considered for admission in two circumstances: (1) if the applicant has standardized test scores (SAT I or ACT) in the upper five percent of national college-bound seniors and shows other evidence of college readiness, and (2) if the President determines that the applicant shows exceptional talent and promise for academic success.  Such presidential exceptions are very limited.  Contact the Office of Admissions for details.

CPC DEFICIENCIES

      Any student admitted who has a deficiency in the 16 required CPC units will be required to take one course in each area of deficiency.  The approved courses are as follows:

Science (laboratory): BIOL 1111/1111L, SCI 1111/1111L, CHEM 1151/ 1151L, or PHYS 1111/1111L.

Social Sciences: SOCI 1101, PSYC 1101, POLS 2201, HIST 1110, HIST 1112.

Foreign Languages: any course numbered 1001.

      Courses taken to meet CPC requirements cannot be used to satisfy any other requirements but may count as prerequisites.

      Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in CPC deficiency make-up courses during their first term of enrollment.  Any students who have not made up their College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies by the time they have earned 24 semester hours of college degree credit must be enrolled in CPC deficiency courses.  Students who have not removed College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies by the time they have earned 30 hours of college degree credits may not enroll in any college degree courses until all CPC deficiencies are satisfied.

      The non-traditional freshmen category applies to applicants who have been out of high school for at least five years and who have no (or very little) college credit.  Non-traditional students are encouraged to consider taking the “Academic Skills Tune-up” or other courses offered in Continuing Education (770-961-3550) prior to applying for University admission. Applicants in this category do not have to meet the same standards as recent high school graduates and do not have to submit SAT or ACT test scores.  (Non-traditional applicants may submit recent SAT/ACT scores if they wish to.*)

To qualify for non-traditional freshmen admission, all four of the following criteria must apply:

1.    Applicants must have graduated from an accredited or approved high school or have satisfactorily completed the General Educational Diploma (GED).

2.       Applicants must have been out of high school for at least five years. (For GED holders, their original high school class must have graduated at least five years ago.)

3.       Applicants who have attended college must have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit to be considered a non-traditional freshmen.  (See the transfer section for additional information about special requirements for non-traditional freshmen applicants who have some transfer credit.)

4.       Applicants must take the Compass test and make an acceptable score.

Prior to being accepted, applicants classified as non-traditional must take the COMPASS test and score at or above the minimum level on all parts of the test.  Students who do not make the minimum score will not be admitted.*  If the COMPASS indicates the need for Learning Support courses, the admitted non-traditional student will be required to enroll in such courses and must exit Learning Support in accordance with general Learning Support policy.  (See the Academic Policies chapter.) 

Non-traditional students who fail to make a minimum score on the COMPASS have several options available:

·          re-take the COMPASS after one or more semesters with evidence of remediation work in the area(s) of deficiency from Clayton State University Continuing Education or another approved provider (only one re-take is allowed),

·          re-take the COMPASS after a three-year interval or,

·          seek admittance to another institution, then transfer to Clayton State University based on the transfer standards listed later in this chapter.         

*   A non-traditional applicant is exempt from taking the COMPASS and will be admitted based on SAT/ACT scores if he or she has taken the SAT within the past seven years and scored at least 500V and 500M (or ACT 21E and 21M).

Note: non-traditional applicants who have recent and strong college credit of fewer than 30 transferable hours will be evaluated by the Director of Admissions and may be granted admission prior to taking the COMPASS test.  In such cases the applicant will be notified.  The applicant will still be required to take the COMPASS test for placement purposes unless he or she is exempted from all or part of the COMPASS due to having recently earned a grade of C or better for the equivalent of ENGL 1101 (English Composition I) and/or the equivalent of MATH 1101 (Math Modeling) or higher.  

TRANSFER APPLICATION PROCEDURE

      Any student who transfers credit to Clayton State from another college or university is considered a transfer student. Like all applicants, transfers must submit a Clayton State University application form and immunization form by published deadlines.  In addition, transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended regardless of whether the student has any transferable hours from the institution.  Official transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes.  (Clayton State University will accept electronic transcripts from certain University System institutions.)  Student copies of transcripts are not acceptable.

TRANSFER ADMISSION STANDARDS – REGULAR ADMISSION

Transfer students will be granted regular admission if they meet the following standards:

a. Have 30 or more semester hours of transferable credit.*   (Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 hours should see the appropriate heading below.)

b. Have a cumulative transfer GPA** of at least 2.00.  (Transfer applicants with a GPA below 2.00 should see the limited admission heading below for possible appeal.)

c. Be in good academic and conduct standing at the last institution from which credit was earned. (Transfer applicants not in good standing should see the limited admission heading below for possible appeal.)

*     Transferable credit excludes institutional credit courses, CPC deficiency make-up courses, and vocational courses unless accepted to apply to a Clayton State University program.

**   The GPA is based on all transferable hours plus attempted but unearned hours in courses that would have transferred to Clayton State University if credit had been awarded.

TRANSFER ADMISSION STANDARDS – LIMITED ADMISSION

Transfer applicants who have a GPA below 2.00 and/or who are not in good standing at their last institution may submit an appeal for limited admission.  Appeals are granted only to a limited number of applicants and only in cases in which the Admission Appeals Committee concludes that the appellant shows strong promise for academic success based on such considerations as recent improvement in performance, increased maturity, counseling sessions, and academic review activities.  If admission is granted, the student will be on academic probation.  Contact the Office of Admissions to obtain the appropriate appeal form.

TRANSFER APPLICANTS WITH FEWER THAN 30 SEMESTER HOURS

Special considerations apply to transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 30 hours of transferable credit:

a)  if the applicant graduated from high school within the last five years, the applicant must meet standards for recent high school graduates in addition to transfer admission standards.  Such applicants must submit all high school transcripts as well as college transcripts.

b) if the applicant graduated from high school more than five years ago, he or she will be considered a non-traditional transfer applicant. The admission decision will be based on a combination of transfer grades and scores on required admission/placement tests.*

*   Note: non-traditional applicants who have recent and strong college credit of fewer than 30 transferable hours will be evaluated by the Director of Admissions and may be granted admission prior to taking the COMPASS test.  In such cases the applicant will be notified.  The applicant will still be required to take the COMPASS test for placement purposes unless he or she is exempted from all or part of the COMPASS due to having recently earned a grade of C or better for the equivalent of ENGL 1101 (English Composition I) and/or the equivalent of MATH 1101 (Math Modeling) or higher.

GENERAL POLICIES ON TRANSFER STUDENTS

1.   Academic Standing.  A student admitted as a transfer is subject to the academic standing regulations at his or her previous institutions(s) and to the academic standing regulations for students already attending Clayton State University.  This means that all probations, suspensions, and dismissals (exclusions, expulsions, etc.) carry over from the sending institution(s). 

2.   Acceptable Credit.  Clayton State University will normally and routinely accept credit for all college-level work earned with acceptable grades (see item 3) at regionally accredited colleges and universities provided that the courses are comparable to ones offered at Clayton State University or otherwise appropriate for application to the Clayton State University curriculum.  Credit from non-accredited institutions is not normally accepted.*

Important note: Due to variations in curricula in specific majors (e.g., nursing, information technology), courses completed at another institution may not apply to the major at Clayton State University.

*   An applicant with credit from institutions that are not regionally accredited may appeal for acceptance based on evidence that the work is equivalent to college-level courses offered by accredited institutions.  The burden of proof rests with the applicant.  The appeal will be reviewed by the Registrar and the appropriate dean with the final decision resting with the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

3.   Grade Requirements. A minimum grade of D will be accepted for transfer credit in lower division (1000-2000) courses except ENGL 1101, CHEM 1211, CHEM 1212, and CHEM 2411 which require a grade of C.  A minimum grade of C is required for transfer credit in upper division (3000-4000) courses.  Some programs of study (majors) at Clayton State University require a grade of C or better (or K) in all or some courses in the field, including, in some cases, lower-division courses.  Acceptance of a course with a grade of D by the University does not guarantee its acceptance in a specific program.

4.   “2 + 2” Programs. A student who has earned a career associate degree (A.A.S., A.A.T., A.S.N., A.S.D.H., etc.) may be admitted to a “2+2” baccalaureate program (B.S.N., B.A.S.) in accordance with the policies in the School of Technology and School of Health Sciences chapters.

5.   Placement Examinations. Transfer students may be required to participate in the University’s placement examination process and, based on those results, may be strongly recommended or required to enroll in specified courses or other learning experiences.  Specifically, any applicant without credit for MATH 1101 or higher must take the math placement test before enrolling in a math class at Clayton State University.

6.   Learning Support. Transfer applicants will be screened for previous participation in the University System of Georgia Learning Support program. Previous participants must furnish Clayton State with a complete record of their test performance on all required tests. Students who have not exited an area at the sending institution will be bound by Clayton State University’s Learning Support requirements, and the University may require additional testing to help determine an applicant’s qualifications for admission.

Important Note: Transfer students who have questions about the evaluation of their transfer work should contact the Registrar’s Office (770-960-5110).  Specific concerns about the transfer or degree applicability of core curriculum courses from University System of Georgia institutions should be directed to the Transfer Ombudsman in the Office of the Provost, 770-961-3538.

      The Freshman Scholar Program offers outstanding high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to accelerate their academic programs by taking courses at Clayton State University.  The Freshman Scholar Program includes three options available to qualified high school students:

•       The Joint Enrollment Program provides outstanding high school students the opportunity to accelerate their education by earning college credit at Clayton State University.  This program enables participants to fulfill high school graduation requirements and, at the same time, acquire fully accredited college credits.  Qualified students may enroll in the program at the beginning of any academic semester.

•       The Postsecondary Option Program  (PSO) offers the same opportunities as the Joint Enrollment Program but also involves a grant for tuition.  PSO is available to qualified juniors and seniors enrolled in Georgia’s public high schools.  Matriculation fees for students electing the PSO program are paid through the Tuition Grant Program.  A student wishing to enroll in the PSO program must obtain a Tuition Grant form from his or her high school guidance counselor prior to registering for classes each semester.  (This program is not available during Summer Term.)

•       The Early Admissions Program allows qualified high school seniors to accelerate their education by enrolling as full-time students at Clayton State University before they actually graduate from high school but credit does not apply to high school.  Qualified students may enroll in this program at the beginning of any academic semester at Clayton State University.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To be considered for Freshman Scholar admission, a student must submit the following documentation by the deadline for the academic term:

·          Freshman Scholar application

·          Clayton State University application and immunization form

·          official high school transcript(s)

·          SAT or ACT scores.

      Because the Freshman Scholar Program involves close cooperation between Clayton State University and the high school, it is important that students considering one of these options work closely with their high school counselors and/or principals. For further information, students should contact the Freshman Scholar Advisor in the Office of Counseling and Career Services (770-961-3518).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be admissible as a Freshman Scholar at Clayton State University, a high school junior or senior must meet all of the following requirements:

1.       Have a minimum combined SAT I score of 1060 or ACT composite score of 23.

2.       Have the appropriate GPA in required college Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) courses.  (3.00 to participate as a senior; 3.50 as a junior.)

3.       Have the recommendation of the high school principal or counselor.

4.       Have parental or guardian approval (if the student is a minor).

5.       Be on schedule to complete CPC courses by the end of the senior year.

SUBSCORE RESTRICTIONS

      Students must have an SAT I subscore of 530 verbal (ACT 23E) to enroll in appropriate college courses for English or social studies CPC high school credit.  Students must have an SAT I subscore of 530 Math (ACT 22M) to enroll in appropriate college mathematics courses for high school CPC credit.  (The minimums also apply to courses for which college-level English or math is a prerequisite.)  Students who do not meet these subscore minimums may take other college-level courses for elective credit if they have a total SAT score of at least 1060 (with subscore minimums of 430V/400M) or composite ACT score of at least 23 (with subscore minimums of 17E/17M).

      A student in good academic standing at another college or university may apply for admission and enrollment as a transient student at Clayton State University.  Transient status is usually limited to one term at a time, and enrollment is subject to the following requirements and conditions:

1.   An applicant must complete an application for admission and furnish documentation from the Registrar of the college or university last attended that includes the following:

a.   a recommendation for transient admission to Clayton State University,

b.   a statement that the student is eligible to return, and

c.   a list of recommended courses to be taken at Clayton State University.

2.   Transient enrollment is on a space-available basis, and some courses may be closed to transient students at some stages of the registration process.

3.   Transients must meet Clayton State University prerequisite/corequisite and major restriction requirements for individual courses even if the sending institution has authorized the course.

4.   A transient student who desires to continue as a transfer student at the University must apply through the Admissions Office and meet all transfer admissions policies, deadlines, and requirements.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

      All international students must pay the Clayton State University application fee and provide all of the same documents required of U.S. citizens including a completed application for admission form, a completed immunization form signed by a health care provider, and official copies of school transcripts, test scores, certificates, and diplomas.*

      Students requiring an F-1 visa to enter the United States

·          must provide proof that adequate funds are available for educational and living expenses, and

·          are exempt from the SAT/ACT requirement if the student demonstrates English proficiency as prescribed by the University, has a 2.00 high school GPA, and does not have the opportunity to take the SAT or ACT before entering the US on an F-1 visa.

      Permanent residents and applicants in other immigrant/non-immigrant categories must bring their immigration documents to the Office of Admissions.  Such documents may include passport, resident alien card, I-94, or EAD.

      Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency as outlined in the section below.

      Additional information regarding requirements for International Students is available on the University website (www.clayton.edu).

*     Certified translations must be provided for any transcripts, test scores, certificates, or diplomas that are not in English.

English Proficiency Requirement

      All students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

1.   Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 550 on the paper and pencil test or at least 210 on the computer-based test.

2.   Successful completion of Level 109 at ESL Language Center in Atlanta (404-266-2066).

3.   Successful completion of two years of regular (non ESL) high school English courses at an approved or accredited United States high school and graduation from the same high school.

4.   Successful completion of one non remedial, non ESL course (minimum of three semester credit hours) in English Rhetoric and Composition at a United States regionally accredited college or university.

Note:  Students who show English proficiency with TOEFL scores or ELS Level 109 completion may be eligible for alternate testing for placement tests, exit examinations, and the Regents’ Test.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

      Upon enrollment into the University, all students on F-1 visas are required to provide proof of medical and health insurance coverage.

Post-baccalaureate Students

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may be admitted to Clayton State University on a post-baccalaureate basis.  Applicants in this category must submit an official transcript from the degree-granting institution.  (Applicants in categories b, c, and d below must also submit transcripts from any other institution from which they want Clayton State University to accept credit.)

Post-baccalaureate students fall into four sub-categories:

a.     Non-degree/certificate.  This includes students who are taking courses at Clayton State University for career development or personal enrichment only and who are not seeking a degree or certificate from Clayton State University.

b.     Post-baccalaureate Certificate  (American Humanics, Legal Nurse Consultant, etc.)  This includes students who are seeking a post-baccalaureate certificate from Clayton State University.  Such students should follow the curriculum plan for their desired certification as published in this catalog and/or program materials.

c.     Second Bachelor’s Degree.  Students who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree must meet the curriculum and residency requirements for the chosen major.  Students will not be required to meet specific Clayton State University general education requirements in Core Areas A-F except when specific Core courses are necessary prerequisites to other program courses.  (Note:  Post-baccalaureate students seeking the Bachelor of Information Technology will start courses in the pre-associate level Certificate of Information Technology.)

d.     Associate Degree or Certificate (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Networking, Office Assistant, Paralegal Studies). Post-baccalaureate students who are seeking an associate degree or certificate  must meet the curriculum and residency requirements for the chosen field.  Students will not be required to meet specific Clayton State University general education requirements in Core Areas A-F except when Core courses are necessary prerequisites to other program courses.

Note:   Post-baccalaureate students are subject to prerequisites, major restrictions, and all other requirements.

Note: Any post-baccalaureate student who wants to apply for financial aid must submit transcripts from all institutions attended. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for details. (770-961-3511)

Auditors

      Students admitted as auditors enroll in courses but receive no college credit.  Auditors must be high school graduates or hold the GED. Auditors must complete an Application for Admission and submit official high school or college transcripts or General Education Development (GED) Test scores.  Auditors pay regular fees for enrollment and are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.  Students initially admitted as auditors who wish to obtain college credit for courses must seek readmission under another category.  Students may not receive credit for courses in which they were registered as auditors unless they repeat the course for credit. (Students who are admitted under other categories may choose to audit certain courses.  See Auditing Courses in the Academic Information chapter of this catalog.)

Students 62 Years of Age or Older (Senior Citizens)

      Citizens of Georgia who are 62 years of age or older may attend Clayton State University on a space-available basis without payment of fees (except for supplies, the application fee, and special course fees).

      An applicant desiring admission under this classification must meet all regular admission requirements to the University, must be a Georgia resident, and must present proof of age.

Presidential Exceptions

      In truly exceptional cases, students who do not otherwise qualify for admission may be admitted by the President of the University if the President has reason to believe that the applicant has special talents that make it likely that he or she will be academically successful. Requests for Presidential Exceptions should be sent to the Office of Admissions (770-961-3500).

WHO MUST BE READMITTED

The readmission process is required prior to registration for any student who has not been enrolled at Clayton State University during the previous twelve months. 

READMISSION PROCEDURES

Readmission to Clayton State University for former students is a simple and quick process that is handled by the Registrar’s Office in person (STC-214) or on-line (www.clayton.edu).

Students who were in good standing at the end of their last term at Clayton State University and who had exempted or exited Learning Support requirements and who have not attended any other college or university during their absence from Clayton State University are guaranteed readmission upon completing the process. (Readmission to the University does not guarantee admission to specific academic programs that have additional requirements and/or space limitations.)

The following additional readmission regulations apply to students who have attended another college or university while absent from Clayton State University and to students who are not in good academic standing:

1)    Any student who has enrolled in any other college or university while absent from Clayton State University must submit to the Registrar official transcripts from the institution(s) attended.  Transcripts must be submitted even if the student does not intend to apply credit to a Clayton State University program. (It is not necessary to resubmit high school records or test scores.)

2)    If the student was on academic probation at the end of his or her last term at Clayton State University, the student will be readmitted on probation regardless of grades earned at another institution.  For students on suspension or dismissal from Clayton State University, readmission will not be granted until the student has successfully appealed.

3      If the student was on academic probation at the end of his or her last term at the last institution attended while absent from Clayton State University, the student will be admitted to Clayton State University on probation regardless of previous grades at Clayton State University. For students on probation or suspension* from the last institution attended while absent from Clayton State University, readmission will not be granted until the student has successfully appealed.

* Suspension includes equivalent status such as dismissal “permanent exclusion,” “final suspension,” or any other term indicating that the student’s return to the institution is not routine.  See the Academic Policies chapter for details about suspension, dismissal, and appeal.

      At the time of admission, a student is classified as a resident or a non-resident of Georgia for the purpose of determining fees.  The definitions of resident status for this purpose are established by the Policies of the Board of Regents of the University System and do not necessarily parallel other definitions of residency.

A listing of these definitions is as follows:

1.a.  If a person is 18 years of age or older, he or she may register as a resident student only upon showing that he or she has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of registration.

        Exceptions:

I.          A student whose parent, spouse or legal guardian is a resident of Georgia may be considered a resident, providing the parent spouse or guardian can provide proof of residency in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the date of registration.

II.         A student who previously held residency status in the State of Georgia but moved away, then returned to the state within 12 months.

III.        A student who is transferred to Georgia by an employer is not, upon proper documentation, subject to the durational residency requirement.

1.b.  No emancipated minor or person 18 years of age or older shall be deemed to have gained or acquired in-state residence status for fee purposes while attending any educa­tional institution in this State, in the absence of a clear demonstration that he or she has in fact established legal residence in this State.

2.     If a person is under 18 years of age, he or she may register as a resident student only upon showing that his or her supporting parent or guardian has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of registration or has met one or more of the above exceptions.

3.     A full-time employee of the University System and his or her spouse and dependent children may register on the payment of resident fees.

4.     Non-resident graduate students who hold teaching or research assistantships requiring at least one-third time service may register as students in the institution in which they are employed on payment of resident fees.

5.     Full-time teachers in the public schools of Georgia, their spouses, and their dependent children may enroll as students in the University System institutions on the payment of resident fees.

6.     Military personnel and their dependents stationed in Georgia and on active duty, except military personnel assigned to System institutions for educational purposes, shall pay the same fees assessed residents of Georgia.  Upon proper documentation, those relocating to Georgia immediately upon discharge may register as residents.

7.     All aliens shall be classified as non-resident students; provided, however, that an alien who is living in this country under a visa permitting permanent residence shall have the same privilege of qualifying for resident status for fee purposes as a citizen of the United States.

8.     Foreign students who attend institutions of the University System under financial spon­sorship of civic or religious groups located in this State may be enrolled upon the pay­ment of resident fees, provided the number of such foreign students in any one institu­tion does not exceed the quota approved by the Board of Regents for that institution.

9.     If the parents or legal guardian of a minor change his or her legal residence to another state following a period of legal residence in Georgia, the minor may continue to take courses for a period of twelve consecutive months on the payment of resident fees. After the expiration of the twelve-month period, the student may continue his registration only upon the payment of fees at the non-resident rate.

10.   In the event that a legal resident of Georgia is appointed as a guardian of a non-resident minor, such minor will not be permitted to register as a resident student until the expira­tion of one year from the date of court appointment, and then only upon proper showing that such appointment was not made to avoid payment of the non-resident fees.

11.   Career Consular Officers and their dependents who are citizens of the foreign nation which their Consular Officer represents, and who are stationed and living in Georgia under orders of their respective government, shall be entitled to enroll in University System institu­tions on payment of resident fees.  This arrangement shall apply to those Consular Officers whose nations operate on the principle of educational reciprocity with the United States.

CHANGE IN RESIDENCY STATUS

      Individuals who enter the institution as non-resident students but later qualify as legal residents must fill out a Petition for Residency Classification form, which can be obtained from the Office of Admissions.  To assure that proper considera­tion is given to requests for changes in residency classification, students should submit a Petition for Residency Classification at least 20 days prior to the beginning of the term in which they plan to enroll.  A student’s residence status is not changed automatically, and the burden of proof that the student qualifies as a legal resident under the regulations of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia rests with the student.

New Student Orientation

      The new student orientation program is an important set of activities designed to acquaint new students with the resources available at Clayton State University. The program is tailored to the unique needs of all students, and there are programs for freshmen, transfer students, transients, and families of new students.  All new students are encouraged to participate.

      During the program, students will have an opportunity to meet faculty and students, become familiar with campus facilities, and be introduced to the wide variety of student services and activities available to the campus community.

      At the conclusion of orientation, students will meet with faculty advisors and register for courses.  New freshmen are strongly encouraged to enroll in Clayton State University 1000 - Student Success Seminar.

                                Orientation details are provided after the student has been accepted to the University.  Call 770-961-3510 for additional information.

PLACEMENT TESTING

      Students newly admitted to Clayton State University under all categories may be subject to entry placement examinations (assessments), which are designed to measure proficiency in critical academic areas, especially mathematics. In addition, non-traditional students may be subject to screening tests to determine eligibility for admission.  Students will be notified at the time of admission if examinations are required.

      Examination results, in conjunction with high school grades and SAT (or ACT) scores, will be used to require or recommend placement in Learning Support courses or other learning experiences.

      Testing may also be required at later points in the curriculum for the purpose of evaluating program effectiveness and individual student progress.

DENIAL OF ADMISSION

      A student denied admission or readmission to the University may, upon request, have his or her application reviewed by the Admission Appeals Committee if it has not already been reviewed.  The committee may recommend the admission of a student on academic probation status if evidence of maturity, motivation, and ability is exhibited.

      Students admitted to the University through appeal may be required to take certain courses.

      Students denied admission to Clayton State University may consult with the Clayton State University Office of Admissions about the possibilities of admission to other institutions.