TAKE CHARGE
OF YOUR FUTURE . Keep on Charging! Graduate! Your friends, your family, and every BuzzFeed “Top Five Things to do Before You Die” list all say the same thing: GO TO COLLEGE. Tons of potential college students hear this regularly on and off their whole life. But what if it’s not enough to just go to college? What if there is something missing in that statement? Georgia Highlands College thinks there is. In fact, at GHC you won’t hear the faculty and staff encourage you to “go to college.” At GHC, the message is a little more like: Go to college AND graduate. Too many students “go” to college, and not enough “go and graduate.” GHC is working to change that. GHC is so passionate about the idea that it has dedicated the next five years to a special project called “Quest for Success” to help students get the advising they need in order to both succeed and complete. GHC’s “Quest for Success” plan leverages the whole student experience at GHC by emphasizing advising as a core component of learning at the college level. Take a minute to read the next few pages to learn how to start #TakingCharge of your future AND how to keep on charging until you GRADUATE.
TAKE CHARGE O WHO CAN GO TO COLLEGE AND GRADUATE?
It doesn’t matter at what stage in life you are. GHC has opportunities and programs in place to help you transition into college and have a successful experience. Now is the time to start #TakingCharge!
Take Charge in High School
Take charge of your future and take college classes in high school tuition-free. GHC accepts eligible students from all public, private, and home schools in Georgia. Take classes in fall, spring, or summer and work toward your two-year or four-year degree. Graduate with your full degree by the time you graduate high school or take all your courses to any other college in the University System of Georgia. In 2017, GHC had six students graduate with their associate degree the same time they graduated high school. It may not be easy to do, but it can be done! Just ask Mary-Kate Billings: “When I first started attending GHC, my advisor informed me that obtaining an associate degree could be done through the dual enrollment program. They said, however, that it would take large amounts of work and determination. Right at that moment, I made it my goal to graduate from GHC. The college Mary Kate Billings didn’t view or label me as a high school student. They simply saw me as an individual with potential, willing to make the most of my time here. Attending GHC has been one of the most enjoyable and beneficial experiences of, not just my academic career, but also my life.”
Take Charge in College
College may not be easy, but it will be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences of your life. There are a ton of options to choose from when you finally decide to go to college, but at GHC, you are getting the best value at one of the most affordable rates in the state. Chain that with the smaller class sizes, more personal attention, and the convenient locations, and you are well on your way to completing your first two years. Many students come here to succeed, and then they do! Just ask Jenny Quan: “Georgia Highlands is more than a college. It’s a community. My experience at GHC has been both the most difficult and rewarding experience of my life. You never know what you’re capable of until you’re pushed to your full potential. GHC has helped me reach the highest degree of personal success.” Jenny Quan
Take Charge of your Career Maybe you want to recharge your career. Maybe you’re ready to take the next step. GHC has a growing number of bachelor’s degrees, including nursing, dental hygiene, and business degrees in healthcare management and logistic and supply chain management. Take your career to the next level! Make the most of high-quality, affordable programs created to meet the need for these rapidly growing fields. At GHC, you’ll find a flexible, accelerated program for students just like you with a support system that will help you succeed! Whether it’s to get a promotion or find a better job altogether, students find a path to their ideal career choice by making the most of their time at GHC. Just ask Oliver Robbins: Oliver Robbins “I decided to return to college, because I had reached a ceiling as a probation officer and advancement meant that I needed a degree. I thought a paycheck was the way to measure success, until I gathered the courage to leave the security of my job, sign up for college classes and embark on the journey of finding happiness in the workplace. Adults who have never considered going to college, or are considering picking up where they left off, can tremendously benefit from taking some classes. There are so many professions that wake you with enthusiasm and leave you feeling accomplished in the evening. Finding this passion requires one to explore subject matter that is unfamiliar, and find a way to incorporate said subjects into a career that you have only dreamed about.”
OF YOUR FUTURE WHY SHOULD I GO TO COLLEGE AND GRADUATE?
There are several reasons to complete your two-year degree here at GHC. Just with your associate degree alone, the average expected lifetime earnings increases by a million bucks! Here are a few more reasons to earn your two-year degree as soon as possible:
Save Money
GHC is nearly half the cost of larger colleges and universities.
Make More Money
Just a two-year degree alone dramatically increases your lifetime earnings.
Hold a Competitive Edge Some 60% of jobs in Georgia will require a college degree in the near future. Also, two-year grads earn up to 35% more than high school grads.
Get Hired
Employers prefer students with a two-year degree over those with no degree.
Transferring is Easier
Colleges and universities accept more transfer credits on average from a completed two-year degree, making it easier to start as a junior.
Be More Successful
Students who complete a two-year degree first are 72% more successful in completing their four-year degree.
Lock in your Progress
Completing a two-year degree “locks in” your college progress, meaning if you need to take some time off and start again later, your courses won’t depreciate over time.
Have a Degree
Life happens! If you have to put college on hold while pursuing your four-year degree, already having your two-year degree means you are still a college graduate.
Represent your Work
Being able to show yourself, your family, friends, and employers you have the ability to set goals and achieve them is powerful!
TAKE CHARGE O HOW CAN I GO TO COLLEGE AND GRADUATE?
College isn’t easy for many reasons. Never has been. Never will be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. And no one expects you to do it all on your own. GHC works hard to provide students with all the resources they need to succeed. Here are a few obstacles and ways to overcome them.
“I have no
idea where to even start.”
While you can earn your two-year degree from GHC for less than $8,000 and GHC is currently the “Money is a fourth most affordable college degree in the nation, bit tight.” we understand students may still need a little bit of help. GHC has multiple ways to pay for college. You can set up a tuition payment plan by visiting MYCOLLEGEPAYMENTPLAN.COM/GHC and make payments as you go. Also, don’t be afraid to ask about financial aid. It’s out there for you to use. Use it! You can learn more about how to apply for financial aid by visiting the admissions office at any time or signing up for a First Friday FAFSA, workshops designed to educate about and promote the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Workshops are free and open to the public. To reserve your space in one of the upcoming free FAFSA workshops, please visit: https://sites.highlands.edu/forms/fafsa/fafsa-days/ And don’t forget, the GHC Foundation awards over $150,000 in scholarship and program assistance every year! Learn more about those and apply at: highlands.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
GHC has admissions counselors at every location – in Rome, Cartersville, Douglasville, Paulding, and Marietta. They would love to help you get started. Also, if you have questions during the process of applying or any time during your college career, you can always reach out to GHC on the GHC411 Ticketing System, which is available to students and guests 24 hours a day. Simply complete the form at HIGHLANDS.EDU/NEED-HELP with your question, concern, or request, and you can expect a response “I know what I want from the appropriate to do, but I don’t know department within 24 business hours. what classes I need to take to make that happen.”
DID YOU KNOW? Georgia Highlands College has saved students over $6 million by eliminating the cost of textbooks in specific courses. GHC’s faculty have been working since Fall 2015 to expand Open Education Resources (OER) courses each semester. Almost half a million dollars’ worth of student savings was yielded the first semester alone. The new OERs don’t just provide free textbooks either. Students also get video resources, software, labs and an enhanced textbook experience with hyperlinks to many other resources.
Remember that part about “Quest for Success.” Once you start at GHC, you will be paired with an advisor. Meet your advisor often! They will help you navigate and chart your “Quest for Success.” Advising can also be reached at: highlands.edu/academics/advising QEP Coordinator Elizabeth Tanner explains, “Quest for Success places advising at the forefront of student academic and personal success. With purposeful and holistic advising, students will be able to develop a meaningful educational plan, set academic and career goals, and achieve these with increased persistence and success rates. Elizabeth Tanner Quest for Success will help facilitate educational conversations and decisions with students and advisors, as well as QEP Coordinator help students progress through to graduation. Quest for Success aims to increase the value of the student experience at GHC by emphasizing advising as a core component of learning. First, students will participate in ongoing, goal-focused advising that includes investigations into cognitive and non-cognitive factors influencing the student’s progress towards graduation. Second, faculty and staff advisors will undergo intensive advising training that will allow them to effectively advise the student on his or her path to graduation. With the proper academic advising guidance, students will have a clear academic path that leads to completing a degree requirement.”
OFKeepYOUR FUTURE on Charging! Graduate! Too often students use the “I need help! tutorial center as a last I’m struggling resort. What is the tutorial center in a nutshell? A free, in my classes.” invaluable resource available to students every day filled with tutors who are experts! Don’t believe us? Check out page 31 to read more about writing tutor Harold Campbell who is a longtime career journalist and world traveler. GHC gives you free access to experts! Not every future writer can easily articulate the Pythagorean theorem and not every future scientist can dissect a short story. The tutorial center is the best way to keep you charged up on your journey to graduation.
Just ask Director of Academic Success Jennifer Hicks: “Students who commit to visiting the Tutorial Center are making a smart choice to better prepare themselves for their studies. GHC’s Tutorial Centers, located on the Cartersville, Douglasville, Floyd, Marietta, and Paulding sites work with a variety of students each day to improve Jennifer Hicks Director of Academic Success skills and concepts students need to be successful in their coursework. In fact, the GPA of those who visit a tutor during the semester is a tenth of a point higher than students who do not visit. One of the main differences in learning from tutoring and learning in a classroom is the one-on-one aspect of tutoring. In a one-onone tutoring session, the tutor has the opportunity to get to know each student and work on ways to enhance the student’s strengths and address any weaknesses. Tutors work with students in a variety of academic subjects, as well as on important concepts like study skills and test-taking techniques. Overall, students who visit the Tutorial Center come away with a much deeper level of learning.”
“I thought
It is! College isn’t all textbooks and labs. college was You can be sure there are not many places on going to be fun.” earth where you will sit down to eat free pizza and watch someone juggling swords on a unicycle in the Student Center. At GHC, we call that Tuesday. Get involved in Student Life. It will be rewarding.
Just ask Director of Student Life John Spranza: “College is often called one of the most memorable times in your life, but who only wants memories of classes and homework? Getting involved on campus allows you to create memories and stories that John Spranza you’ll share with your grandchilDirector of Student Life dren! At GHC, the Department of Student Life wants to give you the opportunity to experience new things, meet new people, and learn how to connect your in-class learning with the world around you. Chances are Student Life has something for you - whether it be joining one of our nearly 50 student organizations, attending a performance of a touring musician or comedian, going on a college trip, becoming a student leader, playing intramurals, or creating artwork and media. Improve your resume, get extra credit, have fun, and create some memories through involvement with Student Life!” “So GH C wants me to graduate Yes, and GHC is here to help! Take advantage of all the is what you’re resources GHC has to offer. saying?” Start by visiting highlands.edu or email admitme@highlands.edu. It will make a difference!
HELPFUL LINKS TUTORIAL CENTER • highlands.edu/site/tutorial-center ADVISING • highlands.edu/academics/advising LIBRARY • getlibraryhelp.highlands.edu/home BUSINESS OFFICE • highlands.edu/site/business-office FINANCIAL AID • highlands.edu/financial-aid SCHOLARSHIPS • highlands.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
GET INVOLVED • highlands.edu/student-life/ STUDENT SUPPORT • highlands.edu/student-support-services REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT • highlands.edu/site/transcripts APPLY FOR GRADUATION • highlands.edu/graduation CAMPUS POLICE • highlands.edu/campus-safety NEED HELP? • highlands.edu/need-help/