Enrollment Information

Enrollment at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College includes admissions and placement procedures that assure our community equal access to the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to secure personally satisfying and socially productive employment. By design and implementation, the policies and procedures governing enrollment at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will:

• Be nondiscriminatory on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, genetic information, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law);
• Increase the prospective student’s opportunities;
• Complement the instructional programs of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College;
• Support the timely processing of applications and admission to the college.

Enrollment Process

Enrollment at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a multi-step process consisting of applying to the College, the evaluation of prior academic experience for the assessment of academic preparedness, and verification of lawful presence in the United States:

1. Complete an Application for Admission/Readmission.

2. Pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 application fee for new, transfer, or transient students. .

3. Submit a government-issued ID or Driver’s License for proof of lawful presence (alternatives available). Students seeking in-state tuition may be required to submit other documents.

4. Submit prior postsecondary transcripts for transfer credit (optional). *Transcripts may be required for Financial Aid

5. Evaluation of academic readiness for degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs.

For most programs, individuals must be 16 years of age or older, or be a dually enrolled high school student, who seek access to quality instruction at the post-secondary level. The minimum age for certain programs may be higher. Please check specific program requirements for more information.

Applicants must be physically able to attend school regularly, whether on campus or online, and be able to perform the “essential functions” of the occupation for which they plan to train. Physical examinations, lab tests, and immunizations are required for students in designated programs, after acceptance to the program and prior to participation in clinical training at an affiliated site, or before operating motor vehicles or other equipment required in training.

Enrollment Type

Applicants must apply to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College as the type that best meets their situation:

• Beginning Student: First-time college student or former Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Dual Enrollment student who has not attended a college or university since graduating from high school
• Transfer Student: Previously attended other colleges or universities, but never attended Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
• Returning Student: Previously enrolled Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Valdosta Technical College, or East Central Technical College student. Returning students who have not attended for three or more semesters must complete a new application.
• Transients Student: Currently enrolled at another regionally accredited institutions and wants to enroll at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in order to complete coursework to transfer back to home institution.
• Dual Enrollment Student: Qualified and approved high school student enrolling in courses at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College while still enrolled in high school

Admissions Procedure

Academic Readiness

To be admitted to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, applicants must satisfy one of the six academic readiness paths below. Admission to Wiregrass does not guarantee enrollment into the chosen program of study:

1. Submission of an official high school transcript, including graduation date, that reflects the student has met the attendance, academic, and/or assessment requirements for the state’s Board of Education or equivalent agency.
   1. High school diplomas/transcripts must be issued from a state recognized secondary institution.
   2. Applicants with diplomas from secondary schools located outside the United States must have their transcripts translated and evaluated for equivalency by an approved outside evaluation organization.
   3. High school Certificates of Attendance or other certificates, credentials, or documents where the student did not complete all required coursework or testing required for a high school diploma in that state are only recognized for programs not requiring a high school credential or equivalency.
2. Submission of an official transcript reflecting the student has passed an examination or completed a program the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g. GED, HiSET, Career Plus HSE).
3. Submission of an official transcript from one or more previously attended postsecondary institutions (accredited by an accepted accrediting agency) reflecting the successful completion of a minimum of 12 semester or 18 quarter credit hours of coursework at the post-secondary level or successful completion of a college level math and English course.
4. Applicants who were home schooled who attended an accredited program must submit:
   1. annual progress reports or a final transcript for the equivalent of the homeschooled student’s junior and senior years;
   2. The final progress report or transcript must include the graduation date.
5. Applicants who attended a non-accredited high school or home school must submit an official transcript and one of the following:
   1. Official scores from an assessment instrument meeting college established required minimums
   2. Successful completion of 12 hours of college coursework for credit that appear on an official college transcript
6. Service members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy may submit an official copy of their DD Form 214 or other official documentation of military service indicating high school graduate or equivalent.

*Exceptions to requirements 1 or 2 include those students seeking enrollment into an approved Basic Workforce Certificate that does not require a high school diploma or equivalency for admission. See the WGTC Website for more information.

The President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has the right to waive the high school diploma/high school equivalency requirement for those pursuing a high school equivalency who are otherwise eligible to enroll in a specific program of study. The President may also waive the high school diploma/equivalency requirement for those participating in a TCSG approved Workforce Development course/cohort.

Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States

Effective January 1, 2012, all students applying for in-state tuition must provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. The following documents will serve as proof of lawful presence in the United States and documentation will be required before becoming eligible for consideration of in-state tuition:

A valid state issued ID or Driver’s License. Unexpired Georgia and select out of state Driver’s Licenses and state ID cards can be accepted under certain conditions. It must be a Real ID and cannot contain any of the verbiage in the chart below. If the copy received has the top portion of the card cut off the document will not satisfy lawful presence.

• Students who file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and are eligible for federal student aid will have their lawful presence verified as part of the FAFSA process.
• A clear copy of an original or certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, A U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS-1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240). The copy must very clearly show the raised or written seal to be acceptable.
• A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).
• A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
• A current U.S. Passport.
• A current military ID (service member only, not dependent). Documented using the Confirmation of Review of Military ID Worksheet - A photocopy is not acceptable.
• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551). We require both the front & back sides of your Permanent Resident Card to be submitted. It must not expire before the first day of class of the term the student will start classes.
• Students admitted on an F, J or M Visa will have their lawful presence verified through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Students admitted on any other Visa will have their lawful presence verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.

State ID Requirements

Any student who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to be considered for instate tuition, regardless of how long he or she has lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in TCSG Board Policy and Procedure V.B.3 to warrant an in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state, and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also have to meet the verification requirement.

Placement Procedure

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is committed to ensuring students are academically prepared for the program rigor. All students applying for diploma, degree, and certificate programs will be assessed prior to acceptance to a program of study at the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The College utilizes a variety of methods to evaluate a student’s readiness for specific programs:

• High School GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Previous completion of an AAS/AS/AA degree or higher*
• Previous successful completion of an equivalent program-level English and/or Math course**
• ACCUPLACER/Companion
• SAT/PSAT
• ACT/PACT
• PSAT
• GED® Math or Reading
• HiSET® Math, Reading or Language Arts
• Georgia Milestones Literature & Composition or Georgia Milestones American
• Compass/Asset
• Approved Entry Level Workforce Certificates do not have a minimum High School GPA requirement
• TABE 9-10
• TABE 11/12
• Completed TCSG form documenting two years of work/career related experience for approved Entry Level Workforce Certificates

A student possessing an associate’s degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education will be exempted from placement requirements upon submission of official transcripts.

A student submitting official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education documenting succesfully completed equivalent program-level English and math coursework may be used in lieu of placement exams.

Placement Categories

Students will be placed in a program of study in one of the following categories:

• Regular Status
  • Students who meet all requirements for placement into a selected program and are eligible to take all courses in the program curriculum are granted regular placement status.
• Provisional Status
  • Students who do not meet all requirements for regular placement into a selected program are granted provisional placement status.
  • Dually or Jointly enrolled students are not eligible for Provisional placement status.
• Special Placement Status (Non-credential seeking)
  • Applicants who wish to take credit coursework, but are not seeking a certificate, diploma, or associate degree are granted Special Admit status.
  • The following specifics define the parameters of this status:
    • May apply up to a maximum of 25 quarter or 17 semester credit hours into a specific program for credential seeking purposes after achieving regular admit status. The number of hours taken as a special admit student in no way waives the requirements of the regular admission and placement process.
    • May enroll in classes only on a space-available basis.
    • Must adhere to the specific institutional prerequisite requirements when selecting courses.
    • Will not be eligible for any financial aid.
• Pending Placement Status (High School Seniors only – including Georiga Match)
  • Applicants who are in their final year of high school and are applying for a college term immediately after they graduate are granted Pending Placement Status.
  • The following specifics define the parameters of this status:
  • Applicants must submit a transcript showing the applicant is on track for completing all required high school courses before the semester they wish to enroll.
  • Will be allowed to register for courses after course placement requirements have been met.
• Transient Placement Status
  • Students who submit a Transient Agreement from their home institution are granted Transient placement status.
  • The Transient Agreement must verify that the student is in good standing.
  • A current Transient Agreement is required for each term of enrollment.

Reenrollment After Academic Dismissal

Students on Academic Dismissal will be required to meet with their One-Stop Advisor during the term of their dismissal. In making a determination of the student’s eligibility for reenrollment, the One-Stop Advisor will consider the following criteria:

• Prior enrollment data including academic record, attendance, work ethics, conduct, input from instructors and other staff, etc.
• Prospects for successful completion of the program
• Unusual or mitigating circumstances

Upon review, students may be allowed to return on probation after sitting out one semester. As a condition to return on probation, the One-Stop Advisor may recommend no future online classes, career counseling and/or career assessment in the Testing Center, a limit of maximum credit hours, or any other action that is deemed in the best academic interest of the student. Recommendations of the One-Stop Advisor, where applicable, must be met prior to re-admittance. Students may not be eligible for financial aid until they have successfully passed the required credits, after which financial aid eligibility will be reviewed upon request. (See Satisfactory Academic Progress.)

Upon reenrollment, the student must attain a minimum 2.0 GPA for the semester and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher to return to satisfactory academic standing. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a subsequent dismissal.

Reenrollment After Disciplinary Dismissal

A student who was dismissed for disciplinary reasons under the student code of conduct procedures outlined in the catalog (see pages General Policies and Procedures) must complete all requirements imposed as part of their sanctions. The welfare and safety of the student body and staff will be considered when sanctions are imposed.

Residency Requirement

While residency in the State of Georgia is not a part of the enrollment process, it is required for students who wish to obtain in-state tuition rates. A student’s legal residence shall determine the tuition rate paid by the student. Residency also affects financial aid eligibility. There are three residency categories: in-state, out-of-state, and non-citizen.

• In-State: Students who are lawfully documented residents of the United States, and otherwise qualify as Georgia residents, shall pay tuition and fees prescribed by the Technical College State Board for in-state residents.
• Out-of-State: Students who are lawfully documented residents of the United States but do not qualify as Georgia residents, shall pay tuition (at a rate of twice that charged to in-state students) and fees as prescribed by the Technical College State Board. A student may be eligible for an out of state tuition exemption. Please see the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Centers for a list of possible exemptions.
• International/Non-Resident: Students who are lawfully documented residents of a country other than the United States and wish to study at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College shall pay tuition (at a rate four times that charged to in-state students) and fees as prescribed by the Technical College State Board.
• Military – Active duty military students and their eligible dependents who are eligible for out-of-state exemption
• Senior Citizen – Students who are Georgia citizens (62 years old or older) who have requested a tuition waiver. Requires regular program admission. Student pays applicable fees. *Note – Senior Citizen Residency students may not take a spot in a waitlisted program from a tuition-paying student*
• Veteran/Separated Military – Students who are former service members and their eligible dependents who enroll within 36 months of separation from service, and intend to domicile in Georgia

Residency Documentation

Georgia residency documentation may be required in addition to lawful presence in order for you to receive in-state tuition. Documentation must prove the student and/or parent/guardian lived in Georgia for 12 consecutive months before the start of the term. Proving residency may require more than one of the items listed below.

Independent Students

Students age 24 and older OR under 24 AND not claimed on parent/legal guardian’s most recent tax return. Students must provide at least one of the following items, but may be required to provide multiple items to meet residency requirements.

• Most recent Georgia tax return (GA Tax Form 500)
• A valid Georgia Driver’s License or ID issued a year or more prior to the 1st day of class
• Georgia voter registration card showing registration 12 months or more prior to term’s starting date (http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/ My Voter’s Page)
• Location of employment (12 consecutive months of pay stubs with employee address)
• Current business, professional, or other licenses issued in Georgia (12-month requirement)
• Georgia automobile registration (current and previous year)
• Proof of purchase or rental of primary residence in Georgia (property tax paid or lease)
• Utility bills in the student’s name showing 12 consecutive months of charges – (No cell phone bills)
• Location of checking, savings, or other bank accounts (12 consecutive months of bank statements with student’s address)

Dependent Students

Students age 23 or under and claimed on a parent/legal guardian’s most recent tax return. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian must have established and maintained residence (domicile) in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months before the start of the term. Please provide both of the following items:

1. A copy of the student’s current driver’s license or state ID card;
2. A copy of the parent/guardian’s most recent State of Georgia tax return (GA Tax Form 500) showing student was claimed on taxes

*If the parent/guardian did not file a Georgia income tax return for the most recent year, we require the parent/guardian’s Georgia driver’s license and one of the following items to prove they have maintained a permanent residence in Georgia for the past 12 consecutive months:

• Georgia voter registration card showing registration 12 months or more prior to term’s starting date http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/ My Voter’s Page
• Location of employment (12 consecutive months of pay stubs with employee address)
• Current business, professional, or other licenses issued in Georgia (12-month requirement)
• Georgia automobile registration (current and previous year)
• Proof of purchase/rental of primary residence in Georgia (property tax paid or lease)
• Utility bills in parent/guardian’s name showing 12 consecutive months of charges – (No cell phone bills)
• Location of checking, savings, or other bank accounts (12 consecutive months of bank statements with parent/guardian’s address)

Enrollment Appeal

Students who believe that their enrollment decision is unfair or has been administered in error may appeal directly to the Dean for Student Success and Enrollment Services. If the applicant and the Dean for Student Success and Enrollment Services cannot reach an agreement, the applicant may appeal to the Vice President for Enrollment Management or his/her designee.

Transient Status for Wiregrass Students

Wiregrass students wishing to take a course at another accredited postsecondary institution to be applied toward their program of study at Wiregrass should follow these steps:

• Complete a Transient Agreement Form with the Office of the Registrar at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. This form must be completed each semester in which the student plans to enroll. Students must be in Good Academic Standing at WGTC.
• Courses must be approved by the Dean for Student Success and Enrollment Services
• Financial Aid must provide approval before the Transient Agreement Form can be sent to the other college or the student must agree to pay for courses out of pocket.