L A G R A N G E C O L L E G E *d A L B A N Y Bulletin [Lagrange College ALBANY 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.4 20.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Mission Statement for LaGrange College at Albany The Mission of LaGrange College at Albany is to provide private Christian education at the senior college level to the southwest Georgia area, centered on Albany; to challenge the minds and inspire the souls of the students enrolled; to employ leading pedagogical strategies in achieving these goals; and to produce the economic resources necessary to perpetuate and expand the program LaGrange College, established in 1831, is owned by the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. LaGrange College is proud of this relationship and believes that its mission is an extension of the work of The United Methodist Church. LaGrange College is committed to the free, uninhibited pursuit of truth. Academic freedom and free expression of faculty and students are integral to the LaGrange College ethos. LaGrange College is committed to challenging the minds and inspiring the souls of students by improving their creative, critical and communicative abilities. Faculty recognize the part they play in a student's development by serving as mentors and role models. The total LaGrange College program curricular and cocurricular is designed to challenge and support students as they deal with fundamental issues of self, world, and God. The principal curricular means by which the College assists students in the improving of their creative, critical and communicative abilities are an interdisciplinary, technologically sophisticated liberal arts program (A. A., B.A., B.S.), professional programs in business (B.B.A., M.B.A.), nursing (B.S.N.) and education (B.A., M.Ed.), and continuing education. The principal cocurricular means is through a comprehensive program of student life and athletics. LaGrange College strives to be a caring and ethical community. The hallmark of the LaGrange College community is the quest for civility, diversity, service, and excellence. LaGrange College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age or disabili page 2 LaGrange College IA ! B fl M Y 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Ceorgia 31708 - 1605 o o o J- J* s Q 0) CO Scope o/f/n's publication This publication has been prepared for LaGrange College at Albany, a division of LaGrange College, LaGrange, Georgia. This publication includes admission-related material as well as policies and procedures through the year 2000. This publication supple- ments the current Bulletin of LaGrange College. The program of- fered by LaGrange College at Albany is a well-defined and discrete program. It is a degree-completion program (no courses in general education are offered). The Albany program is designed for more mature students who have been in the workplace for several years. The major, Organizational Leadership, is interdisciplinary. It em- phasizes liberal arts. Students matriculate as a cohort group and remain together for the duration of the program. Teamioork and collaborative learning are emphasized. Because of these important distinctions, there are policies and procedures for Albany that dif- fer from those at LaGrange College in LaGrange. Where this docu- ment is silent, the policies are the same on both campuses. Where this document addresses a policy or procedure, that statement takes precedence over the LaGrange College (LaGrange) Bulletin for stu- dents enrolled in Albany. This publication is accurate at the time it is prepared. LaGrange College at Albany is a neio venture for LaGrange College. It is certain that a few policies and procedures will need to be modified. Enrolled students and students applying for admission will be in- formed of changes that will affect them. Changes wilt be made in the context of serving students better. This publication will be updated for the year 2001. LaGrange College reserves the right to make modifications in the degree requirements, courses, schedules, calendar, regulations, fees and other changes deemed necessary or conducive to the efficient operation of the college. Such changes become effective as announced by the proper college authorities. For LaGrange College at Albany these changes may include, but not be limited to the following: combining cohort groups, deferring starting a course, changing the order of the courses, and changing the curriculum. Should changes be necessary, the student will not have more requirements than are detailed in this publication. Change of Regulations P<>g e 3 LaGrangi COLLEGI A I. R A N \i 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Since 1831 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORY LaGrange College at Albany, P.O. Box 71605, Albany, GA 31708-1605 LaGrange College at Albany (main number) 912.420.8000 (FAX) 912.420.7800 In LaGrange, Georg ia LaGrange College (main number) 706.882.2911 Vice President for Academic Affairs And Dean 706.812.7236 Director of Student Financial Planning 706.812.7249 Registrar (transcripts, academic Reports) 706.812.7237 Controller (business matters and expenses) 706.812.7277 Honor Council (Honor Code issues) 706.883.1020 page 4 lagrange College i Albany 505 Byron Plantation Road - 91 2.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Office Hours: 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Accreditation LaGrange College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501). LaGrange College, as a coeducational, four-year liberal arts college, is approved by the United Methodist University Senate, and has membership in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association of United Methodist Colleges, the Georgia Association of Colleges, The Council of Advance- ment and Support of Education, the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges, and the Association of Private Colleges and Universities in Georgia. Admission Clear Accept Applicants must present the following indication of their readiness to undertake senior-level study At least sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours of acceptable transfer credits from a region- ally accredited institution. (Many successful applicants may already have a four-year degree in another area.) A 2.0 GPA on all College work, which must include at least 30 semester hours of general education courses drawn from and including at least one course from each of the following areas: English composition, science/mathematics, social/behavioral science, and humanities /fine arts. A record of full-time employment for at least four years. (The applicant must otherwise be at least 25 years old.) All transcripts of college-level work done. Completed application that includes a personal statement, usual application information for non-tradi- tional students, application fee, and a signed statement regarding full understanding of the nature and structure of the Organizational Leadership curriculum. Deferred Accept The acceptance of some students may be deferred until they have met certain pre-entrance requirements: Where the transferable credits are fewer than the requisite 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, stu- dents may be accepted pending completion of the necessary course work at another institution. LaGrange College at Albany recommends coursework taken in this category. Where the applicant's college GPA is less that the required 2.0, the student may be asked to complete additional work at another institution prior to matriculating at LaGrange College at Albany. Their grades in those courses must demonstrate that they can be successful in a senior-level college program. Coursework taken in this category is to be specified by LaGrange College at Albany. Where applicant does not have the work experience or has not attained the age of 25 there are limited options for deferred acceptance. Where the applicant is lacking in one or more of the specific courses required for admission, such as English Composition, the student may be offered acceptance pending completion of the course(s) at an- other college. page 5 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Financial Information Payment of Charges All charges for the semester are due and payable before the first class of the semester begins. Expenses 1. Admission (Application for Admission, not refundable) $20.00 2. Tuition, per semester hour, Albany only $250.00 3. General Fee t, per semester $60.00 4. Testing Fee 5 , one time for all new students $160.00 5. Graduation (regardless of participation) $40.00 Example Admission Tuition General Testing Graduation First Semester $ 20.00 3750.00 (15 hrs) 60.00 160.00 Second Semester 3750.00 (15hrs) 60.00 Third Semester 3000.00 (12 hrs) 60.00 40.00 Total $3990.00 3810.00 3100.00 General Fee, half of the general fee is held in reserve for use by the group to help fund their service/ leadership project. The remainder is used to reinforce strong group ties by helping to fund group activities. The students determine the expenditure of all of these monies. The Testing Fee is required for the necessary pre- and post-testing of students to measure outcomes and program effectiveness. Note: Students should expect to spend approximately $400 per semester on textbooks. Students are also expected to have a personal computer with Internet access. Depending on which Internet Service Provider is selected, the cost ranges from $20-35 per month. Access LaGrange College at Albany admits qualified students of any race, color, religious tradition, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at LaGrange College at Albany. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religious tradition, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, loan programs and other school-administered programs. m e 6 lagrange College Albany 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Refund and Repayment Policies Even though a student registers and pays for an entire semester, the courses are taught sequentially. Students who withdraw prior to the first class receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. After the first class has met, and before the second class has met, a student will receive a 50% refund for that class and 100% refund for subsequent classes that have not started. An example: A student has registered for the first semester (five courses), and he/she completed the first course and the first class of the second course. The student then withdraws. The withdrawing student receives a 100% refund for the courses not started (the third, fourth and fifth) and a 50% refund for the course that he just started. There is no refund for the courses completed nor courses that have had their second class meeting. Refund Policies No refund of any nature will be made to any student who is suspended or dismissed for disciplinary reasons. Refunds will be processed within 10 days of notification of official withdrawal as certified by the Director of LaGrange College at Albany. A student considering a complete withdrawal should first see the Director of LaGrange College at Albany. The student should also consult the Office of Student Financial Planning (706.812.7249) and the Business Office (706.812.7278) to determine the financial consequences of a complete withdrawal. Refund Policies for Students Receiving Financial Aid LaGrange College does not advance any funds to students prior to the date of enrolling. A separate refund policy exists for new, first quarter students who receive Title IV federal financial assistance. Information is available in the Financial Planning Office. Georgia residents receiving credit for the Tuition Equalization Grant and the HOPE Grant must be continuously enrolled for 14 days beyond to be eligible for these funds. Course drops reducing the courseload below 12 hours will result in the loss of these grants. Financial aid is considered to be used for direct educational costs tuition, fees, books, room and board. There- fore, if a student withdraws and is scheduled to receive a refund, funds will be returned to the appropriate program(s) from which the student received funds. The balance will be refunded to the student. A student will not receive a refund until all financial aid programs have been reimbursed. Refunds will be re- turned in the order indicated in the "Allocation Policy" below: 1 st to Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program 2 nd to Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program 3 rd to Federal PLUS Program 4 th to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program 5 th to Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program 6 ,h to Federal Direct PLUS Program 7* to federal Perkins Loan Program 8 th to Federal Pell Grant Program 9 ,h to Federal SEOG Program 10 lh to other Title IV Programs ll ,h to other federal, state, or private programs 12 ,h to the student page 7 LaGrange College Albany 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Ceorgia 31708 - 1605 Repayment Policy Students who receive cash disbursements after registration for that enrollment period will be assessed liability for repayment of the appropriate percentage of the refund due the Title IV programs upon withdrawal, expul- sion, or suspension. Students who receive cash disbursements that are attributable to Federal Pell, SEOG, Perkins Loan, or SSIG programs may owe a repayment of these funds to LaGrange College to prevent an overpayment. A student who owes a repayment will be deemed ineligible for any financial assistance from any source until the student has resolved the overpayment. Repayments will be allocated to the student aid programs in the following order: Federal Perkins Loan, Pell Grant, SEOG, other Title IV programs, and then to the institution. Financial Planning Note: Current information and policies and procedures for Financial Aid for students attending LaGrange College at Albany must be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Planning, LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240; (706)812-7249. All communications of any kind regarding financial aid must be with the Office of Student Financial Planning in LaGrange. Philosophy LaGrange College believes that the student and family should contribute to the educational expenses of attend- ing college to the extent of their ability to do so. When family resources do not meet the total costs of attending this institution, a financial need is established. We, at LaGrange College, will do all we can to assist you in meeting that need. The student should be prepared to assume a measure of responsibility through work or through borrowing a reasonable portion of any financial need. How Do I Apply? Persons interested in completing their four-year degree at LaGrange College at Albany should call the LaGrange College at Albany office at 912.420.8000 and request an application packet. Prospective students may also pick up a packet at LaGrange College at Albany, 505 Byron Plantation Road, Albany, Georgia, during regular office hours. Packets may be obtained also by attending one of the periodic information sessions that are held on an irregular basis. The packet will contain information about the application procedure. The packet will also contain financial aid information. What Happens After I Apply? The application is reviewed and acted on by LaGrange College at Albany. The student will then be contacted in order to select a suitable starting date. Classes will begin throughout the year. Students will elect to attend classes on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night. It may be some time until a group forms that starts on the night of the student's preference. The student will also want to wait to begin until all financial issues and alternatives have been fully explored. Students, once admitted, may defer their matriculation for up to six months without making reapplication. page s AGRANGE College A. t \ L B A N Y 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.4 20 .8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 General Information Financial need is the difference between the total educational costs and the amount the family can contribute. The household contribution is determined by using a standard need analysis form. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Application are the preferred need analysis documents. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Renewal Application must be completed by all students and allows the applicant to apply for federal and state programs. Applicants for financial assistance need not be accepted for admission to apply. However, the student must be accepted for enrollment before an official aid award can be made. Financial aid awards are made for each academic year. Therefore, students must complete a need analysis each year. Summary of Procedure for Applying for Financial Aid 1. Apply for admission to the college through the Office of LaGrange College at Albany. 2. Submit the FAFSA or Renewal Application to the processor for processing as soon as possible. The FAFSA may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Planning at LaGrange College, 706.812.7249. Students who applied for financial assistance in the previous award year will receive a Renewal Application from the central processor or the Office of Student Financial Planning. 3. Submit the LaGrange College Financial Aid Application to the Office of Student Financial Planning, LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240. This form is available upon request. 4. Complete and submit the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Application for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant and Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Grant and Scholarship programs to the Office of Student Financial Planning. This form is available only at private colleges in Georgia. 5. LaGrange College at Albany students requesting assistance must submit a Financial Aid Transcript (FAT) from all post-secondary institutions previously attended whether or not financial assistance was received. These forms may be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Financial Planning, 706.812.7249, or the institutions previously attended. LaGrange College at Albany is Private, How Can I Afford to Attend? One of the challenges facing independent colleges and universities today is finding ways for students to be able to afford to attend. The college recognizes your circumstances and will work with you to explore ways to help you complete your degree. The students at LaGrange College at Albany are generally working and more mature. Many students who are key employees at their organizations will find that their employers will provide financial assistance for them. Students who want to finish their degrees should apply to the college and then contact the Office of Student Financial Planning at the college. page 9 lagrange College t Albany 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Student Life Student Code of Conduct Tlxe student Code of Conduct is a set of rules that regulate student behavior. The Director of LaGrange College at Albany adjudicates violations of the Student Code of conduct. Introduction The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. This College has a duty to develop policies and procedures that provide a safeguard to this freedom. By registering at LaGrange College, the student neither loses the rights nor escapes the duties of a citizen. Each student should conduct his/her personal life in the context of mutual regard for the rights and privileges of others. Therefore, it is expected that students will demonstrate respect for the law and for the necessity of orderly conduct as a member of the campus community. Students are responsible for being fully acquainted with the college catalog, handbook, and other regulations relating to students and for complying with them in the interest of an orderly and productive community. Failure or refusal to comply with the rules and policies established by the College may subject the offender to disciplinary actions up to and including permanent dismissal from the College. Violations of any of the following by a student constitute an offense, which may result in disciplinary action. A. The use of threatening or obscene calls, and obscene graffiti is considered unwarranted and below the dignity of members of the College community and will not be tolerated. B. Conduct endangering safety and welfare. Any conduct which endangers the safety and welfare of other individuals such as hazing, assault, battery, abuse or threat of abuse, on or off campus is prohibited. C. Use of firearms, weapons. No student may possess, use or sell on campus any weapons or firearms, or any incendiary, explosive, or destructive device, including fireworks. D. Criminal arrest. If a student is arrested and charged with a serious or violent crime off campus, a hearing may be held as soon as possible to determine if his continued presence on campus presents a possible threat of danger to members of the College community. The infraction of a city ordinance, a state or federal law by a student constitutes a breach of college discipline. The college will act in the best interest of the campus community and suspend a student who has been arrested, even if not yet convicted #y the legal system. E. Use of illegal drugs. The use, possession, sale, or distribution of narcotics and drugs, except as expressly permitted by law, is strictly prohibited. F. Possession of alcoholic beverages. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus is strictly prohibited. G. Disorderly conduct, abusive, drunk and disorderly, violent or excessively noisy conduct on or in the vicinity of the College campus is prohibited. H. Giving false information. Anyone knowingly making a false oral or written statement to any member of administration, faculty, staff, or student body with the intent to deceive may be disciplined accordingly. I. Misuse of property. Anyone who misuses, defaces, or damages College buildings, property or library holdings, or private property located on campus shall be subject to disciplinary action. J. Theft and illegal possession. The unauthorized taking, misappropriation, or possession of any property or library holdings owned or maintained by the College or by any person on campus is prohibited. K. Unauthorized entry. A student may not enter, or attempt to enter any College building room without proper authorization and legitimate purpose. L. Academic dishonesty. Cheating, plagiarism, submitting another person's material as one's own, or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure or to give help during an examination; the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers; or the presentation of unacknowledged materials as if it were the student's own work. Violations of this kind are under the purview of the Honor Council. page 10 LAGRANGE OL LEG E A I R A N Y 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Non-Discrimination LaGrange College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, national or ethnic origin, handicap, or sex in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, employment or any other program or activity. Racial Harassment LaGrange College expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity in all interper- sonal relationships. Any behavior that results in racial abuse, harassment, or intimidation of another person, or any unwanted objectionable racial attention towards another person, will not be tolerated and is a violation of the College's Code of Student Conduct. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment may take two forms: (1) creating a hostile environment, and (2) quid pro quo. 1. A hostile, demeaning, or intimidating environment created by sexual harassment interferes with an individual's full and free participation in the life of the College. 2. Sexual harassment quid pro quo occurs when a position of authority is used to threaten to impose a penalty or to withhold a benefit in return for sexual favors, whether or not the attempt is successful. Sexual harassment may involve behavior by a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender. It should be noted that the potential of sexual harassment exists in any of the following relationships: student/student, faculty/student, student/ faculty, and faculty/faculty Here and subsequently "faculty" refers to faculty, staff, and administration. Because of the inherent differential in power between faculty and students, sexual relationships between faculty and students are prohibited. Sexual harassment may result from many kinds of behavior. These behaviors may range from the most egre- gious forms, such as sexual assault, to more subtle forms. Explicit behaviors include but are not limited to requests for sexual favors, physical assaults of a sexual nature, sexually offensive remarks, and rubbing, touch- ing or brushing against another's body. More subtle behaviors may be experienced as intimidating or offensive, particularly when they recur or one person has authority over another. Such behaviors may include but are not limited to unwelcome hugs or touching, inappropriate staring, veiled suggestions of sexual activity, requests for meetings in non-academic settings, and risque jokes, stories, or images. Solicitation Individuals or student organizations may not engage in commercial sales and fund-raising projects unless the proceeds from such sales and projects are used for charitable or philanthropic purpose. Clearance for such activities must be obtained in advance from the Director of LaGrange College at Albany. Grades and Certification of Enrollment The Registrar's Office will provide a copy of student's grades and will certify the enrollment of students for insurance or scholarship purposes. What are the Key Sources of Funds for Me to Attend? 1 . Employer Reimbursement Plans. 2. Federal Funds 3. State Funds 4. Loans 5. Students' Own Funds page n [Lagrange [College Alb any 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Teaching weeks in 2000 for LaG range College at Albany 1 Jan 3-7 2 Jan 10-14 3 Jan 17-21, classes meet Monday night of MLK day 4 Jan 24-28 5 Jan 31 -Feb 4 6 Feb 7-11 7 Feb 14-18 8 Feb 21-25 9 Feb 28-Mar 3 10 Mar 6-10 11 Mar 13-17 12 Mar 20-24 13 Mar 27-31 14 Apr 3-7 15 Apr 10-14 16 Apr 17, 18 and Apr 26-28, no classes Wednesday, Apr 19 through [uesdayj 17 Mav 1-5 18 May 8-12 19 May 15-19 20 May 22-26 21 May 29-June 2 22 June 5-9 23 Jun 12-16 24 Jun 19-23 25 Jun 26-30 Office Closed July 3-7, 2000. 26 Jul 10- 14, No classes the week of July 4 Summer Break 27 Jul 17-21 28 Jul 24-28 29 Jul31-Aug4 30 Aug 7-11 31 Aug 14-18 32 Aug 21-25 33 Aug 28-Sep 1 34 Sep 4-8. Classes meet Monday night of Labor Day 35 Sep 11-15 36 Sep 18-22 37 Sep 25-29 38 Oct 2-6 39 Oct 9-13 40 Oct 16-20 41 Oct 23-27 42 Oct 30-Nov 3 43 Nov 6-10 44 Nov 13-17 45 Nov 20, Pairs with Jan 2-5, 2001 Office Closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 22, 23, and 2^2L)l)(i 46 Nov 27-Dec 1 47 Dec 4-8 48 Dec 11-15 49 Dec 18-22 Office Closed December 25, 2000 through January 1, 2001. page n 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Teaching weeks in 2001 for LaGrange College at Albany 1 Jan 2-5 2 Jan 8-12 3 Jan 15-21, classes meet Monday night of MLK day 4 Jan 22-26 5 Jan 29-Feb 2 6 Feb 5-9 7 Feb 12-16 8 Feb 19-23 9 Feb 26-Mar 2 10 Mar 5-9 11 Mar 12-16 12 Mar 19-23 13 Mar 26-30 14 Apr 2-6 15 Apr 9, Apr 17-20, no classes Tuesday, Apr 10 through Monday Apr 16 East 16 Apr 23-27 17 Apr 30-May 4 18 May 7-11 19 May 14-18 20 May 21-25 21 May 28-Jun 1 22 Jun 4-8 23 Jun 11-15 24 Jun 18-22 25 Jun 25-29 Office Closed July 2-6, 2001. 26 Jul 9-13, no classes the week of July 4, Summer Break 27 Jul 16-20 28 Jul 23-27 29 Jul 30- Aug 3 30 Aug 6-10 31 Aug 13-17 32 Aug 20-24 33 Aug 27-31 34 Sep 3-7, classes meet Monday night of Labor Day 35 Sep 10-14 36 Sep 17-21 37 Sep 24-28 38 Oct 1-5 39 Oct 8-12 40 Oct 15-19 41 Oct 22-26 42 Oct 29-Nov 5 43 Nov 12-16 44 Nov 19 and 20, only Monday and Tuesday classes meet (pairs w Office Closed Wednesday, Thursdav and Friday, November 21,22 and 23,' 45 Nov 26-30 46 Dec 3-7 47 Dec 10-14 48 Dec 17-21 49 Office Closed December 24, 2001, through January 1, 2002. week of Dec 31; 101. h aGrange OL LEG E A I, R A fSLY 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Student Records In general, all present and past students have the right to personally review their own educational records for information and to determine the accuracy of these records. A photo ID or other equivalent documentation, or personal recognition by the custodian of record will be required before access is gained. LaGrange College assures the confidentiality of student educational records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Exception to Access Rights Students do not have access to: 1. personal notes of administrative, faculty, or supervisory personnel which are not accessible to or revealed to other parties; 2. confidential letter of recommendation placed in files before January 1, 1975, or those where student has waived right to access; or 3. medical, psychiatric or psychological data recorded by professionals or paraprofessionals solely for their own use in treatment of the student; however, a physician or other appropriate professional of the student's choice can review such records. Student consent prior to records release Student educational record information will not be transmitted to third parties outside the College without the student's written consent, with the following exceptions: 1. Public information: student's name, address, telephone listing, academic major, dates of attendance, awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and heights of athletic team members. This information will be released to anyone requesting it. Information which can be released to the public on any student is name, class, major, date of attendance, degree earned, awards received, local and permanent address, and telephone number. The above-cited information will not be released if a student notifies the Registrar's Office not to release information. 2. Information concerning application for or receipt of financial aid, which may be released to official agencies, involved in decisions and aid allocations. 3. Information released by College officials with a legitimate educational interest. 4. Information required by federal or state agencies as specifically provided by law. 5. Information needed in connection with an emergency to protect the health or safety of the students or other persons, as authorized by Department of Education regulations. How Long Will It Take to Finish My Degree? The program in Organizational Leadership at LaGrange College at Albany will take about seventeen continuous months. If the degree candidates lack other work that length of rime may be extended. What Happens If I Drop Out? The program concept is based on students who understand the commitment to stay with the program until completion. Unfore- seen events may make changes necessary. The Director of LaGrange College at Albany will work with individual cases, should they arise. page u LAGRANGE COLLEGE it Albany 505 Byron Pla n tation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Types of records maintained Examples of "educational records" maintained on a student may include but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Academic: admission data, courses attempted, grades, dates of enrollment, degrees awarded, academic hours and awards received -Registrar's Office Alumni: personal, educational, and professional data, contributions and gifts - Alumni Office and Advancement Office Conduct: disciplinary records, law violation - Student Development Office Financial: student's confidential statements, Financial Aid data - Student Financial Planning Office; charges, payments, delinquent accounts - Business Office General: directory information, correspondence, biographical data - office of record to which informa- tion was provided or correspondence addressed Student Grievance Procedure Purpose LaGrange College is committed to a policy of treating all members of the College Community fairly in regard to their personal and professional concerns. The primary objective of a student grievance procedure is to insure that concerns are promptly dealt with and resolution reached in a fair and just manner. It is essential that each student be given adequate opportunity to bring complaints and problems to the attention of College administration with the assurance that each will be given fair treatment. Definition A grievance is defined as dissatisfaction occurring when a student feels or thinks that any condition affecting him/her is unjust, inequitable, or creates unnecessary hardship. Such grievances include, but are not limited to, the following: academic problems (excluding grades, see the current LaGrange College Bulletin for the grade appeal procedure), mistreatment by any college employee, incorrect assessment of fees, records and registration errors, student employment and discrimination because of race, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age or handicap. Grievance Procedure The initial phase of the student grievance procedure normally requires an oral discussion between the student and the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance in order to discuss and resolve the grievance. The meeting should be held as soon as the student first becomes aware of the act or condition that is the basis for the grievance. If the student decides not to meet with the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance, or consider the response to this discussion to be unsatisfactory and feels that the grievance still exists, the grievance should be put in writing and filed with the Director of LaGrange College at Albany. Grievance Appeal Procedure Any student who is not satisfied with the response after utilizing the administrative channels outlined above should present the grievance in written form to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean or the President with a copy to the individual(s) complained about. P a ge 15 laurange College \ L B A N Y 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Career Planning and Placement Career planning and advancement are part and parcel of the general curriculum in Organizational Leadership. Throughout the curriculum each student is challenged to assume control over her/his destiny. No formal office of career planning or placement exists but the undergirding thesis of the program is that significant career planning occurs. As LaGrange College at Albany are employed, placement is not a significant need. In those rare instances where employment changes occur, students should consult the Director of LaGrange College at Albany for possible assistance. Counseling and Testing Informal counseling in academic areas is available on site. Students who need academic counseling should talk with the Director. If the academic counseling needs exceed the expertise of the staff of LaGrange College at Albany, the academic resources of LaGrange College's home campus are available through e-mail and tele- phone. LaGrange College at Albany offers no formal process for personal counseling. The cohort group has often been effective in assisting students make adjustments to the changes in routine brought about by the demands of returning to school. Students should seek referrals for more difficult problems. Students at LaGrange College at Albany are continually assessed in order to determine the effectiveness of the program in meeting their needs. There is an initial pre-test of leadership knowledge and skills. At the conclu- sion of the program, there is a post-test. The Director of LaGrange College at Albany is responsible for adminis- tering these achievement tests. There are many other situations where students may seek additional testing. These tests might include CLEP, GRE, GMAT and others. The Director of LaGrange College at Albany will assist the students in addressing these needs. What Is a Major in Organizational Leadership? I've Never Heard of That. Excellent question. LaGrange College asked a researcher from the University of Georgia to assist LaGrange College in looking at the needs in Southwest Georgia. It was clear from that research that there is a great need in the area for working persons to complete their degrees and that there is a great need for leadership skills in the area and on the job. How does one improve the effectiveness of employees? How does one maximize the strengths of the students? These, and other questions, were analyzed and pondered for a long time by the faculty members charged with creating this curriculum for Albany. They talked with business leaders, examined executive MBA programs across the country and talked with currently enrolled working, non- traditional students at LaGrange College. The faculty team asked itself, "What would it take for an employee to 'bubble up' to the top in an organization?" The answers are fairly obvious: work well with others, be ethical, read well, analyze well, understand business principles, understand leadership, speak well, write well. . . . The Organizational Leadership curriculum has all of these components and more. What is Servant Leadership? Tough question. In the curriculum in Organizational Leadership the college is imbedding "servant leadership concepts" throughout the courses. Understanding that "the leader serves" and that the "committed, ethical associate down the organizational chart leads" is only the first step in the process. The college will assist students as they find the inner satisfaction that comes from service to others. The college is committed to helping students enrich their lives as well as their bank accounts. LaGrange College is founded on Christian principles. These are principles that are easily applied in the workplace. W 16 lagrange College ALBANY 505 Byron Plantation J*oad 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 The Honor Code "As a member of the student body ofLaGrange College, I confirm my commitment to the ideals of civility, diversity, service, and excellence. Recognizing the significance of personal integrity in establishing these ideals within our commu- nity, I pledge that I ivill not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate these unethical behaviors in others. " The Honor Code, adopted in 1998 for implementation in the fall of 1999, is the responsibility of every student, faculty member, and staff member at LaGrange College. All members of the College community are needed to support the enforcement of the Code which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing when those actions involve academic processes. Student Responsibilities To be honest and truthful in all academic matters, abiding by the letter and spirit of the Honor Code. To consult with the appropriate persons to clarify issues regarding plagiarism, the correct attribution of sources, and the use of allowable materials for examinations, reports, or any academic work. To sign a pledge that no unauthorized aid has been given or received on any academic work. To report any incident believed to be a violation of the Code. Such a report is made to the President of the Honor Council. To cooperate when called upon by the Council to testify in a hearing. Student Rights To be presumed innocent To be given a fair, impartial, and timely Hearing To face and question any witnesses at a Hearing To testify and present material on one's own behalf To be given a separate Hearing upon request To be granted subsequent appeal Why is there a Group Project? Each cohort (that's the group that begins their work together) consists of about 20-22 students. That cohort will select, research, plan, and implement a community service project. The group gains academically by hands-on experience with strategic planning, building cross-functional groups, communicating with each other, and interfacing with outside entities including governmental, legal, religious and charitable organizations. The networking advantages for the students are obvious. The cohort will also benefit in rich and satisfying ways because they have found a need and have done something about meeting that need. The LaGrange College mission statement includes "challenge the minds and inspire the souls"; the Group Project does this. Over time the LaGrange College at Albany Group Projects will make Southwest Georgia an even better place to live. page 27 aGrange OL LEG E AX L B A N Y 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Examples of Offenses Academic cheating - including but not limited to the unauthorized use of books or notes, copying, or collaboration on examinations or any graded course-work Plagiarism - the misuse of another person's words or ideas, presenting them as one's own Lying or presenting false information related to any official College business Forgery or misuse of official College documents Theft of College property related to academic work Aiding another in any of the above Chronology of a Reported Violation of the Honor Code 1. Report the alleged violation to the President of the Honor Council at 706.883.1020. The President of the Council will determine if sufficient evidence exists for a Hearing. 2. If the evidence is insufficient, the President so notifies the party reporting the alleged violation. If there is sufficient evidence for a Hearing, the President informs the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean and a date is set for the Hearing. 3. The President of the Council will inform the person or persons accused of the violation in writing concern- ing the Hearing, stating the specific accusation, the place, date, and time of the Hearing, and requesting the names of any persons who should be called as witnesses. 4. The student may choose to self-report the violation to the Honor Council President. As a result, no Hearing will be called, but the Honor Council will meet to determine the sanction. 5. The President of the Honor Council presides at the Hearing, after which the Council votes to determine whether or not a violation has occurred. If the student is found not to have violated the Honor Code, the President and Recorder destroy the recording of the proceedings and so inform the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean and the student in writing. If the student is found to have violated the Code, further deliberation by the Council determines the sanction to be imposed, and the student is notified in writing. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean carries out the sanction. Sanctions One of the following sanctions is imposed when it is determined that there has been a violation of the Honor Code: A failing grade in a grade-related offense Suspension from the College for one term Permanent dismissal from the College Appellate Procedure Every person found to have violated the Honor Code has the right of subsequent appeal. Such appeal is made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. The President of the SGA, the President of the Faculty, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean constitute the Appeals Board. Such appeals are heard from the record of the Hearing with an attending written statement by the student requesting the appeal. From Albany, you can reach the Honor Council by calling 706.883.1020. All calls will be confidential and will be handled by the Student President of the Honor Council. page is LaGrange College At ALBANY 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Information Technology and Academic Support Services Information technology is pervasive in higher education. Students enrolled at LaGrange College at Albany will be immersed in contemporary learning technologies. The college expects each student to have access to the Internet either at home or have permission for full access at their place of employment. The College will provide a on-site computer resources for use during times other than class times. Instruction in the effective use of the Internet to obtain reliable information and to get to the on-line capabilities of LaGrange College in LaGrange is provided to all students. This provides communication with libraries using GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online). A special collection of leadership resources to support the major program is available in Albany. Community resources are also available to area residents. Academic Program and Degree Requirements Introduction The academic program at LaGrange College at Albany has been created in direct response to community and area needs. An extensive needs assessment in Southwest Georgia was initiated prior to the planning and development of the program for LaGrange College at Albany. The research results stressed the need for a program for non-traditional students that would enable them to complete a baccalaureate degree. That program should be offered to the students at a time when they could take the courses. The program should be one with a predictable structure of course offerings, costs and outcomes. The program should emphasize developing leadership knowledge and skills in the workplace and in the community. LaGrange College, as a venerable liberal arts College with strong ties to the United Methodist Church, has interpreted the demonstrated needs of Albany and Southwest Georgia with a coherent program in Organizational Leadership. Requirements for the Bachelor Degree with a Major in Organizational Leadership The baccalaureate (four-year) degree from LaGrange College requires 108 semester hour credits or the equiva- lent, appropriate general education courses, a 2.0 Quality Point Average on all work taken at LaGrange College, all required assessments and a major. In Albany, the College offers all assessments and the Organizational Leadership major only. The major consists of a minimum of the 42-semester hours program. Up to 66-semester hours of transfer credits may be applied to the degree. Those transfer credits must include courses and satisfac- tory grades in English composition, science/mathematics, social/behavioral science, and humanities /fine arts. Other academic regulations and procedures can be found in the current LaGrange College Bulletin, copies of which are available in the office of LaGrange College at Albany. Organizational Leadership The Organizational Leadership major consists of coherent courses designed to assist students grow substan- tially in their interrelational understanding and skills (coaching and counseling, communicating effectively, managing conflict, and understanding influence and negotiation) and their management understanding and skills (strategic planning, problem solving and decision making, managing performance, and managing change). This growth occurs in a liberal arts setting that uses critical reading, analysis, clear writing and group projects and problem solving. Central in the curriculum is a commitment to developing and fostering servant leadership. A group of students will undertake their study of Organizational Leadership as a group. That cohort will research and develop a service project that benefits the community. In that setting the students will practice the skills of working with multiple constituencies and implementing a comprehensive multifaceted project. Classes in Organizational Leadership meet for four hours weekly. One course is taken at a time. The courses last from three to seven weeks. As working and somewhat older and experienced persons, the students are expected to be challenged by, but succeed in, the accelerated curriculum. The program requires active participa- tion. page is LaGrange College ALBANY 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Organizational Leadership Courses To be taken sequentially First Semester fifteen semester hours credit. Lasts 27 weeks 301: Introduction to Senior-Level Studies (3) This course focuses on team building. The undergirding studies about collaborative learning are emphasized. Students will explore the strategies and goals of the Organizational Leadership curricu- lum. Effective practices for intensive study are emphasized. Student activities designed to strengthen the group will occur and planning will begin for the group service project. Course lasts three weeks and includes one weekend day 305: The Essentials of Leadership (3) Participants in this course will consider leadership both as an individual influence within a community and as the confluence of demographic, economic, cultural and political factors beyond the control of any single leader. Readings include texts from Martin Luther King, Jr., Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler and others examining the individual leader as a primary influence within the community. Other sources offer an alternative view of the leader as merely reflecting larger forces within the community. Course lasts six weeks. 311: Communication: Part I, The Organization (3) This course emphasizes building those necessary skills for effective contemporary communication in the organization. Students will learn computer writing and communicating skills including basic word processing, e-mail, network utilization and presentation software. Effective and efficient use of library and community resources will be explored. Course lasts six weeks. 312: Communication: Part II, With Others (3) A course designed to teach enhanced written and oral communication skills. The course will provide a review of standard grammar, mechanics, and usage required to write and speak effectively, using students' own backgrounds and experiences as topics for their classroom work. Emphasis will be placed on peer collaboration and editing, as well as projects for presentations. Course lasts six weeks. 321: Social/Cultural Dynamics: Part I (3) An examination of the social and cultural dynamics of selected ethnic groups, races and social classes in the U.S., with a view toward social problems and problem resolution. The course will extensively use case studies and epochal readings. Course lasts six weeks. Second Semester fifteen semester hours credit. Lasts 30 weeks 340: Organizational Psychology (3) A study of the behavior of the individuals and small groups in organizations. This course emphasizes motivation, but other topics including personality, perception and team behavior are explored. Course lasts six weeks. 403: Christian Perspective on Leadership (3) Examines how the values of the Christian tradition shape leadership practices and goals. This course develops the concept of servant leadership. Course lasts six weeks. 405: Institutional Ethics (3) A study of the basic ethical models and their application to ethical issues arising in an organization. Students will confront ethical dilemmas, both as individuals and members of small groups. They will make decisions, then share and critique those decisions. Course lasts six weeks. 413: Communication: Part III, Interpersonal Skills (3) This course focuses on interpersonal relationships in an organization. Topics include building effective relationships within an organization and confronting and resolving difficulties arising in those relation- ships. Cases and other types of experiential exercises are used. Conflict resolution and mediation skills are a part of this course. Course lasts six weeks. 422: Social/Cultural Dynamics: Part II (3) This course offers analysis of gender differences and considerations. It further explores cultural diver- sity and the management of diversity in achieving leadership goals. Course lasts six weeks. me 20 A I R A M \ LAGRANGE COLLEGER 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Third Semester twelve semester hours credit. Lasts 20 weeks 451: Organizational Tools (3) The essential tools used for planning and controlling the organization are studied. Included in this course are understanding financial statements, the tax code and the budgetary process. Students develop and present plans and policies. Course lasts seven weeks. 452: Organizational Environment and Strategy (3) A study of strategic planning, policy development, and the legal context of organizational leadership. Course lasts six weeks. 470: Readings in Leadership (3) A study of the dynamics of leadership from both fictional and non-fictional sources. The course is designed to enable students to recognize and analyze qualities of the leader in a variety of contexts in world literature, including archetypes and models from works as diverse as Homer's Odysseus and the essays of Andrew Young. Course lasts four weeks. 490: Issues of Leadership (3) An interdisciplinary, capstone experience that integrates the theories and practices of leadership learned throughout the program in a constructive project. Course lasts for three weeks. Total Required credit hours in the Organizational Leadership Major 42 Optional: 495: Directed Independent Study (3) 496: Directed Independent Study (3) These two courses may be used, as necessary, to complete graduation requirements. Together they may function as a Senior Thesis. Students should consult with their adviser well in advance of anticipated enrollment. A prospectus is required prior to acceptance for enrollment. Total Hours required for the B. A. ivith a Major in Organizational Leadership is 108. TJie other credits must be from previous work or recent work at another accredited institution. page 21 LaGrange College AJ PANY 505 Byron Plantation Road - 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605r^lbany7"Ceo7gia 31708~-~T605 Glossary of Terms Assessment finding out accomplishments towards achieving goals. In higher education today, it is important to assess students in their progress and to assess the programs. Assessment in this context covers broader concepts than just a 'test' in a course. CLEP College Level Examination Program. This is a higher level achievement test with national standards that enables students to gain college credit by sitting for an exam. Cohort In the context of LaGrange College at Albany, a cohort is that group of students that comes into the program at the same time. The cohort consists of approximately 20 students who will take all of their courses together. General education General education is that group of foundation courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. General education courses are typically English, history, mathematics, science and social studies courses. Major That group of senior division courses that explore in depth a particular subject. The group of courses can be in one discipline (English) in several disciplines (American Studies) or it can be an interdisciplinary set of courses around a theme (Organizational Leader- ship). The major normally constitutes about 40% of students' under- graduate studies. Transcript An official record of courses taken, credits earned, dates completed and descriptive information about the student (name, birth date, social security number, gender and address). Transcripts are under the care of college Registrars. Probation a warning about quality of academic performance. Employer reimbursement This financial support is recognition by the employer of the value of the employee /student to the employer. The employer typically will pay a portion or all of the tuition, fees and book costs of the employee/student. After the employee/student has satisfactorily completed courses, the employer will reimburse the student for all or a portion of the charges. Typically employers will assist with those charges that are not met by other means such as state grants. page 22 LaUrange College aT^any 505 Byron Plantation Road 912.420.8000 P.O. Box 71605, Albany, Georgia 31708 - 1605 Why LaGrange College at Albany is right for you, Designed for the working student One night a week You (!) are the client Courses flow from one to the next (you are not "closed out" of courses) Simplified registration LaGrange College at Albany part of a successful, prestigious church-related college Predictable progress toward a degree You can count on the same night for your college work Curriculum to help you in your workplace You know what is expected up front. No surprises. Accelerated. A lot of your work is done out of class. Your class time is shorter. An ethical and supportive environment First class technology Best thinking in pedagogy (Collaborative learning, student presentations...) Classmates become colleagues and support each other You are treated as an adult. No games. page 23 Dear Friends, For one hundred sixty-tune years LaGrange College has worked to challenge the minds I and inspire the souls of students by improving their creative, critical and communica- tive abilities in a caring and ethical community. Our strong relationship with the United I Methodist Church assists the College in fulfilling this mission. In 2000, LaGrange I College enters a new phase. LaGrange College at Albany is the College's first extension I site. Our site in Albany brings to Southwest Georgia our College commitment to the quest for civility, diversity, service and excellence. We do this with our interdiscipli- nary curriculum in Organizational Leadership that has been developed especially for non-traditional students. The planning for LaGrange College at Albany began in the fall of 1997. There are many details associated with bringing private, church-related, baccalaureate-level higher edu- cation to non-traditional students in the area. Many, many persons are making this Step possible. I am unable to thank all of them however, I must single out a few for public gratitude. Emily Jean McAfee and Sonny Deriso, both strong United Methodists, helped us to understand better the needs and resources of Southwest Georgia and guided US through the early phases of this initiative. Dr. Doug Bachtel from the University of Georgia did an extensive needs assessment for us in the area. The leadership and loyal members of Christ United Methodist Church are allowing us to lease a portion of their beautiful educational building for our initial location. My colleagues among the faculty and administration here have labored to create a benchmark interdisciplinary curriculum that is tailored to the area's needs and resources. Thank you. 1 1 nam nil support, too, is vital to initiating any step of this magnitude. We have had that and for that we are grateful. We will continue to search for ways to challenge the minds and inspire the souls of students. We lookforioard to being a strong citizen and a stalwart member of this community. Sincerely, F. Stuart Gulley. President /) LaGrange College is called through The United Methodist church to challenge the minds ami inspire the souls of students by improving their creative, critical and communicative abilities in a caring and ethical community. L A G R A N G E C O L L E G E A L B A N Y P.O. Box 71605 Alh.inv, GA 31708-1605 2000 Bulletin page 24 Lorcn Finkermm Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 75 LaGrange, GA 30240