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Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Friends
Why was a change considered?
Initial concerns about the current residence policy were centered on legal questions. The Alston & Byrd law firm conducted an independent legal analysis of the policy. Alston & Byrd stated: “Our ultimate conclusion is that the College is at risk for a legal challenge to its Corps of Cadets current policy.” This conclusion was based on a determination that the policy could be challenged based on Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The firm’s final verdict: “Such a challenge could also result in actual monetary liability and a loss of federal educational funding.”
How much federal funding might North Georgia lose?
Annually, North Georgia receives approximately $10 million in federal funds in the form of grants,
loans, the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance and ROTC Scholarships.
What input has the staff of the Chancellor and Board of Regents provided?
Last Spring the Chancellor asked the Attorney General of the State of Georgia to review the residence policy in place currently and rule on its legality. The Attorney General issued an opinion to the Chancellor that indicated that the current policy was unconstitutional and needed to be changed. The Chancellor then directed us to work with the legal staff of the Board of Regents to establish a new policy and implementation strategy. Legal counsel for the Board has been involved in formulating the new policy and the timeline for implementation.
What is the timeline for implementation?
Implementation will begin in Fall 2008 with the incoming Freshman class. Current students will be grandfathered under the existing policy.
What about the potential impact of this policy change on recruiting members of the Corps?
The staff of Cadet Recruiting does not expect the residence policy change to have a significant affect on the university’s efforts to recruit scholar/athlete/leaders who want to voluntarily participate in a world-class leadership development program.
Why wouldn’t it impact the Corps?
Over the past 8-10 years, North Georgia has taken significant efforts to enhance the Corps. The Cadet Recruitment Center has been bolstered, both in terms of personnel and operating budget. Also, the CRC now operates as a separate directorate from University Admissions, allowing military students to work with one central office up until the first day of FROG Week. Ties between the Georgia Army National Guard and the US Army Reserve have been strengthened. In fact, our “on-campus” Guard and Reserve headquarters are truly unique, allowing deserving students to reap military tuition assistance benefits for their college education. Our ROTC scholarships have more than quadrupled since 1980, and our networking with National Guard recruiters has resulted in their filling 39 GMS scholarships on our campus each academic year. All cadets from states other than Georgia pay the in-state rate for tuition. Similarly, all qualified Georgia resident cadets receive a $750 stipend each semester from funds provided by the state legislature in support of our mission as the Military College of Georgia. We have enhanced our military education program to attract highly qualified cadets, including building a solid partnership with the Defense Language Institute. Our new International Studies major is attractive to cadets, and we have added strategic languages to our curriculum, enhancing an emerging emphasis on language and cultural knowledge as basic education for all Army officers. Our Department of Military Science has now awarded more than 150 Minors in Leadership since 2000. We have expanded study abroad opportunities for cadets, and we have redesigned some Military Science classes to make them more realistic and appealing to young freshmen and sophomores. A strategic planning process is underway at North Georgia which will include new dorms (barracks) for cadets in the next five years. New barracks will bring the Corps in line with the other dorms on campus and make us more comparable to some SMCs who have recently built new residence halls on their campuses.
Of particular note, the Department of the Army has recently expanded the commissioning missions of all 6 Senior Military Colleges. At North Georgia, for example, we will receive instructors, equipment and training opportunities for a commissioning objective of 70 officers annually by 2010 (as compared to our current annual mission of 50). In the outyears, U.S. Army Cadet Command expects us to commission 100 officers annually by 2015. We must continue to “grow” the Corps in order to meet this new mandate.
In short, everything is moving towards bringing in more freshmen, retaining students in uniform, and commissioning larger numbers of quality officers, either Active duty, Guard, or Reserve. Thanks to the progress we have made, and the resources we expect to receive in support of our new commissioning mission, the Office of Cadet Recruitment staff believes it will be able to attract larger numbers of cadets who truly want to be here. Like other Senior Military Colleges which have been through these changes before us, we expect our numbers to increase slowly over time, regardless of changes to the residence policy. Very few cadets come here because of the residence policy; most are looking for opportunities to lead and to serve. They will find these opportunities in the Corps of Cadets and beyond-- in military service or as leaders in business and industry.
Does a change affect the campus residence halls designated for the Corps?
The university will protect the nature of the Corps’ residential experience. The number of residence hall rooms dedicated to the Corps will be preserved. We will continue to separate Corps’ residence halls from other housing and from any civilian male residential facilities.
Where will males who are not in the Corps live on campus?
For the next few years, we would have a limited number of spaces on campus for civilian males — initially in Owen Hall and Lewis Annex probably.
Will this affect North Georgia’s status as a Senior Military College?
No. If the policy is changed, North Georgia’s revised student residence policy would be aligned with three of the other five Senior Military Colleges in the nation. Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, and Norwich now allow civilian males to live on campus but still retain the institutions’ Senior Military College status. Likewise, North Georgia would retain its Senior Military College status as defined by Title X of the US Code.
Given the lack of dormitory space and the increase in Cadet Recruiting Targets, how will the Administration decide how many bed spaces will be allocated for civilian male students?
We are required by law to provide proportionate, comparable housing. The number of beds allocated for civilian resident freshman males will be calculated using the percentage of male students in our current enrollment applied to the total number of freshman beds.
How would these changes affect admissions?
We would begin to admit full-time male resident students who meet our admissions requirements without regard to their affiliation with the Corps.
How would a revised policy regarding non-residents be enforced?
New students applying to the university would indicate “resident” or “non-resident” student on the application for admission. Students are responsible for reviewing the policy requirements prior to applying to the university, ensuring they are applying according to the guidelines. When a student’s application for admission is reviewed, the student would be designated a “resident civilian student,” “non-resident civilian student” or “resident cadet.” Students providing false information on the application would be subject to denial or dismissal from the university.
Who at the university has been involved in discussing this policy change?
The military leadership on campus, including the commandant of the Corps of Cadets, the professor of Military Science and the director of Cadet Recruitment, the former professor of Military Science who is now executive assistant to the president, the associate vice president for Academic Affairs, the vice president for Business & Finance, the vice president for Student Affairs, the director of Admissions, the director of Residence Life, and the president, with input from many others over the course of their months of study.
The university group evaluating the current policy determined that its original 1973 purpose, to protect the size of the Corps, was no longer valid or necessary. The group further believes that the university, whose leaders are members of a profession pledged to uphold the constitution, would be in an untenable position if it supported a policy that is likely unconstitutional. Participants in the study also believe it is preferable for North Georgia to take action proactively to change the policy to avoid the unnecessary expense and publicity of a potential lawsuit that the university would very likely lose. The group concluded that the actions taken to strengthen North Georgia’s Corps in recent years enable the university to move in a new direction with confidence of success.
Is the university trying to increase its enrollment with this policy change?
This decision is not related to any interest in increasing our total university enrollment. In fact, for several years North Georgia has experienced demand far exceeding its capacity to accommodate growth and has taken steps to control that growth. North Georgia has, for example, the highest proportion of enrollment increases within the University System of Georgia over the past decade, despite having to keep growth at a manageable percentage. Over the long term, we do not intend to grow at a faster pace on our Dahlonega campus, nor do we envision a significantly larger campus here. A change in the residence policy would be achieved within the constraints of our current restrictions on enrollment growth on this campus and our existing housing capacity. North Georgia now enrolls about 5,000 students, and our long-range projection is to reach a maximum of 6,000-6,500 on the Dahlonega campus over the next decade. Our identity, which we treasure, is that of a small college environment with a world-class Corps of Cadets. Dahlonega, our community, lacks the capacity to support unbridled growth of the university— it simply does not have the potential infrastructure to cope with that possibility. We anticipate meeting our commitment to our service region through significant growth at North Georgia’s Forsyth location. This growth will respond largely to Forsyth’s need for post- baccalaureate education.
Will students attending classes in Gainesville and Forsyth County be required to adhere to the recommended policy?
No, if a North Georgia student is taking all of their classes at one of our satellite campuses they will not be bound by the residence requirement.
Who can I contact for more information about the policy change?
Questions can be directed via email to residencepolicy@ngcsu.edu
Current and Prospective Civilian Students
Why does NGCSU require students to live on campus?
North Georgia College & State University has established a residence policy for undergraduates designed to enrich their education. The residential program fosters relationships with other students who have similar curricular and co-curricular interests, and with faculty and staff. The experience is designed to provide leadership development and to enhance the student’s academic success.
If my parents live within the defined area may I live with a friend in an off-campus apartment?
No. You must live with and commute daily from the primary residence of your parents.
May I live with a sibling who lives locally?
Typically, this situation is not permitted under the policy. However, if you believe that you have a unique hardship that justifies an arrangement of this type you may request a waiver as described in the policy. Waiver requests are considered by a committee who makes a recommendation to the vice president of Student Affairs.
If I am approved to live with parents but decide later that I would like to live on my own, how do I gain approval?
You must request a waiver of the residence requirement. If you are an enrolled student, your request should be submitted to the office of vice president for Student Affairs office.
Are there any exceptions to this residence policy?
Exceptions for reasons other than those listed, what we call waivers, are considered on an individual case basis for unique hardship. Requests by currently enrolled students should be submitted to the vice president for Student Affairs office. Prospective students may submit waiver requests to the Admissions office.
My parents own a cabin within the defined commuting area. May I live there?
No, you must live with your parents at their primary residence.
As a civilian male where will I live?
Current plans are to house civilian males in Lewis Annex and Owen Hall.
Where will civilian females live?
Civilian women will be housed in Lewis, Donovan and Owen Halls.
What happens if I get caught living off-campus at a place other than my parent’s home?
Illegal non-resident students will likely be suspended from the University. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by University policies.
How will this policy change affect current civilian residents?
Current civilian residents who will have earned less than 60 semester hours prior to Fall semester will be required to live on campus. These students will be guaranteed a space on campus as long as they complete a housing contract prior to March 1st. This space may be in either Lewis Hall or in Owen Hall Apartments. Current civilian residents who will have earned more than 60 semester hours may indicate their preference to live on campus and will be able to participate in the Housing Lottery.
If I currently have earned 45 hours and am taking 15 or more hours now, am I required to live on campus?
Students who have earned at least 45 hours and will earn at least 60 hours prior to fall semester may choose to live off-campus. However, if the student does not earn 60 hours prior to Fall semester, the University will require the student to move into University Housing.
If I currently have earned 45 hours, can I fill out a housing contract or lease agreement and be guaranteed a space on campus?
Yes.
How should a student with less than 60 hours reserve a space in the residence halls for fall semester?
Current resident students with 45 hours or less will be guaranteed a space in University Housing if they complete a Housing Contract prior to March 1st. Housing Contracts will be available beginning February 1st.
If I have earned 60 hours or more, am I guaranteed a space for the upcoming year?
No. However, you can enter the Housing Lottery, which will be open on March 14th and completed by March 31st.
How will the Housing Lottery work?
All students who have earned more than 60 hours may indicate their request for University Housing via Request Form by March 14th. Housing Lottery drawing will take place March 17-19th. Students will be notified of their placement in the drawing by March 24th. Students eligible for spaces will have until April 11th to sign a contract for either a traditional residence hall or Owen Hall. After April 11th, additional spaces will be opened to the next eligible student in the drawing.
Will I still be able to choose between living in Owen Hall or living in the traditional residence halls?
All students who would like to like to live in University Housing will enter the Housing Lottery via request form. Once student numbers are selected, the student may indicate his or her housing style preference (Owen Hall apartments or Lewis Hall traditional residence hall.) If the student’s preference is not available, he or she may put their name on a waitlist for that option or may choose not to take advantage of University Housing.
If I turn 21 in September, can I get out of my contract then or am I required to finish the semester?
Students are eligible to live off campus if they are 21 years of age. However, they are bound to the terms of their Housing Contract. Traditional Housing Contracts are for a full academic year, but offer an option to cancel between fall and spring semester. Owen Hall Contracts run from August to August and the resident is bound for the contract period unless he or she finds another student to take over the contract. Please see Owen Hall contract terms for more information.
Will the termination policy on the Owen Hall contract remain the same?
Yes.
Will there be housing for upper class male civilian students?
A limited number of spaces will be offered to upper class male civilian students. Upper class male civilian students interested in living in University Housing may complete a request form and be entered into the Housing Lottery.
The policy states that civilian students must have "60 earned semester hours" to live off campus and cadets must have "90 earned semester hours" to leave the Corps without the one-year stop-out penalty. What does "earned semester hours" mean?
"Earned semester hours" include all college level work credited in the "Earned Hours" category on the student's NGCSU BANNER transcript. In order to live off campus, a civilian student must have 60 earned semester hours credited in the "Earned Hours" category of his/her BANNER transcript at the end of the term before the term he/she plans to move into an off-campus residence. Similarly, in order to leave the Corps of Cadets and avoid the one-year stop-out penalty, a cadet must have 90 earned semester hours credited in the "Earned Hours" category of his/her BANNER transcript at the end of the term before he/she plans to leave the Corps of Cadets.
Who can I contact for more information about the policy change?
Questions can be directed via email to residencepolicy@ngcsu.edu
Current and Prospective Cadets
Why does NGCSU require students to live on campus?
North Georgia College & State University has established a residence policy for undergraduates designed to enrich their education. The residential program fosters relationships with other students who have similar curricular and co-curricular interests, and with faculty and staff. The experience is designed to provide leadership development and to enhance the student’s academic success.
Why join the Corps?
The Corps of Cadets at North Georgia is a world-class leadership development and education program. By participating in the Corps of Cadets, students will add leadership experience to their job resumes after graduating from college. Getting a minor in leadership is convenient for cadets and gives them an advantage over others seeking entry-level management positions in fields such as law enforcement, government, industry, education, or nursing. It also helps when seeking admission to master’s or professional degree programs.
Cadets receive four years of practical leadership experience as they rise in rank each year. They learn advanced problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, project management, time management, character-building, and leadership skills that help make them more successful in their college careers. More importantly, these are tremendously practical skills that they will use every day in the world of business and government after graduation. They also participate in a rigorous physical fitness program designed to improve their physical and emotional fitness, develop their confidence, and sharpen their mental acuity.
Cadets have no obligation to join the military. However, if they wish, they can receive commissions from the president of the United States as second lieutenants in the US Army after graduation.
Why the three-year commitment to the Corps?
There are two reasons North Georgia requires a three-year commitment to the Corps. First, as a Senior Military College we are required to meet a standard established by the US Department of Defense. That standard includes the number of commissioned Lieutenants we are required to produce each year. Due to the importance of this mission, the State of Georgia and the Federal Government make an investment in Corps members by providing financial incentives. In exchange for that investment we expect the three-year investment from the cadet.
Second, the Corps of Cadets is designed as a four-year leadership development experience. Cadets cannot receive the full benefit of the experience by leaving the Corps before completing those four years. As in life after college, cadets will sometimes encounter stressful physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges that require them to work within the team to solve problems, make decisions, and lead. Our experience indicates that a small number of cadets will want to deal with these challenges by quitting. We believe that staying in the Corps and developing the skills these cadets need to work through their challenges helps to develop their character and prepare them for success in life after college. Although a four-year experience is optimal, we believe the absolute minimum commitment for this purpose is three years.
How does this compare to other SMCs?
This policy falls in the middle range among Senior Military Colleges. Some have more restrictive policies others have less restrictive ones.
Do I automatically qualify to be a non-resident if I am a combat veteran?
No, you must have completed two years of honorable military service verified by a DD Form 214..
What happens if I am in the Corps and have to withdraw from school for a family emergency/medical necessity? Can I return as a civilian resident?
If you have been away from school for one year you may choose to be a civilian resident or to return to the Corps. If you are not out for a year you will be required to return to the Corps.
If I live within the defined commuting area but initially choose to be in the Corps, may I change to civilian non-resident status?
If you choose to change from the Corps to a civilian non-resident you will not be eligible to enroll in classes for a period of one year.
If I go to military basic training, complete it, and decide not to pursue a career in the military, can I return as a civilian?
If you have been away from North Georgia for one year, yes. If you are gone for less than a year you will be required to return to the Corps.
What happens if I get caught living off-campus at a place other than my parent’s home?
Illegal non-resident students will be suspended from the University. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by University policies.
The policy states that civilian students must have "60 earned semester hours" to live off campus and cadets must have "90 earned semester hours" to leave the Corps without the one-year stop-out penalty. What does "earned semester hours" mean?
"Earned semester hours" include all college level work credited in the "Earned Hours" category on the student's NGCSU BANNER transcript. In order to live off campus, a civilian student must have 60 earned semester hours credited in the "Earned Hours" category of his/her BANNER transcript at the end of the term before the term he/she plans to move into an off-campus residence. Similarly, in order to leave the Corps of Cadets and avoid the one-year stop-out penalty, a cadet must have 90 earned semester hours credited in the "Earned Hours" category of his/her BANNER transcript at the end of the term before he/she plans to leave the Corps of Cadets.
Who can I contact for more information about the policy change?
Questions can be directed via email to residencepolicy@ngcsu.edu
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