Academic Policies

Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Young Harris College is committed to providing an environment in which all students are given a reasonable opportunity to learn and work to their full potential. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the College will provide reasonable accommodations for students with known disabilities. Young Harris College recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has submitted appropriate documentation of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Accommodations are made on a case by case basis, determined by the nature of the documented disability and of the specific College program and facilities involved.

In order to qualify for accommodations, the student must provide written documentation from an appropriate licensed professional to certify that a student has a disability and to help determine reasonable accommodations. Guidelines for required documentation are available from the College’s Academic Success Center (706-379-5164), located in the Hesed House on Duckworth Drive.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, activity, or facility. It is designed to offer a qualified student with a disability reasonable access to the same opportunities, benefits, and privileges available to a similarly situated student without a disability. The accommodation is not required if it would fundamentally alter the nature of the course, program, service, or facility, or if it would result in an undue burden for the institution. To determine reasonable accommodations, the College will seek information from appropriate personnel regarding essential standards for courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities.

The Academic Success Center coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations in the academic program for students with documented disabilities. The Success Center staff will work with each qualified student to design an individualized and confidential Student Support Plan and to coordinate accommodations throughout the academic term. For more information, for a copy of current policies and procedures, or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Academic Success Center staff (706-379-5164).

For further information regarding access to campus housing, facilities, activities, and events please contact the Student Development Office (706-379-5118) or the Office of Residence Life (706-379-5300).

Academic INTEGRITY: The Young Harris College Honor Code

The Young Harris College Honor Council publishes and distributes an Honor Code booklet which all students receive.

The Young Harris College Honor Code Statement of Purpose

Young Harris College is dedicated to the development of Christian faith and character and to providing opportunities for personal and intellectual growth and responsible citizenship. As an institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Young Harris College is committed to the Wesleyan tradition of a trained mind and a warm heart. The Honor Code is an essential way to reach the College’s goals of academic excellence, personal growth for each student, and a community life based on high moral standards, trust, and mutual respect. Simply stated, the Honor Code is the belief that the students of Young Harris College should commit themselves to nothing less than the rigorous adherence to intellectual honesty in all facets of academic life, including the writing of papers and laboratory reports, quizzes, homework assignments, examinations, and all documents submitted to the College. At its heart, the Honor Code asks each member of the College community to be a person of integrity. The word integrity implies wholeness; actions flow from character. Young Harris College understands that the acquisition of knowledge must be part of a larger context of wisdom and integrity. Both knowledge and virtue are fundamental to life as a community of learning. Accordingly, every person at Young Harris College will conduct his or her life according to the dictates of the Honor Code and will refuse to tolerate actions in others that would violate the Code. Every student at Young Harris College agrees to abide by the provisions of the Honor Code so long as he or she remains a student at the College. When students join the community, they affirm this commitment by signing the Code. Young Harris College takes pride in its commitment to fostering an academic community where learning is valued, encouraged, and achieved. The Honor Code is the keystone of the academic life of Young Harris College.

The Honor Pledge

All students will be required to affirm their willingness to be bound by the Young Harris College Honor Code. The responsibility of the student in upholding the Honor Code goes beyond passive compliance to include active guardianship. Each entering student will affix his or her signature to the following Pledge of Honor:

“As a member of the student body of Young Harris College, I understand that academic integrity is vital to the mission of the College, which is to foster the spiritual, ethical, and intellectual growth of every student. I pledge to adhere rigorously to intellectual honesty in all facets of academic life and to abide unconditionally by the provisions of the Honor Code. If I violate this Code, I will accept the penalty that is duly imposed.”

In addition to this public and formal pledge, a student’s signature on any paper or test submitted for academic credit will attest that he or she has not given or received unauthorized help on the work in question.

More specific information about the Honor Code is contained in the Honor Code booklet.

Academic Records

Academic records are compiled and maintained in the Registrar’s Office, while student personal records are under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Credit by Examination

Advanced Placement (AP)

Under the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Program, Young Harris College will award credit hours equivalent to those which are awarded for completion of the course at Young Harris College in each of the following subjects for which a minimum grade of 4 is made: American government, American history, art (drawing), history of art, biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, economics, English, European history, French, music theory, physics, psychology, Spanish, and statistics. Highly qualified high school seniors should schedule examinations through their counselors and request that results be sent to Young Harris College prior to their enrollment. Students are notified in writing if academic credit is awarded. This letter will also advise students that some transfer institutions may require a higher score in order to grant credit for the course in question.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The College will award credit hours equivalent to those awarded for completion of the course at
Young Harris College. A minimum grade of 5 is required. Students will be notified in writing if academic credit is awarded. This letter will also advise students that some transfer institutions may require a higher score in order to grant credit for the course in question.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

General and subject examinations are given by the College Entrance Examination Board. Only subject examinations in courses offered at Young Harris College are evaluated. Scores of fifty (50) or higher on the CLEP examination will be considered for credit. Students should have their scores forwarded to the Registrar’s Office to determine if credit is awarded. Students are notified in writing if academic credit is awarded. This letter will also advise students that some transfer institutions may require a higher score in order to grant credit for the course in question. Students may receive transfer credit only for CLEP examinations completed prior to matriculation.

Placement Exams

Computer Science

Students with advanced knowledge of computer science may elect to take the exemption examination. Test results will determine if a student will be exempted from Computer Science 1100. Exemption tests should be taken at the beginning of the student’s first semester.

Foreign Language

Students with two years of high school study in a specific language are expected to begin their college studies at the 1102 level. If such students take the 1101 course, it will not fulfill the foreign language requirement in a degree program but it may be used as an elective. Students beginning a new language, however, may take the 1101 course for college credit. Since many students are uncertain as to their level of language proficiency when they enter college and no placement exam is given in these subjects, students should consult the foreign language professor prior to registration.

Mathematics

All beginning freshmen who have not completed a college-level mathematics course will take a placement test during orientation. Test results will determine the appropriate entry-level math course for the student. Students whose test scores are below the designated minimum will be required to complete Mathematics 0090 prior to enrolling in Mathematics courses numbered 1101 or higher.

Experiential Learning, Professional Certificates, and Non Credit Work

Young Harris College neither awards nor accepts credit for experiential learning , professional certificates, or non credit course work.

Classification of Students

Students are given the designation of freshmen until they have earned 30 hours of academic credit. Students are designated as sophomores when they have earned 30-60 semester hours of academic credit. Students are given the designation of juniors when they have earned 61-90 hours of academic credit. Students are designated as seniors when they have earned more than 90 semester hours of academic credit.

Student Load

To be a full-time student, one must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours of academic credit. The maximum load is 21 hours. All Georgia residents must schedule at least 12 hours to qualify for the Tuition Equalization Grant and a minimum of 6 hours for the H.O.P.E. Scholarship. Students may enroll in no more than two academic courses per summer session without permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Class Attendance

Young Harris College considers the classroom experience to be a vital part of a college education and essential to academic success. The student who elects to enroll at Young Harris College accepts responsibility for adhering to the class attendance policy of the College.

It is the policy of Young Harris College that class attendance regulations in a course are determined by the professor, who is responsible for setting the number of absences permitted in the course and handling tardy arrivals to class. Information regarding the attendance policy is contained in the course syllabus, which is given to the student at the beginning of each semester.

When a student violates the attendance policy set by the professor, the professor sends written notification to the student, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Registrar that the student has been withdrawn from the course. A grade of “W” or “WF” is assigned in accordance with the official withdrawal policy stated below. In cases where excessive absences have been caused by extenuating circumstances—such as a personal or family illness or death in the immediate family—a student who has been withdrawn from a course may appeal the decision of the professor to the Vice President for Academic Affairs through the Student Academic Grievance procedure. This appeal must be made on a form obtained from the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and must be submitted no later than the class day following the day of notification. During the appeal procedure, the student should continue to attend meetings of the class in question. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final. Students have the responsibility of keeping a record of their absences, of removing absences from the class roll on days when they are unavoidably tardy, and of making up all work missed. Students who register for a course after the first class meeting should check with the professor regarding their absences prior to enrollment.

Mid-Term Progress Reports

Mid-term grade reports are mailed to the permanent address of those students who have earned fewer than 30 hours or who are on academic probation.

Grade Reports

Students may access their mid-term and final grades online at YHC Connect.

Grading System - Semester grades are reported by alphabetical letter only.

Incomplete Note

Students who wish to receive a grade of incomplete in a course must obtain an Incomplete Card from the Registrar and have it signed by their academic adviser and the appropriate professor. The incomplete becomes official after signatures have been collected and the card has been returned to the Registrar. This process must be completed no later than the day professors are required to turn in grades for the relevant semester.

Professors may give an incomplete only in cases where (1) the student has demonstrated a serious reason for not completing the course and (2) the student has already completed at least 50% of the work for the course. Within these parameters, the decision of whether or not to grant an incomplete is at the discretion of the professor.

Advisors should discuss with the student the implications of taking an incomplete for their academic standing, including the possibility of probation or suspension, before giving the student permission to request the incomplete.

If the grade of “I” is not removed by mid-term of the following term, it is recorded as an ‘F.’

Incompletes from fall semester will need to be completed by midterm of spring semester. Incompletes from spring semester will need to be completed by midterm of summer semester or the first week of fall semester. However, if any of the incomplete grades are in a course that is a prerequisite to the course being taken the next semester, the incomplete grade must be completed the first week of that semester.

Grade-Point Average

Averages are computed by multiplying the number of grade points by the course credit hours, totaling all grade points earned, and dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. In this computation, courses in which a grade of “WF” is made count as hours attempted; courses in which a grade of “W” is made do not. Only courses attempted at Young Harris College are included in the College GPA. Grades earned in courses taken at other institutions are not included.

Academic Probation/Suspension

Academic probation or suspension is determined by the following table of semester hours attempted and cumulative grade point averages at Young Harris College.

Example: A student who has completed 35 hours of academic credit and has a 1.8 or better cumulative grade-point average will be in good academic standing. If the student has a 1.6 cumulative grade-point average, however, the student will be on academic probation. If the student has a 1.2 cumulative grade-point average, the student will be suspended and will be ineligible to enroll in the next regular term (fall or spring) following the suspension. In addition to the above determination based on grade-point average, students will be suspended if they have not attained good academic standing following two consecutive terms on academic probation. Further, students who do not pass at least one academic course will be suspended and ineligible to enroll in the next regular term, regardless of grade-point average.

Academic Dismissal

Students who are suspended for the second time are academically dismissed from the College and are not eligible for readmission.

Withdrawal from a Course

Students may drop a course with no notation of course enrollment on their transcripts during the published drop/add period at the beginning of each semester or summer session. Dates for the drop/ add period and deadlines for withdrawal without penalty for each semester and summer session are published in the College’s Academic Calendar. Students who wish to withdraw from a course after the drop/add period must obtain a withdrawal card from the Registrar and have it signed by their academic advisor and the appropriate professor. The withdrawal becomes official after signatures have been collected and the card has been returned to the Registrar. This process must be completed prior to the last regular class meeting of the course from which the student is withdrawing. See here  for further information. Students receive a grade of “W” if they withdraw from a course between the drop/add period and the deadline for withdrawing without penalty. Students who withdraw from a course after the deadline will receive a grade of “W” if they are passing the course or a grade of “WF” if they are failing the course. This policy also applies to students who are withdrawn from a course for excessive absences. Students who are withdrawn from a course for academic dishonesty may receive a grade of “F.”

If a student drops below ten semester hours (six for a summer term), he or she must have written permission from the Vice President of Student Development to remain enrolled at the College and remain living in campus housing facilities.

Withdrawal from the College

A student who wishes to withdraw from the College before the end of the semester must secure a withdrawal form from the Registrar’s Office. The grades of a student who withdraws are recorded as “W” or “WF” according to the policies stated above. If the withdrawal procedure is not followed, all grades will be recorded as “WF.” In the case of an unofficial withdrawal, the last date of attendance will be set at the midpoint of the semester or the last documented date of attendance (whichever is later). The College has a policy to identify unofficial withdrawals with the cooperation of the following departments: Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, Registrar’s Office, Business Office, Financial Aid Office, Library, Retention Office, and Student Development Office. If the date of an unofficial withdrawal is not determined during the academic semester, an audit of students with failing grades at the end of each semester will be done by the Financial Aid Office.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are issued upon a student’s request of the Registrar’s Office. The paper request must be signed by the student in order to release the transcript. If the request is made online through National Student Clearinghouse, the request is signed by the validation of the student’s consent form. Official transcripts cannot be faxed to a recipient.

Transcript Request via National Student Clearinghouse

Young Harris College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript services via the Internet. To order an official transcript log in to National Student Clearinghouse. The instructions on the site explain the order process, delivery options, and fees. You may order as many transcripts as you like in a single session. To insure confidentiality and to comply with federal regulations when using the Clearinghouse, you must provide proof of identity. Alumni and students must complete the “Consent to Release” form. Print and complete the form then fax it to the Clearinghouse for your order to be processed. In addition to offering the convenience of credit card payment, the Clearinghouse keeps you informed about the status of your request.

Transcript Request via Form

(Click here to view the Transcript Request website)

Please provide the following information in your request:

1. Full name (including all names under which you may have attended)
2. Handwritten signature (Transcripts will not be released without the student’s signature.)
3. Complete address and telephone number
4. Social Security number
5. Date of birth
6. Last semester and year of attendance at Young Harris College
7. Full address for destination of transcript

This completed form may be printed and mailed to the address given below. To facilitate transfer, currently enrolled students may receive free certified copies of their transcripts if requested for scholarships or applications to colleges. When a student is no longer enrolled in YHC, the official transcripts will cost $5.00 each. Requests for transcripts made via telephone or email cannot be honored. Credit cards are not accepted. Transcripts will not be released until all student accounts and fees have been paid.

Send or deliver your written transcript requests to:

Young Harris College
Registrar’s Office
PO Box 96
Young Harris, GA 30582

Transient Student Status

Young Harris College students who wish to take course work at another institution for credit or to transfer hours to meet graduation requirements may do so if the following conditions are met:

1. The course work must be taken at an institution that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of a regional-accrediting agency to award academic degrees.
2. Students must complete a Transient Permission Form (available from the Advising Center), obtaining the approval of the academic adviser, the Advising Center, and the Registrar.
3. The student must make a grade of “C” or better to insure that the course will be accepted in transfer.
4. Students attending another institution as a transient student must request that an official transcript of course work taken at that institution be sent to Young Harris College.
5. Grades in courses taken as a transient student will not be calculated in the cumulative grade point average at Young Harris College.
6. The student must follow admission procedures established by the institution at which the course work will be taken.
7. The university or college offering the courses allows these courses to be used for credit towards its own degree.
8. If the transient/transfer course work is to be used to satisfy degree requirements, the Registrar must receive and approve an official transcript of the credit before the student will be granted a degree.
9. There will be a limit of two courses approved for transfer during the summer.

Online Courses

In as much as Young Harris College values the classroom experience, students are prohibited from taking online courses at other institutions while enrolled at Young Harris College. Online courses taken from an accredited college (see #1 above) during the summer will be accepted for transfer if within the two-course limit and with prior approval from Young Harris College.

Auditing Courses

Students who wish to audit courses must register during the registration period. Area residents who wish to audit courses for enrichment purposes should follow regular admission procedures and then see the Registrar for audit approval. Members of The Institute for Continuing Learning (ICL) may audit available courses at a reduced rate on a space-available basis.

Repeating Courses

Repeating a course may affect financial aid, NJCAA eligibility, or veteran’s benefits. For financial aid purposes, a course in which a student has previously received a passing grade may not be used to satisfy the twelve-hour requirement needed to be classified as a full-time student. Repeated courses will be averaged into the GPA.

Graduation Requirements for Associate Degrees

To earn an associate degree, a student (1) must complete a prescribed degree program with at least a 2.0 grade-point average in courses presented for graduation, (2) must not be on academic probation at the time of graduation, (3) must not have more than 9 of the total hours as “D” grades, (4) must earn at least 30 semester hours of academic credit at Young Harris College, (5) must be in attendance at the College at the time degree requirements are completed, and must have completed at least 30 of the last 36 required hours at the College*, (6) must file a formal application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar no later than the first class day of the spring semester of the year in which the student intends to graduate, (7) and must participate in graduation exercises unless excused by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

In addition to the above academic requirements, a student must be in good standing pursuant to College policies at the time of graduation.

*A student who has satisfied all other requirements and who leaves the College lacking no more than six semester hours to complete graduation requirements may transfer that credit from another institution to satisfy Young Harris College degree requirements. The Registrar must receive and approve an official transcript of the credit before the student will be granted a degree. Transfer credit will be awarded only for courses in which a grade of “C” or better is earned. All course work used to satisfy degree requirements must be completed within a seven-year period.

Graduation Requirements for Associate Degrees: Multiple Concentrations/Multiple Degrees

In order to receive an associate degree with multiple concentrations, the graduation requirements are to complete all degree requirements for both concentrations.

In order to receive a second associate degree, the graduation requirements are to complete all degree requirements in both degrees and earn 18 additional hours not used to satisfy the first degree requirement.

Completion Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees

Each baccalaureate degree requires 120 semester hours. A baccalaureate degree program requires at least 30 hours of courses in the major, at least 21 hours of upper division courses in the major field, and at least 36 hours of upper division work overall.

 To earn a baccalaureate degree, a student: (1) must complete a prescribed degree program with at least a 2.0 grade point average in courses presented for graduation, (2) must not be on academic probation at the time of graduation, (3) must have no more than 18 semester hours of “D” grade credit, (4) must complete the final 30 semester hours of the degree program at the college, (5) must file a formal application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office no later than the first class day of the semester in which the student intends to graduate, and (6) must participate in graduation exercises unless granted written exemption by the chief academic officer of the college. The minimum time in which to complete a baccalaureate degree is three years; the maximum time is eight years.

 A student who is within six credits of baccalaureate degree completion may participate in the graduation ceremony. Credits to be applied toward a baccalaureate degree following the graduation ceremony must be earned at Young Harris College.

 In addition to the above academic requirements, a student must be in good standing pursuant to College policies at the time of degree completion.

Double Degrees

A student may earn two different degrees (e.g, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science). To earn double degrees, the student must complete all requirements for each degree. The student receives two diplomas. The student’s academic record will list each degree with its major (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Biology). The double degrees may be earned concurrently or consecutively.

Double Majors

A student may earn two majors within a single degree program. To earn two majors, the students must complete all requirements for each major. The student receives one diploma. The student’s academic record will list one degree with two majors (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and History). Double majors may be obtained concurrently or consecutively.

Graduation Exercises

To participate in graduation exercises, a student must have completed all degree requirements or meet requirement five listed above under “Graduation Requirements.”

Graduation Fees

Graduating students will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies if the graduation fee has been paid, but they will not receive a diploma or a final transcript until all accounts are settled with the Business Office.

Academic Honors

In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, the following honors are awarded:

Dean’s List

Students who complete twelve or more credit hours per semester and who earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average are placed on the Dean’s List.

Graduation with Honors

The College recognizes the following three levels for honor graduates:

1. Graduation with Honors, cum laude, 3.5-3.69 GPA;
2. Graduation with High Honors, magna cum laude, 3.7-3.89 GPA;
3. Graduation with Highest Honors, summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

(Click here to view the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act website)

Notification of Rights Under FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows students access to their educational records and limits the ability of others to access those records, except as authorized by law.

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access.
   Students should submit to the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. FERPA was not intended to provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments which are correctly recorded. The rights of challenge are not intended to allow students to contest, for example, a grade in a course because they felt a higher grade should have been assigned.
   
   If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. If, as a result of the hearing, the College decides that the information in the education record is not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the student, it shall inform the student of the right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information in the record or stating why he or she disagrees with the decision of the College.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or official of the National Student Loan Clearinghouse); or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. Generally, Young Harris College must have written permission from the student before releasing any information from a student’s educational record. However, the law and Young Harris College policies allow disclosure of records, without consent of the student, to the following:
   
   • College employees who have a legitimate need to know in the fulfillment of his or her professional responsibility
   • Parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Code
   • Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies
   • Accrediting organizations to carry out accrediting functions
   • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
   • Federal, State, and local governmental officials for purposes authorized by law
   • Individuals who have lawfully obtained court orders or subpoenas
   • Organizations conducting educational studies for the College
   • Other schools to which a student is applying or transferring
   • Courts during litigation between the College and the student or parent
   • Alleged victim of crime of violence after final results of a disciplinary hearing
5. Directory Information
   The College designates the following as public or “Directory Information:”
   
   • student’s name
   • address
   • telephone listing
   • program of study
   • degree sought
   • expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation
   • degrees and awards received
   • dates of attendance
   • full or part time enrollment status
   • previous educational agency or institution attended
   • participation in officially recognized activities and sports
   • weight and height of athletic team members and other similar information
   • classification (grade level)
   • class schedule
   • email address
   • date and place of birth
   • photograph

Students may restrict the release of “Directory Information,” except to school officials with legitimate educational interests and others as indicated in point #4 above. To do so, a student must make the request in writing to the Registrar’s Office, P.O. Box 96, Young Harris, GA, 30582. Once filed, this request becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs the Registrar, in writing, to have the request removed.

6. Parental/Legal Guardian Rights
   The College will provide grades and access to student education records to parents or legal guardians who certify that the students are financially dependent, as defined in Section 152 of the 1986 Internal Revenue Code. Parents or legal guardians will be required to sign a Release of Information Agreement and follow the procedure detailed in #1.
7. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
   In many situations, complaints relative to FERPA can be resolved within the College on an informal basis. Any student who wishes to discuss a FERPA complaint may contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, P.O. Box 242, #1 College Street, Young Harris, GA, 30582. To file a FERPA complaint with the US Department of Education, contact the Office that administers FERPA at:

Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC, 20202-4605

Young Harris College Honors Program

The Young Harris College Honors Program offers exciting intellectual challenges to students interested in maximizing their collegiate academic experiences. Students interested in the Honors Program should apply for admission into the program during their senior year of high school. Honors Program participants will be selected on the basis of their high school academic and extracurricular record, standardized testing, teacher recommendations, an essay, and an interview. Students enrolled in the YHC Honors Program will take special honors courses each semester as part of the regular course load. They will study with professors dedicated to creative and challenging approaches to learning. The courses are designed to delve deeply into the subject matter with other honors students as classmates. Students enrolled in the honors program will receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships. Upon completion of the academic program, honors students may earn an Associate’s Degree with Honors or a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors.

Students entering the honors program Fall semester 2009 or after must earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA or better in order to graduate with either an Honors Degree or an Honors Certificate on the Associate’s or Bachelor’s level. Students who complete all required honors classes (two per fall and spring semesters semester during the student’s first and second years, one per fall and spring semester during the student’s third and fourth years, and a senior honors capstone project) will receive the Honors Degree. Students who complete a minimum of one honors class per semester and students who enter the program after fall semester of their freshman year and complete all required courses will receive the Honors Certificate.

Students may earn honors credit in a non-honors class once per academic year by completing a substantial independent honors research project. The project must be designed in consultation with a professor in whose class the student is enrolled during the semester the project will be completed. By the end of the second week of the semester, the student must submit a project plan including description, requirements, due date, and signature of the professor to the honors program director for approval. If the project plan is approved, the student will work on the project during the semester, consulting with the professor as needed. The student will present the project to both the professor and the honors program committee on a designated date at the end of the semester. If the student’s work is approved by the professor and the committee, the student will receive honors credit for that class, and that honors credit will be designated on his or her transcript and count toward the fulfillment of honors degree and/or certificate requirements. Students who do not submit the required project plan on time or who do not present the project at the end of the semester will not receive honors credit for the project or class.

Students who do not enter the honors program as first-semester freshman but wish to join after they are already enrolled at YHC may apply through the honors program director. They will need to have a cumulative YHC GPA of 3.5 and two letters of recommendation from current YHC faculty members who have taught them. Students may enter the honors program no later than their third semester at YHC, excluding summers. Late entering students will be eligible only for the honors certificate as they will have missed required classes for the honors degree.

In order to remain eligible for honors classes and scholarships, honors students must enroll in at least one honors course per semester and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each academic year.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Lambda Alpha is the Young Harris College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. To become eligible for membership, a student must demonstrate good character, must have earned a minimum of 15 semester hours of academic credit at Young Harris College, must have completed at least one semester of full-time enrollment at Young Harris College, and must have attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. To maintain good standing in Phi Theta Kappa after induction, a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3. Phi Theta Kappa ordinarily holds an induction ceremony in the spring semester. Eligible students receive a letter of invitation at the beginning of the spring semester.

Student Academic Grievances

Young Harris College seeks to establish a caring and just academic community on its campus. Accordingly, the College is committed to fair treatment of its students in their relationships with other members of the College community. Occasionally, however, a student may feel that they have been treated unfairly and seek appropriate action to correct the perceived injustice.

First, the student must meet informally with the party in question and attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution. If no solution is reached, the student may file a grievance according to the Student Grievance Policy published in the Young Harris College Guide to Student Life. Student grievances concerning the academic program of the College must be filed in writing using the form provided in the Academic Affairs Office.

If a student files a grievance to appeal an automatic withdrawal from a course due to excessive absences, it must be filed no later than the class day following the notification of withdrawal.

If a student wishes to appeal an Honor Code decision, they must do so following the procedures set forth in the Young Harris College Honor Code.