Academic Policies

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)

Young Harris College grants credit to a student who presents a minimum score of 4 on one or more of the Advanced Placement Program examinations of the CEEB in the areas in which YHC has courses. 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, they have the option of taking a language placement exam in French or Spanish prior to registration. For instructions of how to take the exam contact the Student Advising Center or the Department of Foreign Languages. 

Mathematics

In order to ensure that students have the highest probability of success in their math courses at Young Harris College, student math placement is based upon SAT/ACT mathematics scores. Students are not eligible to take mathematics courses at a higher level then indicated in the ranges below.

Below 400/below 11 MATH 0090 Review of Mathematics

400-440/11-15 MATH 0090/MATH 1101 Intensive or lower

450 – 510/16 - 19 MATH 1101 College Algebra or lower

520 – 600/20 – 24 MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus or lower

Above 600/24 MATH 2001 Calculus or lower

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 30-59 semester hours of academic credit. Students are given the designation of juniors when they have earned 60-89 hours of academic credit. Students are designated as seniors when they have earned 90 or more semester hours of academic credit.

Definition of a Credit Hour

The Curriculum Committee and the Office of Academic Affairs approves credit hour assignments for courses, programs and other requirements consistent with the credit hour policy. The Office of Academic Affairs, Academic Divisions and Departments, and the Office of the Registrar ensure accurate and reliable application of the College’s credit hour policy and procedures through the monitoring of both class assignments and class implementation.

I.        Lecture

The College adheres to the standard definition for one semester-hour credit associated with a class meeting for a 50-minute session once per week for not fewer than 15 weeks, including exam periods, with the expectation that each in-class hour of college work should require two hours of preparation or other outside work.

 II.      Activity Supervised as a Group (Laboratory, Music Ensemble)

For activity supervised as a group, one semester-hour credit is awarded for two or three 50-minute periods of laboratory per week, for no fewer than 15 weeks, with little or no outside preparation expected.

III.    Physical Active Lifestyle Course

For a Physical Active Lifestyle Course, one semester-hour credit is awarded for three 50-minutes periods per week, for half a semester, with the expectation that each in-class hour of college work should require 30-45 minutes of exercise, preparation, or other outside work.

IV.    Independent Study and Directed Study

 For an independent study and a directed study, one semester-hour credit is awarded for the equivalent of fifteen 50-minute sessions.

V.      Applied Music Study

For applied music study (private music instruction), one semester-hour is awarded for a 25-minute period of instruction, for no fewer than 15 weeks, with the expectation that each 25-minute session should require three hours of practice.

VI.    Accelerated Course

For an accelerated course (summer, half semester course), credit hours are earned proportionally to those earned for the same activity during a regular term of the College.

VII. Internship

For an internship, one semester-hour is awarded for 40 hours of work. 

VIII. Student Teaching

For student teaching, one-semester hour is awarded for 37.5 hours of work.

IX.            On-Line Course 

For an online course, credit hours are earned proportionally to those earned for the same activity in a course delivered face-to-face. 

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. It is also the policy of the College that absences will be excused for documented cases of official representation of the College (excuses for official representation of the College should be obtained from the official supervising the activity). 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 Grades

Beginning Spring 2013, mid-term grades will be reported on YHC Connect - Self-Service for those students who have earned fewer than 60 hours or who are on academic probation.

Grade Reports

Students may access their mid-term and final grades online at YHC Connect. If you wish to have grade reports mailed to you or to any third party, please complete the Student Authorization to Mail Grade Reports form, available in the Registrar’s Office. This authorization will remain in effect only for the term specified. If you wish to mail grade reports for more than one term, you must complete a separate form for each term.

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

Incompletes

Students who wish to receive a grade of incomplete in a course must obtain an Incomplete Form 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 Changes

Professors who wish to change a student’s grade should obtain a grade change form from the Registrar. The form requires a specific reason for the grade change. The form should then be reviewed by the Division Dean (and the Department Chair, where applicable). If approved by the Department Chair/Division Dean, the Dean will pass the form on to the Registrar for implementation of the grade change. All grade changes must be submitted no later than mid-term of the following term. Grade changes for spring semester courses may be submitted by mid-term of either the following summer or fall term. 

Repeating Courses

Repeating a course may affect financial aid, athletic 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 unless an Application to Repeat a Course is submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Course Repeat Policy

Students have the opportunity to repeat up to two courses (regardless of credit hours) for which final grades of D, F, or WF were recorded in the prior attempt, without the original grade being calculated in the cumulative grade point average. 

The following guidelines are used relative to the repeating of a course without the original grade being calculated in the cumulative grade point average:

• The second attempt must be completed within three semesters of taking the original course (not including Maymester and summer session).
• Students must submit a completed Application to Repeat a Course to the Registrar’s Office before the last day of the term in which the course is repeated. 
• Both the original and the second attempt of an individual course will be recorded on the transcript, but only the more recent grade will be calculated into the Young Harris   College cumulative grade point average. (However, for Financial Aid purposes [including the HOPE scholarship], both grades will be calculated into the cumulative grade point average and both attempts will be counted as hours attempted.)
• The opportunity for the grade point average benefits of repeating courses as discussed here is available only when the course is both first taken and repeated at Young Harris College. 
• Credits earned are used only once to fulfill graduation requirements.
• Courses repeated after completion of a baccalaureate degree may not be used to raise the GPA earned prior to graduation.

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. 

Good Academic Standing

Continued enrollment in Young Harris College is a privilege that is granted to a student who is making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. A degree-seeking student enrolled at the College is in good academic standing unless placed on academic probation or suspension.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on probation when their academic performance falls to a level that endangers their progress toward completing a degree from the College. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) on graded hours at the College to avoid being placed on probation. When a student’s academic level of achievement falls below the cumulative grade point average indicated on the chart below, the student is placed on probation. A student is removed from probation at the end of the fall or spring term in which the cumulative grade point average is above the required level as specified in the chart below.  

 *Freshmen and transfer students admitted in good academic standing will not be suspended following the first semester of enrollment. However, they will be placed on probation and will then be subject to the rules of probation (see Academic Suspension, below).

 Students who are on probation:

1. may not enroll in more than 13 credit hours per semester;

2. are required to meet with a staff member in the Academic Success Center at the beginning of each semester in order to complete a plan for their academic success;

3. are required to have their course schedules reviewed and approved by their academic advisors at the beginning of each semester; and

4. are required to meet at least twice during the semester with their academic advisor in order to monitor their academic progress. 

Academic Suspension

Students are suspended from the College at the end of the fall or spring semester if the student’s cumulative grade point,average falls below the grade point average for suspension as indicated on the above chart.  

Freshmen and transfer students admitted in good academic standing will not be suspended following the first semester of enrollment. However, they will be placed on probation and will be subject to the rules of probation. This provision does not apply to freshmen and transfer students admitted on probation, who will be subject to the standard rules of probation and suspension following the first semester of enrollment.

Suspension means a required separation from the College for the fall or spring semester immediately following the semester in which the suspension occurs. Notice of suspension is placed on the student’s permanent academic record. Suspension does not extend the time to make up an incomplete grade.

After suspension, a student must be readmitted to the College through the Office of Admissions. Students who are readmitted to the College after suspension are admitted on probation and subject to the rules of probation.

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), and is a residential student, he or she must have written permission from the Vice President of Student Development to 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.

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 or the Office of the Registrar), 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.

Concurrent Enrollment

With the prior approval, Young Harris College students may take a maximum of one course per semester through another regionally-accredited institution. For concurrent enrollment, the following policies are applicable: 

1.    The student must be enrolled full-time at Young Harris College.

2.    The student may take a course through another institution only when an equivalent course is not offered at Young Harris College in that semester.

3.    The student must complete and have signed a Transient Permission Form prior to taking a course through another institution.

4.    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.

5.    Approval for concurrent enrollment is not granted retroactively.

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.

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.

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.

Change a Major

In order to change a major, a student must complete a “Major/Minor Change” form and submit it to the Registrar. The form may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, the Advising Center, or on YHC Connect. The major will not be formally changed until the form is processed by the Registrar’s Office.

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:

President’s List

Students who complete twelve or more credit hours per semester and who earn a 4.0 or higher grade point average are placed on the President’s List.

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.

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

Internships

Young Harris College encourages students to pursue an internship during their course of study.  An internship is a planned work experience that provides students an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a particular field.  During an internship students can clarify career and educational goals.  The experience allows students to connect classroom learning with professional experience, enhancing academic, personal, and professional development.    Students who complete internships gain marketable skills for the workplace.   

An internship is a supervised experience that can be full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid. Internships may be approved for academic credit or may be for non-credit.  Internships should demonstrate new student learning and/or the acquisition of new skills.  Internships are not unsupervised volunteer experiences with routine, repetitive clerical duties. 

Students wanting to pursue an internship for academic credit must complete the YHC  internship application process through the Academic Advising Center.  This application process must be completed and the internship must be approved for academic credit before the student begins contact hours with the internship site.   Internships approved for academic credit are conducted under the joint supervision of Young Harris College faculty and an approved on-site supervisor.    Internships approved for academic credit require a minimum of 40 hours contact time at the internship site for every one credit hour attempted in academic credit (40 hours = 1 credit hour; 80 hours = 2 credit hours; 120 hours = 3 credit hours, etc.).    Maximum academic credit awarded for internships varies.  In addition to contact hours with the internship site, students must complete academic requirements of the associated internship course in order to receive academic credit for the experience.    

Student Eligibility

Students interested in pursuing an internship

·         must have completed their freshman year (or a minimum of 30 credit hours)*

·         must have declared a major

·         must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average*

·         must have approval of faculty advisor and department chair

 *Some academic programs may have higher minimum standards or additional requirements.

Students wishing to explore internship opportunities should contact the Academic Advising Center. 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.

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).

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

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 she/he has been treated unfairly and may 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 Office of Academic Affairs.

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.

Freshmen and transfer students admitted in good academic standing will not be suspended following the first semester of enrollment. However, they will be placed on probation and will then be subject to the rules of probation. This provision does not apply to freshmen and transfer students admitted on  probation, who will be subject to the standard rules of probation and suspension following the first semester of enrollment.

Suspension means a required separation from the College for the fall or spring semester immediately following the semester in which the suspension occurs. Notice of suspension is placed on the student’s permanent academic record. Suspension does not extend the time to make up an Incomplete grade. After suspension, a student must be readmitted to the College through the Office of Admissions. Students who are readmitted to the College after suspension are admitted on probation and subject to the rules of probation.

Under extenuating circumstances, appeals for readmission or other exceptions to academic policies may be presented to the Office of Academic Affairs. Students must contact the Office of Academic Affairs for information and deadlines for submitting an appeal. 

After suspension, a student must be readmitted to the College through the Office of Admissions. Students who are readmitted to the College after suspension are admitted on probation and subject to the rules of probation.

Under extenuating circumstances, appeals for readmission or other exceptions to academic policies may be presented to the Office of Academic Affairs. Students must contact the Office of Academic Affairs for information and deadlines for submitting an appeal.

Under extenuating circumstances, appeals for readmission or other exceptions to academic policies may be presented to the Office of Academic Affairs. Students must contact the Office of Academic Affairs for information and deadlines for submitting an appeal.