Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management provides a seamless and supportive pathway from prospective student to alumni focused on personal and academic success and ensure that students are career ready and positioned to be leaders and active citizens in the community. The Division is dedicated to delivering an innovative, comprehensive and integrated student life experience that promotes self-efficacy, personal and professional success, multicultural competence, leadership development, and civic engagement. Serving as a resource to the campus community and University stakeholders, the Division endeavors to promote and enrich student education through recruitment, admissions, and student services support by way of ongoing direct contact with students in their everyday lives.

Central to the Division, is the advancement of the recruitment and admissions activities of the institution while achieving a healthy overall mix of high achieving students, students with limited learning support need, adult learners, transfer students, out-of-state and international students. The office of Admissions and Recruitment is also charged with creating an enrollment profile that reflects the changing demographics of the State of Georgia and, in particular, the metropolitan areas of Savannah and the Coastal Georgia region. By developing and/or implementing highly functional information systems, and a robust reporting environment, the Division also provides ongoing analysis of the characteristics and student behaviors of current, prospective, and former students to help the University achieve its goals. It studies enrollment trends, forecasts enrollments, and develops strategies to improve recruitment and customer service efforts and endeavors.

Career Services & Leadership Development Center, Office of Disability Services, Office of Counseling Services

Center for Leadership and Character Development

The Center for Leadership & Character Development focuses on developing student leadership through seminars, institutes, retreats, and workshops. The Center houses dozens of books and audio tapes on leadership, personal development, career development, and service learning. Programs include the Freshman Academy during the fall semester, the Alternative Spring Break experience and a Leadership Lecture Series throughout the year. All students are encouraged to utilize the center. Students should be mindful that space is limited in major leadership programs.

Department of Student Development

The focus of the Department of Student Development is to incorporate student learning and student development into experiential and social opportunities that will enhance students’ overall educational experience. This department recognizes the importance of a comprehensive college health program, which supports our academic program, to include focus on professional personal and career counseling services, health promotion, education and prevention, medical/clinical/holistic services, intramural sports and wellness and other services.

Office of Counseling Services

The Office of Counseling Services provides developmental, remedial, preventive and consultative/training services which will assist students to grow and experience personal and academic success within the educational framework. Areas of counseling include but are not limited to: relationship issues, self-esteem, stress management, eating disorders, problem gambling, pregnancies, anger management, depression and suicide, home-sickness, self-injurious behaviors and substance abuse. 

Contact: Office of Counseling Services; (912) 358-3080

Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services provides resources and services aimed at improving the educational development of students with disabilities and the vocational access of employees with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; and to enhance understanding and support within the campus community. Students are assisted with a variety of accommodations, academic services and/or adaptations that allow those with a disability to have full access to academic information and access to demonstrate they mastered the information or allow an employee to have access to meet the essential functions of their position.

Students with Special Needs

Students with documented learning disorders as defined in the USG Academic Affairs Handbook, Section 3.11.1., must fulfill all stated requirements, including placement testing (Accuplacer or system- approved alternate) and course requirements.

Appropriate course and testing accommodations should be made for students with sensory, mobility, or systemic disorders. Students must consult with Savannah State University’s Counseling and Disabilities Office for more information on documentation and approval process. Such students may be granted up to two additional semesters of LS upon review and approval. Documentation on such students will be maintained at the institution and summarized in the annual report on accommodations for students with disabilities.

Contact: Office of Disability Services; (912) 358-3115.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is dedicated to the delivery of excellent health care, the facilitation of student learning and personal responsibility, and the continual improvement of medical services to foster the growth and attitudes for the future. All students enrolled at the University is eligible to receive services provided in the Harris-McDew Health Center.  Services offered include: physician exams and care; prescription and over-the-counter medication; preventative medicine student health insurance information as well as health and wellness promotions programs.

Contact: Harris-McDew Health Center; (912) 358-4122.

University Recreation and Wellness

University Recreation and Wellness (URW) fosters both competitive and leisure sports and fitness activities for both men and women. URW aims to enhance students’ fitness and wellness, knowledge, personal skills, and enjoyment by providing opportunities for a variety of activities that may contribute to individual fitness and wellness; opportunities for cooperative and competitive play activity in the game form; and a medium through which students can learn and practice leadership, management, program planning and interpersonal skills. Activities usually include, but are not limited to, basketball, volleyball, softball, and flag football.

Contact: University Recreation and Wellness; (912) 358-3071.

Career Services & Leadership Development Center

The Career Services and Leadership Development Center provides students and alumni a platform for personal and leadership development, career explorations, and professional networking to help SSU Tigers transform their degree into the career of their dreams. University Career Services offers services and resources, which include, but are not limited to career focus checklist for freshmen through seniors, job fairs, computer career guidance, employment bulletins, internship guidance, interviewing and job searching programs, on campus recruiting and outreach programs, referral services and resume development.

Contact: Career Services and Leadership Development Center; (912) 358-3140.

Housing and Residence Life

University Housing and Residence Life provides comfortable, affordable, and secure residential communities located throughout campus. In particular, the university has traditional residence hall facilities and apartment-style facilities for upper-class- level students. Residence life programs promote student development, leadership and a variety of living and learning options that compliment classroom instruction. Students wishing to live on campus are required to apply for housing at the beginning of the academic year, summer school, and any semester that is preceded by a break in continued residence. Room assignments are made for the academic year. Students who live in residential facilities are required to purchase a meal plan.

Contact: University Housing and Residence Life; (912) 358-3132.

Department of Student Life

The Department of Student Life, is responsible for enhancing student life for all students, through co-curricular activities, which are an integral part of the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth of students. Student activities at Savannah State University consist of:

• Clubs and Organizations
• Game Room and Recreational Activities
• Movies
• Campus-wide and Informal Activities
• Departmental Activities

Student organizations provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to interact with one another during cultural, recreational, spiritual and social activities either in formal or informal settings.

Organizations that are recognized at the university include:

• Honor Societies
• Professional and Departmental Organizations
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Service Clubs and Organizations
• Student Leadership Development

Student Organizations

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• American Chemical Society
• American Society of Civil Engineer
• Behavior Analysis Student Assoc.
• Cheerleading Squad
• Campus Ministry
• Delta Sigma Pi
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Educators Rising
• ENACTUS
• Environmental Science Club
• Freshman Class
• Graduate Student Advisory Council
• Graduate Association of Public
• Administrators
• Georgia Association of Educators
• (GAE) Student Chapter
• Graduate Student Advisory Council
• International Students Association
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
• Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority
• Junior Class
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Mass Communication Student
• Association
• Master of Social Work (MSW) Student
• Organization
• Model African Union
• Model United Nations
• NAACP
• National Council of Negro Women
• National Pan-Hellenic Council
• National Association of Black
• Accountants
• National Association of Black Social
• Workers
• NROTC
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Obsidian Dance Repitory
• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Players by the Sea
• Queens Coalition
• Residence Hall Council
• Senior Class
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Social Workers of Tomorrow
• Sophomore Class
• Student Orientation Leaders
• SSU Marching Tiger Band
• SSU Quiz Bowl Team
• Student Government Association
• Tiger Ambassadors
• Tiger’s Roar Newspaper
• Wesleyan Gospel Choir
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

​Office of Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct’s mission is to promote the development of character, citizenship, civility, individual and social responsibilities of students and student organizations at Savannah State University. The office provides programs that promote the obligations of citizenship in the University community. Students and student organizations are also provided with the tools necessary for success in pluralistic society by providing feedback about behaviors that both enhance and harm the academic community, as well as assistance and opportunities in modifying such behaviors.

Student Conduct

The University community is committed to fostering a campus environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, a productive campus life and thoughtful study and discourse. The student conduct program within the Office of Student Conduct is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the entire University community. A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles.

At Savannah State University, student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Student Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, community, social justice, respect, responsibility, and tradition. Each member of the University community bears responsibility for their conduct and assumes reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. When members of the community fail to exemplify these six values by engaging in violation of the policies below, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Code of Student Conduct.

Violations of the Student Conduct Code

Consistent with its mission, Savannah State University takes seriously its commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment conducive to student learning and growth through curricular and co-curricular programs. At the same time, the University has high expectations that students govern their behavior, actions, and practices responsibly and with civility. Students are therefor, expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the objectives and standards of conduct established by the University. A violation of any section of the code will lead to disciplinary action regardless of class level, age, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability level.

Savannah State University students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. It is also important to note that the Code of Student Conduct applies to students both on and off campus, distance learning students as well as students studying abroad while associated with the University.

Disciplinary Procedures

The University has established procedural standards for investigations and resolutions of alleged student conduct violations which is incorporated in the student conduct policies. These procedures ensure uniformity in the quality of investigations while providing for due process that affords fairness and equity in all student conduct investigations. It is not intended to infringe or restrict rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution including free speech under the First Amendment, or the due process clauses of Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.

The University’s disciplinary procedures apply to matters relating to student misconduct, except matters relating to academic dishonesty, which may be covered under separate institutional policies. Students are informed of the procedures governing student misconduct complaints and investigations.

Student Conduct Review Board

The University Conduct Review Board (UCRB), which is comprised of faculty, staff, and students, has jurisdiction for hearing cases involving alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Through the Coordinator of Student Conduct, the Board has authority to summon any member of the University community as a witness in a case of student misconduct. Faculty and Staff board members are volunteers and are vetted through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and/or Human Resources. Student members are selected by Student Government or appointed by the Office of Student Conduct. All members are appointed to a one-year term.

Basis for Review (Appeals)

Student Conduct appeals are a review of the record only, and no new meeting with the Respondent or any Complainant is required. Appeals must be made in writing within five business days of the original decision. At each appeal level (Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Affairs, President), the reviewer may affirm the original finding and sanction, affirm the original finding but issue a new sanction of greater or lesser severity, remand the case back to any lower decision maker to correct a procedural or factual defect, or reverse or dismiss the case if there was a procedural or factual defect that cannot be remedied by remand. All decisions shall be simultaneously issued in writing to the parties within a reasonable time period. The President or their designee’s decision shall be the final decision of the institution.

Should student wish to appeal the final institutional decision, they may request review by the Board of Regents in accordance with the Board of Regents’ Policy on Discretionary Review. Appeals received after the designated deadlines above will not be considered unless the institution or Board of Regents has granted an extension prior to the deadline. If an appeal is not received by the deadline the last decision on the matter will become final (BOR Policy 4.6.5.6).

Article IX Appeal to Board of Regents

A student dissatisfied with the President’s decision has the right to appeal to the Board of Regents. The appeal to the Board shall be submitted in writing to the executive secretary of the Board through the Chancellor, within twenty calendar days after the President’s decision and shall cite all the reasons for dissatisfaction with the previous decision.

Drug possession or use (without valid medical or dental prescription), manufacture, transportation, storage, furnishing, or sale of any narcotic or dangerous drug controlled by federal or Georgia law is prohibited. Students convicted of violation Section II (Drugs and Alcohol) of the student conduct code may lose academic credit and/or federal financial aid and/or be suspended from the University.

Weapons: Persons found in possession of weapons will be subject to disciplinary action by the University and/or local courts. Violators will be subject to arrest, adjudication by the University and/or prosecution by local, state, and federal courts. It is against University rules and regulations for students to possess, use, or store weapons such as guns, blackjacks, bow and arrows, Taser guns, BB guns, air guns, ammunition, hunting slingshots, martial arts weapons, chemical weapons, medieval weapons, darts, knives or mace. Carrying a weapon onto or within 1,000 feet of property owned, controlled, or leased by the University is strictly prohibited.

Contact: The Office of Student Conduct is conveniently located on the SSU campus in the King-Frazier Student Center, room 247, and can be contacted at (912) 358 - 3122.

Title IX: Compliance

Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding.

Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any university program including, but not limited to health services, counseling, psychological services, athletics, admissions, academic programs, extracurricular activities, employment, and financial aid, housing, and student services. Title IX prohibits discrimination by and against both males and females, by students, faculty and staff, and visitors.

The policy of Savannah State University is to implement equal opportunity for employees, students and applicants for employment or admission without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, and physical or mental disability.

“Discrimination based on sex” contains a broad category of activities that prevent or limit the victim from participating in or benefiting from an education program or activity.

Examples of sex-based discrimination, include, but are not limited to:

• Unequal admission, participation, or employment opportunities in education programs and activities based on a person’s sex;
• Unequal opportunities to participate in intercollegiate athletics or to receive athletics-based financial assistance based on a person’s sex.

Sexual Harassment: “Discrimination based on sex” also includes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcomed sexual conduct, intimidation, or coercion that is severe and pervasive, and that prevents or limits the victim from participating in or benefiting from an education program or activity. Harassers and victims may be either male or female, and may be students, faculty, or staff.

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Criminal sexual conduct, such as rape and sexual assault
• Requesting or pressuring an individual for sexual favors
• Discussing sexual activities
• Sexual conduct of any nature, which is not freely and mutually agreeable to both parties
• Sexual remarks about one’s clothing, body or sexual activities
• Sexual jokes, innuendo, texts, teasing and/or remarks
• Verbal harassment or abuse
• Stalking
• Indecent exposure
• Unnecessary touching, patting, cornering, fondling, hugging, against a person’s body

Consensual Relationships

The existence of such a consensual relationship must be immediately disclosed to your supervisor. Consensual romantic or sexual relationships between supervisor and employee or between faculty and students are strongly discouraged. No person involved in a consensual relationship should have direct responsibility for evaluating the employment or academic performance or for making decisions regarding the promotion, tenure, or compensation of the other party to the relationship. The existence of such a consensual relationship must be immediately disclosed to your supervisor.

Retaliation is prohibited.

It is unlawful to retaliate against an individual for filing a complaint or for cooperating in an investigation of complaint regarding Title IX. SSU will take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. Any person found to have retaliated against an individual reporting, filing, or cooperating in a Title IX matter is subject to SSU disciplinary procedures up to and including expulsion or termination.

Title IX-Sexual Misconduct

Savannah State University supports a safe learning environment for all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. The university prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct of any kind, and enforces a Sexual Misconduct Policy. The policy applies to all students, employees and third parties, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Any form of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking, will not be tolerated on the Savannah State University campus. The university encourages members of the campus community to report sexual misconduct immediately and has several tools available to ensure the process is fair and prompt.

Undergraduate Admission

Persons who wish to enroll at Savannah State University must file an application, which can be obtained from the Office of Admissions or GA Futures (GAFutures.org). Applicants who are high school students should file an application as early as possible during their senior year. All applications must be filed and completed by the application deadline for the semester in which applicants plan to enroll.

All new students (freshmen, transfers, and others) attending regularly scheduled classes or receiving resident credit will be required to submit a University System of Georgia Certificate of Immunization prior to attending such classes. This certificate will be kept on file in the Office of Student Health Services and will be valid throughout enrollment. Students without this certification of immunization may be denied permission to enroll at the University. Exceptions may be made for students who have religious objections and students whose physicians have certified that the students cannot be immunized because of medical reasons.

Savannah State University reserves the right to employ appropriate assessment mechanisms to ascertain the suitability of applicants to enroll in the University and to deny enrollment or admission to individuals based upon the results of this assessment.

The University reserves the right to withdraw admission prior to or following enrollment if students become ineligible as determined by the standards of the University or Board of Regents. These standards may be revised and new policies initiated upon the discretion and consensus of the University and Board of Regents.

Admission Procedures

Applicants are responsible for requesting official documents required for admission be sent directly from their previous institutions to the Office of Admissions. Official documents must be issued by the records office of the previous institution(s) in either a sealed envelope sent or electronically to the Office of Admissions at Savannah State University. These documents become part of the applicants’ permanent records and will not be returned.

The following are specific items required for admission:

• APPLICATION FORM. An application may be obtained from the Office of Admissions or on-line at http://www.savannahstate.edu/. Care should be taken to read the directions accompanying the application and provide all information requested. An incomplete application will cause delay and may be returned without a decision.
• CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION. All applicants must submit a copy of immunization(s) as a condition of enrollment. This document must be on file before registration.
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(s) OF COURSES COMPLETED. All documents must be on file in the Office of Admissions prior to the specified document deadline. Freshmen applicants should request their high school guidance department send an official copy of their transcript. Freshman applicants who are applying for FT status who have been dually enrolled at other higher education institutions must submit the transcripts from those institutions. Non-traditional adult candidates must submit an official high school transcript and/or official college transcript(s), if applicable. Transfer candidates with fewer than 45 transferable quarter hours, or 30 transferable semester hours should submit official transcripts from their high schools and from all colleges previously attended.
• COPIES OF TEST SCORES. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or The American College Testing Program (ACT) tests are required for all freshmen applicants and transfer students not meeting transfer requirements. Applications and information for the college entrance exams can be found in high school guidance offices or may be obtained from College Board or the American College Testing. The SAT college code assigned to Savannah State University is 5609, and the ACT college code number is 0858. Non-traditional students who earned a GED certificate are also required to submit Next-Generation ACCUPLACER scores as required to satisfy admission criteria. Transfer candidates who have attempted fewer than 45 transferable core quarter hours or 30 transferable semester hours must also submit SAT I or ACT scores and submit an official copy of their high school transcript.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS. The University may require applicants to appear for a personal interview and take any exams deemed appropriate in order to make a decision regarding the qualification for admission to the University.

Freshman Applicant/Regular Admission

Acceptance to the University is determined on the basis of a Freshman Index, which is calculated by using a numerical formula. (See Freshmen Index below) The required Freshmen Index for admission is 1940. The required high school curriculum, ACT or SAT scores, and grade point average is used to determine admissions. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school (regional accrediting association or a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education) with a diploma (a certificate of attendance is not acceptable). The University requires the students’ final high school transcripts before they are allowed to attend classes. Applicants graduating from high school less than 5 years or earlier, must complete requirements of the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) of the Board of Regents (see Required High School Curriculum).

Regular Admissions Requirements:

• Freshman Index of 1940
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score of 480 or ACT English 17 or Reading 17
• SAT Math Section score of 440 or ACT Math 17
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• 17 CPC Units

Freshman Index

The Freshman Index is calculated by adding a weighted high school GPA (500 x HSGPA) to the sum of the verbal and mathematics scores on the SAT. If ACT scores are submitted, a comparable formula is used.

• Formula for SAT: (Freshmen Index= 500 x (HSGPA) + 1.06 x (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score + Math Section Score) -74) 
• Formula for ACT: (Freshman Index = 500 x HSGPA + (ACT Composite score x 42) + 88

The required index score for regular admission to Savannah State University is subject to increase. Contact the Office of Admissions for current index scores for application term.

Test Scores

The highest scores submitted by the applicant will be used for admissions purposes. The minimum scores for regular admissions are as listed:

• SAT 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section and 440 Math Section
• ACT 17 English and 17 Math

High School Grade Point Average

A minimum of a 2.0 grade point average is required for Regular Admissions. The high school grade point average is calculated by using only college preparatory curriculum courses in the formula. All courses attempted will be calculated into the grade point average (upon receipt of final high school transcript the GPA is calculated on the 17 units used to satisfy Required High School Curriculum requirements). Courses will not be weighted unless designated by a grade legend printed on the applicant’s high school transcript indicating additional points should be added. A preliminary GPA is calculated for admissions and is re-calculated when the final high school transcript is received by the Office of Admissions.

Required High School Curriculum

Listed are the requirements for completion of the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC). A preliminary evaluation is processed using the current high school transcript to determine if the applicant is on track to complete the required number of units. A final evaluation is processed when the final high school transcript is received. The applicant must complete a minimum number or CPC units when the preliminary evaluation is processed for admissions.

Limited Admission

Freshmen applicants that do not meet the freshmen index for regular requirements may qualify for limited admissions if a minimum set of requirements are met. Only a small percentage of the total freshmen class may be admitted as Limited admits. Students will be evaluated and granted Limited admissions on a space availability basis if the minimum requirements are met.

Minimum Requirements for Limited Admissions:

• Freshman Index of 1790
• 2.0 grade point average
• SAT Critical Reading score of 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section and Math score of 440 or ACT of 17 English or 17 Reading and 17 Math
• A minimum of 17 units of RHSC courses

​Satisfying Required High School Curriculum Deficiencies

Students who have not completed the RHSC requirements in high school, students that graduate from high schools that are not accredited, home school students and applicants earning a GED must satisfy the minimum number of units to satisfy requirements for admissions. Students that are admitted via limited admissions must satisfy the requirements during the first term(s) of enrollment.

English

Students earning a home school diploma and/or graduating from a non-accredited high school may take SAT II subject tests to earn CPC units. A score of 520 on the English Writing SAT II subject test and a score of 530 on the Literature test are passing scores. Students with a passing score on only one test would have two deficiencies at admission and, therefore, must be tested for placement into a Student Academic Assistance or Learning Support English course (institutional credit only).

Satisfactory scores on either test will provide credit for two years of CPC English while satisfactory scores on both tests will provide credit for four years or CPC English.

Limited admit applicants graduating with fewer than the four required units of English are required to take the reading and writing section of the ACCUPLACER. Based upon the score earned, students will either be exempt from or required to enroll in the appropriate learning support course. Students who took the SAT I exam and their Critical Reading or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores met or exceeded the average score of the first-time, full-time freshmen class of the previous year may satisfy any English deficiency.

Mathematics

Students earning a GED, earning a home school diploma and/or graduating from a non-accredited high school may take SAT II subject tests to earn CPC units. To satisfy the math CPC course requirements a score of 500 on the Math IC and a score of 550 Math IIC must be earned on the test. Students not passing either test would have three deficiencies.

Limited admit applicants graduating with fewer than the four required units of mathematics are required to take the math section of the ACCUPLACER. Based upon the score earned, students will either be exempt from or required to enroll in the appropriate learning support course. Students who took the SAT I exam and their Math scores met or exceeded the average score of the first-time, full-time freshmen class of the previous year may satisfy any math deficiency.

Science

Students earning a GED, earning a home school diploma and/or graduating from a non-accredited high school may take SAT II subject tests to earn CPC units. To satisfy the science CPC course requirements an applicant must achieve a score of 520 on the Biology subject test and a 540 on the Chemistry subject test or 590 on the Physics subject test. Students passing only one of the two required tests would have two deficiencies at admission.

Limited admit students that are admitted with fewer than the four required units of science are required to take a laboratory science course and pass it with a grade of ―C or better. Students must enroll in a laboratory science course and pass the course with a ―C or better.

Social Science

Students earning a GED, earning a home school diploma and/or graduating from a non-accredited high school may take SAT II subject tests to earn CPC units. To satisfy the social science CPC requirements an applicant must achieve a 560 on the SAT II subject tests in American History and Social Science and achieve a 540 on the World History. Students passing only one of the two required tests would have two deficiencies at admission and, therefore, will be required to enroll in a social science course.

Limited admit students that are admitted with fewer than the three required units of social science are required to take a three semester hour course from approved social science courses and pass it with a grade of ―C or better.

Foreign Language

Students earning a GED, earning a home school diploma and/or graduating from a non-accredited high school may take SAT II subject tests to earn CPC units. To satisfy the foreign language CPC requirements an applicant must pass a SAT II test for language or qualify for exemption. Alternatively, the CLEP, AP, or a departmental exam may be taken, and, if the score earned is adequate, credit will be granted for meeting the foreign language requirements.

Limited admit students with fewer than the two required units of foreign language are required to take a three semester hour course from an approved social science courses and pass with a grade of C or better.

Policies Regarding RHSC Deficiencies

All course work required to overcome deficiencies must be completed prior to accumulating 30 semester hours of university level course work. In science, social science, and foreign language courses, it is necessary to complete the course with a grade of ―C or better.

Students should register for courses to satisfy deficiencies in science, social science, or foreign language during their first and each subsequent semester of enrollment until the deficiencies are satisfied.

Students transferring with fewer than 30 transferable credit hours of accepted transfer credits which do not include completion of the core curriculum credits, or from a program not requiring the College Preparatory Curriculum are required to submit a high school transcript and appropriate test scores for evaluation. Applicants not meeting regular freshman requirements (see ―Regular Admission) are required to test for placement and should register for any deficiencies immediately upon entering Savannah State University.

Students whose native language is not English may be considered to have met the CPC foreign language requirements if they are proficient in their native language. Documentation from the high school counselor is needed to verify that the student’s native language satisfies the foreign language requirement.

Exceptions to the RHSC Requirements

Applicants who have not attended high school within the previous five years are exempt from Required High School Curriculum Requirements. Qualified transfer applicants and International students are exempt also.

Non-traditional applicants who are admitted with RHSC exemptions in English and/or Math are required to sit for the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER.

Presidential Exceptions

In very special and rare circumstances, the President of Savannah State University may grant exceptions to the RHSC and FI requirements for limited admissions if students show exceptional promise for success. Only a few students can be admitted under this category. The total number of Presidential Exceptions must be included in the Limited Admit category and both categories must not exceed 20 percent of the previous Fall First Time-Full Time Freshman cohort. Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendations and a letter demonstrating desire and competency to attend college.

Admission of Students with Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities are expected to have completed the RHSC requirement with the appropriate instructional accommodations. The Core Curriculum of Savannah State University requires students to complete university-level courses in English, mathematics, social science, and science. No exemptions or substitutions are permitted for these required college courses. Students who are not successful in the high school courses will not be provided with RHSC exceptions in the admissions process.

Foreign language fluency is not required for all majors at Savannah State University. Therefore, students with learning disabilities that preclude the acquisition of a foreign language may petition for admission without completing this RHSC requirement.

For admission to Savannah State University, students must receive approval from a Regents’ Center for Learning Disorders (RCLD) prior to acceptance. To ensure consideration under this provision, students should apply for admission and request a RCLD review no later than six months before the admissions decision is to be made. Students applying should also apply and request approval at least six months in advance, but may be admitted in the ―limited category if they meet other requirements. Those admitted without approval must request a RCLD review and submit all requested materials during their first semester of enrollment. Students who receive approval from the RCLD may then satisfy the CPC foreign language deficiency by substituting another type of course determined by the Institution.

Students are expected to achieve the University’s minimum SAT scores with the appropriate SAT accommodations from the College Board.

Students may apply and be admitted without regard to disability. However, students who do not meet the regular admissions requirements and who would like to be considered for accommodations in the admissions process must notify the Office of Counseling and provide documentation of their disability. In particular, students with learning disorders who are requesting an accommodation that requires approval from a RCLD review should apply at least six months in advance of the time the admissions decision is needed.

Students should be aware that certain programs and degrees require the ability to perform specific critical skills. Students should, prior to applying for or beginning a program of study, review all requirements that are necessary for completion of the program.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have been out of high school fewer than five years are requested to submit high school transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores as part of their application package unless they have completed 30 transferable hours and earned a minimum GPA of a 2.0.

Transfer students completing high school less than 5 years ago and transferring from University System of Georgia institutions maintain their RHSC status as determined by the first University System institution making the original RHSC evaluation.

Transfer applicants are required to send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Transcripts should be sent to the Office of the Registrar at Savannah State University, regardless of the transferability of the credits.

Transfer applicants are not considered for admission unless they are academically eligible to return to the colleges or universities they last attended.

Transfer applicants will be considered for admission to Savannah State University if their grade point average is equivalent to 2.0 on all work attempted at other institutions. Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.0 will be denied admission, but ma y appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs.

Credit allowed for extension, correspondence, CLEP examination, or military service schools shall not exceed a total of 30 semester hours.

Transfer credit may be accepted from degree granting institutions that are accredited at the collegiate level by their appropriate regional accrediting agencies. Students may be required to validate credit by examination. In computing cumulative grade point averages, only the work attempted at Savannah State University will be considered.

If the Core Curriculum requirements in Area A (Essential Skills), Area B (Institutional Options), Area C (Humanities/Fine Arts), Area D (Science, Math, and Technology), Area E (Social Sciences), Freshman Experience, and/or health and wellness have been completed at a University System of Georgia institution, each completed course will be accepted as having met the respective area requirement at Savannah State University. Freshmen Experience/Orientation classes will be allowable substitutions for SSU FYE courses. Transfer students who transfer in 30 or more hours are exempt from taking the First Year Experience course. Students must meet the overall hours to graduate but can make up the hours with elective credit.

An official evaluation of applicants’ previous college credit hours earned will be completed prior to their first semester of attendance, provided that all transcripts are on file. Transfer credit will be awarded from institutions listed in the American Association of College Admission Officers and Registrars Handbook as being regionally accredited.

Students who complete course work and exit any area of Student Learning Support at a University System institution shall not be required to re-enroll in that area of Student Learning Support upon transfer to Savannah State University.

All transfer students from within the system shall be subject to all provisions of this policy. During subsequent semesters, these students shall be subject to all provisions of this policy. Provisionally admitted transfer students must meet the same regular admission requirements as individuals admitted to the University for the first time. A complete record of past remedial course work and ACCUPLACER exam scores must be on file in the Savannah State University Office of the Registrar.

Dual Enrollment

Students who have completed the ninth grade in high school and who have demonstrated outstanding ability towards academic achievement will be considered for Dual Enrollment. The University will consider students for Dual Enrollment only upon recommendation from their high school counselor. To be admitted, students must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Have a minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1050 (combined evidence based reading and mathematics sections) with no less than 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section and 440 Math Section or 17 ACT English or 17 Reading and 17 ACT Math
• Next Generation ACCPLACER score of Reading 237, Math 258 and Write Placer 4
• Have at least a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0
• Be exempt from all Student Academic Assistance or Learning Support requirements;
• Present Parental Consent Form

Courses pursued by students under this program must come from the approved course directory (found at www.gsfc.org) which is supplied to high school counselors in the state. Courses are available only in the areas of the core graduation requirements for college preparatory students: English; Mathematics; Social Studies; Science and Foreign Language.

At Savannah State University the Dual Enrollment program pays for tuition and some fees books, transportation and other expenses are the responsibility of the student, including fees and expenses if not covered under the Dual Enrollment program.

Application Process/Application Procedure

The student must complete an application for admissions. The high school counselor should send an official copy of the students’ transcript directly to the Admissions Office. Submit official test scores from either the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or The American College Testing Program (ACT). We will accept scores posted on high school transcripts. Please submit recommendations from the high school guidance counselor our use a Parental Agreement form from your high school signed by the guidance counselor and parent.

International Students

Savannah State University subscribes to the principles of international education and to the basic concept that only through education and understanding can mutual respect, appreciation, and tolerance of others be accomplished.

Students from a country other than the United States who are interested in attending Savannah State University should write to the Office of Admissions, Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia 31404, USA, and submit a completed application. Applications must be submitted at least ninety days prior to the beginning of the anticipated semester of enrollment.

Applicants must have the equivalent of a USA high school diploma and the equivalent of a 2.0 minimum grade point average on academic work only (on a 4.0 scale).

Savannah State University does not evaluate high school or college coursework completed outside of the United States. An official International Record evaluation must be completed by a university recognized agency.

Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through the TOEFL. Language school records and scores from all tests must be sent to the Office of Admissions. The minimum acceptable TOEFL on the paper version is 530 the score on the computerized version is 225. A score of 69 is the minimum for the Internet based exam. Freshman applicants must also sit for the SAT.

Applicants may be required to take the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER test as well.

Applicants must submit evidence of financial ability to pursue a full-time education in this country since no financial aid is available for international students. All international students are required to pay out-of-state tuition except for those who are in a Direct Exchange Program.

After all of the above conditions have been met, the Immigration Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) needed to obtain a student VISA will be issued to applicants. Applicants must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee and make an appointment for an F-1 Visa and must be granted the student visa prior to enrollment.

International students with a student visa are required to carry a full course of study in every semester, except summer. A minimum course load at Savannah State University is twelve semester hours for undergraduate students and nine semester hours for graduate students.

Resident aliens must present their Alien Registration card as proof of their official status to the Office of International Education.

All international students must be prepared to obtain adequate health and accident insurance while they are attending Savanna h State University. Prior to registration, they must provide proof of insurance and a local street address. A mandatory health insurance program is required for undergraduate and graduate students.

International students must take a proficiency test in both reading and writing (Michigan Test of English Language and a writing test) during their sophomore year. Students who fail either or both tests will be required to enroll in remedial courses.

The University’s international student advisor assists international students on campus and in the community. There is an active International Students Association.

Admission to Engineering Degree Programs

The Regents’ Engineering Pathway Program (REPP) was established in 1986 to expand the availability of engineering education opportunities for Georgians. In its current structure, students complete two or more years of pre engineering courses at participating University System of Georgia (REPP Partner) institutions and then transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University or the University of Georgia to complete a B.S. degree in Engineering (REPP Engineering Institutions).

The freshman admission criteria for direct admission in the Regents’ Engineering Pathway Program (REPP) at Savannah State University are the same as for all other freshmen. However, a minimum score of 500 SAT Math or 19 ACT Math along with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher will allow the student to start with Pre-Calculus. Students are encouraged to complete the Associate of Science - Core Curriculum degree prior to transferring to any REPP participating institution to complete their bachelor degree. Admission and curriculum requirements vary by institution.

Nontraditional Students

Applicants who have not attended high school or college within the previous five years and who have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester hours of college credit are not required to take the SAT or ACT. However, these applicants will be required to take the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER for placement.

Post-Baccalaureate/Non-Degree Students

Applicants who possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university may enroll as post-baccalaureate students after submitting an official college transcript showing completion of a baccalaureate degree. There is no limitation on the number of hours of undergraduate credit these students can earn.

Transient Students Enrolling at Savannah State University

Students officially enrolled at another college may apply for the privilege of temporary registration at Savannah State University. These students will ordinarily be expected to return to their home institution.

Transient students are admitted for only a specified time, normally one term. These students must file a regular Application for Admission form, submit a Certificate of Immunization, submit a statement of good standing from their home institution, and have home institution’s permission to take specific courses at Savannah State University.

Since transient students are not admitted as regular students, transcripts of college work completed elsewhere are not required for admissions. A transcript of coursework verifying prerequisites have been met may be required by departments. The College of Business Administration and Department of Social Work require documentation of prerequisites completion.

Transient students who wish to enroll at Savannah State University for a subsequent term must submit (from their home institutions) another statement of good standing and another permission to take specific courses.

Transient students who later wish to apply as transfer students to Savannah State University must meet all requirements for transfer applicants and must submit transcripts from all institutions attended.

Georgia Resident Senior Citizens/Persons 62 or Older

Persons who are 62 or older may enroll as regular students in credit courses on a space available basis without payment of tuition and fees. Students must pay for their supplies and laboratory or special course fees. They must be residents of the State of Georgia and must present a birth certificate or comparable documentation of age to enable the Office of Admissions to determine eligibility. They must meet all admission and degree requirements.

Special Students

All students in classifications not otherwise covered in the University’s admissions categories shall be required to meet all requirements prescribed for admission to undergraduate or graduate programs and to meet any additional requirements prescribed by the University. Exceptions may be made only with written approval of the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Auditors

Students who submit evidence of graduation from an accredited high school or a GED certificate which satisfies the minimum score requirement of the State of Georgia may register as auditors. Under extraordinary circumstances, the President may waive the requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. Students registered as auditors shall be required to pay the regular tuition and fees for enrollment and shall be prohibited from receiving credit at any later time for course work that they completed as auditors. Prior to registration, students must complete a request for Audit of Course Form and indicate this category on the course schedule planning and registration form.

Faculty members of Savannah State University may attend classes offered by other faculty members if space is available without registering as auditors, but they may not receive credit.

Right of Appeal of Admissions Denial

In all matters concerning admissions, the applicant may appeal by writing to the Office of Admissions and state the basis for an appeal.

A written appeal must be received in the Office of Admissions at least 20 days before the first day of registration for classes for the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission.

Readmit applicants may appeal by submitting a letter to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to first day of registration. Individuals failing to satisfy the deadline may submit their appeal for the following semester.

Academic Renewal 

A provision which allows USG degree-seeking students who earlier experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. Students receiving academic renewal receive a new grade point average to be used for determining academic standing.

Students who qualify for academic renewal must:

• Not have enrolled for credit in any courses, offered by academic/postsecondary institutions (accredited by one of the organizations recognized by Council on Postsecondary Education Association) for at least three years after the enrollment period subject to academic renewal;
• Be an undergraduate who was not awarded an associate or bachelor’s degree; and
• Request academic renewal status within two academic semesters of re-enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever comes first.

Academic Renewal Procedures and Implementation Issues

Course work, grades and academic standing earned prior to a three-year (or longer) separation period will remain on the transcript. In consideration of any course work completed after the period of separation, only Savannah State University course work and subsequent transfer work will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA. The overall GPA will be used for admission to programs/majors requiring a minimum grade point average. Academic credit for previously completed course work, including transfer course work, will be retained only for all courses in which an A, B, C, or S grade has been earned. Grades of A, B, C or S are not calculated in the academic renewal GPA but may be used toward degree completion.

Former Academic Assistance or Learning Support students may apply for academic renewal only if they successfully complete all Student Academic Assistance or Learning Support requirements before the commencement of the three years of absence.

Students who transfer from Savannah State University should recognize that the receiving institution is under no obligation to acknowledge the adjusted GPA. The receiving institution is expected to recognize only the cumulative GPA.

The academic renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation. All courses will be considered in the implementation of the Board of Regents’ Examination and College Preparatory Curriculum policy requirements. Academic renewal can be approved only once. Once academic renewal is requested and approved, it cannot be reversed. All courses will be considered for the determination of financial aid and/or veteran’s benefits. To earn a degree, students must meet Savannah State University’s graduation requirements. Students who have been granted academic renewal are not eligible for Latin honors recognition at graduation.

Residency/Tuition Classification

Definition of Legal Residence

Regents’ Policies Governing the Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes

The Board of Regents has adopted the following policies for the purposes of determining the tuition status of students: 4.3.2 Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes

• If a person is 18 years of age or older, he or she may register as an in-state student only upon showing that he or she has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of registration.
• Exceptions:
  • A student whose parent, spouse, or court-appointed guardian is a legal resident of the State of Georgia may register as a resident providing the parent, spouse, or guardian can provide proof of legal residency in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of registration.
  • A student who previously held residency status in the State of Georgia but moved from the state then returned to the state in 12 or fewer months.
  • Students who are transferred to Georgia by an employer are not subject to the durational residency requirement.
• No emancipated minor or other person 18 years of age or older shall be deemed to have gained or acquired in-state status for tuition purposes while attending any educational institution in this state, in the absence of a clear demonstration that he or she has in fact established legal residence in this state.
• If a parent or legal guardian of a student changes his or her legal residence to another state following a period of legal residence in Georgia, the student may retain his or her classification as an in-state student as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled in the University System of Georgia, regardless of the status of his or her parent or legal guardian.
• In the event that a legal resident of Georgia is appointed by a court as guardian of a nonresident minor, such minor will be permitted to register as an in-state student providing the guardian can provide proof that he or she has been a resident of Georgia for the period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of the court appointment.
• Immigrants shall be classified as nonresident students, provided, however, that an immigrant who is living in this country under an immigration document permitting indefinite or permanent residence shall have the same privilege of qualifying for in-state tuition as a citizen of the United States.

An institution may waive out-of-state tuition and assess in-state tuition for:

• Academic Common Market. Students selected to participate in a program offered through the Academic Common Market.
• University System Employees and Dependents. Full-time employees of the University System, their spouses, and their dependent children;
• Full-Time School Employees. Full-time employees in the public schools of Georgia or of the Department of Technical and Adult Education, their spouses, and their dependent children. Teachers employed full-time on military bases in Georgia shall also qualify for this waiver (BOR Minutes, 1988-89);
• Career Consular Officials. Career consular officers, their spouses, and their dependent children who are citizens of the foreign nation that their consular office represents and who are stationed and living in Georgia under orders of their respective governments.
• Any Veteran, to include spouse and dependent child, excepting those assigned as students to USG System Institutions for educational purposes such as the “Army Green to Gold Program” who within 36 months of the military member leaving service is admitted to any USG College or University, is eligible to have Out of State tuition waived. The waiver continues as long as the student remains continuously enrolled (two consecutive semesters each year); for students utilizing VA benefits, the window is further expanded in order to improve access and affordability during transition. While the Choice Act of 2014 stipulates instate rates within 36 months of separation, USG institutions waive out-of-state tuition for any student enrolling within 120 months of separation/retirement and utilizing VA Educational Benefits. This generous timeline addresses transition success and once the student is enrolled, the waiver remains in effect as mentioned previously.
• Border State Residents. Residents out-of-state bordering the State of Georgia in which the reporting institution is located. These states include Florida, Alabama and South Carolina.
• Border County Residents. Residents of an out-of-state county bordering a Georgia county in which the reporting institution or a Board-approved external center of the University System is located.
• Students enrolled in University System institutions as part of Competitive Economic Development Projects. Students who are certified by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade as being part of a competitive economic development project;
• Students in Georgia-Based Corporations. Students who are employees of Georgia-based corporations or organizations that have contracted with the Board of Regents through University System institutions to provide out-of-state tuition differential waivers;
• Students in Pilot Programs. Students enrolled in special pilot programs approved by the Chancellor. The Chancellor shall evaluate institutional requests for such programs in light of good public policy and the best interests of students. If a pilot program is successful, the tuition program shall be presented to the Board for consideration;
• Students in ICAPP® Advantage programs. Any student participating in an ICAPP® Advantage program; and
• Direct Exchange Program Students. Any international student who enrolls in a University System institution as a participant in a direct exchange program that provides reciprocal benefits to University System students.
• Families Moving to Georgia. A dependent student who, as of the first day of term of enrollment, can provide documentation supporting that his or her supporting parent or court-appointed guardian has accepted full-time, self-sustaining employment and established domicile in the State of Georgia for reasons other than gaining the benefit of favorable tuition rates may qualify immediately for an out -of-state tuition differential waiver which will expire 12 months from the date the waiver was granted. An affected student may petition for residency status according to established procedures at the institution.
• For those currently serving, USG policy addresses access and affordability for this segment of the population. All military members, and families, assigned to or stationed in, Georgia have out-of-state waived. Additionally, any student using transferred GI Bill Education benefits from a currently serving military member have out of state tuition waived. The military member from which the benefit is derived does not have to be currently, or previously, assigned in Georgia.

Additional Resident Information

Individuals who enter Savannah State University as nonresident students but who wish later to qualify as legal residents must submit a Petition for Georgia Resident Classification, which can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar. Residence status is not changed automatically, and the burden of proof rests with students. Students are responsible for registering under the proper residence classification. Students classified as nonresidents who believe they are entitled to be reclassified as legal residents may petition the Registrar for a change in status. To avoid delay and inconvenience at registration, the petition must be filed no later than 60 working days prior to registration for the semester students are petitioning for in-state residence status.

Items to be included with Petition for Residency

A notarized statement verifying employment during the last 12 months should indicate dates of employment. Statements on company letterhead do not have to be notarized.

A copy of lease or deed showing residence during the last 12 months should be included. Leases or deeds in a name other than that of the student require a notarized statement of residence from the person holding the lease or deed.

Financial Aid

Students applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list the school code 001590. Students may complete the FAFSA via use of the mobile app by downloading the myStudentAid app or visit fafsa.gov and do the FAFSA form on the go. Remember the FAFSA needs to be completed only once annually and is effective for both the academic year and the following summer sessions. All required documents must be uploaded within the savannahstate.verifymyfafsa.com portal by June 30th.

If the FAFSA is selected for verification, the student must complete the verification process before any awards are finalized. The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) suggests documents are uploaded promptly. Students who fail to upload required documents may become ineligible to receive certain funds from a particular program. Students will be awarded financial aid upon their admittance to the University.

Federal Pell Grant

Authorized by the 1972 Higher Education Act, only undergraduates who have not previously received a Bachelor’s Degree are eligible. The eligibility for an award is based on a formula the Department of Education consistently applies to all applicants, cost of attending the institution, and the student’s enrollment status per semester. Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year students cannot receive more than 600% in Pell grant funds. This new Pell Lifetime Eligibility percentage includes all prior and future disbursements of Pell. Federal Pell Grant awards are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, second degree, non-degree, learning support, high school and graduate seeking students.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is determined upon completion of a FAFSA, based on the Department of Education Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number calculated, financial need and funds availability. The grants range from $100 to $2000 per year. Students with the lowest EFC numbers receive priority. FSEOG funds are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, second degree, non-degree, learning support, high school and graduate seeking students.

Federal Teach Grant

The Federal Teach Grant program is a federal grant program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students (regardless of income or need) who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low income families in a critical need teaching field. Failure to complete required teaching service requirements or an eligible program/major/concentration results in the grant becoming a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan. Students must complete the obligation within eight years of completing program of study.

HOPE Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)

Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based award restricted to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement, graduated from a Georgia high school with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, continue to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average at a HOPE Scholarship eligible college or university in Georgia, is a U.S. citizen, meet the Georgia residency and selective service registration requirements, not defaulted or owe on federal or state financial aid, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average at all checkpoints (30, 60, 90 semester hours), at the end of every Spring semester, and at the end of 3 part-time terms for beginning students. A non-traditional student may qualify for HOPE Scholarship after completing 30 credit hours towards their program of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students may only regain HOPE Scholarship one time. The scholarship provides some money to assist students with their educational costs of attending an eligible college or university in Georgia. The HOPE Scholarship does not pay for Learning Support (remedial) classes, after July 1, 2011. Recipients do not receive a book allowance for attendance at SSU. The HOPE Scholarship has a 10-year limit for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during summer 2019 term (FY 20) or later. A 7-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year (FY12) or later. Students are ineligible to receive HOPE Scholarship funds once the 127 semester credit limit is reached.

Zell Miller Scholarship

Georgia’s Zell Miller Scholarship a merit-based award restricted to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement, similar to the HOPE Scholarship, but with more rigorous academic requirements. A Zell Miller Scholarship recipient must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.70 grade point average, receive a combined minimum SAT score of 1200 on the math and reading portions or a minimum composite ACT score of 26 in a single national test administration. Students must maintain a minimum 3.30 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible at all checkpoints (30, 60, and 90 semester credits), at the end of every Spring semester, and at the end of 3 part-time terms for beginning students. Students who lose eligibility may regain the scholarship once.

Ineligible Zell Miller Scholarship students may continue to receive HOPE Scholarship if eligible. Zell Miller Scholarship does not pay for Learning Support (remedial) classes, after July 1, 2011. Recipients do not receive a book allowance for attendance at SSU. A 10-year limit for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during summer 2019 term (FY 20) or later. A 7-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year (FY12) or later. Students are ineligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship funds once the 127 semester credit limit is reached.

Savannah State University Scholarships

Merit and need-based academic scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduates and graduates from private, federal, state and university-funded sources. University funded-sources are made possible through contributions from alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, businesses, foundations, corporations, and friends of the university. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for scholarships. The eligibility requirements for each scholarship vary. Criteria for merit-based scholarships include academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, awards, and honors. Students with GPA’s from 2.0 to 2.9 are also encouraged to apply.

Students are required to complete the FAFSA and offered admittance to the university by published deadline. Applications are available online at www.savannahstate.edu.

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (912) 358-4162 or finaid@savannahstate.edu.
Athletic scholarship information is available through the Athletic Department at (912) 358-3449.

ROTC Scholarships

Army and Navy ROTC Scholarships are available. For information regarding these scholarships, contact the Army ROTC Program at (912) 358-4272 and/or the Navy ROTC Program (912) 358-3095.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student is awarded work for no more than 19 hours per week. Students are paid the current federal minimum wage and may earn up to $2,000 per semester or a maximum of $4,000 for the academic year.

Students awarded a work award must use “JobX” to search posted community service work and work-related course of study positions or sign up for e-mail notification about placement.

University Work Program

The Savannah State University student employment program provides part-time employment opportunities for students within various departments on campus. Any full-time student with satisfactory grades is eligible for employment.

Under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, the institution is obligated to employ qualified financially eligible students before offering employment to others.

Federal Direct Loan

The Federal Direct Loan Program is an educational loan that offers low interest rates directly to students and parents (PLUS) through post-secondary institutions. Repayment is deferred until the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status. Federal Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determine loan type eligibility. First-time borrowers must complete a Loan Counseling session and Master Promissory Note online before any loan funds are credited to an account or disbursed to the student. Federal Direct Student Loans are made in multiple disbursements.

Georgia Student Access Loan Program (SAL)

The Georgia Student Access Loan program is restricted to Georgia eligible students and designed to assist undergraduate college students who have a gap in meeting their educational costs. To be considered, students must complete the FAFSA application and the SAL application (at www.gafutures.org). Students must not decline any federal, institutional or private scholarships, grants, loans or military or veteran educational benefits, when available, in lieu of a SAL. SAL funds are used to cover any part of the student’s Cost of Attendance for the academic period and cannot be used to offset a student’s EFC. This loan has a 1% interest rate. The annual award amount may be the lesser of $8,000 or the student’s Cost of Attendance minus the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) minus the student’s Expected Financial Aid. The aggregate limit is $40,000. Applications are randomly selected from a pool of eligible applicants.

Withdrawal Policy and Financial Aid Funds

Financial aid is awarded to a student on the premise the student will complete the entire semester for which the aid was awarded. All schools participating in the Title IV Funds Program are required to use specific refund policies when a student receiving SFA Program funds ceases attendance. In addition, the current provisions specify an order of return of unearned funds from all sources of aid, not just the SFA Programs.

Unofficial Withdrawals

Students, who cease attending all classes without officially withdrawing or notifying the university of his/her intent to withdraw are considered unofficially withdrawn from the university. The withdrawal date will be the midpoint of the payment period for which Title IV Funds were disbursed or the student’s last date of attendance at an academically-related activity as documented by the university. In compliance with Title IV regulations for unofficial withdrawals, students who have received grades with no earned hours in all classes will be considered unofficially withdrawn from the University and reported as such. A R2T4 calculation must be completed by the Office of Financial Aid. Based on the students’ last date of attendance provided by the Office of the Registrar, the student will be responsible for any and all funds due back to the Department of Education.

Official Withdrawals

If a student completely withdraws from school during a term, the school must calculate, according to a specific formula, the portion of the total scheduled financial assistance that the student has earned and is therefore entitled to retain, until the time that the student withdrew. Students who have not completed the verification process are ineligible to receive any financial aid. The portion of the federal grants and loans that the student is entitled to receive is calculated on a percentage basis up to the end of 60% of the term. For example, if a student completes 30% of the semester, he/she earns 30% of the approved federal aid that he/she was originally scheduled to receive. This means that 70% of the students scheduled or disbursed aid remains unearned and must be returned to the Federal Programs. This policy governs the earned and unearned portions of the student’s Federal Title IV Financial Aid only. This policy does not affect the student’s charges. The student is responsible for paying any outstanding charges to the university.

The student’s official withdrawal date will be determined by the university as 1) the date the student began the university’s withdrawal process or the date that the student officially notified the university of his/her intent to withdraw; 2) the midpoint of the semester if the student withdraws without notifying the university; or 3) the student’s last date of attendance at an academically-related activity as documented by the university.

Savannah State University attempts to notify the student no later than 30 days of determination that a student withdraws to return its share of the student’s unearned aid and the student has 45 days from the notification date to return their portion. Any amount awarded for the term in which a return of Title IV funds is required must occur in the following order: Federal Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loan (received on behalf of the student), Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG Grants.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Guidelines for Student Financial Aid

To receive funds administered by the Office of Financial Aid at Savannah State University, students must be making measurable academic progress toward completion of an eligible degree or certificate program. Federal regulations require evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative academic progress. Satisfactory Academic Progress must be maintained to remain eligible to receive Title IV (federal) aid, state aid and institutional aid.  Title IV aid includes Federal Pell Grants (PELL), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), TEACH Grants, Federal Work Study (FWS), Federal Direct Loans and Federal Perkins Loans. State aid includes Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE), Student Access Loan (SAL) and Dual Enrollment (formerly MOWR).  Institutional aid includes Athletic Scholarships and Foundation Scholarships/Grants*. (Please note that students may still qualify for some Foundation Scholarships depending on the terms of that scholarship. Please check with the Foundation to see what aid may apply).  SAP is determined by measuring the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the student’s rate of progression toward degree completion. All periods of enrollment at the university will be included in the measurement of satisfactory academic progress. Terms in which the student enrolled but did not receive financial aid are also included in the measurement.

In accordance with federal regulations, the guidelines used to determine SAP are as follows:

• SAP will be calculated at the end of every semester.
• A student failing to meet the SAP standards for the first time at the end of a semester will be placed in an SAP “Warning” status.
• A student may continue to receive financial aid for one payment period while in a “Warning” status.
• A student failing to meet the SAP standards after an initial “Warning” will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid.  The student will be placed in a “Suspended” status.
• A student in a “Suspended” status may submit a Financial Aid Appeal Form.  If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed in a “Probation” status.
• A student in a “Probation” status must successfully maintain the terms of his/her academic plan.  Failure tocomply with the assigned academic plan will result in a student being placed in a “Suspended” status.  Student will be responsible for paying for educational costs until evidence of academic success is shown or SAP standards are reached.
• SAP requires monitoring of both GPA (qualitative) and Completion Rate (quantitative).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements are contained in three sections of the regulations:

1. Qualitative Grade Point Average (GPA) (Cumulative): Students must maintain a cumulative GPA list for credit level. The GPA is computed by the Registrar’s office on a scale of 4.0. The GPA is cumulative (includes entire Academic history). Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their enrollment at SSU.

*Students in undergraduate programs requiring higher GPA ‘s will need to maintain that required GPA for SAP.

2. Quantitative Hours Completed (Completion Rate) (Cumulative): The financial aid recipient must have passed at least 67% of all hours attempted (including learning support attempted hours and all attempts for courses repeated). Grades of A, B, C, or any derivative of these letters are “satisfactory” for financial aid purposes. Courses with grades of F, WF, W, U, I, IP/CP and NR are included in attempted credit hours but are not included in earned credit hour, courses with grades of I, IP/CP, and NR count as hours pursued, but do not count as hours earned until the course is satisfactorily completed according to the provisions in the university catalog). Courses with grades of “S” would be included as hours attempted and earned but would not have a value in the qualitative calculation. Graduate and professional students must have a 3.0 overall GPA at the conclusion of each term, with the exception of those students enrolled in programs which have the minimum required cumulative GPA lower or higher than 3.0. The completion rate is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours the student has attempted. This calculation is performed in Banner after final grades are posted by the Registrar at the end of the semester.

3. Maximum Time Frame for Degree Completion: The purpose of the Federal Title IV financial aid programs is to assist students in meeting their educational expenses while they progress toward timely completion of their educational objectives. For that reason, federal regulations require that students must complete their educational objective within a maximum time frame of one and one-half (150 percent) times the length of the program in which they are enrolled before a student is no longer eligible/ineligible for aid. Program length is measured in credit hours and is determined by the number of credit hours required for completion of the program. For example, if a student is enrolled in a degree program that takes 120 semester hours to complete, that student may receive financial aid (if eligible) for 180 semester hours (12 x 1.5 = 180) before financial aid is revoked. Students may appeal a loss of financial aid eligibility due to maximum time frame requirements if extenuating circumstances prevented them from completing their program within the specified time frame. If a student graduates from one program and re-enrolls in another program, the maximum time frame will be reset. However, all previous credit hours attempted that count toward the new program will be included in the new time frame calculation. A student will still have to submit an appeal.

SAP Definitions

Financial Aid Warning: Students that are not meeting the Qualitative and/or Quantitative standards at the end of a term are automatically given one (1) Warning semester. During this Warning semester, students are allowed to receive federal and state aid payment. Students must be fully in compliance with all components by the end of the Warning semester to regain eligibility and receive funds for future semesters. Only one (1) Warning semester is allowed for a student’s entire degree program at SSU.  Further, the Warning semester allowance is not applicable to the Max Time Frame standard. In order to comply with the federal regulations governing SAP, Savannah State University has established, published, and will apply the following standards to ensure students are satisfactorily progressing toward degree completion.

A student failing to meet the SAP standards after an initial “Warning” will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid. The student will be placed in a “Suspension” status.

If a student is granted Academic Amnesty/Renewal, all hours are still subject to the overall standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Financial Aid Suspension
Students who fail to meet one or more SAP requirements for at least two consecutive terms of enrollment are placed on financial aid suspension and are not eligible for any form of financial aid. Students have the right to appeal a financial aid suspension if there are extenuating circumstances that have prevented them from meeting the SAP requirements.

Max Time Frame Review
Students who change their major will often run into issues with max time fame. When a student changes their major the system can no longer compute this calculation accurately. A student would need to complete the SAP Max Time Frame Review Form. This review will determine if you have truly exceeded your hours for your current program. If not, your aid will be reinstated contingent upon your evaluation.

Appeal Process
Financial aid recipients who have failed to meet SAP and who have been placed on Financial Aid Suspension may appeal in writing to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Appeals must be written, specifically addressing the extenuating circumstances and must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by applicable deadlines. Appeals will be considered for extenuating circumstances only, which may include, but are not limited to, the death of an immediate family member (guardian, child, spouse, parent (this does not include in-laws)), an injury or illness of the student or their immediate family member, or other special circumstances that are generally outside of the control of the student. Supporting documentation must be provided or the appeal will be automatically denied. Any person found to have intentionally submitted fraudulent documents shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and adjudicated under the student conduct policy.

All appeals will be considered on a case by case basis. Students who have appeal decisions pending are notified via the Appeal Form that there is no guarantee a decision will be made before the tuition and fee payment deadline. Students must pay for tuition, fees and other educational expenses until a decision has been made. A student paying for his/her own tuition and fees or sitting out for one or more terms does not automatically reinstate the student’s financial aid eligibility. If the Financial Aid Appeals Committee approves a student’s appeal and determines that the student should be able to meet SAP requirements by the end of the next term, they may place the student on financial aid probation and reinstate the student’s financial aid for one term only. If the Committee determines that it is not possible for the student to meet SAP by the end of the next term, and the Committee approves the student’s appeal, the student must follow the Academic Progress Plan to ensure he/she is able to stay on target towards progression. Committee members use appeal documents as well as prior academic history (and appeal history if existent) for a basis on which to make a decision.

If you do not agree with the committee’s decision, you can appeal to the Director of Financial Aid ONLY if you have new supporting documents or mitigating circumstances you would like to be reviewed.

Committee members review appeals individually and make decisions based on criteria stated on appeal form. These criteria state that appeals should be for non-academic reasons including:

• serious injury, illness, medical or mental health condition involving student or immediate family member (immediate family member is defined as guardian, child, spouse, parent, not in laws.
• death of an immediate family member
• other non-academic circumstances beyond the student’s control
• student obtained academic progression after previous denial

The following may be considered acceptable documentation to support reason for appeal:

• statement from physician or health professional reflecting condition, dates of occurrence, treatment & resolution
• copy of death certificate, obituary or statement from physician
• documentation that supports circumstances and resolution

Students appealing Maximum Allowable Time Frame must complete and submit the SAP Appeal Form and Academic Progress Plan form together.

Appeals that are incomplete, fraudulent and/or lack sufficient documentation will automatically be denied.

Financial Aid Probation
A student that has submitted an appeal and it is approved, financial aid is reinstated changing their SAP status to Probation. During the semester student is on probation, they must satisfactorily complete all hours attempted and maintain grades of at least “C” or better. Withdrawing or not meeting the minimum requirements during your financial aid appeal approved semester will change your status to Financial Aid Suspension. In order to receive financial aid after the probation period, a student must meet all SAP requirements and/ or meet all requirements of an Academic Progress Plan that has been established for him/ her. Students who are on Financial Aid Probation and fail to meet SAP requirements and/or the requirements of an Academic Progress Plan after one term on probation will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension. Students who are on Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible for financial aid.

Academic Progress Plan

The Academic Progress Plan will be required for students whose appeal is approved. The plan should be completed with the student’s academic advisor. The Academic Progress Plan serves as a guideline to assist students in planning out a schedule of coursework that will enable the student to have success in improving their SAP. It should reflect all the coursework required for the current and subsequent semesters and the grades needed to become SAP compliant. Once the Academic Progress Plan is received by the Office of Financial Aid and the appeal is approved, the student will be placed in “Probation” status for a designated period of time. During the probation period, students must satisfactorily complete all hours attempted and receive all grades of “C” or better and must be mathematically able to still meet the requirements within the designated Probation period.

Academic performance of students on Probation is monitored at the end of every term. Students who receive grades of D, F, I, W, WF, U or IP are in violation of their probation status. If they are no longer able to mathematically attain good standing within the designated Probation period, they will be placed back in suspension, and their subsequent aid will be canceled.

Regaining Eligibility
Students not making SAP may reestablish eligibility on their own by taking action that brings them in compliance with the standards. In most cases, this means they are paying out of pocket and performing well academically.

Notifications and Appeals

Students not making SAP will be notified via their SSU email. SAP status is also viewable on the students’ Banner Web account. Students who wish to appeal a determination of SAP must do so no later than the deadlines published on the SSU Office of Financial Aid website and the appeal form. Appeals received after the published deadline dates will not be reviewed but will be considered for the subsequent term.

All decisions of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. If you do not agree with the committee’s decision, you can appeal to the Director of Financial Aid ONLY if you have new supporting documents or mitigating circumstances you would like to be reviewed.

Categories of Students:
Undergraduate Students must maintain a GPA and Completion Rate as specified previously.

New Transfer Students - New transfer students will be reviewed for SAP at the end of their first semester of enrollment. All courses accepted by SSU for transfer credit that count towards a student’s degree will be calculated in SAP. All transfer credit accepted by SSU towards a student’s degree will be included in the maximum timeframe calculation. This includes grades of F.

Repetition of Courses/Withdrawals, and Incompletes -All attempts at a course are counted in the maximum hours allowed to obtain a degree. Excessive incompletes can result in the suspension of financial aid. The University allows a maximum of 18 credit hours for withdrawals. Any withdrawal exceeding this maximum will receive a grade of “WF”. A student may not receive Title IV aid for any second or subsequent repetition of a passed course, and a second or subsequent repetition of a passed course may not be counted toward the student’s enrollment status for Title IV purposes.

Learning Support Students - Financial aid is available for thirty (30) attempted hours of learning support coursework (including SSU attempted hours and transfer attempted hours). Students required to take learning support coursework will be monitored each semester after grading. Students who volunteer for learning support coursework are ineligible for Title IV aid. Any student who registers for learning support coursework, knowingly or unknowingly, in excess of the maximum allowable attempted learning support hours must repay all funds received. Learning Support hours are counted in SAP calculation.

Post-Baccalaureate -Students require a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students will also be required to submit a Post-Baccalaureate Certification Form to be completed with their academic advisor. Students seeking a second degree will still need to complete within the maximum allowed timeframe. An appeal will be required to be submitted and approved before a student can exceed the maximum timeframe.

Preparatory Coursework - Students not enrolled in a degree or certificate program are eligible for loans for one consecutive 12 month period if they are taking coursework required for enrollment in an eligible program.

Graduate Students require a GPA of 3.0 and must meet other conditions as stated below:

• SAP standards will be monitored every semester after grading. Any graduate student found in violation of these standards will receive a suspension letter with an opportunity to appeal.
• When determining eligibility for graduate students who complete one degree program and switch to another, hours from the prior degree are not calculated unless hours are transferred to the new program.

Military and Veterans Affairs

Veteran refers to any Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard or Military Dependent student using GI Bill Benefits to attend this University.

Savannah State University maintains a School Certifying Official in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs under the Vice President of Enrollment Management. Their duties are to coordinate between various Department of Defense and Veterans Administration agencies and to assist all students who are eligible for Veteran’s Education Benefits.

Veterans wishing to attend Savannah State University under any of the educational benefit programs provided by public law should apply for admission.

Those who have never used their education benefits should apply for their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at va.gov.

Those who have previously used GI Bill Benefits must obtain their Letter of Remaining Benefits (LORB) from the VA. This can be accomplished in several ways:

• Each time a student is Certified to the VA that they are using their GI BILL Benefits, the VA will send a LORB to the student outlining the number of months and days of benefits they have used and have remaining.
• Online through their E-Benefits account.
• Online at www.benefits.va.gov (tab through: Education and Training, For Students, Get Started Home and Submit a Question),
• Fax a request to (404) 929-3009
• Written request to “Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, Ga. 30033.

Those transferring to Savannah State who have used their GI BILL Benefits at other institutions must also submit a VA Form 22-1995 for Military or VA Form 22-5495 for Military Dependents to change their Place of Training or program of study. Upon notification by the Admissions Office of their acceptance to Savannah State University, the Veteran should contact the School Certifying Official for further instructions.

General Information

Use of VA Education Benefits (GI bill) is accomplished only by the request of the student. Each student desiring to use his or her benefits must submit a VA Enrollment Certification Request to the School Certifying Official each semester for the duration of their college career at Savannah State University. Any student who has received benefits from Savannah State and transfers to another Institute of Higher Learning must file a VA Form 22-1995 for Military or VA Form 22-5495 for Military Dependents with the School Certifying Official at the gaining institute to change the location of their supporting administrative unit.

GI bill Benefits may be combined with Active Duty or Reserve Tuition Assistance Benefits if desired.

Students exercising Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607 GI bill benefits must certify their continued attendance monthly either online at benefits.va.gov/GIBill/ or by telephone to the VA Regional Processing Office at 1-800-442-4551.

Students may only be certified for courses that apply to their formal and declared degree program, Students receiving benefits are required to notify the School Certifying Official whenever they drop or add a course of instruction or if there is a change in their degree program. Failure to do so may lead to an overpayment of benefits.

Repayment of any overpayment may be the responsibility of the student.

If a passing grade is received for a course of instruction, the course may not be recertified in order to receive a better grade. However, if a failing grade is received or if the grade does not meet the minimum requirements of the degree program, the course of instruction may be certified and repeated.

Students utilizing VA Educational Benefits must be making satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion. Failure to do so may result in discontinuance of benefits as outlined by the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

A normal, Full-Time academic load during fall or spring semesters is defined by the university as 12 semester hours for undergraduate and 9 hours for graduate students. The VA honors these parameters for payment of benefits. Undergraduate and graduate students carrying less than a full load will not be certified at Full-Time.

Veterans who can show proof of successful completion of introductory military training (Boot Camp or a Commissioning source) are awarded credit for the 4 hours of physical fitness training and First Year Experience. A student desiring to use their GI Bill Benefits must submit a request for that semester containing the following documents:

• VA Enrollment Certification Requrest Form
• VA Letter or Eligibility or VA Letter of Remaining Benefits (LORB)
• Student Schedule/Bill from their Account.

Veteran Affairs

These benefits are available to all qualifying students under various DOD and VA Funded Programs as shown below. VA Payments for Tuition and Fees will be paid directly to SSU while payments for Monthly Housing Allowance and Books will be made directly to the student. For questions regarding GI Bill benefits, please contact the Department of Veteran Affairs at 912.358.4205. Active Duty and Reserve students desiring to utilize Tuition Assistance should contact the Office of the Comptroller at 912.358.3015. Eligible students are encouraged to contact the appropriate office to best determine their estimated amount of benefits prior to applying for Financial Aid as some awards and/or scholarships must be discounted.

• Tuition Assistance (TA/Active Duty or Reserve)
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD); Chapter 30
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (Voc-Rehab); Chapter 31
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Chapter 33
• Dependents Education Assistance Program (DEAP); Chapter 35
• Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves and National Guard (MGIB-SR); Chapter 1606

Center for Student Success and Retention

Advising

In accord with the tenets of the University System of Georgia’s Momentum Year, Savannah State University has designed work across the university to guide all students to make purposeful choices, develop a growth mindset, and follow a set path to completion. Academic advising, the very first step in the actual collegiate experience, aims to provide students with the resources they need to be successful at Savannah State University while also providing comprehensive programming to support the needs of the student. To achieve the established level of success, academic advising will ensure students begin with a strong sense of direction, find their paths early - academically and career-wise - and then build the force necessary to complete their course of study-in essence, gain the momentum they need to succeed.

Advising at Savannah State University will be organized into student success teams to include professional advisors and faculty mentors. The professional advisors are assigned to students for their entire academic career at Savannah State University to ensure a consistent experience across disciplines and majors. Appreciative Advising is the theoretical foundation for advising at Savannah State University.

As the primary academic support and advising unit for all students at Savannah State University, the professional advisors will be responsible for advising through the core curriculum, degree prerequisites, and the program map. The advisors will work with the students in a number of areas related to the academic experience at Savannah State University, with a primary emphasis on advising and monitoring progress toward a degree in their selected academic program. Advisors will work hand-in-hand with academic deans and faculty mentors with curriculums, changes in degree programs, and graduation audits/checks. On the program side, there will be Faculty Mentors to ensure that those academic services that fall outside the purview of the Professional Advisors will be addressed accurately and timely. Faculty mentors serve as experts in the discipline who help shape students’ understanding of the academic and professional fields. They are responsible for contextualizing the course content in the major with broader academic and professional goals. Faculty mentors will work in collaboration with professional advisors and provide referrals for course advisement and registration.

The advising model assures the university that the professional advisors will give all students the springboard they need and will, overall, assist in increasing Savannah State University’s rates for student retention, persistence, and degree completion. Students can visit their professional academic advisors in Hubert Technology Building A for additional information or make an appointment to log into their EAB Navigate account.

Testing

The Testing Center in the Center for Student Success (CSS) coordinates, administers, and reports on various tests within the appropriate guidelines that support the academic and professional goals of our students and individuals in the community. The Testing Center administers various types of exams: college entrance, college placement, college credit by exams, major field, professional, and certification. Test proctoring services are available for students enrolled in fully online classes at Savannah State University and other colleges. The Testing Center is a member of the Georgia College Testing Association, subscribes to the National College Testing Association (NCTA) Professional Standards and Guidelines, and serves as a certified NCTA Test Center. A comprehensive list of the services offered and other test center certifications are included on the official SSU Test Center’s website: www.savannahstate.edu/testing.

Tutorial

Tutorial services (peer and professional tutors) are provided at no additional charge for all SSU students. We cover most learning support and core curriculum subjects. Additional courses are added upon request from students and faculty. Tutorial sessions are held in person in Morgan Hall or online using Microsoft Teams. For more information or to make an appointment, call (912) 358-3488 or log into your EAB Navigate account.

Peer Mentoring 

Peer mentoring services are provided at no additional chare for all SSU students. Mentors are imbedded in the First Year Experience courses to assist freshmen students with making a successful transition from high school to college. Mentor sessions are held in person in Morgan Hall or online using Microsoft Teams. For more information or to make an appointment, call (912) 358-3488 or log into your EAB Navigate account.

Learning Support

Learning Support (LS) is a University System of Georgia program designed to strengthen the skill level of entering students in Mathematics and/or English (reading/writing) to promote academic success. There are multiple measures that determine Learning Support placement: high school curriculum and grades (official high school transcript), official SAT/or ACT test scores, and/or placement test scores. The system-approved placement test is the ACCUPLACER Test. Transfer students may be required to participate in LS in areas not exited at a prior USG institution if eligible. Institutional credit will be awarded for LS classes. During COVID, institutions used High School Cumulative Grade Point Averages in order to exempt students from LS

Learning Support Curriculum:

Learning Support placement exists as a co-requisite or supplement to college level courses. This co-requisite model includes the freshmen level course in the Area A class for English/or Math (e.g. ENGL 1101, MATH 1001 or MATH 1111 or MATH 1401) along with a required Learning Support co-requisite course in English/or Math (ENGL 0999, MATH 0996, MATH 0997, MATH 0999) (a fee is assessed for these courses) in which both classes must be taken together within the same semester until fulfilled. Fulfillment of the Learning Support requirement includes the passing of the Area A class with a “C” grade or better. Students who do not fulfill this requirement must re-enroll in both courses (as the co-requisite model) until the requirement is satisfied.

Students requiring remediation will be placed in non-credit bearing, co-requisite LearningSupport courses that will provide “just-in-time” academic assistance while students are alsoenrolled in the gateway (collegiate) courses in mathematics or English. Savannah StateUniversity offers remediation as co-requisite support only, as research shows that even less prepared students have higher success rates in co-requisite support than in traditional forms of remediation.

Combined Reading and Writing Course

Reading and writing skills will be developed simultaneously in co-requisite support for ENGL 1101 - English Composition I. Mathematics skills will be developed in co-requisite support for MATH 1001, MATH 1111, and MATH 1401.

Courses and Numbering

To reflect the changes in Learning Support delivery, new courses and course numbers have been developed for the co-requisite support course.

Co-requisite course numbers and titles:
ENGL 0999 - Composition Support I (ENGL 1101)
MATH 0996 - Support for Elementary Statistics (MATH 1401)
MATH 0997 - Support for Quantitative Reasoning (MATH 1001)
MATH 0999 - Support for College Algebra (MATH 1111)

Enrollment in Institutionally Required Learning Support Courses

Students who exceed the USG minimum requirements but are required by the institution to take Learning Support courses in order to prepare for core curriculum courses may, at the institution’s option, be exempted from any or all of the requirements specified in Section IVH. However, all such requirements imposed by the institution must be satisfied by the time the student has earned 30 credit hours or the student must enroll in course work that will satisfy the requirements every semester of enrollment until the requirements are satisfied. Institutions have the authority to limit the accumulation of college-level credit to 20 hours.

Learning Support for Transfer Students

Students who complete course work and exit an area of Learning Support at any institution in the USG shall not be required to re-enter that area of Learning Support upon transfer to another USG institution. For students transferring from SACSCOC-accredited Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) colleges, the exit will be considered according to guidelines issued by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of the USG.

Exiting Learning Support

To exit Learning Support, students must pass the collegiate-level course.

Withdrawal from Learning Support Courses

Students enrolled in gateway collegiate courses with co-requisite support may not withdraw from either course without withdrawing from both.

Attempts in Learning Support Courses

There are no limits on attempts in co-requisite Learning Support courses.

Learning Support Suspension

Students who have been suspended from the institution without completing Learning Support requirements may complete their Learning Support requirements and additional collegiate-level work at SACSCOC-accredited TCSG institutions during the year of suspension.

Learning Support Policies

Students may not accumulate more than 30 hours of degree credit while their Learning Support requirements remain unsatisfied. Students who have accumulated 30 credit hours and who have not successfully completed the required Learning Support courses must enroll only in their Learning Support classes until the LS requirements are successfully completed. Notification letters are mailed/ and e- mailed each semester to students informing them of their status.

All students enrolled in Learning Support (LS) courses are advised by professional advisors in A2S until they complete their Learning Support requirements and accumulate up to 60 hours of college credit.

Courses with Learning Support Co-requisites

1. Students who are required to enroll in co-requisite Learning Support courses are not permitted to enroll in credit courses that require the mastery of the content or the skills of the co-requisite courses.

2. Institutions shall inform students of those collegiate courses that have Learning Support prerequisites or co-requisites. The following core curriculum areas may require students to complete or exempt co-requisite  Learning Support requirements.

Completion or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support English may be a prerequisite for Social, Natural, and Physical Science courses. (Additional areas for exit or exemption such as Learning Support Mathematics are at the discretion of the institution.)

Placement into or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support English is required for placement into ENGL 1101.

Completion or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support English is required for placement into all other college-level English courses.

Placement into or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support mathematics is required for placement into MATH 1001, MATH 1401 or MATH 1111. Completion or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support Mathematics is required for placement into all other college level mathematics courses.

Completion or exemption from co-requisite Learning Support mathematics may be a prerequisite for physics and chemistry courses.

Any courses with prerequisite of any other college-level course would require exit or exemption from related Learning Support requirements.

It is recommended that courses such as music, art, and theater remain open for students with Learning Support requirements whenever possible.

Placement

The “default placement” for all students will be in an entry-level collegiate course with Corequisite Learning Support UNLESS students meet exemption criteria (for Corequisite Support) as outlined below in the sections on English and mathematics.

• Students who do not meet any exemption criteria may waive placement testing if they are willing to accept placement in Corequisite Learning Support at the highest level of credit intensity (the most credits) offered at the institution.
• All students must be made aware that they have the OPTION to take placement tests, which may place them directly into collegiate courses or in less credit intensive levels of Corequisite Learning Support. Students interested in taking placement tests should not be discouraged from doing so.
• When placement testing is needed, Next-Generation Accuplacer placement tests should be used. Placement testing with Next-Generation Accuplacer placement tests is described in more detail in the next section (8. Next-Generation Accuplacer Placement Tests).
• Exception: students wishing to enroll in MATH 1111 - College Algebra, (with or without Corequisite Learning Support), must take the mathematics placement test unless they have already met the criteria for direct placement into MATH 1111 or MATH 1111 with Corequisite Learning Support (see below).

English

All entering students will be enrolled in ENGL 1101 - English Composition I and the Corequisite Learning Support course, ENGL 0999 - Composition Support I, unless they meet one of the exemption criteria listed below or are enrolled in a program for which ENGL 1101 is not required. If students enroll in programs that do not require ENGL 1101, but they choose to take this course, standard assessment and placement rules will apply.

The exemption criteria below apply to the requirement to enroll in the Corequisite Learning Support course, not to the ENGL 1101 course requirement. Institutions may set higher exemption criteria. Students meeting any of the criteria on the list below may enroll in ENGL 1101 without the Corequisite Learning Support course, ENGL 0999:

• Student already has credit for an Area A English course (must meet the minimum grade requirement for the course at the institution - which may be a “C” or higher).
• Student has an English Placement Index of 4230 or higher*
• Student has a final high school GPA (HSGPA - this is the same HSGPA that is used in calculation of the Freshman Index) of 3.1 or higher and has completed the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) in English.
• Student has an ACT English or Reading score of 17 or higher.
• Student has an SAT Verbal/Critical Reading score of 430 or higher on the “old” SAT.
• Student has a score of 480 or higher on the “new” SAT Evidence-Based Reading 23 and Writing (EBRW) section.
• Student has a Classic Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 61 or higher AND an Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 4 or higher.
• Student has an Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading score of 237** or higher AND an Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 4 or higher.

* At the institution’s option, the English Placement Index (EPI) may continue to be used for students who have at least two of the following: 1) High school grade point average, 2) SAT or ACT scores, 3) Classic Accuplacer scores.
** Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading test scores may not be used to calculate the English Placement Index.

Mathematics

All entering students will be enrolled in one of three standard Area A college-level credit-bearing mathematics courses (MATH 1001 - Quantitative Reasoning, MATH 1401 - Elementary Statistics, or MATH 1111 - College Algebra) and a Corequisite Learning Support course unless they meet one of the exemption criteria listed below or are enrolled in a program for which a mathematics course is not required. If students enroll in programs that do not require a mathematics course, but they choose to take a mathematics course, standard assessment and placement rules will apply.

Note that MATH 1111 has higher placement and exemption criteria than MATH 1001 and MATH 1401.

The exemption criteria below apply to the requirement to enroll in a Corequisite Learning Support course, not to the college-level mathematics course requirement.

MATH 1001 - Quantitative Reasoning and MATH 1401 - Elementary Statistics 

Students meeting any of the criteria on the list below may enroll in MATH 1001 or MATH 1401 without the corequisite Learning Support courses, MATH 0997 or MATH 0996:

• Student already has credit for an Area A mathematics course (must meet the minimum grade requirement for the course at the institution - which may be a “C” or higher).
• Student has a Mathematics Placement Index of 1165 or higher. *
• Student has placed in Pre-Calculus or a higher mathematics course (e.g., College Trigonometry or some form of calculus).
• Student has a high school GPA (HSGPA - this is the same HSGPA that is used in calculation of the Freshman Index) of 3.2 or higher and has completed the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) in mathematics.
• Student has an ACT Mathematics score of 17 or higher.
• Student has an SAT Mathematics score of 400 or higher on the “old” SAT.
• Student has an SAT Math section score of 440 or higher on the “new” SAT.
• Student has a Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 67 or higher (for students who will take MATH 1001, see below).
• Student has an Accuplacer Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics score of 258** or higher (for students who will take MATH 1111, see below).

* At the institution’s option, the Mathematics Placement Index (MPI) may continue to be used for students who have at least two of the following: 1) High school grade point average, 2) SAT or ACT scores, 3) Classic Accuplacer scores.
** Next-Generation Accuplacer scores may not be used to calculate Mathematics Placement Indices (MPI).

MATH 1111 - College Algebra 

Students who do not qualify for initial enrollment in MATH 1111 (with or without corequisite Learning Support) may enroll in MATH 1001 or MATH 1401 (with or without corequisite support) and may later enroll in MATH 1111 after successfully completing MATH 1001 or MATH 1401.

Criteria for Placement into MATH 1111 with Corequisite Learning Support:

Students meeting any of the criteria on the list below may enroll in MATH 1111 with Corequisite support, MATH 0999. (Institutions may set higher requirements to enroll in MATH 1111 with corequisite support.)

• Student has a Mathematics Placement Index of 1165 or higher. *
• Student has a high school GPA (HSGPA - this is the same HSGPA that is used in calculation of the Freshman Index) of 3.2 or higher and has completed the Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) in mathematics.
• Student has an ACT Mathematics score of 17 or higher. o Student has an SAT Mathematics score of 400 or higher on the “old” SAT.
• Student has an SAT Math section score of 440 or higher on the “new” SAT. o Student has a Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 67 or higher.
• Student has an Accuplacer Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics score of 258** or higher.

Criteria for Direct Placement into MATH 1111: Students meeting any of the criteria on the list below may enroll in MATH 1111 without the Corequisite Learning Support course, MATH 0999.

• Student already has credit for an Area A mathematics course (must meet the minimum grade requirement for the course at the institution - which may be a “C” or higher).
• Student has a Mathematics Placement Index of 1265 or higher. *
• Student has placed in pre-calculus or a higher mathematics course (e.g., College Trigonometry or some form of calculus).
• Student has a high school GPA (HSGPA - this is the same HSGPA that is used in calculation of the Freshman Index) of 3.4 or higher and has completed the Required 25 High School Curriculum (RHSC) in mathematics.
• Student has an ACT Mathematics score of 20 or higher.
• Student has an SAT Mathematics score of 470 or higher on the “old” SAT.
• Student has an SAT Math section score of 510 or higher on the “new” SAT.
• Student has a Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 79 or higher.
• Student has an Accuplacer Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics score of 266** or higher.

* At the institution’s option, the Mathematics Placement Index (MPI) may continue to be used for students who have at least two of the following: 1) High school grade point average, 2) SAT or ACT scores, 3) Classic Accuplacer scores.
** Next-Generation Accuplacer scores may not be used to calculate Mathematics Placement Indices (MPI).

Learning Support prerequisite for core courses is as follows:

Students must enroll in or exempt the corequisite Learning Support course in order to register for:

If a student passes (ENGL 1101) successfully with a grade of C or higher – The next course is ENGL 1102 
If a student passes (MATH 1111) successfully with a grade of C or higher – The next course is MATH 1113 (if major requires)
If a student passes (MATH 1001 or MATH 1401) successfully with a grade of C or higher – The student has fulfilled the requirement for the major.

Grades in Learning Support Courses

The following grades defined in detail in BOR Policy 3.5 are approved for LS courses in English (reading/writing), and mathematics:

Grade Definition

Learning Support Attempts and Exit

An attempt is defined as an institutional credit course in which a student receives any grade or symbol except “W” or “WM”.

USG-mandated Enrollment in Learning Support Courses

The following requirements apply to those students who have USG-mandated Learning Support requirements. Institutions are not required to apply them to students who exceed the USG requirements even though such students may have institutionally-mandated Learning Support requirements:

During each semester of enrollment, a student must first register for all required Learning Support courses before being allowed to register for other courses. This policy also applies to part-time students. Two exceptions are possible:

• In the event that a required Learning Support course is not available, a student may enroll in a course for degree credit if the student has met the course requirements, subject to the written approval of the president or designee.
• Students who have accumulated a maximum of 30 semester hours of college-level credit and have not successfully completed required Learning Support courses may enroll only in Learning Support courses until requirements are successfully completed. Students with transfer credit or credit earned in a certificate or prior degree program who are required to take Learning Support courses for their current degree objectives may earn up to 30 additional hours of college-level credit. After earning the additional hours, such students may enroll in Learning Support courses only. Institutions have the authority to limit accumulation of college-level credit to 20 hours.

Voluntary Enrollment in Learning Support Courses

1. Students who are required to take Learning Support courses in an area may not register as auditors in any Learning Support course in that area.
2. Students who are not required to take Learning Support courses in a disciplinary area may elect to enroll in Learning Support courses in a non-required area for institutional credit or on an audit basis. There is no limit on attempts for students who elect to enroll in corequisite Learning Support courses.

Learning Support Rules for Returning Students

1. Students who transfer into a USG institution without having exempted or completed Learning Support requirements in an area (i.e., English or mathematics) must be evaluated for Learning Support placement and placed according to the USG institution’s criteria for Learning Support placement.

2. Students who leave a USG school for any reason may be re-admitted without Learning Support requirements if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Students have completed all Learning Support requirements at a SACSCOC TCSG institution and completion of Learning Support requirements is documented on their TCSG transcript.
• Students have earned transferable credit at a regionally-accredited non-USG institution for ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1102 (for completion of the Learning Support English requirement) or an Area A mathematics course (for completion of the Learning Support Mathematics requirement). (USG receiving institutions will decide whether to grant Area A credit for courses taken elsewhere. Provided that native and transfer students are treated equally, institutions may impose additional reasonable expectations, such as a minimum grade of “C” in Area A courses.)
• Students have completed Learning Support at another USG institution and completion of Learning Support requirements is documented on their transfer transcript.

3. Students who leave a USG school and return without having satisfied their Learning Support requirements in the interim may be readmitted to the college under the following conditions:

• Students may take the ACCUPLACER Test and accept Learning Support placement according to a placement index calculated on the basis of ACCUPLACER Test alone.
• Students in Learning Support who voluntarily leave a USG institution for periods of less than one calendar year will return to the level of Learning Support (corequisite) they were in immediately prior to their absence.
• Time spent in Learning Support course work in a disciplinary area is cumulative within the USG.
• Students who had completed requirements for corequisite Learning Support may reenter at the corequisite support level.
• Students in Learning Support who voluntarily leave a USG institution for periods of one calendar year or more must be retested with the ACCUPLACER Test in any previously unsatisfied Learning Support area.
• Students who have passed a Learning Support course prior to leaving, or at another USG institution, or at a TCSG institution will have their MPIs and/or EPIs recalculated based on ACCUPLACER Test only.
• Students who have not successfully passed a Learning Support course prior to leaving, or at another USG institution, or at a TCSG institution will have their MPIs and/or EPIs recalculated based on all currently applicable information, including HSGPA (less than 6 years old) and SAT or ACT scores (less than 8 years old) and ACCUPLACER Test scores.
• After testing, such students may be readmitted without a Learning Support requirement if they meet the institutional criteria for exemption.
• Students who do not score high enough on the ACCUPLACER Test to exempt Learning Support may be placed in corequisite Learning Support, depending on institutional placement policies.
• Students placed in corequisite Learning support may be readmitted if individual evaluation indicates that the student has a reasonable chance of success on readmission.

4. Students readmitted under this provision are subject to the 30-hour limit on college-level coursework and may not take credit work if they had earned 30 or more credit hours during their previous period(s) of enrollment and have not completed Learning Support requirements in the interim.

5. Completion of transferable Area A courses in English or mathematics from any institution will eliminate further Learning Support requirements in that area upon transfer back to a USG institution