Evening Classes
The scholastic work at Southern Polytechnic State University is offered
in a continuous program from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Once granted admission
to the university, students may schedule courses at any time of the day
or evening. There is no difference in entrance criteria, curricula, or
degrees awarded to evening school students. All subjects, day and evening,
are organized, taught, and supervised by the Southern Polytechnic State
University staff, faculty, and administration.
Prospective students who desire to study in the evening should be guided by the academic requirements as stated in the catalog. All correspondence, admission papers, and other requirements should be sent to the Admissions Office.
Many of the curricula offered at Southern Polytechnic State University in the daytime may be studied and completed in the evening. These curricula include Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Construction, Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Surveying and Mapping.
A schedule of courses offered each term is available upon request about two weeks prior to the beginning of the term. A copy may be obtained from the Records Office or major department.
The Office of Admissions/Records is open Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m. during the term.
Continuing Education
The Office of Continuing Education, a unit of the Extended University,
is responsible for all non-credit instruction sponsored by the university.
The primary mission of Continuing Education is to sponsor professional
development programs which extend and complement the university's curriculum.
Professional development seminars and workshops encompass each of the disciplines
represented on campus, while additional programs and workshops are custom
designed for business, industry, and government. In addition, Continuing
Education also offers an extensive schedule of computer training programs
to the general public.
Cross Registration
Southern Polytechnic State University as a member of the Atlanta Regional
Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE) participates in the cross registration
program among ARCHE member institutions. The purpose of cross registration
is to provide opportunities for enriched educational programs by permitting
students at any ARCHE institution to take courses at any other member institution.
Cross registration may be pursued only for courses for which the student
has met the prerequisites and not offered at the home institution for the
given term. Applications and additional information about cross registration
can be obtained from the Records Office.
Computer Resources
The University's computing infrastructure includes enterprise-scale
servers, networked business-class work stations, open access labs, and
discipline-specific (departmental) labs, as well as the campus network
that connects all these parts together and to the rest of the world via
PeachNet and the Internet.
There is an open access lab in Building H, room 244, which houses PC's running Windows, Unix terminals, and laser printers, including e-mail and internet access. For more information on general resources available to SPSU students, visit: http://www2.spsu.edu/itus/students.htm. Students will also find other computer labs on campus that are provided for students enrolled in specific academic programs or courses.
Every student may open a university e-mail account supported by a campus server. To activate an e-mail account, a student must meet these requirements: be currently enrolled at Southern Polytechnic State University as an active student; complete registration for classes for the current term; have a picture ID (SPSU student ID preferred). New accounts may be requested in H-244 after tuition and fees have been paid for the first term of enrollment.
Center for Instructional Technology
The Center for Instructional Technology, a unit of the Extended University,
is located in the Library annex and features a state-of-the-art multimedia
authoring lab and technology rich smart classrooms. The authoring lab is
scheduled for open student access.
The Library
The Lawrence V. Johnson Library collection consists of some 110,000
cataloged volumes. Also cataloged are more than 1,500 periodical and serial
titles. Other formats include various microforms, U.S. Geological Survey
maps for the State of Georgia, CD ROM's, and a circulating reserve collection
of texts and tests.
The automated library union catalog, GALILEO Interconnected Libraries (GIL), lists materials held by libraries throughout the State of Georgia. Materials from these and other libraries nationwide may be obtained through the Interlibrary Loan service in Reference.
The Library also provides another service, GALILEO, an initiative funded by the University System, to allow access to online databases, including full text and full-image files. Through GALILEO, faculty and students have access to more than 100 indexing and abstracting services, and the Internet. Housed in the library is the Electronic Gallery, a collection of videotapes, videodiscs, and CD Rom's for teaching art appreciation.
The 60,000 square foot building complements the campus with its unusual shape and floor plan which accommodates seating for 400 persons. Following the topography, a series of step-down trays separate stack areas and convenient ramps provide ease of access to the library's resources for the disabled. A spacious second floor features large and small group study rooms, ample study carrels, open stacks, and reading areas. Centered under a two-story skylight, a glass walled gallery accommodates flexible exhibits as well as serving as the reception hall for the campus. Additional information about services offered at the Johnson Library may be accessed at http://www.spsu.edu/library/library.html.
The Library owns an art collection containing representative works of 19th and 20th Century American artists and the Alan and Louise Sellars Collection of Antique Tools. A collection of 19th Century architectural artifacts has been incorporated into the building, which also features a bell tower rising sixty feet above the Library, with a set of Swiss-made custom-cast bells.
Learning Resources Center
The Learning Resources Center (LRC) provides opportunities for individualized
assistance to all Southern Polytechnic students. Academic assistants help
students with core courses in English, math, and physics.
The LRC also offers Regents' Test preparation instruction and assistance with English as a Second Language. The LRC maintains student academic enrichment as its primary mission and challenges students to improve their skills.
To accommodate the diversity of students attending Southern Polytechnic, the LRC is open Monday through Friday with day and evening hours.
Distance Learning Program
Southern Polytechnic State University offers selected classes to students
at distant sites via the state's two-way interactive compressed video system
or via the Internet.
Southern Polytechnic State University is committed to providing appropriate student development services to all enrolled students including those who may be participating in distance learning programs. Typically, access to these services is consistent with the unique nature of distance learning. Phone, fax, e-mail, and the Internet are the primary modes for service delivery. Initially, every enrolled student receives a printed copy of the University's Student handbook (an electronic Student handbook is also available on the University's web site), and this handbook outlines the various services available. Phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses are also available to participating students. University service personnel are responsive to requests for assistance they receive through these various media, and they are open to explore alternative ways of providing help.
Advising and mentoring activities are the primary responsibility of the faculty participating in distance learning programs. Other assistance is provided by personnel in each of the functional areas which include counseling services, career services, disability services, and financial aid. Several campus-based activities are funded by separate mandatory fees which are not charged to students participating in distance learning programs. These activities include social and cultural events, student organizations, recreational sports, health and wellness programs, housing/resident life and intercollegiate athletics. The activities are appropriately not available at off-campus locations.
The Bookstore
The Southern Polytechnic State University bookstore is located on the
lower level of the Student Center. Textbooks, used books, software, reference
books, school supplies, engineering supplies, calculators, clothes, greeting
cards, health and beauty aids, and many other items are available there.
The bookstore is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. on Friday.
On the last day of registration and the first week of classes, the bookstore is open for extended hours.
The Post Office
The Southern Polytechnic State University Post Office is located next
to the Bookstore and is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Post Office boxes are available for rental by the term.
University Relations
Southern Polytechnic State University's efforts to solicit support
from business, industry, graduates, and community leaders are organized
and coordinated through the University Relations Office.
Southern Polytechnic State University Alumni Association,
Inc.
The alumni association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing
graduates and former students in order to promote the interest and welfare
of Southern Polytechnic State University. The association publishes Southern
Polytechnic Today, provides alumni services, conducts the Call-A-Thon,
organizes special alumni events, and serves as the focal point to develop
alumni contributions of time and money to assist Southern Polytechnic State
University.
Southern Polytechnic Athletic Association, Inc.
The association is active in promoting Southern Polytechnic State University
intercollegiate activities through fund raising, advertising efforts, and
special events. As a nonprofit organization, the corporation's membership
is open to all individuals who donate to the annual fund campaign for the
benefit of Southern Polytechnic State University.
Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation, Inc.
In September of 1976, the Board of Directors of the alumni association
established the Foundation, whereby funds, property, and other types of
financial assistance -- primarily from business, industry, corporations,
other foundations, and individuals -- could be channeled to Southern Polytechnic
State University for support and development of educational, cultural,
social, civic, and professional endeavors.
The purposes of the Foundation are to provide academic and institutional support, provide scholarships, endowments, research grants, and in various ways to promote the cause of higher education at Southern Polytechnic State University.
The officers and board of trustees, who are empowered to administer donations to the foundation, are distinguished business and civic leaders from the community and the state at large.
Public Relations
The Public Relations Office is responsible for internal and external
communications such as publicity, media relations, alumni and campus publications,
audio visual and promotional materials, and special events. Activities
are geared to enhancing awareness and support of the university among many
audiences, including the public, students and families, alumni, community
leaders, and business and industry. Public Relations also serves the institution
-- its faculty, staff, and students -- in planning and implementing programs
and in disseminating information about activities and accomplishments of
faculty, staff, and students.
Honor Society
Superior scholastic achievement in engineering technology is recognized
by membership in the Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society. The original
chapter of this society was founded on the Southern Polytechnic State University
campus, and its members have not only demonstrated high academic achievements,
but have also maintained various leadership positions in campus organizations.
International Programs and Services
The Office of International Programs and Services provides programs,
services, and information to the University's international student body
and faculty. The Office conducts international student orientations for
foreign nationals. The Director serves as the liaison with immigration
services and provides advisement on immigration matters, insurance, employment,
practical training, travel regulations, and community involvement. Advisement
is provided to the International Student Association.
The Office serves in an advisory capacity for the promotion and development of international exchange and education abroad programs for students, faculty, and administrators.
Veterans Programs
The veteran or reservist planning to further his or her education using
veterans benefits at Southern Polytechnic State University should apply
for admission as any other student. Then, prior to enrollment (preferably
at least one month before entering the university) he or she should complete
the Veterans Application for Program of Education or Training (VA Form
22-1990) and submit the form to the Southern Polytechnic State University
Office of Veteran Affairs. At the same time, the prospective student may
be required to furnish copies of one or more of the following: proof of
discharge (DD Form 214) or NOBE (DD Form 2384), marriage license, dependent
children's birth certificates, or other documents needed to define an individual's
eligibility.
Eligibility for Veterans Administration benefits has no direct relationship to the institution. The payment of VA funds are directly between the student and the Veterans Administration. The institution serves only as a source of certification and information to the Veterans Administration.
Southern Polytechnic State University has established the Office of Veteran Affairs to serve veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans by certification, information, and referral. It is the responsibility of the veteran to keep the Veteran Affairs Office informed of their enrollment status any time it changes.
Registration for Professional Engineer
To protect public safety each state establishes laws to license engineers
involved in projects affecting public health, safety, and life. The registration
process involves written examination, professional work experience, and
professional recommendations.
Although it is not the goal of Southern Polytechnic State University to offer programs to prepare an individual to become a registered engineer, it is possible for an engineering technology graduate to become registered in Georgia and some other states. The requirements for registration as a professional engineer vary from state to state with some states not allowing engineering technology graduates to become registered. Students considering registration as a professional engineer should contact the faculty advisor for further information.
Retention Data
Demographic data regarding student retention at Southern Polytechnic
State University and the number and percentage of students completing each
program of study is available upon request from the Office of Institutional
Research and Planning.
Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center
The goal of GYSTC is to promote interest and enthusiasm in the science
and technology disciplines, particularly among elementary and middle school
students and teachers in Georgia. The center encourages and supports students
to prepare for advanced education and careers in science and technology.
GYSTC is headquartered on the campus of Southern Polytechnic State University
and through its state board of directors receives guidance from the University
System of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Department
of Adult and Technical Education, and representatives from private industry
and government. The center is charged with providing support services to
regional GYSTC laboratories established across the state, which provide
hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, science and technology camps and courses
for students and teachers. Over 500,000 students, 110,000 teachers and
53,000 parents, school administrators and others have benefited from GYSTC
programs, since its inception in 1989.
GYSTC operates the only NASA Educator Resource Center in the state. Multi-media materials in science, math, and technology are made available to all educators free of charge and cover a wide area of disciplines from pre-K through post-secondary. The NASA-ERC disseminates these resources to the educational community through the Resource Center on the Southern Polytechnic State University campus as well as the regional GYST Centers.
Center for Quality Excellence
The Center for Quality Excellence (CQE) helps local and regional businesses
become more successful competitors in the global marketplace. The CQE assists
organizations (private and public) with implementing Total Quality Management
concepts and methodologies, Continuous Improvement Tools, Team Building
strategies, Customer Focus systems, and Quality Standards such as ISO 9000,
QS 9000, and Malcolm Baldrige Criteria.
The CQE is a full-service information, training, and development resource center offering public seminars, customized, on-site training programs, and consulting services. Members of the CQE have access to unique resources and special discounts on workshops. Call (678) 915-7417 for additional information or check the CQE website at http://cqe.spsu.edu.