General Information Continuing Education
The Office of Continuing Education 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 a number of personal enrichment and computer training programs to the general public.

Cross Registration
Southern Polytechnic State University as a member of the University Center in Georgia participates in the cross registration program among University Center member institutions. The purpose of cross registration is to provide opportunities for enriched educational programs by permitting students at any University Center 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 Registrar's office.

Computer Resources
Southern Polytechnic State University maintains several computing facilities located in the Academic Building and the Crawford Laboratory Building. These facilities provide computing resources for most of the computer related courses at SPSU.

There are several resources available: an IBM RS6000 model 550 minicomputer, a DOS PC-based microcomputer lab, and a projects lab.

To use the microcomputers, all students need to have a validated Student ID and check in at the monitor's desk. The open hours for the microcomputer labs vary based on term courseload, number of students, and demand. Permanent hours for each term are posted at the lab entrance and the current schedule or other information may be obtained by calling (678) 915-7493.

Access to the academic computer is provided in a large user area containing over 20 text-based terminals, a number of graphics-based terminals and workstations, two 600 line per minute printers and a laser printer. Via the RS6000 users can also connect to the PeachNet, the University System of Georgia regional network, which provides students of Southern Polytechnic full access to the Internet or "Information Superhighway".

The lab is available seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. 24 hour dial-up access is available as well. For more information call (678) 915-7493s.

Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services located in the Student Center provides and coordinates physical and academic support services for students who have a permanent or temporary disability. Individuals eligible for services include but are not limited to those with mobility, hearing, visual, speech, or specific neurological disabilities. Services are available free of charge on a self-referral basis.

Student Responsibility
A student at Southern Polytechnic State University who has a disabling condition has a responsibility to voluntarily identify him/herself as having a disability. The student should contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with the Director who coordinates services for students with disabilities.

Campus Accessibility/Accommodations
Southern Polytechnic State University makes its programs and activities accessible to disabled students. However, many Southern Polytechnic State University buildings are not barrier-free; it may be necessary to relocate classes and other activities. Any mobility-limited student wishing to participate in a program in an inaccessible building should contact the Office of Disability Services or the person responsible for the activity to request that appropriate arrangements be made.

Affirmative Action
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, provides that "no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States, as defined in Section 7(6), shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Southern Polytechnic State University strives for compliance with ADA.

Campus Life
Housing
Accessible on-campus housing is available for students with disabilities. Contact the Director of Housing as early as possible to discuss the nature of the disability and the type of accommodation needed.

Medical
The school nurse is on duty daily in the clinic in the Recreation and Wellness Center. Students with a physical disability are urged to introduce themselves to the nurse at the beginning of their first term at Southern Polytechnic State University.

Orientation
Special orientation or campus tours for mobility-limited, visual-, and hearing-impaired students are offered on an individualized basis, as needed. Contact the Director of Disability Services.

Parking
Special parking permits are issued through the University Police Office. Documentation of the disability is needed to qualify for a permit. Parking places for the disabled are available throughout the campus.
 
Student Center
The upper level of the Student Center is accessible to mobility-limited students. An elevator connects the upper level with the lower level, which houses the cafeteria, bookstore, lockers, and post office.

Registration
On a case by case basis, students with a disability may advance-register on a first-priority basis with the assistance of the Director of Disability Services. Early registration enables students with a disability to schedule their classes with consideration for items such as class location or transit time between buildings.

Library
The librarians will work individually with mobility-limited students to make the services of the library available. Students with a disability wishing to use the library should contact the Director of Library. Services needed by visual- or hearing-impaired students may be requested from the Southern Polytechnic State University librarian.

The Library
The Southern Polytechnic State University Library collection consists of some 110,000 cataloged volumes. Also cataloged are more than 1,500 periodical and serial titles plus stand alone CD ROM's. Other formats include various microforms, U.S. Geological Survey maps for the State of Georgia, and a circulating reserve collection of texts, tests, and tools.

The automated library union catalog, On Line Library Information or OLLI, lists materials held by over 40 libraries throughout the State of Georgia. Materials from these and other libraries nationwide may be obtained through the Interlibrary Loan service in Reference.

The University library also provides access to 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.

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.

The Library owns and displays 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.

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.

Development and University Relations
Southern Polytechnic State University's efforts to solicit support from business, industry, graduates, and community leaders are organized and coordinated through the Development and University Relations Office.

Southern Polytechnic National 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, publications, audio visual and promotional materials, advertising, 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.

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 orientation and publishes an International Handbook. The Director serves as the liaison with immigration services and provides advisement on immigration matters, health insurance, employment, practical training, travel regulations, and community involvement. Advisement is provided to the International Student Association. Phi Beta Delta, National Honor Society for International Scholars is also coordinated through the Office.

The Office coordinates and promotes international exchange and study abroad programs for students, faculty, and administrators. It serves as the campus contact for international visitors.

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.

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 200,000 students and 50,000 teachers have benefited from GYSTC programs, since its inception in 1989.

GYSTC operates the only NASA Educator Resource Center in the state, which also houses the FAA Aviation Education Resource Center. 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. GYSTC 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) has been created to help local and regional businesses become more effective competitors in the global marketplace. With the participation of the business community, the CQE assists organizations (private and public) with implementing Total Quality Management concepts, and methodologies, as well as ISO 9000 and ISO 14000.

The CQE is a full-service information, training, and development resource center offering public seminars, satellite downlinks, customized on-site training programs, and technical assistance services. The CQE offers a "Membership" program through which "members" have access to unique resources and special discounts on workshops. Call (678) 915-7417 for additional information.