2020-2021 College Catalog

Academic and Student Affairs

Academic and Student Affairs Division

The Academic and Student Affairs Division is designed to create an environment that will serve the total development of students. The division is a multifaceted unit, which includes academic departments, student success services, enrollment services, institutional effectiveness, and adult education. The purposes of these activities are:

  • To ensure that enrollment services and other academic and student issues are approached from the perspective of students.
  • To ensure that the policies, procedures, and programs affecting students provide them with opportunities to reach their technical and career goals, both curricular and co-curricular.

The accomplishment of this mission promises to produce citizens who are able to live meaningful and productive lives, and who are prepared to compete in a global market.

General Policies

Atlanta Technical College is open to all persons who are eligible for admission and is committed to serving the educational needs of all who apply, without regard to race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).

Admission to a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) college is a multi-step process, which consists of the evaluation of prior academic experience and an assessment for postsecondary readiness of eligible applicants.

Admission to specific programs requires that applicants demonstrate potential for success as measured by satisfactory placement test scores and completion of all pre-requisite coursework.
Assessment/Placement test scores will be waived for the 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants who earned a 2.6 cumulative high school GPA will be eligible to enter associate degree programs.

Applicants who earned a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA will be eligible to enter all certificate and diploma programs. The academic success center provides services such as, tutorial labs, and individualized tutorials also help prepare students for course and program success.

Applicants who submit misleading information will be subject to denial of admission or dismissal from the college without a refund. All credentials submitted become and remain the property of Atlanta Technical College and will not be returned to the applicant, duplicated, nor transferred to another institution.

Graduates of non-accredited or non-state approved schools are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with an incomplete file or application received after the deadline may choose to be processed for special admission status.

Admission Procedures

Eligible Applicants

Any individual 16 years of age or older who seeks access to quality instruction designed to develop or improve occupational competencies is eligible for admissions. The President of the College may waive the “16 years of age” requirement for secondary students who are participating in an articulated program of study.

Admission Requirements

It is the mission of the college to assist students in achieving their personal goals. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the requirements for admission. Admission to Atlanta Technical College is a multi-step process which consists of evaluation of prior academic experience and assessment for postsecondary readiness of eligible applicants. The ability of a student to succeed in a program at a Technical College is greatly determined by the math and language skills possessed by that student. The Technical College System of Georgia is committed to assisting each student to achieve at their maximum potential. All students applying for diploma, degree, and certificate programs must be assessed prior to acceptance to a program of study at a Technical College.  During the 202-2021 academic year placement will be determined by reviewing all high school grade point averages, and or college transcripts.  Students will then be admitted in accordance with the academic standards applicable to that program. Applicants are asked to submit the following information to the Office of Enrollment Services. Here are the minimum criteria required for admission:

  1. Application and Fee - A completed application for admission with a $25 (nonrefundable) application fee.
  2. Educational Requirements - Official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official transcripts from all previously attended colleges accredited by an accepted accrediting agency can be submitted in lieu of a high school diploma or GED.
  3. Assessment - For the 2020-21 academic year this requirement has been waived.

Satisfactory scores on the Classic Accuplacer, Accuplacer Next Generation, ACT, SAT, PSAT, Georgia Milestones ELA, or GED (within 5 years of application deadline) or an earned associate degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education, or official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education documenting equivalent program-level English and math coursework successfully completed (C or better). Algebra placement test scores are required for certain diploma programs and all degree programs. Test scores are considered valid for placement for a period of 5 years.

Application Fee

A completed application for admission with a $25 (nonrefundable) application fee.

Educational Requirements

Educational requirements are determined by the Technical College System of Georgia and the College. Requirements vary according to the program of study. A high school diploma or the equivalent (GED) is desirable but is not an entrance requirement for all programs. Applicants who have completed an Associate’s Degree or higher or a minimum of 30 earned semester or 45 earned quarter hours at the degree level, may submit official college transcripts in lieu of high school transcript or GED transcript. Home-schooled student documents will be accepted according to Technical College System of Georgia policy.

Assessment

The ability of a student to succeed in a program at Atlanta Technical College is greatly determined by the math and language skills possessed by that student. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is committed to assisting each student to achieve at their maximum potential. All students applying for diploma, degree, and certificate programs must be assessed prior to acceptance to a program of study at a technical college. During the 2020-2021 academic year, placement will be determined by reviewing over all high school grade point averages, and or college transcripts. Students will then be admitted in accordance with the academic standards applicable to that program.

All technical colleges must utilize Accuplacer Next Generation, the TCSG-approved assessment instrument, when evaluating students for program readiness. However, in the place of Accuplacer Next Generation, technical colleges may accept an applicant’s official college transcript entrance scores on a validated assessment instrument, such as Classic Accuplacer, ACT, SAT, PSAT, Georgia Milestones ELA, or GED if the scores meet the college’s required program ready minimums or an earned associate degree or higher. If an applicant’s scores do not meet the college’s required program minimums for regular admission, a student must be assessed using Accuplacer Next Generation. The initial test is at no charge; however, the cost to retest is $15.

Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education documenting equivalent program-level English and math coursework successfully completed (C or better) may be used in lieu of completing the corresponding portion of the TCSG-approved assessment instrument. Applicants who have earned an associate degree or higher at a regionally or nationally accredited institution will be admitted as program-ready and will not require a placement test.

Documentation of Residency and Citizenship

Applicants for admission must provide one form as proof to support a claim for in-state residency, permanent resident citizenship status, and refugee status. If you are under 24 years of age and are a claimed dependent of a parent/guardian, you will need to submit two forms of proof from your parent(s) or legal guardian as outlined in the Petition for Georgia Residency. This information must be received if you are seeking Georgia residency. Below is a list of acceptable documentation:

  • Location of employment.
  • Location of voter registration.
  • Location of property, including home purchase, and taxes paid thereon.
  • State for which the individual filed and paid state income taxes.
  • Address and other information on federal and state income tax returns.
  • State where the person’s automobile title is registered and the payment of property taxes thereon.
  • Address on driver’s license and state of issuance.
  • Address on the Georgia Driver’s License Bureau ID.
  • State of issuance of business, professional, or other licenses.
  • Location of checking, savings or other banking accounts.

Citizenship Requirements:

  • A student meets the Citizenship Requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is a United States Citizen, born or naturalized.
  • A student meets the Citizenship requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is an Eligible Non-Citizen, according to the Federal Title IV definition.
  • Ineligible Non-Citizens: A Non-Citizen cannot qualify for in-state tuition. However, in the discretion of the President of the college the international tuition may be waived in favor of an out of state tuition rate for a Non-Citizen who has been verified as lawfully present in the United States in accordance with state and federal immigration laws.

*Additional documents may be acceptable*

Application Deadline

Applicants for admission to degree, diploma, and Technical Certificate of Credits must have all documents (transcripts, test scores, etc.) on file in the Office of Enrollment Services according to the deadline dates published in the school calendar. Applicants with an incomplete file or application received after the deadline may choose to be processed for special admission status or another term.

Regular Status

Students who meet all requirements for admission into a selected program and are eligible to take all courses in the program curriculum are granted regular admission status. Applicants will be admitted with regular status to an associate degree program, diploma, or Technical Certificate of Credit with the following test scores:

PLACEMENT TEST Associate Degree Diploma Entry Level TCC
ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN. Writing 249 236 222
ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN. Reading 236 224 218
ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN. Arithmetic - 229 223
ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN. MATH 1101; 1103; 1111 245 - -
ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN. MATH 1113 249 - -
       
ACCUPLACER English/Sentence Skills 70 60 -
ACCUPLACER Write-placer (USG) ≥4 ≥3 -
ACCUPLACER Reading 64 55 -
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic - 34 -
ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra 57 MATH 1013 - 23 -
ACCUPLACER College Algebra 70 for Math 1113 - -
       
ACT English 14 13 -
ACT Reading 16 14 -
ACT Math 17 14 -
ACT Math 20 for Math 1113 - -
ACT Math 21 for Math 1131 - -
       
SAT Taken before March 1, 2016 Verbal - 290 Verbal - 280 -
SAT Taken before March 1, 2016 Reading - 290 Reading - 270 -
SAT Taken before March 1, 2016 Math - 380 Math - 310 -
SAT Taken before March 1, 2016 500 for Math1113 Placement - -
SAT Taken before March 1, 2016 600 for Math 1131 Placement - -
       
SAT Taken after March 1, 2016 Writing/Language - 17 Writing/Language - 15 -
SAT Taken after March 1, 2016 Reading - 17 Reading - 16 -
SAT Taken after March 1, 2016 Math – 21 Math - 18 -
SAT Taken after March 1, 2016 Math – 26.5 for Math 1113 - -
SAT Taken after March 1, 2016 Math – 31 for Math 1131 - -
       
PSAT Writing and Language 17 15 -
PSAT Reading 17 16 -
PSAT Math 21 18 -
PSAT Math 26.5 for Math 1113 - -
PSAT Math 31 for Math 1131 - -
       
ELA Reading/Writing 525 525 -
ELA Dual Enrollment Reading/Writing 235 - -
       
GED English 145 145 -
GED Math 145 145 -
Entry Level Workforce TCC’s
TABE 9-10 Levels M, D, or A Reading - - 461
TABE 9-10 Levels M, D, or A Math - - 442
       
HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade (Placement for English and Math) 2.6 GPA 2.6 GPA -
       
Previous AAS/AA/AS Program Ready Program Ready -
       
Experienced Worker Verified 2 Years Successful Experience in Same Field - - Placement in Entry Level Certificate Program

Provisional Admission

Applicants whose test scores do not meet regular admission standards will be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisional students may take learning support classes and occupational courses simultaneously. Students must satisfactorily complete prescribed learning support classes in order to progress through the curriculum.

Provisional admission requires the applicant to (1) satisfactorily complete prescribed learning support classes, and (2) meet all other regular admission requirements.

Special Admission Status (Non-credential seeking)

Applicants who wish to take credit coursework, but are not seeking a certificate, diploma, or associate degree are granted Special Admit status. The following specifics define the parameters of this status:

  1. Applicants: Must submit an application along with a $25 (nonrefundable) application fee.
  2. May apply up to a maximum of 25 quarter or 17 semester credit hours into a specific program for credential seeking purposes after achieving regular admit status.
  3. May enroll in classes only on a space-available basis.
  4. Must adhere to the specific institutional prerequisite requirements when selecting courses.
  5. Will not be eligible for financial aid.

The number of hours taken as a special admit student in no way waives the requirements of the regular admission process. Special Status students are not eligible for financial aid. Courses selected by Special Status students are subject to specific prerequisite requirements.

Transient Student Admission

Students enrolled at other colleges and universities may wish to take one or more courses at Atlanta Technical College and transfer the credit back to their home institutions. These students may enroll in the College as transient students. Transient admission is for one semester only; transient students must submit transient letters from their home colleges each semester they plan to enroll in courses at Atlanta Technical College. Students who have been academically dismissed from their home institutions are ineligible for transient student status at Atlanta Technical College. The Enrollment Services Office staff will award transient status to applicants who submit the following items:

  1. Letters of transient approval from their home institutions that indicate their academic standing and the courses approved for enrollment. If transient approval letters do not list academic standing and approved courses, applicants must also provide official transcripts from their home institutions to document that they have met the course prerequisites established by the faculty of Atlanta Technical College. Transient students are not eligible to register for courses for which they have not met the prerequisite requirements. They must also satisfy co-requisite requirements established by the College.
  2. Completed Atlanta Technical College application for admission and a nonrefundable $25 application fee.
  3. Financial aid transient letters from their home colleges to the Financial Aid Office at Atlanta Technical College (if applicable).
  4. Completed transient course request forms to the Enrollment Services Office (if needed) to receive clearance for registration.

Transient students who plan to take online classes must apply through GVTC.org and complete the college's new student orientation online prior to registering for classes.

Transient students must pay tuition and fees either online or to the cashier by the fee payment deadlines listed in the college calendar. HOPE transient letters must be submitted to the Atlanta Technical College Financial Aid Office prior to the day transient students register for classes.

After completing courses, transient students must order an official transcript to be sent to their home institution. Transcript request can be make online here.

Atlanta Technical College does not guarantee enrollment to transient students. Transient students may enroll in classes if space is available.

Readmission of Former Students

Students who are absent from Atlanta Technical College for two or more consecutive regular semesters will be required to:

  1. Submit a re-admission application to the Office of Enrollment Services by the advertised application deadline.
  2. Meet the Atlanta Technical College general catalog admission requirements in effect at the time of re-admission.
  3. Submit to the Office of Enrollment Services official transcripts from all high schools, colleges or universities attended.

Transfer Student Admission

Applicants who are transferring to Atlanta Technical College from another post-secondary institution must submit the following to the Office of Enrollment Services:

  1. Application for admission along with a $25 (nonrefundable) application fee.
  2. Official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. Applicants who have completed a minimum associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university may submit official college transcripts in lieu of high school transcript or high school equivalent.
  3. Satisfactory scores on the Classic Accuplacer, Accuplacer Next Generation, ACT, SAT, PSAT, Georgia Milestones ELA, or GED or an earned associate degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education, or official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education documenting equivalent program-level English and math coursework successfully completed (C or better).

First Year Experience Seminar

This course must be taken during new students’ first term of enrollment at Atlanta Technical College. New students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of college coursework at the time of acceptance will be exempt from taking this course.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment provides opportunities for high school students grades 9-12 to enroll part-time (less than 12 semester hours) or fulltime (12-15 semester hours) to earn both high school and college credits. Students will receive credits for successfully completed coursework at their high school and at Atlanta Technical College. Participation is permitted during the fall, spring and summer semesters of the high school and college school year. To be eligible for Dual Enrollment, a student must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades at a public or private high schools in Georgia or a home study program operated in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-690(c)
  2. Must be approved and classified as eligible by the high school
  3. Meet admissions requirements for ATC program
  4. Must not have already received a high school diploma
  5. Must be on track to graduate
  6. Obtain approval of the high school guidance counselor and parent(s)/legal guardian(s)
  7. Achieve a grade of C or higher in their ATC courses to remain eligible for the program

NOTE: Students must also take note of the following:

  • Participants can attend more than one postsecondary institution at a time and receive awards at both
  • Participants must meet Atlanta Technical College’s satisfactory academic progress criteria
  • There is no limit to how many terms a student may participate
  • Participation will not count against the student’s HOPE cap
  • Participant can be denied participation at any time for violation of secondary or postsecondary rules.

Home Schooled Applicant Guidelines

Applicants of home schools located in Georgia who did not attend a recognized accredited program must adhere to the following alternative path for admission:

  1. Submit a Certificate of Attendance form from the local superintendent’s office or a Declaration of Intent to utilize a Home Study Program from the Georgia Department of Education verifying that the parent or legal guardian complied with the requirements of home study programs as referenced in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.
  2. Submit annual progress reports or a final transcript for the equivalent of the home-schooled student’s junior and senior years. The final progress report should include the graduation date.

Alternative Credit

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit — Students who receive scores of three or higher on College Board Advanced Placement tests for which the college offers equivalent courses will be awarded the appropriate credit at Atlanta Technical College. This credit is designated as TR on academic transcripts, is included in students’ earned hours, and is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. Applicants must have official test scores mailed directly from the College Board to Atlanta Technical College. Students should direct questions to the Enrollment Services Office about credit for AP courses.

AP Equivalency Chart

Area I: Language Arts and Communication
ATC Course AP Exam Min. AP Score
ENGL 1101 English Language & Composition 3
ENGL 1102 English Literature & Composition 3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Science
ATC Course AP Exam Min. AP Score
ECON 2105 Macroeconomics 3
ECON 2106 Microeconomics 3
PYSC 1101 Psychology 3
POLS 1101 U.S. Government and Politics 3
HIST 2112 U.S. History 3
HIST 112 World History 3
Area III: Mathematics and Natural Science
ATC Course AP Exam Min. AP Score
MATH 1127 Statistics 3
MATH 1131 Calculus AB 3
BIOL 1111& L Biology 3
CHEM 1151 & L Chemistry 3
CHEM 1211 & L Chemistry 4

College-Level (CLEP) Credit — College-Level Examination Program tests are nationally recognized exams developed by the College Board that allow students to receive credit in subject areas in which they have expertise from previous experiences or studies. Exam scores must be at the 50th percentile or higher in order to receive CLEP credit. This credit is designate as TR on academic transcripts, is included in students’ earned hours, and is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. Students who wish to receive CLEP credit for these courses must register for the exams on the College Board website. They must have official test scores mailed directly from the College Board to Atlanta Technical College. Students should direct questions to Enrollment Services Office about CLEP credits.

CLEP Equivalency Chart

Area I: Language Arts and Communication
ATC Course CLEP Exam Min.CLEP Percentile
ENGL 1101 College Composition 50
ENGL 1102 Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50
Area II: Social/Behavioral Science
ATC Course CLEP Exam Min.CLEP Percentile
POLS 1101 American Government 50
HIST 2111 History of United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 50
HIST 2112 History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present 50
PSYC 1101 Introductory Psychology 50
SOCI 1101 Introductory Sociology 50
ECON 2105 Principles of Macroeconomics 50
ECON 2106 Principles of Microeconomics 50
Area III: Mathematics
ATC Course CLEP Exam Min.CLEP Percentile
MATH 1111 College Algebra 50
MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus 50
MATH 1131 Calculus 50
Area IV: Humanities and Fine Arts
ATC Course CLEP Exam Min.CLEP Percentile
ENGL 2301 English Literature 50
ENGL 2130 American Literature 50
HUMN 1101 Humanities 50

Credit-by-Examination — Credit-by-examination is a process that allows students who can demonstrate achievement of course competencies to receive credit for courses. Students interested in credit-by-examination should confer with their respective academic advisors and the Enrollment Services Office to ensure that credit earned through the examination process will apply toward graduation requirements. In addition to the CLEP process described above, students who present evidence of prior knowledge of a particular subject for which CLEP exams do not exist may receive credit by passing course-specific examinations. Appropriate evidence may include, but is not limited to, work experience, non-credit coursework, equivalent coursework taken at non-accredited institutions, and courses offered by the military. Students may not take credit-by-examination tests for courses previously taken at Atlanta Technical College or for courses in which students earned grades of W, WP, WF, or AU. Students may not take the same test more than once. Students must obtain permission of the instructional program chairs or coordinators offering the courses before seeking credit-by examination. The nonrefundable testing fee is 25 percent of the tuition normally charged for the courses.

Instructional departments are responsible for reporting results to the Enrollment Services Office. Students who achieve letter grades of C or higher or numerical grades of 70 or higher on exams receive credit for the courses. This credit is designated as EX on academic transcripts, is included in students' earned hours, and is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. Students should verify they received credit by checking their transcripts on Banner Web.

Note: Institutional credit-by-exam credits are generally not transferable outside of Atlanta Technical College. Students do not have the option of attempting to earn credit by exam for FYES 1001—First Year Experience Seminar, the college’s first-semester seminar course.

Essential Learning/Prior Learning Assessment — Atlanta Technical College recognizes that individuals can develop mastery of course competencies through non-traditional educational environments such as employment, training, professional certifications, noncredit courses, and other life experiences. The term prior learning is used to describe these methods of learning. The college awards credit for prior learning when the equivalency is validated by academically sound and rigorous assessment. Credit will be awarded only for demonstrable college-level learning, not for experience. Students must demonstrate mastery of course competencies through testing or appropriate documentation such as portfolios or certifications received from professional organizations. Students who believe they have the appropriate prior learning to request credit for a course or courses should make an appointment to speak with the dean responsible for the program.

Credit for High School Coursework — High school students are eligible to receive articulated college credit for high school coursework by demonstrating mastery of competencies in appropriate college courses. Students who achieve minimum grades of 70 in related courses at the high-school level are eligible to earn exemption credit. This credit is designated as AC on academic transcripts, is included in students' earned hours, and is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. Students must pay a $10 fee for each course in which college credit is sought. The College Registrar will award credit up to 24 months after students graduate from high school.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit — Students who have taken appropriate high school courses determined and achieved scores of three or higher on International Baccalaureate examinations will receive credit for equivalent courses offered by the college. IB Examinations are offered by the International Baccalaureate Examination Board. Applicants must have official test scores mailed directly to Atlanta Technical College. This credit is designated as TR on academic transcripts, is included in students’ earned hours, and is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. Students should direct questions to registration@atlantatech.edu about IB credit.

Military Credit — Atlanta Technical College awards credit for courses completed at military service schools. The awarding of credit is based American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations as listed in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx.

Transfer Credit – Atlanta Technical College recognizes that it is necessary to establish reasonable and definitive policies for the acceptance of transfer credit. The college developed these guidelines in accordance with the standards set by the Technical College System of Georgia, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

While the College Registrar is responsible for evaluating transcripts to determine transfer credit, the ultimate authority for the transfer evaluation rests with the instructional faculty and division deans in the discipline. For example, the mathematics coordinator and dean of general education are the ultimate authorities on the transferability of math courses to the college.

The College Registrar, instructional faculty, and division deans determine the transferability of courses taken at other postsecondary institutions by considering the educational quality of the learning experience for which students seek transfer credit; the comparability of the nature, content, and level of the learning experiences to the courses offered at Atlanta Technical College; and the appropriateness and applicability of the learning experiences to the programs offered at Atlanta Technical College.

The college has established the following procedures to guide the awarding of transfer credit:

  • Computer Information Systems (Computer Support Specialist and Networking Specialist) — Appropriate faculty and administrators review course competencies and the date of completion (typically within five years) before awarding transfer credit for courses in computer science, microcomputers, or networking.
  • Credit-By-Examination Awarded at Other Colleges — Atlanta Technical College does not award transfer credit for credit-by-examination tests administered at other postsecondary institutions.
  • Fine Arts and Humanities — Students who have taken courses in art, music, and/or English literature may receive transfer credit to satisfy General Education Requirement Area IV provided the courses are comparable in scope, nature, content, and level of learning experiences to the ARTS, MUSC, and ENGL courses offered at Atlanta Technical College. This type of transfer credit is entered on academic transcripts as ARTS 11XX, MUSC 11XX, or ENGL 11XX. Transferability of these courses will be determined by the executive vice president for academic and student affairs in consultation with deans and faculty on a case-by-case basis.
  • Health Information Management Technology — Atlanta Technical College will award transfer credit for Health Information Management Technology (HIMT) courses taken at postsecondary institutions holding CAHIIM accreditation provided the courses are comparable in scope, nature, content, and level of learning experiences to the HIMT courses offered at Atlanta Technical College.
  • Learning Support Coursework — Learning support coursework taken at other colleges is used to determine whether students are eligible to enroll in credit-bearing coursework. Learning support coursework grades are not counted in students' earned hours or in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages.
  • Health and Public Safety Technologies Courses — The College Registrar does not automatically award transfer credit for courses specific to Health Sciences programs in Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Paramedicine, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiology. The College Registrar consults with faculty from those programs to determine transfer credit based on course competencies, program accreditation, and date of completion (typically within two to five years).
  • Official Transcripts with Final Grades — Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended in the past. All official transcripts must include final grades. Students who submit transcripts with in-progress coursework must submit official transcripts again once they complete the in-progress coursework and receive final grades before college officials can determine whether to award transfer credit.
  • Paralegal Studies — Atlanta Technical College will award transfer credit for Paralegal Studies (PARA) courses taken at postsecondary institutions holding American Bar Association (ABA) approval and institutions within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Transfer credit from other Colleges will be accepted provided that the courses are comparable in scope, nature, content, and level of learning experiences to the PARA courses offered at Atlanta Technical College.
  • Quarter System Coursework — The College Registrar converts credit hours for courses taken on the quarter system to semester credit hours by multiplying the quarter hours by 0.6667. This conversion may result in students receiving fewer credit hours for coursework offered at Atlanta Technical College. Students may need to complete additional coursework in order to satisfy the graduation requirements at Atlanta Technical College.
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress — Grades earned for courses transferred to Atlanta Technical College are not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, and graduation grade point averages. The Financial Aid Office includes grades earned for all courses taken at all postsecondary institutions when calculating HOPE scholarship grade point averages and for determining satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes.
  • Social Sciences — Students who have taken courses in history or political science may receive transfer credit to satisfy General Education Requirement Area II provided the courses are comparable in scope, nature, content, and level of learning experience to the HIST and POLS courses offered at Atlanta Technical College. This type of transfer credit is entered on academic transcripts as HIST 11XX and POLS 11XX. Transferability of these courses will be determined by the executive vice president for academic and student affairs in consultation with deans and faculty on a case-by-case basis.
  • Transcript Notation of Transfer Credit — Transfer credit is noted as TR, TRA, TRB, or TRC on academic transcripts. Transfer credit is not included in the calculation of semester, cumulative, or graduation grade point averages. The Dean of Enrollment Services records transferred coursework on students' academic transcripts and notifies students via their @student.Atlantatech.edu email address when transfer credits have been posted. Students should access their student records on Banner Web to verify the transfer credit awarded.
  • Transferable Coursework — Students may receive transfer credit for courses taken at regionally accredited colleges and universities. Students who attended colleges that were not regionally accredited at the time of attendance may be asked to provide additional materials including course syllabi, college catalog course descriptions, and instructors' credential information before the College Registrar can determine whether the courses are transferable. Students must have earned final grades of A+/-, B+/-, or C+/- for courses to be transferable. Course must equal or exceed to the number of semester hours established for similar courses at Atlanta Technical College.
  • Transferring from Other Technical Colleges in Georgia — Courses taken under state-approved standards at other Technical College System of Georgia colleges are transferable provided the technical colleges were accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at the time of attendance. Students who attended technical colleges that were not regionally accredited at the time of attendance may be asked to provide additional materials including course syllabi, college catalog course descriptions, and instructors' credential information before the director or registration and records can determine whether the courses are transferrable.

International Student Admission

Atlanta Technical College is approved by Immigration and Naturalization Services for the issuance of I-20s. International students must meet INS requirements and those admissions requirements applicable to non-international student applicants. The following guidelines shall apply to the admission of all international students (I-20) Student Visa:

F-1/M-1: Admission

  1. International students must submit the application form and $25 non-refundable application fee.
  2. F-I Students must apply for an Associate degree (M-I students can for diploma programs)
  3. All international transcripts must be official from the high school/college, and must be translated in English and evaluated by an approved evaluation agency and sent directly to ATC.
  4. Evaluated transcripts for high school should be document by document, and college transcripts should be course by course.
  5. A placement test is required for each student and can be taken to provide proof of English proficiency in the student is in the United States.
  6. If student is outside the United States: TOEFL (Internet based 61, Computer based 173 or paper based 500 or IELTS 5.5)
  7. Bank statement dated writing the last 6 months showing a minimum of $24,000 per academic school year.
  8. U.S. sponsor: Affidavit of Support
  9. Foreign Sponsor: Letter of Support
  10. Completion of 1-901 and SEVIS payment fee of $350
  11. International rate of tuition is four times the rate charged to Georgia residents.

Permanent Residents and US Citizens

  1. A completed application for admission with a $25 (nonrefundable) application fee.
  2. A completed high school diploma or GED. Applicants who have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours at the degree level may submit official college transcripts in lieu of high school diploma or GED.
  3. All international transcripts must be official from the high school/college, and must translated in English and evaluated by an approved evaluation service and sent directly to ATC.
  4. Evaluated documents for high school should be document by document, and college documents should be course by course.
  5. Students who are lawfully documented residents of the United States, but do not otherwise qualify as Georgia residents shall pay tuition rate charged to Georgia residents.
  6. Non-resident tuition may be waived, on a semester-by-semester basis, for an international student selected by the President. However, the number of such waivers shall not exceed two percent of the full-time equivalent student enrollment in the semester immediately preceding that in which the waiver is to be granted. Students receiving the waiver shall pay resident tuition rates but will not qualify for HOPE program scholarships.
  7. Students at Atlanta Technical College are required to identify their country of lawful residence on the admissions application and are asked to submit documentation of state residency, permanent resident citizenship status, and refugee status.

*The following agencies are approved for evaluation services for international transcripts/credentials:

Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Telephone: (305) 273-1616
Web address: www.jsilny.com
Educational Credentials Evaluators
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Telephone: (414) 289-3400
Web address: www.ece.org
World Education Services WES
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087
Telephone: (212)-966-6311
Web address: www.wes.org
Foreign Credential Evaluations, Inc.
8343 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30350
Telephone: (770)-642-1108
Web address: www.fceatlanta.net
Spantran Evaluation Company
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451
Houston, TX 77057
Telephone: (646)-475-2573
Web address: www.spantran.com
 

Program/Major Change Within the College

Students who are pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate at Atlanta Technical College and who desire to change their program/major are required to:

  1. Complete a Change of Program/Major Form on line through the Office of Enrollment Services webpage.
  2. Submit the completed form before the semester deadline for applications.
  3. Meet admissions requirements for the desired program.

Credits earned in one program may not be applicable toward another program. Verification of credits applicable to the new program/major will be given in writing from the Office of Enrollment Services upon evaluation of the student's request for transfer credit.

Residence Requirements for Degree/Diploma/TCC

Atlanta Technical College requires that a minimum of 25% of the course work of a particular program of study be completed while enrolled at Atlanta Technical College.

State Residency

A. Overview

Determining a student’s residency status must be based on the existence of surrounding objective circumstances that indicate a student’s intent to maintain a permanent presence, or Domicile, in the State of Georgia. No single factor is conclusive. Similarly, there is no predetermined number of factors required to be met. The following indicators may be considered when documenting the Domicile of an individual, but this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Location of employment.
  • Location of voter registration.
  • Location of property, including home purchase, and taxes paid thereon.
  • State for which the individual filed and paid state income taxes.
  • Address and other information on federal and state income tax returns.
  • State where the person’s automobile title is registered and the payment of property taxes thereon.
  • Address on driver’s license and state of issuance.
  • Address on the Georgia Driver’s License Bureau ID.
  • Reason for initially coming to Georgia.
  • State of issuance of business, professional, or other licenses.
  • Location of checking, savings or other banking accounts.

Citizenship Requirements:

  • A student meets the Citizenship Requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is a United States Citizen, born or naturalized.
  • A student meets the Citizenship requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she is an Eligible Non-Citizen, according to the Federal Title IV definition.
  • Ineligible Non-Citizens: A Non-Citizen cannot qualify for in-state tuition. However, in the discretion of the President of the college the international tuition may be waived in favor of an out of state tuition rate for a Non-Citizen.

B. Georgia Residency

  1. Dependent Students:
    • A Dependent Student meets the Georgia Residency Requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if his or her Parent has established and maintained Domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the student is seeking in-state tuition, and
    • Such student graduated from an eligible high school located in the State of Georgia; or
    • The Parent claimed the student as a dependent on the Parent’s most recent federal income tax return.
    • A Dependent Student meets the Georgia Residency Requirements, for purposes of this procedure and related policies, if a United States court-appointed Legal Guardian has established and maintained Domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the student is seeking in-state tuition, provided that the appointment was not made to avoid payment of Out-of-State Tuition.
  2. Independent Students:
    • An Independent Student meets the Georgia Residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, if he or she has established and maintained Domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which the student is seeking In-State Tuition.
    • It is presumed that no Independent Student shall have gained or acquired Georgia Residency, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, while attending a TCSG college without clear evidence of having established a Domicile in the State of Georgia for purposes other than attending a TCSG college.

C. Retaining Georgia Residency

Dependent Students: If the Parent or United States court-appointed Legal Guardian of a Dependent Student who was correctly determined to meet Georgia Residency requirements for the purposes of this procedure and the related policies, establishes Domicile outside the State of Georgia, such student shall continue to retain his or her status as a Georgia Resident, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, as long as such student remains Continuously Enrolled in a TCSG college.

Independent Students: If an Independent Student who was correctly determined to meet Georgia Residency requirements, for purposes of this procedure and the related policies, temporarily relocates outside the State of Georgia, but returns to the State of Georgia within 12 months, such student shall retain his or her status as a Georgia Resident, for purposes of In-State Tuition.

D. Eligibility for In-State Tuition Waivers:

Students in the following classifications are eligible for Out of State Tuition Exemption. These exemptions do not affect the student’s eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship or Grant, except for exemptions for military personnel and their dependents as provided for in the GSFC regulations:

  • Employees and their children who move to Georgia for employment with a new or expanding industry as defined in OCGA 20-4-40;
  • Full-time employees of the Technical College System of Georgia, their spouses, and dependent children;
  • Full-time teachers in a public school, a military base, or a public postsecondary college, their spouses, and dependent children;
  • United States military personnel stationed in Georgia and on active duty and their dependents living in Georgia;
  • United States military personnel, spouses and dependent children reassigned outside Georgia, who remain continuously enrolled and on active military status;
  • United States military personnel and their dependents that are Domiciled in Georgia, but are stationed outside the State;
  • Students who are Domiciled in out-of-state counties bordering on Georgia counties and who are enrolled in a Technical College with a local reciprocity agreement;
  • Career consular officers and their dependents that are citizens of the foreign nation, which their consular office represents, and who are living in Georgia under orders of their respective governments. This waiver shall apply only to those consular officers whose nations operate on the principle of educational reciprocity with the United States.
  • Members of a uniformed military service of the United States who, within thirty-six (36) months of separation from such service, enroll in an academic program and demonstrate an intent to become domiciled in Georgia. This waiver may also be granted to their spouses and dependent children.

Notwithstanding any provision in this procedure, no person who is unlawfully present in the United States shall be eligible for any exemption of the tuition differential.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is required of all students. Orientation sessions are completed online at the beginning of each academic semester to acquaint students with the institutions programs and policies.

Each dean is responsible for planning and providing follow-up orientation as needed for new students entering all divisions. Staff members from the Academic and Student Affairs Division and Administrative Services Division are available to share important information regarding services that are provided.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Atlanta Technical College provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations to individuals covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Special services assistance is designed to provide a comprehensive program of supportive services to individuals with disabilities. Qualified students who have a legally defined disability and wish to request accommodations must first register with the Office of Disability Services and provide documentation that describes its effect on their ability to perform in an academic environment.

Procedures for Requesting Service

In order to ensure that the appropriate supportive services are provided in an efficient and effective manner, students must adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. All written requests for assistance are required three weeks before the start date of an upcoming semester or 48 hours prior to scheduled placement testing.
  2. Students should provide medical, psychological/diagnostic report completed by a licensed physician, psychiatrist, diagnostician or psychologist within the last five years prior to the entry date for the college.
  3. Request for service personnel are required 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester and at least 3 weeks before enrollment for equipment or supplies.

Blood and Airborne Pathogens

Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens. These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that Atlanta Technical College, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from that student’s education records. Find out what FERPA is and how the laws change for parents and students when they enter college at the U.S. Department of Education.

However, Atlanta Technical College may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised Atlanta Technical College to the contrary. Public Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent. The following pieces of information are considered "public directory information:"

- Full name of student
- Major and field(s) of study
- Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.) \
- Degrees and awards and date received
- Dates of attendance
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams

If a student does not want Atlanta Technical College to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify Enrollment Services, in writing, by the first day of the semester at the registrar’s office. A student need only file this notification once during his or her enrollment. However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another TCSG technical college, a new notification must be filed.

Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Atlanta Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.
Non-public directory information is not available to the public, but is available to any college official. If the student has indicated to restrict their data, then college officials can only access the information when it is needed for educational purposes.

Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student. Questions concerning the release of student information should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Services.

Veterans and Military Services

Military Friendly

Atlanta Technical College’s Veteran Services is committed to providing direct assistance to student’s receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Although, our main goal is the initiation and assured continuation of educational benefits, we are available to provide supportive services to Veterans, National Guardsmen, Reservists, and eligible beneficiaries enrolled at Atlanta Technical College.

Atlanta Technical College provides:
• Career-focused education in more than 100 fields of study
• Job readiness assessments
• Development of individual academic advisement/completion plans
• Referrals to external support programs and services
• Academic tutoring and coaching
• Resume and interviewing assistance
• Job search resources
• And MORE!

Admission Requirements for ATC

Atlanta Technical College Programs

Applying for benefits thru the VA

Applying for your VA education benefits can be done in just a few steps:

Apply online.
• Visit your nearest VA regional office to apply in person.
• Consult with the Veteran’s Coordinator —we are located in the Student Success Center, and Financial Aid office at Atlanta Technical College. The VA Team assists students with completing their VA application forms, applying for the college, and applying for financial aid assistance.
• Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application mailed to you.

It normally takes the VA processing center 6-8 weeks to process new educational claims, so please plan accordingly.

New Student process at Atlanta Technical College

1. Never used Education Benefits? If you have not already, please apply online with VA.
    - Visit www.va.gov Education tab > Apply for Education Benefits
2. After applying for admission to ATC, students should complete the Veteran’s Information form. This form is to be completed and returned to the Veterans Coordinator or Certifying Official.
3. Once accepted, please email your current class schedule and your approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which is provided to the applicant by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also, a printable statement of education benefits from va.gov is acceptable.
4. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.

Returning Student process at Atlanta Technical College

1. Update Veterans Coordinator or the Certifying Official of any address changes, or academic program changes by completing a Veteran’s Information form.
2. After course registration, please email course schedule to your VA Team.
3. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.

Transfer Student process at Atlanta Technical College

1. Attended College, and received VA benefits.* Please complete VF 22-1995 or VF 22-5495, if not already completed online with VA.
    - Visit www.va.gov Education tab > Change your current education benefits
2. After applying for admission to ATC, students should complete the Veteran’s Information form. This form is to be completed and returned to the Veterans Coordinator or the Certifying Official.
3. Once accepted, please email your current class schedule and approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which is provided to the applicant by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also, a printable statement of education benefits from va.gov is acceptable.
4. Know your monthly education payment rate(s) for the upcoming academic year.

Transfer of Credits from Previous Institutions or the Military

There are a variety of ways that incoming students can get credit for college classes based on prior experience or learning activities, including courses taken in the military. Click here for more information on alternative credit.

VA Benefit programs available at Atlanta Technical College

Specific information on each chapter can be found on the VA’s website:

https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool
    - Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): (active duty or veteran status) must have served in the United States Armed Forces and participated in the GI Bill program. In most instances, veterans    must also have been honorably discharged.
- Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606): (selected guard and reserves) must have completed all initial entry training (IET) and are now assigned to a Reserve and/or a Georgia National Guard    Unit.
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): (service-connected disabled veterans) must make application with local VA caseworker to have rehabilitation plan developed indicating a ATC     degree plan.
- Post 9/11 (Chapter 33): must have active duty service on or after September 11, 2001. Benefit is based on service credits.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) students, please see link to GI Bill website on how your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is calculated by VA.

https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1480/kw/online%20classes
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35): Dependents and spouses of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.

Veteran Students’ Responsibility

• Students using VA Benefits at ATC have ongoing responsibilities to the VA and ATC.
• Student’s entitlement is based upon the number of credit hours for which they are certified by the Certifying Official. If changes are made after VA processes the student’s certification, the Certifying Official must be notified by the student.
• Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
• VA monthly payment rates can be viewed on the VA website: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp

Students must notify the VA Certifying Official of any of the following:
1. Change of degree program
2. Change in current semester schedule
3. Change of address
4. Out more than three semesters
5. Student does not want a semester certified

Financial Aid Assistance

• Please see The Office of Financial Aid’s website for information on applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). School Code: 00856.
Non Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 students are responsible for paying all tuition and fees by the first day of school, or payment deadline, whichever comes first. We encourage students to check their account summary by term (Banner Student Web) one week prior to the published payment deadline to confirm amount owed to the College. These applicants are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid Assistance.
• Georgia residents earning a Diploma/Degree program at ATC, and have not earned a Bachelor’s Degree, may be eligible for the HOPE GRANT Program.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

The Business Office will continually notify students via their student email account until their account balance is paid in full by the semester’s payment deadline.

Under the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407), Atlanta Technical College allows our GI Bill and VR&E students (Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries) to attend a course of education or training for up to 90 days from the date the start of the term, if the student provides a valid certificate of eligibility, or VAF 28-1905 to the VA Team.

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance Policy:

As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, Atlanta Technical College (ATC) complies with the requirements as outlined below:

Note: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

ATC permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to ATC Department of Military and Veteran Services a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, or a Statement of Benefits from the VA website e-benefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

• The date on which payment from VA is made to ATC.

• 90 days after the date ATC certified tuition and fees following receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

ATC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to ATC due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

In addition, the statute allows to require chapter 31 and chapter 33 students to take the following additional actions:

1. Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.

2. Submit a written request (Certification Request Form) to use entitlement, such as the Veterans’ Information Form.

3. Provide additional information necessary to ATC for the proper certification of enrollment including Current Class Schedule.

4. Make payment for a difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefits disbursement.

ATC will hold a student responsible for any portion of tuition and other fees not covered by the VA by the published fee payment deadline.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

For Non-Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries, if tuition and fees payment is not received by the payment deadline, then the student’s course schedule would be removed by ATC Business Office, and the student would not have a financial penalty due to the college for tuition and fees. Students will receive a warning message from the Bursar to confirm the date of this process.

Please contact the Certifying Official if you have questions or concerns on submitting tuition and fees payment(s) by the payment deadline.

Please read carefully to review the financial agreement for Atlanta Technical College.
Chapter 30, 32, 1606, 1607, and 35: Student is responsible for paying tuition and fees by the payment deadline.
Chapter 33 (Post-9/11): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
- Vets receiving Post 9/11 benefits must have a valid COE (Certificate of Eligibility) on file in our office to qualify for the deferment plan.
- *Failure to provide Certificate of Eligibility will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehab): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
- Vets receiving Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits must have a current VA Form 28-1905 on file from their Voc. Rehab Counselor to qualify for the deferment plan.
- *Failure to provide VAF 28-1905 form will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.

Academic Polices

• The Department of Veterans Affairs have mandatory regulations regarding Academic Progress and approved academic programs for which impacts students receiving education benefits. Click here to read the school’s policy concerning academic probation/suspension. ATC students receiving education benefits must adhere to the academic school’s policy.
• Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
• Please contact the VA team to verify if your academic program of study is approved by our State Approving Agency.

Military Tuition Assistance

Service members who intend to use Tuition Assistance should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling at Atlanta Technical College. If Military Tuition Assistance is not approved by the Service prior to the start date of classes, the service member may be responsible for all tuition costs. Please allow for adequate processing time prior to the intended start date at the College.

Students utilizing Tuition Assistance (TA) through the Department of Defense (DOD), who withdraw from any course before the 60% point of the term, will have unearned funds returned on a proportional basis to the TA program. The calculation will be based on: number of days completed divided by total days in the enrollment period (semester).

Academic Transfer Information

• Students receiving VA Benefits are required to furnish school &/or military transcript(s) of all previous education and training, and submit a ATC Transfer of Credit Request Form to the Registrar Office.
• Army Personnel Website: http://aarts.army.mil
• Navy Personnel Website: https://smart.navy.mil
• VA does not pay for repeated coursework earned at another college. However, if a student failed a class, or if the ATC program of study requires a higher grade than the one achieved in a particular class for successful completion, that class may be repeated, and certified to VA again.

How to Purchase Books?

Financial Aid students may visit the ATC Bookstore if they have a financial aid credit on their account summary, this option is available the first two weeks of school.

Chapter 31 students may visit the Bookstore to purchase required books/supplies, up to $40, and other expenses approved on their VAF 28-1905 form approved by VRC.

Chapter 33 students receive a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.00 paid proportionately based on enrollment.

Before the start of each term, to receive your first month of eligible monthly payment(s) at the appropriate time from VA, please submit your class schedule to your VA Team no later than three weeks before the start of the term, and submit any changes that may follow, in person or via email.

Chapter 30, 35, and 1606 Monthly Verification for Students
All students receiving Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits must verify their monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after. The benefit (monetary award) will not be released by the VA until this is done. Enrollment verification can be accomplished by using the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378 or the WAVE feature found on the VA website www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Chapter 35 students enrolled in Diploma and Certificate programs only, must verify monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after by contacting the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378.

Contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office

Questions regarding student eligibility and approved payment(s) should be directed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

Phone: 1.888.GI.BILL.1 (1.888.442.4551)

Ask a Question Online: www.gibill.custhelp.va.gov, click on “Ask a Question or Find Answers".

Atlanta Technical College Veteran and Military Affairs Contacts

Student Certifying Official (SCO)
Veterans/Military Financial Advisor
Sherry Cochran
Phone: 404-225-4718
Email: Veterans@atlantatech.edu

Veterans Affairs Coordinator
Bernita Banks
Phone: 404-225-4022
Email: bbanks@atlantatech.edu

ATC Veterans Club

The ATC Veterans’ Club was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Club events may include, but are not limited to, film discussions, guest speakers, community service, field trips, and social events. Membership is open to any student, staff member, or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues. For more information, please contact Veterans’ Club Advisor Bernita Banks by e-mail or phone at 404.225.4022 for meeting times, and upcoming events.

Readmission of Service Members

I. Scope and Purpose
In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Atlanta Technical College (ATC) will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.

II. Eligibility
This policy shall apply to:
Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days; and
Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for less than 30 days when such an absence would result in a withdrawal from the college.

A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority). The cumulative length of all absences for uniformed service (service time only) must not exceed five years.

A student must provide orders, or written notice by Commanding Officer, of a Uniformed Service Obligation, such as Temporary Duty (TDY), etc., to the Office of Veteran Affairs (veterans@atlantatech.edu) as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the College.

III. Notification of Intent to Return
The student must also give oral or written notice of Intent to Return to ATC within three years after the completion of the period of service. Immediately upon the student's return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits outlined in this policy.
The student is required to provide official military obligation documentation to the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.

IV. Tuition and Fees

A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended, unless veterans' education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees in excess of what other students in the program are charged. 

V. Readmission Requirements
A returning student will be permitted to reenroll in the next class(es) scheduled in the same academic program, unless the student requests a later date of reenrollment or agrees to a different program. A returning student will be readmitted into the same academic program the student was enrolled in prior to the military service obligation. If the exact program no longer exists, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program. Returning students will be reenrolled with the same enrollment status, number of completed credit hours, and academic standing as the last academic year of attendance.

If the College determines that a returning student is not prepared to reenroll in the same academic program with the same academic status or is unable to complete the program, the college must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume or complete the program at no additional cost to the student. If such efforts are unsuccessful or place an undue hardship on the College, the College is not required to readmit the student.

In accordance with federal regulations, returning students who receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) are not eligible for readmission under this policy. However, servicemembers who receive dishonorable or bad conduct discharge may remain eligible for readmission even though they will not be entitled to the benefits outlined in this policy.

Prohibition Against Inducements, Commission and High-Pressure Recruitment Tactics

Atlanta Technical College does not provide any inducements to any individual or entity to secure the enrollment of military service members or obtain military provided tuition assistance. Inducements include any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount.
Atlanta Technical College also refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Atlanta Technical College will not use high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, nor engage in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing military service member enrollments.