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Academic and Student Support Services

Academic Support Center

Have you ever wondered why some students make better grades and appear to have an easier time in college than others' Often, it is simply a matter of having good study skills. Simple strategies that can help ensure academic success include:

  • Good time management
  • Regular class attendance
  • Daily review of assigned readings and class notes
  • Class participation
  • Seeking assistance from instructors

Academic Support Center staff members offer free assistance in many areas leading to student success. Staff members and peer tutors provide one-on-one tutoring in various subjects, including learning support courses. Computerized tutorials present material in an interactive format, and students may use these materials in the Academic Support Center. Handouts on particular problem areas and the center's On the Web series help students gain skills on their own or with minimal assistance.

Math assistance, given in individual and small-group tutoring sessions, covers all mathematics courses taught at the college. Math videos reinforce classroom instruction and individual tutoring, and students may check these videos out for viewing at home. English assistance, reinforces proper English usage for learning support English through the upper-level English courses offered at the college. Science tutoring focuses on the various science courses taught at the college.

The Academic Support Center is located in K-600 (the Paul C. Broun Building) on the Athens Campus. The telephone number is (706) 583-2839. The Academic Support Center on the Elbert County Campus is in Room 314 in the General Classroom Building and can be contacted at (706) 213-2100. A support services coordinator provides student support services, academic support services, and library services and assistance in Room 103 at the Greene County Campus (706-453-0536) and in the Administrative Office area at the Walton County Campus (770-207-3130). Students on the Elbert County, Greene County, and Walton County Campuses are able to receive online assistance with their English papers from staff members in the Academic Support Center on the Athens Campus. Please contact the appropriate center location for hours of operation.

Athens Technical College Emergency Notification System

As part of a continuing effort to ensure a safe college environment, Athens Technical College implemented a rapid emergency notification system that allows the college to convey time-sensitive information within minutes through a single communication to students, faculty and staff. With the emergency notification system, Athens Technical College can schedule, send, and track personalized voice, email, and text messages. These messages can be sent via three different modes of communication:

  • Voice messages to home, work, and/or cell phones
  • Text messages to cell phones, PDAs, and other text-based devices
  • Written messages to email accounts

Notifying appropriate parties immediately is crucial in emergencies such as severe environmental conditions, acts of campus violence, or circumstances that call for immediate notification or action. Accurate, timely communication helps to minimize the spread of misinformation. These emergency messages can also provide detailed instructions on what steps individuals should take.

Athens Technical College students, faculty, and staff are automatically added to the emergency notification system. Every person is encouraged to review his or her emergency notification system contact information for accuracy and to add additional contact information such as cell phone numbers to the notification list. Please click on the ATC Alert icon on the college website (www.athenstech.edu) or go to https://www.getrave.com/login/athenstech each semester to register or update your information. Athens Technical College tests its emergency notification system on a semi-annual basis. An announcement indicating the date and time of the test message will be sent to all faculty, staff, and students.

Bookstore

New and used books, reference books, study aids, diskettes, book bags, college paraphernalia, and various program supplies are available from the campus bookstore. Bookstore personnel place special orders and accept VISA and MasterCard for purchase payment.

Campus Security

The safety of students, visitors, faculty, and staff is a priority of Athens Technical College. Campus security officers are responsible for completing crime and accident reports and for responding to emergencies. They are also responsible for enforcing other regulations such as parking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and underage drinking.

Security officers file incident reports by their nature, date, time, general location, and disposition of the complaint. The director of computer technology training and campus security maintains a record of the incident reports for a maximum of three years, and the college shall make the incident reports available to the public within two business days of receiving a written request unless disclosure of such information would:

  • Be prohibited by law
  • Jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim
  • Jeopardize an on-going criminal investigation
  • Jeopardize the safety of an individual
  • Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection
  • Result in the destruction of evidence

In addition to campus security officers, Athens Technical College employs uniformed officers to provide police services on the Athens, Elbert, Greene, and Walton campuses. These uniformed officers have the authority to arrest individuals.

Procedures for Reporting Incidents: In the event of accidents or injuries, other medical emergencies, or crime-related incidents, someone witnessing the incident should notify the nearest instructor or staff member immediately. This procedure does not prohibit or impede the reporting of an emergency directly to the appropriate party (i.e., police, fire, ambulance, hospital, etc.). A college administrator will secure professional emergency care if needed.

As a nonresidential college, Athens Technical College expects students to secure normal medical services through a family physician. In the case of serious accidents or illnesses, the college will refer students to the nearest hospital for emergency care and will notify their emergency contacts. Students and/or their families are responsible for the cost of such emergency care.

College officials notify the local police when someone commits a crime on campus or at college-sponsored events. In case of accidents or injuries, other medical emergencies, or crime-related incidents involving students, visitors, or employees, the persons involved must complete and return incident report forms to the director computer technology training and campus security.

Faculty advisors of chartered campus organizations must report criminal incidents committed by students while participating in college-sponsored activities both on and off campuses and properties. The advisors must submit these reports in writing to the vice president for student affairs. Students who violate the Student Conduct Code or who commit crimes of misdemeanor or felonious nature, as defined by the Criminal Code of Georgia, while participating in college-sponsored activities will be subject to a hearing before a duly appointed judicial body (see Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures). The vice president for student affairs will report violations of local, state, and/or federal laws to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Campus Facilities and Security Access
The Maintenance Department maintains college buildings and grounds with concern for safety and security. This department inspects campus facilities regularly and promptly makes repairs. Students and employees must call the Office of Finance and Administration at (706) 355-5116 to report any hazard. The Maintenance Department routinely inspects college facilities to review lighting and environmental safety.

Most campus facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. Members of the maintenance staff on the Athens and Elbert County campuses unlock and lock buildings each day. Administrative staff at the Greene County and Walton County Campuses is responsible for securing those facilities. When officially closed, all college facilities remain locked and accessible only to employees with keys.

Career Services

The mission of the Career Services Office is to provide students and alumni with assistance in learning about the world of work, developing job search skills, and locating suitable employment opportunities. Staff in Career Services offer regularly scheduled workshops on topics such as career exploration, resume development, cover letter writing, and interviewing skills. Students will be able to learn strategies and techniques on how to be successful in a competitive and dynamic job market. For additional information, contact the career services coordinator on the Athens Campus. The telephone number is (706) 355-5006. Career service assistance is available on all campuses of the college.

The Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) is available online to students and alumni. It offers information on educational programs and occupations to assist students in matching interests and abilities to specific occupations. The occupation section contains the latest data on jobs such as working conditions, hiring requirements, employment outlook by geographic area, and ways to prepare for employment. The educational component of GCIS contains information on colleges in Georgia and programs of study offered in a given area of interest. The job search file provides information on preparing resumes, completing job applications, and developing effective interviewing skills. There is also information on financial aid, military careers, and self-employment.

Employers who do not discriminate in their employment practices or policies on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law) are encouraged to contact the Career Services Office to post announcement of their job openings free of charge. Staffing agencies (third party recruiters) may participate in posting their available positions only in the event there is no charge to students for successful placement.

Employment opportunities are posted on the college website (www.athenstech.edu; select Current Students and then Career Services). The Athens Technical College Job Referral Listings provide a link to recent job announcements from local and regional employers in the public and private sectors. Positions are also posted on the job boards located on each campus. Other resources for job leads are listed on the Career Services link.

Disability Services

Students may request accommodations for disabilities through the Student Support Services Office on the Athens Campus. Current documentation of disabilities must accompany requests for accommodations. Staff members on the Athens Campus coordinate delivery of services on other campuses through the Athens Campus to ensure that students receive appropriate assistance. For more information, contact the coordinator for disabilities services at (706) 355-5006 or the Georgia Relay Center at 1-800-255-0056 (TTY only). Please direct voice calls to the Georgia Relay Center by calling 1-800-255-0135.

Emergency Action Plan

Each classroom and laboratory contains a posted emergency action plan for fire or hazardous weather conditions. The plan includes evacuation instructions in case of emergency.

In the event of fire, personal injury, or criminal action, someone witnessing the incident should notify the nearest instructor or staff member immediately. That person should also notify the director of computer technology training and campus security (706-357-0050) or the vice president for student affairs (706-355-5029) immediately. If an emergency occurs on the Elbert (706-213-2100), Greene (706-453-7435), or Walton (770-207-3130) campuses, contact the respective campus director immediately. If the situation is a dire emergency, an employee should call 911 before contacting a vice president or director.

A student who experiences any personal injury must complete an incident report for the director of computer technology training and campus security as soon as possible.

Athens Technical College emails and/or posts crime alerts to give prompt warning to members of the college community regarding the occurrence of serious crimes and to encourage members of the college community to take appropriate safety precautions. Emails are sent to students' official @student.athenstech.edu email accounts and to faculty and staff via their official college email address. The president, a vice president, or a campus director or manager is responsible for issuing these warnings.

Emergency Messages

If immediate family members need to contact students on campus because of a medical emergency or death in the family, they can call (706) 355-5005 for the Athens Campus, (706) 213-2100 for the Elbert County Campus, (706) 453-7435 for the Greene County Campus, or (770) 207-3130 for the Walton County Campus. This service is for major emergencies only.

First Aid

First aid supplies and first aid to the injured are available. Since Athens Technical College is nonresidential, students normally secure medical services through their primary care physicians. In case of serious accidents or illnesses, staff members refer students to the nearest hospital or to the hospital of the injured student's choice for emergency care. The staff person will also attempt to notify relatives of students. Students and/or their families are responsible for the cost of such emergency care and ambulance service if needed. The college requires all students to purchase state-mandated accident insurance at registration. This coverage protects students while they are engaged in college activities for the entire semester. In case of accidents, students are responsible for any expenses not paid by this accident insurance (see General Accident Insurance).

Housing

There are no dormitory facilities at any of the college's four campuses, but there are a number of housing options (apartments, private rentals, and real estate agencies) in Athens and the surrounding area that cater specifically to students. Students should consult local advertising supplements, newspapers, and telephone directories for specific listings.

Identification Cards

The Office of Student Activities is responsible for producing identification cards for students enrolled at Athens Technical College. All students must have a current student identification card while enrolled at the college. This identification card serves as a method to prove that students are enrolled, is used as a library card, and grants students access to other campus services such as the academic support center. Student identification cards are also used to identify students at clinical and internship sites associated with individual programs of study.

Students may obtain identification cards at scheduled times each week in Room H-754 inside the Student Center on the Athens Campus, the Student Affairs Office on the Elbert County Campus, the Director's Office at the Greene County Campus, and the Director's Office at the Walton County Campus. Students may schedule appointments to have their identification cards made. Students receive their first identification card at no cost, but replacement cards are $5.

Library Services

There are libraries on each of the ATC's campuses where students can study and have the librarians and staff help with finding and citing information. The library houses books, including popular reading collection, journals, newspapers, and videos. Students may borrow or use materials at any ATC library location, and access online resources such as ebooks and journal articles from off campus. Contact the library about the Interlibrary Loan service, which allows the borrowing of books and journal articles from other libraries, and to obtain borrowing privilege from The University of Georgia.

Most of the resources available to students can be located or accessed through the library's web page: http://library.athenstech.edu. In addition to the print and video titles, there are many online resources available. GALILEO, Georgia's virtual library, is the place to look for articles, reference books, statistics, and Georgia history. Off-campus access requires a password that changes each semester and can be obtained from the library.

Additional databases are available through the webpage. Learning Express Library includes tutorials on computer basics; admission and placement preparation; occupational practice tests; and skill improvement for English, math, and science.

The library facilities include study areas, computers, WiFi, and a photocopier. Copies are available at five cents per page with cash; B/W or color printing charges are ten cents and fifty cents respectively with a WEPA print card or a debit or credit card.

Students can manage their library accounts to request titles and renew their materials to avoid late fines of twenty-five cents per day. The normal checkout period for books is three weeks. Students may find that their instructors will place titles on reserve at the service desk for a more limited checkout period. Videos may be checked out for three days.

For library news and announcements visit the library web page and Facebook page, and contact the library staff by phone, email (alibrary@athenstech.edu) or in person with any questions! They are always ready to assist you.

The following section provides information on the location, telephone numbers, and hours of operation for the libraries at each of the campuses of Athens Technical College.

  • Athens Campus Library
    • First Floor, Kenneth Easom Building (Building F)
    • (706) 355-5020
    • Athens Campus Library Hours
      • 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
      • 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday
      • 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday between semesters
  • Elbert County Campus Library
    • Room 121, Yeargin Building
    • (706) 213-2116
    • Elbert County Campus Library Hours
      • 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
      • 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday between semesters
  • Greene County Campus Library
    • Room 103, Main Building
    • (706) 453-0536
    • Greene County Campus Library Hours
      • 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday between semesters
  • Walton County Campus Library
    • Room 505
    • (770) 207-4120
    • Walton County Campus Library Hours
      • 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday
      • 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday between semesters

Live Work

As part of their laboratory experiences, students in Automotive Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Diesel Technology, and Dental Hygiene perform program-related work for faculty and staff members and fellow students. The Cosmetology and Dental Hygiene programs also seek and accept members of the general public as clients/patients.

In consulting with faculty, administration, and program advisory committee members, each program chair has developed and implemented a written live work plan with the following components:

  • A description of how completion of live work supports and enhances the curriculum
  • The types of work that may be performed and for whom
  • The parameters within which live work may be conducted (day/times)
  • The procedures to be followed
  • The customers' assumption of risk for the work being performed
  • The costs related to services (fees and/or purchase of parts and supplies)

Live work plans further stipulate that students and facilities will not be used for personal gain or profit and ensure that live work projects are not of a production nature and thus do not compete with private enterprises. Live work projects are designed for compliance with the Governor's Executive Order on Ethics.

Live work cannot and will not be performed solely by instructors; student participation is required. Live work will be performed consistent with established program standards and desired student learning outcomes.

Procedures for live work projects are available on the college's website (www.athenstech.edu; select General Information and then Live Work. Click on the appropriate link at the bottom of the webpage).

Lost and Found

Anyone who finds lost items should turn the items in to the main office at any campus.

Mental Health

While attending college can be an exciting time in the life of a student, it can also come with a number of stressors when family, work, and school responsibilities begin to compete for a student's time. In the event that these responsibilities prove too much, students are urged to seek help from the Student Support Services staff on the Athens Campus. Although they are not able to provide ongoing counseling services, the staff can assist students who are in crisis and then refer them to counseling agencies in the community for continued care. Students can also obtain help from the Student Support Services staff in developing career goals, learning to manage academic programs, and dealing with work-related, personal, or financial problems. The Office of Student Support Services is available to assist students with personal problems that affect academic progress and interpersonal relationships that impact individual development.

When students' needs for mental health services go beyond the scope of what is available at the college, the Student Support Services staff can refer students to community agencies that are better equipped to provide individuals with appropriate long-term care.

New Student Orientation

Athens Technical College delivers New Student Orientation online through the college website (www.athenstech.edu; select Current Students and then Orientation). All newly accepted students must complete the New Student Orientation. They must earn a minimum score of 80 percent on the assessment included at the end of the online module in order to be eligible to register for classes.

Students have two options for completing the New Student Orientation. They may complete it online from any computer with Internet access prior to the New Student Advising and Registration Day. Once they complete the online orientation, they must print off the proof of completion and bring it the New Student Advising and Registration Day. Students who do not have a computer with Internet Access may complete the orientation in one of the college's on-campus computer labs. Staff assistance is available on campus.

Parking

Students pay a $15 parking fee, which is included as part of the semester registration fee. Students obtain parking decals in the Admissions Office on the Athens Campus, the Student Affairs Office on the Elbert County Campus, the Director's Office at the Greene County Campus, and the Director's Office on the Walton County Campus. Parking decals must be displayed on students' vehicles at all times. Students must park in designated student parking areas. Students may not be able to park in a lot directly adjacent to their classroom building; therefore, students should allow ample time to park and walk across campus before the start of their classes.

Security guards patrol campus to enforce parking regulations and to assist with vehicle problems. Campus security issues tickets for illegally parked vehicles, including vehicles without proper parking decals or those parked in reserved or restricted areas or on campus lawns. Athens Technical College security has the right to tow illegally parked vehicles and to assess a towing fine. Students who receive tickets must pay their fines before registering for classes, receiving grades or transcripts, or graduating.

Carpool and LEV Parking: Carpool and LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) parking spaces are available at Building B (Life Sciences Building) on the Athens Campus. Students and college employees may park in these spaces after obtaining a carpool or LEV parking decal in the Student Affairs Office in Building H-700.

No Parking Zones/Fire Lanes: Parking is not permitted in the fire lane are or no-parking zones located at the entrances of each building. Vehicles parked in these locations may be towed at the students' expenses. Parked vehicles cannot block access to buildings or to the drives leading to buildings.

Parking for Persons with Disabilities: Students and employees with disabilities (permanent or temporary) who require special parking accommodations must first obtain a special parking decal from the Georgia State Patrol. This decal, when displayed with a regular Athens Technical College parking permit, allows students to park their vehicles in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

Parking on Lawns: Parking on the lawn or any grassy area is prohibited. Vehicles parked in these areas may be towed.

Reserved Parking: Throughout all campuses, reserved parking spaces are clearly marked by a sign or by orange cones. Students are not permitted to park in reserved parking spaces.

Staff Parking: Parking spaces designed as "Staff" are reserved 24 hours for employees and instructors of the college. Students are not allowed to park in staff parking spaces.

Visitor Parking: For security purposes, visitors must display visitor parking dash cards in their vehicles. Parking dash cards are available in the Student Affairs Office at the Elbert County Campus and in the Director's Office at both the Greene County Campus and the Walton County Campus. Visitors to the Athens Campus may obtain parking dash cards from the Office of Student Affairs, the Library, the Office of Economic Development Services, and the Office of Administration and Finance. Vendors and invited guests obtain parking dash cards from the person they are to meet with while on campus. Visitor parking spaces are available in front of Building H-the Student Affairs/Student Center Building-on the Athens Campus.

Public Transportation

Athens Transit Authority provides bus service to the Athens Campus. Call (706) 613-3430 to obtain information.

Safety Escorts

Students who would like safety escorts from classes to their vehicles should contact campus security at (706) 621-9860 or (706) 621-9817 on the Athens Campus or (706) 213-2100 on the Elbert County Campus. Staff members at the Greene County Campus and Walton County Campus will assist students at those locations.

Sexual Health

According to the World Health Organization, "Sexual health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence."

In order to help students gain a greater understanding of the various aspects of sexual health, the Student Activities Office, in conjunction with the Student Support Services Office, offers educational programming on this subject throughout the academic year. Topics may include information on safe sex practices, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, intimacy in relations, and individual rights in sexual encounters.

The director of student activities and the director of student support services post notices in advance to announce these seminars. They also post information on the college website, on electronic message boards, and on bulletin boards around each campus.

Student Email Accounts

Athens Technical College has partnered with Microsoft and its Live@EDU program to provide free ATC email accounts and other services for all registered students. Student email accounts are created once students have been accepted to the college. Each student email address is composed of the first name, last name, and the last three digits of the student's ID number followed by @student.athenstech.edu. For example, John Smith with student ID number 910199045 would be assigned the email address of johnsmith045@student.athenstech.edu. The email password will be set initially as the student's eight digit birth date (mmddyyyy). Additional information on student email accounts may be obtained on the college website (www.athenstech.edu; select Current Students and then Student Email).

All official communications from the Office of Student Affairs, which includes Academic Affairs, Admissions, Career Services, Disabilities Services, Financial Aid, Registration and Records, Student Activities, and Testing Services, will be sent to students' @student.athenstech.edu email addresses once they are accepted to the college. The Office of Student Affairs will email information on registration dates, financial aid eligibility, academic probation/dismissal, and all other forms of official communication to currently enrolled students via their official college email address. Students must check their @student.athenstech.edu email account on a regular basis and must use their student email accounts for all correspondence with college personnel.

Telephone Services for Hearing Impaired

The Relay Center service is available to receive incoming or make outgoing telephone calls for persons with speech or hearing impairments. The center provides relay service for telephone calls, either personal or business, to or from customers with speech or hearing impairments within Georgia. Call 1-800-255-0056 (TTY only) or 1-800-255-0135 (voice) to contact the center.