1. Clayton State University provides academically talented high school students with opportunities for acceleration of their formal academic programs via participation in (a) a joint enrollment program or (b) early admission program.

• Joint Enrollment Program – offers qualified high school juniors and seniors the option to begin working toward a college degree, while still pursuing a high school diploma. This program enables participants to fulfill high school graduation requirements by taking college courses that provide dual credit, simultaneously completing high school course requirements, too. Most high school students participate in joint enrollment.

• Early Admission Program – enables qualified high school students the opportunity to enroll as a full-time college student following completion of the junior year in high school. In comparison, very few high school students participate in the early admission program.

Note – students participating in the Joint Enrollment Program are designated by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents (BOR) with a special “student type” classification, which is “Joint Enrollment” (Code “J”). The USG BOR reg governing Joint Enrollment is specified within the Academic Affairs Handbook, USG Section 301.01C (Subj: Exceptions to Freshman Admission Requirements for Special Groups of Students).

http://www.usg.edu/academics/handbook/section3/301-310/301-310.phtml#3.01.01C

2. New Program Name and Terminology Clarification:

New Program Name - at Clayton State University , the joint enrollment program was previously referenced as the “Freshman Scholar” program, but now is simply referred to as the “ Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program (AJEP) ,” which reflects a more contemporary name. The new program name connects or links the new funding mechanism (i.e., Accel) and the USG BOR student classification or program designation (i.e., Joint Enrollment). Additionally, the Accel Program recently replaced the Georgia Post-Secondary Options (PSO) Program.

Clarifying Terminology - the University System of Georgia (USG) and most Georgia colleges or universities use the term “joint enrollment” to describe H.S. students taking college courses and simultaneously receiving H.S. credit, whereas the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and most Georgia high schools often use the term “dual enrollment.” Other states and associated literature often use the term “concurrent enrollment.” In reality, the terms: joint, dual, and concurrent enrollment are essentially interchangeable or the same.
 

3. Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program – Focus, Commitment, and Intent:

Program Focus - the newly designed Clayton State University Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program is succinctly focused on student success by implementing one of the best and most innovative Joint Enrollment programs in the State of Georgia . The progressive program is formulated to be student-centered and family-friendly, while establishing a collaborative partnership with the surrounding school systems, private educational organizations, and communities.

The Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program is committed to serving the joint enrollment needs and interests of eligible high school students throughout Clayton State 's service area, including Clayton, Fayette, Henry, (South) Fulton, and (East) Coweta counties, given their close geographic proximity to Clayton State University and respective CSU Off-Campus Instructional Sites. Additionally, the program has historically served the joint enrollment needs of eligible high school students from the Atlanta (city) Public Schools and Dekalb, Rockdale, Spalding, Butts, and Newton counties. Students, families, H.S. Counselors and Principals should be aware that Clayton State values joint enrollment students and these students receive top priority within the Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program and throughout the university community.

The intent of the Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program at Clayton State is to enhance students' credentials, capabilities, and confidence, while enabling program participants the opportunity to get an early start to their college career. This unique opportunity (i.e., the ability of high school students to engage college courses) increases the probability that joint enrollment students (a) are better prepared for the culture and rigors of college, (b) earn their undergraduate degrees faster, and (c) enter graduate school or the workforce (ahead of their peers). One of the intangibles of program participation involves enhancing student confidence by demonstrating that joint enrollment students can succeed on a university campus and within a collegiate classroom. This experience greatly enhances “freshman” success.
 

4. Participation Guidelines - to participate in joint enrollment, a student must be enrolled in a Georgia public or private secondary high school (or equivalent), which is accredited by one of the following:

• Regional Accrediting Association (such as the SACS)
• Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC)
• Georgia Private School Accrediting Commission (GAPSAC)
• Accrediting Commission for Independent Study (ACIS)
• Public school regulated by a school system and GaDOE

Note – in some cases, certain “home school” or private secondary education organizations or groups are recognized by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), as approved by the Georgia Accrediting Commission/GAC ( http://www.coe.uga.edu/gac/ ).

5. Basic Joint Enrollment Student Eligibility Requirements:

Students must/be …

• Classified as a high school junior or senior pursuing a high school diploma from an eligible Georgia public or private high school;

• Enrolled in an eligible Georgia public or private college/university or public technical college as a dual credit student taking approved college degree-level course work;

• Legal resident of Georgia ;

• U.S. citizen or national of the U.S. or have evidence from INS of eligible permanent resident alien status;

• In compliance with Selective Service registration requirements;

• In compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990;

• Not in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program;

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the college.

6. ACCEL Program Funding:

Eligible students who are interested in joint enrollment or early admission typically qualify for funding under the Accel Program or a special HOPE funding category, which is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). The Accel Program is designed for students classified as high school juniors and seniors at accredited public or private high schools (or equivalent) in the state of Georgia . Funding for students, under the auspices of the Accel Program is available during all school terms (notably fall and spring), except summer. The program allows students to pursue postsecondary study at approved public colleges/universities, while receiving dual or joint high school credit for approved college courses successfully completed.

The purpose of the Accel Program is to make funding available to eligible Georgia high school students and provide them the opportunity to earn college degree-level credit hours as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements by providing grant assistance toward their cost of college attendance.

High School students participating in the GSFC Accel Program receive a funding award that covers tuition, USG/BOR approved fees, and a book allowance up to $150 per semester. Technically, the GSFC Accel Program awards eligble H.S. juniors and seniors a state-funded “ Non-Need Based Grant” to pursue postsecondary educational opportunities.

The “official” GSFC Accel Program reg is located within the Accel page/link on the GAcollege411 web site, at -

http://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/2006/2006_accel_regs.pdf

7. Program Emphasis on Core Courses:

• Generally, students participating in joint enrollment or the early admission program take college-level courses from the University System Core Curriculum or courses for which Core Curriculum courses are prerequisites or co-requisites.

• As a good reference, courses denoted on the Accel High School Course Directory are the core courses authorized and funded under the Accel program.

http://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/2005/accel_hs_dir_2005.pdf

NOTE – the GSFC Accel High School Course Directory is updated periodically. Additionally, the directory provides high school counselors with the appropriate codes to complete Part II of the Accel application.

8. Part-time and Full-time Student Enrollment Options: 

Eligible students have the option (pending approval) to participate or enroll in the Joint Enrollment Program either, part-time or full-time. Part-time participation generally means that high school students will continue to engage the majority of their high school curriculum and extracurricular activities, while attending one or two college courses at Clayton State on a purely part-time basis. Conversely, full-time participation in joint enrollment generally means that high school students will attend all or the majority of their classes at Clayton State and consequently not take any high school courses (…or possibly take only one or two high school courses). Most often, high school students participating full-time in the Joint Enrollment Program are placed in a “ghost” homeroom at their high school for management purposes. In many instances, High Schools continue to receive FTE credit for students participating in the Joint Enrollment Program.

As a general rule, part-time participation in college involves taking 1-3 college courses, which normally equates to 3-11 college credit hours. Full-time participation in college involves taking 4-6 college courses, which normally equates to 12-18 college credit hours. The maximum college credit a student can take at Clayton State is 18 college credit hours. Often, the decision to engage the Joint Enrollment Program on a part-time or full-time basis is dependent on many different factors and requires close coordination between the key players , including the student, parents (or guardian), the high school counselor (…or in some cases the Principal), and the Accel Program Director/Academic Advisor (Dr. Hall).

9. USG BOR Joint Enrollment Admission Requirements:

Joint enrolled or early admission program students must be admitted to Clayton State University and are required to complete appropriate admissions requirements, including a CSU Application for Admission.

The minimum admission standards for joint enrollment and early admission are:  

• Minimum SAT I score of 970, combined Verbal and Mathematics sections, or ACT Composite of 20;

• Minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher in courses taken from the required 16 CPC units;

• Exemption of all learning support requirements for early admission;

• Written consent of parent or guardian (if the student is a minor);

• On track towards the completion of the University System of Georgia 16-unit CPC requirements and high school graduation.

Students intending to complete their CPC or high school graduation requirements by enrolling in college courses must also meet the following admission requirements:

• CPC English and/or Social Science - students planning to complete their 4th year of high school English and/or social studies requirements with college credit must have an SAT I Verbal score of 530 or higher or ACT English score of 23.

• CPC Math - student's planning to complete their 4th year of high school mathematics must have completed Algebra I and II and Geometry and have a SAT I Math score of at least 530 or ACT Math scores of at least 22.

10. Electives - students can enroll in appropriate elective courses as approved by the high school counselor and the Clayton State Accel (Joint Enrollment) academic advisor. Students must have completed two units of a foreign language to enroll in a college foreign language course and three units of science prior to enrolling in a college science course. The option to take electives is a perfect opportunity (a) for high school seniors (especially second semester seniors) to participate in joint enrollment and get an early jump on college or (b) for H.S. juniors to initially ease into the program, prior to full participation during their senior year.

11. Special Academic Recognition and Joint Enrollment Honors: Return to top

Clayton State University “joint enrolled or early admission” students are afforded the opportunity to achieve a special academic recognition and participate in various Joint Enrollment and Academic Outreach-sponsored (honors-oriented) programs, activities, and ceremonies, which are all designed to enhance the “their” credentials, collegiate experience, and university collegiality.

• Freshman Scholar – students accepted into the joint enrollment or early admission program with an SAT score (combined math/verbal) of 1060 or higher and a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher (in courses taken from the required 16 CPC units), receive special recognition as a Freshman Scholar. A student designated as a Freshman Scholar (while participating in the joint enrollment or early admission program), must maintain a 3.0 average or higher on all Clayton State University college course work in order to maintain the special recognition status and serve as a distinguished member of the Freshman Scholar Academy .

• PTK International Honor Society – qualifying Joint Enrollment students will receive an invitation to participate in the renowned Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. International Honor Society members in good standing are eligible for additional academic honors, scholarships, and programs under the auspices of Phi Theta Kappa.

• PTK Leadership Development Studies Program - joint enrollment or early admission program students will receive an opportunity (via an in-kind or chapter scholarship) to engage the nationally recognized PTK Leadership Development Studies Program course and follow-on PTK Certificate of Recognition for Achievement in Applied Leadership Development Studies.

• Collegiate Leadership Academy - the leadership development studies program(s) are affiliated with the Collegiate Leadership Academy (sponsored by Academic Outreach), which consists of additional professional education course opportunities and credential enhancing activities for H.S. students. Academy students can engage the following courses/training: (a) Virtual Wellness Center modules, (b) Advanced First Aid and CPR training/certification, (c) Self-Defense and Personal Safety education/ certification, and (d) Emerging Educational Technologies course.

12. Joint Enrollment versus Advanced Placement (AP): 

Clayton State University recognizes that the joint enrollment program is designed for a special niche of high school students. Often, High School Advanced Placement (AP) students are very content with their AP courses, thus joint enrollment may not fit their needs or interests. Also, Clayton State University has enormous respect for high school AP programs and the joint enrollment program is not intended to compete with those type programs, although opportunities exist for AP students to supplement or complement some of their curriculum with “elective” joint enrollment courses in a part-time capacity. Additionally, it is important to note that once joint enrollment students complete their respective semester-length college courses, “they” immediately receive college credit and are eligible to be credited for dual (H.S.) credit, versus having to engage an AP course over a year-long period and achieving a certain score on the end-of-course AP exam—in order to earn/receive college credit.

Important and Interesting Fact – in the current 2005-06 CSU class of 41 joint enrollment students, approximately 60% of those students are engaging the program full-time, thus this special group is destined to graduate from high school at the end of this spring semester, while simultaneously completing their freshman year of college or at least the first two semesters of core classes.

13. Admissions Deadlines and Flexibility :

As with any college or university, there are typical deadlines for admissions applications, class enrollment, and financial aid. The good news about the Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program at Clayton State is the reality that there is true flexibility regarding joint enrollment admissions and enrollment into college courses. Essentially, the CSU Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program has waived deadlines for Joint Enrollment students, given ‘their' special status and the fact that the university actively seeks capable H.S. students to participate in the program. Clayton State tries very hard to accommodate joint enrollment students.

Bottom-line – the CSU Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program Director (Dr. Hall) and the university Admissions/Orientation staffs will work with H.S. students (and their families) to get them into the program and courses, even in a last-minute scenario.

14. Declaring a Major and Academic Advisement – Joint Enrollment students will typically “declare” or select a college major when they apply to be admitted to the university. In reality, this declaration is not significant (…at this point in time) because Joint Enrollment students are focused on taking core classes. Additionally, the Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program Academic Advisor (Dr. Hall) is responsible for all academic advisement for Joint Enrollment students.

15. Additional “Need to Know” Information :

• Financial Aid Reminder – once the Accel Program application is finalized by Dr. Hall (i.e., completing Part 3), the original application is forwarded to the Clayton State Financial Aid Office, where the application is processed and Joint Enrollment students are electronically awarded a “Non-Need Based Grant.” Once the Financial Aid Officer inputs the grant award within the system, payment for tuition (toward authorized core courses) and approved fees is recorded on the students financial aid records and a ZERO (-0-) balance is denoted. Additionally, book allowance funds are electronically transferred to the students Laker ID card, (typically) just prior to semester beginning. Remember, the Accel Program provides state-supported funding because Joint Enrollment students are not authorized to receive Federal financial aid, given the fact that H.S. students are not H.S. graduates.

• Notebook Computer Policies and Resources – as most everyone is aware, Clayton State University is a “ Notebook University .” Consequently, there is a university policy requiring each student to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer, which meets the ITP Choice requirements for the student's academic program.

http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/?nav=notebook_policy

The Notebook hardware/software requirements for Clayton State students are specified online at - http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/ (ITP Choice Web Site). Students are authorized to upgrade their software at the (university) HUB ( http://thehub.clayton.edu/ ). The notebook computer that the student has ready access to must include the CSU standard software load (MS Office Professional), an active Virus scanning program, plus additional software needed for the student's major program. CSU will make the standard software load available to students as part of the technology fee, included in tuition. It will be the student's responsibility to contact the HUB to schedule an appointment for the first two weeks of each semester. After the initial two weeks of the semester, the software installation is available on a “walk-up” basis. Students may “walk up” after fees are paid at all other times for installation.  Additional software necessary for specific courses and/or programs will be available for purchase from the CSU Campus Book Store and/or other vendors.

• Textbooks and the University Book Store – Clayton State 's University Bookstore provides students a convenient on-campus one stop service for course textbooks, course materials, supplies and Clayton State University merchandise. Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program students are encouraged to purchase “their” textbooks from the University Book Store to ensure the appropriate textbook is obtained.

http://auxiliaries.clayton.edu/bookstore.htm

• SSN Conversion to LakerID – beginning April 2006, Clayton State has a Unique ID number for each university student, which replaces the use of the Social Security Number. The LakerID Number website is located at –

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/SSNConversion/default.htm

• On-Campus SAT Options – in addition to taking national SATs, students can elect to take up to two on-campus SATs at Clayton State's Testing Center.

http://learningcenter.clayton.edu/Testing%20Center/SAT_ACT/SAT.htm

• SAT Test-Prep Resources - Clayton State 's Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program will assist students prepare for the SAT and Accuplacer Test by providing helpful resources and test-prep information, such as:

  March to Success – Free Online SAT Prep Training:

  https://www.march2success.com/index.htm

  GA·college·411 SAT Test Prep Tutorials:

  http://www.gacollege411.org/TestPrep/SAT.asp

  CollegeBoard.com SAT Preparation Center :

  http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/prep_one.html

  CollegeBoard.com – The Official SAT Online Course:

  https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/loginAction.do

• Accuplacer Practice Tests - information:

  - http://www.huntington.edu/math/eggleton/practice%20tests/contents.htm

  - http://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm

  - http://www.wsc.ma.edu/math/accuplacer/problems.asp
  
  Download the Accuplacer practice test (PDF)

• Convenient Off-Campus Instructional Sites – Joint Enrollment students can engage Clayton State's college courses at off-campus instructional sites, conveniently located in Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, and at Ft. McPherson .

• Taking College Courses During the Summer Term – as a reminder, Accel Program funding is not available during the summer term, although students often enroll in summer courses to take advantage of small class sizes and to accelerate their curricular goals.

• Multi-Use of the Accel Program Application – obviously, the primary purpose of the Accel application is to obtain GSFC funding for tuition, fees and a book allowance, during the fall and spring semesters. The other equally important purposes of this application include receiving permission from parents/guardian to participate in the Joint Enrollment program and to coordinate/ensure appropriate college courses are scheduled to fulfill H.S. graduation requirements (…by receiving dual-credit for H.S. courses).

Additionally, the Accel Application is utilized by Clayton State during the summer semester and for students who don't qualify for Accel funding, whereas Parts 1 and 2 of the application serve to meet USG BOR Joint Enrollment requirements to obtain parental/guardian permission and to ensure proper curricular coordination with the high school or equivalent entity.

• Paying for (a) Application for Admissions and (b) Orientation Fees – if helpful and if students/families need assistance, one or both fees can be waived if the respective applications is/are completed and provided to Dr. Hall with a request to waive fees.

16. How to Get Started – initially, eligible students and respective parents/families should (in most cases) “collectively decide” if the Clayton State University Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program is the right decision, which uniquely benefits respective participants—serving the needs/interests of H.S. students.

As a preliminary step, contact Dr. Hall ( manniehall@clayton.edu ) to notify/alert him regarding a student's initial interest in the Clayton State University Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program and/or to acquire more program information about Joint Enrollment, while also having questions answered. Additionally, interested families are encouraged to discuss the program opportunities with the student's respective H.S. Counselor and/or Principal. Remember, successful participation in the Clayton State University Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program represents a collaborative effort between students/families, respective H.S. Counselors, and Clayton State (…particularly Dr. Hall).

Once (a) the key players are in-the-loop, (b) the student double checks to confirm program eligibility (GPA and SAT scores), (c) and the “family” decision has been made to move forward, the following important tasks need to be accomplished (…while keeping Dr. Hall informed throughout the process):

Step 1 – Complete Key ADMISSIONS Tasks :

• Complete the Clayton State Application for Admission, either online or by downloadable paper application. IMPORTANT – Joint Enrollment student applicants will check either the “Joint Enrollment” or “Freshman Scholar” block on the Entering Status section of the CSU Application for Admission.

Clayton State Downloadable Paper Application -

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/admissions/applications.htm

Clayton State Online Application -

http://www.gacollege411.org/applications/USG_Common_App_Short/apply.html?application_id=3387

• Ensure SAT/ACT test scores are forwarded to Clayton State or schedule to take the SAT/ACT, either the national test or an on-campus test at Clayton State . If helpful and beneficial, students can take up to two on-campus SATs at Clayton State 's Testing Center .

http://learningcenter.clayton.edu/Testing%20Center/SAT_ACT/SAT.htm

• Forward “official” H.S. transcripts to Clayton State and/or hand-carry a sealed official copy to Clayton State 's Office of Admissions and/or to Dr. Hall.

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/admissions/forms/Transcript%20Request%20Form.doc

• Complete the Clayton State Certificate of Immunization form and forward it to the CSU Office of Admissions.

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/admissions/forms/csuimm.pdf

Note – once joint enrollment (student) candidates successfully complete the admissions-related tasks (above), then Clayton State will make a determination on admission to the university. Admitted Joint Enrollment candidates will receive a letter of acceptance.

Step 2 – Complete the Accel Application and Take the Accuplacer Test :

Accel Application –

• Student/family completes Part 1 of the Accel Application, either online or paper application:

http://www.gacollege411.com/AdmissionApp/AccelProgram/default.asp

Note – most often, the paper application is utilized by students/families and counselors, but in some cases, specific H.S. Counselors will advise students/families to use the online (web-based) application.

• Student/family should follow-up with “their” H.S. Counselor to discuss moving the process forward, given admittance to the university and necessity to get the H.S. Counselor to complete Part 2 of the Accel application. Once the H.S. Counselor completes Part 2, both completed parts must be forwarded to Dr. Hall ASAP, given the following options:

Option 1 - if completing the paper version of the Accel application, mail both completed parts to Dr. Hall at -

Mailing Address :

Clayton State University
Extended Programs/Academic Outreach
ATTN: Dr. Mannie E. Hall, Jr.
2000 Clayton State Boulevard
Morrow, GA 30260-0285

(OR)

Option 2 - hand-carry/deliver the application to Dr. Hall's Office or mail distribution box (on-campus) at the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education. Dr. Hall's office is on the third floor, Room 317A, in-behind the Small Business Development Center . http://www.clayton.edu/homefiles/maps.htm

IMPORTANT Notes - a new Accel application must be completed for each new college semester participating in the Clayton State Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program. Also, it is helpful if the H.S. Counselor can include an additional “elective” course entry on Part 2 of the application, which will provide the student and Dr. Hall some flexibility in scheduling an advantageous or appropriate college-level elective course.

Accuplacer Test –

• Schedule and take the Accuplacer Test, which is a math placement test to determine the appropriate math or math-related courses a student should initially take at Clayton State .  Generally, the test consists of 12 Elementary Algebra questions and 20 College-Level Math questions.  There is no fee for this test.  The test is not timed, and it can often be completed within one hour.  Students accepted by admissions and classified as traditional freshmen or Joint Enrollment students are required to take the Accuplacer Test before orientation or registration, especially if Joint Enrollment students are scheduled to take college Math, Science and/or Econ courses.  

http://ctl.clayton.edu/Testing%20Center/placement/placementtesting.htm

• Call the Testing Center at (678) 466-4495 to schedule an appointment to take the Accuplacer Test and/or contact the Testing Center Director (Sharon Long) at - sharonlong@clayton.edu for more information.

  Step 3 – Orientation, Advisement and Enrollment:

• Schedule an orientation with Clayton State 's Office of Orientation. Instructions are provided in the Admissions acceptance letter.

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/orientation/

• During Orientation , students will (a) be provided an overview/tour of the campus, (b) receive various helpful briefings, (c) receive academic advisement (from Dr. Hall), (d) enroll for classes online, (e) take student ID picture & receive “their” LakerID Card, and (f) apply for and receive parking permit.

• If scheduling conflicts occur with the orientation dates, a special one-on-one orientation can be scheduled with Dr. Hall.

NOTE – it is important to realize that Clayton State's admissions, orientation, and enrollment process takes time and requires patients because the appropriate “official” forms/paperwork (i.e., SAT scores, transcripts, immunization records, etc.) must be coordinated and properly received by Clayton State's Office of Admissions. Getting into college is a methodical process and involves persistence. Dr. Hall will facilitate the process and assist students/families from “start to finish,” but please know that Clayton State's academic support entities (i.e., Admissions, Financial Aid, Testing Center, Registrar's Office, and Campus Life) are all committed to expeditiously and professionally serving the needs of Joint Enrollment students.

17. Comprehensive PowerPoint Presentation - additionally, consider requesting access to the interactive CSU Accel (Joint Enrollment) Program -PowerPoint presentation for a more in-depth explanation and analysis of Joint Enrollment at Clayton Sate. The PowerPoint presentation also enables viewers the opportunity to go online and explore key Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) web-based resources.