Academic Year
The academic year is divided into two semesters that are each approximately 15 weeks long. Accelerated class terms that last approximately half the semester are offered during the 15-week semester on some campuses. The academiccalendar for 2012-2014is available on the GPC website. Students who meet published application deadlines may be accepted to enter Georgia Perimeter College at the beginning of any semester or session.

Summer Session
The summer session operates on an accelerated calendar. Multiple sessions may be offered within the semester, and students may register for a combination of sessions.

Half-Semester Classes
Some departments offer accelerated classes that meet for seven weeks during the fall and spring semesters.  These classes cover the same material that is covered in the regular full-term 15-week classes in the fall and spring semesters.

Academic Credit Units
The unit of credit is the semester hour. A semester hour represents one hour of class meeting per week for one semester or its equivalent in other forms of instruction. Two or more hours of laboratory work are considered the equivalent of one semester hour. In the course description section of this catalog, the number of credit hours is listed beside the title of the course.

Classification
Students at Georgia Perimeter College are classified as freshmen or sophomores. A student who has completed fewer than 30 hours of college-level credit is classified as a freshman. Students are classified as sophomores when they have completed 30 hours of academic work.

Catalog Editions
Students will normally satisfy the curricular degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time they enter Georgia Perimeter College, although revisions to the requirements may be required to provide effective programs. The term "curricular degree requirements" refers to the courses and grades required to earn the degree. (Changes in academic regulations affect all students, regardless of catalog edition. Examples of possible changes include the student discipline policy, procedures for removing incomplete grades, and appeal procedures.)

There are several instances, however, when students will be required to change catalog editions. This means students will be required to satisfy the curricular degree requirements of the catalog in effect when/if they

• officially change majors or
• re-enter the college after a period of one year in which they have earned no academic credit at Georgia Perimeter College.

Students may choose to satisfy the curricular degree requirements of the current catalog rather than the catalog in effect at the time they entered GPC.  If they choose to do this, they must meet all the requirements of the current catalog; the curricular degree requirements of more than one catalog edition cannot be combined. A degree will be awarded only to students who have satisfied all the academic and administrative requirements of Georgia Perimeter College.

Full-time Status
Students who enroll in 12 or more hours are considered full-time students. Students who wish to take more than 18 hours and who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement may apply to the campus Academic Dean for approval for an overload. This approval must be granted before the completion of the registration process.

Class Load/Working Students
Students who find it necessary to work in order to attend college are reminded that carrying a normal academic load of 12 or more hours is a full-time job. Some students may be able to work part-time and still do satisfactory work. It is strongly recommended that no full-time student work more than 20 hours per week. Students who do find it necessary to work more than this should not try to carry a full load of academic work. Those students who need financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid office to inquire about the various opportunities for financial aid.

Changes to Students' Records
Applicants or currently enrolled students who desire to change their program of study (major), address, phone number, email address or other information should complete and submit the appropriate Data Change Form available at any campus Enrollment and Registration Services office.   Documentation to support changes to student’s records may be required.