ADULT EDUCATION STUDENT HANDBOOK
SERVING
CHATTAHOOCHEE, HARRIS,
MUSCOGEE, QUITMAN, STEWART, and TALBOT COUNTIES
“Creating a workforce for Georgia, and a Future for Families”
Lorette M. Hoover
President
April Hopson
Director of Adult Education
Equal Opportunity Institution
Revised 11/5/2015
ADULT EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the CTC Adult Education Department is to provide educational experiences that will enable each
student to become a lifelong learner, enter the work force with necessary skills, and achieve academic and
personal success. Columbus Technical College provides educational support with basic skills, Pre-GED, GED
preparation, job-related skills assistance, family literacy, and English literacy programs at locations in
Chattahoochee, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Stewart, and Talbot counties. Columbus Technical College does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion or disability.
For nondiscrimination information, please contact Patricia Hood, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator,
Columbus Technical College, 928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572, 706.649.1883, or
phood@columbustech.edu.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION VISION
Each Student in the Adult Education Program will achieve a GED® and acquire strategies to:
Enroll in post-secondary or
Enroll in job certificate training
GENERAL INFORMATION
Adults who have been away from school settings for many years will often fear returning to the classroom. They
find a welcomed difference in adult education where the instructors and staff are trained to help put the adult
student at ease. Anyone interested in attending adult education classes will be required to sign a contract
agreeing to follow the student policies of the Columbus Technical College Adult Education Program. (See a copy
of the contract in this manual). A program of study is set up for each student based on his/her individual needs
and goals. Students work on their own without competing with other students. They work at their own pace
toward their own goals. Grades are not given, but students are evaluated on a regular basis.
ORIENTATION/ENROLLMENT
Classes are free!! Each of the six counties offers orientation and registration weekly, and offer different class
schedules.
Click
the
following
link
to
access
class
information
by
county:
http://www.columbustech.edu/adult-education/adult-education-calendar. Classes are conducted mornings,
afternoons, and evenings, and are offered on a space available basis. A reading, math, and language assessment
will be administered to each individual at registration. This is the first step to identify academic strengths and
to develop a customized Student Education Plan (SEP) to serve each student’s individual needs.
IN-CLASS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
Textbooks are available to students for IN-CLASS use only. Books are not to be taken from the classroom for
any reason. Instructional material is provided at no cost to the students. However, the student is responsible
for checking the materials out and back in within the classroom. Each student will use the provided material
sign out form upon entering and exiting the class. If material that they check out is not returned or is damaged,
the student is responsible for covering the cost to replace the materials used.
Student ID Badges & Parking Decals
For the safety of all students and employees, students are required to wear identification badges at all times.
Students will be issued parking decals and identification badges at registration; replacement decals and
badges are not free of charge.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Everyone is expected to be on time and in class during the scheduled class session. Students must be in class
or leave the campus. Checking in, leaving, and then returning to class is not allowed. Students are required
to sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving each class daily. Once a student signs out, the student must
leave the campus. Loitering in building or on campus is prohibited.
Students may be subject to termination if a minimum of five unexcused days are missed in a session/semester.
If a student is terminated for unexcused absences, he/she will not be allowed to return to classes prior to
meeting with the AVP. Students under age 18 must bring a parent/legal guardian with them to meet with the
AVP. At this time, the student must provide a written plan that will describe the action they will take to ensure
the attendance policy is adhered too. Students must remain in class for the complete time allotted for class.
Visitors to classes are not permitted. Anyone who is not enrolled in class will be asked to leave the campus.
CURRICULUM
Reading Program: Beginning or Intermediate Level Reading:
Beginning readers have available to them a diagnostic and prescriptive program that helps them to develop
phonics, word attack, and word-analysis skills. This enables them to improve their overall reading ability.
Reading Program: Improvement of Reading Skills:
Instruction for adults, who would like to improve and enhance their critical reading ability, as well as reading
comprehension and vocabulary, is offered in each class. With instructor guidance, students work through a
reading program designed to meet their individual needs.
English Grammar:
The staff diagnoses the language arts skills of each student, and then prescribes what is needed for improvement
and evaluates performance at each level. Student progress is monitored, remediated, or advanced as needed.
The program consists of skills and concepts ranging from capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, and
subject-verb agreement, to sentence and paragraph construction. Essay writing is also taught.
Math Study Program
The math program for adults consists of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals. Percent, measurement, basic algebra and basic geometry are also covered. Students
are started at the level of math indicated by their assessment test.
GED® Prep Program
An evaluation of each student is completed when the student first enters the program. An instructor-guided,
self-paced study program using material for the five different areas of the GED® test is prescribed. Practice
GED® tests are given during the study program to determine student readiness for the GED® test.
English Literacy Program
English Literacy Program classes are designed to teach conversational and survival English skills to students
whose native language is not English. The courses range from beginning English to Advanced English and
Civics. The level of instruction is based on the needs of the students. The classes provide instruction in
speaking, writing, and reading English. Additional services include computer assisted instruction and testing
to determine skill level. The ESL staff offers help with available community services. Information is provided at
(706)-641-5620.
GED Testing Information
When & Where Does the GED® Test Take Place?
Columbus Technical College, Library Building, Room 606; Call 706-649-1822 for scheduling information.
How Do I Register for the GED® Test?
You can register at www.ged.com or 1-877- 392-6433 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm EST. Persons
must have a valid picture ID (driver’s license, Georgia ID, military ID, passport). Registration fees of $160 ($40
per test) are payable at time of registration and must be with a Visa, Master Card, or American Express. If you
need assistance with registration you can call 706-641-5620, or come to Patrick Hall Room 125; (registration
by friends, relatives, etc. is not acceptable). You will not be given a testing date until the registration fee has
been paid. Costs are subject to change.
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and not enrolled in school. Anyone 16 -17 years of age must provide
a school withdrawal letter; please consult with AVP (706)-649-1858 for special permission procedures. Test
dates tend to fill up quickly, and the number of applicants allowed per session is limited. Please register and
pay for desired test date as soon as possible. See your instructor for special accommodations for GED® testing.
Students may take either partial or entire battery of four (4) tests. The charge is $40 per test, payable at the
time of registration. Students attending adult education classes may qualify for a GED® scholarship when
funds are available. Please check with your instructor for qualifications.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!
A graduation program is held once a year. Once a student successfully passes the GED® test, he/she will be
notified by mail about the details pertaining to the graduation program. Please ensure your mailing address is
updated in Patrick Hall Room 125 when you pass the GED® test!
TRANSCRIPTS
To obtain a transcript of GED® scores, a request form can be obtained from the Georgia GED® Testing Program
at (800) 94 MY GED, or (404) 679-1645. There is a fee required for each transcript. All transcripts must be
obtained from the state GED® testing office of Technical and Adult Education. Transcripts are not available
locally.
Earn Your EAGLE AWARD!
The EAGLE Award Program was established to recognize one exemplary adult education student each year as
they strive to reach their goals. The award serves to motivate adults already participating in adult literacy
classes. The EAGLE Award is given for recognition of improving basic skills and the quality of life. EAGLE is
an acronym for Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education
HOW WILL I PAY FOR COLLEGE?
HOPE PROGRAM
The HOPE Program awards a $500 voucher to all persons passing the GED® to be used toward tuition and
educational expenses. Tuition cost can be supplemented through the Pell Grant, HOPE Grant, or the HOPE
Scholarship Program. For information, call the Financial Aid Office at (706) 649-1859. For students who have
additional questions about receiving the HOPE voucher, please call 706-641-5620 for more information.
STUDY TIPS
To study effectively, you must do two things: Learn and Remember. To help you learn, you should try to take
notes. Then you’ll always have the notes for referral if you forget something. We remember in two ways: through
repetition and by association. Repetition means to repeat something over and over again. Association means to
tie things together in your mind. Adults learn better by association than by repetition.
1. Train your brain to think on cue. Tell yourself that you are going to remember something and that
you are going to remember it for six months. Give yourself a reason for wanting to remember what
you’re studying. Having a regular time and place to study also helps your brain to think on cue.
2. Eliminate all interference. Try to keep distractions at a minimum. You don’t want noise,
interruptions, or your own thoughts and worries to interfere with your studies. It’s hard enough to
concentrate on the task at hand.
3. Concentrate. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by noises.
4. Be Confident and Relax. You know much more than you think you know.
5. Reinforce the right memories. Make sure you have your facts or notes written out correctly. When
you make mistakes, make sure you correct the errors. Try to pinpoint faulty thinking and check your
accuracy. When trying to learn test material, study every day until you have the information inside
your head, then review once a week, then once a month, to make sure you don’t forget it.
6. Know when you are most alert and study at that time of day or night.
7. Note-taking helps you remember.
8. See and say. You remember things better if you associate a visual image with what you are trying to
remember and if you talk about what you are trying to remember. Make use of sight and sound to help
you remember things. Draw charts or diagrams, read aloud, and talk to others about what you are
learning.
9. Never study anything the same way twice. You create a different association for each different way
you process a fact of idea. Since associations help you remember, the more associations you have, the
more you’ll remember.
10. Keep study sessions short.
11. Take study breaks.
12. Keep memorizing to a minimum. Straight memorizing is the least dependable way to remember
anything.
*Adapted from the book Study Smarts: How to Learn in Less Time by Judy Kesselman-Turkel and Franklynn
Peterson c. 1981, Contemporary Books, Inc.
Need Help Finding a Career or Applying for College?
Our One Stop has computers with Internet access for student use under the supervision of the Resource Room
manager. Students may use the computers to write resumes, learn the keyboard, apply for college, or research
jobs by using the Georgia Career Information System (GCIS). The GCIS is a wonderful computer program that
gives job descriptions of 435 jobs, shows brief videos of 180 jobs, links your interest and your skills to possible
career fields, and provides a wealth of information about most colleges and universities in careers,
apprenticeships, starting your own business, and conducting a job search. We also have a Career Explorer
inventory and videos on different jobs. Come see everything available and free of charge. We hope your time in
adult education is enjoyable. We offer so much more than just a GED®. We hope you will use all of the services
we provide.
Does this Program Provide Transportation?
Unfortunately, this program does not offer transportation.
Transportation arrangements need to be made in advance of class attendance. Students may use the office
telephone and student telephones around campus for EMERGENCY calls only. The administrative office does
not deliver messages to students except in an emergency. Students should park in designated parking areas
and display current academic year parking decals to avoid getting ticketed by campus security.
What If I Need My Driver’s License?
Applies to minors seeking GA Driver’s License approval:
I understand that I must complete academic progress* and meet attendance requirement** prior to receiving
approval.
*Academic Progress- If you enter the program below the intermediate high level, you must make a level
completion on the TABE and meet the attendance contract requirements.
**Attendance Requirement- If you enter the program at or above the intermediate high level, you must attend
class 10 consecutive days with no absences and a minimum of three (3) hours per class session.
WHAT CAN I WEAR? HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
It is not the intent of the Columbus Technical College Adult Education Department to dictate the quality or
style of clothing worn, but rather an effort to encourage good habits, and acceptable group behavior. Student
dress and personal appearance should reflect dignity and pride in oneself and in school. Therefore, a student
shall not dress, groom, or wear or use emblems, insignias, badges or other symbols where the effect is to distract
the attention of other students or cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school.
It is prohibited for any student to wear clothing items which advertise alcoholic beverages, sex, tobacco,
obscene, crude or suggestive messages symbols and gang-related badges. Insignias that are parts of a haircut,
satanic symbols, gang-related badges, insignias and colors, logos or symbols with denigrate social or ethnic
groups are also prohibited. “Fake” alcohol or drug advertisement is not allowed.
Dress Code Summary:
Shirts:
All shirts must be tucked in.
No undergarments are to be worn as outer garments.
No midriffs should be exposed.
No see-through shirts/blouses.
No tank tops, spaghetti straps or tube tops.
Nothing that advocates drugs, sex, alcohol, violence, gangs, hate, or profanity.
Shirts that are made for females that cover the midriff but move when the student sits may not be worn.
No low-cut tops that show cleavage are allowed.
Pants:
Pants are to be worn on or above the waist.
No see-through pants.
If pants can be worn properly on or above the waist, no belt is required.
Pants with holes are not to be worn.
No pants are to be worn bound at the ankle.
No sweat pants or wind pants are to be worn.
Shoes:
No bedroom shoes.
No heels higher than two (2) inches
Dresses and Skirts:
Dresses and skirts may be worn with the length to be no higher than three (3) inches above the top of the knee
cap.
Shorts:
Shorts may be worn with the length to be no higher than three (3) inches above the top of the knee cap.
Coats:
Hooded garments may be worn to school as long as the hoods are not worn indoors.
Hats:
No bandanas, doo rags, sweat bands, or hats/caps.
Jewelry:
No jewelry with reference to gangs, drugs, hate, violence, or sex is allowed. Items such as chains on a belt,
wallet, etc. and items with spikes are not permitted.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The following actions are inappropriate and will be grounds for suspension or dismissal from the
program:
1. Sexual harassment behaviors of any form, bullying of employees or students.
2. Rudeness, obscene language or behavior is not permitted on campus or in classrooms.
3. Verbal or physical altercation with staff or other students. Insubordination, intentional disruption or
obstruction of instruction, administration, or other program activities, or the incitement of others to do
any of the above. This includes disruptive talking during testing or class time.
4. Disorderly conduct on campus property.
5. Loitering (stay in classroom or leave campus).
6. Theft and/or damage to property of Columbus Technical College, and/or Chattahoochee, Harris,
Quitman, Stewart, and Talbot County schools, faculty, students, or campuses.
7. Dishonesty of any kind such as cheating, fraud, knowingly furnishing false information to the Adult
Education Program, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, records or identification.
8. Misuse or unauthorized use of telephones.
9. Willful infraction of any rules or policies established by the college.
10. Beepers, pagers, walkie-talkies, Bluetooth, CD players, cellular and two-way cellular phones, MP3
players, or any other electronic devices that may cause disruption on school property are not allowed
to be used during class time.
11. Any destruction to school property; including, but not limited to classroom computers, laptops, and
printers, graffiti on walls, defacing books, chairs, or tables, testing materials, and vending machines
will be grounds for dismissal from the program. The students responsible for the damage will be
required to replace the damaged items or fined.
12. The use of tobacco or related paraphernalia products is not allowed.
13. Students are required to provide their own pencil and paper for class.
14. The Adult Education Department adheres to a “no smoking policy.” There will be no smoking
anywhere in buildings, classrooms, or on the campus except within designated areas. Columbus
Technical College is a smoke free college.
15. Students must stay in class or leave the premises.
Every student is expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. In the event of an accident or safety
concerns, please report it promptly to the instructor, any staff member, or campus security. Any behavior that
disrupts the normal day-to-day operations of the program will not be allowed. These may include, but are not
limited to: Yelling, Loud Voices, Physical Display of Anger, Popping Gum, Talking in Class.
Threats, assaults, or fighting will not be tolerated and will result in legal action. Possession of alcohol,
drugs (use, distribution, manufacture, sale, or possession), firearms (fireworks, ammunition, explosives,
or dangerous weapons, knives, or weapons of any kind) will result in suspension, expulsion, and/or legal
action.
ATTENTION:
The AVP reserves the right to apply corrective measures, including immediate dismissal for conduct or illegal
activities not specified in this list, which are disruptive to the educational processes of the program.
Student Code of Conduct Violations:
First Offense: Instructor will complete a code of conduct violation form and file with AVP at the time of
infraction or before COB; indicate the nature of the infraction. Instructor may send student home for the day
if warranted; probation or suspension may be applicable. After investigation, the AVP will determine if
suspension is warranted, Suspension will be relative to all classes. AVP will notify all instructors affected of
student suspensions. Documents will be maintained for academic year in permanent student and instructor
folders. First offenses may result in a one to three day suspension; student must meet with AVP prior to being
readmitted to classes with prepared action plan for problem resolution. Issues arising from the application of a
policy/procedure to the student’s specific case are grievable. Students have 5 business days from the date of
an incident to formally or informally file a grievance by approaching their instructor, any staff member, or the
department director. Within 5 days of the incident being grieved, the department director will meet with the
student and document the remedy. If resolution is not reached, the student may appeal to the Office of the
President.
Second Offense: Instructor will complete a code of conduct violation form and file with AVP at the time of
infraction or before COB; indicate the nature of the infraction. After investigation, the AVP will determine if
suspension is warranted, Suspension will be relative to all classes. AVP will notify all instructors affected of
student suspensions. Documents will be maintained for academic year in permanent student and instructor
folders. Second offenses may result in a three-day suspension. Student must meet with AVP prior to being
readmitted classes with prepared action plan for problem resolution. Issues arising from the application of a
policy/procedure to the student’s specific case are grievable. Students have 5 business days from the date of
an incident to formally or informally file a grievance by approaching their instructor, any staff member, or the
department director. Within 5 days of the incident being grieved, the department director will meet with the
student and document the remedy. If resolution is not reached, the student may appeal to the Office of the
President.
Third Offense: Instructor will complete a code of conduct violation form and file with AVP at the time of
infraction or before COB; indicate the nature of the infraction. After investigation, the AVP will determine if
suspension is warranted, Suspension will be relative to all classes. AVP will notify all instructors affected of
student suspensions. Documents will be maintained for academic year in permanent student and instructor
folders. Third offenses may result in expulsion from the program. Student will be notified of a hearing with
administrator within 5 business days to review incident documentation. A referral and recommendation to
Student Affairs Vice President will be submitted indicating the infraction and length of expulsion requested.
Documents will be maintained for academic year in permanent student and instructor folders. AVP and VP of
Student Affairs will coordinate activities for student re-entry into program. Issues arising from the application
of a policy/procedure to the student’s specific case are grievable. Students have 5 business days from the date
of an incident to formally or informally file a grievance by approaching their instructor, any staff member, or
the department director. Within 5 days of the incident being grieved, the department director will meet with
the student and document the remedy. If resolution is not reached, the student may appeal to the Office of the
President.
STUDENT CONTRACT
The purpose of this agreement is to familiarize you with the rules and regulations for participating in the Adult Education
Program with Columbus Technical College. Failure to comply with this contract can result in termination from the program.
If you have questions regarding the contract, please ask before signing.
.
I understand that I am expected to attend class daily. I am to be in class the entire time that my assigned class meets.
If I am unable to attend, I will notify the Adult Education site, or my instructor (personally, via email, or by phone).
.
I understand that more than five (5) unexcused absences for a session/semester may result in my being dropped from
my classes.
.
I understand the program is individualized-based learning. This may require me to work on my own with the guidance
of the staff.
.
I understand that appropriate attire, as outlined in my handbook, is required at all times.
.
I am required to sign in and out to classes for attendance and accountability.
.
I understand that I am responsible for all work and assignments and must bring my own notebook paper, pencils,
and necessary supplies.
.
I understand that I can request a meeting with the instructor, or director to discuss any situations pertaining to the
program that I may have.
.
It is my understanding that the program will:
Provide necessary instructional material
Measure and evaluate my progress
Maintain a classroom setting conducive to learning
.
I understand that arrangements for transportation are to be made prior to coming to class. The office phones will be
used for emergency calls only.
.
I understand that the use of electronic devices, pagers, cell phones or any other communication device is not
permitted in classrooms. Cell phones are to be contained, placed on vibrate, or turned off.
.
The use of tobacco, or related paraphernalia products, alcohol, and weapons (as outlined in handbook) is not
permitted on the grounds.
.
I will at all times show respect to the other students, staff, and volunteers of the program. I will also respect the
facility.
.
I am responsible for reviewing the contents of the student handbook and adhering to the student code of conduct and
policies, procedures, and information outlined.
.
I agree to take post-test at intervals as determined by my instructor.
.
By signing this, I agree that I have read and understand what is expected of me. I will abide by the terms of this contract
or risk being expelled from the program.
________________________________ _________________
Student Signature Date
________________________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian Signature (minors) Date
By signing I acknowledge that I have attended orientation. I understand the policies and guidelines of the program. Failure
for my child/minor in my custody to comply with these policies will result in their termination from this program.
Notes: