ABAC 2006-2007 Catalog, General Information

General Information

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2006-2008

Fall Semester 2006

Full Term

First day of classes August 21

End Drop/Add period August 25

Labor Day Holiday September 4

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty October 12

Fall Break October 16, 17

Thanksgiving Holidays November 23, 24

Last day of classes December 8

Final exams December 11, 12, 13, 14

Graduation December 14, 6:00 PM

Grades due December 15

Session A

First day of classes August 21

End Drop/Add period August 22

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty September 15

Last day of classes October 11

Final exams October 12 or arranged by the instructor

Session B

First day of classes October 13

End Drop/Add period October 18

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty November 10

Last day of classes December 8

Final exams December 11, 12, 13, 14

Spring Semester 2007

Full Term

First day of classes January 8

End Drop/Add period January 12

MLK Holiday January 15

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty March 1

Spring Break March 19 - 23

Last day of classes April 30

Final exams May 1, 2, 3, 4

Graduation May 4, 6:00 P.M.

Grades due May 5

Session A

First day of classes January 8

End Drop/Add period January 9

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty February 2

Last day of classes February 28

Final exams March 1 or arranged

by the instructor

Session B

First day of classes March 2

End Drop/Add period March 5

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty April 4

Last day of classes April 30

Final exams May 1, 2, 3, 4

Summer Term 2007

May-mester

First day of classes May 9

End Drop/Add period May 9

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty May 18

Last day of classes May 29

Final exams May 30

Grades due May 31

Full Term

First day of classes June 4

End Drop/Add period June 5

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty June 27

Independence Day Holiday July 4

Last day of classes July 23

Final exams July 24, 25

Grades due July 26

Fall Semester 2007

Full Term

First day of classes August 20

End Drop/Add period August 24

Labor Day Holiday September 3

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty October 11

Fall Break October 15, 16

Thanksgiving Holiday November 22, 23

Last day of classes December 7

Final exams December 10, 11, 12, 13

Graduation December 13, 6:00 P.M.

Grades due December 14

Session A

First day of classes August 20

End Drop/Add period August 21

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty September 14

Last day of classes October 10

Final exams October 11 or arranged

by the instructor

Session B

First day of classes October 12

End Drop/Add period October 17

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty November 9

Last day of classes December 7

Final exams December 10, 11, 12, 13

Spring Semester 2008

Full Term

First day of classes January 7

End Drop/Add period January 11

MLK Holiday January 21

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty February 28

Spring Break March 17 - 21

Last day of classes April 28

Final exams April 29, 30, May 1, 2

Graduation May 2, 6:00 P.M.

Grades due May 3

Session A

First day of classes January 7

End Drop/Add period January 8

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty February 1

Last day of classes February 27

Final exams February 28 or arranged

by the instructor

Session B

First day of classes February 29

End Drop/Add period March 3

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty April 2

Last day of classes April 28

Final exams April 29, 30, May 1, 2

Summer Term 2008

May-mester

First day of classes May 7

End Drop/Add period May 7

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty May 16

Last day of classes May 27

Final exams May 28

Grades due May 29

Full Term

First day of classes June 2

End Drop/Add period June 3

Mid-term withdrawal deadline w/o academic penalty June 25

Independence Day Holiday July 4

Last day of classes July 21

Final exams July 22, 23

Grades Due July 24

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE

The name, role, and scope of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have been subject to change since its founding in 1908 as the Second District A & M School. In 1924 the South Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College was organized, and the physical property of the Second District A & M School was adapted for college use. Change occurred again in 1929 when the institution became Georgia State College for Men and again in 1933 when it became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, named for Abraham Baldwin, a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia.

Throughout these years and these changes, the school has experienced steady growth from its first enrollment of 150 students to an all time record enrollment of 3,423 students enrolled in the fall term of 2005. The College reaches approximately 20,000 people annually through its college transfer programs, career technological programs, public service and economic development programs, and special services. Students are enrolled from 149 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 16 other states and 17 countries. While the College has many features of a community college, its role is far broader because the range of operations is statewide in nature and scope.

In 1933 when the College became Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, instructional emphasis was placed on programs in agriculture, forestry, and home economics. Emphasis on these programs continues although the College now reaches thousands of students in popular programs of study such as nursing.

The uniqueness of ABAC lies in its dedication and service to all the people in Georgia. In addition to offering specialized programs in the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, the College also features comprehensive offerings in a total of 53 two-year career and transfer programs as well as several one year certificate programs.

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097, Telephone (404)679-4501) to award Certificates and Associate Degrees. Inquiries to the Commission should relate only to the accreditation status of the institution, not to general admission information.

The College is accepted by the Veterans Administration for the training of veterans under the G.I. Bill of Rights.

The College and its faculty/staff are affiliated with numerous national, regional, and state associations, including:

Georgia Association of Colleges

Georgia Collegiate Press Association

National League for Nursing

National Junior College Athletic Association

MISSION STATEMENT

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), established in 1908 as the Second District A&M School, became South Georgia A&M College in 1924 and Georgia State College for Men in 1929. Named for a signer of the United States Constitution and the first president of the University of Georgia, the college assumed its present name in 1933 when it became a unit of the University System of Georgia. At that time, ABAC embarked on a mission devoted primarily to associate-level studies in agriculture, home economics, and related fields. ABAC’s role later expanded to include a diverse educational program.

As a unit of the University System of Georgia, ABAC shares the following characteristics with other two-year units in the System.

• a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;

• a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;

• a commitment to a high quality general education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to ensure access and opportunity for a diverse student body, and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement neighboring technical college programs;

• a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the college’s scope of influence;

• a commitment to scholarship and creative work for the specific purposes of supporting instructional effectiveness and enhancing institutionally relevant faculty qualifications.

In addition, campus life at ABAC shares the following characteristics with all other units in the system.

• a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of the students, faculty, and staff;

• cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;

• technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education;

• collaborative relationships with other System institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical colleges, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

ABAC, an associate level college, is a community-based residential institution offering programs in the natural and physical sciences, the liberal arts, the social sciences, business, physical education and recreation, and health occupations as well as a specialized institution serving a unique role through programs in agriculture and related disciplines. This dual emphasis, together with on-campus housing, gives the College its distinctive character and enables it to attract traditional and nontraditional students from throughout Georgia, other states, and other countries, creating a culturally diverse student body.

ABAC provides high quality academic programs that allow employment upon completion of two-year career programs or fulfillment of the core curriculum requirements and an opportunity for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Off-campus and evening programs provide educational opportunities for individuals who are unable to attend classes in the traditional setting. Public service programs include special-interest activities and courses, occupation-enhancing classes, youth enrichment courses, and performing and visual arts events. The College also provides administrative services and facilities that enable community and state organizations as well as other units of the University System of Georgia to bring seminars, meetings, and upper-level and graduate instruction to the region.

ABAC’s vision for the future includes placing student learning foremost; having an outstanding diverse faculty, staff, and administration; valuing and encouraging lifelong learning; and ensuring continuous leadership and improvement. The College supports its mission through a participatory planning process involving all aspects of the campus community. Key components of the vision include additional outreach in Colquitt County through the development of ABAC on the Square; expanded use of distance education technologies; and collaborative efforts with technical colleges, public schools, and business and professional organizations. Another dimension of the vision is the continued development of agriculturally related programs of study and applied research partnerships with Fort Valley State University and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, the vision includes meeting the changing needs for programs other than those in agriculture.

The open admissions nature of ABAC continues to require refinement of services that enhance student development and academic success.

ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is committed to helping students realize their potential. For this reason, student assessment is part of the College’s educational program. From the time a student applies, until leaving, participation is expected in a series of tests and surveys designed to assist college personnel in accurate advisement and course placement, to gather information on satisfaction with college programs and services, and to measure academic and personal achievements. These tests and surveys will be used to help a student achieve individual goals and to improve college programs and services.

A student’s earnest and sincere participation on tests, learning tasks, exit exams and surveys will provide the College with accurate information to be used in planning effective programs and services. Students should take seriously their participation in these activities.

PUBLIC SERVICE AND BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all Georgians. Established in 1940, the Public Service and Business Outreach Center provides a link between the college and the communities it serves. An extension of the traditional on-campus learning process, continuing education programs are developed in response to educational demands and requests of citizens, professional and business groups, governmental agencies, and civic groups. Instructional services consist of non-degree work primarily designed for the purpose of upgrading skills for career/professional development, personal interest, and enrichment.

Entrance to non-credit programs is not based on educational background, and no grades are given in most classes. The only requirement for enrolling in most classes is interest and a desire to learn.

The Public Service and Business Outreach Center is located on the first floor of Weltner Hall. Additional information may be obtained on the web at www.abac.edu/psbo or by emailing conted@abac.edu.

THE ARTS CONNECTION

The Arts Connection is located in the Carlton Center on the Abraham Baldwin campus. It represents another aspect of the College’s commitment to continual learning and public service by seeking to broaden the cultural perspectives of South Georgians through a variety of programs and activities. The Arts Connection has developed a multi-county arts alliance through which it presents arts in education programs, professional performances, festivals, arts camps, and residencies by professional dance and theater groups. In addition, the Arts Connection has launched a program to recognize and sustain the folk life of South Georgia. The Arts Connection attracts participants from virtually all walks of life.

ALLIED STATE AGENCIES

The work of Abraham Baldwin is complemented by the continual, informal cooperation of other state-level agencies and institutions located in Tifton. Together, they assist the College in providing work experience, internships, and job placement for students, additional expertise in agricultural research, coordination of conferences and seminars, facilities, and research and writing opportunities for faculty members.

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia has two related units at its Tifton Campus that complement the mission of ABAC. One of these units is the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center (TCCC). The other unit is the Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The program of the TCCC is directed toward full development and utilization of the social and economic potential of the region and the state. Its objectives include 1) increasing agricultural and forest production through continued research and the application of research findings; 2) advancing developments in marketing and utilization of farm and forest products; 3) aiding community development and solving problems related to lifestyles and social interaction; 4) furthering labor training and utilization to provide more skilled workers in the various areas of agribusiness and to help general farm workers in coping productively with increasing farm technology.

The Experiment Station has approximately 100 scientists in various specialized areas who are engaged in research and development in the plant and animal sciences. The proximity of the station’s personnel to the College contributes to an invigorating climate of inquiry and study for students, faculty, and staff. Many ABAC students find part-time employment at the Station, and some ventures are shared jointly by the two institutions.

A third allied state agency is the State Museum of Agriculture, popularly known as the Georgia Agrirama. Its aim is to preserve and exhibit the culture of South Georgia through a restored settlement of the late nineteenth century. The two dozen restored buildings at the Agrirama range from an 1896 farmhouse to a steam-powered cotton gin and provide a living history museum for the people of the state.

Two other state offices, the Georgia Department of Labor and the Department of Natural Resources, contribute to ABAC’s efforts to provide job placement and work experience for its students. The Department of Labor, in cooperation with the College, provides employment assistance for students whose education has prepared them for direct entry into the job market. The Department of Natural Resources works with faculty members in the forestry and wildlife programs of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources and helps provide work experience for students in the areas of game and forest management.

ABAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Anyone who has completed a minimum of 10 semester hours of college credit is eligible for membership in the ABAC Alumni Association. Only those who have earned 30 or more hours are considered active alumni. The Ag Alumni Council, a special interest group of the Association, consists of alumni from agriculture, family and consumer sciences (home economics), forest resources and veterinary medicine.

The purpose of the Association is to promote activities designed to strengthen and enrich the education and extracurricular programs of ABAC so the College can make a maximum contribution to the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual life of Georgia and the surrounding area.

Homecoming is held in April of each year and continues to grow in numbers and enthusiasm. Awards are presented to alumni annually who have excelled in various professions.

The alumni newspaper, ABAC Today, is published to keep alumni and friends abreast of happenings of the college. It is mailed to all active alumni and donors three times each year.

There are no dues, but financial requests are made through the ABAC Foundation. Contributions to the Foundation fund alumni activities including the alumni newspaper, homecoming, the awards program and alumni scholarships as well as other campus activities.

ABAC FOUNDATION

In 1954 businessmen in Tifton and Tift County organized the Greater Baldwin Association to advance the cause of education by supporting programs and activities of the College which could not be funded through the budget allocated by the state. In 1974, in order to achieve closer identification with the College, the name of the organization was changed to the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation. The purpose remains the same. Funds made payable to the Foundation are used for purchasing any needed equipment and property, providing academic and athletic scholarships, campus improvement, and other projects and activities which the board of directors may deem appropriate.

The Foundation accepts gifts of cash, securities, trusts, real estate, gifts-in-kind, life insurance, bequests or a combination thereof. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible.

Governor’s Agricultural Advisory Commission

The Governor’s Agricultural Advisory Commission, located on the first floor of Tift Hall, chooses various members of the agricultural community to confer collectively about Georgia’s economic development and its effects on agriculture in the state. The board discusses the numerous agricultural changes, problems, and advancements in agriculture today. Along with this task, the members also work to promote and execute the Governor’s agricultural initiatives. Donnie H. Smith, the Executive Director of the Georgia Tobacco Community Development Board and Agricultural Liaison to the Governor, is also housed in the office.

LOCATION OF THE COLLEGE

ABAC is located in south central Georgia on a 421-acre tract of land on the north side of the city of Tifton alongside Highway I-75.

The college is also readily accessible via U.S. Highway 41, which lies close to the campus. Abraham Baldwin is approximately 64 miles from the Florida state line via I-75 and 110 miles from the Alabama state line via Highway 82.

Tifton is served by major airlines through airports at Albany, GA, Macon, GA, Valdosta, GA, and Tallahassee, FL.

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