COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM
Policy

In 1984, the University System of Georgia adopted the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) policy to be implemented in Fall 1988. In passing the CPC policy, the Board of Regents emphasized that success in college was dependent on strong academic preparation in high school. Board of Regents' policy requires the completion of the college preparatory curriculum for admission to any institution of the University System of Georgia. The CPC course requirements have been approved by the Board of Regents and endorsed by the State Board of Education.

The following courses are required of students graduating from high school in the last five years who plan to enroll in college programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in University System institutions. The courses outlined represent the minimum standards required by the Board of Regents. As of 2001, a fourth math unit is required. Each institution may set higher standards than those listed.

COURSE (UNITS) INSTRUCTIONAL EMPHASIS
English (4)
  • Grammar and usage
  • Literature (American, English, and world)
  • Advanced composition skills
Science (3)
  • Physical Science
  • At least two laboratory courses from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related areas of science
Mathematics (3)
  • Two courses in Algebra and one in Geometry
Social Science (3)
  • American History
  • World History
  • Economics and Government
Foreign Language (2)
  • Two courses in one language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing

Source: The Policy Manual; Academic Affairs Handbook

SEMESTER CONVERSION

The Board of Regents approved the conversion from a quarter calendar to a semester calendar in December 1995, with actual conversion in effect in Fall 1998. All of the System institutions, with the exception of Georgia Institute of Technology, converted at that time. Because of their extensive involvement with the 1996 Olympic Games, Georgia Tech was granted a one year delay with their conversion in Fall 1999.

One of the benefits of the semester conversion is curriculum review. Each System institution has completed a thorough review of its academic program offerings. New courses have been added, and some existing courses have been deleted. The Core Curriculum at each institution has been redesigned to facilitate transfer among System institutions. Most courses are three credits and meet three times per week. The full-time load for an undergraduate will be 12 semester hours. The full-time load for a graduate student is 9 semester hours.

New academic calendars have also been approved. Each System institution will begin and end classes during the same week each year.

Academic Year Earliest Starting
Date Allowable		 Latest Ending
Date Allowable
Fall 1998 August 18 - 24, 1998 December 9 - 15, 1998
Spring 1999 January 5 - 11, 1999 April 27 - May 3, 1999
Fall 1999 August 17 - 23, 1999 December 8 - 14, 1999
Spring 2000 January 4 - 10, 2000 April 25 - May 1, 2000
Fall 2000 August 15 - 21, 2000 December 6 - 12, 2000
Spring 2001 January 2 - 8, 2001 April 24 - 30, 2001
Fall 2001 August 14 - 20, 2001 December 5 - 11, 2001
Spring 2002 January 2 - 8, 2002 April 14 - 30, 2002
Fall 2002 August 20 - 26, 2002 December 9 - 13, 2002
Spring 2003 January 2 - 8, 2003 April 28 - May 2, 2003

Source: Office of Vice Chancellor for Student Services

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Information Digest 1998-1999
©December 1999 University System of Georgia