DAHLONEGA — The University of North Georgia (UNG) is accepting applications for classes starting this fall at the university's new Blue Ridge Campus. Fall semester begins Aug. 17, and UNG will initially offer two courses – political science and psychology – on-site and a variety of online courses. All of the courses are open to traditional students just beginning their college journey and adult learners who want to begin or return to college to complete a degree.
Establishment of the Blue Ridge Campus comes in response to a need for access to higher education that was identified through UNG'sRegional Education and Economic Development (REED) Task Force, a group of more than 100 business, education, government and community leaders from a 27-county area in northeast Georgia.
"Blue Ridge provides an opportunity to create a unique campus that serves a broad spectrum of students and meets regional needs," said UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs. "There will be a strong consideration of the needs of first-generation students, as well as high-achieving high school and college students, former students who have stopped out, and working professionals."
In April, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved $943,000 in the Fiscal Year 2016 operating budget to establish UNG's Blue Ridge Campus. The new campus will be at 83 Dunbarton Farm Road, and work is underway to get the space ready for students. To get more information or apply for this fall, call 678.717.3641 or [email protected]. The application fee will be waived for those who apply before July 24.
"In January 2015, UNG began offering dual enrollment opportunities to high school students in Fannin, Union and Towns counties," said Chaudron Gille, interim associate provost at UNG. "The new campus in Blue Ridge will allow us to offer our courses and programs to a broader segment of the population. We are excited to partner with the local community to expand access to higher education."
UNG's vision for the Blue Ridge Campus is to offer a variety of educational pathways that include dual-enrollment courses, a full-time program for first-time freshmen with courses that will enable students to complete degrees in regional high-demand disciplines, courses for adult learners getting started in college or returning college to complete a degree, and continuing and professional education programs for career growth or personal enrichment.
In 2016, UNG plans to establish an innovative two-year program in Blue Ridge that enhances student academic achievement and the timely attainment of degrees that is expected to be the signature element of UNG's Blue Ridge Campus. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum will be the equivalent of 15 credit hours per semester and will take advantage of the region's varied resources to promote learning in and out of the classroom.
