Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

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Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM) Program

Program Description. A one-of-a-kind partnership between Georgia College and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the GEM Program prepares the next generation of Georgia's leaders for the public good. A mentorship and leadership program, GEM matches students with senior state leaders for a yearlong partnership that creates mutual benefit between Georgia College and its partners. In addition to frequent meetings and exchanges with their mentors, students enjoy individual consultations, classroom-based learning, and statewide site visits. Central to the program is the belief that effective leadership must come from all sectors of our society—spanning private enterprise, public affairs, and civic life. Across nearly two decades, the program has graduated more than 500 students, who serve as leaders across the state, providing advocacy, service, and thought leadership.

Program Requirements and Course Sequence. To complete the GEM Program, students must successfully complete LEAD 2100 in both the fall and spring terms, earning a grade of “satisfactory” (listed on their academic records as “S”). LEAD 2100 facilitates students’ active learning about their GEM experiences. LEAD 2100 is repeatable for credit. At the end of their fall term in the program, students will receive a grade of “incomplete” (listed on their academic records as “I”). To earn both grades requires completion of the spring term of LEAD 2100. Additionally, students are required to maintain good Academic Standing, as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog and as dictated by the faculty and deans of their individual colleges within the university, and to abide by the GC Honor Code. 

Application and Admission Procedures. To apply for admission to the GEM Program, a student must complete the requisite online application form, appending a letter of application and resume or CV. Application deadlines are March 1st for admission. To qualify for application to the GEM Program, students must:

  • Have completed at least sixty credit hours by the anticipated start of their program experience.

  • Be a returning Georgia College student, having successfully completed at minimum the previous fall and spring academic term at GC.

  • Hold a minimum grade-point average of 3.0.

  • Be willing and able to enroll in the program's required course, "Georgia Education Mentorship" (LEAD 2100) in both the fall and spring term of their participation, and complete all program requirements.

  • Maintain Good Academic Standing, as defined by the University Registrar, and abide by the Georgia College Honor Code.

On behalf of the Office of Leadership programs, the director of leadership programs will invite qualified students to accept admission into the program and will register them for LEAD 2100.

Application of Policies, Procedures, and Guidance. Policies, procedures and guidance for the Georgia Education Mentorship Program apply to all students enrolled in the Georgia Education Mentorship Program, as stipulated herein, and are subject to change. Petitions for exception should be addressed to the director of leadership programs.

Program Governance and Administration. Authority in matters of program requirements, program experience, and admission and selection shall be vested in the Office of Leadership Programs and exercised by the director of leadership programs.

Enrollment and Withdrawal. The GEM Program serves students from every major program of study and with a broad range of academic and professional aspirations. Students may defer their admission to the program for up to one academic year. Withdrawal from the LEAD 2100 course does not necessarily constitute withdrawal from the program. Thus, students seeking to withdraw should consult immediately with the director of leadership programs. Failure to do so may constitute a violation of the university’s Student Code of Conduct.

For more information, visit www.gcsu.edu/gem.