North Georgia College and State University
Encyclopedia
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) is a four-year public university located in Dahlonega
, Lumpkin County, Georgia
. Founded as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873, it is the second oldest co-educational institution in the state. The university is renowned for its ROTC program, and is designated as The Military College of Georgia. It is also designated by the University System of Georgia as a State Leadership Institution. It is one of only six senior military college
s in the United States.
The institution was founded as an agricultural branch of the University of Georgia
in 1873, which was made possible by the Morrill Act and the efforts of William Pierce Price
. Its first graduating class in 1879 consisted of three men and one woman, making it the first college in the state to award a degree to a woman. In 1929, its agriculture program was dropped and the name was changed to North Georgia College. The school received the designation of state university in 1996. Protesting alumni were successful in keeping the word college in the name after they became upset when the name North Georgia State University was suggested.
North Georgia's campus is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
just south of the terminus
of the Appalachian Trail
. Campus buildings are located around the drill field which is used by the military for drill and training, recreation for students and intramural sports. As a sign of respect students do not take short cuts across the field from the dorms and barracks to the academic buildings. The main administrative building, Price Memorial Hall, is named in honor of founder William Pierce Price. It is built on the foundations of the mint
that was established in Dahlonega during the gold rush
. Its spire was gold leafed in 1973 from local gold as was the Georgia State Capitol
in Atlanta. The university consists of 4 colleges and awards over 50 degrees. It is known for its teacher education, nursing, pre-med, and military programs.
, a local congressman, persuaded officials at UGA to use part of the funds to establish a branch of the newly created college in Dahlonega, GA, Price's birthplace and home. The college opened classes in 1873 with 177 students, 98 males and 79 females, making it the first in the state to admit women. Classes were originally held in the old U.S. mint building
that was shut down during the Civil War
. After the college was awarded the power to grant degrees in 1876, the first graduating class received degrees in 1879. The first graduating class of four consisted of three men and one woman, making North Georgia the first institution in the state to award a degree to a female.
The college has always had a military presence since land-grant schools were required to teach military tactics, but it was not until World War I
when the military programs began to grow. The National Defense Act of 1916
that created the ROTC also helped establish the military presence that is felt on the campus today. In 1929 the designation of Agricultural was dropped from the name and the school became North Georgia College. By 1932 the college was reduced to a two-year junior college. World War II
saw a decline in enrollment because of the number of male students joining the war effort. This changed when an Army Specialized Training Program
was placed at the college to train junior officers. After the war the college grew because of young servicemen and veterans using their GI bill to attend school. By 1946 the college was reinstated as a four-year college. In the 1950s, Dahlonega provided gold for the leafing of the capitol building
. It was also at this time that similar efforts to gold leaf Price Memorial Hall were begun, a project that did not see fruition until 1973.
.
The Department of History and Philosophy offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, a Bachelor of Arts in History Education, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History. The department also offers a minor in philosophy. Students can also join Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honors Society for History.
The Department of Performing Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, as well as a minor in Theater. The department offers a full range of music courses, including a symphonic band, a military band, jazz ensembles, a symphony orchestra, several choirs, and chamber ensembles.
The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in both Psychology and Sociology, a Master's degree in Community Counseling, and minors in Psychology and Sociology. The department also has a chapter of Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honors Society, and Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honors Society.
There are also opportunities to earn a minor in Gender Studies and complete a certification program in Gerontology. The Gender Studies minor program was instituted in 2006, after the faculty self-organized numerous Women and Leadership conferences, committees and lectures. The program offers courses in sex, gender, and sexuality concentrated into the Literature, History, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal justice, Political science, and Nursing programs. The Gerontology program has been offered for the last six years at North Georgia. North Georgia is a part of the Georgia Gerontology Consortium through a distance learning partnership. North Georgia offers undergraduate and graduate courses in gerontology. The program aims to provide an introduction to gerontology theory, application, and research, clinical internships with older adults, and to provide public service programs to meet educational, professional, and community needs.
The Department of Modern Languages prepares students to communicate in a multi-lingual world. The department offers programs of study in French and Spanish and a minor in German and Chinese. In addition, there are education and business concentrations offered within the programs of study. There are many study abroad opportunities for students, including an exchange program with various Chinese universities, a French program within Quebec City at the Université Laval and the Centre d’Etudes Franco-Américain in Lisieux, France, a German immersion program within Bonn, Germany, and a Spanish study abroad program in Santander, Spain. On campus, students of modern languages can take advantage of the 50-seat language lab to further their study and knowledge of their language of choice, and can take part in summer immersion camps in Spanish and Chinese as well as Foreign Language Day, where North Georgia hosts high school competitions in Foreign Language.
The Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice offers various programs. Within Political Science, there are offerings in American Politics, International Relations, and Pre-Law. The department focuses mainly on political institutions (presidency, Congress, and courts), public administration, and international relations dealing with Asian, Latin American, and Western European Politics. The department also offers a European Union certification and an International Affairs degree, which provides students with an introduction to international relations. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Honor students are invited to membership in Alpha Phi Sigma
(national criminal-justice honor society) and Pi Sigma Alpha
(national political-science honor society).
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics, Secondary Education certification in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems. In addition to the Bachelor of Science, North Georgia College & State University offers a Master's of Education in Mathematics Education. Math/CS students are offered many opportunities, including specialized computer labs and the MATH/CS Tutorial Center, which is staffed by qualified student tutors.
The Department of Biology offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biology and Biology Education. Furthermore, the department advises students who wish to apply to professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physicians' Assistants, and Respiratory Therapy.
The Department of Chemistry offers degrees in Chemistry and Chemistry Education. The department also advises students who wish to pursue professional education in the fields of Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry.
The Department of Physical Therapy offers a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.
The Department of Physics offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics as well as a minor in Physics. The department also offers a joint partnership with Georgia Tech, Clemson University, and Mercer University that offers students the option to receive a dual degree in both Physics (from North Georgia) and an Engineering degree from the school of his/her choice.
The Department of Nursing was founded in 1974, with the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program. The department has continued to grow with the addition of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program. There are additional "satellite programs" offered in Cumming and Gainesville, and an LPN/RN Bridge program. In 1998, the Masters of Science/Family Nurse Practitioner Program was founded and in 2006, the Master of Science in Nursing Education was instituted.
Graduate Degrees :
Other programs:
--are active at the university, and initiate accomplished students to membership.
The 21 honor-society organizations are:
which it joined in 2005. North Georgia fields men's and women's teams in basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, and softball. When the college began intercollegiate sports competition the teams were known as The Cadets and when the school first fielded a women's basketball team they were known as the Golddiggers. Men's and women's teams are now known as the Saints and Lady Saints. The Saint mascot was adopted in the 1970s when a professor bought a Saint Bernard dog to bring to basketball games.
The current athletic director is Lindsay Reeves, who was with North Georgia College & State University for ten years before being hired as the Director of Athletics during the fall of 2010. She had spent three years as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Women's Administrator before being named Athletic Director when Randy Dunn retired after 28 years with the university.
Softball:
The Lady Saints finished the 2009 season with an overall record of 50-5. The Lady Saints rode a 27 game win streak and a #1 ranking for a large part of the season and into the Division II World Series. They were defeated in the Championship by the #2 ranked Lock Haven University Bald Eagles
.
and just an hour and half drive to downtown Athens
. Situated in the small town of Dahlonega, GA students may also enjoy the local shopping, restaurants, and festivals. Only a short distance away from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
, Chattahoochee River
, Chestatee River
, Etowah River
, Lake Lanier
, many waterfalls
make it the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
The student ratio is about 60% female to 40% male. Over 900 military cadets live on campus and attend classes in full uniform, which provides a unique experience to the member of the Corps and other students. Cadets at North Georgia learn how to function within a military organization while maintaining a strong connection with civilian life, a skill set that enables them to succeed as commissioned officers. It is not uncommon to hear the mottos of the specialty corps units being yelled on walks to and from class, or see the cadets on marches throughout the campus.
Until the fall of 2008 all male students that lived on campus were required to participate in the ROTC program. This policy was changed to avoid legal ramifications from Title IX
legislation, that all students must be provided equal programs regardless of sex. This policy and the proximity of the school to U.S. Route 19
which runs concurrently to Georgia State Route 400
, Georgia State Route 60
, and Georgia State Route 9
have allowed for a large commuter population. Some commuters live within walking distance of campus while other may live up to the maximum of 50 miles (80.5 km) away from campus.
There are several guidelines for eligibility in Greek organizations. There is no Greek housing on campus, so Greeks must live in university housing or commute. First year students are not eligible to participate in Greek Life until they have completed 12 hours at North Georgia and have a standing 2.3 GPA (cadets must be off quarters to be eligible). Recruitment begins in the spring semester, which gives students the advantage of checking out sorority and fraternity open houses and functions.
Fraternities & Sororities:
Greek life events throughout the year include:
Formal Rush in Spring Semester (late January),
Spirit Night Competitions, and
Greek Week
, a North Georgia College graduate who went on to become a four star general in the Army. The drill field separates the residence areas of campus from the academic areas. The main campus covers 120 acre (0.4856232 km²) just off the main square of Dahlonega, with most of that area lying in a triangle created by West Main Street, Morrison Moore Parkway, and Georgia State Route 60
. Student housing consists of the 2 military residence halls: Gaillard Hall and Patriot Hall, 2 traditional residence halls: Lewis Hall and Donovan Hall, an apartment complex: Owen Hall, and North Georgia Suites. Academic buildings include Nix Fine Arts Center, Rogers Hall, Young Hall, Health and Natural Sciences (HNS), West Main Hall, formerly The Education Building, Newton-Oakes Center (NOC), Dunlap Hall, and The Pennington
Military Leadership Center. Administrative buildings include Stewart Center, the Downtown Office Building, and Barnes Hall. Other buildings on campus include the newly complete Library & Technology Center, the Dining Hall, and Hoag Student Center. The Athletic facilities include Memorial Hall Gymnasium, The NGCSU Sports Complex which contains the baseball, softball, and soccer fields, and the tennis facility located at Yahoola Creek Park. Overall the campus owns 600 acres (2.4 km²) in adjacent or nearby parks and forests which include Pine Valley Recreation Facility and the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
.
The Boar's Head Brigade is the official designation of the ROTC unit at North Georgia. It is formed along standard military units at a smaller scale. There are two battalions, and each battalion has three companies. There is one detached Headquarters Company. 1st Battalion is housed in Liberty Hall and is made up of Alpha, Bravo, and Delta Companies. 2nd Battalion is housed in Patriot Hall and is made up of Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, and most recently Hotel. HHC Company resides in Donovan. Charlie Company was disbanded at the end of Spring Semester 2011 for an incident known as the "Charlie Mike" incident. Headquarters and Headquarters Company consists of the Brigade Staff, the Golden Eagle Band, the Blue Ridge Rifles
(a nationally recognized rifle drill team), the Nurse Detachment, and Color Guard.
The female membership of the Corps moved to Sirmons Hall in 1991 (formerly housed in the Lewis Residence Hall), making Sirmons Hall the first co-ed housing facility on campus, though access to the female residences was restricted by card key. Now, all Military Resident students live in co-ed residence halls; Patriot and Gaillard Halls.
Military life on campus is full-time during the week. A typical week on campus begins with a full brigade drill on Monday. Military drill starts the academic year with brigade drills in the fall, company drills in the winter, and squad drills in the spring. Companies submit to a "white collar" inspection of quarters each academic term. Quarters are meticulously cleaned, and bunks must meet specific inspection requirements with a "white collar" turn down.
Daily life begins with First Call at 6:45 a.m. and Reveille
at 7:00 a.m. Retreat is sounded each day at 5:00 p.m. Tattoo
is played at 11:30pm and Taps
is played at 12:00 a.m. For Retreat, everyone on campus stops what they are doing, just like on a military post, and pays respect while the flag is lowered.
Cadet uniform requirements vary by weekday: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is Army Combat Uniform
(ACU), and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday is Class "B"s. On some Fridays, under the guidance of the Brigade Commander, cadets are authorized to wear "Campus Casual" attire that consists of a blue North Georgia polo shirt, khaki slacks, dress shoes, and a belt. Campus casual was created by Col. Palmer.
Members of the Corps may dress down to "civvies" at 5:00 p.m., given academic minimums are met, otherwise cadets must report for "quarters" (required study hall lasting Sunday through Thursday each week) at 8:00 p.m. There is a quarters break at 10:30 pm and quarters taps at 11:00 p.m. NCOs within each company alternate as CQ (Charge of Quarters) monitoring each company hall who stay on duty from 8:00 p.m. until official taps at 12:00 a.m.
Inspections and physical fitness are two things the Boar's Head Brigade prides itself on and are thus alternated during the week beginning with First Call. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are designated as "PRT" days, while Tuesday and Thursday are the "inspection" days. On inspection days, the Corps also has Cadet Professional Development classes (CPD). These classes consist of policies, traditions, and techniques that can be used to foster a successful future at North Georgia, let alone the Corps. Cadets are additionally required to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test each academic quarter
.
See www.northgeorgia.edu/cadetadmissions/ for more information.
The Aggressor Platoon is an organization sponsored by the North Georgia Corps of Cadets Military Department. The unit functions as one of eleven military organizations and seeks to train students in light infantry, Ranger, Special Operations, and guerrilla warfare tactics. Using these skills the Aggressor Platoon provides a realistic opposing force (OPFOR) for Pre-Camp and Corps of Cadets field training exercise
s (FTX). Members use intense training and demanding FTX’s to enhance their levels of discipline, leadership, and tactical proficiency.
The Aggressor Platoon was originally formed in 1963 as an affiliate of the Scabbard and Blade in order to provide an opposing force for juniors before they went to LDAC. Members were selected from the sophomore class based on their prior military experience and motivation. The platoon was nicknamed the “Black Tigers” in reference to the all black fatigues worn by the members. The platoon was reorganized in the late 1970s into its current form taking all volunteers from the school. Aggressors can be seen as leaders in the Corps, Military, and civilian sector. Their motto is "Aggressors Lead the Way!"
To become an Aggressor, eligible students must show up at the Aggressor Rock in uniform and complete a physical fitness test, a timed obstacle course, and a 6 miles (9.7 km) ruck march. Upon a successful completion of tryouts, the student may have the opportunity to be a candidate in the platoon. To advance in rank, members must complete all assigned tests scoring 80 percent or above and show outstanding leadership in FTXs and regular training events.
Perhaps one of the most highly regarded and respected units on campus are the Blue Ridge Rifles
. The BRR get their name from a volunteer rifle unit that was located in Dahlonega, GA, during the Civil War. After the Civil War was over, members of the unit remained in contact. In the 1950s, North Georgia deicded to form a platoon that specialized in rifle drills and showmanship and called the unit the Honor Platoon. Over the years the name of the unit was changed until finally sticking with The Blue Ridge Rifles. They chose this name to pay homage to the original unit.
The BRR are a nationally acclaimed unit that have performed in many drill competitions across the country. They pride themselves on this fact and are often considered to be one of the best drilling units in the country. They frequently compete with other highly esteemed drill units such as Texas A&M and West Point. Their motto is "Blue and Gray All the Way!"
The mission for the chaplains in the Boar's Head Brigade is to help identify problems in the unit, propose solutions, and help commanders maintain a positive command environment. Chaplain
s will also maintain the capacity to present religious opportunities to the Corps, on a voluntary basis, and provide information on religious activities in the surrounding community.
The cadet chaplains also provide morale and motivation for each Cadet company and therefore help to form the backbone of the unit. Each of the 10 chaplains are in positions of responsibility over morale, mental and spiritual health, and motivation in the Corps of Cadets. The motto of the Chaplain Corps is "Storm the gates of hell!"
The Cadet Chaplain Corps was started in the fall of 2000 with only one brigade chaplain. It has now grown to include one chaplain in each company, one chaplain in each battalion, and the brigade chaplain, all of which are volunteers. In 2008, the Boar's Head Brigade Cadet Chaplain Corps was constituted and became an official specialty unit on campus. The Chaplain Corps hosts a variety of events on campus, including Corps Bible study and Prayer Breakfast.
The North Georgia Color Guard
is without a doubt the single most important specialty unit on campus. It is their job to safeguard and present the colors (American, State, and Boar's Head Brigade) at each and every function of the Corps of Cadets. The Color Guard is the military liaison for North Georgia College and State University. The North Georgia Color also performs around the South Eastern Region at Military Banquets (Any US Military Branch), National Football League (NFL) Games, Major League Baseball (MLB Games), NASCAR Events, local parades, and many other community events.
In 2010, The Color Guard traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to the National Drill Meet (known as Mardi Gras) and placed 2nd in the entire Nation for Color Guard drill. Their unit is open to any member of the Corps of Cadets that is in high standing academically, physically, and morally.
The Color Guard Motto is:
"Duty, Honor, Country!"
The Golden Eagle Band of North Georgia College and State University is one of the most unique specialty units on campus. Not only is it a military organization, but it is also an academic class. The GEB is the oldest specialty unit on campus that traces it origins back with the founding of the university in 1873. It is also the oldest marching band in the state of Georgia. As such, it has a great level of history and tradition. Its members are always willing to accept new ways of accomplishing tasks as one of the most visible ambassadors of the university.
The Golden Eagle Band's mission is to "provide quality musicianship, discipline, and leadership through both military and musical training. We set and maintain the highest standards to represent North Georgia College & State University's Boar's Head Brigade."
Several times each semester, the Corps of Cadets has reviews and functions in which marching is involved. The Golden Eagle Band serves as "the heartbeat" of the Corps at these functions as they maintain the tempo for marches and perform the many bugle calls that are a required part of military processions. The majority of the band's performances are military processions. However, the band has recently integrated Drum Corps International
techniques and shows into their regimen. The GEB goes on a tour across the Southeast every Spring semester. This makes for a more thorough and complete collegiate band experience as well as to entertain those who come to see the military reviews and processions.
Even though the GEB is one of the several military units on campus, it is in fact open to both cadets and civilian students. Participation is not limited to those with a background in music as all skills needed to perform in a military band are taught by the instructors and cadre. The GEB has two mottoes used to distinguish between new and veteran players; "Talons of Steel" for new members, and "Raise Hell" for veterans.
In 1962, the Order of Colombo Mountain Platoon was conceived by a group of cadets who were interested in forming a unique organization after watching a demonstration performed by the cadre of the U.S. Army Mountain Ranger Camp
. After requesting information and training assistance from the ranger camp, Master Sergeant Louis P. Colombo, who was assigned to Camp Merrill, volunteered his time and knowledge. Prior to MSG Colombo’s departure, the unit was named in his honor. MSG Colombo died in November, 1995.
The unit is sponsored by the military department to promote interest in military mountaineering and small unit infantry tactics. Members are selected from those cadets who successfully pass a rigorous physical fitness test and tactical skills test. Their mission is to train and develop cadets into potential mountain combat soldiers with emphasis on the subjects of mountaineering, fixed installations, terrain navigation, small unit tactics, hand-to-hand combat and survival tactics.
Small unit tactics are initially taught in the classroom, followed by practical exercises in a field environment. Mountaineering skills are initially taught in the classroom, practiced on the rappelling tower, and then perfected at Mount Yonah. Their motto is "Mountain All the Way!"
Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega is a city in Lumpkin County, Georgia, United States, and is its county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 5,242....
, Lumpkin County, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. Founded as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873, it is the second oldest co-educational institution in the state. The university is renowned for its ROTC program, and is designated as The Military College of Georgia. It is also designated by the University System of Georgia as a State Leadership Institution. It is one of only six senior military college
Senior Military College
In the United States, a Senior Military College is one of six colleges that offer military Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs and are specifically recognized under 10 USC 2111a...
s in the United States.
The institution was founded as an agricultural branch of the University of Georgia
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
in 1873, which was made possible by the Morrill Act and the efforts of William Pierce Price
William P. Price
William Pierce Price was a politician that served in the U.S. Representative. Price was born in Dahlonega, Georgia.-Early life and education:...
. Its first graduating class in 1879 consisted of three men and one woman, making it the first college in the state to award a degree to a woman. In 1929, its agriculture program was dropped and the name was changed to North Georgia College. The school received the designation of state university in 1996. Protesting alumni were successful in keeping the word college in the name after they became upset when the name North Georgia State University was suggested.
North Georgia's campus is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
just south of the terminus
Springer Mountain
Springer Mountain is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Fannin County of northern Georgia. It is now the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.-Geography:The mountain's peak is at above mean sea level.-Appalachian Trail:...
of the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...
. Campus buildings are located around the drill field which is used by the military for drill and training, recreation for students and intramural sports. As a sign of respect students do not take short cuts across the field from the dorms and barracks to the academic buildings. The main administrative building, Price Memorial Hall, is named in honor of founder William Pierce Price. It is built on the foundations of the mint
Dahlonega Mint
The Dahlonega Mint was a branch of the United States Mint. It was located at 34°31.8′N 83°59.2′W at Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. Coins produced at the Dahlonega Mint bear the "D" mint mark. That mint mark is used today by the Denver Mint, which opened many years after the Dahlonega Mint...
that was established in Dahlonega during the gold rush
Georgia Gold Rush
The Georgia Gold Rush was the second significant gold rush in the United States. It started in 1828 in the present day Lumpkin County near county seat Dahlonega, and soon spread through the North Georgia mountains, following the Georgia Gold Belt. By the early 1840s, gold became harder to find...
. Its spire was gold leafed in 1973 from local gold as was the Georgia State Capitol
Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia State Capitol, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, is an architecturally and historically significant building. It has been named a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the main office building of Georgia's government...
in Atlanta. The university consists of 4 colleges and awards over 50 degrees. It is known for its teacher education, nursing, pre-med, and military programs.
History
North Georgia College and State University began as a branch of the Georgia College of Agriculture and Mechanical which was created by the University of Georgia in 1873 from funds from the Morrill Act. William Pierce PriceWilliam P. Price
William Pierce Price was a politician that served in the U.S. Representative. Price was born in Dahlonega, Georgia.-Early life and education:...
, a local congressman, persuaded officials at UGA to use part of the funds to establish a branch of the newly created college in Dahlonega, GA, Price's birthplace and home. The college opened classes in 1873 with 177 students, 98 males and 79 females, making it the first in the state to admit women. Classes were originally held in the old U.S. mint building
Dahlonega Mint
The Dahlonega Mint was a branch of the United States Mint. It was located at 34°31.8′N 83°59.2′W at Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. Coins produced at the Dahlonega Mint bear the "D" mint mark. That mint mark is used today by the Denver Mint, which opened many years after the Dahlonega Mint...
that was shut down during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. After the college was awarded the power to grant degrees in 1876, the first graduating class received degrees in 1879. The first graduating class of four consisted of three men and one woman, making North Georgia the first institution in the state to award a degree to a female.
The college has always had a military presence since land-grant schools were required to teach military tactics, but it was not until World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
when the military programs began to grow. The National Defense Act of 1916
National Defense Act of 1916
The National Defense Act of 1916, , provided for an expanded army during peace and wartime, fourfold expansion of the National Guard, the creation of an Officers' and an Enlisted Reserve Corps, plus the creation of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps in colleges and universities...
that created the ROTC also helped establish the military presence that is felt on the campus today. In 1929 the designation of Agricultural was dropped from the name and the school became North Georgia College. By 1932 the college was reduced to a two-year junior college. World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
saw a decline in enrollment because of the number of male students joining the war effort. This changed when an Army Specialized Training Program
Army Specialized Training Program
The Army Specialized Training Program was a military training program instituted by the United States Army during World War II at a number of American universities to meet wartime demands for junior officers and soldiers with technical skills...
was placed at the college to train junior officers. After the war the college grew because of young servicemen and veterans using their GI bill to attend school. By 1946 the college was reinstated as a four-year college. In the 1950s, Dahlonega provided gold for the leafing of the capitol building
Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia State Capitol, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, is an architecturally and historically significant building. It has been named a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the main office building of Georgia's government...
. It was also at this time that similar efforts to gold leaf Price Memorial Hall were begun, a project that did not see fruition until 1973.
Schools and Departments
North Georgia has 4 Schools:|
|
Mike Cottrell School of Business
The Mike Cottrell School of Business offers degrees in Business Administration. Undergraduate students can major in accounting, finance, management, and marketing. In August 2008, the department began offering a Master's in Business Administration in a distance learning environment located in Forsyth County, GeorgiaForsyth County, Georgia
Forsyth County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. The county seat is Cumming, Georgia. Forsyth County is a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area...
.
School of Education
The School of Education offers Certifications in Teaching and Education degrees to students. Certifications and degrees are awarded in Early Childhood/Special Education; Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8); Secondary Education (grades 7-12) in English, History, Social Science, Mathematics, and Science; and P-12 certification in Art, Music, French, Physical Education, and Spanish. North Georgia also offers Master's of Education degrees for an Education Specialist and Teacher Leadership as well as certification in Administration and Supervision.School of Arts & Letters
The Department of English offers concentrations in writing and literature. English students have the opportunity to become certified as a teacher at the middle/secondary level. In addition, they have the opportunity to work on Mountain Laurels and Unfettered Muse, North Georgia’s literary magazines, and may work tutoring students at the Writing Center. The English Department also has a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society.The Department of History and Philosophy offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, a Bachelor of Arts in History Education, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History. The department also offers a minor in philosophy. Students can also join Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honors Society for History.
The Department of Performing Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, as well as a minor in Theater. The department offers a full range of music courses, including a symphonic band, a military band, jazz ensembles, a symphony orchestra, several choirs, and chamber ensembles.
The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in both Psychology and Sociology, a Master's degree in Community Counseling, and minors in Psychology and Sociology. The department also has a chapter of Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honors Society, and Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honors Society.
There are also opportunities to earn a minor in Gender Studies and complete a certification program in Gerontology. The Gender Studies minor program was instituted in 2006, after the faculty self-organized numerous Women and Leadership conferences, committees and lectures. The program offers courses in sex, gender, and sexuality concentrated into the Literature, History, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal justice, Political science, and Nursing programs. The Gerontology program has been offered for the last six years at North Georgia. North Georgia is a part of the Georgia Gerontology Consortium through a distance learning partnership. North Georgia offers undergraduate and graduate courses in gerontology. The program aims to provide an introduction to gerontology theory, application, and research, clinical internships with older adults, and to provide public service programs to meet educational, professional, and community needs.
The Department of Modern Languages prepares students to communicate in a multi-lingual world. The department offers programs of study in French and Spanish and a minor in German and Chinese. In addition, there are education and business concentrations offered within the programs of study. There are many study abroad opportunities for students, including an exchange program with various Chinese universities, a French program within Quebec City at the Université Laval and the Centre d’Etudes Franco-Américain in Lisieux, France, a German immersion program within Bonn, Germany, and a Spanish study abroad program in Santander, Spain. On campus, students of modern languages can take advantage of the 50-seat language lab to further their study and knowledge of their language of choice, and can take part in summer immersion camps in Spanish and Chinese as well as Foreign Language Day, where North Georgia hosts high school competitions in Foreign Language.
The Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice offers various programs. Within Political Science, there are offerings in American Politics, International Relations, and Pre-Law. The department focuses mainly on political institutions (presidency, Congress, and courts), public administration, and international relations dealing with Asian, Latin American, and Western European Politics. The department also offers a European Union certification and an International Affairs degree, which provides students with an introduction to international relations. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Honor students are invited to membership in Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society accredited by the Association of College Honor Societies. Traditionally a national organization serving United States universities, recent expansion into Canadian universities has distinguished Alpha Phi Sigma as an international honor...
(national criminal-justice honor society) and Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi sigma alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha , the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college and university students of political science in the United States. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of political science...
(national political-science honor society).
School of Science and Health Professions
The School of Science and Health Professions offers degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Nursing.The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics, Secondary Education certification in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems. In addition to the Bachelor of Science, North Georgia College & State University offers a Master's of Education in Mathematics Education. Math/CS students are offered many opportunities, including specialized computer labs and the MATH/CS Tutorial Center, which is staffed by qualified student tutors.
The Department of Biology offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biology and Biology Education. Furthermore, the department advises students who wish to apply to professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physicians' Assistants, and Respiratory Therapy.
The Department of Chemistry offers degrees in Chemistry and Chemistry Education. The department also advises students who wish to pursue professional education in the fields of Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry.
The Department of Physical Therapy offers a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.
The Department of Physics offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics as well as a minor in Physics. The department also offers a joint partnership with Georgia Tech, Clemson University, and Mercer University that offers students the option to receive a dual degree in both Physics (from North Georgia) and an Engineering degree from the school of his/her choice.
The Department of Nursing was founded in 1974, with the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program. The department has continued to grow with the addition of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program. There are additional "satellite programs" offered in Cumming and Gainesville, and an LPN/RN Bridge program. In 1998, the Masters of Science/Family Nurse Practitioner Program was founded and in 2006, the Master of Science in Nursing Education was instituted.
Degrees and Programs
Undergraduate Degrees:- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees are offered in Art (concentrations in Studio Art and Scientific Illustration), English, English Education, French, French Education, General Studies, History, History Education, Music, Political Science, Spanish, Spanish Education, and Spanish with Business Emphasis.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are offered in Art Education, Art Marketing, Athletic Training, Biology, Biology Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Education (Early Childhood/Special Education and Middle Grades), Mathematics, Math Education, Music Education, Physical Education (emphases in teacher certification, exercise science, and physical education), Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Sociology, Music Education, Physical Education, and Exercise Science.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) degree is offered in Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree is offered to selected registered nurses from A.S.N. programs and selected registered nurses from diploma programs.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) degree is a two year program with both academic instruction (at North Georgia) and clinical training at hospitals and nursing homes in the immediate area.
Graduate Degrees :
Other programs:
- Education Specialist in School Leadership
- Teacher Education Certificate Endorsements
- Nursing Certificate of Gerontology
- Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education
- Post Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
Honor Societies
North Georgia's faculty considers recognition of honor students to be well-deserved and, therefore, an essential function of the university. Accordingly, 21 honor-society organizations—19 of which are chapters of national and international honor societies and 14 of which are affiliated with the national Association of College Honor SocietiesAssociation of College Honor Societies
The Association of College Honor Societies , founded in 1925, is a predominantly American organization that serves a number of functions with respect to national collegiate and post-graduate honor societies...
--are active at the university, and initiate accomplished students to membership.
The 21 honor-society organizations are:
Intercollegiate
North Georgia's sports teams compete in NCAA Division II within the Peach Belt ConferencePeach Belt Conference
The Peach Belt Conference is an intercollegiate college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA’s Division II. The PBC was formed in 1990 with seven charter universities as the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, and took its current name in 2000.-Current members:The league currently has 13 full...
which it joined in 2005. North Georgia fields men's and women's teams in basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, and softball. When the college began intercollegiate sports competition the teams were known as The Cadets and when the school first fielded a women's basketball team they were known as the Golddiggers. Men's and women's teams are now known as the Saints and Lady Saints. The Saint mascot was adopted in the 1970s when a professor bought a Saint Bernard dog to bring to basketball games.
The current athletic director is Lindsay Reeves, who was with North Georgia College & State University for ten years before being hired as the Director of Athletics during the fall of 2010. She had spent three years as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Women's Administrator before being named Athletic Director when Randy Dunn retired after 28 years with the university.
Softball:
The Lady Saints finished the 2009 season with an overall record of 50-5. The Lady Saints rode a 27 game win streak and a #1 ranking for a large part of the season and into the Division II World Series. They were defeated in the Championship by the #2 ranked Lock Haven University Bald Eagles
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, commonly abbreviated LHU, is a state university in Lock Haven, in central Pennsylvania located along the Susquehanna River, and is roughly from the major towns of Williamsport and State College. Lock Haven University is one of the fourteen members of the...
.
Club and Intramural Sports
Students at NGCSU may also participate in the many club and intramural sports offered at the college. Club sports at NGCSU practice and play against other universities and are very competitive. Club sports at NGCSU include: Cycling Club, Rugby Union , and Ultimate Frisbee. The intramural sports program at NGCSU provides students with the chance to play sports recreationally. Intramural sports at NGCSU include Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer, Volleyball (Indoor), Basketball (3v3), Whiffleball, Tennis, Basketball (Team), Softball, Dodgeball, Innertube Water Polo, Volleyball (Sand), and Table Tennis.Student life
Many students at North Georgia choose to attend because of its location and programs. North Georgia's campus is located just an hour away from downtown AtlantaDowntown Atlanta
Downtown Atlanta is the first and largest of the three financial districts in the city of Atlanta. Downtown Atlanta is the location of many corporate or regional headquarters, city, county, state and federal government facilities, sporting facilities, and is the central tourist attraction of the city...
and just an hour and half drive to downtown Athens
Downtown (Athens)
Downtown Athens in Athens, Georgia is generally considered to be the area bounded on the north by Dougherty Street , on the south by Broad Street and the University of Georgia campus, on the west by Pulaski Street, and on the east by Foundry Street....
. Situated in the small town of Dahlonega, GA students may also enjoy the local shopping, restaurants, and festivals. Only a short distance away from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in northern Georgia comprises two United States National Forests, the Oconee National Forest and Chattahoochee National Forest. The combined total area of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is , of which the Chattahoochee National Forest comprises ...
, Chattahoochee River
Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River flows through or along the borders of the U.S. states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. It is a tributary of the Apalachicola River, a relatively short river formed by the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers and emptying into Apalachicola Bay in the Gulf of...
, Chestatee River
Chestatee River
The Chestatee River is a river in the Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia, USA. It begins at the confluence of Dicks Creek and Frogtown Creek The Chestatee River (variant spellings Chestatie, Chestetee, Chostatee, Chosteta, none in modern use) is a river in the Appalachian Mountains of...
, Etowah River
Etowah River
The Etowah River is a waterway that rises northwest of Dahlonega, Georgia, north of Atlanta. Its name is the Cherokee version of the original Muskogee word Etalwa, which means a "trail crossing". On Matthew Carey's 1795 map the river was labeled "High Town River"...
, Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is a reservoir in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956, and is also fed by the waters of the Chestatee River. The lake encompasses of water, and of shoreline at normal level, a "full...
, many waterfalls
Waterfalls of North Georgia
The waterfalls of northern Georgia, U.S.A., are a prominent feature of the geography of that region, as well as a major focus of tourism and outdoor recreation. Many are located in state parks, national forests, wildlife management areas, and other public lands...
make it the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
The student ratio is about 60% female to 40% male. Over 900 military cadets live on campus and attend classes in full uniform, which provides a unique experience to the member of the Corps and other students. Cadets at North Georgia learn how to function within a military organization while maintaining a strong connection with civilian life, a skill set that enables them to succeed as commissioned officers. It is not uncommon to hear the mottos of the specialty corps units being yelled on walks to and from class, or see the cadets on marches throughout the campus.
Until the fall of 2008 all male students that lived on campus were required to participate in the ROTC program. This policy was changed to avoid legal ramifications from Title IX
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a United States law, enacted on June 23, 1972, that amended Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 2002 it was renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in honor of its principal author Congresswoman Mink, but is most...
legislation, that all students must be provided equal programs regardless of sex. This policy and the proximity of the school to U.S. Route 19
U.S. Route 19
U.S. Route 19 is a north–south U.S. Highway. Despite encroaching Interstate Highways, the route has remained a long-haul route, connecting the Gulf of Mexico with Lake Erie....
which runs concurrently to Georgia State Route 400
Georgia State Route 400
Georgia State Route 400 is a highway in the U.S. state of Georgia, concurrent with U.S. Route 19 from exit 4B until its terminus just south of Dahlonega. ST 400 goes from Atlanta, at Interstate 85 , to Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawson County, and Dahlonega...
, Georgia State Route 60
Georgia State Route 60
State Route 60 begins at S.R. 124 in Hoschton and travels north through Gainesville and across I-985. The route overlaps U.S. 19 in Lumpkin County in Dahlonega. The route ends after traveling through McCaysville at the Tennessee state line....
, and Georgia State Route 9
Georgia State Route 9
State Route 9 is a north–south highway running from Atlanta to just north of Dahlonega. It overlaps U.S. 19 from along 14th Street, in northwest Atlanta, to Roswell Road at I-285, in Sandy Springs. It is also concurrent with U.S. 19 from Dahlonega to its northern terminus at US 129...
have allowed for a large commuter population. Some commuters live within walking distance of campus while other may live up to the maximum of 50 miles (80.5 km) away from campus.
Student Government Association
SGA is a group of students that are elected by the student body. They serve as meditators between the faculty and the students. They main function of SGA is to allocate funds to student organizations.Student Activities Board
SAB is one of the most diverse organizations on campus run by elected students. SAB organizes and funds social events that help provide a release for students during the school semester. Some of the events include Spring and Fall Jam, various concerts, outdoor movies, comedians, hypnotists, speakers, holiday activities, and dances. They also publish the Flush Flash, a weekly newsletter that is posted in all bathroom stalls that provides information about the happenings on campus for the week. The motto of the Flush Flash is 'Everyone knows because everyone goes'. All students are invited to weekly meetings held on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.Commuter Council
The Commuter Council was enacted to address problems and issues of North Georgia commuter students. The Commuter Council has elected voting representatives on the SGA and SAB. The Commuter Council hosts many social events such as cookouts, forums, and breakfasts that help commuter students relax and make new friends.Greek life
There are thirteen fraternities and sororities at North Georgia, offering friendship and leadership opportunities. Sororities are governed by the Panhellenic Council, which is made up of representatives from each of the five sororities on campus. The eight fraternities are governed the Interfraternity Council (IFC).There are several guidelines for eligibility in Greek organizations. There is no Greek housing on campus, so Greeks must live in university housing or commute. First year students are not eligible to participate in Greek Life until they have completed 12 hours at North Georgia and have a standing 2.3 GPA (cadets must be off quarters to be eligible). Recruitment begins in the spring semester, which gives students the advantage of checking out sorority and fraternity open houses and functions.
Fraternities & Sororities:
Greek life events throughout the year include:
Formal Rush in Spring Semester (late January),
Spirit Night Competitions, and
Greek Week
Clubs
There are many organizations at North Georgia, with the Rugby team being among the most active and successful on campus. North Georgia Rugby Club was formed in 2006 and has played a full intercollegiate schedule since, with participation from both men's and women's teams. The current coach is Dr. Michael Proulx, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History & Philosophy. Rugby is the only contact sport at North Georgia, and is the second most played sport around the world. Along with so many players world-wide, the sport of rugby prides itself on having a special culture surrounding the sports, which links players from all around the world in the most intense and social game on the planet. Other general interest organizations include the Dance Team, Theater Guild, Step Team, Swim Club, Karate Club, Equestrian Club, Outdoor Club and newly formed Academic Team to name a few.Traditions
- Arch: The North Georgia Arch, which is located at the campus entrance nearest to Dahlonega's square, was built by the Class of 1951 to commemorate their classmates who died in the Korean War. By tradition, freshmen are not supposed to walk through the larger arch and instead walk though the smaller arch to the side.
- Bugle Calls:
- Reveille is played every morning at 7:00 a.m., at which time cadets and civilians alike stop and face the flag.
- Retreat is played every afternoon at 5:00 p.m., at which time all outdoor activity on campus ceases, in order to pay respect to the American flag. Cadets stand at attention and salute the flag while civilians stop, remove their hats, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart.
- Taps is played every evening at midnight (2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays of open weekends) to indicate the end of the day. Cadets are required to be in their dorms at this time.
- Drill Field: The Drill Field is located in the heart of the main campus. This field is the parade grounds for the Corps of Cadets and is used for drill and ceremonies. It is also used for recreational activities, though the activities of the Corps take precedence. Students do not cut through the field as a shortcut; instead, they walk around. On April 18, 2009, the drill field was dedicated to retired General William J. Livsey.
- Memorial Wall: The Memorial Wall, located in front of Memorial Hall, was built in 1983 and honors North Georgia students and alumni who died either in service to their country or while attending North Georgia. Students do not enter the area around the wall unless they are stopping to show honor to those listed on the wall.
- Retreat Triangle: The triangle is located near the Drill Field, Student Center South, and Dunlap Hall. It holds the original retreat cannon, a 1902 three-inch (76 mm) gun, which was fired daily for more than 50 years. The cannon was recently restored by the North Georgia Parents Association. Students do not walk on the triangle or tamper with the cannon.
Campus
The heart of campus is the William J. "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field named after William J. LivseyWilliam J. Livsey
William James Livsey is a retired United States Army four star general who served as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command/Commander in Chief, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command/Commander, United States Forces Korea/Commanding General, Eighth United States Army , 1984-1987.Livsey is a native of...
, a North Georgia College graduate who went on to become a four star general in the Army. The drill field separates the residence areas of campus from the academic areas. The main campus covers 120 acre (0.4856232 km²) just off the main square of Dahlonega, with most of that area lying in a triangle created by West Main Street, Morrison Moore Parkway, and Georgia State Route 60
Georgia State Route 60
State Route 60 begins at S.R. 124 in Hoschton and travels north through Gainesville and across I-985. The route overlaps U.S. 19 in Lumpkin County in Dahlonega. The route ends after traveling through McCaysville at the Tennessee state line....
. Student housing consists of the 2 military residence halls: Gaillard Hall and Patriot Hall, 2 traditional residence halls: Lewis Hall and Donovan Hall, an apartment complex: Owen Hall, and North Georgia Suites. Academic buildings include Nix Fine Arts Center, Rogers Hall, Young Hall, Health and Natural Sciences (HNS), West Main Hall, formerly The Education Building, Newton-Oakes Center (NOC), Dunlap Hall, and The Pennington
Brooks Pennington Jr.
Brooks M. Pennington Junior was a businessman, author, politician and philanthropist from Georgia.-Early years:...
Military Leadership Center. Administrative buildings include Stewart Center, the Downtown Office Building, and Barnes Hall. Other buildings on campus include the newly complete Library & Technology Center, the Dining Hall, and Hoag Student Center. The Athletic facilities include Memorial Hall Gymnasium, The NGCSU Sports Complex which contains the baseball, softball, and soccer fields, and the tennis facility located at Yahoola Creek Park. Overall the campus owns 600 acres (2.4 km²) in adjacent or nearby parks and forests which include Pine Valley Recreation Facility and the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
North Georgia Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by North Georgia College and State University. It is located in Dahlonega, Georgia .-External links:*...
.
Price Memorial
Price Memorial was the first building at The North Georgia Agriculture College when it was donated to the school in 1873 by the U.S. government. Prior to its donation to the school Price Memorial served as a mint. Five years later in December 1878 a fire devastated Price Memorial. The next year in June the architecture firm of Perkins and Bruce rebuilt the building on the original marble foundation in a blend of Second Empire Gothic along with Neoclassical Revival styles. This building was referred to as the ‘main building’ until it was named after William Pierce Price in 1908 following his death. Price was a chief contributor to the college when it first opened, donating four thousand dollars toward its founding. Today, Price Memorial houses the President’s Office, Office of the Registrar, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and the Financial Aid office, along with many other administrative offices. Price Memorial stands as a 24992 square feet (2,321.8 m²) visible landmark for the college, known for its gold steeple that was leafed with Dahlonega gold in 1973.Young Hall
On the site where Young Hall is located, there had previously been a building called Bostwick Hall. Bostwick Hall was constructed in 1900, and paid for by J.H. Bostwick. Bostwick Hall was a two-story building made of brick and stucco originally built for $6,856. This building originally held the President’s office, lecture rooms, the school library, and a reading room on the ground floor. Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics labs were located on the second floor. This building was destroyed in 1911 by a fire. Later, in 1939 president Jonathan Clark Rogers used resources from the PWA (Public Works Administration), part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program, to build a new building on the site of the old Bostwick Hall; the new structure's cost was $30,000. A plaque stating the building was built by the PWA can be found on the front right side of Young Hall. The building was then named the Stewart Library after President Joseph Spencer Stewart (1893–1903) and housed 15,000 books. After the new Stewart Library was completed in 1971, the school renamed the building after William D. Young, who served North Georgia College as dean, registrar, and an instructor of history and social science. Until 2010, Young Hall served as the main building for the History & Philosophy Department, housing history, philosophy, social sciences, and criminal justice classes, and offices for professors. After a major retrofitting project, Young Hall reopened for classes in October 2011.Dunlap - Newton Oakes
The Dunlap-Newton Oakes building annex houses several academic departments (Language, English, Math, etc.). Dunlap-Newton Oakes is perhaps the most centrally located of all the buildings on the NGCSU campus. It sits to the East-Northeast of the Drill Field, between the student center and the gymnasium.West Main Hall
West Main Hall, or The Education Building, was originally built in 1913 with money acquired by President Gustavus Glenn (1904–1922) for $10,000. For many years, the 52 room brick building served as the company barracks housing all male students. This Neoclassical building’s uniqueness comes from its stone masonry foundation and its Corinthian columns. This building has also been called the Industrial Building before being named the Academic Building. West Main Hall had additions added to the east end in 1975 making the total square footage of the building 26626 square feet (2,473.6 m²). In 2010 the building was renamed Hansford Hall in honor of past president Nathaniel Hansford.Rogers Hall
Rogers Hall was the first building constructed on campus after the end of World War II, and was initially called the Science Building. Construction began in 1946 and continued until 1948, completed by the William E, Fennell Construction Company from the neighboring city of Gainesville, Georgia. Rogers Hall cost the college $300,000. The three-story Colonial Revival and modern style building was constructed with a steel frame and finished with brick masonry. Rogers Hall housed the physics department on the first floor, the chemistry department on the second floor, and biology took up the third. Currently, Rogers Hall houses many of the natural sciences classes such as geology and other earth sciences, and still houses some physics labs. Rogers Hall gets its name from college president Jonathan Clark Rogers who later became the president of The University of Georgia. The building’s name was officially changed to Rogers Hall following is death in October 1967. Rogers Hall is located around the drill field and is 33127 square feet (3,077.6 m²)."The Boar's Head Brigade"
Blue Ridge Rifles
In June 1861, the city of Dahlonega, Georgia sent their second group of volunteers, the Blue Ridge Rifles to the Civil War front under the command of Capt. Joseph E. Hamilton. The unit was organized as Company E, Phillip’s Legion Infantry. In 1864, the time for which the Rifles' enlistment expired,...
(a nationally recognized rifle drill team), the Nurse Detachment, and Color Guard.
The female membership of the Corps moved to Sirmons Hall in 1991 (formerly housed in the Lewis Residence Hall), making Sirmons Hall the first co-ed housing facility on campus, though access to the female residences was restricted by card key. Now, all Military Resident students live in co-ed residence halls; Patriot and Gaillard Halls.
Military life on campus is full-time during the week. A typical week on campus begins with a full brigade drill on Monday. Military drill starts the academic year with brigade drills in the fall, company drills in the winter, and squad drills in the spring. Companies submit to a "white collar" inspection of quarters each academic term. Quarters are meticulously cleaned, and bunks must meet specific inspection requirements with a "white collar" turn down.
Daily life begins with First Call at 6:45 a.m. and Reveille
Reveille
"Reveille" is a bugle call, trumpet call or pipes call most often associated with the military or summer camp; it is chiefly used to wake military personnel at sunrise...
at 7:00 a.m. Retreat is sounded each day at 5:00 p.m. Tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
is played at 11:30pm and Taps
Taps
"Taps" is a musical piece sounded by the U.S. military nightly to indicate that it is "lights out". The tune is also sometimes known as "Butterfields Lullaby", or by the lyrics of its second verse, "Day is Done". It is also played during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on bugle or trumpet...
is played at 12:00 a.m. For Retreat, everyone on campus stops what they are doing, just like on a military post, and pays respect while the flag is lowered.
Cadet uniform requirements vary by weekday: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is Army Combat Uniform
Army Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its...
(ACU), and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday is Class "B"s. On some Fridays, under the guidance of the Brigade Commander, cadets are authorized to wear "Campus Casual" attire that consists of a blue North Georgia polo shirt, khaki slacks, dress shoes, and a belt. Campus casual was created by Col. Palmer.
Members of the Corps may dress down to "civvies" at 5:00 p.m., given academic minimums are met, otherwise cadets must report for "quarters" (required study hall lasting Sunday through Thursday each week) at 8:00 p.m. There is a quarters break at 10:30 pm and quarters taps at 11:00 p.m. NCOs within each company alternate as CQ (Charge of Quarters) monitoring each company hall who stay on duty from 8:00 p.m. until official taps at 12:00 a.m.
Inspections and physical fitness are two things the Boar's Head Brigade prides itself on and are thus alternated during the week beginning with First Call. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are designated as "PRT" days, while Tuesday and Thursday are the "inspection" days. On inspection days, the Corps also has Cadet Professional Development classes (CPD). These classes consist of policies, traditions, and techniques that can be used to foster a successful future at North Georgia, let alone the Corps. Cadets are additionally required to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test each academic quarter
Academic quarter (year division)
An academic quarter refers to the division of an academic year into four parts, found in a minority of universities in the United States and in some European and Asian countries.-Background and trends:...
.
See www.northgeorgia.edu/cadetadmissions/ for more information.
Aggressor Platoon
"Aggressors Lead the Way!"Field training exercise
A Field training exercise, generally shortened to the acronym "FTX", describes a highly coordinated and well planned exercise conducted by military units for training purposes.-FTX's in Active Duty:...
s (FTX). Members use intense training and demanding FTX’s to enhance their levels of discipline, leadership, and tactical proficiency.
The Aggressor Platoon was originally formed in 1963 as an affiliate of the Scabbard and Blade in order to provide an opposing force for juniors before they went to LDAC. Members were selected from the sophomore class based on their prior military experience and motivation. The platoon was nicknamed the “Black Tigers” in reference to the all black fatigues worn by the members. The platoon was reorganized in the late 1970s into its current form taking all volunteers from the school. Aggressors can be seen as leaders in the Corps, Military, and civilian sector. Their motto is "Aggressors Lead the Way!"
To become an Aggressor, eligible students must show up at the Aggressor Rock in uniform and complete a physical fitness test, a timed obstacle course, and a 6 miles (9.7 km) ruck march. Upon a successful completion of tryouts, the student may have the opportunity to be a candidate in the platoon. To advance in rank, members must complete all assigned tests scoring 80 percent or above and show outstanding leadership in FTXs and regular training events.
Blue Ridge Rifles
"Blue and Gray All the Way!"Blue Ridge Rifles
In June 1861, the city of Dahlonega, Georgia sent their second group of volunteers, the Blue Ridge Rifles to the Civil War front under the command of Capt. Joseph E. Hamilton. The unit was organized as Company E, Phillip’s Legion Infantry. In 1864, the time for which the Rifles' enlistment expired,...
. The BRR get their name from a volunteer rifle unit that was located in Dahlonega, GA, during the Civil War. After the Civil War was over, members of the unit remained in contact. In the 1950s, North Georgia deicded to form a platoon that specialized in rifle drills and showmanship and called the unit the Honor Platoon. Over the years the name of the unit was changed until finally sticking with The Blue Ridge Rifles. They chose this name to pay homage to the original unit.
The BRR are a nationally acclaimed unit that have performed in many drill competitions across the country. They pride themselves on this fact and are often considered to be one of the best drilling units in the country. They frequently compete with other highly esteemed drill units such as Texas A&M and West Point. Their motto is "Blue and Gray All the Way!"
Chaplain Corps
"Storm the gates of hell!"Chaplain
Traditionally, a chaplain is a minister in a specialized setting such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam or lay representative of a religion attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, police department, university, or private chapel...
s will also maintain the capacity to present religious opportunities to the Corps, on a voluntary basis, and provide information on religious activities in the surrounding community.
The cadet chaplains also provide morale and motivation for each Cadet company and therefore help to form the backbone of the unit. Each of the 10 chaplains are in positions of responsibility over morale, mental and spiritual health, and motivation in the Corps of Cadets. The motto of the Chaplain Corps is "Storm the gates of hell!"
The Cadet Chaplain Corps was started in the fall of 2000 with only one brigade chaplain. It has now grown to include one chaplain in each company, one chaplain in each battalion, and the brigade chaplain, all of which are volunteers. In 2008, the Boar's Head Brigade Cadet Chaplain Corps was constituted and became an official specialty unit on campus. The Chaplain Corps hosts a variety of events on campus, including Corps Bible study and Prayer Breakfast.
Color Guard
"Duty! Honor! Country!"Color guard
In the military of the United States and other militaries, the color guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a unit flag and a departmental flag...
is without a doubt the single most important specialty unit on campus. It is their job to safeguard and present the colors (American, State, and Boar's Head Brigade) at each and every function of the Corps of Cadets. The Color Guard is the military liaison for North Georgia College and State University. The North Georgia Color also performs around the South Eastern Region at Military Banquets (Any US Military Branch), National Football League (NFL) Games, Major League Baseball (MLB Games), NASCAR Events, local parades, and many other community events.
In 2010, The Color Guard traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to the National Drill Meet (known as Mardi Gras) and placed 2nd in the entire Nation for Color Guard drill. Their unit is open to any member of the Corps of Cadets that is in high standing academically, physically, and morally.
The Color Guard Motto is:
"Duty, Honor, Country!"
The Golden Eagle Band
"Talons of Steel"The Golden Eagle Band's mission is to "provide quality musicianship, discipline, and leadership through both military and musical training. We set and maintain the highest standards to represent North Georgia College & State University's Boar's Head Brigade."
Several times each semester, the Corps of Cadets has reviews and functions in which marching is involved. The Golden Eagle Band serves as "the heartbeat" of the Corps at these functions as they maintain the tempo for marches and perform the many bugle calls that are a required part of military processions. The majority of the band's performances are military processions. However, the band has recently integrated Drum Corps International
Drum Corps International
Drum Corps International , formed in 1972, is the non-profit governing body operating the North American drum and bugle corps circuit for junior corps, whose members are between the ages of 14 and 21. It is the counterpart of Drum Corps Associates which governs senior or all-age drum corps...
techniques and shows into their regimen. The GEB goes on a tour across the Southeast every Spring semester. This makes for a more thorough and complete collegiate band experience as well as to entertain those who come to see the military reviews and processions.
Even though the GEB is one of the several military units on campus, it is in fact open to both cadets and civilian students. Participation is not limited to those with a background in music as all skills needed to perform in a military band are taught by the instructors and cadre. The GEB has two mottoes used to distinguish between new and veteran players; "Talons of Steel" for new members, and "Raise Hell" for veterans.
Mountain Order of Colombo
"Mountain All the Way!"Ranger School
The United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". The course is conducted...
. After requesting information and training assistance from the ranger camp, Master Sergeant Louis P. Colombo, who was assigned to Camp Merrill, volunteered his time and knowledge. Prior to MSG Colombo’s departure, the unit was named in his honor. MSG Colombo died in November, 1995.
The unit is sponsored by the military department to promote interest in military mountaineering and small unit infantry tactics. Members are selected from those cadets who successfully pass a rigorous physical fitness test and tactical skills test. Their mission is to train and develop cadets into potential mountain combat soldiers with emphasis on the subjects of mountaineering, fixed installations, terrain navigation, small unit tactics, hand-to-hand combat and survival tactics.
Small unit tactics are initially taught in the classroom, followed by practical exercises in a field environment. Mountaineering skills are initially taught in the classroom, practiced on the rappelling tower, and then perfected at Mount Yonah. Their motto is "Mountain All the Way!"