Waycross College, a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia

University System of Georgia

The University System of Georgia is the organizational body that includes 35 public institutions of higher learning in the U.S. state of Georgia. The System is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents. It sets goals and dictates general policy to educational institutions as well as administering...

, exists to provide programs of higher education for citizens of the immediate and surrounding communities. The College's philosophy is to provide opportunities for those who need special preparation for regular college-level courses, while giving well-prepared students immediate access to transfer courses that can be applied toward advanced study appropriate to their academic goals.

Waycross College attempts to provide a wide range of enjoyable and satisfying experiences calculated to contribute to one's intellectual objectives and personal interests and aptitudes. Concerts, recitals, special lectures, independent study, meaningful physical activities, club activities, social events, cultural exhibits, and intercollegiate athletics are provided on a regular basis.

Historically, the establishment of a University System two-year college in the Ware County-Waycross area was originally approved by the Board of Regents

Board of Regents

In the United States, a board often governs public institutions of higher education, which include both state universities and community colleges. In each US state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual colleges and universities, or both. In general they operate as...

 in December, 1970. A site for the College was approved by the Board in February, 1973. A bond issue was approved in May, 1973. An official name, Waycross Junior College, was approved by the Board of Regents in January, 1975. Waycross Junior College opened for classes in September, 1976. In June, 1987, the official name was changed to Waycross College.

Waycross College is accredited

Educational accreditation

Educational accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of educational institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met...

 by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...

to award associate’s degrees.