What is the Howard E. Ivester Early College campus like?

The Howard E. Ivester Early College campus is a renovated and designated college dual enrollment campus for our partner colleges and their professors - with a learning commons, student meeting area, student bistro, collaborative spaces, advisors, resources, cafe, and classrooms equipped with 21st Century technology.

As a Howard E. Ivester Early College student, will I also be part of the main college campus?

YES!  Accepted students will have parking passes, rights to the student center, tutoring labs, media centers, clubs, etc. as allowed by Dual Enrollment guidelines on the main campuses of the college. Howard E. Ivester Early College IS part of the partner campus.

What is unique about the IEC campus? 

Our calendar Aligns with the Hall County School Schedule. All students have access to in person academic support including: tutoring, career guidance, and personalized planning to meet college and career goals. We are home to students who are like-minded and share similar interests in the pursuit of their academics. We provide laptops and transportation from/to high schools provided free for use. Tuition, books and mandatory fees (except for lab)  are all covered by DE!

What about eating  Breakfast & Lunch?

IEC offers hot and cold meals for breakfast and lunch tied to the student's high school ID cards.

Must I qualify for Brenau /Lanier Technical College and/or University of North Georgia to be part of Early College? 

YES! Once accepted, students ARE part of the Brenau University, LTC and/or UNG community with all DE student rights!

Do my college credits also count as high school credits?

YES!  Academic courses count as high school credits as well as college credits.  Academic courses count towards the high school GPA on the 5.0 scale and certification courses on the 4.5 scale. Plus, all academic credits transfer to any University of Georgia System college. Grades will be reflected on both your high school transcript and your college transcript. The grades earned will be a part of the student’s college GPA AND the student's high school GPA.

How do Dual Enrollment classes impact my High school GPA?

Dual enrollment classes are weighed on a 5.0 scale for core academic articulated classes. Other classes are weighed on a 4.5 Honors scale. 

Am I given a bump on my HOPE GPA for my Dual Enrollment classes? 

Dual Enrollment grades come to the HS transcript in increments of 5 (85, 95) for A's and B's and YES, a 0.5 bump will be then be awarded to Dual Enrollment grades just like AP classes. However, 4.0 is the highest allowed for HOPE.

What expenses will be covered within 30 hour limit?

Standard undergraduate tuition will be paid for approved Dual Enrollment classes up to 30 hours.  In the event the funds provided to the institution by Dual Enrollment do not cover a student’s tuition for the term (under covered classes & within 30 hours), the institution must waive (not charge) the student for any remaining tuition balance. Institutions are required to provide textbooks at no cost to participating students.

Could there be a charge for any Dual Enrollment class?

The student could be charged a minimal fee for course related fees or supplies.  This is typically materials or supplies for the student to keep. HIMT, Nurse Aide, Firefighter, and science classes are typical classes that require a student fee.

Will these classes count against my HOPE hours? 

NO!  In the Dual Enrollment program, the credits earned do not count against the HOPE credit hour cap following graduation from high school. YEA!

Are students participating in the Dual Enrollment program eligible to enroll in online courses or transient courses?

Yes! Dual Enrolled student may enroll in courses offered online or approved as transient provided the course appears on the approved course list. Students should be advised to carefully consider: 1.) Whether an online course is a good fit before enrolling in the course and, 2.) To pursue a course load that is manageable.

How will DE transfer credits be evaluated? 

Students completing any core academic curriculum course will receive credit for that course when transferring to another University System of Georgia Institution as provided on the articulation document. 

​Out of state or private colleges most often take core academic credits, but students need to contact them directly to verify, as state-to-state articulation agreements vary.

REMINDER: The college course credit becomes part of the student's high school and college transcript.

NOTE: Students may take Brenau, LTC, UNG and UGA-CAES courses or a combination of classes if desired, as qualified and as available.

Are students who participate in the DE program at Howard E. Ivester Early College eligible to continue to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and athletics at their high school?

Yes! Dual Enrollment students may continue to participate in activities, WBL, HMP, clubs and athletics at their high school and and to continue classes and sports practices at their home school as desired!

What if I have work based learning or mentorship?

The Howard E. Ivester Early College Dean, supervising teacher and students will work schedules and driving out on a student by student basis. Howard E. Ivester Early College schedules usually work well for these students.

Is there a residency requirement to participate in Dual Enrollment?

There is no residency requirement to participate in the Dual Enrollment program.  Students must be part of a high school in our Hall County system, however. 

Can ANY Hall County high school student apply?

YES!  Any rising 10th – 12th grade student in Hall County Schools may apply!  Students must meet eligibility requirements for admissions. 10th graders have additional rigor requirements per GA Student Finance Commission.