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GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
What does the "Bridge Program" mean?
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) have formed a partnership to provide a unique opportunity for students to build an academic foundation for a successful collegiate experience. Students who are invited into this program may not meet all of Coastal Carolina University's admission requirements upon applying, but do demonstrate the potential to succeed in pursuing a baccalaureate degree. The two institutions have joined together to provide students with the opportunity to develop academic skills that will prepare them for University coursework as well as the chance to live in University housing and participate in campus activities. While in the Bridge Program, students live in University housing and have most privileges offered to regular CCU students. The Bridge Program allows students who meet the eligibility requirements to transfer seamlessly to CCU from HGTC after one academic year. Please note there are academic eligibility requirements that must be met.
What are the advantages of the Bridge Program?
The Bridge Program allows students to experience University life while completing coursework at HGTC that will prepare them for future academic success. Additionally, students can benefit from the support services, advising, counseling, and tutoring available at both institutions.
Why should I go to Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
CCU evaluates freshman applicants using multiple criteria. Although you may not have met all the criteria when you applied to the University, you did exhibit great potential for success in the Bridge Program. This program will provide you with the opportunity to enroll at HGTC, live at CCU, enhance your academic abilities, and begin the process of adapting to University life.
ACADEMICS AND FINANCIAL AID
What if I don't earn 21 transferable semester hours with a 2.25 grade point average in my first year at HGTC?
You will have the option of continuing your enrollment at HGTC or another institution and applying to CCU at a later date as a regular transfer student. If you remain a student at HGTC or enroll at another institution, please note that you will no longer be eligible for University housing and campus privileges. For transfer student admissions requirements, please visit www.coastal.edu/admissions/transfer.html
What are "transferable credits"?
Credit hours are assigned to every college course. Some credit hours do not apply towards graduation requirements and some do not transfer to other institutions. For example, credits which are remedial or developmental do not apply toward graduation and do not transfer. However, these courses are required to develop skills and must often be taken before enrolling in other courses. Your placement test scores will determine which English, reading, and/or math courses you are required to take. If you earn 21 transferable hours and a 3.0 GPA in your first year at HGTC, you will be eligible to apply for a Bridge student scholarship.
How do I know which courses to take?
It is very important that each student indicates their desired career goal or possible interest on the Bridge application. Schedules will be built by Ms. Michele Varga prior to Orientation and this information will help ensure you are in appropriate coursework based on projected major, placement scores, and interests.
What is the COMPASS test?
COMPASS is an untimed, computerized test that helps evaluate your skills and place you into appropriate courses. COMPASS tests are offered in reading, writing, and math. You will receive your COMPASS test results immediately, and your score report will also include placement messages informing your advisor of the courses you should enroll in.
Do I have to take the COMPASS test?
Some Bridge students will be asked to take the COMPASS test during Orientation in an effort to determine the best course placement. Your SAT, ACT, and/or COMPASS test scores will be used to determine what courses you should take.
What can I do to prevent problems with Financial Aid?
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible! Be sure to include both CCU (003451) and HGTC (004925) on your FAFSA. By completing the FAFSA, HGTC will receive your Student Aid Report and be able to process your financial aid. Although you will not receive aid from CCU while attending HGTC, it is important for CCU to have all of your financial aid information. Additionally, it is imperative that you read your e-mails and check your account status through WaveNet to assure your financial aid has been credited to your account. If not, you should contact HGTC immediately to prevent delays in starting classes or being dropped from classes.
How do I get textbooks/workbooks/materials?
You are responsible for buying the required books and materials for each of your classes. The cost each semester could be $500 or more, depending on the number of courses you are taking, individual books can cost as much as $150 each. You can reduce book costs by buying used books from the HGTC Bookstore, or by shopping at online textbook vendors (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc.). It is important to buy the right book title and edition. The cost of books is a major expense that you should budget for every semester.
HOUSING AND STUDENT LIFE
What about housing and meal plans?
Bridge students are housed on CCU’s campus. There is a shuttle service between CCU and HGTC. If you would like more information about housing, visit the University Housing Web site at http://www.coastal.edu/housing/ or contact University Housing at 843-349-6400. You must also choose a meal plan when you complete your housing application. Information about meal plans is available at
http://www.coastal.edu/aramark.
Can I request a roommate?
You can request a roommate, but he or she must also be a Bridge student. You each need to include the other person's name and CCU e-mail when completing your housing application. We will try our best to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee room assignments.
When will I be able to view my room assignment?
You will be notified through your CCU e-mail account when you can view your housing assignment. Students will be notified of their specific housing assignment via WebAdvisor.
Why can I not participate in NCAA sports or Greek life?
In order to participate in NCAA sports or Greek organizations, a student must meet certain academic criteria as well as University admission standards. HGTC, like most community/technical colleges, does not sponsor NCAA teams or Greek organizations. When a student establishes academic eligibility and qualifies for admission to CCU, he/she may participate in NCAA athletics and/or a Greek organization.
How can I find out what's going on?
Check WaveNet and your WaveNet e-mails regularly, preferably every day. You will see announcements, calendars, notices of activities, and deadlines. You can also check your account balances, schedule, courses completed, and more. WaveNet is THE communication portal for HGTC students. For CCU activities and services, you will need to check WebAdvisor and your CCU e-mail regularly. You will have a different ID and password for each institution's system.
If I need help, where do I go?
As a Bridge student, you benefit from services offered by both institutions. All of the following individuals are available to assist you: resident assistants in your living area, your academic advisor, counselors and advisors from HGTC's Student Services, tutors in HGTC's Student Success and Technology Center (SSTC), and advisors from the University's Academic Center. You can also get help with your computer through HGTC's Help Desk or CCU's Student Technology Services. Both institutions are dedicated to your success, but you have to use these resources. You will receive more details during Welcome Week.
What about Summer School?
Bridge students may attend summer classes and are highly encouraged to begin coursework prior to enrolling in HGTC in the fall.
Do my parents have access to my college information?
According to federal legislation called Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the right to review and/or amend education records transfers from parents to the student at age 18 or enrollment in postsecondary education. You, the student, are the only one (aside from authorized college officials), who has the right to view your records and information or authorize others to view your information. Some exceptions may apply if a student submits a written request/documentation to the Registrar's Office. If you want to allow your parents to view your HGTC information, you may provide them with your username and password for access to your WaveNet account. By doing so, you give them access to financial records, grades and other information. Please discuss this matter with your parents.
CAMPUS VISITS
Can I visit/tour both Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Coastal Carolina University?
Yes! We would love to have you come visit our campuses. Individual tours of HGTC are scheduled by contacting Michele Varga, Bridge Transition Coordinator, at 843-349-7869 or mvarga@coastal.edu. Tours are only conducted in the morning in the months of May to August.
CCU offers tours every weekday except holidays at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. (September through April) and at 9:30 a.m. only (May through August). Please contact Michele Varga, at 843-349-7869 or mvarga@coastal.edu, to arrange your visit.
How can I get more information?
For more detailed information about Horry-Georgetown Technical College, visit www.hgtc.edu. To learn more at Coastal Carolina University, go to www.coastal.edu. If you have additional questions about the Bridge Program or need more information, please contact Michele Varga, Bridge Transition Coordinator, at mvarga@coastal.edu, or Nelljean Rice, Dean, University College and Director of the Bridge Program, at nrice@coastal.edu.
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