Drafting Aide TCC

This section lists the general requirements for admission to certificate1, diploma, and associate degree programs of study available at Athens Technical College. (Applicants should submit all required documentation as listed in this section to the staff at the campus they plan to attend the majority of their classes). Refer to the Programs of Study section for specific admission requirements. To gain admission to Athens Technical College, applicants must complete the following steps:

• Admissions Application and Application Fee — All applicants must submit a complete admissions application with a nonrefundable $25 application fee. The Admissions Office staff will not process applications received without the mandatory application fee. Include applicant's name on checks or money orders so the Business Office will credit the proper applicant account. 
• Official2 High School Transcripts — Applicants must be high school graduates or have earned the GED to gain admission to the college. Applicants must have graduated from a secondary school accredited by an agency included in the list of recognized agencies of accreditation issued by the Technical College System of Georgia or a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education. Home-school students who graduate from an unaccredited home school program may follow an alternative path for admission as described in Home School Admission. Applicants who have not completed at least 12 semester credit hours or 18 quarter credit hours of study at one or more colleges must submit official high school transcripts or official transcripts of GED test scores. The Admissions Office staff must receive these documents before they can process prospective students' applications for admission. On occasion, staff members may process applications for admission and then place holds on the records if transcripts from the last institution attended have been received. High school seniors must submit transcripts showing their high school enrollment when they submit their applications for admission to the college. However, high school seniors must submit official transcripts again once they graduate from high school in order to document the actual graduation date. 
• Official2 College Transcripts — Applicants who attended one or more colleges prior to applying for admission to Athens Technical College are required to submit official transcripts from each college they attended in the past to the Admissions Office at Athens Technical College. Applicants enrolled at other colleges when they submit applications for admission to Athens Technical College must send official transcripts showing the courses they are taking at that time. These applicants must submit official transcripts again to document the final grades issued for those courses. Applicants who previously attended out-of-state colleges may be required to provide applicable course descriptions before the director of registration and records can evaluate transcripts from those colleges. The director of registration and records will not evaluate transcripts for transfer credit until the Admissions Office receives transcripts from all colleges previously attended by the applicant.
• Post Secondary Transcripts — Students who wish to have prior college credit evaluated for transfer or intend on using a funding source that requires the evaluation of prior college credit, such as HOPE Scholarship or Veterans Educational Benefits, must submit all post-secondary transcripts along with their admission application.
• Placement Test Scores — Applicants may need to submit placement test scores as part of the admissions process. Prospective students may submit official copies of ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT scores. Applicants seeking admission to associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs must meet minimum exam scores. Applicants who submit scores lower than the minimums must take the ACCUPLACER placement examination or submit official copies of ACCUPLACER or ASSET test scores from other colleges (see ACCUPLACER Placement Examination). Applicants who have successfully completed equivalent program-level English and mathematics courses or who have earned associate degrees (or higher credentials) will not be required to submit placement test scores provided they submit official college transcripts at the same time they submit their applications for admission. International students who apply to the college must take the placement test in order to determine proficiency in reading and writing. Additionally, students can exempt placement testing requirements by submitting an official high school transcript showing a qualified high school GPA appropriate for the credential they seek. The student will be deemed 'program ready' with this documentation. The final and official high school transcript will be used to document the graduation date.
• Proof of Residency and Verification of Lawful Presence — All students applying for in-state college tuition must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States and proof of Georgia residency. All new and returning applicants must submit this documentation. Students should submit documentation of lawful presence and residency as soon as possible so that their tuition rates can be calculated appropriately. Students who are lawfully present in the United States but have not resided in the State of Georgia for at least the past 12 months will be charged tuition at the rate two times the rate paid by Georgia residents. Students who are not lawfully present in the United States shall pay tuition at a rate of four times the rate paid by Georgia residents. Applicants who hold green cards or who qualify under refugee or asylum status must submit photocopies of their resident alien cards as part of the admissions application packet. Students who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States are not eligible to be considered for in-state tuition regardless of how long they have lived in Georgia. In addition to being lawfully present in the United States, students must meet the in-state tuition requirements as outlined in the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog and student handbook to warrant in-state classification. Students that are initially classified as out-of-state and successfully petition to have their residency changed to in-state also have to meet the lawful presence verification requirement. Students needing to update their residency status must complete a form in-person with the Admissions Office prior to the start of the semester the change is requested to take place. Students will be asked to submit supporting documentation for the request.

• Proof of Residency for Military Personnel and Dependents — Students who are members of the Armed Services, National Guard, or Armed Forces Reserve, and their dependents may be eligible for an in-state tuition waiver provided they are stationed in Georgia and on active duty, are legal residents of Georgia and stationed out of state, or are former military service members who within 36 months of separation establish proof of their intent to make Georgia their residence (see Eligibility for In-State Tuition Waivers).

Completing the Admissions Process

Once applicants' files are complete, the Admissions Office staff will process the admission packet and notify applicants in writing or by email of their admission status. This letter or email provides information about completing new student orientation, accessing student email accounts, and registering for classes for their first semester of planned attendance. New students must bring their letter of acceptance to initial advisement and registration sessions.

• Financial Aid Application — Applicants who seek financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov at least four weeks prior to the early admission application deadline of the semester for which they seek admission (see Financial Aid). Applicants who do not submit financial aid applications by the appropriate deadline will be personally responsible for paying tuition and fees at the time of registration. Prospective students receiving financial assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA) are personally responsible for paying tuition and fees at the time of registration.

• New Student Orientation — All newly accepted students must complete the New Student Orientation before they can register for classes for the first semester. The orientation introduces new students to college policies and procedures.
• New Student Registration — All newly accepted students will receive their general acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions in their application portal. Students must schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor and to complete the registration process.

1 Students who are over 62 years of age will be enrolled only on a space available basis and will not displace any students desiring to enroll who are residents of the state of Georgia (see Legal Residency Requirements for details).

2 Official means mailed or emailed directly from the releasing high school/college to the receiving college or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope from the releasing high school/college to the receiving college.

Athens Technical College runs on a semester calendar. Registration for each term opens months ahead and closes shortly after classes begin; several parts of term start later in the semester, so a program can often be entered more than once per term.

Some dates are subject to change.

Source: Athens Technical College Registration & Records Supplemental Calendars — Summer Semester 2026 · Fall Semester 2026 · Spring Semester 2027 · Summer Semester 2027.

All fees are subject to change without notice. The tuition and fees currently assessed each semester are listed below:

Georgia Residents

Commercial Truck Driving Students

Out-of-State Residents

Students who are legal residents of the United States will be charged tuition at a rate two times the rate paid by Georgia residents. United States citizens include legal residents of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands. Athens Technical College exists primarily to serve Georgia’s citizens; therefore, non-resident students may enroll in classes on a space-available basis. They shall not displace students desiring to enroll who are legal, permanent residents of the state.

Non-Citizen Students

International students will be charged at a rate four times the rate paid by Georgia residents. International students who, in accordance with the federal Title IV definition, are permanent residents of the United States and hold a permanent resident card (I-551) or a conditional permanent resident card (I-551C) are classified as eligible non-citizens for tuition purposes. Also classified as eligible non-citizens are holders of an arrival departure (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: refugee, asylum granted, parolee (I-94 confirms paroled for a minimum of one year and the status has not expired), or Cuban-Haitian entrant. Eligible non-citizens may be extended the same considerations as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify as Georgia residents and thus for in-state tuition. Persons with an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, an L or G series visa, or an employment authorization card do not meet the definition of eligible non-citizens.

Georgia Residents 62 Years of Age or Older

Georgia residents who are 62 years of age or older who meet requirements for enrollment into academic courses may attend on a space-available basis without paying tuition. These students must register in person in the Office of Registration and Records during the official Drop/Add period. Georgia residents 62 years of age or older are ineligible to receive financial aid through the HOPE program once tuition is waived. HOPE does not cover fees or books.

Georgia residents 62 years of age or older who want to guarantee enrollment in a course must pay tuition and all applicable fees. Once they elect to guarantee enrollment, they are not eligible to change to a space-available basis at a later date. These students may register online during the open registration period designated by the Office of Registration and Records.

State of Georgia Post-Secondary Tuition Waiver

The State of Georgia Post-Secondary Tuition Waiver Program exempts or waives payment of tuition and fees (and where applicable, on-campus housing) for students attending a technical college within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Eligible students must be a youth or young adult under the age of 28 who is currently in foster care, has experienced foster care, or who was placed for adoption by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.

Find more information here: https//dfcs.georgia.gov/services/state-georgia-post-secondary-tuition-waiver

The purpose of the financial aid program is to assist students who would be unable to attend college without aid (need-based awards) and to recognize students for their accomplishments and potential for achievement (merit-based awards).

Scholarships, grants, and employment are available. Federal and state financial aid programs, external scholarship programs, and scholarships provided by the college through the Athens Tech Foundation, Inc., fund these financial assistance programs.

Source: Athens Technical College 2025-2026 Catalog.

Drafters' drawings provide visual guidelines and show how to construct a product or structure. Drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. Most drafters use Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) systems to prepare drawings. Consequently, some drafters may be referred to as CAD operators. With CAD systems, drafters can create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. CAD systems also permit drafters to quickly prepare variations of a design. Although drafters use CAD extensively, they still need knowledge of traditional drafting techniques in order to fully understand and explain concepts.

Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for new construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial, or they may specialize in a kind of material used such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber. Mechanical drafters prepare drawings showing the detail and method of assembly of various machinery and mechanical devices indicating dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements.

Source: Athens Technical College 2025-2026 Catalog — subject-area content, shared by every program in this area.

Student Representation in Governance

Students' role in institutional decision-making is an advisory one accomplished through the Athens Technical College Student Advisory Council (ATCSAC). ATCSAC is a student organization that represents the interests of all Athens Technical College students. ATCSAC provides a formal means for students to express their desires, concerns, and ideas to the college administration. ATCSAC is also responsible for approving the policies governing student organizations and student activities, including advising the administration on the use of funds allocated as student activity fees. The director of student activities serves as the college advisor for ATCSAC.

ATCSAC holds elections for officers from within the entire student body during Spring Semester each year. The permanent slate of officers includes the president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. The officers serve on the Executive Board of the Student Advisory Committee. The Executive Board approves expenditures of student activity fees, oversees budget requests submitted by student organizations, determines fund raising policies for student organizations, evaluates fund-raising activities conducted by student organizations, establishes meeting schedules for the student advisory council, reviews and recommends changes to the by-laws of the council, and coordinates the activities of the council. Appointed representatives from each program of study advise the Executive Board on these issues.

Appointed program representatives and elected officers serve a one-year term that begins with Fall Semester. Students interested in service on the council should contact their representative program chairs or the director of student activities. Additional information on ATCSAC is available on the college website.

Student Activities

The purpose of student activities and student organizations at Athens Technical College is to complement academic programs of study and to enhance the overall educational experience of students through the development of, exposure to, and participation in social, cultural, intellectual, and recreational activities. Athens Technical College encourages students to participate in such activities to build leadership and service capabilities and to further their professional development. Student activities exist to offer fellowship, related educational experiences, continuing education, networking, and professional competition at local, state, and national levels. Athens Technical College administers a program of co-curricular activities through the Student Activities Office. Membership in all student organizations and participation in all student activities is open to all students regardless of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, or age. A complete list of active student organizations is available on the college website.

Policies and procedures associated with the operation of student organizations are also available on the college website. This website includes information on registering new student organizations, funding guidelines, activity protocols, travel policies, and purchasing regulations. Also available is a student organization handbook.

Student Recognition

The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in programs of study at public, postsecondary technical colleges. GOAL honors the dignity of work and the importance of technical education in the state. Instructors nominate outstanding students for the local GOAL program and a selection committee selects the finalists from these nominees. Finalists compete to represent the college at the state GOAL competition.

Honor Graduate — The college awards this honor to graduating students who earn a graduation grade point average of 4.0. The president of Athens Technical College presents honor graduates with a medallion during the annual graduation ceremony to recognize this accomplishment.

Presidential Scholar — The college awards this honor to graduating students who have earned a graduation grade point average of between 3.75 and 3.99. Presidential scholars are recognized in the annual graduation program.

Dean's Scholar — The college awards this honor to graduating students who have earned a graduating grade point average of between 3.50 and 3.74.  Dean's scholars are recognized in the annual graduation program.

Honors Day

The college holds an Honors Day ceremony during Spring Semester to recognize students who demonstrated scholastic achievement, performed distinguished service, and/or earned special recognition during the academic year.

Graduation

To graduate with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree from Athens Technical College, a student must satisfactorily meet all curriculum requirements, the mandatory minimum credit hours, and the residency requirement for each credential. Students must complete a minimum of 25 percent of the coursework for each program of study with classes taken at Athens Technical College; no exceptions will be made to this residency requirement policy.  A minimum graduation grade point average of 2.0, regardless of overall academic standing or cumulative grade point average, must be attained in order to graduate. A student's academic record will be evaluated by Registration & Records at the completion of each semester to determine if graduation requirements have been met for any eligible credentials.

All students must have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent before graduating with an associate degree or diploma program from Athens Technical College. Certificates may be awarded prior to the completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

If a student's enrollment has not been continuous since initial matriculation to the College, the individual's record will be evaluated for graduation based on the catalog in effect at the time of readmission. For students who change their program at any time during their studies at Athens Technical College, each student's academic history will be evaluated for graduation based on the catalog in effect at the time the program change was requested.

Graduation Application

All students must submit a graduation application to Registration & Records no later than the fourth week of the semester they plan to graduate. Any graduation applications submitted after the fourth week of the applicable semester will not be given priority in terms of processing awarding, and delivery; in addition, any late graduation applications are not guaranteed to be included in the graduation program for Commencement. Graduation application forms are available on the Registration and Records Graduation Information section of the Athens Technical College website. Students earning certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees must submit the required one-time, non-refundable $40.00 graduation fee to the cashier prior to submitting a graduation application to Registration and Records.

Students failing to submit their petition to graduate must have been enrolled in the college for at least one term during the 60 months preceding the time they submit their petition for graduation to the Office of Registration and Records.

Processing of Credentials

Diplomas and associate degrees are mailed to students six to eight weeks after the semester ends or final grades are assigned. All college financial obligations must be met to receive a credential or transcript. Students who complete technical certificates of credit will have the awards solely notated on their official transcript; no formal hard copy of certificates will be extended.

Commencement Ceremony

Athens Technical College holds a graduation ceremony each year at the conclusion of Spring Semester to recognize associate degree, diploma, and certificate students who successfully complete their programs of study. Students must inform Registration and Records via the graduation application process if they plan to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students are expected to maintain, for future reference, copies of any graduation applications submitted, whether delivered directly to the Office of Registration and Records or via @student.AthensTech.edu email accounts.

The Spring Semester graduation ceremony is the only formal, sanctioned ceremony offered by Athens Technical College to recognize graduates. Students who will meet all requirements for one or more credentials by the conclusion of the current academic year's summer term, may participate in the related pinning and/or graduation ceremony. Within an academic year, students completing a program in the fall semester prior to or the summer semester immediately following the spring semester in which the ceremony occurs are eligible to participate in the annual ceremony. Students participating in the ceremony must wear academic attire purchased from the college bookstore. Academic attire (e.g., caps, gowns, related program-specific and/or honors regalia) must be free from ornaments, signs, posters, and/or decorations. Programs who wish to decorate academic caps must have prior approval from the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Honors

The college recognizes students as honor graduates if they earn a graduation grade point average of 4.0. The college recognizes students as presidential scholars if they earn a graduation grade point average of between 3.75 and 3.99 and as deans' scholars if they earn a graduation grade point average of between 3.50 and 3.74. Only students completing technical certificates of credit with 30 or more required credit hours, or diploma programs, or degree programs are eligible for recognition as listed above, and students must plan to meet all graduation requirements by the conclusion of the current academic year's summer term.

The mission of the Career Services Office is to provide students and applicants with assistance in learning about the world of work, developing job search skills, and locating employment opportunities. This office seeks to assist students with developing strategies and techniques on how to become successful in a competitive and dynamic job market.

Career Services staff offer regularly scheduled seminars on topics such as career exploration, resume development, cover letter writing, and interviewing skills.

A variety of tools and services are available to students to help with their employment search.  Pathful Explore and YouScience are available online to students and applicants. Both platforms offer comprehensive career interest assessments to assist in matching individuals to compatible career paths, as well as information including the latest data on jobs such as working conditions, hiring requirements, employment outlook by geographic area, and ways to prepare for employment. Athens Technical College partners with College Career Network, a career management program, where students and alumni will find a variety of tools to help create, present, manage, and share their professional credentials including resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and websites. College Career Network also provides up-to-date and relevant assistance with interviewing techniques and job search skills. 

Employers are encouraged to contact the Career Services Office to post announcement of their job openings free of charge. Career Services requires that any recruiting organization or individual utilizing this service must abide by all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including Equal Employment Opportunity laws.  Staffing agencies (third-party recruiters) may participate in posting their available positions only in the event there is no charge to students for successful placement.

Local and regional employers can list job positions for student consideration under the Information for Employers section of the career services website.

This feedback is collected to ensure that the college matches educational outcomes with the knowledge and skills required by employers so that our graduates thrive in a competitive job market.

For additional information, contact the career services coordinator at (706) 355-5006 or review the Career Services homepage. Career service assistance is available on all campuses of the college.

The Office of Disability Services for Athens Technical College provides assistance to individuals with appropriately documented disabilities who request academic accommodations and/or auxiliary aids to alleviate barriers to create equal access to college in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all relevant federal laws.

By definition, a disability that qualifies a student for accommodations in college is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, walking, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, and working.

Documentation Requirements

• The Office of Disability Services requires official documentation from a qualified professional who can provide the diagnosis of the disability prior to receiving accommodations and/or auxiliary aids and must meet the requirements set by the Technical College System of Georgia for students with disabilities.
• The documentation must be within the last 3 years and cannot be an IEP or 504 plan from high school. School psychological evaluations performed by the school psychologist may be submitted if within the 3-year time frame.

Application Process

• A student seeking disability services must complete the Disability Services Intake Packet which is located on the college website or within the Office of Student Support. The packet will include an Intake Form, information on the process, documentation requirements, and explanations of a qualifying disability according to ADA.
• Please return the Intake Form and documentation to the Disability Services Office located at Building K, Room 614 or email/fax to the Disability Services Coordinator listed in the Disability Services Intake Packet.
• Once documentation is reviewed and the student is eligible for services, the Disability Services Coordinator will coordinate a follow up meeting with the student to review all applicable documentation.

For direct voice calls, contact Georgia Relay Center by calling 1-800-255-0135.