Student Resources
Welcome West, Wolves! The Dean of Students (DOS), Dr. Lakiesa Rawlinson, provides support to our new and returning students at the University of West Georgia (UWG). The Dean of Students can assist you with navigating and responding to difficult situations in-and-outside-of the classroom. In addition, the Dean of Students leads various on-campus initiatives to keep you safe and engaged at UWG. Resources are listed below for many of the needs a student may encounter during their time at UWG. The Dean of Students can also be found on the second floor of the Campus Center in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs suite.
Resources for Students
Students have the right to appeal a course grade. Grade appeals must be submitted in writing, using the UWG Student Grade Appeal Form. The student will need to initiate the grade appeal no later than the end of the semester following the assignment of the grade. The grade appeal must be completed no later than one year (12 calendar months) after the assignment of the grade.
In the event of a student illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances, the Dean of Students' office will notify professors at the student's request. The student notification does not excuse a student from the class and faculty are not required to take action upon receipt of the notification.
Students may encounter a personal or medical emergency during the school year that may affect their ability to attend classes or make up missed work. If this situation occurs, a student may decide to withdraw from UWG or from a particular course. The Dean of Students can assist with the various withdrawal options.
Administrative Withdrawal
A student may be administratively withdrawn from the university when the Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee, in consultation, when appropriate, with the student's parent(s), spouse or designee, the Director of the Counseling and Career Development Center, and the University physician deem it best due to a student suffering from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition. Administrative withdrawal conditions would be determined if a student
- Posts a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others
- Causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the university community, or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the university or its personnel
- Causes the student to be unable to meet institutional requirements for admission and continued enrollment as defined in the Student Wolf Code and other university publications
To initiate an administrative withdrawal, email Dr. Lakiesa Rawlinson, Dean of Students, at lrawlinson@westga.edu.
Hardship Withdrawal
Students may request a hardship withdrawal after the official Drop/Add deadline until the Friday immediately prior to the final week of the term. A hardship withdrawal is an exception based on unusual or emergency circumstances beyond the student's control.
Located in the Health Services building, the Basic Needs Center at the University of West Georgia is available to assist all students who need temporary food, hygiene products, toiletry items, and academic supplies.
Students are welcome to come shop for their needs from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please email wolfwellness@westga.edu or call (678) 839-6194 .
Students with a verified financial need can stop by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs located in Campus Center suite 200, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and receive up to three meal vouchers to eat in the dining halls.
People often seek out public institutions to exercise their free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Some individuals and groups may express opinions you find offensive or hurtful, and you may wonder why your university would allow speech of that kind. Even though views expressed may contradict the values of UWG and its community members, the university holds the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to assemble peacefully as essential rights of a free people. More information coming soon on support or assistance if you are affected by free speech events.
Report a Concern and/or Student Complaint
UWG has two mechanisms for faculty, staff, and students to report behavioral and/or wellness concerns in hopes of keeping the campus community safe.
- CARE: Report an issue to the Campus Awareness Response and Evaluation (CARE) team if you are concerned about the well-being of a student at UWG and/or a complaint against a department or individual. Referring students to the CARE team is a secondary response for urgent-related matters as individuals with emergencies should notify the University Police department at (678) 839-6000 and/or call 911.
- Student Conduct: Report a violation of the University of West Georgia’s Student Wolf Code
Student Emergency ASSISTANCE
We understand that as a student, you may face unexpected challenges or emergencies. At UWG, we have two different ways of supporting the emergency financial needs of our students: Supporting our Students Fund and Embark Grant. The Supporting Our Students Fund provides financial support when a verified emergency has impacted a student's health, safety, or wellbeing. The Embark Grant is available for students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, and/or at risk of being unhoused.
Who can apply:
Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for funds when they experience a financial barrier based on an emergency or have exhausted all other available resources.
Apply for Emergency Assistance:
To apply, individuals must complete the Student Emergency Fund form in its entirety. Completing this form does not grant automatic approval. Each application will be reviewed individually, and funding is granted based on availability. Applicants will typically be contacted within 72 business hours after their application is received by a member of the committee. Final decisions about applications will be made within 10 business days and provided via email.
Submit the Student Emergency Fund form
Support or Students Fund
Expenses Covered
- Books and other essential academic materials
- Emergency medical expenses, including medication, dental work, eye prescription
- Temporary Housing
- Overdue utility and/or leasing bills escalating to turn-off and/or eviction notice
- Replacement of essential belongings due to a fire, inclement weather, or natural disaster
- Travel for emergency family situations or cirsis
- Support shelter for a student experiencing a domestic violence or other victimization
- Rideshare/transportation costs
Expenses Not Covered
- Non-essential personal bills (i.e. credit card, cable, etc.)
- Student conferences
- Study abroad
- Costs for social and entertainment purposes
Embark Grant
Expenses Covered
- Temporary housing
- Food
- Rideshare/transportation costs
Expenses Not Covered
- Off-campus housing
- Housing security deposit
- Housing application fees
Donate to the Fund
More information coming soon about how you can donate to this fund.
Crisis Response
Hospitals
Other