Fast Facts
Distinctions
Clayton State is also the only university in the United States adjacent to both state and national archives facilities. The Georgia Archives and the Southeast Regional branch of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) represent the first such model in the nation to combine both state and federal facilities, providing centralized resources for researchers and an exceptional internship opportunity for the University’s history majors and other students.
The 2008 US News & World Report ranking of colleges identifies Clayton State as having the most diverse student body population among comprehensive baccalaureate-level colleges and universities in the Southern United States.
A national pioneer in “ubiquitous mobile computing,” Clayton State University was the third public university in the country to require notebook computers when the Information Technology Project (ITP) started in January 1998. Through ITP Choice, the second phase of ITP, Clayton State continues to provide an atmosphere which prepares graduates to be competent and comfortable with the use of cutting-edge technology. Faculty members at this “Notebook University” are dedicated to technology-based enhancement of teaching and learning.
Clayton State University is unique in Georgia as the only institution to be a member of the University System of Georgia (34 public colleges and universities), the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (25 state technical institutes), and the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (19 metropolitan Atlanta public and private colleges and universities).
Spivey Hall is one of the nation’s premier chamber music venues, presenting annually more than 400 events. Dedicated to the memory of Emilie Parmalee Spivey and Dr. Walter Boone Spivey, the Hall’s annual concert series offers world-class musicians performing timeless music in an acoustically perfect place. Known for its commitment to education outreach, performance and touring opportunities attracts aspiring youth to the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir.
Calendar
Clayton State University operates on an academic calendar of two semesters and a summer session. Fall semester begins in mid-August, and spring semester starts in early January.
Academic Programs
Six schools and colleges administer academic programs at Clayton State University:
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Information and Mathematical Sciences
College of Professional Studies
School of Business
School of Graduate Studies
School of Nursing
Historical Timeline
1965 – Founded by the University System of Georgia
1969 – Classes began at Clayton Junior College with 942 students
1986 – Officially became Clayton State College, a four-year institution
1996 – Board of Regents grants university status and new name Clayton College & State University
2005 – Name changed to Clayton State University
2006 – First graduate students enrolled
Athletics
Clayton State University holds membership in the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. The Lakers compete on these intercollegiate teams: men’s basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, and track; women’s basketball, cross-country, soccer, tennis, and track. In addition, both men and women participate in the Cheerleading Squad. The women’s basketball team advanced to the National Final Four in Division II competition in March 2007.
Campus Locations
The main campus is located 1 ˝ miles from Interstate 75 at exit 233 in Morrow, Georgia. With 163 acres, the park-like setting offers a peaceful and safe environment conducive to learning. The University’s wooded landscape with five lakes, ducks, and swans is a beautiful contrast to the vibrant urban life of metropolitan Atlanta, which is just a twenty-minute drive away. Clayton State University is also minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, frequently designated as the world’s busiest airport. Clayton State University - Fayette is located in Peachtree City in Fayette County and hosts undergraduate courses.
Facilities
In addition to thirteen existing buildings, ongoing growth is very visible in the three structures currently under construction at Clayton State University. An exciting Student Housing facility will open in Fall 2008 offering state-of-the-art on-campus residential living. The Student Activities Center will provide a venue for activities as well as a variety of involvement opportunities coordinated through the Office of Campus Life. The School of Business also anticipates occupying its new building in Fall 2008.
The James M. Baker University Center, completed in 2004, combines student life and learning in a facility that has no precedent or parallel within the University System or the State of Georgia. The 131,000 square foot building features a 150-seat lecture hall, 17 classrooms, the Lakeside Café, the University Bookstore, administrative offices, faculty offices, student government offices, 2,000 computer ports, and wireless internet access.
Faculty
Three-fourths of the faculty teaching in programs leading to the bachelor’s degree hold the highest degrees in their field. Clayton State has 197 full-time faculty.
Students
One-third of students are under 22, and the median age is 28. Clayton State’s students reside in all counties of metropolitan Atlanta as well as throughout Georgia. The student body represents every region of the United States and some 53 foreign countries.
Accreditation and Certification
University
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Business
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
Dental Hygiene
American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
Health Care Management
Association of University Programs in Health Administration
Medical Assisting
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Music
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation Commission of the National League of Nursing
Georgia Board of Nursing
Paralegal
American Bar Association
Teacher Education
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Georgia Professional Standards Commission