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2016-2017
Academic Catalog
www.gaston.edu
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Thank you for choosing Gaston College. This is a great place to
continue your education whether you're new to college, plan-ning
to transfer to a four-year college or university, returning
to achieve career certification to prepare for the job market,
or improving your skills. We hope to remain your "College of
Choice".
As one of the state's largest community colleges, Gaston
College promotes lifelong learning and economic development
by providing high quality educational programs and services.
Over 100 programs of study are offered to help you obtain a
diploma, certificate, or two-year Associate Degree. We offer an
exceptional and affordable education that can be tailored to fit
your schedule, and you don't have to travel a long distance to
reach one of our three convenient campuses as well as loca-tions
throughout Gaston and Lincoln Counties.
Our goal is to provide the best possible educational experience
for each of our students. A dedicated faculty and staff provide
personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment
that encourages student success.
I invite you to take advantage of all the opportunities available
at Gaston College that can enrich your life and the lives of
others in our community. Explore our catalog, visit our web-site
(www.gaston.edu), and tour our campuses. Come join us
for an exciting learning experience that will change and
compliment your future.
Sincerely,
Patricia Skinner, Ph.D.
President, Gaston College
Dr. Patricia Skinner
STUDENT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . 2
About the College, Campus Locations &
Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mission Statement/Activities. . . . . . . 3
Performance Measures . . . . . . . . 4
Notification of Nondiscrimination . . . . . 4
Right to Change. . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Right to Know. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Accreditation and Memberships . . . . . 5
Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . 5
2014-2015 Academic Calendar . . . . . 6
ADMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General Admission Requirements. . . . . . 7
TUITION, FEES AND GENERAL COSTS . . . 10
Summary of Tuition and Fees. . . . . . 11
Curriculum Courses. . . . . . . . . . 10
Economic and Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Courses. . . . . 10
FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . 12
General Information . . . . . . . . . 12
Federally-Supported Programs . . . . . 14
State-Supported Programs/Scholarships . 15
Veterans Information . . . . . . . . 16
Vocational Rehabilitation . . . . . . . 17
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 17
Economic & Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Programs. . . . . . 17
Business & Industry Training . . . . . 17
Continuing Education. . . . . . . . . 18
Criminal Justice Academy. . . . . . . 18
EMS Education . . . . . . . . . . 18
Fire and Rescue Training . . . . . . 19
RESTC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adult Learning - Life Skills
(ABE/HSE, AHS, CED, ESL). . . . . 19
Human Resources Development. . . . . 20
Small Business Center. . . . . . . . 20
General Education Competencies . . . 20
Learn 4 Life Program. . . . . . . . 20
COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS . . . . . 20
Associate in Applied Science Degrees. . . . 21
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. . . 21
PROGRAMS OF STUDY . . . . . . . . . 22
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION. . . . . . . 23
STUDENT RESOURCES. . . . . . . . . . 23
Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC) . . 23
Peer Tutoring Program. . . . . . . . . 24
Gaston College Writing Center. . . . . . 24
WORK-BASED LEARNING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Student Employment Services . . . . . 25
Distance Education. . . . . . . . . . 25
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. . . . . . . 26
Student Responsibility. . . . . . . . . 26
Records & Registration . . . . . . . . 27
Student Classification . . . . . . . . 28
Change of Major/Program. . . . . . . . 28
Registration for Curriculum Courses . . . 29
Awarding of Credits. . . . . . . . . . 31
Awarding of Transfer Credits from Another
School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Transferring to Another School from
Gaston College. . . . . . . . . . . 33
Charlotte Area Educational Consortium. . . 33
Grading System . . . . . . . . . . 33
Academic Standing. . . . . . . . . . 36
Academic Forgiveness. . . . . . . . . 37
Grounds for Student Academic Dismissal. . 38
Honor's Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Catalog of Record. . . . . . . . . . 38
Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
STUDENT AFFAIRS . . . . . . . . . . 39
Counseling and Career Development Cntr. . 39
Student Persistence and Retention. . . . . 40
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . 41
Student ID Cards . . . . . . . . . . 41
College Bookstores . . . . . . . . . 41
WSGE 91.7 fm Radio Station . . . . . . 42
Food Service/Vending . . . . . . . . 42
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS. . . . . . 42
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. . . 43
Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . 43
Associate in Arts (A10100). . . . . . . . 43
Associate in Science (A10400). . . . . . 46
Associate in Fine Arts (A10200) . . . . . 49
Association in Engineering (A10500). . . . 50
Associate in General Education (A10300). . 51
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S)
DEGREE PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 52-109
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 110-127
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS. . . . . . . 128-159
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS. . . . . . . 160-263
ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF . . 264-279
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Board of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . 264
Gaston College Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . .264
Faculty/Staff. . . . . . . . . . . 264-279
Faculty Emeritus. . . . . . . . . . . 279
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . 280-285
MAP/DIRECTIONS . . . . . . . . 286-288
Dallas Campus Map. . . . . . . . . . 286
Lincoln Campus Map. . . . . . . . . 287
Kimbrell Campus Map. . . . . . . . . 288
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 3
About the College
The Gaston College Catalog is an annual
publication which lists the academic policies and
procedures. In addition, the catalog includes
information on fees, curriculum requirements,
and courses for over 100 programs of study,
course descriptions, and a listing of administra-tion,
faculty, and staff at Gaston College. Publi-cation
notice: This edition of the Catalog was
published May 2016. General College information
and/or specific program information may have
changed since this catalog was printed.
Go to www.gaston.edu, click on "Quick Links",
and scroll down to the "catalog" link to view the
most recent edition of the catalog.
________________________________________
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Celebrating over 50 years of service, Gaston
College is one of 58 community colleges in the
North Carolina Community College System. In
January 1963, the college was granted a charter
by the State of North Carolina, and began its first
classes in temporary headquarters in Septem-ber
1964. The college moved to its permanent
campus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gas-tonia
two months later. Serving both Gaston and
Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls over
6,000 students each term in curriculum programs
and averages over 16,000 students annually in its
Economic and Workforce Development/Continu-ing
Education programs.
Gaston College Campuses
and Phone/Fax Numbers
Gaston College (Main)
Dallas Campus
201 Highway 321 South
Dallas, NC 28034-1499
704.922.6200 • FAX 704.922.2323
Lincoln Campus
P.O. Box 600
511 S. Aspen Street
Lincolnton, NC 28093
704.748.5200 • FAX 704.748.1074
Kimbrell Campus
& Textile Technology Center
7220 Wilkinson Blvd.
Belmont, NC 28012
704.825.3737 • FAX 704.825.7303
Gaston College Website Address:
www.gaston.edu
Also, follow Gaston College on
Mission Statement
Gaston College is an open-door public com-munity
college, located in Gaston and Lincoln
counties, that promotes student success and
access to lifelong learning through high-quality,
flexible, affordable, and comprehensive educational
programs and services responding to economic
and workforce development needs.
Activities in Support of the Mission
To accomplish its mission, the College:
• Provides comprehensive Associate in Applied Sci-ence
(A.A.S.) degree programs designed primar-ily
to prepare students to enter the workforce.
• Provides diploma and certificate programs con-sisting
of a sequence of courses that frequently
can be completed in one year or less by full-time
students. These programs are intended for
individuals seeking employment in a specific
occupation.
• Provides Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in
Science (A.S.) and Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
degree programs primarily designed to prepare
students to transfer to a four-year college or
university.
• Provides developmental education to prepare
students for entry into a degree, diploma, or
certificate program.
• Provides compensatory education, adult literacy,
English as a Second Language, and high school
diploma or equivalency for individuals seeking
to improve basic skills, complete high school
requirements, prepare for the workforce, or
enter post-secondary education.
• Provides continuing education programs for
individual, personal, and professional develop-ment
and for employee education and training to
satisfy the skill development needs of business,
industry, and public agencies.
• Assures quality in all educational programs
by measuring performance on a set of well-established
criteria and by identifying and
analyzing program needs.
• Assures quality instruction by establishing
effective, innovative, and professional teaching
practices; by frequent evaluation of instructor
effectiveness, and by updating methods, materi-als,
equipment and facilities.
• Provides support services for all students, includ-ing
specialized services for the disadvantaged,
the handicapped and other special needs groups
to enable student success.
• Promotes positive relationships with public and
private schools, colleges, and universities, and
with business and industry.
• Provides services that support community
economic, educational, and cultural efforts,
which promote cooperative relationships with
the community.
STUDENT INFORMATION
4 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
• Promotes accessibility to educational programs
through off-campus course offerings and through
distance-learning opportunities.
Performance Measures
In response to a mandate from the N.C. General
Assembly (S.L. 1989; C. 752; S. 80), the State
Board of Community Colleges adopted twelve
(12) performance measures to ensure the ef-fectiveness
of community college programs and
to provide public accountability. The General As-sembly
(G.S. 115D-31.3) approved modifications
to the North Carolina Performance Measures and
Standards in 2007 and 2012, reducing the number
to eight (8) measures. The results are published
annually by the North Carolina Community Col-lege
System (NCCCS) on the NCCCS Web page at
http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/analytics.
Measure
Baseline
Percentage is set at two standard deviations below the system
mean based on three years of historical data
2015
Performance
Measures
Developmental Student
Success Rate in College-
Level English Courses
45.2% of previous developmental English students will successfully
complete a credit English course with a "C" or better upon their first
attempt.
The success rate for
Gaston College was
66.4%.
Developmental Student
Success Rate in College-
Level Math Courses
47.5% of previous developmental Math students will successfully
complete a credit Math course with a "C" or better upon their first
attempt.
The success rate for
Gaston College was
62.3%.
First Year Progression 53.2% of first-time fall credential-seeking students attempting at least
twelve hours within their first academic year will successfully complete
("C" or better) at least twelve of those hours.
74.9% successfully
completed at least
twelve hours.
Curriculum Completion 28.6% of first-time fall credential-seeking students will graduate, transfer,
or will be still enrolled with 36 hours after six years.
42.9% of GC students
meet these criteria.
Licensure and
Certification Pass Rates
The aggregate passing rate of first time test-takers on licensure and
certification exams will be 71.0%.
The aggregate score
for Gaston College was
92.6%.
College Transfer
Performance
Among associate degree completers and those who have completed 30
or more credit hours who transfer to a four-year college, 71.2% will earn
a GPA of 2.00 or better after two consecutive semesters at the transfer
institution.
84.0% earned a GPA
of 2.00 or better.
Basic Skills Student
Progress
20.6% of basic skills students will show progress as defined by an
educational functioning level.
40.4% of basic skills
students at Gaston
College showed
progress.
College Transfer
Performance
49.3% of students taking at least one GED test during the year will
receive a GED diploma during the program year.
83.9% of GED
test-takers at Gaston
College received a GED
diploma.
Notification of Nondiscrimination
Gaston College is committed to affirmative
action and equal opportunity in employment and
educational programs and activities and does
not discriminate against current or potential
employees or students on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
Gaston College supports protections under all
applicable state and federal laws including but not
limited to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title II of the
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
of 2008.
Inquiries or complaints concerning the College's
affirmative action/equal opportunity policy should
be directed to the following individuals: Human
Resources Director (Employees) or Vice President
for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
(Students), 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC
28034 or call 704.922.6200.
Right to Change
The Gaston College Board of Trustees and/or
Administration of Gaston College reserves the
right to change at any time, and without notice,
graduation requirements, fees and other charges,
curriculums, course structure and content, and
other such matters as may be within its control,
About the College
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 5
notwithstanding any information set forth in this
catalog. Gaston College reserves the right to can-cel
classes due to insufficient enrollment. Course
offerings approved after publication of this catalog
are described in class schedules, which are issued
each semester. 2014-2015 tuition rates subject to
change pending legislative action and approval.
Student Right to Know
The average rate of persistence toward degree
completion by students at Gaston College is avail-able
in the Student Records Office.
Accreditations and Memberships
Gaston College is accredited by the Southern As-sociation
of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the
Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-
4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gas-ton
College.
The Commission on Colleges should be contacted
only on matters related to the accreditation sta-tus
of Gaston College and not for general College
information.
The College's diploma, certificate, Associate, and
Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited
by national accreditation boards, commissions,
or service agencies. Additionally, the College is
in good standing with over 20 institutional mem-berships.
Students with institution or program
accreditation questions should contact the Office
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
________________________________________
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Dallas Campus 704.922.6200
Admissions . 704.922.6232
Bookstore . 704.922.6428
Business Office . 704.922.6414
Campus Cafe . 704.922.6430
Class Auditor . 704.922.6347
Counseling . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6220
Financial Aid . 704.922.6227
Gaston Early College
High School . 704.922.2408
Office of the Registrar/Student Records/
Transcripts . . . . . . . . 704.922.6232
Sponsorship Office . . . . . . 704.922.6410
Writing Center . 704.922.2369
Academic Affairs Division Offices
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6240
Arts & Sciences . 704.922.6311
Business & Information Tech 704.922.6263
Cooperative Education . 704.922.6212
Educational Partnerships . 704.922.6297
Engineering & Industrial Education
Technology . 704.922.6295
G-NET/TRiO . . . . . . . . 704.922.2363
Health Education . 704.922.6379
Learning Center . 704.922.6349
Libraries
Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.922.6356
Lincoln . . . . . . . . . 704.748.1050
Kimbrell . 704.825.6278
WSGE Radio . . . . . . . . 704.922.6552
Lincoln Campus 704.748.5200
Office of the Dean . 704.748.5213
Bookstore . 704.748.5233
Business Office . 704.748.5211
Counseling . . . . . . . . . 704.748.5209
Kimbrell Campus 704.825.3737
Office of the Dean . 704.825.6272
Bookstore . 704.825.6280
Business Office . 704.825.6255
Economic and Workforce Development/
Community Education 704.922.6476
Office of VP for Economic and
Workforce Development . 704.922.6476
Occupational and Continuing
Education . . . . . . . . 704.922.6251
Traffic School . 704.922.6353
Business and Industry Training
Services . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6447
Criminal Justice Academy . 704.922.6531
Department for EMS Education 704.922.6241
Fire and Rescue Training . 704.922.6257
Small Business Center . 704.922.6449
Human Resources Development 704.922.6546
Adult Education - Life Skills
High School Equivalency . . . . 704.922.6320
or 704.748.5206
Adult High School Diploma 704.922.6319
or 704.748.5205
Basic Skills Plus . 704.922.2268
English as a Second Language . 704.922.6318
WIOA Youth Works . . . . . . 704.923.8409
Telephone Numbers
STUDENT INFORMATION
6 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
April 19 Last Day to Petition for
Summer Graduation
April 25-May 18 Advising & Registration for
Summer & Fall: Returning
Students Begins
May 3-May 18 Summer Advising/Registration-
New Students Begins
May 8-12 Final Exam Week/May 12 Last
Day of Class
May 11 Pay Tuition & Fees for Summer
Semester by 5 pm
May 12 Graduation, Bojangles Arena
4pm/Grades Due
May 15-19 Faculty/Student Break
May 16 University Visting Student Day
May 22 Start Summer Flex Schedule -
Monday-Thursday, 8 am - 6 pm
Summer Semester 2017
May 18 Last Registration Day Summer
(online 6:00am/8:00 am - 6:00
pm in person)/Payment Due
May 22 First Day of Frist 5 Week and
10 Week Session Classes
May 24 Last Day to Drop Classes with
a 75% Refund or Audit -
(First 5 Weeks)
May 29 College Closed: Holiday
May 30 Last Day to Drop Classes with
a 75% Refund or Audit -
(10 Weeks)
June 22 Financial Aid Checks Mailed
June 22 Last Day of First 5 Week
Classes
June 26 First Day of Second Summer
Session
June 28 Last Day to Drop Classes with
a 75% Refund or Audit -
(Second 5 Weeks)
July 3 Faculty/Student Break
July 4 College Closed: Holiday
July 5-6 Faculty/Student Break
July 11 Fall Advising/Registration-
New Students Begins
July 13 Last Day to Petition for Fall
Graduation
August 3 Last Day of Term/Fall Payment
Due
August 7 Grades Due
August 7-16 Faculty/Student Break
August 11 End Summer Flex Schedule
(Return to Regular
Schedule 8/14)
August 17-18 Student Break
All dates on the Gaston College Calendar are
subject to change.
Fall Semester 2016
August 18 Last Day Registration-Fall
(6:00am online/8:00 am - 6:00
pm in person)/Payment Due
August 19 Convocation/Student Break
August 22 First Day of Fall Classes
August 31 Last Day to Drop Classes with
a 75% Refund or Audit Fall
Semester
September 5 College Closed: Holiday
September 20 Financial Aid Checks Mailed
October 10-11 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 4 pm)
October 24- Spring Advising/Registration
January 5 Returning Students
November 11 Last Day to Petition for Spring
2016 Graduation
November 9- Spring Advising/Registration
January 5 New Students Begins
November 23 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 1 pm)
November 24-25 College Closed: Holiday
December 12-16 Final Exam Week/December
16 Last Day of Class
December 15 Pay Tuition & Fees for Spring
Semester by 5pm
December 19 Grades Due
December 19-20 Faculty/Student Break (college
closes at 3 pm on 12/20/16)
December 21-31 College Closed: Holiday
Spring Semester 2017
January 1 College Closed: Holiday
January 2-4 Faculty Break
January 2-6 Student Break
January 5 Last Registration Day Spring
(6:00 am online/8:00 am -
6:00pm in person)/
Payment Due
January 9 First Day of Spring Classes
January 16 College Closed: Holiday
January 20 Last Day to Drop Classes with
a 75% Refund or Audit for
Spring Semester
February 9 Financial Aid Checks Mailed
February 10 Last Day to Petition for Spring
Commencement Ceremony for
Summer Graduates
February 27- Faculty/Student Break
March 3 (college closes at 4pm)
March 13 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 4pm)
March 15 Student Break/Professional
Development Day
April 13 Faculty/Student Break (college
closes at 4pm)
April 14-17 College Closed: Holiday
2016-2017 Academic Calendar
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 7
Admissions
________________________________________
ADMISSIONS
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(for Curriculum Programs)
Gaston College subscribes to the open-door ad-mission
policy. Applicants must be at least 18
years of age and possess a high school diploma or
equivalent to enroll.
Associate Degree, Diploma, and
Certificate Programs:
For most programs of study, the following steps
should be completed prior to registration.
1. Complete an online application at
www.gaston.edu/apply-online. Paper applica-tions
are available at any campus location.
2. Schedule and take the College Placement Test,
unless eligible for a placement test waiver
(Please note: official test score results must
be no more than five (5) years old and they
must be received and evaluated by the Admis-sions
Office). A valid photo ID, such as a driver's
license is required for all testing. Students may
be waived from taking the ACCUPLACER or the
NC DAP placement test if they meet one of the
following criteria
• Students who score 480 or higher on the
Verbal or Critical Reading portion of the SAT
are not required to take the Reading portion
of the placement test.
• Students who score 480 or higher on the
Writing portion of the SAT are not required
to take the Writing portion of the placement
test.
• Students who score 530 or higher on the
Mathematics portion of the SAT are not re-quired
to take the Mathematics portion of the
placement test.
• Students who score an 18 or higher on the
English portion of the ACT are not required
to take the Writing portion of the college's
placement test.
• Students who score 22 or higher on the
Reading portion of the ACT are not required
to take the Reading portion of the college's
placement test.
• Students who score 22 or higher on the
Mathematics portion of the ACT are not re-quired
to take the Math portion of the col-lege's
placement test.
• Students who earned a grade of "C" or better
in college-level English and Math courses are
waived from taking the placement test.
• Students with an unweighted high school
GPA of 2.6 or higher and meet certain re-quirements
outlined in the Multiple Measures
for Placement Policy below are waived from
taking the placement test.
*Financial Aid Applicants
In accordance with the new Consolidated
Appropriations Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-
74), Gaston College has eliminated the Col-lege
Placement Test Ability-to-Benefit (ATB)
alternative for students planning to first en-roll
in a program of study on or after July 1,
2012 and who have NOT earned a valid high
school diploma from a regionally accredited
institution or a recognized equivalent (e.g.,
GED®). As noted in the law, neither ATB test-ing
nor earning six credits applicable to a
degree or certificate will satisfy the academic
qualifications for receiving financial aid. Stu-dents
who fall in this category and who wish
to receive financial aid may establish eligibil-ity
by completing an approved GED® or Adult
High School program. Additionally, some
employers, licensing boards, and credential-ing
agencies may not recognize credentials
from non-regionally accredited high schools,
even after a student has received course
credit or completed a program of study at
Gaston College. In order to qualify for federal
financial student aid, students will need to
submit both an official high school transcript
and official transcripts from all colleges previ-ously
attended.
Multiple Measures for Placement Policy*
Unweighted
GPA =
or > 2.6
and Four
High School
Math
Courses*
Student is college ready for any
gateway math course and any
course that has a DMA prereq-uisite.
Colleges may require
students to take a supplemental
math lab as a co-requisite,
based on college policies.
Unweighted
GPA =
or > 2.6
and Four
High School
Math
Courses*
Student is college ready for any
English course up to and includ-ing
English 111 and any course
that has a DRE prerequisite.
Colleges may require students
to take a supplemental English
composition lab as a co-requi-site,
based on college policies.
Unweighted
GPA < 2.6
College will evaluate subject-area
ACT or SAT scores to
determine if student is college
ready in math and English using
the following scores (based on
national and state validation
studies):
English: ACT Reading 22 or
ACT English 18
SAT Writing 480 or
SAT Critical Reading 480
Math: ACT Math 22
SAT Math 530
STUDENT INFORMATION
8 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Admissions
from another college or university must submit an
application and meet the admission requirements
for the program of study they intend to pursue at
Gaston College. Students who have not registered
for a two-year period are required to re-apply and
meet current admissions requirements.
Programs of Study with Additional
Admission Requirements
General Admission to the college does not guar-antee
admission into certain programs of study.
For example, many programs of study within the
Health and Human Services division have an ad-ditional
admission process. These programs of
study include Associate Degree Nursing, Practical
Nursing, Cosmetology, Dietetic Technician, Dietary
Manager, Esthetics, Therapeutic Massage, Medical
Assisting, Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, Health
and Fitness Science and Veterinary Technology.
Applicants should contact the department chair
within their program of study to ensure awareness
of any additional or new program-specific admis-sion
requirements.
Opportunities for Students without a High
School Diploma or GED® (18 years or older)
Applicants not having attained a high school
diploma but who are 18 years of age may apply
for and enroll in certain certificate and diploma
programs. These programs of study include Air
Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technol-ogy;
Welding Technology; and Certified Nursing
Assistant. In addition to completing the general
Gaston College admissions application, these
applicants must take the College Placement Test
and complete the online New Student Orientation
prior to registration. Non-high school graduates
may also register for courses as a Special Credit
student (see statement below regarding Special
Credit students). However, students must meet
any course prerequisites prior to registration.
Admission for Special Credit or Visiting
Students (Non-degree Applicants)
Students wishing to register for credit courses
but have no intention of completing a program
of study will be classified as Special Credit or
Visiting students and may be admitted to credit
classes with advisor's approval. Students reg-istered
as Special Credit or Visiting Students
may earn a maximum of 15 credit hours before
having to declare a curriculum major or program
of study. Tuition and fees are the same as for
regular curriculum students. Students listed in the
Special Credit or Visiting major code cannot re-ceive
financial aid. Credits earned may be applied
to a degree, diploma, or certificate program by
completing a Petition for Major Change form in
the Counseling Center.
Unweighted
GPA <
2.6 and
subject-area
score(s)
below col-lege
ready
Student will take the State
Board approved North Carolina
Diagnostic Assessment for
Placement (NCDAP) to
determine placement.
Students
without a
recent tran-script
GPA
or without
ACT or SAT
scores
Student will take the State
Board approved North Carolina
Diagnostic Assessment for
Placement (NCDAP) to
determine placement.
* This policy applies to an individual who has an of-ficial
transcript grade point average (GPA) from a
high school that is legally authorized to operate in
North Carolina and who graduated from that high
school within five years of college enrollment. If a
student received a multiple measures waiver and
has an unweighted high school GPA between 2.6
and 3.0, MAT 001 may be required to take MAT
152 and MAT 171. This policy does not apply to
Career and College Promise operating procedures
for eligibility.
3. Submit an official high school transcript to the
Office of Registration and Records at Gaston Col-lege,
201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-
1499. In lieu of an official high school transcript,
the following official documents will be accepted:
a. Adult high school transcript
b. GED® scores
c. Official transcript from an approved
correspondence high school* (see state-ment
below regarding non-regionally
accredited high schools)
d. Official transcript from Home School
along with Home School Record(s) (must
be accompanied by a letter or card
issued from the N.C. Division of Non-public
Education)
e. Transcript from a regionally-accredited col-lege
or university reflecting attainment of an
Associate degree or higher.
4. Submit official college and/or university
transcripts, if applicable. College transcripts are
not required for admissions; however, official
documents are required for consideration of
transfer credit.
5. Complete the onl ine New Student
Orientation.
Please Note: Applicants are strongly encour-aged
to submit a Gaston College Application for
Admission at least four weeks prior to start of the
semester. This ensures the applicant ample time
to complete the entire admission and enrollment
process. Applicants transferring to Gaston College
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 9
Admissions
Residency
Students who are not North Carolina residents pay
out-of-state tuition for credit (degree) classes. A
student's official residency status is determined at
the time they complete the admissions applica-tion
according to the residency policy of the state
of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community
College System, and the Gaston College Board of
Trustees. In order for a student to be considered a
legal resident for tuition purposes, the applicant's
residency must be established and maintained
in North Carolina for at least 12 months preced-ing
the date of enrollment. Immigrants lawfully
admitted to the United States for permanent resi-dence
may establish North Carolina residence in
the same manner as any other non-resident.
The legal residence of a person under 18 years
of age is that of his or her parents, surviving par-ent,
or legal guardian. In cases where parents are
divorced or legally separated, the minor's domicile
is deemed to be North Carolina for the time period
that either parent, as a North Carolina legal resi-dent,
claims the minor as a taxable dependent.
A change of address does not automatically
entitle a student to pay the same tuition as a
North Carolina resident. A request to change
one's residency status should be submitted to the
Admissions Office prior to registration. Students
must disclose any change in residency to the
Office of Admissions. More information on resi-dency
requirements may be obtained from the
Office of Admissions.
International Students
International students seeking admission to Gaston
College must submit, along with an admissions
application, an official or certified copy of their
high school transcript and an official/certified
copy of any college work completed. If the origi-nal
copies of these transcripts are in a language
other than English, an official English translation is
required. Students whose foreign transcripts can-not
be evaluated by college personnel are respon-sible
for providing a transcript evaluation from a
recognized American transcript evaluation agency.
Proof of English proficiency is required. Before en-tering
a full-time academic (college) program, a
student is required to have a minimum Testing of
English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) score
of Reading: 17, Speaking: 16, and Writing 16 or
Academic International English Language Testing
System (Academic IELTS) score of Reading: 6.5,
Listening: 6.5, Speaking: 6.5, and Writing: 6.5.
Once an international student is admitted to the
U.S. with F-1 status, certain obligations must be
met in order to maintain that status. The interna-tional
student must continue to carry a full course
of study. This is defined as undergraduate study
at a college or university which consists of at least
12 credit hours per semester. In addition to not
accepting employment off campus, the interna-tional
student must keep his or her passport valid
for at least six months. An extension of status
must be applied if the student wishes to remain in
the U.S. beyond the period of time for which he
or she was admitted. F-1 students are required
to disclose fully and truthfully all information re-quested
by INS regardless of whether the infor-mation
requested is material.
Gaston College is a commuter institution and does
not have residence halls or student housing for
rent. Students are responsible for finding their
own housing. Transportation to the college must
be arranged by the student.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED THESE
REQUIREMENTS AT LEAST SIX WEEKS PRIOR
TO THE SEMESTER FOR WHICH THEY PLAN TO
ENROLL.
Policies and procedures for International students
are subject to change in accordance to federal re-quirements
and guidelines.
Career and College Promise (CCP) Program
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of
2011, authorizes the State Board of Education and
the State Board of Community Colleges to establish
the Career and College Program. This program re-places
all previous high school programs (Huskins,
Dual Enrollment, and Learn & Earn Online).
Career and College Promise provides seamless
dual enrollment educational opportunities tuition
free for eligible North Carolina private, public,
charter, and home schooled high school students,
allowing them to accelerate completion of college
certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that
lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job
skills. Career and College Promise includes College
Transfer Pathways, Career & Technical Education
Pathways, and Cooperative Innovate High School
Programs (Early College). Students are responsible
for paying for registration fees and textbooks un-less
the School System incurs the cost. Information
on current pathways being offered may be found
through the College's website (www.gaston.edu).
Application requirements for the College Transfer
Pathways and the Career Technical Pathways in-clude:
(1) High School Transcript, (2) Assessment
Scores, (3) Completed Career and College Promise
Enrollment Form with required signatures, and (4)
STUDENT INFORMATION
10 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
and Workforce Development/Continuing Education
course schedule for details.
Persons under the age of 16 are permitted to register
only for specific summer enrichment programs. Some
classes are restricted to persons age 18 and older.
________________________________________
TUITION/FEES AND GENERAL COSTS
Cost of Attending Gaston College
Gaston College, supported by the taxpayers of
North Carolina and Gaston and Lincoln counties,
maintains modest instructional and general fees
that are subject to change by action of the state
of North Carolina and the Board of Trustees of
Gaston College.
Tuition rates subject to change pending legislative
action and approval.
Curriculum Courses
Instructional Fee (Per Semester Hour of Credit)
North Carolina Residents $ 76
Out-of-State Residents $268
The maximum instructional fee for residents of
North Carolina is $1,216 per semester for 16 or
more credit hours. The maximum instructional fee
for out-of-state residents is $4,288 per semester
for 16 or more credit hours.
Economic and Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Courses
Tuition and fees:
Continuing Education Occupational courses (state
supported) vary, based upon the actual total
hours of the course.
Tuition Fees (EWD/CE classes)
Hours Tuition fee
1-24 $ 70
25-50 $ 125
51+ $ 180
Receipt supported (self-supporting) courses are
individually priced.
Usage Fee
In addition to tuition, on-campus Economic and
Workforce Development/Continuing Education
classes are assessed a Usage Fee. Please consult
the Gaston College website or current Economic
and Workforce Development/Continuing Educa-tion
course schedule for applicable tuition and
fees.
Exceptions
The Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver was eliminated
by the North Carolina State Legislature effective
July 1, 2013. North Carolina residents 65 or older
Tuition/Fees and General Costs
Completed College Application. Entrance Require-ments
for the College Transfer Pathways include:
(1) Must be a junior or senior, (2) Must have a
weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school course work,
(3) Demonstrate college readiness through ap-proved
assessment tests (Plan, PSAT, SAT, ACT,
COMPASS, Accuplacer, Asset), and (4) Maintain
2.0 college GPA after two (2) courses. Entrance
requirements for the Career & Technical Education
Pathways include (1) Must be a junior or senior, (2)
Must have a weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school
courses, (3) Must meet prerequisites of courses in
career pathway, and (4) Maintain 2.0 college GPA
after two (2) courses.
Gaston Early College High School (GECHS)
Gaston Early College High School (GECHS) is an
innovative high school located on the Dallas Cam-pus
of Gaston College. The Early College High
School is operated by Gaston College and Gaston
County Schools through a joint partnership.
This exclusive, non-traditional high school offers
Gaston County students a unique opportunity to
receive a high school diploma while earning an
Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College.
GECHS offers state-of-the-art technology and rig-orous
academics. Students take college courses at
no additional cost, and after graduation, they may
transfer to a four-year college or university.
The University Center at Gaston College
The University Center at Gaston College was
established in 1990 through the efforts of Ap-palachian
State University, The University of
North Carolina at Charlotte, and Gaston College.
Located on the Gaston College's Dallas Campus,
the University Center coordinates a cooperative
program with various area colleges and universi-ties
to bring four-year and graduate-level classes
to Gaston College in order to make classes more
accessible to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln
counties. Identifying the needs within the com-munity
and cooperation with various senior
institutions are the dominating factors that deter-mine
the classes offered through the University
Center. Most courses are offered during evenings
for the convenience of working adults.
Requirements for Economic and
Workforce Development/Continuing
Education Programs
Requirements for admission to courses in Economic
and Workforce Development/Continuing Education
vary by program. Please consult the college website
at http://www.gaston.edu/economic-workforce-development/
getting-started-with-continuing-education/
or the most current copy of the Economic
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 11
Usage Fee: $12 per semester
($10 summer term)
Curriculum Graduation Fee: $45
Lab Fee:
Level 1: $6 per lab hour for Art, Business,
Health, Languages, and Math
Level 2: $12 per lab hour for Computer
Information, Natural Sciences, Nursing, and
Physical Education
Level 3: $18 per lab hour for Cosmetology,
Engineering and Industrial, and Veterinary
Technology
are required to pay tuition and fees for any classes
for which they register.
Other General Fees for Credit and Degree
Programs
Student Activity Fee:
• Student Activity Fee: $15 per semester. A
Student Activity Fee is not charged for the
summer term.
• Some courses may require an additional sup-ply
fee. Courses requiring additional fees will
be identified in the class schedule.
Tuition/Fees and General Costs
SUMMARY OF TUITION & FEES
Curriculum Courses
Instructional Fee (Per Semester Hour of Credit)
North Carolina Residents $ 76
Out-of-State Residents $268
• The maximum instructional fee for residents of North Carolina is $1,216 per semester for 16 or more credit hours.
• The maximum instructional fee for out-of-state residents is $4,288 per semester for 16 or more credit hours.
Economic and Workforce Development /Continuing Education Courses
Continuing Education Occupational courses (State Supported) vary, based upon the actual total hours of the course.
Tuition Fee
Hours Tuition Fee
1-24 $ 70
25-50 $125
51+ $180
Receipt supported (self-supporting) courses are individually priced.
Other Curriculum Fees
Student Activity Fee $15 per semester
• The maximum semester student activity fee is $12 for eight (8) or more credit hours for in-state and out-of-state
residents. A Student Activity Fee is not charged for the summer term.
• Some courses may require an additional supply fee. Courses requiring additional fees will be identified in the class
schedule.
Usage Fee $12 per semester ($10 summer term)
Curriculum Graduation Fee $45
Lab Fee - Level 1 $6 per lab hour
Lab Fee - Level 2 $12 per lab hour
Lab Fee - Level 3 $18 per lab hour
Malpractice Insurance $13 per year ((required for nursing and health services programs students)
Transcript Fee $7 for each transcript
Technology Fee $16 per semester
Returned Checks $25
Student Activity Fee $15 per semester
Replacement ID Card $10
1098T Fee $100 (in cases where not supplying an SSN results on an IRS charge)
STUDENT INFORMATION
12 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Refunds of self-supported courses may be made
if adequate course fees remain to cover all course
expenses.
Accident Insurance
Gaston College does not have insurance to cover
students if they are injured on the Gaston College
campus or in a college-related activity. It is advis-able,
therefore, that students, especially those in
areas that could be considered to be potentially
hazardous, make certain they have appropriate
coverage under a personal accident policy or that
of a parent.
For those who find they do not have accident
insurance coverage, information on a student in-surance
program is available from the Business
Office in the Myers Center Building.
GC Print Management
Print Management is a service instituted by
Gaston College to significantly lower the cost and
environmental impact of printing. The implemen-tation
of this system will improve student printing
experience in our curriculum labs and libraries.
Students will have the capability of performing
duplex, color, and wireless printing.
Curriculum students will be credited $10.00 each
semester for printing. Remaining balances at the
end of each semester will not roll over. The price
for printing is as follows:
Black and White
Single sided - $0.10/per page
Duplex - $0.15/per page
Color
Single sided - $0.25/per page
Duplex - $0.38/per page
For more detailed information visit GC Print
Management.
________________________________________
FINANCIAL AID
GENERAL INFORMATION
Financial assistance is available for curriculum
students in the form of scholarships, grants, and
work programs. Every effort is made by the insti-tution
to help students who need assistance with
educational expenses. Financial aid is intended to
supplement, not replace, financial contributions
from the student and his or her family. Financial
aid is distributed at Gaston College without re-gard
to race, sex, religion, national origin, age, or
disability. Gaston College does not participate in
any of the Federal Direct Loan Programs.
There are two types of financial aid: gift assis-tance
and work. Gift assistance includes grants
Malpractice Insurance (required for nurs-ing
and health services programs students):
$13 per year
Transcript Fee: $7 for each transcript
Technology Fee: $16 per semester
Returned Checks
A fee of $25 (or the maximum permitted by law)
will be assessed to any student whose check is
returned.
Right to Change Fees
All College fees are subject to change without
notice.
Refunds: Curriculum Programs
A 100% refund shall be made if the student of-ficially
drops prior to the first day of the academic
semester or term. Also, a student is eligible for a
100% refund if the class in which the student is
officially registered is cancelled due to insufficient
enrollment. A 75% refund of tuition shall be made
if the student officially drops from the class prior
to or on the official 10% point of the semester.
Students who drop classes in the add/drop period
will be assessed all fees for those classes.
For classes beginning at times other than the first
week (seven calendar days) of the semester, a
100% refund shall be made if the student officially
drops from the class prior to the first class meet-ing.
A 75% refund shall be made if the student
officially drops from the class prior to or on the
10% point of the class. Students who drop classes
in the add/drop period will be assessed all fees for
those classes.
All paperwork for the drop must be processed
before the drop date. The drop date is published
each semester on the Gaston College website at
www.gaston.edu. It is the student's responsibility
to ensure they are officially dropped from classes.
If a course fails to materialize, refunds are auto-matically
processed. The refund policy is subject
to change. Refunds are not granted after the 10%
point. Refunds of tuition will be issued in accor-dance
with the current state and college policy.
Refund checks will be mailed within 30 days after
the last drop-add day.
Refunds: Economic and Workforce
Development/Continuing Education Courses
If a student officially withdraws from a class prior
to the first class meeting, a full refund will be
given. A 75% refund will be given if a student
officially withdraws before the 10% point of the
class. A full refund is given for classes canceled
by the college because of insufficient enrollments.
Financial Aid
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 13
and scholarships that do not have to be repaid
provided that the student attends classes through
the 60% point of the semester. Work study is a
self-help program that enables students to pay
part of their expenses through their own earn-ings.
The work study program gives students the
opportunity to work and earn money at or above
the current minimum wage.
How Eligibility is Determined
Gaston College uses the Free Application for Fed-eral
Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess the financial
condition of financial aid applicants. Information
entered onto the FAFSA is analyzed according to
the requirements of the Department of Education
and federal guidelines. This ensures that all appli-cants
are treated fairly and equitably. Items such
as income, assets, family size, marital status, and
number of family members in the household and
in college are used to determine eligibility.
Results of the FAFSA indicate the amount the
student and his or her family can contribute
toward the student's education. Most financial
aid is based on need rather than on scholastic re-cord.
Financial need is the difference between the
total education expenses and what the family is
expected to contribute.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Students who are entering Gaston College and are
in need of financial aid are requested to follow this
application procedure:
1. After the application for admission has been
submitted, the student should complete a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. The student who wishes to apply for financial
assistance must file a Free Application for Feder-al
Student Aid (FAFSA). The student should com-plete
the form on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov
using Gaston College school code #002973. It
may take up to four weeks to process a complete
file. Therefore, students should submit all finan-cial
aid forms several weeks before registering
for classes.
3. In addition, the student should submit other
documentation if requested by the financial
aid office or by College Foundation, Inc. School
Servicing Center (CFI). CFI provides verification
services for the Gaston College Financial Aid Of-fice.
4. Students interested in scholarships should log
on to https://gaston.academicworks.com/users/
sign_in from January to March for Fall scholar-ships.
Students interested in workstudy should
submit a separate Workstudy Application in the
Financial Aid Office.
Applicants may apply for scholarships, grants,
and/or workstudy positions. The combined sum
of these financial aid awards cannot exceed an
applicant's total financial need. The awarding of
aid is based on funds available. Students will be
notified of their financial aid eligibility by award
notification letter. The letter will state the type
and amount of award. Students should retain their
copy of their award notification letter for their
records. If the student does not plan to enroll or
use their financial aid award, the student should
notify the Financial Aid Office.
In the event that a student receiving aid withdraws
from the institution or stops attending all of their
classes prior to the 60% point of the semester,
the student will be responsible for repayment of
a prorated amount of any portion of any financial
aid disbursed to the student. If the student never
attends a class(es), the student is not eligible to
receive financial aid for the class(es) and will be
responsible for repayment and billed for the aid
for which he or she became ineligible. Students
will be ineligible for future aid until repayment has
been made.
Failure to maintain financial aid satisfactory
academic progress (SAP) will result in the loss of
eligibility for financial aid. Eligibility may be re-gained
as long as the student has not exceeded
their lifetime Pell eligibility. Student coursework
must be restricted to the major that is on file in
the Records and Registration Office. Courses taken
outside of the approved major may require adjust-ment
to the financial aid award. Financial Aid will
pay for repeated courses as long as it is within the
college's repeat policy guidelines. However, Finan-cial
Aid will not pay for excessive repeats beyond
this policy nor will it pay for repeated courses that
are not necessary to complete the student's major
(i.e., Elective Courses). In addition, Financial Aid
will pay for developmental courses up to a maxi-mum
of 30 attempted credit hours.
It is the student’s responsibility to:
(Related to Financial Aid)
• Review and consider all information about the
school's programs before enrolling.
• Complete all application forms accurately and
submit them on time to the right department.
• Pay special attention to and accurately complete
the application for Financial Aid. Errors can re-sult
in long delays in receiving aid. Intentional
misrepresentation of information on application
forms for federal financial aid is a violation of the
law and is considered a criminal offense, subject
to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code.
• Return all additional documentation, verification,
Financial Aid
STUDENT INFORMATION
14 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
Financial Aid
Gaston College does not participate in the
Stafford or Federal Direct Loan programs and
Gaston College does not certify student loans.
There are many sources of alternative or private
loans to help provide funding to students of the
College. Gaston College does not endorse the
use of any particular alternative loan program,
but rather encourages its students to thoroughly
review the programs available and to select the
program that best meets their personal needs.
Eligibility for Federally Supported Programs
Students must meet the following requirements
before they can receive federal financial aid funds:
1. Have financial need.
2. Have a recognized/regionally accredited high
school or homeschool diploma, or a General
Education Development (GED) certificate.
3. Be enrolled as a regular student working toward
a degree or diploma program. (Students may not
receive aid for correspondence or telecommuni-cations
courses unless they are part of an associ-ate,
bachelor, or graduate degree program.)
4. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
5. Have a valid Social Security Number.
6. Make Satisfactory Academic Progress.
7. Sign a statement of educational purpose/certifi-cation
statement on refunds and default (found
on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
8. Register with the Selective Service, if male.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to
provide financial assistance to those in need.
The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is deter-mined
on the basis of the student's and his or her
family's financial resources and the expected fam-ily
contribution.
The Federal Pell Grant Award is a grant and does
not have to be repaid as long as the student main-tains
eligibility requirements for federally support-ed
programs and attends their classes through the
60% point of the term. The student must main-tain
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
Standards to maintain eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This program of direct grants of financial aid
is for undergraduate students of exceptional
financial need who, without the grants, would be
unable to continue their education. FSEOG is a
grant and does not have to be repaid as long as
the student maintains eligibility requirements for
federally supported programs and attends their
classes through the 60% point of the term. The
student must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards.
corrections, and new information to the Financial
Aid Office.
• Read and understand all forms before signing
them and keep copies of all forms.
• Notify the lender of loans of changes in name,
address, and school status if the student has
previously received a student loan from any
previous institution.
• Perform the work that is agreed upon in accept-ing
a college workstudy award.
• Know and comply with the deadlines (both U.S.
Department of Education and Gaston College)
for application or reapplication for aid.
• Contact the Financial Aid Office before withdraw-ing
from school or changing course schedule.
• Notify the Financial Aid Office in writing about
additional income not reported on the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Express written appreciation to any scholarship
donor.
• Understand and maintain Financial Aid Satisfac-tory
Academic Progress (SAP) Standards in order
to continue to receive financial aid. Students
are not considered to be making satisfactory
academic progress if they do not maintain at
least a 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate each
semester.
• Officially drop or withdraw from a class(es) that
the student registered for but is not attending
even if that student applied for and/or received
financial aid. The student cannot assume that
automatic drops or withdrawals will be per-formed
for them in the event that they do not
pay for his or her registration fees.
• Make sure that the student's legal name, as it
appears on the student's social security card, is
on file with the Records and Registration Office
and is the name used on a FAFSA application.
• Make sure that a correct address is on file with
the Records and Registration Office in order to
properly receive correspondence and/or refund
checks (if applicable) that are mailed.
FEDERALLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
Federally supported programs are funded by the
government through the U. S. Department of
Education. These programs consist of the Federal
Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Op-portunity
Grant (FSEOG), and the Federal College
Work Study. Every student who is applying for
financial aid at Gaston College must apply for the
Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. The
student should complete the form on the Internet
at www.fafsa.gov. Please include Gaston College's
Title IV school code #002973 on the application
which will enable the U.S. Department of Edu-cation
to provide a Student Aid Report (SAR) to
Gaston College.
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 15
Federal College Workstudy Program
(Federal/Institutional)
Gaston College participates in the college work-study
program, which provides on campus work
opportunities for students needing financial assis-tance
to attend school. Work is available in the
library, faculty offices, administrative offices, labo-ratories,
shops, and building and ground main-tenance.
Students working under this program
are paid monthly for the work performed. To be
considered for the workstudy program, and to
determine the number of hours per week a stu-dent
may work under the program, the Financial
Aid Office will consider a student's (1) need for
financial assistance, (2) class schedule (enrolled
in at least 6 credit hours), (3) health, and (4) aca-demic
progress.
SPARC3 Scholars
In response to a growing need for a well-trained
science, technology, engineering, and mathemat-ics
(STEM) talent pool, Gaston College has devel-oped
an initiative, known as SPARC3 to promote
persistence and graduation of these students at
the college. The SPARC3 Scholars scholarships are
one element of the larger SPARC3 initiative. The
success of SPARC3 Scholars will be fostered by
financial support, academic learning communities,
mentoring, undergraduate research experiences,
and supplemental group activities in order to aid
in student learning and prepare students for fu-ture
achievement. Successful SPARC3 Scholars
will complete the Associate of Science degree and
be provided assistance in applying for acceptance
to four-year colleges and universities for further
study in STEM fields. SPARC3 is supported by
the National Science Foundation under Grant No.
DUE-1355569.
How to Apply (SPARC3)
Gaston College subscribes to the open-door
admission policy. Applicants must be at least 18
years of age and possess a high school diploma
or equivalent to enroll. Students should apply
using Gaston College's existing scholarship man-agement
system. Please see the Office of Finan-cial
Aid for more information about the application
process. For more information about the SPARC3
program, please email SPARC3@gaston.edu.
SPARC3 Scholars will be expected to meet
additional eligibility requirements including:
• U.S. citizenship, nationality, or lawful U.S.
permanent residence
• Full-time enrollment in the Associate of
Science program at Gaston College
• Demonstrated financial need based upon federal
guidelines
• Overall unweighted GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Submission of a letter of intent to complete the
Associate of Science degree at Gaston College
• Brief interview with SPARC3 Program Staff
Scholars will be notified upon acceptance into the
program.
STATE-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
North Carolina Community College Grant
The North Carolina Community College Grant is
a need-based grant offered by the North Caro-lina
State Education Assistance Authority through
College Foundation, Inc. Applicants must com-plete
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) each year they attend school. Legal resi-dents
of North Carolina who are enrolled at least
half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program
and maintain satisfactory academic progress may
apply. Students must demonstrate financial need.
Students with a bachelor's degree are ineligible.
NC Community College grants are not available
for summer.
North Carolina Education Lottery
Scholarship
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship
program is offered by the North Carolina State
Education Assistance Authority through College
Foundation, Inc. Applicants must complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAF-SA)
each year they attend school, Eligibility and
awards are determined annually. Legal residents
of North Carolina who are enrolled at least half-time
(6 credit hours) in an eligible program and
maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress require-ments
of the institution they attend may apply.
Students with a bachelor's degree are ineligible.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships are
not available for summer sessions.
State Employees Credit Union “People
Helping People” Scholarship
The SECU Foundation established this two-year
scholarship program to assist North Carolina
Community College System (NCCCS) students in
achieving academic success. Each North Carolina
Community College receives two (2) scholarships.
These scholarships are distributed semi-annually
in two payments for fall semester and spring
semester for a maximum of four (4) consecutive
semesters. Scholarships are not transferable to
another student or another school.
Preference is given to students whose parents or
guardians and family members are public sector
employees who live and work in North Carolina.
The committee considers students who best ex-emplify
the membership philosophy of credit
unions, "People Helping People", and have dem-onstrated
leadership, excellence of character,
Financial Aid
STUDENT INFORMATION
16 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
tions must be received by March 31 for the follow-ing
academic year.
Management Honors (Academic)
Scholarship
These scholarships are designed for high school
seniors who have demonstrated academic excel-lence
and plan to attend Gaston College. These
scholarships are not based on need. To be eli-gible
applicants must have maintained a "B" av-erage
(3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better during high
school, must present evidence of expectation of
high school graduation, and plan to attend Gaston
College full-time. Applicants must satisfy all re-quirements
for their proposed programs of study.
Applicants must be from Gaston or Lincoln coun-ties.
Scholarships are renewable for a second year
provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade point
average while enrolled at Gaston College.
Career Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for high school
seniors who have demonstrated academic excel-lence
and intend to pursue careers in specified
engineering technologies or industrial technolo-gies
majors and who satisfy all entrance require-ments
for their proposed programs of study at
Gaston College. These scholarships are not based
on need. To be eligible for these scholarships, ap-plicants
must have maintained a "B" average (3.0
on a 4.0 scale) or better during high school, must
present evidence of expectation of high school
graduation and plan to attend Gaston College full-time.
Applicants must intend to pursue a degree,
diploma, or certificate in engineering technolo-gies
or industrial technologies. Applicants must
be from Gaston or Lincoln counties. Scholarships
are renewable for a second year provided the re-cipient
maintains a 3.0 grade point average while
enrolled at Gaston College. Career Scholarships
awards are not to be extended beyond three se-mesters
for a diploma program or five semesters
for a degree program. Off-campus Work Based
Learning semesters are not included in the schol-arship.
VETERANS INFORMATION
Gaston College is approved by the Department of
Veterans Affairs and NC State Approving Agency
to offer VA educational benefits. Eligibility is es-tablished
by the Department of Veterans Affairs
(DVA). Eligibility remains in effect until consumed
or ten years from active duty release date for
Chapter 30 recipients and 15 years for Chapter 33
recipients. Students serving in the Reserves may
also be eligible for benefits. Please contact the
Veterans Affairs office located in the Myers Cen-ter
on Dallas Campus to complete the necessary
forms and any other details.
integrity, and community involvement. The recipi-ent
is selected without regard to race, sex, color,
creed, religious preference, age, national origin or
disability. The committee recognizes the individual
most deserving of an opportunity to attend col-lege.
Recipients are selected by the Gaston Col-lege
Scholarship Committee. To be considered for
this scholarship, students must complete a Gaston
College Scholarship application.
Wachovia Technical Scholarship
This fund was established through a gift from the
Wachovia Bank and Trust Company to the N.C.
Community College System. To qualify as a can-didate
for this scholarship, a person must be a
full-time student enrolled in the second year of
a two-year technical program; must demonstrate
financial need and scholastic promise; and must
use the scholarship to pay for books, tuition,
and transportation. The recipient is selected by
the Gaston College Scholarship Committee. To
be considered for this scholarship, students must
complete a Gaston College Scholarship applica-tion.
Gaston College Foundation Scholarships
The Gaston College Foundation, Inc. offers a va-riety
of scholarships for Gaston College students.
Foundation scholarships are often established
through donations from clubs, individuals, busi-nesses,
and other foundations. Donors will often
assist in establishing the criteria for awarding
foundation scholarships. Applicants are consid-ered
for all scholarships for which they qualify. To
be eligible for a Gaston College Foundation schol-arship,
applicants must satisfy all Gaston College
admissions requirements including any required
placement tests for their program of study and
complete a Gaston College Foundation Scholar-ship
Application at https://academicworks.com/
from January to March for Fall scholarships and
the FAFSA. Completed applications must be re-ceived
by March 31 each year for the following
academic year. A list of the Gaston College Foun-dation
Scholarships is also available on the Gaston
College website at www.gaston.edu/admissions/
scholarships_grants.php.
Other Gaston College Foundation
Gaston College has established academic scholar-ships
for high school seniors residing in Gaston
and Lincoln counties who plan to enroll at Gaston
College as freshman during the year of their high
school graduation. High school seniors interested
in academic scholarships should submit the ap-propriate
application for the Management Honors
(Academic) Scholarship or Careers Scholarship.
These applications must be signed by the stu-dent's
high school counselor. Completed applica-
Financial Aid
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 17
Applicants for educational benefits must fulfill all
requirements for general admission. In addition,
transfer applicants must submit for evaluation
transcripts from ALL other post-secondary institu-tions
attended.
By law, no certification can be sent to the DVA
Regional Office for any course or program until
all of the admission requirements have been com-pleted.
Eligibility may apply to widows or widowers of
deceased veterans, spouses of living veterans,
and children of either who are between 18 and
26 years of age when the death or permanent dis-ability,
resulting from service in the Armed Forces,
occurs.
Educational benefits are provided under the provi-sions
of Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 of Title 38 of
the U.S. Code and Chapter 1606 and 1607 of Title
10 of the U.S. Code.
'AU' (Audit), 'NS' (No Show), and 'CE' (Credit by
Examination) are not accepted by the Department
of Veterans Affairs for payment purposes. Marks
of 'WA' (Withdrawal), 'WI' (Withdrawal by Instruc-tor),
and any course that a student does not com-plete
or stops attending can result in repayment
of funds to DVA.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
The state of North Carolina may provide financial
assistance for students who have physical or men-tal
disabilities, learning disability, or emotional
impairment. Interested students should contact
their local Vocational Rehabilitation Office for fur-ther
information. The Gastonia office is located
at 109 W. Eighth Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28054,
704.853.5358. The Lincolnton office is located at
529 North Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
704.735.8035.
________________________________________
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
As a non-credit arm of the college, Economic and
Workforce Development has the flexibility to of-fer
short-term courses, broad-based programs,
and various services to the citizens of Gaston and
Lincoln counties.
For information and current schedules related to
Continuing Education, visit the Gaston College
website at www.gaston.edu.
Business and Industry Training Services
Business and Industry Training Services provides
customized training for businesses in Gaston and
Lincoln counties. This training is designed to help
businesses meet their goals and remain competi-tive
in the global marketplace. Examples of cus-tomized
training include Process Improvement
programs. These include Lean Manufacturing, ISO
and AS9100 certifications, 5S, and Six Sigma. A
variety of safety and safety certification programs
are also available including forklift safety, con-fined
space, and Hazwoper. Many leadership and
supervisory development classes are also offered.
Courses are taught by certified instructors. For a
complete listing of Business and Industry Train-ing
Services courses visit http://www.gaston.edu/
economic-workforce-development/occupational-training/.
Customized Training Program
North Carolina's Customized Training Program
supports economic development efforts through
education and training opportunities for eligible
businesses and industries. The program recog-nizes
the fact that one of the most important
factors for a business or industry considering
locating, expanding, or remaining in North Caro-lina
is the presence of a well-trained workforce.
The Customized Training Program is designed to
meet business needs and respect the confidential
nature of proprietary processes and information
within those businesses.
The Customized Training Program provides assis-tance
for full-time production and direct customer
service positions created in the State to enhance
the growth potential of these companies and
simultaneously prepare the State's workforce with
the skills essential to successful employment in
emerging industries.
Business and industries eligible for support
through the Customized Training Program
include manufacturing, technology intensive (i.e.,
information technology, life sciences), regional or
national warehousing and distribution centers,
customer support centers, air courier services,
national headquarters with operations outside
North Carolina, and Civil Service employees
providing technical support to U.S. military in-stallations
located in North Carolina. To receive
assistance, eligible businesses and industries must
demonstrate two or more of the following criteria:
• Making an appreciable capital investment;
• Deploying new technology;
• Creating jobs, expanding an existing workforce,
or enhancing the productivity and profitability of
the operations within the State; and
• Enhancing workers' skills.
Full-time probationary employees (temp-to-hire)
of qualified Customized Training companies are
Educational Programs
STUDENT INFORMATION
18 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
eligible for training delivered by Gaston College.
The use of Customized Training funds requires
that trainees are paid by the company for all time
during training hours.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education offers a wide range of
courses from occupational to personal interest.
Customized classes for industry and other groups
are also available and may be designed to meet
industry and agency requirements. Gaston College
Continuing Education is the approved provider for
the Safety and Health Council's defensive driving
classes that are sanctioned in the Gaston and Lin-coln
County court system. Additionally, computer
classes from beginning to advanced are offered
during the day and evening. Classes are available
at Gaston College's three campuses located in
Dallas, Belmont, and Lincolnton, as well as online.
Continuing Education is also an approved provider
for a wide variety of CEU classes that are required
for many occupations, including healthcare re-lated
courses such as Certified Nurse Aide and
cosmetology. Also available are over 400 Internet-based
courses, many of which are approved for
teacher renewal. All the classes are convenient,
affordable, and high-quality.
Criminal Justice Academy
The Criminal Justice Academy provides profes-sional
training for the regional criminal justice
community. Courses include law enforcement,
detention, and telecommunications. In-service
training courses are designed to facilitate the
mandated training requirements for criminal jus-tice
personnel, state certification and recertifica-tion
programs, and advanced specialized training.
The Criminal Justice Academy surveys regional
criminal justice agencies and works closely with
the Southern Piedmont Law Enforcement Trainers
Association (SPLETA) to determine their training
needs and to develop innovative courses. Follow-ing
are some of the courses available.
State Mandated In-Service Training
Courses:
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Firearms Training & Qualifications,
Legal Update, JMST: The Color of Justice,
NC Firearms Laws: Citizens & Guns.
TELECOMMUNICATOR:
Communicating Effectively with Crisis
Callers, Becoming a Leader in the Communi-cations
Center, Handling Suicide Callers
In-Service Training Course - Topics of
Choice:
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law Enforcement Intelligence Update, Body
Worn Cameras/Video Evidence, Recovery
of Mobile Devices and Preservation of
Electronic Evidence, Leadership: Modeling
Appropriate Behaviors.
TELECOMMUNICATOR:
Law Enforcement Intelligence Update,
Officer Safety: Responding to Crimes
Off-Duty, Recognizing and Managing Stress.
Certification/Recertification Courses:
Radar Operator, Time-Distance Operator,
Radar/Time-Distance Operator, Chemical
Analyst-Intoximeter EC/IR II, Detention
Officer Certification, General Instructor
Training, Drug Recognition Expert
Specialized Training Courses:
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing,
Executive Protection, First Line Supervision,
Comprehensive Roadside Interdiction,
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Aerosol Spray,
Rapid Deployment: Immediate Response
to an Active Shooter, Hazardous Materials,
Bloodborne Pathogens, Law Enforcement
Driving, SWAT Training, Patrol Rifle,
High-Risk Warrant Service, Firearm Skills
for Female Officers, Advanced Patrol Rifle,
TASER Training, PRISim (Simulator) Use
of Force Training, School Resource Officer
Training.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education
Continuing Education
The Department for EMS Education provides
initial certification courses and specific continuing
education courses and programs for public safety
agencies, business and industry, and the public.
The classes offered include the following:
Initial State Certification Classes:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT),
EMS Instructor Methodology - Level EMS
Instructor, EMS Administration - Level II
EMS Instructor
Renewal State Mandated Classes:
EMT Refresher, Paramedic Refresher, and
Monthly EMS Continuing Education for
Emergency Medical Technicians
Specialty Classes and Training Courses:
Prehospital Trauma Life Support Provider,
Instructor, and Renewal; Pediatric Education
for Prehospital Professionals Provider,
Instructor, and Renewal; Advanced Medi-cal
Life Support Provider, Instructor, and
Renewal; FEMA/DHS
American Heart Association Training
Center (AHA)
Gaston College is a full service American Heart
Association Training Center serving Gaston
Educational Programs
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 19
and Lincoln Counties offering Healthcare Pro-vider
CPR, Heartsaver CPR, Heartsaver First
Aid with CPR and AED, Bloodborne Pathogens,
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and
Pediatric Life Support (PALS).
Fire and Rescue Training
Gaston College leads the state in the delivery of
Fire and Rescue Training. The program assists
local municipal and volunteer fire departments
and rescue squads in the overall training of fire-fighter
and rescue personnel. Certification train-ing
is delivered in cooperation with the NC Office
State Fire Marshal, NC Fire and Rescue Commis-sion
and the National Fire Academy, utilizing stan-dards
of the National Fire Protection Association.
Programs offered for North Carolina certification
are Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Ma-terials,
Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, and Emergency
Driver/Operator & Pumps, and Aerial Operations.
Courses are offered on the Dallas Campus, at the
Regional Emergency Services Training Center, and
at various off-campus locations throughout Gas-ton
and Lincoln counties.
Regional Emergency Services Training
Center (RESTC)
The Regional Emergency Services Training Center
(RESTC) provides basic, continuing, and advanced
training in all areas of emergency services includ-ing
fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency
medical services. The primary intent of the RESTC
is to improve the training and level of expertise
within emergency services across the state of
North Carolina.
The facility began operation in January 1991 and
is located on 25 acres on Gaston College's Dallas
campus. The RESTC includes a five-story, 21,000
square foot commercial burn structure, which is
used for real-life fire and emergency training.
The burn structure is the largest of its type in the
United States. The burn structure houses a flat
roof ventilation training area, industrial simulation
areas, interior combustible liquid area, five-story
vertical confined space shaft, and 1,800 square
foot simulated smoke maze. A second 1,500
square foot burn building, simulating a three bed-room
ranch style house was added in 2004. It has
two pitched-roof ventilation areas. In addition to
the burn structures, there are also 12 flammable
liquid/liquid petroleum gas pits, confined space
areas, hazardous materials areas, and a training
pavilion with restroom and shower facilities at the
RESTC. The center also operates a mobile Swede
Flashover Survival training unit which is used for
firefighter survival training on campus and across
the southeast. Also located at the RESTC is the
Bernard Dalton Driving Track which is used for
small vehicle (police and ambulance) emergency
driving training. Offices and classroom facilities
for the RESTC are housed in the Albright Public
Safety Building, along with additional locker room
facilities, refreshment area, and a fitness center.
For more information, visit the RESTC website
at http://www.gaston.edu/economic-workforce-development/
public-safety-non-credit/restc/.
Industrial Emergency Response Team and
Fire Brigade Training: Gaston College's RESTC
specializes in Nuclear Fire Brigade and High-Risk
Response Training and leads the state in the
delivery of Industrial Fire Brigade Training. This
program provides training for local, regional, and
national industry through the delivery of custom-ized
programs of training addressing the specific
needs of each customer. These programs include
on-site visits, consultations, and specialized
courses in the areas of confined space, hazardous
materials, basic and advanced fire suppression
techniques, and rescue operations.
Adult Learning - Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Department Program is designed to
raise the literacy level in Gaston and Lincoln coun-ties.
To be admitted to the Life Skills Program,
students must attend a Basic Skills Student Suc-cess
Class. Depending on the program you plan
on entering you will first need to attend a Student
Success Class. For Adult High School please call
704.748.5205 (Lincolnton) or 704.922.6319. For
Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency
please call 704.922.6545, 704.748.5206 (Lincoln-ton)
or 704.922.6320.
Students ages sixteen and seventeen must com-plete
a Minor Student Application which can be
obtained in the Pearson Life Skills Building, or Life
Skills office on the Lincoln Campus.
Life Skills programs include the following:
Adult Basic Education Program/High
School Equivalency (ABE/HSE): The ABE
component provides basic skills education for
adults with less than an eighth grade education.
The ABE curriculum focuses on the development
of skills required for employability such as read-ing,
writing, speaking, computation, and critical
thinking. The Life Skills department maintains
ABE/HSE classes at the Dallas and Lincoln Cam-puses,
as well as at other sites throughout Gas-ton
and Lincoln counties. For additional informa-tion
call 704.922.6320 or 704.748.5206.
Adult High School (AHS): AHS offers high
school courses for adults 18 years or older.
Program participants are awarded a high school
diploma based on successful completion of the
necessary coursework. Adult High School classes
Educational Programs
STUDENT INFORMATION
20 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
are offered during the day and evening at the
Dallas Campus and during the day at the Lin-coln
Campus. For additional information call
704.922.6319 or 704.748.5205.
English as a Second Language (ESL): ESL
provides instruction for individuals with limited
English proficiency. ESL stresses development of
basic language skills and preparation for daily
life, employment, and citizenship. Gaston College
offers ESL classes that teach speaking, reading,
and writing English to immigrants preparing them
for citizenship and life in the community. Instruc-tion
is provided in a structured class and/or lab
environment that is enhanced with computer-based
tutorials at several locations throughout
Gaston and Lincoln counties. For additional in-formation
call 704.922.6318.
GED® Testing: GED® Testing is designed to
measure academic skills in Reasoning through
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and
Social Studies. Persons who pass the GED® test
receive a high school equivalency diploma. GED®
testing services are provided at the Dallas and
Lincoln Campuses. For additional information call
704.922.6321.
WIOA YouthWorks Program: YouthWorks
is a federally funded program designed to help
young adults, ages 16 - 24, achieve their edu-cational
and employment goals. The program
offers a variety of supportive services to assist
in-school, out-of-school and at risk youth, which
include: academic assistance, occupational train-ing,
employability skills, work experience, career
exploration, on-the-job training, post-secondary
education, leadership development, employment
and more. YouthWorks' ultimate goal is to edu-cate
and prepare young adults for self-sufficiency
in the world of work and life. For additional infor-mation
and program eligibility call 704.923.8410.
Human Resources Development (HRD)
Program
The Human Resources Development Program is a
job seeking/job keeping program that prepares the
participants for the workplace. It is designed to
help participants develop a positive attitude and
self-concept as well as upgrade the level of educa-tion
needed to prepare for, obtain, and maintain
employment. Many of the classes are tuition-waived
for qualifying adults and are available at convenient
locations throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties.
For additional information call 704.922.6546.
Small Business Center
The Small Business Center is a specially funded
program that provides no-fee consulting and semi-nars
for entrepreneurs. The Gaston College Center
is one of 58 Small Business Centers comprising
the NC Community College Small Business Center
Network. The Small Business Center provides as-sistance
in business planning, marketing, account-ing,
financing, and management concerns relating
to small business. To register for Small Business
Center seminars, or to schedule a counseling
appointment, please visit http://www.ncsbc.net/
center.aspx?center=75220.
General Education Competencies
Upon successful completion of any associate
degree program at Gaston College, students will
demonstrate the following general education
competencies:
Competency 1: Use computers and other
educational technologies to achieve
academic and work-related goals.
Competency 2: Demonstrate effective written
and oral communication skills.
Competency 3: Analyze problems and make
logical decisions.
Competency 4: Examine the arts/humani-ties
and social behavioral sciences from
cultural and historic perspectives.
Competency 5: Analyze, manipulate, and
interpret quantitative data.
Learn 4 Life Program
The Learn 4 Life program is an educational enrich-ment
program at Gaston College. The program
provides a high degree of individual choice and
challenge for motivated students. The Learn 4 Life
program is designed to promote personal discov-ery
and reflection, a sense of community, and an
awareness of diversity. Students are required to
complete four (4) learning experiences from areas
such as Service Learning, completion of an honors
course, educational club participation, and other
approved options. Students are required to main-tain
a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must graduate
with either a diploma or degree. Students should
check with the Dean's Office in their division to
learn if their program is participating in the Learn
4 Life Program.
________________________________________
COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS
(Associate in Arts, Associate in Science,
and Associate in Fine Arts)
Gaston College offers a college transfer program
for students intending to transfer to a four-year
college or university by offering courses that par-allel
those offered during the first two years at
four-year institutions. Students who transfer from
Gaston College pursue majors such as Agriculture,
Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Business Admin-istration,
Commercial Art, Design, Education,
Engineering, English, Fine Arts, Foreign Lan-guage,
History, Mathematics, Music, Pre-Law,
College Transfer Programs
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 21
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Ministry, Pharmacy, Psychology,
Science, Sociology, Textiles, and others. Students
may complete a 60-61 hour Associate in Arts
Degree (AA), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), or
Associate in Science Degree (AS). Students not
interested in pursuing a degree may enroll in
courses for personal growth and fulfillment.
A Work-based Learning (WBL) or ACA course of
one semester hour of credit may be included in a
61 semester hour credit degree program such as
Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, and Asso-ciate
in Sciences. This course will receive transfer
evaluation (not necessarily credit) by the receiving
institution.
Each student should confer with a counselor or ad-visor
about course selection prior to registration.
Only with approval of the appropriate academic
dean may students substitute courses for those
specifically required for graduation and courses
outside the area of specialization. Students are
responsible for the proper completion of their
academic programs based upon the requirements
stated in the Gaston College Catalog in conjunc-tion
with the current schedule.
Counselors or advisors will provide assistance to
students regarding transfer to other institutions.
Transfer of credits from one institution to another
is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the
transferring students to research their prospec-tive
senior institution. Students may contact the
counseling department of Gaston College or the
admissions office at the college to which they plan
to transfer for information and guidance on trans-fer
of credits. Although faculty, staff, counselors,
advisors, and administrators are available to help
students with planning, the responsibility rests
upon the individual student.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)
Under the provisions of House Bill 739 and Senate
Bill 1161, the North Carolina Community College
System and the University of North Carolina sys-tem
have developed a Comprehensive Articulation
Agreement (CAA) to facilitate the transfer of credits
for community college students.
Gaston College graduates of Associate in Arts and
Associate in Science degree programs who have
made a C or better in each course will be consid-ered
to have fulfilled the institution-wide, general
education requirements of UNC schools to which
they are admitted and will be admitted as Juniors.
Foreign language and physical education require-ments
of receiving institutions must still be met.
The North Carolina Independent Colleges and
Universities have adopted a parallel version of the
CAA (ICAA). The following private colleges and
universities in North Carolina honor the ICAA:
Barton, Belmont Abbey, Bennett, Brevard,
Campbell, Catawba, Chowan, Gardner-Webb,
Johnston C. Smith, Lees McRae, Livingstone,
Louisburg, Mars Hill, Montreat, Mount Olive, North
Carolina Wesleyan, Peace, Pfeiffer, Queens, St.
Andrews, Saint Augustine's, Shaw, Warren Wilson,
and Wingate.
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees
are two-year programs that prepare the student for
the workforce. Additionally, there are some senior
institutions where all or part of these degrees are
accepted as the first two years of a four-year pro-gram.
A few of the senior institutions that accept
some of Gaston College A.A.S. degrees are the
following: Appalachian State University, Belmont
Abbey College, Gardner-Webb University, Lenoir
Rhyne College, Pfeiffer College, Mars Hill College,
University of N.C. at Charlotte, Western Carolina
University, and Winston-Salem State University.
Some senior institutions will evaluate the Associate
in Applied Science Degree on a course-by-course
basis.
The minimum requirements for the Associate
in Applied Science Degree vary with the degree
program. The completion of no fewer than twenty
(20) semester hours while in attendance at Gaston
College is required.
A student is eligible to graduate with an Associate
in Applied Science Degree upon completion of the
curriculum requirements for the particular pro-gram
listed in this catalog. A student must have
a 2.00 grade point average on courses presented
for graduation.
College Transfer Programs
STUDENT INFORMATION
22 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
________________________________________
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
College Transfer Programs
• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Fine Arts†
• Associate in General Education
• Associate in Science
• Associate in Engineering
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Programs
• Accounting
• Architectural Technology
• Automotive Systems Technology
• Biotechnology
• Broadcasting & Production Technology
• Business Administration
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Computer Information Technology
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
• Computer Programming
• Cosmetology*
• Criminal Justice Technology
• Criminal Justice Technology-Latent Evidence
• Developmental Disabilities
• Dietetic Technician*
• Early Childhood Education
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Emergency Management
• Emergency Medical Science
• Fire Protection Technology
• General Occupation Technology
• Global Logistics and Distribution
Management Technology
• Health and Fitness Science*
• Healthcare Business Informatics
• Human Services Technology
• Human Services Tech-Developmental
Disabilities
• Industrial Systems Technology
• Information Systems Security Technology
• Manufacturing Technology **
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Mechatronics Engineering Technology
• Medical Assisting*
• Medical Office Administration
• Networking Technology
• Nuclear Technology
• Nursing (Registered Nursing)*
• Office Administration
• Office Administration-Legal
• Paralegal Technology
• Therapeutic Massage*
• Veterinary Medical Technology*
• Web Technologies
* AAS Programs: Allied Health Technology
programs require an additional
application process within each program.
Diploma Programs
• Accounting
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration Technology
• Architectural Technology
• Automotive Systems Technology
• Biotechnology
• Broadcasting & Production Technology
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
• Cosmetology
• Early Childhood Education
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Emergency Medical Science Paramedic
• Fire Protection Technology
• Industrial Systems Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Transcription
• Office Administration
• Practical Nursing*
• Therapeutic & Diagnostic Services-
Nursing Aide*
• Therapeutic Massage*
• Welding Technology
Certificate Programs*
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Cooling
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Heat Pump
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Heating
• Accounting-Computerized Accounting
• Accounting-Federal Income Tax
• Accounting–Financial Accounting
• Accounting–Managerial Accounting
• Architectural Technology
• Automotive Systems Technology
- Automotive Engines & Power Trains
• Automotive Systems Technology
- Automotive Fuel and Electrical Systems
• Basic Biotechnology
• Basic Law Enforcement Training
• Broadcasting & Production Technology–
Audio
• Broadcasting & Production Technology–
Audio/Video
• Broadcasting & Production Technology–
Video
• Business Administration-Human Resources
Mgmt
• Business Administration-Retail Mgmt
• Business Administration-Small Business
Mgmt
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
-CNC and CAM
Programs of Study
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 23
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
-Manual and CNC Milling
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
- Manual and CNC Turning
• Cosmetology Instructor
• Criminal Justice-Corrections
• Criminal Justice-Homeland Security
• Criminal Justice-Organization & Management
• Dietary Manager
• Early Childhood Education-Administration
• Early Childhood Education-Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Education-Infants/Toddler
• Early Childhood Education-Pre-school
• Early Childhood Education-School Age Care
• Early Childhood Education-Special Needs
• Early Literacy
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Esthetics
• Esthetics Instructor
• Fire Protection Technology
• Global Logistics & Distribution Management-
Logistics Management
• Global Logistics & Distribution Management-
Export Operations
• Health and Fitness Science
• Health and Wellness Coach
• Healthcare Business Informatics
• Homeland Security
• Human Services Administration
• Human Services Technology
• Human Services Technology-At-Risk Youth
• Industrial Fire Protection Technology
• Industrial Systems Technology
• Industrial Systems Technology-Industrial
Safety
• Industrial Wiring
• Information Systems Security
• Information Technology-Computer
Programming
• Information Technology-Core
• Information Technology-Networking
• Information Technology-Web Technology
• Lateral Entry
• Manufacturing Technology
• Mechatronics Engineering Technology
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Office Administration-Basic
• Medical Office Administration-Intermediate
• Nursing Assistant
• Office Administration-Basic
• Office Administration-Intermediate
• Office Administration–Legal-Basic
• Office Administration–Legal-Intermediate
• Office Administration–Paralegal
• Phlebotomy
• Photovoltaic
• Residential Wiring
• Therapeutic Massage Practitioner I
• Therapeutic Massage Practitioner II
• Welding Technology-Level I
• Welding Technology-Level II
* Please note that Certificate Programs are not
eligible for federal financial aid.
** Pending Approval
Non-Degree
• Special Credit (Personal interest class)
• Visiting Student (Visiting from another
college)
• Health Transfer
• Non-Destructive Examination Technology
• Undecided
† Students will automatically be re-classified
upon meeting divisional eligibility criteria.
Collaborative Programs
• Biomedical Equipment Technology
(Collaborative with Caldwell CC & TI)
________________________________________
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION
The Developmental Education Program provides
students with the opportunity to build academic
skills and acquire the background that should
facilitate success in their desired curriculum
program. Applicants to degree, diploma, and
certificate programs may be required to complete
a placement test which provides placement in-formation
for reading, English, and math. Once
placement scores are determined, students are
counseled about the courses needed in order to
reach their academic and career goals. Students
in developmental courses may concurrently regis-ter
for certain courses within their desired curricu-lum
if those courses do not require completion of
one of the developmental courses as prerequisite.
Developmental courses include basic college
preparatory courses in reading/English (DRE) and
mathematics (DMA).
Developmental Education Courses
Developmental Reading and English
• DRE 096 Integrated Reading and Writing (3
Credit Hours)
• DRE 097 Integrated Reading Writing II
(3 Credit Hours)
• DRE 098 Integrated Reading Writing III
(3 Credit Hours)
Developmental Math
• DMA 010 Operations With Integers
(1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 020 Fractions and Decimal
(1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 030 Propor/Ratio/Rate/Percent
(1 Credit Hour)
Developmental Education
STUDENT INFORMATION
24 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
• DMA 040 Express/Lin Equat/Inequal
(1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 050 Graphs/Equations of Lines
(1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 060 Polynomial/Quadratic
Applications (1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 065 Algebra for Precalculus
(2 Credit Hours)
• DMA 070 Rational Express/Equation
(1 Credit Hour)
• DMA 080 Radical Express/Equations
(1 Credit Hour)
________________________________________
STUDENT RESOURCES
Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC)
The Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC),
established in 1996, is designed to provide stu-dents
with opportunities for academic and person-al
growth. The center is committed to the philoso-phy
that given adequate services, support, time,
and appropriate teaching strategies, all students
can successfully accomplish their academic goals,
whether that goal includes transfer to a four-year
institution or the successful completion of a single
course.
GCLC services are available to a diverse constitu-ency.
The program places primary emphasis on
serving the needs of students "at risk" in the
college environment. The GCLC actively provides
support to all students in achieving their poten-tial.
Additionally, faculty members may use the
academic support services to supplement their
classroom instruction by referring students to the
GCLC.
This service to the faculty also includes consul-tation
on students' needs, supplementary educa-tional
materials, and additional academic support
services.
The Learning Center's primary function is to pro-vide
academic support services to the general
stu dent population which includes the following:
1. Peer-Tutoring Services: This program provides
tutorial services in selected general education
courses for all students by appointment or walk-in
basis. All tutors undergo initial training and
meet regularly for planning, evaluation, and skills
development. Tutoring services are available for
students having difficulty in passing a course and
for students wanting to improve.
2. Help for under-prepared students: Under-prepared
students who arrive at Gaston College
need special assistance during their first few
semesters on campus and beyond. Through the
Learning Center, these under-prepared students
are provided with support, special attention, and
academic tutoring.
Peer Tutoring Program
The Gaston College Peer Tutoring Program is a part
of the larger academic support service called the
Gaston College Learning Center. The program is
staffed by paid and volunteer tutors who have A's in
the courses they tutor, and who are recommended
by their instructor or the chair of the department
in which the course is taught. Tutors are carefully
interviewed by the Learning Center Coordinator
and undergo an initial training period. They also
meet regularly with other tutors and staff members
for planning, evaluation, and skills development.
Careful records are maintained on all tutoring ses-sions.
In addition to being knowledgeable and well-trained,
tutors are also chosen for their sensitivity
toward students and for their interest in teaching.
Students who are not satisfied with their under-standing
or performance in a course may use this
free service. Help is available in the area of under-standing
concepts, problem-solving, and study
skills. Tutoring services are available not only for the
student who is having difficulty in passing a course,
but also for those students who want to improve.
Peer tutoring services offer several options for
students to increase understanding of course con-tent
and to improve performance. If a tutor is not
available for a particular course, the tutor coordi-nator
will make every effort to obtain one if the
demand is sufficient. General tutoring is available
on an appointment or walk-in basis in the Dalpiaz
Student Success Center from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00
p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. on Friday.
The Lincoln Campus also houses a Learning Center
in Room 206, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon on Friday.
Gaston College Writing Center
The Gaston College Writing Center exists to help
students pursue their educational goals and develop
into intellectually mature persons, competent writ-ers,
and lifelong learners. With a staff of profes-sional
writing coaches, all of whom have at least
a Bachelors Degree in English, the Writing Center
provides students in Gaston College programs with
writing help and support.
The Dallas campus location is in room 236 of the
Robinson Classroom Building (RCB). The Writing
Center's hours of operation are 8:00 am to 8:00
pm on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to
4:00 pm on Friday.
The Lincoln campus location is in room 202 of the
Main Lincoln Campus Building (LC 202). Please con-tact
the Writing Center at 704922-2369 for hours
of operation at the Lincoln and Kimbrell Campuses.
Student Resources
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 25
The following services are provided at both
loca tions:
One-on-One: Students can schedule appoint-ments
for coaching during regular Writing Center
hours and receive assistance on one particular
assignment at any stage of the writing process:
brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising.
There is no commitment to work with a coach on
a weekly basis and students can drop-in several
times a semester.
Regularly Scheduled Tutoring: Students can
request regular writing coaching on a weekly
basis. Faculty may refer students for regular
tutoring. In this setting, the student will work
directly with a coach on writing assignments and
building basic writing skills. Most likely, students
working with a coach one-on-one will commit to
at least one to three hours per week for tutoring.
Small Group Tutoring: Students with a collabora-tive
writing assignment may be assigned to work
in a small group setting with a coach, who serves
as a guide through the writing process.
Ask a Question - Facebook: Via Facebook, stu-dents
can ask a grammar, citation or general
writing question and then check back for answers
as the page is updated daily.
Synchronous Online Tutoring: Students can
schedule an appointment to meet virtually with
one of our coaches in real time. To make an ap-pointment,
students can call or e-mail the Center
and schedule a time to meet online. The student
will provide his or her official Gaston College
e-mail address and receive log on instructions to
access tutoring. A writing coach will send a link to
the student's e-mail address, asking the student
to join him or her in Blackboard Collaborate, a
free online tool for collaboration in real time.
Oral Communications Lab: The Writing Cen-ter
also offers an Oral Communications Lab to
provide students personalized consultation and
instruction on oral class assignments at any
stage of development. A coach can help with oral
presentations, such as public speaking, group
presentations, debates, and panel discussions.
We also offer one-on-one tutoring in interview-ing
skills, oral exams, and readings. We provide
guidance on topic selection, organization, audi-ence
analysis, research, oral citation of sources,
visual element design, speech apprehension,
and speech and interview rehearsal with video
feedback.
For more information about the Gaston College
Writing Center, call 704.922.2369 or send an
e-mail to writingcenter@gaston.edu.
________________________________________
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic
program that integrates classroom study with
practical work experience in industry, business,
and public agencies. The work experience con-stitutes
a regular and essential element in the
educational process by allowing students to apply
their studies in a real work environment.
The WBL work experience is concurrent or
alternates with academic studies. It is a paid or
non-paid work experience and students receive
academic credit toward degree, diploma, or cer-tificate
requirements. Students work either part-time
or full-time jobs with employers selected
and/or approved by the college. Students are
contacted and evaluated periodically by a faculty
coordinator and receive on-the-job supervision by
the employers.
WBL Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be
accepted into the program:
• Be enrolled in an approved WBL curriculum.
• Have a minimum 2.00 GPA depending on
program.
• Be recommended by a faculty member.
• Be approved by the Work-Based Learning office.
(Note: Enrollment in the WBL program does not
guarantee placement for every student.)
Application Procedure
Interested students must complete a Work-Based
Learning application packet and speak with a
member of the Work-Based Learning staff. Note:
Work-Based Learning staff will advise students to
determine the correct WBL course(s) based on
program area and state requirements.
Presently Employed Students
Students may qualify to receive academic credit
if they are already employed in an area directly
related to their academic major. The following
general criteria will be used to determine eligibil-ity:
1. The student must be acquiring new skills or
knowledge related to their academic major;
and/or
2. The student must be developing a recently
learned skill or applying recently-learned knowl-edge
related to their academic major;
and/or
3. The student must be receiving increased
levels of responsibility related to their
academic major;
and
4. The employer agrees to assist with an evaluation
of the student's progress and to permit on-the-job
visits by WBL staff member.
Work-Based Learning
STUDENT INFORMATION
26 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Student Employment Services assists students
and graduates who are seeking employment
by making them aware of the range of career
opportunities available, helping them present
themselves effectively as candidates, and aiding
them in finding part-time, full-time, temporary, or
summer employment.
Some of the specific services and activities of-fered
are Career Day; employer campus visits;
recruiting events; resume writing information/
workshops; interview techniques information/
workshops; and posting of part-time, full-time,
and temporary job openings on electronic lob
board (www.collegecentral.com/gastoncollege)
and the bulletin board outside the Myers Center
Cafeteria and in the Student Employment Office.
DISTANCE EDUCATION
Distance Education at Gaston College expands
learning opportunities by using nontraditional
delivery methods to meet the growing schedul-ing
needs of students throughout Gaston and
Lincoln counties. The current technologies avail-able
include two-way interactive video and
Internet-based courses.
Out of State Online Student Grievance
Gaston College students residing outside the
state of North Carolina who desire to resolve a
grievance are encouraged to follow the College's
Student Complaint Procedure. If an issue cannot
be resolved internally, a complaint may be filed
with the appropriate state agency for handling
complaints or with Gaston College's accredit-ing
agency. Please visit the Distance Education
webpage at www.gaston.edu/online-learning/ for
more information.
North Carolina Information Highway
Through the North Carolina Information Highway,
Gaston College can receive courses or telecon-ferences
from other institutions using two-way
interactive televisions in classrooms. Participants
at the receiving sites interact with the present-ers
and participants at the originating sites. The
Dallas Campus also delivers two-way interactive
classes and presentations to the Lincoln Campus
and Kimbrell Campus of Gaston College and to
other institutions.
Internet-Based Courses
A wide range of Internet-based courses is avail-able
through the curriculum (credit) or continuing
education (non-credit) programs. These courses
are designed for students with some Internet
background. Students must have access to a
computer linked to the Internet. Students may
also use the Internet-accessible computers in the
Morris Library to take the courses. For curriculum
course information contact the Distance Educa-tion
office at 704.922.6515 or for continuing edu-cation
(non-credit) course information visit www.
ed2go.com/gaston or call Community Education
at 704.922.6251.
________________________________________
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Gaston College has established a set of regula-tions,
policies, and standards in order to provide
an academic environment that will promote qual-ity
education and assure compliance with state,
federal, accreditation, and certification directives
and statutes.
Students are responsible for the proper comple-tion
of their academic programs based upon the
requirements stated in the Gaston College Catalog
in conjunction with the current schedule. Faculty
members, staff members, counselors, and ad-ministrators
are available to help students with
planning, but the responsibility of fulfilling all
requirements rests upon the student.
Class Attendance and Participation
The instructional work of the college is designed
for class participation and attendance. The re-sponsibility
for class participation and attendance
is placed specifically on the individual student.
Official college requirements are based on a 90%
participation rate. Therefore, if a student has
failed to participate in 10% or more of the sched-uled
class hours or learning activities, a student
may be withdrawn by the instructor or assigned
a grade of "F" up until the published withdrawal
date. For students violating participation require-ments
after the published withdrawal date, a
grade of "F" may be assigned by the instructor.
Once an instructor has posted a grade, the stu-dent
no longer has an option to withdraw from
that class.
This policy does not remove the right of faculty
to reward or penalize students for participation
and attendance issues at any point during the
semester. Please review course-specific instruc-tions
related to attendance to ensure compliance
with stated requirements for this class. Faculty
may enforce an alternate policy where required by
divisional or departmental practices, accreditation
requirements, and other similar issues.
The student is responsible for all material covered
in each course for which he or she is registered.
In no instance does absence from class relieve the
Policies and Procedures
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 27
student of the responsibility for the performance
of any part of the course work. The student is fur-ther
responsible for initiating any request to make
up work because of class absence. The decision
to assist the student with make-up work, includ-ing
tests, in every case rests with the instructor.
The instructor may require verification of medi-cal
and personal circumstances presented by the
student to influence this decision. Course work
not made up may affect a student's grade in the
final evaluation since the instructor is not required
to offer the student an opportunity to make up
course work.
A student may seek reinstatement into class by
submitting a written request to the instructor. If
the request is denied, the student can petition for
reinstatement directly to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, who will make a final ruling
upon the petition. If the request is approved, a
reinstatement form must be completed and sub-mitted
to the Records and Registration Office.
Student Code of Conduct
All students have the right to a safe, peaceful,
quality, and honest educational environment.
Therefore, students are expected to conduct
themselves in accordance with generally accepted
standards of scholarship and conduct. Actions
identified in the Student Code of Conduct are
strictly prohibited at Gaston College. More spe-cific
information regarding the Student Code of
Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
Copies may be obtained from the Information
Center in Student Affairs, or on the College's web-site
at www.gaston.edu.
Standard of Honesty
Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, and know-ingly
furnishing false information to the College
are regarded as serious offenses. It is expected
that cases of academic dishonesty will first be
considered at the department faculty level; then
the matter will follow procedures in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct.
RECORDS AND REGISTRATION OFFICE
The Records and Registration Office directs regis-tration
each semester for curriculum classes. This
office provides transcripts (official and student
copies), verification and certification of enroll-ment
status, processes drops/adds, withdrawals,
and final grades. This office directs the graduation
ceremony each year, orders and issues diplomas,
evaluates previous college transfer work, pro-cesses
name and address changes, and academic
advisor assignments. Specific registration infor-mation
is contained in the college's schedule of
classes.
Confidentiality of Student Records
Gaston College has a long-standing commitment
to the protection of students' rights and privacy
of information. Gaston College complies with the
provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act of 1974, State of North Carolina
Law, and the State Department of Education Divi-sion
of Community College rules. These federal
and state requirements relate to accessibility and
confidentiality of student records.
Annual Notice to Students of their Rights
under the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974
Gaston College Policy and Procedures Manual sec-tion
4-31, Confidentiality and Access of Student
Records, provides pertinent and detailed informa-tion
concerning classification, access and release of
student records. Detailed information is also provid-ed
in the Gaston College Student Handbook, which
is made available on the College's website at www.
gaston.edu. Hard copies are available upon request.
Students’ Rights to Question their Official
Student Record
Students have the right to inspect their edu-cational
records and correct such records, if
warranted. All student records are open for inspec-tion
and review by students and eligible parents
unless they waive this right. An eligible parent is
the parent or legal guardian of students who are
under 18 years of age or who claim students as
dependents as defined in Title 26 U.S.C.S.S. 152
Internal Revenue Code. Eligible parents must pro-vide
evidence that the student is underage and/
or a dependent to the Records and Registration
Office prior to reviewing the records.
Definition and Release of Educational
Records
There are three categories of records: 1) Dir-ectory
Information Records, 2) Limited Access
Records, and 3) Sole Possession Records.
1. Directory Information Records includes the stu-dent's
name, address, telephone number, major
field of study or program, dates of attendance,
enrollment status, and degrees and awards
received. Gaston College may disclose directory
information about a student without the consent
of the student unless the student has properly
objected to the release. Any student not wishing
the release of directory information must file a
written request with the Records and Registra-tion
Office no later than the last day of Late Reg-istration.
This information will only be released
by the Office of the Vice President for Student
Affairs or a designee after the requestor has
demonstrated a legitimate need to have such
Policies and Procedures
STUDENT INFORMATION
28 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog
information. Otherwise, the College may disclose
directory information for legitimate purposes.
2. Limited Access Records pertain to the perma-nent
academic records of the student, disciplin-ary
records, financial information, and testing
data. The college will not release information
in Limited Access Records without the written
permission of the student.
3. Sole Possession Records pertain to records of
instructional, supervisory, and administrative
personnel that remain in the sole possession of
the maker and are not accessible or revealed to
any other person.
In addition, Gaston College may, without the
consent of the student or eligible parents,
disclose information kept in the student's per-manent
record to the following
• Gaston College officials with a legitimate
educational interest. College officials in-clude
faculty, administrators, staff, student
employees, third parties or agents authorized
to act on behalf of the College. A legitimate
educational interest is presumed to exist if
the information is necessary for the official
to perform tasks that are specified in the
position description or contract agreement;
to perform a task related to the student's
education, discipline, service or benefit such
as, counseling, job placement, financial aid,
health insurance, community resources, etc.
• Authorized representatives of the Comptrol-ler
General's Office, the Secretary of the
Department of Education, and state educa-tional
authorities.
• Veterans Administration officials.
• Persons or organizations providing financial
aid.
• Accrediting organizations carrying out their
accrediting functions.
• Persons in compliance with a judicial order
or a lawfully issued subpoena.
• Persons who seek information in connection
with an emergency, if in the view of a reason-able
person, the knowledge of such informa-tion
by appropriate persons is necessary to
protect the health or safety of the student or
other persons.
• Organizations or individuals conducting
studies on behalf of the college or for oth-er
educational agencies or institutions for
the purposes of developing, validating, or
administering predictive test, improving and
understanding student services, student aid
programs, improving instruction, etc. These
studies must be conducted in a way that
will not permit the personal identification of
students and their families by persons other
that the authorized representative of such
organizations and the information must be
destroyed when the studies have concluded.
• Military recruiters requesting recruitment
information in accordance with the United
States Code Title 10 and other pertinent
laws.
• To institutions, authorities, and/or agencies
in accordance with federal, state, and local
laws, policies, and procedures.
Individuals or agencies not outlined above
may obtain student record information only
with written authorization from the student.
The authorization for release of information
must include:
1. date of request
2. student's social security number
3. student's signature
4. specific contact name or agency
5. summary of information which may be
released
Release of Transcripts
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, transcripts will
only be released or sent upon the written request
of the student. Official and student copies of Gaston
College transcripts should be requested in writing to
the Records and Registration Office. Transcripts will
not be released unless all tuition, fees, and other
obligations due the college have been satisfied. It
is against Gaston College policy to fax or email tran-scripts.
There is a $5 charge for official transcripts,
although this is subject to change at the discretion
of the college. Official transcripts may be ordered
and student transcripts may be obtained in person
or online at www.gaston.edu under Quick Links.
Gaston College does not issue transcripts of other
colleges and universities or high school transcripts.
Any student needing a transcript from a college or
high school in which they previously attended, must
contact that institution directly.
Change of Address
Students are required to keep an updated address
on file with the Records and Registration Office
while they are enrolled at Gaston College. A re-quest
for a change of address should be submitted
in writing to the Records and Registration Office or
submitted via WebAdvisor. Change of Address forms
are available in the Records and Registration Office
and on the Gaston College web site www.gaston.
edu under Student Resources.
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Day: A student who is enrolled for a majority of
course work scheduled before 4:30 p.m.
Policies and Procedures
STUDENT INFORMATION
www.gaston.edu 29
Evening: A student who is enrolled for a majority
of course work scheduled after 4:30 p.m.
Full Time: A student who is enrolled for twelve or
more semester hours.
Part Time: A student who is enrolled for fewer
than twelve semester hours.
Full-time and Part-time Status: A student must
be registered for at least 12 semester hours to
be considered a full-time student. Although the
normal course load for a full-time student is 16
semester hours, a counselor or advisor may rec-ommend
a heavier or lighter course load depend-ing
on the student's ability and/or the student's
previous academic performance.
CHANGE OF MAJOR/PROGRAM
Students wanting to change their designated major
or program of study may do so by meeting with an
Academic Advisor or Counselor in the Counseling
Center to discuss career and educational goals. If
deemed necessary, a Change of Major form will be
completed indicating the desired changes to the
student record. The official change of major will
become effective for the same semester if submit-ted
within the first nine days of classes for the
fall and spring semesters and within the first four
days of classes for the summer semester. Change
of major forms submitted thereafter will be effec-tive
the first day of classes for the next semester.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with
their new advisor to review previous coursework
and obtain information about program require-ments
for their new major. Please note that stu-dents
receiving financial aid or veterans benefits
will need to consult with the Office of Financial Aid
before changing their major.
REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR
CURRICULUM COURSES
How to Register
Students are responsible for registering each se-mester
during the designated registration periods.
Before a new student can register for courses, he/
she must have an application on file in the Office
of Admissions, taken the NCDPA or been waived,
and have completed new student orientation. Pri-or
to the start of the semester, registration is held
for all students - current, new, and returning. Stu-dents
are encouraged to register when eligible in
ord
Object Description
Description
| Title | Academic catalog of Gaston College |
| Other Title | Gaston College catalog; Academic course catalog |
| Date | 2016; 2017 |
| Description | 2016/2017 |
| Digital Characteristics-A | 5 MB; 290 p. |
| Digital Format | application/pdf |
| Pres File Name-M | pubs_serial_gastoncollegecatalog20162017.pdf |
| Full Text | 2016-2017 Academic Catalog www.gaston.edu A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Thank you for choosing Gaston College. This is a great place to continue your education whether you're new to college, plan-ning to transfer to a four-year college or university, returning to achieve career certification to prepare for the job market, or improving your skills. We hope to remain your "College of Choice". As one of the state's largest community colleges, Gaston College promotes lifelong learning and economic development by providing high quality educational programs and services. Over 100 programs of study are offered to help you obtain a diploma, certificate, or two-year Associate Degree. We offer an exceptional and affordable education that can be tailored to fit your schedule, and you don't have to travel a long distance to reach one of our three convenient campuses as well as loca-tions throughout Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Our goal is to provide the best possible educational experience for each of our students. A dedicated faculty and staff provide personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment that encourages student success. I invite you to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Gaston College that can enrich your life and the lives of others in our community. Explore our catalog, visit our web-site (www.gaston.edu), and tour our campuses. Come join us for an exciting learning experience that will change and compliment your future. Sincerely, Patricia Skinner, Ph.D. President, Gaston College Dr. Patricia Skinner STUDENT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . 2 About the College, Campus Locations & Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 3 Mission Statement/Activities. . . . . . . 3 Performance Measures . . . . . . . . 4 Notification of Nondiscrimination . . . . . 4 Right to Change. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Right to Know. . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accreditation and Memberships . . . . . 5 Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . 5 2014-2015 Academic Calendar . . . . . 6 ADMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 General Admission Requirements. . . . . . 7 TUITION, FEES AND GENERAL COSTS . . . 10 Summary of Tuition and Fees. . . . . . 11 Curriculum Courses. . . . . . . . . . 10 Economic and Workforce Development /Continuing Education Courses. . . . . 10 FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . 12 General Information . . . . . . . . . 12 Federally-Supported Programs . . . . . 14 State-Supported Programs/Scholarships . 15 Veterans Information . . . . . . . . 16 Vocational Rehabilitation . . . . . . . 17 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 17 Economic & Workforce Development /Continuing Education Programs. . . . . . 17 Business & Industry Training . . . . . 17 Continuing Education. . . . . . . . . 18 Criminal Justice Academy. . . . . . . 18 EMS Education . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fire and Rescue Training . . . . . . 19 RESTC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Adult Learning - Life Skills (ABE/HSE, AHS, CED, ESL). . . . . 19 Human Resources Development. . . . . 20 Small Business Center. . . . . . . . 20 General Education Competencies . . . 20 Learn 4 Life Program. . . . . . . . 20 COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS . . . . . 20 Associate in Applied Science Degrees. . . . 21 Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. . . 21 PROGRAMS OF STUDY . . . . . . . . . 22 DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION. . . . . . . 23 STUDENT RESOURCES. . . . . . . . . . 23 Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC) . . 23 Peer Tutoring Program. . . . . . . . . 24 Gaston College Writing Center. . . . . . 24 WORK-BASED LEARNING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Student Employment Services . . . . . 25 Distance Education. . . . . . . . . . 25 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. . . . . . . 26 Student Responsibility. . . . . . . . . 26 Records & Registration . . . . . . . . 27 Student Classification . . . . . . . . 28 Change of Major/Program. . . . . . . . 28 Registration for Curriculum Courses . . . 29 Awarding of Credits. . . . . . . . . . 31 Awarding of Transfer Credits from Another School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Transferring to Another School from Gaston College. . . . . . . . . . . 33 Charlotte Area Educational Consortium. . . 33 Grading System . . . . . . . . . . 33 Academic Standing. . . . . . . . . . 36 Academic Forgiveness. . . . . . . . . 37 Grounds for Student Academic Dismissal. . 38 Honor's Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Catalog of Record. . . . . . . . . . 38 Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 STUDENT AFFAIRS . . . . . . . . . . 39 Counseling and Career Development Cntr. . 39 Student Persistence and Retention. . . . . 40 Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . 41 Student ID Cards . . . . . . . . . . 41 College Bookstores . . . . . . . . . 41 WSGE 91.7 fm Radio Station . . . . . . 42 Food Service/Vending . . . . . . . . 42 Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS. . . . . . 42 Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. . . 43 Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . 43 Associate in Arts (A10100). . . . . . . . 43 Associate in Science (A10400). . . . . . 46 Associate in Fine Arts (A10200) . . . . . 49 Association in Engineering (A10500). . . . 50 Associate in General Education (A10300). . 51 ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S) DEGREE PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 52-109 DIPLOMA PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . 110-127 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS. . . . . . . 128-159 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS. . . . . . . 160-263 ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF . . 264-279 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Board of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . 264 Gaston College Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . .264 Faculty/Staff. . . . . . . . . . . 264-279 Faculty Emeritus. . . . . . . . . . . 279 INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . 280-285 MAP/DIRECTIONS . . . . . . . . 286-288 Dallas Campus Map. . . . . . . . . . 286 Lincoln Campus Map. . . . . . . . . 287 Kimbrell Campus Map. . . . . . . . . 288 TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 3 About the College The Gaston College Catalog is an annual publication which lists the academic policies and procedures. In addition, the catalog includes information on fees, curriculum requirements, and courses for over 100 programs of study, course descriptions, and a listing of administra-tion, faculty, and staff at Gaston College. Publi-cation notice: This edition of the Catalog was published May 2016. General College information and/or specific program information may have changed since this catalog was printed. Go to www.gaston.edu, click on "Quick Links", and scroll down to the "catalog" link to view the most recent edition of the catalog. ________________________________________ ABOUT THE COLLEGE Celebrating over 50 years of service, Gaston College is one of 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System. In January 1963, the college was granted a charter by the State of North Carolina, and began its first classes in temporary headquarters in Septem-ber 1964. The college moved to its permanent campus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gas-tonia two months later. Serving both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls over 6,000 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 16,000 students annually in its Economic and Workforce Development/Continu-ing Education programs. Gaston College Campuses and Phone/Fax Numbers Gaston College (Main) Dallas Campus 201 Highway 321 South Dallas, NC 28034-1499 704.922.6200 • FAX 704.922.2323 Lincoln Campus P.O. Box 600 511 S. Aspen Street Lincolnton, NC 28093 704.748.5200 • FAX 704.748.1074 Kimbrell Campus & Textile Technology Center 7220 Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 704.825.3737 • FAX 704.825.7303 Gaston College Website Address: www.gaston.edu Also, follow Gaston College on Mission Statement Gaston College is an open-door public com-munity college, located in Gaston and Lincoln counties, that promotes student success and access to lifelong learning through high-quality, flexible, affordable, and comprehensive educational programs and services responding to economic and workforce development needs. Activities in Support of the Mission To accomplish its mission, the College: • Provides comprehensive Associate in Applied Sci-ence (A.A.S.) degree programs designed primar-ily to prepare students to enter the workforce. • Provides diploma and certificate programs con-sisting of a sequence of courses that frequently can be completed in one year or less by full-time students. These programs are intended for individuals seeking employment in a specific occupation. • Provides Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.) and Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree programs primarily designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university. • Provides developmental education to prepare students for entry into a degree, diploma, or certificate program. • Provides compensatory education, adult literacy, English as a Second Language, and high school diploma or equivalency for individuals seeking to improve basic skills, complete high school requirements, prepare for the workforce, or enter post-secondary education. • Provides continuing education programs for individual, personal, and professional develop-ment and for employee education and training to satisfy the skill development needs of business, industry, and public agencies. • Assures quality in all educational programs by measuring performance on a set of well-established criteria and by identifying and analyzing program needs. • Assures quality instruction by establishing effective, innovative, and professional teaching practices; by frequent evaluation of instructor effectiveness, and by updating methods, materi-als, equipment and facilities. • Provides support services for all students, includ-ing specialized services for the disadvantaged, the handicapped and other special needs groups to enable student success. • Promotes positive relationships with public and private schools, colleges, and universities, and with business and industry. • Provides services that support community economic, educational, and cultural efforts, which promote cooperative relationships with the community. STUDENT INFORMATION 4 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog • Promotes accessibility to educational programs through off-campus course offerings and through distance-learning opportunities. Performance Measures In response to a mandate from the N.C. General Assembly (S.L. 1989; C. 752; S. 80), the State Board of Community Colleges adopted twelve (12) performance measures to ensure the ef-fectiveness of community college programs and to provide public accountability. The General As-sembly (G.S. 115D-31.3) approved modifications to the North Carolina Performance Measures and Standards in 2007 and 2012, reducing the number to eight (8) measures. The results are published annually by the North Carolina Community Col-lege System (NCCCS) on the NCCCS Web page at http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/analytics. Measure Baseline Percentage is set at two standard deviations below the system mean based on three years of historical data 2015 Performance Measures Developmental Student Success Rate in College- Level English Courses 45.2% of previous developmental English students will successfully complete a credit English course with a "C" or better upon their first attempt. The success rate for Gaston College was 66.4%. Developmental Student Success Rate in College- Level Math Courses 47.5% of previous developmental Math students will successfully complete a credit Math course with a "C" or better upon their first attempt. The success rate for Gaston College was 62.3%. First Year Progression 53.2% of first-time fall credential-seeking students attempting at least twelve hours within their first academic year will successfully complete ("C" or better) at least twelve of those hours. 74.9% successfully completed at least twelve hours. Curriculum Completion 28.6% of first-time fall credential-seeking students will graduate, transfer, or will be still enrolled with 36 hours after six years. 42.9% of GC students meet these criteria. Licensure and Certification Pass Rates The aggregate passing rate of first time test-takers on licensure and certification exams will be 71.0%. The aggregate score for Gaston College was 92.6%. College Transfer Performance Among associate degree completers and those who have completed 30 or more credit hours who transfer to a four-year college, 71.2% will earn a GPA of 2.00 or better after two consecutive semesters at the transfer institution. 84.0% earned a GPA of 2.00 or better. Basic Skills Student Progress 20.6% of basic skills students will show progress as defined by an educational functioning level. 40.4% of basic skills students at Gaston College showed progress. College Transfer Performance 49.3% of students taking at least one GED test during the year will receive a GED diploma during the program year. 83.9% of GED test-takers at Gaston College received a GED diploma. Notification of Nondiscrimination Gaston College is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment and educational programs and activities and does not discriminate against current or potential employees or students on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Gaston College supports protections under all applicable state and federal laws including but not limited to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. Inquiries or complaints concerning the College's affirmative action/equal opportunity policy should be directed to the following individuals: Human Resources Director (Employees) or Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (Students), 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 or call 704.922.6200. Right to Change The Gaston College Board of Trustees and/or Administration of Gaston College reserves the right to change at any time, and without notice, graduation requirements, fees and other charges, curriculums, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, About the College STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 5 notwithstanding any information set forth in this catalog. Gaston College reserves the right to can-cel classes due to insufficient enrollment. Course offerings approved after publication of this catalog are described in class schedules, which are issued each semester. 2014-2015 tuition rates subject to change pending legislative action and approval. Student Right to Know The average rate of persistence toward degree completion by students at Gaston College is avail-able in the Student Records Office. Accreditations and Memberships Gaston College is accredited by the Southern As-sociation of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679- 4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gas-ton College. The Commission on Colleges should be contacted only on matters related to the accreditation sta-tus of Gaston College and not for general College information. The College's diploma, certificate, Associate, and Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited by national accreditation boards, commissions, or service agencies. Additionally, the College is in good standing with over 20 institutional mem-berships. Students with institution or program accreditation questions should contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. ________________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBERS Dallas Campus 704.922.6200 Admissions . 704.922.6232 Bookstore . 704.922.6428 Business Office . 704.922.6414 Campus Cafe . 704.922.6430 Class Auditor . 704.922.6347 Counseling . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6220 Financial Aid . 704.922.6227 Gaston Early College High School . 704.922.2408 Office of the Registrar/Student Records/ Transcripts . . . . . . . . 704.922.6232 Sponsorship Office . . . . . . 704.922.6410 Writing Center . 704.922.2369 Academic Affairs Division Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6240 Arts & Sciences . 704.922.6311 Business & Information Tech 704.922.6263 Cooperative Education . 704.922.6212 Educational Partnerships . 704.922.6297 Engineering & Industrial Education Technology . 704.922.6295 G-NET/TRiO . . . . . . . . 704.922.2363 Health Education . 704.922.6379 Learning Center . 704.922.6349 Libraries Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.922.6356 Lincoln . . . . . . . . . 704.748.1050 Kimbrell . 704.825.6278 WSGE Radio . . . . . . . . 704.922.6552 Lincoln Campus 704.748.5200 Office of the Dean . 704.748.5213 Bookstore . 704.748.5233 Business Office . 704.748.5211 Counseling . . . . . . . . . 704.748.5209 Kimbrell Campus 704.825.3737 Office of the Dean . 704.825.6272 Bookstore . 704.825.6280 Business Office . 704.825.6255 Economic and Workforce Development/ Community Education 704.922.6476 Office of VP for Economic and Workforce Development . 704.922.6476 Occupational and Continuing Education . . . . . . . . 704.922.6251 Traffic School . 704.922.6353 Business and Industry Training Services . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6447 Criminal Justice Academy . 704.922.6531 Department for EMS Education 704.922.6241 Fire and Rescue Training . 704.922.6257 Small Business Center . 704.922.6449 Human Resources Development 704.922.6546 Adult Education - Life Skills High School Equivalency . . . . 704.922.6320 or 704.748.5206 Adult High School Diploma 704.922.6319 or 704.748.5205 Basic Skills Plus . 704.922.2268 English as a Second Language . 704.922.6318 WIOA Youth Works . . . . . . 704.923.8409 Telephone Numbers STUDENT INFORMATION 6 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog April 19 Last Day to Petition for Summer Graduation April 25-May 18 Advising & Registration for Summer & Fall: Returning Students Begins May 3-May 18 Summer Advising/Registration- New Students Begins May 8-12 Final Exam Week/May 12 Last Day of Class May 11 Pay Tuition & Fees for Summer Semester by 5 pm May 12 Graduation, Bojangles Arena 4pm/Grades Due May 15-19 Faculty/Student Break May 16 University Visting Student Day May 22 Start Summer Flex Schedule - Monday-Thursday, 8 am - 6 pm Summer Semester 2017 May 18 Last Registration Day Summer (online 6:00am/8:00 am - 6:00 pm in person)/Payment Due May 22 First Day of Frist 5 Week and 10 Week Session Classes May 24 Last Day to Drop Classes with a 75% Refund or Audit - (First 5 Weeks) May 29 College Closed: Holiday May 30 Last Day to Drop Classes with a 75% Refund or Audit - (10 Weeks) June 22 Financial Aid Checks Mailed June 22 Last Day of First 5 Week Classes June 26 First Day of Second Summer Session June 28 Last Day to Drop Classes with a 75% Refund or Audit - (Second 5 Weeks) July 3 Faculty/Student Break July 4 College Closed: Holiday July 5-6 Faculty/Student Break July 11 Fall Advising/Registration- New Students Begins July 13 Last Day to Petition for Fall Graduation August 3 Last Day of Term/Fall Payment Due August 7 Grades Due August 7-16 Faculty/Student Break August 11 End Summer Flex Schedule (Return to Regular Schedule 8/14) August 17-18 Student Break All dates on the Gaston College Calendar are subject to change. Fall Semester 2016 August 18 Last Day Registration-Fall (6:00am online/8:00 am - 6:00 pm in person)/Payment Due August 19 Convocation/Student Break August 22 First Day of Fall Classes August 31 Last Day to Drop Classes with a 75% Refund or Audit Fall Semester September 5 College Closed: Holiday September 20 Financial Aid Checks Mailed October 10-11 Faculty/Student Break (college closes at 4 pm) October 24- Spring Advising/Registration January 5 Returning Students November 11 Last Day to Petition for Spring 2016 Graduation November 9- Spring Advising/Registration January 5 New Students Begins November 23 Faculty/Student Break (college closes at 1 pm) November 24-25 College Closed: Holiday December 12-16 Final Exam Week/December 16 Last Day of Class December 15 Pay Tuition & Fees for Spring Semester by 5pm December 19 Grades Due December 19-20 Faculty/Student Break (college closes at 3 pm on 12/20/16) December 21-31 College Closed: Holiday Spring Semester 2017 January 1 College Closed: Holiday January 2-4 Faculty Break January 2-6 Student Break January 5 Last Registration Day Spring (6:00 am online/8:00 am - 6:00pm in person)/ Payment Due January 9 First Day of Spring Classes January 16 College Closed: Holiday January 20 Last Day to Drop Classes with a 75% Refund or Audit for Spring Semester February 9 Financial Aid Checks Mailed February 10 Last Day to Petition for Spring Commencement Ceremony for Summer Graduates February 27- Faculty/Student Break March 3 (college closes at 4pm) March 13 Faculty/Student Break (college closes at 4pm) March 15 Student Break/Professional Development Day April 13 Faculty/Student Break (college closes at 4pm) April 14-17 College Closed: Holiday 2016-2017 Academic Calendar STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 7 Admissions ________________________________________ ADMISSIONS GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (for Curriculum Programs) Gaston College subscribes to the open-door ad-mission policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs: For most programs of study, the following steps should be completed prior to registration. 1. Complete an online application at www.gaston.edu/apply-online. Paper applica-tions are available at any campus location. 2. Schedule and take the College Placement Test, unless eligible for a placement test waiver (Please note: official test score results must be no more than five (5) years old and they must be received and evaluated by the Admis-sions Office). A valid photo ID, such as a driver's license is required for all testing. Students may be waived from taking the ACCUPLACER or the NC DAP placement test if they meet one of the following criteria • Students who score 480 or higher on the Verbal or Critical Reading portion of the SAT are not required to take the Reading portion of the placement test. • Students who score 480 or higher on the Writing portion of the SAT are not required to take the Writing portion of the placement test. • Students who score 530 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the SAT are not re-quired to take the Mathematics portion of the placement test. • Students who score an 18 or higher on the English portion of the ACT are not required to take the Writing portion of the college's placement test. • Students who score 22 or higher on the Reading portion of the ACT are not required to take the Reading portion of the college's placement test. • Students who score 22 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the ACT are not re-quired to take the Math portion of the col-lege's placement test. • Students who earned a grade of "C" or better in college-level English and Math courses are waived from taking the placement test. • Students with an unweighted high school GPA of 2.6 or higher and meet certain re-quirements outlined in the Multiple Measures for Placement Policy below are waived from taking the placement test. *Financial Aid Applicants In accordance with the new Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Public Law 112- 74), Gaston College has eliminated the Col-lege Placement Test Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative for students planning to first en-roll in a program of study on or after July 1, 2012 and who have NOT earned a valid high school diploma from a regionally accredited institution or a recognized equivalent (e.g., GED®). As noted in the law, neither ATB test-ing nor earning six credits applicable to a degree or certificate will satisfy the academic qualifications for receiving financial aid. Stu-dents who fall in this category and who wish to receive financial aid may establish eligibil-ity by completing an approved GED® or Adult High School program. Additionally, some employers, licensing boards, and credential-ing agencies may not recognize credentials from non-regionally accredited high schools, even after a student has received course credit or completed a program of study at Gaston College. In order to qualify for federal financial student aid, students will need to submit both an official high school transcript and official transcripts from all colleges previ-ously attended. Multiple Measures for Placement Policy* Unweighted GPA = or > 2.6 and Four High School Math Courses* Student is college ready for any gateway math course and any course that has a DMA prereq-uisite. Colleges may require students to take a supplemental math lab as a co-requisite, based on college policies. Unweighted GPA = or > 2.6 and Four High School Math Courses* Student is college ready for any English course up to and includ-ing English 111 and any course that has a DRE prerequisite. Colleges may require students to take a supplemental English composition lab as a co-requi-site, based on college policies. Unweighted GPA < 2.6 College will evaluate subject-area ACT or SAT scores to determine if student is college ready in math and English using the following scores (based on national and state validation studies): English: ACT Reading 22 or ACT English 18 SAT Writing 480 or SAT Critical Reading 480 Math: ACT Math 22 SAT Math 530 STUDENT INFORMATION 8 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog Admissions from another college or university must submit an application and meet the admission requirements for the program of study they intend to pursue at Gaston College. Students who have not registered for a two-year period are required to re-apply and meet current admissions requirements. Programs of Study with Additional Admission Requirements General Admission to the college does not guar-antee admission into certain programs of study. For example, many programs of study within the Health and Human Services division have an ad-ditional admission process. These programs of study include Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology, Dietetic Technician, Dietary Manager, Esthetics, Therapeutic Massage, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, Health and Fitness Science and Veterinary Technology. Applicants should contact the department chair within their program of study to ensure awareness of any additional or new program-specific admis-sion requirements. Opportunities for Students without a High School Diploma or GED® (18 years or older) Applicants not having attained a high school diploma but who are 18 years of age may apply for and enroll in certain certificate and diploma programs. These programs of study include Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technol-ogy; Welding Technology; and Certified Nursing Assistant. In addition to completing the general Gaston College admissions application, these applicants must take the College Placement Test and complete the online New Student Orientation prior to registration. Non-high school graduates may also register for courses as a Special Credit student (see statement below regarding Special Credit students). However, students must meet any course prerequisites prior to registration. Admission for Special Credit or Visiting Students (Non-degree Applicants) Students wishing to register for credit courses but have no intention of completing a program of study will be classified as Special Credit or Visiting students and may be admitted to credit classes with advisor's approval. Students reg-istered as Special Credit or Visiting Students may earn a maximum of 15 credit hours before having to declare a curriculum major or program of study. Tuition and fees are the same as for regular curriculum students. Students listed in the Special Credit or Visiting major code cannot re-ceive financial aid. Credits earned may be applied to a degree, diploma, or certificate program by completing a Petition for Major Change form in the Counseling Center. Unweighted GPA < 2.6 and subject-area score(s) below col-lege ready Student will take the State Board approved North Carolina Diagnostic Assessment for Placement (NCDAP) to determine placement. Students without a recent tran-script GPA or without ACT or SAT scores Student will take the State Board approved North Carolina Diagnostic Assessment for Placement (NCDAP) to determine placement. * This policy applies to an individual who has an of-ficial transcript grade point average (GPA) from a high school that is legally authorized to operate in North Carolina and who graduated from that high school within five years of college enrollment. If a student received a multiple measures waiver and has an unweighted high school GPA between 2.6 and 3.0, MAT 001 may be required to take MAT 152 and MAT 171. This policy does not apply to Career and College Promise operating procedures for eligibility. 3. Submit an official high school transcript to the Office of Registration and Records at Gaston Col-lege, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034- 1499. In lieu of an official high school transcript, the following official documents will be accepted: a. Adult high school transcript b. GED® scores c. Official transcript from an approved correspondence high school* (see state-ment below regarding non-regionally accredited high schools) d. Official transcript from Home School along with Home School Record(s) (must be accompanied by a letter or card issued from the N.C. Division of Non-public Education) e. Transcript from a regionally-accredited col-lege or university reflecting attainment of an Associate degree or higher. 4. Submit official college and/or university transcripts, if applicable. College transcripts are not required for admissions; however, official documents are required for consideration of transfer credit. 5. Complete the onl ine New Student Orientation. Please Note: Applicants are strongly encour-aged to submit a Gaston College Application for Admission at least four weeks prior to start of the semester. This ensures the applicant ample time to complete the entire admission and enrollment process. Applicants transferring to Gaston College STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 9 Admissions Residency Students who are not North Carolina residents pay out-of-state tuition for credit (degree) classes. A student's official residency status is determined at the time they complete the admissions applica-tion according to the residency policy of the state of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and the Gaston College Board of Trustees. In order for a student to be considered a legal resident for tuition purposes, the applicant's residency must be established and maintained in North Carolina for at least 12 months preced-ing the date of enrollment. Immigrants lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent resi-dence may establish North Carolina residence in the same manner as any other non-resident. The legal residence of a person under 18 years of age is that of his or her parents, surviving par-ent, or legal guardian. In cases where parents are divorced or legally separated, the minor's domicile is deemed to be North Carolina for the time period that either parent, as a North Carolina legal resi-dent, claims the minor as a taxable dependent. A change of address does not automatically entitle a student to pay the same tuition as a North Carolina resident. A request to change one's residency status should be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to registration. Students must disclose any change in residency to the Office of Admissions. More information on resi-dency requirements may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. International Students International students seeking admission to Gaston College must submit, along with an admissions application, an official or certified copy of their high school transcript and an official/certified copy of any college work completed. If the origi-nal copies of these transcripts are in a language other than English, an official English translation is required. Students whose foreign transcripts can-not be evaluated by college personnel are respon-sible for providing a transcript evaluation from a recognized American transcript evaluation agency. Proof of English proficiency is required. Before en-tering a full-time academic (college) program, a student is required to have a minimum Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) score of Reading: 17, Speaking: 16, and Writing 16 or Academic International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS) score of Reading: 6.5, Listening: 6.5, Speaking: 6.5, and Writing: 6.5. Once an international student is admitted to the U.S. with F-1 status, certain obligations must be met in order to maintain that status. The interna-tional student must continue to carry a full course of study. This is defined as undergraduate study at a college or university which consists of at least 12 credit hours per semester. In addition to not accepting employment off campus, the interna-tional student must keep his or her passport valid for at least six months. An extension of status must be applied if the student wishes to remain in the U.S. beyond the period of time for which he or she was admitted. F-1 students are required to disclose fully and truthfully all information re-quested by INS regardless of whether the infor-mation requested is material. Gaston College is a commuter institution and does not have residence halls or student housing for rent. Students are responsible for finding their own housing. Transportation to the college must be arranged by the student. ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED THESE REQUIREMENTS AT LEAST SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SEMESTER FOR WHICH THEY PLAN TO ENROLL. Policies and procedures for International students are subject to change in accordance to federal re-quirements and guidelines. Career and College Promise (CCP) Program Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorizes the State Board of Education and the State Board of Community Colleges to establish the Career and College Program. This program re-places all previous high school programs (Huskins, Dual Enrollment, and Learn & Earn Online). Career and College Promise provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities tuition free for eligible North Carolina private, public, charter, and home schooled high school students, allowing them to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. Career and College Promise includes College Transfer Pathways, Career & Technical Education Pathways, and Cooperative Innovate High School Programs (Early College). Students are responsible for paying for registration fees and textbooks un-less the School System incurs the cost. Information on current pathways being offered may be found through the College's website (www.gaston.edu). Application requirements for the College Transfer Pathways and the Career Technical Pathways in-clude: (1) High School Transcript, (2) Assessment Scores, (3) Completed Career and College Promise Enrollment Form with required signatures, and (4) STUDENT INFORMATION 10 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog and Workforce Development/Continuing Education course schedule for details. Persons under the age of 16 are permitted to register only for specific summer enrichment programs. Some classes are restricted to persons age 18 and older. ________________________________________ TUITION/FEES AND GENERAL COSTS Cost of Attending Gaston College Gaston College, supported by the taxpayers of North Carolina and Gaston and Lincoln counties, maintains modest instructional and general fees that are subject to change by action of the state of North Carolina and the Board of Trustees of Gaston College. Tuition rates subject to change pending legislative action and approval. Curriculum Courses Instructional Fee (Per Semester Hour of Credit) North Carolina Residents $ 76 Out-of-State Residents $268 The maximum instructional fee for residents of North Carolina is $1,216 per semester for 16 or more credit hours. The maximum instructional fee for out-of-state residents is $4,288 per semester for 16 or more credit hours. Economic and Workforce Development /Continuing Education Courses Tuition and fees: Continuing Education Occupational courses (state supported) vary, based upon the actual total hours of the course. Tuition Fees (EWD/CE classes) Hours Tuition fee 1-24 $ 70 25-50 $ 125 51+ $ 180 Receipt supported (self-supporting) courses are individually priced. Usage Fee In addition to tuition, on-campus Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education classes are assessed a Usage Fee. Please consult the Gaston College website or current Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Educa-tion course schedule for applicable tuition and fees. Exceptions The Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver was eliminated by the North Carolina State Legislature effective July 1, 2013. North Carolina residents 65 or older Tuition/Fees and General Costs Completed College Application. Entrance Require-ments for the College Transfer Pathways include: (1) Must be a junior or senior, (2) Must have a weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school course work, (3) Demonstrate college readiness through ap-proved assessment tests (Plan, PSAT, SAT, ACT, COMPASS, Accuplacer, Asset), and (4) Maintain 2.0 college GPA after two (2) courses. Entrance requirements for the Career & Technical Education Pathways include (1) Must be a junior or senior, (2) Must have a weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school courses, (3) Must meet prerequisites of courses in career pathway, and (4) Maintain 2.0 college GPA after two (2) courses. Gaston Early College High School (GECHS) Gaston Early College High School (GECHS) is an innovative high school located on the Dallas Cam-pus of Gaston College. The Early College High School is operated by Gaston College and Gaston County Schools through a joint partnership. This exclusive, non-traditional high school offers Gaston County students a unique opportunity to receive a high school diploma while earning an Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College. GECHS offers state-of-the-art technology and rig-orous academics. Students take college courses at no additional cost, and after graduation, they may transfer to a four-year college or university. The University Center at Gaston College The University Center at Gaston College was established in 1990 through the efforts of Ap-palachian State University, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Gaston College. Located on the Gaston College's Dallas Campus, the University Center coordinates a cooperative program with various area colleges and universi-ties to bring four-year and graduate-level classes to Gaston College in order to make classes more accessible to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln counties. Identifying the needs within the com-munity and cooperation with various senior institutions are the dominating factors that deter-mine the classes offered through the University Center. Most courses are offered during evenings for the convenience of working adults. Requirements for Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education Programs Requirements for admission to courses in Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education vary by program. Please consult the college website at http://www.gaston.edu/economic-workforce-development/ getting-started-with-continuing-education/ or the most current copy of the Economic STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 11 Usage Fee: $12 per semester ($10 summer term) Curriculum Graduation Fee: $45 Lab Fee: Level 1: $6 per lab hour for Art, Business, Health, Languages, and Math Level 2: $12 per lab hour for Computer Information, Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Physical Education Level 3: $18 per lab hour for Cosmetology, Engineering and Industrial, and Veterinary Technology are required to pay tuition and fees for any classes for which they register. Other General Fees for Credit and Degree Programs Student Activity Fee: • Student Activity Fee: $15 per semester. A Student Activity Fee is not charged for the summer term. • Some courses may require an additional sup-ply fee. Courses requiring additional fees will be identified in the class schedule. Tuition/Fees and General Costs SUMMARY OF TUITION & FEES Curriculum Courses Instructional Fee (Per Semester Hour of Credit) North Carolina Residents $ 76 Out-of-State Residents $268 • The maximum instructional fee for residents of North Carolina is $1,216 per semester for 16 or more credit hours. • The maximum instructional fee for out-of-state residents is $4,288 per semester for 16 or more credit hours. Economic and Workforce Development /Continuing Education Courses Continuing Education Occupational courses (State Supported) vary, based upon the actual total hours of the course. Tuition Fee Hours Tuition Fee 1-24 $ 70 25-50 $125 51+ $180 Receipt supported (self-supporting) courses are individually priced. Other Curriculum Fees Student Activity Fee $15 per semester • The maximum semester student activity fee is $12 for eight (8) or more credit hours for in-state and out-of-state residents. A Student Activity Fee is not charged for the summer term. • Some courses may require an additional supply fee. Courses requiring additional fees will be identified in the class schedule. Usage Fee $12 per semester ($10 summer term) Curriculum Graduation Fee $45 Lab Fee - Level 1 $6 per lab hour Lab Fee - Level 2 $12 per lab hour Lab Fee - Level 3 $18 per lab hour Malpractice Insurance $13 per year ((required for nursing and health services programs students) Transcript Fee $7 for each transcript Technology Fee $16 per semester Returned Checks $25 Student Activity Fee $15 per semester Replacement ID Card $10 1098T Fee $100 (in cases where not supplying an SSN results on an IRS charge) STUDENT INFORMATION 12 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog Refunds of self-supported courses may be made if adequate course fees remain to cover all course expenses. Accident Insurance Gaston College does not have insurance to cover students if they are injured on the Gaston College campus or in a college-related activity. It is advis-able, therefore, that students, especially those in areas that could be considered to be potentially hazardous, make certain they have appropriate coverage under a personal accident policy or that of a parent. For those who find they do not have accident insurance coverage, information on a student in-surance program is available from the Business Office in the Myers Center Building. GC Print Management Print Management is a service instituted by Gaston College to significantly lower the cost and environmental impact of printing. The implemen-tation of this system will improve student printing experience in our curriculum labs and libraries. Students will have the capability of performing duplex, color, and wireless printing. Curriculum students will be credited $10.00 each semester for printing. Remaining balances at the end of each semester will not roll over. The price for printing is as follows: Black and White Single sided - $0.10/per page Duplex - $0.15/per page Color Single sided - $0.25/per page Duplex - $0.38/per page For more detailed information visit GC Print Management. ________________________________________ FINANCIAL AID GENERAL INFORMATION Financial assistance is available for curriculum students in the form of scholarships, grants, and work programs. Every effort is made by the insti-tution to help students who need assistance with educational expenses. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, financial contributions from the student and his or her family. Financial aid is distributed at Gaston College without re-gard to race, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Gaston College does not participate in any of the Federal Direct Loan Programs. There are two types of financial aid: gift assis-tance and work. Gift assistance includes grants Malpractice Insurance (required for nurs-ing and health services programs students): $13 per year Transcript Fee: $7 for each transcript Technology Fee: $16 per semester Returned Checks A fee of $25 (or the maximum permitted by law) will be assessed to any student whose check is returned. Right to Change Fees All College fees are subject to change without notice. Refunds: Curriculum Programs A 100% refund shall be made if the student of-ficially drops prior to the first day of the academic semester or term. Also, a student is eligible for a 100% refund if the class in which the student is officially registered is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. A 75% refund of tuition shall be made if the student officially drops from the class prior to or on the official 10% point of the semester. Students who drop classes in the add/drop period will be assessed all fees for those classes. For classes beginning at times other than the first week (seven calendar days) of the semester, a 100% refund shall be made if the student officially drops from the class prior to the first class meet-ing. A 75% refund shall be made if the student officially drops from the class prior to or on the 10% point of the class. Students who drop classes in the add/drop period will be assessed all fees for those classes. All paperwork for the drop must be processed before the drop date. The drop date is published each semester on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are officially dropped from classes. If a course fails to materialize, refunds are auto-matically processed. The refund policy is subject to change. Refunds are not granted after the 10% point. Refunds of tuition will be issued in accor-dance with the current state and college policy. Refund checks will be mailed within 30 days after the last drop-add day. Refunds: Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education Courses If a student officially withdraws from a class prior to the first class meeting, a full refund will be given. A 75% refund will be given if a student officially withdraws before the 10% point of the class. A full refund is given for classes canceled by the college because of insufficient enrollments. Financial Aid STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 13 and scholarships that do not have to be repaid provided that the student attends classes through the 60% point of the semester. Work study is a self-help program that enables students to pay part of their expenses through their own earn-ings. The work study program gives students the opportunity to work and earn money at or above the current minimum wage. How Eligibility is Determined Gaston College uses the Free Application for Fed-eral Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess the financial condition of financial aid applicants. Information entered onto the FAFSA is analyzed according to the requirements of the Department of Education and federal guidelines. This ensures that all appli-cants are treated fairly and equitably. Items such as income, assets, family size, marital status, and number of family members in the household and in college are used to determine eligibility. Results of the FAFSA indicate the amount the student and his or her family can contribute toward the student's education. Most financial aid is based on need rather than on scholastic re-cord. Financial need is the difference between the total education expenses and what the family is expected to contribute. How to Apply for Financial Aid Students who are entering Gaston College and are in need of financial aid are requested to follow this application procedure: 1. After the application for admission has been submitted, the student should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 2. The student who wishes to apply for financial assistance must file a Free Application for Feder-al Student Aid (FAFSA). The student should com-plete the form on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov using Gaston College school code #002973. It may take up to four weeks to process a complete file. Therefore, students should submit all finan-cial aid forms several weeks before registering for classes. 3. In addition, the student should submit other documentation if requested by the financial aid office or by College Foundation, Inc. School Servicing Center (CFI). CFI provides verification services for the Gaston College Financial Aid Of-fice. 4. Students interested in scholarships should log on to https://gaston.academicworks.com/users/ sign_in from January to March for Fall scholar-ships. Students interested in workstudy should submit a separate Workstudy Application in the Financial Aid Office. Applicants may apply for scholarships, grants, and/or workstudy positions. The combined sum of these financial aid awards cannot exceed an applicant's total financial need. The awarding of aid is based on funds available. Students will be notified of their financial aid eligibility by award notification letter. The letter will state the type and amount of award. Students should retain their copy of their award notification letter for their records. If the student does not plan to enroll or use their financial aid award, the student should notify the Financial Aid Office. In the event that a student receiving aid withdraws from the institution or stops attending all of their classes prior to the 60% point of the semester, the student will be responsible for repayment of a prorated amount of any portion of any financial aid disbursed to the student. If the student never attends a class(es), the student is not eligible to receive financial aid for the class(es) and will be responsible for repayment and billed for the aid for which he or she became ineligible. Students will be ineligible for future aid until repayment has been made. Failure to maintain financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) will result in the loss of eligibility for financial aid. Eligibility may be re-gained as long as the student has not exceeded their lifetime Pell eligibility. Student coursework must be restricted to the major that is on file in the Records and Registration Office. Courses taken outside of the approved major may require adjust-ment to the financial aid award. Financial Aid will pay for repeated courses as long as it is within the college's repeat policy guidelines. However, Finan-cial Aid will not pay for excessive repeats beyond this policy nor will it pay for repeated courses that are not necessary to complete the student's major (i.e., Elective Courses). In addition, Financial Aid will pay for developmental courses up to a maxi-mum of 30 attempted credit hours. It is the student’s responsibility to: (Related to Financial Aid) • Review and consider all information about the school's programs before enrolling. • Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the right department. • Pay special attention to and accurately complete the application for Financial Aid. Errors can re-sult in long delays in receiving aid. Intentional misrepresentation of information on application forms for federal financial aid is a violation of the law and is considered a criminal offense, subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code. • Return all additional documentation, verification, Financial Aid STUDENT INFORMATION 14 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog Financial Aid Gaston College does not participate in the Stafford or Federal Direct Loan programs and Gaston College does not certify student loans. There are many sources of alternative or private loans to help provide funding to students of the College. Gaston College does not endorse the use of any particular alternative loan program, but rather encourages its students to thoroughly review the programs available and to select the program that best meets their personal needs. Eligibility for Federally Supported Programs Students must meet the following requirements before they can receive federal financial aid funds: 1. Have financial need. 2. Have a recognized/regionally accredited high school or homeschool diploma, or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. 3. Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or diploma program. (Students may not receive aid for correspondence or telecommuni-cations courses unless they are part of an associ-ate, bachelor, or graduate degree program.) 4. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. 5. Have a valid Social Security Number. 6. Make Satisfactory Academic Progress. 7. Sign a statement of educational purpose/certifi-cation statement on refunds and default (found on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 8. Register with the Selective Service, if male. Federal Pell Grant The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to those in need. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is deter-mined on the basis of the student's and his or her family's financial resources and the expected fam-ily contribution. The Federal Pell Grant Award is a grant and does not have to be repaid as long as the student main-tains eligibility requirements for federally support-ed programs and attends their classes through the 60% point of the term. The student must main-tain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards to maintain eligibility. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) This program of direct grants of financial aid is for undergraduate students of exceptional financial need who, without the grants, would be unable to continue their education. FSEOG is a grant and does not have to be repaid as long as the student maintains eligibility requirements for federally supported programs and attends their classes through the 60% point of the term. The student must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. corrections, and new information to the Financial Aid Office. • Read and understand all forms before signing them and keep copies of all forms. • Notify the lender of loans of changes in name, address, and school status if the student has previously received a student loan from any previous institution. • Perform the work that is agreed upon in accept-ing a college workstudy award. • Know and comply with the deadlines (both U.S. Department of Education and Gaston College) for application or reapplication for aid. • Contact the Financial Aid Office before withdraw-ing from school or changing course schedule. • Notify the Financial Aid Office in writing about additional income not reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). • Express written appreciation to any scholarship donor. • Understand and maintain Financial Aid Satisfac-tory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards in order to continue to receive financial aid. Students are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if they do not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate each semester. • Officially drop or withdraw from a class(es) that the student registered for but is not attending even if that student applied for and/or received financial aid. The student cannot assume that automatic drops or withdrawals will be per-formed for them in the event that they do not pay for his or her registration fees. • Make sure that the student's legal name, as it appears on the student's social security card, is on file with the Records and Registration Office and is the name used on a FAFSA application. • Make sure that a correct address is on file with the Records and Registration Office in order to properly receive correspondence and/or refund checks (if applicable) that are mailed. FEDERALLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMS Federally supported programs are funded by the government through the U. S. Department of Education. These programs consist of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Op-portunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Federal College Work Study. Every student who is applying for financial aid at Gaston College must apply for the Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. The student should complete the form on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov. Please include Gaston College's Title IV school code #002973 on the application which will enable the U.S. Department of Edu-cation to provide a Student Aid Report (SAR) to Gaston College. STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 15 Federal College Workstudy Program (Federal/Institutional) Gaston College participates in the college work-study program, which provides on campus work opportunities for students needing financial assis-tance to attend school. Work is available in the library, faculty offices, administrative offices, labo-ratories, shops, and building and ground main-tenance. Students working under this program are paid monthly for the work performed. To be considered for the workstudy program, and to determine the number of hours per week a stu-dent may work under the program, the Financial Aid Office will consider a student's (1) need for financial assistance, (2) class schedule (enrolled in at least 6 credit hours), (3) health, and (4) aca-demic progress. SPARC3 Scholars In response to a growing need for a well-trained science, technology, engineering, and mathemat-ics (STEM) talent pool, Gaston College has devel-oped an initiative, known as SPARC3 to promote persistence and graduation of these students at the college. The SPARC3 Scholars scholarships are one element of the larger SPARC3 initiative. The success of SPARC3 Scholars will be fostered by financial support, academic learning communities, mentoring, undergraduate research experiences, and supplemental group activities in order to aid in student learning and prepare students for fu-ture achievement. Successful SPARC3 Scholars will complete the Associate of Science degree and be provided assistance in applying for acceptance to four-year colleges and universities for further study in STEM fields. SPARC3 is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DUE-1355569. How to Apply (SPARC3) Gaston College subscribes to the open-door admission policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. Students should apply using Gaston College's existing scholarship man-agement system. Please see the Office of Finan-cial Aid for more information about the application process. For more information about the SPARC3 program, please email SPARC3@gaston.edu. SPARC3 Scholars will be expected to meet additional eligibility requirements including: • U.S. citizenship, nationality, or lawful U.S. permanent residence • Full-time enrollment in the Associate of Science program at Gaston College • Demonstrated financial need based upon federal guidelines • Overall unweighted GPA of 2.75 or higher • Submission of a letter of intent to complete the Associate of Science degree at Gaston College • Brief interview with SPARC3 Program Staff Scholars will be notified upon acceptance into the program. STATE-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS North Carolina Community College Grant The North Carolina Community College Grant is a need-based grant offered by the North Caro-lina State Education Assistance Authority through College Foundation, Inc. Applicants must com-plete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year they attend school. Legal resi-dents of North Carolina who are enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program and maintain satisfactory academic progress may apply. Students must demonstrate financial need. Students with a bachelor's degree are ineligible. NC Community College grants are not available for summer. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship program is offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority through College Foundation, Inc. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAF-SA) each year they attend school, Eligibility and awards are determined annually. Legal residents of North Carolina who are enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in an eligible program and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress require-ments of the institution they attend may apply. Students with a bachelor's degree are ineligible. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships are not available for summer sessions. State Employees Credit Union “People Helping People” Scholarship The SECU Foundation established this two-year scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) students in achieving academic success. Each North Carolina Community College receives two (2) scholarships. These scholarships are distributed semi-annually in two payments for fall semester and spring semester for a maximum of four (4) consecutive semesters. Scholarships are not transferable to another student or another school. Preference is given to students whose parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who live and work in North Carolina. The committee considers students who best ex-emplify the membership philosophy of credit unions, "People Helping People", and have dem-onstrated leadership, excellence of character, Financial Aid STUDENT INFORMATION 16 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog tions must be received by March 31 for the follow-ing academic year. Management Honors (Academic) Scholarship These scholarships are designed for high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excel-lence and plan to attend Gaston College. These scholarships are not based on need. To be eli-gible applicants must have maintained a "B" av-erage (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better during high school, must present evidence of expectation of high school graduation, and plan to attend Gaston College full-time. Applicants must satisfy all re-quirements for their proposed programs of study. Applicants must be from Gaston or Lincoln coun-ties. Scholarships are renewable for a second year provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade point average while enrolled at Gaston College. Career Scholarships These scholarships are designed for high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excel-lence and intend to pursue careers in specified engineering technologies or industrial technolo-gies majors and who satisfy all entrance require-ments for their proposed programs of study at Gaston College. These scholarships are not based on need. To be eligible for these scholarships, ap-plicants must have maintained a "B" average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better during high school, must present evidence of expectation of high school graduation and plan to attend Gaston College full-time. Applicants must intend to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate in engineering technolo-gies or industrial technologies. Applicants must be from Gaston or Lincoln counties. Scholarships are renewable for a second year provided the re-cipient maintains a 3.0 grade point average while enrolled at Gaston College. Career Scholarships awards are not to be extended beyond three se-mesters for a diploma program or five semesters for a degree program. Off-campus Work Based Learning semesters are not included in the schol-arship. VETERANS INFORMATION Gaston College is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs and NC State Approving Agency to offer VA educational benefits. Eligibility is es-tablished by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Eligibility remains in effect until consumed or ten years from active duty release date for Chapter 30 recipients and 15 years for Chapter 33 recipients. Students serving in the Reserves may also be eligible for benefits. Please contact the Veterans Affairs office located in the Myers Cen-ter on Dallas Campus to complete the necessary forms and any other details. integrity, and community involvement. The recipi-ent is selected without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religious preference, age, national origin or disability. The committee recognizes the individual most deserving of an opportunity to attend col-lege. Recipients are selected by the Gaston Col-lege Scholarship Committee. To be considered for this scholarship, students must complete a Gaston College Scholarship application. Wachovia Technical Scholarship This fund was established through a gift from the Wachovia Bank and Trust Company to the N.C. Community College System. To qualify as a can-didate for this scholarship, a person must be a full-time student enrolled in the second year of a two-year technical program; must demonstrate financial need and scholastic promise; and must use the scholarship to pay for books, tuition, and transportation. The recipient is selected by the Gaston College Scholarship Committee. To be considered for this scholarship, students must complete a Gaston College Scholarship applica-tion. Gaston College Foundation Scholarships The Gaston College Foundation, Inc. offers a va-riety of scholarships for Gaston College students. Foundation scholarships are often established through donations from clubs, individuals, busi-nesses, and other foundations. Donors will often assist in establishing the criteria for awarding foundation scholarships. Applicants are consid-ered for all scholarships for which they qualify. To be eligible for a Gaston College Foundation schol-arship, applicants must satisfy all Gaston College admissions requirements including any required placement tests for their program of study and complete a Gaston College Foundation Scholar-ship Application at https://academicworks.com/ from January to March for Fall scholarships and the FAFSA. Completed applications must be re-ceived by March 31 each year for the following academic year. A list of the Gaston College Foun-dation Scholarships is also available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu/admissions/ scholarships_grants.php. Other Gaston College Foundation Gaston College has established academic scholar-ships for high school seniors residing in Gaston and Lincoln counties who plan to enroll at Gaston College as freshman during the year of their high school graduation. High school seniors interested in academic scholarships should submit the ap-propriate application for the Management Honors (Academic) Scholarship or Careers Scholarship. These applications must be signed by the stu-dent's high school counselor. Completed applica- Financial Aid STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 17 Applicants for educational benefits must fulfill all requirements for general admission. In addition, transfer applicants must submit for evaluation transcripts from ALL other post-secondary institu-tions attended. By law, no certification can be sent to the DVA Regional Office for any course or program until all of the admission requirements have been com-pleted. Eligibility may apply to widows or widowers of deceased veterans, spouses of living veterans, and children of either who are between 18 and 26 years of age when the death or permanent dis-ability, resulting from service in the Armed Forces, occurs. Educational benefits are provided under the provi-sions of Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 of Title 38 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 1606 and 1607 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code. 'AU' (Audit), 'NS' (No Show), and 'CE' (Credit by Examination) are not accepted by the Department of Veterans Affairs for payment purposes. Marks of 'WA' (Withdrawal), 'WI' (Withdrawal by Instruc-tor), and any course that a student does not com-plete or stops attending can result in repayment of funds to DVA. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION The state of North Carolina may provide financial assistance for students who have physical or men-tal disabilities, learning disability, or emotional impairment. Interested students should contact their local Vocational Rehabilitation Office for fur-ther information. The Gastonia office is located at 109 W. Eighth Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28054, 704.853.5358. The Lincolnton office is located at 529 North Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092. 704.735.8035. ________________________________________ EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS As a non-credit arm of the college, Economic and Workforce Development has the flexibility to of-fer short-term courses, broad-based programs, and various services to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln counties. For information and current schedules related to Continuing Education, visit the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu. Business and Industry Training Services Business and Industry Training Services provides customized training for businesses in Gaston and Lincoln counties. This training is designed to help businesses meet their goals and remain competi-tive in the global marketplace. Examples of cus-tomized training include Process Improvement programs. These include Lean Manufacturing, ISO and AS9100 certifications, 5S, and Six Sigma. A variety of safety and safety certification programs are also available including forklift safety, con-fined space, and Hazwoper. Many leadership and supervisory development classes are also offered. Courses are taught by certified instructors. For a complete listing of Business and Industry Train-ing Services courses visit http://www.gaston.edu/ economic-workforce-development/occupational-training/. Customized Training Program North Carolina's Customized Training Program supports economic development efforts through education and training opportunities for eligible businesses and industries. The program recog-nizes the fact that one of the most important factors for a business or industry considering locating, expanding, or remaining in North Caro-lina is the presence of a well-trained workforce. The Customized Training Program is designed to meet business needs and respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses. The Customized Training Program provides assis-tance for full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State to enhance the growth potential of these companies and simultaneously prepare the State's workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries. Business and industries eligible for support through the Customized Training Program include manufacturing, technology intensive (i.e., information technology, life sciences), regional or national warehousing and distribution centers, customer support centers, air courier services, national headquarters with operations outside North Carolina, and Civil Service employees providing technical support to U.S. military in-stallations located in North Carolina. To receive assistance, eligible businesses and industries must demonstrate two or more of the following criteria: • Making an appreciable capital investment; • Deploying new technology; • Creating jobs, expanding an existing workforce, or enhancing the productivity and profitability of the operations within the State; and • Enhancing workers' skills. Full-time probationary employees (temp-to-hire) of qualified Customized Training companies are Educational Programs STUDENT INFORMATION 18 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog eligible for training delivered by Gaston College. The use of Customized Training funds requires that trainees are paid by the company for all time during training hours. Continuing Education Continuing Education offers a wide range of courses from occupational to personal interest. Customized classes for industry and other groups are also available and may be designed to meet industry and agency requirements. Gaston College Continuing Education is the approved provider for the Safety and Health Council's defensive driving classes that are sanctioned in the Gaston and Lin-coln County court system. Additionally, computer classes from beginning to advanced are offered during the day and evening. Classes are available at Gaston College's three campuses located in Dallas, Belmont, and Lincolnton, as well as online. Continuing Education is also an approved provider for a wide variety of CEU classes that are required for many occupations, including healthcare re-lated courses such as Certified Nurse Aide and cosmetology. Also available are over 400 Internet-based courses, many of which are approved for teacher renewal. All the classes are convenient, affordable, and high-quality. Criminal Justice Academy The Criminal Justice Academy provides profes-sional training for the regional criminal justice community. Courses include law enforcement, detention, and telecommunications. In-service training courses are designed to facilitate the mandated training requirements for criminal jus-tice personnel, state certification and recertifica-tion programs, and advanced specialized training. The Criminal Justice Academy surveys regional criminal justice agencies and works closely with the Southern Piedmont Law Enforcement Trainers Association (SPLETA) to determine their training needs and to develop innovative courses. Follow-ing are some of the courses available. State Mandated In-Service Training Courses: LAW ENFORCEMENT: Firearms Training & Qualifications, Legal Update, JMST: The Color of Justice, NC Firearms Laws: Citizens & Guns. TELECOMMUNICATOR: Communicating Effectively with Crisis Callers, Becoming a Leader in the Communi-cations Center, Handling Suicide Callers In-Service Training Course - Topics of Choice: LAW ENFORCEMENT Law Enforcement Intelligence Update, Body Worn Cameras/Video Evidence, Recovery of Mobile Devices and Preservation of Electronic Evidence, Leadership: Modeling Appropriate Behaviors. TELECOMMUNICATOR: Law Enforcement Intelligence Update, Officer Safety: Responding to Crimes Off-Duty, Recognizing and Managing Stress. Certification/Recertification Courses: Radar Operator, Time-Distance Operator, Radar/Time-Distance Operator, Chemical Analyst-Intoximeter EC/IR II, Detention Officer Certification, General Instructor Training, Drug Recognition Expert Specialized Training Courses: Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Executive Protection, First Line Supervision, Comprehensive Roadside Interdiction, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Aerosol Spray, Rapid Deployment: Immediate Response to an Active Shooter, Hazardous Materials, Bloodborne Pathogens, Law Enforcement Driving, SWAT Training, Patrol Rifle, High-Risk Warrant Service, Firearm Skills for Female Officers, Advanced Patrol Rifle, TASER Training, PRISim (Simulator) Use of Force Training, School Resource Officer Training. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education Continuing Education The Department for EMS Education provides initial certification courses and specific continuing education courses and programs for public safety agencies, business and industry, and the public. The classes offered include the following: Initial State Certification Classes: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), EMS Instructor Methodology - Level EMS Instructor, EMS Administration - Level II EMS Instructor Renewal State Mandated Classes: EMT Refresher, Paramedic Refresher, and Monthly EMS Continuing Education for Emergency Medical Technicians Specialty Classes and Training Courses: Prehospital Trauma Life Support Provider, Instructor, and Renewal; Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals Provider, Instructor, and Renewal; Advanced Medi-cal Life Support Provider, Instructor, and Renewal; FEMA/DHS American Heart Association Training Center (AHA) Gaston College is a full service American Heart Association Training Center serving Gaston Educational Programs STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 19 and Lincoln Counties offering Healthcare Pro-vider CPR, Heartsaver CPR, Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Life Support (PALS). Fire and Rescue Training Gaston College leads the state in the delivery of Fire and Rescue Training. The program assists local municipal and volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in the overall training of fire-fighter and rescue personnel. Certification train-ing is delivered in cooperation with the NC Office State Fire Marshal, NC Fire and Rescue Commis-sion and the National Fire Academy, utilizing stan-dards of the National Fire Protection Association. Programs offered for North Carolina certification are Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Ma-terials, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, and Emergency Driver/Operator & Pumps, and Aerial Operations. Courses are offered on the Dallas Campus, at the Regional Emergency Services Training Center, and at various off-campus locations throughout Gas-ton and Lincoln counties. Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC) The Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC) provides basic, continuing, and advanced training in all areas of emergency services includ-ing fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. The primary intent of the RESTC is to improve the training and level of expertise within emergency services across the state of North Carolina. The facility began operation in January 1991 and is located on 25 acres on Gaston College's Dallas campus. The RESTC includes a five-story, 21,000 square foot commercial burn structure, which is used for real-life fire and emergency training. The burn structure is the largest of its type in the United States. The burn structure houses a flat roof ventilation training area, industrial simulation areas, interior combustible liquid area, five-story vertical confined space shaft, and 1,800 square foot simulated smoke maze. A second 1,500 square foot burn building, simulating a three bed-room ranch style house was added in 2004. It has two pitched-roof ventilation areas. In addition to the burn structures, there are also 12 flammable liquid/liquid petroleum gas pits, confined space areas, hazardous materials areas, and a training pavilion with restroom and shower facilities at the RESTC. The center also operates a mobile Swede Flashover Survival training unit which is used for firefighter survival training on campus and across the southeast. Also located at the RESTC is the Bernard Dalton Driving Track which is used for small vehicle (police and ambulance) emergency driving training. Offices and classroom facilities for the RESTC are housed in the Albright Public Safety Building, along with additional locker room facilities, refreshment area, and a fitness center. For more information, visit the RESTC website at http://www.gaston.edu/economic-workforce-development/ public-safety-non-credit/restc/. Industrial Emergency Response Team and Fire Brigade Training: Gaston College's RESTC specializes in Nuclear Fire Brigade and High-Risk Response Training and leads the state in the delivery of Industrial Fire Brigade Training. This program provides training for local, regional, and national industry through the delivery of custom-ized programs of training addressing the specific needs of each customer. These programs include on-site visits, consultations, and specialized courses in the areas of confined space, hazardous materials, basic and advanced fire suppression techniques, and rescue operations. Adult Learning - Life Skills Program The Life Skills Department Program is designed to raise the literacy level in Gaston and Lincoln coun-ties. To be admitted to the Life Skills Program, students must attend a Basic Skills Student Suc-cess Class. Depending on the program you plan on entering you will first need to attend a Student Success Class. For Adult High School please call 704.748.5205 (Lincolnton) or 704.922.6319. For Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency please call 704.922.6545, 704.748.5206 (Lincoln-ton) or 704.922.6320. Students ages sixteen and seventeen must com-plete a Minor Student Application which can be obtained in the Pearson Life Skills Building, or Life Skills office on the Lincoln Campus. Life Skills programs include the following: Adult Basic Education Program/High School Equivalency (ABE/HSE): The ABE component provides basic skills education for adults with less than an eighth grade education. The ABE curriculum focuses on the development of skills required for employability such as read-ing, writing, speaking, computation, and critical thinking. The Life Skills department maintains ABE/HSE classes at the Dallas and Lincoln Cam-puses, as well as at other sites throughout Gas-ton and Lincoln counties. For additional informa-tion call 704.922.6320 or 704.748.5206. Adult High School (AHS): AHS offers high school courses for adults 18 years or older. Program participants are awarded a high school diploma based on successful completion of the necessary coursework. Adult High School classes Educational Programs STUDENT INFORMATION 20 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog are offered during the day and evening at the Dallas Campus and during the day at the Lin-coln Campus. For additional information call 704.922.6319 or 704.748.5205. English as a Second Language (ESL): ESL provides instruction for individuals with limited English proficiency. ESL stresses development of basic language skills and preparation for daily life, employment, and citizenship. Gaston College offers ESL classes that teach speaking, reading, and writing English to immigrants preparing them for citizenship and life in the community. Instruc-tion is provided in a structured class and/or lab environment that is enhanced with computer-based tutorials at several locations throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties. For additional in-formation call 704.922.6318. GED® Testing: GED® Testing is designed to measure academic skills in Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Persons who pass the GED® test receive a high school equivalency diploma. GED® testing services are provided at the Dallas and Lincoln Campuses. For additional information call 704.922.6321. WIOA YouthWorks Program: YouthWorks is a federally funded program designed to help young adults, ages 16 - 24, achieve their edu-cational and employment goals. The program offers a variety of supportive services to assist in-school, out-of-school and at risk youth, which include: academic assistance, occupational train-ing, employability skills, work experience, career exploration, on-the-job training, post-secondary education, leadership development, employment and more. YouthWorks' ultimate goal is to edu-cate and prepare young adults for self-sufficiency in the world of work and life. For additional infor-mation and program eligibility call 704.923.8410. Human Resources Development (HRD) Program The Human Resources Development Program is a job seeking/job keeping program that prepares the participants for the workplace. It is designed to help participants develop a positive attitude and self-concept as well as upgrade the level of educa-tion needed to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Many of the classes are tuition-waived for qualifying adults and are available at convenient locations throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties. For additional information call 704.922.6546. Small Business Center The Small Business Center is a specially funded program that provides no-fee consulting and semi-nars for entrepreneurs. The Gaston College Center is one of 58 Small Business Centers comprising the NC Community College Small Business Center Network. The Small Business Center provides as-sistance in business planning, marketing, account-ing, financing, and management concerns relating to small business. To register for Small Business Center seminars, or to schedule a counseling appointment, please visit http://www.ncsbc.net/ center.aspx?center=75220. General Education Competencies Upon successful completion of any associate degree program at Gaston College, students will demonstrate the following general education competencies: Competency 1: Use computers and other educational technologies to achieve academic and work-related goals. Competency 2: Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills. Competency 3: Analyze problems and make logical decisions. Competency 4: Examine the arts/humani-ties and social behavioral sciences from cultural and historic perspectives. Competency 5: Analyze, manipulate, and interpret quantitative data. Learn 4 Life Program The Learn 4 Life program is an educational enrich-ment program at Gaston College. The program provides a high degree of individual choice and challenge for motivated students. The Learn 4 Life program is designed to promote personal discov-ery and reflection, a sense of community, and an awareness of diversity. Students are required to complete four (4) learning experiences from areas such as Service Learning, completion of an honors course, educational club participation, and other approved options. Students are required to main-tain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must graduate with either a diploma or degree. Students should check with the Dean's Office in their division to learn if their program is participating in the Learn 4 Life Program. ________________________________________ COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS (Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Fine Arts) Gaston College offers a college transfer program for students intending to transfer to a four-year college or university by offering courses that par-allel those offered during the first two years at four-year institutions. Students who transfer from Gaston College pursue majors such as Agriculture, Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Business Admin-istration, Commercial Art, Design, Education, Engineering, English, Fine Arts, Foreign Lan-guage, History, Mathematics, Music, Pre-Law, College Transfer Programs STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 21 Pre-Medicine, Pre-Ministry, Pharmacy, Psychology, Science, Sociology, Textiles, and others. Students may complete a 60-61 hour Associate in Arts Degree (AA), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), or Associate in Science Degree (AS). Students not interested in pursuing a degree may enroll in courses for personal growth and fulfillment. A Work-based Learning (WBL) or ACA course of one semester hour of credit may be included in a 61 semester hour credit degree program such as Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, and Asso-ciate in Sciences. This course will receive transfer evaluation (not necessarily credit) by the receiving institution. Each student should confer with a counselor or ad-visor about course selection prior to registration. Only with approval of the appropriate academic dean may students substitute courses for those specifically required for graduation and courses outside the area of specialization. Students are responsible for the proper completion of their academic programs based upon the requirements stated in the Gaston College Catalog in conjunc-tion with the current schedule. Counselors or advisors will provide assistance to students regarding transfer to other institutions. Transfer of credits from one institution to another is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the transferring students to research their prospec-tive senior institution. Students may contact the counseling department of Gaston College or the admissions office at the college to which they plan to transfer for information and guidance on trans-fer of credits. Although faculty, staff, counselors, advisors, and administrators are available to help students with planning, the responsibility rests upon the individual student. Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) Under the provisions of House Bill 739 and Senate Bill 1161, the North Carolina Community College System and the University of North Carolina sys-tem have developed a Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) to facilitate the transfer of credits for community college students. Gaston College graduates of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs who have made a C or better in each course will be consid-ered to have fulfilled the institution-wide, general education requirements of UNC schools to which they are admitted and will be admitted as Juniors. Foreign language and physical education require-ments of receiving institutions must still be met. The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities have adopted a parallel version of the CAA (ICAA). The following private colleges and universities in North Carolina honor the ICAA: Barton, Belmont Abbey, Bennett, Brevard, Campbell, Catawba, Chowan, Gardner-Webb, Johnston C. Smith, Lees McRae, Livingstone, Louisburg, Mars Hill, Montreat, Mount Olive, North Carolina Wesleyan, Peace, Pfeiffer, Queens, St. Andrews, Saint Augustine's, Shaw, Warren Wilson, and Wingate. ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are two-year programs that prepare the student for the workforce. Additionally, there are some senior institutions where all or part of these degrees are accepted as the first two years of a four-year pro-gram. A few of the senior institutions that accept some of Gaston College A.A.S. degrees are the following: Appalachian State University, Belmont Abbey College, Gardner-Webb University, Lenoir Rhyne College, Pfeiffer College, Mars Hill College, University of N.C. at Charlotte, Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University. Some senior institutions will evaluate the Associate in Applied Science Degree on a course-by-course basis. The minimum requirements for the Associate in Applied Science Degree vary with the degree program. The completion of no fewer than twenty (20) semester hours while in attendance at Gaston College is required. A student is eligible to graduate with an Associate in Applied Science Degree upon completion of the curriculum requirements for the particular pro-gram listed in this catalog. A student must have a 2.00 grade point average on courses presented for graduation. College Transfer Programs STUDENT INFORMATION 22 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog ________________________________________ PROGRAMS OF STUDY College Transfer Programs • Associate in Arts • Associate in Fine Arts† • Associate in General Education • Associate in Science • Associate in Engineering Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs • Accounting • Architectural Technology • Automotive Systems Technology • Biotechnology • Broadcasting & Production Technology • Business Administration • Civil Engineering Technology • Computer Engineering Technology • Computer Information Technology • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology • Computer Programming • Cosmetology* • Criminal Justice Technology • Criminal Justice Technology-Latent Evidence • Developmental Disabilities • Dietetic Technician* • Early Childhood Education • Electrical Systems Technology • Electronics Engineering Technology • Emergency Management • Emergency Medical Science • Fire Protection Technology • General Occupation Technology • Global Logistics and Distribution Management Technology • Health and Fitness Science* • Healthcare Business Informatics • Human Services Technology • Human Services Tech-Developmental Disabilities • Industrial Systems Technology • Information Systems Security Technology • Manufacturing Technology ** • Mechanical Engineering Technology • Mechatronics Engineering Technology • Medical Assisting* • Medical Office Administration • Networking Technology • Nuclear Technology • Nursing (Registered Nursing)* • Office Administration • Office Administration-Legal • Paralegal Technology • Therapeutic Massage* • Veterinary Medical Technology* • Web Technologies * AAS Programs: Allied Health Technology programs require an additional application process within each program. Diploma Programs • Accounting • AC/Heating & Refrigeration Technology • Architectural Technology • Automotive Systems Technology • Biotechnology • Broadcasting & Production Technology • Civil Engineering Technology • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology • Cosmetology • Early Childhood Education • Electrical Systems Technology • Electronics Engineering Technology • Emergency Medical Science Paramedic • Fire Protection Technology • Industrial Systems Technology • Mechanical Engineering Technology • Medical Billing and Coding • Medical Transcription • Office Administration • Practical Nursing* • Therapeutic & Diagnostic Services- Nursing Aide* • Therapeutic Massage* • Welding Technology Certificate Programs* • AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Cooling • AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Heat Pump • AC/Heating & Refrigeration–Heating • Accounting-Computerized Accounting • Accounting-Federal Income Tax • Accounting–Financial Accounting • Accounting–Managerial Accounting • Architectural Technology • Automotive Systems Technology - Automotive Engines & Power Trains • Automotive Systems Technology - Automotive Fuel and Electrical Systems • Basic Biotechnology • Basic Law Enforcement Training • Broadcasting & Production Technology– Audio • Broadcasting & Production Technology– Audio/Video • Broadcasting & Production Technology– Video • Business Administration-Human Resources Mgmt • Business Administration-Retail Mgmt • Business Administration-Small Business Mgmt • Civil Engineering Technology • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology -CNC and CAM Programs of Study STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 23 • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology -Manual and CNC Milling • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology - Manual and CNC Turning • Cosmetology Instructor • Criminal Justice-Corrections • Criminal Justice-Homeland Security • Criminal Justice-Organization & Management • Dietary Manager • Early Childhood Education-Administration • Early Childhood Education-Early Childhood • Early Childhood Education-Infants/Toddler • Early Childhood Education-Pre-school • Early Childhood Education-School Age Care • Early Childhood Education-Special Needs • Early Literacy • Electronics Engineering Technology • Esthetics • Esthetics Instructor • Fire Protection Technology • Global Logistics & Distribution Management- Logistics Management • Global Logistics & Distribution Management- Export Operations • Health and Fitness Science • Health and Wellness Coach • Healthcare Business Informatics • Homeland Security • Human Services Administration • Human Services Technology • Human Services Technology-At-Risk Youth • Industrial Fire Protection Technology • Industrial Systems Technology • Industrial Systems Technology-Industrial Safety • Industrial Wiring • Information Systems Security • Information Technology-Computer Programming • Information Technology-Core • Information Technology-Networking • Information Technology-Web Technology • Lateral Entry • Manufacturing Technology • Mechatronics Engineering Technology • Medical Billing and Coding • Medical Office Administration-Basic • Medical Office Administration-Intermediate • Nursing Assistant • Office Administration-Basic • Office Administration-Intermediate • Office Administration–Legal-Basic • Office Administration–Legal-Intermediate • Office Administration–Paralegal • Phlebotomy • Photovoltaic • Residential Wiring • Therapeutic Massage Practitioner I • Therapeutic Massage Practitioner II • Welding Technology-Level I • Welding Technology-Level II * Please note that Certificate Programs are not eligible for federal financial aid. ** Pending Approval Non-Degree • Special Credit (Personal interest class) • Visiting Student (Visiting from another college) • Health Transfer • Non-Destructive Examination Technology • Undecided † Students will automatically be re-classified upon meeting divisional eligibility criteria. Collaborative Programs • Biomedical Equipment Technology (Collaborative with Caldwell CC & TI) ________________________________________ DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION The Developmental Education Program provides students with the opportunity to build academic skills and acquire the background that should facilitate success in their desired curriculum program. Applicants to degree, diploma, and certificate programs may be required to complete a placement test which provides placement in-formation for reading, English, and math. Once placement scores are determined, students are counseled about the courses needed in order to reach their academic and career goals. Students in developmental courses may concurrently regis-ter for certain courses within their desired curricu-lum if those courses do not require completion of one of the developmental courses as prerequisite. Developmental courses include basic college preparatory courses in reading/English (DRE) and mathematics (DMA). Developmental Education Courses Developmental Reading and English • DRE 096 Integrated Reading and Writing (3 Credit Hours) • DRE 097 Integrated Reading Writing II (3 Credit Hours) • DRE 098 Integrated Reading Writing III (3 Credit Hours) Developmental Math • DMA 010 Operations With Integers (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 020 Fractions and Decimal (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 030 Propor/Ratio/Rate/Percent (1 Credit Hour) Developmental Education STUDENT INFORMATION 24 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog • DMA 040 Express/Lin Equat/Inequal (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 050 Graphs/Equations of Lines (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 060 Polynomial/Quadratic Applications (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 065 Algebra for Precalculus (2 Credit Hours) • DMA 070 Rational Express/Equation (1 Credit Hour) • DMA 080 Radical Express/Equations (1 Credit Hour) ________________________________________ STUDENT RESOURCES Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC) The Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC), established in 1996, is designed to provide stu-dents with opportunities for academic and person-al growth. The center is committed to the philoso-phy that given adequate services, support, time, and appropriate teaching strategies, all students can successfully accomplish their academic goals, whether that goal includes transfer to a four-year institution or the successful completion of a single course. GCLC services are available to a diverse constitu-ency. The program places primary emphasis on serving the needs of students "at risk" in the college environment. The GCLC actively provides support to all students in achieving their poten-tial. Additionally, faculty members may use the academic support services to supplement their classroom instruction by referring students to the GCLC. This service to the faculty also includes consul-tation on students' needs, supplementary educa-tional materials, and additional academic support services. The Learning Center's primary function is to pro-vide academic support services to the general stu dent population which includes the following: 1. Peer-Tutoring Services: This program provides tutorial services in selected general education courses for all students by appointment or walk-in basis. All tutors undergo initial training and meet regularly for planning, evaluation, and skills development. Tutoring services are available for students having difficulty in passing a course and for students wanting to improve. 2. Help for under-prepared students: Under-prepared students who arrive at Gaston College need special assistance during their first few semesters on campus and beyond. Through the Learning Center, these under-prepared students are provided with support, special attention, and academic tutoring. Peer Tutoring Program The Gaston College Peer Tutoring Program is a part of the larger academic support service called the Gaston College Learning Center. The program is staffed by paid and volunteer tutors who have A's in the courses they tutor, and who are recommended by their instructor or the chair of the department in which the course is taught. Tutors are carefully interviewed by the Learning Center Coordinator and undergo an initial training period. They also meet regularly with other tutors and staff members for planning, evaluation, and skills development. Careful records are maintained on all tutoring ses-sions. In addition to being knowledgeable and well-trained, tutors are also chosen for their sensitivity toward students and for their interest in teaching. Students who are not satisfied with their under-standing or performance in a course may use this free service. Help is available in the area of under-standing concepts, problem-solving, and study skills. Tutoring services are available not only for the student who is having difficulty in passing a course, but also for those students who want to improve. Peer tutoring services offer several options for students to increase understanding of course con-tent and to improve performance. If a tutor is not available for a particular course, the tutor coordi-nator will make every effort to obtain one if the demand is sufficient. General tutoring is available on an appointment or walk-in basis in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The Lincoln Campus also houses a Learning Center in Room 206, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday. Gaston College Writing Center The Gaston College Writing Center exists to help students pursue their educational goals and develop into intellectually mature persons, competent writ-ers, and lifelong learners. With a staff of profes-sional writing coaches, all of whom have at least a Bachelors Degree in English, the Writing Center provides students in Gaston College programs with writing help and support. The Dallas campus location is in room 236 of the Robinson Classroom Building (RCB). The Writing Center's hours of operation are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday. The Lincoln campus location is in room 202 of the Main Lincoln Campus Building (LC 202). Please con-tact the Writing Center at 704922-2369 for hours of operation at the Lincoln and Kimbrell Campuses. Student Resources STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 25 The following services are provided at both loca tions: One-on-One: Students can schedule appoint-ments for coaching during regular Writing Center hours and receive assistance on one particular assignment at any stage of the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising. There is no commitment to work with a coach on a weekly basis and students can drop-in several times a semester. Regularly Scheduled Tutoring: Students can request regular writing coaching on a weekly basis. Faculty may refer students for regular tutoring. In this setting, the student will work directly with a coach on writing assignments and building basic writing skills. Most likely, students working with a coach one-on-one will commit to at least one to three hours per week for tutoring. Small Group Tutoring: Students with a collabora-tive writing assignment may be assigned to work in a small group setting with a coach, who serves as a guide through the writing process. Ask a Question - Facebook: Via Facebook, stu-dents can ask a grammar, citation or general writing question and then check back for answers as the page is updated daily. Synchronous Online Tutoring: Students can schedule an appointment to meet virtually with one of our coaches in real time. To make an ap-pointment, students can call or e-mail the Center and schedule a time to meet online. The student will provide his or her official Gaston College e-mail address and receive log on instructions to access tutoring. A writing coach will send a link to the student's e-mail address, asking the student to join him or her in Blackboard Collaborate, a free online tool for collaboration in real time. Oral Communications Lab: The Writing Cen-ter also offers an Oral Communications Lab to provide students personalized consultation and instruction on oral class assignments at any stage of development. A coach can help with oral presentations, such as public speaking, group presentations, debates, and panel discussions. We also offer one-on-one tutoring in interview-ing skills, oral exams, and readings. We provide guidance on topic selection, organization, audi-ence analysis, research, oral citation of sources, visual element design, speech apprehension, and speech and interview rehearsal with video feedback. For more information about the Gaston College Writing Center, call 704.922.2369 or send an e-mail to writingcenter@gaston.edu. ________________________________________ WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL) Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program that integrates classroom study with practical work experience in industry, business, and public agencies. The work experience con-stitutes a regular and essential element in the educational process by allowing students to apply their studies in a real work environment. The WBL work experience is concurrent or alternates with academic studies. It is a paid or non-paid work experience and students receive academic credit toward degree, diploma, or cer-tificate requirements. Students work either part-time or full-time jobs with employers selected and/or approved by the college. Students are contacted and evaluated periodically by a faculty coordinator and receive on-the-job supervision by the employers. WBL Eligibility Students must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the program: • Be enrolled in an approved WBL curriculum. • Have a minimum 2.00 GPA depending on program. • Be recommended by a faculty member. • Be approved by the Work-Based Learning office. (Note: Enrollment in the WBL program does not guarantee placement for every student.) Application Procedure Interested students must complete a Work-Based Learning application packet and speak with a member of the Work-Based Learning staff. Note: Work-Based Learning staff will advise students to determine the correct WBL course(s) based on program area and state requirements. Presently Employed Students Students may qualify to receive academic credit if they are already employed in an area directly related to their academic major. The following general criteria will be used to determine eligibil-ity: 1. The student must be acquiring new skills or knowledge related to their academic major; and/or 2. The student must be developing a recently learned skill or applying recently-learned knowl-edge related to their academic major; and/or 3. The student must be receiving increased levels of responsibility related to their academic major; and 4. The employer agrees to assist with an evaluation of the student's progress and to permit on-the-job visits by WBL staff member. Work-Based Learning STUDENT INFORMATION 26 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Student Employment Services assists students and graduates who are seeking employment by making them aware of the range of career opportunities available, helping them present themselves effectively as candidates, and aiding them in finding part-time, full-time, temporary, or summer employment. Some of the specific services and activities of-fered are Career Day; employer campus visits; recruiting events; resume writing information/ workshops; interview techniques information/ workshops; and posting of part-time, full-time, and temporary job openings on electronic lob board (www.collegecentral.com/gastoncollege) and the bulletin board outside the Myers Center Cafeteria and in the Student Employment Office. DISTANCE EDUCATION Distance Education at Gaston College expands learning opportunities by using nontraditional delivery methods to meet the growing schedul-ing needs of students throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties. The current technologies avail-able include two-way interactive video and Internet-based courses. Out of State Online Student Grievance Gaston College students residing outside the state of North Carolina who desire to resolve a grievance are encouraged to follow the College's Student Complaint Procedure. If an issue cannot be resolved internally, a complaint may be filed with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints or with Gaston College's accredit-ing agency. Please visit the Distance Education webpage at www.gaston.edu/online-learning/ for more information. North Carolina Information Highway Through the North Carolina Information Highway, Gaston College can receive courses or telecon-ferences from other institutions using two-way interactive televisions in classrooms. Participants at the receiving sites interact with the present-ers and participants at the originating sites. The Dallas Campus also delivers two-way interactive classes and presentations to the Lincoln Campus and Kimbrell Campus of Gaston College and to other institutions. Internet-Based Courses A wide range of Internet-based courses is avail-able through the curriculum (credit) or continuing education (non-credit) programs. These courses are designed for students with some Internet background. Students must have access to a computer linked to the Internet. Students may also use the Internet-accessible computers in the Morris Library to take the courses. For curriculum course information contact the Distance Educa-tion office at 704.922.6515 or for continuing edu-cation (non-credit) course information visit www. ed2go.com/gaston or call Community Education at 704.922.6251. ________________________________________ POLICIES AND PROCEDURES STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY Gaston College has established a set of regula-tions, policies, and standards in order to provide an academic environment that will promote qual-ity education and assure compliance with state, federal, accreditation, and certification directives and statutes. Students are responsible for the proper comple-tion of their academic programs based upon the requirements stated in the Gaston College Catalog in conjunction with the current schedule. Faculty members, staff members, counselors, and ad-ministrators are available to help students with planning, but the responsibility of fulfilling all requirements rests upon the student. Class Attendance and Participation The instructional work of the college is designed for class participation and attendance. The re-sponsibility for class participation and attendance is placed specifically on the individual student. Official college requirements are based on a 90% participation rate. Therefore, if a student has failed to participate in 10% or more of the sched-uled class hours or learning activities, a student may be withdrawn by the instructor or assigned a grade of "F" up until the published withdrawal date. For students violating participation require-ments after the published withdrawal date, a grade of "F" may be assigned by the instructor. Once an instructor has posted a grade, the stu-dent no longer has an option to withdraw from that class. This policy does not remove the right of faculty to reward or penalize students for participation and attendance issues at any point during the semester. Please review course-specific instruc-tions related to attendance to ensure compliance with stated requirements for this class. Faculty may enforce an alternate policy where required by divisional or departmental practices, accreditation requirements, and other similar issues. The student is responsible for all material covered in each course for which he or she is registered. In no instance does absence from class relieve the Policies and Procedures STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 27 student of the responsibility for the performance of any part of the course work. The student is fur-ther responsible for initiating any request to make up work because of class absence. The decision to assist the student with make-up work, includ-ing tests, in every case rests with the instructor. The instructor may require verification of medi-cal and personal circumstances presented by the student to influence this decision. Course work not made up may affect a student's grade in the final evaluation since the instructor is not required to offer the student an opportunity to make up course work. A student may seek reinstatement into class by submitting a written request to the instructor. If the request is denied, the student can petition for reinstatement directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will make a final ruling upon the petition. If the request is approved, a reinstatement form must be completed and sub-mitted to the Records and Registration Office. Student Code of Conduct All students have the right to a safe, peaceful, quality, and honest educational environment. Therefore, students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with generally accepted standards of scholarship and conduct. Actions identified in the Student Code of Conduct are strictly prohibited at Gaston College. More spe-cific information regarding the Student Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook. Copies may be obtained from the Information Center in Student Affairs, or on the College's web-site at www.gaston.edu. Standard of Honesty Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, and know-ingly furnishing false information to the College are regarded as serious offenses. It is expected that cases of academic dishonesty will first be considered at the department faculty level; then the matter will follow procedures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. RECORDS AND REGISTRATION OFFICE The Records and Registration Office directs regis-tration each semester for curriculum classes. This office provides transcripts (official and student copies), verification and certification of enroll-ment status, processes drops/adds, withdrawals, and final grades. This office directs the graduation ceremony each year, orders and issues diplomas, evaluates previous college transfer work, pro-cesses name and address changes, and academic advisor assignments. Specific registration infor-mation is contained in the college's schedule of classes. Confidentiality of Student Records Gaston College has a long-standing commitment to the protection of students' rights and privacy of information. Gaston College complies with the provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, State of North Carolina Law, and the State Department of Education Divi-sion of Community College rules. These federal and state requirements relate to accessibility and confidentiality of student records. Annual Notice to Students of their Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 Gaston College Policy and Procedures Manual sec-tion 4-31, Confidentiality and Access of Student Records, provides pertinent and detailed informa-tion concerning classification, access and release of student records. Detailed information is also provid-ed in the Gaston College Student Handbook, which is made available on the College's website at www. gaston.edu. Hard copies are available upon request. Students’ Rights to Question their Official Student Record Students have the right to inspect their edu-cational records and correct such records, if warranted. All student records are open for inspec-tion and review by students and eligible parents unless they waive this right. An eligible parent is the parent or legal guardian of students who are under 18 years of age or who claim students as dependents as defined in Title 26 U.S.C.S.S. 152 Internal Revenue Code. Eligible parents must pro-vide evidence that the student is underage and/ or a dependent to the Records and Registration Office prior to reviewing the records. Definition and Release of Educational Records There are three categories of records: 1) Dir-ectory Information Records, 2) Limited Access Records, and 3) Sole Possession Records. 1. Directory Information Records includes the stu-dent's name, address, telephone number, major field of study or program, dates of attendance, enrollment status, and degrees and awards received. Gaston College may disclose directory information about a student without the consent of the student unless the student has properly objected to the release. Any student not wishing the release of directory information must file a written request with the Records and Registra-tion Office no later than the last day of Late Reg-istration. This information will only be released by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee after the requestor has demonstrated a legitimate need to have such Policies and Procedures STUDENT INFORMATION 28 Gaston College 2016-2017 Academic Catalog information. Otherwise, the College may disclose directory information for legitimate purposes. 2. Limited Access Records pertain to the perma-nent academic records of the student, disciplin-ary records, financial information, and testing data. The college will not release information in Limited Access Records without the written permission of the student. 3. Sole Possession Records pertain to records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel that remain in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other person. In addition, Gaston College may, without the consent of the student or eligible parents, disclose information kept in the student's per-manent record to the following • Gaston College officials with a legitimate educational interest. College officials in-clude faculty, administrators, staff, student employees, third parties or agents authorized to act on behalf of the College. A legitimate educational interest is presumed to exist if the information is necessary for the official to perform tasks that are specified in the position description or contract agreement; to perform a task related to the student's education, discipline, service or benefit such as, counseling, job placement, financial aid, health insurance, community resources, etc. • Authorized representatives of the Comptrol-ler General's Office, the Secretary of the Department of Education, and state educa-tional authorities. • Veterans Administration officials. • Persons or organizations providing financial aid. • Accrediting organizations carrying out their accrediting functions. • Persons in compliance with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena. • Persons who seek information in connection with an emergency, if in the view of a reason-able person, the knowledge of such informa-tion by appropriate persons is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons. • Organizations or individuals conducting studies on behalf of the college or for oth-er educational agencies or institutions for the purposes of developing, validating, or administering predictive test, improving and understanding student services, student aid programs, improving instruction, etc. These studies must be conducted in a way that will not permit the personal identification of students and their families by persons other that the authorized representative of such organizations and the information must be destroyed when the studies have concluded. • Military recruiters requesting recruitment information in accordance with the United States Code Title 10 and other pertinent laws. • To institutions, authorities, and/or agencies in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures. Individuals or agencies not outlined above may obtain student record information only with written authorization from the student. The authorization for release of information must include: 1. date of request 2. student's social security number 3. student's signature 4. specific contact name or agency 5. summary of information which may be released Release of Transcripts In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, transcripts will only be released or sent upon the written request of the student. Official and student copies of Gaston College transcripts should be requested in writing to the Records and Registration Office. Transcripts will not be released unless all tuition, fees, and other obligations due the college have been satisfied. It is against Gaston College policy to fax or email tran-scripts. There is a $5 charge for official transcripts, although this is subject to change at the discretion of the college. Official transcripts may be ordered and student transcripts may be obtained in person or online at www.gaston.edu under Quick Links. Gaston College does not issue transcripts of other colleges and universities or high school transcripts. Any student needing a transcript from a college or high school in which they previously attended, must contact that institution directly. Change of Address Students are required to keep an updated address on file with the Records and Registration Office while they are enrolled at Gaston College. A re-quest for a change of address should be submitted in writing to the Records and Registration Office or submitted via WebAdvisor. Change of Address forms are available in the Records and Registration Office and on the Gaston College web site www.gaston. edu under Student Resources. STUDENT CLASSIFICATION Day: A student who is enrolled for a majority of course work scheduled before 4:30 p.m. Policies and Procedures STUDENT INFORMATION www.gaston.edu 29 Evening: A student who is enrolled for a majority of course work scheduled after 4:30 p.m. Full Time: A student who is enrolled for twelve or more semester hours. Part Time: A student who is enrolled for fewer than twelve semester hours. Full-time and Part-time Status: A student must be registered for at least 12 semester hours to be considered a full-time student. Although the normal course load for a full-time student is 16 semester hours, a counselor or advisor may rec-ommend a heavier or lighter course load depend-ing on the student's ability and/or the student's previous academic performance. CHANGE OF MAJOR/PROGRAM Students wanting to change their designated major or program of study may do so by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Counselor in the Counseling Center to discuss career and educational goals. If deemed necessary, a Change of Major form will be completed indicating the desired changes to the student record. The official change of major will become effective for the same semester if submit-ted within the first nine days of classes for the fall and spring semesters and within the first four days of classes for the summer semester. Change of major forms submitted thereafter will be effec-tive the first day of classes for the next semester. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their new advisor to review previous coursework and obtain information about program require-ments for their new major. Please note that stu-dents receiving financial aid or veterans benefits will need to consult with the Office of Financial Aid before changing their major. REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR CURRICULUM COURSES How to Register Students are responsible for registering each se-mester during the designated registration periods. Before a new student can register for courses, he/ she must have an application on file in the Office of Admissions, taken the NCDPA or been waived, and have completed new student orientation. Pri-or to the start of the semester, registration is held for all students - current, new, and returning. Stu-dents are encouraged to register when eligible in ord |
| OCLC number | 22471105 ; 815395756 |
