Academic catalog of Gaston College

              A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dr. Patricia Skinner
Thank you for choosing Gaston College. This is a great place to continue your education whether
you’re new to college, planning 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 locations 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 environ-ment
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 website
(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, PhD
President, Gaston College
Student Information
2
Table of Contents
STUDENT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About the College, Locations &
Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
2011-2012 Academic Calendar . . . . . . . . . . 6
ADMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
General Admission Requirements . . . . . . . . . 7
Curriculum Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Economic and Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Programs . . . . . . 10
TUITION, FEES AND GENERAL COSTS . . . . . . 10-12
Curriculum Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Economic and Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Programs: . . . . . . 11
FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-17
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Student Responsibilities (Financial Aid) . . . 13
Federally-Supported Programs . . . . . . . . . . 14
State-Supported Programs/Scholarships . 15
Veterans Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vocational Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-23
Economic & Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Programs . . . . 18
College Transfer Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Associate In Applied Science Degrees . . . . . 22
Programs of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-24
Associate in Applied Science Degrees . . 23
Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-27
Cooperative Education (Co-Op) . . . . . . . . . . 26
Student Employment Services . . . . . . . . . . 27
Distance Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
University Center at Gaston College . . . . . . 27
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-39
Student Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Records & Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Student Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Change of Major/Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Registration For Curriculum Classes . . . 30-32
Awarding of Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Awarding of Transfer Credits from Another
School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Transferring to Another School from
Gaston College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Grading System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Satisfactory Academic Progress . . . . . . . . . . 37
Academic Forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Grounds for Student Academic Dismissal . . 38
Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
STUDENT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
Counseling and Career Development Ctr . . 40
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Student ID Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Bookstores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
WSGE 91.7 fm Radio Station . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Food Service/Vending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . 42-55
Eligibility Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Associate in Arts (A10100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Associate in Science (A10400) . . . . . . . . . . 48
Associate in Fine Arts (A10200) . . . . . . . . . 52
Associate in General Education (A10300) . 54
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S)
DEGREE PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-104
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105-122
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122-147
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148-258
ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF . . . . . . . 259-276
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Gaston College Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Faculty/Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259-276
Faculty Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277-281
MAP/DIRECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282-284
Dallas Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
Lincoln Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
Kimbrell Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
Student Information
3
The Gaston College Catalog is a annual publication
which lists the academic policies and procedures. In
addition, it includes information for fees, curriculum
requirements, and courses for over 100 programs
of study, course descriptions, and a listing of admin-istration,
faculty and staff at Gaston College. Publi-cation
Notice: This edition of the Catalog was pub-lished
May 2011. 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 catalog edition.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Celebrating nearly 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 September
1964. The college moved to its permanent cam-pus
on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia
two months later. Serving both Gaston and Lin-coln
counties, Gaston College enrolls over 6,000
students each term in curriculum programs and
averages over 16,000 students annually in its Eco-nomic
and Workforce Development/Continuing
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
704.748.1040 • FAX 704.748.1074
Kimbrell Campus
& Textile Technology Center
7220 Wilkinson Blvd.
Belmont, NC 28012
704.825.3737 • FAX 704.825.3775
Gaston College Website Address: www.gaston.edu
Also, follow Gaston College on
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Dallas Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6200
Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6214
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
Office of the Registrar/Student Records/
Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6332
Sponsorship Office . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6410
Writing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.2369
Academic Affairs Division Offices . .704.922.6240
Business & Information Tech. . . 704.922.6263
Cooperative Education. . . . . . . . 704.922.6212
Educational Partnerships . . . . . . 704.9226297
Engineering & Industrial Education
Technologiy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6296
G-NET/TRiO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.2363
Health Education . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6379
Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6349
Liberal Arts & Sciences . . . . . . . 704.922.6311
Libraries
Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.9226356
Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.748.1050
Kimbrell . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.825.3737, x228
WSGE Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6552
Lincoln Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.748.1040
Office of the Dean . . . . . . . . . . . .704.748.1055
Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.748.1075
Business Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.748.1053
Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704.748.1051
Kimbrell Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.825.3737
Office of the Dean . . . . . . . . . . . 704.825.3737
Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.825.3737, x289
Business Office. . . . . . . . . 704.825.3737, x325
Economic and Workforce Development/
Continuing Education . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6521
Office of VP for Economic and Workforce
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6476
Community Education . . . . . . . . 704.922.6251
Traffic School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6353
Corporate Education . . . . . . . . . 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
Life Skills
ABE/GED Learning Lab - Dallas 704.922.6322
ABE/GED Learning Lab - Lincoln 704.748.1047
Adult Basic Education . . . . . . . . 704.922.6320
Adult High School Diploma . . . . 704.922.6319
or 704.748.1046
Basic Skills Classes . . . . . . . . . . 704.922.6320
English as a Second Language . 704.922.6318
Human Resources Dev. . . . . . . . 704.922.6547
About the College, Locations & Phone Numbers
Student Information
4
Mission Statement
Gaston College is an open-door public community
college located in Gaston and Lincoln Counties that
promotes lifelong learning through high caliber,
affordable, and comprehensive educational pro-grams
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
Science (A.A.S.) degree programs designed
primarily to prepare students to enter the work-force.
• 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 indi-viduals
seeking employment in a specific occupa-tion.
• 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 uni-versity.
• 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 require-ments,
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,
materials, 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, and
which promote cooperative relationships with the
community.
• Promotes accessibility to educational programs
through off-campus course offerings and through
distance-learning opportunities.
Performance Measures
In response to a mandate from the NC General
Assembly (S.L. 1989; C. 752; S. 80), the State
Board of Community Colleges adopted twelve (12)
performance measures to ensure the effective-ness
of community college programs and to provide
public accountability. In 2007, the General Assembly
approved modifications to the North Carolina
Performance Measures and Standards, which
reduced the number to eight (8) measures. The
results are published annually by the North Carolina
Community College System (NCCCS) on the NCCCS
Web page at http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/
Publications.
General Information
Student Information
5
Performance
Measure Description Standard
Gaston
College
Progress of
Basic Skills
Students
A composite measure that includes the percent of
students progressing within a level of literacy, the percent
of students completing a level entered or a predeter-mined
goal, and the percent of students completing the
level entered and advancing to a higher level.
75% 85% - Met
Passing Rates
on Licensure
and Certification
Exams
The percentage of first-time test takers from community
colleges passing an examination required for North
Carolina licensure or certification prior to practicing the
profession.
80%
aggregate
No exam
with pass
rate less
than 70%
89% - Met
All exams
met the
performance
measure
Performance of
College Transfer
Students
The percentage of associate degree recipients and the
students who transferred with 24 or more semester hours
at a community colleges who had a GPA of 2.0 or higher
after two semesters at a university.
83% 89% - Met
Passing Rates in
Developmental
Courses
The percentage of students who complete developmental
English, mathematics, or reading courses with a grade of
"C" or better.
78% 82% - Met
Success Rate of
Developmental
Students in
Subsequent
College-Level
Courses
The percentage of students who take developmental
courses and pass the subsequent college-level courses.
80% 86% - Met
Satisfaction
of Program
Completers and
Non-Completers
The proportion of graduates and early-leavers who are
satisfied with the College’s programs and services.
90% 97% - Met
Curriculum
Student
Retention,
Graduation and
Transfer
A composite indicator of students who complete a
program or who continue enrollment elsewhere
65% 70% - Met
Client
Satisfaction
with Customized
Training
Percentage of individuals who have received Small Busi-ness
Center services from a community college indicating
that their expectations have been met.
90% 93% - Met
Notification of Nondiscrimination
Gaston College is committed to affirmative action and equal
opportunity in employment and educational programs and ac-tivities
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 protec-tions
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 should be directed to the Director of Human Resources
(Employees) or Director of Counseling (Students), 201 Highway
321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 or call 704.922.6200. [Rev. 7/11]
General Information
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, gradua-tion
requirements, fees and other charges, curricu-lums,
course structure and content, and other such
matters as may be within its control, notwithstand-ing
any information set forth in this catalog. Gaston
College reserves the right to cancel classes due to
insufficient enrollment. Course offerings approved
after publication of this catalog are described in
class schedules, which are issued each semester.
2011-2012 tuition rates subject to change pending
legislative action and approval.
Student Information
6
April 23-27 Advising & Registration for
Summer: New & Returning
Students (Ends at 12 noon on
4/27)
May 2 On Wednesday Attend Monday
Classes
May 4-10 Final Exam Week
May 10 Pay Tuition & Fees for Summer
Semester by Noon/
Last Day of Class
May 11 Graduation/Grades Due
May 14 Start Summer Flex Schedule -
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
May 14-18 Faculty/Student Break
Summer Semester 2012
May 17 Late Summer Registration
(8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
May 21 First Day of Full/First Summer
Session Classes
May 22 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
75% Refund – First Session
May 24 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
75% Refund – Full session
May 28 College Closed: Holiday
June 7 Last Day to Petition for Summer
Graduation
June 12-21 Advising & Registration for Fall:
Returning Students
June 14 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
First 5-week Summer Semester
June 21 Last Day of First Summer
Session Classes
June 25 First Day of Second Session
June 26 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
75% Refund – Second Session
July 2-6 Faculty/Student Break
July 4 College Closed: Holiday
July 9-25 Advising & Registration for Fall:
New & Returning Students
July 18 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
Full Summer Semester Classes
July 25 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit
- Second Summer Semester
Classes
August 2 Last Day of Class –
Summer Semester
August 6 Grades Due
August 6-15 Faculty/Student Break
August 7 Pay Tuition & Fees for Fall
Semester by Noon
August 10 End Summer Flex Schedule
(Return to Regular Schedule
8/13)
Fall Semester 2011
August 18 Late Fall Registration
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
August 22 First Day of Fall Classes
August 30 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
75% Refund
September 5 College Closed: Holiday
October 10-11 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 4 p.m.)
October 24 Last Day to Petition for Fall
Graduation
November 9-17 Advising & Registration for
Spring: Returning Students
November 16 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
Fall Semester
November 23 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 3 p.m.)
November 24-25 College Closed: Holiday
November 28 -
December 7 Advising & Registration for
Spring: New & Returning
Students
December 12-16 Final Exam Week
December 16 Last Day of Class/Grades Due
December 19 Pay Tuition & Fees for Spring
Semester by Noon
December 19-20 Faculty/Student Break (college
closes at 3 p.m. on 12/20/11)
December 21-28 College Closed: Holiday
December 29-30 College Closed
Spring Semester 2012
January 2 College Closed: Holiday
January 3-4 College Reopens/Faculty/
Student Break
January 5 Late Spring Registration
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
January 5-6 Student Break Only
January 9 First Day of Spring Classes
January 16 College Closed: Holiday
January 19 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
75% Refund
February 10 Last Day to Petition for Spring
Graduation
February 27 -
March 2 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 4 p.m.)
April 5-10 Faculty/Student Break
(college closes at 4 p.m.)
April 6-9 College Closed
April 11-19 Advising & Registration for
Summer: Returning Students
April 13 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit
Spring Semester
2011-2012 Academic Calendar
Student Information
7
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 Commission
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Col-leges
and Schools to award associate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 South-ern
Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call
404-679-4500 for questions about the accredita-tion
of Gaston College. The Commission on Colleges
should be contacted only on matters related to the
accreditation status of Gaston College and not for
general college information.
The college’s diploma, certificate, and Associate and
Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited
by national accreditation boards, commissions, or
service agencies. Also, the college is in good stand-ing
with over 20 institutional memberships.
ADMISSIONS
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(for Curriculum Programs)
Gaston College subscribes to the open-door admis-sion
policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years of
age or possess a high school diploma or equivalent
to enroll. Although restrictive standards for general
admission to the college are not imposed, the admis-sion
requirements vary depending on the program of
study the student wishes to pursue while at Gaston
College.
Associate Degree, Diploma, and
Certificate Programs:
For most programs of study, the following steps
should be completed prior to registration.
1. Complete and submit either an online
application or paper application to the
Admissions Office. Admissions applications
are available at any campus location or
online at www.gaston.edu.
2. Submit an official high school transcript to
the Office of Admissions at Gaston College,
201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-
1499. In lieu of an official high school tran-script,
the following official documents will be
accepted:
• Adult high school transcript
• GED scores
• Official transcript from an approved
correspondence high school
• Official transcript from Home School
along with Home School record(s)
• Transcript from a regionally-accredited
college or university reflecting attainment
of an Associate degree or higher.
*Applicants presenting high school tran-scripts
from non-regionally accredited
schools or institutions not recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education may
not be eligible for financial aid. In addi-tion,
some employers, licensing boards,
and credentialing agencies may not
recognize these credentials, even after
a student has received course credit or
completed a program of study at Gaston
College.
3. Submit official college and/or university
transcripts from where credit was received.
4. Schedule and take the COMPASS Placement
Test. The placement test may not be required
of any person who has scored 500 or high-er
on the verbal or critical reading section
and 520 on the math section of the SAT or
who has scored 21 or higher on the English
Admissions
Student Information
8
section and 21 or higher on the math sec-tion
of the ACT. (All test scores must be less
than five years old.) A transfer student who
has earned a grade of “C” or higher in both
college-level algebra and college-level English
from a regionally-accredited institution shall
have the test waived. The student will need
to submit official documentation of these test
scores or grades to the Admissions Office.
5. Complete the online New Student
Orientation.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applicants are strongly encouraged 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 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
Applicants not having attainted a high school diplo-ma
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, Electrical/Electronics, Weld-ing,
and Certified Nursing Assistant I. In addition to
completing the general Gaston College admissions
application, these applicants must take the COM-PASS
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. However, they are limited
to a total of two classes and 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 registered as Special Credit or
Visiting Students may earn a maximum of 15 hours
before having to declare a curriculum major or pro-gram
of study. Tuition and fees are the same as for
regular curriculum students. Credits earned may be
applied to a degree, diploma, or certificate program
by submitting a Petition for Major Change form to the
Admissions Office.
Residency
Students who are not North Carolina residents pay
out-of-state tuition for credit (degree) classes. A stu-dent’s
official residency status is determined at the
time they complete the admissions application ac-cording
to the residency policy of the state of North
Carolina, the North Carolina Community College Sys-tem,
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 twelve months preceding the date of enroll-ment.
Immigrants lawfully admitted to the United
States for permanent residence 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 parent, 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 resident, 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 Caro-lina
resident. A request to change one’s residency
status must be submitted to the Admissions Office
prior to registration. More information on residency
requirements may be obtained from the Office of
Admission.
International Students
International students seeking admission to Gaston
College must submit, along with an admissions ap-plication,
an official or certified copy of their high
school transcript and an official/certified copy of
any college work completed. If the original copies of
these transcripts are in a language other than Eng-lish,
an official English translation is required. Stu-dents
whose foreign transcripts cannot be evaluated
by college personnel are responsible for providing
a transcript evaluation from a recognized American
transcript evaluation agency. Proof of English profi-ciency
is required. This may be established by mak-ing
a minimum total score of 76 (internet-based),
207 (computer-based), or 540 (paper-based) on the
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The
TOEFL is published and administered in most coun-tries
by the Educational Testing Service, P. 0. Box
899, Princeton, NJ 08541.
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 international stu-dent
must continue to carry a full course of study.
This is defined as undergraduate study at a college
Admissions
Student Information
9
or university which consists of at least 12 credit
hours per semester. In addition to not accepting em-ployment
off campus, the international 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 full and truthfully all infor-mation
requested by INS regardless of whether the
information 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 hous-ing.
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
Huskins Program (College Gateway)
The Gaston College Huskins Program offers qualified
juniors and seniors in Gaston and Lincoln Counties
the opportunity to take college courses tuition free
during their high school day. The legislation in North
Carolina that provides this opportunity is called the
Huskins Bill. Students taking Huskins courses are
eligible to earn both high school credit and commu-nity
college credit.
Prior to registering for a Huskins course, a student
must be approved by the high school principal. Crite-ria
used by the principal include attendance in high
school courses, maturity, and grades. For transfer-able
courses, an overall “B” average is recommend-ed;
for career technical courses, an overall “C” aver-age
is recommended.
Huskins students must meet the same prerequisite
and course admission requirements as adult col-lege
students; therefore, students may be required
to take a placement test. The COMPASS Placement
Test is administered by Gaston College and used to
evaluate a student’s readiness for college-level work.
The placement test can be waived for students who
have scored 500 or higher on the verbal section and
520 or higher on the math section of the SAT, or 21
or higher on the math and 21 or higher on the Eng-lish
portion of the ACT. The placement test is free
and can be scheduled through the high school coun-selor,
or by calling the Admissions Office of Gaston
College. Additionally, students must submit a com-pleted
Application for Admission before being admit-ted
to Gaston College and all students must meet all
academic prerequisites to enroll in a college course.
Students enrolled in Gaston College classes pay the
appropriate fees, purchase the required textbooks,
(unless being purchased by the county), and are
treated as all other students.
Courses are taught in various locations including
the high schools and on the three Gaston College
campus locations in Dallas, Lincolnton, and
Belmont. Check with your high school counselor
for details on specific courses offered at your high
school. Transfer courses receive honors credit.
Additionally, any grade of “C” or higher on col-lege
transfer courses will be accepted by all North
Carolina Public Universities and many other in-state
and out-of-state colleges following the North
Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
Huskins courses are college-level courses and will
require outside reading and study time. The courses
are taught as college-level courses and some con-tent
is calibrated for a college-age audience. Stu-dents
will be held responsible for course work cov-ered
on days they are absent.
Dual Enrollment Program
Upon the approval of their high school principal,
high school juniors and seniors may be admitted as
special dual enrollment students to appropriate
credit and/or non-credit courses. Dual enrollment
students must be at least 16 years of age and have
completed 10th-grade English. Applicants are admit-ted
on a space available basis into regular classes
at the college.
Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time at the
high school and be making progress toward gradua-tion.
In the case of courses offered in the summer,
the principal must certify that a student was enrolled
at least half-time in high school courses during the
preceding semester and made appropriate progress
Admissions
Student Information
10
toward graduation. High school seniors who will grad-uate
in May or June are not eligible to enroll in sum-mer
courses as dual enrollment students.
Dual enrollment students must meet the same pre-requisites
and course admission requirements as
adult college students; therefore, students may be
required to take the placement test. The college
placement test evaluates skills in reading, writ-ing,
and math. Dual enrollment students who have
scored 500 on the verbal or critical reading section
and 520 on the math section of the SAT, or who have
scored 21 on the English section and 21 on the math
section of the ACT are not required to take the col-lege
placement test. All course prerequisites apply to
dual enrollment students.
Students must obtain a Dual Enrollment Form from
their high school counselor and complete a Gaston
College Application for Admission. The Dual Enroll-ment
Form must be completed and all appropriate
high school signatures must be obtained before reg-istration.
Students must submit the application, test
scores, and the Dual Enrollment Form, to the Admis-sions
Office during the late registration period. Re-quired
Gaston College signatures will be obtained at
the time of registration. Home school students must
submit the original “Authorization for Home School”
form from the state of North Carolina if home school-ing
was implemented prior to the age of 16.
Dual enrollment students are allowed to take only
two courses per semester (not including labs) and
are not allowed to take courses that are taught in the
high school. Dual enrollment students are not per-mitted
to enroll in developmental courses or courses
in selective curriculum programs such as: Associate
Degree Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing (LPN-RN
Track), Dietetic Technician, Emergency Medical
Science, Medical Assisting, Medical Transcription,
Phlebotomy, Practical Nursing, Therapeutic Mas-sage,
and Veterinary Medical Technology.
Learn and Earn Online (LEO)
Learn and Earn Online (LEO) is a program allowing
qualified high school students in Gaston and Lincoln
Counties to take introductory-level college courses
ONLINE and earn both college AND high school
credit. The courses are offered during and after the
regular school day, and there is no cost to students
for tuition or textbooks.
Any qualified public and charter school student in
grades 9-12 can enroll in Gaston College’s Learn and
Earn Online courses as long as they have met college
requirements and required course prerequisites. Stu-dents
should check with their school guidance coun-selor
for specific information about participation.
High School students attending a non-public school
may enroll in any Learn and Earn Online course with
space available that has been offered to but not
filled by an eligible public school student. Non-public
school students shall be responsible for supplying
their own textbooks and other instructional materi-als.
Admission 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 web-site
at www.gaston.edu/conted/home.html or the
most current copy of the Economic and Workforce
Development/Continuing Education course sched-ule
for details.
North Carolina residents 65 or older do not pay
registration or other fees, except for self-supporting
classes.
Persons under the age of 16 are permitted to regis-ter
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, main-tains
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 $ 56.50
Out-of-State Residents $248.50
The maximum instructional fee for residents of
North Carolina is $904.00 per semester for 16 or
more credit hours. The maximum instructional fee
for out-of-state residents is $3,976.00 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
Student Information
11
Tuition Fees (EWD/CE classes)
Hours Tuition fee
1-24 $65.00
25-50 $120.00
51+ 175.00
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 Education
course schedule for applicable tuition and fees.
Exceptions
Dual enrollment students pay no tuition, except for
summer self-supporting classes and Economic and
Workforce Development (Continuing Education)
classes. However, they do pay all other fees.
North Carolina residents 65 or older are required
to pay tuition and fees for self-supporting classes,
including personal enrichment classes. Effective
July 1, 2009, these individuals may register for up to
96 contact hours of occupational extension classes
ttuition free.
Other General Fees for Credit and Degree Programs
Student Activity Fee: $1.50 per semester hour of
credit
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: $6 per lab hour
Malpractice Insurance (required for nursing and
health services programs students): $13 per year
Transcript Fee: $5 for each transcript.
Technology Fee: $1 per credit hour up to 16
credits.
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 officially
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 regis-tered
is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. A
75% refund shall be made if the student officially
drops from the class prior to or on the official 10%
point of the semester.
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 meeting. A 75%
refund shall be made if the student officially drops
from the class prior to or on the 10% point of the
class.
All paperwork for the drop must be processed be-fore
the drop date. The drop date is published each
semester in the Schedule of Credit Classes as well
as the Gaston College calendar. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure they are officially dropped
from classes. If a course fails to materialize, refunds
are automatically processed. The refund policy is
subject to change. Refunds are not granted after the
10% point. Refunds of tuition will be issued in ac-cordance
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 with-draws
before the 10% point of the class. A full refund
is given for classes canceled by the college because
of insufficient enrollments. Fees for self-supporting
courses will not be refunded unless the college can-cels
the course.
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 cov-erage
under a personal accident policy or that of a
parent.
For those who find they do not have accident insur-ance
coverage, information on a student insurance
program is available from the Business Office in the
Administration Building.
Tuition/Fees
Student Information
12
FINANCIAL AID
GENERAL INFORMATION
Financial assistance is available for curriculum stu-dents
in the form of scholarships, grants, and work
programs. Every effort is made by the institution 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 regard to race, sex, religion,
national origin, age, or disability.
There are two types of financial aid: gift assistance
and work. Gift assistance includes grants and schol-arships
that do not have to be repaid provided that
the student attends classes through the 60% point
of the semester and maintains Satisfactory Academ-ic
Progress (see the Financial Aid Office for this infor-mation).
Work study is a self-help program that en-ables
students to pay part of their expenses through
their own earnings. 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 Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess the financial condi-tion
of financial aid applicants. Information entered
onto the FAFSA is analyzed according to the require-ments
of the U.S. Congress and federal guidelines.
This ensures that all applicants are treated fairly
SUMMARY OF TUITION & FEES
Curriculum Courses
Instructional Fee (Per Semester Hour of Credit)
North Carolina Residents $ 56.50
Out-of-State Residents $248.50
• The maximum instructional fee for residents of North Carolina is $800.00 per semester for 16 or more credit hours.
• The maximum instructional fee for out-of-state residents is $3,860.80 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 $ 65.00
25-50 $120.00
51+ $175.00
Receipt supported (self-supporting) courses are individually priced.
Other Fees
Student Activity Fee $1.50 per semester hour of credit
• The maximum semester student activity fee is $12 for 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 $6 per lab hour
Malpractice Insurance (required for nursing and health services programs students):
$13 per year
Transcript Fee $5 for each transcript.
Technology Fee $1 per credit hour up to 16 credits.
Returned Checks $25
Student Activity Fee $1.50 per semester credit hour
Replacement ID Card $10
Financial Aid
Student Information
13
rated amount of any portion of payments that were
extended to the student for living expenses and that
would no longer be attributed to meeting expenses
related to attendance. If the student never attends
a class(es), the student is not eligible to receive fi-nancial
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.
The student has the obligation to maintain
“Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
Standards” as defined specifically for financial aid
recipients. (A copy of the Financial Aid Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards is available online
and in the Financial Aid Office.) Failure to maintain
financial aid satisfactory academic progress will
result in the loss of eligibility for financial aid.
Eligibility may be regained unless the student has
exceeded his or her eligibility to receive federal aid.
Student coursework must be restricted to the ma-jor
that is on file in the Records and Registration
Office. Courses taken outside of the approved major
may require adjustment 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, Financial Aid will not pay for excessive
repeats beyond this policy nor will it pay for repeat-ed
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 maximum of 30 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 com-plete
the application for Financial Aid. Errors
can result in long delays in receiving aid.
Intentional mis-reporting 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 US Criminal Code.
• Return all additional documentation, verifica-tion,
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.
• Perform the work that is agreed upon in
accepting a college work-study award.
• Know and comply with the deadlines (both
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 deter-mine
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 record. Financial
need is the difference between the total educa-tion
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 finan-cial
assistance must file a Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student
should complete the form on the Internet
at www.fafsa.ed.gov using Gaston College
school code #002973. It takes 4 – 6 weeks to
process a complete file. Therefore, students
should submit all financial aid forms several
weeks before registering for classes.
3. In addition, the student should submit other
documentation if requested by the financial
aid office. Additional documentation includes
the Gaston College Financial Aid Application,
the Verification Form, and other financial in-formation.
4. Students interested in scholarships and/or
work-study should submit a separate Gaston
College Foundation Scholarship Application
and/or Work-Study Application.
Applicants may apply for scholarships, grants, work-study,
and/or 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 fi-nancial
aid eligibility by award notification letter. The
letter will state the type and amount of award. Stu-dents
should retain their copy of their award notifica-tion
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 and stops attending all of their
classes prior to the 60% point of the semester, the
student will be responsible for repayment of a pro-
Financial Aid
Student Information
14
U.S. Department of Education and Gaston
College) for application or reapplication for aid.
• Contact the Financial Aid Office before
withdrawing from school or changing course
schedule.
• Notify the Financial Aid Office in writing about
additional income not reported on Financial Aid
Application.
• Express written appreciation to any scholarship
donor.
• Understand and maintain Financial Aid Satis-factory
Academic Progress 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 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 his or her 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 gov-ernment
through the U. S. Department of Education.
These programs consist of the Federal Pell Grant,
Academic Competitiveness Grant, Federal Supple-mental
Educational Opportunity 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.ed.gov. Please include Gaston
College’s Title IV school code #002973 on the ap-plication
which will enable the U.S. Department of
Education to provide a Student Aid Report (SAR) to
Gaston College.
Gaston College does not participate in the Stafford
or Federal Direct Loan programs and Gaston College
does not certify student loans. There are many sourc-es
of alternative or private loans to help provide fund-ing
to students of the College. Gaston College does
not endorse the use of any particular alternative loan
program, but rather encourages its students to thor-oughly
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 be-fore
they can receive federal financial aid funds:
1. Have financial need.
2. Have a recognized/regionally accredited
high school diploma, a General Education
Development (GED) certificate, or a passing
mark on an independently administered test
approved by the U.S. Department of Educa-tion
or meet other standards that are ap-proved
by the U.S. Department of Education.
3. Be enrolled as a regular student working
toward a degree, diploma, or approved cer-tificate
in an eligible program. (Students
may not receive aid for correspondence or
telecommunications courses unless they are
part of an associate, 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/
certification statement on refunds and
default (found on the Student Aid Report).
8. Sign a statement of updated information, if
required (found on the Student Aid Report).
9. Register with the Selective Services, if
required.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to pro-vide
financial assistance to those in need. The
amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined on
the basis of the student’s and his or her family’s
financial resources and the expected family contri-bution.
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 supported
programs and attends their classes through the 60%
point of the term. The student must maintain Finan-cial
Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
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 main-tains
eligibility requirements for federally supported
programs and attends their classes through the 60%
point of the term. The student must maintain Finan-cial
Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
This grant is available to Federal Pell Grant recipients
that are enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours
Financial Aid
Student Information
15
or more) in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree pro-gram
or in a two-academic year program acceptable
for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree. The recipi-ent
must have completed a rigorous high school pro-gram
of study and must be a recent high school grad-uate
within the last two years. A student may receive
only two ACG awards, one for the first (freshman) and
second (sophomore) academic years. If a first year
student, the recipient cannot have been previously
enrolled in an undergraduate program. To receive
these funds for the second year, the student must
have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average
on a 4.0 scale during the first academic year.
ACG is a grant and does not have to be repaid as
long as the student maintains eligibility require-ments
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.
Federal College Work-Study Program
(Federal/Institutional)
Gaston College participates in the college work-study
program, which provides on campus work opportuni-ties
for students needing financial assistance to at-tend
school. Work is available in the library, faculty
offices, administrative offices, laboratories, shops,
and building and ground maintenance. Students
working under this program are paid monthly for the
work performed. To be considered for the work-study
program, and to determine the number of hours per
week a student 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) academic progress.
STATE-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
North Carolina Student Incentive Grant
Legal residents of North Carolina who are en-rolled
full-time and maintain satisfactory academic
progress may apply for the North Carolina Student
Incentive Grant (NCSIG). Students must demon-strate
“substantial financial need.”
The NCSIG program is administered in North
Carolina by the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). Details of the application process are
available from high school guidance counselors and
from the Financial Aid Office. Application deadline is
March 15 each year for the following academic year.
North Carolina Community College Grant
The North Carolina Community College Grant is a
need-based grant established by the NC Legislature
to provide funds to help meet the educational costs
of North Carolina residents attending community
colleges. Legal residents of North Carolina who are
enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in an eli-gible
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.
The North Carolina Community College Grant
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 (FAFSA) each
year they attend school. Details of the application
process are available from the Financial Aid Office.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship
program was created by the 2005 North Carolina
General Assembly to provide needed assistance to
North Carolina students attending eligible colleges
and universities located with the state of North
Carolina. Legal residents of North Carolina who are
enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in an eli-gible
program and maintain Satisfactory Academic
Progress requirements of the institution they attend
may apply. Students with a bachelor’s degree are
ineligible. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholar-ships
are not available for summer sessions.
Financial Aid
Student Information
16
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 (FAFSA) each
year they attend school. Eligibility and awards are
determined annually. Details of the application pro-cess
are available from the Financial Aid Office.
North Carolina Student Loan Program for Health,
Science, and Mathematics
This program was formerly known as the North Caro-lina
Medical Student Loan Program, and it is oper-ated
as a Special Program Department of the North
Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. To be
eligible for the loan, students must be legal residents
of North Carolina who are enrolled full-time in degree
programs oriented toward careers in health, math-ematics,
or science. Students may apply for this loan
through the NC Education Assistance Authority. Stu-dents
may attend a North Carolina post-secondary
institution or eligible out-of-state institution. Award
recipients are chosen according to major, academic
capabilities, and financial need. Further information
is available from the Financial Aid Office.
Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program
(NESLP)
The North Carolina General Assembly created this
program in 1989 in an attempt to alleviate a nursing
shortage and is administered by the North Carolina
State Education Assistance Authority.
NESLP awards are available to North Carolina resi-dents
that are enrolled in the LPN or the RN pro-gram.
Awards are based upon financial need and
other factors such as academic performance. The
repayment of the loan may be forgiven by working
as a nurse in North Carolina. NESLP recipient rec-ommendations
are made by the Office of Financial
Aid based on information from the Gaston College
Nursing Department and data from the student’s
financial aid application.
Nurse Scholars Program
The Nurse Scholars Program is a competitive, merit-based
scholarship/loan program available to stu-dents
who have chosen to enter the nursing profes-sion.
This program was created in 1989 by the North
Carolina General Assembly to address the shortage
of trained nurses practicing in North Carolina. An
11-member Nurse Scholars Commission selects
recipients for the award on the basis of superior
academics, leadership potential, and desire to prac-tice
nursing on a full-time basis in North Carolina.
Recipients must be US Citizens and North Carolina
residents. Students must plan to enter a nursing
program at one of the North Carolina colleges, uni-versities,
or hospitals that offer nurse education
programs which prepare students for licensure as
a Registered Nurse (RN). Recipients are selected
based on information received from the Gaston
College Nursing Department. Financial need is not
a criterion.
The Nurse Scholars Program is administered by
the North Carolina State Education Assistance
Authority. Applications may be received from any of
the participating colleges offering nurse education
programs, counselor offices in the high schools in North
Carolina, and from the North Carolina State
Education Assistance Authority.
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 exem-plify
the membership philosophy of credit unions,
“People Helping People”, and have demonstrated
leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and
community involvement. The recipient is selected
without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religious
preference, age, national origin or disability. The
committee recognizes the individual most deserv-ing
of an opportunity to attend college. Recipients
are selected by the Gaston College 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 NC Com-munity
College System. To qualify as a candidate for
this scholarship, a person must be a full-time stu-dent
enrolled in the second year of a two-year techni-cal
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 Scholar-ship
Committee. To be considered for this scholar-ship,
students must complete a Gaston College
Scholarship application.
Financial Aid
Student Information
17
Gaston College Foundation Scholarships
The Gaston College Foundation, Inc. offers a variety
of scholarships for Gaston College students. Foun-dation
scholarships are often established through
donations from clubs, individuals, businesses, and
other foundations. Donors will often assist in estab-lishing
the criteria for awarding foundation scholar-ships.
Applicants are considered for all scholarships
for which they qualify. To be eligible for a Gaston
College Foundation scholarship, applicants must
satisfy all Gaston College admissions requirements
including any required placement tests for their
program of study and complete a Gaston
College Foundation Scholarship Application and the
FAFSA. Completed applications must be received by
March 31 each year for the following academic year.
Contact the Foundation at 704.922.6511 for a
complete list of individual scholarship criteria. A
list of the Gaston College Foundation Scholarships
is also available on the Gaston College website at
www.gaston.edu/admissions/admfinaid.html.
Other Gaston College Scholarships
Gaston College has established academic schol-arships
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 appropri-ate
application for the Management Honors (Aca-demic)
Scholarship or Careers Scholarship. These
applications must be signed by the student’s high
school counselor. Completed applications must be
received by March 31 for the following academic
year.
Management Honors (Academic) Scholarship
These scholarships are designed for high school se-niors
who have demonstrated academic excellence
and plan to attend Gaston College. These scholar-ships
are not based on need. To be eligible applicants
must have maintained a “B” average (3.0 on a 4.0
scale) or better during high school, must present evi-dence
of expectation of high school graduation, and
plan to attend Gaston College full-time. Applicants
must satisfy all requirements for their proposed pro-grams
of study. Applicants must be from Gaston and
Lincoln counties. 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 en-gineering
technologies or industrial technologies
majors and who satisfy all entrance requirements
for their proposed programs of study at Gaston Col-lege.
These scholarships are not based on need. To
be eligible for these scholarships, applicants 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 technologies or industrial technolo-gies.
Applicants must be from Gaston and Lincoln
counties. Scholarships are renewable for a second
year provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade
point average while enrolled at Gaston College. Ca-reer
Scholarships the award are not to be extended
beyond three semesters for a diploma program or
five semesters for a degree program. Off-campus
co-op semesters are not included in the scholarship.
VETERANS INFORMATION
Gaston College is approved by the Department
of Veteran Affairs (DVA) to offer VA educational
benefits. Students who are eligible to receive
veterans’ benefits should contact the Veterans
Affairs Office located in the Myers Center on the
Dallas Campus and complete the necessary forms
before benefits can begin.
Students who are eligible for VA benefits should sub-mit
a copy of their class schedule each semester to
the VA Office. It is the student’s responsibility to
follow college and/or Department of Veteran Affairs
regulations. Failure to do so may put the student
in repayment. Gaston College’s Veterans Affairs
Office must be notified of any schedule changes. If
a student changes his or her program of study, the
student must complete and submit a Petition for
Major Change form to the Records and Registration
Office and complete and submit the appropriate
DVA forms to the Veterans Affairs Office.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
The state of North Carolina may provide financial
assistance for students who have physical or mental
disabilities learning disability, or emotional impair-ment.
Interested students should contact their local
Vocational Rehabilitation Office for further informa-tion.
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.
Financial Aid
Student Information
18
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT/CONTINUING
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
As a non-credit arm of the college, Economic and
Workforce Development, has the flexibility to offer
short-term courses, broad-based programs, and
various services to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln
counties.
For information and current schedules related to
Economic and Workforce Development/Continu-ing
Education, visit the Gaston College website at
www.gaston.edu.
Childcare Workforce Development
The Childcare Workforce Development Program
assists childcare providers with their advising and
registration needs. The objective of this program is
to allow childcare providers the opportunity to be
advised and to be registered for classes without
leaving their workplace.
Community Education Programs
Community Education offers a wide range of cours-es
from occupational to personal interest. We also
are able to offer customized classes for industry
and other groups. We are the approved provider for
the Safety and Health Council’s defensive driving
classes that are approved in the Gaston and Lincoln
County court system. Additionally, Community Educa-tion
offers computer classes during the day. Classes
are available at Gaston College's three campuses
located in Dallas, Belmont and Lincolnton, North
Carolina. Community Education also offers over 400
Internet-based courses, many of which are approved
for teacher renewal. Our classes are convenient,
affordable, and high-quality. For additional informa-tion,
visit www.gaston.edu.
Corporate Education
Corporate Education provides customized train-ing
for businesses in Gaston and Lincoln Counties.
This training is designed to help businesses meet
their goals and remain competitive in the global
marketplace. Examples of customized 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 includ-ing
forklift safety, confined space, and Hazwoper.
Courses are taught by certified instructors. For a
complete listing of Corporate Education courses visit
www.gaston.edu/conted/services.php.
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 recognizes
the fact that one of the most important factors for
a business or industry considering locating, expand-ing,
or remaining in North Carolina is the presence
of a well-trained workforce. The Customized Train-ing
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 simultane-ously
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 Manufac-turing,
Technology Intensive (i.e., Information Tech-nology,
Life Sciences), Regional or National Ware-housing
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 installations located in North Carolina.
To receive assistance, eligible businesses and indus-tries
must demonstrate two or more of the following
criteria:
• Making an appreciable capital investment;
• Deploying new technology;
• Creating jobs, expanding an existing work-force,
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 eligi-ble
for training delivered by Gaston College. The use
Educational Programs
Student Information
19
of Customized Training funds requires that trainees
are paid by the company for all time during training
hours.
Criminal Justice Academy
The Criminal Justice Academy serves regional crimi-nal
justice agencies by offering a wide range of pro-fessional
courses to maintain and supplement their
specialized training needs. These courses include:
State Mandated In-Service Training Courses:
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Firearms Training and Qualification; Legal
Update; Juvenile Minority Sensitivity Train-ing;
Interactions, Communications, and
Understanding; Career Survival; Leader-ship
and Mentoring; Domestic Violence;
Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) Relationships.
TELECOMMUNICATOR:
Elder Abuse Awareness and the Telecom-municator,
Tactical Dispatch: An Over-view,
Handling Difficult Callers.
In-Service Training Course - Topics of Choice:
LAW ENFORCEMENT
JMST: The System and Options, Court-room
Testimony, Active Shooter: Practical
Refresher, Human Trafficking, Dealing
with the Older Driver, Arrest, Search and
Seizure.
TELECOMMUNICATOR:
Effectively Working Through Major Events,
Healthy Living for Telecommunicators,
Shift Work: Effective Coping Skills for Tele-communicators.
Certification/Recertification Courses:
Radar Operator, Time-Distance Operator,
Radar/Time-Distance Operator, Chemical
Analyst Certification, Drug Recognition Expert
(DRE), Detention Officer Certification, General
Instructor Training, Animal Control Officer Basic
Training.
Specialized Training Courses:
First Line Supervision, Comprehensive Road-side
Interdiction, Standardized Field Sobriety
Testing, Rapid Deployment: Immediate Re-sponse
to an Active Shooter, Law Enforcement
Driving, SWAT Training, Patrol Rifle, Advanced
Patrol Rifle, High-Risk Warrant Service, Firearm
Skills for Female Officers, PRISim (Simulator)
Use of Force Training, TASER Training, Oleo-resin
Capsicum (OC) Aerosol Spray, School Re-source
Officer Training, Bloodborne Pathogens,
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT).
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education
The EMS Education program is approved by the
North Carolina Office of EMS and leads the region
in providing an Associate Degree in Emergency
Medical Science – Paramedic, emergency medi-cal
services education and training for EMS de-partments,
volunteer and career first responders,
healthcare agencies, schools, business, industry,
and the public. The Department for EMS Education
provides initial and renewal certification education
for Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician, EMT-Intermediate,
and Emergency Medical Responder.
Additional EMS Education courses include EMS
Instructor Methodology (Level I EMS Instructor),
EMS Education Administration (Level II Instruc-tor),
International Trauma Life Support, Prehospi-tal
Trauma Life Support, Advanced Medical Life
Support, Geriatric Emergency Medical Services, and
Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals.
Gaston College is also an approved American Heart
Association (AHA) Training Center offering CPR, First
Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Advanced Cardiac Life
Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, ECG, and
Pharmacology.
Fire and Rescue Training
Gaston College leads the state in the delivery of Fire
and Rescue Training. The program assists local mu-nicipal
and volunteer fire departments and rescue
squads in the overall training of firefighter and res-cue
personnel. Certification training is delivered in
cooperation with the 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-Levels I & II, Technical Rescue, Res-cue
Technician, Rescue Technician Specialist, and
Emergency Driver/Operator & Pumps, and Aerial Op-erations.
Courses are offered on the Dallas Campus,
at the Regional Emergency Services Training Center,
and at various off-campus locations throughout
Gaston and Lincoln counties.
Educational Programs
Student Information
20
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 including
fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency medi-cal
services. The primary intent of the RESTC is to im-prove
the training and level of expertise within emer-gency
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 cam-pus.
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 struc-ture
is the largest of its type in the United States.
The burn structure houses a pitched-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 bedroom ranch style house was
added in 2004. 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 fitness center lo-cated
at the RESTC. The center also operates a mo-bile
Swede Flashover Survival training unit which is
used for firefighter survival training on campus and
across the southeast. For more information, visit the
RESTC website at www.gaston.edu/fire/.
Industrial Emergency Response Team and Fire
Brigade Training: Gaston College’s RESTC spe-cializes
in Nuclear Fire Brigade and High-Risk Re-sponse
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 customized pro-grams
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.
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, stu-dents
must attend the New Student Orientation. New
Student Orientation schedules are available on the
college’s website at http://www.gaston.edu/gaston/
conted/BSP_Orientation_01252011.pdf.
Students ages sixteen and seventeen who have
been in school for at least six months must complete
a Minor Student Application which can be obtained
in the Pearson Life Skills Building.
Life Skills programs include the following:
Adult Basic Education Program/General Edu-cation
Development (ABE/GED): The ABE com-ponent
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 reading,
writing, speaking, computation, and critical think-ing.
The Life Skills department maintains ABE/
GED classes at the Dallas and Lincoln Campuses,
as well as at other sites throughout Gaston and
Lincoln counties. For additional information call
704.922.6322 or 704.748.1047.
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 are offered
during the day and evening at the Dallas and dur-ing
the day at Lincoln Campuses. For additional
information call 704.922.6319 or 704.748.1045.
Compensatory Education (CED): CED provides
instruction to help mentally handicapped adults
develop skills and abilities necessary to obtain
employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Courses
are offered in the areas of community living skills,
consumer education, health, language, math,
social science, and vocational education. For
additional information call 704.922.6320.
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 infor-mation
call 704.922.6318.
GED Testing: GED Testing is designed to measure
academic skills in reading, writing, 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 in-formation
call 704.922.6321.
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
Educational Programs
Student Information
21
participants develop a positive attitude and self-concept
as well as upgrade the level of education
needed to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employ-ment.
Many of the classes are tuition-waived for
qualifying adults and are available at convenient lo-cations
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 assis-tance
in business planning, marketing, accounting,
personnel, financing, and management concerns
relating to small business. For more information,
refer to the Small Business Center webpage at
http://startabiz.gaston.edu.
Teacher Renewal Program
The Gaston College Teacher Renewal Program
responds to the needs of educators offering a great
variety of innovative and effective courses designed
to maximize student learning. Courses are offered at
various times, and online at any of our three loca-tions.
Each course offers Continuing Education Units
for renewal of a North Carolina Teaching Licensure.
Economic and Workforce Development/
Continuing Education Repeat Policy
Students are limited to two enrollments in the same
state-supported occupational course within a five-year
period. Students may enroll more than two
times, but must pay the regular registration fee per
contact hour rather than the regular course fee.
(Exception: Enrollment in courses for a certificate is
not restricted by the repeat policy.)
General Education Competencies
Upon successful completion of any associate degree
program at Gaston College, students will demon-strate
the following general education competen-cies:
Competency 1: Use computers and other
educational technologies to achieve
academic and work-related goals.
Competency 2: Communicate non-verbally by
reading analytically and writing fluently.
Competency 3: Analyze problems and make
logical decisions.
Competency 4: Examine the arts/humanities
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 en-richment
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 discovery
and reflection, a sense of community, and an aware-ness
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 maintain a GPA of
2.5 or higher and must graduate with either a di-ploma
or degree. Students should check with the
Dean’s Office in their division to learn if their pro-gram
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 parallel those
offered during the first two years at four-year insti-tutions.
Students who transfer from Gaston College
pursue majors such as Agriculture, Anthropology,
Architecture, Art, Business Administration, Commer-cial
Art, Design, Education, Engineering, English,
Fine Arts, Foreign Language, History, Mathematics,
Music, Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Ministry, Phar-macy,
Psychology, Science, Sociology, Textiles, and
others. Students may complete a 44-hour Diploma
in Arts (DA) or Diploma in Science (DS) or a 64-65
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 Cooperative Education (COE) or ACA course of
one semester hour of credit may be included in a
65 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 advi-sor
about course selection prior to registration. Only
with approval of the appropriate dean may students
substitute courses for those specifically required
for graduation and courses outside the area of spe-cialization.
Students are responsible for the proper
completion of their academic programs based upon
the requirements stated in the Gaston College
Catalog in conjunction with the current schedule.
College Transfer
Student Information
22
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 trans-ferring
students to research their prospective senior
institution. Students may contact the counseling de-partment
of Gaston College or the admissions office
at the college to which they plan to transfer for infor-mation
and guidance on transfer of credits. Although
faculty, staff, counselors, advisors, and administra-tors
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 system
have developed a Comprehensive Articulation Agree-ment
(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 considered
to have fulfilled the institution-wide, general educa-tion
requirements of UNC schools to which they are
admitted and will be admitted as Juniors. Foreign
language and physical education requirements of
receiving institutions must still be met.
Transfer students from Gaston College who have
completed the 44 hours of general education class-es
(core classes or Diploma in Arts or Diploma in
Science) with a C or better in each class will be con-sidered
to have fulfilled the institution-wide, general
education requirements of UNC schools. The general
education core is a set of 44 semester hours (S.H.)
that specifically includes approved courses in the
following:
AA AS
English Composition 6 SHC 6 SHC
Humanities/Fine Arts 12 SHC 9 SHC
Social Behavioral
Sciences 12 SHC 9 SHC
Natural Sciences 8 SHC 8-12 SHC
Math 6 SHC 8-12 SHC
TOTAL 44 SHC 44 SHC
Transfer students from Gaston College who have
not completed the 44 hours of general education
classes (core classes) with a C or better in each
class or who have not graduated will have to meet
the general education requirements of the receiving
institution. These students will have their transcripts
evaluated on a course-by-course basis by the receiv-ing
universities.
The North Carolina Independent Colleges and
Universities have adopted a parallel version of the
CAA (ICAA). The following private colleges and uni-versities
in North Carolina honor the ICAA: Barton,
Belmont Abbey, Bennett, Brevard, Campbell, Cataw-ba,
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 ac-cepted
as the first two years of a four-year program.
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 NC 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
Student Information
23
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
College Transfer Programs
• Associate in Arts - A10300A **
For students intending to major in disciplines
such as:
Art Education
Business Administration
Business & Marketing Education
Criminal Justice
Elementary Education
English
English Education
Health Education
History
Middle Grades and Special Education
Political Science
Psychology
Social Science Secondary Education
Sociology
• Associate in Science - A10300S **
For students intending to major in disciplines
such as:
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Mathematics Education
Physics
Pre-Engineering - A1040D
• Associate in Fine Arts - A10200
For students intending to major in disciplines
such as:
Architecture
Art Therapy
Computer Art/Design
Fashion Design
Graphic Design
Illustration
Interior Design
Photography
Studio Arts
Visual Communications
Web Design
• Associate of General Education - A10300
(Non-transfer degree)
• Diploma in Arts - A10300A **
• Diploma in Science - A10300S **
Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs
• Accounting - A25100
• Architectural Technology - A40100
• Automotive Systems Technology - A60160
• Biomedical Equipment Technology - A50100
(Collaborative with Caldwell CC & TI)
• Biotechnology - A20100
• Broadcasting & Production Technology -
A30120
• Business Administration - A25120
• Human Resources Management - A2512C
• Logistics Management - A2512E
• Civil Engineering Technology - A40140
• Computer Engineering Technology - A40160
• Computer Information Technology - A25260
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology -
A50210
• Computer Programming - A25130
• Criminal Justice Technology - A55180
• Criminal Justice Latent Evidence - A5518A
• Dietetic Technician - A10300DT*
• Early Childhood Education - A55220
• Electronics Engineering Technology - A40200
• Emergency Medical Science - A45340
• Emergency Medical Science -
Bridging Program - A45340
• Emergency Preparedness Technology -
A55420
• Fire Protection Technology - A55240
• General Occupational Technology - A55280
• Health and Fitness Science - A45630
• Human Services Technology - A45380
• Information Systems Security - A25270
• LPN-ADN Track - A10300LR*
• Legal Office Administration - A2537A
• Mechanical Engineering Technology - A40320
• Standard Option
• Mechatronics Option
• Medical Assisting - A10300MA*
• Medical Office Administration - A25310
• Networking Technology - A25340
• Nursing (Associate Degree) - A10300AN*
• Office Administration - A25370
• Paralegal Technology - A25380
• Therapeutic Massage - A10300TM*
• Veterinary Medical Technology - A10300VT*
• Web Technologies - A25290
Diploma Programs
• Accounting - D25100
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration Technology -
D35100
• Automotive Systems Technology - D60160
• Broadcasting & Production Technology -
D30120
• Civil Engineering Technology - D40140
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology -
D50210
• Cosmetology - D55140
• Early Childhood Education - D55220
• Electrical/Electronics Technology - D35220
• Electronics Engineering Technology - D40200
• Industrial Systems Technology - D50240
• Mechanical Engineering Technology - D40320
• Medical Transcription - D25320
• Office Administration - D25370
• PN (Practical Nursing) - A10300PN*
• Therapeutic Massage - A10300TM*
• Welding Technology - D50420
Programs of Study
Student Information
24
Certificate Programs
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration - Cooling -
C35100A
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration - Heat Pump -
C35100B
• AC/Heating & Refrigeration - Heating -
C35100C
• Accounting - Financial Accounting - C25100C
• Accounting - Managerial Accounting -
C25100D
• Architectural Technology (CAD) - C40100A
• Automotive Engines & Power Trains -
C60160A
• Automotive Fuel & Electrical Systems -
C60160B
• Basic Law Enforcement Training - C55120
• Broadcasting & Production Technology Audio
- C30120A
• Broadcasting & Production Technology Video
- C30120B
• Broadcasting & Production Technology Audio
Video - C30120C
• Business Administration - Human Resources
Management - C2512C
• Business Administration - Logistics
Management - C2512E
• Business Administration - Logistics Manage-ment
- Export Operations - C2512EA
• Business Administration - Retail
Management - C25120A
• Business Administration - Small Business
Management - C25120B
• Civil Engineering Technology - C40140
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
– Manual and CNC Turning - C50210A
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
– Manual and CNC Milling - C50210B
• Computer-Integrated Machining Technology
– CNC and CAM - C50210C
• Computer Programming - C25130
• Computerized Accounting - C25100A
• Dietary Manager - C45310*
• Early Childhood Education - C55220C
• Early Childhood Education
(Childcare Administration) - C55220B
• Early Childhood Education
(Infant/Toddler Care) - C55290
• Early Childhood Education
(School-Age) - C55220D
• Early Childhood Education
(Special Needs) - C55220E
• Electrical/Electronics Technology - C35220
• Electronics Engineering Technology - C40200
• Federal Income Tax - C25100B
• Human Services Technology - C45380
• Human Services Technology Work with
At-Risk Youth Certificate – C45380A
• Industrial Systems Technology - C50240
• Industrial Systems Technology /
Industrial Safety - C50240B
• Information Systems Security - C25270
• Information Technology (General) - C25260
• Lateral Entry - C55430
• Legal Office Administration - Basic - C2536AA
• Legal Office Administration - Intermediate -
C2536AB
• Mechanical Engineering Technology - C40320
• Mechanical Engineering Technology -
Mechatronics Option - C40320A
• Medical Office Administration (Basic) -
C25310A
• Medical Office Administration (Intermediate) -
C25310B
• Medical Office Administration -
Medical Billing & Coding - C25310C
• Networking Technology - C25340
• Nursing Assistant - C45480*
• Office Administration - Basic - C25370A
• Office Administration - Intermediate -
C25370B
• Phlebotomy - C45600*
• Truck Driver Training - C60300
(Applications submitted through Caldwell
CC & TI only)
• Web Technologies - C25290
• Welding - Level I - C50420A
• Welding - Level II - C50420B
Non-Degree
• College Special Studies - T90990
(Personal interest class)
• Visiting Students – T90990V
(Students Visiting from Another College)
• Huskins Class (High School Students) -
T90970
• Dual Enrollment (High School Students) -
T90980
• Learn and Earn Online
(High School Students) - T90920
• Health Transfer - A10300HT
• Non-Destructive Examination Technology -
T90990ND
• Undecided - A10300U
NOTES:
* Allied Health Technology programs require an
additional application process within each
division.
** Students will automatically be re-classified
upon meeting divisional eligibility criteria.
Programs of Study
Student Information
25
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION
The Developmental Education Program provides stu-dents
with the opportunity to build academic skills
and acquire the background that should facilitate
success in their desired curriculum program. Appli-cants
to degree, diploma, and certificate programs
are required to complete the COMPASS Placement
Test which provides placement information for read-ing,
English, and math. Once the 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 register for certain courses with-in
their desired curriculum if those courses do not
require completion of one of the developmental
courses as prerequisite.
Developmental courses include basic college prepa-ratory
courses in reading, writing, and mathematics.
In addition, the program offers a study skills class
that teaches strategies for successful learning.
Students placing into two or more developmental
classes should also take College Study Skills.
Developmental Education Courses
Credit
ENG 080 Writing Foundations 4
ENG 090 Composition Strategies 3
ENG 090A Composition Strategies Lab 1
RED 070 Essential Reading Skills 4
RED 080 Intro to College Reading 4
RED 090 Improved College Reading 4
MAT 060 Essential Mathematics 4
MAT 070 Introductory Algebra 4
MAT 080 Intermediate Algebra 4
SCI 090 Skills for the Sciences 3
Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC)
The Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC), estab-lished
in 1996, is designed to provide students with
opportunities for academic and personal growth.
The center is committed to the philosophy 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 suc-cessful
completion of a single course.
GCLC services are available to a diverse constituen-cy.
The program places primary emphasis on serving
the needs of students “at risk” in the college environ-ment.
These students traditionally include those who
are economically and educationally disadvantaged,
disabled, or under-prepared and students who are
members of non-traditional or minority groups. How-ever,
services are not limited to these groups. The
GCLC actively provides support to all students ex-periencing
difficulty in achieving their potential. Ad-ditionally,
faculty members may use the academic
support services to supplement their classroom in-struction
by referring students to the GCLC.
This service to the faculty also includes consultation
on students’ needs, supplementary educational ma-terials,
and additional academic support services.
The program GCLC's primary function is to provide
academic support services to the general student
population which includes the following:
1. GCLC Peer-Tutoring Services: This program
provides tutorial services in selected gen-eral
education courses for all students by
appointment or walk-in basis. The program
is staffed by tutors who have completed 12
credit hours or more (not including devel-opmental
classes). All tutors undergo initial
training and meet regularly for planning,
evaluation, and skills development. Tutoring
services are available for students having dif-ficulty
in passing a course and for students
wanting to improve course grades.
2. Help for under-prepared students: Under-prepared
students who arrive at Gaston Col-lege
need special assistance during their
first few semesters on campus and beyond.
Through the GCLC, these under-prepared
students are provided with support, special
attention, and academic tutoring. They have
special advisors among the developmental
education faculty and staff, and are pro-vided
with the resources necessary to assist
them in becoming successful, independent
learners.
Peer Tutoring Program
The Gaston College Peer Tutoring Program is a part
of the larger academic support service called the
Gaston College Learning Center. Tutorial services
are offered in core curriculum courses on a walk-in
basis. The program is staffed by paid and volun-teer
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 main-tained
on all tutoring sessions. In addition to being
knowledgeable and well-trained, tutors are also cho-sen
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
Developmental Education
Student Information
26
free service. Help is available in the area of un-derstanding
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 a
passing grade.
Peer tutoring services offer several options for stu-dents
to increase understanding of course content
and to improve performance. Tutoring is available in
the following core courses: Most math and English
classes, as well as basic computer, accounting, sci-ence,
and psychology classes. Volunteer tutoring is
available in other core courses. If a tutor is not avail-able
for a particular course, the tutor coordinator
will make every effort to obtain one if the demand
is sufficient. General tutoring is available on an ap-pointment
or walk-in basis in the Dalpiaz Student
Success Center from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Mon-day
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. Hours at this site vary from semester
to semester, but both day and evening services are
provided.
Gaston College Writing Center
The Gaston College Writing Center exists to help
students pursue their educational goals and de-velop
into intellectually mature persons, competent
writers, and lifelong learners. With a staff of profes-sional
writing coaches, all of whom have at least a
Bachelors of Arts in English, the Writing Center pro-vides
students in all degree and diploma programs
with writing help and support. Located in room 236
of the Robinson Classroom Building (RCB), the
Writing Center’s hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.to
9:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 7:30
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, during which the following
services are provided:
Drop-in Tutoring: Students can drop-in for coach-ing
during regular Writing Center hours and re-ceive
assistance on one particular assignment.
There is no commitment to work with a coach on
a weekly basis and students can drop-in several
times a semester.
Scheduled Tutoring: Students can request regular
writing coaching on a weekly basis. Faculty can
also refer students for regular tutoring. In this set-ting,
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 similar as-signments
may be assigned to one coach to work
in a small group setting. In this type of tutoring,
students will collaborate with each other and with
the coach, who serves as a guide through the writ-ing
process.
Online Essay Submission: Students can submit
their essays online to be reviewed by a writing
coach. In order to submit an essay, the student
should send the essay as a file attachment in a
Microsoft Word .doc, .docx, or .rtf (Rich Text
Format) to writingcenter@gaston.edu. In the
e-mail message, the student should also attach an
Online Essay Submission Form and provide a
short description of the assignment. Essays will be
returned to the student within 24-48 hours with
constructive feedback.
Ask a Question - Facebook: Via Facebook, stu-dents
can ask a grammar, citation or general writ-ing
question and then check back for answers as
the page is updated daily.
Ask a Question – Blackboard: Via Blackboard,
students can also post questions in a discussion
board, just like discussion boards used in online
classes. In addition, the Writing Center’s Black-board
Site includes links to resources for all types
of writing help.
Synchronous Online Tutoring: Students can
schedule an appointment to meet virtually and
collaborate with one of our coaches in real time.
To make an appointment, students can call or
e-mail the Center and schedule a time to meet
online. The student will provide his or her pre-ferred
e-mail address and will e-mail an electronic
copy of his or her essay or writing assignment to
writingcenter@gaston.edu. A writing coach will
send a chat invitation to the student’s e-mail ad-dress,
asking the student to join him or her in
Vyew, a free online tool for collaboration in real
time.
For more information about the Gaston College
Writing Center, call 704-922-2369 or send an e-mail
writingcenter@gaston.edu.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP)
Cooperative Education (co-op) is an academic pro-gram
that integrates classroom study with practical
work experience in industry, business, and public
agencies. The work experience constitutes a regular
and essential element in the educational process by
allowing students to apply their studies in a real work
environment.
Developmental Education
Student Information
27
The co-op work experience is concurrent or alter-nates
with academic studies. It is a paid or non-paid
work experience and students receive academic
credit toward degree, diploma, or certificate require-ments.
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.
Co-Op Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be
accepted into the program:
• Be enrolled in an approved co-op curriculum.
• Have a minimum 2.00 GPA depending on
program.
• Be recommended by a faculty member.
• Be approved by the Cooperative Education
office.
(Note: Enrollment in the co-op program does
not guarantee placement for every student.)
Application Procedure
Interested students must complete a Cooperative
Education application, submit a copy of their college
transcript, and speak with a member of the coopera-tive
education staff.
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 crite-ria
will be used to determine eligibility:
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
knowledge related to their academic major
AND/OR
3. The student must be receiving increased lev-els
of responsibility related to their academic
major
AND
4. The employer agrees to assist with an evalu-ation
of the student’s progress and to permit
on-the-job visits by co-op staff member.
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 effec-tively
as candidates, and aiding them in finding part-time,
full-time, temporary, or summer employment.
Some of the specific services and activities offered
are Career Day; employer campus visits; resume
writing information/workshops; interview techniques
information/workshops; and posting of part-time,
full-time, and temporary job openings on 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 deliv-ery
methods to meet the growing scheduling needs
of students throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties.
The current technologies available include two-way
interactive video and Internet-based courses.
North Carolina Information Highway
Through the North Carolina Information Highway,
Gaston College can receive courses or teleconfer-ences
from other institutions using two-way interac-tive
televisions in classrooms. Participants at the
receiving sites interact with the presenters and par-ticipants
at the originating sites. The Dallas Campus
also delivers two-way interactive classes and presen-tations
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 available
through the curriculum (credit) or continuing educa-tion
(non-credit) programs. These courses are de-signed
for students with some Internet background.
Students must have access to a computer linked to
the Internet. Students may also use the Internet-ac-cessible
computers in the Morris Library to take the
courses. For curriculum course information contact
the Distance Education office at 704.922.6515 or
for continuing education (non-credit) course informa-tion
visit www.ed2go.com/gaston or call Community
Education, Lincoln Campus office at 704.748.1057.
THE UNIVERSITY CENTER AT
GASTON COLLEGE
The University Center at Gaston College was estab-lished
in 1990 through the efforts of Appalachian
State University, The University of North Carolina at
Charlotte, and Gaston College. Located on the Gas-ton
College's Dallas campus, the University Center
coordinates a cooperative program with various
area colleges and universities in order to bring four-year
and graduate-level classes to Gaston College in
order to make classes more accessible to the citi-zens
of Gaston and Lincoln counties. Identifying the
needs within the community and cooperation with
various senior institutions are the dominating fac-tors
that determine the classes offered through the
University Center. Most courses are offered during
evenings for the convenience of working adults.
Developmental Education
Student Information
28
Various institutions of higher learning throughout
North Carolina have participated with the Univer-sity
Center to help meet the growing need for upper
division and graduate educational opportunities for
evening students. Gardner-Webb University present-ly
offers undergraduate courses leading to a Bach-elor
of Science degree in Business Administration,
Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.
All undergraduate and graduate level courses of-fered
as part of the University Center appear in the
college’s schedule of classes published each semes-ter
and can also be accessed on the college’s web-site.
For additional information call 704.922.6482.
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 quality edu-cation
and assure compliance with state, federal, ac-creditation,
and certification directives and statutes.
Students are responsible for the proper completion
of their academic programs based upon the re-quirements
stated in the Gaston College Catalog in
conjunction with the current schedule. Faculty mem-bers,
staff members, counselors, and administrators
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 responsibil-ity
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 scheduled class hours or learn-ing
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 requirements after the published with-drawal
date, a grade of “F” may be assigned by the
instructor. Once an instructor has posted a grade,
the student 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 at-tendance
issues at any point during the semester.
Please review course-specific instructions related
to attendance to ensure compliance with stated
requirements for this class. Faculty may enforce an
alternate policy where required by divisional or de-partmental
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
student of the responsibility for the performance of
any part of the course work. The student is further
responsible for initiating any request to make up
work because of class absence. The decision to as-sist
the student with make-up work, including tests,
in every case rests with the instructor. The instruc-tor
may require verification of medical 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 op-portunity
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 rein-statement
directly to the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, who will make a final ruling upon the peti-tion.
If the request is approved, a reinstatement form
must be completed and submitted to the Records
and Registration Office.
Student Code of Conduct
All students have the right to a safe, peaceful, qual-ity,
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. The student Handbook outlines the
Student Code of Conduct. Copies may be obtained
during new student orientation, online and from the
student services office, or on the College’s website
at www.gaston.edu.
Standard of Honesty
Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, and knowingly fur-nishing
false information to the College are regarded
as serious offenses. It is expected that cases of dis-honesty
will first be considered at the department
faculty level; then the matter will follow procedures
in accordance with the Code of Student 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 enrollment
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, processes
name and address changes, and academic advisor
assignments. Specific registration information is
contained in the college’s schedule of classes.
Policies & Procedures
Student Information
29
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 provi-sions
of the Federal Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974, State of North Carolina Law,
and the State Department of Education Division of
Community College rules. These federal and state re-quirements
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 Re-cords,
provides pertinent and detailed information
concerning classification, access and release of stu-dent
records. Detailed information is also provided
in the Gaston College Student Handbook, which is
made available on the College's website at www.gas-ton.
edu. Hard copies are available upon request.
Students’ Rights to Question their Official
Student Record
Students have the right to inspect their educational
records and correct such records, if warranted. All
student records are open for inspection 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. Eli-gible
parents must provide 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) Directory
Information Records, 2) Limited Access Records, and
3) Sole Possession Records.
1. Directory Information Records includes the
student's name, address, telephone number,
major field of study or program, dates of at-tendance,
enrollment status, and degrees
and awards received. Gaston College may dis-close
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 direc-tory
information must file a written request
with the Records and Registration Office no
later than the last day of Late Registration.
This information will only be released by the
Office of the Vice President for Student Ser-vices
or a designee after the requestor has
demonstrated a legitimate need to have such
information. Otherwise, the College may dis-close
directory information for legitimate
purposes.
2. Limited Access Records pertain to the per-manent
academic records of the student,
disciplinary records, financial information,
and testing data. The college will not release
information in Limited Access Records with-out
the written permission of the student.
3. Sole Possession Records pertain to records
of instructional, supervisory, and administra-tive
personnel that remain in the sole posses-sion
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
permanent record to the following:
• Gaston College officials with a legitimate
educational interest. College officials in-clude
faculty, administrators, staff, stu-dent
employees, third parties or agents
authorized to act on behalf of the College.
A legitimate educational interest is pre-sumed
to exist if the information is neces-sary
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, disci-pline,
service or benefit such as, counsel-ing,
job placement, financial aid, health
insurance, community resources, etc.
• Authorized representatives of the Comp-troller
General's Office, the Secretary of
the Department of Education, and state
educational authorities.
• Veterans Administration officials.
• Persons or organizations providing finan-cial
aid.
• Accrediting organizations carrying out
their accrediting functions.
• Persons in compliance with a judicial or-der
or a lawfully issued subpoena.
• Persons who seek information in connec-tion
with an emergency, if in the view of
a reasonable person, the knowledge of
such information by appropriate persons
is necessary to protect the health or safe-ty
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, stu-dent
aid programs, improving instruction,
Policies & Procedures
Student Information
30
etc. These studies must be conducted in
a way that will not permit the personal
identification of students and their fami-lies
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 agen-cies
in accordance with federal, state,
and local laws, policies, and procedures.
Individuals or agencies not outlined
above may obtain student record informa-tion
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 transcripts.
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 stu-dent
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 request for a
change of address should be submitted in writing to
the Records and Registration Office. Change of Ad-dress
forms are available in the Records and Reg-istration
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.
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 may change their designated program by
meeting with an ad