Gaston College 2011-2012 Academic Catalog

2011·25.5 MB·English

by  Gaston College (Gastonia, N.C.)

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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
Table of Contents
STUDENT INFORMATION.2 STUDENT SERVICES .40-41
About the College, Locations & Counseling and Career Development Ctr .. 40
Phone Numbers.3 Student Activities.40
General Information.3-5 Student ID Cards.41
2011-2012 Academic Calendar.6 Bookstores.41
WSGE 91.7 fm Radio Station.41
ADMISSIONS.6-9 Food Service/Vending.41
General Admission Requirements.7 Housing.41
Curriculum Courses.7
Economic and Workforce Development COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS.42-55
/Continuing Education Programs.10 Eligibility Criteria.42
Electives.42
TUITION, FEES AND GENERAL COSTS.10-12 Associate in Arts (A10100).45
Curriculum Courses.10 Associate in Science (A10400).48
Economic and Workforce Development Associate in Fine Arts (A10200).52
/Continuing Education Programs:.11 Associate in General Education (A10300) . 54
FINANCIAL AID.12-17 ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S)
General Information.12 DEGREE PROGRAMS.56-104
Student Responsibilities (Financial Aid) ... 13
Federally-Supported Programs.14 DIPLOMA PROGRAMS.105-122
State-Supported Programs/Scholarships . 15
Veterans Information.17 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS.122-147
Vocational Rehabilitation.17
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS.148-258
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.18-23
Economic & Workforce Development ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF.259-276
/Continuing Education Programs .... 18 Administration .259
College Transfer Programs .21 Board of Trustees.259
Associate In Applied Science Degrees.22 Gaston College Foundation.259
Programs of Study.23-24 Faculty/Staff.259-276
Associate in Applied Science Degrees .. 23 Faculty Emeritus.276
Diplomas .23
Certificates.24 INDEX .277-281
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION.25-27 MAP/DIRECTIONS.282-284
Cooperative Education (Co-Op).26 Dallas Campus.282
Student Employment Services .27 Lincoln Campus.283
Distance Education .27 Kimbrell Campus...284
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
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About the College, Locations & P'h■■■. o' ne Numbers
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The Gaston College Catalog is a annual publication TELEPHONE NUMBERS
which lists the academic policies and procedures. In
addition, it includes information for fees, curriculum Dallas Campus.704.922.6200
requirements, and courses for over 100 programs Admissions. 704.922.6214
of study, course descriptions, and a listing of admin¬ Bookstore. 704.922.6428
istration, faculty and staff at Gaston College. Publi¬ Business Office. 704.922.6414
cation Notice: This edition of the Catalog was pub¬ Campus Cafe. 704.922.6430
lished May 2011. General college information and/ Class Auditor. 704.922.6347
or specific program information may have changed Counseling. 704.922.6220
since this catalog was printed. Financial Aid. 704.922.6227
Office of the Registrar/Student Records/
Go to www.gaston.edu, click on "Quick Links", and Transcripts. 704.922.6332
scroll down to the “catalog” link to view the most Sponsorship Office. 704.922.6410
recent catalog edition. Writing Center. 704.922.2369
Academic Affairs Division Offices .. 704.922.6240
ABOUT THE COLLEGE Business & Information Tech... 704.922.6263
Celebrating nearly 50 years of service, Gaston Cooperative Education. 704.922.6212
College is one of 58 community colleges in the Educational Partnerships.704.9226297
North Carolina Community College System. In Engineering & Industrial Education
January 1963, the college was granted a charter Technologiy. 704.922.6296
by the State of North Carolina, and began its first Health Education. 704.922.6379
classes in temporary headquarters in September Industrial Technologies. 704.922.6381
1964. The college moved to its permanent cam¬ Learning Center. 704.922.6349
pus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia Liberal Arts & Sciences. 704.922.6311
two months later. Serving both Gaston and Lin¬ Libraries
coln counties, Gaston College enrolls over 6,000 Dallas.704.9226356
students each term in curriculum programs and Lincoln.704.748.1050
averages over 16,000 students annually in its Eco¬ Kimbrell. 704.825.3737, x228
nomic and Workforce Development/Continuing WSGE Radio. 704.922.6552
Lincoln Campus.704.748.1040
Education programs.
Office of the Dean.704.748.1055
Gaston College Campuses Bookstore.704.748.1075
and Phone/Fax Numbers Business Office.704.748.1053
Counseling.704.748.1051
Gaston College (Main) Kimbrell Campus.704.825.3737
Dallas Campus Office of the Dean. 704.825.3737
Bookstore .. 704.825.3737, x289
201 Highway 321 South
Dallas, NC 28034-1499 Business Office. 704.825.3737, x325
Economic and Workforce Development/
704.922.6200 • FAX [phone]
Continuing Education.704.922.6521
Lincoln Campus Office of VP for Economic and Workforce
P.0. Box 600 Development. 704.922.6476
Community Education. 704.922.6251
511 S. Aspen Street
Traffic School. 704.922.6353
Lincolnton, NC 28093
Corporate Education. 704.922.6447
704.748.1040 • FAX [phone]
Criminal Justice Academy. 704.922.6531
Kimbrell Campus Department for EMS Education .704.922.6241
& Textile Technology Center Fire and Rescue Training. 704.922.6257
Small Business Center. 704.922.6449
7220 Wilkinson Blvd.
Life Skills
Belmont, NC 28012
ABE/GED Learning Lab - Dallas 704.922.6322
704.825.3737 • FAX [phone]
ABE/GED Learning Lab - Lincoln 704.748.1047
Gaston College Website Address: www.gaston.edu Adult Basic Education. 704.922.6320
Adult High School Diploma .... 704.922.6319
or 704.748.1046
Also, follow Gaston College on
Basic Skills Classes. 704.922.6320
English as a Second Language. 704.922.6318
Human Resources Dev. 704.922.6547
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General Information
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 services that support community
• Provides continuing education programs for economic, educational, and cultural efforts, and
individual, personal, and professional develop¬ which promote cooperative relationships with the
ment and for employee education and training to community.
satisfy the skill development needs of business, • Promotes accessibility to educational programs
industry, and public agencies. through off-campus course offerings and through
• Assures quality in all educational programs distance-learning opportunities.
by measuring performance on a set of well-
established criteria and by identifying and Performance Measures
analyzing program needs. In response to a mandate from the NC General
• Assures quality instruction by establishing Assembly (S.L. 1989; C. 752; S. 80), the State
effective, innovative, and professional teaching Board of Community Colleges adopted twelve (12)
practices; by frequent evaluation of instructor performance measures to ensure the effective¬
effectiveness, and by updating methods, ness of community college programs and to provide
materials, equipment and facilities. public accountability. In 2007, the General Assembly
• Provides support services for all students, includ¬ approved modifications to the North Carolina
ing specialized services for the disadvantaged, Performance Measures and Standards, which
the handicapped and other special needs groups reduced the number to eight (8) measures. The
to enable student success. results are published annually by the North Carolina
• Promotes positive relationships with public and Community College System (NCCCS) on the NCCCS
private schools, colleges, and universities and Web page at http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/
with business and industry. Publications.
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General Information
Performance Gaston
Measure Description Standard College
Progress of A composite measure that includes the percent of 75% 85% - Met
Basic Skills students progressing within a level of literacy, the percent
Students 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.
Passing Rates The percentage of first-time test takers from community 80% 89% - Met
on Licensure colleges passing an examination required for North aggregate
and Certification Carolina licensure or certification prior to practicing the All exams
Exams profession. No exam met the
with pass performance
rate less measure
than 70%
Performance of The percentage of associate degree recipients and the 83% 89% - Met
College Transfer students who transferred with 24 or more semester hours
Students at a community colleges who had a GPA of 2.0 or higher
after two semesters at a university.
Passing Rates in The percentage of students who complete developmental 78% 82% - Met
Developmental English, mathematics, or reading courses with a grade of
Courses "C" or better.
Success Rate of The percentage of students who take developmental 80% 86% - Met
Developmental courses and pass the subsequent college-level courses.
Students in
Subsequent
College-Level
Courses
Satisfaction The proportion of graduates and early-leavers who are 90% 97% - Met
of Program satisfied with the College’s programs and services.
Completers and
Non-Completers
Curriculum A composite indicator of students who complete a 65% 70% - Met
Student program or who continue enrollment elsewhere
Retention,
Graduation and
Transfer
Client Percentage of individuals who have received Small Busi¬ 90% 93% - Met
Satisfaction ness Center services from a community college indicating
with Customized that their expectations have been met.
Training
Notification of Nondiscrimination Right to Change
Gaston College is committed to affirmative action The Gaston College Board of Trustees and/or
and equal opportunity in employment and educa¬ Administration of Gaston College reserves the right
tion, and does not discriminate against current to change at any time, and without notice, gradua¬
or potential employees or students on the basis tion requirements, fees and other charges, curricu-
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or lums, course structure and content, and other such
disability. Inquiries or complaints concerning the matters as may be within its control, notwithstand¬
college’s affirmative action/equal opportunity ing any information set forth in this catalog. Gaston
policy should be directed to the following individuals: College reserves the right to cancel classes due to
Human Resources Director or Director of Counseling, insufficient enrollment. Course offerings approved
201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-1499 or after publication of this catalog are described in
call 704.922.6200. class schedules, which are issued each semester.
2011-2012 tuition rates subject to change pending
legislative action and approval.
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2011-2012 Academic Calendar
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Fall Semester 2011 April 23-27 Advising & Registration for
August 18 Late Fall Registration Summer: New & Returning
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) Students (Ends at 12 noon on
August 22 First Day of Fall Classes 4/27)
August 30 Last Day to Drop Classes with a May 2 On Wednesday Attend Monday
75% Refund Classes
September 5 College Closed: Holiday May 4-10 Final Exam Week
October 10-11 Faculty/Student Break May 10 Pay Tuition & Fees for Summer
(college closes at 4 p.m.) Semester by Noon/
October 24 Last Day to Petition for Fall Last Day of Class
Graduation May 11 Graduation/Grades Due
November 9-17 Advising & Registration for May 14 Start Summer Flex Schedule -
Spring: Returning Students Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
November 16 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit - May 14-18 Faculty/Student Break
Fall Semester
November 23 Faculty/Student Break Summer Semester 2012
(college closes at 3 p.m.) May 17 Late Summer Registration
November 24-25 College Closed: Holiday (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
November 28 - May 21 First Day of Full/First Summer
December 7 Advising & Registration for Session Classes
Spring: New & Returning May 22 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
Students 75% Refund - First Session
December 12-16 Final Exam Week May 24 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
December 16 Last Day of Class/Grades Due 75% Refund - Full session
December 19 Pay Tuition & Fees for Spring May 28 College Closed: Holiday
Semester by Noon June 7 Last Day to Petition for Summer
December 19-20 Faculty/Student Break (college Graduation
closes at 3 p.m. on 12/20/11) June 12-21 Advising & Registration for Fall:
December 21-28 College Closed: Holiday Returning Students
December 29-30 College Closed June 14 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
First 5-week Summer Semester
Spring Semester 2012 June 21 Last Day of First Summer
January 2 College Closed: Holiday Session Classes
January 3-4 College Reopens/Faculty/ June 25 First Day of Second Session
Student Break June 26 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
January 5 Late Spring Registration 75% Refund - Second Session
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) July 2-6 Faculty/Student Break
January 5-6 Student Break Only July 4 College Closed: Holiday
January 9 First Day of Spring Classes July 9-25 Advising & Registration for Fall:
January 16 College Closed: Holiday New & Returning Students
January 19 Last Day to Drop Classes with a July 18 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
75% Refund Full Summer Semester Classes
February 10 Last Day to Petition for Spring July 25 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit
Graduation - Second Summer Semester
February 27 - Classes
March 2 Faculty/Student Break August 2 Last Day of Class -
(college closes at 4 p.m.) Summer Semester
April 5-10 Faculty/Student Break August 6 Grades Due
(college closes at 4 p.m.) August 6-15 Faculty/Student Break
April 6-9 College Closed August 7 Pay Tuition & Fees for Fall
April 11-19 Advising & Registration for Semester by Noon
Summer: Returning Students August 10 End Summer Flex Schedule
April 13 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit (Return to Regular Schedule
Spring Semester 8/13)
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Admissions
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Student Right to Know 1. Complete and submit either an online
The average rate of persistence toward degree application or paper application to the
completion by students at Gaston College is avail¬ Admissions Office. Admissions applications
able in the Student Records Office. are available at any campus location or
online at www.gaston.edu.
Accreditations and Memberships 2. Submit an official high school transcript to
Gaston College is accredited by the Commission the Office of Admissions at Gaston College,
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Col¬ 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-
leges and Schools to award associate degrees. 1499. In lieu of an official high school tran¬
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 South¬ script, the following official documents will be
ern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call accepted:
404-679-4500 for questions about the accredita¬ • Adult high school transcript
tion of Gaston College. The Commission on Colleges • GED scores
should be contacted only on matters related to the • Official transcript from an approved
accreditation status of Gaston College and not for correspondence high school
general college information. • Official transcript from Home School
along with Home School record(s)
The coliege’s diploma, certificate, and Associate and • Transcript from a regionally-accredited
Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited college or university reflecting attainment
by national accreditation boards, commissions, or of an Associate degree or higher.
service agencies. Also, the college is in good stand¬
ing with over 20 institutional memberships. ^Applicants presenting high school tran¬
scripts from non-regionally accredited
ADMISSIONS schools or institutions not recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education may
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS not be eligible for financial aid. In addi¬
tion, some employers, licensing boards,
(for Curriculum Programs)
and credentialing agencies may not
Gaston College subscribes to the open-door admis¬
recognize these credentials, even after
sion policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years of
a student has received course credit or
age or possess a high school diploma or equivalent
completed a program of study at Gaston
to enroll. Although restrictive standards for general
College.
admission to the college are not imposed, the admis¬
sion requirements vary depending on the program of
3. Submit official college and/or university
study the student wishes to pursue while at Gaston
transcripts from where credit was received.
College.
4. Schedule and take the COMPASS Placement
Test. The placement test may not be required
Associate Degree, Diploma, and
of any person who has scored 500 or high¬
Certificate Programs:
er on the verbal or critical reading section
For most programs of study, the following steps
and 520 on the math section of the SAT or
should be completed prior to registration.
who has scored 21 or higher on the English
section and 21 or higher on the math sec¬ Residency
tion of the ACT. (All test scores must be less Students who are not North Carolina residents pay
than five years old.) A transfer student who out-of-state tuition for credit (degree) classes. A stu¬
has earned a grade of “C” or higher in both dent’s official residency status is determined at the
college-level algebra and college-level English time they complete the admissions application ac¬
from a regionally-accredited institution shall cording to the residency policy of the state of North
have the test waived. The student will need Carolina, the North Carolina Community College Sys¬
to submit official documentation of these test tem, and the Gaston College Board of Trustees. In
scores or grades to the Admissions Office. order for a student to be considered a legal resident
5. Complete the online New Student for tuition purposes, the applicant’s residency must
Orientation. be established and maintained in North Carolina for
at least twelve months preceding the date of enroll¬
PLEASE NOTE: ment. Immigrants lawfully admitted to the United
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a States for permanent residence may establish North
Gaston College Application for Admission at least Carolina residence in the same manner as any other
four weeks prior to start of the semester. This non-resident.
ensures the applicant ample time to complete the
entire admission and enrollment process. Applicants The legal residence of a person under 18 years of
transferring to Gaston College from another college age is that of his or her parents, surviving parent, or
or university must submit an application and meet legal guardian. In cases where parents are divorced
the admission requirements for the program of or legally separated, the minor’s domicile is deemed
study they intend to pursue at Gaston College. to be North Carolina for the time period that either
Students who have not registered for a two-year parent, as a North Carolina legal resident, claims the
period are required to re-apply and meet current minor as a taxable dependent.
admissions requirements.
A change of address does not automatically entitle
Programs of Study with Additional Admission a student to pay the same tuition as a North Caro¬
Requirements lina resident. A request to change one’s residency
Applicants not having attainted a high school diplo¬ status must be submitted to the Admissions Office
ma but who are 18 years of age may apply for and prior to registration. More information on residency
enroll in certain certificate and diploma programs. requirements may be obtained from the Office of
These programs of study include Air Conditioning, Admission.
Heating & Refrigeration, Electrical/Electronics, Weld¬
ing, and Certified Nursing Assistant I. In addition to International Students
completing the general Gaston College admissions International students seeking admission to Gaston
application, these applicants must take the COM¬ College must submit, along with an admissions ap¬
PASS Placement Test and complete the online new plication, an official or certified copy of their high
student orientation prior to registration. Non-high school transcript and an official/certified copy of
school graduates may also register for courses as any college work completed. If the original copies of
a Special Credit student. However, they are limited these transcripts are in a language other than Eng¬
to a total of two classes and must meet any course lish, an official English translation is required. Stu¬
prerequisites prior to registration. dents whose foreign transcripts cannot be evaluated
by college personnel are responsible for providing
Admission for Special Credit or Visiting Students a transcript evaluation from a recognized American
(Non-degree Applicants) transcript evaluation agency. Proof of English profi¬
Students wishing to register for credit courses but ciency is required. This may be established by mak¬
have no intention of completing a program of study ing a minimum total score of 76 (internet-based),
will be classified as Special Credit or Visiting students 207 (computer-based), or 540 (paper-based) on the
and may be admitted to credit classes with advisor's Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The
approval. Students registered as Special Credit or TOEFL is published and administered in most coun¬
Visiting Students may earn a maximum of 15 hours tries by the Educational Testing Service, P. 0. Box
before having to declare a curriculum major or pro¬ 899, Princeton, NJ 08541.
gram of study. Tuition and fees are the same as for
regular curriculum students. Credits earned may be Once an international student is admitted to the U.S.
applied to a degree, diploma, or certificate program with F-l status, certain obligations must be met in
by submitting a Petition for Major Change form to the order to maintain that status. The international stu¬
Admissions Office. dent must continue to carry a full course of study.
This is defined as undergraduate study at a college
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