Gaston College 2012-2013 Academic Catalog

2012·22.2 MB·English

by  Gaston College (Gastonia, N.C.)

Gaston College
2012-2013
Academic Course Catalog
Gaston College
Opportunities For Life
www.gaston.edu

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 cam¬
puses, 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 Charlotte Area Educational Consortium.33
About the College, Locations & Grading System.33
Phone Numbers.3 Academic Standing.36
General Information.4-5 Academic Forgiveness.37
2012-2013 Academic Calendar .6 Grounds for Student Academic Dismissal.... 38
Student Right to Know.7 Honor's Lists.38
Accreditation and Memberships.7 Catalog of Record.38
Graduation .39
ADMISSIONS.7-9
General Admission Requirements.7 STUDENT SERVICES .39-41
Curriculum Courses.7 Counseling and Career Development Ctr.39
Economic and Workforce Development Student Activities.40
/Continuing Education [Programs.9 Student ID Cards.40
University Center at Gaston College.9 College Bookstores.40
WSGE 91.7 fm Radio Station.40
TUITION, FEES AND GENERAL COSTS.10-11 Food Service/Vending .41
Curriculum Courses.10 Housing.41
Economic and Workforce Development
/Continuing Education Programs:.10 COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS.41-57
Summary of Tuition and Fees.11 Electives.41
Associate in Arts (AlOlOO).44
FINANCIAL AID.12-16 Associate in Arts Pre-Major:
General Information.12 Art Education (AlOlOA).47
Federally-Supported Programs .13 Associate in Science (A10400).48
State-Supported Programs/Scholarships .... 14 Associate in Science:
Veterans Information .15 Engineering Premajor (A1040D).51
Vocational Rehabilitation.16 Pre-Major's Guide: Associate in Arts.52
Pre-Major's Guide: Associate in Science.53
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.16-23 Associate in Fine Arts (A10200).54
Economic & Workforce Development Associate in General Education (A10300).... 56
/Continuing Education Programs.16
College Transfer Programs.20 ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S)
Associate in Applied Science Degrees.20 DEGREE PROGRAMS.58-107
Programs of Study .21-23
Associate in Applied Science Degrees .... 21 DIPLOMA PROGRAMS.107-127
Diplomas.22
Certificates.22 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS.127-154
Non-Degree Programs.22
Collaborative Programs.23 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS.155-269
Career and College Promise.23
ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF.270-287
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION.23-27 Administration.270
Student Persistence and Retention.25 Board of Trustees.270
Cooperative Education (Co-Op).26 Gaston College Foundation.270
Student Employment Services.26 Faculty/Staff. 270-287
Distance Education .27 Faculty Emeritus.287
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.27-38 INDEX .288-293
Student Responsibilities.27
Records & Registration.28 MAP/DIRECTIONS.294-296
Student Classification.29 Dallas Campus. 294
Change of Major/Program.29 Lincoln Campus.295
Registration For Curriculum Classes.30-31 Kimbrell Campus.296
Awarding of Credits.31
Awarding of Transfer Credits from Another
School.32
Transferring to Another School from
Gaston College.33
STUDENT INFORMATION
About the College
The Gaston College Catalog is a annual publication TELEPHONE NUMBERS
which lists the academic policies and procedures. In
addition, the catalog includes information on fees, Dallas Campus.704.922.6200
curriculum requirements, and courses for over 100 Admissions. 704.922.6214
programs of study, course descriptions, and a listing Bookstore. 704.922.6428
of administration, faculty, and staff at Gaston Col- Business Office. 704.922.6414
lege. Publication Notice: This edition of the catalog Campus Cafe. 704.922.6430
was published May 2012. General College informa- Class Auditor. 704.922.6347
tion and/or specific program information may have Counseling. 704.922.6220
changed 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 edition of the catalog. 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
January 1963, the college was granted a charter Technology. 704.922.6295
by the State of North Carolina, and began its first G-NET/TRiO. 704.922.2363
classes in temporary headquarters in September Health Education. 704.922.6379
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
coin 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 Kimbrell. 704.825.6278
Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing WSGE Radio. 704.922.6552
Education programs. Lincoln Campus.704.748.5200
Office of the Dean. 704.748.5200
Gaston College Campuses Bookstore. 704.748.5233
and Phone/Fax Numbers Business Office.704.748.5210
Counseling. 704.748.5209
Gaston College (Main) Kimbrell Campus. 704.825.4000
Dallas Campus Office of the Dean. 704.825.6272
201 Highway 321 South Bookstore. 704.825.6280
Dallas, NC 28034-1499 Business Office. 704.825.6255
704.922.6200 • FAX [phone] Economic and Workforce Development/
Continuing Education .704.922.6521
Lincoln Campus Office of VP for Economic and Workforce
P.O. Box 600 Development. 704.922.6476
511S. Aspen Street Community Education. 704.922.6251
Lincointon, NC 28093 Traffic School. 704.922.6353
704.748.5200 • FAX [phone] Corporate Education. 704.922.6447
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
7220 Wilkinson Blvd. Small Business Center. 704.922.6449
Belmont, NC 28012 Life Skills
704.825.4000 • FAX [phone] Adult Basic Education. 704.922.6320
Adult High School Diploma- 704.922.6319
Gaston College Website Address: www.gaston.edu or 704.748.1046
Basic Skills Classes. 704.922.6320
Also, follow Gaston College on English as a Second Language. 704.922.6318
* * Human Resources Dev. 704.922.6547
3
STUDENT INFORMATION
General Information
Mission Statement
Gaston College is an open-door public community
college, located in Gaston and Lincoln counties,
that promotes student success and lifelong learning
through high caliber, affordable, and comprehensive
educational programs and services responding to
economic and workforce development needs.
Activities in Support of the Mission
To accomplish its mission, the College:
• Provides comprehensive Associate in Applied
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 Sci¬
ence (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 re¬
quirements, prepare for the workforce, or enter
post-secondary education. • Provides services that support community
• Provides continuing education programs for economic, educational, and cultural efforts,
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 ef¬ Assembly (S.L. 1989: C. 752: S. 80), the State
fective, innovative, and professional teaching Board of Community Colleges adopted twelve (12)
practices: by frequent evaluation of instructor ef¬ performance measures to ensure the effective¬
fectiveness: and by updating methods, materials, ness of community college programs and to provide
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 website at http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/
with business and industry. Publications.
4
STUDENT INFORMATION
General Information
Performance Gaston
Measure Description Standard College
Progress of Basic A composite measure that includes the percent of 75% 90%-Met
Skills Students students progressing within a level of literacy, the percent of
students completing a level entered or a predetermined 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% 88%-Met
on Licensure colleges passing an examination required for North Carolina aggregate
All exams
and Certification licensure or certification prior to practicing the profession.
No exam met the
Exams
with pass performance
rate less measure
than 70%
Performance of The percentage of associate degree recipients and the 83% 84.7%-Met
College Transfer students who transferred with 24 or more semester hours at a
Students 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% 83%-Met
Developmental English, mathematics, or reading courses with a grade of "C" or
Courses better.
Success Rate of The percentage of students who take developmental courses 80% 90%-Met
Developmental and pass the subsequent college-level courses.
Students in
Subsequent
College-Level
Courses
Satisfaction The proportion of graduates and early-leavers who are satisfied 90% 95%-Met
of Program with the College’s programs and services.
Completers and
Non-Completers
Curriculum A composite indicator of students who complete a 65% 67%-Met
Student program or who continue enrollment elsewhere.
Retention, Gradu¬
ation and Transfer
Client Percentage of individuals who have received Small Business 90% 97%-Met
Satisfaction with Center services from a community college indicating that their
Customized expectations have been met.
Training
Notification of Nondiscrimination Right to Change
Gaston College is committed to affirmative action and The Gaston College Board of Trustees and/or
equal opportunity in employment and educational pro¬ Administration of Gaston College reserves the right
grams and activities and does not discriminate against to change at any time, and without notice, gradua¬
current or potential employees or students on the basis tion requirements, fees and other charges, curricu-
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or dis¬ lums, course structure and content, and other such
ability. Gaston College supports protections under all matters as may be within its control, notwithstand¬
applicable state and federal laws including but not lim¬ ing any information set forth in this catalog. Gaston
ited to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educa¬ College reserves the right to cancel classes due to
tion Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Reha¬ insufficient enrollment. Course offerings approved
bilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities after publication of this catalog are described in
Act of 1990, and Title II of the Genetic Information Non¬ class schedules, which are issued each semester.
discrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. Inquiries should be 2012-2013 tuition rates subject to change pending
directed to the Director of Human Resources (Employ¬ legislative action and approval.
ees) or Director of Counseling (Students), 201 Highway
321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 or call 704.922.6200.
5
STUDENT INFORMATION
2012-2013 Academic Calendar
Fall Semester 2012 April 22-26 Advising & Registration for
August 16 Late Registration Summer: New & Returning
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) Students (Ends at 12:00 p.m.
August 16-17 Student Break 4/26/13)
August 17 Convocation May 1 On Wednesday Attend Monday
August 20 First Day of Fall Classes Classes
August 30 Last Day to Drop Classes with a May 8-14 Final Exam Week
75% Refund or Audit Fall May 13 Start Summer Flex Schedule -
Semester Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. -
September 3 College Closed: Floliday 6:00 p.m.
October 8-9 Faculty/Student Break (College May 14 Pay Tuition & Fees for Summer
Closes at 4:00 p.m.) Semester by Noon/Last Day of
October 23 Last Day to Petition for Fall Class
Graduation May 15 Graduation/Grades Due
November 7-15 Advising & Registration for May 16-24 Faculty/Student Break
Spring: Returning Students
November 14 Last Day to Withdraw - Summer Semester 2013
Fall Semester May 22 Late Summer Registration
November 21 Faculty/Student Break (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
(College Closes at 3:00 p.m.) May 27 College Closed: Holiday
November 22-23 College Closed: Holiday May 28 First Day of Full/First Summer
Nov 27-Dec 6 Advising & Registration for Session Classes
Spring: New & Returning May 29 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
Students 75% Refund - First Session
December 11-17 Final Exam Week June 3 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
December 17 Last Day of Exams 75% Refund - Full Session
December 17 Pay Tuition & Fees for Spring June 10 Last Day to Petition for Summer
Semester by Noon Graduation
December 18 Last Day of Class/Grades Due June 11-20 Advising & Registration for Fall:
December 18-19 Faculty/Student Break (College Returning Students
Closes at 3:00 p.m. on 12/19) June 17 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
December 20-31 College Closed: Holiday First Session
June 26 Last Day to Drop Classes with a
Spring Semester 2013 75% Refund - Second Session
January 1 College Closed: Holiday June 27 Last Day of First Summer
January 2-4 Faculty Break Session Classes
January 2-8 Student Break July 1 First Day of Second Summer
January 7 Late Spring Registration Session
(8:00 a.m. - 6:30pm) July 4 College Closed: Holiday
January 9 First Day of Spring Classes (July 4 week is not a faculty
January 18 Last Day to Drop Classes with a student break)
75% Refund July 8-24 Advising & Registration for Fall:
January 21 College Closed: Holiday New & Returning Students
February 11 Last Day to Petition for Spring July 15 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit -
Graduation Full Summer Semester Classes
February 20 On Wednesday Attend Monday July 24 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit
Class - Second Summer Semester
February 21-22 Faculty/Student Break (College Classes
Closes at 4:00 p.m.) August 1 Pay Tuition & Fees for Fall
March 25-28 Faculty/Student Break (College Semester by Noon/
Closes at 4:00 p.m.) Last Day of Summer Classes
March 29-April 1 College Closed: Holiday August 5 Grades Due
April 2 Faculty/Student Break (College August 5-14 Faculty/Student Break
Closes at 4:00 p.m.) August 9 End Summer Flex Schedule
April 10-18 Advising & Registration for (Return to Regular Schedule
Summer: Returning Students 8/12)
April 16 Last Day to Withdraw or Audit August 15-16 Student Break
Spring Semester
6
STUDENT INFORMATION
Admissions
Student Right to Know • Transcripts from a regionally-accredited
The average rate of persistence toward degree college or university reflecting attainment
completion by students at Gaston College is avail¬ of an Associate Degree or higher
able in the Student Records Office.
*ln accordance with the new Consolidat¬
Accreditations and Memberships ed Appropriations Act of 2012 (Public Law
Gaston College is accredited by the Commission 112-74), Gaston College has eliminated
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Col¬ the COMPASS Placement Test ability-
leges and Schools to award associate degrees. to-benefit (ATB) alternative for students
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 South¬ planning to first enroll in a program of
ern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call study on or after July 1, 2012, and who
404-679-4500 for questions about the accredita¬ have NOT earned a valid high school di¬
tion of Gaston College. The Commission on Colleges ploma from a regionally-accredited insti¬
should be contacted only on matters related to the tution or a recognized equivalent (e.g.,
accreditation status of Gaston College and not for GED). As noted in the law, neither ATB
general College information. testing nor earning six credits applicable
to a degree or certificate will satisfy the
The College’s diploma, certificate. Associate, and academic qualifications for receiving fi¬
Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited nancial aid. Students who fall in this cat¬
by national accreditation boards, commissions, or egory and who wish to receive financial
service agencies. Additionally, the College is in good aid may establish eligibility by completing
standing with over 20 institutional memberships. an approved GED or Adult High School
program. Additionally, some employers,
ADMISSIONS licensing boards, and credentialing agen¬
cies may not recognize credentials from
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS non-regionally accredited high schools,
even after a student has received course
(for Curriculum Programs)
credit or completed a program of study at
Gaston College subscribes to the open-door admis¬
Gaston College.
sion policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years of
3. Submit official college and/or university
age or possess a high school diploma or equivalent
transcripts, if applicable.
to enroll.
4. Schedule and take the COMPASS Placement
Test. Students who score 500 or higher on
Associate Degree, Diploma, and
the Verbal or Critical Reading portion of the
Certificate Programs:
SAT are not required to take the Reading
For most programs of study, the following steps
portion of the placement test. Students who
should be completed prior to registration.
score 500 or higher on the Writing portion of
1. Complete and submit either an online
the SAT are not required to take the Writing
application or paper application to the
portion of the placement test. Students who
Admissions Office. Admissions applications
score 500 or higher on the Mathematics por¬
are available at any campus location or
tion of the SAT are not required to take the
online at www.cfnc.org/gastonapp.
Mathematics portion of the placement test.
2. Submit an official high school transcript to
Students who score an 18 or higher on the
the Office of Admissions at Gaston College,
English portion of the ACT are not required to
201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034-
take the Writing portion of the college's place¬
1499. In lieu of an official high school tran¬
ment test. Students who score 21 or higher
script, the following official documents will be
on the Reading portion of the ACT are not
accepted:
required to take the Reading portion of the
• Adult high school transcript
college's placement test. Students who score
• GED scores
a 22 or higher on the Mathematics portion
• Official transcript from an approved* * cor¬
of the ACT are not required to take the Math
respondence high school (see statement
portion of the college's placement test. Offi¬
below regarding non-regionally accredited
cial test score results must be no more than
high schools)
five (5) years old and they must be received
• Official transcript from Home School
and evaluated by the Gaston College Office of
(must be accompanied by a letter or card
Admissions.
issued from the NC Division of Non-public
5. Complete the online New Student Orientation
Education)
for Gaston College.
7
STUDENT INFORMATION
Admissions
PLEASE NOTE: the same as for regular curriculum students. Credits
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a earned may be applied to a degree, diploma, or cer¬
Gaston College Application for Admission at least tificate program by completing a Petition for Major
four weeks prior to start of the semester. This Change form in the Counseling Center.
ensures the applicant ample time to complete the
entire admission and enrollment process. Applicants Residency
transferring to Gaston College from another college Students who are not North Carolina residents pay
or university must submit an application and meet out-of-state tuition for credit (degree) classes. A stu¬
the admission requirements for the program of dent’s official residency status is determined at the
study they intend to pursue at Gaston College. time they complete the admissions application ac¬
Former students who have not registered for a cording to the residency policy of the state of North
two-year period are required to re-apply and meet Carolina, the North Carolina Community College Sys¬
current admissions requirements. tem, and the Gaston College Board of Trustees. In
order for a student to be considered a legal resident
Programs of Study with Additional Admission for tuition purposes, the applicant’s residency must
Requirements be established and maintained in North Carolina for
General admission to the college does not guaran¬ at least twelve months preceding the date of enroll¬
tee admission into certain programs of study. For ment. Immigrants lawfully admitted to the United
example, all of the programs of study within the States for permanent residence may establish North
Health Education division have additional admission Carolina residence in the same manner as any other
processes. These programs of study include Associ¬ non-resident.
ate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology,
Dietetic Technician, Dietary Manager, Therapeutic The legal residence of a person under 18 years of
Massage, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Nursing age is that of his or her parents, surviving parent, or
Assistant, Health and Fitness Science, and Veteri¬ legal guardian. In cases where parents are divorced
nary Medical Technology. Applicants should contact or legally separated, the minor’s domicile is deemed
the department chair within their program of study to be North Carolina for the time period that either
to ensure awareness of any additional or new pro- parent, as a North Carolina legal resident, claims the
gram-specific admission requirements. minor as a taxable dependent.
Opportunities for Students without a High School A change of address does not automatically entitle
Diploma or GED (18 years or older) a student to pay the same tuition as a North Caro¬
Applicants not having attainted a high school di¬ lina resident. A request to change one’s residency
ploma but who are 18 years of age may apply for status must be submitted to the Admissions Office
and enroll in certain certificate and diploma pro¬ prior to registration. More information on residency
grams. -These programs of study include Air Con¬ requirements may be obtained from the Office of
ditioning, Heating & Refrigeration; Electrical/Elec¬ Admissions.
tronics; Welding; and Certified Nursing Assistant I.
In addition to completing the general Gaston College International Students
admissions application, these applicants must take International students seeking admission to Gaston
the COMPASS Placement Test and complete the New College must submit, along with an admissions ap¬
Student Orientation prior to registration. Non-high plication, an official or certified copy of their high
school graduates may also register for courses as a school transcript and an official/certified copy of
Special Credit student (see statement below regard¬ any college work completed. If the original copies of
ing special credit students). However, students must these transcripts are in a language other than Eng¬
meet any course prerequisites prior to registration. lish, an official English translation is required. Stu¬
dents whose foreign transcripts cannot be evaluated
Admission for Special Credit or Visiting Students by college personnel are responsible for providing
(Non-degree Applicants) a transcript evaluation from a recognized American
Students wishing to register for credit courses but transcript evaluation agency. Proof of English profi¬
have no intention of completing a program of study ciency is required. This may be established by mak¬
will be classified as Special Credit or Visiting stu¬ ing a minimum total score of 76 (internet-based),
dents and may be admitted to credit classes with 207 (computer-based), or 540 (paper-based) on the
advisor's approval. Students registered as Special Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The
Credit or Visiting Students may earn a maximum of TOEFL is published and administered in most coun¬
15 credit hours before having to declare a curricu¬ tries by the Educational Testing Service, P. 0. Box
lum major or program of study. Tuition and fees are 899, Princeton, NJ 08541.
8