Nov 21, 2024  
2019-20 Gaston College Student Handbook 
    
2019-20 Gaston College Student Handbook [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Learning, Persistence & Completion Center


 

From the first day of class to graduation, the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center (LPCC) helps students stay on track by helping them overcome any barriers, and by providing tools and strategies that will assist with academic and personal success.  For additional information go to our website at: www.gaston.edu/student-success-support-programs/. The LPCC holds fast to the idea that all students have the ability to succeed and achieve through full use of the resources and application of the strategies provided. The following programs are under the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center.

Early Alert

The Learning, Persistence & Completion Center also manages the College’s Early Alert system which utilizes the AVISO software platform. This reporting system provides a tool for staff, academic advisors, and faculty to work collaboratively concerning students’ academic performance in a course, including: attendance, homework completion, study skills, motivation, class participation, and grades. The purpose of an Early Alert is to:

• Provide feedback concerning students’ overall performance in a course

• Give suggestions/strategies for students to improve

• Enable the College to better identify and intervene with students

Student Emergency Assistance Program

The Student Emergency Assistance Program (SEAP) was developed to assist students with academic-related emergencies that typically derail their academic progress. The Gaston College Foundation raises funds to support this program. Students can apply for a maximum of $200 per academic year for an immediate academic need that is deterring their success at Gaston College. Items covered under the fund include: tuition and fees, textbooks, and academic supplies such as required kits, tools, uniforms, tests, etc. After students complete and submit the application, a staff member from the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center (LPCC) provides assistance with the application process and later informs students if they are approved. Students are asked to write a letter of appreciation to the College Foundation. Application criteria and forms can be found on the LPCC website.

TRiO/Student Support Services

TRiO/SSS is a federally funded program. TRiO/SSS provides a supportive environment where students can feel comfortable asking for help. TRiO/SSS provides the student with a one-stop shop for all academic, personal, and career needs. Eligibility for Student Support Services is based on federally defined criteria. Students who meet at least one of the following criteria are welcome to apply:

• Low Income

• First Generation

• Documented Disability

Participants must also:

• be a US Citizen

• plan to graduate from Gaston College

• not hold a bachelor’s degree

TRiO/Upward Bound

TRiO/Upward Bound is a federally funded program that supports the College’s efforts to help high school students earn their high school diplomas and attend college. The program serves high school students from low income families and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Program activities include tutoring, attending cultural events, a summer education component, and college tours. 

Learn 4 Life

This program was developed in order to help students enhance their experience and employability by earning the Learn 4 Life Award. This optional program involves hands-on learning, in-depth studies, and guidance along the way. After meeting all the requirements for the program, the student will receive recognition during graduation ceremonies. Applications for Learn 4 Life can be found online or they can be picked up at the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center.

Community Resources

It is evident that students need support beyond what the College is able to provide. Many students need food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and other basics. A manual outlining community resources is available on the College website. The manual includes the contact information and the type of support that local agencies provide. In addition, members of the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center staff visit agencies to build relationships. If you are in need of community resources, please contact the Learning, Persistence & Completion Center.

Learning Center (Peer Tutoring)

Mission Statement: In keeping with the mission of Gaston College, the Gaston College Learning Center exists to serve the needs of the students of the College as they pursue their educational goals and develop into intellectually mature persons. Students are served along a broad continuum, ranging from one tutoring session to a combination of ongoing multiple forms of support. These services may include:

  • Peer Tutoring
  • Individualized Learning Assistance
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction
  • Video Tutorials
  • Make-up Testing for many courses
  • Quiet and/or Group Study

Please call 704.922.6349 (Dallas Campus), 704.748.5236 (Lincoln Campus) or 704.922.6349 (Kimbrell Campus) for details and schedule.

Writing Center

The Gaston College Writing Center exists to help students pursue their educational goals and develop into intellectually mature persons, competent writers, and lifelong learners. With a staff of professional writing coaches, the Writing Center provides students in Gaston College programs with writing help and support.

The Dallas Campus location is in room 236 of the Robinson Classroom Building (RCB). The Lincoln Campus location is in room 202 of the Main Lincoln Campus Building (LC 202). The Writing Center’s hours of operation vary from semester to semester. Call us at 704.922.2369 for the current hours.

The following services are provided at both locations:

One-on-One: Students can schedule appointments for coaching during regular Writing Center hours and receive assistance on one particular assignment at any stage of the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising. There is no commitment to work with a coach on a weekly basis and students can drop-in several times a semester.

Regularly Scheduled Tutoring: Students can request regular writing coaching on a weekly basis. Faculty may refer students for regular tutoring. In this setting, the student will work directly with a coach on writing assignments and building basic writing skills. Most likely, students working with a coach one-on-one will commit to at least one to three hours per week for tutoring.

Small Group Tutoring: Students with a collaborative writing assignment may be assigned to work in a small group setting with a coach, who serves as a guide through the writing process.

Ask a Question - Facebook: Via Facebook, students can ask a grammar, citation or general writing question and then check back for answers as the page is updated daily.

Synchronous Online Tutoring: Students can schedule an appointment to meet virtually with one of our coaches in real time. To make an appointment, students can call or e-mail the Center and schedule a time to meet online. The student will provide his or her official Gaston College e-mail address and receive log on instructions to access tutoring. A link will be sent to the student’s e-mail address that will allow access to Blackboard Collaborate, a free online tool for collaboration in real time.

Oral Communications Lab: The Writing Center also offers an Oral Communications Lab to provide students personalized consultation and instruction on oral class assignments at any stage of development. A coach can help with oral presentations, such as public speaking, group presentations, debates, and panel discussions. We also offer one-on-one tutoring in interviewing skills, oral exams, and readings. We provide guidance on topic selection, organization, audience analysis, research, oral citation of sources, visual element design, speech apprehension, and speech and interview rehearsal with video feedback.

For more information about the Gaston College Writing Center, call 704.922.2369, send an e-mail to writingcenter@gaston.edu, or check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Writing Center webpage.