About Gaston College

• Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan
• Governance
• History of the College
• Performance Measures
• Consumer Information
• Gainful Employment
• Notice of Nondiscrimination
• Right to Change
• Student Right to Know
• Accreditations and Memberships
• Hours of Operation
• Frequently Contacted Offices

Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan

For over 50 years, Gaston College has maintained a tradition of excellence through its commitment and dedication to student success. This tradition begins with a strong Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan, and is further supported by the College’s Values, Educational Philosophy, and Ethical Principles.

Vision

To provide innovative student learning opportunities to create momentum for economic and social success.

Mission

To educate and care for people.

Activities in Support of the Mission

• Provides comprehensive Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs designed primarily to prepare students to enter the workforce.
• Provides diploma and certificate programs consisting of a sequence of courses that frequently can be completed in one year or less by full-time students. These programs are intended for individuals seeking employment in a specific occupation.
• Provides Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation Degree (A.A.T.P), Associate in Science Degree (A.S.), Associate in Science Teacher Preparation Degree (A.S.T.P), Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (A.F.A.V.A.) Associate in Engineering (A.E.), or Associate in General Education-Nursing (AGE-Nursing) degree programs primarily designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university.
• Provides developmental education to prepare students for entry into a degree, diploma, or certificate program.
• Provides adult literacy, English as a Second Language, and high school diploma or equivalency for students seeking to improve basic skills, complete high school requirements, prepare for the workforce, or enter post-secondary education.
• Provides continuing education programs for individual, personal, and professional development 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, technology, equipment, and facilities.
• Provides support services for all students, including services for students with disabilities and other special needs to support student success and completion of academic goals.
• Promotes collaborative relationships with school systems, colleges and universities, and with business and industry.
• Promotes positive relationships with the community and provides services that support economic, educational, and cultural efforts.
• Promotes access to educational programs through off-campus offerings and through distance-learning opportunities.

Values

Integrity / Accountability:
We place public trust and honesty at the center of all interactions with accountability for our actions and decisions.

Student Success:
We are committed to the success of every student, as evidenced by a faculty and staff who invest themselves in the lives of our students and our communities.

Excellence:
We believe in setting high standards and expectations that empower faculty and staff to help students achieve their goals.

Learning:
We believe in conveying knowledge and skills through exemplary teaching that expands minds and changes lives.

Innovation:
We strive to create dynamic and innovative solutions in all facets of our work.

Equity / Diversity:
We believe in the principles of respect, equity, and access, and that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond that strengthens the College.

Collaboration / Partnerships:
We strive to be a leader and partner in building strong and vibrant relationships with businesses, industries, stakeholders, school districts, transfer institutions, and community organizations.

Ethical Principles

• Integrity
• Competence
• Equality and Acceptance
• Honor and Trust
• Privacy

Institutional Philosophy

Gaston College students, faculty and staff share a committed responsibility to nurture a mentoring, collaborative, caring, and diverse culture of skilled lifelong learners who are empowered to succeed in an ever-changing world. Self-growth and empowerment are realized through many innovative processes, including an effective balance of assessment and evaluation, challenging ourselves and others to support a caring learner-centered environment.

Strategic Priorities & Goals (2023- 2026)

Strategic Priority #1 | Student Recruitment and Enrollment
Strategic Goal #1: Gaston College is committed to enhancing its marketing efforts, improving recruitment strategies, and supporting students through the enrollment process, ultimately attracting and enrolling a diverse and engaged student body.

Strategic Priority #2 | Student Access and Success
Strategic Goal #2: Gaston College is committed to enhancing student access, success, and inclusivity in high-quality educational programs, ultimately empowering students to achieve their educational goals.

Strategic Priority #3 | Partnerships and Community Engagement
Strategic Goal #3: Gaston College is committed to establishing strong partnerships, actively engaging with the community, and creating meaningful opportunities for students, alumni, and the public to contribute to the college’s mission and success.

Strategic Priority #4 | Organizational Development
Strategic Goal #4: Gaston College is committed to continuous improvement through organizational and employee development.

Strategic Priority #5 | Finance and Operations
Strategic Goal #5: Gaston College is committed to optimizing fiduciary and operational strategies to ensure long-term success and stability.

Strategic Priority #6 | Organizational Infrastructure
Strategic Goal #6: Gaston College is committed to investing in its operational infrastructure to enhance the working and learning environment.

Governance

The official governing body of Gaston College is the Board of Trustees of Gaston College, which consists of 15 members appointed by various agencies and government positions including the Gaston County Board of Education; the Gaston County Board of Commissioners; the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners; and the Governor of the State of North Carolina. The president of the College’s Student Government Association is also a member. Regular board members serve a team of four years commencing on July 1. Standing Committee include the Finance and Facilities Committees and the Campus Affairs Committee. The Board of Trustees generally meets monthly, but not less than quarterly. Meetings are typically held in the Myers Center Multipurpose Auditorium located on the Dallas Campus.

For more information about the Board of Trustees of Gaston College, please visit Governance.

History of the College

Gaston College was granted a charter by the State of North Carolina in 1963 and began its first classes in temporary headquarters in September 1964. The college moved to its permanent campus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia two months later. Serving both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls over 5,000 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 16,000 students annually in its Continuing Education programs. Part of the North Carolina Community College System, Gaston College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.

The twelve major buildings that comprise the Gaston College Dallas campus contain approximately 450,868 square feet and have an estimated current value of $41,385,862. There is an efficient road system and parking for more than 2,000 cars. College facilities (including a 480-seat auditorium) are available for public use and may be scheduled through the Office for Finance and Facilities. Gaston College is a commuter institution and does not have dormitories or housing for rent.

Key Historical Dates

February 8, 1963
The State of North Carolina grants the College its charter under the provisions of the 1957 Community College Act at the direction of the North Carolina Board of Higher Education.

September 23, 1964
The first classes begin at a First United Methodist Church on a temporary basis. A total of 19 faculty members were hired and 445 students had been accepted.

November 27, 1964
The College moves to the new Dallas Campus although the buildings were not completely finished.

May 31, 1965
The first graduating class holds its commencement ceremony.

July 1, 1965
The newly founded College merges with Gaston Technical Institute and the Gastonia Industrial Education Center and was chartered by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the State Board of Higher Education.

November 1967
The College receives accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

January 1, 1981
The College begins to operate its Dallas (main) campus as a two-year community college under the newly formed North Carolina Board of Community Colleges.

2024
The College celebrates its 60th year.

Performance Measures

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 effectiveness of community college programs and to provide public accountability. Modifications to the North Carolina Performance Measures and Standards were made in 2007 and 2012, reducing the number to eight (8) measures. In 2016, the measures were modified, reduced to seven (7) and were adopted by the General Assembly through section 10.1 of S.L.2016-94. Recommendations from the most recent review were approved in 2018. The results are published annually by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) on the NCCCS Web page at http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/analytics. 

Consumer Information

Gaston College is committed to providing prospective and current students, parents, and employees with information on a variety of topics as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. Please visit our Consumer Information webpage for links to information about financial aid, price of attendance, refund policy, student diversity, disability services, Title IX, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP), Annual Security Report (ASR), and much more. The Consumer Information webpage is a one-stop shop of important information about Gaston College.

A paper copy of the required disclosure information is available upon request by contacting Student Affairs at 704.922.6217 or the Office of Financial Aid at 704.922.6227.

Gainful Employment

Gainful Employment was rescinded by Gaston College in 2019.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Gaston College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, or veteran status.

Inquiries regarding equal opportunity should be directed to: Chief of Staff (Employees) or Vice President for Student Services (Students), 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 or call 704.922.6200.

Right to Change

The Gaston College Board of Trustees and/or Administration of Gaston College reserves the right to change at any time, and without notice, graduation requirements, fees and other charges, curriculums, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, notwithstanding 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. 2023-2024 tuition rates subject to change pending legislative action and approval.

Student Right to Know

The Student Right to Know Act requires an institution that participates in any student financial assistance program under Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) to disclose information about graduation rates to current and prospective students. The average rate of persistence toward degree completion by students at Gaston College is available in the Student Records Office and is also available on the Consumer Information webpage. The College also complies with the other reporting requirements of the Federal Right to Know and Campus Security Act.

Accreditations and Memberships

Gaston College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of 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, Associate, and Applied Science Degree Programs are accredited by national accreditation boards, commissions, or service agencies. Additionally, the College is in good standing with over 20 institutional memberships. Students with institution or program accreditation questions should contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Hours of Operation

Please email or call the office you need assistance from before visiting campus (see the Frequently Contacted Offices section in the Catalog and Student Handbook).

FREQUENTLY CONTACTED OFFICES