Introduction

About This Catalog

This catalog contains both academic and general information and Gateway Community College’s policies at the time of publication. Each student is responsible for becoming thoroughly familiar with the catalog and the rules, regulations, and program requirements it contains. A student has the right to be graduated by the College under the conditions and requirements contained in the catalog in use at the time of initial registration. A student may elect to graduate under the conditions and requirements of a program contained in a subsequent catalog. However, in no case will a student be permitted to use requirements for graduation from more than one catalog.

About the College and our Students

Gateway Community College (GCC) provides the residents and businesses of the Greater New Haven area with innovative educational programs and social and cultural opportunities at its locations in New Haven and North Haven. On July 1, 1992, the New Haven location at Long Wharf, formerly known as South Central Community College, combined resources with Greater New Haven State Technical College in North Haven. This merged institution is one of twelve public community colleges in Connecticut.

In the academic year 2018-2019, the College served the educational needs of 9,800 full- and part-time students through 120 academic programs or program options that lead to a certificate or to an associate degree in arts, science, or applied science. There were approximately 1,500 more students enrolled in non-credit courses and Workforce Development programs. Courses are offered at convenient times for both full- and part-time study during the day, evening, and Saturdays. The College’s 530 full- and part-time faculty members and 185 staff are committed to continuing the proud tradition of the institution. According to the Fall 2018 data, our student-faculty ratio remains at 16:1. In fall 2018, females comprised 59.2% of the College enrollment; 62.4% of the students are ehnic minorities, and 70.5% attend GCC on a part-time basis. The average student age is 26. We look forward to serving the residents and businesses of South Central Connecticut.

In Academic Year 2017-2018, 40% of graduates chose to continue their studies at a four-year institution.  The four top universities where our students earned acceptance were Southern Connecticut State University, University of Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, and Quinnipiac University.  Furthermore, 54.2% of our graduates from 2015 through 2017 were found ‘employed’ immediately after graduation, according to the state department of labor statistics.

The downtown campus offers all credit and non-credit courses towards associate degrees and certificates in academic and career programs. The North Haven location currently houses our Automotive programs. All degree programs are transferable to four-year colleges and universities. Curricula have been designed with local employment needs in mind. Developmental courses in English, reading, and mathematics are offered to enhance student academic skill levels. English as a Second Language courses are also offered.

The community also benefits from Gateway’s numerous credit-free offerings. The Office of Business and Industry Services and the Workforce Development Institute provide workforce development, business development and technology transfer programs.

Courses and programs are offered in response to the educational, economic, and socio-cultural needs of the region.

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023.  Here are some important facts students need to know:

• The final commencement ceremony for Gateway Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
• As part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023, will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the GCC location.
• Students beginning Associate degree programs in the Fall 2021 should plan with their advisor/program coordinator to attend full-time if they wish to graduate prior to the planned merger.
• Students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2022 would be anticipated to complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College.
• In all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential.
• Further details can be found and will be updated on the Freqently Asked Questions page: http://www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics

Mission and Purpose

The College community adopted the following mission statement in February 1997:

Gateway Community College offers high-quality instruction and comprehensive services in an environment conducive to learning. We respond to the changing academic, occupational, technological, and cultural needs of a diverse population.

To realize this mission, Gateway Community College:

Offers a broad range of credit and credit-free liberal arts and sciences, technical, and career associate degree and certificate programs and courses leading to transfer, employment, and lifelong learning;

Encourages student success and inclusion through stimulating learning opportunities, innovative teaching, support services, and co-curricular activities;

Supports economic development through partnerships with business, industry, government, and our community by providing workforce development, business development, and technology transfer;

Strengthens our community through the sponsorship of intellectual, cultural, social, and recreational events and activities;

Engages students and community members as active, responsible leaders.

Accreditation

Gateway Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NECHE indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is addressed through accreditation.

Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by NECHE should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803
(781) 425-7785
e-mail: info@neche.org

Program Accreditations

The Automotive Program - General Motors (ASEP) is certified by the ASE Education Foundation Inc.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Program is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400 or (800) 877-1600; www.eatright.org.

The Radiation Therapy and Radiography programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, www.JRCERT.org; mail@jrcert.org.  The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355-113th Street, N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354 www.caahep.org. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) is a non-profit organization in existence to establish, maintain, and promote quality standards for educational programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043; www.jrcdms.org.  

(Recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, and the American Society of Radiologic Technology). The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), located at 820 W. Danforth Road, #B1, Edmond, OK 73003, (405) 285-0546; fax: (405) 285-0579 or mail@jrcnmt.org.

The Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor Program is approved by the Connecticut Certification Board, a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Telephone: 404-975-5000; www.acenursing.org.

The Early Childhood Education Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs, 1313 L Street, N.W., Washington DC 20005.

The Early Learning Center is accredited by the National Association Education for Young Children (NAEYC) Early Learning Program Accreditation Council.

Licensure

Curricula are approved and licensed by the Board of Governors for Higher Education in the state of Connecticut. The state of Connecticut, Department of Education, Veterans Education Division, approves the College’s programs for the education and training of veterans under provisions of Section 1775, Chapter 36, Title 38, USC.

ATM Machines

An ATM machine is located in the North building, 1st floor entrance.

Cafeteria

While classes are in session, food service is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., and on Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Special hours are posted when classes are not in session. Hot and cold sandwiches, salads, side dishes, soups, and soda are available. Snacks and beverages are also available from vending machines.

Early Learning Center Preschool

Telephone: (203) 285-2131

Weather Hotline: (203) 285-2610

The Early Learning Center, located on the first floor of the College, is a fully licensed, NAEYC accredited preschool program for young children open five days a week during the school year. The stimulating learning environment is based on the belief that each child is an individual and should be allowed to develop at his or her own pace, thus it is centered on the interests, needs, and abilities of its participants. A variety of experiences encourages children to think, analyze problems, and arrive at logical conclusions. To accomplish this, the Early Learning Center provides three curriculum models: Child Development, Modified Montessori, and Diversified Creative Curriculum. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are included in the program.

The center’s hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The weekly cost to students enrolled for a minimum of three credits at Gateway Community College is $170 per week for full time preschool; the community rate for non-students is $275 per week for full-time preschool. The School Readiness Grant provides a sliding scale fee for New Haven residents.

For more information, contact Sarah Chambers, Director at (203) 285-2132.

Parking

Individual Type and Parking Garage Access:

• Credit Students: Parking access for registered credit students will begin two weeks before the start of classes and end the day of finals
• Summer Session Students: parking access will begin the first day of class and end the last day of class for the sessions for which they have registered
• Winter Session Students: parking access will begin the first day of class and end the last day of class for the sessions for which they have registered
• Non-Credit (CCE) Students: parking access will begin the first day of the course and end the last day of course for which they have registered
• Faculty & Staff: parking access is granted based on active employee dates
• Student Employees: parking access is granted based on active employee dates
• Affiliated Staff: parking access is granted based on inputted field in Banner. Manual deactivation will be required.

Reserved parking:

• Available on the first level and designated spaces on second and third levels of the Gateway garage, for full-time faculty and staff only
• Eligible faculty/ staff must display their parking hanger or will be ticketed
• Part-time faculty and staff will park in remaining Gateway Garage spaces or in the Temple Street Garage

Visitor Parking

• Anyone visiting the college for business before the semester begins will be considered a visitor.
• Visitors will park in the Temple Street Garage and receive a ticket.
• Tickets will be validated by Gateway at the Security areas.

Cards are valid for the hours of Garage Operation (see below)

Hours of College Parking Garage Operation

Spring and Fall Semesters

Winter Intersession and Summer - Reduced daily hours/No Saturdays or Sundays

Traffic violations are punishable by fines and/or towing of vehicles at the owners’ expense. Parked vehicles that create a hazard, impede traffic flow or restrict parking will be tagged and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

Fines are payable in the Business Office within one week of issuance. Failure to pay fines will result in a hold on student registration for future courses until the fine is paid.

All violations are subject to appeal throughout the Traffic Appeals Committee. Request for appeal should be made through the Dean of Administrative Affairs at (203) 285-2021.

Cancellation of Classes

Weather Hotline: (203) 285-2049

Occasionally classes are cancelled or delayed due to extreme weather conditions or other emergencies. In such cases the College notifies local radio and TV stations as soon as the decision is made to cancel classes. These stations include: WICC-AM 660, WEZN-FM 99.9, WELI-AM 960, WEBE-FM 107.9 and WKCI-FM 101.3, WTNH Ch.8, WTIC Ch. 3 & 30. In general, it is best to assume that classes will remain in session unless a specific announcement is made to cancel classes and/or close the College. For the most up-to-date information, receive emergency notification by enrolling in the myCommnet Emergency Alert System found on the GCC webpage at www.gatewayct.edu.

Notification of Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request amendment of an education record that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask an appropriate College official to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. The student should write to the College official, clearly identify the part of the record he or she wants changed, and specify why he/she believes it is inaccurate. The College will notify the student of the decision. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

NOTE: FERPA is not intended to provide a process to question substantive judgments that are correctly recorded. For example, the right of challenge does not allow a student to contest a grade in a course because the student believes that a higher grade should have been assigned.

3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA permits disclosure without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A “school official” includes but is not limited to the following: a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement and security personnel, counseling and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent or official of the National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the Board of Trustees who is authorized to act on its behalf; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities.

FERPA also permits disclosure of education records without consent in connection with, but not limited to:

• To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena;
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency;
• To officials of another school, upon request, in which the student seeks or intends to enroll;
• In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid;
• To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, to state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs;
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions;
• To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the College;
• The results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime.
• Directory information as defined in the policy of the Board of Trustees.

4. The right to refuse to permit the College to release directory information about the student, except to school officials with a legitimate educational interest and others as indicated in paragraph 3 above. To do so, a student exercising this right must notify the Office of Registrar in writing [location to be inserted by each College]. Once filed, this notification becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs the College, in writing, to remove it.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Colleges to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605

Directory Information

The Board of Trustees designated the following as directory information: student names and addresses, dates of attendance, full vs. part-time student status, awards and honors and graduation date. For purposes of access by military recruiters only, telephone listings and, if known, age, level of education and major are also designated as directory information.

Colleges may disclose directory information without prior consent, unless a student has exercised the right to refuse to permit the College to release directory information in accordance with paragraph 4 above.

Uniform Campus Crime Report

Gateway Community College herein complies with the State of Connecticut’s Uniform Campus Crime Report, CT General Statute 10a-55a, and the Federally Mandated Clery Act, both of which mandate the annual publication of a Uniform Campus Crime and Clery Annual Security Report, and establishes a process for raising awareness of safety on college campuses. Broader awareness of campus safety issues and procedures at Gateway Community College is the first step toward improving the public safety of the college community. Gateway Community College, in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws, will notify all current students and employees of the annual Uniform Campus Crime and Clery Annual Security Report availability on the College’s website, GatewayCT.edu. A hard copy of the report can be obtained from the Gateway Community College Department of Public Safety.

Information Technology Resources Policy

The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) System provides information technology resources (IT resources) to faculty, staff and students for academic and administrative use. IT resources may also be available to members of the college community through college libraries and websites. This policy applies to all users of IT resources.

IT resources include, but are not limited to, computers and peripheral hardware, software, networks, databases, electronic communications and Internet connectivity. CSCU IT resources are the property of the Board of Regents. Use of such resources is a privilege and is subject to such IT policies, standards and procedures as may be promulgated from time to time.

IT resources shall be used solely for legitimate and authorized academic and administrative purposes, and in furtherance of CSCU mission and goals. They shall not be used for personal purposes, including monetary gain. Use of IT resources may be monitored by the appropriate CSCU authority to ensure proper and efficient usage, as well as to identify problems or to check for security violations.

Any unauthorized or illegitimate use of IT resources may subject the user to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion, as well as loss of computing privileges. Users must comply with all applicable state and federal laws and may be subject to criminal prosecution for violation thereof under state and federal laws.

The Board of Regents President is authorized to promulgate necessary and appropriate IT policies, standards and procedures, including but not limited to those affective acceptable uses of IT resources, electronic communications and network security. Colleges shall ensure that users of IT resources are aware of all IT policies, standards and procedures, as appropriate.

Computer Use Policy of Gateway Community College

This Computer Use Policy governs all computer users at Gateway Community College and outlines the acceptable use of its computer resources. The policy has been formulated in accordance with the state of Connecticut, Department of Information Technology acceptable use policy, Connecticut software management policy and Connecticut General Statute 53, sections 451-453 and in accordance with the BOR Acceptable Use Policy, which can be viewed at http://www.ct.edu/files/it/BOR_IT-001.pdf

Violation of this Computer Use Policy may result in a loss of access privileges as well as college disciplinary and/or legal action.

Scope

This policy applies to all users of Gateway Community College’s computing equipment.

Objectives

This policy:

Establishes user responsibilities;
Defines acceptable use; and
Defines inappropriate use of computer resources.

User Responsibilities

Computer users must be mindful of the impact of their activities on computing resources, network resources, and other users. The holder of either a network or Banner account is responsible for his/her actions and activity within his/her account. If a violation of the computer use policy is suspected, the College reserves the right to examine any of Gateway Community College’s owned or operated computer resources, communication systems, and/or files.

Lab Assistants’ Responsibilities

Oversee the College’s open labs and uphold the Computer Use Policy

Assist students who are currently enrolled in Gateway classes

Monitor and report to the Information Technology office any activity that appears to be inappropriate

Acceptable Uses

1. Account use, including Banner account use, by the authorized owner for authorized purposes
2. Use of computer resources in a manner that respects the right of others
3. Adhering to quotas for disk space on systems, such as e-mail
4. Use of the network in a socially appropriate manner
5. Communication and exchange of information for professional and academic development
6. Applying for administrative grants or contracts for research and/or instruction
7. Collaboration with peers at other community colleges in support of work-related activities
8. Supporting appropriate institutional communication to the college community

Unacceptable Uses

1. Use of any computer resources for commercial or for profit purposes
2. Deliberately damaging or physically misusing equipment
3. Possession of food or drink in labs or at any library workstation
4. Downloading or distributing any software from the Internet without the prior consent of the Information Technology department. Examples of such downloads include, but are not limited to, screen savers, wallpapers, games, web cams, shareware/freeware programs, and PowerPoint slides
5. Engagement in chat-rooms, instant messaging, or threaded discussions on the Internet, except for legitimate academic purposes
6. Violating federal or state law, including copyright regulations
7. Concealing or misrepresenting your name or affiliation to mask irresponsible or offensive behavior, including using other identities as your own. This is fraud
8. Viewing, downloading, or printing sexually graphic or suggestive materials, including inappropriate text files or files dangerous to the integrity of the local and wide area network. Violation of this clause can be considered grounds for disciplinary action for sexual harassment
9. Installing, deleting, or altering computer software on any computer without proper license and authorization from the Information Technology department
10. Political lobbying
11. Sharing any passwords and/or accounts
12. Malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users, infiltrate a computer or computing system, and/or damage Gateway Community College’s software
13. Sending hate mail, harassing, making discriminatory remarks, and/or other antisocial communication
14. Deliberately monopolizing computer resources to the exclusion of other users. This includes, but is not limited to, broadcasting unsolicited mailing or other messages, creating unnecessary output or printing, and creating unnecessary traffic using such tools as streaming audio, video, and game-playing on the Internet
15. Altering or manipulating another user’s data/files

The Information Technology department periodically monitors computers in all areas of the College. Be aware that e-mail messages are considered public record, and are therefore legally discoverable and subject to record retention.