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Why GSCC? Accreditation Admissions Advisement Registration Special Exams Distance Ed Transfers Class Delays |
What kind of college is GSCC?
Gadsden State Community College is a public, open-door, comprehensive community college dedicated to meeting the changing needs of citizens in its service area. It offers the first two years of a four-year degree, a number of technical and certificate programs, and non-credit programs that include continuing education, skills training, and adult education. GSCC consists of the following campuses, centers, and instructional sites in Alabama: Wallace Drive, East Broad, and Valley Street campuses (Gadsden) and Ayers Campus (Anniston); McClellan Center; and Piedmont High School, Pell City High School, Cherokee County, Cleburne County, and St Clair Correctional Facility (IEP) instructional sites. Is Gadsden State Community College accredited? Gadsden State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane; Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone Number (404-679-4501) to award associate degrees. What are some reasons I should choose Gadsden State? Money: Alabama's two-year colleges provide the greatest educational value for the money. Two-year colleges offer the lowest tuition rates in the state. Smaller Classes and Instructors Who Really Care: Because GSCC offers classes with lower student-teacher ratios, students receive more individual attention from instructors who are concerned about student progress. Quality Instruction: Whether you are completing classes to transfer to a university, learning a technical skill, or completing non-credit courses, you will meet your educational goals. Transferability of Credits: By following the guidance of the Statewide Articulation Reporting System (STARS) and seeking on-campus advisement, you can successfully complete up to two years toward a bachelor's degree at the university of your choice in Alabama. Transferring is now easier than ever before. Student Activities: Whether you are interested in being a leader in an organization; continuing your athletic endeavors; performing in choir, band, dance, or drama; or simply finding ways to help your community and school while having fun, Gadsden State is the place for you. When is the best time to enter Gadsden State? Although many new students enter GSCC in the fall semester, you may begin your studies at the start of any term. In addition to the sixteen-week semesters, beginning in August and January (fall and spring), you have opportunities to register for mini-mesters (shorter terms) during fall, spring, and summer and to register for a ten-week term during the summer. How can I get a copy of the college catalog? E-mail a request to info@gadsdenstate.edu, call (256)549-8210 or 1-800-226-5563, or visit the campus, center, or instructional site that interests you. What classes do I have to take? Requirements for each degree or certificate are listed in the GSCC Catalog and Student Handbook, which may also be accessed online. How many clases should I take? Twelve semester hours are considered full time, but if you plan to attend only fall and spring semesters, you will need to take an average of sixteen hours per semester to complete one year of coursework. Where can I find a list of classes currently offered? A copy of the class schedule can be picked up from any GSCC campus, center, or instructional site. While new schedules are printed prior to registration for each term, copies are distributed in The Gadsden Times on a selected date. The class schedule is also on GSCC's website. Can I get help in selecting courses? Yes, and it is strongly recommended that you get assistance every semester. Faculty advisors for your selected program are available to assist you with course selections. If you have not decided on a program of study, you must confer with the counselor for undeclared majors, whose office is in Inzer Student Center. Are the same programs and courses taught at all campuses, centers, and instructional sites? No. The East Broad, Valley Street, and Ayers campuses are home to GSCC's technical division programs, a few academic division programs, and some non-credit continuing programs. Core curriculum courses are offered at all other campuses, centers, and instructional sites. Can I choose to attend the campus, center, or instructional site I prefer? You can choose to attend any GSCC campus, center, or instructional site that is offering the courses you want to take. Does GSCC offer any occupational programs? Yes. A number of vocational and certificate programs are available. What kinds of academic programs does GSCC offer? You can receive an associate in science or arts degree for most general four-year majors, which is transferable to senior colleges and universities. GSCC also offers a number of associate in applied science degree programs (two-year) and some certificate programs. (Refer to the catalog for a complete listing.) Does admission to Gadsden State depend on entrance exams? No. GSCC is an open-door community college. High school graduates, transfer students, and recipients of the GED are eligible to be admitted and to take courses required for an associate degree. Others may be admitted to certain non-degree or certificate programs. Refer to the catalog or call (256)549-8210 or 1-800-226-5563 for more details. Are any tests required? Tests are not required for admission. However, you are required to take a placement test prior to registering for classes. This test is used as an advisement tool to help you begin your writing, reading, and mathematics courses at the appropriate levels of difficulty based on your current academic skills. The test requirement may be waived for transfer students or transient students who have already completed freshman composition or pre-calculus algebra. In most cases, if you have a recent ACT score of 20 or more on the math and/or English sections, you are exempt from those portions of the placement test. Contact the Testing Center at (256) 549-8211 (Gadsden) or (256) 835-5423 (Ayers) for more information. Can I be awarded credit by examination or experience? If you achieve the required score, you can receive credit through either the Advanced Placement Program Examinations (AP) or through the College Level Examination Program General Examinations (CLEP). In addition to score requirements, certain limitations and guidelines apply to the awarding of credit by examination. Please see the GSCC catalog or contact the Testing Center at (256) 549-8211 or (256) 835-5423 for more information. For specific information concerning credit by experience, contact the Registrar's Office at (256) 549-8259 (Gadsden) or the Admissions Office at 256-835-5451 (Ayers). How much does it cost to attend Gadsden State? In-state tuition and fees for on-campus courses are $90 per semester hour. In addition to tuition, you must purchase textbooks and provide transportation to class or pay room and board fees for living in the on-campus residence hall. Where can I find information concerning scholarships that are currently available? To obtain an application or information about institutional scholarships from GSCC, contact the scholarship coordinator at 1-800-226-5563 or (256) 549-8203. If you are a high school student, you can obtain applications, if available, from your high school counselor. Other scholarships may be available from off-campus sources, such as employers or local civic organizations. Can I receive financial aid for college expenses? Financial aid is available for students who qualify. Many students attend GSCC with the assistance of the Federal Pell Grant, supplemental grants, work-study, and various scholarship programs. The GSCC Job Placement Office also assists current students, as well as graduates, as they search for full-time or part-time employment. Is it possible to work class schedules around a full-time job? Yes. Classes are offered from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Some courses are even offered on Saturdays and Sundays. You can add further flexibility to your schedule with video and Internet courses. How can I make sure I will not have trouble transferring my credits? Transferring to in-state or out-of-state four-year institutions is typically no problem if you consult an advisor each semester. Other measures that you can take to ease the transition include the following: Obtain course requirements for your major from the institution to which you plan to transfer, or if possible, discuss the requirements and any special recommendations with an advisor from that institution. You can find excellent transfer information specifically designed for students planning to transfer from Alabama's two-year colleges to Alabama's four-year institutions by visiting http://www.stars.troyst.edu. If you need assistance, visit a GSCC counselor or faculty advisor. STARS produces a personalized printable guide for course selection. Every student at Gadsden State is assigned a faculty advisor. Be sure to discuss the information you have collected from STARS with your GSCC faculty advisor. Meet with your faculty advisor prior to registering every semester to ensure that you are taking the correct courses. Names, locations, and telephone numbers of faculty advisors are available in the catalog, schedule booklet, or from the admissions and counseling staff. How do GSCC graduates rate academically after they transfer? Statistics compiled by four-year institutions in Alabama have shown that GSCC students do as well or better than students who attend four-year schools from the start. What student activities are available at GSCC? Over twenty-five student organizations provide many opportunities for students to grow and learn. GSCC students are encouraged to participate in numerous activities to help with intellectual and social development and to interact with fellow students, faculty, and other staff members to improve communication and leadership skills. In other words, have fun, meet some new friends, and improve yourself, your community, and your school as you are passing through! A list of student activities can be found in the catalog. You can also learn about campus organizations by attending Get-On-Board Day, which is held at the beginning of the fall semester. How do I obtain a parking permit? After registering for classes, visit the Information Desk in the lobby of Allen Hall to register your vehicle. After completing a vehicle registration form, you will be issued a hangtag that should be displayed in your vehicle while parked on campus. Student hangtags expire August 31 of each year. Admissions How do I apply for admission? Complete an Application for Admission form and return the form to the Admissions/Success Office on the Wallace Drive Campus, Ayers Campus, or the GSCC Anniston Center. When is the deadline for applying for admission? You are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible. Although applications are also accepted near the close of registration in any term, students who apply earlier may have opportunities to register sooner and have greater flexibility in scheduling and planning. High school students are encouraged to apply as early as possible during their senior year. Can I attend GSCC even if I did not take advanced classes in high school? Yes, you can attend classes. A placement test will help determine which English and math courses you will need to begin with, depending upon your skill level. GSCC offers math, reading, and English courses designed to get you off to a good start. Can people from another country attend GSCC? Yes. Special admission requirements apply for visa applicants. Request information from the GSCC International Student site or e-mail the International Student Office at cgray@gadsdenstate.edu. Advisement How do I contact my advisor? Your placement test results will include an advisor's office location and telephone number. You can visit your advisor in his/her office or contact your advisor via e-mail or telephone. Telephone numbers of advisors are available from the Admissions/Success Office and the Counseling Center and also on the GSCC homepage Directory Link. Will courses that I took previously at GSCC still count, even if I attended years ago? Yes. Core curriculum classes are good for an indefinite number of years at GSCC. Class Registration When and how do I register for classes? Students can register on campus on the dates listed in the catalog or schedule booklet. Online registration and telephone registration are usually two weeks before on-campus registration. You are encouraged to see your advisor before you register, especially if you are a first-time freshman. Do I have to see an advisor in order to register? It is strongly recommended that you speak with an advisor each semester before registering. Why are some classes restricted? Classes are restricted to prevent you from taking classes that you are not prepared to take. Some courses may be restricted to students who have been admitted to allied health programs, while other courses may have prerequisites. If I am on academic warning or probation, how do I register? You should contact the Registrar's Office (256)549-8259 for specific information concerning your status and registration. Can I add or drop classes after I register? How? Yes. You can add or drop classes on the dates listed in the catalog and schedule booklet. After the add/drop period ends, you can withdraw from classes through the end of the last class day before finals. Add/drop and withdrawal forms can be filled out in the Registrar's Office. How do I find out what materials are required for my courses and how do I get these materials? On the first day of class, most instructors will give you course syllabi indicating what materials are required for that course. A Barnes and Noble bookstore is located on the Wallace Drive Campus, and another bookstore, which also carries a well-stocked supply of books and school materials, is nearby. How will I know which books to purchase? The bookstore identifies books by course numbers, which are labeled on the bookshelves. You can also ask the GSCC Bookstore staff for assistance with your book selections. Distance Education Are Distance Education courses or courses via the Internet offered? Yes. Some courses are offered via the Internet. GSCC also offers video courses that require you to be on campus a minimal amount of time. How do I register for video and Internet courses? The registration procedure for video and Internet courses is the same as registration for on-campus courses. Both course formats require that you attend an orientation session, either on-campus or online (offered for Internet courses only). Check with the current college catalog or schedule booklet for tuition rates. How much ahead of time can I obtain my materials for the course? The course syllabi and tapes for video courses are available from the library on the first official day of class. Books and required study materials can be purchased in the campus bookstore anytime after registration. Course syllabi and instructor contact information can be picked up with the textbook. What if I do not have a computer to download the materials needed for the course? Video courses do not require any downloaded materials. If you plan to take an Internet course, you must have access to a computer with Internet capabilities and a valid e-mail account. Free accounts can be created through websites such as Yahoo or Netscape. E-mail addresses are necessary to establish an initial point of contact with the online instructor. Computer laboratories with Internet access are located on campus for student use. Each laboratory will have a posted schedule indicating hours of operation. If you are unable to come to the campus and you do not have computer access elsewhere, you should reconsider the Internet course option. Will I be able to set up study groups with other students? While there are no organized study group programs, you may meet other students willing to participate in a study group. How do I find out when my assignments are due? This information is usually listed in the course syllabus. How can I set up an appointment to see my instructor? The syllabus will give you information about contacting your instructor by telephone, e-mail, or alternate methods. Whom can I contact if I am having trouble getting in touch with my instructor? When you are unable to reach your instructor, you can contact the department chair or the Dean of Instructional Services. The phone number for Dr. Jim Jolly, Dean of Instructional Services, is (256) 549-8256. For Internet courses, you can reach Sara Brenizer at (256) 439-6833 or e-mailing sbrenizer@gadsdenstate.edu. How can I get extra help with course material? Contact the instructor, who may arrange a meeting or provide help over the telephone or by e-mail. Contact the office of Student Support Services at (256) 549-8375 to get specific information about available tutoring programs. When and where do I take the exam? This information is usually listed in the course syllabus. You may also contact your instructor for this information. OTHER How do I change my PIN? You can change your PIN online or go by the Admissions/Success Office if you have forgotten your PIN. What is the deadline for withdrawing from a class without penalty? How do I do it? The deadline for withdrawing without penalty is usually the last day of class before finals. You can obtain a withdrawal form from the Registrar's Office. How do I receive a refund for dropped or cancelled classes? If you are eligible for a refund, GSCC will mail your refund to the address on file in the Registrar's Office. Check the college catalog or current schedule for dates concerning refunds. For a cancelled class, you must complete a drop form in the Registrar's Office. Your refund will be processed automatically. When are my final exams? The current schedule booklet includes information about specific dates and times for finals of all classes. Can I repeat a class to try for a better grade? Yes, but both grades are used to determine your overall grade point average (GPA). Can I have a semester of bad grades deleted from my record? You may request academic bankruptcy based on guidelines listed in the catalog. How do I get a copy of my transcript? You can visit the Registrar's Office and request a copy of your transcript. Be prepared to show a picture ID. If a visit to the campus is not possible, you can send a written request that includes your name, student number, date of birth, dates of attendance, a daytime telephone number, and where to send the transcript. The letter must be signed by you in order for the request to be processed. How will I know if classes are delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions? Announcements about delays and closings will be forwarded to the broadcast stations listed below: Television NBC Channel 13 FOX Channel 6 ABC Channel 33/40 CBS Channel 42 Radio WAAX Gadsden WZZK Birmingham WJBY Gadsden WMJJ Birmingham WGAD Gadsden WAGC Centre WKXX Gadsden WDNG Centre WQSB Albertville WVOK Oxford WFHK Anniston |