Vision, Mission, Values, Philosophy and Ethics
Our Vision
Gaston College will be viewed as the premier post-secondary educational resource in the region, consistently recognized as an exceptional community college and known in the state and nation for successful and innovative programs.
Our Mission
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.
Our Values
- Students
- Excellence
- Accessibility
- Employees
- Responsibility
- Ethical Behavior
- Public Trust
- Communities
- Cooperation and Partnerships
- Diversity
- Our College
Our Philosophy
Gaston College students, faculty and staff share a committed responsibility to nurture a mentoring, collaborative, and diverse culture of skilled lifelong learners who are empowered to succeed in a constantly changing world. Self growth and empowerment are realized through many innovative processes, including an effective balance of assessment and evaluation. Empowered people set and achieve high standards of quality, create challenges for themselves and others, and support an active learner-centered environment offering real life educational experiences.
Our Ethical Principles
- Integrity
- Competence
- Equality and Acceptance
- Honor and Trust
- Privacy
Growing To Serve
Gaston College Strategic Plan
2008-2013
Strategic Initiatives, Goals and Objectives
SERVE THE LIFELONG LEARNING NEEDS OF A DIVERSE POPULATION AND WORKFORCE
GOAL 1: Increase accessibility, availability, and delivery of educational programs to meet the diverse needs of our students, businesses, and industries.
GOAL 2: Develop new programs to meet the changing employment needs of the region.
GOAL 3: Increase student enrollment and retention to meet the growing needs of our community.
GOAL 4: Proactively increase, understand, and celebrate diversity of our region, students, faculty, and staff.
GOAL 5: Promote the development of “soft skills” necessary for students to function successfully in the workplace and community.
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PROVIDE SEAMLESS AND EFFECTIVE STUDENT FOCUSED SERVICES
GOAL 6: Ensure advising and registration processes are effective and student focused.
GOAL 7: Ensure continuous review of a comprehensive enrollment management plan.
GOAL 8: Increase campus activities and services to improve student life and community connections.
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EXPAND PARTNERSHIPS
GOAL 9: Increase partnerships with regional schools, other community colleges, and four-year institutions to provide opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals.
GOAL 10: Strengthen regional partnerships with businesses, industries, and the community to enhance educational programs and economic and workforce development.
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ENSURE QUALITY EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES
GOAL 11: Provide faculty and staff opportunities for professional development.
GOAL 12: Ensure excellence in teaching and learning.
GOAL 13: Develop strategies to ensure quality staff and faculty for the future.
GOAL 14: Comply with all standards of regulatory bodies that govern the quality of educational programs at Gaston College.
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PROVIDE THE ESSENTIAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT QUALITY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
GOAL 15: Secure the financial, facility, material, and personnel resources needed to sustain support services, educational needs, and training requirements of the community.
GOAL 16: Develop and implement a facilities master plan to guide the construction and renovation of facilities to meet the changing program needs of the region’s economy.
GOAL 17: Strengthen the college’s safety and security plan to meet changing needs.
GOAL 18: Upgrade technology to provide quality academic experiences and efficient administrative and student support services.
GOAL 19: Foster innovation throughout the institution.
GOAL 20: Secure the financial, facility, material, and personnel resources needed to support the statewide programs of the BioNetwork/BioEd Center and the Textile Technology Center.
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ENHANCE COMMUNICATION
GOAL 21: Develop a proactive, multidimensional marketing approach to enhance public awareness about programs and services.
GOAL 22: Enhance internal and external communication.
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