Counseling and Career Development Center

The Counseling and Career Development Center office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday -Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, holidays excluded. During the summer months, Gaston College is closed on Fridays.

Please address all written correspondence to:
Gaston College                                                                              
The Counseling and Career Development Center 
201 Highway 321 South Dallas , NC 28034-1499
Phone:  (704) 922-6220
Fax:  (704) 922-2345

The Counseling and Career Development Center provides personal counseling, testing and career development services to the students of Gaston College.   In addition, the Center also provides academic advising to incoming students, as well as services to students with disabilities.  All services are free and confidential. Appointments are recommended for career counseling only. These services are also available to students at the Counseling Center on the Lincoln campus.

Academic Advising 

The Counseling Center offers assistance in advising new students, undecided major students, pre-health science students (those students not yet officially admitted into their major/program of study), and special credit/non-degree seeking students.  Returning students in a specific major/program of study are required to meet with their designated academic advisor or divisional dean's office prior to each registration period in order to review their plans and progress. 

Prior to any registration period, new students must meet with a member of the Counseling Center after completing New Student Orientation.  During this meeting, an academic advisor or counselor will discuss Gaston College program information and advise students how to interpret the results of their placement test. In addition, the student will learn how to read and follow the Schedule of Classes and receive information about registering for classes via WebAdvisor, telephone or in-person. Basic information specific to Gaston College will be provided. No appointment is necessary.

The Counseling Center also assists students who wish to change their declared programs (majors) or need their transfer credit evaluated (unofficially.) No appointment is required for these services.

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Academic Advising Resources

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ACT Testing

Gaston College offers the ACT Assessment on six national test dates each year. The Residual ACT is offered for students who are unable to test on a national date. An ACT Testing schedule is posted below. Additional information about the ACT may be found at www.actstudent.org. The ACT is required for admission consideration into the following programs: ADN program, PN program, LPN-RN program, Medical Assisting, and Phlebotomy.

2010 ACT Information

Gaston College offers the ACT Assessment on six national test dates each year. Students needing to take the ACT are strongly encouraged to register for one of these national dates if at all possible. The Residual ACT is primarily offered for students who are unable to take the assessment on a national date.

Before taking the ACT, students should take the COMPASS placement test (unless it is not required because of previous placement test scores or credits). COMPASS is required for all new students applying for admission to Gaston College. If students’ COMPASS scores place them into ENG 080, ENG 090, RED 080, RED 090, MAT 060, and/or MAT 070, it is strongly recommended that they take and pass those courses before registering for the ACT. 

National ACT Assessment (Through the June 12 session: For the assessment only- no writing: $32.00 fee if paid by regular registration deadlines, $53.00 if paid during late registration periods).

Residual ACT ($32.00 fee - seating limited to 25 examinees per session)

To register for the National ACT, go to the Counseling Center on the second floor of the Myers Center on the Dallas campus, or the second floor on the Lincoln campus to pick up a registration packet. You must fill out the required forms and send them and your payment directly to ACT. You may also register on-line at www.actstudent.org.

** Students taking the National ACT for admission to Gaston College Health Science programs DO NOT need to register for the optional Writing test**

National ACT results are mailed to the student's home address, as well as any college recipient the student indicates, in approximately 4-6 weeks.  ACT also offers the option of checking National ACT scores free of charge via the internet about 10 days after testing.  Scores may arrive later than the typical time frame for students who tested as standbys.

To register for the Residual ACT, students must go to the Gaston College Business Office and pay $32.00 and then bring their receipt to the Counseling Center on either the Dallas or Lincoln campus to schedule an appointment.  Residual ACT results are returned to the Gaston College Counseling Center in about 3-4 weeks.  Students must come to the Counseling Center in person to receive their scores. A photo ID will be required prior to obtaining scores. 

What is the difference in the Residual and National ACTs?

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ASSET

(See Placement Testing)

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ASSET/COMPASS Score Request Form

All requests for ASSET or COMPASS test result copies must be made in writing and submitted to the Counseling Center, or you may click here to print an ASSET/COMPASS Score Request Form. This form may be returned to the Counseling Center via fax at (704) 922-2345. There is NO charge for this service. The following information must be submitted:

• Your name (including previous names, if applicable)  
• Your date of birth (month, date and year)  
• The approximate test date (month and year)   
• A phone number where you can be reached   
• The name and address of the school or person where you need the score report
  to be sent   
• Indicate if you need an official or student copy of your test results  
• The signature of the student is required

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Career Counseling Services

The counseling staff provides career guidance to students who need assistance in deciding on a career direction.  Interest inventories (COPS, SDS, Ideas) and computerized assessment (DISCOVER) are available to assist students in making career decisions.  Resources are available that provide information on training, work conditions, salaries and employment outlook, resource development, and interviewing strategies.  This service is made available without charge to Gaston College students and the community.  Please contact the Counseling Center to schedule an appointment for career counseling at (704) 922-6220 (Dallas campus) or (704) 748-1051 (Lincoln campus.)

* The following career resource links are for informational purposes only. Gaston College  takes no personal responsibility for the maintenance and content of these web pages.

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College Transfer Information

The Counseling Center maintains limited materials and catalogs to assist students in transferring to four-year colleges and universities.  (Most information is now fully accessible on the individual college’s website.) It is highly advisable that a student interested in transferring should contact the four-year institution directly. However, students may obtain some information from the counseling staff.  Each fall, several representatives from four-year colleges and universities visit Gaston College to provide information to interested transfer students.  Contact the Counseling Center for further information on upcoming College visits (704) 922-6220.

Students interested in transferring to a public university in North Carolina are encouraged to visit the site for the 16 campuses of The University of North Carolina System http://www.northcarolina.edu.College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) also provides valuable information on how to plan, apply, and pay for college http://www.cfnc.org/index.jsp

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COMPASS

(See Placement Testing)

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Counseling Services

The counseling staff provides personal, career, and academic counseling to the Gaston College student body.  These services are available on a walk-in basis.  However, an appointment is advisable if you are seeking career guidance or personal counseling.  These services are also available on the Lincoln campus.  Contact the Counseling Center to schedule an appointment or for more information at (704) 922-6220 (Dallas campus) or (704) 748-1051 (Lincoln campus).

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HOBET Testing

The HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test) is required prior to official acceptance into the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Gaston College. Students are allowed to take the HOBET twice during an application period.

The HOBET is taken on a computer and has timed sections. The fee required for taking the test is $25. The total time allowed for the entire test is about 2.5 hours. Calculators are not allowed on the Essential Math Skills test. The test evaluates the following seven areas, which are essential for success in a health science program:

Essential Math Skills (30 minutes)
Reading Rate (1 minute)
Reading Comprehension for Science Textbooks (30 minutes)
Written Expression (30 minutes)
Basic Science (15 minutes)
Stress Levels (12 minutes)
Learning Styles (20 minutes)
Test-taking Skills (20 minutes)

April 2010 HOBET Dates

Steps Required to Register for the HOBET

1. Go to the Gaston College Business Office (on the Dallas or Lincoln campus) and pay $25.  Make sure to tell the cashier that you are paying for the HOBET.

2. If you are on the Dallas campus, take your receipt to the Gaston College Counseling Center (on the 2nd floor of the Myers Center) and see the Secretary to schedule an appointment.
If you are on the Lincoln campus, take your receipt to the counselor on the second floor in Room 201 in order to schedule an appointment.

You will not be registered for the test until you have completed Step #2!  Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be given a basic information sheet about the test.

 *The registration deadline for any session is 5:00 pm on the day before that session.

*All HOBET sessions will be held on the Dallas campus on the second floor of the Myers Center (Room 212).
*If you live a great distance from Gaston College, you may want to contact community colleges in your area to determine the possibility of taking the HOBET locally.  Gaston College will only accept the Form A version of the HOBET. Scores cannot be accepted from any school that permits the use of calculators on the HOBET mathematics test. If you test at another school, please request that an official copy of your scores be sent to:

Gaston  College
201 Hwy 321 South
Dallas, NC  28034
ATTN: Coordinator of Testing

*If you have any questions, contact the Counseling Center Secretary at (704) 922-6220 or the Coordinator of Testing at (704) 922-2230.

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TEAS Testing

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is given to students applying to the Gaston College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) or the LPN-RN Program.  Students are required to wait 60 days before retesting.  A composite score of 70 is required on TEAS for students applying to the ADN or LPN-RN Program. 

The TEAS is taken on a computer and your test is scored immediately upon completion.  The fee required for taking the TEAS test is $25.  Calculators are not permitted during the TEAS.  The TEAS has four timed sections:

Reading- 40 questions-50 minutes
Math-45 questions-56 minutes
Science-30 questions-38 minutes
English-55 questions-65 minutes

July and August 2010 TEAS testing

An official study guide and online practice test may be purchased at www.atitesting.com
An unofficial study guide may be found at www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.html
Steps Required to Register for TEAS

• Go to the Gaston College Business Office (on the Dallas or Lincoln campus) and pay $25.  Make sure to tell the cashier that you are paying for the TEAS.
• If you are on the Dallas campus, take your receipt to the Gaston College Counseling Center (on the 2nd floor of the Myers Center) and see the Secretary to schedule an appointment. 

If you are on the Lincoln campus, take your receipt to the Counselor on the second floor of the Main Building, Room 201, in order to schedule an appointment.

You will not be registered for the test until you have completed Step #2!  Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will be given a basic information sheet about the test.

*The registration deadline for any session is 5:00 PM on the day before that session.

*All TEAS sessions will be held on the Dallas campus on the second floor of the Myers Center (Room 212.)

Lincoln Campus Counseling and Career Development Center

The Counseling Center is located at both the Dallas and Lincoln campuses.  The Lincoln campus location provides most of the same services as the Dallas campus.  However, students are encouraged to contact the Lincoln campus regarding questions about specific services and hours of operation (704) 748-1051.

Placement Testing

Placement testing for admission to Gaston College is administered by the Counseling Center . The Counseling Center administers COMPASS (computerized testing) for most new students.  Students who may be uncomfortable with a computerized test may contact the Testing Coordinator for information on a written placement test.  The COMPASS placement test provides the College with an assessment of a student’s skills in Writing, Reading , and Mathematics/Algebra.  It is not necessary to study in advance for the COMPASS since it is not a test that students pass or fail.  The placement test is required of all students seeking a degree, diploma or certificate.   The placement test is waived only for students who meet any of the following criteria:

• Students who scored 500 or higher on the Verbal or Critical Reading portion
  of the SAT are not required to take the Writing and Reading portions of the
  placement test. Students who scored 520 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the SAT are not required to take the Mathematics portion of the placement test. Official test score results must be no more than 5 years old and they must be received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions.  
• Students who score a 21 or higher on the English portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Writing and Reading portions of the college's placement test. Students who score a 21 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the ACT will be exempted from the Math portion of the college's placement test.  
• The Writing Skills part of the COMPASS test will be waived for students who have completed the equivalent of ENG 090 or higher with a grade of “C” or higher at a prior college or university.  (Must have been taken at a regionally accredited school.) Equivalent courses are determined by the Registrar's Office.  
• The Mathematics/Algebra Skills part of the COMPASS test will be waived for students who have completed the equivalent of MAT 080 or higher, with a grade of “C” or better at a prior college or university.  (Must have been taken at a regionally accredited school.)  Equivalent courses are determined by the Registrar's Office.

After submitting an Application for Admission online, students may contact the Office of Admissions at 704-922-9214 to schedule an appointment to take COMPASS. Students who apply for admission in person will receive information about placement testing dates/times upon receipt of their application. Students may bring an approved calculator (see FAQ’s below) for use during the mathematics test. All of the mathematics problems on COMPASS, however, can be solved without the use of a calculator. Children may not stay in the testing center while you are testing and may not be left unattended outside the center. Please make childcare arrangements for the day and time you plan to test. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED ON YOUR TEST DATE, students are not allowed to test without photo identification.

COMPASS is also offered on the Lincoln and East Campuses of Gaston College.

To schedule an appointment on the Lincoln campus, call (704)748-1056 or (704)748-1051.

To schedule an appointment on the East campus (Belmont), call (704)825-3737, ext. 321.

Frequently Asked Questions about the COMPASS test:

(Q) How do I sign up to take the COMPASS test?

 *Students who wish to take the COMPASS test on the Lincoln campus should contact the Lincoln campus at (704)748-1056 or (704)748-1051 in order to schedule a test date.

(Q) I’m not comfortable with the computer or computerized tests.  Can I take a written test instead?

(A) All students are expected to try the COMPASS computerized test. The test only requires basic computer skills, and most students who are unfamiliar with a computer successfully complete the test. However, if a student still has a concern about using a computer after attempting COMPASS, other arrangements can possibly be made for a written ASSET test administration. The decision to do so is made on an individual basis. Contact the Gaston College Testing Coordinator for further information at (704) 922-2230.

(Q) If I’ve taken the test at another school, do I have to take it again?

(A)  Students will not need to take the test again if they have taken COMPASS or ASSET within the past five years.  They will just need to contact the school through which they took the test and arrange for official scores to be sent to the Gaston College Office of Admissions.  If the test was taken over five years ago, students will need to take the test again.

(A) How long it takes depends on the person taking the test. The average time for taking COMPASS is 1 ½ to 3 hours. The test is un-timed.

(A) Students will receive a printed copy of their test results immediately following the completion of the test.

(A) Yes, as long as the test scores are less than five years old.

(A)  If students’ scores are in a “re-test” range on one of the sections of COMPASS, they have the option to take that section again one time.  The Testing Coordinator will inform students at the end of their initial COMPASS session whether or not they are eligible to re-test on any sections of COMPASS and provide options to them for re-testing. Permission to re-test on sections where scores are outside of the re-test range must be given by the dean of the students’ major or the Chair of Developmental Studies.  

(A)  Students must bring a photo ID to the Testing Center , located in Room 212, on the 2^nd floor of the Myers Center.   A calculator may also be used on the mathematics portion of COMPASS.  Specific guidelines for calculator use on COMPASS can be found at http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/calculator.html.

     No food or drink is permitted in the testing room.  There is NO charge for the test.

(A)  http://www.act.org/compass/sample  provides a number of sample questions for COMPASS.  Please note that, on the Mathematics test, all students will begin on a pre-algebra level.  Depending on how they answer questions on that level, they may or may not progress to higher mathematics levels.

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Resources for Tests Not Offered at Gaston College

SAT information http://www.collegeboard.com
PRAXIS information http://www.ets.org/praxis

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Students with Disabilities

Gaston College provides consultation and support services in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Students who need reasonable accommodations, based on a documented disability, must contact the Counseling Center, on the Dallas campus, to request accommodations.  Click here for Instructions for Requesting Accommodations.

Documentation Guidelines 

• ADD/ADHD
• Learning Disabilities 
• Chronic Health/Mobility Impairments
• Psychiatric/Psychological
• Sensory Impairments
• Personal Attendant/Assistant Policy
  

Gaston College promotes self-advocacy.  Students will be advised to discuss reasonable accommodations with each of their instructors, after meeting with a counselor.  This philosophy promotes independence and develops the skills students will need in order to function successfully in the world of work.

Staff Contacts

Director of Counseling – Audrey Sherrill
(704) 922-6220
sherrill.audrey@gaston.edu

Counselor – Judy Yates
(704) 922-6221
yates.judy@gaston.edu

Counselor – Lis Doggett
(704) 922-6222
doggett.lis@gaston.edu

Counselor- Special Needs- Jay Wright
(704) 922-6224
wright.jay@gaston.edu

Counselor ( Lincoln Campus) – Gail Ford
(704) 748-1051
ford.gail@gaston.edu

Academic Advisor- Vicki Greene
(704) 922-6225
greene.vicki@gaston.edu

Admissions Coordinator for Health Programs - Jill Coy
(704) 922-6369
coy.jill@gaston.edu

Coordinator of Testing
Vacant
(704) 922-2230

Secretary, Student Services (Counseling) –Kathleen Fraley
(704) 922-6220
fraley.kathleen@gaston.edu

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Workshops for Students

The Counseling Center conducts workshops at the request of an instructor.  Previous workshop topics have included: Stress Management, Career Development, Time Management, Wellness, Test Anxiety, and Learning Styles.