Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Resources and Services



Athletics

Goldey-Beacom College offers a well-balanced athletic program for men and women in eleven intercollegiate sports. All students are encouraged to participate in intercollegiate programs at GBC. Our athletics teams have the opportunity of competing in conference, regional and national championships as full members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC). Many of the schools in our conference (CACC) are extremely competitive and strive for national attention. For additional information on a specific team, refer to the webpage www.gbcathletics.com.

Campus Safety

The College’s Pledge to a Safe Environment

Goldey-Beacom College is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all students, and seeks to maintain a safe environment that is free from all forms of assault, harassment and discrimination. Any form of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated by the College.

Sexual harassment is defined by law, and includes any unwanted sexual gesture, physical contact, or statement which a reasonable person would find offensive, humiliating, or would interfere with required tasks or career opportunities at the College. Sexual harassment is not only a clear violation of College policy, it is a form of discrimination, and it is illegal. Students are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the Education amendments.

Bullying can take many forms but, in general, must be a deliberate attempt to make another person feel badly. This deliberately hurtful behavior, usually repeated over a period of time, makes it difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. It could be by threatening them, hurting them physically, frightening them or intentionally upsetting them. It involves someone having negative power over the person who is being bullied. Bullying typically happens often, not just once.

Awareness of the types of bullying is necessary

  1. Physical (e.g. pushing someone whenever they are encountered, intentionally bumping them)
  2. Extortion (e.g. demanding payment in money or in-kind)
  3. Gesture (e.g. giving someone “evil” looks, or obscene gestures)
  4. Exclusion (e.g. not allowing another to be part of a group or activity)
  5. Verbal (e.g. spreading stories or gossip about another person)
  6. Cyberbullying (where information technology is used as a means of communicating verbal and emotional bullying, e.g. text message; mobile telephone pictures/video clips; mobile telephone calls; email; chat rooms; instant messaging; websites including blogs; and social networking sites)

Other discrimination and harassment prohibited by law, includes any verbal or physical conduct toward another that is based on an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental and /or physical disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected category or characteristic, and that (1) unlawfully creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning and/or working environment or (2) unlawfully interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance. Threatening, intimidating, or engaging in hostile acts that create a hostile environment based on an individual’s category or characteristic may constitute unlawful harassment, whether the harasser is a co-worker, supervisor, student, faculty member, contractor, or agent of the College.

Sexual assault is any unwanted non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, whether by an acquaintance or a stranger. Sexual assault can occur under physical force and/or coercion or when a person is physically or mentally unable to give consent. Sexual assault includes but is not limited to rape, forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, sexual assault with an object, sexual battery, and forcible fondling (i.e., unwanted touching or kissing of a sexual nature).

Sexual offenses may involve force or may be non-forcible. In either case, Goldey-Beacom College is prepared to take immediate and appropriate action regarding any allegation of sexual offense. This will include a thorough investigation, careful documentation, and extreme confidentiality for both the alleged victim and the accused. This may result in various outcomes – internal judicial sanctions, notification of law enforcement, or even expulsion. The College recognizes that sexual assault has medical, psychological, social, sexual, and legal implications for the victim. As such, sexual assault, as well as other crimes including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and rape, cannot and will not be tolerated in the College community in any form. Sexual misconduct in any form violates College policies within the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as Federal and State laws. Goldey-Beacom College is prepared to take immediate and appropriate action regarding any allegation of sexual offense. Any violations of sexual misconduct are subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to immediately report any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or sexual offense, including but not limited to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape or stalking. Delays in reporting can result in the inability to effectively investigate the incident. During daytime hours on weekdays, an event should be reported to the Student Affairs Office (302-225-6332), or Campus Security (302-547-0988). If the victim is an employee, Human Resources (302-225-6233) and Campus Security should be notified. During evenings and weekends, Campus Security should immediately be contacted. It is important to save any evidence of the offense - clothing, bedding, condoms, or any other item that may indicate the perpetrator. The victim of an alleged attack should not bathe or shower until the situation can be evaluated by professionals trained to deal with sexual offense. A victim of a sexual offense has the option of contacting or not contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency, and if unable to do so, staff will assist in doing this if requested.

Campus Security

The College maintains a professionally trained security staff which makes regular patrols throughout the grounds and buildings. Security cameras are installed throughout campus to enhance student safety. There are cameras in the hallways, at the entrance and exit points, and around the exterior of all College buildings. Additional information pertaining to security may be obtained through the Student Affairs Office at (302) 225-6332.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 20 U.S.C. § 1681 and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (1972).

Title IX prohibits sexual misconduct, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other behaviors where gender- or sex-based. Every employee of the College who receives a complaint or learns of sexual assault, harassment, or gender discrimination must report the incident. The College is obligated under Title IX to investigate the incident, to take action to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. This is the case even if the alleged victim requests that no action be taken or declines to report the incident. To ensure a complete and fair investigation, some level of disclosure may be necessary. The College will comply with requests for confidentiality to the extent possible. All complaints or reports of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking are handled as possible Title IX violations.

Career Services

The Career Services Office provides individual career and employment assistance to students and alumni. Areas of focus include self-assessment; help with cover letters, resumes, and interview technique, and opportunities to connect students to employers. While enrollment at Goldey-Beacom College or registration with Career Services is no guarantee of employment or placement, participation in Career Services programs clearly leads to a successful job search. Through the use of job postings, resume workshops, career fairs, internships, and mock interviews, each graduating class has posted outstanding placement results within months of graduation. Register with Career Services so they can help prepare you for your job search.

The Career Services Office makes appropriate job search materials and career development services available to students through the following resources:

  • Interactive Job Search Website: Goldey-Beacom College’s online job board through College Central.com where students/alumni and employers connect for internships and employment opportunities.
  • Career Assessment Software Programs: computerized programs geared to help job seekers obtain information regarding careers and occupations.
  • Your Career Plan: a step-by-step guide which covers skills assessment, cover letters, writing the resume and interview preparation.
  • GBC Career Services Bulletin Board: A visual source of employment opportunities updated regularly.
  • Current Publications: Career-Related Handouts and Information, material located in the Career Services Office which enhances, supports, and updates basic employment material.
  • Internship Program: a program designed to provide juniors and seniors with “hands on” experience in the workplace while receiving academic credit.
  • On-Campus Recruiting: One-on-one interviews with area employers held throughout the academic year.
  • Career Fairs, and Internship Fair: job search events held every Fall and Spring which provides students with networking opportunities with access to Human Resource personnel and current information on local employers.
  • Career Development Seminars and Workshops: Programs held throughout the academic year focusing on networking, professional appearance, interviewing skills and career exploration.
  • Career-related Videos and Books: Videos and printed matter dedicated to enhance and visually explore career development and interviewing techniques located in the J. Wilbur Hirons Library, Career Information Center.

For additional information on the services available and for updates on the career development activities scheduled throughout the academic year, please visit the website www-gbc.edu/academics/academic-resources/career-services/ email careers@gbc.edu.

Career Services Advisory Board

The Career Services Advisory Board consists of representatives from leading area companies who provide Goldey-Beacom College with up-to-date information on current employment trends. The Board helps to promote an exchange of ideas and offers valuable insight into the programs necessary for students entering the job market. Contact the Career Services office at careers@gbc.edu to obtain a listing of the current advisory board members.

Food Service

The Lightning Café offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items in a cafeteria style format. Particular care is given to assuring nutritionally sound, balanced offerings at reasonable prices. Vending services supplement the offerings when the Lightning Café is closed. The College Food Service offers a declining balance meal plan for students, faculty, and staff to be used at The Lightning Café. The Lightning Café, located in the Thompson Lounge of the Joseph West Jones College Center, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Thursday. Meals are served between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. throughout the Fall and Spring semesters when the College is open for operation.

Hirons Library

The Hirons Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the College curricula through the provision of print and non-print materials to students and faculty and to furthering the cause of lifelong education through instruction in the effective use of library resources. A wide variety of services makes the library an important center of campus activity. J. Wilbur Hirons Library is named in honor of a former President of Beacom College, who oversaw the College during the pivotal formative years from 1935 - 1951. After the merger of Goldey and Beacom Colleges in 1951, he was elected Chairman of the Board and served until his retirement in 1969. His dedication to academic excellence is a guiding force in the College today.

The student is invited to:

  • Access a wide range of information in a variety of automated database systems.
  • Find the information needed to support coursework in the library’s specialized collection of books, journals, and audiovisual media.
  • Locate needed facts from a multitude of disciplines in the broad-based reference collection.
  • Learn lifetime library skills through specialized instructional programs and the friendly assistance of the trained library staff.
  • Use library materials in the comfort and quiet of individual study carrels or work with fellow students in one of five group study rooms.
  • Borrow materials from other libraries by using the interlibrary loan program.
  • View videotapes in the private audio-visual room.
  • Relax in the attractive lounge area which is conducive to browsing the current issues of local, national, and international magazines and newspapers.
  • Prepare for job interviews by using books and videotapes in the Career Center and by researching information on local and national firms in the Reference Collection.
  • Ask reference questions of our professional library staff via email.
  • Use the convenient self-service photocopy and digital fiche machines.

Faculty and staff are served by:

  • A timely collection of professional educational literature–current journal subscriptions and books.
  • Regularly issued lists of new library acquisitions.
  • Help in the acquisition, through interlibrary loan of materials needed for advance degree study.
  • Instructional lectures in bibliographic and library research techniques given to classes by librarians upon request.
  • Help in the planning of library projects and reserve reading assignments.
  • Students and faculty can learn more about the Library referencing the College’s website at www.gbc.edu/academics/academic-resources/library-technology-services/.

The John R. Miller Academic Resource Center

The purpose of the John R, Miller Academic Resource Center (ARC) is to supplement the learning experience of Goldey-Beacom College students. The primary focus is on the first and second years of study in the areas of Mathematics, Accounting, ITG 148 and 149, and English. Materials and tutoring also include other areas such as Economics and Humanities. Students may come to the ARC to refine their skills through professional and peer tutoring and multimedia instructional programs or for review, in-depth study, or to take tests by arrangement with faculty.

Residence Life

Residence Life at Goldey-Beacom College extends and enriches the classroom experience. The focus of the Residence Life program is to create a satisfying group living experience, to create a productive sense of community, and to provide comfortable and convenient accommodations.

Congregate living may present problems and challenges even in a harmonious setting. The Residence Life experience at Goldey-Beacom College hopes to foster consideration, self-restraint, and sensible conflict resolution, with opportunities for growth and leadership within the campus and the community at large

Full-time students are invited to reside on campus in any of the College’s residence halls. Each hall consists of apartment style living. Apartments are fully furnished and include a kitchen, dining area, living area, two bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and laundry facilities. It is strongly suggested that early first payment be made since the capacity of on-campus housing is limited.

The staff of the office of Housing and Residence Life is employed by the College to ensure resident guidelines enforcement, to offer regular developmental programs, to act as Resident Student Association advisor, and to assign housing on campus. Upperclassmen are selected as residence hall paraprofessionals (Resident Assistants) to assist the Director of Housing & Residence Life.

Additional information pertaining to Housing & Residence Life such as payment rates and deadlines may be obtained by contacting the Office of Housing & Residence Life or by visiting www.gbc.edu/housing/.

Technology Resources

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff maintains and develops the computing facilities and resources to meet the needs of the students at the College. The computer labs provide a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere for students to complete their coursework at GBC. The main labs are supervised by lab assistants and open to students during day, evening, and weekend hours. Software applications are the latest versions available and are added as needed to support the requirements of the coursework and classroom instruction.

An email account is established for prospective students once they are scheduled for classes at the College. GBC Email serves as the official means of sending information to students by faculty and staff. Using GBC Email helps ensure students receive prompt service.

Campus Web provides students with access to the College’s Learning Management Software (LMS), student schedules, course offerings, grade reports, unofficial transcripts, degree requirements, student finances, online payments, campus life, safety, technology resources and more. The LMS allows students to view course syllabi, handouts, assignments, and course-related grades as well as to take tests and email classmates and faculty.

Net Partner provides students access to accept their financial aid and scholarship awards each year and to view financial aid data including the status of the student’s financial aid package for a particular academic year, the amounts of individual financial aid awards, and information on loan disbursements and loan history.

Lightning Central provides students access to manage their Lightning Card account, viewing balances, transactions, and transfer funds between accounts. Lightning Central also allows parents and guests to add or transfer funds to students’ accounts and view transaction history.

Students have access to the GBC Wireless Network which is available in most locations on Campus. Common indoor areas such as the library, lounges, apartments, and classrooms are covered by the network. Most outside locations are also accessible, including the gazebo near the softball field, outside seating areas, parking lots, etc.

Microsoft Software is available free for students through the College’s Microsoft Office 365 and DreamSpark WebStore sites. Software includes, but is not limited to, Office/Project/Visio 2013 and 2016, Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, Visual Studio 2013, 2015, and Expression Studio 4.

gbcALERT is used to notify students about emergencies, weather cancellations/delays, and other updates through text messaging and/or email. The system allows for three email addresses and three cell phone numbers. Standard text messaging fees may be charged by your service provider and are your responsibility.

Students who access our network are required to read and adhere to the Policy for Responsible Computing and Use of College Resources before using computer resources.

For more information or if you have questions about Technology Resources, please email the Office of Information Technology, oit@gbc.edu.