Be sure to check the HCC Online Calendar for the latest events on campus! 

Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

A qualified student with a disability at GCC has the right to:

• Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities available through GCC.
• Reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services determined on an individual case-by-case basis
• Appropriate confidentiality of all information regarding their disability, except when disclosures are required or permitted by law
• Information available in alternate formats

A student with a disability at GCC has the responsibility to:

• Meet GCC qualifications and maintain essential College standards and requirements for courses, programs, services, and activities
• Abide by the College’s Code of Conduct
• Self-identify to Student Accessibility Services in a timely manner as an individual with a disability and provide documentation that meets the SAS documentation guidelines when seeking any academic adjustment
• Follow SAS guidelines and procedures for obtaining accommodations, academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services
• Follow GCC policies and procedures as set forth by the College
• Seek information, counsel and assistance as necessary.

GCC Faculty/Staff Rights and Responsibilities

GCC Faculty and Staff have the right to:

• Hold all students to the same essential course requirements and behavior expectations
• Request verification of a student’s eligibility for any requested academic adjustments. Such verification will be in the form of a letter written by SAS and delivered by SAS directly to the faculty member via email. (Note: SAS is the only office designated to review disability documentation and determine eligibility for appropriate academic adjustments)
• Consult with SAS regarding alternative academic adjustments if he/she believes the academic adjustment would result in a fundamental alteration of the course
• Expect the student to initiate academic adjustment requests through SAS

GCC faculty and staff have the responsibility to:

• Identify and establish essential functions, abilities, skills, and knowledge of their courses and evaluate all students on this basis
• Provide academic adjustments only to students who are registered with SAS. It is NOT your responsibility to provide academic adjustments to students who are not registered with SAS
• Use a syllabus statement and class announcement to invite students to disclose their needs to SAS
• Act immediately upon getting a student’s academic adjustment letter by providing the listed academic adjustment(s) or by contacting SAS (if unsure about a request)
• Work to ensure that all audio-visual materials use in class are accessible (e.g., that videos shown are captioned for students with hearing impairments, etc.)
• Treat and protect all disability-related information as confidential

GCC Rights and Responsibilities

GCC has the right to:

• Establish essential functions, skills, knowledge and standards for courses, programs, services, degree requirements, jobs, and activities, and evaluate students on this basis
• Request and receive current documentation that supports requests for accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
• Select among equally effective and appropriate accommodations, adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services in consultation with students with disabilities
• Deny a request for accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aides and services if, based on the assessment of SAS, an individual fails to provide the required documentation, the documentation does not demonstrate the need for the requested academic adjustment, documentation is outdated in relation to the current educational situation, and/or the requested academic adjustment imposes a fundamental alteration to a program, service or activity

GCC has the responsibility to:

• Practice non-discrimination in accordance with federal and state laws by evaluating current and prospective students without regard to their disability
• Provide, in a timely fashion, information regarding guidelines and procedures to students with disabilities and assure its availability in accessible formats upon request
• Provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services for students with disabilities upon a timely request by a student
• Provide courses, programs, services, jobs, activities and facilities that are available and usable in the most integrated and appropriate settings when viewed in their entirety
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of records and communications, except where disclosure is authorized by the student or required by law

Smoking Policy

In accordance with Connecticut State Law, and effective January 1st, 2021, smoking and tobacco use will be prohibited in all facilities and grounds of CT State Community College Gateway campus with no exceptions. These areas include, but are not limited to; all outdoor and indoor spaces and properties, the garage and all vehicles within the garage, previously designated smoking areas, elevators, hallways, employee lounges, entrances and exits, vehicles owned, leased, or rented by the college, and any other area or property owned by CT State Community College Gateway. This policy must be adhered to by any individual who is on campus property including but not limited to: students, faculty, staff, members of the general public, visitors, and volunteers. This policy is effective 24/7.

For purpose of this policy, “smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and cannabis. For purpose of this policy, “Tobacco use” means, the personal use of any of the above listed items, as well as any not listed device that contains tobacco, THC, CBD. THC meaning tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD meaning nonintoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. This policy includes Juuls, battery powered e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, automizers, and any other e-cigarettes. This policy also includes smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco pouches, and loose-leaf tobacco.

The President and/or Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs may allow tobacco or smoking for research purposes in a controlled laboratory setting that includes proper ventilation from any toxins and secondhand and thirdhand smoking. The use of tobacco products shall not be prohibited when used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a allowing for the use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Enforcement

The enforcement of this policy rests with all members of the college community, and will be followed through by a designated conduct sanction board in place and their judicial officer. Those who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures by CT State Community College Gateway and will be in violation of state laws.

HCC Student Clubs

• Advisor Information Form
• Advisor Handbook
• Club Meeting Form
• Office Student Life Club Roster
• Student Senate Constitution Draft

• African Student Association
• Alpha Beta Gamma
• Anime, Gaming & Movies Club
• Association of Latin American Students (ALAS)
• Art Club*
• Biology Club*
• Black Student Union
• Business Club
• Chess Club*
• Christian Studies Club
• Community Action* Network (CAN)
• Criminal Justice Club
• Debate Society
• Early Childhood Inclusive Education Club
• Film Club*
• Friends of the Environment Club (FOE)*
• Glee Club*
• Gospel Choir*
• Graphic Design*
• Healthy Living Club*
• Helping Hands Club*
• Human Service Club*
• Honors Club*
• International Student Alliance*
• Just Dance*
• League of Adventures
• Literature Club
• Music Club*
• Muslim Student Association
• NAACP
• Occupational Therapy*
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Pagan Attitudes & Life Studies*
• Performing Arts Club
• Psychology Club
• Photography Club*
• Political Science and History Club
• Robotic Club
• S.T.E.A.M. Club
• Table Tennis*
• Unity Club
• Veterans Club
• Worlds Culture and Traditions Club*

Welcome to the Gateway Community College Student Government Association (SGA)!

Preamble

We the students of Gateway Community College, in order to form a democratic, efficient and responsible Student Government to represent, lead and unify the student body, to decide and recommend for the students upon any matter involving the student interests, to promote common understanding between students, faculty, and administration, while protecting the individual rights of students, do hereby establish and adopt this Constitution and its By-Laws for the Gateway Community College Student Government Association.

The full SGA constitution and by-laws can be found in the Student Handbook on page 41.  Please click here to access the handbook.

Why SGA?

The Student Government Association or SGA as it is often referred to, is the voice of the Gateway Community College (GCC) student body.  The SGA is governed by an Executive Board (E-Board) that consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Your participation in SGA is strongly encouraged as it provides you the opportunity to be informed on key issues that affect you and your colleagues.  Additionally, it provides you a platform to bring forth any questions, concerns, or updates you would like the SGA Executive Board to address as they have direct communication to the GCC Administration.

What does SGA do overall?

As a student at GCC, you pay a student activity fee.  This fee along with the fees of all other students goes into a Student Activity Fund, which is an account in the Student Activities Office.  The Student Activities Office staff oversees allocation of all of these funds for a variety of different things.  For example, money is allocated to the SGA Executive Board who then allocates funds to new and continuing student organizations/clubs per year.  Student Organizations are then able to put together a host of activities and events which revolve around their respective missions, yet are open to all students.  Funds are also reserved then allocated for conference trips, community projects, school wide events/projects, and of course a wide array of activities that engages you the student in a multitude of ways!

What does each SGA Executive Board (E-Board) Member do?

• All SGA E-Board members must maintain office hours at a minimum of 2 hours per week, which will be done virtually for the foreseeable future
• E-Board members may also oversee specific committees such as the Finance Committee, Election Committee and so forth
• Entire SGA E-Board holds bi – weekly E-Board meetings and bi-weekly SGA General Body Meetings.

Summary of Specific Duties:

President: 

1. Presides over meetings of the SGA and chairs the Executive Board. 
2. Can veto any SGA action where he/she deems necessary. 
3. Votes on matters which the group has come to a tie.
4. Appoints committees
5. Represents the SGA at college and community functions
6. Uses correct parliamentary procedure.

Vice-President:

1. Performs the duties of the President in the absence of the President, or when the President is incapacitated.
2. Presides over the meetings of specific committee.
3. Maintains calendar of all SGA meetings, committee meetings and events.
4. Presides over all committees established by SGA

Secretary:

1. Records the minutes of all meetings of the SGA.
2. Types all minutes and agendas.
3. E-mail minutes of all official meetings within 24 – 48 hours of the meeting’s adjournment.
4. Writes and maintains SGA correspondence.
5. Chairs committee as assigned.
6. Keeps a catalog of Student Organization/Club minutes

Treasurer:

1. Works in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities to maintain records of receipts and expenditures of the SGA in the form of a ledger.
2. Present the Treasurer’s Report at meetings of the SGA as new expenditures and balance totals become available.
3. Assist in preparing vouchers for payment in a timely manner.
4. Approve student organization/club expenditures in compliance with the Student Activity Fund Financial Guidelines.
5. Tracks all expenses/budgets specific to SGA.

How do I join?

As a student at Gateway Community College you are eligible for membership in the Student Government Association (SGA).  All you have to do is the following:

• Ensure you are in good standing with the college by paying all tuition and fees
• Attend an SGA General Body Meeting – You establish membership by being marked present at one SGA meeting.

*Currently all SGA General Body meetings are held virtually every two weeks and an e-mail with the link to join will go out to all students every two weeks, starting at the end of September/early October in the Fall semester.

How do I run for a position on the SGA Executive Board?

We will be holding elections each Fall semester with the goal of establishing a new SGA Executive Board by September 18^th.  Marketing for the elections will begin late summer and progress into candidate submissions, creation of ballots and finally voting which will all be done virtually.  A tentative timeline for the SGA election campaign will be as follows:

1. Marketing:  Late Summer (August) through voting days in September
2. Candidate Submissions:  From start of classes August 26^th to September 11th
3. Town Hall:  A virtual Town Hall with Candidates will take place the second Monday in September or September 14^th.
4. Voting:  Voting will open after Town Hall on September 14^th and remain open through September 17^th
5. New SGA Executive Board:  Will be announced on Friday September 18th

*Dates may vary please check GCC website for updates as well as social media and e-mail.  We will inform all students of dates through various means. 

Requirements to run for election are as follows:

• Completed 12 credits or more at Gateway Community College
• GPA of 2.5 or better
• Have declared a major
• Be in good standing with the college (financially and academically)

Letter of Intent Instructions

Becoming a Student Senator

A position on the Student Senate is ideal for students looking for careers or other lifelong participation within the political community or any field requiring leadership skills such as objectivity and good communication. 

A Student Senator must:

• Be elected through a petition of students and approval of the majority of current senators
• Meet basic standards pertaining to academic history and current enrollment
• Make the commitment to attend meetings of the General Assembly, attend meetings of at least one standing committee, attend a 1-credit course in parliamentary procedures and dedicate time outside of meetings and class to ensuring that student life at Gateway is seen, heard and successful. 

Transportation U-Pass Program

All you need is a U-Pass CT and your student ID to ride buses and trains in Connecticut. Get where you need to go without having to pay a fare!

1. Who is eligible?
   The U-Pass is available to both full- and part-time credit undergraduate students taking at least one class per semester on campus at the participating colleges and universities. At this time, graduate students as well as exclusively online, non-credit, and early college/high school students are not eligible for the program.


2. For how long is the pass effective?
   The Fall semester U-Pass covers August 1-December 31. The Spring semester U-Pass covers January 1-July 30.  


3. What is the cost?
   Each student is charged $20 per semester for the pass. The DOT has set this special rate for our students only; normal cost to the public is $63 per month. The transportation fee is considered an institutional charge, so financial aid may be applied.  


4. What is required for students to use the pass and on what types of transportation can it be used?
   Students must have a valid student ID to show along with their pass when using the transportation systems. Students can use the unlimited semester pass to travel within the state on rail or bus, including CTtransit and CTfastrak, but excluding Amtrak.

   Have your U-Pass and valid student ID ready when you board any of these services:

   • Greater Bridgeport Transit (gbt)
   • Norwalk Transit Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HARTtransit)
   • Milford Transit South East Area Transit (SEAT)
   • Windham Region Transit District (WRTD)
   • Magic Carpet Northwestern CT Transit District (NWCTD)
   • 9 TownTransit/Estuary Transit District Middletown Area Transit (MAT)
   • CTtransit & CTtransit Express: Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Stamford, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Wallingford
   • CTfastrak New Haven Line (intrastate travel only. Not valid for travel to NYC)


5. What happens if a student loses the pass?
   A student may only be given one replacement pass per semester. After that, they must wait for the next semester to get a new pass. 


6. >What happens if a student attends multiple CSCU schools?
   Students should only be charged once for the pass. Students will have to request a waiver after the payment of the first fee. 

   Please Fill Out Form Here

GCC provides a free Office 365 account to students. All GCC students must activate and USE their college email as the primary method of official communication from the college.

Logging In

First-Time Users

• Log-in to myCommNet to retrieve your new student email address
• Click on the Student tab. Your email address will appear in the "Student Email Channel". 

Continuing Users

• Access Office 365 at portal.microsoftonline.com or by following the link to the right of this page.
• Students may login using their CCC NetID  (i.e., ########@student.commnet.edu) and password. Do not use your student email address.
• You will be prompted to "sign in at student.commnet.edu". Click on the link "Sign in..."
• Type in your NetID username and password in the popup box, and click OK.
• You are now ready to use your student webmail account.

Click on the "Instructions" button on the right for more information.

Troubleshooting Your Log-In

If you are having trouble logging in, you might try logging into my.CommNet.edu first, and then use the link within the portal to access the student email login page.

Your New Email Address

Mobile Settings

IPad/IPhone Settings:

• Settings
• Click on: Mail, Contacts
• Click on: Add an Account
• Select: Microsoft Exchange
• Enter your email: Office 365 email address (i.e., )
• Enter password (MyCommNet password)
• In the Server Field type in: m.outlook.com
• Domain: (leave this blank)
• Username: (full NetID username) e.g.,
• Password: MyCommNet password
• Description: Leave this blank
• Click on: Next
• Click on: Save

Android Settings

• Settings
• Click on: Add account
• Select: Corporate or MS Exchange
• Enter your email: Office 365 email address (i.e., )
• Enter Password: MyCommNet password 
• Click on: Next
• Type your NetID in the field designated “User Name” (e.g., )
• In the Server Field type in: Pod51018.outlook.com
• Select: Secure SLL
• Click on: Activate

Support

Student Email/Office 365 Technical Support Information

Student Activities

Welcome back to the Fall 2021 Semester.Although things are still very different this semester our goal in the Student Activities Office is to provide students with the best virtual experience we can given the circumstances. Your participation is key to having a successful semester of events, so join us for as many programs as you can.

Writing Center - Now Online - Tutoring Support

In a 1-hour conference tutors will, in collaboration with a student, identify, prioritize, and address the issues a particular assignment's draft presents. Tutors can coach students in narrowing a topic, finding a focus, organizing ideas, developing content, and improving style and correctness. Tutors can also clarify APA- and MLA-formatting guidelines for embedding and citing sources. Each conference should meet the individual composing needs of students and introduce re-writing and editing skills students can practice independently.

1. Make your appointment Here!

Required information for time center: name, phone number, email, student ID #, class (ex. Eng. 101), and Professor name

2. Invitation for either WebEx or Teams video conference will sent to you by your tutor at your scheduled time.

   NOTE: These are LIVE sessions with a tutor and due to the limited amount of tutoring hours available, a missed appointment cannot be made up.  

Resources for Students: Click Here!

Platform List:  Webex and Microsoft Teams

NOTE: These are LIVE sessions with a tutor. Please make every effort to be available for your session.  To cancel please

contact us at 203-285-2245 or .

Writing Center Resources For Students

Five Useful Ways to Join Ideas in a Sentence
APA Style Format Instructions
APA Format Template
Assessing APA Final Draft
Assessing the MLA Final Draft
Cal State Library Guide MLA Format
Editors vs Tutors
Errors to Avoid Essay Elements
Essay & Paragraph Structure
Facts vs Opinions
Final Draft Expectations
MLA Style Guide Utah
Paraphrase or Plagiarism
Revising Sentence Level
Revising Whole Essay
Word Instructions
Writing Center Operating Policies

Additional Resources 

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ http://writing.colostate.edu/
http://www.arts.uottawa.ca/writcent/hypergrammar/