Introduction

Established in 1968, GateWay Community College is a comprehensive public institution of higher education. GateWay provides educational opportunity to over 20,000 students annually through programs at the main campus, the Maricopa Skill Center, and GateWay Community High School.

The mission of GateWay Community College is to provide effective, accessible, and responsive educational services in a multicultural environment resulting in student success and customer satisfaction.

Major Accomplishments 2002-2003

Consistent with the strategic plan, the following reflect some of the major accomplishments of the 2002-2003 academic year:

• Awarded 258 Associate Degrees and 931 Certificates of Completion. GateWay Community High School awarded 99 high school diplomas.
• Developed an Industrial Operations Technology Certificate and Degree Program in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College to meet the needs of the West Valley for high levels of technical training.
• Created a Clinical Research Coordinating (CRC) Certificate Program.  There is only one other CRC program in the country. Enrollments are strong, and the program holds great promise for addressing some of the future biotechnology workforce needs.
• Developed a new Power Plant Technology Program in collaboration with APS/Palo Verde and is a shared program between GateWay, Estrella Mountain, and Glendale Community Colleges.
• GateWay, in a Partnership with Metro Tech, offered a Practical Nursing Program for high school seniors enrolled at Metro Tech.  Many students are first-generation Hispanic students.
• To address the nursing shortage GateWay offered an additional cohort of the Accelerated Nursing Program this past year.  The program allows students to complete the Associate Degree Nursing Program in less than the normal two-year time period.
•  Instituted the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program, which provides students the opportunity to complete their Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing in either an accelerated six-month or part-time twelve-month program and prepare them to sit for the PN Licensing exam.
• The ACE program kicked off with 73 students participating representing 15 different high schools. The program had a 99% retention rate.
• Increased the number of financial aid applicants by 17% over the prior year while increasing the dollar amount of Pell Grants awarded by 60% and the dollar amount of need based aid by 41%.
• Financial Aid implemented the first active electronic award letter in Arizona providing 24/7 access for students to conduct business via the web. Financial Aid also implemented an electronic e-book voucher system for students.
• 137 graduates earned their General Education Development Diploma.
• The Women's Golf Team took 10th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women's National Golf Tournament in their inaugural year.
• Four members of the Track Club competed in the NJCAA Division I National Outdoor Track and Field Championship.
• The Maricopa Skill Center purchased 5 acres to accommodate growth in the health and computer programs area. The Skill Center also has plans to expand training in food preparation, welding and auto body.

Major Issues and Resolutions in 2002-2003

The City of Phoenix approved a light rail station at 38th Street and Washington, making GateWay the only Maricopa Community College with a stop on the light rail line. The plans also include enhanced bus routes.
In alignment with the strategic plan, GateWay established a Center for Teaching and Learning and hired a director to develop a "Great Teacher" program and work closely with faculty in integrating technology throughout the curriculum.

The College completed its work with the community in defining facilities planning needs for the next 10-20 years. The College is committed to a plan which will allow us to continue to respond to the changing needs of students and the community.

Upcoming Issues for 2003-2004

GateWay Community College adopted the following objectives for 2003-2004 as part of the 2003-2006 strategic plan:

• Strengthen the assessment of student academic achievement.
• Implement new and modify existing programs to ensure occupational program offerings meet the changing needs of the community.
• Develop a comprehensive enrollment management plan from recruitment through completion/graduation/placement.
• Achieve designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
• Develop and implement institutional advancement initiatives including the expansion of external relations and resource development.
• Expand and enhance community linkages and partnerships for shared resources and facilities.
• Implement one-stop and no-stop processes in student services areas.
• Enhance staff development programs.
• Recruit and retain a diverse student body and workforce.
• Collaboratively plan educational facilities and programs with ASU, UA, and downtown partnership organizations.