Student Handbook | GCTC

Current Students

Jump to Section in the Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Purpose of the Student Hanbook 

The purpose of this student handbook is to give you key info about Gateway’s policies, your rights, and what’s expected of you as a student. It works alongside the KCTCS Catalog to guide your time here. Some rules may change, so check gateway.kctcs.edu for the latest updates. If you have any questions, please direct them to the AVP of Success & Engagement.

Welcome from the President

Welcome to Gateway!

Hi and welcome to Gateway! You’ve made a smart choice by starting your journey here. We’re all about helping you succeed—by making education more accessible, giving you real-world learning experiences, and breaking down barriers that might get in your way.

This handbook is your go-to guide. It explains what’s expected of you as a student and gives you info about student life, support services, and how to get involved.

At Gateway, we offer more than classes—we offer chances to grow, meet people, and prepare for your future. Whether this is your first college experience or you're continuing your education, we’re here to support you. If you ever need help, just ask. You’re not alone.

You’ll face choices along the way—some easy, some not so much. But with support from your teachers, staff, and classmates, you’ve got this.

Want more info? Check out the KCTCS catalog for full details on programs and policies.

We’d love to see you get involved—join us on social media and share your Gateway story. I hope to see you on campus soon!

– Dr. Fernando Figueroa
President & CEO, Gateway Community & Technical College

Our Campuses

Parking

Parking is free for all students, staff, and visitors.
Only park in designated areas on each campus.

Accessible parking is available, but you must have a state-issued permit or license plate to use it.
Illegally parked cars or cars left overnight may be towed at the owner's expense.
If your car breaks down and needs to stay overnight, notify Campus Security right away.
Gateway is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles on campus.
Gateway does not manage the Midtown parking garage in Covington, KY. For questions or assistance, please contact the garage directly
Repeated parking violations may result in tickets from local police.

Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure

Some classes at Gateway may involve work where you could be exposed to blood or body fluids. To keep everyone safe, Gateway follows OSHA safety rules and has a clear Exposure Protocol if this happens. If you're exposed, tell your instructor right away. They’ll guide you through the proper steps.
Common Blood-Borne Pathogens
Here are a few diseases that can spread through contact with blood or body fluids:

Hepatitis B & C

These viruses infect the liver and are found in blood and other body fluids. Gateway provides information to all new students through pamphlets on campus. You’ll learn about: Symptoms and treatments
How the disease spreads CDC vaccine recommendations Note: Schools are not required to provide the vaccine, but information is always available.

HIV/AIDS

HIV is a virus that can lead to AIDS and is also spread through blood and body fluids. To prevent exposure, all students must follow Standard Precautions—these are CDC safety guidelines available in pamphlets at every campus. Your Right to Know About Hazardous Materials You have the right to know about any hazardous chemicals you may encounter during your classes. Each department keeps a list of hazardous materials and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). These sheets explain:

  • What the material is
  • Safety precautions
  • First aid steps
  • How to handle it safely
  • Hazard areas are marked with red "Hazard Area" signs.

Always ask your instructor if you have questions about chemicals or safety in your classes. You have the right to review MSDS sheets and receive safety training.

Enrollment Policies

Attendance Expectations Each instructor/program sets their own attendance policy, which you’ll find in the course syllabus.
Some classes require attendance as part of your grade. If that’s the case, the rules must be clearly explained in the syllabus.

Academic Policies

Graduation Policies

Safety & Security Policies

Student Policies

Bulletin Board Policy

You may post flyers or posters only on designated bulletin boards on campus.

  • Do not post anything on doors, windows, or other surfaces—unauthorized items will be removed.
  • Flyers must not promote violence or illegal activity.
  • Boards are cleared monthly.
    • Official college materials posted by Gateway’s Marketing Department are exempt.

Children on Campus

Gateway wants to keep campus safe and focused on learning. Here's what you need to know about bringing children to campus:
Children must always be with a parent or guardian—they cannot be left alone. Children are not allowed in classrooms, labs, or clinical settings unless they’re part of an approved educational activity.
Behavior Expectations Children must follow the same behavior rules as students. If a child is disruptive or left unsupervised, the parent/guardian may be asked to leave campus with the child.
If a child is involved in criminal behavior or a safety risk, college officials may contact the authorities. Technology Access
Children and guests can use guest Wi-Fi on their own devices. 
They are not allowed to use college computers or other tech resources.

Soliciting on Campus

Selling or asking for money for personal profit is not allowed on any Gateway campus. Fundraisers for charity or student groups must get written approval from the Associate Vice President of Success & Engagement. This rule applies to in-person, written, or electronic solicitations.

Violations:

Students may face disciplinary action.
Non-students may face legal action by local authorities.