Glendale Community College (GCC)

Glendale Community College (GCC) is a two-year community college with two campuses in the West Valley community of Glendale, Arizona. The GCC Main Campus in central Glendale is situated on a 147-acre campus that has palm-lined walkways and many open spaces with landscaped courtyards. The GCC North Site in north Glendale is situated on a beautiful 75-acre campus in the desert at the base of Ludden Mountain. 

Glendale Community College is one of ten community colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District that serves the Phoenix, Arizona area. The other colleges and skill centers in this district are in the following locations: Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, and South Mountain. 

Glendale Community College offers an excellent faculty teaching more than 1,000 different courses that lead to 50 associate's degrees, and 50 vocational certificates. There are also many transfer degrees and credits available for those students who wish to transfer from GCC to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Many students at GCC take advantage of courses that allow them to expand their job skills, industrial training or pursue personal interests and enrichment. Both online and onsite learning are available. 

Through a unique partnership with Northern Arizona University (NAU), GCC is now able to offer several bachelor's degree programs through its main campus.

History 

Glendale Community College was founded in 1965 as one college within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). The first classes for GCC were held in two different temporary locations. By 1966, construction was completed at the main campus and classes shifted there. Plans are in place for additional construction of buildings and facilities to meet demand. 

In 2000, GCC North opened to serve additional communities in the area, offering a range of courses, programs and degrees. There are plans in place for expansion at GCC North as well, as the need arises.

Academics

The academic calendar for Glendale Community College follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. 

The following degrees and certificates are available from Glendale Community College: 

The Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS): for students wanting to gain a depth of technical expertise by completing an occupational program (see list below).

The Associate in Arts degree (AA): for students wanting to complete a degree in 2 years or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The degree will transfer as a block without loss of credit to Arizona's public universities and other institutions. GCC offers a variety of Associate Degrees. 

The Certificate of Completion (CCL): a certificate awarded for the completion of a specified career program. 

The Academic Certificate (AC): a program of study recommended for students who wish to gain additional expertise in an academic area.

Colleges and Schools

The academic units at Glendale Community College are divided into 18 different departmental areas, and each department has multiple areas or disciplines. The departments at GCC are: 

• Art
• Biology
• Business & Information Technology
• Chemistry
• Communication & World Languages
• Counseling
• English, Reading & Journalism
• Fitness & Wellness
• Library Media Center
• Mathematics & Computer Science
• Nursing
• Performing Arts
• Philosophy & Religious Studies
• Physical Sciences
• Public Safety Sciences
• Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Technology & Consumer Sciences

Student Life

Many services are available at GCC to support students. Some of these services are study assistance and tutoring, academic advising, career services, First Year Experience, an Honors Program, counseling, eCourses for online study, and more. 

GCC also offers many opportunities for students to get involved on campus beyond the classroom. There are numerous events, athletics programs, student clubs and organizations, and student government.  

Traditions

The traditional school colors for Glendale Community College are red and black, with white and gray as accent colors. The school mascot is a gaucho, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Glendale "Gauchos."

Athletics

The Glendale "Gauchos" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including: 

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses 

Glendale Community College (GCC) has two primary campuses: GCC Main campus and the GCC North site.  Courses taught by GCC faculty and staff are offered throughout the West Valley area of Glendale. 

GCC also offers classes at the "Communiversity," which is a partnership between the Maricopa Community Colleges and the City of Surprise. Located near Surprise's City Hall, this site offers programs from three of the Maricopa Community Colleges and five universities.

Community Life

Glendale Community College takes a lot of pride in serving the surrounding community. Many volunteering and partnership programs and initiatives are in place that benefit the Glendale community.