Student Services and Support

Support Services

Academic Monitoring

HACC’s academic monitoring system is an early-alert program. This method is used to identify students who may be at-risk of academic success and suggests avenues of assistance available from tutoring and academic coaching services, academic advising, and other college services. Students are notified via email when an alert has been issued by faculty. This alert notification is not meant to be punitive, but supportive. Further support to students and maintenance of the early-alert process is arranged through the Student Success Coaching office.

CARE Center

HACC proudly established the CARE (Consultation Advocacy Referrals Empowerment) Center as a single stop where students can go for assistance with non-academic challenges. This is a free and confidential resource available to all current HACC students. The CARE Center is invested in the success and well-being of our students, and is here to help. The CARE Center views students holistically and creates a “HACC has your back” culture to empower students to overcome obstacles and succeed on their journey to degree completion.

HACC’s first priority is providing a high-quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive education to all. However, we know that some students need support outside the classroom in order to succeed inside the classroom. In order to serve our students, the CARE Center provides immediate assistance and long-term support with community resources in these areas: food and housing insecurity, mental health, childcare, transportation, social services, and daily necessities. HACC’s CARE Center understands that our students have complex lives and may need assistance in multiple areas.

Students can contact the CARE Center by completing a CARE Center Intake Form at www.hacc.edu/carecenter. A CARE Center Coordinator will be in contact within 48 hours of receiving the Intake Form. The CARE Center Coordinators will schedule a 30-minute meeting to obtain facts and determine needs to customize an individualized, actionable plan for student success and empowerment. For more information visit www.hacc.edu/carecenter. 

Career Development 

Career development is integral to any college student's educational experience. To succeed in the twenty-first century's challenging workforce, students need to be proactive and have the foresight to connect their education to the world of work. Thus, our primary function is to support our students' professional growth and development toward their career goals.

The Career Development offices can help students at all stages of their educational journey. Early in their experience, students can use Career Development resources to explore career options and make informed decisions about majors and occupations. Once a student decides on a major, the staff can help design a career development plan and explore in-field experience options such as informational interviews, job shadowing, internships, etc. As students begin to move toward completing their program, the Career Development team can help them prepare for the job search. Thus, the Career Development office is a "one-stop source" for everything career related.

Students are encouraged to visit their local career office and explore the Career Development webpage at www.hacc.edu/careerservices to learn more about how Career Development can and should be a vital part of their educational experience at HACC.

Child Care

Many HACC students are also parents, and for their convenience U-Gro®, Learning Care Group offers childcare on both the Harrisburg and Lancaster Campuses. Children are eligible for acceptance into the center if they are between six weeks and six years of age.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first-served basis and a discount is provided to HACC students who show verification of HACC enrollment. Additional information can be found at u-gro.com or by calling 717-276-0251 for the Harrisburg Campus and 717-366-8550 for the Lancaster Campus.

Capital Area Head Start is available at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus in the Whitaker Hall Building. Programming is available for children ages 3-5 for HACC students, faculty and community. HACC students receive priority. Care is free to eligible families. Call 717-541-1795 to enroll or visit www.keystonehumanservices.org.

Adams County Head Start is available at HACC's Gettysburg Campus and eight other locations across Adams County. Comprehensive preschool services, including health, nutrition, dental, and family engagement services are available for children ages 3-5 and their families. Program services are at no cost to eligible families. Call 717-337-1337 to enroll or visit www.adamscountyheadstart.org. 

Health and Mental Health

HACC does not have an infirmary or a student health center. Students who become ill or need emergency treatment may be taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. College public safety & security officers are trained in basic first aid which is the medical attention that is given to an ill or injured person before medical experts are requested or arrive on the scene. The College neither assumes financial responsibility for medical treatment of students, nor assists with additional medical services. Students who need routine medication or medical assistance must provide for their own care, as the College may not serve such medical needs.

Additionally, HACC partners with Mazzitti & Sullivan to provide mental health counseling to currently enrolled students. Information about seeking counseling services is shared regularly with students and is available on hacc.edu/mentalhealth.

KEYS Program

The KEYS program is designed to help students succeed in community college. If a student or their family is receiving cash benefits (TANF) or food stamps (SNAP) and they want additional training and education in order to obtain self-supporting employment, this program is for them!

The KEYS Program provides academic support, career counseling, job search assistance, financial aid guidance, personal encouragement, college and community resource information, peer support, participation reimbursements, and incentives for accomplishments. Students enrolled may also be eligible for childcare, books and supplies, and transportation (mileage, repairs, and public transportation) allowances.

The KEYS Program is available at all five HACC campuses. Referrals are received from the County Assistance offices or a reverse referral form can be completed at www.hacc.edu/keys. For more information, contact your County Caseworker, visit the KEYS office at any HACC campus, or call 717-780-1181.

Learning Commons

Learning Commons is an academic support hub for students and includes the library, testing, tutoring, and tech support. Services are offered at all five campuses as well as online to meet a variety of student needs. The HACC Learning Commons also provides study rooms and computer work spaces on each campus for individual or collaborative work. No matter how students access its services or what kinds of projects they are working on, the Learning Commons can help students reach their academic goals through access to resources and research instruction, technical support, testing needs, and tutoring for that extra boost. To learn more about the Learning Commons, please visit https://libguides.hacc.edu/learningcommons. 

HACC Library resources include physical books, magazines, journals, DVDs, and medical models. The Library’s online resources include databases of reference materials; magazines, journals, and newspaper articles; streaming videos; anatomy resources; and ebooks and ejournals. These online materials are available both on and off campus. Students use their HACC login credentials to access these materials when off campus. Laptop computers may be checked out at the service desks for use on campus. Other equipment and medical models are available in some campus libraries for use in the library.

HACC students may borrow materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan. Students may also present their HACC ID at many local colleges to access these colleges’ resources and borrow materials. Visit the Library website www.hacc.edu/Library to find all the resources available, contact information, online chat connections, and hours of operation.

Tutoring

HACC Tutoring provides free on-campus tutoring, remote tutoring, online essay review, tutor-led (facilitated) study groups, embedded (in-class) tutoring, and additional academic support services to all HACC students. Professional and peer tutors assist students seeking to improve their skills in a variety of subjects. Academic coaching is also available for students who would like additional help with time management, organization, test preparation, and other academic skills. Contact the tutoring office at any campus location, or email tutoring@hacc.edu, for additional information.

To make an appointment or see our current schedule, students can visit https://libguides.hacc.edu/learningcommons/tutoring. Tutoring is also home to our in-class tutoring (ICT) program, where a specially trained tutor is paired with particular classes and provides in-class and out-of-class support to students in that specific class. Students should check with their instructors to verify if a tutor has been paired with the class. Tutors are both professional and peer; professional tutors have at least a bachelor’s degree while peer tutors are high-caliber students. This mix of experience types enhances the student learning experience. HACC’s Online Writing Lab (HOWL) program is an email tutoring service for students who would like feedback on writing projects that fits with their schedule. Access HOWL at https://libguides.hacc.edu/learningcommons/tutoring/HOWL.

Academic coaching is a voluntary support service for students who want to improve their academic and study skills. Academic coaches assist students in determining their academic concerns, identifying campus resources available to help them, and refining their time management, organizational, and test preparation skills. Personalized sessions are conducted by appointment and are confidential.

Testing

The Test Center provides a variety of services that promote academic success, personal growth, and career development. Its mission is to provide a secure, professional environment for testing candidates while maintaining testing integrity within a system of support for faculty and professional organizations.

Exams offered by the Test Center include:

• Academic Placement Testing

• Academic Make-Up Exams

• On-campus and Remotely Proctored Exams

• Health Career Admissions Testing (TEAS)

• CLEP Exams

For additional information regarding Test Center services, please visit https://libguides.hacc.edu/learningcommons/testing.

Tech Support

Tech support offers technology solutions for HACC students. Tech Support helps with myHACC, Hawkmail, Zoom, and Office 365 accounts. Getting help is easy with 24/7 availability via email or phone call. Drop-in technology support sessions are also offered.

For other technology questions, students can email support@hacc.edu, call 717-780-2570, or chat from the homepage at https://libguides.hacc.edu/learningcommons/usersupport.

Men of Color Initiatives

The Men of Color Initiatives at HACC is designed to recognize, reinforce, and support the recruitment, retention, and completion of male identifying students across all the campuses. Supported by six pillars that include scholarship, service, leadership, integrity, responsibility, and cultural awareness.

The Men of Color Initiatives recognizes and appreciates the role of the intersecting identities as it relates to the individual journey of each member. Some of the goals for our members include amplifying voices, empowerment, promotion of self-advocacy, and making healthy life choices to move beyond historical structural and systemic barriers for a successful transition in their personal and professional lives through education.

Student Access Services

At HACC, it’s our goal to support students throughout their educational journey. We remain committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to succeed and participate in their college and career goals. The College in accordance with federal compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972. Title IX provides protection for students who are pregnant, parenting and may need to take a medical leave of absence due to pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion and or recovery.

No qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the college because of disability, pregnancy, or related conditions. Nor will individuals with a disability be subjected to discrimination while participating in college programs or activities due to disability. Whether students had an IEP in high school or not, they may be eligible for accommodations. We encourage students who feel they may benefit from accommodations to contact us to learn more and review our webpage at: www.hacc.edu/Students/DisabilityServices.

Each HACC campus center provides physical accommodations according to ADA guidelines. Electric doors are installed throughout the campuses providing access for students with mobility impairments. Parking spaces for individuals with disabilities are identified at all campuses. Additionally each campus has identified secure and confidential lactation spaces for employees and students.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V)

Students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs who need assistance to successfully complete their programs may have access to support services through the Perkins Act. These federally funded initiatives help support eligible students with resources such as academic and career advising, tutoring and academic support focusing on equity and accessibility for students in CTE programs.

Transferring from HACC

Many students attend HACC to earn an associate's degree and transfer to a bachelor's degree program at another college or university. To help students with this process, HACC has formed partnerships with colleges and universities assuring admission with junior standing, providing students meet the following requirements:

• The approved program of study is followed

• Required GPA is maintained

• An associate degree is earned

Many of these partnerships include scholarships or other benefits for HACC graduates who transfer. A list of these colleges/universities is located at www.hacc.edu/transfer. Transfer services include transfer coaching, information sessions, transfer fairs, opportunities to meet representatives from many colleges and universities, and other transfer resources.

Student Involvement

HACC students who participate in college activities are more satisfied with their college experience. These students feel connected to the College and they enjoy meeting other students while developing their leadership qualities and skills. Activities are organized at all campus locations and online. HACC offers a variety of activities, and they can consume as much or as little time as a student prefers. Students can check the campus calendar at hacc.edu/calendar and look to HACC Facebook and Instagram at www.hacc.edu/Social-Media-Resources.cfm to stay informed of campus activities and happenings.

The funds collected as SGA and Institutional fee from currently enrolled students support student groups and activities. Students will find clubs based on shared interests in recreational activities, career, or special interests. New clubs can be formed by interested students by contacting Student Involvement. Students may access Student Involvement information online at www.hacc.edu/Students/GetInvolved/StudentActivities. 

Center for Global Opportunities & Education

International Student Programs

Each year, HACC welcomes over 800 non-U.S. citizens including over 150 international students (F1 student visa holders) from more than 50 countries around the world. A diverse student population helps create a global perspective in our classrooms and campuses, brings a rich diversity to our communities, and reflects HACC’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and belonging. 

The International Student Services office supports international students’ unique needs from admission to graduation. Staff members are dedicated to assisting students with the visa application process, immigration responsibilities and benefits, supporting academic success, promoting activities that lead to social integration, and acting as a reference point for all college services.

Center for Global Opportunities & Education

The impact of a global experience is boundless, transformative, and lifelong. HACC supports high impact experiences in an interconnected global world by connecting educational opportunities with culture that enhances collaboration, understanding and appreciation. This impact can be felt on one’s personal and professional growth whether affective, behavioral, or cognitive. HACC has sponsored trips to a variety of locations around the world including China, Italy, UK, France, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Romania, Serbia, Spain and Morocco.

Film, Theatre, Music, and Fine Art

The Rose Lehrman Arts Center is located on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. It houses two theatres (a smaller Studio Theatre and the large Auditorium Theatre) in addition to classrooms, labs, and facilities for Film, Theatre, Music, and Fine Art. The theatres host performances by HACC Film and Theatre and the Music Industry programs as well as lectures and events by area performing arts groups. Like the Arts Center on Facebook.

The Film and Theatre Program produces diverse offerings to include the classics and contemporary works. The Theatre for Young People, a specialty theatre group, annually produces professionally mounted children’s theatre. Auditions for productions are open to all students, staff and the community. The center supports a successful theatre outreach program that brings thousands of young people to the campus to experience and learn about live theatre. The Rose Lehrman Art Gallery in the Rose Lehrman Arts Center features the work of guest artists from across the country as well as student honors shows. Shows change monthly and admission is free. The Gallery is open weekdays Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. For more information, call 717-780-2478. Like the Gallery on Facebook.

Honor Societies

Alpha Delta Nu: Alpha Delta Nu is the Honor Society for Associate Degree Nursing Programs, established to promote scholarship and academic excellence in the profession of nursing. Membership is offered to nursing students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have earned a grade of B or better in each nursing class in the program. Students have also demonstrated conduct on campus and the clinical areas that reflect integrity and professionalism. Members of this honor society wear peach colored honor cords at graduation.

Lambda Beta National Honor Society for Respiratory Care: Lambda Beta is a national honor society for those in the profession of respiratory care. The purpose of the society is to promote, recognize and honor scholarship, scholarly achievement, service and character of students, graduates and faculty members of the profession. The name of the society is based on the goals of the profession: sustaining life (lambda) and breath (beta) for all. Lambda Beta members can be recognized by the blue and green honor cords worn on their gowns. The HACC Chapter was formed in 2010.

Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society: Mu Alpha Theta, a National Mathematics Honor Society, is dedicated to inspiring interest and scholarship in two-year college students for the subject of mathematics. Members are recommended by mathematics faculty, have completed college algebra, and have at least a 3.0 GPA overall and in mathematics. The HACC Chapter was established in 2000.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society: HACC is home to the Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society serving two-year colleges. Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has sought to recognize and encourage scholarship among associate degree students. HACC’s chapter has received national recognition for the excellence and integrity of its programs. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is extended by invitation. To be considered, a student must be enrolled in classes, have completed at least twelve hours of coursework leading to an associate degree, have a grade point average of at least 3.5, have established a record of academic excellence as judged by the faculty, be of good moral character, and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. For more information, see www.hacc.edu or www.ptk.org.

Intercultural Programs

HACC is committed to diversity by promoting a wide range of ideas and working to foster mutual respect among people of every race, ethnicity, economic class, religious preference, gender and gender expression, physical ability, sexual orientation, and age. We believe that meaningful interaction with others from different backgrounds is one of the best ways to build understanding and to prepare students for the diverse world into which they will graduate, work and live. HACC strives to provide a supportive atmosphere for students of diverse backgrounds by sponsoring activities that increase awareness and build mutual respect and understanding. Intercultural celebrations at HACC present an opportunity to enjoy the richness that a variety of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds bring to the community. These special events include distinguished speakers, panel discussions, art exhibits, cultural dances, ethnic food festivals, arts and crafts and poetry readings. For more information on intercultural programming and opportunities for engagement email studentinvolvement@hacc.edu or visit the HACC Student Involvement webpage at www.hacc.edu/Students/GetInvolved/StudentActivities.

Military and Veterans Affairs
HACC is proud to welcome all veterans, currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents. Over 400 veterans attend HACC.  Available on every HACC campus, the Military and Veterans Affairs team (MVA) will:

• Support and guide students on how to use their military education benefits including the GI Bill®

• Provide assistance with Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) benefits

• Assist with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP) benefits

• Work to find educational and other resources

• Connect veterans with HACC’s VSOC (VetSuccess on Campus) representative 

HACC is a proud partner of the Community College of the Air Force. All MVA staff are veterans or currently serving members of the Armed Forces.

Additionally, HACC has a Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter creating a group that ensures student veterans and military-connected students achieve their greatest potential. Join SVA today by emailing sva@hacc.edu. For more information about HACC’s MVA team, visit www.hacc.edu/Students/Veterans. 

Student Government

Student Government Association (SGA) officers and senators are chosen through general elections in which all students are eligible to participate as electors. Student candidates must follow eligibility guidelines outlined in the SGA Constitution and Bylaws. The SGA prepares a budget that allocates funds to student organizations and events. SGA represents student views on current issues to the faculty and administration. Student representatives participate in the college’s Shared Governance process, ensuring that the student voice is heard in matters pertaining to the HACC student experience. Further information about the Student Government Association at HACC may be obtained by contacting SGA@hacc.edu or at www.hacc.edu/Students/GetInvolved/StudentGovernment. As a resource for students, the Student Handbook is published online in myHACC and at www.hacc.edu/Students/GetInvolved/Student-Handbook.cfm, which includes information about College resources, student activities, and school regulations.

Student Programming Boards

Student Programming Boards (SPB) plan and develop student activities and events for the student body at each campus and online. SPB members select events, organize details and marketing, and contribute to establish the sense of community on each HACC campus. Events are student-directed and include opportunities to learn, socialize, have fun, and make a connection to campus life. If interested in becoming involved in the Student Programming Board, please contact Student Involvement.

Wellness, Athletics, Recreation and Engagement

The WARE department appreciates the unique needs and interests of all our students and strives to provide opportunities for engagement on many levels.

The HACC Athletics program is composed of seven varsity intercollegiate teams and esports. The varsity intercollegiate sports participating in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) offered are men and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country and women’s volleyball. Participation is open to students at all HACC campuses, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

At the Harrisburg Campus, the Evans Center and outdoor athletic facilities, include a fitness center, gym, racquetball court, sand volleyball court, and athletic fields, and are available for all students to enjoy with a current HACC ID. The Lancaster Campus has a fitness center for student use as well.

Wellness activities include yoga, circuit training, Afro Cardio, strength training, meditation sessions and informational sessions on a variety of topics presented to enhance an individual’s wellbeing. The programs are offered online and in person when available. The schedule is posted at www.hacchawks.com/composite_wellness.

In 2020, the HACC Hawks welcomed the addition of Esports as an intercollegiate program. The Esports program is co-ed and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAe). The teams compete against institutions around the U.S. and Canada. This is a competitive program where students have the opportunity to compete in the cyber arena. The Hawks Esports program runs throughout the academic year with a variety of team games offered each semester.

In the fall of 2022, the NJCAAe implemented an intramural program that is open to all students, but does not compete at the intercollegiate level. Each match can be seen live on the Esports Hawks Twitch Channel at www.twitch.tv/haccesports.

The Esports intercollegiate program games vary each semester, depending on offering and interest. Generally, the following games are offered on the intercollegiate level:

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

• Call of Duty

• Rocket League

• Overwatch

Intramural sports are offered in a diverse array of sporting activities that include team sports, individual sports, and events. Credit courses are available in Physical Education/Exercise Science Department information. More information can be found online at www.hacchawks.com.

HACC Alumni Association

HACC alumni are those who have earned credit certificates, diplomas or degrees from HACC and those who have completed financial-aid eligible programs. 

Alumni benefit from HACC through networking and volunteer opportunities, career services, social events, professional development and philanthropy to support students and/or programs. Alumni are also eligible to receive a variety of benefits and services through the Alumni College Card.

For more information about the HACC Alumni Association, please visit us at www.hacc.edu/Alumni.