College Policies

Academic Policies

Adding Classes

After initial registration and prior to the start date of the class, a student may add a class for which the prerequisites have been met providing that the class is not restricted and has seats remaining. Entrance to a class that has already begun or is full requires the approval of the instructor. Students seeking entrance to restricted classes such as Nursing, Allied Health, Graphic Design, etc., must obtain the appropriate approvals and signatures. Students wishing to add a class after the class has begun must obtain instructor approval.

Dropping a Class

Prior to the start of a term and through the 100% refund period, a student may drop a class with no withdrawal status and no course charges. From the end of the full refund period through the end of the 50% refund period, a student will be responsible for the published percentage of tuition and fees. Students who initiate a withdrawal after the 100% refund period has ended and prior to the published last day to drop for the part of term will receive a withdrawal status of ‘W’ and will be responsible for tuition and fee charges. Incidents of Academic Dishonesty (SGP 506) may result in the student being withdrawn with a failing grade. Students who do not plan to continue in a class or classes must initiate a withdrawal. Failure to do so during the posted refund period may have academic and financial consequences. Students receiving financial aid, veterans’ benefits, other state or federal benefits should determine the impact of dropping classes on their benefits or coverage of policies.

Class Attendance 

Students are expected to participate in all scheduled academic activities in the lecture, laboratory, or online course and are responsible for all class work and assignments. Instructors will present an outline of class work and an attendance policy on the first day of class. Students who miss the first day of class are responsible for requesting this information. Students who do not plan to continue in a class or classes must initiate a withdrawal. Failure to do so during the posted refund period may have academic and financial consequences.

Some programs are accredited by external agencies that mandate specific attendance requirements; students must observe these special attendance policies, which are contained in the course syllabus. Students should be careful to observe the college and course specific attendance policies since these policies may sometimes affect either grades or continued status in the class. Students who miss all classes during the first week of a class risk being dropped from the course. Students dropped for this reason may be allowed to reenter the course if space is available and upon receiving instructor approval. Instructors must withdraw students who have missed all of the first three weeks of a regular term (or the equivalent of a shorter term).

The college is sometimes required to make attendance reports to outside agencies concerning students who are receiving veterans’ benefits, social security payments, and various other federal, state, and financial aid. Faculty are required to maintain accurate attendance records for reporting purposes.

Repeat Course Limitations

A student may attempt a course up to three times for credit. Thereafter, the student must meet with an advisor to discuss the educational plan and obtain permission from the department chair to repeat the course. Certain programs and academic disciplines may have time and frequency limitations on course repeats. In all repeats, the highest grade earned for the course will be used to calculate the grade point average; however, all grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Please note that the college’s course repeat rules differ from the repeat rules for Title IV financial aid eligibility. 

Change of Curriculum

Students wishing to change their program of study must complete a Change of Major Form. This online form is located in myHACC. Program changes made after the audit date for each term will become effective for the subsequent term. Students will follow the graduation requirements in effect for the term in which the change of program was made.

Grading System

Midterm and final grades are available to students online through myHACC. Midterm grades are issued in the fall and spring terms for courses meeting 12 or more weeks. Midterm grades are not issued during the summer terms or for courses that meet for fewer than 12 weeks. Final grades are available online at the conclusion of each term. All students are encouraged to review the course syllabus to understand any specific grading details pertaining to the course.

The following grading system is used:

The W (withdrawal) grade should not be construed as prejudicial to a student’s record, although excessive use of the W may jeopardize academic standing and financial aid or veterans’ benefits. (Refer to the definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress.)

During the tuition refund period, no grade is recorded if a student drops the class. After the tuition refund period has ended and during the Drop/Withdrawal Period (prior to the completion of 70% of class time), a student must submit a request to drop the course either online through the myHACC portal or in-person at the Welcome Center. The request to drop is in pending status for 4 days during which time the student and instructor may communicate about the decision to withdraw. In cases where the student has violated the instructor’s academic dishonesty policy, a grade of ‘F’ may be assigned. If no action is taken prior to the end of the pending status period by either the student or instructor, the course drop will be processed with a ‘W’ status.   

The I (incomplete) grade: An “I” grade may be awarded at the discretion of the faculty member, to students who, because of extenuating circumstances, request additional time beyond the term to complete course work. The course work must be completed within the deadline set by the faculty member no later than 8 weeks into the following Fall or Spring term. An incomplete grade is computed as an F in the student’s cumulative grade point average when not completed within the allotted period. On the recommendation of the instructor and subject to the School dean’s approval, the deadline to complete may be extended.

The Y (work in progress) grade is restricted to 0-level courses, unless otherwise approved by an academic department and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Y is assigned only after consultation with the student, who agrees to the following conditions:

• In the judgment of the instructor, the student has shown sufficient progress but needs more time to complete the course objectives.

• The student will be given the option of accepting the D or F grade.

• At the time the grade is agreed upon, the student must complete the Y grade form provided by the instructor.

• The student must re-enroll in the course no later than the next regular term in which the course is offered.

• The student may not receive a Y grade twice in the same course.

• If a student is already registered for the next term, the student must sign a Drop/Add Form to re-enroll in the course for which a Y grade is given.

• If the student has not completed the course by the end of the next regular term in which the course is offered, the Y grade will be counted as an F grade in computing the student’s cumulative grade point average.

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of student records. FERPA protects students and ensures their educational records are accurate and secure. FERPA applies to institutions that receive federal aid by the Secretary of Education.

What rights do I have?

FERPA maintains the privacy of student records. It gives students the right to:

1.  Inspect and review educational records
   To review records, please email The Registrar’s Office at record@hacc.edu or call 717-780-2373. Students will have the opportunity to review their records within 45 days of the College receiving the request.
   
   

2. Seek and amend educational records
   Students have the right to amend a record if it is inaccurate or misleading. To request a review of an educational record, please email The Registrar’s Office at record@hacc.edu.
   
   If HACC chooses not to amend the record, the student has the right to appeal via a hearing. If a student requests a hearing, the Registrar will appoint a committee. The committee includes one administrator, one faculty member and one student success and enrollment management staff member. The committee will hold a hearing with the student and discuss the requested amendment.

      The committee must:

• schedule the hearing within 45 days of the request

• record the minutes from the hearing

• follow the "due process" guideline

• give the student the opportunity to submit more information if they cannot form an agreement
  
  

3. Limit disclosure of information
   HACC may not release personal information unless the student provides written consent. If a student would like to release educational records to a person or organization, a Release of Information Form is required. Students should submit the aforementioned form to onestopwc@hacc.edu. Please open the Release of Information form in any browser except Microsoft Edge.

Are there exceptions to non-disclosure of information?
There are exceptions to non-disclosure. The College can release information without a student's written consent in the following situations:

Directory information
HACC does not promote the release of directory information. However, FERPA allows the release of directory information, without written consent, and
does not consider it to be harmful or invasive to privacy.

Designated directory information at HACC includes: 

• Student name, address and telephone listing 

• Email address 

• Date of birth 

• Major field of study at HACC 

• Participation in activities and sports 

• Dates of attendance at HACC 

• Degrees and awards 

•  Photograph 

•  Educational institution most recently attended 

• Enrollment status 

• Academic level

Non-directory information
HACC can provide non-directory information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is: 

•  a person employed by HACC who serves in an administrative, supervisory, academic or support staff role. 

• a person or company serving as HACC's agent who provides a service such as attorneys, auditors or collection agents. 

• a person serving on the Board of Trustees

• a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing a task

HACC may release non-directory student information without consent in other situations:

• parents of dependent students, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code 

• accrediting organizations 

• federal, state and local authorities involving an audit or evaluation of compliance with educational programs

• organizations conducting studies for educational institutions 

• a subpoena or court order 

• in connection with financial aid 

• health or safety emergencies 

• an alleged victim of a crime of violence

How do I request a non-disclosure?
Students may refuse to permit the release of directory information by completing The Confidentiality Form and submitting it to record@hacc.edu.

However, please know requesting a non-disclosure may have negative consequences. For example, with a non-disclosure HACC cannot confirm the student’s degree to an employer and the student’s name will not be listed in the graduation program. A non-disclosure request will remain in effect unless the student revokes it via a written request to The Registrar’s Office.

How do I file a complaint?
Students have the right to file a complaint if HACC does not comply with FERPA. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education site to learn more and to file a complaint regarding a FERPA violation.

Whom can I contact at HACC for questions about FERPA?
Please direct your questions about FERPA and student records to The Registrar’s Office by emailing record@hacc.edu or by calling 717-780-2373.

Housing Policy

HACC is not a residential college and does not have dormitories. Any agreements concerning rent or conditions of occupancy are made between the student and/or parents and the landlord. The College does not participate in any housing arrangements or assume responsibility for any housing contracts.

We do know housing is of concern to students. Should a currently enrolled student need support in identifying housing near to one of HACC’s campuses, the CARE Center is able to provide guidance and referrals to reputable housing options including referrals to shelters and housing assistance agencies in HACC’s service area. For more information, visit www.hacc.edu/carecenter. 

Technology Use, Security and Internet Access Policy

The purpose of this policy (SGP 901: Acceptable Use of Technology) is to accommodate reliable access to technology hardware, software, Internet, and network accounts in support of the educational mission, while remaining in accordance with state, federal, and industry compliance requirements. Refer to the Acceptable Use of Technology Resources Policy for full details.

Computer Security

Computer security is critically important to the College. Each person at HACC who gains access to the computer network, including students and student workers, should do so under that individual’s unique user ID and password. Use of another person’s user ID and password is prohibited by law and by College policy. User IDs and passwords should not be loaned to another person even on a temporary basis. Any compromise of security is a serious matter, and College employees and students are responsible for all actions performed under their user IDs and passwords.

The College may monitor access to and use of the equipment and networking structures and systems for the following purposes:

To ensure the security and operating performance of its systems and networks

To investigate possible violations of federal, state, or local laws as well as College policies.

System Maintenance

Authorized College staff may monitor equipment, systems, and network traffic at any time. The privacy of personal information stored on the College’s networked systems is not guaranteed. In addition, information stored on the College’s networked systems may be copied.

Software License and Copyrights

It is the policy of the College to honor the copyrights of all software packages used by or licensed to the College and to recognize the intellectual property rights of the owner. All software run on computers owned or controlled by the College must be purchased and used in accordance with College policies and procedures. Participating in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material using College resources, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject students to civil and criminal liabilities. HACC has implemented technology-based deterrents in accordance with the statutes in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008. HACC researches, documents, and responds to each DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) notice received. Legal alternatives for legally downloading copyrighted materials can be found at the following web address: www.educause.edu/legalcontent.

Business Records

Any and all records generated by the College, including but not limited to personnel records, payroll records, business and other related records are considered to be confidential. Willful or intentional unauthorized disclosure of such information violates College policy.

System Tampering

It is a violation of College policy to intentionally disrupt the performance of the College’s computer system or the College network; introduce computer viruses; read, execute, modify or delete any file belonging to someone else without permission; or damage or remove without permission from the Office of Information Technology & Learning Experience (OITLE) any hardware that supports the College’s computer system or College network.

Internet

User Online Behavior

Resources available on the Internet are used to support the College’s educational mission. While interacting online, a user’s behavior is subject to the College Policies 071, Statement of Individual Rights, and 074, Statement of Practices Constituting Unacceptable Conduct. Users may make incidental personal use of Internet resources, provided that such use does not interfere with the fulfillment of that user’s job responsibilities or disrupt the College’s network environment. Users who make incidental personal use of the college’s Internet resources do so at their own risk and the college cannot guarantee the security or continued operation of any Internet resource.

1.  Illegal Activity

a. Use of the Internet, including email, to create, display, or transmit language and/or materials that violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations is strictly prohibited. Such use includes, but is not limited to, the violation of applicable laws regarding copyright and trademark infringement, fraud, forgery, harassment, discrimination, obscenity, libel, identity theft, or slander.

b. Access to the Internet is a privilege and not a right, and is made available to the entire College community of users. The College reserves the right to terminate any network session at any time.

c. Unless use is for scholarly or medical purposes or pursuant to a formal College investigation, users may not utilize the college network resources to store, display, or disseminate pornographic or other sexually explicit content. Child pornography is illegal and, in the event, it is discovered on the college’s premises, it will be immediately reported to the local authorities.

2.  User Responsibility/College Liability

a. Users, NOT the College or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed. The College does not generally monitor Internet use and is not responsible for its content, and consequently has no control over the information accessed, either on workstations on campus or remotely. The College assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of information found on the Internet, and any communications sent through College Internet connections.

Email Privacy, Distribution, and Usage

Email Privacy

Users should have no expectation of privacy in anything they store, send or receive on the College’s email system. However, with the exception of automated scans which monitor email communications for sensitive content, the College does not monitor the content of electronic mail as a routine procedure. The College reserves the right to inspect, copy, store, or disclose the contents of electronic mail messages, but will do so only when it believes these actions are appropriate to:

• Prevent or correct improper use of the College email facilities;

• Ensure compliance with College policies, procedures, or regulations;

• Satisfy a legal obligation; or ensure the proper operations of College email facilities;

• Establish compliance with College policies, procedures, or regulations;

• Address a legal obligation; or ensure the proper operations of the College email facilities or data network. (See Administrative Procedure 651, “Disclosure of Information and Students.”)

Anti-Virus

All inbound email services must be directed through the College’s spam and antivirus scanners at the Internet gateway. Once email is scanned, the antivirus scanners will relay the email to the respective location for delivery.

Email Courtesy

When emailing, be respectful, professional, and courteous. Defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, harassing, intimidating, profane, and/or offensive language is prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary actions in association with personnel policies. Emails sent through the employee email distribution service shall not be shared with individuals other than employees unless there is prior written consent from the author of the email.

Disclaimer

The College makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, with respect to the College email services it provides. The College will not be responsible for damages resulting from the use of College email, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, service interruptions caused by the negligence of a College employee, or by User error or omission. The College specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through College email except material represented as an official document.

Wireless Access

The College grants wireless access to the Internet and network resources as a privilege and must manage them responsibly to maintain the integrity and availability of all wireless information assets. Only wireless access points installed and managed by the Office of Information Technology & Learning Experience (OITLE) will be allowed on the College’s wireless network.

Removable Media

College faculty and staff are responsible for the secure and responsible use of removable media. The College reserves the right to disable and/or restrict access for USB ports and writable CD/DVD drives on College-owned and maintained systems.

Remote Access

Access to the College’s network resources remotely shall follow the same policies and procedures as an on-site connection to College network resources.

All students are expected to uphold the College’s standards of conduct and are responsible for their behavior on campus, in online environments, and at College-sponsored activities. Off-campus behavior may also be subject to College review when it impacts the College community.

Students are afforded rights as members of the College community, including the ability to learn, express ideas, and participate in College activities without interference or harassment. At the same time, students are expected to act in accordance with College policies and applicable laws.

Violations of community standards are addressed through a formal conduct process. Outcomes may include educational interventions, restrictions, or other sanctions up to and including suspension or dismissal, depending on the nature and severity of the behavior.

HACC also maintains a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) to respond to concerning or disruptive behavior and to connect students with appropriate support resources when needed.

Full policies, procedures, and definitions of prohibited conduct—including Shared Governance Procedures (SGPs) and CP (Conduct Policies)—are maintained online and may be updated during the academic year. Students are responsible for reviewing the current versions. View the Community Standards and Student Conduct policies, procedures and resources at www.hacc.edu.

Title IX

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is committed to cultivating and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory educational and employment environment for all members of the College community.

HACC will be vigilant in providing a College environment that is free of any form of discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault and dating or domestic violence. This commitment, which includes prohibition of all forms of gender-based harassment (sexual and non-sexual), is implemented to support fair processes for all parties and to focus on student well-being.

Under the U.S. Department of Education, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces the federal civil rights law known as Title IX. Title IX, or the Education Amendment of 1972, requires that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This policy extends to matters of admission, employment, athletics, and in access to, and participation in, its educational programs, services or activities. For more information, visit the HACC Title IX webpage at www.hacc.edu.