Student Services and Support

Support Services

Academic Monitoring

HACC’s academic monitoring process is an academic alert program through the Navigate platform. This process is used to identify students who may need additional academic support to pursue success and offers assistance from college resources like tutoring and academic coaching services, academic advising and career services. Students are notified via HACC Hawkmail email when an alert has been issued by faculty. This notification is not meant to be punitive, but supportive. Students should take action to connect with faculty or a HACC resource when they receive an alert email. Further support to students and maintenance of the alert process is arranged through the Student Success Coaching office. 

CARE Center

HACC’s CARE (Consultation Advocacy Referrals Empowerment) Center operates 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 views students holistically with a goal to empower students to overcome obstacles and succeed on their journey to degree completion.

The CARE Center understands that some students need support outside the classroom to succeed inside the classroom. 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, 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 contact you within 72 hours of receiving the Intake Form to schedule a consultation to determine needs and 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 student's collegiate experience. To succeed in today's dynamic competitive workforce, students must intentionally connect their education to career pathways and the realities of the labor market. Our primary role is to support our students by fostering professional growth, building career competencies and guiding students toward employment aligned with their long-term career goals.

The Career Development team supports students at every stage of their academic journey. Early on, students can utilize career exploration tools and advising to clarify interest, major, and explore career options. Within the student's major, the staff work to develop a structured career plan, identify experiential opportunities, and engage students in high-impact activities such as informational interviews, job shadowing, and internships, and on or off campus student employment. 

As graduation approaches, we provide focused job search support, including résumé and cover letter development, interview preparation, and access to employment opportunities through our online job board. 

Students can schedule appointments through Navigate360 to Explore, Discover and Connect. To learn more, visit www.hacc.edu/careerservices. 

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 223-488-5920 for the Harrisburg Campus and 717-399-3088 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.achsaccess.org. 

Mental Health and Wellness

At HACC, we know your overall wellbeing is crucial to your educational success. We provide multiple opportunities to engage in wellness, which includes mental wellbeing.

The WARE (Wellness, Athletics, Recreation and Engagement) department appreciates the unique needs and interests of all our students and strives to provide opportunities for engagement on many levels. Which includes a Wellness Schedule of monthly wellness activities. To learn more about those activities please visit www.hacchawks.com/composite_wellness or www.hacc.edu/Calendar.

Additionally, HACC partners with M&S EAP to provide mental health counseling to currently enrolled students. Information about seeking counseling services is shared regularly with students and is available on www.hacc.edu.

As a community college serving a commuting student population without residence halls or housing, 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 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 does not serve such medical needs.

The CARE Center can provide referral to community resources related to medical care and access. To learn more, visit their webpage at www.hacc.edu.

KEYS Program

The KEYS program is designed to help students succeed while attending community college. To be eligible, a student must receive cash assistance (TANF) or food stamps (SNAP). 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 to all enrolled students, pending eligibility from the County Assistance Office (CAO). Additional information can be found at www.hacc.edu/keys, and interested students may complete the inquiry form found on the webpage. You may contact the program directly via email at keysprogram@hacc.edu or by calling 717-780-1181. 

Learning Commons and Library

The Learning Commons and Library is the academic support hub for students and includes the library, testing, tutoring, and tech support. The HACC Learning Commons and Library has study rooms and computer work spaces on each campus for individual and collaborative work. HACC students can use the services in the Learning Commons to reach their academic and personal goals.

Library
As part of the Learning Commons, librarians and staff empower students to reach their potential by connecting students to the resources they need for their course success and degree completion. The library has a rich collection of print books and online resources, along with equipment for student use.  

• On- Campus Library Hours 

• Schedule a Research Appointment 

• Phone a Librarian at 717-780-1959 

• Connect via 24/7 chat

Library faculty teach a range of information literacy topics, including how to choose the best database to start research, evaluation of web or print resources, and how to cite in MLA or APA. Schedule classroom instruction with a Librarian.

Tutoring
Professional and peer tutors assist students seeking to improve their skills in a variety of subjects.  Try the following free services:

• On-campus tutoring

• Remote tutoring (drop-in and by appointment)

• Online essay review (HOWL)

• Targeted support for classes, like study groups and in-class tutoring

• Academic coaching in time management, organization, test preparation, and other academic skills

Students can make an appointment on the Access Tutoring page of the website. Email tutoring@hacc.edu for additional information or assistance.

The HOWL (HACC’s Online Writing Lab) offers written feedback via email from a HACC Professional. Submit your writing (journal entries, essays, papers, speeches, etc.) to get quality feedback, including an optional in a Zoom session for more help.

Testing

The Test Center provides a variety of testing services that promote academic success, personal growth, and career development and maintains test integrity and security in a professional environment.  Exams offered by the Test Center include:

• Placement assessments

• Academic and Make-Up Exams

• Extended time and limited distraction accommodation for Student Access Service students

• Health Career Admissions Testing (TEAS)

• CLEP Exams (College-Level Examination Program®)

Center for Male Engagement 

Our mission and purpose are to support and enhance the rich learning experiences at HACC for male-identifying students to counter historical equity gaps in post-secondary success. The Center for Male Engagement is committed to fostering a sense of engagement, self-advocacy, and success through education, helping students navigate their academic and career journeys while addressing the unique challenges male students face. For more information visit www.hacc.edu. 

Student Access Services
At HACC, it is our goal to support students throughout their educational journey. We remain committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities to ensure they have an equal opportunity to succeed and participate in their college and career goals. The College is 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 or 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 a student 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 the webpage at https://www.hacc.edu/Students/AcademicSupport/StudentAccessServices/index.cfm.

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. Learn more by reviewing our Lactation Space Directory which is available on our Title IX page at https://www.hacc.edu/CampusLife/EngagementandRetention/EngagementandRetentionPolicies/title-ix.cfm and on our Student Access Services page at https://www.hacc.edu/Students/AcademicSupport/StudentAccessServices/index.cfm. 

Student Access Coordinators are pointed to each HACC campus center to assist and facilitate students with inquiring and implementing accommodations. We invite you to connect with us by referring to our contact information listed at https://www.hacc.edu/Students/AcademicSupport/StudentAccessServices/Contact-Disability-Services.cfm. 

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 V 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.  High school students who complete CTE programs and matriculate to HACC to continue in that program may be eligible for ‘Students Occupationally and Academically Ready’ (SOAR) articulated credits upon completion and submission of requisite paperwork. 

Transferring from HACC

Many students attend HACC with the goal of earning an associate degree and transferring to a bachelor's degree program at a four-year college or university. To help students with this process and assure a seamless transition, HACC’s Transfer Services has established partnerships with numerous institutions that provide admission with junior standing, providing students meet the following requirements:

• Follow the approved program of study

• Maintain the required cumulative GPA

• Successfully earn an associate degree

Many of these agreements include Dual Admission, transfer scholarships, and additional benefits specifically for HACC graduates. 

A comprehensive list of partner colleges and universities is available at: https://www.hacc.edu/Students/AcademicSupport/TransferServices/. 

Transfer Services offers a range of resources to guide students through the process, including transfer coaching, information sessions, transfer fairs that provide opportunities to connect with representatives from four-year institutions, and a range of additional resources designed to support your strategic transfer planning. 

Student Involvement

Student involvement provides leadership and vision in developing, directing, and enriching the student experience at HACC to create a culture of student engagement and success. Student Involvement works collaboratively to provide programming, student leadership opportunities, intercultural programs, volunteer opportunities, civic engagement, and other campus initiatives supporting retention, student success, and out-of-class experience. Additionally, activities are organized at all campus locations and online. HACC offers a variety of activities, and students can consume as much or as little time as they prefer. Students may access Student Involvement information online at www.hacc.edu.

Center for Global Opportunities & Education

The impact of a global experience is boundless, transformative, and lifelong. HACC supports experiences in an interconnected global and domestic world by connecting educational opportunities with culture that enhances inclusion, understanding, and advocacy. The vision of this office hopes that these opportunities can be felt on one’s personal and professional growth as they navigate HACC and their personal path, for more information visit www.hacc.edu/Students/GlobalEducation. 

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.

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 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 fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment by encouraging meaningful interactions among students from various backgrounds. Engaging with others with different perspectives and experiences helps students develop valuable skills for academic, professional, and personal success. Through campus events and activities, HACC provides opportunities for students to connect, learn, and celebrate our community's many cultures and traditions. Intercultural celebrations and programs create spaces for students to engage with new ideas, broaden their perspectives, and build connections that support their persistence and success.

For more information on intercultural programming and engagement opportunities, email studentinvolvement@hacc.edu or visit the HACC Student Involvement webpage.

International Student Services

HACC welcomes over 800 non-U.S. citizens each year, including over 150 international students (F1 student visa holders) from over 50 countries. This dynamic student population enhances classroom discussions, enriches campus life, and contributes to a globally engaged learning environment. By supporting international students, HACC fosters student engagement, persistence, and retention, helping all students achieve their academic and career goals.

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, enrollment, immigration responsibilities and benefits, supporting academic success, promoting activities that lead to social integration, and acting as a reference point for all college services. For more information visit www.hacc.edu/Students/InternationalStudentResources. 

Military and Veterans Affairs

HACC is proud to have a Military and Veteran Affairs (MVA) team supporting MVA students.  

The MVA staff provide information about GI Bill® benefits for veterans, eligible family members of veterans or actively serving armed forces members including members of the National Guard, Selected Reserves and Active Duty service persons. The Military and Veteran Affairs team also assists students in applying for veteran education benefits in addition to others. Students may contact the MVA at 717-780-2331 or by email at vaoffice@hacc.edu. HACC also has a VA VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor. They can be reached by phone at 717-810-6990 or by email at vsoc@hacc.edu.

HACC’s MVA team also encourages all MVA students to apply for the VA work-study program. For more information about the program, please contact HACC’s MVA team at 717-780-2331 or via email at vaoffice@hacc.edu.  

VA tutorial assistance may also be available for student veterans and eligible dependents.  

Students should refer to the Military and Veteran Affairs page at www.hacc.edu or email vaoffice@hacc.edu. Information and current benefit rates can be found at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The major VA education benefit programs are:

GI Bill® – Chapters 30, and 33 (Post 9/11 both veteran and eligible family members)

GI Bill® – National Guard & Selected Reserves – Chapter 1606

Survivors & Dependents Education Assistance Program – Chapter 35

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) – Chapter 31

PA National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)

PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP)

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA/TA)

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program (MyCAA)

Application: Student veterans, US service members and eligible family members must complete an initial application for GI Bill® benefits at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. A HACC’s Veterans Benefits Request Form (Yellow Sheet) must be completed each term to receive benefits. The Yellow Sheet is found in your myHACC account under Registration/Records and under the Registration block.

Advance pay: HACC MVA students may request Advance Pay (GI Bill® Chapters 30, 35 & 1606 only) if they are new students or have more than a 30-day break between terms. Advanced pay forms must be submitted 30 days prior to the start of the term. Advance Pay checks are sent directly to the school.

Service-connected disabled Veterans: Veterans with service-connected disabilities can contact a VA VR&E Counselor at 717-810-6990 or connect with HACC’s VSOC team by visiting www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/vsoc.asp to discuss potential benefits.  

Student Access Services (SAS): Veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive accommodations at HACC. Student Access Services provides reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and support services. To learn more, contact the nearest campus SAS office or visit www.hacc.edu. Our web pages have a wealth of information including contact information and ways to submit documentation securely.

Eligibility: All credit programs offered by HACC are approved for VA Education Benefits. Most workforce development programs are also approved for benefits. Please contact HACC’s MVA team for additional details. HACC is a fully accredited Service members Opportunity College, NAVPA, AVECO, and a ConAP member.

Financial Aid: MVA students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

PA National Guard members: Education Assistance Program (EAP), Federal Tuition Assistance, and Loan Repayment Program may be available. Students should contact their unit of assignment on these additional programs. Family Member Education Program (MFEP) is also available for those family members who qualify.

Satisfactory Progress: MVA students should be aware of the requirements for satisfactory academic progress mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with College academic policy described in this catalog. The VA will be notified when a student is not making satisfactory progress.

Selected Reserves: Federal Tuition Assistance and other benefits may be available. Students should contact their unit of assignment on these additional programs.

Summer terms: Summer benefit rates will vary for each summer term. A Training Time Equivalency Table can be found on HACC’s MVA webpage. HACC’s MVA team can assist students in calculating their benefit estimate.

VA Work-Study Allowance Program:  MVA students attending ¾ time or more and receiving GI Bill ® benefits may apply for VA Work-Study to work in the Military and Veteran Affairs offices on a HACC campus. For more information on this program call 717-780-2331.

Veterans Benefits Request Form (Yellow Sheet): This form must be completed each term a MVA student registers for classes in order for HACC to certify attendance to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Failure to complete this form will result in an interruption of benefits.

Veterans’ Benefits and Transition Act of 2018: HACC complies with this act by ensuring a covered individual (is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post‐9/11 GI Bill® benefits) will not be penalized, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the required to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33. In order to become a covered individual, a student must provide a copy of their VA Certificate of Eligibility or a “Statement of Benefits” (obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits) for Chapter 33 students or provide a VAF 28‐1905 for Chapter 31 students.

Student Engagement Groups

Student Engagement Groups are formed around shared interests, goals, or experiences to provide connections, support, and meaningful dialogue opportunities. These groups are platforms for building relationships, fostering engagement, and enhancing the student experience. All students are welcome to join a group that aligns with their interests or experiences. Students interested in starting a student engagement group should contact Student Involvement.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the official student governance body and the primary voice for student representation at HACC. SGA also oversees recognized student clubs and organizations. Officers and senators are elected through general elections in which all students may participate as voters. Students seeking office must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the SGA Constitution and Bylaws.

SGA develops and manages a budget that allocates funds to student organizations and campus events. The organization also represents student perspectives on current issues to faculty and college administration. Student representatives participate in the college’s Shared Governance process, ensuring the student voice is included in decisions that affect the HACC student experience.

Additional information about the Student Government Association is available at SGA@hacc.edu or at www.hacc.edu. The Student Handbook is available online in myHACC and at www.hacc.edu/Students/GetInvolved/Student-Handbook.cfm. The handbook includes information about college resources, student activities, and campus policies.

SGA and institutional fees collected from enrolled students support student organizations and activities. Students may join clubs/organizations based on shared interests, careers, or recreational activities. Students interested in starting a new club/organization should contact the Student Government Association.

Visual and Performing Arts

The Rose Lehrman Arts Center is located on HACC's Harrisburg Campus. It houses two theatres (a flexible black box Studio Theatre and a proscenium Main Stage Theatre) in addition to classrooms and studio spaces. The theatres host performances, lectures, and events by regional groups. Follow the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoseLehrmanArtsCenter.

Rose Lehrman Arts Center houses studios for drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, glass, and sculpture, as well as additional studio and classroom spaces. In the John Hall Technology Building, there are labs and studios for photography, graphic design and computer art, and 2D art. 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. Like the Gallery on www.facebook.com/RoseLehrmanArtGallery. 

Participation is open to students from all HACC campuses, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

At the Harrisburg Campus, students with a valid HACC ID can access the Evans Center and outdoor athletic facilities, which include:

• Twelve pickleball courts

• Fitness center

• Gymnasium

• Racquetball court

• Sand volleyball court

• Putting green

• Athletic fields

The Lancaster Campus offers a fitness center, and an Esports Lounge is coming soon to the York Campus.

Wellness activities include yoga, circuit training, Zumba, strength training, meditation sessions, and informational programs designed to enhance individual well-being. These activities are available both online and in person when possible. The schedule is posted at www.hacchawks.com/composite_wellness.

In 2020, the HACC Hawks introduced Esports as an intercollegiate program. The co-ed program competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAe) against institutions in the U.S. and Canada as well as in the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference). It runs throughout the academic year and features a variety of team games each semester.

Matches can be viewed live on the Esports Hawks Twitch Channel at www.twitch.tv/haccesports.

Intercollegiate Esports game offerings vary each semester based on interest and availability. Popular titles include but are not limited to:

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

• Call of Duty

• Rocket League

• Overwatch

• League of Legends 

• Valorant

• Fortnite

• Madden 

For more information about WARE, visit www.hacchawks.com.