Hawks Corner

Hello, HACC Hawks!

Welcome to the student newsletter. HACC is dedicated to providing news that matters most to you in an easy-to-read format. We will continue to share relevant information and keep you “in the know” as we serve and support you.

This newsletter is shared with all current HACC students.

Thank you!

HACC's Core Values

Excellence:
  • We set high goals and achieve them.
  • We consistently perform above our own and others’ expectations.
  • We provide exceptional service to all.
Innovation:
  • We challenge the status quo.
  • We continually strive to develop new and creative approaches to the education and training needs of our communities.
Inclusivity:
  • We promote respect, collegiality, diversity and empathy in all we say and do.
  • We nurture awareness and cultural sensitivity to create a climate of trust.
  • We create a learning environment that appreciates diversity.
  • We respect the shared governance decision-making process.
Integrity:
  • We behave in a manner consistent with our core values.
  • We are honest, open and truthful in our statements and actions.
  • We provide the most accurate information available in all communication.

Welcome Back to a New Semester

Hi, Students! Welcome back to another semester and academic year. We hope your summer break was restful, relaxing and rejuvenating as you restart or begin your academic journey. We understand that transitioning can be tough and wish to offer you support as classes start again. Below you will find some resources that may be helpful as you start this new semester off right! Remember to check the HACC calendar of events during the month of August for more resources and programs!

1) Unmasking Mental Health Stigmas | Aug. 11 @ 8 p.m. | FREE Webinar | Registration required! Click here to register.

2) Mental Health: Morning Mindfulness & Meditation | Aug. 8 @ 9:30 a.m. | FREE Webinar | Registration required! Click here to register.

3) Mental Health 101 | Aug. 16 @ 3 p.m. | FREE Webinar | Registration required! Click here to register.

Get More Out of Tutoring

Have you heard of HACC Tutoring? We hope you answered "Yes!" Did you know that HACC Tutoring has more resources than tutors alone? We have a conversation group to help ESL student practice their English skills—everyone is welcome to join whether you need to practice or would like to help your fellow students practice their skills. There are also TEAS resources, including a list of free and paid resources and the TEAS study group schedule.

At each campus, you can find a box or a drawer or a room containing valuable anatomy study tools that can help you throughout BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 (and probably a few other biology classes, too). You’ll find things like bone and muscle models, various other models, microscopes with slides and books. Some campuses even have a special software program with touchscreens.

Visit our webpage to see the specifics.





Let Us Help You!

Planning for and working toward your career goals is no easy task. No matter where you are in your career development or decision-making process, Career Services is here to provide resources and knowledge to help you succeed.

Let Us Help You – EXPLORE!

Career planning begins with knowing who you are. Career Services offers assessment that will help you learn more about yourself, and explore how important your interests, skills, personality, and values are when choosing a major or a career. If you are just starting to plan for your career or have not yet chosen a major, have some fun and meet new friends with upcoming events like “Major Confusion? Going from Undecided to Decided,” “Helping Professions - Which is Right for You?,” or “Draw Your Career.”


Let Us Help You – DISCOVER!

We are here to guide you as you investigate careers and majors that match who you are. Check out online resources like “What Can I Do with This Major” or the “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Discover how Experiential Learning Opportunities like Informational Interviews, Job Shadowing, and Service Learning Projects can help you determine if a career is right for you and further your career path. If you are seeking to learn more about possible career paths, mark your calendar for fall 2022 Internship Week-Sept. 19! There is a variety of workshops. Choose from a variety of workshops like, “What are Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOPs),” “How to Create an Internship Search,” or "How to be Successful in Your Internship;” participate in a scavenger hunt and meet company representatives at the Internship/Career Fair.

Let Us Help You – CONNECT!

When you’re ready to start the job search process, Career Services is here to assist you with developing your resume and cover letters, to prepare you for interviews, and to guide you in developing your personal brand and professionally representing yourself – in person, on social media and in your communications. We are here to help you connect with potential employers and search for employment opportunities through our Career Mentoring Network, Career Fairs, and our Online Job board – all of which can be accessed through College Central Network (CCN), HACC’s Career Services platform. If you are ready to begin your job search, enlist in “Career Fair Boot Camp” to get in shape for HACC’s Fall Internship/Career Fairs. Bootcamp Drills include: Resume Development, Preparing for the Interview, LinkedIn/Networking, and Personal Branding. Register and suit up to meet employers in your field –Fall Internship/Career Fair dates and details can be found on CCN at https://www.collegecentral.com/hacc/.

Let Us Help You! Career Services is here when you need us. Check out our landing page at www.hacc.edu/Students/CareerServices/index.cfm to view the details of upcoming workshops and career fairs; see career resources, handouts and guides; explore College Central Network (CCN); or to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor. Let Us Help You to Explore, Discover and Connect to reach your career goals!

HACC Hawks

The HACC Hawks Women’s Volleyball team hosted two Skills Clinics in June for local high school student athletes. The clinic offered a developmental environment for students to refine and improve their volleyball skills and learn from assistant coaches Becky Conrad and Paige Miller, along with EPAC Coach of the Year, Tom Frye. In other news, HACC Hawks Athletics will be back in action this fall 2022 semester. This fall, make sure to catch a game and support your HACC Hawks as they compete within the EPAC conference and Region 19 of the NJCAA in women’s volleyball, esports and men & women’s soccer. For complete schedule and updates, please go to the HACC Hawks Athletic webpage at https://hacchawks.com/landing/index.

This summer, W.A.R.E has continued to provide students with wellness and fitness programs; such as Community Open Gyms, hosted programs with WellSpan Health and the Summer Strides Challenge. The fall 2022 semester will continue to provide students with programming from physical health, financial wellness, HACC community engagement programs and much more!

Check out the Hawks in action at https://www.twitch.tv/haccathletics and Hawk esports at https://www.twitch.tv/haccesports. For all Wellness programs and Events please visit the Wellness Calendar on the Hawks website: https://hacchawks.com/composite_wellness.

HACC’s CARE Center Is Picking Up Momentum

The CARE Center is a one-stop shop to assist all students currently attending classes with non-academic barriers such as housing, transportation, daily necessities, mental health, utilities, etc. The CARE Center views all of our students holistically and understands that you are more than just our amazing students. You are providers, caregivers, trailblazers and breakers of generational curses. When creating a bright future for yourself and your family there can be bumps along the way. The CARE Center is here to ensure that these are small speed bumps that may cause you to slow down and seek support but not to tap the brakes completely during your academic journey.

This past academic year the CARE Center served over 340 students due to the hard work and dedication of CARE Center Coordinators Emmanuella Brown and Nancy Moya! The CARE Center believes in taking student requests at face value without a student having to plead their case for our assistance. The Center provides individual immediate support and a long-term plan for success for each student which can include plugging the student into community and government resources. We really take to heart the Empower in our name. If you or a peer are looking for assistance please complete the CARE Center intake form. We are happy to serve you and want to ensure that you are fully supported! #HACCHasYourBack

CARE Center Intake Form: https://forms.gle/9UemzCYa8C5oNEMA8


Nakia Perry, Director of CARE Center

HACC Joins Achieving the Dream Network

HACC is excited to announce that it’s been chosen as one of seven colleges to join the 2022 cohort of Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network. As part of this honor, we will work with ATD to holistically advance equity, access and student success. Please visit our online newsroom for more information.

Visit Schools on Your Transfer List

Don't commit to enrolling in any school until you've personally visited a 4-year college campus! The summer months can be an excellent time to research colleges and universities by visiting them alone or with family. Visiting college campuses allows you to get yourself in front of the admission team, meet with faculty, meet the students, eat the food, and try the place on for size. While visiting the schools, wear your best casual outfit and prepare a list of questions for everyone you meet. For information about colleges and universities that HACC has partnered up with, including their summer events, visit Transferring from HACC, select a college drop-down menu, find the schools that interest you, and begin your research for your summer campus tour adventure.

For information about the transfer process, don't hesitate to contact us.

Does Your School District Pay A Portion of Your Tuition?

Did you know that HACC has an agreement with select school districts in our service areas to provide a tuition reduction to their students? These school districts have agreed to pay a portion of your tuition if you have lived in their school district for at least a year- even if you did not go to high school in the area. The good news is that this benefit will not cost you anything! All you have to do to receive the tuition discount is show that you have lived in that school district for at least a year and submit the necessary application to your school district. To learn more about this tuition reduction opportunity, click here. If you have questions about this or how it applies to your account, contact the Welcome Center.

6 Tips for the Undecided Student

Did you know that it’s completely normal to enter college and not be 100% sure of your major or career choices? Now is actually a great time to start exploring! According to research, about 80% of students change their major at least once during their college career. Those who change their major at least once are also more likely to graduate college. There are many factors that influence our career choices. Just a few to consider:

Personality:

  • Who are you?

  • What are your personality traits?

Skills:

  • What are you good at?

  • What classes do you do well in?

Values:

  • What is important to you?

Interests:

  • What subjects do you enjoy?

  • What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

You may not be able to answer all these questions yet, and some of these may change over time. No wonder choosing a major can be so difficult!!!

Below are some tips on finding the major that is the best fit for you:

  1. Utilize Career Services to help navigate career and major choices. Our Career Services’ staff are trained professionals that can help you explore and develop educational and career goals. Whether you are just starting out at college and are completely undecided or you are getting ready to graduate, we can help you wherever you are at in the career development process. We have many assessments and resources that can help guide you in exploring career and major decisions. Schedule a career services appointment and we will get you started with the process!

  2. Plan to attend the Zoom Career Services summer 2022 workshop, “Major Confusion! Going from Undecided to Decided.” This summer is a great time to start exploring and get on the right path. Attend this workshop and learn about the various factors to explore to find the right major for you. An interactive activity will help you get started with the process. Choose a date and time that works well for you:

  • Thursday, Aug. 4; 5 - 6 p.m.

  • Monday, Aug. 8; Noon - 1 p.m.

For the workshop Zoom link and to check out the other events being offered this summer, go to https://www.hacc.edu/Students/CareerServices/CareerEvents/index.cfm.

  1. Enroll in FS-101, Career Development and Decision-Making Course this fall ’22. Spend a semester investing in yourself and your career! FS-101 is a 3-credit elective, in this course you will spend the semester exploring and learning about yourself, and the career decision-making process. You will explore and develop your own educational and career goals.

  2. Network and Utilize Your Supports. Do you have friends or family members in your chosen career field? Or do you know somebody who knows somebody? If so, they are a valuable resource to connect with! Schedule an “Informational Interview” to learn more about their career. Write down all your questions that you have about their career and schedule time to meet with them. Your Instructors here at HACC are also experts in their field! Don’t be afraid to ask them questions. We also have connections with many professionals who are willing to serve as mentors to our students for “Informational Interviews,” as well as assist in other ways. Activate your College Central Network (CCN) account and plan to log in to this Career Services platform to uncover contacts within the Mentor Network; https://www.collegecentral.com/hacc/.

  3. Give it a Test Drive! Job Shadowing, Volunteering, Internships or Part-time jobs are all great ways to experience and learn about careers. By volunteering, interning or working a job in your field you will gain valuable experience and discover if it is the right career for you. There are many other benefits as well. Not only do these experiences look great on your resume, you will build a network of professionals in the field and it may even lead to future employment. Please review information here regarding these experiential learning opportunities: https://www.hacc.edu/Students/CareerServices/internships-and-experiential-learning-opportunities.cfm

  4. Don’t get Discouraged! Maybe you thought you had an idea but changed your mind, that’s OK. Learning what you do not like is just as valuable as what you do like. Career development is a life-long process, and these decisions do not happen overnight. Throughout life you will grow and change, situations change and your career decisions may change as well. You do not need to have it all figured out just yet… Finding a major that suits all your interests is a great start!

Check out our numerous resources on the career services website: http://www.hacc.edu/Students/CareerServices/index.cfm.

To schedule a Career Appointment:

Email us at careerservices@hacc.edu or call (717) 780-2433.