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.

From School to Summer

For the month of July, although the weather is heating up, school has ended for some and the sun is shining, summertime can still be hard on our mental health. Some of these reasons are lack of structure, loneliness, fear of missing out and unrealistic expectations. If you find yourself feeling a little more anxious or depressed this summer there are some ways to combat that, below are just a few to get you started. Remember to check the HACC calendar of events during the month of July for helpful resources and programs!

  1. Evaluate your (and others) expectations of what summer should look like and be realistic about what you can do.

  2. Find ways to keep chilled. Although there is not a lot of research available on the subject, there have been some studies that show higher and hotter temperatures can exacerbate mental health issues

  3. Socialize to stay connected! Being able to connect to a social network can help you avoid the loneliness cycle. Although it may be hard to reach out or put yourself into a new situation, making small talk, creating connections and looking for opportunities to connect with others can really help.

  4. Connect with a professional counselor at Mazzitti & Sullivan Counseling services to get support when you need it.

Find more information at www.hacc.edu/mentalhealth.

Consistent Communications Makes a Difference


High school students are one of many strategic target audiences for the College. We want these individuals to take advantage of a significantly discounted HACC education while they are in high school, then come to HACC after they receive their high school diploma. High school students rarely make decisions about college in a vacuum, which is why it is also important that we share information and connect with their teachers, administrators and parents.

To that end, colleagues in the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of College Advancement and Office of Students Affairs and Enrollment Management developed a streamlined process for distributing weekly emails to high school students, parents and partners. These messages have been sent almost every week since May 2021, and the percentage of people who open these emails each week has exceeded expectations. Over the last year, the average open rate for these emails was 41.25%. To put that in perspective, the average open rate for the education industry is 28.5%.

This consistent communication allows us to share important updates and deadlines, highlight programs and promote upcoming events efficiently and professionally. It also reflects our commitment to continually improving processes.

If you know a high school student, parent, administrator or teacher who would like to receive these weekly emails, please ask them to complete the simple opt-in form on this webpage.

Financial Aid Section of MyHACC Needs a Makeover: Tell Us More!

The College is giving the financial aid section of myHACC a makeover, and we need your help! We appreciate the feedback that we’ve received so far, but we want more. By using the link below, please tell us how you would like information organized in the financial aid section of myHACC. It will only take 5 to 10 minutes.

Please visit https://ows.io/tj/hb50g0uv and share your thoughts by July 15. Thank you!

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.

Hawks Athletics 2022 Awards Ceremony

Hawks Athletics held its annual Athletic Awards Ceremony June 2, 2022, in the J.W Evans Center to celebrate and honor our student-athletes and coaches for the fall and spring 2021-22 seasons. Each student-athlete was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their contributions to the intercollegiate varsity programs at HACC. Not only were several students commended for their achievements this past academic year, but Head Coach, Tom Frye, was honored as he was selected as EPAC Volleyball Coach of the Year. Listed below are those who received a special award for their designated team. W.A.R.E congratulates our student-athletes for their unwavering dedication and academic success for the 2021-22 academic year!


Esports

Sportsmanship Award: Jonathan Bulgrien

Leadership Award: Derian Cox

Point man Award: Abishek Rimal


Women’s Soccer

Sportsmanship Award: Alijah Wilson

Leadership Award: Cayla Bailey-Wolfe


Women’s Volleyball

Leadership Award: Kyla Kolivoski

Defensive Player of the Year: Sydnee Wishard


Cross Country

Sportsmanship Award: Andrew Hidden

Leadership and Dedication Award: Matthew Getz


Women’s Basketball

Sportsmanship Award: Amber Hummel

Leadership Award: Laquadra “Lala” Climons


Men’s Basketball

Sportsmanship Award: Matthew Fravel

Leadership Award: Keith Davis

HACC Celebrates Students During #CCMonth

At HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, the successes of our continuing and future HACC students remain our priorities. Every April, community colleges across the nation, including HACC, celebrate #CCMonth (Community College Month). As the Association of Community College Trustees states, this month is another opportunity to “get the word out about why community colleges matter, how your college is serving your community's needs today, and why public support for our colleges is more important than ever.”

In April 2022, the College, thanks to the HACC Foundation, awarded $21,000 for students to continue their HACC education.

To learn more, please visit HACC’s online newsroom.

Help us continue the celebration of community colleges all year long. Please share YOUR story on HACC’s online story bank. Your story may be the reason a future student decides to advance their education at HACC.

Visit Schools on Your Transfer List

Don't commit to enrolling in any school until after 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.

Become a Community Impact Student Fellow!

Do you enjoy helping others and having an impact? Here’s a chance to develop your leadership skills and serve your community.

The Community Impact Advisory Coalition seeks student fellows to work with College and community stakeholders. The Community Impact Advisory Coalition will provide the College with insights and ideas on how to more effectively serve our students and communities within our 11-county service region.

As a Community Impact Student Fellow, you will represent students, find innovative ways to connect the community to students and offer helpful feedback.

The coalition is a one-year commitment that will begin in fall 2022. For information on how to apply, please contact us at communityengagement@hacc.edu by July 19.

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:

  • Tuesday, July 19; 5 - 6 p.m.

  • Wednesday, July 20; 2 - 3 p.m.

  • 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 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.