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.

Daygiaque Charles and family.

Students Who Inspire Us - SGA Spotlight

The student government wishes to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of students at HACC who take on extracurricular commitments while pursuing their education. This month, we asked Daygiaque Charles, our own vice president of Finance at the Harrisburg campus, to share her experience at HACC in her own words.

Tell us about yourself.

I am Daygiaque Charles, a freshman at HACC pursuing my Associate in Applied Science and Business. I am also a mother of three small children, a wife and a small-business owner. Adding college to my schedule seemed scary, but HACC’s awesome Advising, Bookstore, and Financial Aid departments have been so helpful along the way that I am excelling in college.

What did you expect when you came to HACC?

HACC has opened many doors for me virtually that I didn’t know I would be able to get from a college. My expectations for virtual college were low, because I got my high school diploma virtually on my own and it was a hectic experience without an instructor in front of me to help me get through the class.

Have you had any particular positive experiences you can share?

With HACC, I have been given so many resources to help me succeed. Just one small example of how helpful HACC departments have been: Recently, I purchased two of the wrong books for a math class. After emailing the bookstore I was able to get a full refund on both books.

Are there any specific professors who’ve helped you succeed?

The professors that I have had the delight to have at HACC have been awesome. Assistant professor, Richard Cordaro teaches Business 101. He understood the crazy dynamics that college students deal with. He always replied to all of my emails or schoolwork with positivity and uplifting words. He was supportive and understanding on the occasions that I fell behind. I finished the semester with an “A” thanks to this awesome professor.

What are your plans after HACC?

My dreams are to be the best me, and HACC has given me the platform to do that. I am very grateful. After graduating from HACC, I hope to open a nonprofit to help young children and adults who need support due to homelessness or recently coming out of jail.

HACC Hawks Fall Sports Underway

The HACC Hawks fall sports teams are back in action. Men and women’s cross-country, esports, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball have all begun their fall competition. Women’s volleyball earned a preseason national ranking of seventh in the country for Division III in the NJCAA and hoping to move up in the polls through the season.

Check out the Hawks in action at https://www.twitch.tv/haccathletics and Hawk esports at https://www.twitch.tv/haccesports.

The Impact of Affinity Groups

This semester, the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging (OIDB) at HACC is introducing four new affinity groups to students, faculty and staff. What exactly is an affinity group though? This term can be defined as a group of students, faculty and staff joined together by common goals and interests. Furthermore, affinity groups at HACC are essential for providing an environment where members feel valued, included and empowered to succeed in many areas of their lives. Members of affinity groups are collective voices for other staff and faculty who may be involved with the school. Affinity groups also work closely with the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging, so they can receive funding support. One of the benefits of joining an affinity group is professional development and networking, which can help with employment opportunities. Another benefit of joining an affinity group is expanding cultural awareness on campus and embracing differences among individuals as a community.

Now that we have a better understanding of what an affinity group is, here are the upcoming affinity groups that the Student Involvement team is launching here at HACC.


  • Sisters of Color - This was HACC’s first affinity group established and it will be returning on Monday, Sept. 13 from 5-6 p.m. The theme for this session is called “The Queen in Me” and it will focus on celebrating the queen within each of us by understanding the importance of self-worth and self-care. If you are interested in becoming a member of this group, please contact Cindy Strawbridge at castrawb@hacc.edu.

  • Student Veterans of America - Join us as we have our first meeting on Sept. 15, from 5-6 p.m. If you are a veteran or an active-duty member of the military pursuing higher education, this is the perfect opportunity to become a member of this group so you can benefit from the resources and support that are going to be offered. For questions or concerns, please email sva@hacc.edu. If you are interested in becoming a member of this specific group, please contact Merrick Green at mjgreen@hacc.edu.


  • Latinx Group – Launching Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 6-7 p.m. This group is designed to provide a safe space and a sense of belonging for the Hispanic student population here at HACC. Here students and faculty will receive tools for success and will be able to have self-expression. For more information or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact Maria Salinas at msalinas@hacc.edu.

  • LGBTQ+ Student Union – Stay tuned for more information!

  • Parents Group – More information to come!

  • Returning Adults Student Association – Launching on Oct. 4, 2021. For more information, please contact Mary Richards at mprichar@hacc.edu.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us at studentinvolvement@hacc.edu.

Graduation Fair

Congratulations, you’re graduating!

Please join us at HACC’s Virtual Graduation Fair to learn more about your next steps to complete the necessary tasks in preparation for the Graduation and Commencement Ceremony.

When: Oct. 27, 2021, from 1 – 2 p.m.

Where: Zoom Link: https://hacc.zoom.us/j/95821680601

For the latest information on the Commencement Ceremony, please visit the Commencement/Graduation page.


For questions, please email us at commencement@hacc.edu.

Don’t let your Career Path SPOOK you this October!

The air is colder, the leaves are turning colors, CHANGE is in the air! Maybe you’re totally secure with your major/program, and maybe you’re wondering what you got yourself into. Career Development is a journey—and no matter where you are in yours, Career Services is here to help you!

Did you know it’s common for students to change their major at least once? You might even have credits to apply to a program in the same field—something you might have never known existed!

You can make an appointment remotely or on campus! Check Navigate to make an appointment or call 717-780-2433 or email careerservices@hacc.edu.


Check out our events this October in Career Services: Career Services Events board!


Student Veterans of America (SVA) Monthly Meeting

Please join us Oct. 19, 2021, at 5 p.m. via Zoom for the HACC Student Veterans of America (SVA) Kick off meeting.

HACC Student Veterans of America is the premier organization leading service, research, programs and advocacy for veterans in higher education.

The mission of HACC Student Veterans of America is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy through and beyond higher education.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://hacc.zoom.us/j/99056552937

Meeting ID: 990 5655 2937

Join us! Seeking Students for “It’s On Us”

Peer Education Program

Are you passionate about sexual assault and gender issues? Looking for ways to make a difference in our college community? Consider becoming a Peer Educator with It’s On Us!

It’s On Us is a collegewide student group made up of students serving to educate their peers about sexual assault and gender issues. Peer Educators do presentations and other activities aimed at helping fellow students learn about issues such as sexual assault, harassment, consent, healthy relationships and more! Training will be offered. This will be a great experience to add on your resume and helps to make HACC a healthier, safer and stronger learning community.

We believe it’s on ALL of us to play a part in making our college community safe and inclusive. If you are interested in joining, please fill out the form at this link for our signup list or use the QR codes on the poster. We will reach out to you to schedule info sessions to learn more. You can also contact Briana Legerlotz (bjlegerl@hacc.edu) with any questions.

Fund Your Bright Ideas with a Diversity Innovation Grant!

Do you have an idea for promoting inclusion and diversity at HACC? Perhaps you’d like to put together an event or develop a tool that promotes inclusion. Maybe you have a great idea but need the money to make it happen.

Diversity Innovation Grants (free money) are available for projects, initiatives and activities that support inclusion, diversity and belonging at HACC!

We are seeking action-oriented proposals from students and employees to engage members of our community in ways that foster inclusion and belonging. A taskforce will evaluate proposals and award grants to those that are accepted. Funds will vary by project, but could range up to $5,000.

To learn more, please visit hacc.edu/DiversityFund and click the dropdown for Diversity Innovation Grants. Proposals can be submitted via the dropdown under How to Apply. If you have additional questions, please email Dr. Gina Crance, assistant vice president, Student Engagement and Belonging, at gcrance@hacc.edu.

One More Class!

Students are encouraged to consider participating in the College’s One More Class initiative, which aims to shorten students’ time to graduation by having them take an additional course each semester. It is certainly not too late! HACC offers second 7-week courses that start on Oct. 23. Contact your advisor or visit remote advising to talk about adding One More Class.


Did you know…with just one additional course each semester, a student normally taking six credits per semester could cut three semesters off their time to completion.

Transfer Services – Virtual Transfer Fair

Here is your chance to meet Transfer Admission Counselors from four-year colleges and universities. The transfer fair is an excellent opportunity for you to talk with representatives from private and state schools on your list so you can ask them questions about their application process, campus life, scholarships and other college offerings. The dates for this event are Oct. 20, and 21, 2021, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Over 50 colleges have registered to meet with you for this two-day event. Detailed information about the event and the Zoom link will be emailed to you and posted in D2L and on the Transfer Services’ online bulletin board.

Find all transfer information online at Transferring Services. We look forward to getting you transfer ready!

Advising Corner

Midterm grades are a way to measure how you are doing at this point. Midterm grades are posted and available to students online, Oct. 20. If things are not going well, be in touch with your instructor with questions or ask to set a meeting via phone or online.

Know that tutoring and library services are available. Take advantage of these resources to help make the rest of the semester a breeze! We also have many online resources on our Learning Commons website.

Advising is here to help as you plan ahead for future courses. Winter/spring 2022 registration is right around the corner…are you ready? Let’s meet now to talk about your educational goals, plan ahead and choose classes for the upcoming semester.

Dates for Registration

  • Oct. 25 – Priority registration for Military/Veteran students begins

  • Oct. 27 – Priority registration for Continuing students begins

  • Nov. 8 – New Student registration begins

Do you know how to find your assigned advisor?

Be sure you are on the “Home” page on the Student page in myHACC. Click anywhere in the box titled “Academic Standing Information” on the right to view your advisor! Check out the screen shot below.

October 2021 Fall semester


  • Oct. 1 - Last day to apply for Graduation

  • Oct. 17 - Last day for 1st 7-week part-of-term classes

  • Oct. 18-19 - Fall Break (No classes, College open)

  • Oct. 20 - Midterm grades posted and available to students online

  • Oct. 25 - Priority registration for Military/Veteran students begins

  • Oct. 27 - Priority registration for Continuing students begins

Coming Next Issue

  • Registration for Winter/Spring classes for New Students begins