Greetings, colleagues.
As we conclude an ‘unfamiliar’ spring semester, I share my sincere gratitude to everyone in our HACC community who has helped to make our transition to a remote learning and service environment. From those who serve our students remotely to those who continue to work on campus to maintain critical functions, know your efforts are noticed, recognized and celebrated.
As we look to our summer classes, I want to express appreciation to our many colleagues in the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Office of College Advancement who have worked quickly to modify our College’s respective enrollment plan and marketing plan. These modified plans will add value to our hardworking and creative admissions counselors who have begun to facilitate remote Open Houses for potential students. Coupled with our faculty who are encouraging current students to register for summer and fall classes, I remain hopeful for strong summer programs.
Regarding fall classes, a taskforce of representatives from our four constituency groups are currently working on making recommendations to me and the Cabinet on how to deliver fall classes. Rest assured, ensuring the health and well-being of our employees and students is at the forefront of our discussions and, ultimately, the decision-making process. I am encouraged by the number of applications of high school graduating students and others considering us for their educational option in the fall. Thanks to our reputation, which many of you are responsible for creating, we will do all we can to ensure our fall enrollment is as strong as it can be in light of the many unknowns caused by this worldwide pandemic.
As we adjust to these unprecedented times, know many throughout the College are working together to ensure we are well situated to address most of the opportunities and challenges that may present themselves in the months ahead. We have a Board of Trustees focused on ensuring the financial sustainability of our institution for years to come; a hard-working, entrepreneurial and caring leadership team; and a strong balance sheet. So, please know we are doing everything we can to manage our way through these unprecedented times to best serve you and our current and future students.
While these are uncertain times in so many areas of our personal and professional lives, I am grateful for your helpfulness, kindness, resilience and consistency in a period of continual change. Thank you.
#HACCtogether
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and, most importantly, in our service region, I invited members from each of our four constituency groups to actively participate on a COVID-19 Taskforce. The Taskforce began meeting at the end of April. Cindy Doherty, provost, and Tim Barshinger, assistant vice president (AVP), Office of Student Affairs, graciously agreed to co-chair the Taskforce.
The COVID-19 Taskforce is charged with preparing for and managing any possible campus impacts related to the coronavirus outbreak. The Taskforce is engaged in weekly discussions and activities in order to provide guidance and make recommendations to the president and his Cabinet on ways the College needs to address this pandemic on each of its five campuses and how fall semester classes should be delivered.
In summary, the Taskforce is focused on protecting the health and safety of students and employees; maintaining HACC's commitment to education and student support; and preserving the College's business operations.
The following colleagues have graciously volunteered their time to be Taskforce members:
If you have recommendations you would like the Taskforce to consider, please submit them to your appropriate constituency representative, listed above.