Student Services
Academic Advisement
Services are available for each student during his/her period of enrollment at HCC. Academic advisement and career planning are included in those services. Members of the staff are regularly available for day and evening students on a walk-in basis appointments can be made in some instances). An academic advisor may be reached via phone at 240-500-2200 or via email at advise@hagerstowncc.edu. An academic advisor is also available on selected Saturdays according to a published schedule. Students are initially referred to an advisor for the purpose of planning an academic program. Faculty advisors also are available within each instructional division. For more information, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/academics/advisement.
Career advisors are available to assist students who are undecided about their program of study. They can help undecided students make important educational and career decisions and learn how HCC can help facilitate their vocational goals. Additionally, Career Advising offers an assortment of career interest inventories and an online interactive career exploration and planning system. Interested students are encouraged to call the Information Center at 240-500-2000 for appointments.
(If you are undecided and have not yet applied to HCC, please select “AS.UND” as your intended program of study on the Application for Admission.) For more information, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/advisement/career-development.
NOTE: Students are also able to receive assistance from the Welcome Desk staff and student ambassadors (located in the Administration and Student Affairs Building). The Welcome Desk staff and student ambassadors can assist students with basic information, including scheduling questions and the use of WebAdvisor.
Disability Support Services
Hagerstown Community College provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its amendments. Unlike secondary education, the College’s services are not covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Therefore, more responsibility is placed on the student when moving from secondary education to post-secondary education. In this transition, there is a shift from entitlement services to eligibility services. Students are responsible for self-identification and for obtaining documentation from an appropriate professional to verify the presence and impact of a disability. Students are also responsible for the cost of this verification. The College does not have a special education program for students with disabilities in which those with disabilities are served separately from those without disabilities. The Disability Support Services (DSS) office coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations which are determined on an individual basis. These accommodations and services are provided within the framework of student self-determination and self-advocacy. These accommodations allow students to be evaluated not on the effects of their disability, but instead on their knowledge and understanding of course material. In no case, however, will the College modify essential requirements for any course or degree program for students with disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to identify him/herself to the coordinator of Disability Support Services at 240-500-2273 (TTY 301-739-5813), at least two weeks prior to the start of classes to allow time for necessary arrangements.
Job Training Student Resources (JTSR)
The Job Training Student Resources (JTSR) office is dedicated to providing support services to low-income, independent students (determined at the student’s completion of the FAFSA) enrolled in career programs. The goal of the JTSR Office is to connect these students with the programs offered at Hagerstown Community College and to provide support services that may help students become academically successful. The JTSR office works in conjunction with many other offices on campus to strive for a seamless transition for these students from their current situation through college to a good job.
Services may include supplemental financial assistance with books, costs of child care, and transportation. JTSR students have access to additional assistance such as help with academic planning, keeping track of class progress, and referrals to other services on campus.
For more information on this program, contact the JTSR office at 240-500-2392, or via email at jtsr@hagerstowncc.edu.
TRiO: Student Support Services (TRiO: SSS)
The mission of TRiO: Student Support Services (TRiO: SSS) at Hagerstown Community College is to help ensure the retention and graduation of eligible students. TRiO: SSS seeks to guide participants through their first two years of postsecondary education with the ultimate goal of graduation and transfer to a four year university or entry into a chosen career.
TRiO: Student Support Services is a program designed to assist students in reaching their academic goals by providing personalized assistance from program entry through graduation. Students must meet at least one of three eligibility criteria (first-generation status, low-income status according to federal levels, or a documented disability) and must be pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate at HCC to be eligible for the program. Upon acceptance into TRiO: SSS, students will have access to academic, financial, and transfer advising, trips to four-year colleges, specialized tutoring, cultural events, and educational workshops. Additionally, program participants also have exclusive access to the TRiO: SSS study area, a quiet study space where resources such as computers, printing, reference materials, and calculators are available. To complete an application or for more information, visit the offices in Student Center Room 131B, call 240-500-2659, or visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/triosss to apply online.
The TRiO Student Support Services grant is intended to aid students in achieving their personal, educational, and financial goals. HCC received the $1.1 million dollar TRiO grant in fall 2010. Funds are distributed over a five-year period with 68 percent financed through federal sources, which amounts to $219,988 per year, and 32 percent financed through non-government sources, which amounts to $69,863 for the first year, and $219,998 for the next four years.
Student Orientation
Orientation programs are conducted for new students. Evening and daytime sessions are offered to accommodate student schedules.
These sessions contain a combination of general information along with an explanation of policies and procedures that will enhance the new student’s understanding of college life. Current students are available as student leaders to guide new students through the orientation activities and allow ample opportunity for interaction and questions. Empirical data supports the notion that students who participate in orientation eminently increase their chances for academic success. Contact the coordinator of student activities at 240-500-2225. For information on virtual orientation, go to www.hagerstowncc.edu/student-services/virtual-orientation.
Veterans’ Benefits
Hagerstown Community College has been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to participate in the training of veterans and the eligible dependents of veterans.
To apply for VA Educational Benefits, a student must first be accepted to the College.
When applying for admission, students are required to request official transcripts from all post secondary institutions they have attended. These transcripts should be mailed directly to the HCC Office of Admissions and Registration. An AARTS transcript (Army), SMART transcript (Navy or Marines) or DD-214 must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration for credit evaluation of military service/training.
Veterans should contact the VA certifying official at 240-500-2519, for information about becoming enrolled in the VA Educational Benefits program and to obtain the necessary paperwork to enroll. To continue to receive benefits, veterans must reapply each semester by submitting a copy of their registration and the college’s VA certification form to the Veteran’s Office. Veterans are responsible for the payment of their tuition, fees, and books.
Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and are only certified to receive benefits for courses that are required for their major. For assistance in choosing classes that meet these criteria, students should contact an academic advisor. Students must notify the Veteran’s Office if they add or drop classes, completely withdraw, or change majors. For more information, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/veterans.
Child Care
HCC’s Children’s Learning Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the year except for College approved holidays. Full and part-time schedules are available for children ages 2 to 5 years. School-age children may attend during the summer. Children must be enrolled for a minimum of two half-days per week. The nationally accredited Center offers a child-centered preschool curriculum taught by degreed teachers and support staff. The children of HCC students have priority in enrollment and reduced fees. Students must pre-register for child care before the semester begins. The Children’s Learning Center also serves as a learning laboratory for college students interested in working with young children. Visit the Children’s Learning Center located in the Administration Building, or call 240-500-2322, for information about cost, schedules, and how to apply for child care.
Internship and Job Services
Internships provide excellent opportunities to gain career-related experiences and workplace competencies in a student’s chosen career field as well as, to obtain skills that are valued by employers when hiring new staff. Students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and at least half of their program requirements completed may apply for an internship. For more information, contact the coordinator of Internship and Job Services for internships at 240-500-2260, go to www.hagerstowncc.edu/internships. Internship applications are due at least one month prior to registration.
College Central Network
HCC’s College Central Network (CCN) offers a variety of career development services to students and alumni including resume’, portfolio, interviewing, and job search assistance. CCN can be accessed at www.collegecentral.com/hagerstown. In addition, CCN also provides area employers with the opportunity to post a variety of job and internship opportunities. You can post your resume’, apply for jobs, read career related articles, and even view their library of career development videos. So, if you are looking for a full or part-time job, a job for the summer, or an internship, check out CCN today. Assistance with CCN is available in the online student services lab located in ASA-900.
Learning Support Center
The mission of the HCC Learning Support Center (LSC) is to engage and empower students to become independent, resourceful learners. The intention is for the LSC to become a hub where students, learning support specialists, and faculty work as a team to reach common academic goals. Fostering an optimal learning environment for supplemental instruction, the LSC will offer resources which both students and faculty may rely on to impact course success levels.
The LSC provides academic support to all students taking credit and non-credit courses at HCC. The LSC professional staff has content area specialties of English, writing, science, math, business, accounting, economics, and computer technology. In addition, LSC staff has more than two dozen peer tutors with expertise in a vast array of subjects. The LSC offers individual drop-in tutoring (no appointment necessary), scheduled peer-led small group studies, supplemental instruction, workshops, and specialized assistance with specific populations, such as students in the TRiO: Student Support Services Program. Computers, scientific and graphing calculators, specialized graphics programs, science models, and technology equipment for hands-on training are available for student use in the LSC. The LSC portion of the HCC website is also growing and includes an online tutoring option for writing assignments, as well as many handouts and resources for all content areas.
Both LSC professional staff and peer tutors encourage, inspire, motivate, and enable students to develop confidence in their academic abilities. The goal of tutoring is to enable students to become independent and fearless lifelong learners eager to explore learning and create lives that will inspire others.
For more information about the Learning Support Center including hours of operation, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/lsc, or email lsc@hagerstowncc.edu.
Student Life
Campus Safety
In compliance with the federal government Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, HCC publishes an annual security report containing campus security policies, procedures, and campus crime statistics. The complete report is published in the College Guide: A Handbook Planner for Students which is available in the Student Center and on the HCC website at www.hagerstowncc.edu/current-students/college-guide.
Use of Surveillance Cameras on Campus
The College provides random camera surveillance both outside and inside campus buildings in order to maintain secure facilities; protect students, employees, and visitors; deter crimes; and to prevent vandalism. The primary use of the cameras is crime investigation and monitoring equipment and facilities to avoid problems. Cameras are not monitored on a continuous basis.
Emergency Management and Response Plan
The safety and security of the College community are of vital concern. Hagerstown Community College is committed to providing and maintaining a safe environment for all employees, students, visitors, and guests. The College will adopt reasonable and practical means to prevent, deter and respond to campus emergencies. The preparation of the Emergency Management and Response Plan (EMRP) and the allocation of resources to support the plan are part of the commitment HCC has for the College community.
In order to provide a safe environment, the College will:
- Ensure that employees, students, and others are adequately informed of the Emergency Management and Response Plan.
- Provide appropriate training to the College community.
- Allocate resources to provide a safe and secure campus.
- Establish mental health counseling protocols.
- Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.
- Maintain a balance between safety and retaining the openness of a college campus.
- Provide and maintain an emergency notification system to keep employees, students, visitors, and guests informed of emergencies.
- Identify and train an Emergency Advisory Team to respond to and coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters.
- Hagerstown Community College recently implemented a notification system that enables the College to send urgent news to student cell phones. Students must sign up for the service. Depending on the personal cell phone plan, there may be a nominal fee from the carrier to receive text messages, but there is no charge from the College to use the service. Sign up at www.hagerstowncc.edu/emergency.
- HCC also maintains a campus siren system that will be sounded in the event of a campus emergency.
Student Conduct
Students have rights and responsibilities as members of a learning community. Students have all the rights of citizenship guaranteed by the federal and state governments. They have the right to freedom of expression, inquiry and assembly, subject to reasonable rules regarding time, place and manner. They have the right to propose improvements in college processes through the Student Government Association. Also, they have a right to confidential academic records.
A major responsibility for students is to conduct themselves according to standards of scholarship and morality. These standards are listed and explained in the Code of Conduct, which is published in the College Guide: A Handbook Planner for Students and on the HCC Web site.
The dean of student affairs is responsible for implementing the student discipline procedure. It consists of: 1) a formal charge against a student, 2) investigation of the charge, 3) informal hearing with the dean, 4) sanction and 5) if necessary, a formal hearing with the College Hearing Board. The student has the right to appeal the sanction.
Policy on Alcoholic Beverages and Drug Abuse
The College prohibits the serving of alcohol at all student events on campus. Students of legal drinking age may be permitted to drink alcohol at College sponsored activities off-campus and/or at special campus events designed for non-student audiences.
Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs on campus property or at College-sponsored events is prohibited.
The College does not protect students from state and federal drug abuse laws and cooperates fully with law enforcement agencies in upholding the law.
The complete statement of the College policy on drug and alcohol abuse including prevention, intervention and disciplinary measures is published in the College Guide: A Handbook Planner for Students, which is available in the Student Center and on the HCC website at www.hagerstowncc.edu/current-students/college-guide.
Policy on Smoking
Smoking of any type of cigarette, cigar, or pipe within any building or structure owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the College is prohibited and is a violation of Maryland state law. No smoking is allowed on any balcony, foyer, or vestibule. Smoking will only be allowed in parking lots and designated smoking areas on campus.
Sale of Tobacco Products
The sale or distribution of tobacco products, to include cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, or chewing tobacco is prohibited on any property owned or controlled by HCC.
Enforcement of Tobacco Policy
It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students to enforce the College’s smoking policy. Individuals may request the help of Campus Security in enforcing the policy. Students, faculty, administrators, and staff who fail to obey the smoking policy of the College and Maryland state law regarding smoking will be subject to fines and disciplinary action by the College.
General Grievance Policy
The purpose of the General Grievance Policy for Students is to provide a method of recourse to students who feel that a particular action or series of actions on the part of an HCC employee has violated accepted or stated institutional practices and standards.
College Policies
HCC’s Board of Trustees has approved numerous governing policies for the administrative operations of the college. The following list includes those policies that relate specifically to students. A description of each policy can be found at www.hagerstowncc.edu/about-hcc/college-policies.
- Acceptable Computer Usage Policy
- Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Communicable Disease Policy
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- Free Speech and Peaceful Demonstrations Policy
- Involuntary Course Withdrawal Policy
- Parking and Traffic Policy
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Student Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy
Sexual Misconduct Policies
Hagerstown Community College is committed to preventing incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment on campus. The College is in compliance with federal laws in its Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policies which apply to students, faculty, and staff. The complete policy is published in the College Guide: A Handbook Planner for Students and is available in the Student Center and on the HCC website at www.hagerstowncc.edu/current-students/college-guide.
Housing
Hagerstown Community College does not assume responsibility for the housing of its students.
College Closings (Emergencies and Inclement Weather)
When severe weather and other emergencies occur that impact classes or other campus activities, announcements are made on local radio and TV stations, on the college social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter), and posted on the College website. Students and others who have business at HCC are cautioned to listen for specific mention of HCC being closed, since the College does not always close when weather conditions make it necessary for the Washington County Public Schools to close.
HCC holds classes at various community locations, including its Valley Mall Center, its Commercial Vehicle Transportation Center at Volvo Powertrain, area high schools, and hospitals. Classes held at off-site facilities are subject to the following cancellation or delayed
start procedures:
- If HCC is closed or has a delayed opening due to inclement weather, classes scheduled at off-site locations are also cancelled or delayed.
- If HCC is closed or has a delayed opening due to an emergency situation which affects only its main campus, classes held at offsite locations will run as scheduled unless specified otherwise.
- If HCC is open and the off-site facility has issued a closing or schedule change, then HCC classes held there will follow the schedule change issued by the off-site facility.
The College does everything it can to keep the campus safe and productive during inclement weather. During periods when severe weather is forecasted, HCC officials are in regular contact with weather specialists and county and regional roads departments.
Since travel conditions are not the same for all students in the tri-state area, the College policy is to remain open, if possible, for those students who can attend during inclement weather. However, when weather conditions are severe, HCC does close and all classes and campus activities are cancelled.
It is College policy to treat student and employee tardiness and absences very liberally on inclement weather days. All faculty and staff understand that on challenging weather days, students are not to be penalized if they are unable to make it to class or are late to arrive. In such cases, students need to contact their faculty members (preferably through email in advance of the scheduled class) indicating that they have special weather-related circumstances that prevent their attendance.
Food Services
The Hilltop Grill is housed in the Student Center, located at the center of campus. “Grab and Go” Breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks, and drinks may be purchased until 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday during the Spring and Fall semesters. During the Summer Semester, the Hilltop Grill is closed.
The Valley Eatery is in the Career Programs Building. Dining service is offered during the week. The hours of operation during the Spring and Fall Semesters are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Summer Semester hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Menus are published on the HCC Web site at www.hagerstowncc.edu/student-services/food-services.
The Courtside Café is located in the ARCC lobby. The café offers sandwiches and light fare, and is only open for athletic events.
Snack and cold vending machines on campus are overseen by the Food Service Department. Vending machines are conveniently located in all buildings except the Administration and Student Affairs Building (ASA) and the Student Center. If you encounter problems with a machine, please notify Food Service staff in the Hilltop Grill located in the Student Center or the Valley Eatery in the Careers Programs Building. All soda machines are stocked by the vendor, but managed by the HCC Campus Store. Please notify the Campus Store, located in the Student Center, should you encounter any issues with these machines.
Food for Thought is an HCC in-house catering service. All requests for catering service must be made at least 14 days prior to an event. Food for Thought must be consulted and given the right of first refusal, before an outside caterer may be used.
HCC Campus Store
The HCC Campus Store is located in the Student Center. In addition to textbooks, the Campus Store carries a large variety of school supplies, HCC clothing, greeting cards, gifts, and snacks. Students may special order several styles of computers and computer software at educational prices through the Campus Store.
Student Activities
The Student Activities Program broadens the educational environment of the College by providing cultural, recreational, athletic, and social experiences to supplement the academic programs. A wide variety of co-curricular opportunities is offered to help ensure activities of interest to all students.
The Student Activities Board is responsible for planning and implementing campus activities that will be of interest to the wide range of students at HCC. Campus activities include movie nights, lunchtime concerts, family events, gaming days, leadership training, cultural celebrations, and more. Any credit student meeting academic standards is eligible to serve on the activities board, and all ideas for educational, cultural or social events are welcome. To become a member of the Student Activities Board, please go to the Student Activities Office.
In addition to programming, the Student Activities Office, located in the Student Center, assists students with identification cards, student handbooks, distributing materials around campus, HCC club information, laptop rentals, and upcoming events. There is also an information desk for students who need general help.
Student Center
The Student Center provides a variety of services for the students at Hagerstown Community College. Students can relax or study in the lounge area, get something to eat, check e-mail, watch television, and enjoy regular entertainment sponsored by the Student Activities Board. For the convenience of evening students, the Student Center is open Mon. through Thurs. until 9 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.
The Student Center contains the Campus Store, Student Government Association (SGA), Student Activities, TRiO: Student Support Services (TRiO: SSS), the Hilltop Grill eatery, and the Dean of Student Affairs office. Other areas include a game room, information desk, and a multi-purpose meeting room.
Student Government Association
The SGA is a vehicle for involvement in the college and acts as the official student representative body. The Student Government Association serves as the voice of the student body on issues concerning campus life and participates in shaping policies and student regulations. All credit students in good academic standing, both full- and part-time, can be members of the SGA. This governing body was created to enhance the quality of student life and the success of students through participation in social, cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.
Elections are conducted each spring for the executive officers and four senator positions. All students are encouraged to attend the monthly SGA meetings and participate in SGA events. The Student Government Association office is located in the Student Center. For additional information, call 240-500-2225, or email sga@hagerstowncc.edu.
Athletics
Intercollegiate
The Hagerstown Community College athletic program includes 14 intercollegiate sports: men’s and women’s crosscountry, men’s and women’s indoor track, men’s and women’s outdoor track, women’s volleyball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s soccer, and golf.
The director of athletics and leisure studies in cooperation with the dean of student affairs formulates the policies which apply to intercollegiate sports. The director of athletics and leisure studies reviews and enforces eligibility rules for participation in intercollegiate athletics.
The College is a member of the Maryland Junior College Conference (JUCO) and of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
Fitness Center
The ARCC houses a full fitness center for HCC students, HCC employees and their families, and the community. The center offers a range of exercise equipment and promotes health and wellness through a variety of health education literature and group activity programs throughout the year.
Students may take advantage of the complete fitness/health assessment that serves as the foundation for an individualized activity program by registering for the PED 170 credit series.
Campus Clubs
HCC offers students a wide variety of clubs and organizations in which you can become involved. Membership in all HCC clubs is open to any credit students. Club participation allows you to meet others with similar interests, learn leadership skills, have an impact on campus, and show co-curricular activity on your resume. For a current list of active clubs, go to www.hagerstowncc.edu/student-services/clubs-organizations. To find out more about joining a club or how to start a club, contact the Student Activities Office at 240-500-2225, or email studentactivities@hagerstowncc.edu.
Publications
Student Handbook
The College Guide: A Handbook Planner for Students is published by the Student Activities Office and is distributed at the beginning of each academic year. The guide includes student activities and services, as well as policies and regulations on campus.
The Hawk
The Hawk is the student produced newspaper of HCC. It is published online at www.hagerstowncc.edu/hawk. Students are encouraged to write for the paper. In addition to writing, opportunities are available for editors, photographers, cartoonists, desktop publishers, and marketing. No prior experience is needed.
Hedge Apple
The Hedge Apple is a literary magazine of poetry, short stories, artwork, and occasional reviews by Hagerstown Community College students, faculty, and guest authors. The Hedge Apple consists of approximately 60 pages and includes national submissions of poetry. Students may submit poetry, short stories, essays, and artwork. The Hedge Apple may be viewed online at www.hedgeapplemagazine.com.
HCC New Horizons
HCC New Horizons is an alumni magazine designed for students, alumni, and friends of the College. It highlights the educational and cultural advances taking place on campus, as well as current activities of HCC graduates. It is published once each year.
Website
Current events, course descriptions, class schedules, and general information are available on the College website at www.hagerstowncc.edu.
Social Networking Sites
The Public Information Office at HCC maintains pages on Facebook and Twitter as a way to provide announcements and information on upcoming events and activities, as well as to provide a forum for open discussion among students, faculty, staff, and the community. All content and posts are bound by the terms of use of the specific social networking site, HCC’s Guidelines for Social Networking, HCC’s Employee Code of Conduct, HCC’s Code of Student Conduct, and HCC’s Acceptable Computer Usage Policy. Content submitted by individuals does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions held by the college. HCC officials have the right to remove any content deemed to be offensive, inappropriate, or of a harassing or threatening nature. HCC also has the right to block posts from fans or followers who violate these guidelines. HCC’s pages can be found at www.facebook.com/hagerstowncc and www.twitter.com/hagerstowncc.
College Course Guides and Class Schedules
A credit course guide is printed each semester and non-credit class schedules are printed three times a year.
View Book
A College view book is produced every two years. This publication is designed to provide prospective students with an overview of what HCC has to offer. Copies can be obtained from the Admissions Office. |
