HCC AT A GLANCE
Have questions? We got answers@hcc.edu
CAMPUS LIFE
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Student Activities
This is your College experience… live it to the MAX!!!
At Student Activities we offer all kind of fun events and activities to balance your academic life. Join us
for Welcome BBQ, Talent shows, music, guest speakers, performers, spoken word events, cultural
activities, and much more!
Activity Period: Wednesdays from 11:00 to 12:30
You can join a club or create your own club!!
You’ll have tons of fun, meet new people, and make new friends and what’s more important: Enjoy
every minute you are in HCC!
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Bartley Center (BC)
The spectacular Bartley Center is FREE to all HCC students enrolled in credit courses.
BC features a three-court gymnasium, full fitness center, steam and sauna facilities, multipurpose
studio, assessment room and locker rooms.
What do you need to access the gym? Just need a valid HCC student ID card (or approved a BC
ID/document)
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Bookstore:
The HCC Bookstore is more than textbooks. You'll find a wide range of merchandise, including HCC
sweatshirts, notebooks, pens, supplies, art supplies, and computer products.
Where do you get your books? Come into the bookstore (1st Floor Campus Center)
Can't make it in? You can order your books online at www.ehccbookstore.com. Have them shipped to
you or held at the store for pickup. Come see us and find out more about used textbooks and our book
buyback program.
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Dining Services
Open Monday through Friday when classes are in session, our newly renovated Food Court, located on
the second floor of the Campus Center, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Grille Works, Subway,
and Zoca.
Stop by the new POD Express on the first floor of the Frost Building, near the Student Lounge, for fresh
sandwiches and salads, yogurt, smoothies, or a fresh cup of coffee to go.
Looking for a drink or snack? Vending machines are located on the first floor of the Frost building, the
second floor of the Campus Center, and in the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation.
Q.C.I. - Quick Contact Information
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Academic Affairs Office: If you need to change of major or advisor (FR 317)
Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(413) 552.2770
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Advising Center (FR 273): Provides all aspects of academic advising to new, current and returning
students. See an advisor on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
Mon - Thu, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(413) 552-2722
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Bartley Center (BC 204)
Mon-Fri 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(413) 552.2161
or e-mail mshelasky@hcc.edu.
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Bookstore: (1st Floor of Campus Center – Downstairs from the Cafeteria)
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.*
www.ehccbookstore.com
*Hours are subject to change during rush times, typically the first few weeks of each semester
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CAPS & Tutoring Services (DON 240)
Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Fri 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Math until 3:00 p.m.)
(413) 552.2584 / (413) 552-2416
cboucher@hcc.edu / afletcher@hcc.edu
www.etutoring.org
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Career Center (KC 322)
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fall Evening Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Call (413) 552-2361
rpowers@hcc.edu
http://www.hcc.edu/student-services/career-center
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Counseling (FR 233)
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Evening appointments are available upon request.
(413) 552-2232
cbreor@hcc.edu
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Dining Services:
(413) 552.2130
Cafeteria:
Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fri 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
POD (Next to the Student Lounge in Donahue):
Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Fri 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Disability Services (DON139): Provides assistance to students with documented disabilities.
Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(413) 552-2417 (V/TTY)
osdds@hcc.edu
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Financial Aid
Mon-Thu 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(413) 552.2150
studentfinancialservices@hcc.edu
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Library Hours (Donahue)
Mon-Thu 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(413) 552-2900, then 3178
Text us a question at 413-282-8552
http://www.hcc.edu/library
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MyHCC Log in (HCC Online Resources)
NEED HELP??? E-mail helpdesk@hcc.edu
(413) 552.2075
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Student Activities: (DON 102C)
Mon-Fri 10:00 am-4:30pm
(413) 552.2418 / (413) 552.2060
egolen@hcc.edu / vleroy@hcc.edu
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Welcome Center & Admissions (FR 221)
Mon-Thu 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
(413) 552.2000 (Welcome Center)
(413) 552.2321 (Admissions)
GETTING HELP!
Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid is easier than you think!!! The HCC Financial Aid Office is here to help you!
You can even apply and submit federal financial aid forms directly from our office computer.
How can you get Financial Aid?
1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
 The FAFSA is submitted electronically
 Self-service computers available in the Financial Aid Office (Frost Building, Room 201)
2. Meet Deadlines
 HCC has a financial aid priority deadline (May 1st)
 If you missed the May 1 FAFSA deadline, you should apply ASAP
 Same FAFSA deadlines are in effect for spring semester.
3. Don't Forget that in addition you should:
 Promptly respond to all requests for additional information.
 Sign and return all award letters offering aid.
 Notify the financial aid office about funding from another source (i.e. Scholarship organization)
Now, how do you keep it?
 You must maintain specific academic standards to be eligible for financial aid.
To be eligible for financial aid you must make “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) as defined by
federal guidelines and HCC policy. The SAP policy requires you to maintain a certain GPA and also
successfully complete two-thirds of the coursework attempted.
 There is a limit for how long you can receive financial aid.
There is a financial aid policy that requires you to complete your program of study with 150% of the time
normally required to complete the degree or certificate.
 You can lose some of your financial aid if you withdraw from ALL courses.
 You could lose 50% of your financial aid if you drop out of school.
Did you know that…?
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Students must apply for financial aid each academic year.
You do not have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid.
You can receive a student loan even if you do not demonstrate “need” on the FAFSA.
You may receive more financial aid than the cost of your tuition, fees, and books.
Financial aid cannot pay for your books or health insurance without your permission.
A “W” (withdrawal) is better than an “F” (fail) because a “W” doesn’t affect you GPA. CAUTION: A
“W” may still make you lose your Financial Aid.
Tutoring Services
CAPS - Center for Academic Program Support
Things you need to know:
 It’s FREE to all HCC students
 CAPS' three centers include: Tutoring, Writing/ESL, and Math.
 You can get help online in Math, writing, Accounting, Statistics, Life Sciences, and Radiology at
www.etutoring.org
 Study groups and ongoing study skills workshops are also available.
 You don’t have to have a low GPA to seek help. Studies show that the students who are doing
well in school are more likely to seek help at the CAPS center.
 HCC students can work as tutors
 You can drop in or make an appointment to see a tutor
Counseling Services
Counselors help with anything that interferes with your doing well in school.
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Is available FREE to all HCC students.
Services are provided individually and in groups.
Counseling at HCC is completely confidential.
Available in Spanish and English
Day and evening appointments available
Why see a counselor?
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Not fitting in
Not sure about college/career
Family problems
Need help with study skills
Depression
Anxiety
Relationship problems
Conflicts at school or at home
Transportation problems
Feel too much stress
HCC Policies & Procedures
HCC encourages all students to familiarize themselves with the information and policies described in the
Student Handbook.
Contents include Academic Policies, Campus Conduct Policies (which includes the Substance Abuse
Prevention Policy among others), Right to Know, information about the confidentiality of students’
records under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), General Policies & Procedures,
Financial Information, and Student Resources & Programs. You may access the Handbook online at:
hcc.edu/about/camp_news_pub.html#Handbook
To request a print copy, contact Student Services at (413) 552-2390, stop by Frost 224, or email:
rniezgoda@hcc.edu.
Career Center
Have questions about your career future??
We can help you with…
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Exploring possible career fields
Choosing a college major
Finding full-time or part-time jobs
Obtaining a Co-op or internship placement
Locating colleges for transfer
Writing a resume or application letter
Preparing for a job interview
Career Workshops
HCC Library
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Why go to the HCC Library?
 To take advantage of all the resources and databases HCC offers
 To get good quality information for your papers
 Not everything is on the internet and what is on the internet is not always true or free
 Online library resources are available 24/7
 Real, live, expert people can help you use HCC library
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What do you need to borrow at HCC Library? A valid HCC ID card
Checkout: You’ll need your HCC ID card, so don’t leave home without it. You can check out books at
the front desk on the 1st Floor of the Library.
Renew: You can renew from any computer with Internet access. Come in and ask us!
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All students are entitled to full access to the HCC Library and accept the obligations and responsibilities
that this courtesy entails.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Before classes start…
The following items should be completed before school starts:
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My HCC: Activate your student email account; get the name of your advisor, verify your major
and print your schedule
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Register/Parking your car: Log-on to Student Services at “My HCC” and click Parking System to
receive a temporary parking sticker. Go to Campus Police in the E-Building, across the street
from the flagpole to obtain a permanent sticker.
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Paying your Bill: Make payments in the Student Account Office (Frost 201) OR complete
financial aid forms and required paperwork.
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Student ID card: Bring your printed schedule and license (or state issued picture ID) to Frost 271
to get your HCC Student ID Card.
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Validate Student ID card: Go to Student Accounts (Frost 201) to get your HCC Student ID Card
validated (your payments will have to be up-to-date). You’ll need to do this every semester to
gain access to the academic computer labs and the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation
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Library Card: Bring your validated HCC Student ID Card to the Library for a barcode which will
give you access to library resources
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Bus Pass: You’ll need your validated HCC Student ID Card to receive your bus pass in the Student
Accounts Office (Frost 201).
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Bookstore: Located in G-Building 1st floor. General hours 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.* You’ll need your
class schedule and your HCC Student ID Card plus Financial Aid voucher, cash, check or charge.
*Hours are subject to change during rush times, typically the first few weeks of each semester. Check website for time change
(http://www.hcc.edu/campus-life/bookstore)
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Classrooms: Locate your classrooms in advance. For more information check on the HCC
Student Handbook, page 3 (Find it also online at www.hcc.edu).
WHERE DO I FIND…
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Student Records Office: (Frost 223, (413) 552-2319)
o Enrollment verifications
o Course times and availability
o Course & college withdrawals
o Graduation audit applications
o Transfer credit
Questions about official transcripts: (413) 552-2142
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Placement Testing: (Donahue 271, (413) 552-2055
Students can retest in English or Math if applicable.
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Transfer Counseling: Inquire and receive all relevant and up-to-date information for what students
need to know and do in order to transfer to a four-year college or university. Frost 273, (413) 5522498.
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Distance Learning: Online courses provide students more flexibility with their time and schedules.
Online or brick and click courses provide an additional option for pursuing a college education. For
questions regarding online or brick & brick courses go to http://webtide.hccdl.org or email
dladvising@hcc.edu. Marieb 229, (413) 552-2236
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Veterans Affairs: Offers assistance for veteran attending HCC. Representatives will help with the
type of support, resources, and benefits eligible veterans may receive. Frost 221, (413) 552-2265
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Veteran’s Center – The Bunker: (Frost 149) A space for veterans to study and socialize.
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Computer Labs: HCC hosts over 56 computer labs with computers in the Library and in many
departmental areas.
Open Lab hours (DON142 and 144): Mon. – Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Evening: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ARE YOU CONNECTED?
Log into these HCC services to stay informed!
 MyHCC Portal
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My Moodle (Online, Brick & Click and Companion Courses)
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Cougar Den (Google mail, Docs, Calendars, Sites)
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GoPrint (Software installed in labs to help with paper consumption)
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Emergency Notificiation System (Messages sent by phone, cell, text or email regarding closings,
delays and emergencies)
How to log into MyHCC:
1. Go to www.hcc.edu
2. Go to My HCC quick link in the top navigation menu
3. Click on ‘Login of the box you want to access
4. Enter username and password
All of the above services have the same Username format.
Example:
First initial
John
Last name
Smith
Last three digits of student ID# 987654321
Username:
JSmith321
This service uses your 9 digit Student ID# (Your student ID # is NOT your SSN)
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HCC Online Services (Grades, Payment Plan, Insurance Waiver, Class Schedule, Add/Drop, Advisor
Contact Info, Financial Aid Status)
PARKING AT HCC
 HCC provides FREE parking for students, employees, and visitors.
 Parking is not guaranteed, so get here early!!!
 You must register their vehicles with the Campus Police Department. Evening students may register
their cars at the switchboard located on 3rd floor of Frost.
 You must provide a valid vehicle registration.
To learn more about parking regulations go to www.hcc.edu.
Parking Regulations
From 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. parking is allowed in lined areas only as follows:
FACULTY/STAFF- Lots F, H, J, Lower J, E, K and L (in accordance with assigned parking decals)
ADDITIONAL FACULTY & STAFF: A, B, C, M, N, O, P, Q and R. (In accordance with assigned parking decals
and overflow.)
STUDENTS - Lots A, B, C, D, M, N, O, P, Q, R, and S
HANDICAPPED PERSONS G Lot-BY PERMIT ONLY
From 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. parking is allowed in lined areas only as follows:
FACULTY/STAFF - Lower J, Upper J, and G Lot (except wheelchair area)
STUDENTS - Lots A, B, C, D, E, F, H, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, & S
VISITORS - E, Upper-J, and designated areas only.
COLLEGE SUCCESS TIPS
Get more out of your classes!
Better grades = More fun!
Shhh...Only for your eyes ;)
 Go to every class and be on time
 Be active in class
 Take advantage of the helping services on campus (Advising Center, CAPS, e-Tutoring, Counseling,
etc.)
 Get involved in campus activities.
 Join a study group. Students who work together earn better grades.
 Be a good time manager! Allow at least two hours to study for each hour you are in class.
Cramming at the last minute will not work
Have questions? Email answers@hcc.edu
STUDENT DAY & EVENING ACADEMIC CALENDAR
FALL 2011
September 5, Monday Labor Day: HOLIDAY
September 6, Tuesday Classes begin for the first semester
September 6-September 9 Add/Drop Period for All Classes-4 Days
October 10, Monday Columbus Day: HOLIDAY
October 11, Tuesday Day & Evening Classes follow a Monday Schedule
October 21, Friday Honors Convocation – 7:00 p.m.
November 2-16
Wednesday-Wednesday Priority Registration Period
November 11, Friday Veterans Day: HOLIDAY
November 22, Tuesday Last day for withdrawal with “W” for Full Semester Classes
November 23, Wednesday Day Classes follow a Friday Schedule, No Wednesday Evening ClassesThanksgiving Holiday
November 24, 25 & 26 Thanksgiving Holiday/Recess – Campus Closed
December 16, Friday End of Fall Semester Classes
December 17, Saturday End of Saturday Classes
December 19, 20, 21, 22, Monday-Thursday Final Exams (required as scheduled)
December 23, Friday Make Up Day for Cancelled Final Exams
December 26-January 2 College Closed for WINTER HOLIDAYS
January 3, 2012 College Reopens
WINTER INTERCESSION
January 3, Tuesday
Classes Begin
January 17, Tuesday
Classes End
January 18, 19 & 20
Make Up Days for Cancelled Winter Intercession Classes
SPRING 2012
January 23, Monday Classes begin for the second semester
January 23-January 26 Add/Drop Period for All Classes-4 Days
February 20, Monday Presidents’ Day: HOLIDAY
February 21, Tuesday Day & Evening Classes Follow a Monday Schedule
March 12 – March 17 Spring Recess
March 28-April 11 Wednesday-Wednesday Priority Registration Period
April 16, Monday Patriots’ Day: HOLIDAY
April 18, Wednesday No Day Classes
April 20, Friday Last day for withdrawal with a “W” for Full Semester Classes
May 5, Saturday End of Saturday Classes
May 9, Wednesday End of Spring Semester Classes
May 10, Thursday Make Up Day for Cancelled Classes
May 14, 15, 16, 17
Monday-Thursday Final Exams (required as scheduled)
May 17, Thursday Awards Night – 6:30 p.m.
May 26, Saturday Commencement – 10:00 a.m.