2009 Performance Accountability Report Vol. 2 - Maryland Higher ...

HCC will use funds awarded by the NSF to develop a Technology Transfer Institute (TTI).
Operating from HCC, the programs will operate using a “train the trainer” model involving the
Harford, Frederick, and other Maryland community colleges and their respective school systems,
government labs, and the economic development units as appropriate.
Collaboration with Business and Industry
As a central player in Howard County’s economy, HCC values its collaboration with the
business community. HCC has formed partnerships with numerous organizations. The college’s
Continuing Education and Workforce and Development division routinely partners with Howard
County government, HCPSS, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland
State Department of Education, Maryland Department of Transportation, the Society for Human
Resource Management, various federal government agencies, and the Veteran’s Administration,
as well as specific local businesses to offer a variety of courses for employees and the general
public. The college continues to plan for and implement the recommendations of its Commission
on the Future, a group of civic and business leaders who provide a community perspective about
how the college can better serve the area’s higher education needs. HCC’s Center for
Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence established entrepreneurial and professional coaching
partnerships with organizations and individuals from the business community, including the
Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Howard County, the Howard County Public
Library, and the HCPSS. In cooperation with the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, HCC
holds job and career fairs each fall and spring. Representatives from a range of industries,
agencies and services discuss employment opportunities and accept applications from attendees.
Expert resume review and access to the HCC Jobs Online web-based database are available to
attendees. In addition this year, the college hosted a program on careers in health sciences,
providing participants an opportunity to talk with industry experts and college representatives
about the skills necessary for success and steps to prepare for entry or advancement in health
fields.
Community Connection
HCC is dedicated to joining its many community partners to ensure a valuable contribution to the
learning needs of all citizens. On campus and off, the college continuously seeks opportunities to
be involved and to cultivate positive relationships with all segments of the community and is
encouraged by the number and variety of community stakeholders engaging in discussion of their
educational needs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the county’s Board Bank to
provide service for local arts, educational, and human services nonprofit organizations.
The Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center (MCRC) at Howard Community College
promotes peaceful conflict resolution by providing mediation and conflict resolution services for
the citizens of Howard County and the students, faculty, and staff of HCC. Staffed by a pool of
more than sixty highly-trained volunteers, the MCRC offers community mediation and
restorative dialogue at no charge to the community. MCRC’s outreach activities, combined with
community partnerships with Howard County agencies have placed MCRC’s case totals on track
to exceed last year’s 200 cases. The center’s restorative dialogue referrals continue to grow
rapidly, and the center began a pilot project with the Department of Corrections to explore the
offering of restorative dialogue services to victims of violent crime and their offenders. This
spring, the MCRC was recognized for outstanding service as a District Court of Maryland
mediation partner. MCRC advises HCC’s AA degree in Conflict Resolution, offers numerous
conflict resolution workshops to campus and community groups, and continues to grow to meet
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