Student Handbook 2010-2011 - Holyoke Community College

Student Handbook 2010-2011

A Message from President William F. MessnerIencourage you to explore all the opportunities available to you here at HCC. I thinkyou’ll find that the friendly setting, supportive and knowledgeable faculty andstaff, small class sizes, and plenty of student activities create a unique sense ofcommunity for our diverse student body.Our faculty makes education work for all different kinds of learners: honors students,those unsure about major or career choices, and those starting or returning to collegeas adults. With more than 100 associate degree and certificate options, you’ll find apath to reach your goals, whether it’s quick training for a new career or solid academicpreparation for transfer to a four-year college or university.HCC also offers plenty of student clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities aswell as nationally ranked athletic teams. So you’ll find plenty of activities outside theclassroom.We’ll provide the support you need and help you discover your academic abilities andcareer aptitudes for the future you choose. And, HCC’s tuition and fees are among thelowest of all public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, making us a leader inensuring affordability and accessibility of public higher education for all.William F. MessnerHCC Alert Emergency Notification SystemIn case of emergency, Holyoke Community College sends emergency alerts to anyonewith an HCC email account. In addition, HCC has a system (HCC-Alert EmergencyNotification System) to rapidly communicate with students, faculty, and staff bysending a voice message and/or text message to home and cell telephones.The kinds of emergencies that might result in an HCC-Alert notificationinclude fire, campus closures due to severe weather, or the presence ofa dangerous individual.While the system is active and ready for use, it is only as good asthe contact information it contains. In order to send you emergencytext messages and voice mail alerts, you must provide phoneinformation.To receive alerts, please go to http://www.hcc.eduand click on the link “Emergency Notification Site”Keep in mind that the information you supply is confidential and will not be shared. We will only contact youthrough the system in the event of an emergency.

BUILDING KEYDON Business Admin. & Office Admin., Social Sciences, Humanities, Library, AV/TV CenterFR Administration (Welcome Center, Student Records, FR 221), AdmissionsC Fine Arts, Leslie Phillips Forum Marieb Health Sciences, Science, Engineering, Mathematics E Power Plant, Campus Police DepartmentGCampusCenter BookstoreBC David M. Bartley Center for Athletics & RecreationK Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development2

Contact Us! Holyoke Campus Map / Parking Satellite LocationsIt is the policy of Holyoke Community College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, color, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability in itseducational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and other Federal and State anti-discriminationlaws. In addition, the college maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity/expression.3

Learning CommunitiesCourses FYE LC Course4

NOTE: This publication contains current information regarding college policies for Holyoke Community College. It is not, however,intended to be and should not be relied upon as a statement of the college’s contractual undertakings. The Holyoke CommunityCollege Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education reserve the right to alter its policies, procedures, and feesas set forth in this manual.This document is available in an alternative format through the Dean of Students' office. The college reservesthe right to add, revise, withdraw, or cancel courses and programs and to make changes to its academic calendar, policies, tuition, and feesat its discretion.Student Resources & ProgramsABE Transitions to College and Careers(413) 552-2852/2245The program includes class instruction in math, reading,writing, basic computer, and study skills in a supportivelearning community. The college transition coordinator willhelp students enroll in the college and apply for financialaid. An evening option will be available.This free non-credit college preparation program helps studentswith a GED (from any time) or a high school diplomafrom at least five years ago. The program includes classinstruction in math, reading, writing, science, study skillsand computers in a college context. The class offers a supportivelearning community environment. Academic andcareer counseling is provided in English and Spanish. TheABE TCC Coordinator will help students enroll in the collegeand apply for financial aid. An evening option will beavailable.AdvisingFR 271, (413) 552-2722The Advising Center is a “one-stop” student service centerfor new and continuing students. The center offers academicadvising, educational planning, college placement testingand assessment, and college enrollment services. The centeris located in FR 271. All services provided through thecenter are free, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., on a walk-in basis or byappointment.Academic AdvisorsEach student enrolled in day credit courses at the college isassigned to a faculty or staff member for the purpose of academicadvising. Together the student and advisor plan thestudent’s program of study during the Priority Registrationperiods in the fall and spring. The final responsibility forselecting courses fulfilling graduation requirements restssolely with the student. Students can stop in the WelcomeCenter (FR 221) or Academic Affairs (FR 317) to find outtheir advisor’s name and contact information. Students mayalso check their student account, available on the HCCwebsite by clicking the My HCC link. Evening, weekend,and online students may obtain advising through theAdvising Center (FR 271).There are two Priority Registration periods for current students:one in March (for the fall semester) and the other inOctober/November (for the spring semester). Exact datesare listed in the academic calendar posted on the college’swebsite.Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor and preregisterfor courses during Priority Registration. HCC providesacademic advising to all students. Students can lookup their advisors' name and contact information online atwww.hcc.edu. Select MY HCC then HCC Online Services.Or visit the Welcome Center (FR 221). Students notassigned an advisor can meet with an educational planner inthe Advising Center (FR 271).Alumni OfficeDON 151, (413) 552-2253The Alumni Association is dedicated to serving the college,the alumni body, and current students. The AlumniCouncil, the governing board of the Alumni Association,sponsors social and educational events and assists with annualfundraising efforts. Alumni contributions fund severalscholarships for continuing and transferring students, as wellas providing equipment for classrooms and labs. Informationregarding scholarships is available through the FinancialAid Office. Graduates of HCC (those who have completedan associate degree or certificate program), automaticallybecome members of the Alumni Association. Former studentswith nine credits or more may request membership bycalling the alumni director at the above telephone number.AthleticsBartley 204, (413) 552-2161HCC offers women’s cross-country, soccer, golf, basketball,volleyball, softball, and tennis, while the men’s athleticprogram includes cross-country, baseball, basketball, golf,soccer, and tennis. HCC’s athletic program is a member ofthe Massachusetts Community College Athletic Conference5

Student Clubs and Organizations (all phone numbers are in Area Code 413)ADVISORADVISORCLUB ADVISOR LOCATION PHONEIdentity ClubsAsian American Student Association Miles Liu DON 347 552- 2356Baha’i Club Gail Hilyard DON 246A 552-2552Black Student Alliance TBA More information in student activitiesCampus Ministry Gerry Bates KC 415 552-2302International Students Organization TBA More information in student activitiesLatino International Student Assoc. Myriam Quinones FR 262 552-2539Jossie Valentin FR 236 552-2829Muslim Students Association TBA More information in student activitiesPagan Association TBA More information in student activitiesQueer/Straight Alliance (QSA) TBA More information in student activitiesSHALOM! Jewish Students Club Lois Koltz DON 155 552-2314Slavic Club Vivian Leskes DON 353 552-2573Veterans Support/Family and Friends Karen Reidl FR 234 552-2786Interest ClubsChess Club Jay Ducharme C 220 552-2508Computer Club Casey Storozuk KC 505 552-2429Creative Writing Club Dave Champoux DON 363 552-2364Disc Golf Jay Ducharme C 220 552-2508Drama Club/HCC Players Pat Sandoval C220 552-2486Fashion Club John Donellan KC 417 552-2146Japanese Anime Club Idelia Smith FR 317 552-2228Military Appreciation/Career Options Monica Perez FR 166 552-2413MassPIRG TBA DON 102C 552-2115Phoenix Press (Student Newspaper) Fred Cooksey C 320 552-2538Photography Club Frank Ward C 230 552-2487Pulp City Literary Magazine Dave Champoux DON 363 552-2364Radio Club (103.5 FM, WCCH) Joanne Kostides C 226 552-2326Role Play/Gaming Club TBA More information in student activitiesInternational Socialist Organization Mark Clinton DON 247 552-2330Spirit Squad Liz Golen DON 102 C Student Act. 552-2060STRIVE Club Wayne Nelson DON 233 552-2196Student Senate Vivian Ostrowski DON 102 C Student Act. 552-2418UNITY Club Dorothy Blair DON 166 552-2064Wildlife Society Joe Bruseo MRB 335 552-2516Yoga Club MaryJane O’Connor FR 240 552-2422Academic Clubs (for students interested in particular academic fields)Business Association TBA More information in student activitiesCriminal Justice Association Alex Sanchez FR 176 552-2841Engineering Club Ileana Vasu FR 364 552-2438Entrepreneur Club Anne Potter KC 427 552-2347Kelly O’Connor KC 419 552-2315Future Music Educators Club Ellen Cogen C 122 552-2482Hospitality and Culinary Club Kris Ricker-Choleva FR 174 552-2565Human Services Jackie Griswold DON 265 552-2333Psychology Club Justin Koenitzer DON 185 552-2215Vet Tech Club Walter Jaworski MRB243 552-2459Interested in getting involved or forming a new club? Contact Liz Golen at (413) 552-2060 or egolen@hcc.edu6

(MCCAC) and the National Junior College AthleticAssociation (NJCAA). The college also has a variety ofsports that are conducted as intramural, recreational, and/orclub activities. Check with the athletic office in the DavidM. Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation for details.Athletic FacilitiesBartley 204, (413) 552-2160All athletic facilities are accessible to students, employees,the college community and to community users through variousprograms and activities. Outdoor facilities include fieldsfor softball, baseball, soccer and other sports, tennis courts,a track, and woodland trails for orienteering, hiking, etc.Indoor facilities are housed in the David M. Bartley Centerfor Athletics and Recreation. Note: Students taking creditcourses have free access to the Bartley Center with a validID. Among the many features of the facility are: bleacher seating (the PeoplesBank Gymnasium canaccommodate basketball games, recreational activities,volleyball matches, and larger events) tialarts, yoga, Pilates, etc. with strength training, plate loaded, weight, cardiovascular,and check-out equipmentAudio Visual DepartmentDON 106, (413) 552-2252/2590Semester Hours:Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Mon.–Thu., 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.(when evening classes are in session)The department maintains all types of audiovisual andcomputer presentation equipment and also includes a videoconferencing facility, a distance learning studio, and a mediadistribution system.BookstoreG Building, first floor, (413) 552-2521The HCC bookstore is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:45p.m. except during winter break, and after May final examsthrough the last week of July. Call (413) 552-2521 to confirmhours during these times. Bookstore hours are alwaysposted on the door. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard andDiscover are accepted. Books can also be ordered online awww.ehccbookstore.com.Bus Passes and SchedulesBus schedules are located at the switchboard. All studentspay a $20 per semester transportation fee which providesunlimited service on a regular basis during the fall and springsemesters. HCC students are eligible to receive a PVTAbus pass valid for the entire semester on any bus route inthe PVTA system. These passes must be used with a validHCC student ID card. Students who use the bus must havetheir ID cards validated every semester in Student AccountServices in FR 201. PVTA passes will be provided to eachstudent free of charge as part of the Transportation Fee(there is a $7 replacement fee should the card be lost orstolen). PVTA bus passes can be picked up at the StudentAccount Services Office, Frost 201.The college operates La Guagua Pa’l College, a free eveningshuttle bus service for students between city-centerHolyoke and surrounding neighborhoods, and HCC.During fall and spring semesters, the bus runs Monday-Thursday on the half hour, starting at 5:00 p.m. whenPVTA service ends, and ending at 10:00 p.m. For scheduleand route information, visit www.hcc.edu or pick up a brochurein the Welcome Center..Campus CommunicationThere are a variety of communication options available oncampus:Bulletin BoardsThere are bulletin boards in all buildings on campus.Information on social, athletic, academic and other activitiesare posted on these boards. See the bulletin board policy,page 30, before posting any material.Email AccountsAll students registered for credit classes at the college areprovided a personal email account. The HCC portal containsstudent email and Online Services (self-service) accounts.The college uses this email account or the messaging systemto send communications to the student body. Student emailaddresses will be recorded in the college’s electronic directoriesand records. Students are responsible for reading officialcollege email and messages in a timely fashion.New portal accounts may take up to 24 hours after registrationto be created. The MyHCC icon on the HCC homepage(http://www.hcc.edu) and on the E-Institute website(http://webtide.hccdl.org) will bring you to the page containinglinks to online options.7

It is extremely important that students log into this system,as it is an important communication tool between student,professor, and administration. Also, urgent college-wideinformation and announcements concerning closings andevents are transmitted through this medium.The PhoenixThe Phoenix is the HCC student newspaper and covers topicsof student interest.Pulp City - Art and Literary MagazinePulp City is a student literary magazine published at the endof each academic term. Students interested in writing or inthe graphic arts are encouraged to contribute to the publication.Contact Dave Champoux (DON 363, (413) 552-2364,dchampoux@hcc.edu) if you are interested in submitting apiece of writing. Contact Beverly Wodicka (C 322, (413)552-2572) if you are interested in submitting a piece of artworkor photography.WCCHThe HCC radio station, WCCH, operates a Class D educationalFM stereo broadcast station at 103.5 on the dial.Those interested in publicizing an event or organization maydrop off material at the station, located near the studentlounge on the first floor between Donahue and Frost buildings,or call (413) 552-2488.Campus Police DepartmentE Building, (413) 552-2400The Campus Police Department is staffed by full-time commissionedpolice officers. Officers are on duty 24 hoursa day, 365 days of the year, and each is a graduate of theMassachusetts Criminal Justice Training Academy or theMassachusetts State Police Training Academy. All havebeen trained in emergency medical procedures. Each officerundergoes continuous training to upgrade skills. Campuspolice work closely with state and local police.The mission of the Campus Police Department is to providethe highest level of safety, security, and service to the collegecommunity. In order to carry out this mission, officers areexpected to do the following:8 hendcriminal offenders, conflict, procedures, Massachusetts General Laws, the rulesand regulations of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles,the Constitution of the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts, and the Constitution of the UnitedStates of America.Campus police have the authority to apprehend and arrestanyone involved in illegal acts on campus. If the offense iscommitted by a student, campus police may also refer theindividual to the Dean of Students' Office. The dean willconduct a preliminary investigation and determine the needto appoint a disciplinary board.Information regarding campus safety and security is providedto new students at orientation sessions each semester.Additional information is available at the Campus PoliceDepartment, in E 212 or at http://www.hcc.edu/campus/safety.html.Career ServicesKittredge 322, (413) 552-2387/2597Career services include career exploration, planning, counseling,job search, and placement. The workshops, printmaterials, and computerized career resources in the CareerCenter help students to choose a career path based upontheir abilities, interests, academic background, and jobmarketinformation.The center has print and computerized resources for careerexploration and the assessment of student interests andaptitudes. Students also access the Massachusetts CareerInformation System (CIS), and FOCUS computerized assessmentprograms for information on specific occupations and alisting of careers/majors for which they would be best suited.In addition, they access the college central network for jobsearch information. Software programs in the Career Centeralso include resume writing and job-listing system thatprovides information on job openings with area employers.Career workshops are offered on a regular basis, and studentsare encouraged to use the center’s resources during theirentire time at Holyoke Community College. Internet accessis also available. Placement packets are available for graduatingstudents.Students interested in transfer information have accessto the CollegeSource software that provides informationon virtually all U.S. colleges and many others worldwide.Students who choose to transfer should consult with thecollege’s transfer counselor or attend a group workshop.Computerized financial aid information is also available.Center For Academic Program Support (CAPS)DON 240, (413) 552-2584The Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS) providesfree tutoring and other support services to help studentssucceed in their classes. Tutoring is available Mondaythrough Friday in a variety of subjects on a walk-in basis andby appointment. Please visit or contact the CAPS Center

for tutoring schedules (DON 240, (413) 552-2584). Walkintutoring for writing and math is available daily in theWriting Center and the Math Center from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.,Monday– Thursday, and 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Friday. CAPSalso offers individual professional counseling, study skillsassistance, supplemental instruction, study groups, and workshops.CAPS Math CenterDON 246, (413) 552-2596The Math Center offers free tutoring for any college mathcourse and math topics related to science, business, health,and other fields. The center offers help with course content,study procedures, problem-solving strategies, and waysto overcome math anxiety. The Math Center also offersMath Mini Prep classes which prepare students for the CPT(Computerized Placement Testing). Handouts, math textbooks,videos, and software dealing with algebra, basic math,calculus, and other topics are available. Additionally, onlinetutoring is available at http://etutoring.org.CAPS TutoringDON 244, (413) 552-2416Free, one-on-one or small-group tutoring is available for anycourse HCC has to offer (depending on tutor availability).Tutoring addresses such concerns as understanding coursecontent, reading textbooks, preparing for tests, or writingpapers. Tutoring is available during both day and eveninghours; call for more information. Appointments can bescheduled two weeks in advance. Additionally, online tutoringis available at http://etutoring.org.CAPS Workshops and SeminarsDON 240, (413) 552-2416/2584Small group instruction is offered throughout the academicyear on topics designed to improve a student’s progress atthe college. Topics include stress management, assertiveness,note-taking and test preparation. Schedules and announcementsfor these events are posted on college bulletin boardsand are often published in the Phoenix.CAPS Writing CenterDON 238, (413) 552-2599The Writing Center offers students walk-in consultation andassistance related to any college course that requires writtenassignments, such as essays, research papers, or literary analysis.The center also offers workshops covering writing andresearch projects. Handouts, videos, and software are availableon the writing process, grammar, punctuation, and othertopics. Additionally, online tutoring in writing is available athttp://etutoring.orgChild CareThe Kids Place (413) 538-7742Child care services are available on campus through TheKids Place, located on the campus access road between parkinglots E and F. The Kids Place provides year-round earlychildhood programs for a fee (vouchers accepted) to studentswhose children are between the ages of four weeks and sevenyears of age. The center opens at 7 a.m. daily. Parents need toregister and enroll their children.Clubs and Student ActivitiesDON 102 (413) 552-2060HCC encourages students to become involved in thewide variety of activities and organizations on campus.Participation in these clubs often provides students with newskills, knowledge, and friendships. For those transferring to afour-year institution, involvement in one or several organizationscan add significantly to a student profile.The formation of extracurricular organizations is encouragedby the college. Clubs will vary in activity from year to yearand a current listing of clubs and their advisors appears onpage 6.In September and January, a club fair is held in the courtyardand the cafeteria. Advisors and members of clubs are presentto answer questions. This provides the opportunity for studentsto join the club of their choice.There are a variety of procedures and policies governing theoperation of clubs, student transportation, and student activitieson campus. The HCC Club Manual outlines the policiesand procedures of clubs on campus and can be obtainedthe Student Activities Office (DON 102). The HCC travelpolicy is available in the Student Affairs Office (FR 224) orat the Bartley Center. Call (413) 552-2161 for more information.Computing FacilitiesHCC has extensive computing facilities available for use byany HCC student with a valid ID. HCC alumni with writtenauthorization from the alumni director may also use thecomputer center.To use the computer labs, students must register in the logbookand agree to use the facilities within the guidelines ofthe college’s acceptable use policy (www.hcc.edu/about/college_pol.html).Students must also sign out when they arefinished. Student ID cards will be held until students leavethe lab. Open lab users of DON 142, 144, and 146 must registerin DON 142. The list of computer labs and their schedulescan be accessed on the HCC website at http://www.hcc.edu/campus/computerlabs.html9

Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield(CCGS)HCC is a member of CCGS, along with AmericanInternational College, Bay Path College, Elms College,Springfield College, Springfield Technical CommunityCollege, Western New England College, and Westfield StateCollege. CCGS serves to integrate the resources of its eightmember colleges. Students who are taking daytime coursesand already carrying at least six credits are eligible to enrollin up to two courses at participating CCGS institutions.Note that evening and online courses are not availablethrough CCGS. Please contact the Student Records Office(FR 221), (413) 552-2319 for more information.Cooperative Education (Co-op)Kittredge 319, (413) 552-2322Holyoke Community College offers the opportunity to supplementand enrich a traditional academic program with workexperience related to various fields of study. These experiencesprovide students with knowledge and experience useful inmaking informed career decisions, setting career goals, andplanning further education. It allows students the opportunityto put theory into practice and to develop the work skillsneeded for success.Students earn three credits for their Co-op experience.Faculty coordinators conduct weekly co-op seminars andsupervised the cooperative education experience through visitsto work sites. The coordinator and the employer evaluatestudent learning and job performance. Cooperative educationhas the support of local businesses and community organizations..The program is in its 35th year and has served as amodel for other co-op programs at colleges throughout thecountry. Cooperative education is available in many degreeprograms, program options, and certificates, each of which hasspecific course pre-requisites.Counseling ServicesFR 233, (413) 552-2232HCC offers counseling to all students to assist in educational,career, and personal/social development. The goalof Counseling Services is to assist students in defining andaccomplishing personal and academic goals. CounselingServices strives to provide a supportive learning environmentto help students overcome barriers to successful collegeperformance and grow toward attaining a satisfying andmeaningful lifestyle.A staff of professional counselors assists students in exploringtheir educational and career goals, planning their educationalprograms, and identifying the various demands andimplications of college life. Services are provided individuallyand in groups.Services such as psychological testing, clinical diagnosis andtreatment, psychotherapy or family therapy are not providedby the college. Should a student require assistance outsidethe scope of college counseling services, referrals are made toappropriate community agencies.The counseling staff utilizes the ethical standards of professionalorganizations. Accordingly, each individual’s right toprivacy is maintained. A staff of highly qualified counselorsis available to meet with students. To make a day or eveningappointment, stop by or call.Credit by ExaminationStudent Records, (413) 552-2319HCC grants credit for sufficient scores on certain AdvancedPlacement, and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)examinations. An official score report must be sent directlyfrom the testing agency to HCC. The Student Records(FR 221) can provide more information on minimum scorerequirements and credit awards. For more information, consultthe College Catalog.Dining ServicesG building, second floor (413) 552-2740Dining services at HCC are available to all students, staff,faculty, and visitors to the college. Tentative operating hoursduring fall and spring semesters are Mon.– Fri.: 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Operating hours are limited during final examsand vacations. A snack bar is located in the student loungearea on the first floor between Frost and Donahue buildings.Tentative operating hours during fall and spring semestersare Mon.– Thu. 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri.: 7:30 a.m.–2:00p.m. Catering services are available and can be arranged bycalling Aramark.Distance EducationMarleb 229, (413) 552-2236Because many students have busy home and work schedules,HCC offers both online and Brick & Click courses as anadditional option for pursuing a college education. Onlinelearning means that the student and the instructor do nothave to be at the same place at the same time for teachingand learning to occur. However, online courses are notself-paced and do have time-oriented assignments. ThroughHCC’s online learning platform, WebCT, your classroom isa website that can be accessed from anywhere in the world,and the lectures are read instead of sitting and listening tothe instructor. Discussions and communication with theinstructor and classmates takes place in a web-based messagearea and are typed instead of spoken. You will need to logonto the class several times a week to see if there is anythingnew that pertains to your studies. Most courses require studentparticipation of a minimum of three to five days a week.10

To be successful, online students must be self-motivated,enjoy learning independently, and possess basic computerskills (emailing, attaching files, word processing, etc).Brick & Click courses combine classroom instruction withcomputer-based learning. Because portions of the courserequirements are completed online, Brick & Click coursesreduce the amount of time the student spends in the classroom.For a complete listing of degree and certificate programsthat are 50%, 80% or 100% on-line, please go to theE-Institute home page at http://webtide.hccdl.org.Helpful instructions: advising for online or Brick & Click course information http://Webtide.hccdl.org “Preview a Course” on the left side of the Webpage. to see course specific information. Instructions” on the main page for E-institute “Instructions/Calendar” for specifics. Please followThe directions carefully videdIn your account along with your semestercourses. To log on, please follow the directions inThe “Online Learning Instructions”. See the onlineinstructions for the specific dates when webct 101and the semester courses will be available.If you encounter any problems, please call or email Dlhelp at(413) 552-2124 or dlhelp@hcc.edu.Self-help files can be found on OUR main webpage under“technical help for online learning.”ESL Support ProgramDON 203, (413) 552-2553/2234The ESL Support Program serves students whose native languageis not English. The college offers English as a SecondLanguage (ESL) courses and an array of services to helpstudents succeed in college. ESL courses prepare students forcollege-level courses in associate degree or certificate programs.Assistance Available ESL Academic CoursesStudents may earn up to 15 credits in ESL courses, some ofwhich can be applied to degree programs at HCC. Five levelsof instruction are offered in each of the following areas: readingand writing, speaking and listening, grammar, and pronunciation.Classes focus on skill areas essential to studentswho want to continue their education. Students enrolled inadvanced levels of ESL may also take courses in their chosenfield of study when appropriate.To learn more about the ESL Support Program, call or stopby.Inglés como Segundo IdiomaLa Oficina de Servicios de Apoyo de Inglés como SegundoIdioma les ofrece servicios a estudiantes cuyo idioma nativono es el Inglés. El programa ofrece cursos de Inglés comoSegundo Idioma (ESL) y una selección de servicios para ayudara los estudiantes a tener éxito en el Colegio. Los cursosde ESL preparan al estudiante a tomar cursos a nivel universitarioen programas de grado asociado o de certificados.Asistencia disponible en: estudiantes nuevos Carreras Cursos Académicos de ESLLos estudiantes pueden utilizar un total de 15 créditos de loscursos de ESL, algunos de los cuales pueden ser convalidadosa programas de grado asociado del Colegio. Cinco niveles deinstrucción son ofrecidos en las siguientes áreas: Inglés conversacional,lectura y escritura, gramática y pronunciación.Las clases se concentran en las áreas de destrezas esencialespara los estudiantes que continúan su educación. Los estu-11

diantes matriculados en clases avanzadas de ESL tambiénpueden tomar cursos correspondientes a sus carreras cuandosea apropiado.Para saber más sobre el Programa de Apoyo de Inglés comoSegundo Idioma, visite nuestra oficina en el edificio DON,número 203, o llame al (413) 552-2553 (413) 552-2234.Facilities UseCampus fields, track, courts, and the Bartley Center areavailable for students, faculty, and staff. Use of the ArtDepartment studios and equipment by students and facultymust have Art Department approval at (413) 552-2489,(413) 552-2485, or (413) 552-2270. To reserve rehearsalrooms, scene and costume shops, dressing rooms, or boxoffice contact the Drama Department at (413) 552-2485,(413) 552-2508, or (413) 552-2270. To reserve the musicrehearsal room, call the Music Department at (413) 552-2480 or (413) 552-2485. Faculty and staff can arrange toreserve classroom space and the Leslie Phillips Theater.Financial AidFR 201, (413) 552-2150The Financial Aid Office is open from 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.,Monday–Thursday; and from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., on Friday.The staff is available to answer any financial aid questions.A student at Holyoke Community College may apply forfinancial aid through a variety of grant programs, as well asfor a Federal Direct Stafford Loan and a federally fundedwork-study job. Financial aid may help not only with thedirect expense of tuition, fees, and books, but also withother expenses, such as lunches, transportation, child care,and room and board. High-need students eligible for residenttuition rates may receive more than enough grant aidto cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books, particularly ifthey qualify for state-funded programs and apply relativelyearly. If a student does not qualify for enough grant aid tocover direct costs, educational loans are offered to cover theshort-fall. A student who needs additional help with out-ofpocketexpenses may want to request additional loan fundsor a part-time work-study job. Loans of more than $3,000toward out-of-pocket expenses may require extensive loancounseling, involving the preparation of a detailed budget forthe present, and consideration of future borrowing needs andemployment prospects.The HCC Foundation, Inc. offers more than 80 scholarships.Scholarship applications are available from February1 through the middle of March in the Foundation office,Academic Affairs, division offices and online at www.hccscholarships.org. For more information, visit theFoundation office (DON 101) or call (413) 552-2182.Health ServicesFR 101, (413) 552-2401The Student Health Services Office (FR 101) is staffed bya registered nurse. Available services include first aid treatment,medical referrals, and information on how to developand maintain a healthy lifestyle.Students can also obtain information about the StudentInjury and Sickness Insurance Plan and immunizationsrequired to comply with Massachusetts immunization law.For detailed information regarding immunization requirements,please refer to page 34 of this handbook. Concernsnecessitating hospitalization, surgery, or psychiatric treatmentare referred to appropriate agencies and nearby hospitals.Other services include immunization clinics and physicalexams for students participating in HCC sports programs.Honors ProgramDON 170, (413) 552-2197The Honors Program offers the opportunity for intellectualchallenge to gifted students in every discipline. To beaccepted into the Honors Program, a student usually musteither enter HCC as an honors student or achieve a GPA ofat least 3.50 after earning at least 12 college credits. Studentswho complete the Honors Option are guaranteed admissionto the Commonwealth Honors College at the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst. The program offers several components:Honors ProjectsAfter completing 12 credit hours of work at HCC, a studentwho achieves a GPA of 3.5 or receives an instructor’s permissionmay elect to attach an Honors project to any collegelevelcourse (with the exception of ENG 101).An Honors project consists of additional independent work astudent chooses to undertake in conjunction with an instructor.Such work may consist of an extra paper, a paper ofgreater length or complexity, a research project in a practicalsetting such as a lab or darkroom, or creative work such aspainting, sculpture, writing, or performance. A brief essay inwhich the student reflects upon his/her learning experiencemust be attached to all completed projects. Project topicsare limited only by the student’s imagination or ability, theinstructor’s course guidelines, and a regard for the degree ofacademic rigor expected by the HCC Honors Program.Students need not complete an Honors project in the semesterin which they began it, but the project must be completedbefore graduation in order to receive credit. Completedprojects must be approved by the participating instructor andby the Honors Committee. Upon successful completion of anHonors project, a student will register for HON 201, a onecreditcourse. The student’s transcript will list the title of hisor her Honors project and the name of the course in which itwas undertaken next to the grade received for HON 201.12

Honors Colloquium (HON 206)The Honors Colloquium is an interdisciplinary, team-taughtcourse for which students may receive “B” or “C” credits.Colloquia are reading and writing intensive, and examine acentral theme from a variety of academic perspectives. Pastthemes have included “Evil,” “Colonialism,” “Biotechnology”and “Value.” The Honors Program provides all required textsfor each semester’s 15 colloquium students. Students who planto transfer to the Commonwealth Honors College at UMassor to a private college or university will find the colloquiuman excellent place to hone their reading, writing and researchskills. Students who have completed 24 credits (includingENG 102) and achieved a 3.5 GPA are eligible for the HonorsColloquium. Enrollment is by instructor invitation; qualifiedstudents who do not receive an invitation should contact theprogram coordinator or the colloquium instructors.Honors Learning CommunitiesThe Honors Program offers two seven-credit first-year learningcommunities (LC) that combine ENG 101 (fall semester) andENG 102 (spring semester) with different “topics in science”courses (SEM 130). Students who take both the fall and thespring first-year LCs will fulfill both their English and lab sciencerequirements. Incoming students who receive scores of100 or better on their English placement exam will be invitedto join the fall Honors LC. Students who complete the fallHonors LC may continue on in the spring. Students whocomplete English 101 with a grade of “B+” or better will alsobe invited to enroll in the spring Honors LC. Eligible studentswho do not receive an invitation should contact the programcoordinator or the Honors LC instructors.A sophomore-level Honors LC is offered in the spring. Thecourse combinations for this LC will vary. Students who takethe Honors colloquium in the fall will be invited to join thespring sophomore Honors LC. Students who have completed24 credits (including ENG 102) and achieved a 3.5 GPAare eligible for the course.Commonwealth Honor Scholar DesignationThe Commonwealth Honors Scholar designation recognizesthe achievements of students who have completedat least nine credits of Honors-level work in fulfillment of(or in addition to) their regular degree requirements. Thisdesignation may be attached to any of Holyoke CommunityCollege’s existing A.A. or A.S. degrees.To graduate as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, studentsmust complete nine Honors credits, at least six of whichmust be earned in interdisciplinary Honors courses (HonorsLearning Communities or Honors Colloquia). The remainingthree credits may be earned in stand-alone Honors coursesor by completion of one-credit Honors Projects. Check“Honors, Academic” in the Glossary of Academic Policies,Procedures and Terms for more information about Honorscourses.Students must complete all Honors courses with a grade ofB or better and have earned a 3.5 GPA at the time of graduationto qualify for this designation. Students who meetthese criteria will be recognized as Commonwealth HonorsScholars on their diplomas and in the CommencementProgram.Honors - Dean’s ListStudents of superior academic achievement are recognized atthe end of each semester. Full-time students who have earneda grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or better and who haveearned at least 12 semester hours of work in a semester will beawarded the distinction of having their names placed on theDean’s List. Students in the current term carrying fewer than12 attempted hours are considered part-time students for theDean’s List. Upon the completion of each increment of 12semester hours, those part-time students who have a GPA of3.2 or higher shall be recognized for academic achievement bybeing placed on the Dean’s List. There can be no carry-overof credits. NOTE: Developmental courses and credits earnedin S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) courses are not countedtowards determination of the Dean’s List.Honors - GraduationTo graduate with honors from HCC, the minimum cumulativeGPA required is 3.2. The minimum GPA for high honorsis 3.7.Honors - Phi Theta KappaPhi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for communityand junior colleges. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappais to recognize and encourage scholarship among associatedegree students. To be eligible for induction into Phi ThetaKappa, a students must meet the following criteria;1. Have earned at least 30 semester hours at HCC(transfer hours not included)2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (notcounting the current semester)3. Have no zero (0) level courses count toward the 30on-campus earned hours4. Have never graduated from HCCAll students who meet these criteria will be invited to joinAlpha Xi Omega, the HCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.Inductions will take place at the Honors Convocation inthe fall semester. Spring inductions will also be offered, withan inductions ceremony at Awards Night. HCC currentlypays membership fees for all students. Limited scholarshipand transfer benefits are available, and members are eligibleto wear the Phi Theta Kappa gold stole and tassel at commencement.For further information, contact Kim Hicks,the Phi Theta Kappa advisor (FR 270, (413) 552-2197).13

Joint Admissions ProgramsThe Joint Admissions Program applies to students whomatriculated prior to fall 2009. To receive the benefits ofthe Joint Admissions Program, students are required tocomplete their associate degrees by August 2013 and mustmatriculate at a Massachusetts state college or Universityof Massachusetts campus by fall 2014. Students enrollingfall 2009 or later will find information on the new statewidetransfer policy in this section of the Handbook underTransfer Opportunities.LabsAcademic Computing Lab (DON 142), (413) 552-2359Adaptive Lab (FR 149), (413) 552-2156Anatomy and Physiology Lab (Marieb 220), (413) 552-2526Biology Today Lab (Marieb 226), (413) 552-2517Botany Lab (Marieb 308), (413) 552-2518Chemistry Lab (FR 375), (413) 552-2514Environmental Lab (Marieb 106), (413) 552-2523Hospitality Management Lab (FR 261), (413) 552-2380Language Lab (DON 148), (413) 552-2794Learning Lab (DON 248), (413) 552-2103Microbiology Lab (Marieb 220), (413) 552-2526Nursing Lab (Marieb 118), (413) 552-2110Pharmacy Tech Lab (Marieb 202), (413) 552-2053Physics/Engineering Lab (FR 369), (413) 552-2513Veterinary Science Lab (Marieb 236/240),(413) 552-2507 and (413) 552-2516Videoconferencing Lab (DON 104), (413) 552-2082Note: Not all labs are available on a walk-in basis. Please consultwith department office before using.LibrarySemester Hours:Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. –8:30 p.m.Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Non-semester hours: as postedThe mission of the library is to ensure that students becomeefficient and effective consumers of information. To thatend, the library provides a wide selection of books, journals,audiovisuals, and online databases selected to support theacademic programs of the college.Reference librarians are available Monday through Fridayand on Saturday during the academic year to assist with studentresearch needs and to provide instruction in informationliteracy. In addition, students are able to borrow materialsfrom the following members of the Cooperating Librariesof Greater Springfield: American International College, BayPath College, Elms College, Springfield College, SpringfieldTechnical Community College, Western New EnglandCollege, and Westfield State College. Students may alsorequest material from the C/W MARS library network andhave it sent to the HCC library for pickup. C/W MARSincludes over 140 academic, public, and special librarieslocated in Central and Western Massachusetts.A valid HCC ID card is required for borrowing HCClibrary resources, for accessing HCC library databasesfrom home, for borrowing material from CLGS libraries,or requesting material online from C/W MARS libraries.Policies governing the circulation of library materials areavailable from the circulation desk and are posted on thelibrary webpage.Overdue materials charges: the day taken out, $2 per day thereafter. In addition to the service charges above, a $2 flat fee will beassessed for material more than a month overdue.It is important to keep student library accounts in goodstanding because delinquent students are denied borrowingprivileges and are not issued grades, diplomas, or transcripts.In exceptional cases, the dean of library services reserves theright to limit the number of items that a student may borrowif the student has demonstrated a consistent abuse of circulationprivileges at the HCC Library or any other C/W MARSlibrary. Full borrowing privileges will be restored at the endof the semester if the student has no outstanding obligationsto any C/W MARS library.Library material is considered state property and any studentresponsible for its defacement will be treated according tothe Student Code of Conduct.Multicultural Acadmic Services (MAS)(413) 552-2346/2539The Multicultural Academic Services helps transitioningstudents find the pathways that will help them succeedin college. Its bilingual/bicultural staff serve all students,but reaches out to students who are transitioning from theEnglish as a Second Language (ESL) program and incomingstudents from two local high schools (AVANZAA College).The program provides academic advising, promotes under-14

standing of the College Catalog and programs of study, offersworkshops and orientations, referrals, and connections tocultural resources.My HCC (Student Self-Service)www.hcc.edu, FR 221, (413) 552-2000All students registered for credit classes at the college areprovided a personal email account.The HCC services page contains links to student email andonline services (self-service) accounts. The college will usethis email account or the messaging system to send communicationsto the student body. Student email addresseswill be recorded in the college’s electronic directories andrecords. Students are responsible for reading official collegeemail and messages in a timely fashion.New accounts may take up to 24 hours after registrationto be created. The MyHCC icon on the HCC homepage(http://www.hcc.edu) and on the E-Institute website (http://webtide.hccdl.org) will bring you to the HCC Services page.It is extremely important that students log into this system,as it is an important communication tool between student,professor and administration. Also, urgent college-wideinformation and announcements concerning closings andevents are transmitted through this medium.The HCC Online Services area (tab) of the portal containspersonal academic information and access to the following:View and Print: Directions (manuals), including information on IDs andpasswords for these services, can be found on the HCCServices page: https://myportal.hcc.edu.For help signing on to MyHCC, stop by the WelcomeCenter, Frost 221, phone, (413) 552-2000 or for online help,email dlhelp@hcc.edu, phone (413) 552-2124.New DirectionsFR 232, (413) 552-2065New Directions is a support program for women returningto college (age 24+), young mothers of any age,and female veterans. The program provides admissioncounseling, enrollment, help with “red tape,” orientationworkshops, academic advising, career and transferguidance, and ongoing support. New Directions studentshave access to study space and computer assistance in theElaine Marieb Center. The program also helps identifyand encourage women interested in exploring transfer toSmith or Mount Holyoke College.Office for Students With Disabilities and DeafServices (OSD/DS)DON 131, (413) 552-2417Students with disabilities are guaranteed equal access to collegeprograms and services. The Americans with DisabilitiesAct and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The collegeprovides accommodations for students with documented disabilities.Requests for educational accommodations shouldbe made through the OSD/DS (DON 139), (413) 552-2417(536-0602 TTY). Students who need auxiliary aids foreffective communication and/or other educational accommodationsin programs and services of HCC are invited tomake their needs and preferences known to the (OSD/DS).For information on parking for disabled students, please seeinformation below.ParkingStudents who park on campus must register their vehicle.This may be done one of two ways.Online Vehicle RegistrationYou may register your vehicle online by going to theMyHCC Section of the HCC website (www.hcc.edu) andlogging in, using your student identification number andyour password. You will then be prompted to enter yourdriver's license number and your car registration number.Then, you will be get a receipt, which you should print outand bring to the Campus Police Department, room 214. Thepolice will issue a parking decal.In-person Vehicle Registration1. Register the vehicle with Campus Police (EBuilding during the day, at the Frost Buildingswitchboard during the evening). Bring valid vehicleregistration.2. Maintain valid parking decals on the vehicle.3. Park in the designated student parking lots and inaccordance with the current traffic rules and regulations(available in Campus Police Department, EBuilding).4. Obtain a temporary parking pass for temporary cars.5. Students will be fined for failing to register a vehicleor not displaying a decal.6. Vehicles parked in tow zones, fire lanes, faculty/stafflots, playing fields, lawn areas and other restrictedareas will be towed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The owner15

of any vehicle parked in violation of regulations oncampus after 4 p.m. shall be subject to an additional$30 penalty in lieu of tow.7. All towing resulting from parking violations is doneat the student’s expense.8. College records, grades, and transcripts will be withheldfrom those students who do not pay their fines.No overnight parking on campus is permitted.Parking for Students With DisabilitiesDON 139, (413) 552-2417In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA), special parking accommodations for disabled personswith Registry-issued HP plates or placards are availableat HCC. Such persons should bring their vehicle registrationand a copy of their placard to the Office for Studentswith Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSD/DS) (DON 131,(413) 552-2417). Students may receive assistance from theWelcome Center in the evenings.Accommodations for permanently disabled people who arewaiting for a placard may also be arranged on a short-termbasis through OSD/DS, but applicants must apply for thestate placard. Persons with acute injuries or illnesses requiringtemporary accommodations may apply at OSD/DS in theDonahue Building, (413) 552- 2417. Evening students mayapply at the Welcome Center. Recent documentation from aphysician is required.Pathways Program(413) 552-2857/2346The Pathways Program helps promising students to succeedat HCC and prepare to earn their baccalaureate degreefrom a selective liberal arts college, such as Mount Holyoke,Smith, and Amherst Colleges. It provides a variety of services,including academic advising, assistance with the financialaid (“FAFSA”) and scholarship applications, guidancethrough the transfer process, and mentoring.ScholarshipsDON 101, (413) 552-2182The HCC Foundation, Inc. has more than $100,000 inscholarship funds to award—80 endowed scholarships forstudents of all ages and abilities. Every student—full-time,part-time or transfer—is encouraged to apply. For more information,please stop by the Foundation office, email sdoyle@hcc.edu, or visit www.hcc.edu. For more information onfinancial aid, see page 20.School-to-Career TransitionCo-op and Career Services DepartmentKittredge 319, (413) 552-2387School-to-Career transition is a federal initiative that providesan opportunity for a seamless path of work and learningbeginning in high school and continuing through college.Students enter the job market upon graduation from HCC orcontinue on to a four-year college or university.Senior WaiverFR 271, (413) 552-2054Seniors 60 years and older have the opportunity to taketraditional classes offered at HCC on a space-available basisthrough its elder tuition-free policy. For all credit courses,eligible seniors pay a non-refundable educational servicefee of $50 per semester. Seniors will register during the twoweeks before the start of the semester. Those electing to usethe waiver must enroll through an academic advisor in FR271.Service LearningDON 357, (413) 552-2369Service-Learning (SL) is a way to earn college credit forcommunity service. The Office of Service Learning (SL) canadvise students about courses that offer SL as a requirementor option. The office can also make contacts with communityservice agencies and organizations. Club members seekingto fulfill community service requirements may contactthe coordinator for suggestions about where and how to meetthat obligation. Students who are eligible for the federalwork-study program may find a work placement in the communityby contacting Dorothy Blair at (413) 552-2064.STRIVE: Student Support ServicesDON 235, (413) 552-2332 /2505Student Support Services is a nationwide TRIO programdesigned to provide assistance to low-income, first-generationcollege and disabled students. Staff members work withnew and continuing students to ensure progress towards theattainment of an associate degree, a certificate, and/or atransfer.Student Account ServicesFR 201, (413) 552-2556The Student Account Services Office is open 8:30 a.m.–6p.m., Monday–Thursday; and from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., onFriday. All fees and tuition are paid in the Student AccountServices Office or online at www.hcc.edu select “My HCC.”For information on fees, see page 25.16

HCCCAREERCENTER• Unsure about your future?• Want to try doing something new?• Need a job?•answers to your career questions. We’re your centralcampus source for information on careers, educationand training programs, job search planning, andemployment opportunities and we’d like to help you.InternHere comWhere employersand students connect…InternHere.com is a free, easyto-usewebsite that connectsstudents with local employersin Connecticut and WesternMassachusettsFor top 10 reasons to hire an intern,visit www.InternHere.com/top10f or more information, come to theHCC Career Center, room 322,Kittredge Center or call (413) 552-2597,or email: rpowers@hcc eduFor information, come to the HCC Career Centerin the Kittredge Center, room 322.Or contact Richard Powers (413) 552-2361;email: rpowers@hcc.eduAcademic Support Helps You Succeed!Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS)Donahue Building, 2nd Floor, (413) 552-2584Hours: Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Fri 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (unless noted otherwise)Comprehensive learning support: Math, Writing, Tutoring Centers, and Learning Lab• Free walk-in tutoring• Study groups• Workshops• Handouts and instructional software• Internet access & word processing• Knowledgeable and friendly staffMath Center (DON 246)Open until 3 on Fri.Drop-in for tutoring or math prephelp for all HCC math or math-relatedcourses. Professional and peer tutors,assistance through videos, computersoftware/tutorials, workshops, andother resources to help you mastermath.Writing Center (DON 238)Drop-in assistance with your writingneeds for all HCC courses’ writingassignments, not just English.Professional and peer tutors helpyou brainstorm to get started, polishand help with research paper format.Tutoring Center (DON 244)Drop-in tutoring and tutoring byappointment in most subjectsoffered at HCC—from Accounting toZoology. If we don’t have a tutor forfor you.Online Tutoring(www.etutoring.org)Available to all HCC students. Liveone-on-one tutoring seven days aweek in math, accounting, statistics,and life sciences. Submit subjectpaperto an e-Tutor for suggestionsand receive a response in 24 to 48hours.Learning Coaches: your personalcoach for academic successIf you’re anxious about keeping it alltogether or wish to become a betterstudent, CAPS’s learning coaches canhelp. Get support in reading, writing,math, study skills, getting organized,test-taking, and time management inweekly sessions.ALANA Men in Motion ProgramAcademic support and mentoringfor empowerment and academicAfrican American, Latino, AsianAmerican, Native American andMultiracial men.METS (Mathematics, Engineering,Technology, and Science)mentoring programAcademic and personal supportfor women and students fromunder-represented groups whoare pursuing majors in math,engineering, technology, andscience.17

Student AffairsFR 224, (413) 552-2100The Student Affairs staff is committed to making students’experiences at the college successful. The office providesservices that contribute to a student’s academic successand personal growth including Admissions and TransferAffairs, Welcome Center, Student Records, Financial Aid,Student Services, and the Bartley Center for Athletics andRecreation.Student GovernmentDON 102, (413) 552-2418Student SenateThe HCC Student Senate is an active and vital organizationserving the HCC community. The senate works withstudents, faculty, and administration to promote the interestsof the student body, address student issues and concerns,oversee college cultural, social and recreational events, andmonitor distribution of the budget. Any student with a 2.35GPA who is enrolled for at least one credit is eligible forelection and service to the senate. The senate meets everyWednesday at 2:30 p.m. Contact the Coordinator of StudentActivities in DON 102, (413) 552-2418, for further information.Student TrusteeSection 9 of Chapter 15A of the Massachusetts GeneralLaws provides for a member of the student body to be electedto the position of student trustee in an annual election bythe student body, held no later than May 15. The term ofoffice is one year, commencing on July 1 following the electionand terminating the following June 30. The trustee mustbe a full-time undergraduate student. Membership on theHCC Board of Trustees is terminated if the student ceasesto be a full-time undergraduate, and the vacancy created isfilled by a student body election for the remainder of theterm. The student trustee attends monthly meetings of theHCC Board of Trustees and reports regularly to the HCCStudent Senate. No employee of the Commonwealth may beelected to the board.Taber Art GalleryLibrary lobby, (413) 552-2614The Taber Art Gallery is in the second floor of the Donahuebuilding, accessed through the library. The gallery featuresart exhibitions throughout the year and is open to the public.Call for exhibit information and gallery hours.Tech PrepKittredge 319, (413) 552-2267Tech Prep is a program of study in the last two years of highschool and the first two years of post-secondary education. Itprovides academic and career pathway leading to an associatedegree or certificate and possible further study at a fouryearcollege or university. HCC has articulation agreements18with a number of high schools in many areas of study. Theseagreements enable tech prep students to receive college creditsat HCC for courses taken in high school.Transfer OpportunitiesMassTransferIn June 2008, the Board of Higher Education accepted theFinal Report from the Commonwealth Transfer AdvisoryGroup which included a new statewide transfer policy:MassTransfer. MassTransfer seeks to provide a broad populationof students with straightforward and understandableoptions toward the completion of associate and baccalaureatedegrees, clearing the way for student access and studentsuccess in Massachusetts’ public higher education system.MassTransfer has two main purposes: complete designated associate degrees underMassTransfer with the benefits of the full transferand applicability of credit, guaranteed admission,and a tuition discount (each benefit based on thestudent’s final grade point average) to linked baccalaureateprograms; and public higher education system the intermediategoal of completing a portable transfer block(“MassTransfer Block”) which satisfies generaleducation/distribution/core requirements acrossinstitutions (with the receiving institution able toadd no more than six additional credits/two courses).MassTransfer integrates and replaces the CommonwealthTransfer Compact, Joint Admissions, and the TuitionAdvantage Program. The MassTransfer policy for communitycollege students who complete designated associatedegrees applies to students who matriculate in or afterfall 2009 at a Massachusetts community college. TheMassTransfer policy for any student in the Massachusettspublic higher education system who completes theMassTransfer Block will apply beginning fall 2010, regardlessof initial date of enrollment.Section I: For students completing an associatedegree under MassTransfer at a Massachusetts communitycollege.A student completing an associate degree program underMassTransfer will have graduated with a minimum of 60credit hours and will have completed the following 34-creditgeneral education transfer block, exclusive of developmentalcoursework.English Composition/WritingBehavioral and/or Social SciencesHumanities and/or Fine Arts6 credit hours9 credit hours9 credit hours

Natural or Physical Science7 credit hoursMathematics/Quantitative Reasoning 3 credit hoursEach associate degree program under MassTransfer is linked tobaccalaureate degrees and schools at the Massachusetts statecolleges and University of Massachusetts campuses across theCommonwealth. The list of associate degree programs andlinked baccalaureate programs under MassTransfer will beavailable at www.mass.edu, as well as on the transfer websitesat the individual public higher education institutions.BenefitsA student completing an associate degree who seeksadmission to a linked baccalaureate program underMassTransfer will be entitled to the following benefitsbased upon the final cumulative grade point average atthe community college awarding the degree:A.A final cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 orhigheri.Waives the admissions application fee and essayii.Guarantees the full transfer of college-level credits,including “D” grades, applied to the degreerequirements of the linked baccalaureate degreeor school at the state college or Universityof Massachusetts campus such that theMassTransfer student will be required to completeno more credits or courses than a nativestudent with the following stipulations:The student changes his or her major.If the linked baccalaureate program requires ahigher grade point average or specific courses forthe major which are required of native students, theMassTransfer student must meet these requirements.iii.Satisfies the general education requirements atthe receiving institution with the receivinginstitution able to add no more than six additionalcredits / two courses in compliance withthe New England Association of Schools andColleges’ Standards for Accreditation. This willapply when the receiving institution alreadyplaces these requirements on its native studentsand will determine at its discretion which credits,if any, shall be required.Note: College-level course credits consistent withthe standards set forth in the UndergraduateExperience recommendations are includedunder MassTransfer. Credits awarded by thesending institution through CLEP, challengeexaminations, and credit for prior learning shallbe included when a student qualifies underMassTransfer.B.A final cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 orhigheri.Grants all of the benefits outlined in section 1A.ii.Guarantees admission to the linked baccalaureatedegree or school at a Massachusetts statecollege or University of Massachusetts campuswith the following stipulations:If the linked baccalaureate program requires a highergrade point average which is required of nativestudents, the MassTransfer student must meet thisrequirement.If because of space or fiscal limitations the receivinginstitution does not admit all qualified applicants toa given major or program, the receiving institutionwill use the same criteria for MassTransfer applicantsas it does for its native students.Students must be in good academic, fiscal and disciplinarystanding with all previous institutions.C.A final cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 orhigheri.Grants all of the benefits outlined in sections 1Aand 1B.ii.Guarantees a tuition waiver equal to 33% of theMassachusetts resident tuition rate at a statecollege or University campus for two years ofundergraduate enrollment with the followingrequirements:Enrollment is continuous at the state college orUniversity campus.The student earns a cumulative grade point averageof a 3.0 or higher for the first year of enrollmentat the state college or University of Massachusettscampus.Note: For students demonstrating compelling hardships,institutions may exercise professional judgment regardingthe above conditions.Section II: For students completing the general educationtransfer block at any Massachusetts highereducation institution with a 2.0 or higher grade pointaverage.A student completing the general education transfer blockwill have earned the following 34 credit hours outlinedbelow, exclusive of developmental coursework.English Composition/WritingBehavioral and/or Social SciencesHumanities and/or Fine Arts6 credit hours9 credit hours9 credit hours19

Natural or Physical Science7 credit hoursMathematics/Quantitative Reasoning 3 credit hoursBenefitStudents completing the 34-credit general education transferblock (exclusive of developmental coursework) with a 2.0 orhigher grade point average will be entitled to the followingbenefit:Satisfies the general education requirements at the receivinginstitution with the receiving institution able to add nomore than six additional credits / two courses in compliancewith the New England Association of Schools andColleges’ Standards for Accreditation. This will apply whenthe receiving institution already places these requirementson its native students and will determine at its discretionwhich credits, if any, shall be required. Students enrolled ina specific major or degree program may be required to takeadditional courses if these courses are specifically required forthe major or program and are required of native students.For full details about the MassTransfer policy, please see theTransfer Counselor or go to www.mass.edu.Veteran/National Guard BenefitsFR 221, (413) 552-2265Armed Forces Veterans: Eligible veterans, active dutypersonnel, reservists, disabled veterans, and dependents ofdeceased or 100% total and permanent disabled veterans mayqualify for monthly educational benefit payments from theVeterans Administration. Certain eligible veterans residing inMassachusetts are also entitled to a tuition waiver for classes.Students with tuition waivers are responsible for all fees otherthan tuition. Veterans may also be eligible for health benefitsto satisfy HCC's health insurance requirement.Voter RegistrationFR 221In accordance with state law, students who wish to registerto vote in Massachusetts may do so by filling out and providingpostage for, a voter registration form, available near theWelcome Center, Frost 221. For more information on howto vote, visit the HCC webpage at www.hcc.edu and click on“Life at HCC” to find a link to voter registration information.Welcome CenterFR 221-223, (413) 552-2000(Admissions and Transfer Affairs, Financial Aid, StudentRecords and Registration, Student Accounts)The Welcome Center is open year-round, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.,Monday–Thursday; and from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., on Friday.Student services include official HCC transcripts, enrollmentverification letters, admissions and financial aid applications,bill payment, ID validation, PVTA bus passes, add/dropclasses, certification of veterans for VA benefits, and graduationapplications. Students can also sign up for the collegepayment plan, obtain degree and certificate information,advisor information, submit a change of address, get a copy oftheir academic schedule, grades, or unofficial HCC transcript,submit course withdrawal forms, and get answers to generalquestions about a bill, applying to the college, financial aidand advising services.To order HCC transcripts please go to www.hcc.edu or call(413) 552-2142.National Guard: Massachusetts National Guard membersin good standing are eligible for a tuition and fee waiver forclasses. For information, contact HCC’s veterans’ representative,(FR 221), the Student Records Office in the WelcomeCenter, (413) 552-2265.Transition 20

Financial InformationFinancial AidFR 201, (413) 552-2150The Financial Aid Office is open from 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.,Monday–Thursday; and from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., on Friday.The staff is available to answer any financial aid questions.A student at Holyoke Community College can apply forfinancial aid to help cover the costs of tuition, fees andbooks, as well as other expenses such as lunches, transportation,child care, and room and board. Financial aid consistsof grants, loans, and work-study. High need students oftenreceive enough grant (“free”) aid to cover the direct cost oftuition, fees and books, particularly if they qualify for statefundedprograms and file by our May 1 priority deadline. If astudent does not qualify for enough grant aid to cover directcosts, educational loans are offered to cover the short-fall.The vast majority of financial aid funds at HolyokeCommunity College come from federal and state programsfor which eligibility is need-based. Students must reapplyfor this aid each academic year. State-funded programsrequire the student (and parent) to have been Massachusettsresidents for at least one year before the start of the schoolyear. All awards are subject to the availability of funds andchanges in federal, state, and college regulations, policies andprocedures.How to Apply for Financial AidFinancial aid applicants are required to annually submit aproperly completed Free Application for Federal StudentAid (FAFSA). This federal application is submitted electronicallythrough FAFSA on the Web (www.fafsa.gov). Inorder for HCC to receive the application, HCC’s FederalSchool Code (#002170) must be included on the FAFSA.Applicants are welcome to use the self-service computersin the lobby of HCC’s Financial Aid Office (Frost Building,Room 201) to submit the application.In order to meet both the HCC and the State MASSGrantdeadlines, the student’s FAFSA must reach the federalprocessor before May 1 for the school year starting inSeptember. In addition to meeting the May 1 deadline, toreceive the best possible aid award, applicants should alsosubmit all other required documentation to the FinancialAid Office by June 30. If a student misses the May 1 FAFSAdeadline, he/she should apply as soon as possible thereafterin order to receive the best possible aid package, even if notstarting school until the following spring.In addition to completing the general financial aid applicationrequirements described above, applicants should:PROMPTLY respond to all requests for additionalinformation.GET ADMITTED to a degree program or to aneligible certificate program.PREREGISTER for courses as early as possible.SIGN and return all award letters offering aid.NOTIFY the Financial Aid Office about fundingfrom any other source, such as a scholarship organizationIncomplete ApplicationsIf the financial aid applicant is selected for verification bythe federal processor, or the school, additional documentationis required, such as verification worksheets and taxreturns. It is our policy to ask that the documents be submittedto the Financial Aid Office within three weeks of thedate we notify the applicant that we need the additionalinformation. If we do not receive the documents withinthat time frame, we consider the file incomplete and takeno further action on the application while it remains inincomplete status. (If the documents are submitted afterthe 3-week period, we may take action on the applicationif federal and state rules allow us to do so). If correctionsto the application are required after receipt of the requesteddocuments, we make the corrections on our computer systemand, when necessary, submit the corrections to the federalprocessor.How Aid is Awarded and DistributedIn general, to receive financial aid students must meet thefollowing requirements: Development (GED) certificate, pass an approved“ability to benefit” test, or have completed a highschool education in a home school setting that isrecognized as a home school or private school underthe law. student seeking a degree or a financial aid eligiblecertificate. general, this applies to males age 18 through 25). school. money on a federal grant. only for educational purposes. occurred while enrolled in school and receiving federalfinancial aid.The types and amount of financial aid that a student is eligibleto receive is determined by the Financial Aid Officebased on the following factors:21

the FAFSA reported on the FAFSA half-time or less-than-half-time)The following packaging policies are also followed at HCC: Grants (SEOG) are normally restricted to studentswith Expected Family Contributions (EFC) = $0 to Federal Pell Grants for private scholarships unless required by regulationAwards to students with bachelor’s degrees are limited toloans and jobs. Also, students who are simultaneouslyenrolled in high school and HCC are not eligible for anyfinancial aid.Students enrolled in a study abroad program that has beenapproved by the college should contact the Financial AidOffice for information about financial aid eligibility for theprogram.Aid PackagingHolyoke Community College uses a form of “EQUITYPACKAGING” to award financial aid grants. Under equitypackaging, an attempt is made to cover a pre-determinedtarget amount through grant aid and the student’s expectedfamily contribution (EFC). The EFC is determined accordingto a federal formula based on the FAFSA applicationdata and is reported to the family via the resulting “StudentAid Report.” The target amount is determined by the financialaid office based on the amount of funds that are availableand the number of students who are expected to applyfor these funds.Listed below is an example of a financial aid grant packagethat would be awarded to fully eligible full-time studentswith a pre-determined target amount of $6,400 and anexpected family contribution equal to $0:22$5,550 Federal Pell Grant$200 Federal Supplemental EducationalOpportunity Grant$432 Financial Aid Tuition Waiver$218 Mass Furcolo Access GrantThe students in this example are receiving a total of $6,400in grant aid which is the target amount minus their expectedfamily contribution of $0. Since these grants exceed theamount needed for tuition, fees and books, the excess wouldbe available to help with out-of-pocket expenses such asroom and board, lunches, transportation, and daycare.Three-quarter-time and half-time students are packaged withgrants that are three-quarters and one-half of the amountspackaged for full-time students with the same EFC’s. Theirdirect costs (tuition, fees and books) are also proportional toenrollment status.If a student does not qualify for enough grant aid to coverdirect costs, educational loans are offered to cover the shortfall.A student who needs help with out-of-pocket expenses canrequest additional loan funds for these other costs. Loans ofmore than $3,000 toward out-of-pocket expenses may requireextensive loan counseling, involving the preparation of adetailed budget for the present and consideration of futureborrowing needs and employment prospects.Work-study funds are awarded to students who met thefinancial aid priority deadline, have relatively high financialneed and who indicated an interest in jobs on their FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).A student’s initial financial aid eligibility for each semesteris based on the enrollment status at the end of the add/dropperiod (for summer this normally means the first add/dropperiod).The college does reserve the right to adjust awards due tochanges in students’ eligibility or the availability of funds.Financial Aid Limitations of developmental coursework (not counting ESLcourses). the student never attended. are limited to 18 full-time semesters of Pell Grant. ancewithout the student’s written permission. coursework.Timing of Financial Aid PaymentsThe first aid payment for a term normally occurs on the student’saccount around 30 days after classes start. A studentwith a credit balance resulting from aid in excess of the balancedue receives a check within 14 days of disbursement.Unearned Financial AidIf a student stops attending classes before completing 60% ofthe semester, the student is considered to have earned onlya percentage of his/her aid equal to the percentage of theterm completed. In such cases the school must apply federaland state rules to determine how much unearned aid must berepaid respectively by the student and the school. Until thestudent repays the unearned aid, he/she is considered to have

a financial aid overpayment. Federal overpayments preventa student from receiving federal or state aid at any school.State overpayments disqualify the student for state aid at anyschool. In addition, the return of aid by the college can leavean unpaid balance on the student’s college account.When calculating the unearned aid, the regulations requireschools to use the date the student begins the withdrawalprocess as the “date of withdrawal.” Holyoke CommunityCollege defines the date the student begins the withdrawalprocess as the date the student obtains withdrawal formswith the intention to completely withdraw from school.If a student stops attending, and fails to officially withdrawfrom classes, the school normally uses the 50% point of theterm as the “withdrawal date,” although a different date maybe used if the school has received a last date of attendancefrom an instructor.Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for DrugLaw ViolationsStudents convicted under any federal or state law for the possessionor sale of illegal drugs for any offense that occurredwhile receiving federal student aid are ineligible for aid for aperiod of time based on the type and number of convictions.Financial Aid Contact InformationA student can obtain more information on the college’sfinancial aid programs at the following sources: Financial Aid Office (Frost Building, Room 201) cialservices@hcc.edu. ouin@hcc.eduOffice Hours: Monday – Tuesday 8:30 am – 6:00 pmWednesday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pmStudent Loan InformationHolyoke Community College processes student loansthrough the William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford LoanProgram (Federal Direct Loan Program) administered bythe Federal Department of Education. There are two typesof Federal Direct Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized.A subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded on the basis offinancial need. If a student is eligible for a subsidized loan,the government will pay (subsidize) the interest on the loanwhile the student is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits).Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, on the other hand, are notbased on financial need. Interest accrues on an unsubsidizedStafford Loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it ispaid-in-full. Eligibility for a subsidized loan vs. an unsubsidizedloan is determined by the Financial Aid Office basedon the student’s cost of attendance, eligibility for other typesof financial aid and expected family contribution (EFC).Both types of Stafford Loans must be repaid six (6) monthsafter the student leaves school or drops below half-time (6credits).Applicants are notified of a loan offer on a financial aidaward letter. Students have the option of accepting theentire amount offered, reducing the amount offered ordeclining the offer.All first-time student loan borrowers at HCC are requiredto complete a student loan entrance interview. To completethis requirement, the college uses the on-line entrancecounseling tutorial provided by the U.S. Department ofEducation at www.studentloans.gov. First-time student loanborrowers are also required to complete an electronic MasterPromissory Note (MPN) at the www.studentloans.gov website.Prior to ceasing enrollment at HCC (or dropping below halftime)all student loan borrowers must also complete a loanexit interview. The exit interview requirement can also becompleted on the www.studentloans.gov website.The disbursement of Direct Loan funds is in two equal paymentsover the period of the loan. Minimal loan fees arededucted from the loan at the time of the loan disbursement.To remain eligible for the funds, students must maintainat least half-time enrollment (6 credits). In some cases, astudent may be eligible for a late disbursement of loan fundsafter he/she has dropped below half-time, however, a studentis never eligible for payment of the second half of his/herloan after dropping below half-time.After the loan has been disbursed the college notifies thestudent of the loan disbursement to his/her student accountand provides an opportunity for the student to cancel all or apart of the loan.As required by law, each borrower’s specific loan informationis reported by the college to the National Student Loan DataSystem (NSLDS) and is accessible by guaranty agencies,lenders and institutions determined to be authorized usersof the data system. Students themselves can track their ownstudent loan indebtedness through the NSLDS website www.nslds.ed.gov.Additional information on the Federal Direct Loan Programcan be obtained at the Direct Loan website www.ed.gov/DirectLoan. At this site information can be downloadedpertaining to such things as repayment plans, deferments,forbearance, cancellation provisions and consolidationopportunities.Information about a borrower’s right to contact the FederalStudent Aid Ombudsman to help resolve a problem or disputerelated to his/her loan can be found at www.ombudsman.ed.gov.Federal Work-StudyFederal Work-Study provides jobs to students, allowing themto earn money to help pay school expenses. To be able towork through the work-study program, a student needs toreceive a work-study award by the Financial Aid Office.Applicants are notified of a work-study award offer on a23

financial aid award letter. If the applicant wants to acceptthe work award, he/she needs to indicate the acceptance onthe letter and return it to the Financial Aid Office.The number of hours a student can work depends on his/her award and rate of pay. Most students are able to workan average of 10-12 hours per week. Sometimes additionalhours are available during the summer or other vacationperiods, but rarely would total hours exceed 30 per week.Hourly rates for work-study positions range from $8.00 to$9.15 and vary depending on the type of position and thelength of time the student has been employed in the position.Receiving a work-study award does not guarantee a jobplacement for a student. Students must apply for work-studypositions and be hired by a supervisor before they can startto earn funds from their award. To begin the job placementprocess, students obtain a work-study packet from theFinancial Aid Office. This packet contains information andinstructions about the work-study job hiring process.Available work-study positions are posted on a bulletin boardoutside the Financial Aid Office and on the HCC website.Some of the positions are classified as “community service”jobs because they provide services that are designed toimprove the quality of life for community residents, particularlylow-income individuals, or to solve particular problemsrelated to their needs. Most of the community service jobsare located off-campus at local nonprofit organizations.Students are not allowed to work during time periods whenthey are scheduled to be in class, except in the event of aspecial circumstance (e.g., class cancellation). Any changesto the work schedule that conflict with the student’s classschedule must be documented by the student’s supervisor.To receive payment for hours worked, time slips are submittedto the HCC payroll office at the end of the student’semployment period for the week. As with other HCCemployees, work-study students are paid on a bi-weekly basis.Students can have the wages paid through direct deposit orthrough a paper check that must be picked up in the HCCpayroll office.Work-study re-hiring is not an automatic process. A workstudystudent needs to receive a determination of awardeligibility from the financial aid office each semester. Inaddition, the student must be re-hired by the supervisor atthe beginning of each new employment period (usually thebeginning of the semester).Because work-study earnings are subject to all federal andstate income taxes, students must complete a federal W-4form and a state M-4 form prior to beginning employment.Financial Aid Satisfactory AcademicProgress PolicyFor most Federal and State Financial Aid Programs, studentsmust meet both a qualitative and quantitative standard ofacademic progress.Qualitative StandardTo meet the qualitative standard a student must maintaina cumulative grade point average high enough to avoid academicprobation, specified below:CumulativeCumulativeGrade Point Hours G.P.A. RequiredBelow 9No minimum9 – 30 1.75Above 30 2.0Quantitative Standard for Financial Aid RecipientsThe quantitative standard, which has two aspects, is basedon the United States Department of Education requirementthat recipients of federal student aid complete degree or certificaterequirements within 150 percent of the “normal timeframe.” The limit of the maximum time frame is one aspectof the quantitative standard; the complementary incrementalprogress standard requires that the student make reasonableprogress toward earning the degree or certificate within thattime frame as he/she attempts coursework along the way.Maximum Time FrameThe maximum time frame for students in both degree andcertificate programs is stated in terms of attempted semesterhours. The maximum number of semester hours that canbe attempted equals 150 percent of the number of semesterhours required at HCC to complete the program. Forpurposes of this calculation associate degree programs areconsidered to involve 60 semester hours, although some infact require more. Thus, if a student has no transfer creditsapplicable toward any degree program, the student wouldbe expected to earn a degree within 90 attempted hours.Likewise, if a student has no transfer credits applicabletoward a 24 semester hour certificate program, the maximumtime frame would be 36 semester hours.Transfer credits applicable toward a degree or certificatereduce the allowable time frame at HCC. For example, if thestudent enrolling in a degree program has already earned 10applicable credits at other institutions, the maximum timeframe at HCC would run through the term during whichhe/she has attempted 75 or more semester hours at this college,(since 1.5 x 50 = 75). If the student enrolling in the24 semester hour certificate program has already earned 10applicable credits at other institutions, the maximum timeframe would be 21 semester hours, (since 1.5 x 14 = 21). Thetime frame can be automatically extended without requiringan appeal for up to 36 semester hours of attempted ESLcoursework.24

Incremental ProgressFor a student to make satisfactory incremental progress he/she must earn semester hours at HCC equal to at least twothirds(2/3) of his/her cumulatively attempted semesterhours. In order for a student to earn a degree requiring morethan 60 semester hours, a student must in fact earn morethan the required two-thirds in order to graduate within therequired maximum time frame.Previous Enrollment in Other Programs at HCCEven if a student has been enrolled in one or more previousacademic programs, HCC policy is to consider all previoussemester hours attempted.Incompletes, Withdrawals, Repetitions, andNoncredit Remedial CoursesCourses for which a student receives a grade of “incomplete”or “withdrawal” (I,W, WX, AW) all count as attemptedsemester hours. Repeated courses are counted as attemptedeach time a student enrolls, but the semester hours of creditcan be counted only once. Noncredit remedial/developmentalcourses are counted in determining a student’s enrollmentstatus and attempted semester hours, and are considered“earned” if a passing grade is attained.Repeat PolicyStudents choosing to repeat a course for which they havereceived a passing or incomplete grade cannot receivefinancial aid for that course. Students choosing to repeat acourse that they have failed or withdrawn from, may receivefinancial aid for a single repeat of that course. This policyapplies even if the student did not receive financial aid whenenrolled in the course in the past.Reinstatement of EligibilityStudents who do not meet the normal standards of satisfactoryacademic progress may have their eligibility reinstatedonce they have brought their record up to standard, or beengranted an appeal.AppealStudents who believe that extraordinary mitigating circumstancesprevented them from attaining financial aid satisfactoryacademic progress according to this policy may submit awritten appeal. Such written appeals should be submitted onthe currently approved form and directed to the AcademicProgress Appeals Committee through the Financial AidOffice (FR 201).Reasonable bases for an appeal may include, among otherreasons based on the judgment of the Academic ProgressAppeals Committee, student illness or injury, death of a relative,or a significant and reasonable change in educationalobjective.If a student was granted an appeal, he/she is considered tomeet the incremental progress standard, if he/she subsequentlypasses all courses attempted. Likewise, the studentwould be considered to meet the qualitative grade pointstandard, if the grade point average for such subsequentterm(s) is at least 2.0.Frequency of ReviewThe GPA, maximum time frame, and incremental progressstandards are checked after the end of each term and beforethe beginning of the next term of enrollment for both degreeand certificate students.Warning PeriodThe Financial Aid Warning Period is a one-time, one semester,warning period for students who fail to meet the satisfactoryacademic progress standards for the very first time.Students in this category are warned of their failed status butdo not lose their financial aid for that one semester.Tuition and FeesAll tuition, fees, and expenses are subject to state and legislativeaction. This, and other circumstances, may requireadjustments in the tuition and fees stated in this handbook.HCC reserves the right to make such adjustmentsin these charges as may, from time to time, be required bythe Department of Higher Education or the HCC Boardof Trustees. HCC reserves the right to change class timesor instructors, to cancel or add classes, and to alter anypolicy statement. Students affected by time changes orcancellations will be notified. Cash, personal check, Visa,MasterCard, or Discover Card may be used for payment.Information on the rates for out-of-state, international,and Regional Compact students may be obtained from theBursar's Office, and is published in the college’s RegistrationBooklet.Fall/Spring SemesterTuition and Fees Breakdown for Massachusetts residents:Tuition ...................................................$24 per creditEducational Service Fee (ESF) ..............$105 per creditTechnology Fee ......................................$55 per semesterStudent Service Fee ...............................$15 per semesterTransportation Fee .................................$20 per semesterOther Charges and FeesCEM (Course Equipment and Materials) Fee: (applied todesignated equipment or materials-intensive courses) $50 perCEM designated course (applied to maximum of two coursesper semester for total of $100).Health Insurance: The $866 (subject to increase) fee coversthe students from the first day of classes until August 31,2011. This is mandatory for students taking nine semesterhours or more. It is waived only upon documentation ofcomparable coverage.MASSPIRG: This $7 fee supports the consumer andenvironmental work of the Massachusetts Public InterestResearch Group. It is charged to students enrolled in anyclass that starts before 4 p.m. or is taught by a full-timeinstructor, regardless of the number of credits. The fee maybe waived by completing a form that is available in theStudent Account Services office. It can be waived only whentuition is paid; later waiver requests are not accepted. Thisfee does not apply to the summer semester.25

Music Fee: see the individual programs for details.Bad Check Fee: $20Lost Check Fee: $20Late Payment Fee: $20Transcript Fee: $5 per copyID Replacement Fee: $7 for any ID issued after student'sfirst cardCollection Costs: Past due accounts referred to collectionagencies will be charged legal fees, plus collection companyfees and other costs. Collection costs can be as high as 40percent of past-due balances.Holyoke Community College offers its students a way to paytheir tuition/fees on a monthly basis during the semester,rather than all at once before the start of classes. Enrollmentin the HCC payment Plan must be processed online and isonly complete when accompanied by the initial payment. bility. Personal Check (also includes option to set up automaticmonthly payments). changes in your account status. your account)To enroll in HCC’s Monthly Tuition Payment Plan referto the instructions included with your bill or contact theStudent Accounts Office.2. During the 4th and 5th business days from (andincluding) the first day of class: 50% refund oftuition/ESF only3. Anytime after # 2 above:No refund (outstanding balance due in full)Refund Schedule - Summer Semester1. Prior to the session’s first day of classes and includingthe Add/Drop period: 100% of tuition/ESF/fees2. During the two business days after the Add/Dropperiod: 50% of tuition/ESF only3. Anytime after # 2 above:No refund (outstanding balance due in full)Refund Policy-FeesStudent Services Fee, Transportation, and TechnologyFee refunds: 100% prior to, and through, the first weekof classes.Health Insurance Fee: 100% prior to, and through, theAdd/Drop period.Payment Plan Enrollment Fee: Non-refundable priorto or after the start of classes.Refund PolicyA Withdrawl Form must be completed to receive any refund.Refunds are based on the date the form is received, regardlessof registration date or attendance. Processing of refundstakes 3-4 weeks. Do not fax Withdrawl Forms.Refund Schedule - Fall and Spring SemestersFull-term classes1. Prior to and including the first week of classes:100% of tuition/ESF/fees2. During the second week of classes:50% of tuition/ESF only3. After the second week of classes:No refund (outstanding balance due in full)Short-term classes(beginning week two or later of the semester):1. Prior to and including the first three business days ofthe session (including the first day of class):100%refund of tuition/ESF/feesNEW Computer Lab and LibraryPRINTING POLICY!With input from students, faculty, and staff, HCC hasdeveloped a new printing policy aimed at lowering costsand reducing waste and adverse environmental impact.Students will receive a print allocation of $12.50 in thefall semester and $12.50 in the spring semester, equalto 250 pages of black and white printing per semester,for a total of 500 pages per year. Get details in the HCCStudent Handbook, available online at www.hcc.edu.26

Academic PoliciesAcademic Probation and DismissalAcademic probabtion or dismissal is determined by thecumulative grade point average (GPA) and credit. Studentswho have earned less than nine credit hours have no minimumGPA. Those who have completed between nine and30 credit hours must attain a GPA of 1.75 or above. Thosewho have completed more than 30 credit hours must attaina GPA of 2.0.ProbationThe first time a student fails the minimum requiredGPA (grade point average) as listed above, he or shewill be placed on Academic Probation.DismissalAt the end of two semesters of probation, if the cumulativeGPA remains below the minimum standard, thestudent will be dismissed. However, the student will notbe dismissed if, during a probationary semester, he or sheearns a GPA of 2.0 or better.GraduationA minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to graduatein degree and certificate programs.Attendance and TardinessAll students are required to report to all classes on time.Persistent absence or tardiness may result in grading penaltiesor the student's dismissal from class and a grade of AW(Administrative Withdrawal). Students will be informed inwriting of each instructor's attendance policy at the start ofclasses and are required to adhere to them. It is the prerogativeof the instructor in cases of extended illness or seriousaccident whether or not the student will be allowed to continuein the course.Religious Belief Absences PolicyChapter 151 C, Section 2B, of the MassachusettsGeneral Laws allows students who cannot attend classes,take examinations, study or fulfill work requirementson a particular day due to their religious belief, to beexcused from such obligations. Students must be providedwith opportunities to make up exams, and studyor work requirements, provided that this does not createan unreasonable burden upon the instructor. Studentsmay not be charged for such makeup opportunities, orbe adversely or prejudicially affected for taking advantageof these provisions. Students should notify instructorsin advance so that accommodations can be made ifnecessary.Curriculum ChangeStudents who wish to change their program of study may goto the Office of Academic Affairs (FR 317) or the directorof academic administration, before they begin the followingsemester. Students making such a change may lose creditfor courses that are not required in the new curriculum.Students should check on the requirements for the newdegree, or their graduation may be delayed because of thechange. There are some limited enrollment programs thatshould not be transferred to without counseling. They are:Art, Early Childhood Education, Music, Nursing, RadiologicTechnology, and Veterinary and Animal Science. Other curriculamay also require prior approval by the program coordinator.For assistance in making a program of study decision,contact Career Services or Counseling Services.Degree RequirementsIt is the student’s responsibility to carefully note all requirementsfor his/her chosen degree or certificate program andabide by them.Candidates for the degrees of Associate in Arts (A.A.) orAssociate in Science (A.S.) must:1. Complete the requirements of the degree program.In addition to courses pertaining to the major, eachprogram includes a general education core as follows:a. Associate in Arts 35 credits(except the A.A. in Music)Eng. 101–1026 creditsLaboratory science8 creditsMathematics elective 3 credits(minimum)Social science electives 9 creditsHumanities electives 9 creditsb. Associate in Science 20 creditsEng. 101–1026 creditsLaboratory science8 creditsSocial science electives 6 credits2. Present at least 60 credits, of which at least 30 mustbe earned at HCC. However, students may requesta waiver of this requirement, through the office ofthe vice president of Academic Affairs.3. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.4. Satisfy all financial obligations to the college.27

Grading PolicyGrade Numerical Score Credit PointsA Work of superior and 93-100 4.00A- outstanding quality 90-92 3.65B+ 87-89 3.35B Work decidedly 83-86 3.00B- above-average 80-82 2.65C+ 77-79 2.35C Work of average 73-76 2.00C- quality 70-72 1.65D+ 67-69 1.35D Work decidedly below 63-66 1.00D- average, but passing 60-62 0.65F Work not passing, no credit 0-59 0.00AW Administratively withdrawn from class due to excessive absences;not calculated into GPA.I IncompleteS Satisfactory 70-100U Unsatisfactory 0-69W Withdrew from class. (Not calculated into GPA)WX Administratively withdrawn from class; never attended. (Not calculated into GPA).Audit Auditing a courseFor more information on withdrawals, see page 29. For more information on the grading system and the Grade Point Average,consult the College Catalog.5. Demonstrate basic computational skills competency—appliesto all students beginning their studiesat HCC in fall 2007 or later. This may be demonstratedby:a. Achieving a score on the arithmetic portionof the Math Placement Exam sufficient to beexcused from Basic Mathematics (MTH 075);b. Completing Basic Mathematics (MTH 075),with a “C-” grade or better;c. Receiving transfer credit or CLEP exam creditfor a college-level math course;Students completing degree programs in A.A. Arts andScience options may count no more than six credits outsideof Arts and Sciences subject areas toward their degree credits(except the Nutrition Transfer Option). For more informationon Arts and Sciences courses, consult the CollegeCatalog. Students seeking an additional associate degreemust complete all of the requirements for the second degreeprogram, and must earn at least 15 credits beyond the firstdegree, for a total of 75 credits minimum. Developmental(zero-level) courses are not counted toward degree or certificatecredits.Candidates for certificates must:281. Complete the requirements of the certificate programin which enrolled.2. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.3. Satisfy all financial obligations to the college.Developmental CoursesDevelopmental courses (courses numbered below 100) donot count toward graduation and are not counted towardsa student’s attempted hours, earned hours, credit hours, orgrade point average.ExamsThere are at least three one-hour exams (or their equivalent)scheduled in every three or four-credit course. Thereis a final exam period when examinations are scheduled fortwo-hour periods for each course taken. Some instructorsmay choose to excuse students from finals if they consistentlyearned superior grades throughout the semester. Instructorswill inform students if that is their policy. Final exam schedulesare posted outside the Welcome Center (FR 221), andon the HCC website after the mid-term marking periods.Fresh Start OptionOnce in a lifetime, after a three-year minimum absence fromHCC, a student with a Grade Point Average of less than 2.0may elect Fresh Start. All course work prior to Fresh Start isexcluded from the GPA. Certain past courses will be acceptedinto the Fresh Start record in accordance with the college'stransfer credit policy. All previous course work remainson the transcript.

Fresh Start students attending in summer 2008 or laterwill have one continuous academic record (transcript)of all courses taken before and after the election of FreshStart. Earlier Fresh Start students will have two records,Undergraduate and Fresh Start. For more information aboutFresh Start, contact Academic Affairs (FR 321, (413) 552-2770).Incomplete GradesIf a student is temporarily unable to complete final courserequirements due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness),an instructor may agree to issue a grade of “I” (Incomplete).It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor tomake arrangements for completion and submission of thework due.A student may not take a course if he or she has an “I” gradein the prerequisite course —for example, a student withan “I” grade in ENG 101 may not take ENG 102. Studentsare urged to finish incomplete work as soon as possible,though the final deadline is the mid-term date of the followingsemester. If the work is not completed by that time,an administrative failure (“F”) grade will be recorded for thecourse. Degree candidates with “I” grades must complete allremaining work prior to the date of their anticipated graduation.Otherwise, the graduation date recorded will be thenext future date. For more information on incomplete gradesor how they affect graduation, contact the Student RecordsOffice in the Welcome Center at FR 221, (413) 552-2319.Placement TestingHolyoke Community College assesses all newly admittedstudents before they schedule classes for their first semesterof study. The purpose of these required tests is to assessachievement in the basic skills of reading, writing, andmathematics. Students who do not demonstrate collegelevelbasic skills are required to take developmental coursesthat are designed to improve the skills needed to be successfulin college. The Office of Admissions and TransferAffairs notifies students of the dates and locations of placementtests after they are admitted to the college. No credittoward graduation is awarded for developmental courses. TheAssessment Center is located in FR 271, (413) 522-2055.If a student’s English or Math placement test scores aremore than two years old, and the student has not beenenrolled in a related Math or English course, a retest isrequired.Retest ProceduresEnglish Placement Test menttests only once per academic year. of the English placement test, but not the writingportion, may write a sample essay that willbe evaluated by the English Department. Ifthe readers of the sample essay agree that thesample is of ENG 101 quality, the student willbe placed in ENG 101. Developmental English may not retake theplacement test that semester without theEnglish instructor’s permission.Math Placement Test those who think they might place higher areencouraged to take the test a second time.New Students. Prior to enrolling at HCC and duringthe Add/Drop period of the student’s first semester,the student may take the math placement testno more than two times (for initial course placement).Continuing Students. Any student who is enrolledat HCC (regardless of whether he/she is currentlytaking a mathematics course) may take the mathplacement test up to two times during each semester. the Add/Drop period, the results will not becomeeffective for course placement until the followingsemester.Registration for ClassesPriority RegistrationThere are two Priority Registration periods for current students:one in March/April (for the fall semester) and inOctober/November (for the spring semester). Exact datesare listed in the Academic Calendar posted on the college’swebsite.Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor and preregisterfor courses during Priority Registration. HCC providesacademic advising to all students. Students can lookup their advisors name and contact information online atwww.hcc.edu. Select the link labeled “MY HCC” then clickon “My Online Services.” Or visit the Welcome Center (FR221). Students not assigned an advisor can meet with anEducational Planner in the Advising Center (FR 271).Registration and Schedule Changes using My OnlineServicesStudents enrolled in the current term may schedule andadd/drop courses online during the Self-Service registrationperiod. Students need to obtain an alternate PIN from theiradvisor and enter that PIN online to access registration.Students enrolled in only evening or online courses canaccess advising and receive an alternate PIN in the AdvisingCenter.NOTE: Students who have earned 24 or more HCC credits(excluding transfer) and who have a cumulative HCC GPA of2.5 or higher may schedule, add, and drop courses online with-29

out an alternate PIN. For more information, go to MY HCCthen My Online Services during the Priority Registration sign-upperiod.Add/Drop PeriodAdd/Drop is the four-day period at the beginning of eachsemester when course changes may be made without a formalwithdrawal. Courses dropped during Add/Drop do notappear on the student’s HCC transcript. After Add/Drop,students wishing to leave a course must officially withdraw,and the course and withdrawal (“W” grade) are recorded onthe transcript.Students who do not meet the Self-Service registration criteria(see previous section on online services) or have notreceived an alternate PIN from their advisor must receivewritten approval from a college advisor or counselor to makecourse schedule changes. A discussion with an instructordoes not constitute an official course change. Section changeswithin the same course do not require approval. Bothcourse and section changes are subject to availability of seatsin the desired course.Add/Drop for the 2010-2011 academic year will take placeon the following dates: September 7-10, 2010 and January24-27, 2011.WithdrawalWithdrawal from a Course:Students are withdrawn from a course in the following ways: A student may drop a course during theAdd/Drop Period (first four days of the semester)without being recorded as enrolled in that course.Refunds for dropped courses are made in accordancewith the college’s refund policy. Attendance: Instructors will notify the registrar ofany student on their class list who does not attendthe course during the first two weeks. The registrarwill issue a WX grade and consider the student to bewithdrawn from the course. A student who is issueda WX grade is not eligible for any refund for thatcourse. In addition, a student who is issued a WX isnot eligible for financial aid for that course. Excessive Absences: Instructors may dismiss a studentfrom a class due to excessive absences, issuingan AW grade. AW is not calculated into the GPAand may not be removed if the student later withdrawsfrom the course.Course Withdrawal by Student: The student mustbring to the Welcome Center a completed CourseWithdrawal form. For courses that begin before 4p.m., the form must include the course instructor'ssignature. An instructor must honor a student'srequest to withdraw from a course (provided noprevious “WX” or “AW” grade was issued.) For thefall 2010 semester, a student may withdraw from acourse through November 23. For the spring 2011semester, a student may withdraw until April 22.The withdrawal grade assigned is “W” as the student’sfinal grade.Withdrawal from the collegeCollege withdrawals must occur before the last day of classes.Students taking day classes must meet with a college counselor(FR 233) for an exit interview, then bring a completedwithdrawal form carrying the counselor/advisor’s signatureto the Welcome Center. The date the Welcome Centerreceives the completed form becomes the official withdrawaldate. A withdrawal grade for each course is determined inaccordance with the policy for course withdrawals. AW andWX grades that were previously issued in a course remain onrecord, even when a student withdraws from the college.Financial Aid and WithdrawalsA student’s initial financial aid eligibility for each term isgenerally based on the enrollment status at the end of theadd/drop period (usually the first four days of the term). Ifthe student subsequently withdraws from the college beforecompleting 60 percent of the term, the college must applya federal and/or state formula to determine how muchunearned aid must be repaid respectively by the student andthe college. When calculating the unearned aid, the collegemust use the date the student began the withdrawalprocess as the date of withdrawal from the college. This datenormally is the date the student obtained the withdrawalform(s) with the intention of fully withdrawing from school.Contact the Financial Aid Office (FR 201) for more detailedinformation.30

General Policies & ProceduresHIV/AIDS PolicyThe deans of Student Services of the Community Collegesin Massachusetts have agreed to follow guidelines set bythe American College Health Association (ACHA) publishedin the ACHA Special Report, 1986. The positionstaken and recommendations made by ACHA derive fromthe best medical information available about AIDS andits transmission. Because of issues that balance privaterights with the public health, ACHA recommends analyzingand responding to each case individually. The mostappropriate and primary response of colleges must be usingeducation to increase awareness of accurate informationregarding the modes of transmission of the disease andpreventive practices. Current knowledge indicates thathealth risks do not often exist in the normal and usualeducational setting. Students in the health professionsstudy areas constitute a separate category since they are ina clinical setting where exposure to blood and body fluidswhile caring for their patients requires a different standardfor self-protection.Bulletin Board PolicyGeneral1. General college-related information may be postedon all bulletin boards (see below on campus andcommunity postings) except for those boards designatedfor department or union purposes. Requestsfor bids and proposals are posted on a board on thethird floor of Frost building and are coordinated bythe Business Services Department. Union bulletinboards are located on the second and third floors ofFrost, the second floor of Donohue, the first floor ofC, and the second and third floors of Marieb building.Department bulletin boards are designated bythe department name placed at the top of the board.No materials are to be posted on walls, doors, orwindows.2. Use only thumb tacks on bulletin boards. Do notuse staples, glue or stickers or any other adhesive.3. Materials will be removed periodically.Campus PostingsAll materials which members of the college communitywish to post must be clearly identified by the nameof the originating office or group. Postings should beremoved after an event has occurred. Unidentified postingswill be removed. The campus postings boards arelocated in the following locations:Building Floor BoardFrost Building 2nd floor mid-hallway; across frommiddle elevatorMarieb Building 3rd floor under clock on south endof buildingBartley Center 1st floor across from the Check-Inand Control RoomCommunity PostingsIndividuals or organizations not having a relationship tothe college may post only on bulletin boards designatedas Community Boards. At Holyoke Community Collegethese boards are located in the following locations:Building Floor BoardG Building 1st floor across from the BookstoreG Building 3rd floor outside entrance to building(in walkway)Job PostingsStudent job postings must be advertised throughthe Career Services Office, on the third level of theKittredge Center. The office will identify the prospectiveemployer to the potential student applicant.On-campus student work-study jobs are posted outsidethe Financial Aid Office, FR201.College job opportunities are posted on the HumanResources board certain other bulletin boards on campus.These job postings may only be removed after theclosing date noted on the posting. Further informationon the positions may be obtained from the HumanResources Office.Campus Closing NotificationIf an instructor is late arriving for a class, he/she may beout ill and the class may be cancelled. For cancellations ofindividual classes, check the bulletin board outside OfficeServices in FR 225.If the campus offices will be closed or there will be delayedopening, the announcement will be posted on the collegewebsite. The website provides the earliest posting and mostdetailed information. In addition, the following radio andtelevision stations will carry announcements:WACE, WHYN, WHMP, KIX 97.9, WGGB-TV andWWLP-TV, WRSI, WSHM TV-3.Students may also call the HCC Hotline at (413) 552-2900,ext.1418 for information about cancellation of classes due tobad weather. Please do not call the college switchboard forthis information. Note that cancellation of day classes andevening classes sometimes differs.31

Delayed OpeningBecause classes and labs start at different times, the “delayedopening” notices that are run on the television will give adefinite time (instead of saying “two hour delay”).Classes or labs that start at the time of the delayed schoolopening or thereafter will be held as scheduled. Example: ifHCC has delayed classes until 10 a.m. and you have a classstarting at 10 a.m. and another at 11 a.m., both classes willmeet as scheduled. Similarly, a class scheduled for 9-9:50a.m. will not meet.Classes or labs that have a starting time prior to the delayedschool opening will begin at the time of school opening ifthere are 45 or more minutes remaining in the originallyscheduled class period. Example: If HCC delays openinguntil 9 a.m., and you have a class from 8-9:15 a.m., youwill not have that class. Similarly, if you have a laboratoryscheduled from 8 -10:45 a.m., you should plan on attending.Note: The closure or delayed opening of the Holyoke PublicSchools does not translate to a closure or delayed opening ofHCC. The radio or television station must announce “HolyokeCommunity College.”Children on Campus PolicyAlthough the college does not discourage the presence ofchildren if they are under visual and physical control of aparent or guardian, safety issues have prompted the developmentof a campus-wide policy for college protection.1. No child shall be on campus unattended by a parentor guardian. The college and its employees canassume no responsibility for the care and supervisionof visiting children. Children may accompanya parent or guardian on campus, but are not toattend classes or other learning environments (forexample, seminars, laboratories, clinics, field trips,learning centers or work stations).2. Children of work-study students shall not be broughtto the job.3. Children who are sick are not permitted on campus.Confidentiality of Student RecordsThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)affords Holyoke Community College students certain rightswith respect to their education records. They are:1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educationrecords within 45 days of the day the collegereceives a request for access. Students must submitto the registrar a written request that identifiesthe records they wish to inspect. The registrarwill make arrangements for access and notify thestudent of the time and place where the recordsmay be inspected. If any requested records are notmaintained by the registrar, the registrar will obtainthe records from other college offices maintainingthem and have them ready for inspection at theappointed time. Copies may be obtained at $1 perpage, and will be available within two weeks of thedate requested.2. The right to request the amendment of the student’seducation records that the student believes are inaccurateor misleading. Students may ask the collegeto amend a record that they believe is inaccurateor misleading. They must write the registrar, clearlyidentify the part of the record they question, andspecify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading.If the college decides not to amend the recordas requested by the student, the college will notifythe student of the decision and advise the studentof his or her right to a hearing regarding the requestfor amendment. Additional information regardingthe hearing procedures will be provided to the studentwhen notified of the right to a hearing.3. The right to consent to disclosures of personallyidentifiable information contained in the student’seducation records, except to the extent that FERPAauthorizes disclosure without consent. One exceptionwhich permits disclosure without consentis disclosure to school officials with legitimateeducational interests. A school official is a personemployed by the college in an administrative, supervisory,academic, research, or support staff position(including law enforcement unit personnel andhealth staff); a person or company with whom thecollege has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor,collection agent, or data clearinghouse); a personserving on the Board of Trustees; or a student servingon an official committee, such as a disciplinaryor grievance committee, or assisting another schoolofficial in performing his or her tasks. A schoolofficial has a legitimate educational interest if theofficial needs to review an education record in orderto fulfill his or her professional responsibility.4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S.Department of Education concerning alleged failuresby the college to comply with the requirementsof FERPA. The name and address of the office thatadministers FERPA is:Family Policy Compliance OfficeU.S. Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20202-4605Directory InformationThe following is considered directory information byHolyoke Community College and may be released to thirdparties without student consent: student name, address,telephone listing, major field of study, dates of attendance,enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activitiesand sports; height, weight, high school, and hometownof athletic team member; degrees and certificates awarded,dates of graduation and official college distinctions such asDean's List and honors.32

Non-directory InformationAll other information is considered non-directory informationand will not be released by the college to anyone, exceptin cases where FERPA requires or authorizes disclosurewithout consent. Contact the registrar for more detail aboutspecific FERPA provisions.Release of Information to the U.S. MilitaryNotwithstanding the college’s definition of directoryinformation, the Department of Defense, pursuant to theOmnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, identifiesthe following as directory information: name, address,phone, date of birth, major, dates of attendance, degreereceived, and previous college attended (if known). Uponrequest from the Department of Defense or an agency thereof,the college must provide the above information aboutcurrent students, unless a student has specifically requestednondisclosure of the information for that purpose. Whensuch a release of student information occurs, notice will beposted in the Welcome Center.CORI/SORI PolicyCriminal Offender Record Information (CORI) andSexual Offender Registry Information (SORI)IntentHolyoke Community College recognizes the need to ensurea safe environment for those we serve. As one means ofproviding a safe and credible environment, the college hasimplemented a Criminal Offender Records Information andSex Offender Registry Information Check Policy which isreviewed on an annual basis.Policy StatementPeople who provide service and/or support to any stateprogram or facility and whose duties entail the potentialfor unsupervised contact with persons from a vulnerablepopulation will undergo CORI and SORI checks.Massachusetts law, as well as regulations promulgated by theCommonwealth Executive Office of Health and HumanServices (EOHHS), states that individuals convicted ofcertain crimes pose an unacceptable risk to vulnerable populations(i.e. underage, elderly, disabled or persons receivingcare due to illness) and are therefore ineligible to provideservices or support in such state programs or facilities.Policy PurposeStandardized procedures for the review of criminal and sexoffender records help ensure that candidates under considerationare appropriate for serving in their positions. TheCriminal History Systems Board has authorized HolyokeCommunity College to receive criminal record informationregarding those individuals who need CORI clearance to workand/or provide voluntary services in educational worksites.ScopeAs required by law, the CORI and SORI checks apply toemployees, volunteers, and/or trainees/students who provideservice or support to any state program or facility in eithera paid or unpaid capacity whose services entail the potentialfor unsupervised contact with vulnerable populations.Further, many private facilities also require employees, volunteers,and trainees/students to undergo CORI checks inorder to be eligible for placements.ProcedureStudents will be subject to a CORI/SORI check prior to beingplaced or accepted into certain programs in which a clinical,field or any other practical experience working with vulnerablepopulations is a required part of the program, includingbut not limited to, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, or EarlyChildhood Education. Furthermore, students in other programswho may have unsupervised contact with persons fromvulnerable populations must complete CORI/SORI applicationsand receive clearance prior to beginning their work orservice with vulnerable populations. Additionally, candidatesfor employment, employees, and volunteers who may haveunsupervised contact with persons from vulnerable populationsmust complete CORI/SORI applications and receiveclearance prior to beginning their work at the college or theirwork with vulnerable populations.The CORI application is sent to the Criminal HistorySystems Board (CHSB) and the Sex Offender RegistryBoard (SORB) which generally respond within four to sixweeks. A college CORI and SORI reviewer examines theconfidential CORI and SORI records and makes a determinationas to the candidate’s eligibility based on the standardsestablished by the EOHHS. The candidate is notifiedof eligibility. A person who is the subject of CORI andSORI checks is entitled to review the information receivedby the college.Appeals ProcessIf an individual believes that his or her CORI or SORIreport contains an error, the individual should contact theCHSB or the SORB directly. If it is determined that therewas an error that was subsequently corrected, the individualshould so inform the CORI/SORI reviewer who will repeatthe CORI/SORI check. If the report is correct, the individualmay appeal the decision by providing to the collegewithin thirty (30) calendar days, a written statement froma Criminal Justice Official (CJO) stating that the candidatedoes not pose an unacceptable risk of harm and reasons forthat belief.This statement should also include a professional assessmentof the individual in question and the risk posed to thegeneral population and/or any specific groups or populations.In addition, the statement must include the CJO’scurrent position and position at the time of supervisingthe candidate, dates during which the CJO supervised thecandidate and all relevant information that may assist thecollege in considering the candidate’s eligibility to interactwith vulnerable populations in an unsupervised setting.Upon receipt of this statement from a CJO, the CORIReview Committee will reconsider eligibility and will notifythe candidate of the decision. If still determined to be ineli-33

gible, the candidate may submit a final written appeal to thechief CORI officer within ten working days of the issuanceof the committee’s decision.Disability Policy and ProceduresHolyoke Community College does not discriminate on thebasis of disability in admissions or access to, or treatmentof, or employment in its programs, services, or activities.Holyoke Community College strives to provide an effectiveeducational environment so that all students may develop totheir fullest potentials. The Americans with Disabilities Act(PL 101-336) is a civil rights law which protects the rights ofindividuals with disabilities. Specifically, the Americans withDisabilities Act states:A public entity may not deny the benefits of its programs,activities, and services because its facilities are inaccessible.A public entities’ services, programs, or activities, whenviewed in their entirety, must be readily accessible to andusable by individuals with disabilities (Title 11, subtitle A).In keeping with the federal regulations including theAmericans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, Holyoke Community Collegeis committed to providing reasonable accommodations andindividual attention to qualified disabled students enrolled inits academic programs.Individuals protected under the law include those havingphysical disabilities, sensory disabilities, learning disabilities,medical/mental health conditions and also those recoveringfrom alcohol or drug abuse.Students with disabilities are enrolled in regular collegeclasses in the programs of their choice. The college supportstheir right to access the same academic and student lifeopportunities as other students.It is the student’s responsibility to make his or her needsknown to the college and to provide appropriate documentationof disability if services are requested. Timely self-identificationwill ensure that the student’s needs are addressedby the beginning of each semester. If accommodations aredesired, the student should contact the Office for StudentsWith Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSD/DS) immediatelyupon receiving a letter of acceptance to the college. If astudent needs alternative arrangements for the college placementtest, he or she must contact the OSD/DS and provideappropriate documentation of disability prior to the testing.Potential students or their advocates who are uncertainwhether the college can provide for their specific needs areinvited to contact the director of Admissions and TrasferAffairs prior to applying to the college. All communicationsare kept strictly confidential and are shared only with thestudent’s permission.The college has designated the following person to coordinateefforts to comply with these policies. Inquiries, requests,and potential grievances should be directed to:Isabel B. Huskey, ADA Coordinator(413) 552-2390 (FR 224)Students who need auxiliary aids for effective communicationsand/or other educational accommodations in programsand services of Holyoke Community College are invited tomake their needs and preferences known to:Office for Students With Disabilities and Deaf Services(OSD/DS)(413) 552-2417 (v/tty) or 536-0602 (TTY)(DON 131)Holyoke Community College is committed to providing educationalopportunities and access to programs for all studentson their ability to benefit therefrom.Dress CodeThe official policy of the college is to leave the mode of dressto the good taste and judgment of the student. No bare feetare allowed in any college building.Emergencies911If an emergency situation occurs on campus, including medicalemergencies, students should call 911. In addition, emergencytelephones are located in parking lots D, K, M, O andQ and are continuously monitored by college staff. Personsin need of assistance may utilize the phones at any time. Formore information, contact the Campus Police.Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the“Emergency Guide” posted near the telephone in each classroomthroughout campus.Fire DrillsWhen the fire alarm sounds, immediately leave the buildingand walk a safe distance from the buildings (parking areas).During evacuation, each faculty/staff member is charged withthe prompt and safe exit of students, visitors, and themselves.The fire alarm will stop only when all buildings are vacated.Once the all clear signal is given, students may re-enter thebuilding.Health InsuranceMassachusetts General Law Chapter 15A, Section 18requires that all students attempting nine or more semesterhours have health insurance. This charge, currently, $866,accompanies the student’s tuition bill if he or she is carryingnine or more semester hours. The health insurance fee maybe waived if the student’s own (or parental/spousal) insuranceprovides him or her with comparable coverage. Forcoverage information and to waive the insurance fee, logonto www.universityhealthplans.com. HCC cannot accept awaiver of insurance if the student is covered by a non-USAinsurance company. The health insurance fee is non-refundableunless the student withdraws from the college before34

4:30 p.m. on the last day of add/drop. Information on studentinsurance can be found at http://www.universityhealthplans.com/brochures_pdf/MassCC_SOB1011.pdf.ID CardsHCC students are expected to carry their validated HCCstudent ID cards when on campus. Cards are issued to newand readmitted credit course students when they registerfor classes in FR 271. There is a $7 fee for replacement ID’s.Payment is made in the Student Account Services Office(FR 201).ID cards must be validated each semester upon payment oftuition or presentation of a financial aid extension in theStudent Account Services Office. Students who pay bymail may also obtain their validation sticker in the StudentAccount Services Office. ID cards are validated during normalbusiness hours at no charge. Students use validated IDcards to borrow books from the HCC library and for facultyreserves, to access college computer labs, to attend collegesponsoredevents, and to use PVTA busses and for all collegetransactions.Immunization RequirementsMassachusetts law (Chapter 76, Section 15C) requires that allstudents carrying 12 or more credits must submit proof, within30 days of registering for courses, of immunization againstthe following: measles, mumps, and rubella (need two MMRshots), pertussis-containing tetanus shot called Tdap (administeredafter 2005), hepatitis B (need 3 shots), and chickenpox(need 2 shots). Documentation of positive anti body titers formeasles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella is acceptable.Immunization records can be obtained from the student’shigh school, physician’s office, military records, or other collegesattended, and must be submitted to HCC Health Services (Frost101) for review. Students may request the transfer of immunizationrecords from HCC to another college by requesting it inwriting from HCC Health Services. The fee for this requestis $1; please allow five business days to pro cess. Students withincomplete or outdated immunizations are required to receiveupdated vaccinations and are invited to receive them at HCCHealth Services office for a nominal fee; please call (413) 552-2401 for an appointment and more information.Students in the following health science majors must sup plycomplete immunization records upon application to the pro- Note: Career students in the Veterinary and Animal ScienceProgram must have proof of vaccination against rabies, inaddition to all of the immunization record require ments listedabove, upon acceptance to the program.Weather Hotline(413) 552-2900, ext. 1418The HCC Hotline at (413) 552-2900, ext. 1418 reports collegeclosings due to inclement weather. Please do not call thecollege switchboard for this information. 35

Campus Conduct PoliciesAcademic Integrity PolicyHolyoke Community College is committed to academicintegrity—the honest, authentic and independent pursuitof knowledge. As members of the academic community,students are expected to be responsible for all of their ownacademic work without dishonesty or deception; joint workis legitimate only when assigned or approved by the instructor.HCC faculty members will take reasonable precautionsto eliminate opportunities for academic dishonesty.Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limitedto, the following general categories:Using or obtaining unauthorized assistance in anyacademic work: troniccommunications devices during an examination. examination when prohibited by the instructor.(Students with disabilities should discuss educationalaccommodations with the Office for StudentsWith Disabilities and Deaf Services.) tionsor obtaining or possessing a stolen copy of anexamination. oneself. one’s own.Providing fraudulent assistance to another student: ector taking an examination for another student. student during an examination. system of signals.Submitting the work of others as one’s own (plagiarism)or representing previously completed work ascurrent: work for credit, which includes words, sentences,ideas, data or creative work of others withoutenclosing them in quotation marks, without paraphrasingthem or without acknowledging thesource. erindividual or from the Internet. mentto other classes without the permission of theinstructors.Furnishing false information to any official or facultymember or fabricating data in support of anacademic assignment: demicor college record or document in any way. containing falsified or fabricated facts, data orresults.Avoiding Academic DishonestyAcademic dishonesty is a serious offense. Careful attentionto academic responsibilities is the best way to avoid allegationsof academic dishonesty. Students are reminded thatmaterial obtained from the Internet is subject to the sameprinciples of submission as materials obtained from any othermedia. HCC faculty members will provide students with specificexpectations about academic integrity in the course syllabi.Students are referred to their course instructor for clarificationof these expectations and can also seek assistancefrom the college library or CAPS Writing Center.Consequences of Academic DishonestyA Holyoke Community College faculty member who concludesthat a student is in violation of the academic integritystatements set forth in the course syllabus will determine theappropriate response which may include a lower or failinggrade for the examination, paper, project, or for the course.If a student wishes to appeal the outcome of an instructor’sfinding of academic dishonesty, he or she is directed to theGrievance Procedure.If a faculty member believes that the seriousness of anincident warrants additional action beyond a grading consequence,he or she may also file a charge of academic dishonestyunder HCC’s student code of conduct that can resultin sanctions ranging from a warning through suspension ordismissal from the college. Such a charge will be filed withthe dean of Student Services.Students enrolled in online courses should also review theonline Academic Integrity Policy at http://webtide.hccdl.org.Acceptable Use Of Information SystemsThis section explains the college's policies governing computer use,email, and the Internet.36

1. General PrinciplesAccess to computer systems and networks owned oroperated by Holyoke Community College imposescertain responsibilities and obligations and is grantedsubject to college policies, local, state and federallaws. Acceptable use is always ethical, reflects academichonesty, and shows restraint in the consumptionof shared resources. It demonstrates respectfor intellectual property, ownership of data, systemsecurity mechanisms, and the individuals’ rights toprivacy.Additionally, the privilege of accessing the college’scomputer networks carries certain responsibilities for allusers of desktop and laptop computing systems. Theseinclude, but are not limited to, performing requiredoperating system updates, ensuring proper anti-virussoftware is installed and periodically run, maintainingadequate data backups and protecting the systemsintegrity. Prior to accessing any network owned or operatedby HCC, employees and students will be requiredto attend a computer security training program offeredby HCC’s Information Technology Department (ITD),where these protective measures will be reviewed andexplained.2. GuidelinesIn making acceptable use of resources remember: sidevendor or private party on the network. Allcomputers accessing the campus network from oncampus must be purchased, maintained, screened,secured and set up for operation by ITD. their data backups and storage. ITD plays no role inthe management of end-user data, but will providetraining during orientation and other course offerings. posesauthorized by the college. user ID or that originate from your system thatresult from your negligent failure to protect youruser ID or to protect against such unauthorized use. are publicly available, or to which you have beengiven authorized access. support us. compliance with vendor license requirements. Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloadingnetworks with excessive data, or wasting computertime, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals,or other resources. operating system and anti-virus software is updatedand periodically run to protect their desktop/laptopfrom infection.In making acceptable use of resources you must not: used to access them. or data. access control information. subvert—system or network security measures. temsor to any information stored thereon, such ascreating or propagating viruses, disrupting services,or damaging files. partisan political purposes, such as using electronicmail to circulate advertising for products, for politicalcandidates, or for any profit-making company,an enterprise, or yourself. store such copies on college systems, or transmitthem over college networks. tionof the director of Information TechnologyOperations or the chief information officer. load on scarce resources (e.g., dial-in phone lines). tionallyplacing a program in an endless loop or byprinting excessive amounts of paper. gain; for example, by selling access to your loginor to college systems or networks, or by performingwork for profit with college resources in a mannernot authorized by the college. mitany material in violation of United States orMassachusetts laws or regulations. with the general principles presented above.37

networks to libel, slander, or harass any other person.The following shall constitute computer harassment:(1) Intentionally using the computer to annoy,harass, terrify, intimidate, threaten, offend orbother another person by conveying obscenelanguage, pictures, or other materials or threatsof bodily harm to the recipient or the recipient’simmediate family.(2) Intentionally using the computer to contactanother person repeatedly with the intent toannoy, harass, or bother, whether or not anyactual message is communicated, and/or whereno purpose of legitimate communication exists,and where the recipient has expressed a desirefor the communication to cease.(3) Intentionally using the computer to contactanother person repeatedly regarding a matterfor which one does not have a legal right tocommunicate, once the recipient has providedreasonable notice that he or she desires suchcommunication to cease (such as debt collection).(4) Intentionally using the computer to disrupt ordamage the academic research, administrative,or related pursuits of another.(5) Intentionally using the computer to invade theprivacy, academic or otherwise, of another orthe threatened invasion of privacy of another.3. EnforcementCollege officials will review alleged violations ofAcceptable Use policies on a case-by-case basis.Violations of policy will result in appropriate action,such as: loss of electronic mail privilege, loss of computerprivilege, consideration of appropriate disciplinarymeasures and/or referral to appropriate authoritiesresponsible for enforcing state and federal laws concerningcomputer use.Users who breach this code of practice may, after dueprocess, be refused access to the college’s computer andcommunications networks and may be subject to furtherdisciplinary action. In an emergency, in order to preventfurther possible unauthorized activity, the college maytemporarily disconnect that user from the network. Ifthis is deemed necessary by college staff, every effort willbe made to inform the user prior to being disconnected,and every effort will be made to re-establish the connectionas soon as the college determines it is appropriate.The college considers any violation of acceptable useprinciples or guidelines to be a serious offense andreserves the right to copy and examine any files or informationresiding on college systems allegedly related tounacceptable use. Violators are subject to disciplinaryaction as prescribed in student and employee policies,handbooks, or contracts.Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws including(but not limited to) the Privacy Protection Act of1974, The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986,The Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, InterstateTransportation of Stolen Property, Family EducationalRights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1223g),Massachusetts Wiretap Statute (G.L. c.272, Section99), Massachusetts Privacy Statute (G.L. c. 214, Section1B), Copyright Infringement laws (17 U.S.C. Section101 et seq.), the Communications Decency Act of 1996(47 U.S.C. Section 223 (d) - (h))and the ElectronicCommunications Privacy Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C.Sections 2510-21, 2701-10, 3121-27). Access to thetext of these laws is available through the ReferenceDepartment of the Library of Holyoke CommunityCollege.If you have reason to believe that this policy is beingviolated, you should report it as follows: Student Affairs. Administration & Finance. Academic Affairs.4. Use PriorityWhile supporting the general principle of open and universalstudent access, eligibility for systems access willbe determined by the following priorities if insufficientresources are available:1. The highest priority is awarded to students where networkaccess is a mandatory requirement of a coursein which they are currently enrolled.2. At the next level, access will be granted where thereis a demonstrated, but non-mandatory requirementfor network access as described in a course guide.3. The lowest or non-essential level of access will bebased upon the general principle of universal accessand support for academic pursuit while not directlystipulated within a prescribed course of study.5. PrivacyComputers owned by the college are provided for businessand educational use only. Note that the collegeretains ownership of all communications as businessrecords and these records may be subject to discoveryin litigation. Any information on a college computermay be subject to the state’s public records law and may,therefore, be subject to disclosure on request. By usingcomputers on campus, employees and students are waiv-38

ing their right to privacy and are consenting to collegereview and monitoring of communication and of theircomputer use.The college does not routinely monitor computer filesor content unless it has received notice of possible misuse,security incident, or violation of policy. But in thecourse of routine maintenance, the content of your computerfiles may become visible and an apparent violationmay be reviewed. The authorization to review files andcomputer logs rest with the president, who may delegatethis responsibility to the Chief Information Officer orchief financial officer.Private communications across the college’s data networkswill have the same protection as private communicationsvia telephone. Unauthorized interception,reading, copying or modifying of private electronic databy a student or an employee will be in breach of thispolicy and subject to disciplinary or legal proceedings.The college will not guarantee this privacy as a result ofroutine maintenance, technical fault or criminal activity.See also comments under the Electronic Mail Policy.Note that any electronic mail message may be forwardedby the recipient or printed and distributed. The privacyof email, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.Further: violation of policy or a security incident, no collegeemployee will be permitted to intercept, read, copyor modify private electronic data (either in transitacross a network or stored within a computer system)without the written consent of the Presidentor the consent of the addressee or sender.While the college will endeavor to maintain theprivacy of personal communications, it will monitortraffic load, and where necessary, take action toprotect the integrity and operation of its networks.Further the college will: address, network protocol, and application use. workutilization results in performance degradation.Such restriction will be publicized to users throughappropriate means.6. SecurityThe college does not permit the transfer of logins andpasswords between authorized and non-authorized persons.Such action is deemed unacceptable and will bethe subject of disciplinary action. Further:Persons requiring systems access may not borrow anotherperson’s login. That person must request his/her ownlogin from the appropriate staff member i.e. productmanager, CIO or vice president.If it is necessary to allow an authorized third person toaccess a user’s files or data, as in the case of illness orchanging of positions, this information will be transferredby the system administrator rather than via thetransfer of the login and password. Banner users willcontact their respective product manager. Network andemail accounts are administered by ITD.Staff user accounts and all data found in staff useraccounts will be removed from all college facilities followingthe termination of employment.Student user accounts and all data found in student useraccounts will be removed at the end of each academicyear.Banner security and password protection is the responsibilityof the respective supervisor and the individualend user. Each supervisor, working through their respectiveproduct manager and vice president will initiatetraining that will result in password authorization andissue orders for password revocation. Revocation can befor cause or at the end of employment and is processedthrough the Banner Product Manager. Password for networkaccess will be changed every semester and Bannerpasswords changed every 90 days. These changes will beforced by the respective systems administrator.7. Eligibility for, and Cost of, AccountsThe following persons are eligible to hold accounts onthe college computer network: Foundation, Inc. (as space allows) and with consent of Human Resources) Holyoke Community College owns all computeraccounts and grants to the user the privilege of usingsuch accounts. There is no cost to employees, retirees,trustees or directors for computer accounts, but file spacewill be limited for all users. Students may access computerresources, including the Internet and the World WideWeb, at no charge, from campus-based machines.8. Electronic Mail PolicyGeneralElectronic mail (email) is an official method of communicationat the college, delivering information in aconvenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentallysensitive manner. Printing and manual distribution ofemails is highly discouraged and cost prohibitive. It isthe policy of this institution that:39

access to email. email and electronic mailing lists. is authorized.Student EmailAll students registered for classes at the college are providedan email account. The college may use this emailaccount or the messaging system to send communicationsto the student body. Student email addresses willbe recorded in the college’s electronic directories andrecords. Students are responsible for reading official collegeemail and messages in a timely fashion.Privacy IssuesWhile email is personalized and relatively confidential,there is no guarantee of absolute privacy in a computersystem. Computer users should be aware that state lawapplies to records stored in computers as well as onpaper. Recent rulings indicate that the public has a rightto review any documents created on email by governmentofficials and that companies who own the mediaon which email is implemented have the right to readthat email. Federal and state law may require the collegeto examine email under some circumstances includingprovision of messages to outside agencies. However,employees of Information Technology Division (ITD) atthe college are prohibited from accessing information forwhich they have no job-related “need to know.” Theyare also expected to maintain the strictest confidentialityregarding any information obtained during the courseof fulfilling their job function.Appropriate Use of EmailUse of electronic mail is to be consistent with theAcceptable Use Policy of Holyoke Community College.Use of HCC computers for electronic mail that is notconsistent with HCC’s Acceptable Use Policy may resultin termination of electronic mail privileges. Electronicmail should be used as a source of information and efficientcommunication by students, faculty and staff.Email GuidelinesSending email messages: sagecannot be guaranteed. Messages can be misdirectedand/or be forwarded by recipients to otherelectronic mail addresses. be forwarded to recipients at other electronic mailaddresses, assume that any message you send is permanent. label each. estgroups, bulletin boards, etc. ingthem a chance to respond.Receiving email messages: son,notify the sender. 9. Targeted AnnouncementsLuminis, the college’s portal, has the ability to communicatewith specific groups of users through the useof personal or campus announcements using a targetedannouncement process. These announcements canbe either official/unofficial announcements of collegeinformation and serve as a form of communication.Training on the use of targeted announcements is mandatory.Campus departments will have a limited numberof individuals having this access. The purpose of thispolicy is to set guidelines for the Luminis users. Targetedannouncements are categorized into two classifications:1. Campus announcements are created for the entirecampus community; faculty, staff and students toview in the Campus Announcements section ofLuminis.2. Personal announcements are based on a variety ofattributes, including role (student, faculty, etc.),major, and course. The announcement will be configuredto appear on the main page for each recipient.Appropriate Use of Announcements:Although Luminis Announcements are “internal” in thesense that they are only received by faculty, staff, andstudents of the college, care should be taken to ensurethat text is composed using an appropriate tone or attitude.Announcements are meant to be both informativeand cordial in their composition. Blunt statements andbrash directives must be avoided. Users having access tocreate announcements are responsible for their contentand must consider the appropriate use of the media. Ingeneral, announcements should not be made for activitiesor events concerning entities, clubs, or organizationsnot chartered or approved by the college. Messages thatare fraudulent, harassing, defamatory, obscene, threatening,or in violation of state laws shall not be posted.40

1. Campus Announcements. Campus Announcementsappear as content announcements linked from thehome page on Luminis. In order to regulate the volumeof messages at any given time on the system,a limit on the number of messages will be imposeddue to a time restriction placed on each message bythe content manager. but clear enough to convey the subject of themessage linked to it. Because it is a title, properpunctuation rules should apply. mentshould be brief and include all necessaryitems such as time, location, room, etc. A pointof contact (name, department, and phone orcollege email address) for more informationshould always be included as well as a “by line”stating who posted the message. Example:Posted Wednesday, September 11, 2002 byCharles A. Brown. The “by line” should be thelast sentence of the message. expiration date no longer than five days afterposting or not past the date of the event, deadline,or activity being advertised.2. Personal Announcements: PersonalAnnouncements can be sent to subsets of usersbased on role, major, and/or selected classes.Individual departments or organizations on campusshould limit the number of postings to the greatestextent possible during the business day. In addition,the following guidelines must also be followed: but clear enough to convey the subject of themessage linked to it. The title will also serve asthe subject for Personal Messages that are sentas email. mentshould be brief include all necessary itemssuch as time, location, room, etc. A point ofcontact (name, department, and phone or collegeemail address) for more information shouldalways be included as well as a “by line” statingwho posted the message. Example: PostedWednesday, September 11, 2002 by Charles A.Brown. The “by line” should be the last sentenceof the message. may target messages using the selection criteriaavailable in the “Build Attributes” tab in themessage facility. The use of “Imported Group”must be handled carefully and used only bythose having an understanding of the populationsdefined within each group. messages are to be sent for display in the “MyAnnouncements” channel. This methodshould be used for most messages whichannounce activities or other general information.Email should only be used whenthe announcement requires the recipient totake action, respond, or meet a deadline, etc.Posting announcements to both email and the“My Announcements” channel is redundantand should be avoided. messages posted to “My Announcements”. Allmessages must have an expiration date no longerthan five days after posting or not past the dateof the event, deadline, or activity being advertised.Messages sent by email do not expire.3. Creation of Targeted Groups for Announcements: groups to be used for targeted communicationswill require approval from campus officialsprior to creating a group. This approvalis necessary because of the potential for agroup to be created based on sensitive data.It may also be necessary to limit the use ofsome groups or require rapid expiration of thegroup based on the nature of the selectioncriteria. The Banner Steering Committee willhave the authority to create groups and contentadministrators. fiedwith an owner who will be responsible foranswering questions concerning the compositionof the group and perform overall groupmanagement. sitatea group being “restricted.” Groups identifiedas such must not be used without permission. selections is limited to users that have been formallytrained in this process. Steering Committee, ITD will setup the groupin Luminis. Training will consist of contentmanagement and end user training.10. Luminis Calendars targeted to specific groups. Each of these calendarswill have a specific content administrator,who will author content and grant access to thecalendar. The Steering Committee will authorizecalendar for use within the Luminis system,and ITD will train content administrators andend users on functionality.41

11. Channels tionof Steering Committee with the advice ofITD. ITD will create any channels authorizedby the Steering Committee.Failure to comply with this policy can result in revocationof access to the programs associated with Campusand Personal Announcements within Luminis.12. Password PolicyGeneral Policy Provisions:Passwords are an essential aspect of computer security,providing important front-line protection for electronicresources by preventing unauthorized access. Passwordshelp the college limit unauthorized or inappropriateaccess to various resources at HCC, including user-levelaccounts, web accounts, email accounts, screen saverprotection, and local router logins.A poorly chosen password may result in the compromiseof HCC systems, data or network. Therefore, all HCCstudents, faculty and staff are responsible for taking theappropriate steps to select appropriate passwords and protectthem. Contractors and vendors with access to HCCsystems also are expected to observe these requirements.Creation of Passwords:Passwords created by users of college systems, shouldconform to the following guidelines: reverse of the name and must avoid use of knowablepersonal information (names of family, etc.). combination of upper and low case letters These provisions will be enforced electronically wheneverpossible.Changing Passwords:Network passwords should be changed once a semester.The new password must differ from the old password byat least three characters. Passwords are not allowed tobe repeated within one year. Banner passwords will bechanged every 90 days to ensure the integrity of thoseaccessing student data.Protecting a Password: for reference. or other forms of electronic communication.Sharing a Password: vidualaccount password is a violation of this policy,unless the person is an information technologyprofessional assisting you with a technical problem.Departmental account passwords should be sharedonly with appropriate departmental personnel. allowing use as permitted in this section. password with a vendor (approval may be grantedon a one-time or continuing basis), and this vendoraccess may require implementing the appropriatetechnology infrastructure to accommodate theaccess (depending on the circumstance, and asdetermined by ITD).Reporting a Password Compromise: edimmediately to the Helpdesk at (413) 552-2075 diately.Responsibilities of Information Technology Division as stronger passwords, in some circumstances. assessments on a periodic or random basis. If apassword is guessed or cracked during one of theseassessments, the ITD will promptly notify the listedcontact and require that the password be changed.Consequences:Any individual who violates this policy may lose computeror network access privileges and may be subjectto disciplinary action in accordance with acceptableuse policy of the college, which may result in a range ofsanctions up to and including suspension or dismissal forrepeated or serious infractions.Affirmative Action PolicyIt is the policy of Holyoke Community College not to discriminateon the basis of age, sex, creed, color, race, nationalorigin, sexual orientation, religion, or disability in its educationalprograms, activities, or employment policies asrequired by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments andother federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Inquiriesregarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to:Idelia SmithAffirmative Action OfficerHolyoke Community College303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040(413) 552-2228Overall Policy StatementThe community colleges affirm the commitment toAffirmative Action and equal opportunity. The effortsare on behalf of women, minorities, the disabled, and42

persons at least 40 years of age, known as the “protectedgroup.” Affirmative Action will include those with veteranstatus when such status is considered part of the“protected group.”Community colleges truly committed to equal employmentopportunity and Affirmative Action can go beyonddeveloping policies and practices that prohibit employmentdiscrimination on the basis of race, color, age,gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ordisability. They can take meaningful steps to recruit, hire,transfer, promote, and train women and minorities toenhance their representation.Affirmative Action requires the college to do more thanensure employment and education neutrality. As thephrase implies, Affirmative Action requires the collegeto make positive efforts to educate, recruit, employ, andpromote qualified members of the protected group whomay have been excluded, even if that exclusion cannot betraced to particular discriminatory actions on the part ofthe college. The premise of the Affirmative Action conceptis that unless positive action is undertaken to overcomethe effects of systemic institutional forms of exclusionand discrimination, a benign neutrality in employmentand education practices will tend to perpetuate thestatus quo ante indefinitely.The following specific policies are established:1. Affirmative Action and equal opportunity shall applyto all segments of the college; full- and part-timeemployment; day, evening and online; the curriculumand offerings of the college.2. Equal opportunity and Affirmative Action shall beapplied to the recruitment process for employmentand/or access to education.3. Students will have access to the college, programsof study, activities, and other resources intended toserve them, according to the policies of the individualcolleges.4. Affirmative Action and equal employment opportunitywill be realized in all personnel employment,including recruitment, application for employment,hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and termination.5. All policies, procedures, privileges, and conditions ofthe college will follow and incorporate applicableAffirmative Action and equal opportunity rules andregulations.The above stated policies are intended to be broad onbehalf of the protected group and the goal of promotingdiversity in community colleges. The community collegespledge to apply all policies consistently, fairly, and vigorously.Attempts to subvert or abuse these policies will notbe tolerated. Appropriate action will be taken in the case ofinfraction. All policies are made in compliance with applicablelaws and executive orders promulgated by the federaland state governments and other appropriate agencies andauthorities.Social Media GuidelinesIntroductionSocial media offers HCC a tremendous opportunity to connectwith and better serve its community. These guidelineswere drafted in an effort to address use of blogs, Facebook,Twitter, and social networking sites and tools by HolyokeCommunity College and its employees. Employees usingthese college resources shall have no expectation of privacyover such use. This is a living document and will bereviewed and updated as needed.In developing these guidelines, the marketing and communicationsstaff drew upon the excellent resources made availableby the University of Kansas, DePaul University, IBM,and the Social Media Business Council, in their DisclosureBest Practices Toolkit. These and other social mediaresources can be found at: http://brandresources.depaul.edu/vendor_guidelines/g_socialmedia.aspx , http://www.socialmedia.org/disclosure/,and http://www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.htmlGeneral questions regarding the use of social media or theseguidelines should be referred to JoAnne Rome, e-communicationsmanager (413) 552-2183, jrome@hcc.edu; or AnneSroka, director of marketing and strategic communications(413) 552-2259, asroka@hcc.edu.Those wishing to launch and maintain a Facebook page orother social media account on behalf of an HCC department,student club or organization, or any other officiallysactionedHCC entity or activity must first meet withJoAnne Rome, e-communications manager, for guidanceabout requirements specific to Facebook pages and practicaltips for optimizing your Facebook presence.Social Media General RequirementsCollege staff and those of HCC-affiliated programs or activitiesthat manage or in any way participate in social media onbehalf of HCC (including officially-sanctioned student clubsand organizations) must be familiar with and adhere to applicablelaws and college policies, including but not limited tothose outlined in HCC’s “Acceptable Use of InformationSystems” and “Use of Copyrighted Material” college policiespursuant to The Family Educational Rights and PrivacyAct (FERPA); social media sites’ terms of use and codes ofconduct, the Commonwealth’s public employee conflict ofinterest laws; and the requirements and guidelines outlinedin this document.In summary, these documents address responsibilities andobligations associated with access to computer systemsand networks owned or operated by Holyoke CommunityCollege; HCC’s and social media sites’ communicationsstandards; applicable local, state and federal laws; ethics; andprivacy and intellectual property rights.43

Posting of Social Media Content: Facebook,Blogs, etc.Social media can create numerous issues for the college. Forexample, most people do not realize that by posting collegecontent to Facebook, they authorize Facebook to make copiesof the college content posted and to use the content forvirtually any purpose. In addition, copyright claims could beasserted against the college if a department posted content(such as text, image, or video) in which a third party claimsa copyright. Further, posting of inappropriate content, couldsubject the college to embarrassment or legal action.Consider the following prior to posting content—Dos andDon’ts:Remember that content posted may be redistributed throughthe Internet and other media channels and may be viewedby the general public. If deleted or modified, older versionsmay continue to exist online. Content should not be postedunless it is related to official college business and is consistentwith the college’s mission. Share only informationappropriate for the public.Content that promotes or depicts illegal activity, is threateningor harassing, includes obscenities, or defames a person isprohibited. Further, social media shall not be used for politicalor commercial purposes.Do not include any personally identifiable information thatcan be used to locate someone offline. This includes anyone’sscreen name, personal photo, hobbies, identification numberssuch as social security numbers or student IDs, addressesand phone numbers (other than an authorized businessaddress or business phone number).Do not upload, post, transmit, share, store or otherwise makepublicly available on the site any private information ofany third party, including, addresses, phone numbers, emailaddresses, Social Security numbers and/or credit card numbers.Student record information shall not be transmitted viaFacebook or other social media. The Family EducationalRights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy ofstudent education records. The college must have writtenpermission from a student in order to release any informationfrom his or her education record, other than directory informationas defined by HCC. In order to comply with FERPA,the college’s email system (and not Facebook) must be usedwhen communicating about an issue involving a specific student.For questions regarding FERPA, contact Tony Sbalbi,registrar, at (413) 552-2550, tsbalbi@hcc.edu.To avoid discrepancies and minimize the need for updating,social media shall not be used to post policy or detailed information,for example, program admission criteria. Rather,users should be directed to the official college sources (electronicand print publications) for such information.Use of college logo, marks, and imagesUse of college marks, such as logos and graphics, must complywith the college’s graphic identity, image use, and styleguidelines available from the marketing & communicationsdepartment. Questions regarding the use of college marksshould be directed to the e-communications manager (413)552-2183, jrome@hcc.edu or the director of marketing &strategic communications (413) 552-2259; asroka@hcc.edu.Use of copyrighted or proprietary materialsAll faculty, staff and students must adhere to the college’s“Use of Copyrighted Materials” policy and respect the intellectualproperty of others and use works owned or created byothers only to the extent such use is permitted by law. Thecollege must secure written permission prior to using/incorporatingany copyrighted or proprietary materials. Permissionto use or reproduce copyrighted works is required unless theintended use is clearly permitted under the doctrine of “fairuse.” This includes music, art, literary works, copyrightedphotographs or texts, snippets of copyrighted video, audiovisualworks and sound recordings, or information consideredto be a trade secret by a college contractor. Questions regardingfair use and HCC's “Use of Copyrighted Materials” policycan be directed to the vice president of Administrationand Finance at (413) 552-2800; email: bfogarty @hcc.eduQuestions about the appropriateness of a posting should beaddressed to JoAnne Rome, e-communications manager(413) 552-2183, jrome@hcc.edu, or Anne Sroka, directorof marketing & strategic communications (413) 552-2259,asroka@hcc.edu.Use of e-commerceAt present, HCC has not authorized the sale of college publications,products, or paraphernalia via e-commerce.Use of people’s imagesThe marketing & communications department makes it apractice to obtain permission in the form of a model releasefrom individuals whose readily identifiable images will beused to promote the college on the web and in publications.We encourage this practice among other college departments.Forms may be downloaded at http://www.hcc.edu/about/camp_news_deptofmktg&pr.html.Because there is no expectation of privacy, the marketingand communications department does not obtain modelreleases from those participating in and/or attending publicand HCC events and activities. They include but are notlimited to: commencement, alumni events, open houses andinformation sessions, student activity period events, as wellas other gatherings.Use of identifiable images of minors is prohibited withoutwritten permission from parent or guardian.44

Sharing content: posting “share” buttonsA “share link” is a button and/or a text link appearing ona webpage that, upon being clicked by a user, enables thelaunch of a sharing mechanism through which users canshare with others or post to their own member profile, linksand content from that page. Use of such links is permissibleand users should consult with the e-communications managerfor details.Social media: “comments” guidelinesHolyoke Community College encourages interaction fromsocial media users, but is not responsible for comments orwall postings made by visitors. Comments posted also do notin any way reflect the opinions or policies of the college.HCC asks that people making comments on HCC pagesshow respect for other users by ensuring the discussionremains civil, especially since sites such as Facebook allowindividuals as young as age 13 to join. Comments and contentare also subject to the site’s Terms of Use and Code ofConduct. Remember that your name and photo will be seennext to your comment, visible to the tens of thousands ofvisitors to the page.HCC reserves the right, but assumes no obligation, toremove comments that are not related to official collegebusiness and consistent with the college’s mission. We alsodo not permit messages selling products or promoting commercialor other ventures.If you as the administrator delete a post or a comment, it isbest to state in general terms what the post was and why youtook it off. If you are criticized for infringing on users’ rightof free speech, acknowledge those posts, open up the commentthread, and encourage comments. Generally, peopleunderstand and support page managers who practice fairness,transparency, and full disclosure.Social media: negative commentsNegative comments can be challenging to deal with, particularlythose that land beyond the border of respectfulcommunication, but far short of an offense grievous enoughto warrant removal (see “Comments” section above). It takesrestraint to deal with negative comments. In some cases, youcan resolve a problem with a careful response. Always try to: criticism. or offer to assist if you can. nityto showcase HCC.Sometimes, no response may be the best response of all. Ifyour attempts to resolve or assist are rebuffed and it is clearthat nothing productive can come of further back-and-forth,let subsequent posts go without comment. Often, friends orfans will counterbalance the negative feedback with theirresponses.Other content managers and HCC’s e-communications managercan provide support and feedback if you are strugglingwith negative comments.Social media: questions and reporting problemsFacebook accepts complaints regarding abuse and otherissues, for example harassing messages. This can be donevia “Report” links below a piece of content, or located viaFacebook’s “help” page. Twitter users should report abuse ofTwitter Rules and/or Terms of Service to terms@twitter.com.Problems or concerns regarding the use of a college Facebookpage, Twitter account, or blog should be reported immediatelyto the HCC e-communications manager.Creating and Managing a Facebook PageFirst stepIf you wish to launch a Facebook page, first meet withJoAnne Rome, e-communications manager, for guidanceabout requirements outlined in this document and practicaltips to help you understand your relationship and responsibilityfor pages you create, and help you optimize your Facebookpresence (413) 552-2183; jrome@hcc.edu.Facebook page registrationPages created by a department on behalf of the college mustbe created as “Facebook pages” rather than groups or personalprofiles. A Facebook page is a profile used by an entity(i.e. a non-individual) for business purposes. Such pages mayonly be created by authorized representatives of the college.Facebook page creators and administrator(s)At present, Facebook page creators have permanent, nonrevocable,non-transferable, super-administrator rights overthe pages they create. Should they leave HCC, they retainthe right to remove any and all other administrators, editcontent, even delete the page. To reduce the number ofpotential problems down the road, it is recommended thata permanent, long-term employee create the page. You mayalso ask the college e-communications manager to createthe page. This is solely for the purpose of maintaining HCCownership of the page. The administrators designated by thedepartment or program will control content and maintainthe page as described in this document.To comply with Facebook terms of service and enable thecollege to track authorized college pages, any group ordepartment wishing to create such a page must provide thee-communications manager with the name and contactinformation for the individual(s) who will be authorized bythe department to administer the page on an ongoing basis.Students may not be named as page administrators.In addition, the department’s initial page creator mustinclude HCC’s e-communications manager as a page administrator.While the e-communications manager does notintend to actively engage in maintaining or monitoringdepartment sites, this designation will enable the marketing& communications department to properly track college45

Facebook pages and respond quickly in the event of a problem,such as the unavailability or departure of the staff memberwho has administrative control of the page.Account securityThe department’s authorized page administrator(s) mustmaintain the security of his or her Facebook password andis fully responsible for all use of and any actions that takeplace using his or her account, including those that resultfrom the negligent failure to protect his/her user ID againstunauthorized use. Any changes in the designated pageadministrator(s) must be promptly communicated to thee-communications manager. Departments may not registerfor more than one User account, or register for a Useraccount on behalf of another individual, group, or entity.GraphicsFacebook pages should feature the department or program'sofficial image or identifying mark if one exists. If one doesnot, contact the e-communications manager to discuss creationof an appropriate mark. Departments and programs alsoare encouraged to use photographs to display campus beauty.Photos suitable for web posting are available through thee-communications manager.Collecting user informationFacebook may not be used to collect personal informationof users. Facebook terms and conditions, as well as state andfederal law, impose significant requirements and restrictionson the collection of personal information of users. In thecase of minors, significant additional penalties can apply toviolations.Facebook page monitoringFacebook pages must be monitored and updated on an ongoingbasis by the departments or units that create them toenable rapid response to any problems that may arise andto ensure an engaging, interesting environment for visitors.Minimally, pages should be reviewed on a daily basis, andideally they should be checked morning and afternoon. Tobe effective, pages must be dynamic and updated more frequentlythan a website. A stale page can cause more damageto the image of an entity than having no page at all.Social media: personal/unofficial blogs & postsIf an HCC employee writes anything related to the businessof HCC on personal pages, posts, or comments, they mustclearly identify their official title and affiliation with thecollege. The manner of disclosure shall make it clear to theaverage reader that the employee is stating an official positionof the college.Employees will specifically clarify which posts/comments aretheir own opinions vs. official HCC statements.Writing that does not mention HCC-related topics does notneed to mention the employment relationship.If employees blog anonymously, they should not discuss mattersrelated to the business of HCC. If HCC-related topicsare mentioned, they should disclose their affiliation to thecollege.Tips for Successful Social Media InteractionsBe responsiveSocial media demands a degree of responsiveness that manyare unaccustomed to providing. While you aren’t required tobe available 24/7, you are expected to check in and respondas necessary on a daily basis, Monday-Friday.Be transparent relationship with HCC, and any other relevantaffiliations from the very first encounter. etc). onym.Be honest to respond to your own mistakes. If you make anerror, acknowledge and correct it quickly. In a blog,if you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clearthat you have done so. their relationship with you and/or HCC. write anything they do not believe.Respect others and/or intonation makes it difficult to interpretmeaning. If emotion is included in a post, clearlylabel it. Separate opinion from non-opinion andclearly label it. Always clarify.Respect the work of others supplied by others. supplied by others.Gender Identity/Expression Policy:Every student and employee of the college shall be responsibleindividually and collectively for promoting and maintaininga safe environment which is conducive to learningand which embraces the accords of civility and of humandignity. The college regards discrimination on the basis ofgender identity/expression to be inconsistent with the establishmentof an atmosphere that supports the full engagementof HCC students, faculty, and staff. Gender identity46

is an individual’s personal sense of being male, female, orelsewhere on the spectrum of gender (including those whoidentify as transgender, or are non-traditional in their genderidentity). Gender expression includes external characteristicsand behaviors of gender identity such as dress, mannerisms,speech patterns, and social interactions. HCC willtake reasonable measures to prevent and discourage all actsof intolerance and harassment on the basis of gender identity/expressionand will act positively to investigate allegedharassment or discrimination and to affect a remedy or resolutionwhen an allegation is determined to be valid.Grievance Procedure for StudentsPolicy Goal: Conflict ResolutionBefore invoking the student grievance procedure, a reasonableeffort shall be made by those involved in a dispute toresolve it amicably. A dispute is most effectively handledand resolved by those closest to the problem, having thebest understanding of the issues, and having the ability toformulate a mutually acceptable resolution. Therefore, it isin the best interest of the student, the potential subject of agrievance, and the college to resolve disputes through openand cooperative dialogue. Only when such efforts are unsuccessfulshould the student grievance procedure be invoked.Throughout all phases of the student grievance procedure, allreasonable efforts shall be made to maintain confidentialityin accordance with applicable law.Definitions:1. Complaint: the informal, unwritten stage of an allegationof mistreatment.2. Grievance: a written complaint filed by a studentwith the person designated by the president as thestudent grievance officer specifically alleging anabridgment of his or her rights as a student.3. Grievant: the student or students filing the complaintor grievance. The grievant must have been a registeredstudent of the college at the time of the alleged mistreatment.4. Responding party: the person against whom a complaintor grievance is directed.5. Student Grievance Officer: a college employeeassigned responsibility for administering the studentgrievance procedure, including the maintenanceof specified records. The student grievance officeris the dean of student services. If this individual isthe person against whom the grievance is filed, thepresident shall designate another college official toact as the student grievance officer.6. Time: the number of days indicated at each levelshall be considered as a maximum. All reasonableefforts shall be made to expedite the process, but thepresident or his/her designee may extend the timelimits in extenuating circumstances with notice toboth parties in writing, or by mutual written agreementbetween the grievant and the respondingparty.7. Day: as used in this policy, shall mean a calendarday.8. Senior Officer: senior level employee who reports tothe president for the responding party’s work area.9. Instructional Period: the academic semester, summersession, or intersession when a grievant knowsor should have known of a grievable act or inaction.The Instructional Period shall end on the last day offinal exams.Utilizing the Student Grievance ProcedureThe student grievance procedure may be used by a student toaddress complaints concerning the alleged abridgment of thestudent’s rights, student grievant or the responding party mayconsult with the student grievance officer or his/her designeeat any time. The college’s student grievance officer is IsabelHuskey, dean of Student Services (FR 224), (413) 552-2390.Discrimination ComplaintsThe student grievance procedure may not be used for complaintsalleging sexual harassment or discrimination. Whena student believes that he/she has been discriminated againstdue to his/her race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation,age, disability, veteran status, genetic informationor national origin, the college’s Affirmative Action grievanceprocedure is a mechanism for resolution. The college’sAffirmative Action grievance procedure is contained in thecollege’s Affirmative Action plan. The college’s AffirmativeAction officer is Idelia Smith (FR 317), (413) 522-2228.Grade DisputesIf a complaint involves a grade dispute, a student shallprocess the complaint in accordance with the student grievanceprocedure, even if the student alleges that a grade wasimproper because of discrimination.MediationAt any level of the student grievance procedure, either partymay request mediation by contacting the student grievanceofficer or his/her designee. Mediation shall be mutually agreedupon, and not unreasonably refused by either party. The studentgrievance officer or his/her designee shall select an impartialmediator who shall be mutually agreed upon and not unreasonablyrefused by either party, make the arrangements, determinethe timetable for the mediation process, and inform the partiesof the timetable in writing. Where practicable, a mediationsession shall be conducted no later than thirty (30) days afterrequested and agreed to by the parties. The purpose of mediationis to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. Ifa resolution cannot be achieved, the grievant may proceed withthe grievance process.A claim of physical or sexual assault shall not proceed underthe student grievance procedure. A student claiming physicalor sexual assault by an employee of the college shall report47

the incident to the college’s security department and/or thedirector of human resources. A student claiming physicalor sexual assault by another student or an employee claimingphysical or sexual assault by a student shall report theincident to the college’s police department and/or the deanof Student Services. Further, in matters involving physicalassault, students and employees are strongly encouraged toreport the incident to the local authorities.Except for under extenuating circumstances, as determinedby the president or his/her designee, failure by either partyto comply with the student grievance procedure during thecourse of a grievance shall result in the waiving of the noncompliantparty’s rights under the procedure.Level I: Informal ProcedureThis is the informal stage where most complaints areresolved. The grievant and the responding party should consultwith the student grievance officer or his/her designee atthis time.A student grievant initiates the informal phase of the grievanceprocess. The grievant shall first present his/her complaintorally and informally to the responding party. Thisshall be done in a reasonable period of time, not exceedingthirty (30) calendar days following the instructional periodwhen the grievant knew or should have known of the grievableact or inaction.The responding party must respond to the grievant’s complaintwithin ten (10) days. Though this phase of the processis informal, the parties may present their positions in writing.If the matter is not resolved informally within ten (10)calendar days from the date a response to the complaint wasdue, the grievant may proceed to level two.Level II: Formal ProcedurePrior to filing a written grievance at level two, a grievantmust consult with the student grievance officer or his/herdesignee. The responding party should also consult with thestudent grievance officer or his/her designee at this phase ofthe process.Level II: Step OneThe student grievance officer or his/her designee shallnotify the parties in writing when a complaint is notresolved informally at level one.The grievant may, within ten (10) calendar days afterreceipt of the student grievance officer’s or his/her designee’swritten notice, file with the student grievanceofficer or his/her designee a formal written grievance.The grievance shall contain the following information:the name and title of the person(s) against whom thegrievance is directed, a statement of all known facts,documents and materials supporting the grievance, a listof individuals who have information pertinent to thegrievance, and the relief sought by the grievant. All supportingdocuments, if any, shall be attached to the grievanceas part of the grievance. The grievance shall alsostate the date it is filed and that it is being filed at “leveltwo, step one.”The grievance may be filed with the student grievanceofficer or his/her designee by regular mail, certified mail,or in hand. Thereafter, the student grievance officeror his/her designee shall deliver the grievance, and allsupporting documents, if any, to the responding partywithin five (5) calendar days. If the responding partyis unavailable at the time the grievance is filed, thestudent grievance officer or his/her designee shall usereasonable means to deliver the grievance within a reasonableperiod of time.The responding party shall forward a written level two- step one response to the student grievance officer orhis/her designee within ten (10) calendar days of his/herreceipt of the grievance. The student grievance officer orhis/her designee shall deliver the written response to thegrievant within five (5) calendar days of receipt.Level II: Step Two (Supervisor)If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction ofthe grievant within ten (10) calendar days after his/her receipt of the step one response, or if no writtenresponse is submitted, the grievant may, within ten (10)calendar days after the written response was receivedor due, request the student grievance officer or his/herdesignee to forward the written grievance and response,if any, to the supervisor of the responding party, witha copy to the senior officer of the work area of theresponding party.The supervisor shall investigate the grievance and conferwith the senior officer. The supervisor shall forwardhis/her written decision to the student grievance officeror his/her designee, within ten (10) calendar days afterreceipt of the step two grievance. Thereafter, the studentgrievance officer or his/her designee shall deliver thedecision to the grievant and the responding party withinfive (5) calendar days.At any time before the issuance of the supervisor’s steptwo decision, the senior officer may request that the partiesmeet to discuss the issue and attempt to resolve it.Grade appeals do not go beyond this step (level two -step two) per the section on grade sppeals. Neither partyto a grievance may raise new issues or allegations afterstep two.Level II: Step Three (Student Grievance Committee)If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of thegrievant within the period allowed at level two - steptwo, the grievant may request a hearing before a studentgrievance committee. Such a request must be in writing48

and presented to the student grievance officer or his/herdesignee within ten (10) calendar days from the issuanceof the supervisor’s level two - step two decision.Within ten (10) calendar days of the student grievanceofficer’s or his/her designee’s receipt of the grievant’srequest for a hearing, the student grievance officer orhis/her designee shall arrange a hearing before a StudentGrievance Committee. The student grievance officer orhis/her designee shall use reasonable efforts to schedulethe hearing at a time mutually convenient to the parties.At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing,the student grievance officer or his/her designee shallprovide each member of the committee and all partiesto the grievance with copies of the grievance, responsesto the grievance, decisions issued, and all relevant supportingdocumentation and materials. The committee’smake-up and hearing rules are discussed later in thispolicy.The committee shall deliver its findings and recommendationsto the student grievance officer or his/her designeewithin ten (10) calendar days following the hearing.A copy of the committee’s findings and recommendationsshall be delivered to the grievant, the respondingparty, and the president or his/her designee, within five(5) calendar days of receipt.Within ten (10) calendar days of the president’s receiptof the committee’s findings and recommendations, thepresident or his/her designee, shall issue a written statementaccepting, modifying, or rejecting the committee’srecommendations.The decision of the president, or his/her designee, shallbe final and binding on all parties.Grade AppealsComplaints or grievances filed in connection with assignedgrades represent a special case within the grievance procedure.Grading reflects careful and deliberate assessment of astudent’s performance by the instructing professional(s). Assuch decisions are necessarily judgmental, the substance ofthose decisions may not be delegated to the grievance process.Nevertheless, the college recognizes that in rare casesthe process of grading may be subject to error or injustice.Except as otherwise provided by separate appeals proceduresfor clinical programs as approved by the president of the college,a student who alleges an error or injustice in the gradingprocess may file a grievance under the student grievanceprocedure. A grade appeal grievance shall proceed no furtherthan level two, step two. For purposes of a grade appeal, thesenior academic officer of the college, or his/her designee,shall serve as the student grievance officer or his/her designeethroughout the grade appeal process.If the faculty member who assigned the challenged grade isno longer employed by the college or is not available withinthe timelines specified (see “Time” definition), the studentmay initiate his/her level one complaint with the chiefadministrator of the appropriate instructional division (whoshall be identified by the senior academic officer).If at any level substantial evidence of error is produced, thegrading process may be remanded to the instructor of recordfor reassessment. If the instructor of record is no longer available,the chief administrator of the appropriate instructionaldivision or his/her designee shall instead reassess the gradingprocess.Membership of the Student Grievance CommitteeThe composition of the college’s Student GrievanceCommittee shall consist of five members: one student, oneunit professional, one faculty member, one non-unit professional,and one unit classified employee. The president orhis/her designee shall appoint each member from among therecommendations submitted by the student grievance officeror his/her designee.Service on a committee shall be voluntary, provided that amember who has a personal interest in the particular grievanceshall be ineligible to serve on a grievance committee.All college employees serving on a student grievance committee,and acting within the scope of their official duties onthe committee, shall be covered to the full extent providedunder Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 258, including,the indemnification provision contained in M.G.L., Chapter258, Section 9. All Student Grievance Committee members,as well as all others in attendance at a student grievance proceeding,shall maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings.The student grievance officer or his/her designee shallattend all committee hearings but shall not vote.Guidelines for Committee HearingsThe following guidelines provide the framework for conductinga Student Grievance Committee hearing:1. Prior to the hearing, the newly impaneled committeeshall meet to elect a committee chair. The chairpersonshall be selected by a simple majority vote2. The chair of the committee shall be responsible forconducting the hearing and drafting the decision ofthe committee, but shall vote only in the event ofa tie.3. All hearings shall be closed and deliberations of thecommittee shall be confidential and conducted inprivate.4. The grievant and the responding party shall bein attendance at the hearing. Each party may beaccompanied by an advisor at the hearing. Theadvisor, however, may not participate in the hearingor question witnesses. Either party may at anytimeduring a hearing consult in private with his/heradvisor.49

5. Witnesses may be asked by the committee to remainoutside of the hearing room until they are called totestify.6. The grievant will address the committee first. Thegrievant will state the nature of his/her grievanceand may present relevant evidence and/or witnessesin support of the grievance.7. The responding party may respond to the grievant’scomplaint and present relevant evidence and/orwitnesses in opposition to the grievance.8. Once the parties have presented their respectivepositions, the committee may question the partiesand/or witnesses.9. After the committee has questioned the parties, eachparty will be given the opportunity to question theother party and their respective witnesses. All questionsmust be directed through the committee. Ifthe committee determines that a question is relevantto the grievance, the party or witness to whomit is addressed will be asked to respond.10. Following the parties’ questioning of each other, thecommittee will have another opportunity to questionthe parties and witnesses.11. Hearings before the committee shall not be subjectto the formal rules of evidence. In all cases, thehearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartialmanner.12. If a party to a grievance fails to appear for a scheduledhearing, the committee has the discretion toproceed with the hearing and issue its findings andrecommendations in the party’s absence.13. The decision of the committee shall be based onthe relevant evidence presented at the hearing. Thedecision shall be in writing and include: a list of alldocumentary evidence and witnesses presented; asummary of the testimony offered by both partiesand their respective witnesses; the findings of thecommittee and its recommendations. Copies ofthe decision and recommendations of the StudentGrievance Committee shall be forwarded by thestudent grievance officer or his/her designee, to thegrievant, the responding party, and the president orhis/her designee.14. When deciding upon a grievance, the committeeshall consider whether a finding against theresponding party is fundamentally fair and reasonableunder the circumstances and in accordancewith applicable college rules and procedures.WithdrawalA student may withdraw his/her complaint or grievance atany time. Withdrawal must be accomplished in writing or byoral agreement confirmed in writing.ReprisalsNo member of the college community shall retaliate orthreaten to retaliate against, interfere with, restrain, orcoerce any student in the exercise of his/her rights under thestudent grievance procedure or his/her participation in anygrievance proceedings.Collateral Rights of Person Grieved by StudentIf the recommendations made at any level of the grievanceprocedure result in sanctions against a college employee, thesanctions shall be regarded as administrative actions subject toall conditions of applicable collective bargaining agreementsand college or Board of Higher Education personnel policies.Alternative ForumsFiling a grievance in accordance with the student grievanceprocedure in no way abrogates a student’s right to file acomplaint with an appropriate state or federal agency or inanother forum.April 2001. Additional Revision to Informal Procedure:November 2001.HarassmentRefer to the list of protected groups in either the SexualHarassment Policy or the Affirmative Action Policy.Individuals should contact the director of AffirmativeAction at (413) 552 -2228, in FR 317.Hazing LawSections 17, 18, and 19, Chapter 269 of the MassachusettsGeneral Laws on hazing and the penalties for perpetrators,organizers and persons who have knowledge of such events,must be provided to students in their entirety as statedbelow:Chapter 269:17 Hazing Prohibited; Definition;PenaltiesSection 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participantin the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punishedby a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or byimprisonment in a house of correction for not more than oneyear, or both, such fine, and imprisonment.The term “hazing” as used in this section and in Sections18 and 19, shall mean “any conduct or method of initiationinto any student organization, whether on public or privateproperty, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physicalor mental health of any student or other person.” Suchconduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forcedcalisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumptionof any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or anyother brutal treatment or forced physical activity which islikely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of anysuch student or other person, or which subjects such studentor other person to extreme mental stress, including extendeddeprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.50

Notwithstanding, any other provisions of this section to thecontrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to anyprosecution under this action.Chapter 269:18 Failure to Report Hazing; PenaltySection 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victimof hazing as defined in Section 17 and is at the sceneof such crime shall, to the extent that such person can dowithout danger or peril to himself or others, report the crimeto an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonablypracticable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall bepenalized by a fine of not more than three thousand dollarsor imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.Chapter 269:19 Notification by Schools of HazingLaw; Report by Schools; Disciplinary PolicySection 19. Each institution of secondary education and eachpublic and private institution of post-secondary educationshall issue to every student group, student team, or studentorganization which is part of such institution or is recognizedby the institution or permitted by the institution to use itsname or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as anunaffiliated student group, student team or student organization,a copy of this section and Sections 17 and 18; provided,however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’srequirements that an institution issue copies of this sectionand Sections 17 and 18 to unaffiliated student groups, teamsor organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’srecognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated studentgroups, teams or organizations. Each such group, team, ororganization shall distribute a copy of Sections 17 and 18to each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants formembership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team ororganization, acting through its designated officer, to deliverannually to the institution an attested acknowledgment statingthat such group, team or organization has received a copyof this section and said Sections 17 and 18, that each of itsmembers, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copyof 17 and 18, and that such group, team, or organizationunderstand and agrees to comply with the provision of thissection and Sections 17 and 18. Each institution of secondaryeducation and each public or private institution of postor secondary education shall, at least annually, before or atthe start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls asa full-time student in such institution a copy of this sectionand Sections 17 and 18. Each institution of secondary educationand each public or private institution of post-secondaryeducation shall file, at least annually, a report with the Boardof Higher Education, and, in the case of secondary institution,the Board of Education, certifying that such institutionhas compiled with its responsibility to inform student groups,teams, or organizations and to notify each full-time studentenrolled by it of the provision of this section and Sections 17and 18, and also, certifying that said institution has adopteda disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participantsof hazing, and that such policy has been set forthwith appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similarmeans of communicating the institution’s policies to itsstudents. The Board of Higher Education, and, in the case ofsecondary institutions, the Board of Education, shall promulgateregulations governing the content and frequency of suchreports, and shall, forthwith, report to the attorney generaland any institution which fails to make such report.Life and Health Threatening BehaviorHolyoke Community College is committed to providing asafe and healthful environment to support the success ofstudents. It recognizes that certain life threatening behaviorsthat include but are not limited to suicide threats orattempts, eating disorders, or self-mutilation are signs ofpersonal distress. The college will help students by providingsupport or appropriate medical and mental health referrals,but also recognizes that the college must take action whenany student demonstrates life threatening or self-destructivebehavior while on the campus.Any student who demonstrates such behavior will berequired to meet with the dean of Student Services priorto returning to his or her studies at Holyoke CommunityCollege. The dean of Student Services may establish certainconditions for the student being allowed to return to the college.Such conditions may include but are not limited to: sionalcommunity mental health or medical personnel. or medical personnel establishing that the studentis in treatment and does not pose a threat to himor herself and can function in the college environment. lishmentof regular counseling services for a specifiedperiod of time. Office.A decision to allow a student to return to his or her studiesat Holyoke Community College will be based on concern forthe safety and welfare of the student and members of the collegecommunity. If it is determined that the student poses athreat to him or herself or the college community, he or shemay be suspended from the college until such time as he orshe is no longer a threat.In instances where a group or groups of students on thecampus or within classes were disturbed or upset by the lifethreatening or disruptive behavior of an individual student,counseling services and other appropriate resources will beoffered to the affected students individually or in groups.Pluralism PolicyThe community colleges have historically been a majorcontributing element to the emergence of our nation as oneof the most technologically and economically advanced soci-51

eties of the world. The important role that the communitycolleges can play is profoundly dependent upon the extentto which they may draw from the full collective of intellectualresources within each college’s community of scholars,students, and administrators. Any condition or force thatimpedes the fullest utilization of the human and intellectualresources available represents a force of destructive consequencefor the development of our Commonwealth and,ultimately, our nation.Community college students, faculty, staff and visitors mustbe free from conduct that has the purpose or effect of interferingwith an individual’s academic or professional performanceand creating an intimidating, hostile or demeaningeducational or employment environment. Therefore, thecommunity colleges establish a policy of unequivocal condemnationof all forms of ethnic, religious, cultural, or racialintolerance within the 15 college communities.This policy condemns all conditions and all actions or commissions,including all acts of verbal harassment or abuse,which deny or have the effect of denying to an individualhis/her rights to equality, dignity and security in violation ofhis/her rights guaranteed under the law. The policy reaffirmsthe doctrine of civility, appreciation for pluralism and thepre-eminence of individual human dignity as preconditionsto the achievement of an academic community that recognizesand utilizes the resources of all persons, while recognizingand reaffirming the tenets of academic freedom. Thecommunity colleges recognize their obligation to protect therights of free inquiry and expression, and nothing, herein,shall be construed or applied so as to abridge the exercise ofrights under the Constitution of the United States and otherfederal and state laws.The community colleges will vigorously strive to achievediversity that is sufficiently reflective of our society.However, diversity alone will not suffice. There must bea unity and cohesion in the diversity which we seek toachieve, thereby creating an environment of pluralism.The community colleges bear a responsibility, by edict, andan obligation, by social morality, to promote understandingand acceptance of ethnic, cultural, religious and racialdiversity as we strive to create an atmosphere of dignity forall individuals and groups within our system of public highereducation. The president will take reasonable measures toprevent and discourage harassment and will act positively toinvestigate alleged harassment and to effect a remedy or resolutionwhen an allegation is determined to be valid.Sexual Assault Policy and ProceduresHolyoke Community College is committed to providingan atmosphere for learning that is free of any conduct thatcould be considered harassing, abusive or disorderly. In orderto assure that the college meets its obligations to all membersof the community, the procedures and programs have beenestablished and are available in the offices of: the director offacilities, vice president for Student Affairs, dean of StudentServices, Affirmative Action officer, and dean of humanresources.Sexual assault is a criminal offense. Sexual assault in anyform, including acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated.Sexual assault, as defined in the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation Uniform Crime Reporting System, includesforcible and nonforcible offenses.The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990Section 485 (f) (1) (F) of 20 U.S.C. 1092 (a) (1) (PublicLaw 101 -542) requires that the college collect informationwith respect to sexual assault on campus and, beginning inSeptember 1993, to include such information in an annualsecurity report. The Higher Education Amendments of 1992(Public Law 102-325) provide further that as part of theannual security report the college shall include, develop, anddistribute a statement of policy regarding the college’s sexualassault programs and the procedures to be followed once asex offense has occurred.When an allegation of sexual assault is made, the collegewill encourage the alleged victim to pursue criminal prosecutionunder the Massachusetts criminal statutes. In addition,appropriate campus disciplinary action may be pursued.Sanctions for sexual assault violations may include, in additionto criminal charges, suspension, dismissal or expulsionfrom the college.All allegations of sexual assault will be handled confidentiallyand will be investigated. Both the accuser and the accusedwill have equal opportunity for hearing.Whom to ContactIn the event that you are the victim of sexual assault on thecampus, first and most importantly get yourself into a placeof safety if at all possible where you are able to call one ormore of the following:1. The Campus Police at (413) 552-2211(ext. 2211 oncampus phones) to report the incident and receiveprompt assistance.2. The local police at (413) 536-0111.3. A friend or family member.4. Abuse and Rape Crisis Hotline (Western Mass.)(413) 733-7100 or (800) 796-8711Student Rights and Responsibilities1. If a student receives a report of or discovers a possiblesexual assault on campus, he/she must immediatelynotify the campus police or the dean of StudentServices. It is extremely important that these proceduresare followed to ensure that appropriate medicaland administrative services are provided. Thecampus police or dean of Student Services will beresponsible for implementing the procedures.52

2. The college and/or the alleged victim may initiatecollege disciplinary action against the personaccused of rape, acquaintance rape, or other sexoffenses, forcible or nonforcible. Possible sanctionsto be imposed following the final determination ofan on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding rape,acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses, forcible ornonforcible, may include the following: restitution,disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal for anindefinite period, or expulsion.3. If on-campus disciplinary action is instituted, thecollege shall follow its disciplinary procedures. Thestudent code of conduct and student disciplinarysanctions are stated in this handbook.Sexual Harassment PolicySexual harassment is a form of illegal discrimination whichis defined as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexualfavors and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexualnature which has the effect of denying equal educational oremployment opportunities.” There are two types of sexualharassment:1. Quid pro quo, in which educational or employmentbenefits are conditioned on the granting ofsexual favors. An example would be a request by aninstructor for sexual favors in return for a passinggrade; and,2. Hostile Environment claims abusive, intimidating orharassing verbal or expressive behavior which isdirected toward an individual based on a protectedcharacteristic, such as sex.Federal and state standards for determining whether a sexualharassment claim is actionable vary. There are five fundamentalguidelines:1. The individual belongs to a protected category (sex).2. The individual was subjected to unwelcome sexualharassment.3. The harassment complained of was based upon sex.4. The harassment complained of affected a term, acondition or a privilege of education or employment.5. The institution or its representatives knew, or shouldhave known, of the harassment and failed to takeprompt, effective, remedial action.Students’ rights are protected under Title IX. It states “noperson in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, beexcluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, orbe subjected to discrimination under any educational programor activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” [20U.S.C. 1681 (1982)]Students who feel they have been subjected to sexual harassment,either quid pro quo or a hostile environment, shouldreport this to the Affirmative Action officer (FR 317), (413)552-2228. As an agent of the institution, the student grievanceofficer is required by law to investigate and meet withthe accused to obtain his or her version of the events. Theindividual making this claim is given the option of meetingthe accused; however, he or she is not required to do so. Theinstitution will conduct an investigation, a written warningor other appropriate disciplinary action against the accused(provided that sufficient evidence supporting the alleged victim’sallegations is uncovered) will be taken.Smoking PolicySmoking is prohibited in all Holyoke Community Collegebuildings and currently is prohibited within 20 feet of allentryway doors. Note: this policy is subject to change in theevent that HCC becomes a smoke-free campus.Student Code of ConductIntroductionHolyoke Community College is committed to providing acollegiate atmosphere that is free of any conduct that couldbe considered harassing, abusive, disorderly, or disruptive.The college recognizes and will endeavor to protect therights of all students, faculty and staff members to be treatedwith respect and courtesy. Any behavior which may havebeen influenced by a student’s mental state (irrespective ofthe ultimate evaluation), or use of drugs or alcoholic beverages,shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the studentfor the consequences of his or her actions.All students are expected to abide by the rules and regulationsof the college and local, state and federal laws. Forcases where violations occur, policies and procedures havebeen developed to protect the rights of all members of thecollege community, individually and collectively. The proceduresdescribed below are not intended to prohibit theinvolvement of civil authorities in cases related to violationof laws.DefinitionsAccused Student: The student who is alleged to haveviolated the college’s Student Code of Conduct.Administrative Disposition: A resolution of a complaint,which is mutually agreed upon by the CCO andthe accused student. An administrative disposition shallresult in an accused student waiving his/her right to ajudicial board hearing or appeal.Appeals Officer: The person designated by the college’sPresident to hear student appeals of a judicial boardfinding. The appeals officer is the Vice President forStudent Affairs.53

54Code of Conduct Officer (CCO): The college officialcharged with the responsibility of the college’s StudentCode of Conduct. The CCO is the Dean of StudentServices. A member of the MCCC shall not be selectedto serve as the CO.College Property: Includes all land, buildings, facilities,and other property in the possession of or owned, usedor controlled by the college including adjacent streetsand sidewalks.Complaint: An allegation of a violation of the StudentCode of conduct, which is filed with or by the CCO.Day: As used in this policy shall mean a calendar day.The number of days indicated at each level shall beconsidered as a maximum. Reasonable efforts shall bemade to expedite the process, but the CCO may extendthe time limits at his/her discretion with notice to bothparties in writing.Judicial Board: A panel of members of the college communitydesignated by the Dean of Student Services ordesignee to conduct a hearing after the Dean has determinedthat a violation of the Student Code of Conducthas occurred. Members of the Judicial Board shall act ina fair and impartial manner.Student: Includes all persons taking courses at the college,both full-time and part-time, credit and non-credit.Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particularterm but who have a continuing relationship with thecollege are considered “students.”Disciplinary OffensesThe college’s jurisdiction under this policy shall extend tostudent conduct occurring on college property, propertyunder the management and/or control of the college, and/oroff-college property when such conduct adversely affects thecollege community, poses a risk of harm or the threat of harmto the college community and/or interferes with the college’spursuit of its objectives and mission.A student shall be subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlinedin this policy for acts including, but not limited to:1. Physical violence or the threat thereof and/or anyconduct that threatens or endangers the health orsafety of any person.2. Creating or false reporting of bombs.3. Extortion - the use, or the express or implicit threatof the use, of violence or other criminal means tocause harm to person, reputation, or property as ameans to obtain property from someone else withouthis/her consent.4. Unauthorized use of fire alarm or fire equipment.5. Unauthorized or illegal gambling.6. Hate crimes as defined under state or federal law.7. Hazing as defined under state or federal law.8. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives,other weapons, or dangerous chemicals oncollege premises.9. Conduct resulting in a violation of the college’sComputer/Technology Acceptable Use, SocialNetworking and/or Email policies.10. Failure to comply with directions of college officialsor law enforcement officers acting in performanceof their duties and/or failure to identify oneself tothese persons when requested to do so.11.Violation of the college’s drug and/or alcohol policies.12. Breach of peace; including disorderly, lewd, orindecent conduct, or aiding, abetting or procuringanother person to breach the peace on collegepremises or at functions sponsored by, or participatedin, by the college13. Defacement or destruction of college property.14. Attempted or actual theft, or unauthorized use ofand/or damage to property of the college or propertyof a member of the college community or other personalor public property.15. Acting in a manner or participating in an eventwhich disrupts the normal operations of the college,including but not limited to disruption or interferingin the educational process.16. Harassment, bullying (verbal or physical) and orintimidation of a member of the college community.17. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to thefollowing:a. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any collegedocument, record, or instrument of identification;b. Furnishing false information to any college official,faculty member or office;c. Disrupting or tampering with the election ofany college recognized student organization; or18. Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limitedto the following:a. Use of any unauthorized assistance in takingquizzes, tests, or examinations;b. Dependence upon the aid of sources beyondthose authorized by the instructor in writingpapers, preparing reports, solving problems, orcarrying out other assignments; orc. The acquisition, without permission, of tests orother academic material belonging to a memberof the college faculty or staff.d. Plagiarism, which is defined as the use, byparaphrase or direct quotation, of the publishedor unpublished work of another person with-

out full and clear acknowledgement. It alsoincludes the unacknowledged use of materialsprepared by another person or agency engagedin the selling of term papers or other academicmaterials. Taking credit for work doneby another person or doing work for whichanother person will receive credit. Copying orpurchasing other’s work or arranging for othersto do work under a false name.19. Abuse of the isciplinary process, including but notlimited to:a. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation ofinformation before a judicial board.b. Disruption or interference with the orderlyconduct of a judicial proceeding.c. Attempting to discourage an individual's properparticipation in, or use of, the judicial system.d. Attempting to influence the impartiality of amember of a judicial board prior to, and/or duringthe course of, the judicial proceeding.e. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidationof a member of a judicial board prior to,during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.f. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposedunder the Student Code of Conduct.g. Influencing or attempting to influence anotherperson to commit an abuse of the judicial system.20. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keysto any college premises or unauthorized entry to oruse of college premises.21. Unauthorized solicitation, including but not limitedto sale of goods and services for personal profit.22. Unauthorized activity that constitutes forgery.23. Violation of state or federal laws not otherwise enumeratedherein.24. Violation of published college policies, rules, orregulations not otherwise enumerated herein.Discipline in the Classroom or on College PropertyStudents are expected to follow all college rules and regulationswhile in the classroom. Disrupting or interfering in theeducational process is prohibited under this policy. If a studentengages in disruptive conduct in the classroom or anywhereon campus, a faculty member or other college employeemay address and informally resolve the matter without filinga complaint under the Code. A faculty member or othercollege employee may exercise his/her right to immediatelyremove a disruptive student from a class meeting or othercollege area. a classroom or other college college employee is strongencouraged to notify the . In all subsequent cases ofremoving a student from a classroom or other college area,the faculty member or other college employee shall notifythe Dean of Student Services. A faculty member or othercollege employee may seek the assistance of college securityif necessary to remove the student from the class meetingor other college area. If the removal of a student from theclassroom is intended to be permanent, a complaintunder this policy shall be filed with the Dean of StudentServices by the faculty member. The Dean can exercise his/her discretion to allow the accused student to attend classduring the disciplinary process upon consultation with thefaculty member and the Chief Academic Officer or his/herdesignee.Interim SuspensionThe college reserves the right to issue an interim suspensionwhen it reasonably concludes that a student poses a threatto: (a) him/herself or others; (b) college property or equipment;or (c) disrupts or interferes with the normal operationsof the college. During an interim suspension, a student isprohibited from entering upon college’s property or participatingin any college activities.Complaints Alleging Sexual Harassment orDiscriminationClaims of discrimination or sexual harassment shall bepursued under the college’s Affirmative Action Plan. Formore information, please contact Idelia Smith, the college’sAffirmative Action Officer, in Fr 317, 413-552-2228.Off-Campus BehaviorThe college reserves the right to take disciplinary actionagainst a student for off-campus conduct when such conductadversely affects the college community, poses a threat ofharm to the college community; interferes with the college’spursuit of its objectives and mission, and/or if a student ischarged with a violation of state or federal law. Proceedingsunder this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneouslywith, or following civil or criminal proceedingsoff-campus.Code of Conduct Disciplinary ProcessThe Disciplinary Process is initiated once a complaint is filedagainst a student by a member of the college community orby the Dean of Student Services. This policy is not intendedto prevent members of the college community from attemptingto resolve matters informally. Failure to cooperate withthe College’s investigation of an alleged Code of Conductviolation will result in the student forfeiting his/her rights toa hearing or appeal and/or may result in disciplinary action.1. Disciplinary Processa. All complaints under the Code of Conductshall be filed with or by the Dean of StudentServices or esignee.55

. When the Dean of Student Services files orreceives a complaint alleging that a student hasacted in a manner which may be in violationof the Code, the initiates the disciplinaryprocess by meeting with the ccused tudent,putting him/her on notice of the alleged violationand providing him/her an opportunity torespond to the allegations. The may conducta further investigation if necessary.c. If the determines that a violation exists,three (3) procedural options are available. (1)Verbal or ritten arnings - For low-leveloffenses, the Dean may issue a verbal or writtenwarning to the accused student. Warningsshall not be subject to a hearing before audicial oard or an appeal. (2) AdministrativeDisposition - Under an administrative disposition,the accused student and the Dean mutuallyagree upon a disciplinary remedy. By acceptingthe administrative disposition, the accusedstudent waives his/her right to a hearing beforethe judicial board or an appeal. (3) JudicialBoard Hearing-When an administrative dispositioncannot be reached, the Dean shall referthe alleged violation to a judicial board for ahearing.Failure to cooperate with the college’s investigation ofan alleged Code of Conduct violation, which includesappearing before a udicial oard or college official ifsummoned to do so, will result in the student forfeitinghis/her rights to a hearing or appeal and/or may result indisciplinary action.Appointment of a Judicial Board:If the accused student is to appear before a judicialboard, the Dean of Student Services or designee willappoint a judicial board consisting of two (2) membersof the faculty/professional staff (one unit and one nonunit)and one (1) member of the student body with nomember having a vested interest in the matter. Thisboard shall elect its own chairperson. The Dean ordesignee may extend the time frame for each step in thehearing process.2. Judicial Board Hearinga. A hearing with the judicial board shall bescheduled by the not later than thirty(30) days following an accused student’s requestfor a hearing.b. A written statement of charges shall be presentedto the accused student not less than five(5) days prior to the hearing.c. A judicial board hearing is an administrativehearing. The rules of evidence do not apply.d. In a matter involving more that one accusedtudent, the judicial board may permit at itsdiscretion individual hearings for each accusedstudent.e. The accused student has the right to be accompaniedby any advisor of his/her own choosingand at his/her own expense. The advisor maybe an attorney. An advisor’s role is limited toadvising the accused student directly. An advisoris not permitted to participate directly inthe hearing.3. Conduct of Hearinga. A hearing is normally conducted in private.b. There shall be a record created of all hearings.The record shall be the property of the college.c. All procedural questions are subject to the finaldecision of the udicial oard.d. Admission of any person(s) to the hearing shallbe at the discretion of the judicial board.e. A hearing shall proceed as follows:The Dean presents the statement of charges onbehalf of the college. The Dean may presentdocuments, materials and/or witnesses in supportof the statement of charges.The accused student responds to the statementof charges. The student may present documents,materials and/or witnesses in response tothe statement of charges.Following the parties’ presentations, the judicialboard may question each party, their witnessesand/or review all information presented.The judicial board has the discretion to requestadditional documents, materials or informationfrom either party.While direct cross-examination by the partiesis not permitted, each party will be given theopportunity to question the other by presentingquestions through the judicial board. If theboard determines a question is relevant, theother party will be asked to respond.The board shall have a final opportunity toquestion the parties.f. After the hearing, the judicial board shalldetermine by majority vote whether the statementof charges has been proven.g. In reaching its decision, the judicial board shalldetermine whether it is more likely than notthat the accused student violated the StudentCode of Conduct based on the information presented.56

h. Within fifteen (15) days of the conclusion of ahearing, the judicial board shall issue a writtendecision outlining its findings and disciplinaryaction, if any, to the parties.4. Disciplinary SanctionsA student found in violation of the college’sStudent Code of Conduct shall be subject to one ormore of the following sanctions: The intent of the college is to impose sanctions in aprogressive manner, beginning with the least punitivesanction. However, depending on the natureand severity of a student’s violation, the collegereserves the right to impose any of the above referencedsanctions at any time.5. Appeala. Within five (5) days of receiving the udicialoard’s decision, either the or theccused tudent may appeal the udicialoard’s decision to the college’s AppealsOfficer.b. An appeal must be in writing. An ppealis permitted only to consider new evidence,which was not presented at hearing becauseit was not reasonably known to the ccused tudent at that time, and which is sufficientlyrelevant such that it could alter the udicialoard’s decision.c. The Appeals Officer shall issue a written decisionwithin ten (10) days of receiving theappeal. The Appeals Officer may accept, rejector modify the udicial oard’s decision or sanction.d. The Appeals Officer’s decision shall be final.Records and ConfidentialityThe Dean of Student Services or designee shall maintaindisciplinary records and a disciplinary tracking system,which shall include, but not be limited to, the student’sname and related identifying information, parties involved,description of the incident, sanction(s), expiration dates,agreements or restrictions, and any other data deemed relevant.Disciplinary records and related information shall bemade available to disciplinary boards and college personnel.Students may arrange to view their own disciplinary recordsand related information by contacting the Dean of StudentServices. Except as provided in the college’s FERPA policy,the college shall not communicate a student’s disciplinaryrecord and related information to any person or agency withoutthe prior written consent of the student. Disciplinaryproceedings shall be confidential.Student Groups and OrganizationsStudent clubs, organizations and groups are expected toadhere to student conduct standards. Disciplinary offenses asstated in the Student Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinaryaction.Sanctions such as the following may be imposed upon studentgroups or organizations:Warning: A notice in writing to the group/organizationthat the group/organization is violating or hasviolated institutional regulations.Probation: A written reprimand for violation ofspecified regulations. Probation is for a designatedperiod of time and includes the probability of moresevere disciplinary sanctions if the group/organizationis found to be violating any institutionalregulation(s) during the probationary period. Denial of specified privileges fora designated period of time.Fines: Previously established and published finesmay be imposed.Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, orinjury. This may take the form of appropriate serviceand/or monetary or material replacement.Deactivation: Loss of all privileges, including collegerecognition, for a specified period of time.Other Sanctions: Other sanctions may be imposedinstead of, or in addition to, those specified above.Examples include discretionary assignments such ascollege service, mediation, or educational sessions.Student GatheringsHolyoke Community College is committed to creating anenvironment where issues and opposing views are openlyexpressed and discussed. Freedom of expression and freedomof assembly are essential to the pursuit of the college’sacademic mission. The open expression of ideas and diverseperspectives is encouraged. Each member of the college communityis free to express his/her point of view on any issueof public interest individually or as a group. Each member isalso expected to respect the right of others to freely expressthemselves.Freedom of expression and assembly, however, are subjectto reasonable guidelines related to time, place, and mannerso as to promote civil discourse and inquiry, protect theacademic function from disruption, and ensure the safety ofall members of the college community. Rights are properly57

exercised only when due respect for the rights of others isassured. Therefore, at Holyoke Community College, studentsand staff are expected to maintain a free and respectful learningenvironment.Guidelines for Authorized Student GatheringsStudent gatherings are authorized campus events thatinclude, but are not limited to, meetings, public forums, rallies,and demonstrations.SponsorAll student gatherings need a faculty/staff sponsor and aspecifically designated responsible student. If this is a collegeclub(s) or organizational activity, the advisor(s) and aclub officer(s) will serve as the sponsor(s) and responsiblestudent(s). If no faculty or staff sponsor is available, theresponsible student may request that the coordinator of studentactivities or dean of Student Services assist in obtaininga sponsor. The sponsor and responsible student will: Authorization Form. tiesto reserve the event location and equipment. event. college procedures. The Student Gathering Authorization Process1. Complete and submit to the student activities officea Student Gathering Authorization Form at leastfour business days prior to event. (Can be obtainedfrom Student Activities Office or dean of StudentServices.) The authorization form must be completedin full and signed by the faculty/staff sponsorand responsible student.2. All details about the event (time, place and manner)must be approved by the coordinator of studentactivities or dean of Student Services at least twodays prior to the event. A location will be reservedby the student activities coordinator with the collegescheduling office. No scheduled campus eventwill be cancelled due to a student gathering.3. Once approval is obtained, the following are notifiedof the event: scheduling office; public relations;vice president for student affairs, dean of StudentServices, chief of police, switchboard operator.4. The sponsor of the event may make arrangements forapproved microphones directly with the technicaloperations manager once the gathering is approved.5. Arrangements for other equipment should be madewith the scheduling office.During the Student Gathering peaceful. An authorized event may not:1. Interfere with the normal operation of the collegeand its instructional programs and services;2. Interfere with the normal flow of students in andout of campus facilities;3. Jeopardize the safety, welfare or rights of ofthemembers of the college community, theirguests or visitors;4. Cause damage or destruction to campus, public orprivate property. An event may not interfere with regularly scheduledclasses and events. Bullhorns or other unauthorizedamplification equipment are prohibited. tributionof printed or other materials and solicitationon campus will apply. groups may be opposed to certain viewpointsexpressed during an authorized student gathering.While respectful dis agreement may be expressed,the college will not tolerate any behavior thatamounts to physical assault, threats of physicalassault or harassment. gathering participants whether those participantsare HCC students or not. will be subject to disciplinary action under theHCC student disciplinary policy.Disciplinary Protocol publish a policy on student gatherings. with student group advisors and other key personnelof the college. the policy on student gatherinsgs in a pro-activefashion. gatherings policy will be notified on the spot fromthe vice president of Student Affairs, the dean ofStudent Services, or a designee. The students willbe clearly requested to cease the violating activity. will be clearly directed to disperse by the vice presidentof Student Affairs or a designee. Students willbe warned that they face on the spot disciplinaryaction if they do not comply.58

equest to disperse will face immediate disciplinaryaction by the vice president for Student Affairs, thedean for Student Services, or a designee. sequentto disciplinary action, up to and includinginterim suspension, the vice president of StudentAffairs and the vice president of Administrationand Finance will confer and determine the risk ofcontinued violation to the college campus. Thedean of Student Services and the director of PublicSafety (or designees) will confer if the appropriatevice president is not on campus. mined,then the Campus Police will be notifiedby the vice president of Administration andFinance, the director of Public Safety, or a designee.Massachusetts State law stipulates that the placingof hands on campus police can be consideredassault and battery upon public employees and subjectto penalty under Chapter 265: Section 13D ofMassachusetts law.The cooperation of the entire college community is needed to supportfree expression and assembly while respecting the rights ofothers to engage peacefully.Student Rights and Responsibilities1. To be knowledgeable of and comply with thedirectives, regulations, and laws as establishedby the Board of Higher Education, the HolyokeCommunity College, and the student government.2. To respect the rights of individuals and groups toindependent action as long as those rights do notinterfere with the rights of others—minorities andmajorities alike—including the avoidance of actioninterfering with those educational processes underthe auspices of the college.3. To be knowledgeable of and comply with the directives,regulations, and laws of duly constituted civilauthorities.Student Rights1. To have the opportunity to pursue higher education.2. To have the freedom to exercise the rights of citizenship,association, inquiry, and expression.3. To have the right of privacy and confidentiality.4. To have the right of quality education, including, butnot limited to:a. The right to competent instruction in courses andprograms offered by the college.b. The right to assistance in overcoming educational,cultural, emotional and economic disadvantageswhich hinder the educational process.c. The right to receive, in writing, from each facultymember during the first week of classes of everysemester, a brief written course description, anoutline of the material to be covered, courserequirements including a specific list of informationand techniques which the student isexpected to acquire, attendance policy, and thegrading system to be utilized.5. To have the right to fair and equal treatment, including,but not limited to, instruction, evaluation, andservices by faculty, staff, students and administrators.6. To have the right to procedural due process in grievanceand disciplinary hearings.7. The right to file a complaint under the GrievanceProcedure for students8. The right to file a complaint through the customarychannel of communication which first includesdiscussion of the issue with the involved faculty orstaff member. If the issue is not resolved, it may bebrought to the individual’s immediate supervisor. Ifthe issue is still not resolved, it may be appealed tothe appropriate vice president. A final appeal maybe made to the president of the college.Substance Abuse Prevention PolicyOn December 12, 1989, Congress amended Title XII of theHigher Education Act of 1965. This amendment, knownas the “Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989,”requires that every educational institution receiving federalfunding certify its adoption and implementation of programsdesigned to prevent use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcoholby students and employees. Prior federal law applicable tothe college regulated only criminal drug activity of federallygrant-funded employees and recipients of federal aid.Holyoke Community College, in accordance with legal mandatesand its philosophy of establishing and maintaining anenvironment of learning and a supportive environment inwhich to conduct the business and mission of the college,will enforce the following policies:1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing,possession or use of alcohol or of a controlledsubstance is prohibited on the campus of HolyokeCommunity College or as part of any college-relatedactivity. Students or employees who violate theserestrictions shall be subject to appropriate disciplinaryaction, up to and including suspension,expulsion or discharge, and shall also be subject toreferral for criminal prosecution. Where studentsor employees are convicted of violating a criminaldrug or alcohol statute related to a college activity,the college shall ordinarily expel or dischargethe offender, absent of mitigating circumstances.59

Mitigating circumstances shall include, but shallnot be limited to, considerations of handicap underfederal and state law.2. Holyoke Community College shall cooperate in theenforcement of federal and state laws concerningillegal drugs and alcoholic beverages. Massachusettsstatutes pertaining to illegal drugs and alcoholinclude:Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 94C (controlledSubstances Act)Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section59 (Public Drinking)Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section24 (Operating Under the Influence, OpenContainers)Prescribed penalties under Chapter 94 range from mandatoryprobation for a first conviction for possession ofa class E substance, e.g. marijuana, to a period of imprisonmentof up to two years and a fine of two thousanddollars for each subsequent conviction related to saleor distribution. Prescribed penalties under Chapter 90,Section 24, range from a fine of one hundred dollars toone thousand dollars. Federal judicial guidelines alsoexist which suggest penalties for violation of federalcriminal statutes related to drugs and alcohol.3. Alcohol is prohibited at Holyoke CommunityCollege functions and on any part of the campus.4. Prescription drugs are highly regulated and are onlylegal and safe for the person for whom they areprescribed. Sharing of drugs is illegal and also dangerous.Legal possession of a prescription drug existsonly when in a prescription bottle labeled withappropriate information.5. Employees working under federally funded grants areadditionally subject to the Drug-Free WorkplaceAct of 1988. The Act creates the following obligations:a. Employees convicted of any criminal drug statuteviolation occurring in the workplace mustnotify the dean of human resources of HolyokeCommunity College, no later than five (5) daysafter such conviction. Such notification mustbe in writing.b. The college shall notify the appropriate federalagency, within ten (10) days after receivingnotice from the employee, regarding such conviction.Such notification will be in writing.c. The college, within thirty (30) days of receivingnotice, with respect to any employee who isconvicted, will:i) Take appropriate disciplinary action against theemployee, up to and including termination ofemployment; orii) Require such employee to participate satisfactorilyin a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation programapproved for such purposes by a federal, state, orlocal health, law enforcement or other appropriateagency.5. The college will present campus-wide drug and alcoholeducation programs on an annual basis. This isin addition to other educational opportunities availablein current or future academic offerings.6. The following medical risks are associated with drugand alcohol use:a. OverdoseAn overdose can happen due to uncertainpurity, strength or even type of drug one getsillegally. It can also happen due to increasedtolerance, because one needs increased dosagesto achieve the same effect. An overdose cancause psychosis, convulsions, coma or death.While the risks of drug overdose are more common,frequently more severe, extreme quantitiesof alcohol can similarly result in psychosis,convulsions, coma or death.b. DependenceContinued use of drugs or alcohol can lead to apsychological and/or physical need for them.c. Ill HealthLong-term drug or alcohol use can destroy ahealthy body and mind. Generally, drug oralcohol abuse can lead to organic damage, mentalillness, malnutrition, failure to get treatmentfor existing diseases or injuries, and even todeath. Chronic drinking also has been associatedwith increased rates for heart disease, liverdamage, ulcers and gastritis, and adrenal andpituitary gland damage. Injection of drugs presentsspecial risks of getting AIDS, hepatitis andother infectious diseases.Drugs and alcohol use can also affect the healthof a child in the womb and result in birthdefects, fetal alcohol syndrome, drug dependencyor death.Because the quantity of alcohol likely to injurea developing fetus is unknown, the UnitedStates Surgeon General has specifically counseledwomen not to drink any alcohol duringpregnancy.d. AccidentsWhen drugs or alcohol affect an individual’sperception and/or reaction time, accidentsbecome more likely.60

7. For any member of the college community who isexperiencing substance abuse problems, HolyokeCommunity College stands ready to offer supportiveservices and referral for treatment, asappropriate and available. Information concerningsubstance abuse and rehabilitation counseling programsis available through Counseling Services (FR233). These include 24-hour crisis services, outatienttreatment, and other resources. Assistanceand information related to substance abuseissues for employees can be obtained through theEmployee Assistance Program, accessible throughHuman Resources.8. Treatment Covered by Required Student MedicalInsurance:Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 15A, 7B(St. 1988, Chapter 23, 22) and 117 Code ofMassachusetts Regulations Section 3.04 requirethat students certify their participation in a qualifyingstudent health insurance program, or in ahealth benefits program with comparable coverage.Full-time students who do not possess adequatemedical insurance must purchase the MassachusettsCommunity Colleges’ Student Accident andSickness Insurance plan. This plan provides benefitsrelated to drug and alcohol abuse. includinghospital confinement and non-hospital (outpatient)confinement benefits. A full list of the benefitsare available in the student insurance brochure.9. The college shall conduct a biennial review of thesepolicies and programs and implement changes asnecessary.Use of Copyrighted Materials its mission may be facilitated by the use of worksowned or created by others. All faculty, staff andstudents shall recognize those accomplishments byrespecting the intellectual property of others andusing such works only to the extent such use is permittedby law. other individuals who use college equipment and/or facilities and to students, employees, and otherindividuals who use off-campus non-college facilitiesand/or equipment in connection with collegerelated activities or on behalf of the college. Forexample, this policy applies when photocopying isundertaken at a commercial copying center, at aself-service coin-operated machine in the library,or on any other reproduction equipment owned orleased by the college or used in connection withcollege activities or on behalf of the college. to this policy who use material originated by othersshall not, as a matter of policy, when using suchmaterials, infringe on those rights of the originatorwhich are protected by copyright laws and shallsecure permission to use or reproduce copyrightedworks when such permission is required undercopyright law and/or pay royalties when such paymentwould be required. Students, employees andother individuals subject to this policy are expectedto obtain permission from the copyright ownersunless the intended use is clearly permitted underthe doctrine of “fair use.” tolerate copying instead of purchasing copyrightedworks where such copying would constitute copyrightinfringement. means any work or intellectual property whichmay be subject to copyright under the laws of theUnited States. This includes but is not limitedto literary works, including computer programsand compilations; musical works, including anyaccompanying words; dramatic works, includingany accompanying music; pantomimes and choreographicworks; pictorial, graphic, and sculpturalworks; motion pictures and other audiovisual worksand sound recordings. For example, this policyapplies to photocopying for classroom use, use ofcomputer software, use of videocassettes, and off-airvideotaping. remedies, immunities or defenses available to thecollege in the event of an infringement or allegedinfringement of the copyright law and such rights,remedies, immunities and defenses are specificallyreserved.61

Right to KnowIt's Your Right to Know…The Student-Right-to-Know law is a federal law that mandatesthe disclosure of certain types of information. Belowis a directory that will guide you to that information. If youhave questions about how to access information please call(413) 552-2000.AccreditationHolyoke Community College is accredited by the NewEngland Association of Schools and Colleges. The collegehas received the endorsement of the MassachusettsDepartment of Education and is a member of the AmericanAssociation of Community College Council.It is the policy of Holyoke Community College not to discriminateon the basis of sex, creed, color, race, sexual orientation,age, national origin, or disability in its educationalprograms, activities, or employment policies as requiredby Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and otherFederal and State anti-discrimination laws. Inquiries regardingcompliance with Title IX may be directed to Title IXCoordinator Idelia Smith, Affirmative Action Officer atHolyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Avenue,Holyoke, MA 01040, or telephone (413) 552-2770.The Holyoke Community College Catalog contains currentinformation regarding areas of study, career opportunities,student services, and admissions. However, it is not, intendedto be and should not be relied upon as a statement of thecollege’s contractual undertakings. The Holyoke CommunityCollege Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Departmentof Higher Education reserve the right to alter the college’sacademic policies, procedures, course offerings, and fees asset forth in this catalog.Accreditation by the New England Association is not partialbut applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not aguarantee of the quality of every course or program offered,or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it providesreasonable assurance about the quality of opportunitiesavailable to students who attend the institution.Inquiries regarding the status of an institution’s accreditationby the New England Association should be directed to theadministrative staff of the school or college. Individuals mayalso contact the association:New England Association of Schools and Colleges209 Burlington RoadBedford, MA 01730(781) 271-0022 NEASC.OrgMassachusetts Department of Higher EducationRoom 1401One Ashburton Place,Boston, MA 02108-1696Note: Certain programs have industry-specific accreditations.For individual academic program information, please refer to theHCC Catalog, www.hcc.edu/about/camp_news_pub.html.Athletic Participation RatesHolyoke Community College complies with the requirementsof Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in allprograms and activities receiving federal financial assistance.HCC receives such assistance and complies with this lawand its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106. TheAnnual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report is availableat the Athletics Department office, room 204 of theBartley Center for Athletics and Recreation.Degrees and CertificatesHolyoke Community College offers more than 100 associatedegree and certificate options. Degrees are designed to becompleted with two years of full-time study. Degrees preparestudents for specific careers and/or transfer to four-year institutions.Certificate programs prepare students for highly specializedcareers and are designed to be completed with oneyear of full-time study or less. For a list of associate degreeand certificate programs, see HCC’s Registration Booklet,which is published three times each year and is available inthe Welcome Center and online at www.hcc.edu. You mayalso view a list by going to the academic programs page ofthe HCC website, http://hcc.edu/programs/programs.html.FacilitiesHCC provides a variety of academic and recreational facilitiesfor students, faculty, and staff. For a complete list of labs,see page 13. For athletic recreational opportunities, see page5. For a list of parking options, see pages 15. For more informationon the HCC library, see page 13.Facilities and Services for Students WithDisabilitiesTo see HCC’s disabilities policy, please see page 33.For information on services available to students with disabilities,see page 14.62

Faculty and Instructional PersonnelFor a list of HCC faculty and administrative personnel, seethe administration and faculty pages (278-291) in the HCCCatalog. The catalog may be viewed online by going to thecollege publications page of the HCC website, www.hcc.edu.Financial Aid InformationFor information on the cost of attending HCC, see page 24.For information on the requirements associated with federalstudent aid, see pages 20-21.GED ServicesIn addition to providing day and evening GED testing oncampus, HCC offers GED study guides, short-term GEDseminars, and evening fee-based 10-week preparation coursesthat meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The college also offersa variety of free services through the HCC Adult LearningCenter located at CareerPoint on High Street in downtownHolyoke. Services include basic literacy, GED preparation,and Fast-Track math courses. For information, contactthe dean of Community Services at (413) 552-2324 orCareerPoint at (413) 532-4900 x 116.Graduation and Transfer RatesThe Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act (P.L.101-542) mandates that all institutions participating in TitleIV or HEA programs disclose to current and prospective studentsfour-year average graduation and transfer-out rates. Incompliance with these mandates, HCC tracks all first-time,full-time, degree or certificate seeking (FTFTDS) students.Average rates for the last four cohorts of FTFTDS studentsare as follows: 22% graduated, 17% transferred withoutgraduating, and 14% were still enrolled at HCC. Rates arebased on status at 150% “time-to-credential” (i.e., 1.5 yearsfor certificates, and three years for degrees).PrivacyHCC complies with the Family Education Rights andPrivacy Act (FERPA), which is designed to protect the privacyof student educational records. The law governs accessto records maintained by educational institutions and therelease of information from those records. FERPA affordsparents and students certain rights with respect to theirrecords. For more information, see page 31.Campus Safety and Crime Statisticssee next pageHop Aboard the HCC Express - La Guagua pa’l College!Free eveningFree evening shuttleshuttle busbus service for HCCservice for HCCstudentsstudents betweenbetweendowntown downtownHolyoke and HCC. HCC.Servicio de transporteServicio de transportegratis paragratis estudiantes para estudiantesde Holyokede Community Holyoke CommunityCollegedesde College el centro desde elHolyoke centro hasta de Holyoke HCC yde regreso hasta a Holyoke. HCC y deregreso a Holyoke.¡Súbete al Expreso de HCC - La Guagua pa’l College!For For more information call (413) 552-2000.Schedule and route information alsoavailable online at at www.hcc.edu.www.hcc.edu.Free!Para más información, favor de de llamar al al(413) 552-2000. Los horarios de de la la guagua y la y lainformación sobre las las rutas están disponiblesen el el internet en en www.hcc.edu.¡Gratis!63

Campus Safety and Crime StatisticsThe Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police andCampus Crimes Statistics Act (formerly the Campus SecurityAct) requires HCC to prepare and distribute an annual reportwhich gives statistics on the number of specific crimes (murder,rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicletheft, sex offenses, and hate crimes) which have occurred oncampus and the number of arrests on campus for liquor lawviolations, drug abuse violations and weapons possessions (statisticsare reported for the calendar year).Crime statistics for calendar years 2006, 2007, and 2008 arepublished here, but may also be obtained through the CampusPolice Station, Building E, room 214. These statistics covercrimes that were committed on campus, off-site campus buildings,and those committed on public property in the surroundingarea. For more information on campus security and safety,or to view these statistics online, you may visit the CampusSafety page of the HCC website, http://www.hcc.edu/campus/safety.html.Sex offender information will be provided to any person whois seeking the information for his or her own information,or for the protection of a child who is under 18, or for theprotection of another person for which requesting person hasthe responsibility, care, or custody. Sex offender informationcan be requested at either the Holyoke Police Departmentby appearing in person or filling out a form, or from the SexOffender Registry Board by mail. Sex Offender informationrequest forms are available online at http://www.state.ma.us/sorb/forms.htm. Please note that sex offender information isavailable to the public by Massachusetts law only if the partyhas a duty to register and has been finally classified by theSex Offender Registry Board as a Level 2 or Level 3 offender.Additional information about the Massachusetts Sex OffenderRegistry is available at http://www.state.ma.us/sori.2008 Murder 0 0 0 0Manslaughter 0 0 0 0Sex OffenseForce 0 0 0 0No e Forc 0 0 0 0Robbery 1 0 0 0Aggravated ult Assa 0 0 0 1Burglary 0 0 0 3Arson 0 0 0 0M/V Theft 0 0 0 2Arrests/Referrals for Disciplinary Action:Liquor iolations V 3 0 0 0Drug Violations 6 0 0 3Weapon iolation V 2 0 0 02009 Murder 0 0 0 0Manslaughter 0 0 0 0Sex OffenseForce 0 0 0 0No ce For 0 0 0 0Robbery 1 0 0 0Aggravated ssault A2 0 0 0Burglary 0 0 0 0Arson 0 0 0 0M/V heft T 1 0 0 0Arrests/Referrals for Disciplinary Action:Liquor iolations V 0 0 0 0Drug Violations 13 0 0 0Weapon iolation V 2 0 0 02007 Murder 0 0 0 0Manslaughter 0 0 0 0Sex OffenseForce 0 0 0 0No Force 1 0 0 0Robbery 0 0 0 0Aggravated ssault A0 0 0 0Burglary 0 0 0 0Arson 0 0 0 0M/V heft T 4 0 0 0Arrests/Referrals for Disciplinary Action:Liquor iolations V 0 0 0 0Drug iolations V 2 0 0 0Weapon iolation V 1 0 0 064

By BeatriceDewberryCorbylane BusheyAfter working 20 years incustomer service for twowell-established businessesin Springfield, CorbylaneBushey never envisionedherself unemployed and returning tocollege at age 53.She had worked for 16 years atBaystate Gas Co., when she waslaid off in 2004. She was fortunateenough to find another job atMassMutual, only to be faced withunemployment again four yearslater.She recalls the date as easily asciting her birthday, “It was April 13,2009.”“I just never thought it wouldhappen to me. I just knew that Iwould retire from MassMutual,” shesays. “I never imagined that I wouldbe in this position.”Bushey, a talkative friendly woman,liked her customer service jobsand helping people, so she wasdisappointed at the thought offinding something else.Hardly a quitter, Bushey beganher work search aggressively,soon realizing that with anunemployment rate of about 10percent, finding a job without anacademic degree wasn’t going to beeasy.That’s when she learned of theSection 30 program, part of theMassachusetts Employment andTraining Law, under the Division ofUnemployment Assistance. In theprogram, unemployed workers cancontinue to receive compensationwhile enrolled in pre-approvedtraining or education programs.Students can waive the requirementto actively search for work whilein training, and receive eligibleunemployment extensions.“Looking for work was a fulltimejob in itself,” Bushey says,recalling hours she spent submittingresumes online, filling out lengthyapplications and telephoningprospective employers to no avail.“I wanted to do something moreto help my chances of getting abetter job,” Bushey says, addingthat getting a certificate or anassociate degree would enhance hermarketability.Bushey was able to pay for collegeusing grant funds and by taking outa Stafford Loan.However, some Section 30 studentsare able to receive assistanceunder the Workforce InvestmentAct, if funds are available, PatsyTraficante, facilitator for Section 30programs at HCC, says.“Section 30 is a great thing forpeople who are serious aboutgoing back to school,” Bushey says.“And coming to HCC was rightfor me. The teachers here areunderstanding and supportive.There’s lots of resources, andthe college is friendly, safe andcomfortable even for students whohave not been in school in more than25 years.”For more information on the Section30 program at HCC, contact PatsyTraficante, (413) 552-2230.www.hcc.eduIt’s easy, convenient, and no waiting in line!With online student self-service you can… – Mid-term and final grades– Class schedule– Unofficial transcripts (course history) For help signing on to My HCC, stop by the Welcome Center, Frost 221-223,email dlhelp@hcc.edu, or call (413) 552-2124.

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