Student Handbook 2010-2011 - Holyoke Community College

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