Student Services

ADMISSIONS
It is the responsibility of the Office of Admissions and Advising to ensure that all students admitted to the college receive the pre-enrollment services necessary to ensure the successful completion of academic, career, and personal goals.

The Admissions and Advising staff advises prospective, newly admitted, transfer, and international students. A special effort is made to prepare students for that most critical first semester of college. In addition to pre-enrollment advising, other services provided by the Office of Admissions and Advising include academic and transfer advising for currently enrolled students, and transcript evaluation and course clearance based on coursework completed at other postsecondary institutions, through the military, other designated organizations, and specific national examination programs (see pages 27-28).

The Admissions and Advising staff welcomes the opportunity to inform students about programs and services that will contribute to the fulfillment of their goals.

Programs for High School Students
The college offers a variety of programs for current and graduating high school students including:

JAMES W. ROUSE SCHOLARS PROGRAM-The James W. Rouse Scholars Program is a selective, challenging honors and leadership program designed for transfer to distinguished four-year colleges and universities at the end of the sophomore year. The program combines academic opportunities, development of leadership skills, mentorships, cultural and recreational experiences and travel opportunities, including international travel. Rouse Scholars and program faculty and staff work closely with transfer institutions. A number of scholarships specifically designated for this program are available. Admission to this highly selective program is competitive based on grades, college entrance exam scores, course selection, intellectual interests, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and other indicators of academic excellence and leadership potential. In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to students for whom traditional indicators of success are not always valid.

SILAS CRAFT COLLEGIANS PROGRAM-The Silas Craft Collegians Program is designed for recent high school graduates whose past academic performance does not reflect their true potential. The program maximizes academic achievement, graduation, and transfer. Program features include a customized curriculum that prepares students for transfer and for their chosen career, skills assessment and development, academic support, mentoring, and various extracurricular, enrichment and travel experiences. A number of scholarships specifically designated for this program are available. Admissions is selective and is based upon academic potential, motivation, and specific English and math skill levels.

FRESHMAN FOCUS PROGRAM—Early preparation is directly related to college success. The Freshman Focus Program is an award winning program designed specifically for graduating high school seniors who are Howard Community College's incoming freshmen. The program provides the opportunity to be tested, advised, and registered early, prior to the hectic pace and more limited course selection of general registration. Students who take advantage of this program complete the college registration process prior to high school graduation and prior to all other new students.

EARLY ENTRANCE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS-Enrollment opportunities are available for high school students throughout the year under certain circumstances. These opportunities include concurrent, early admission, and summer enrollment. Special enrollment conditions apply based upon State law, public and private school regulations, and college policies.

The Early Entrance Program facilitates the enrollment of high school students planning to enroll concurrently at the college during the fall and/or spring of their senior year. The program enables students to plan their high school and HCC schedules at the same time and complete all or most procedures, including application, testing, and registration, well in advance of general registration periods. Students must also fulfill public school system or private school requirements necessary to participate. High school juniors also use Early

Entrance procedures but may only take classes after high school hours and/or during the summer. (Additional procedures apply for students in the eighth through tenth grades and home schooled students. See page 14.)

The college reserves the right to grant admission to secondary school students on an individual basis. More information about programs and admissions policies and procedures for current and graduating high school students is available on pages 13-14. For further information, please contact 410-772-4599 or hsinfo@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the college website at www.howardcc.edu/admissions.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
The New Student Orientation program prepares students for the critical first semester of college. By providing important information about academic policies and procedures, registration options, college services and student activities, the New Student Orientation program helps students avoid potential obstacles to the achievement of their goals while enhancing the enjoyment of campus life. Information important to transfer and career preparation is also outlined. Students have the opportunity to meet college faculty and staff, as well as fellow students. Comprehensive New Student Orientation programs are conducted immediately prior to the fall and spring terms. In addition to the general New Student Orientation program, some programs may have required orientation sessions. Additionally, specific workshops are offered by various departments throughout the entire semester for both new and returning students. Further information is provided to students as part of the enrollment process and through the Office of Student Life.

ADVISING SERVICES

Academic Advising
One of the college's most important responsibilities is to provide comprehensive academic advising services. Students are responsible for fulfilling the requirements of their learning program for the catalogue year that applies to them and/or for fulfilling the requirements of other academic goals they may have. Therefore, it is also each student's responsibility to meet with an advisor prior to each term, during each term and more often, if needed. Advisors provide students with information and recommendations regarding learning programs, course selection, and graduation and transfer preparation. Students in selected programs are assigned to specific academic or faculty advisors as appropriate. All other students are assigned to the Office of Admissions and Advising. Advising is available to all students year round through the Office of Admissions and Advising.

Advising Weeks are scheduled during the first two weeks of each major term's General Registration period. While advising is available year round, the purpose of the Advising Weeks period is to place special emphasis on early registration options for upcoming terms.

Important academic and transfer advising information is available to each student on the Office of Admissions and Advising's web site at www.howardcc.edu/advising. Students are also strongly encouraged to utilize HCC Express's My Student Profile feature to check on the accuracy of their personal information such as address, phone, e-mail, learning program, and catalogue year. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions and Advising at 410-772-4856; then select 3 or Adm-Adv@howardcc.edu.

Transfer Information and Advising
To ensure a successful transfer to other institutions and/or specific programs within institutions, it is each student's responsibility to regularly meet with an advisor and utilize transfer resources. For example, the University System (USM) of Maryland institutions have designated certain programs as "Limited Enrollment Programs." These programs differ by institution and may include such majors as business administration, computer science, engineering, teacher education and others. It is critical that students work closely with an advisor to ensure they are meeting general and specific requirements, application deadlines, and other criteria right from the start.

The Transfer Center is part of the Office of Admissions and Advising. It provides the following services:

RECORDS AND REGISTRATION
The Office of Records and registration oversees online (HCC Express), Touchtone Telephone, and in-person registration services. It is also responsible for student records and related processes such as enrollment verification, posting grades and issuance of official transcripts. The Office of Records and Registration administers the graduation process including providing the final clearance for

graduation petitions and issuing diplomas and certificates. Veterans Affairs services are provided by this office, which also assists members of the Maryland National Guard with eligibility verification for tuition discounts. For further information, see page 16 or contact the office at 410-772-4764. Information is also available on the college's website at www.howardcc.edu/registration.

FINANCIAL AID SERVICES
It is the college's goal that no student should be restricted from attending this institution because of limited financial resources. To meet this goal the college maintains a program of grants, scholarships, loans and part-time employment for eligible students who are accepted and enrolled in the college as certificate or degree-seeking students in good standing. Detailed information regarding financial aid and scholarships is located on pages 19-23.

CHILD CARE SERVICES
The Children's Learning Center provides child care services for the children of students, faculty and staff. Part-time and full-time educational early childhood programs are available for children ranging in age from six weeks to five years of age. Rates vary depending on the age of the child, part-time or full-time enrollment of the child and the income of the parent. HCC students may be eligible for income based subsidies to offset the costs of child care. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Children's Learning Center is also a lab school for students in the Early Childhood Development Program and other programs requiring learning experiences with young children.

For further information concerning the Children's Learning Center, contact the Child Care Director at 410772-4150.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT, COUNSELING AND CAREER SERVICES

Career and Life Planning Services
Whether deciding on a major, preparing to enter the job market, or considering a career change, career and life planning services are available to students, prospective students, alumni and community members. The college offers a wide range of career and life planning services which help students focus on their values, interests, skills, and personality traits. These services include individualized career counseling, special topic workshops, career assessments, and job assistance services. The Resource Library is open to the public and provides a variety of job and career materials, including printed resources, video tapes, and computerized self-assessment and career exploration programs. For further information, contact the Counseling and Career Services Office, room L-140 or call 4107724840. For additional resources, please visit our website at www.howardcc.edu/career.

Cooperative Education/Internships
Cooperative education (co-ops) and internships are supervised work experiences directly related to a student's learning program and/or career interests. The basic purpose is to integrate classroom theory with work applications. For further information, contact the Counseling and Career Services Office, room L-140 or call 4107724840.

Employment Counseling
Employment Counseling is available to students, alumni and community members who are interested in pursuing full time, part time, permanent and temporary positions.

Available resources include:

Employment Counseling services include:

For further information, contact the Counseling and Career Services Office, room L-140 or call 410-772-4840.

Personal Counseling
College can sometimes be a difficult and stressful time for students. With students trying to juggle school, work, and family responsibilities, there are times when these demands can be overwhelming. Personal counseling provides an opportunity to talk with an objective professional about your concerns. What is discussed with a personal counselor will remain confidential and will not be shared with others. There is short-term individual counseling, as well as crisis intervention, available to students who are struggling with a variety of issues. Personal counseling services are free of charge to HCC students. In addition, there are educational resources available on a wide range of mental health issues, as well as information and referral to community programs and services. Personal counselors are available by appointment. To schedule an appointment or for further information, contact the Counseling and Career Services Office, room L-140, or call 410-772-4840. Please feel free to visit our webpage at www.howardcc.edu/counseling for additional resources.

Learning Assistance Center
The Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring and academic support services to all students enrolled in credit courses who would like to become more successful and efficient learners. The LAC, located inside the library on the second floor of the LRC Building (L-230), provides free group tutoring in most courses offered at the college. Drop-in tutoring services are scheduled and advertised each semester. The LAC conducts workshops on study skills, learning styles, time management, memory building, notetaking, and test-taking. Drop-in help for writing assignments is available in the Write Room, located inside the LAC. Tutoring, writing, and study skills software are available for use on computers. For further information, call 410-772-4822.

Student Support Services
Student Support Services is a federally-funded program offering free comprehensive services to eligible students. Eligibility criteria include low-income and/or first generation college (neither parent received a four-year college degree), and/or a documented disability.

The program's goal is to increase the retention and graduation rates of students at the college. The Student Support Services Program provides free, individualized instruction by academic specialists in the areas of math, reading, writing, English as a second language, and study skills. Learning disabilities specialists assist students who have varying learning styles. Free individual tutoring is available in most courses. Personal, academic, financial aid, career, and transfer counseling is available to program students. Advocacy, assistance with accommodations, and equipment are also available for students with disabilities. For further information, call 410-772-4629 or come to room N-200.

Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Services Office upon admission to the college or when contemplating attending the college. A minimum of two weeks notice before classes begin is necessary to schedule some accommodations. This will give the college ample opportunity to respond to any special needs of the student, as well as provide the student an opportunity to see what services are available. Prior to receiving accommodations and services, students must initiate a request with the Disability Support Services Office and supply appropriate documentation of a disability. This information is kept confidential unless the student signs a written waiver of release. Services provided to students with documented disabilities include: advocacy, tutoring, interpreters, notetakers, test-taking accommodations, counseling, and academic advising. Equipment such as computer systems with Kurzweil 3000, text Help!, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Zoomtext is available for student use along with other assistive and adaptive technology, closed circuit TV, tape recorders, listening devices, and magnifiers. Students in need of sign language interpreters must contact the Disability Support Services Office at least two weeks prior to the start of classes. For further information, call 410-772-4629 V/TDD or come to room N-200.

Vocational Support Services
The Vocational Support Services is designed for students in vocational/career programs who are having academic difficulties or who have disabilities. Vocational Support Services Program provides free small group and individual tutoring in vocational courses, such as nursing, accounting, and electronics. Career Counseling is available from a Career Specialist located in Career Services, room L-140. Group test reviews for vocational courses, and study skills and test-taking workshops are also available. The program assists students with disabilities majoring in vocational/career programs in arranging accommodations and specialized equipment.

Retention Services
Retention Services assists in the development of retention plans that support students' academic persistence and success. This includes student monitoring, assessment, follow-up, skill reinforcement, co-curricular programming, and learning community involvement, which complements enhanced student performance. Programs monitored by Retention Services include Early Alert, Peer Mentoring, and Academic Suspension Appeals. For further information, call 410-772-4822.

Career Links
The Career Links program assists low-income single parents, displaced homemakers and single pregnant women to become economically self-sufficient. The goals of the program are to achieve education and career goals toward long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Career Links staff will help participants determine their goals and decide on the type of work they would like to do based on their interests and past experiences. If appropriate, the staff will help participants plan a program of study, assist with the application for college admission and financial aid, as well as facilitate the registration process. Information on resume writing, interviewing skills, the job search process, and job retention is provided. The staff will also assist program participants with concerns that interfere with job or school activities. Staff members can make referrals to a wide variety of community services. The Career Links program assists with any difficulty participants may encounter on their way to economic self-sufficiency.

Low-income single parents, displaced homemakers, or single pregnant women should contact the Counseling and Career Services Office for further information and to attend a Career Links program orientation. For further information, call 410-772-4954 or 410-772-4840.

TEST CENTER
The Test Center provides centralized testing services to the college community. Academic make-up exams, as well as placement assessments are administered in the Center. Students arrange academic make-up testing by contacting instructors. Placement testing is arranged by contacting the Office of Admissions and Advising. The Center also provides accommodations for students with special needs. Students requiring accommodations must inform the Test Center staff prior to the administration of the exam. All students must present a current HCC student ID or government issued picture ID (i.e., driver's license; passport) at the time of testing.

The college is an Authorized Prometric Test Center (APTC) and administers exams such as Novell, Microsoft, and A+ certification testing on a daily basis. The Test Center is an Authorized Test Center (ATC) for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams. In addition, the Center administers the College Board's CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exam to current and prospective students by appointment. The CLEP exam allows students to earn college credits by exam. For more information regarding the CLEP exams and scores that the college awards credit for, students should see an academic advisor in the Office of Admissions and Advising.

Fees are not assessed for academic make-up and placement exams, but are assessed for CLEP, Prometric and other external exams. Different procedures apply depending on the exam.

Test Center services are available year round. The Center's schedule is published each semester and is occasionally subject to change. For further information, contact the Test Center at 410-772-4853 or testcenter@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the Center's web site @www.howardcc.edu/testcenter.

STUDENT LIFE
"Student Life" is comprised of the Office of Student Activities, The Student Government Association (SGA), The Student Program Board (SPB), Student Newspaper (The HCC Times), Co-Curricular and Diversity Programs, Gameroom, Clubs and Leadership Development. Each area provides a distinct service and opportunity to HCC students that complements the classroom through social, multi-cultural, experimental and leadership experiences. Activities are planned based on student input and participation. Any student who has the desire is strongly encouraged to "get involved" with Student Activities as a leader, participant, or volunteer to ensure that these programs and events are reflective of the interests of the student body.

Student Activities also plans several "off campus" trips such as Broadway plays, amusement parks, museums, and student leadership conferences.

All Student Activities programs are funded by student generated fees.

Location: Second floor of the Student Activities Center (SA 201).

For further information, call 410-772-4896.

Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) allows for student involvement in the development and administration of college policies and serves as the official voice of the student body. The SGA is comprised of the SGA president, his/her officers and general membership. Working with the student life team, SGA is responsible for designating student funds to college clubs and organizations as well as selecting specific themes and issues for programs brought to the college by the student body. SGA members also play a significant role in representing the student body on various college and statewide committees. All students are invited and encouraged to join and participate. For more information on the SGA structure and how to get involved, call or stop by the Student Activities or Student Government offices. Email address: SGA@howardcc.edu.
Location: Second floor of Student Activities Center (SA 201B).
For further information, call 410-772-4573.

Student Program Board
The Student Program Board (SPB) is responsible for selecting, planning and implementing a diverse offering of social and educational activities for all HCC students. This board is overseen by the SPB chairperson and comprised of full and part-time students. Students wishing to serve on this board are invited to join by talking with the SPB chairperson (SA 201E) or contacting the Assistant Director of Student Life (SA 201). Activities include, but are not limited to dances, concerts, lectures, films, cultural arts and special events. SPB also offers discount tickets to local movie theatres, the Maryland Renaissance Festival and other similar events. Email address: SPB@howardcc.edu.
Location: Second floor of the Student Activities Center (SA 201E).

The HCC Times
The student newspaper is published monthly by students for the college community. The editor and staff cooperate with the many different departments on campus to keep the school population informed about school events, resources and club activities.

The paper needs student participation and wishes to encourage any student having an interest in working on the newspaper staff to contact the paper's editor (SA 201C) or a Student Activities staff member. Opportunities exist for experiences in photography, desktop publishing, layout and design, advertising, creative writing and reporting. Email address: newspaper@howardcc.edu
Location: Second floor of the Student Activities Center (SA 201C).
For further information, call 410-772-4937.

The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center provides a centralized location for students to learn more about wellness related topics, address health concerns, and take action toward self-improvement. The main goal of the Wellness Center is to empower students to make informed decisions about their health, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and quality of life. The Wellness Center will have a variety of educational materials, host educational health workshops, plan awareness activities and provide students with referrals as necessary. Areas of focus include but are not limited to, stress management, nutrition, fitness, reproductive health, alcohol and substance abuse and preventative health services. Visit the wellness center and find balance and harmony in all aspects of your life. For more information, please call 410-772-4640 or 410-772-4950.
Location: First floor of the Student Activities Center (SA 101)

The Game Room
The Game Room is equipped with a widescreen TV, pool tables, table tennis, and video arcade games free of charge for students. Board games and tables are also provided for student enjoyment. See the Coordinator of Co-Curricular Programs or stop by the Student Activities office for details.
Location: First floor of the Student Activities Center (SA 101).
For further information, call 410-772-4896.

Clubs
Clubs are formed by students who have a common interest and wish to explore topics and issues that relate to a particular subject; sometimes sharing information with the college community. A list of existing clubs is available in the Office of Student Activities. If students desire to start a club, they should contact the Student Government Association president or stop by Student Activities (SA 201).

Athletics
The intercollegiate athletic program is an integral part of the college's educational objectives. The program is part of a network of services provided to enhance the student life environment. As a member of the NJCAA, the Maryland JUCO, and Region XX Conferences, the college provides programs of a highly diverse nature to appeal to a vast majority of the Howard Community College student body.

At present, our sports program offers men's and women's lacrosse, women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's basketball, cross country, and outdoor track. Participation in most sports requires full-time academic enrollment. For further information, contact a coach in the Athletic & Fitness Center at 410-772-4804.

In Student Life, there are baseball and softball club programs. Call the Office of Student Life for more details at 410-772-4896.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA)
HCC is a Division III school (Division II in Men's and Women's Basketball) and a member of the Maryland Juco Athletic Conference and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). The college does not offer ANY athletically related aid to Division III programs. There are available athletic scholarships to Division II programs which are men's and women's basketball. The athletic program is funded through a portion of student consolidated fees. A full disclosure of gender participation, expenditures and other resources are made available by the college in the main office in the Athletic & Fitness Center.

Drop In
The Drop In programs are part of the network of services provided to meet the leisure time needs of students. The college provides selective programs on a year to year basis based on student interest and levels of participation with the intent to appeal to a majority of the Howard Community College population. In the past, basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis and volleyball have been offered. Contact Errick Henlon of the staff in the Athletic & Fitness Center at 410-772-4684.