HACC Foundation HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and HACC Foundation
2016-17 Annual Report
Table of Contents Thank You, HACC Foundation Donors
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HACC Board of Trustees and HACC Foundation Board of Directors
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Message from President Ski
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Advance Academic Excellence
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Foster Student Success
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Strengthen Institutional Sustainability
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Instill Inclusivity
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Projects Funded through Your Gifts
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Invest. Impact. Inspire. Campaign for HACC.
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Thank You, HACC Foundation Donors The HACC Foundation appreciates the generosity of all individuals and organizations that gave in 2016-17. Your gifts helped change the lives of HACC students. Thank you! HACC Board of Trustees HACC Foundation Board of Directors
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Message from President Ski Greetings! In this year’s annual report, I am excited to share progress made toward HACC’s strategic plan, the “2015-19 Journey to Excellence.” This report is not about numbers and charts though. It is about people like YOU, who change the lives of the students and communities we serve. This report is about… • Alfred Siha, Ed.D., and Rob Swatski, Apple® Distinguished Educators who are semi-famous
in the world of iTunes U®
• The more than 650 students who enrolled in HACC’s first-ever winter term • Students like Diane, a retired state government employee, who completed HACC’s
Gerontology Program online with the help of a student success coach
• Our commitment to investing in sustainable initiatives like LED lighting, solar power and
geothermal well fields
• Employees like Sharon Hymon, who serves on a Campus Diversity Committee and helps
create a safe, respectful environment at HACC
At a time when community colleges like HACC must constantly evolve, strategic planning is vital. You are an important partner in our ongoing “Journey to Excellence.” Again, thank you. John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D.
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Advance Academic Excellence Be recognized at the local, regional and national levels for academic excellence. The regional, national and international recognition that HACC faculty members receive confirms that we have the best faculty around. Two of our faculty, Alfred Siha, Ed.D., and Robert Swatski, were selected from among thousands of applicants as Apple® Distinguished Educators. They are the only two Apple® Distinguished Educators from a community college in Pennsylvania. Dr. Siha and Professor Swatski have required their students to use iOS devices since 2015. With the help of this technology, students are learning more actively, collaboratively and effectively. HACC students and graduates are also known for academic excellence, especially in the field of health care. One alumna, Brittney Trout, completed the Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist Program in 2016 while working two jobs and caring for her young son. Following graduation, she was offered a full-time job as a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist. Brittney said, “I use the knowledge, drive and foundation my professors instilled in me to be a good employee and member of society. I am thankful for my degree that now allows me to provide and spend time with my son. I am thankful that my professors and other professionals at HACC taught me the importance of my education!” Cultivate faculty innovation in curricular and co-curricular activities. HACC’s Center for Design and Instruction (CDI) offers a wide range of trainings for faculty, including eVolution Academy, an intensive course that focuses on online teaching methods and effective online course design. With the addition of the One Button Studio at HACC’s Lebanon Campus, CDI offers oneon-one instruction to faculty, staff and students to create informative and engaging videos. This studio provides a simple way to implement video technology into all modalities of learning. Sociology Professor John Flavin uses the studio extensively and created a YouTube playlist of more than 20 video lectures for his first online course. The playlist makes it easier for students to locate and review any video lecture. Flavin said, “By adapting my traditional face-to-face course to a virtual platform, I hope to make our very important and valuable course more widely available to the student body at HACC.” 4
Implement strategies that position online students for academic and career success. Data showed that by spring 2016, HACC students in online courses were as successful as students in on-campus classes. Students can earn their associate degree, certificate or diploma entirely online in programs such as Building Construction Management, Gerontology and Wellness Health Promotion. During the four weeks between the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters, HACC offered its first winter term to provide more than 650 students an additional pathway to completion. The College offered 43 courses, both online and on HACC’s Harrisburg Campus. Students were academically successful in the winter term, with nearly 86 percent earning a C or better. “HACC’s winter term offerings allow students yet another way to complete college credits,” said Amy Withrow, executive director of Virtual Learning. “The goal, as always, is to assist HACC students in their pursuit of degree completion.” Review and align all academic and workforce development programs. In 2016-17, HACC faculty approved new degree requirements to better align Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees with transfer requirements, and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees with career requirements. Workforce training was also reviewed, and pathways from Workforce Development and Continuing Education to credit programs were updated. HACC’s Automotive Technology Program continues to grow and prepares students for success in the industry. The College offers an Automotive Technology degree and a General Motors Automotive Technology degree. Students are trained on the latest diagnostic and servicing procedures and equipment and complete the Pennsylvania State Safety Inspector and Emission Inspector certification so they are immediately employable. Parke Hoover graduated from HACC in 1991. Currently, he is the service manager at Ebersole Buick GMC. He said, “I absolutely feel the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program was the cornerstone that led me to the position I’m in today.” He added, “The automotive program provides the perfect mix of classroom fundamentals, lab work and real- world experience. I am a firm believer there is no better path to becoming a great technician. I recommend HACC’s automotive program all the time.” Hoover also participates on HACC’s Automotive Advisory Committee.
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Foster Student Success Adopt best practices for developmental education. Since fall 2014, HACC professors Geri Gutwein and Julie Keenan have been designing and teaching English 057, an integrated reading and writing course. The purpose of the course is to accelerate students through the developmental English course sequence at HACC without sacrificing academic standards. Students enrolled in English 057 take one integrated literacy course in place of two separate courses, saving both time and money. Gutwein and Keenan have also implemented a faculty seminar designed to equip developmental English teachers from reading and writing disciplines with knowledge of the theory of integrated literacy pedagogy. As of June 2017, the seminar had been offered seven times, and 21 full-time and adjunct faculty members from all HACC campuses had completed it. Ensure College services are appropriately aligned to allow students to achieve their academic goals. Deb Rebman is a student success coach at HACC and recipient of a 2016 President’s Award. Student success coaches like Deb provide ongoing academic support and help students transition into the workplace. Rebman worked closely with Diane Bullock, who enrolled in the Gerontology Program at HACC after retiring from a long career in state government. “Online learning was a new adventure to her. Through online advising, we helped her get enrolled, master our online learning management software, obtain practical experience in a long-term care setting, re-work her government resume and discuss possibilities to continue her education,” said Rebman. Bullock is now working toward her certificate. She said, “I have enjoyed every class. Whether I pursue a part-time position or continue to volunteer, being a student is wonderful.” Rebman added, “All of this is the result of a team effort from HACC, beginning with the Gerontology faculty creating an excellent program, Virtual Learning giving the program a ‘home’ and technical and administrative support, combined with the success coaching model to escort Diane through her educational journey and beyond.”
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85 percent of students responding to the 2016 Student Satisfaction Survey were very satisfied or satisfied with the size of their classes. 81 percent of students responding to the 2016 Student Satisfaction Survey were satisfied or very satisfied with the availability and access of technology. Implement innovative strategies to positively impact enrollment, retention, graduation, transfer and placement rates. At HACC, we invest in student success before college and beyond to help students meet their individual goals. HACC’s College in the High School and Dual Enrollment programs provide opportunities for high school students to earn college credits at a significantly reduced tuition rate. For example, during the 2016-17 academic year, 91 seniors and 104 juniors from Gettysburg Area High School were enrolled in courses through HACC. Mark Blanchard, principal said, “The students of Gettysburg Area High School have benefitted in a tremendous way from the partnership with HACC. In addition to advantages gained in earning credits and preparing for the rigors of post-secondary education, GAHS students have also had access to HACC counselors through our dual counseling model. We are fortunate to have this partnership!” The Bucknell Community College Scholars Program allows eligible HACC students to participate in a six-week summer program at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Following the summer program, these scholars return to HACC to complete their associate degree and can apply to transfer to Bucknell University to complete their bachelor’s degree and receive tuition for two years of full-time enrollment. Cody Lach, a HACC graduate, was a Bucknell scholar and was admitted to Bucknell University for the fall 2017 term. Cody said, “I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with HACC and the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program. The intricacies that were put into the program were astounding. It was clear to see how much everyone was invested into this program and also how much everyone invested in the program truly cared about the students.” Melissa Hopkins, another Bucknell Scholar, graduated with highest honors from HACC in 2013 and summa cum laude from Bucknell University in 2016. Melissa now conducts research in the field of moral psychology at the world-renowned University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom on a full scholarship.
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Strengthen Institutional Sustainability Establish a comprehensive long-term plan to improve the College's impact on its environment. HACC recently negotiated a commodity agreement for electricity, which increased green energy from 10 to 20 percent. This initiative is projected to save approximately $410,000 over two years.
Whether installing geothermal well fields in Gettysburg, weatherizing building envelopes in Harrisburg, setting up solar panels in Lancaster, installing water bottle filling stations in Lebanon or upgrading to LED lighting in York, HACC’s Facilities Management Department prides itself on maintaining campuses while minimizing our impact on the environment.
Facilities management supervisor Larry Livingston has led the Harrisburg Campus demand response program for the past four years. The program provides a financial incentive for the College and relief to the electric grid. Larry and his team have been able to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 50 percent and still maintain the comfort and operations of the Harrisburg Campus. Establish a comprehensive plan to ensure HACC remains affordable accessible and fiscally sustainable. The HACC Foundation is in the second year of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, striving to raise $14 million by Dec. 31, 2020. From July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, 35 HACC students received emergency assistance funding. One of the recipients is a mother of six who was studying to become a nurse and working full time. When their rented house fell under new ownership, she and her family faced eviction in the middle of the holiday season. Due to the emergency assistance she received, she was able to safely relocate her family. She wrote to the HACC Foundation: “I am writing you to express how thankful I am for your support for those who are deeply in need. When I received this email today I broke down and cried. This crisis that my family is experiencing is very sudden. You guys are truly a blessing, not only for the funding program but helping those out who are trying to make it in the world regardless of their situation.� If you are interested in contributing to a student emergency assistance fund, please do so via hacc.edu/givenow.
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As part of the Invest. Impact. Inspire. Campaign for HACC, the HACC Foundation will raise $500,000 in support of student emergency assistance funds. More than 800 scholarships were awarded to HACC students in 2016-17, totaling more than $850,000. Institute best practices in communications to effectively share College-related information. HACC empowers students, faculty and staff members to work collaboratively by removing potential challenges that come with reserving meeting spaces on campus. The College is discovering that implementing Zoom – a cloud-based tool for video meetings of up to 100 users – can have a transformative effect on the student experience. Jason Beaudin, director of academic technologies, saw firsthand how substantial this impact could be. One of his students faced notable obstacles to meeting on campus due to a nerve condition that caused chronic pain. Using video conferencing, Beaudin and the student were able to see each other as clearly as they would in a face-to-face meeting and engage in a live dialogue to address the student’s questions and concerns. As a result of the student’s determination and the introduction of video conferencing, he was able to pass his written business communication course and continue forward on his educational journey. Meet the growing technological needs of the College community. One of the exciting new technologies introduced at HACC in the 2016-17 academic year was the Hatsize virtual lab environment. With this technology, students can access their virtual computer labs from any device. By creating virtual lab environments, students have access to advanced software that would traditionally require a dedicated lab environment to run. Now, HACC students can access real software any time of day regardless of their location.
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Recruit high-performing employees and provide them with knowledge and skills to maximize their effectiveness. Vito Damone began working at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus in October 2016 as lead security officer and was promoted to security supervisor in May 2017. Damone worked in law enforcement for 13 years, but it was through the help of HACC’s leadership and his colleagues that he learned about our focus on students and the learning environment. When asked about what he likes best about working in the Public Safety and Security Department, he said, “Serving and teaching.” Damone enjoys educating students and colleagues on matters like self-defense, behavioral intervention and HACC’s personal emergency response app, Hawk Response. Damone exhibits HACC’s values of integrity, collegiality, excellence and trust through leading by example, building rapport with students and employees and supporting the security officers on the Harrisburg Campus.
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Instill Inclusivity Champion diversity and inclusivity. At HACC, we promote respect, collegiality, diversity and empathy. We also strive to create a climate of trust within the College. Adjunct faculty member Angelo Craig is one of many employees who help champion diversity and inclusivity collegewide. He teaches a Foundational Studies course that is part of the College’s Men of Color initiative. The course is taught by men of color, for men of color. Craig offered the following reflections on what he observed in the Foundational Studies course: “I love to see the transformation process that takes place over 12-13 weeks. When they first come to class on the first day, they see me, we talk about the definition and purpose of the class and for half of the class, you literally and metaphorically hear a sigh of relief and reprieve, giving them a sense of security. No judgment is rendered for anyone’s views or previous actions! Confidentiality is of the most importance, but respecting those for baring their faults is even held to a higher standard.” Craig said that he hopes the Men of Color course can be replicated for women of color, young mothers, LGBTQ students and all minority groups represented at HACC. Create and maintain a collaborative culture across the College. Sharon Hymon is an enrollment services specialist who works in the Welcome Center at HACC’s Lancaster Campus. She is also a member of the Lancaster Campus Diversity Committee. On the topic of creating a collaborative culture, Hymon said, “It is important for everyone to be heard in a nonthreatening, open environment where common ground in thought and deed can be accomplished. Once there is a united focus on definitions and process, implementation must be made in a very sensitive, caring manner as to not let anyone feel intimidated or left out. There should be ways to gather input to the process from the entire college community and there must be a transparent process so there is ‘buy in’ from all areas/segments of the College.” Retention rates for the 26 students enrolled in the Men of Color Initiative pilot at York Campus (80 percent) and Harrisburg Campus (65 percent) exceeded those for non-participating males of color on each campus. 11
Enhance recruitment and retention of employees and students to create a more diverse and qualified workforce. Current HACC students are invaluable ambassadors in recruiting and retaining new students. Allena McCloud, a HACC alumna who attended HACC’s Lancaster Campus, experienced firsthand the difference that student outreach can make. McCloud first took classes at HACC as a high school student. She attended a different college but made the decision to return to HACC after falling ill. She was motivated to come back to HACC because of the flexibility of classes, including online classes. Her re-entry was not easy, but she said that meeting her Student Government Association advisor and other minority staff and faculty members encouraged her to stay. McCloud spoke with HACC students during an African-American student forum, where she said that many students had experiences that either kept them at HACC or made them want to leave. She said, “The discussions that were eye-opening for me were hearing my peers explain their journey here at HACC, as well as their negative experiences that they hope another student will not have to face. The therapeutic parts of the discussion for me were sharing my story and experiences and having other peers say they feel the same or understand why I may feel the way I do.”
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Projects Funded through Your Gifts From July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, the HACC Foundation allocated $501,313.72 in funding for numerous projects across the College. The HACC Foundation funded impactful initiatives such as: Automotive lab upgrades at HACC’s York Campus to meet the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) standards
Establishment of a central dispatch as the single Public Safety answering center for all HACC campuses
The Community Innovation Center to give HACC students, faculty and community members access to 3-D printing and prototyping capability outside of the classroom HACC’s Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted March 17, 2017, provided female students at HACC the opportunity to attend workshops and network with professionals within the community. Topics at the event included the power of networking, overcoming challenges in the workplace and empowering HACC students to take on new positions as they plan for graduation and beyond
The Men of Color initiative at HACC, which is focused on connecting new male students of color with seasoned students for peer mentoring. In addition, the initiative is focused on leadership development and special events for male students of color 13
Invest. Impact. Inspire. Campaign for HACC
HACC continues to make progress toward its goal of raising $14 million to support current and future students through the Invest. Impact. Inspire. Campaign for HACC. To learn more about the fundraising priorities that drive the campaign, or to make a donation, please visit hacc.edu/Campaign.
Bruce E. Cooper Student Center Renovations
Beginning in February 2016, the Bruce E. Cooper Student Center on HACC’s Harrisburg Campus underwent an incredible transformation to become a revitalized “one-stop” hub for HACC students, staff, alumni and visitors. The building re-opened to students in June 2017. They can access all of the services they need – admissions, advising, counseling and financial aid – in one convenient, beautiful location. Our fundraising goal for the Bruce E. Cooper Student Center is $10 million. Naming opportunities are still available. More information is at hacc.edu/NamingOpportunities. President’s Fund for Excellence
HACC is raising $1.5 million to invest in innovative ideas and programs. During 2016-17, the President’s Fund for Excellence funded such initiatives as: • Evacuation chairs for individuals with disabilities who cannot evacuate buildings by use of
stairs in emergency situations
• Additional licenses for Tableau, an online data tool that allows HACC to visualize
information in an interactive, visually appealing manner
• 2017-18 Inclusion and Diversity Innovations Awards to engage students in submitting
entries related to inclusion and diversity
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Scholarships
Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for HACC students. At a spring Donor and Scholar event at HACC’s Lancaster Campus, one scholarship recipient expressed her immense gratitude, saying, “Getting the news that I had received four scholarships ultimately felt like winning the lottery. For me, the financial assistance has meant so much. I did not have to take out any more loans to pay for school.” Student Emergency Assistance Fund
Student emergency assistance funds are available at each of HACC’s five campuses and Virtual Learning. From July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, 35 HACC students received emergency assistance funding, which helped them overcome serious personal and financial challenges. In June, the HACC Foundation announced the addition of the Massage Therapy Student Emergency Assistance Fund and the Textbook Emergency Assistance Fund for students at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus.
Thanks so much! HACC and the HACC Foundation make every attempt to include accurate information. If you recognize an omission or mistake, please contact us at foundation@hacc.edu. Please see our list of generous donors.
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HACC Foundation
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, in full accordance with the law does not discriminate in employment, student admissions and student services on the basis of race, color, religion, age, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of birth, General Education Development Certification (GED), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected classification. HACC recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal opportunity for employment, student admissions and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities and women. Inquiries should be directed to the chief inclusion and diversity officer at One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or wranders@hacc.edu.
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EOE-M/F/D/V Š2017 170901-2821
hacc.edu 800-ABC-HACC