Inside Coleman Newsletter, FY22 Q2

cONTRIBUTORS Office of The President College Operations Office Communication Services Continuing Education Dean of Health Sciences Student Services

IN THIS

ISSUE

02

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

03

C O L L E G E O P E R AT I O N S O F F I C E

05

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S E RV I C E S

06

C O N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N

07

D E A N O F H E A LT H S C I E N C E S

08

Ending the Semester Strong

Return to Level 3

New Campaign Kicks Off

Center for Healthcare Professionals

Expression of Appreciation

S T U D E N T S E RV I C E S

Celebrating Important Milestones

VOL. 02, ISSUE 02 | DECEMBER 2021

C O L L E G E F O R H E A LT H S C I E N C E S

Office Of The President Ending the Semester Strong

by Dr. Phillip Nicotera, M.D., M.S.Ed. President

Here we are close to the end of the fall semester, and so far, we have had a very successful academic year. Thanks to everyone for keeping us in class and moving forward. It has truly been a pleasure to see more activity on campus – it’s definitely good to be back.

Recently, Harris County moved the COVID-19 threat level from orange to yellow. This change means that we will remain vigilant, and you will still be asked to complete the daily prescreening survey. Additionally, it may mean an increased on-campus presence for some departments.

Throughout the COVID period, we have not been dormant at Coleman. We continue to hold on-campus classes, and we have had many visitors meet with us to form new partnerships (more to come in the near future). We will be starting a new Bachelor Degree in Health Care Management with specialization in Respiratory Care, a first for HCC. So, we all have been very busy over the past few months.

02 | DECEMBER 2021

I am proud to report on the successful launch of our new Endoscopy Technician program! On Nov. 18, we celebrated the occasion during an evening reception with our TMC community partners, faculty, administration and students currently enrolled in our first class.

The holiday season is in full swing, and it was nice to see you all at Coleman’s festive celebration on Monday. As we wrap things up this week, HCC will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17 for the winter break.

All buildings, offices and service areas will also shut down.

In closing, thanks for your hard work and support. It is truly appreciated by all!

Enjoy your time off and happy holidays!

College Oper ations Return to Level 3

by Dr. Diana Castillo, Ed.D. College Operations Officer

By now, most faculty and staff have adjusted to

themselves

the ebbs of the pandemic and are in the new

into the campus.

normal. As we close out our 2021 fall term, Harris

• Classroom Image courtesy of City of Houston

County and HCC return to yellow status. This

capacity is back

is great news for faculty, staff and students – it

to normal and

means more of us are vaccinated, but humble

social distancing rules are not mandated; we

that we are still alive and have to some extent

still encourage personal responsibility to do

become comfortable in our own skin with taking

what is best for you.

personal responsibility for our health and how we

• For supervisors and faculty, if an employee or

continue to engage in our community despite

student reports they are sick, encourage them

COVID-19. The HEERF incentives for bringing

to stay home. If they test positive, they must

students back to campus have been plentiful, and the outlook for bringing life back to our campuses is bright. For College Operations officers and campus management, we have learned to pivot back and forth and maintain efficient practices as we continue to help students, faculty and staff safely navigate the semester.

Navigating Code Yellow

Here are some important updates to keep in mind.

• HCC screening is no longer required at building entrances.

• Faculty, staff and students will still receive their prescreening questionnaires and screen

still initiate self-reporting and follow those protocols.

• We will use professional judgment while hosting both internal and external large events and take necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

• Reception/greeting stations will continue to provide self-serve masks, water bottles and sanitary wipes. Please note, masks are not required; it is a personal choice if someone desires to wear a mask.

• Plexiglas will remain at the current inventory, but we are not ordering additional quantities.

• Lane staffing will end for those campuses who have traditionally used them.

• We will allow food service in designated areas where people may still socially 03 | DECEMBER 2021

COLLEGE OPERATIONS [CONTINUED]

distance. Please refrain from serving food in

to promote safety. Always be aware of your

classrooms, labs, lecture halls, etc. According

surroundings, remain vigilant and report any

to the CDC guidance for Institute of Higher

suspicions to campus management or

Education (IHE) dated Nov. 1, there is no

HCC Police.

evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread by handling or eating food. Therefore, HCC’s recommendation is to eliminate food restrictions. Please continue to work with campus management when serving food.

• Campus resource tools for faculty are

• All classrooms/labs and support service areas will continue to be sanitized regularly.

• External leases involving groups and Student Life activities are back to normal.

• All faculty and staff understand that flexibility is not limited to the classroom and is now

available on the HCC intranet Instructional

a way of campus life. The “new normal” is

Leaders page. These guides help faculty

a mindset to embrace and look for ways to

and staff to locate Xerox machines, faculty

enhance teaching, help students succeed and

workrooms, campus management staff, etc.

enrich our humanity.

Use this link to access information: https:// myhcc.hccs.edu/Division-of-Instructional-

Services/Pages/Directories-for-InstructionalLeaders,-COE%27s-and-Educational-

Partnerships.aspx The searchable direct link is: http://c0dzk124.caspio.com/dp/ a26a1000f468fa22e16e46409ae5

• All HCC students, staff and faculty are required to display a parking permit on their vehicle. For more information, visit https://

www.hccs.edu/departments/police/police-

servicescrime-prevention-/parking-rules-andregulations/

• Two-factor authentication is in effect for HCC, and so far, about 50% of faculty and staff have signed up. Duo 2FA is an extra level of security to protect the data of employees as well as the institution’s intellectual property.

This allows HCC employees to protect their banking information and prevent hackers from gathering additional information about their accounts.

• We encourage all faculty, students and staff to wear a visible ID badge as we continue 04 | DECEMBER 2021

Self-Reporting Reminders and Procedures Please direct staff to complete the Employee

Self-Report Form and call Talent Engagement (TE) at 713.718.2300, option 4.

You can access the form at the following link: https://forms.hccs.edu/PerfectForms/ PresentationServer/Form.aspx/Play/ RkhAggYi?f=RkhAggYi

COVID Self-reporting Numbers Students: 713.718.8400 Employees: 713.718.2300, option 4 As we approach spring term FY22, we embrace Harris County’s lowered threat level from orange to yellow status. All HCC water fountains, coffee pots, ice machines, etc. will re-open for campus use. Forging ahead, collaboration will continue to play an integral part of our success.

Comm unication Services New Campaign Kicks Off

by Adrena Dow Director of Communications Through the collaborative efforts of Communication Services and Deutser, the institution’s long-time strategic marketing consultant, HCC launches a fresh look with its new spring campaign, Frame Your Future.

The campaign began Monday, Nov. 1, and extends through mid-January of next year.

Visuals are reflective of Houston’s diverse population with imagery of select HCC students.

Ads are presented in both English and Spanish.

To represent our health science programs, a handful of HCC Coleman students volunteered their talents in support of the college. You can spot images of these marketing ads on digital displays around HCC campuses, various social media platforms and local print publications.

Avila, Ifeoma Okoroafor, Tjodi Foster, Jazmin Banda, Idalys Rea, Eliseo Munoz, Laura AraqueCordoba and Celeste Delgado.

Stay tuned this spring to see more Coleman students representing our marketing ads. To view the full system-wide campaign, click here.

Send Us Your Ideas!

Have a specific marketing request? Coleman Communications welcomes the opportunity to collaborate and promote your programs.

Click here or visit hccs.edu/colemanrequests to submit a request.

Follow Us

Don’t forget to follow us on social media. We’re always posting the latest information about Coleman programs, events and campus updates.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to these shining superstars who participated in the creative process with our marketing pieces.

Thank you to Binoy Biju, Myrna “Yamel” Lopez-

www.facebook.com/hcccoleman

www.instagram.com/hcccoleman www.linkedin.com/in/adrena-dow05 | DECEMBER 2021

Continuing E ducation Center for Healthcare Professionals

by Prashant Harjai Program Manager

The Center for Healthcare Professionals (CHP) at Coleman College offers health continuing education (CE) to students and professionals working in the health care field. Our partnerships with credit programs are created to offer mirror courses and professional readiness courses that assist students in their educational goals. Here are just a few of the classes we offer that you can refer to health care professionals: Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants (click here) If you’ve been approached by physical therapists or physical therapy assistants inquiring about approved continuing education, we can help.

We offer two courses focusing on differential diagnosis that provide 16 hours and 17.5 hours of TPTA approved CCUs at $159 per course. Both are 100% online, anytime, self-paced courses that professionals can register for throughout the semester. This meets the educational requirement for physical therapists to treat without referral as outlined in House Bill 29 signed by Texas governor on June 14, 2019. These courses are 06 | DECEMBER 2021

offered to all physical therapists or physical therapy assistants across Texas and can be used to renew licensing for each occupation.

Spanish Healthcare Interpreter Assessment Training (click here to navigate) We have a great opportunity for Spanishspeaking high school graduates or students who have earned their GED and are interested in a career in health care! The Healthcare Interpreter Assessment and Training courses can be completed in just 16 weeks for the low cost of $199. These courses are completely online and self-paced. Upon successful completion, students will meet the educational requirements and training to qualify for Certification for Medical Interpreters (CMI) or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) national certification.

Contact Us

Visit us online at www.hccs.edu/chp. Or, for inquiries or referrals, please email hcc-chp@hccs.edu, or call us at 713.718.7796.

Dean Of Health Sciences Expression of Appreciation

by Dr. Jeff Gricar, Ed.D., CPhT, PhTR. Dean of Health Sciences

Dean’s Message

When I think of the holiday season, I genuinely believe it is a time for personal and professional reflection, growth and gratitude. It is also a time to renew our commitment to our goals and to find the inner stamina that will lead us along the

18 years as a valued member of the Coleman family, Mr. Mohamad Tlass is moving on to pursue greener pastures. He has accepted a

right pathway into the new year.

position at Tarrant County Community College

Beyond all the presents we buy and receive,

of health sciences.

beyond all the great holiday sweets, treats and food, and beyond the flurry of family and friends that accompany the holiday season, it is equally important to stop and remember to take some time to be thankful for the people that matter most. And the people that mean the most to HCC and Coleman College are its wonderful faculty and staff. So, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each one of you for making HCC Coleman College a wonderful place

Trinity River Campus East as their associate dean

Congratulations and thank you, Mohamad, for being a valued employee, colleague and allaround great guy. We will miss you, my friend.

Congratulations as well to Dr. Michele Voight.

She graduated in December with her Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) from the University of Indianapolis. Way to go, Michele!

to learn and work.

I hope that everyone has a restful holiday break

On a different note, it is with great happiness,

season and throughout 2022.

and wish you all peace, love and joy this holiday

intermingled with sadness, that I announce, after

07 | DECEMBER 2021

Student Services Celebrating Important Milestones

by Dr. Patricia Ugwu, Ph.D. Dean of Student Success & Engagement

Dean’s Message

As we get close to the end of 2021, it helps to stop and acknowledge the many great things that we have experienced even during an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Successful Completion of HCC Decennial Reaccreditation Site Visit

Did you know that the HCC decennial reaccreditation process concluded the second week in October without identifying any areas of concern? See Office of the Chancellor’s email dated Oct. 15. HCC Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) on Personalized Learning Pathways was one of the main highlights because of its focus on student success. Now that the site visit is complete, the real work of operationalizing the practices HCC included in the QEP begins and we can do it through the implementation of HCC Student Success Framework four stages: • Connection: From interest and application to first enrollment • Entry: From enrollment to program selection and entry • Progress/Completion: From program entry to 08 | DECEMBER 2021

completion of program requirements • Advancement: Employment and/or baccalaureate transfer I encourage everyone to please make time and become familiar with the QEP, which can be found at the following link: https://www.

flipsnack.com/commdept/quality-enhancement-

plan/download-pdf.html. Find ways you can help bring the identified high-impact practices to life in your everyday work. Adopting a “student success mindset” means “deficit thinking” out, “asset-based narrative” in!

Dr. Reagan Flowers Selection as Top 30

•

Elaine Swanner, five years

Influential Women of Houston

•

Kumudu Fernando, 10 years

Thanks to Dr. Phillip Nicotera, HCC Coleman

•

Amanda Salinas, 10 years

President, I had the opportunity to attend the 2021 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Event held at Royal Sonesta in honor of Trustee Dr. Reagan Flowers who was recognized for

Promoting Student Engagement & Awareness

HCC Coleman Student Life hosted several events

her many services to the Houston Community.

in support of our students and our programs.

Trustee Dr. Flowers, congratulations again for a

Some of the events included: Domestic Violence

well-deserved honor.

Awareness, Depression Awareness, Hispanic Heritage Month, Breast

Employee Significance Awards

Cancer Awareness and

Believe it or not, I have been

Pride Day.

at HCC for 25 years. My first position was that of a program

In collaboration with

manager for YouthBuild

President Nicotera, Career

Houston as I have mentioned

Services manager, Stacy

previously; then, as a counselor

Overton, hosted a job

and department chair for

fair featuring Memorial

counseling both at HCC Central

Herman administrators.

before my selection as the Student Services dean for HCC

Click here to see

Coleman. During all these

our photo album.

years, it has been my pleasure to serve in multiple college and district-wide committees to increase

Welcome & Farewell During this fall we said thank

student success, while improving

you and farewell to Lottie Kesee,

organizational stewardship. Thank you

Student Life assistant and

HCC for the great opportunities and

Christian Andrews, Recreational

memories. I can’t wait to find out what

Sports specialist, and we

the next 25 years will bring.

welcomed Elaine Swanner, admission advisor.

The following individuals are also celebrating five and 10 years at HCC: •

Priscilla S. Garcia, five years

•

LaShawn Pierce, five years 09 | DECEMBER 2021

Inside Coleman Internal Quarterly Newsletter Publication HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences Produced by Communication Services Fall, December 2021 Vol. 02, Issue 02