Campus Bookstore

Your required course materials can be purchased at the Follett Bookstore in Beacon Hall on the HCC campus in room BH-137. The bookstore also carries general supplies, art and lab supplies, trade and reference books, computer peripherals, gift cards, and HCC apparel and gifts. A few bookstore services include; a gift card Price Match program on textbooks, a Buyback program where students can sell their textbooks back to the store at the end of the semester, extended return dates for the fall and spring semesters, bus pass sale and distribution on behalf of HCC, graduation cap and gown pick up, and a full service online web site.

During the first two weeks of classes, the bookstore has extended hours. Students should check the bookstore web site, the bulletin board outside the bookstore, or call 203-332-8587 for current hours of operation.

[button url="http://www.hctc.bkstr.com" target="blank" color="#FFF" background="#2d3a8f" background_hover="#727fd6" size="8" radius="10px" icon="icon: book" icon_color="#7287dd"]Click Here For Bookstore Website[/button]

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CTrides for College Students

Discover the many services CTrides provides college students when traveling to and from campus, including the U-Pass CT card!

[youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GekunF4VoJY&t=15s"]

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For more information, go to ctrides.com.

For information about U-Pass, please click here.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a nutrition program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food and stay healthy. The SNAP Employment and Training program is a job readiness program that prepares clients for employment by offering vocational training, career activities, and support services. Download our flyer here.

 

SNAP E&T ORIENTATION (DAY & EVE on Campus)

MONDAY,  DECEMBER 12, 2022, FROM 10:00AM TO 11:30AM

OR

TUESDAY,  DECEMBER 13, 2022, FROM 3:30PM TO 5:00PM

ROOM:BH-365

Students must bring proof of SNAP benefits (gray card) and a CT state photo ID. Intake forms will be provided for those interested in the program only.  

How am I eligible for the SNAP E&T Program?

To be eligible for the SNAP E&T Program:

• Students must be receiving SNAP benefits.
• Students must have a GED or high school diploma.
• Students receiving TANF (cash assistance) are not eligible for the SNAP Employment and Training Program.
• Students must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens are eligible with appropriate documentation.
• SNAP participants cannot select training programs in which they cannot be employed. Participants must be able to perform the duties of the training program they are selecting.
• Students that have a HOLD*** within the college system will not be allowed to register for the SNAP program until the financial obligations are met by the college. If you have questions about a financial hold contact the Bursar's office.

***HOLD—A hold is when the college does not allow you to register for classes because you either owe money, do not have immunizations up to date, or have documentation missing in the system.

If you would like to be notified about future orientation dates, please email  and we will add you to our email distribution list. All students must attend an orientation, take an assessment, and meet with the SNAP Coordinator to determine program placement.

 Request for a SNAP Appointment

Please contact our office at 203.332.5145 for current recruitment dates.

• Picture ID.
• Proof of SNAP Benefits (DSS card and a recent budget sheet) if you do not have a recent budget sheet. Log into the DSS website: www.connect.ct.gov create an account and obtain benefit information.
• Social security card.

In order to protect your personal information faxed and emailed information will not be accepted.

 

Programs offered through the SNAP Employment and Training Program

Short-term (non-credit) Certificates

• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
• Community Health Worker Training Program*
• Central Sterile Processing Technician
• Pharmacy Technician Training
• Certified Professional Coder 
• Comp TIA A+
• National Certified Bookkeeper
• Patient Care Technician

Associate Degree Programs

• Medical Assisting-Medical Assisting (EA10)
• Small business Management-Business Administration: Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship Option (EA89)
• Early Childhood Education-Early Childhood Inclusive Education (EA99)
• Disabilities Specialist- Human Services Certificate: Disabilities Specialist (EJ72)
• Criminal Justice-Criminal Justice (EB13)
• Accounting -Accounting (EA03)

Credit Certificate Program

• Graphic Design- Graphics Certificate: Graphic Design (EJ91)
• Advanced Manufacturing-Manufacturing Certificate: CNC Machine Technology
• Web Design Technology- Computer Information Systems Certificate: Web Development (EK12)
• Retail Banking-Business Certificate: Retail Banking (EK04)

 

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For more information please contact:

Loretta Lloyd-Reeves
SNAP Coordinator

203-332-5145

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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement | Food and Nutrition Service

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In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

1. mail:
   Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
   1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
   Alexandria, VA 22314; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Housatonic Community College Foundation

The Housatonic Community College Foundation was founded in 1990 by a group of Greater Bridgeport residents and business and arts leaders. The Foundation provides financial assistance to the College and its students beyond the fundamentals provided by the State of Connecticut and assists the College in becoming a unique educational resource for its students and the community. The Foundation also serves as a vehicle generating funding for Housatonic student scholarships, student emergency assistance, child care assistance for parents enrolled at Housatonic, program enhancements and support of the Housatonic Museum of Art.

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Check out HCC Foundation president Bruce Murray as he discusses scholarship and financial aid on the “Our Lives’ program on News 12.

Housatonic Alumni Association

The Housatonic Alumni Association is an organization open to all those who have attended HCC at any time. The Association strives to connect and engage with alumni by advising them of activities and developments at the college, by providing opportunities to form beneficial networks, and by creating the means to assist the college to maintain its vital presence in the Greater Bridgeport area.

Like us on Facebook! Visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HCCBridgeportAlumni

Find us on LinkedIn!

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Housatonic Community College Faculty and Staff

Student Resources

Take time to explore the many Housatonic Community College resources available to you.

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CCC Computer & myCommNet “NetID” Logon Procedures: “myCommNet” = https://my.commnet.edu/

To log on: (General instructions followed by First-Time* & password explanations.)

1. Enter your Banner Number (without the “@” sign in front), followed by the “@student.commnet.edu” domain, in the “User name” (i.e.,“NetID”) box.
2. Enter your password** in the box labeled “Password”. (See below...)
3. Press the “Enter” key, or click on the arrow button.

*First-Timers are only those who have never logged onto a lab/classroom computer at any Connecticut Community College campus, or “myCommNet”, since August 2005.

Your First-Time-Only Password is as Follows...

The first 3 letters of your birth month, with only the first letter capitalized, followed by the ampersand (“and” symbol) “&” (key in “Shift” + “7”), followed by the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, if you do not have an SSN, please go to the Information Desk or room LA133A or see any Computer Services (IT) member for assistance…

“User name” / “NetID” – Example Format: “”

First-Time-Once-Only Password – Example Format: “Jan&1234”

**You will have to change your password the first time logging on, and then every 180 days. Users must have listed a personal email address when seeking admission in order to use the online password change email method. – Follow these password rules closely:

Password requirements:

1. Must be at least 8 characters long.
2. May NOT resemble any part of your name, your NetID/Username, or birth date.
3. Must contain at least 1 UPPERCASE letter and 1 lowercase letter.
4. Must contain at least 1 symbol (~!@$%^*_-+=`|\(){}[]:;"<>’,.?/) or number. Please Note: Avoid the “&” sign (because “&” can sometimes prevent CCC email access). Moreover, it is recommended to avoid “#”, which is used in password resets.
5. May not be a repeat/resemblance of any previous password including the last 24.

The first time at a machine, signing in to myCommNet, you will be required to supply “more information” for verification. At the “Microsoft Authenticator” prompt, click the link to “use a different method” and choose the “phone” method from the dropdown, then supply your number to receive a verification code.

Note: If you forget your password, or get “locked out” after multiple attempts, you can [change password (and unlock account)] at any of the computer “kiosks” located in the lobbies and hallways of the college (or your computer at home or elsewhere) by going to:

“Reset Your Password” on https://my.commnet.edu/. Then, on the “Reset NetID Password” page, choose the method and supply the requested information.

To enter Blackboard for your course(s), after logging into “myCommNet” resources, click on the “Bb” icon near the upper right corner, or the “Blackboard” link under the “Home” tab and the category “Access Your Blackboard Courses”.

PLEASE PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY, AND KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT ENABLED, REMEMBER TO SIGN OUT of “Blackboard” & “myCommNet”, if you used them, then Windows or Mac IF you were required to LOGON to the DESKTOP, NOT the KIOSKs!!

PCs: (Click Start/User logo/Sign out) All Machines: (Make sure the log off completes before leaving.)

Macintosh Computers: (Click Apple Menu/Log Out …, or key combo {Shift} + {Command} + “Q”)

Information About Technology Support at Housatonic Community College

Housatonic Community College faculty, staff, and students rely on Technology on a daily basis. The IT department takes pride in our support service to a variety of users in several departments on campus. Information Technology provides support to the college community through best practices in the effective use of technology for teaching and learning, research, outreach, and administrative programs.

 

Community Resources

Housatonic Community College takes pride in the surrounding community and values the neighborhood.

HCC has a list of resources that you might find useful. If you need assistance with food or shelter, the following items might be of assistance to you.

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Housatonic Community College is here to support you on your journey to success

There are many on-campus resources that can help you. Check out the resources listed here for more information!

Crisis Prevention- If you or someone you know might be at risk of substance abuse or suicide, please check out our resource page.

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Title IX - Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that protects all students attending or accessing services at an educational institution that receives federal funding. 

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Childcare - The nationally accredited Housatonic Early Childhood Laboratory School has a two-fold purpose: a high quality, pre-school program for the young children of students, faculty, staff, and the community; and a laboratory setting and resource for HCC’s Early Childhood Inclusive Education Program and other disciplines in the college. It is located in Lafayette Hall in LH-B137near the Broad Street entrance.

To enroll, children must be three years of age by December 31 of the calendar year in which they enter the School. The School is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 50 weeks a year.

From the 2016-2017 Catalog

Confidentiality of Student Records

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

These rights are included in the college Policies section in Appendix XVII.

From the 2016-2017 Catalog

POLICIES

Academic Dishonesty

Students of Housatonic Community College are expected to do their own work on assignments, laboratory exercises, quizzes, examinations and any other academic work. Cheating in any form is viewed by the faculty, the students and the administration as a most serious offense. See The Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct, Part D in Appendix I.

Academic dishonesty can result in your receiving an “F” grade on the paper or exam in question and/or an “F” grade in the course. “F” penalties are invoked by faculty members. Academic dishonesty can result in suspension from college or expulsion from college. The last two penalties can only be invoked through the Academic Dean.

Faculty members explain to students exactly what is meant by academic dishonesty and plagiarism and what the penalties are at the beginning of the semester. If you have any question on these issues, consult with the faculty member prior to undertaking the action or submitting the paper.

Housatonic Community College Copyright Policy for Students

Copyright refers to exclusive legal rights authors or owners have over their works for a specific period. These rights include copying whole or parts of works, creating derivative works, and distributing or performing the works. Non-compliance with copyright laws is a legal offense and can result in serious college penalties (see the Student Code of Conduct) and broader federal offenses. The full description of Copyright Policy for Students is in Appendix X.

Additionally, all copyright-protected material used must include the complete source citation and the rights holder. This information should appear on the same page as the material itself.

For copyright questions not answered by this information, please contact a librarian for assistance.

See Appendix X for the complete policy.

Blackboard e-Learning Platform

Blackboard is an e-Learning platform used by the Connecticut Community Colleges to deliver and manage course material on the web. All online and hybrid courses are taught using Blackboard.   Additionally, all college faculty post their class syllabi on Blackboard and many also use Blackboard as a supplement to classroom instruction. For example, to post announcements and course materials, administer examinations, submit student grades, and communicate with their students through e-mail, discussion forums, etc.   Students are required to check Blackboard for course activity information in the event of a course cancellation.

Students can learn about how to use Blackboard by visiting our distance Education office in Beacon Hall Room 272, calling Jose Labrador, Acting Director of Education Technology at 203-332-5206, or online at the Housatonic web site:

www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL

OR by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions for BBLearn at https://websupport.ct.edu/items/taxonomy/BBLearn/all

Class Cancellations

Housatonic has the right to cancel any class or to change instructors. Upon course cancellation, a student will be notified and referred to an advisor or counselor who will meet with the student to select another ongoing course in which the student will be enrolled provided he/she meets the pre-requisites/parallels. Restrictions apply in equipment-related courses, and ENG* 101 and ENG* 102.

Weather (or Other) Cancellations

Occasionally classes have to be cancelled because of extreme weather conditions or other emergencies. The most detailed information is on the HCC website www.housatonic.edu or by calling 203-332-5200. Students should login to myCommNet to sign up for myCommNet Alert text messages to receive weather cancellations and closings.

Students are required to check Blackboard for course activity information in the event of a class cancellation.

Faculty Absences

If a faculty member is going to be late or cannot meet a class because of an emergency, he or she will make every effort to have someone inform you. However, if any faculty member is late arriving for class (more than 20 minutes), you can:

1. Go to the Academic Dean (LH- A204a), the Evening Division Office in Beacon Hall (BH- 116) or the office of the department chair for that academic area (refer to “Where To Go For Help”) and ask for guidance;
2. Circulate an attendance sheet with the course number and section for each student to sign. Provide this information to the offices listed above. At that point you are free to leave if you have received no other directions.

Computer Policies

Using computers is a very important part of your education. The HCC computer laboratories in Lafayette Hall, Beacon Hall, and in the Library are available for use by current HCC students. The lab hours are posted on the college web site. Labs are usually open when classes are in session and at specific times when the college is open and classes are not in session.

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education , and the State of Connecticut have endorsed uniform policies regarding computer use and computer software ownership. Under these policies, students cannot use the laboratory facilities to create software for any illegal activity nor can they use these facilities for personal work whether for a profit or non-profit purpose. Software cannot be duplicated or loaded unless the duplication or loading is directly related to a course and is under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Further, college policy forbids viewing pornographic or other potentially offensive material on the college computers. Violation of any of these policies may result in disciplinary action.

For the complete policy see Appendix IV.

Bringing Your Children to School

Generally, visitors are not allowed in the classroom. However, if, in an emergency situation, you need your child with you when you are attending class, you are required to receive permission from the instructor. If approved, you must have the child or children with you in the classroom at all times. You cannot leave your children unattended anywhere in the college.

Drug-Free Workplace

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education adopted the policy on drug-free workplaces for the system of community colleges.

No student or employee shall knowingly possess, use, distribute, transmit, sell, or be under the influence of any controlled substance on the college campus or off the college campus at a college-sponsored activity, function, or event. Use or possession of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be a violation of this provision.

For the complete policy see Appendix XII.

Standards and Procedures for Student Discipline

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has adopted the policy on student discipline for the system of community colleges.

For the complete policy see Appendix I.

Student Rights

As a student, you are entitled to an atmosphere conducive to learning and to impartial treatment in all aspects of the teacher/student relationship. This includes the right to be evaluated solely on academic performance and not on any matter irrelevant to that performance. As a student you are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course, but you are responsible for learning the content of the course of study as defined by official college publications, such as the college catalog.

For the complete policy see Appendix II.

Change of Address

Cell Phones/Pagers (edited 8/26/15)

Gambling

Smoking

People with Disabilities

Racism and Acts of Intolerance

The community colleges have long been committed to providing educational opportunities to all who seek and can benefit from them, as evidenced in the mission statements and policies concerning student rights, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. The Connecticut Board of Regents and the colleges recognize that an important part of providing opportunity is creating a welcoming environment in which all people are able to work and study together, regardless of their differentness.

See Appendix VI for the complete policy.

Policy Against Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is illegal under state and federal law and is also prohibited by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education Non-Discrimination Policy.

In accordance with the Board policy sexual harassment may be described as:

Any unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors, or any conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment.

For the complete description of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment see the Connecticut Board of Regents Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence Policy and the Connecticut Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct in Appendix I.

Should you find yourself in a situation which you suspect may be a type of sexual harassment, you are urged to speak with the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Development and Services, or the Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer. Any of these individuals will advise you of appropriate channels available to you and will respect the confidentiality of the situation.

Policy Regarding Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child

The BOR acknowledges the special care required for those students under 18 years of age on its campuses and strives to protect them from any form of abuse or neglect.

According to state law, with the exception of student employees, any paid administrator, faculty, or staff, who in the course of their employment has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a person under the age of 18 years has been abused or neglected, has been placed in imminent harm or has had a non-accidental injury is required to report to the Department of Children and Families within 12 hours of becoming aware of or suspecting abuse, neglect or imminent harm to a child.

The BOR further requires report of any witnessed or suspected child abuse or neglect on a CSCU campus to their immediate supervisor in addition to DCF. The supervisor must report the incident to his or her director or vice president who must then inform the campus President and the System Office Vice President for Human Resources.

If the incident is determined to be credible, the Chief Human Resources Officer will assign an objective person to investigate the report.

For the complete policy on Reporting Child Abuse see Appendix XX.

Violence in the Workplace Prevention

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has adopted a zero tolerance for violence in the workplace policy. “Violence” is defined as an overt act or threat of harm to any person or property, or any act that poses a substantial threat to the safety of any person or property.

For the complete policy see Appendix VII.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence knows no gender, class, religion, education, or economic standing. Housatonic is a community, and domestic violence needs to be addressed by the community. Knowledge and understanding are important and effective tools that faculty, students and staff can call upon to help a victim stay safe.

The following staff members are Safety Network Liaisons and are trained in domestic violence facilitation:

• Janet Lanci
  Assistant Professor
  203-332-8548, Room BH-231
• Mickey Reed
  Coordinator, OTA Program
  203-332-5214, Room LH-C226
• Heidi Szobota
  Director, Early Childhood Lab School
  203-332-5030, Room LH-B137a

In addition, resource material is available for viewing or loan in the Women’s Center, room BH-371 in Beacon Hall.

Policy Regarding Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child

The Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) acknowledges the special care required for those students under 18 years of age on its campuses and strives to protect them from any form of abuse or neglect.

According to state law, with the exception of student employees, any paid administrator, faculty, or staff, who in the course of their employment has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a person under the age of 18 years has been abused or neglected, has been placed in imminent harm or has had a non-accidental injury is required to report to the Department of Children and Families within 12 hours of becoming aware of or suspecting abuse, neglect or imminent harm to a child.

The BOR further requires report of any witnessed or suspected child abuse or neglect on a CSCU campus to their immediate supervisor in addition to DCF. The supervisor must report the incident to his or her director or vice president who must then inform the campus President and the System Office Vice President for Human Resources.

If the incident is determined to be credible, the Chief Human Resources Officer will assign an objective person to investigate the report.

For the complete policy on Reporting Child Abuse see Appendix XX.

AIDS and Other Communicable Diseases

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education reaffirms its commitment to provide a safe and healthy educational environment, safeguard the rights of individuals, and comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations. Students and employees with AIDS, HIV infection, and other communicable diseases must be accorded the same rights and assume the same responsibilities as all other members of the community college community.

For the complete policy see Appendix V.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that protects all students attending or accessing services at an educational institution that receives federal funding.  It allows all students to attend school in an environment free of harassment and gender based violence.  Here at HCC we take this responsibility very seriously.  If you would like to report a Title IX violation or if you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact our Title IX Coordinator, Marilyn Albrecht at 203-332-8521 in Lafayette Hall, Room B103.

› See TITLE IX page for Statement Regarding Sexual Violence and otherimportant information

Student Handbook

The Housatonic Community College Catalog & Student Handbook is published each year before the start of the fall semester.

To view the complete list of policies you may download a copy of the Catalog/Handbook here in PDF format

Click Here for the 2016-17 student policies, as stated in the catalog.

The myCommNet Alert System

Housatonic Community College will use an update service to provide emergency alerts via myCommNet Alert. This system enables HCC to deliver critical information to our campus about emergencies and weather-related closings and delays, through multiple contact methods—including email and phone calls, in addition to text messaging* - to students, staff, and faculty.

*Text message costs will follow your calling plan's terms for text messages. In some cases a message may result in two or more SMS / Texts being received.

IMPORTANT: Students, even if you have already signed up for alerts, you will NOT receive text messages until you log into MyCommNet to update your information. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to do the same.

To update your contact information, you must log in to my.commnet.edu.

[file_download url="images/Departments/current_students/myCommNetAlertLoginInfo20150810.pdf" custom_title="MyCommNet Alert Info" icon="images/Departments/current_students/myCommNetAlertLoginInfo20150810-1.jpg"]

 HCC Alma Mater

[audio url="images/audio-video/HCC_AlmaMater.mp3"]

Coming from far and near.
We sprang from solitary streams. 
From where we charted our course. 
To pursue improbable dreams. 
In this river we found HCC and embraced our diversity. 
Like hawks we soared in search of the land to find hope and promise in your hand. 
We lift our spirits, hearts and our voices to Housatonic, the sound and the ocean,
and to proclaim our promise to each other, to make a difference for our sisters and brothers.

Music by Hernan Yepes, Lyrics by Janet Zamparo ©2009 HCC

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) 

[table]

 

Policy #	Policy Name	BR #	Board Action Date
2.2	Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Notice and Directory Information Policy	BR 17-009 amended BR 14-129	2017-03-02 2014-12-18

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Notice and Directory Information Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the College or University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College or University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College or University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request amendment of an education record that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask an appropriate College or University official to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, misleading or a violation of the student’s right to privacy. However, FERPA is not intended to provide a process to question substantive judgments that are correctly recorded. Consequently, FERPA amendment requests do not allow a student to contest a grade in a course because the student believes that a higher grade should have been assigned.
   
   To request amendment of an education record, the student should write to the official, clearly identifying the part of the record he or she wants changed and specifying why he/she believes it is inaccurate. The institution will notify the student of the decision. If the institution decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, a College or University official will advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the College or University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA permits disclosure without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest. A “school official” is a person employed by a College or University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Regents; an employee of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system office; or, a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the College or University who performs an institutional service or function for which the College or University would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the College or University with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College or University. Upon request, the College or University also discloses education records to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll without the prior consent of, or notice to, the student.
   
   FERPA also permits disclosure of education records without consent in connection with, but not limited to:
   • To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena;
   • To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency;
   • In connection with a student's request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid;
   • To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, to state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs;
   • To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions;
   • To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the College or University;
   • The results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime.
   • Directory information as defined in the policy of the Board of Regents.
4. The right to refuse to permit the College or University to release Directory Information about the student, except to school officials with a legitimate educational interest and others as indicated in paragraph 3 above. To do so, a student exercising this right must notify the University's or College's Registrar, in writing. Once filed, this notification becomes a permanent part of the student's record until the student instructs the University or College, in writing, to remove it. A student may exercise his or her right to opt out of Directory Information, prohibiting disclosure of the student's information without the student's consent as noted in section 3, except however, that pursuant to the Solomon Amendment, military recruiters must be provided the same access to student information as is provided to nonmilitary recruiters.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Colleges to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605

Directory Information Policy

Acknowledging that Directory Information is FERPA protected information that may be disclosed at the discretion of a College or University, it is the policy of the Board of Regents for Higher Education for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities that disclosure of Directory Information is within the sole discretion of the College or University. Colleges and Universities may disclose Directory Information without the prior consent of the student only as provided herein.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education has designated the following as Directory Information: For purposes of access by school officials of the Colleges and Universities governed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the following is designated as Directory Information:

Student’s legal name
Permanent mailing address Month and day of birth Photographs
Student identification number, User ID, or other unique identifier Email address Telephone number
University or College previously attended or currently attending Dates of attendance Full vs. part-time student status Awards and honors
Class standing/year
Major, minor, concentration and/or program of study Degree(s)/Certificate(s) candidacy Degree(s)/Certificate(s) earned
Previous Institutions attended Graduation expected/completion dates

For purposes of access by military recruiters only, the following is designated as Directory Information (Student Recruiting Information):

Student's legal name
Permanent mailing address Telephone number Age
Place of birth
Class standing/year
Major and/or program of study Degrees received Most recent educational institution attended

For purposes of participation in any recognized activity or sports, the following is designated as Directory Information: Student's preferred name City and State of Residence Dates of attendance Class standing/Year Recognized activity or sport Team performance statistics Team position Photos and videos Awards Height and weight of athlete For purposes of disclosure to/access by the general public, the following is designated as Directory Information: Student's preferred name Permanent mailing address Photographs Dates of attendance Major, minor, concentration and/or program of study Degree/Certificate candidacy Degree(s)/Certificate(s) earned Awards Full vs. Part-time status Anticipated graduation date Graduation date Connecticut Community College Only - Student identification number, User ID, or other unique identifier Charter Oak State University Only – Email address

Welcome to the Men’s Center @ HCC

Housatonic Community College’s Center For Male Success is conveniently located on the third floor of Beacon Hall, room 325.

The Men’s Center, a pilot project reestablished in Spring 2019 by the Allison Foundation Inc that intends to increase, encourage, and support the inclusion and educational success for males of color. Our aim is to create an ongoing learning community and leverage all available resources that support students’ navigation through the complex currents of college life. The center is comprised of dedicated individuals who advocate for an improved educational experience and quality of life for the men of Housatonic Community college. All Male Success projects are in alignment with the Housatonic Mission, and Values.

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Caption For Photo Above: On this day, young men from Housatonic Community College experience the 3rd Annual "Can't Stop Hip Hop" Education Conference at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Based on the four principles of Hip Hop- Peace, Love, Unity, and fun- students had the chance to envision the future possibilities in education, with Hip Hop leading the way.

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Mission Statement

Housatonic Community College, through a collaborative, learner-centered, technology-rich and stimulating educational environment, empowers all individuals to develop to their full potential as lifelong learners. As a knowledgeable and dedicated faculty and staff, we inspire students to contribute responsibly to our dynamic regional and global society.

Vision Statement

By 2021, Housatonic Community College, empowered by resources and public support, will be a regional leader in higher education, workforce development, and community engagement with cutting-edge programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and other disciplines that address the ever-changing needs of students, employers, and society.

Values

Educational Excellence

• Providing innovative programs that satisfy a variety of individual, regional, and global societal needs
• Emphasizing critical thinking, empowering students to become independent learners, creative problem solvers, and engaged citizens
• Sparking intellectual curiosity and promoting lifelong learning through a rich cultural and academic environment
• Ensuring personal, academic, and organizational integrity and honesty in all endeavors
• Promoting the educational belief that learning is the basis for personal growth and enrichment and that personal maturity is defined by responsibility, accountability, and transparency

Diversity and Inclusion

• Embracing cultural and intellectual differences
• Fostering interpersonal engagements that are respectful of individuals, uniqueness, and culture
• Cultivating an environment that encourages diverse populations to contribute to and participate in the educational process

Services and Resources

• Making available to students resources and support from entry to completion of goals
• Maintaining a safe and secure campus

Personal Connection and Community Engagement

• Providing opportunities for students to experience a positive connection at Housatonic that lasts a lifetime
• Building strong connections that contribute to, and support, community engagement

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[table]

Name	Title	Phone	Email
Mr. Terry Walden	Men’s Center Advisor	203-332-5176
Professor Eddie Rose	Men’s Center Advisor	203-332-5117
Professor Saulo Colon	Men’s Center Advisor	203-332-5113
Alexandros Valiantis	Men’s Center Coordinator	203-332-5178

[/table]

Men's Center

From Start to Finish, Your Success is Our Top Priority.

Housatonic focuses on students first, and has a dedicated staff ready to guide you through your entire college journey. From your first encounter with admissions and advising you will find people who really care about you, and want you to get the most from your college experience. When your classes begin, you will find instructors who have real-life field experience and are dedicated to helping you achieve success.

Throughout your studies, dozens of support services will be at your fingertips, such as career counseling, advising, tutoring, veteran’s support, and more. 

Even when you near the end of your Housatonic journey and graduate, HCC’s supportive staff will still be there for you! Career counselors offer job seeking assistance and resume building services to current and past students. In addition, transfer counselors are available to ensure your transition to a four year college runs seamlessly.

I invite you to come and see for yourself what makes HCC so exceptional and why for so many, Housatonic Community College has been the starting place for a rewarding career and a better life.

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Extra Help Outside of Class

From writing assistance, to math tutoring, even online tutoring, help is available!

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Individualized Schedule Planning and Advising

Advisors and Counselors are available on a walk-in basis to help students build course schedules, align their studies with transfer plans, and more. [/photo_panel][/column] [column size="1/3"][photo_panel background="#f5f5f5"  border="0px solid #cccccc" shadow="0px 1px 2px #eeeeee" photo="images/homepage-images/Papacoda.jpg"]

Childcare Services

Did you know HCC is home to a licensed childcare facility that can help you balance school and family demands? Learn more about HCC’s Early Childhood Laboratory School. [/photo_panel][/column] [/row]

Accessibility Services

While disabilities services are available to students at any time, new students are encouraged to register with the Accessibility Services Office immediately after acceptance by the College. Accessibility services are available to students at any time during their enrollment with the college. To make an appointment please call (203) 332-5018. We welcome students with disabilities and the opportunity to make their college experience a successful one.

At HCC, Marilyn Wehr is responsible for coordination of Section 504/Title II compliance with respect to students. Ms. Wehr's office is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, Connecticut  06604, Lafayette Hall, room B233, and she may be contacted at (203) 332-5018.

2.1.6 People with Disabilities: Policy Statement 

People with Disabilities in the Community Colleges

The Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges and all of the colleges under its jurisdiction are committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for people with disabilities in the Community Colleges. To that end, this statement of policy is put forth to reaffirm our commitment to ensure that no qualified person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity on a Community College campus or in the system office of the Board of Trustees. 

The board recognizes that a physical or functional impairment is a disability only to the extent that it contributes to cutting the person off from some valued experience, activity, or role. Higher education is therefore especially important to people with disabilities, since it aims to increase every student's access to valued experiences, activities, and roles. Improving access for students and employees means removing existing barriers that are physical, programmatic, and attitudinal; it also means taking care not to erect new barriers along the way. 

The efforts of the Community Colleges to accommodate people with disabilities should be measured against the goals of full participation and integration. Services and programs best promote full participation and integration of people with disabilities when they complement and support, but do not duplicate, the regular services and programs of the college. 

Achieving the goal of full participation and integration of people with disabilities requires cooperative efforts within and among higher education. The Board of Trustees will work with the board of governors to achieve a higher level of services and appropriate delivery methods at all Connecticut Community Colleges. 

This statement is intended to reaffirm the board's commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity for all people and in no way to replace the equal opportunity policy statement. 
(Adopted November 20, 1989)

Academic Support Coordinator: Marilyn Wehr
Responsible for Coordination of  Section 504/Title II Accessibility Services 
(203) 332-5018

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DEFINING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job activity, or facility that ensures an equal opportunity for qualified students with disabilities to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity. Aids, benefits, or services need not produce equal results, but must afford an equal opportunity to achieve equal results. When necessary, DRC staff will consult with faculty regarding whether an accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program or activity or whether an academic requirement is essential to the instruction being pursued or to any directly related licensing requirement. In doing so, DRC will examine the following:

• Barriers between individuals with disabilities and the campus environment in accessing courses, programs, services, jobs, activities or facilities without accommodations;
• Requested modifications, accommodations, and auxiliary aids;
• Whether the proposed accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility;
• Whether an academic requirement is essential to the instruction or to any directly related licensing requirement;
• Whether effective alternatives exist that would allow the individual with a disability to participate without lowering essential requirements or fundamentally altering the nature of the program.
• When the University determines that a modification related to facilities or communication would result in a fundamental alteration or undue burden, DRC shall acquire the written opinion of the proper authority, i.e. department chair of impacted discipline, providing the reasoning supporting the decision.

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Download Disability Information and Forms (in PDF Format)

[file_download url="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/GuideStudentsDisabilities.pdf" custom_title="Guide For Students with Disabilities" icon="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/medicalLetter.jpg"]

[file_download url="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/LearningDisability.pdf" custom_title="Learning Disabilities" icon="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/medicalLetter.jpg"]

[file_download url="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/medicalLetter.pdf" custom_title="Medical Letter" icon="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/medicalLetter.jpg"]

[file_download url="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/psychiatricLetter.pdf" custom_title="Psychiatric Letter" icon="images/Departments/ASC-CAP/disability/medicalLetter.jpg"]

Student Support

Housatonic Community College offers a wide range of support resources and services for registered students. These include an ESL program for non-native speakers of English; Language Labs, two multimedia learning lab systems in Beacon Hall that provide practice space for students taking courses in a wide variety of languages.

Online support is also available in a range of tutorials on BlackBoard Learn, the learning management system that provides students with 24/7 access to course materials, grades, activities and assessments. During the semester scheduled workshops on Black Board Learn are also available to students.

Independent Study: Outstanding students may choose to study a particular topic or set of topics independent of regularly scheduled classes, under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. The faculty member determines if the student is qualified to undertake the project and provides guidance to the student. The project must be of an advanced nature and cannot duplicate an existing Housatonic course. Registration for Independent Study must be done before the beginning of the semester in which the Independent Study course begun, a written study outline or contract must be submitted by the student and approved in writing by the faculty member supervising the project, the department head and the Academic Dean. Full tuition and fees are charged for Independent Study courses.

• Graduation Is Not Automatic
• Catalog Selection
• Graduation Process
• Transfer Credits
• Graduation Requirements
• Graduation Honors
• Earning Multiple Degrees
• Completing HCC Degree Requirements at Other Colleges
  

Graduation Applications

Please fill out the application below for graduation.

Graduation Application

Graduation

Housatonic Community College awards the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees and certificates to qualified candidates as authorized by the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut.

Graduation Is Not Automatic:

It is recommended that students request a degree evaluation from their advisor when they complete 30 credits, or print one out themselves at any time from myCommNet. Students seeking a certificate should print their evaluation at the end of the first semester.

Catalog Selection:

Students are evaluated according to the curriculum printed in the catalog when they first enrolled except:

• If you are not enrolled for 2 or more years you are a re-admit student and are evaluated under the re-admission catalog semester.
• If you change your degree program you are evaluated on the semester that your program was changed.

Graduation Process:

Graduation Application Forms are online or available at the Registrar’s Office (LH-B109). They must be completed and handed in to the Registrar’s Office to be placed on the potential graduate list. This should be completed at least by mid-term before the student plans to graduate. Students will be notified by the Registrar’s Office with the results of their degree evaluation. There is no fee for graduation.

Candidates for graduation in May, August, or December are encouraged to attend the commencement ceremony in May.

Transfer Credits:

Students who wish to have credits from another institution transferred to Housatonic should visit the Academic Advising Center in room LH-A111 and arrange for an evaluation of transfer credits.

Graduation Requirements:

• Official enrollment in a certificate or degree program.
• Completion of a minimum number of semester hours for the certificate or degree program with an Academic Average of 2.00 GPA or above.
• Most degree programs require a minimum of fifteen 200-level credits. Consult individual program requirements.
• At least 25% of the graduation credit requirements must be granted by Housatonic Community College.
• Satisfactory completion of all courses required in the student’s program.
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the college.

Commencement Policy

Students who have completed all requirements and plan to graduate with a Degree or Certificate must submit a graduation application to the Registrar’s Office.

Application deadlines for potential Graduates:

• May Graduates: April 26
• August Graduates: August 5
• December Graduates: December 10

NOTE:
If you are a potential August or December graduate who will be completing degree or certificate requirements at the end of the summer or fall semester and would like to participate in the May Commencement ceremony, the deadline to apply is April 11.

In order to participate in the May commencement ceremony August or December graduates must be registered at HCC for no more than 2 courses remaining, which do not exceed 8 credits left to finish over the subsequent summer or fall semester.

If you have applied for May graduation and are expected to complete your program in May but do not pass 2 courses or fewer, you will still be invited to the Commencement ceremony provided you register at Housatonic for the course(s) you need in the subsequent summer or fall semester.

You can attend the ceremony but your actual degree or certificate conferral will occur when you successfully complete all courses needed for your program.

Graduation Honors:

Beginning with Fall 2016

Students with exemplary academic performance shall be recognized at graduation with the following designations, in Latin:

• Summa Cum Laude for students with a 3.9 – 4.0 grade point average
• Magna Cum Laude for students with a 3.7 – 3.89 grade point average
• Cum Laude with a 3.4 – 3.69 grade point average

All graduation honors are recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Students with an Incomplete may become eligible retroactively for graduation honors upon completion of the course requirements, and recognition shall appear on the transcript, provided that the student has earned the required grade point average.

All graduation honors are recorded on the student's academic record.

Earning Multiple Degrees:

Students may earn a second degree in a different curriculum at Housatonic Community College. This will require that a student complete all program requirements of the second degree with 25% of the credits earned in the new curriculum as new credit hours at the college through which the second degree is to be conferred. A student may earn two degrees simultaneously at HCC by fulfilling all requirements as stated above.

A student wishing to earn a certificate and degree in the same program must complete the requirements of the certificate program and apply for graduation prior to earning the degree.

Requests for additional degrees beyond the second require prior approval from the Academic Dean.

Completing HCC Degree Requirements at Other Colleges

Students enrolled in a degree program who wish to complete Housatonic Community College degree requirements at other colleges or universities should request approval prior to undertaking such work. This procedure is referred to as "reverse transfer." In the case of course credits taken at other Connecticut Community Colleges with equivalent common course numbers, this approval may be received through the registrar’s office with the approval of the department chairperson. When the course work is from another higher education institution the courses should be pre-approved, when possible, through the Office of the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will provide approval based on the recommendation of the Department Chairperson for the program.

Online Access to College Services and Information / myCommNet Portal 

Via the Internet on- or off-campus, myCommNet (http://my.commnet.edu) will be the source of information and services for students, faculty and staff of the Connecticut Community Colleges. myCommNet makes it easier to conduct college business, communicate with others in your classes, and participate in online class opportunities. It’s where you can register for classes, check your academic progress, interact with classmates, and manage your college finances, all with a single sign-on. You only have to remember one user ID and one password to reach all of your college’s online services.

In addition to activities for existing students, myCommNet also provides links to submit an application for admission and to search for courses offered by semester.

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