Academic Support & Student Services

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, gender based violence and discrimination. Violations of your rights under Title IX would be sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex discrimination or gender discrimination. Here at Housatonic Community College we take our responsibility to address and protect these rights 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(s).

CSCU Title IX Coordinator:
Mr. Angelo Simoni
860-723-0165
simonia@ct.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator:
Robin L. Avant
BH 278
203-332-5061
ravant@hcc.commnet.edu

Reporting a Violation of the CSCU Code of Conduct and Sexual Misconduct Policy on Housatonic’s website - The Advocate System

The Advocate System is our online system for reporting incidents of student misconduct, student wellbeing concerns and Title IX reports. Student conduct/incident reports provide the college with a process to report and resolve questions about a student’s conduct in relation to the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct. The Care Report provides the opportunity to share concerns about the well-being of any member of the campus community. Concerns may include but are not limited to: academic concerns, mental health or medical issues, food, medical or housing insecurities, personal or family problems, transition or adjustment struggles and or conduct issues or violations. The Title IX report should be submitted if sexual harassment, sex discrimination, gender discrimination or sexual assault violations occur.  You can find all three of these reports as well as the flow chart for the process of how student concerns with faculty or staff members are handled at https://housatonic.edu/safety.

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 CSCU website at: http://www.ct.edu/files/policies/5.6 Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child.pdf

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 CSCU website at: http://www.ct.edu/files/pdfs/hr-violence-in-the-workplace.pdf

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.

If you would like to access support services off campus please contact The Center for Family Justice located at 753 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06604 or by phone at 203-334-6154.

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

Academic Support Center

The mission of the Academic Support Center (ASC) is to provide a full-service tutoring experience that cultivates student success.

The ASC is comprised of a dynamic, dedicated educators who strive to enhance the learning experience and academic and professional achievement of HCC students through comprehensive services which include:

• STEAM Center of Excellence -  Provides tutoring for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math including most math and science courses as well as business, accounting, ESL, and computer science.
• Writing Center - Provides tutoring for writing and reading in all courses except intensive English.
• Center for Academic Progress- Provides tutoring and support for English and math intensive classes and refresher programs.

Tutoring is available for free for most courses for enrolled students. We offer three options:

• On campus: meet with a tutor in the ASC for a traditional, in-person session
• Online: meet with a tutor online; you and your tutor can use video, audio, and text chat as well as share screens.
• Etutoring: submit an assignment for tutoring; a tutor will review your submission and email you feedback

By fostering a supportive environment, the ASC strives to inspire students at every level of preparedness to advance, to excel, and to reach their fullest potential.

The Academic Support Center is located in Lafayette Hall, room L152.

STEAM Center of Excellence

One-on-one tutoring: Make an appointment and work with master or peer tutors. Tutoring is available for most courses. 

The STEAM Center of Excellence provides content tutoring for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math including most math and science courses as well as business, accounting, ESL, computer science and foreign languages (Spanish, Arabic, French). Subject availability varies by semester. The center also includes scientific models for human anatomy and chemistry, TI-84 calculators, laptops, and textbooks.

Tutoring is available online or in-person. Most tutoring is one-on-one and appointments are preferred; walk-ins can see next available tutors. Group tutoring and workshops are available on campus and online. Drop-in tutoring is also available; modality and schedule vary by semester. Click the button below to schedule an appointment.

The Writing Center

The Housatonic Community College Writing Center cultivates an environment that encourages participation in the educa-tional process, guiding students on their journey to become better writers and students. Our mission is to help students find their voices, achieve their goals, and to make our entire Housatonic community stronger. Our tutors–made up of students, faculty, and staff–are trained to help students with writing assignments across all subject areas, including scholarship and transfer applications. We work patiently with students in a nonjudgmental way to empower them and help them gain confidence as independent writers.

Center for Academic Progress (CAP)

The Center for Academic Progress (CAP) provides assistance in preparing for college English and math coursework. CAP offers refresher programs to students before enrolling and tutoring and support to students enrolled in intensive English or math courses.

Center Services

Refresher Programs -CAP offers free Refresher Programs in math and English. These programs allow students an opportunity to build skills in math and/or English and get a chance to move to a higher course placement.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CAP PROGRAM YOU MUST:

• Be an accepted student of Housatonic Community College,
• Be recommended for placement into ANY of the following classes:
• Math 095i, 095, 137t; English 092, 092i, 094, 094i, 093, 101w
• AND not have taken the class yet. For example, if you have taken English but not math yet, you may still be eligible for a refresher in math.
• Be registered for classes in the next Fall or Spring semester.

Intensive Math and English Courses - Students in English 092i (Reading), English 094i (Writing), and Math 095i have access to the CAP for tutoring and more. Students in these courses can make appointments for tutoring by logging into Housatonic.accudemia.net

Student Services Center

The Student Services Center (SSC) is located in the new Lafayette Hall Expansion.  The (SSC) is designed to provide a one-stop format for students navigating the enrollment process.  Students needing assistance with general admissions, registration or financial aid questions or are ready to register may stop by the Student Services Center.   The Student Services Center also offers evening hours during busy enrollment times for students at the Welcome Desk located in the Lafayette Hall Expansion atrium.  Self- Help stations are also available for students in the SSC.

Student Services Center Services Include:

• Assist students with general enrollment questions regarding the admissions, financial aid and registration process
• SSC Self-Help stations with student ambassadors available to assist with how to navigate MyCommNet, register online for classes, utilize DegreeWorks, access Blackboard, check financial aid status, log into HCC email, etc.
• Password reset assistance for MyCommnet
• Extended Evening hours during busy enrollment times at the Welcome Desk

Student Services Center/Welcome Desk (One-Stop) Contact Information:

Email HC-SSC@housatonic.edu (Assistance with registration, password resets, MyCommnet assistance, answer general questions regarding enrollment)

Phone Welcome Desk  203-332-5196

Please include in your phone message/email:

• First Name and Last Name
• Phone number
• Banner ID (if you have one)
• Semester Attending (fall, spring, summer)
• Specific questions you need assistance with

Student Services Center Normal Office Hours

Monday - Friday:  8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Welcome Desk Normal Office Hours

Monday - Friday … 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Student Accessibilities/Disabilities Services

The program for students with disabilities may provide adjustments,  and technology to assist students with all varieties of disabilities. The program is designed to assist students in developing their talents to the fullest by providing assistive services which may include evaluation of individual learning styles, counseling and course advising, alternative administration of examinations, tutoring, and computers. The ASC’s professional staff assists students in developing ways to strategize to achieve academic success without altering the nature of the college courses.

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to meet with the Accessibility Services Coordinator, located in L115, to view documentation and determine adjustments.
• Also located in L115 is the Adaptive Technology Center.
• For more information visit http://www.housatonic.edu/student-services/disability-support or contact Marilyn Wehr, Coordinator of Accessibility Services, Room L115, (203) 332-5018, MWehr@housatonic.edu

Testing Services

The following testing services are administered by the Testing Specialist:

• Placement Testing - See additional information in the Admissions  section of this catalog. Visit the HCC website to schedule an appointment.
• CLEP and DSST testing is scheduled regularly throughout the year. Visit the HCC website for more information or call 203-332-5217 to schedule an appointment.
• Make-up Testing - In extreme circumstances, instructors may allow students to complete a make-up exam for on campus classes. Make-up exams are scheduled through the Testing Specialist in Lafayette Hall L104.
• TEAS testing is scheduled throughout the year. Stop by Lafayette Hall L104 or call 203-332-5217 for more information.  

Advising and Student Success

The Advising and Student Success Center is made up of a team of dedicated  Guided Pathway Advisors who are committed to creating a learning environment outside of the classroom. Our office primarily seeks to teach each student, through their own decision making and critical thinking - how to take the necessary steps to meet their academic goals alongside Faculty Advisors who are the subject experts in their field. In addition, we encourage and support student self advocation, communication and interaction once enrolled, to ensure that they get the best HCC experience they can.

Mission and Vision

All community college students, from initial registration to completion, are supported by Guided Pathways (GP) Advisors to establish academic and career goals, receive proactive and individualized academic and holistic supports that result in the timely and equitable completion of credentials that lead to employment, transfer, and family sustainable wages.

Guided Pathways Advising is a dynamic student-centered holistic approach grounded in student development and learning. GP Advisors align advising practices with the diverse and unique needs of each individual student in their caseload. GP Advisors advise, advocate, mentor, support, and coach their caseload to reach their individual goals.

Structure of GP Advising:

• Upon registration all students (new and continuing) are assigned to a GP Advisor based on their program or area of study.
• GP Advising does not replace faculty advising. Students are encouraged to connect with their Faculty Advisor based on their program of study and together they support you in reaching your academic, transfer, and career goals. You will be able to identify your faculty advisor if you log into MyCommNet and click into DegreeWorks. Your assigned advisor(s) will be listed at the top of the page or contact the advising office.

GP Advisors:

• Help with developing your academic and career goals
• Supporting and collaborating with your faculty/program advisor
• Help you achieve your academic and career goals
• Encourage involvement with campus activities
• Introduce you to community resources both on and off campus
• Help you connect with academic support services such tutoring and study skills
• Empower you to become a self-advocate
• Develop effective decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Discuss transfer opportunities

The Counseling and Wellness Center

Housatonic Community College understands that navigating college while trying to balance the demands of life can be over-whelming and challenging for many college students. The stress of it all can really put pressure on a person’s ability to cope and successfully perform academically.   

The Counseling and Wellness Center is dedicated to supporting students’ mental health and well-being during their academic time at HCC.  We provide a safe and supportive environment that is culturally-sensitive, where students can obtain help for a variety of stressors such as:

• Anxiety and or Depression
• Mood Disorders like Bi-Polar
• Addiction/Substance Misuse
• Adjustment Disorders
• Panic Attacks
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• School/Work Issues
• ADHD
• Disability Issues
• Housing Insecurities
• Food Insecurities
• Gender and Domestic Violence
• Sexual Assault
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Grief and Loss
• Family and Relationship Issues
• Gender Identity
• Racism and Discrimination
• Immigration Insecurities

Counseling and Wellness services are confidential and free of charge to students enrolled at HCC.  Our professional counselors are available by appointment to offer short-term, goal-centered counseling services.  In cases of crisis or if a higher level of care is necessary, our counselors will respond to coordinate referrals for more immediate or specialized levels of care within the community.

Contact Information

The Counseling and Wellness Center is located in Lafayette Hall, A-242. To schedule an appointment, please call 203-332-5285 or email us at HC-Counseling@housatonic.edu.  

The Counseling and Wellness Center is open Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. Evening appointments may be available upon request.  We also offer virtual services, including tele-counseling via secure video conferencing or telephone. Consultation services are also available to faculty, staff and the HCC community.

Counseling and Wellness Staff

Lisa Slade, NCC, LPC, Director of Counseling and Wellness 
203-332-5017
LSlade@housatonic.edu

Jessica Quesada, Counseling and Wellness Center Office Assistant
203-332-5282
JQuesada@housatonic.edu

Lindsey Norton, MSW, Counselor/Coordinator of the Women’s Center
203-332-5181
LNorton@housatonic.edu

Computer Support for Students

IT Help Desk: 203-332-5031, 8am - 8pm Monday-Saturday (hours subject to change)

Computer labs are available for all registered students. The labs are open during the spring and fall semesters, summer semester and winter intercession when classes are in session. When classes are not in session the labs may be open on an abbreviated basis.

Computer lab hours are posted each semester at the lab* and are available on the HCC website at www.housatonic.edu.

* Lab hours may vary and are subject to change depending on academic activity and school closings.

The labs are equipped with state-of-the-art computers and laser printers. A variety of software is installed to assist students taking computer science, office technology, and general study courses. Internet access only for academic purposes is available and may be limited to one hour at a time. The computer lab equipment may not be used for personal or commercial purposes. The Board of Regents Acceptable Use Policy governs the use of State owned computers and peripheral equipment as well as the State provided infrastructure and internet connectivity.

A copy of the Computer Lab Operating Guide is available for students. Failure to follow the rules included in this Guide may result in a loss of computer privileges.

Apple^TM Computers

The college provides Apple^TM computers to support students registered in specified courses within the art and design programs.

Acceptable and Responsible Use of Information Technology and Resources 

http://www.ccsu.edu/hr/files/Acceptableusepolicy-revised2017-01-07.pdf

Blackboard e-Learning Platform

All online, hybrid, live remote, and traditional courses at HCC utilize the Blackboard course management system. Toward the beginning of each semester, an online Blackboard Orientation course will be made available in Blackboard, and there is a helpful playlist on YouTube (http://tinyurl.com/grb4bmo) which introduces students to myCommNet and Blackboard. Students should review these materials and be prepared for the online learning environment before the first day of classes. Additionally, all students have access throughout the semester to the 24-hour CSCU Help Desk at https://tinyurl.com/CSCU-Online-Help-Desk 860-723-0221 for technical support and troubleshooting.

English as a Second Language

Housatonic Community College offers a four-semester sequence of English as a Second Language courses designed to accommodate the needs of nonnative speakers of English at intermediate and advanced levels of proficiency. Placement in each level is based upon the results of an ESL interview and reading and writing evaluation.

The six-hour courses are intensive and stress the development of listening and reading comprehension, speaking and writing skills to help students gain confidence and proficiency in the use of English to succeed in academic and career programs. The three-hour courses provide focused skills development in grammar and spoken communication. Students must demonstrate mastery of skills before progressing to the next level. After successful completion of the ESL sequence, students progress to ENG* E094 or ENG* E101. 

Courses at the intermediate and advanced levels carry Humanities and/or Open Elective credits. Courses at the advanced level fulfill requirements for the Certificate of Advanced English Proficiency.

For information please contact Professor Maureen Cahill-Lamboley, BH 216,  203-332- 5152, mcahill-lamboley@housatonic.edu.

Independent Study

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 project must be of an advanced nature and cannot duplicate an existing Housatonic course.  The faculty member determines if the student is qualified to undertake the project and provides guidance to the student.

To register for an Independent Study course: before the beginning of the semester in which the Independent Study course is to be taken, a written study outline must be submitted by the student to the faculty member for approval.  An Independent Study Form is completed with the faculty member.   Approvals are also needed from the department head and the Dean of Academic Affairs.  All approvals must be received before the independent project can begin.  Full tuition and fees are charged for Independent Study courses.

Library

The Housatonic Library provides resources and services in support of the academic programs of the college. To the extent possible, it also serves the personal and non-curricular intellectual needs of the faculty, staff and students. Students come to the Library to find information, do research, write a paper, study, or collaborate on a project in a pleasant atmosphere, and, sometimes, just to relax and read the newspaper or browse the New Books collection. The Library has 23 computers, and collaborative computers in the 6 study rooms, for student use. The staff is helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Librarians are available during all hours of Library operation both at the Reference Desk and via the online Library Chat. The Library maintains a web site at www.housatonic.edu/student-services/library.

The Library maintains an open stack book collection of over 53,747 print volumes and an electronic book collection of 51,324 volumes. Books, with the exception of those in the Reference and Reserve sections, may be checked out. The Library maintains a DVD collection which offers both feature films and educational titles. The Library also provides access to Films on Demand, a video streaming service of 41.321 titles. The Library offers a print periodical collection of approximately 90 current titles. Periodicals are for use in the Library only. All students, staff, and faculty may obtain a free subscription to The New York Times online.

Electronic information resources offered by the Library include many online databases providing full-text access to journal and newspaper articles and other reference sources. The databases cover the major curricular areas including literature, history, health, business, the social sciences, current news, and general information.

The Library’s collection of books and other media can be searched via Primo, the HCC Online Catalog as well as the catalogs of the other 11 community colleges and the 4 CSUs in Connecticut. Students, faculty, and staff may use the interlibrary loan service to borrow books and articles from libraries nationwide. 

Students may go to myCommNet  (my.commnet.edu) for remote access to the catalog and to most of the online databases as well as to other library-related information.

Housatonic Community College Archive

Associated with the Library is the Housatonic Community College Archive. The Archive is a collection of historically significant materials that are relevant to the college and contribute to the understanding and evolution of the institution.

The Archive holds materials pertaining to HCC significant events, including the site, buildings/grounds, accomplishments of personnel, development in the purpose/direction of the college (and the system), the Housatonic Museum of Art yearly exhibitions, college catalogs, course schedules, literary magazines, college newsletters, committees, clubs and other relevant material. Items from the Archive may be copied and are available for research.

The Archive collection is catalogued in the Library cataloging system. The archives can be found at https://www.housatonic.edu/academics/library/hcc-archive

Accelerated Programs

Summer Sessions

Three summer sessions are designed to serve students in a variety of ways. Summer courses are available for: new students attending Housatonic in the fall, current Housatonic students who wish to accelerate their academic program, students from other colleges, and individuals seeking specific knowledge. Generally, summer session classes meet either four days each week for five weeks, or twice each week for eight weeks. Classes are scheduled both day and evening.

Winter Session

Winter session classes include accelerated course work and are held between the end of the fall semester in December and the start of the spring semester in January. Courses are open to continuing Housatonic students, new students, and students from other colleges. Waivers of tuition are not honored for winter session courses.

Accelerated Sessions

In addition to the traditional 15-16 week semester, Housatonic offers 14, 8, and 5-week accelerated sessions for a limited number of courses. More information is available by calling the Registrar’s Office, 203-332- 5088 or at www.Housatonic.edu.

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.

myCommNet Alert - Emergency Notification System

myCommNet Alert is a notification system that delivers critical information to students, faculty and staff of the Connecticut Community Colleges in the event of an emergency. The system delivers emergency messages through text messaging over cellular phones. Emergencies may include campus-related immediate health or safety situations and may also include weather-related class cancellation.

Enrollment in myCommNet Alert is free and voluntary. If you do not enroll in the system, you will not receive emergency alert messages through this system. Enrollment is strongly recommended. Please note that text message costs will follow your calling plan’s terms for receiving and opening text messages. Enrollment is easy and takes only a few minutes.

myCommNet Alert is powered through MIR3, a worldwide provider of emergency notification systems. The contact information you provide will only be used for this system. Contact information will not be shared for any commercial purposes.  myCommNet Alert will only be used for emergency notifications, testing and maintenance of the system. Tests are expected to be conducted once a year. You will not receive spam through the myCommNet Alert system.

See the Housatonic web site for instructions for enrolling into myCommNet Alert.

Student Email Accounts

All Connecticut Community College students will receive an official email address (username@mail.ct.edu) to which all college-based communications will be sent. Students are provided with a Microsoft Office 365 account that includes:

• 25GB message storage capacity for each user
• Access to calendar entries and contacts, as well as e-mail from mobile devices
• Full-service web interface for accessing e-mail as well as compatibility with the industry-standard desktop e-mail program Microsoft Outlook
• The ability to search e-mail for details and save favorite searches for reuse. Share calendars with other Office 365 users and view multiple calendars side by side.
• Built-in anti-spam message filtering

Information and instructions for accessing these accounts can be found on the HCC website at www.housatonic.edu/365

Office of Career Services and Internships

The Office of Career Services and Internships is located in Lafayette Hall, room  LH-B145.

The career services staff assists HCC students in developing their academic and professional goals.

The services we offer include:

• Career Counseling
• Major, Career and Labor Market Information
• On-Campus Job Postings
• Off-Campus Job, Internship and Volunteer Postings
• Career Related Workshops and Presentations
• Résumé and Cover Letter Review
• Interest Assessments
• Interview Techniques and Mock Interviews
• Job Search Strategies
• E-Portfolio Assistance
• On-Campus Recruitment and Networking Events

Call (203) 332-8568 for more information or visit www.housatonic.edu/career-services

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 run a Degree Works audit from myCommNet when they have completed 30 credits. Students seeking a certificate should print their audit 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:

To Determine Your Eligibility for Graduation Access Degree Works via myCommNet.

Degree Works…

• Provides real-time advice and counsel
• Allows students to track their progress towards graduation from any computer
• Speeds time to graduation
• Streamlines the graduation process

Students are now required to apply online for graduation. There are three graduations- Summer, Fall and Spring. There is only one commencement ceremony which takes place each May.

Please watch your student e-mail for dates on Graduation Workshops each semester. Use Degree Works and meet your academic advisor to stay on course.

The online graduation application is available on the HCC website Homepage and under REGISTRATION.

Transfer Credits:

Students who wish to have credits from another institution transferred to Housatonic should visit the Transfer Office in room LH-L111 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.

Graduation Honors:

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.

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 11
• August Graduates: August 15
• December Graduates: December 12

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 HCC 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.

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 preapproved, 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.

Transfer from Housatonic to Other Colleges

Housatonic Community College Articulation & Transfer Agreements

Transfer agreements have been completed with a variety of four-year baccalaureate institutions for transfer students who have completed associate degrees at Housatonic Community College. Most of these agreements provide that these graduates in specified programs will be admitted with full junior class status if they have achieved a specified grade point average. Additional information regarding these agreements is available in the Academic Dean’s office, Student Services, and the Academic Advising Center. 

Transfer Course Agreements

• Charter Oak State College
• Central Connecticut State University Course Equivalency
• Eastern Connecticut State University Course Equivalency
• Fairfield University Course Equivalency
• Southern Connecticut State University Course Equivalency
• Western Connecticut State University Course Equivalency
• University of Connecticut Course Equivalency
• University of St. Joseph Course Equivalency

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU’s) - Transfer Ticket Programs

• Students who enroll in a Transfer Ticket program, and complete the associate degree program at a Connecticut Community College, can transfer to Connecticut State Universities (including Charter Oak State College) with guaranteed junior status without hassle, losing credits or taking additional credits.
• Begin the transfer application process in your third semester or the semester before you plan to graduate.
• Visit http://www.ct.edu/transfer for more information. HCC’s CSCU Transfer Coordinator is Matt Dunne, MDunne@housatonic.edu.
• Questions? Contact HCC’s Advising and Student Support Center at (203) 332-5097.    

UCONN Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) https://admissions.uconn.edu/apply/transfer/gap

• The Guaranteed Admission Program is an agreement between the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Community Colleges. It is designed for students who are enrolled in a Liberal Arts transfer program at one of the Connecticut community colleges and plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business and/or the college of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut.
• Academic Programs include: Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources: 12 majors including Allied Health, Environmental Science, Nutrition; College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: 50 majors including American Studies, Biological Sciences, Communications, Economics, History, Human Development & Family Studies, Maritime Studies, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Women’s Studies as well as Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting,  Finance, Marketing, and Management and Engineering for Manufacturing.
• For a listing of additional program options visit https://admissions.uconn.edu/apply/transfer/gap

To qualify for admission:

• You must be enrolled in a Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) associate degree program
• You must complete the GAP Initial Application and submit to UCONN before completing 30 completed transferable credits (no exceptions). HCC GAP Advisor Chrystie Cruz will need to verify your application information.
• You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
• You must plan to graduate from HCC
• The semester before you graduate, you must complete and submit a the Final GAP application: Intent to Enroll Application, to UCONN. You need to submit all UCONN’s admission and transfer requirements to UCONN’s Admission Office. 
• Applications are available by contacting Chrystie Cruz or HCC-transferoutcommittee@hcc.commnet.edu.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate will: 

• Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication 
• Demonstrate scientific and qualitative reasoning skills 
• Be able to apply appropriate mathematical and scientific principles to problem solving 
• Have completed the 2-year course of study as outlined in the Housatonic Community College catalog 
• Be eligible for transfer to the UCONN School of Engineering or CCSU School of Technology, depending upon the chosen pathway 
• Follow a curriculum containing at least the minimum general education requirements with a core of college of technology requirements. 

Transfer and Articulation Policy (Adopted by the Board of Regents March 2012)

Connecticut families deserve a system of public higher education whose primary purpose is to produce graduates who form an engaged and well-informed citizenry, as well as a robust and appropriately educated workforce. To achieve this purpose, we must demonstrate that we provide a quality education. At the same time, we must create a clearly marked pathway from admission to graduation for all students by clarifying and streamlining the degree-program structures and transfer processes in our state colleges and universities to help students complete their post-secondary certifications and degrees as efficiently as possible. The ultimate goal of this reform is that all graduating students be prepared as productive world citizens. For more information visit the CT BOR website at http://www.ct.edu/initiatives/tap.

Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between the CT Community Colleges and the CSU System

Graduates of an associate degree program within Connecticut’s community colleges with a GPA of 2.0 or higher are guaranteed admission to the university of their choice within the Connecticut State University System.

There is no guarantee that all course credits earned at a Connecticut community college will be accepted for transfer to a university within the Connecticut State University System. However, all Guaranteed Admission students are guaranteed junior status and guaranteed that a minimum of 60 transfer credits will be applied toward a baccalaureate degree at the university. Graduates of a community college who meet the requirements for guaranteed admissions must still make application by the date and on the forms prescribed by each university within the CSU System, including the submission of all the required transcripts, documents, and fees.

For more information on this agreement and the procedures, contact the Advising and Student Support Center at 203-332-5097.

Pathway to Teaching Careers - Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)

The Pathway to Teaching is designed for the Liberal Arts and Sciences student who intends to become a certified secondary Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics or Physics teacher in Connecticut. The Pathway prepares students to apply to the School of Education at SCSU and transfer seamlessly.

For more information on this agreement please contact Professor Elizabeth Steeves, 203-332-5157 or esteeves@hcc.commnet.edu.

Resources for Students

Computer Support for Students

Computer labs are available for all registered students. The labs are open during the spring and fall semesters, summer semester and winter intercession when classes are in session. When classes are not in session the labs may be open on an abbreviated basis. 

Housatonic Museum of Art

The Housatonic Museum of Art is located throughout the college. The Burt Chernow Galleries off the main lobby of Lafayette Hall offer changing exhibitions. Visit the Museum’s website at www.housatonicmuseum.org.

Housatonic Library

The Housatonic Library is located in Lafayette Hall and provides resources and services in support of the academic programs of the college. More information can be found at the Library website http://www.housatonic.edu/student-services/library.

Men’s Center

Located in Beacon Hall, BH-325 the Men’s Center is an informal drop-in center open to all. The Center also functions as an educational resource with books, journals, magazines, and offers a variety of programs and workshops on men’s issues. The center is open during posted hours.

Student Life

The Student Life Office is located on the 3rd floor of Beacon Hall BH-317 in the Student Activities area along with Student Clubs and the Student Senate offices.

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center, located in Room BH-117 of Beacon Hall, is open during posted hours. Enrolled students with a valid HCC Photo ID must complete an application and watch an instructional DVD to use the Center’s fitness equipment and services. For information, contact the Student Life Office at 203-332-5094.

Women’s Center

The Housatonic Women’s Center, located in Beacon Hall BH-371, is an informal drop-in center open to all women, and the Center also welcomes men. It was created as a “safe haven” where students, faculty, and staff might go for advice and advocacy. The Center also functions as an educational resource with books, journals, magazines, and videos, and offers a variety of programs and workshops on women’s issues. For more information contact the Women’s Center at 203-332-5268.

Early Childhood Laboratory School

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-B139 near 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. 

As a laboratory setting, the Early Childhood Inclusive Education faculty assigns HCC students a variety of activities and observations that need to be completed at the Laboratory School. The director, teachers, and teacher assistants evaluate these activities and/or answer any questions that the college students may ask. Students from related fields also use the Laboratory School as a resource for fieldwork and papers. Applications for children are available in the Early Childhood Laboratory School. The Early Childhood Laboratory School is a Bridgeport School Readiness provider and tuition is income based on a sliding scale fee. Children are accepted into the Program on a first come first served basis. Low income HCC students may qualify for free childcare through the CCAMPIS grant. The Program serves children with disabilities and from diverse racial, ethnic, economic and ability backgrounds. For further information, call the director of the Early Childhood Laboratory School at 203-332-5030.