October 10, 2011
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Good News!
Hocking College is preparing to offer two new health care plans with expanded preventative and wellness care coverage that has never before been provided to College employees. Not only that, but Hocking College has obtained an overall three percent decrease in health care premium from Medical Mutual of Ohio, which will result in a decrease in premiums for many of our employees.
The Hocking College Benefits Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the three unions at the College, as well as nonbargaining employees and representatives from the Human Resources Office. After considerable work this past year, this committee along with the insurance surveys provided valuable feedback on design.
Thanks to union support and the hard work of the Committee, we have now realigned our plans and have reduced these plans from six options to two. The new plans offer great benefits to Hocking faculty and staff! The Human Resources Office is in the process of scheduling several information sessions about the new plans.
Human Resources is also planning to offer a webinar about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for those employees interested in saving money on a pre-tax basis for other healthcare items that may or may not be covered by your health insurance (example: laser eye surgery, co-pays and deductibles.)
We are targeting a November 1 launch. Keep your eye on upcoming issues of Verbatim for a confirmation of the date and a schedule of information sessions. All employees will need to attend one information session, as new enrollment forms will be required. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Human Resources Department at:
- Loretta Whaley, 740.753.7041
- Sheree Cunningham, 740.753.7040
- Suzanne Durst, 740.753.6521
- Kimberly Taylor, 740.753.7221
- John Sanders, 740.753.6449
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Provost Weiland Submits Retirement
Vice President and Provost Dr. Molly Weiland has submitted her intention to retire from the service of Hocking College by December 31, 2011.
Molly's contributions have been an important part of Hocking College's success, and I sincerely thank her for her many years of dedicated service. I know that even with her retirement, Molly will continue to find ways to support the mission of this institution and the students it serves.
I hope each of you might have an opportunity to thank Molly for almost three decades of helping students achieve the dream of an outstanding college education, and to wish her well in her upcoming retirement.
Dr. Ron Erickson, President, Hocking College |
Four IT Guys, Four Babies, Four Months
Something's in the water in the Information Technology department! Four Hocking College IT staff welcomed the next generation to our Hocking family over the summer. Web services member Jesse Henestofel, wife Annie and big sister Addie added baby Grady to their family in April. Chief Information Officer, Derek Bobo and wife Kirsty welcomed baby Gibson in May. Director of Web Services Billy Heft and wife Shannon welcomed baby Abram in July. Finall y, Wes Crow, also with web services, and wife Trista welcomed baby Tatum (the only girl in the bunch!) in August.
Now that's what we call succession planning!
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New Leadership for the Q2S Initiative
Director of Sustainability Joe Wakeman has assumed overall leadership responsibilities for the Q2S project. Joe has been joined by Kensey Love from the Outreach Center, who has already been involved in important aspects of the project. Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation as Joe and Kensey begin this important work. Please look for continued updates in Verbatim throughout this year, as we continue our transition to semesters.
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Exploring Transfer Opportunities
Hocking College University Center will be hosting its First Annual Transfer Fair for graduates and current students wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The fair will be held in the Hocking College Student Center on October 26, 2011 from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Information will be available regarding institutions, application processes and financial aid. Light refreshments will also be offered along with a raffle for students. Additionally, the following universities have planned upcoming visits to Hocking College:
- Herzing University - Tuesday, October 10, John Light Dining Hall, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Ohio University -Wednesday, October 19, University Center - Oakley 210, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Franklin University - Tuesday, October 20, University Center - Oakley 210, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
For more information about the Transfer Fair, or other transfer opportunities for students, contact Kensey Love at 740.753.7079.
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Fun at the Paul Bunyan Show!
Crystal Howard, Admissions Counselor; Larry Coon, Dean of Natural Resources; Ken Bowald, Associate Dean, Natural Resources; and Amy Roe, Admissions Counselor, manned a Hocking College booth at last weekend's Paul Bunyan Show at Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Cambridge Ohio. Four Hocking students also volunteered to assist with timing for the sawmill shootout. John Dorka, executive director for the Ohio Forestry Association, is pictured in the middle with our crew.
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STARS Nominations Submissions
The STARS Ceremony for this quarter will be held November 16, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Multiplex and will honor achievements from spring and summer quarters. We are now accepting applications for nominations in the following areas:
- Green Award
This will be given to recognize outstanding efforts from last quarter in the area of education of sustainable, renewable and environmental issues or the implementation thereof. - We are One Hocking Award
This award will be given to recognize outstanding efforts from last quarter in the area of Cross-Cultural Education and or community unification. - Most Outstanding Contribution to Campus or Community Life
This award will be given to recognize a project, which made a positive impact on campus or community life, last quarter. Please send nominations by e-mail to Giles Lee by the end of October. Nominations should include the name of the group or person nominated and a description of the project, which includes the date that the project took place. Feel free to include photos, video, evaluations and references in the nomination e-mail.
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Slots Available for Lunchtime Concert Series
The Hocking College School of Music is once again hosting their fall quarter Lunchtime Concert Series. Two dates are still available, November 22 and November 29, for any faculty and staff who may be interested in performing. Musicians can play any type of music and perform just a few songs or a whole set. Contact Neal Schmitt at 740.753.9366 if you are interested in performing. |
Free Long-Term Care Planning Workshop Offered
The Appalachian Community Visiting Nurse Association is hosting a free long-term care planning workshop on Wednesday October 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the John Light Dining Hall. The event will offer you a chance to receive information on options from Licensed Social Worker Kate Oches and get assistance in preparing a Living Will and Advanced Directives.
Living wills and advanced directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family and health care providers while avoiding confusion later.
Refreshments will be served along with a raffle for t-shirts. The Rocky Brand Community Improvement Fund sponsors the workshop. |
Group Counseling for Eating Habits
Group counseling focused on eating habits with concerns over anorexia, bulimia and over-eating will be offered this fall for students beginning October 11, 2011. This will be an opportunity for students to talk with an intern counselor and other students. Topics covered by group discussion will include media influence, eating routines, relationships and triggers to eat.
Please help make your students aware of this event. Students should call the Counseling Center to register for the discussion at 740.753.6095 or visit John Light Hall, room 256. |
Mission
Hocking College provides a unique, innovative, and quality education in a supportive experience- based learning environment, preparing students for employment and transfer education opportunities, while teaching the value of lifelong learning, promoting diversity and developing citizens who are engaged in their local and global communities.
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Kudos for Work on Fireplace
Kudos and thank you to building staff member Ed Loudermilk for repairing the fireplace in Downhour Hall. As winter approaches our students will now have a nice cozy space to gather!
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