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From the President
Lost in Translation
At Hocking College, we are engaged in positive, important work in educating our students on a daily basis. The mission of Hocking College is embedded in the core of our decisions, and ensures our students that we understand they selected us, over any other institution, to fulfill their educational needs.
So when the local news media publishes incorrect information, it may lead you and everyone else in the campus community to question the critical work you perform on a daily basis. I am writing to clarify any misconceptions created by the media outlets through inaccurate reporting, and to assure you that you are integral to the future of Hocking College.
What was reported: Hocking College failed three out of the five criteria required for reaccreditation.
What is true: In a preliminary "assurance" report submitted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site visit team, Hocking College met all five of the criteria required for reaccreditation. Three of the criteria were marked for institutional and HLC follow-up, with plans of actions required for some of the items and a return visit by the Commission slated for the end of 2013. An institution that fails any criteria would be in danger of losing accreditation. We have been assured this is not the case for us.
What was published: Hocking College's enrollment has dropped by more than 18% this fiscal year.
What is true: So far for this academic year, Hocking College's enrollment has declined by 8.76 percent - or 357 students. This follows a trend of reduced enrollment at many two-year colleges throughout Ohio. The media outlet reporting this actually ran a correction based on the fact that they inaccurately calculated our enrollment decline.
What was published: Hocking College has not fully utilized the Energy Institute to focus on all types of advanced energy and businesses.
What is true: The College was never contacted to comment on this article. Had we been offered an opportunity to respond, we would have pointed the paper to the exciting new expansion of the Logan Campus, as detailed in the Verbatim article below.
Please remember that although everything the media portrays is not always accurate, I remain committed to establishing an open dialogue with the members of the campus community. One of the many steps I am taking to increase the transparency of the administrative decision-making on campus is for Verbatim to be a reliable first source of campus information.
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 Logan Campus Expands Degree Programs, Student Services
Students enrolled in the Industrial Ceramics Engineering, Construction Management - Carpentry, Construction Management - Electrical and Architectural and Mechanical Design programs will begin the autumn semester in a newly remodeled building on the Logan Campus. The college will also provide more general education classes at the Logan Campus for students planning to continue their education after Hocking and earn a bachelor's degree.
"We are looking at opportunities to grow the education community in Logan. Many students drive right past the Logan Campus to attend classes at our main campus in Nelsonville," Dr. Ron Erickson, Hocking College President, said. "By expanding our offerings at the Logan Campus, we are providing an important service to students who may be located in Logan, Lancaster and other areas along the Route 33 corridor."
The expansion of degree programs at the Logan Campus, home of the Hocking College Energy Institute, will permit the College to integrate curriculum featuring sustainable themes into more educational offerings. Not only will four more programs now be offered at the Logan Campus, but Hocking College also plans to expand student services with the addition of admissions and financial aid associates.
Hocking College is in the process of developing 18,000 square feet of hands-on laboratory classrooms in the building adjacent to the Energy Institute. "The new space will provide a better learning environment and enhance students' educational experiences," Erickson said.
The move is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2012-2013 academic year, when Hocking College transitions from a quarterly academic calendar to one based on semesters.
As these programs move to the Logan campus, additional space will be made available on main campus to accommodate other programs. For example, Holl Laboratory will be the new home of the Art, Design and Marketing program. Hocking College will retain the gallery presence on the historic Nelsonville Square, but art program classes will be housed in Holl Lab.
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 Hocking College Trustees Attend Governance Training
On February 2, 2012, the Hocking College Board of Trustees attended an all-day training hosted by facilitator Dr. Narcisa Polonia, Vice President for Education, Research and Board Leadership Services at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Dr. Polonio is responsible for leadership services at the ACCT, such as college board operations and training, presidential searches, research, education, diversity and outreach.
"This type of training is a first for the Hocking College Board. We've reached out to ACCT, a premier organization for community colleges throughout the United States, to help us learn best practices in developing the relationship between the Board and the president, administration and faculty so that we can enhance the future of Hocking College," Mike Brooks, Hocking College Board Chairman, said.
During the one-day training, the Hocking College Board learned about the roles and responsibilities of the board, creating an exceptional board/president relationship, board communication, strategic planning and goal setting.
New board member Darlene Wells commented, "It has been an amazing opportunity to interact with the other members of the Board in such a way that we can learn about our roles for the betterment of the College."
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 Senator Discusses Exotic Animal Regulations at the Hocking College Nature Center
"We were selected for the visit because we're an educational facility. We are unbiased, because we're not financially motivated," Sagan said of the Senator's choice to consult with the center.
Sagan invited the senator to the Nature Center to discuss the issue and show Balderson the Nature Center's collection of snakes. Please see the attached "Domestication" presentation prepared by Nature Center intern Barry Unger for the visit.
Large snakes, like the center's Burmese Pythons, are one type of animal the state is looking to regulate. The incident in Muskingum County last year resulting in a large number of exotic and endangered animals being destroyed has created a push for exotic animal regulations in Ohio, where there currently are none.
Balderson said many people want to see exotic animals, like the Nature Center's snakes, banned entirely. "We have to protect people doing it correctly," Balderson said, adding that he is against an outright ban.
Hearings for the proposed legislation are scheduled to start February 8, 2012. Sagan and his team have been invited to attend and testify for Balderson.
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Say Cheese!
The Marketing and Web Departments are in the process of creating a new section on the website featuring full-time regular faculty bios. At this time, it will not include adjunct or quarterly faculty. During the All Employee Learning Day on Wednesday, we ask each of you to stop by the photo area in the Student Center before and after the main assembly to briefly pose for a shot. We promise we'll make you look good!
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Bridges Speaks About Diversity at Cross-Cultural Day
 Brian Bridges, Vice Provost for Diversity, Access and Equity at Ohio University, spoke about fostering diversity at Hocking College's Cross-Cultural Day on Thursday, February 2, 2012.
Bridges began his speech saying, "I'd like to applaud Hocking College for refusing to give in to narrow-minded thinking, choosing to be a trend-setter in the realm of diversity and inclusion."
The Cross-Cultural Day was a chance for students to learn about other cultures through multicultural displays, food, music and activities.
Bridges stressed the importance of teaching diversity to college students so they can be prepared to participate in the diverse world of the future and move on, "with a curiosity and thirst for knowledge about the broad scope of cultures, beliefs and personal factors that add to the depth of the world in which we live."
Bridges also alluded to the incident that took place at Hocking two years ago where racist threats were made. He encouraged students to reflect on how they felt on that day and how they felt for the students who were victimized. Bridges invited students to think about how someone they know could feel that way on a regular basis when they are not in an inclusive environment.
"This event promotes the concept of diversity in a very real and practical manner, and it is my hope that it spurs individuals in this room to become involved in advancing a diversity agenda at home, on campus, at work, or wherever one may choose to," Bridges concluded. |
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New Financial Aid Account Specialists
Congratulations to Natalie Bowles and Jason Bash, who both recently accepted positions as Financial Aid Account Specialists. Since 2008, Natalie has worked as an Account Specialist in the Cashier and Records office, responsible for on-campus business housing operations. Jason is also transferring from the Cashier and Records office where he has been primarily responsible for processing transcript requests. Both Natalie and Jason begin their new positions effective today. |
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Reminder: Health Screening Assessments
Confidential on-site Health Screening Assessments will be held February 8, 2012 in Oakley 208 for those employees with an appointment. Please make sure to arrive at your scheduled appointment on time to avoid delays. Prior to your appointment, we encourage you to go to www.medmutual.com and log-on to the health assessment questionnaire. By completing the questionnaire, this will speed up the process of your screening. If you have any other questions, please contact Loretta Whaley at 740.753.7041. |
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Eighth Annual Nelsonville Music Festival Announced
 The eighth annual Nelsonville Music Festival, presented by Stuart's Opera House, will be held May 18-20, 2012 at Robbins Crossing on the Hocking College campus. A limited number of early bird weekend passes are currently on sale for $65. On Monday, February 13, 2012, the lineup will be announced, and ticket prices will increase.
The Nelsonville Music Festival is a three-day festival that celebrates music and local artistry of our region. The event includes music on multiple stages all weekend long, on-site camping, activities for kids, local art vendors, food and a beer garden. The lineup has not been announced yet, but past performers include artists such as The Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, The Avett Brothers, Neko Case, Yo La Tengo, George Jones, Mudhoney, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, and The Swell Season.
For more information or purchase tickets please visit www.nelsonvillefest.org or call the Stuart's Opera House box office at 740.753.1924.
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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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 Former Student Named Firefighter of the Year
Members of the Byesville Fire Department recently named former Hocking College student Kala Hyland Firefighter of the Year 2011.
She was recognized for protecting the community, teaching youth fire safety and helping with the Secret Santa program.
Hyland has known she wanted to be a firefighter for a long time. Her passion for firefighting began as a child, when her house caught fire and volunteer firefighters helped her family. She joined the Explorer post at the Lore City Fire Department when she was a teenager.
Hyland graduated from Meadowbrook High School and attended Hocking College, but finished her degree in criminal justice and corrections at Zane State College.
For more information, visit the Daily Jeffersonian.
Culinary Alum is "Chef on the Rise"
Kevin Betton is using what he learned at Hocking as the senior sous chef at the Sandals Montego Bay resort.
Betton, originally from Jamaica, took culinary classes in high school and worked as a trainee for four and a half years. He became lead cook at Le Papillon, a five-diamond restaurant, before coming to the U.S. for college.
Betton received an associate's degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Hocking College in 2008. After returning to Jamaica, Betton took a position at the Sandals resort as a sous chef and worked his way up to senior sous chef. His specialty is in classical French cuisine. Last November, he was awarded the bronze medal for Chef of the Year at the Taste of Jamaica Culinary Competition.
You can read more about Kevin Betton at the Jamaica Observer online.
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