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February 21, 2012
From the President

Familiar Faces in New Places
Through the next few weeks, you may notice major changes as we begin to rework our organizational structure.  The reason behind these adjustments is simple - I am attempting to put several of our very best people in charge of some of our most significant challenges. 

The governor's increased focus on workforce development and the important role of entrepreneurship in our economic recovery have created a need for Hocking College to focus increased attention in our business and IT areas.  Therefore, I have asked Sue Chiki to return to her role as Dean of Business and Computer Information Technology.

The former position held by Sue has been redesigned into the new position of Associate Provost for Curriculum and Instruction, which will be filled by Director of Sustainability Joe Wakeman. The revised position will focus on assisting the Provost and Deans in their work to ensure academic and student success.  The Associate Provost for Curriculum and Instruction will not act in a supervisory capacity to the Deans, but rather will focus on providing service in launching and evaluating academic programs, revising curriculum, and expanding faculty professional development opportunities.

Mike Belcher will take on the new responsibility of Director of Strategic Enrollment Management.  This new position will work with the admissions team to enable Hocking College to become more strategic in managing the flow of prospective students.  The end result will be to develop a more accurate, predictive model for our budgeting process and admissions efforts.

Finally, Brad McGrath, our new Director of Retention Services, has been given new supervisory responsibility to coordinate service units that most directly influence retention and completion.  Brad will be focused on supporting those services that have a direct impact on keeping students here and helping them complete.

Other changes in supervisory alignment will be implemented in the upcoming weeks, but this summarizes major changes impacting the College as a whole.  I appreciate your assistance as we begin to roll these out, and your patience as we allow new supervisors to move into the role of assisting you with the important work we have at hand.
HLC LogoHLC Steering Committee Convenes
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Steering Committee has convened to develop a plan and implementation process for the April 1, 2012 monitoring report and November 2013 visit required by the HLC in its preliminary Assurance Report.

The HLC Steering Committee will assist with the following monitoring report requirements:
  • Demonstrating that a conflict of interest policy has been approved and implemented by the Board of Trustees;
  • Outlining the development of a plan to evaluate governance and administrative structures and processes;
  • Formulating a plan to institutionalize the system of ongoing planning and a current operational plan linking that plan to the budget process;
  • Resubmitting the correct Annual Institutional Data Updates for the last three years to the HLC; and,
  • Developing a plan for program review including the schedule of when each program will be reviewed.
The report will be verified by a focused visit of the HLC in November 2013.  At that time, plan development will be evaluated and data gathered.  In November 2016, the HLC will return for a comprehensive visit.
New Facility and Land Use Policy
Hocking College recently implemented a new Facility and Land Use Policy, which outlines how groups may use land and buildings owned by the college.

Because Hocking College is publicly funded, it is responsible to taxpayers as well as students for appropriate and effective use of its facilities.  For this reason, all requests to hold events on college property, whether by internal or external groups, must be approved in advance.  This includes any event held on any Hocking College campus or facility.  Any modification to college owned or leased property must also be approved, even general maintenance requests.

Employee groups recognized by the president, as well as registered student groups, may use campus facilities or land without charge.  Outside agencies and organizations may use them at a reasonable cost, provided space is available and the organization's goals are in keeping with the college's mission.  Any agency not affiliated with the college may use the Hocking College name only in reference to event location unless other arrangements have been made.

Alcohol is prohibited in college-owned or leased buildings, grounds or parking lots, unless authorized by the president or his designee for an event, or purchased for resale by a college auxiliary enterprise with a liquor permit.

Hocking College is committed to hosting internal and external events and values the unique experiences each bring to campus.  In order to submit an event for approval, contact Tammy Eing, Assistant Director of Planning at 740.753.7129.
Pictured with the award plaque are PTK members Natasha Alfman and Lisa Fulk in the front row, with Scott Poling, Colton Barnhart and Ron Stephens in the back row.
Hocking College STARS Receive Awards
The STARS awards honoring student and group achievements from fall quarter took place Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Presenters Giles Lee, Prime Minister of Student Activities; Joe Wakeman, Director of Sustainability; and President Ron Erickson honored more recipients than any previous STARS Ceremony.

Students from the Hocking College Perry Campus were on hand to receive an award for their Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Lambda Nu.  The chapter was given the "Most Outstanding Contribution to Campus and Community" award for its fundraising efforts for local causes.  Their activities included programs to benefit the sheltered workshop for adults with developmental disabilities, and Toys for Tots, a local organization that provides Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children and families.

Wakeman presented the Hocking College Geology Club with the "Green Award," for their environmental efforts with the Raccoon Creek Watershed and the Hocking River.  Giles Lee presented Hilarie Burhans with the "Most Positive Impact on Cross-Cultural Understanding" award for her outstanding international cuisine.
Honor Society Recruiting Women Educators
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Hocking County chapter Alpha Xi, is recruiting members.  Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) is a professional honor society for women educators.  Membership offers benefits such as leadership training, scholarships, grants, insurance offerings, group discounts and networking opportunities through attendance at conferences and conventions. A juried professional journal, the Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, and other publications are also provided to members and offer a venue for publication.

Established in 1929, Delta Kappa Gamma has attained major goals in improving opportunities for qualified women employed at every level of education as well as in advancing the status of women educators.  Today, the society includes over 100,000 members in 17 countries.  DKG is affiliated with the Institute of International Education and the United Nations Economic and Social Council. DKG also takes on projects, the most recent of which was partnering with UNICEF, the Hamburg Society, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Gucci to build or rehabilitate schools, provide supplies and equipment, and train 100,000 teachers in 11 countries in South Africa.  

Membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is open to women who are paid to educate individuals or groups in the following: schools of any type: public, parochial, charter, trade, higher education and arts; businesses and corporations; government agencies; health care professions; sports and the arts; and community services such as job services, zoos and museums.   For more information, practicing or retired women educators may contact Hocking College Board Member Paula Tucker at 740.385.7930.
Hocking Instructor Recognized as "Ideal Volunteer"
Gail Jordan, coordinating instructor for the Industrial Ceramics Engineering program at Hocking College, was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Athens County volunteers with the greatest impact on the community in the Athens News "2012 Annual Manual."

Jordan is a member of the Shade-Lodi History and Genealogy Association, which is part of the Shade Community Center.  The group holds monthly presentations about local history and families, and they collect historical artifacts to display at the Shade Community Center.

Pat Davidson, president of the Shade Community Center Association, a position Jordan held for a year, nominated Jordan.  She cited his dedication to local history and support of the Shade Community Center as reasons for the nomination.

He currently maintains the facility's computer lab and works on improvement and maintenance projects, particularly those involving the heat and electrical systems.  For the last three years, Jordan has also produced the community center newsletter.

According to the article, Jordan plans to increase his involvement with the community center after he retires from Hocking in a couple years.
Department of Education Presents Community College Webinar
The U.S. Department of Education has invited Hocking College to view a community college webinar on February 29, 2012 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.  This webinar will build on President Obama's recent State of the Union address, particularly its focus on the community college sector and employer partnerships.

This presentation will feature key community college, industry and administration officials to highlight their work in order to build robust connections between community colleges and industry, including: Annette Parker, CEO and Principal Investigator, Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTECH); Caren Caton, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America and Mark Manuel, Kentucky Community and Technical College System.  The webinar will highlight successful strategies at AMTECH, examine lessons learned, and allow for an opportunity to ask questions.  

The webinar will be broadcast at Hocking for those who would like view it as a group.  Please email Laura Kreider if you are interested in attending.
Student Bake Sale Raises Money for Good Works
Five Hocking College students raised $140 to donate to Good Works in Athens through a bake sale.  Bailey Widmer, Tracey Sortman, Lloyd Davis, Cody Goslee and Aaron Martin held the sale as the required service-learning component of their psychology class, Interpersonal Relationships.  Chris Allwine, Arts and Sciences Instructor, won the 50/50 drawing and donated her $8 prize back to the charity.

Good Works, Inc. is a community of hope for those struggling with poverty in rural Appalachia. They provide hospitality through the Timothy House (shelter for the rural homeless), the Hannah House (long term residential care-community), job experience programs, creative volunteer service opportunities and community development.
Battle of the Chefs
Hocking College will host the Battle of the Chefs benefit for Athens County Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Student Center.

The evening will include a wine tasting hosted by Shade Winery, a sampling of Athens County's finest foods, and live and silent auctions.  Chefs from Abrio's Brick Oven, Cutler's, Salaam, Lui Lui's, Kiser BBQ, Fluff Bakery and Catering, Rocky Boot Grill, Sol and GiGi's Country Kitchen will compete in the battle.  Wendy Jakmas, Robin Barnes and two surprise guest will be judging the competition.

The silent auction, where guests can bid on gift certificates, personal serenade by the Alexander Tone Definites and much more, will be open from 5:30-8 p.m.  The live auction, which will take place from 8:30-9 p.m., will include items such as a couples massage and a tour of the Columbus Zoo.

Individual tickets are $25 and couples are $40.  For more information or to order tickets, call 740.592.0032 or visit the Athens County Habitat for Humanity website.
Q2S Advising Training Session Changes
Q2S LogoDue to conflicts, the Tuesday Q2S advising training sessions have been moved to 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Also, the session on Thursday, March 1, 2012 has been cancelled, due to New Student Scheduling and Registration.

Sessions are now as follows:
  • Monday, 2/27, PSS 204, 12-1pm
  • Tuesday, 2/28, DVD 314, 11-12pm
  • Wednesday, 2/22 and 2/29, JL 347, 3-4pm
  • Thursday, 2/23, JL 347, 4-5 pm
Full-time faculty with advising responsibilities are strongly encouraged to attend at least one session to help your students navigate through the quarters to semesters transition. Please note that some deans are making attendance mandatory for full-time faculty; check with your unit.

If you want to experiment with the tutorial before a session, follow the directions on the PDF entitled "Student SEP Tutorial."

 

One-Note Training
Melissa Atkins will present another One-Note Training session Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 9-11 a.m. for anyone who missed the presentation during All-Employee Learning Day.

One-Note is part of the Microsoft Office suite, which is typically already installed on your computer.  It is a multi-faceted program that allows you to organize files, videos from the internet, outlook tasks, notes, grades and projects in one "notebook."

To register for the session, contact Laura Kreider.
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 Korner




Instructor Takes "Polar Plunge"
Awni Mikhail, Arts and Sciences instructor, took part in the fifth annual "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics Ohio on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

The event is one of ten "Polar Plunges" benefiting Special Olympics Ohio.  Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and the Ohio University Police Department sponsored the Ohio University/Athens area Polar Plunge.  In previous years, the event was held at Dow Lake in Athens.  However, due to increasing attendance, the event was moved to our own Lake Snowden.  More than 250 people pre-registered for the event, but final attendance has not been tallied.  A total of nearly $24,000 was raised.

Kudos to Awni for taking the Plunge!
                                      

Hungry?  Our Students Can Help

Kudos to Culinary Arts and Hospitality students and faculty for the delicious and reasonably priced meals they have provided to the campus community on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Starbrick Bistro at the Inn at Hocking College.  We appreciate having this student learning lab act as another luncheon venue on campus.

If you are meeting over lunch, or simply have lunch plans with a friend, please consider supporting our students at the Starbrick Bistro.  A full meal is provided for $6, with desserts prepared by our Baking students for only $2 additional.  The menu changes every second week.

 

Hocking College logo
3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, OH 45764
[email protected] / www.hocking.edu

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