Verbatim masthead
April 8, 2013
Trial Test of eTextbooks Offered During Summer
As a follow-up to our article in last week's Verbatim, during Summer Session 2013, Hocking College will work with the leading course materials management company, Nelsonville-based ED MAP, on a pilot that will provide transfer module students with 100 percent of their textbooks electronically at a significantly reduced cost.

This digital option will allow students to download the material when they need it. This also benefits late registrants, enabling them to access the course material immediately.

Not only will this create a smaller ecological footprint for the Hocking College community, it also saves them money. Students will pay a minimal course fee, which will include the price of the eTextbook. If students wish to purchase a book in print, they may use their credit card to pay the difference between the eTextbook and the print edition.

The summer trial will be followed by an autumn semester trial in the Transfer Module courses. No other programs will be affected during the trial stages. If the trials prove successful, the college will adapt the policy campus-wide. To test out an eTextbook, visit www.coursesmart.com for a free trial, and sign in with a student or faculty email.
Soles 4 Soles Collects Dozens of Shoes for the Needy
Hocking College recently held a shoe drive for the non-profit charity Soles 4 Souls. Great job to international students Murtadha Al-Bahrani, Jamal Al-Harthy, Badar Al-Mashaifary, Azam Al-Rushadi and Olga Prins, along with faculty Carla Ryan-Hirst, who helped collect and ship 71 pairs of gently worn shoes for those in need. The shoes arrived at the Soles 4 Souls warehouse and are awaiting distribution. Thanks to all who donated their old shoes to the program, and to the students for their effort.

Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit charity that provides relief to those suffering, in hopes to support micro-business efforts and eradicate poverty. Shoes are donated to those victims of natural disasters or those subject to poverty in such countries as Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Tanzania, Costa Rica and India. For more information on Soles 4 Souls, visit their website at http://www.soles4souls.org/.
English PACE Lab to become English Flex Lab
After 30 years, the English PACE lab will close its doors on May 1, 2013.  Over the summer, Oakley 207 will be refurbished and will re-open as the new English Flex lab (EFL), combining the best of traditional and online education in order to give students a whole new way to experience their writing classes! Students can now register for EFL classes for autumn semester.

During the first week of autumn semester, students will attend an orientation session in the lab.  Orientations will be held every hour, on the hour; from then on, students will be required to attend at least one hour per week to meet with their instructor, discuss their progress, get help with assignments or simply work on-site. Students who do not have Internet at home should plan to attend more often.  All course work will be available on, and can be submitted through, Moodle. 

Two added bonuses: unlike online classes, no additional course fees are required when registering to take a class in the English Flex Lab, and extra tutoring support is always available. Students who register for EFL classes will be welcome anytime the lab is open.  They can use college computers or bring their own laptops, since the new EFL is a wireless hot spot.  The lab will offer both a traditional classroom environment and a coffee shop atmosphere in the back room, furnished with comfortable chairs, couches and coffee.

Whether students register for traditional, online or EFL classes, they must complete in a single semester.  Students who do not begin their EFL classes by the end of the second week will be dropped from the class. Anyone who would like to learn more about the English Flex Lab is encouraged to stop by Oakley 312.  Pamphlets are available or they can talk to Renee Williams, Jane Ann Fuller, Deni Naffziger, Tracey Conrad or Sarah Parker-Clever.
Don't Forget! Wear Blue Wednesday to Spread Awareness
Everyone wearing blue in support of Child Abuse Prevention Awareness on Wednesday April 10, should stop by the President's Office Suite for a group photo at 10 a.m.  You can also pick-up your free Child Abuse Prevention sticker that morning.

Athens County Children's Services is spreading awareness about Child Abuse Prevention. On Wednesday, April 10, 2013, residents of Athens County and the Hocking College community are encouraged to wear blue to demonstrate their support of child safety and protection.

In 2012, 1,495 child abuse and neglect reports were received in Athens County alone. The best way to prevent abuse and neglect is to spread awareness and an attitude of non-tolerance. Over 2,000 professionals took a stand and chose to wear blue in 2011. Join the effort this April by wearing blue and standing against child abuse. For more information, please call Athens County Children Services at 740.592.3061.
Graduating Student Opens Spa
Cammie Brown, a Hocking College student studying Massage Therapy, is preparing for the grand opening celebration of Mytikas Spa and Wellness Incorporated at Jefferson Senior Center in Jefferson, Ohio on April 26-27.

During the grand opening, Brown will offer free five-minute massages to her guests and provide tea and crackers. Beginning the first weekend in May, Mytikas will be open on Fridays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Call the Jefferson Senior Center to schedule an appointment at 440.576.3941.

"I'm hoping moms will drop their kids off at preschool and spend an hour in the spa to relax, or those who work in the community can come in for a half hour on their lunch break," she said. "We've been getting a lot of positive feedback."

Initially, Brown will only offer relaxation massages until her degree is completed. Eventually, she will be offering spa treatments including hot stone massage, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and aroma-therapy. For more information on Mytikas Spa and Wellness, read the Star Beacon article.
Alumni Spotlight

Alum Celebrates Birthday in Radical Ways

Jeanne Thomas is an 87 year-old Hocking College alumna that has a passion for adventure. She is constantly looking for new experiences and enjoys learning new things.  

 

This past year, on her 86th birthday, Thomas climbed 113 steps to the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Super Zipline and took a leap of faith.

Thomas is no amateur when it comes to adventures.  

 

For her 85th birthday, she tried skydiving, claiming that she never had a fear of heights and always felt the urge to jump. At the age of 60, Thomas retired from her job as a licensed practical nurse to hike the Appalachian Trail.  

 

She completed 824 miles over two years and met her sixth husband. At age 70, Thomas decided to acquire more education. She chose to study Addiction Counseling at Hocking College, but soon realized it wasn't for her. She chose instead to complete her Associate's Degree in Business and Tourism. Thomas graduated from Hocking College at age 74.

 

Thomas plans to take a break from her radical celebrations to think of more adventures she has yet to try. "I have decided it is so hard to think of something different to do each year, that I'm only going to make an occasion out of it every five years," she said. "I'll think of something by the time I'm 90, and something else by the time I'm 95, and something else for 100."

 

For more information, see the profile story in the Athens Messenger.
Freeman Named Director of Landscape Operations
Congratulations to Andy Freeman who has recently been named Director of Landscape Operations for Hocking College.  The position will be effective August 12, 2013.

In his new position, Andy will plan, coordinate and manage all college landscape projects; create and manage the master grounds management plan; develop a master landscape plan; plan, coordinate and manage the Landscape Academy; supervise the Grounds Maintenance Technicians and Landscape Management students; and, plan and direct the Hocking College arboretum in conjunction with the Tree Campus USA organization.

Andy has been the Landscape Management program Coordinating Instructor for Hocking College since 2009.  Prior to his position at Hocking, he worked in the private landscape industry for more than 12 years.  Andy has a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting from Pennsylvania State University.  He is a Certified Landscape Technician and a Certified Professional Horticulturist.
Franklin and Hocking Offer "Bridge to a Bachelor's"
Through the "Bridge to a Bachelor's" program between Hocking College and Franklin University, Hocking students can save money, experience a seamless transfer process, and finish their bachelor's degree.

The program allows students to transfer their Hocking College associate degree-credits smoothly and earn a bachelor's degree in majors such as Accounting, Human Resources Management, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Public Safety Management, Healthcare Management, Allied Healthcare Management, Nursing, and Information Technology.

Franklin University representative Samantha Shear will be on campus Monday, April 15; Wednesday, April 24; and Tuesday, April 30 in Oakley 312 to answer students' questions about the partnership and the admissions process.
Hungry? Support our Students and Have a Great Lunch
Looking for a location to have a lunch meeting or just in the mood for some great food? The School of Hospitality is still open for their spring practical schedule at the Starbrick Bistro Tuesday - Friday throughout the semester from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Weekly specials will be offered. Next Friday, April 12, Chef Alfonso Contrisciani will offer his artisan pizzas that were such a hit last week.
 
Meals are $7 inclusive, and special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.  Credit cards are now accepted!
Second Annual Real Food, Real Local Conference to be Held
The second annual Real Food, Real Local conference will be held at Eclipse Company Town in The Plains, Ohio on May 15-17. This conference is for those with a passion for building more resilient and sustainable food economies within their own town.

The conference offers a variety of workshops, panels, speakers, tours, networking opportunities and delicious local foods. This year, there are three pre-conference intensives. These intensive four-hour workshops allow attendees to delve deeper into the offered topics.
Wayne National Forest Disposing of Old Prescription Drugs
On April 27, 2013 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Wayne National Forest Service Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring any medications for disposal to the Wayne National Forest Headquarters at 13700 US Route 33, Nelsonville, Ohio.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Dell Discounts Available for Students, Faculty and Staff

Dell is currently promoting their new Windows 8 systems, including touch screen notebooks and tablets. With the Hocking College discount, Dell is offering $50 off any purchase of select systems like the Dell Inspiron 15z Touch and tablets like the Dell XPS 10.

 

For more information on discounts and savings, please visit www.dell.com/dellu/hocking and use the following promotion code and member login to access the discount. Please enter the member identification number US126609902 and the coupon code 2NC6G00NCM??39 before May 31, 2013 to claim the coupon.
Volunteers Needed for Athens Beautification Day
Keep Southeast Ohio Beautiful and Keep Ohio Beautiful are partnering with Ohio University, City of Athens, Ohio Department of Transportation and several local businesses to recruit volunteers for the annual community service project in Athens on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Registration begins at noon at the Scripps Amphitheater located next to Baker University Center on the corner of Park Place and South Court Street. A pep-rally will begin at 12:30 p.m. The volunteers will then disperse to their designated service project from 1 - 3 p.m.

Volunteers each receive a free t-shirt, free Kisor's BBQ and Goodfella's Pizza and are invited to attend a live music event after the service project completion. Please register for Athens Beautification Day prior to attending the event by visiting the event registration page.
Reminder: Logan Campus Offers Fire Alarm System Class 
The Hocking College Logan Campus will offer "CM 1112 - Fire Alarm Systems " for four credits over the summer.  This course provides an introduction to fire alarm systems, and is especially geared for electricians and maintenance technicians to learn updates in alarm technology.  

The course focuses on the theory, codes, design, and installation methods. Topics covered include: types of fire alarm systems; initiating devices; notification devices; fire safety functions; power supplies; signals and signaling; public fire alarm systems; fire alarm system wiring; communication methods for fire alarm systems; and fire alarm system testing, inspections and service. Course fees are $80.
 
For more information, please contact Neil Hinton.
Reminder: Upcoming Admissions Events
Prospective students will be visiting campus for our admissions events:  Discover Hocking, Hocking Showcase and QuickStart. The dates are as follows:
  • Summer QuickStart Registration Event: April 11, 3 p.m.
  • Hocking Showcase Natural Resources: Friday, April 19, Lake Snowden, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Discover Hocking - Thursday, April 25, Main Campus, 1:15 p.m.
  • Autumn QuickStart Registration Events:
    • Check-In for all Autumn QuickStarts events begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m.
    • Tuesday, May 7 - Health & Nursing
    • Wednesday, May 8 - Public Safety Services and Arts, Business and Computer Information Technologies (ABIT)
    • Thursday, May 9 - Natural Resources and Hospitality
    • Wednesday, May 15  - Engineering Technology (at Logan Campus)
    • Friday, May 17 - All programs
Thank you for your assistance as we provide prospective students with a chance to experience a Hocking College education!
Nelsonville Food Pantry Soliciting Matching Donations

During April, any amount donated to the Nelsonville Food Pantry will be matched by the Feinstein Foundation. A dollar donated will be matched to two dollars donated. Please send your donation directly to the Nelsonville Food Cupboard, 83 West Washington Street, Nelsonville, 45764-9583.

Reminder: Perez to Participate in "Dancing with the Athens Stars"
On April 13 at Stuart's Opera House, Student Center Office Coordinator Nate Perez, will participate in the fourth annual Dancing with the Athens Stars competition, a fundraiser for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Ohio. Perez will be dancing with professional partner Jane Tomkins in hopes of earning the Dancing with the Stars title. 

Hocking College Broadcast students will record the event and create dance videos for each contestant as a part of their class project. The winner of the competition will be the participant who raises the most money for the American Red Cross. Votes can be cast for each dancer at the cost of $10, and will count toward the total proceeds for the American Red Cross.

Tickets and votes can be purchased by calling the American Red Cross Southeastern Ohio chapter at 740.593.5273, or by contacting Joni Hodgson at 740.707.8004. Money raised from the event will fund disaster services provided in Athens, Gallia, Meigs and Vinton counties.

For more details, see the Athens Messenger article.
Reminder: ABIT Hosts Retirement Party
The department of Arts, Business and Information Technology is hosting a retirement party in the Student Center Multiplex on Monday, April 15th from 1 - 2:30 p.m. in honor of the following instructors: Linda Bitters, Suzanne Knauerhause, Ruth Reilly, Jeff Sawyer, Merilynne Smith, Barbara Sunderlin, Harry Tompkins and Jim Wallace.
 
Cake and light refreshments will be served. If interested in contributing to a gift, please contact Jeff Hanson 740.753.6440, or stop by his office in Oakley 312. Jeff will also have cards for faculty and staff to write personal notes of farewell to one or all of the retirees. Please direct any questions to Kris Williams at 740.753.6135 or Carla Ryan-Hirst 740.753.6127.
Culinary
Reminder: Collegiate Job Fair to be Held
Hocking College will host the 2013 Collegiate Job Fair Wednesday, April 17, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Multiplex.  The Job Fair is open to all students and alumni.

The event will allow students to talk to businesses about potential employment opportunities.  Students are encouraged to bring an updated resume and be prepared to speak with representatives about their qualifications and interests.

For more information, contact Giles Lee at 740.753.6539.  Students can also visit www.collegecentral.com/hockingcollege/ for more employment information and tips for landing a job.
Reminder: Health and Nursing Programs Hold Annual Community Health Fair
The Hocking College School of Health and Nursing is hosting the thirteenth annual free Community Health Fair on April 16, 2013 in the Student Center Multiplex from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The event is planned, researched and organized by students in the Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Fitness Management and Dietary Management programs. All services are free. Students will measure blood sugar and blood pressure, target heart rate/flexibility, body fat ratios and stress levels.  

Information supporting the relationship of cold prevention and hand washing, smokeless tobacco and smoking cessation, drug and alcohol abuse, energy drinks, emotional care, depression and suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, rape, healthy diets, and cancer screening and prevention will also be presented.

A used book sale and raffles will be held throughout the day with both proceeds donated to funding the Community Health Fair.  Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Limited free parking will be offered to visitors in front of the Hocking College Student Center.
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
Dog Rescue Raffle Raises Money

Great job to faculty member Cindy Yeager and her Ethics, Values and Morality class who recently held a spring fundraising raffle for the Noble Correctional Institution's Canine Care Program. The program takes dogs off of death row in three counties, vaccinates, spays/neuters, teaches dog obedience and finds families for the rescues at a minimal cost of $45.

Names were recently drawn for the raffle. Colleen Brown won a Longaberger Basket and Shelley Brown won the $50 Kroger gift card. The raffle raised $325 dollars for the Canine Care Program. Special thanks to all those who sent buy one, get one free coupons to Yeager's class for dog treats. They were able to buy 50 bags of milk bones and 50 bags of bacon treats, saving a total of $120.


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

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