Verbatim - June 24, 2013

June 24, 2013

Web Department Implements New Online Directory

With ongoing feedback from the campus community, the Web Department recently implemented a newly designed online directory.

The changes are as follows:

Full-width display - This makes the interface much easier to view on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Bigger Buttons - The directory now has an email button and a phone button users can click. These make it easier to click the links with your fingers when you are using a touch-screen device. Note: The phone button only works on devices that can make phone calls (i.e. smartphones.)
Instant Search - Instant search will automatically provide search results after the third character is entered. We made it only work after the third character to maximize system performance. Note: You can still use the search button if your search is less than three characters long.
Search by Department - This allows you to search by department. For example if you want to see a list of everyone in Financial Aid you can just search for "Financial Aid."
Search by Title - Do you know the title of the person you want to contact but not their name? No problem. Just search for a title such as "Web Developer."
Data and Photos - More data than ever is now included for each directory listing. The data available includes: photo, name, title, department, room number, email, and phone number. At first, most people will have a default silhouette profile picture. More information will be coming on how to change your default picture with a picture of you.

The directory data is somewhat out of date. Do you see someone who no longer works here? An incorrect title or department? What about a typo? You can help make the online directory a better utility by sending your findings to the Web Department's email at web@hocking.edu.

New Online Directory

Other Projects in Process:
The following are some of the improvements and projects that the Web Department currently has in process:

Bring Back the Yellow Pages - The team is currently working to bring back the much beloved Yellow Pages to the web.
Printable White and Yellow Pages - No matter how awesome the web utilities, some people would much rather have a printed list of the White and Yellow Pages. The web team is working on a printer-friendly version of each of these listings.
Photo Updates - The team is working on ironing out the process for faculty and staff to change their online directory profile photo.
Much, Much, More - The Web Department is in the beginning stages of several other projects. Please stay tuned for more on those as they progress.

Have other questions or suggestions for the web page? Send your ideas to web@hocking.edu.

One Hocking Diversity Without Division Committee Offers Training Class

The One Hocking Diversity Without Division Committee is offering their first One Hocking Diversity and Inclusion Training on Thursday, August 29, 2013. The program is free for all Hocking College faculty and staff. The training will be available to K-12 teachers/administrators and community members for a fee of $50.

This day will be set aside for attendees to explore their own views, ideas and personal perspectives about diversity and inclusion, while participating in activities that will help attendees recognize and understand more about this subject.

The training will be held at the Inn at Hocking College and includes breakfast and lunch, as well as an invite for attendees to partake in a cross-cultural dinner at the Student Center at the end of the day.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m., with the training from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Please RSVP to Molly Watson or George Petrovay with your name, department, and extension. For additional information, visit www.hocking.edu/onehocking.

Hocking College Achieves Stable Credit Rating from Moody's

Through a recent review and campus site visit, Moody's Investor Services has assigned an A3 underlying rating and Aa2 enhanced rating to Hocking College's $22 million of General Receipts Improvement Bonds, Series 2013.

The enhanced Aa2 rating is based upon support from the Ohio Credit Enhancement Program for community and technical colleges. The underlying Moody's A3 rating is stable. The rating outlook for the enhanced rating is stable based on the State of Ohio's (Aa1 G.O. rating) current outlook.

According to the Moody's Investor Services report, "The A3 underlying rating and stable outlook reflect Hocking College's important role as an access oriented and low cost provider of higher education in the Appalachian region of southeast Ohio, balanced operating performance and adequate debt service coverage."

Gina Fetty, Vice President of Financial Services, noted this as a significant achievement for Hocking College. "As this is the first time Hocking College has gone through the rating process with Moody's Investor Services, we are extremely pleased with the rating and that they have confirmed in their report the stability and positive outlook of the institution."

Hocking College is preparing for an upcoming bond issuance to help fund the purchase of two residence halls from the Hocking College Foundation, improve the information technology infrastructure and replace the fire alarm systems throughout campus.

More information regarding Hocking College's rating assignment can be found in the Moody's Investors Service press release on its website at www.moodys.com.

Former Hocking Student to Perform in July Final Friday

Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe will play on Friday, July 26, for Final Friday on Nelsonville's Historic Square. Final Friday will take place from 6-10 p.m. with various artists' demonstrations, musical shows, dancers and much more.

Rowe has a longtime fascination with the wilderness versus his communal need to share his urban blend of acoustic soul with downtown denizens. Rowe attended Hocking College for two semesters to pursue a course of study that could use his wilderness passion as a teaching career.

"The school was very unique in that it offered a degree program in 'natural interpretation,'" Rowe said. "It's kind of like taking all the natural sciences and making them teachable to children or adults that have very little knowledge of the science of nature. They were hardcore science classes, but there was an element to them that was geared toward teaching it (on a hands-on level.)"

Rowe recently received a songwriting grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA.) He previously won a prestigious NYFA fellowship worth $7,000.

PTK Members in Calif. for the Annual Convention

Congratulations to Phi Theta Kappa Society

The Alpha Mu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Hocking College received special commendation during the Ohio Regional Convention March 1- 3, 2013 for fulfilling all requirements to be named a "One Star Chapter." The chapter was also recognized at Phi Theta Kappa's 95th Annual Convention in San Jose, California on April 6 and on the society website at pkt.org.

The Five Star Chapter Development Plan is a guide used for developing a strong chapter, improving student engagement on campus and recognizing progress in the attainment of goals set by the chapter. As chapters reach these milestones they progress through each level of the Five Star Plan, ultimately reaching the pinnacle Five Star Level.

To view these awards, please visit http://convention.ptk.org/sites/default/files/docs/awards_program_2013.pdf.

Summer Personnel Changes

Billy Heft

The following changes to Hocking College Staff will be taking place over the summer.

Billy Heft, previously the Director of Web Services,

will be transitioning to Interim Director of User Services. Billy comes with over seven years of experience in academia. In his new position, he will provide leadership in managing teams, project development, customer satisfaction and IT service requests.

Deneene

Deneene Merchant

Merchant has accepted the position of Director of Financial Aid Services. Deneene received her BA in Political Science from Ohio Dominican University and her MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. Former Regional Director of Finance at Corinthian Colleges/Corporate and Director of Student Financial Aid at Kaplan University and Southwestern College of Business, Deneene will provide management, leadership and technology skills to administer the functions and services delivered by the Financial Services Department.

Michelle O'Brien

Please welcome Michelle O'Brien to the Marketing and Public Relations Department. Michelle was previously the Marketing Manager at Baker Media Solutions in Newark, Ohio then at Sales Development Services in Westerville, Ohio. She was recently hired as the Marketing and Communications Specialist. Michelle will use her communication skills to effectively interact with all various college constituencies.

Stephanie Eggers, former Financial Aid Coordinator at Hocking College, will be joining the School of Nursing as the Nursing Academic Advisor. She will guide students in the design and implementation of successful academic plans and collaborate with faculty to address the academic advising needs of students.

Former Ohio University Financial Aid Specialist Jana Willan will begin in the Student Services Department on July 8 as an Admissions Counselor. She was previously a Financial Aid Specialist at Ohio University and an Admissions Services Office Assistant of eLearning. Jana will use her communication and leadership skills to create strategies to maximize enrollment, coordinate campus activities and perform recruiting activities.

Leanna Potts will be moving from the Nursing Department to the Hocking College Call Center. She will use her communication and interpersonal skills to provide telephone customer service, support for special events and coordinate student employees.

Please make it a point to welcome the new staff to their positions. Thank you for helping make their transitions to each department a smooth and pleasant experience.

First Summer Reentry Summit Held at Hocking College

The first Summer Reentry Summit was held at Hocking College on June 19, 2013 for anyone who works with the ex-offender population in Southeastern Ohio.

The Summer Reentry Summit hosted experts who discussed topics in social services, corrections and criminal justice fields. These topics included House Bill 86, child support, Ohio BMV policy changes, the Ohio Fatherhood Commission, new tools to assist ex-offenders with employment and Senate Bill 337. Approximately 150 individuals came to learn from these professionals.

The event was sponsored by Hocking College, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Athens County Reentry Task Force, Fairfield County Reentry Coalition and TASC of SE Ohio in conjunction with the Hocking County Reentry Task Force. Ohio counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists had the opportunity to earn free Continuing Education Units (CEU's) by registering in advance. Certificates of Completion were also provided for Correcting Offender Behavior Units (COB's) for Ohio court system personnel.

The presentation will be available electronically for those professionals who were not able to be present at the Reentry Summit. For more information contact Betty Dalton, Office Coordinator, Department of Public Safety Services, at 740.753.6451 or at daltonb9@hocking.edu.

Cheer on the Bobcats at Hocking College Day

Express your support of the Ohio University Bobcats by attending Hocking College Day on Saturday, September 7 against North Texas. All Hocking College staff can buy tickets at 66% regular price, making tickets just $5. For more information or to get an order form, please call 740.593.9687.

Details Regarding the Enrollment Process

For your information, the following are the three different categories associated with the enrollment process here at Hocking College:

Withdrawal is initiated by the student. Withdrawal is when the student is registered and decides not to come back to the college. The withdrawal process is required even before the term starts.

Withdrawals processed before the second Friday of the term will not show on the student's transcript. However, our records will show that the student has withdrawn. Be very careful when you process a withdrawal if two terms are open, such as summer and autumn terms.

Withdrawals processed after the second Friday of the term will show on the student's transcript. Withdrawals are processed by the Student Affairs Coordinator assigned to the program. The Cashier and Records Office (CARS) does not process withdrawals, but all documentation must be forwarded to CARS to be filed.

The date the student withdraws from the college determines their campus housing fee adjustment and meal plan adjustment, when applicable. If the student is a student employee at the college, this will also result in termination.

Charges for withdrawal will depend on the date of withdrawal. Up to the first Friday of the term, a student receives 100 percent adjustment (no charge). After the first Friday of the term, 100 percent is charged, with no fee adjustment.

Deregistration is the process initiated by the college when a student does not have a method of payment in place by the deregistration deadline set by the college.

Students are not charged for the classes in which they registered. This is a one-time process. Students who are deregistered will need to be approved by the Provost if they re-register after the first Friday of the term.

Add/Drop is the process when students add/drop a class(es) that the student originally registered for in a term. The student initiates this process. The Add/Drop Form must be used. Complete all of the requested information on the form.

School of Nursing Earns Reaccreditation

The Accrediting Commission for the School of Nursing (formerly the NLNAC) has recently unanimously accepted Hocking College's follow-up nursing reaccreditation report.

Congratulations to Tammy Keith, Dean of Nursing, and to the Nursing faculty on this great achievement!

Effective May 6, 2013 the NLNAC changed its name and is now the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Their mission has not changed, focused on their partners in nursing education and the nursing profession as a whole.

Board Meeting Rescheduled

The Hocking College Board of Trustees June regular meeting, originally scheduled for June 25, has been combined with the July Board meeting, originally scheduled for July 23. One meeting will now be held instead on July 9 at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Hocking College.

In place of the regular meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, the Board of Trustees will hold a joint meeting of the Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Presidential Office Suite in Light Hall (JL147).

Alumni Spotlight

Hocking Grad Takes Athens County Position

Hocking College graduate Jon Arnold has recently been added to the Athens County Sheriff's Office as a new deputy. Arnold worked full time with the Hocking College Police Department and part time with the Nelsonville City Police Department for four years.

Arnold graduated from Hocking College in 2012 with an Associate's Degree in Police Science, which gave him a chance to gain real experience and "hands-on learning." He wished to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was a former Nelsonville police officer.

"I'm happy to be a part of a professional organization that serves Athens County citizens," Arnold said. "I'm an Athens County man."

Read the complete article in the Athens Messenger.

Dell Offers $200 Gift Card with Purchase of Laptop

Dell is offering Hocking College faculty, staff and students a $200 gift card with purchase of an Inspiration 15R laptop.

The Inspiration 15R helps you work faster and smarter from anywhere. You can easily stay connected at home, school or your favorite hang out.

For more information, visit www.dell.com/dellu/hocking or call 800.247.6819

Hocking College Learning Program to be Highlighted at State ACCT Conference

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is working with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) on a video about the development of student success and completion efforts in Ohio's community colleges, and a Hocking College contextualized learning program will be included.

The developmental Fire Science/English contextualized learning course started by Scott Mong, Public Safety Commander, and Kathy Pittman, Associate Professor, has had great success since its start four years ago. This program uses high interest Fire Science materials to help developmental Fire Science students improve their reading and writing skills. Data results indicate that for students who attend both the technical and the English class consistently, 92 percent of them will be successful in passing the developmental English course.

The ACCT/OACC video is a part of the Governance Institute for Student Success initiative that was piloted with the governance boards of Ohio's community colleges in 2010. This video will debut at ACCT's annual conference in October 2013, and also will be available on the websites of OACC and ACCT.

Perry Campus Offers Training for New Lexington Students

The Perry Campus recently offered 'CPR for Babysitting' and 'Heavy Equipment' activities for New Lexington middle school students on July 13 and 18.

This was the first year Perry Campus hosted the activities, which proved to be successful. The children were mostly middle school aged and enjoyed themselves while learning safety measures.

For the 'CPR for Babysitting' activity, all 12 of the participants became certified and received a certification card. The 'Heavy Equipment' activity consisted of ten children. They each received hard hats while working with the materials, which left a lot of smiles on their faces.

Hocking College Featured on ConnectED Magazine

Hocking College was recently featured on the ConnectED Magazine Summer 2013 Issue for their partnership with the Tri-County Adult Career Center.

ConnectED is a quarterly e-newsletter produced by the Ohio Board of Regents designed to connect Ohio higher education to the business community.

The Tri-County Adult Career Center and Hocking College are partnering to work collaboratively to expand local workforce development training opportunities to area business. They want the business community to know they are a single point of contact for people who are looking for staff training and development.

To view this publication, visit https://ohiohighered.org/connected.

Reminder: Upcoming Admissions Events

Prospective students will be visiting campus for the following events:

QuickStart Registration Events:

Check-In for the following Autumn QuickStart events begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, June 26 - Natural Resources
Friday, June 28 - Hospitality, Public Safety Services
Wednesday, July 10 - Health and Nursing; Arts, Business and Information Technology (ABIT)
Wednesday, July 12 - Engineering Technology (at Logan Campus)
Wednesday, July 24; Friday, July 26; Friday, August 2; Saturday, August 10 - All programs

Evening QuickStart Registration Events:

Check-In for the following Autumn QuickStart events begins at 3:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 4 p.m.
Monday, July 29 - All programs
Wednesday, July 31 - All programs

Thank you for your assistance as we provide prospective students with a chance to experience a Hocking College education!

Reminder: Inn at Hocking College 2013 Summer Bash Schedule

Events will be held throughout the summer at the Inn at Hocking College. They include all you can eat delicious buffets for just $12.95, live entertainment, a full bar and patio seating. The entertainment and themes will be changing weekly. Vegetarian entrée and children's dinner option will also be offered. Come enjoy these fun filled summer nights!

The schedule is as follows, from 4 - 8 p.m. on the dates indicated:

June 28, 2013 - Texas BBQ
July 5, 2013 - Steak Night
July 12, 2013 - Cajun Shrimp Boil
July 19, 2013 - "J. B. King" Pig Roast

Reminder: Cam and Sue CANCER SUCKS 5K Run/Walk to be Held at Hocking

The third Annual 5K to honor the memories of Cameron Brown and Susan Ipacs will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Hocking College. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m.

Registration is $20 if received prior to July 1 and $25 after July 1. Children's registration is $10. If received by July 1, children will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

Payment may be made via PayPal.com to lori.a.brownl@gmail.com or mailed to:
Lori Brown
6979 State Route 329
Guysville, Ohio 45735

Reminder: Starbrick Bistro's Summer Lunch Series Continues

Starbrick Bistro at the Inn at Hocking College will now be open every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for their "Summer Lunch Series." Each week, the American and International Cuisine class will present a menu drawn from various flavors studied within each region. The menus stress production techniques and ingredients from around the world.

Meals are $7, inclusive. Come and enjoy a unique lunch experience every week!

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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Chappelear Sends Thanks for Retirement Party

John Chappelear sends his thanks everyone who attended his "surprise" retirement party last week.

"Many of you have been an integral part of my Hocking life for the last 34 years. I thank you for your friendship and your respect," Chappelear said.
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