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 From the Provost
Spring 2014 Re-enrollment: Let's Help Our Students Pursue Their Passion
As I'm sure you're aware, today is the first day of Priority Registration for spring semester 2014. In order to ensure we have the best possible spring re-enrollment for returning students, we are encouraging each of our current students to "Pursue their Passion" by re-enrolling for spring semester. Like last year, our goal is to make sure that 80% of our students who are enrolled currently for autumn semester 2013 return for spring 2014.
We are encouraging early spring re-enrollment by allowing students to quickly register on WebAdvisor before January 1, without making immediate payment. Students need to make sure they either have paid in full, enrolled in the Payment Plan or have financial aid in place by the first day of spring semester classes or their enrollment will be dropped.
Making sure that we maximize spring semester enrollment is something that each and every one of us at the institution can impact.
For our faculty, we must work together one student at a time. Don't leave it up to the students to call for advising. Be proactive - contact each of them to find out their plans for spring semester. The Deans will be discussing an approach with each of you on how to ensure your students are registering for spring.
Any student who is "at-risk" of not returning, due to academics or another reason, should be reported to the Student Affairs Coordinator in your school. The SACs will be collecting a list of these students with which to make personal contact to try to assist with these situations.
For non-instructional staff, you can help by making it as easy as possible for students to re-enroll for spring semester. By going the extra step to assist our students, whether it be: making sure their financial aid is packaged a day earlier; returning a phone call in one hour, instead of two; or, keeping the corridor clean and tidy so a new student has a great first impression of Hocking College, each of us is important to our successful enrollment efforts.
Our goal is to have the most outstanding re-enrollment we've ever had. But, we can only accomplish this with everyone's participation. Thank you for your assistance, and stay tuned for further updates.
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 Art Gallery to Host Holiday Student Art Sale
The Hocking College Art Gallery, on 30 Public Square in Nelsonville, will present the "Holiday Student Art Sale" beginning Friday, November 29, 2013 as part of the Nelsonville Historic Square Art District's Final Friday activities. New this year, the Art Gallery will also be open for "Black Friday" on November 29 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., on Saturday, November 30 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The sale will feature a wide selection of ceramics, glass artwork, photography and jewelry created by Hocking College Art, Design and Marketing students. Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a special, one-of-a-kind gift, while supporting Hocking College students.
The Holiday Student Art Sale runs through December 20.
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Two New Members Selected for Hocking College Board of Trustees
Tom Johnson and Joseph Ogden, both of Perry County, were selected to serve on the Hocking College Board of Trustees on Thursday, November 14,2013 by a caucus of school board presidents from Athens, Hocking and Perry counties.
Johnson and Ogden will complete the unexpired terms of Dr. Larry Rentschler and Darlene Wells, both of Perry County, who resigned from the board before the completion of their terms, which end August 31, 2015. Due to regulations restricting the number of government agency employees who may serve as trustees, Johnson will not be sworn into service until the March Board of Trustees meeting.
Johnson is the Mayor of the Village of Somerset and retired Vice President from a career in international banking. He is now devoting his time to public service efforts in local civic and economic development, historic preservation and the arts and heritage tourism. Johnson is a graduate of Ohio State University, and has an MBA from Henley Management College in England.
Ogden is President of family-owned Ogden Insurance Agency. He has served on several boards, such as the New Lexington Board of Education and the Lions Club. He also attended Hocking College.
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Hocking Proud Paints Snow Plow Blade
Last week, Hocking College's student spirit club, Hocking Proud, spent some time painting a snow plow blade with a Hocking College design. For the first time, the Ohio Department of Transportation District 10 has partnered with area schools on the Paint the Plow project, which allowed schools to decorate a plow blade. Hocking Proud members Kiara Ivory, Jenna Ferguson, Katelyn Croghan and Alexis Nixon spent time over three days, including more than four hours on the third day to finish the design, painting the 4 foot by 11 foot plow blade. The members were excited for the chance to paint the plow blade, and said they really had fun doing it. Group members represent a variety of programs in the college, and this project gave them a chance to spend time together designing and painting. They wanted to take on the project because it was good publicity for the college and for their club. The Hocking Proud school spirit club has done various projects since their start, including a fund raising Pie-A-Thon in October. Meetings are held Mondays at 4 p.m. in the Student Center. For additional information, contact Hocking Proud President Kiara Ivory. |
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Massage Therapy Grads Continue Perfect Passing Rates
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards recently noted Hocking College Massage Therapy Graduates have consistently received a 100 percent rate on the Massage Therapy Licensure (MBlex) exam since 2011.
As a comparison, from January 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013, Hocking College students received 100 percent while the statewide average was 80.1 percent and the national average was 71.7 percent. In 2012, Hocking College's pass rate was 100 percent, while the statewide average was 83.4 percent and the nationwide average was 72.1 percent.
The massage therapy program at Hocking College has a high success rate of job placement for graduates who find quality employment in wellness centers, spas, chiropractic offices, hospitals and private practices.
Congratulations, massage therapy grads and instructors! Keep up the great work.
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Sign up today for the upcoming blood drive, happening Monday, December 2 in the Student Center, 10 a. m. - 4 p.m. You can donate blood every eight weeks. To schedule an appointment call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: HockColl. |
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Winter Driving Tips
With this week's very cold temperatures and possible bad weather, take a moment to read about Winter Safety: Driving.
When roads are slick, keep an eye out for slick patches, remember to slow down and always leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Drive safe!
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 Chili Cook Off Results
The Logan Campus held their first ever Chili Cook Off on Monday, November 25, and it was a huge success.
There were five entries, from Steve Schatz, Autumn Congrove, Gail Jordan, Pat Odom and Jim Deal. Judges were Neil Hinton, Nancy Holcomb and Damon Clement. It was a tough competition, but Steve Schatz came out on top as the first place winner. Everyone did a great job!
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Tips for Surviving the Holidays
The holidays should be a wonderful time of the year, but adding holiday commitments and extended time with family to our already busy, stressful lives can result in even more stress.
Nutrition in Motion has provided Surviving the Holidays tips, including tips on how to eat healthier and stay sane this holiday season.
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 Reminder: Upcoming Epicurean Club Fun
Free dessert will be offered at the Starbrick Bistro lunch on Friday, December 6 when you bring in two canned or non-perishable items to donate to the Hocking Student Food Pantry. On Wednesday, November 27 and December 4, bring three canned or non-perishable items to donate to the pantry and receive two lunches for the price of one.
On Tuesday, November 26 from 6 - 7:30 p.m., the Epicurean Club will hold an Epicurean Thanksgiving at the Starbrick Bistro. The menu will include: fried turkey carving station with mushroom gravy and cranberry orange chutney, warm couscous salad, roasted fall vegetables and apples, French baguettes with herb oil, white-truffle mashed potatoes and a fall dessert assortment. Beverages will be included.
A pie raffle will also be held to benefit the Knowledge Bowl Team. All proceeds will benefit the Hocking College Epicurean Club.
The Hocking College Hotel/Restaurant Management Club, as well as the Epicurean Club, will be selling poinsettias from now until December 2. Delivery will be on December 9 from 12 - 4 p.m. at the Inn.
In addition to poinsettias, the Epicurean Club will be selling "Gift Jars" with baking mixes from now until Friday, December 6. Jars will be available to pick up on Friday, December 13 from 12 - 4 p.m. at the Inn. Jars are six dollars and will contain mixes for peppermint hot cocoa, brownies, and M&M rice crispy cookies. All mixes are presented in a mason jar with decorative fabric and a tag with instructions.
Please contact Chef McGushin with any questions or orders. Epicurean Club students will have order forms available for faculty and staff, as well.
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Students Awarded Blower Memorial Scholarship
Julia Decker of Nelsonville, Jenna Ferguson of Nelsonville, Kayla Gates of Amesville, Emily Main of Nelsonville, Timothy J. McMillen of Nelsonville, Marissa Moliviatis of The Plains, Caitlin Queitzsch of Nelsonville, Danielle Wagasky of Nelsonville, David A. Wright of Athens and Dustin Young of Nelsonville have each been awarded the James E. and Betty J. Blower Memorial Scholarship for the Hocking College 2013-14 academic year.
Decker is a Hotel and Restaurant Management student and plans to run a dinner theatre. Ferguson plans to open her own restaurant and bar with chains all across Ohio. Gates has dreamt of becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant since she was in eighth grade. She wants to help people move and be independent again. Main is in the Landscape Management program and plans to combine this with her Bachelor's Degree in New Media for Landscape Designing. McMillen's professional goal is to become a game warden in Ohio, where he can protect the animals and natural resources.
Moliviatis has always had a strong passion for animals. She is enrolled in the Transfer Module program and plans to transfer her general credits from Hocking toward a four-year degree in veterinary technology. Queitzsch has always wanted to run her own farm, which is why the Equine programs are a perfect fit for her. Wagasky is pursuing the EMT/Paramedic program and plans to help make her community a safer place to live. Wright is in the Addiction Counseling program and wants to do his part in helping out the counties in southeast Ohio who are struggling with serious drug problems. Young plans to become a U.S. Air Marshal or U.S. Border Patrol Agent.
James Blower was a native of Trimble Township in Athens County, Ohio. Upon his death, his wife, Betty, established the scholarship at Hocking College to memorialize her husband and to assist others in the area where he was from.
Residents of Trimble Township are given first consideration for this scholarship. Residents outside of Trimble Township, but within Athens County, receive secondary consideration. Recipients must maintain an appropriate grade point average.
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Pictured (L to R): Front Row: Marissa Moliviatis; Jenna Ferguson; Emily Main; Kayla Gates; Danielle Wagasky; Julia Decker; and, Dr. Carl Bridges, Hocking College Provost. Back Row: Dr. Ron Erickson, Hocking College President; Caitlin Queitzsch; David Wright; and Dustin Young; Final recipient Timothy McMillen is not pictured.
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a condition where the body fails to utilize ingested glucose properly. This could be due to lack of the hormone insulin or because the insulin that is available is not working effectively. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States - 8.3 percent of the population - have diabetes.
This week read about the important annual routine tests that can help you understand and manage your health.
Diabetes Yearly Checks
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Reminder: Kappa Beta Delta Poinsettia Sale
Kappa Beta Delta, Hocking College's Business Honor Society, is in the midst of their annual Poinsettia Sale. They will be using the proceeds of this fundraiser to do several service projects within the community.
Three sizes are available: six and a half inches for $9, eight inches for $14 and ten inches for $18. The plants are available in four colors: red, white, pink or burgundy (six and a half or eight inch only).
All prepaid orders should be sent to Melissa Atkins via interoffice mail (OAK 312) or hand-delivered to her office in JL 349B by Monday, December 2. Please use the attached order form.
Pick up will be at the Warehouse on Monday, December 9 from 12 - 2 p.m. Please indicate your office number if you would like to have a student deliver your poinsettia to your office.
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 Reminder: November Book Drive and Food Drive Continue
During the month of November, donate books for Better World Books. Donation bins are located in Oakley 312, the library and the Concourse.
Thanks to your help, throughout the 2012-2013 school year, 4,700 pounds of books were collected toward this literacy effort with Better World Books.
Please contact Carla Ryan-Hirst with any questions.
The School of Allied Health and the School of Nursing are holding a food drive during the month of November. The food will be donated to the Hocking College food pantry for students.
Donation boxes are in DVD 309 and DVD 217 for faculty, staff and students to donate.
For questions or concerns, please contact Barb McGhee, School of Allied Health and School of Nursing.
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 eTextbooks: The Advantage of Customization
The biggest benefit for faculty from the switch to eBooks is the ability to create customized eTextbooks. Faculty and staff can pull pieces of writing from multiple sources and combine it into one eTextbook available for students.
This means more functionality and less flipping through pages, as everyone will have the same copy of the eTextbook for class discussion and reference.
Read next week's Verbatim to find out more on the benefits of eTextbooks.
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 Reminder: Holidays Around the World
"Holidays Around the World" will be celebrated Wednesday, December 4 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Light Dining Hall.
According to Giles Lee, Director of Co-Curricular Activities, holiday cheer from around the world will be celebrated. Students, faculty and staff will enjoy learning about how holidays are celebrated in different cultures, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali and Hanukkah. A traditional turkey dinner and festive desserts will be provided and Santa will make an appearance. This event is sponsored by the Student Center and Dining Services.
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 Alumnus Becomes Rocket Scientist - Literally!
Hocking alumnus and rocket scientist, Robert Shafer, has used Hocking College as a springboard into a career in the Aerospace industry, after his tour of duty.
While at the Denver Airport, Shafer recalled running into another alumni of Hocking College. "No matter where I am in the world, I always run in to someone from Hocking College," Shafer said.
Shafer has a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and seven Master Certificates. He was fortunate to find a job at Rockwell International Missile two weeks before he graduated, which turned out to be the start of a promising career.
Shafer has worked on projects such as the B2 Stealth Bomber, Gatling guns, Hellfire Laser Missile System and various medical devices.
Three countries and five states later, Shafer has returned to Nelsonville with his wife, Nancy. "We could choose to work and live any place in the world. However, there is no place like home."
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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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Twitter ComplimentTwitter user @ inkblotdinosaur sent this complement last week: "Hocking College has some of the nicest janitors ever with the best stories #Friendly"
We agree!
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Hocking College Alum Publishes Fish Hatcheries Book
Craig Springer, 1985 Recreation and Wildlife graduate, recently co-authored the book "Spearfish National Fish Hatchery: Images of America" in partnership with The Booth Society, Inc. Springer is a writer for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in New Mexico.
Spring also edits Eddies, a magazine on Fish and Aquatic Conservation. His book can be found at arcadiapublishing.com and Eddies magazine can be found here.
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