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March 31, 2014
From the Provost

null Community College Faculty Survey Planned
We are participating in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). In conjunction with the CCSSE administration this spring, we also have the opportunity to conduct the Community College Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (CCFSSE). CCFSSE was designed to mirror the student survey (CCSSE) in an effort to facilitate discussions about faculty perceptions of student engagement.
 
We plan to use CCSSE and CCFSSE results to promote institutional improvement and it is vital that our faculty have a voice in these efforts. We feel that being able to view faculty expectations and perceptions of student engagement alongside student responses will not only help us identify areas of strength, but will also enable us to recognize challenges or gaps that may require further consideration. This effort also aligns with the College Completion Plan aimed at identifying strategies to improve student success.
 
So we need your help and support. We need all faculty to participate in CCFSSE. The Center for Community College Student Engagement will send all faculty members teaching credit courses during the spring term an email containing a link to the online survey. The window of time for completing the survey is March 31 to April 18.
 
Upon completion of the online administration period, Center staff will analyze the data and our institution will receive an electronic report of results by the end of July.
 
The Center is committed to protecting the anonymity of all CCFSSE respondents, and it is Center policy not to provide colleges with information that could result in an individual faculty member being identified. Therefore, only aggregate faculty responses will be compared with aggregate student responses for institution-wide improvement purposes, so please be completely candid in your responses.
 
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey; this is an important part part of our efforts to change students' lives. 
Hocking Student Earns Top Award at Honors Convention
Kiara Ivory, Hocking College Early Childhood Education student, was selected as the Most Distinguished Member of Phi Theta Kappa in Ohio at the Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Region Hallmark Convention in Canton, Ohio on March 21 and 22, 2014.

Ivory was initially recognized for leadership excellence as a part of Ohio's Order of the Torch. She was then awarded the title of Most Distinguished Member of Phi Theta Kappa in Ohio. Her Hallmark entry was written by Business Management and Entrepreneurship student Jeff Adams. Together they received a $300 Hallmark Award prize for the chapter to reduce traveling expenses to the International Convention in Orlando, Florida in April.

Accompanying Ivory and Adams at the Hallmark Convention was Sharon Disbennett and Mary Sanders of the Alpha Mu Delta Chapter on main campus and Paul Gurzynski of the Beta Sigma Omega chapter at Logan Campus.

Both Hocking College chapters were recognized for achieving a two-star chapter rating for 2013. The star rating is an improvement for the Alpha Mu Delta chapter and a new chapter record for the Beta Sigma Omega chapter.

Ivory and Adams will continue to compete internationally within their nominated Hallmark categories at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention. All five Hocking students have a remaining fundraising  
goal of more than $400, to be able to attend the convention. Donations for the students' trips can be submitted to the Hocking College Foundation.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Hocking College, contact July Cohara at [email protected].
Please Complete the Carbon Footprint Survey
Hocking College is committed to the environment and we hope you will help monitor our progress through a Carbon Footprint Survey.  It's easy! Just report your commuting information by answering a couple of quick questions through the survey link you received by email.

As a member of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Hocking College is required to submit Implementation Profiles, Greenhouse Gas Reports, Climate Action Plans, and Progress Reports for all Hocking College Campuses.  Kathy Temple-Miller is currently working on the reports.

This survey will be anonymously compiled to determine the carbon footprint of Hocking College and reported to the ACUPCC. Hocking College is concerned about the unprecedented scale of climate change and its potential for large-scale adverse effects.  Our goal is to reduce 40 percent of our green house gas emissions by 2020.  If you would like to learn more, please contact the Office of Sustainability, Kathy Temple-Miller or view our Campus Climate Commitment: http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/604/.

We have also launched this survey for students.  Please encourage students to complete this survey.  It will take only a couple of minutes.

The survey link you receive via email is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address. Please do not forward the link. With your help, Hocking will be able to identify ways to reach our emissions goal, and Kathy will also be able to complete the required reports.

Thanks for your participation!
Perkins Mini-Grants Benefit School of Nursing
Through the Perkins Grant process, Hocking College's School of Nursing has received funding for needed beneficial equipment that will be utilized to develop skills and advance the technology in the nursing program.

The grant will fund a purchase of six CTO EliteBook 847p Hewlett Packard Commercial PCs that will allow students the capability of interacting during scenarios in the simulation lab. The grant will also fund a purchase of lab equipment such as a medium-fidelity manikin and female/male body parts that are adaptable to the current static manikins, as well as wound care assessment sets.

The grant will contribute to continued growth in the Nursing program and encourage faculty to engage in creative and innovative learning strategies.
Transfer Fair Planned

Hocking College University Center will be hosting its second annual Transfer Fair for graduates and current students wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Center.


Attendees will have the opportunity to gain information from university representatives regarding academic programs, application processes and financial aid. Schools scheduled to be in attendance include
Bowling Green State University, Franklin University, Marietta College, Muskingum University, Ohio Christian University, Ohio State University, Ohio University, Rio Grande and the University of Akron.


For more information about the Transfer Fair, or other transfer opportunities for students, contact Kerry Hagerty at
[email protected] or 740.753.7063.

Petrovay Represents Hocking College on National Task Force 
George Petrovay, Director of Campus Judiciaries, will be representing Hocking College on a task force initiative between the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and International Association of Campus Law Enforcement (IACLEA).

The task force between ASCA and IACLEA will work to improve campus partnerships in areas such as education and prevention, policy and procedures and incident response and management. This task force will take specific aspects into consideration including the diversity of the institution, the campus setting, and the behavioral situations they may face in order to generate the most effective collaboration practices for each institution.

Petrovay will be serving as an active voice during this collaboration process alongside more than seven other institutions across the nation including The Ohio State University, Drexel University, Virginia Tech and Florida International University. His professional experiences will serve as the basis for identifying the best practices for not only Hocking College, but all participating institutions.  
book-stacks-colorful.jpg Social Sciences Lab Offers Help for Students
Do you know students struggling with Psychology or Sociology classes? The Social Sciences Lab in Oakley 301 can help.

The Social Sciences lab has books, quiet study space and computers for students to access online materials, work on assignments and print. The lab has workbooks for several classes to help students structure their study of each chapter and answer keys for those workbooks that allow them to check their work to ensure comprehension of the topics.

The lab also has videos about a variety of social science topics, including voice-over PowerPoint lectures for some book chapters.

Most importantly, the Social Sciences lab offers one-on-one or small group support to encourage students to stay engaged with their social science classes.  Staying engaged and coming prepared to class are the keys to success in these challenging classes. The lab can help students structure some weekly study time and find strategies to help them succeed.

Tutoring is available during the following hours:
  • Monday 10 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
  • Tuesday 11 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. and 5 - 5:50 p.m.
  • Wednesday 11 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. and 4 - 4:50 p.m.
Please encourage students to come study with us.
Shared Governance Task Force Seeks Members
The Shared Governance Task Force is up and running but needs new members. The team is currently a group of three that needs to expand to a membership of eight.

One of the group's main responsibilities is to define and design an organizational structure for the college that allows for all of our voices to be heard in a safe and respectful manner. The group is currently working on how to do that.

The group's value statement reads: "Shared governance at Hocking College promotes the principles of inclusiveness and collaboration between board members, administrators, faculty, staff and students. Shared governance is the decision-making mechanism for developing, evaluating, recommending and implementing guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices at Hocking College.

The Shared Governance Model of Hocking College provides and promotes opportunities for full participation of all employees and students in the development of college policies. Hocking College encourages and values the input of all individuals as we work together to govern our institution with clear communication, accountability, and ethical reporting."

The group is seeking volunteers who have a strong interest in serving on the task force for either a 2-year or 3-year term. They particularly encourage anyone who has expressed an interest in serving on a committee in the past and are not currently serving on one.

Here's the breakdown of current membership needs:
  • Five faculty members -- of varying programs, years of service, and rank - four slots to be filled (Cheryl Cesta fills one) 
  • Two professional staff members - one slot to be filled (Mindy Roggow fills one)
  • One support staff member - to be filled 
Please contact a current task force member for more information. If you are interested, please submit your name, department, years at Hocking, and rank (if you are faculty) to one of the following members via email: Cheryl Cesta, Mindy Roggow, or Ellen Nickles . Admissions will be accepting through end of the day on Wednesday, April 9.
Reminder: Graduation Awards Nominations Due Friday
Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Graduation Awards. Awards include:

"We Are One-Hocking" Graduation Award

Presented to one graduating American and one graduating International student who through their actions and involvement has made a significant impact on the cross-cultural understanding and campus unity at Hocking College.  


Richard Elston Award

In memory of Richard Elston, a former Hocking College Student Senate
president, this award
recognizes a graduating student whose outstanding leadership has positively impacted the Hocking College community.

Student Life Award
Presented to any graduating student who has exemplified dedication and commitment to improving the quality of student life for all members of the Hocking College campus community.

 

Student Employment Award

Presented to a student who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a position of student employment, to show extraordinary commitment to the job and provide outstanding service.

 

Read more about the awards here, and find the nomination form here. Nominations are due to Giles Lee at [email protected] by 5 p.m. April 4, 2014.  
Reminder: Athens County Children Services Encourages Wear Blue Day
Mark your calendars! Athens County Children Services are encouraging residents of Athens County to wear blue to demonstrate their commitment to the safety of children in the area on April 9, 2014.

Athens County Children Services received 1,640 reports of child and abuse this year, a dramatic increase from last year's 1,494. The best way to prevent abuse and neglect is to engage the community and raise awareness throughout the area. Be an active part of raising awareness and make sure to wear your blue!

Check out the Athens County Children Services Facebook page for more information and spread the word about Wear Blue Day! 
Culinary Program, Rural Action Launch Farm-to-School Initiative
Through a new grant, Rural Action will partner with the Hocking College Culinary Arts Program to introduce a new Farm-To-School Initiative and provide Federal Hocking and Athens City School Districts with fresh, local produce.

The Farm-To-School Initiative creates a partnership between Rural Action/Chesterhill Produce Auction, Federal Hocking School District, Athens City School District and the Hocking College Culinary Arts Program. The goal of this initiative is to take advantage of local produce by incorporating it into area school districts.

Produce from the Chesterhill Produce Auction will be purchased by the school districts, then transported by Rural Action to Hocking College. Hocking College students will then be given the responsibility of preparing local produce for commercial use in participating schools. Students will receive hands-on experience in preparing fresh local produce after being introduced to a variety of techniques. The food prepared at Hocking will then be transported and distributed to participating schools by Rural Action.

Chef Alfonso Contrisciani, Dean of Hospitality, explained, "One of our missions at the Hocking College School of Hospitality is to promote sustainability initiatives. The addition of the Farm-To-School program greatly enhances our core beliefs. While supporting the local farming industry of southeast Ohio, we are making a contribution to an eco-friendly agricultural environment resulting in healthy products to feed our children."

The Central Appalachian Network funded the grant with a goal to
provide farm fresh fruit and vegetables to schools at least once a week. The $10,000 grant budget covers transportation of the produce, containers for the food, faculty supervision and Hocking kitchen maintenance.  
Reminder: Campus Greens Offers Drop-In Lunch and Learn Workshop
The Campus Greens Department/Greenhouse Operations are offering another chance to get away from the cold and into the color at their "Lunch and Learn" workshop being held Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at the Tri-County Career Center Greenhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Those who attend will be educated on garden layout, composition and size, as well as, the differences on raised beds versus in-ground beds. A how and why on composting will also be explained with a potato bin garden demonstration. Those who didn't get the chance to plant vegetable seeds at the prior Lunch and Learn will be offered the opportunity again. Remember to bring your lunch and take part in an afternoon of gardening inspiration.

Please RSVP to Andrew Freeman at [email protected] by March 31.

Check out http://campusgreensgardens.blogspot.com/ and stay updated on Campus Green Department news, plus learn gardening tips, see photos and more!
Dell Bonus Days Discounts
Double your discount is back for select Dell purchases. This limited-time offers start April 3, 2014. Special offers include: 
  • Inspiron 15 7000 Series with touch is $767.99 after discount. Search order code: DNDNB1505s. There are limited quantities at this price.
  • Desktop power made portable, the XPS 18 is $699.99 after coupon. Use coupon code WPSTN7Z7R19NL2 at checkout. Search order code: FXPDCR01. There are limited quantities at this price.
  • Dell B2360dn Laser Printer is $197.99 after discount. Search SKU: 225-4035. Apply coupon code T3VF234VB6CB1C in cart to save. Offer valid until 4/15/14 at 8 a.m. EST. 

Mark your calendar: April 3-9, 2014 is the Bonus Days Event! Visit www.dell.com/dullu/hocking to see the latest deals and steals for Hocking College.

Alumni Spotlight

Hocking Grads Open Automotive Business
Jeremy Hurlburt and Nick Moore prove that hard work pays off after opening and running their own business this past year. Hurlburt and Moore, both recent Hocking graduates, followed their dreams and opened Hocking Valley Mechanics in October 2013 in Logan, Ohio.

Hurlburt and Moore attended the Logan campus of Hocking College where they studied and graduated from the Automotive Hybrids program this past year. Hurlburt also spent time studying in the Advanced Energy program and graduated with a double major.

Although the two only knew each other for about a year before starting the business, they shared a long history and strong passion for the automotive industry and worked together to create a successful business. Located off Freeman Road in Logan, Hocking Valley Mechanics offers just about anything and everything to automobile owners in need.

Hulbert encourages fellow Hocking students and alumni by saying, "It's not easy, but don't give up." Hurlburt and Moore say they hope to expand and attract more business in the future. They also have plans to offer U-Haul services.
sunny-tree-boughs.jpg
Prescribed Burn to Sustain Oak-Hickory Forest Ecosystem and Improve Wildlife Habitat
The U.S. Forest Service's Wayne National Forest, Athens Ranger District is planning to conduct prescribed burning operations within the next six weeks. Depending on weather conditions, the district anticipates conditions may be favorable for prescribed burning operations during the period of March 26 through May 3, 2014. Area includes approximately 1,021 acres in Athens County, Dover and York Township.

The Wayne National Forest seeks to keep oak-hickory forests from losing dominance on the landscape in southeast Ohio. This forest type is fire dependent, meaning occasional prescribed burning actually helps them out-compete other species of trees like shade loving maple and beech.  Through the use of prescribed burning, the Forest Service is creating conditions that allow young oak and hickory trees to thrive. A forest with oak and hickory trees provides critical habitat to various wildlife species.

Significant preparations are undertaken prior to the Wayne National Forest conducting prescribed burns, including physical visits to neighboring communities and homes to provide awareness of the project and explain what residents might expect. Fire lines have been constructed in order to provide the highest degree of safety. Burn units are surrounded by existing roads, trails and constructed fire breaks that aid in the control of the burn.

The Wayne National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed burns, and uses environmental factors including temperature, humidity, atmosphere stability, wind-direction and speed as well as smoke disbursement. If any of these conditions are not within limits, the burn will be postponed.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne. Follow the Wayne National Forest on Twitter: @waynenationalfs.
gardening-bucket.jpg Reminder: Upcoming Live Healthy Appalachia Events
Start up your spring season by participating in some of the many upcoming events promoting and educating the Athens area on smart gardening and healthy eating.

Kidfest - Saturday, April 12
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., bring the whole family to the OU Convocation Center to enjoy a fun-filled and kid-friendly day with a kid's health fair, food, games and prizes!

Athens Farmers Market
Don't forget to visit the Athens Farmers Market located at 1000 East State Street every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. for fresh and local produce.

30 Mile Meal Night
Support your community and enjoy all the delicious food it has to offer. Every Tuesday, Athens community members are encouraged to try a new local establishment. Visit the website for a list of restaurants participating in the 30 Mile Meal Challenge 
recycling_thumbs_up.jpg Reminder: Free Scrap Tire Drop-Off Event Scheduled
The U.S. Forest Service's Wayne National Forest and the Athens City-County Health Department is hosting a free Scrap Tire Drop-off event Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters, located off US Hwy 33 between The Plains and Nelsonville.

The event is being held in support of the mission of Keep Southeast Ohio Beautiful, a regional affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, that's helping create a healthier and safer place to live, work and play.

The event has the capacity to collect up to 1,200 scrap tires, which will be later recycled. Once 1,200 tires are collected, collection will stop. No tires will be received after hours. No tires will be accepted from tire shops, dealers or repair shops. No tires exceeding 54 in. in height and/or 16 in. in width will be collected.

"The Wayne National Forest is excited to partner again this year with Athens County to help collect scrap tires from the local community. In the last two years, the public has brought in over 4,000 scrap tires through our partnership," Forest Spokesman Gary C. Chancey said.

The public is reminded that dumping tires is also a felony offense in Ohio. Funding for the event comes from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne.
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

Villavicencio Featured in Restaurateur's Blog 

Libby Villavicencio, Hocking College Foundation Executive Director, was recently featured in the blog of Elizabeth Lessner, a Columbus restauranteur.

Lessner owns seven highly regarded eateries in Columbus, including Surly Girl Saloon and Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails.

According to Lessner's blog, she met Libby when Libby approached her about being an advisory board member for our culinary program. Since then, Libby has made quite an impression on Lessner, introducing her not only to Hocking College, but to many people and places in the area.

Kudos to Libby for being such an asset to Hocking College and for the lovely write-up in Lessner's blog. We appreciate everything you do!


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

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