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Andy Stone, Chairman of the Hocking College Board of Trustees
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Message from the Chairman of Hocking College Board
The following message is from Andy Stone, Chairman of the Hocking College Board of Trustees:
As we reported previously, Dr. Ron Erickson has resigned from the presidency of Hocking College. For the short term, Dr. Myriah Davis, Vice President of Administrative Services, has agreed to serve as Interim President. The Board of Trustees is now working quickly to identify an interim president of Hocking College who will serve until the new permanent president is selected. Our goal is to hire an interim who is highly qualified, and has no experience with Hocking College, in order to provide a fresh perspective on the immediate challenges that are before us.
After the interim president is hired, the Board will turn our attention toward seeking the next Hocking College President. The process for selecting the permanent president will be transparent, open and inclusive. The Board does not plan to hire a search firm for assistance with placement. Instead, we will partner with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), to assist us as part of our ongoing membership with the organization.
We will start by sending out an all staff survey, asking each of you to identify the qualities and characteristics you value in the next president of our institution. The goal of the board is to hire a candidate who will understand the unique needs of Appalachian Ohio. A small search committee, consisting of members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, non-faculty staff and students, will then review these responses to develop a final list of qualities and a presidential profile. Next, advertisements will be placed in national publications, seeking applicants from across the country to begin the recruitment process. The search committee will initially vet and interview a selection of semifinalists. Once they have narrowed the selection to the finalists, the candidates will be brought to campus for a series of interviews and open forums. Feedback will be solicited from across the campus, and then the Board will extend an offer to the person selected.
Because we want to make sure the process is as inclusive as possible, all of this activity will take place throughout this academic year. Our timeline is to have an accepted offer in place by the end of spring semester 2015.
Please understand the Board of Trustees has been united in the goal of making the best decisions possible for the good of Hocking College - for our students, our employees and for the many members of the community who rely on this institution to better their lives. We truly believe in the importance of the Hocking College mission, and count on you to continue with your important work of educating our students. Please help us to ensure that the presidential transition is seamless to our students. The decisions we make today have the power to shape the destiny of the college moving forward, and guarantee that Hocking College will educate many generations of students yet to come.
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The Counseling Center: Should I Refer This Student?
The Counseling Center provides professional mental health support to students experiencing a variety circumstances including but not limited to overwhelming stress, difficulty adjusting to college life, relationship concerns, loneliness, financial stress, mental disorder, suicidal ideation, sexual violence and sexual assault.
Some signs or symptoms a student may exhibit that could be addressed by one of the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors in the Counseling Center:
- Hopelessness
- Disorganization, lack of concentration, loss of memory
- Skipping class often, incomplete assignments
- Rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped or like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
- Prior suicide attempts
If you observe or suspect a student may be experiencing any of these symptoms, he/she could benefit from talking with someone in the Counseling Center. Students often feel overwhelmed with the many demands they face during college. When working with a Mental Health Counselor in a confidential setting, students are given the opportunity to work through the mess of the stress and explore the underlying issues. By working on maintaining stress and issues related to mental health disorders, students are often more self-confident, goal-oriented, determined, and equipped to handle the natural ups and downs in life.
So, maybe this is not news to you...
However, actually referring someone may seem a bit tricky. Some common thoughts or questions faculty and staff often have when they observe the previously mentioned signs or symptoms are, "What if the student doesn't need the help?" "He/she must know there is a counseling center and would go if she/he needs to go." "What if the student will be embarrassed by my confronting him/her?" "I don't want the student to think there is something wrong with him/her if there truly is not." "What if I don't have the answers?" "It is not my place to address these issues with the student."
GOOD NEWS! You do not need to have the answers! You do not need to worry whether or not you can "fix" the issue(s) the student is experiencing. What you can do is listen and then if appropriate point her/him in the right direction. Pay attention to the red flags and approach the student.
When students know someone cares enough to reach out, they are more likely to start caring as well. Referring a student to the Counseling Center does not mean that there is something "wrong" with him/her. It just means that you have noticed a few signs or symptoms that show she/he may be experiencing some distress in his/her life. Students are more likely to be successful when they address stress (sooner rather than later is optimal). Additionally, it is a misconception that students are aware of the services available. Please reach out to students and inform them of The Counseling Center and what we have to offer. We (faculty and staff) are here to help students reach their goals and graduate. You are the gatekeepers and have the opportunity to be the catalyst when students need it the most.
The Counseling Center is located at Oakley 204 and can be reached at ext. 6095 / buckr@hocking.edu.
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Fetty Reinstated as Hocking College Chief Financial Officer
 Effective today, Gina Fetty has been reinstated as Vice President of Financial Services of Hocking College, the Chief Financial Officer position.
She has been with Hocking College since April 2010, and has spent 29 years in higher education finance. Fetty is a Certified Public Accountant, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University.
Fetty's immediate responsibility includes presenting a revised budget to the Hocking College Board of Trustees incorporating the budget reduction strategy to be developed by a planning committee.
"We appreciate Gina's dedication to Hocking College. She is a respected member of the Hocking College management team, and we value her continued leadership," Dr. Myriah Davis, Interim President of Hocking College, said.
Dr. Davis sends her thanks to Jeff Daubenmire who assisted as Interim Chief Financial Officer, and appreciates his ongoing dedication in his role as Dean of the School of Arts, Business and Science.
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 OACC Offers Reading Training Workshops
This October, the OACC Student Success Center is offering four reading training workshops for faculty who teach gateway and introductory courses.
The workshops will provide multiple reading comprehension strategies to help students successfully engage with their texts for the designated class. The courses will be offered on October 17 at North Central State College, Shelby Conference Center from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and October 24 Columbus State Conference Center from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. See the workshop flyer for information regarding the topics to be discussed. Dr. Kathy Pittman, developmental education reading and writing coordinator for the college is one of the presenters featured at the workshops.
These are free events, sponsored and paid for by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges and the Student Success Center. Each college may send two faculty members to each workshop. Registration closes October 10, 2014. Contact Ruth Silon, Executive Director at rsilon@hoiocc.org or 614.221.6222 with any questions.
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Flu Shots Offered on Campus
On October 8, 2014 from 12 to 2 p.m. representatives from the Athens County Health Department will be on campus to administer flu shots.
Anyone interested in receiving a flu shot should contact Loretta Whaley by October 7 at whaleyl@hocking.edu or by phone at 740.753.7041.
Employees are required to complete a form from the Human Resources office in order to receive the shot. Please provide a copy of your insurance card (front and back) upon arrival on October 8. Anyone who does not have health insurance under Hocking College's health plan can still get the shot for a $20 fee. The shot will be covered fully under Hocking College's health plans. |
 Zero Waste Initiative at Hocktoberfest Has Successful First Year
Kathleen Temple-Miller, director of sustainability for the college, reports hard-working volunteers and vendors made great strides this year to reduce Hocktoberfest landfill waste! While this year's event did not meet the requirements for a Zero Waste event by diverting 90 percent of the waste into recycling and composting, the event is on the path to success.
This year, 71 percent of our waste was diverted, which is a terrific first-year attempt. Specifically, the festival was able to divert 224 pounds of compostable materials and 66 pounds of recyclables. The attendees played a huge part in helping the zero waste team by sorting their waste before placing it in a Resource Recovery Station.
Zero Waste practices not only benefit the environment but also the local economy through recycling. Perhaps the most significant outcome is creating awareness. Simple changes to everyday practices can make a big impact. Just imagine if everyone made strides everyday to live a Zero Waste lifestyle.
The vendors make all the difference in a Zero Waste Initiative by ensuring that all of their items are compostable. The team sincerely appreciates all efforts that were made this year and they are making plans to reduce our waste in the years to come.
The Hocking College Office of Sustainability would like to thank Rural Action, the Ohio University Office of Recycling & Refuse, the Athens-Hocking Recycling Center, and the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District for their infrastructure and support. |
 Make a Difference with the SE Ohio Foodbank
Join the SE Ohio Foodbank and Kitchen for Hocking College Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The SE Ohio Foodbank and Kitchen is challenging Hocking College faculty, staff and students to help fill a semi truck with 1,100 packed commodity supplemental food boxes. These commodity boxes go out to 4,000 senior citizens in the area.
Bring your friends, club members, family or staff to this great community volunteer opportunity. The food bank is just 10-15 minutes away, located at 1005 CIC Drive in Logan.
For more information contact Teresa Cline-Scurlock at 1.800.385.6813 or tcline-scurlock@hapcap.org.
A division of Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, the SE Ohio Foodbank and Kitchen has been working to alleviate hunger throughout the region for three decades. It serves ten counties in southeast Ohio.
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School of Nursing Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The School of Nursing will be hosting the following events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Starting October 6, 2014: Purchase a "Pink Ribbon" that will be displayed in honor/memory of a friend or family member or just to support the cause. Ribbons will be $1.00 each and are available all month long in Davidson Hall.
- Starting October 6, 2014: Satisfy your sweet tooth with an Anthony Thomas Candy Bar (almond, caramel, peanut butter and crunch). Candy Bars are $1.00 each and are also available all month in Davidson Hall.
- October 16, 2014: Cookies available in Davidson Hall for a donation.
- October 22, 2014: Wear Pink Day.
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 Book Drive Continues
This year's Better World Books book drive is going on now through October 24, 2014. All books are accepted for the drive whether current or out of date Please NO periodicals (e.g. magazines, journals or newspapers.) Six dropboxes are located on campus:
- OAK 312 (Arts, Business and Sciences office)
- DVD first floor (inside the Library)
- DVD third floor lounge (near the steps and elevator)
- PSS 101 (near Betty Dalton`s office)
- NNR 204 (just outside 202 main office area)
- JL 241 (inside HR office)
Help is also needed to count, pack and strap up boxes of books for shipping each Friday afternoon. If you or your service group are interested, please contact Carla Ryan-Hirst. |
 Dell Double Discounts Back for Members
Double discounts have returned for all members. Get twice the discount on all PC's, tablets and select Dell electronics.
This includes the new Inspirion 13 7000 series 2-in-1, a premium 2-in-1 device with built in stylus and full performance.
Buy the Dell Bluetooth Portable Speaker-AD211 and get a $25 Dell Promo eGift card. Portable, lightweight wireless speaker that features long lasting rechargeable battery and the latest wireless technologies. Also, all XPS Laptops and Desktops get an additional 10% off with coupon code W?S?D262XNRHV5. Shop the latest deals at www.dell.com/dellu/hocking with your member ID US126609902 and begin saving.
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 Impact on Wellness
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Alumni Spotlight
Hocking College Graduate Interns with Vermont State Larosa Laboratory
Hocking College graduate Phoebe Gooding spent the summer interning with the Vermont State Larosa Laboratory to receive her water quality monitoring (WQM) credit in a field internship.
The VT State Larosa Laboratory has awarded the Ottaquechee River Group (ORG) with a grant for WQM on the Ottauquechee River and tributaries for this summer. The lab has 15 sampling sites from Killington to Hartford with people assisting the water quality sampling of the Ottauquechee River watershed.
Gooding is the summer intern sampling coordinator and will help out those who have never collected water quality samples. Gooding graduated from Hocking College in 2000 with a major in Recreation and Wildlife and a minor in Interpretive Studies. She then graduated from the University of Massachusetts earning degrees in Natural Resources Studies and Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. She is now a graduate student at Antioch University New England in the Environmental Studies program. Gooding currently lives with her family in southern Vermont.
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Last Chance: Tailgate at OU This Weekend
Remember that Saturday, October 11, is Hocking College Day at Ohio University. Show your support of the Ohio University Bobcats against Bowling Green by attending Hocking College Day. Students and alumni are welcome! The Hocking College Foundation will host a tailgate in Pepsi Tail-Great Park before the game. Food and beverages will be provided. Tickets are $12 per person. Email Jessie McDonald at mcdonaldj21@hocking.edu or call 740.753.7010 for tickets, or purchase your tickets online here. |
 Give Blood!
Sign up today for the upcoming blood drive on Monday, October 13 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 (1.800.733.2767) or sign up at the Student Center Front Desk.
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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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 Kudos on a Successful Hocktoberfest! Kudos to Libby Villavicencio and Jestinah McDonald on a successful Hocktoberfest on Saturday! Thanks also to Mike Whittemore, Mindy Roggow and all of the many faculty, staff and students who helped with this year's event. ___________________
Zero Waste Efforts Applauded
Libby Villavicencio sends the thanks of the Hocking College Foundation to Kathy Temple-Miller for her Herculean efforts to prepare the Hocktoberfest grounds, work with vendors, collect, sort, weigh and compost, recycle and properly dispose of the waste! And thanks to the volunteers who worked alongside her.
Thanks Kathy and zero waste team!
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