Introduction: Utilizing Resources
One of the learning outcomes of First Year Seminar at HACC is that students will be able to navigate the student experience by using HACC's technology and resources. If a student is struggling in any area, typically there is a HACC service or resource available to help. Seeking help is not always easy and takes courage and determination. As you may have read in the Introduction section, however, asking for help is one of the three power moves recommended by this OER, and you'll see this recommendation in each chapter. This chapter will introduce you to the various resources available to you as a HACC student.
Advising
The purpose of advising in college is to "assist students on their pathway to success through a collaborative relationship based on an ethic of care, shared responsibility, and ongoing support."1 Every student at HACC is assigned an academic advisor. The College has both primary role advisors and faculty advisors. Primary role advisors have large caseloads of students, and their primary role consists of advising. Faculty advisors have smaller caseloads of students since their primary role is teaching. Meeting with your advisor every semester is recommended to plan your classes for the following semester and into the future. These meetings will ensure you stay on track and that you are taking the appropriate classes. You can find your advisor’s name and contact information by logging into myHACC and looking under the light blue-gray box under “Academic Standing Information” on the right side of the screen or by using your "Student Profile" in MyHACC. Because advising appointments fill up as registration deadlines approach, you are encouraged to reach out to your advisor well in advance of registration. For example, if registration begins at the beginning of October, reach out in early September to schedule a meeting with your advisor.
Link to Advising: HACC Advising Department [www.hacc.edu]
HACC’s Consultation, Advocacy, Referrals and Empowerment (CARE) Center
HACC cares about the success and well-being of students, and the CARE Center is here to help. HACC’s first priority is providing a high-quality, affordable, accessible education to all. However, some students need support outside the classroom in order to succeed inside the classroom. HACC proudly established the Consultation, Advocacy, Referrals and Empowerment (CARE) Center as a single stop where students can go for assistance with non-academic challenges. This is a free resource available to all current HACC students. HACC is committed to providing excellent services to students no matter where they are. Dedicated staff in HACC’s CARE Center will connect students to resources at the College and in the community to help with the following needs.
Table: CARE Center Services
| Service |
Description |
|
Child care
|
Students may be referred to the KEYS Program for access to the Early Learning Resource Center and financially subsidized child care, or students are referred to community-based resources according to their region.
Child care options are available at HACC’s Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses.
|
| Food |
The CARE Center maintains a database of food pantries, food banks and food distribution locations in HACC’s service area. Coordinators provide information and referrals to locations for students in need. |
|
Health care
|
The CARE Center has established relationships with hospitals and clinics. Coordinators refer students to services and make them aware of low-cost and pro-bono healthcare services as much as possible. |
| Housing |
The CARE Center maintains a database of shelters and housing assistance agencies in HACC’s service area. Coordinators refer students in need of housing to agencies and shelters. |
| Mental health services |
If a coordinator meets with a student who is in crisis and requires mental health treatment, the coordinator refers the student to Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP Services. |
|
Social services
|
Coordinators refer students in need of social services – including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – to the KEYS Program. |
| Transportation |
CARE Center staff coordinate with the College’s bookstore to assist students with public transportation bus passes. |
Link to CARE Center Information: HACC CARE Center [www.hacc.edu]
Career Services at HACC
Career Services is here to help you from the start of your college journey and beyond. The mission of HACC's Career Services is to "empower students to achieve their career aspirations through personalized guidance and access to comprehensive tools and resources. Career Services supports students through the exploration of majors, careers, transfer opportunities as well as internships, experiential learning, and other employment opportunities."2 Career Services can assist you with many tasks including:
- Resume Writing
- Cover Letter Writing
- Mock Interviewing
- Job Shadowing & Internship Opportunities
- Major Exploration (for those who are undecided)
- Job Opportunities through College Central Network:
College Central Network (CCN) is available to students, alumni and employers. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, on-campus employment, internships and volunteer positions are posted. Valuable resources like podcasts, a resume builder, and job searches are great tools you can use on CCN. Link: College Central Network [www.collegecentral.com]
Link to Career Services website: HACC Career Services [www.hacc.edu]
College Calendar
Knowing where to access the College’s calendar and having an understanding of semester start and end dates, break periods and deadlines is important to student success. To access the College calendar, please go to hacc.edu and click on the “Student Support” tab at the top then "Academic Support." Then select “Academic Calendar.” Please select the appropriate academic year since several calendars will be displayed.
Link to access the College’s calendars: HACC College Calendars [www.hacc.edu]
Emergency Assistance Fund for HACC Students
Sometimes unexpected expenses occur outside of college. Students can apply for emergency assistance funds if they are facing extraordinary financial circumstances that impact their ability to continue attending college. Students can use the funds for the following items:
- Books
- Testing fees (for example, TEAS exams)
- Course-required items from HACC bookstores (for example, uniforms, equipment and supplies)
- Physicals and medical tests (for example, tuberculosis tests)
- Emergency auto repair expenses to attend in-person activities related to instruction (for example, clinicals and classes held on a HACC campus)
- Bus passes
- Childcare
- Personal home catastrophe (for example, fire or flood that directly affects your ability to attend classes)
Emergency assistance funds do not cover all expenses. Please see the link below for more information on who is eligible and how you can apply.
Link to Emergency Assistance Fund Information: HACC Emergency Assistance Fund [www.hacc.edu]
e2Campus Alerts
HACC will alert students when there are emergency situations or campus closings or delays using an alert service called e2Campus. With e2Campus, you’ll be informed quickly when the College has immediate announcements, such as weather-related closings, delays, cancelations or emergencies. Notifications of these events will come right to your cell phone or email.
Link to HACC Public Safety and Security to learn more about e2Campus: HACC Public Safety and Security [www.hacc.edu]
Financial Aid
Paying for college can be a challenge for many students. HACC’s Financial Aid Office is here to assist you and your family by providing information on ways to pay for your education. The Financial Aid Office can:
- Provide instructions for how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Help you complete any financial aid paperwork you may need
- Provide advice on borrowing student loans
- Answer questions you have about the financial aid process
Please check your Financial Aid tab in the myHACC portal regularly and your HAWKMail to receive messages and to see any documentation or actions that might be required of you to complete your financial aid processes and to maintain your financial aid.
Link to Financial Aid: HACC Financial Aid [www.hacc.edu]
HAWKMail (HACC student email)
Your HACC email account is referred to as HAWKMail, and checking HAWKMail regularly is a key action to ensure your success as a student. Your HAWKMail email account is what your instructors and the College will use to contact you and communicate with you. HACC offices and staff may not respond to non-HAWKMail messages from students.
Link to HAWKMail information: HAWKMail [www.hacc.edu]
Instructor Office Hours
On your course syllabus, you should see office hours listed for your instructor. Office hours are open times that professors hold for meeting with students and do not require appointments. Every instructor treats office hours in a different manner. Some instructors may hold virtual office hours, while others may have in-person hours. Please check your syllabus for specific times and locations. When you have questions or struggle in a class, seeking help from the instructor is an important action to take.
Learning Commons at HACC
Each HACC campus has a Learning Commons where students are able to access student success services including the library, tutoring, testing, and technology support in one location. Using these resources is part of "asking for help" to succeed as a student. All of these services are accessible online as well from the Learning Commons website (see links below under each category).
Tutoring Resources at HACC
HACC offers free tutoring resources for all HACC students. In-person, remote and online tutoring options are available. Any student at HACC may access tutoring regardless of whether you are taking classes at a physical HACC location or online. Tutoring services also include an online writing lab, study groups, and academic coaching.
Link to Tutoring: HACC Tutoring [libguides.hacc.edu]
Library Resources at HACC
The library has access to numerous resources including articles and newspapers in online databases, e-books, streaming videos and media, as well as print books, and journals. The faculty librarians can help you navigate these resources and select materials that best meet your research needs. In several of your classes, a librarian may be involved to teach about information literacy, and there is an entire chapter in this OER text about the same topic. You can schedule a research appointment with a librarian via the library website below. The library also has access to online chat 24/7. Within the campus space, there are areas available for quiet as well as collaborative work. Computers are equipped with technologies you might use in a class, and printing is available. You also are able to check out equipment and devices such as laptops, iPads, and calculators.
Link to Library Resources: HACC Library [libguides.hacc.edu]
Testing Resources at HACC
The Testing Center in the Learning Commons provides a secure environment where students can take placement exams, specialized tests such as NCLEX or CLEP, as well as academic make-up exams when approved by your instructor. The Testing Center has both in person and online options available.
Link to Testing: HACC Testing Center [libguides.hacc.edu]
Technology User Support
User Support offers technology assistance to students.You can drop in for a Zoom session, and the IT call center is available 24/7. If you do not have access to a computer, HACC has a technology and internet access loan program that allows students to borrow equipment for their classes. You can find out more about this program on the User Support web link below.
Link to Technology User Support: HACC Technology User Support [www.hacc.edu]
Mental Health Resources
HACC will pay for up to three counseling sessions per semester for students in need of mental health services. Our partner agency, Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP Services, Inc., provides comprehensive clinical mental health services to HACC students who are currently enrolled in credit classes.
This agreement allows students to access:
- A robust, national network of licensed and insured therapists
- Confidential help for a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues
- Options for face-to-face, telephonic, and on-demand virtual counseling
- Triage services 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Phone Options
- Call 1-800-543-5080 to speak to someone 24/7 or to schedule an appointment.
- Call 1-855-264-3248 if you use TeleTYpe (TTY)/Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD.)
Online Option
- Go to Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP Services [mseap.com].
- Look for the "Employee" box and click "Complete This Form" and indicate you are a student.
- Click "Submit" at the bottom of the form.
- Expect your message to be returned by the end of the next business day.
Link to Mental Health Resources at HACC: HACC Wellness Resources [www.hacc.edu]
Scholarships for HACC Students
Scholarships are a form of financial aid where students receive free money to pay for college. Most scholarships have eligibility criteria students need to meet such as grade point average, enrollment in certain majors or place of residency, and many scholarships require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is explained in the Financial Management chapter of this OER. HACC offers over 200 scholarships specifically for enrolled students, and there is an application procedure (see last line in the table below). Please see common questions and responses about scholarships in the table below. Link to HACC Scholarship Information: HACC Scholarships [www.hacc.edu].
Table: HACC Scholarship Information
| Question |
Answer |
| What are HACC Foundation scholarships? |
- HACC Foundation scholarships are FREE money to support you in reaching your educational goals.
- Scholarships can be used towards tuition, course fees, and materials from the Bookstore.
- Scholarships reduce your student loans and do not need to be repaid.
|
| What kinds of scholarships does the HACC Foundation offer students? |
HACC offers scholarships for both credit and noncredit program students. Over 200 individualized opportunities are available for both current and future students. |
| Information on (non-HACC) private scholarships |
- Please visit HACC Scholarships [www.hacc.edu] for more information on these private third-party scholarship opportunities.
- The HACC Foundation is not able to assist with questions for private scholarships. Please contact Grace Bahou, Coordinator in Financial Aid at Email: HACC Scholarships.
|
| Applying for credit or noncredit scholarships |
- Credit scholarships are for students in a degree or transfer degree program. For more information please visit credit scholarships [www.hacc.edu]
- Noncredit scholarships are offered to students in our Workforce Development courses. For more information please visit Non-Credit Scholarships [www.hacc.edu]
|
Student Access Services (formerly Disability Services)
Student Access Services (SAS) is committed to an equal educational opportunity and full inclusion for students requiring accommodations for disabilities, temporary or permanent. Student Access Services has the following purposes:
- Help students achieve educational objectives
- Offer support services
- Provide academic accommodations
- Promote a supportive learning environment
- Promote student independence, program accessibility, and a psychologically-supportive environment
To obtain access services and support, students must provide documentation and complete an intake. Once this is complete, the student will then be registered with SAS. To begin this intake process, students must complete a referral form available at this link: referral form. Students can include documentation securely when submitting the form. After the form is submitted, a coordinator will be assigned to the student, and students need to watch HAWKMail for follow up communication and next steps. HACC will contact students if yearly updates are required due to the changeable nature of a disability. SAS maintains all documentation with confidentiality.
Link to Student Access Services Information: HACC Access Services [www.hacc.edu]
Student Activities
Students can get involved in campus life by joining student government or a student club or organization. Students who participate in student organizations usually are more satisfied with their college experience. By getting involved in student activities and campus life, students have the opportunity to:
- learn more about HACC
- meet a variety of people
- develop leadership skills
For more information on student government, clubs and activities at HACC, please visit the Student Activities website below.
Link to Student Activities: HACC Student Activities [www.hacc.edu]
Transfer Services
According to four-year colleges and universities, students who complete their associate degrees at HACC are more successful than students who begin at the university as first-year students. Also, depending on the four-year institution, students can save thousands of dollars by completing the first two years of a bachelor's degree at HACC. HACC's Transfer Services helps students review transfer information and develop transfer plans. This link to HACC's Programs and Courses explains the benefits of completing an associate degree at HACC before transferring: HACC Programs and Courses [www.hacc.edu].
Link to Transfer Services: HACC Transfer Services [www.hacc.edu]
PRO TIP:
When I was in college, I was too shy and nervous to ask for help when I really needed it. Whether it was for a class assignment or help to decide my major, I would have rather figured it out on my own. This is one of the main reasons why I now work with college students. I want students to know and use all that is available because resources and services are there to help. I think it is great for students to have their go-to person on campus. It can be faculty, an advisor, or the nice person who helped in the Welcome Center. There are many people on campus who are ready to help. Having that one person to feel comfortable to ask questions can be valuable. The college website is also a great resource for information. College events and opportunities like transfer events, professional and alumni panel discussions, career research resources and scholarships are posted to the website with information on how to get involved and participate. Try to search the website or the college portal for questions about financial aid, registration and course selection and most times, the answer is right there. Now there are many services online like tutoring or library resources that can be accessed at any time. Taking the time to learn about the college, the offices, programs, services and resources will be so beneficial to get you to where you want to go.
- Ricole Jayman, Director, Student Success Coaching, Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management
1 Academic Advising Syllabus, HACC Advising Services (2026)
2 Career Services Mission Statement (2026)
