Thoughts from Dr. Ski about HACC’s Future
As we know, higher education is going through a tsunami of change and that change will only continue to escalate. For HACC, I believe our future looks very promising and dynamic. However, I believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a transformative role in HACC’s future in some of the following ways:
- Personalized Learning. Tailoring education to provide customized learning paths that address individual strengths and weaknesses is just one way to improve engagement and outcomes. In addition, virtual and augmented reality powered by AI can create immersive learning environments for practical skills training and enhance hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, engineering and technology.
- Tutoring and Support. Through AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors, we will be able to provide real-time assistance, answering questions and offering resources outside the classroom. This will help students get the help they need when they need it most.
- Curriculum Development. AI will assist faculty in developing curricula that are aligned with industry needs by analyzing labor market trends and student feedback, ensuring that programs remain relevant and effective.
- Administrative Efficiency. AI can streamline administrative tasks, such as finance, enrollment processes, scheduling and student communications allowing colleagues to focus more on student support and engagement.
- Predictive Analytics. By analyzing trends and patterns in student data, AI can help identify at-risk students early on, enabling timely interventions and support to improve retention and graduation rates.
From July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, the HACC Foundation distributed
Some highlights of this report include...
Thanks to a HACC Foundation grant, the College purchased a “new-to-us” ambulance for students in all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs to use. Approximately 1,000 students will use the equipment for their simulations throughout the year, and future students will benefit from this equipment.
Thanks to a generous HACC Foundation donation, newly installed lactation pods are now available at all HACC campuses for student, employee and community use.
The College’s Welding Program expanded to provide training to area high school students at the Harrisburg and York campuses.
The HACC Foundation received $100,000 over two years from the High Foundation for the “Adding FLEXible Solutions for Teaching and Learning” project at the College’s Lancaster Campus.
For more information, please read “HACC Foundation Receives Two Generous Gifts.”
Watch how HACC has helped Erin
Empowering Change: The Role of the HACC Community Impact Advisory Coalition
The HACC Community Impact Advisory Coalition was established in spring 2022.
It includes community leaders throughout HACC’s 11-county service region and meets quarterly.
The coalition:
- Provides the College with insights and ideas on how to more effectively serve our students and communities within our 11-county service region
- Helps the College enhance community partnerships and collaboration
- Connects community support and resources to our students
- Provides insights into the enhancement and/or creation of programming needed by the private- and public-sector organizations in our service region
HACC Hosts Engineering Career Days
Thanks to a generous grant from the HACC Foundation, the College hosted two Engineering Career Day events for area high school students.
- Approximately 170 students and 15 different schools attended the event at the Harrisburg Campus
- Approximately 80 students and nine different schools attended the event at the Lancaster Campus
This project brought awareness to HACC’s Engineering and Engineering Technology programs and impacted future HACC students who may be considering the engineering or technology fields.
Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center Upgrades Fire Engine
Through a HACC Foundation grant, the College purchased a “new-to-us” fire engine for students at the Harrisburg Campus and off-site fire programs to use. The fire engine provides valuable hands-on training and experience. This equates to serving the needs of approximately 1,000 students throughout the year. Approximately 1,000 students will use the equipment for their simulations throughout the year, and future students will benefit from this equipment.
Men of Color Initiative Adds Barbershop at HACC’s Lancaster Campus
Thanks to funding from the HACC Foundation, the College’s Men of Color Initiative added an additional barbershop at an additional campus and held six barbershop events for students over the academic year. These events were free of charge and lunch was provided, impacting over 60 students.
Midtown 1 (Harrisburg) Receives Technological Upgrades
General education development (GED) grant funds were used to purchase a mobile Smartboard for classrooms in Midtown: https://www.hacc.edu/Admissions/CampusesandWelcomeCenters/HarrisburgCampus/index.cfm that were lacking technology. This Smartboard enhanced instruction and increased students' digital literacy skills.
HACC Hosts Registration Rallies
Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, HACC hosted two Registration Rallies for our current students. The rally on Nov. 1, 2023, assisted students with fall to spring registration. The rally on April 3, 2024, helped students with spring to fall registration.
The fall 2023 Registration Rally had the following outcomes:
- 307 to 554: The increase in the number of students who participated in the rally collegewide.
- 2.1% increase in headcount: The increase of student participation on the first day of registration.
- 4.6% increase: The increase of credit hour accumulation, equaling 1,332 additional credits on the first day.
- 1% increase: At the close of the fall priority registration period, there was a 1% increase over the previous fall’s priority registration participation.
The spring 2024 Registration Rally had the following outcomes:
- 554 to 884: The increase in the number of students who participated in the rally from the previous semester.
- 20%: Data revealed students who participated in the registration rally were 20% more likely to be enrolled at the end of priority registration, as well as early registration when compared to the overall cohort of HACC students.
Employees Receive Management Training
HACC thrives on developing employees professionally and personally to reach their full potential in the workplace.
The College’s Excellence in Management Program is a signature opportunity for aspiring leaders. The program offered learning opportunities and training for HACC’s supervisors and aspiring supervisors, including how to manage a team to do their best and tips for becoming a more effective supervisor. There were 12 graduates, and the program will be presented on an ongoing basis.
The learning modules also included professional development sessions on a variety of critical management topics, including a self-awareness assessment, emotional intelligence, customer service, communication, coaching and mentoring, conflict management, work-life balance, setting expectations and strategic management. This program advances succession and facilitates identifying and training new leaders at HACC.
Public Safety and Security Offers Successful ALICE Training
HACC’s Public Safety and Security Department implemented the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) training to enhance campus safety.
A "train-the-trainer" class resulted in 25 certified instructors across the College. These instructors conducted several ALICE classes that empower employees to lead during active threat emergencies and ensure student safety.
The initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees who felt more prepared and confident in handling potential threats. This training aligns with the Public Safety and Security Department’s mission of fostering a secure environment and demonstrating a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of the HACC community.
HACC Employees Attend Restorative Justice Institute
A full-day in-person training session and three half-day virtual training sessions allowed more than 20 HACC employees to gain a thorough understanding of restorative justice principles and practices, strong facilitation skills and practical information about program implementation.
HACC Offers Certified Recovery Specialist Training
Through a generous sponsorship from the York/Adams Drug & Alcohol Commission, 16 York and Adams County residents were able to attend HACC’s Certified Recovery Specialist/Certified Family Recovery Specialist Program. The community members will be able to help others through their recovery journey upon successful completion of the program and after passing the certification exam.
HACC Demonstrates its Impact on Manufacturing
Please check out this video to learn about HACC’s impact on manufacturing, as highlighted by the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association (PMA).
Public Safety and Security Department Supports Local Events Held on Campuses
HACC’s Public Safety and Security Department played a crucial role in supporting the local community by collaborating on multiple events, including Girls on the RunMidState PA-HACC 5K, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, Refugee Health and Wellness Fair and the Tour de Belt held on HACC’s campuses. By ensuring these events ran smoothly and safely, the department contributed to their success and fostered a sense of community and engagement.
These initiatives provided valuable resources and support to participants and promoted health, wellness and community involvement. The positive impact was evident in the strong community turnout and the successful execution of each event, reinforcing HACC's commitment to being an active and supportive community partner.
Our Students: By the Numbers
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, in full accordance with the law does not discriminate in employment, student admissions and student services on the basis of race, color, religion, age, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of birth, General Education Development Certification (GED), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected classification. HACC recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal opportunity for employment, student admissions and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities and women. Inquiries should be directed to the chief inclusion and diversity officer at cido@hacc.edu.