New Student Experience

Welcome to YOUR new student experience! Our team's mission is to help you transition smoothly into college life, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. We are here to help you feel welcomed, supported, and confident throughout your educational journey. During your new student onboarding and enrollment process, you will form student-to-student and student-to-resource connections while building a strong foundation for success.

After you're accepted and activate your student account, you'll begin the required enrollment process to become fully registered. Important updates will be sent to your HAWKMail, so be sure to check and communicate with us from your HAWKMail (HACC email) regularly.

YOUR enrollment process will include key steps to ensure you are prepared and confident as you begin your educational journey at HACC:

Account verification (in person at a campus Welcome Center)
Transcript evaluation
New Student Onboarding course
Placement Assessments (if applicable)
Level Up (including course registration for your first semester)
- Keep an eye on your HAWKmail for important updates and resources to help you succeed as a new student!
Smart Start
- Our biannual Smart Start events are collegewide celebrations designed to welcome new students to HACC. We host events in January (spring semester) and August (fall semester).
- At Smart Start you will:
  - Tour the campus and find YOUR classes
  - Attend presentations on various student success topics
  - Meet HACC student success teams
  - Get your HACC ID and parking pass

The Level Up program is being generously sponsored by a HACC Foundation supporter:

Important To-Dos Before Level Up:

Check HAWKMail daily for important updates from HACC
Review your new student checklist in Navigate
Submit your high school diploma/GED and transcripts
- Transcript Requirements
Ensure you have a plan in place to pay for school and that you understand your tuition
FYI that Level Ups are by appointment only

During Level Up:

HACC offers in-person and remote Level Up sessions—all open to friends and family. You will receive instructions about how to schedule Level Up in your New Student Onboarding Course. Level Up is a mandatory and important part of your onboarding process. You will be expected to fully participate and follow our community standards to create a respectful, welcoming environment.

During Level Up, you will:

Build community and connect with fellow students
Explore academic success tips and career/transfer options
Learn about how to pay for school and scholarship opportunities
Learn effective course registration strategies and register for your first semester

After Level Up:

Explore Career Services to learn more about your program of study and career options
Check your financial aid tab in myHACC on a regular basis
Get your HACC ID and parking pass
Purchase textbooks and materials at a HACC Bookstore

Dual Enrollment/College in the High School (DE/CHS)

HACC provides special orientation sessions for Dual Enrollment/College in the High School to ensure a smooth start.

Before Orientation:

Submit your transcripts or complete applicable placement assessments
- Check for placement exemptions
Know your tuition costs and make sure you have a plan in place to cover them. Explore HACC payment plan options to stay on track.
Check your HAWKMail for information on how to schedule a Dual Enrollment/College in the High School orientation
FYI that Dual Enrollment orientations are by appointment only

During Orientation:

You will learn about the differences between college and high school, academic success strategies, college policies, and how to build your college success network

After Orientation:

Meet with a Success Coach to register for classes
- CHS students will get an email from their Success Coach when it's time to register
Purchase textbooks and materials at a HACC Bookstore

We're here to support you!

Contact New Student Experience:
- Email: nse@hacc.edu
- Phone: 717-780-2513
Office Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 8-4:30 p.m. (on-campus & remote, locations vary)
- Friday: 9-4:30 p.m. (remote only)
- Level Ups and Dual Enrollment Orientations are by appointment only
Disability or Learning Accommodations:
Contact Student Access Services to request accommodations and complete an intake form.