Staying on Track During a Faculty Strike: A Guide for HACC Students

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, acknowledges that a faculty strike can cause uncertainty and stress for students. The College is here for you throughout these times.

We encourage HACC students to refer to this guide to stay on track during a faculty strike.

1. Get Your Information from the College

Please:

Check your HAWKMail email account, this webpage and your D2L portal regularly.
Note that all communications related to faculty unionization will be sent to your HAWKMail email address only.
Do NOT rely on media articles or social media to obtain information. Always refer to the above sources to ensure you receive accurate information.
Continue to refer to HACC’s academic calendar, drop, add and withdrawal dates and policies.

2. Continue on Your Academic Journey

Please note the following information:

HACC remains open and operational across all campuses.
Attend ALL classes, whether online or in person, unless you are directly notified by the College.
Complete assignments as scheduled. Your attendance and active participation are essential.
The College will notify you if your class must be canceled for any reason.
Track which classes met, what assignments you turned in and which classes were canceled or changed.
Download and save the syllabi, assignments, readings and grade reports for your classes.
Note that faculty who are on strike are NOT allowed to:
- Hide or restrict access to textbooks, third-party software and any materials already released
- Remove or restrict access to student grades or graded work
The College has qualified substitute instructors prepared to teach your courses and evaluate your assignments.
Qualified substitute instructors are required to have a master’s degree in the field of specialization or a master’s with 15 credits at the graduate level in the specialization.
Complete and submit this online form if your instructors are not responding to you: www.hacc.edu/Feedback

3. Communicate Calmly and Clearly

Please:

Follow instructions from instructors or qualified substitute instructors.
Avoid sending inappropriate emails and messages to HACC employees - even when you are frustrated.
Connect with advisors, success coaches and student services to get answers about graduation, transfer and course substitutions or incompletes. Again, please do NOT rely on inaccurate information that may be shared on social media.

4. Understand Your Rights and Options

Please:

Ask your instructor how grading will work once classes resume, including how missed classes, tests or assignments will be handled.
Ask how your schedule and pay will be handled during the strike if you are a student worker.

5. Watch Your Financial Aid and Deadlines

Please:

Check with financial aid about any impact on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and your enrollment status.
Continue to refer to the academic calendar for important dates.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Please:

Remember that counseling services are available through Mazzitti and Sullivan.
Note the CARE Center remains open to address out of classroom needs.

7. Stay Respectful and Safe

Please:

Note that you may see picket lines, signs and strong opinions on campus.
Ask questions respectfully if you choose to engage.
Walk away from any conversation that feels hostile.
Contact public safety and security if you feel unsafe.