Student Policies

Howard Community College is committed to provide equal opportunity through its employment practices, educational programs, admissions and the many services to the community. It is the policy of the college to abide by all applicable requirements of federal and state law so that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, ethnic background, marital status, sexual orientation, political persuasion or disability. The college will adhere to applicable laws and regulations affecting affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. The board of trustees has committed the college to undertake an affirmative action program to expand equality of opportunity and to initiate the recruitment of minorities. The program has been designed to ensure equality of opportunity in employment as well as to develop and maintain educational programs and services for our many diverse populations.

Drug and Alcohol Free Campus

Emergency and Closing Information

HCC works to maintain the safety and security of students by providing the following resources and policies.

Mobile Alert System

Students can quickly receive notices of emergencies, college closings and other urgent information via text messaging, email or RSS feeds. Sign up for this service at howardcc.edu/alert. College closings also will be announced through your HCC email, appear on the HCC website (howardcc.edu), will be updated through the main phone number (443-518-1000), and on select local media outlets.

Public Safety Website System

Late Opening Policy

If the college has a late opening and more than 30 minutes remains for a scheduled class, that class will meet for the remainder of the class time. For example, if a class runs from 11-12:50 and the college opens at 12, the class would meet from 12-12:50.

Early Closing Policy

If the college will be closing early and more than 30 minutes of time is available for a class before the closing, that class will meet during the available time. For example, if a class meets from 4:30-5:50 p.m. and the college closes at 5:30 p.m., your class would meet from 4:30-5:30.

Emergency Quick Reference Guide

Howard Community College has developed three basic protocols to respond to all emergencies and protect the life and well-being of the college community. Please click here for the quick reference guide.

Academic Procedures and College Complaints and Appeals

1. Students should first attempt to resolve their concerns directly with the appropriate staff member. To start the complaint process, a student must send their complaint to the staff member, in writing, and include the following information:

• • Outline of their concern(s).
  • Provide their desired resolution.
  • Request an opportunity to schedule a time to meet to discuss the concern(s). Discussions about a complaint can occur via email, virtually or in person. Once the staff member has received the complaint, they will share their decision with the student.

  2. If the student cannot resolve their complaint directly with the staff member, the
  student may appeal the decision to the staff member’s immediate supervisor to
  discuss the problem (Offices and Departments). An appeal is sent
  to the supervisor, in writing, and must include the following information:

  • • Outline of the concern(s) and describe the steps taken up to this point to resolve the concern(s).
    • Provide an explanation for why they do not agree with the staff member’s decision.
    • Provide their desired resolution.

    The staff member’s supervisor will review the complaint and will follow up with the student if additional information is needed. If additional information is needed, discussions about a complaint can occur via email, virtually, or in person. Once the staff member has reviewed the complaint, they will share their decision with the student.

    3. If the student does not feel their concern has been resolved at the supervisor level, the student may make a final appeal to the vice president of student success. The vice president of student success may choose to review the complaint directly or identify a designee to review the complaint on their behalf. An appeal is sent to the Office of the Vice President of Student Success, in writing, and must include the following information:

    • • Outline their concern(s) and describe any steps they have taken up to this point to resolve the concern(s)
      • Provide an explanation for why they do not agree with the supervisor’s decision.
      • Provide their desired resolution.

      The vice president of student success or their designee will review the complaint and will follow up with the student if additional information is needed. If additional information is needed, discussions about a complaint can occur via email, virtually, or in person. Once the vice president of student success or their designee has reviewed the complaint, they will share their decision with the student. Decisions made by the vice president of student success is final.

      Staff from the office of vice president of student success or the office of student conduct and compliance are available for advocacy or advice should students feel the need for additional assistance relative to college policy and regulations.

      Records and Registration Appeals Committee

      A student who has an unexpected life event or other extenuating circumstances during a term may request an exception to HCC’s dates and deadlines. To initiate the appeal process, the student must submit a registration appeal to Records, Registration, and Veterans’ Affairs. A complete appeal includes the appeals form, which is available through RRVA and online, a personal statement, and appropriate supporting documentation signed and dated. Non-failing grades are not appealable. Appeals must be submitted to RRVA no later than the end of the seventh week of the next fall or spring semester following the term for which the student is appealing. Students whose appeals are denied are entitled to submit a second-level appeal to the attention of the registrar. A final appeal may be made to the vice president of student success; the decision of the vice president of student success is final. For the full policy see the Records and Registration Procedure.

      Insurance

      Health Insurance

      Howard Community College does not provide medical coverage for students who are accidentally injured during classes or who suffer injuries as a result of incidents between students. All students are encouraged to obtain their own medical insurance, especially if they participate in classes and/or activities which require physical activity or exposure to other health risks (e.g. nursing classes, science labs, physical education activities, dance and theater classes, clubs and student government activities, etc.). Nursing and allied health students are required to meet specified health requirements. Documentation is required for proof of freedom from TB and immunity to rubella, rubeola, mumps, and varicella through vaccination or titer. Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) or declination is also required and immunization for tetanus. Other requirements may apply. The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE), working in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland Insurance Administration, Department of Human Resources and statewide stakeholders has established Maryland’s state-based health insurance exchange, which opens each Fall. For further information, please call 855-642-8572 or visit http://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov on the internet. The Healthcare Across Maryland provides personal support for choosing the right health insurance plan. There are three locations to assist you in Carroll County, Frederick County and Howard County. Please visit https://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/. Authorized Insurance Brokers are licensed by the Maryland Insurance Administration and authorized by Maryland Health Connection. These brokers can help choose an insurance company and health plan suitable for students and families. For a full directory of authorized brokers, please visit www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/assets/Authorized-Broker-Directory-20131205.pdf. International students attending the college on F-1 student visas are required to have health insurance that provides coverage for health care in the United States. For further information about these requirements, contact the office of admissions and advising. Please note that students who are undocumented immigrants cannot obtain coverage directly through the Maryland Health Connection or Door to Healthcare but those agencies can help direct students to other available resources or possibly help students secure coverage through a documented individual if applicable. In addition, authorized insurance brokers may be a more viable option, therefore undocumented students are encouraged to contact an authorized insurance broker directly to help secure affordable health coverage.

      Lost and Found

      Lost and found is located at the Public Safety office on the first floor of the RCF building. Every effort is made to identify and contact the rightful owner of found property items. After thirty days, unclaimed property will be disposed of through the established departmental policy.

      Students, Non-Students on Campus

      Student ID cards, ID Numbers and Identity Protection
      • Proof of HCC enrollment (tuition receipt or class schedule)
      • A valid photo ID

      All students are responsible for knowing their student ID number, which is required for many transactions. Whenever possible, students are urged to provide their student ID number rather than their social security number (SSNs should only be provided when required; for example, for certain financial aid documents). Students are also strongly advised to safely maintain all documents that have identifying information on them, especially ID cards.

      Non-Students On Campus

      Traffic Rules and Regulations
      

      Parking

      
      Bicycles/Skateboarding/Rollerblading

      
      Smoking on Campus

      
      Weapons on Campus

      
      Student’s Rights and Responsibilities

      Howard Community College recognizes that students have the following rights and responsibilities:

      Student's Rights and Responsibilities
      1. Students have the right to freedom of expression, assembly, advocacy, and inquiry. Students are responsible for complying with all college rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
      2. Students have the right to offer opposing opinions and to reserve judgment about their views, beliefs, academic evaluations, political affiliations, and educational records. Students are responsible for respecting this right of others. They are also responsible for exercising their right of expression in a manner that is not disruptive as described in the Student Code of Conduct.
      3. Students have the right to participate in any student group without discrimination and to form such groups according to the Student Government Association bylaws. Student groups are responsible for not discriminating against others.
      4. Students have the right to form a student government, which shall be governed by a constitution approved by the HCC Administration. Students are responsible for abiding by that constitution. The actions of the student government may be implemented only through prescribed procedures.
      5. Students have the right to participate in the formulation of institutional, academic, and student policies. Opportunities for such participation will be provided through representation on appropriate committees as set forth in the college’s internal governance procedures. As participation in the institutional process, students are responsible for complying with all published and prescribed procedures, attending meetings, and participating in the decision-making process with the welfare of the entire student body in mind.
      6. Students have the right to participate in the evaluation process of academic courses. Students are responsible for rendering fair and accurate evaluations.
      7. Students have the right to fair evaluation by instructors, based upon clearly defined criteria presented at the beginning of the course. Students are responsible for meeting all established requirements of the course in which they enroll.
      8. Students have the right to expect that the college’s published procedures will be followed in any disciplinary action. Students are responsible for following all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures that apply to student conduct.
      9. Students have the right to file academic or general grievances against any faculty or staff member who has, in a student’s opinion, displayed inappropriate behavior. Students are responsible for following the college’s procedures.
      10. Students with documented disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations. Students are responsible in advance to formally request accommodations and to provide documentation of their disability to the Disability Support Services Office. Grievances regarding accommodations should be first addressed with the Disability Support Services Office.
      11. Students have the right to the confidentiality of their academic records. Specific information is considered directory information and is routinely released to outside agencies and individuals. Directory information includes: student name; high school attended; photographs, dates of enrollment, areas of study; majors, degrees, honors, and awards, or lack thereof, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and height and weight of members of athletic teams. Howard Community College follows the guidelines established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Students can request this information be withheld. Questions or requests should be directed to the Office of Records, Registration, and Veterans’ Affairs.
      12. Section 493.A of the Higher Education Act as amended in 1992 requires post-secondary educational institutions to disseminate relevant, candid information on student financial aid programs available at the college. These rights and responsibilities may be found in “The Student Guide,” (U.S. Department of Education) and is available in the Student Financial Aid Office. All financial aid awards are for one academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to reapply each year.

      Student Right To Know

      Valuing Diversity
      Howard Community College is committed to valuing diversity and recognizes the critical role of an educational institution in preparing its students, faculty, and staff to become contributing members of the global community. “We acknowledge that diversity is more than a concept or philosophy; it is a way of being. Diversity is recognizing, appreciating, respecting, listening to and learning from the unique backgrounds, talents and contributions of all people.”

      HCC’s diversity programs will reflect and respect all differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnic backgrounds, and ability/disability as well as the values of equal rights, equal access, and equal treatment. HCC recognizes the critical role of an educational institution in preparing all students, faculty and staff to become contributing members of the global community. In order to assure success, all members of the college community must vigorously accept their responsibility of supporting the college’s strategic priority to incorporate diversity into the fabric of the institution. Diversity, inclusion, equity, and affirmative action commitment originates with the board of trustees and filters throughout every facet of the institution. For more information visit howardcc.edu/diversity.

      Cashier’s Office
      

      Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

      To learn more about equity in athletics at Howard CC along with a lot of other information about life as a Dragon, go to: https://www.howardcc.edu/about-us/consumer-information/

      Financial Aid Services

      The mission of Financial Aid Services is to work with students and families to reduce financial barriers that prevent students from attending Howard Community College (HCC). To meet this mission, the college maintains grants, scholarships, loans and part-time employment programs for eligible students who are enrolled in a financial aid eligible certificate and/or degree program. HCC offers financial aid in a manner that does not discriminate based on race, religion, ability/disability, color, gender, national origin, age, political opinion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status. Students enrolled in credit hour programs that do not lead to a degree or certificate awarded by Howard Community College are normally not eligible for financial aid. However, those students should meet with Financial Aid Services to discuss their options.

      Eligibility Criteria
      • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
      • Have a valid Social Security Number.
      • Have a high school diploma, General Education Development Certificate (GED), or completed homeschooling at the secondary level.
      • Be enrolled in a financial aid eligible certificate or a degree program at HCC.*
      • Be making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of a degree or certificate.
      • Not in default on a Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Loan.
      • Not in an overpayment status for any Federal aid program at any post-secondary institution or have exceeded the aggregate loan limits.

      *Undocumented students and students who meet the non-resident exemption as described under §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article may be eligible for state aid and institutional scholarships.

      *Students enrolled in programs not leading to a degree or certificate awarded by Howard Community College are not eligible for financial aid at HCC. Note that not all programs at HCC are financial aid eligible–check the Schedule of Classes for eligibility.

      *Only courses that are a required course in the student’s degree or certificate program are included in determining eligibility for financial aid.

      Disbursement Procedures

      Most students awarded financial aid will have their financial aid disbursed directly to their tuition and fees bill approximately one week after the financial aid census date. Any financial aid funds over and above tuition, fees, and bookstore charges will be refunded. To view your refund choices, please visit https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/. Refer to the refund section for more information. Federal Direct Loan and Federal PLUS Loan funds are applied directly to the student account. Any Federal Direct PLUS Loans over and above tuition and fees, and bookstore charges are refunded to the parent or student depending on the parent’s refund preference as indicated on their loan application. Loan disbursements are received by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and do not require an additional signature/endorsement. The student/ parent will be notified in writing that the loan funds have been credited to the student account and that the borrower can cancel the loan in writing within 14 days of the notifications. Loan disbursements received by check require the borrower’s endorsement at the Cashier’s Office. HCC does not apply college work-study earnings to the student’s account. Students participating in the work-study program will be paid semi-monthly based on the number of hours worked.

      Impact on Aid of Dropping or Withdrawing or Never Attending Class

      Financial aid awards are based on the student’s financial aid enrollment status, which is “finalized” at the census date each term. When that status changes, the financial aid awards may need to be adjusted. Courses added or withdrawn from after the census date typically do not result in a change in the student’s financial aid enrollment status. However, courses that a student never attended will have an NA grade reported by the instructor, and those courses cannot be included in the financial aid enrollment status. Dropped classes cannot be included in the financial aid enrollment status. Please refer to our website at howardcc.edu/financialaid for more information about the impact on financial aid of dropping or withdrawing from a class or never attending a class you registered for. Students who withdraw from all classes in a term will be subject to a reduction of their financial aid awards using the Federal Return of Funds calculation. Students who stop attending all of their classes even if they do not officially withdraw from those classes will also be subject to a Federal Return of Funds calculation. Please refer to the Federal Return of Funds policy later in this section.

      Impact on Aid of Dropping or Withdrawing or Never Attending Class

      Financial aid awards are based on the student’s financial aid enrollment status, which is “finalized” at the census date each term. When that status changes, the financial aid awards may need to be adjusted. Courses added or withdrawn from after the census date typically do not result in a change in the student’s financial aid enrollment status. However, courses that a student never attended will have an NA grade reported by the instructor, and those courses cannot be included in the financial aid enrollment status. Dropped classes cannot be included in the financial aid enrollment status. Please refer to our website at howardcc.edu/financialaid for more information about the impact on financial aid of dropping or withdrawing from a class or never attending a class you registered for. Students who withdraw from all classes in a term will be subject to a reduction of their financial aid awards using the Federal Return of Funds calculation. Students who stop attending all of their classes even if they do not officially withdraw will also be subject to a Federal Return of Funds calculation. Please refer to the Federal Return of Funds policy later in this section.

      Credit Balance

      Howard Community College (HCC) begins disbursement of financial aid after the financial aid census date, approximately five weeks into the semester. Currently, eligible awarded financial aid, including student loans, are credited to the student’s account at the college. Prior to refunding students, disbursed aid will first pay for outstanding tuition and fees for the semester and may pay for charges in the previous semester (if it is within the same academic year and there is enough aid available to do so). After all charges have been paid, any excess aid will be a credit balance on the student’s account. Students with a credit balance may use these excess aid funds to pay for books through the college’s bookstore. The college will deduct the book charges from the excess aid credit balance. If the student has a credit balance after all outstanding obligations are met including book charges, the college will issue the student a refund in the form of direct deposit or a mailed check within 14 days from the date the credit balance posted to the student’s account. The college has partnered with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, Inc, to provide electronic refund services to students. Financial aid and tuition refunds are disbursed to credit students via the refund choice selected by students. Students should visit www.refundselection.com to choose their preferred method of refund delivery. This electronic refund service gives students faster access to their refunds and more control over how and where their refunds are delivered. Balances paid by credit card through myHCC or directly to the cashier's office are refunded back to the respective credit card. For more information on this refund service, visit: www.refundselection.com or email HCCRefund@howardcc.edu. For more information on refunds, please visit Refunds. Financial aid awards may increase or decrease if a student’s enrollment changes prior to the financial aid census date. Under some circumstances, the amount of financial aid awarded may not be enough to pay the total charges on a student’s account. Students who do not receive enough aid to cover their total charges may consider signing up for a payment plan and/or request a Federal Direct Loan. Students are responsible for all charges not covered by financial aid.

      Developmental and Repeating Coursework

      DEVELOPMENTAL COURSEWORK

      Financial aid can be used to cover up to 30 attempted credits of developmental education courses. This is in addition to the satisfactory academic progress maximum timeframe based on the student’s program length.

      REPEATING COURSEWORK

      Federal financial aid programs can only pay for one repeat of a passed course (passed meaning grade “D” or higher). For example, if a student enrolls and earns a grade of “D” in a course, the student’s enrollment status for financial aid will include that course attempt. If a student enrolls a second time in the same course, the course will be included in the student’s enrollment status for financial aid. If the student enrolls for a third time, financial aid will not include the course in their enrollment status regardless of the grade earned for the second attempt.

      Visiting Students/Consortium Agreements

      Students who are enrolling at HCC for a term or semester, and planning to return to their home school to complete their certificate or degree (visiting students) must have their financial aid processed through their home school under a "consortium agreement". A consortium agreement is a written agreement between HCC and the student's "home" school. The "agreement" is required by federal law and states that the home school will consider the student's enrollment at HCC to determine their aid eligibility.

      Please Note: Students must notify HCC in advance of the respective term if they would like to have their financial aid processed under a consortium agreement. HCC will cancel all aid for any students found receiving financial aid concurrently at HCC and another school. HCC always serves as the “host” school when entering into consortium agreements therefore, students must be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program at their home school.

      HCC Home School Procedures
      • The course is required for the student’s degree at HCC and not offered at HCC for that specific term; OR
      • The course is required for the student’s degree at HCC and the course is full; OR
      • An academic advisor determines the student can take the course at another institution for various academic reasons

      If the host school agrees to the terms of the Consortium Agreement, the contract will be completed, signed, and returned to HCC FAS. Schools are not required to enter into consortium agreements, so it is at the discretion of each institution to enter into such an agreement. Therefore, the consortium agreement is not officially approved until the completed contract and proof of enrollment from the host school is received by FAS. The student may not qualify for all types of awards initially offered if not enrolled full time at HCC. The Associate Director will advise students of the impact on any offered awards if the consortium agreement is approved (although this is typically discussed in the appointment with the Financial Aid Counselor).

      All students who enter into a consortium agreement with HCC as the home school will be required to provide proof of grades from the host school within thirty days of the end of the term. Aid for the semester for which the student entered into the consortium agreement may be adjusted if HCC does not receive confirmation that the student has completed the course(s), and disbursements may be delayed for upcoming semesters until the official transcript is received and evaluated by HCC. The deadline to submit a consortium agreement request is by the HCC financial aid census date of the term for which the student is requesting the consortium.

      HCC Host School Procedures

      A student who is degree-seeking at another institution may want to enroll in coursework at HCC (host school) while obtaining financial aid from their home institution. The student must request the consortium agreement and obtain permission from their home institution.

      Please Note: HCC will cancel all aid for any students found receiving financial aid concurrently at HCC and another school when HCC is serving as the “host” school under the consortium agreements therefore, students must be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program at their home school. Students participating in a consortium agreement will need to make payment arrangements at HCC to cover the tuition and fee charges for the coursework at HCC, since the student's "home" school will be processing the financial aid.

      Bookstore Funds

      The College has partnered with Slingshot to provide required course materials to students enrolled in credit courses. The cost of all course materials is included in the student’s tuition and fees and is charged to the student's HCC account. The required course materials are available to students at below-competitive market rates, offering a cost-effective solution for the student’s academic needs. Students may opt out of this program by contacting the Finance Office. Specialty items like nursing uniforms, art supplies, or optional course materials will still be available to purchase in the Campus Store. HCC makes funds available in the bookstore to all students with a completed financial aid application who have been awarded aid above their tuition and fee charges. These funds are available as early as two weeks before the semester start date per Federal regulations, which require institutions to provide Pell-eligible students with a method to purchase needed books and supplies by the seventh day of the payment period (semester). Students can check Self-Service by logging into myHCC to view the funds available to use in the Campus Store. Purchases made using financial aid will appear on the student’s HCC account and be deducted from the student's TIV credit balance. HCCEF has limited funds for students who cannot purchase specialty items or optional course materials because of financial hardship. Students may contact Financial Aid Services to discuss the application process.

      AWARD PROCEDURES

      • A valid FAFSA on file with the U.S. Department of Education. The processed FAFSA must have the Howard Community College school code (008175) listed.
      • A valid One App on file with Maryland Higher Education Commission.
        AND
      • The submission of all other information requested by Financial Aid Services (required prior to disbursement of federal aid), including additional and verification documents if necessary.

      Once a student’s financial aid is complete, and reviewed by a financial aid counselor, an award notification will be emailed to the student’s HCC email account. The initial financial aid package will be based on assumed full-time status for the fall and winter/spring semesters. Awards are adjusted to actual enrollment status on the financial aid census date prior to disbursement. Per federal regulations, only coursework that is required as a part of the student’s program can be included in the determination of aid eligibility. If financial aid awards are revised, the student is sent an email notification to his or her HCC email address. Financial aid awards can also be viewed on myHCC through Financial Aid Self-Service.

      WINTER/SPRING AWARDS

      For financial aid purposes, winter and spring classes are combined to determine enrollment status and award eligibility. For example, if you register for 3 credits in the winter and 6 credits in the spring you are eligible for aid as a three-quarter time (9 credits) student.

      SUMMER AWARDS

      For financial aid purposes, all summer session classes are combined when determining eligibility. The summer semester is the last semester of the award year for financial aid purposes, so the Summer 2025 semester is paid using the AY 2024-2025 FAFSA. Students must register for courses by the Financial Aid terms census date in order for those courses to be considered when determining a student's financial aid eligibility for the summer semester.

      Verification and Additional Documentation

      The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) or Financial Aid Services may require students to submit additional documents to confirm the information submitted on the FAFSA. In addition, USDOE or Financial Aid Services may, at any time, select certain financial aid applications for a review process called verification. Students whose application require additional documentation must submit all required documents to Financial Aid Services to complete their application. Financial aid will not be awarded or disbursed until all required documentation has been received and reviewed. Students should submit documents as soon as possible, but no later than the student’s last date of attendance. In accordance with federal regulation, HCC will accept certain verification documents such as IRS (Internal Revenue Service) tax documents up to 90 days after the student’s last date of attendance. This extended deadline does not apply to most documents and information required to complete the student’s financial aid application. In general, federal regulation requires that documents must be received by the student’s last date of attendance, or the student will not be entitled to any financial aid. Once the student’s application is complete, HCC will review the application. If corrections to the FAFSA are required, these corrections will be electronically submitted by the college, and the student will be notified of the corrections by the USDOE. Sometimes students are selected for verification after their awards have been made and funds have been disbursed for the semester. In such an event, no further financial aid will be awarded or disbursed until verification is complete. Failure to turn in documents will result in a cancellation of aid. Students will then owe disbursed funds back to the USDOE or HCC. If verification causes a change to the student’s awards for the academic year, he or she may be required to repay aid. HCC will notify students who owe overpayments of aid. If the funds are not repaid to the college within the timeframe specified in the notice of overpayment, the student’s debt will be referred to the USDOE for collection. The student will not be eligible for financial aid at any institution until that debt is repaid in full.

      Financial Aid Programs

      Howard Community College maintains and/or coordinates the following financial aid programs for students. Financial aid awards are normally for one academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to reapply each year. For all other financial aid purposes, the HCC academic year is defined as 24 credits. Counselors are available in Financial Aid Services to assist students with application procedures and to discuss program eligibility.

      Howard Community College maintains and/or coordinates the following financial aid programs for students. Financial aid awards are normally for one academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to reapply each year. For all other financial aid purposes, the HCC academic year is defined as 24 credits. Counselors are available in Financial Aid Services to assist students with application procedures and to discuss program eligibility.

      Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

      SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS STANDARDS

      The federal government requires that students who receive financial aid maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average, maintain a minimum cumulative completion rate of credits attempted, and complete their degree or certificate program within a maximum time frame of 150% of the program length as measured in credits. In accordance with these federal regulations, this policy outlines the requirements for Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Howard Community College students who receive financial aid must be in good academic standing and meet the minimum standards for progress toward their degree/certificate for each semester in which they are enrolled. SAP is evaluated at the end of every semester: Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer. Failure to maintain the minimum SAP standards may result in the cancellation of a student’s financial aid awards. This policy applies to students applying for financial aid for AY2024-2025. Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated based on the student’s cumulative academic record, from the date of entry to the college. All financial aid recipients will be evaluated for satisfactory academic progress each semester, including prior semesters during which the student did not receive financial aid. Per federal regulations, the minimum Financial Aid SAP requirements do not allow academic amnesty. Therefore, a student’s HCC cumulative GPA may be different than the student’s “financial aid cumulative GPA.”

      WHAT IS OUR FINANCIAL AID SAP POLICY?

      To be able to receive financial aid at Howard Community College, students must demonstrate satisfactory progress towards the successful completion of their degree, as measured by: Pace/Cumulative Completion Rate

      Attempted Credits	Minimum Cumulative Required GPA
      1-30	50%
      31-40	57%
      41 or higher	67%

      For example, a student who has attempted 24 credits must have a Pace of at least 50% (credits completed divided by credits attempted). For students enrolled in certificate programs less than two years in length, quantitative progress is always defined as a 67% completion rate. Cumulative GPA

      Attempted Credits	Minimum Cumulative Required GPA
      1-15	1.00
      16-30	1.50
      31-40	1.75
      41 or higher	2.00

      For example, a student who has attempted 24 credits must have a cumulative GPA of 1.50. *Please note that students in the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program are required to earn a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 2.75 for graduation. Those students, even if dually enrolled in another program, are required to have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 after attempting 51 credits.

      MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME

      1. Course withdrawals (W) after the drop/add period are not included in the GPA calculation but are considered attempted course work that is not completed and is included in the calculation of Pace.
      2. Incomplete courses assigned an “I” grade are not included in the GPA calculation, but are considered attempted coursework that is not complete, until the incomplete grade is replaced with a permanent grade and academic progress can be re-evaluated. Any student who completes an “I” grade with a passing grade should contact Financial Aid Services to have their Satisfactory Academic Progress status recalculated.
      3. F and L grades are treated as attempted credits not earned and included in the calculation of GPA and the minimum completion rate.
      4. FW grades are treated as attempted credits not earned and included in the calculation of GPA and the minimum completion rate.
      5. Audited courses (N-grades) are not eligible for financial aid. These courses will not be considered when determining a student’s completion rate or GPA.
      6. NA grades are assigned when a student registers for a course but does not report or participate within the first 20% of the scheduled class sessions. NA grades are not considered attempted coursework nor included within the GPA calculations. Courses assigned an NA grade will not be eligible for financial aid. Therefore, a student’s financial aid may be reduced or canceled based on the number of NA grades that have been reported for the semester
      7. If no grade is reported, the coursework is not included in the GPA calculation for the purposes of the SAP evaluation at the end of the term, but it is treated as a non-completion of attempted coursework until the grade is assigned.
      8. Prior Learning Credits include but are not limited: to transfer credits, Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and credits from Joint Service Transcript (JST)are considered as attempted credits when calculating completion rate but are not included in calculating a student’s GP. These credits are part of the calculation when determining maximum timeframe.
      9. All repeated courses are considered as attempted credits when determining a student’s completion rate. The highest grade earned in a repeated course will count when determining the GPA. Only the first successful attempt will be counted as completed credits in the completion rate calculation.

      How Do Required Developmental Courses and ESL coursework Impact FA SAP Status?

      Required developmental courses including credit-based ESL courses are calculated into the GPA. This coursework is included in determining the student’s Pace/completion rate and maximum timeframe. Students are eligible for financial aid up to 30 credits in attempted developmental coursework, and the maximum timeframe calculation will be increased by the number of credits of developmental courses attempted.

      How Do Classes Taken at Another Institution and Transferred to HCC Affect SAP?

      Transfer students will be treated as first time students for their first semester. Accepted credits from another institution will be considered as both attempted and completed credits in the evaluation of the cumulative completion rate and maximum timeframe. Grades earned at other institutions are not included in the student’s GPA and therefore do not impact the qualitative measure for SAP.

      How Does a Change in Degree Program (Area of Study) Impact FA SAP Standing?

      All coursework is included in the calculation of the GPA, cumulative completion rate (Pace), and maximum time frame. Maximum timeframe is applied using the most current program. Current programs offered by HCC include an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.), and an Associate of Science in Engineering (A.S.E.), and several certificate programs. Change in “Area of Study” within a degree program is not a change in program and all credits attempted towards the degree program (even from multiple Areas of Study) count as attempted credits towards the degree program in the FA SAP evaluation.

      How Often Is SAP Status Reviewed and How Are Students Notified?

      Financial Aid recipients are reviewed for SAP at the end of the Fall, Winter/ Spring, and Summer semesters, and prior to awarding with new financial aid recipients, including students applying for financial aid who did not receive aid in the most recent term of enrollment. Students who do not meet the minimum SAP standards will be notified by email at the end of each enrolled semester.

      The Financial Aid Services Office only notifies those students with a restriction or warning status.

      Evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards (SAP)

      Financial Aid Warning Status: Students who fail to meet the minimum SAP standards will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status for the subsequent semester of enrollment. Students are eligible for financial aid during the “Warning” semester.

      Students receiving financial aid for the first time may be placed on Financial Aid Warning as applicable if they did not meet the SAP standards noted in this policy based on the previous period of enrollment.

      Students who are either exceeding their maximum timeframe or close to exceeding the maximum timeframe are immediately placed on Financial Aid Restriction. There is no “warning” semester with maximum timeframe issues.

      Financial Aid SAP Restriction Status: Students who, while on Financial Aid Warning status, fail to meet the minimum SAP standards will be placed on Financial Aid Restriction status for subsequent semesters. Students on Financial Aid Restriction status are not eligible to receive financial aid. All future awards will be cancelled. Students may appeal against the restriction status based on mitigating circumstances.

      A student receiving financial aid for the first time will be placed on Financial Aid Restriction status if the student did not meet the SAP standards as noted in this policy during the two previous periods of enrollment. A student who is either exceeding maximum timeframe, or close to exceeding maximum timeframe will be placed in Financial Aid Restriction status.

      Financial Aid Probation/Academic Plan Status: A student who appeals the status of Financial Aid Restriction and whose appeal is approved may be placed on an Academic Plan for a single semester. This is a probationary semester, and the student is eligible for aid during this semester. Students in this SAP status are required to have an Academic Plan in place.

      Students with this status will be reviewed at the end of the semester and will be placed on Financial Aid Restriction if the student has not met the minimum SAP requirements or did not meet the minimum goals of their Academic Plan, or it is determined that the student will not be able to complete their program of study within the maximum timeframe limits.

      Students who are not meeting the minimum SAP requirements at the end of the Academic Plan semester but are meeting the minimum requirements of their Academic Plan, will automatically be continued on Academic Plan status for the subsequent term of enrollment and will be eligible for financial aid for that term. Students on this status will be reviewed at the end of each semester and must continue to meet the terms and conditions of the Financial Aid Academic Plan to continue to be eligible for financial aid for the subsequent term(s).

      If a student fails to meet the terms of the Financial Aid Academic Plan, the student loses financial aid eligibility and is returned to the status of Financial Aid SAP Restriction.

      Students on an Academic Plan who are meeting the minimum SAP requirements described in this policy at the end of that term are returned to “good standing” and are eligible for aid for subsequent terms of enrollment.

      What Is an Academic Plan?

      Students on Financial Aid Restriction status must obtain an Academic Plan to submit an Appeal. The purpose of an Academic Plan is to support the student in bringing himself or herself back into compliance with the financial aid SAP standards to ensure that the student will be able to successfully complete the degree or certificate program. The Academic Plan will be specifically tailored to the individual student and may include milestones and specific recommendations such as a reduced course load, specific courses, or tutoring. Students must work with their academic advisor to prepare an Academic Plan if they intend to submit an appeal of their Financial Aid Restriction Status.

      Many services are available on campus that contribute to student success. For information regarding these services, please see Student Support Services or refer to the college’s website.

      How To Submit an Appeal

      To appeal a Financial Aid Restriction status, the student must meet with their academic advisor and then submit the Financial Aid Restriction form by the date specified in the Financial Aid Restriction notification email. The appeal must include the academic plan and any relevant documentation. The Academic Plan Terms and Conditions Form must be submitted with the appeal.

      The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student by email of their decision within 14 working days. Appeals should include a current academic plan signed by an Academic Advisor, along with the Financial Aid SAP Restriction Appeal form, and any relevant documentation. The Financial Aid SAP Restriction Appeal Form should include the following information:

      1. An explanation, with supporting documentation, of why the student failed to meet the minimum SAP standards (i.e. car broke down and could not get to class, etc.)
      2. Demonstration that the student understands the reason behind the failure to meet the SAP requirements (i.e. could only get a ride to class on Tuesdays and so missed several Thursday classes)
      3. The student’s specific plans to resolve the situation with any relevant documentation, which demonstrates that the student’s academic performance will improve and meet the minimum standards (i.e. the car has been fixed and the student will not miss any classes in the future).

      The basis on which a student may file an appeal may include an injury or illness of the student or an immediate family member, military deployment, or other unusual circumstances. Appeals that do not contain the required elements may be denied. All appeals received will be reviewed by the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee. Late appeals will be considered for the next enrolled semester.

      If the appeal is denied, students are responsible for all charges incurred on their account. To ensure cancellation of all charges, students should drop their classes during the 100% refund period. Students who register for classes while in an SAP Restriction status should make other payment arrangements with the Finance Office, including establishment of a payment plan.

      A student who fails to follow the terms and conditions of the Financial Aid Academic Plan and who returns to Financial Aid Restriction may appeal the status of Financial Aid Restriction. However, the appeal should be specific to the set of circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the requirements of the Academic Plan. If a subsequent appeal is granted, the student will be required to follow the terms of the revised Financial Aid Academic Plan, in addition to any other terms established by the Financial Aid SAP Appeals Committee.

      Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility After FA SAP Restriction Status

      1. Reinstatement of financial aid after a student has been placed on Restriction can be achieved in three ways:
      2. The student attends HCC during the restriction period, pays for tuition and fees without financial aid, improves their academic performance and subsequently meets the required satisfactory academic progress standards.
      3. The student submits an appeal using the Financial Aid SAP Restriction Appeal form and the Financial Aid SAP Appeals Committee approves the appeal. The student is placed on a FA Academic Plan status and and is eligible for financial aid during that semester.
      4. A student on an Academic Plan will continue to be eligible for aid if the student meets the minimum requirements of the Academic Plan. The student will continue in an FA Academic Plan status.
      5. A student on FA Academic Plan status who meets the minimum FA SAP standards after a term(s) on FA Academic Plan status is returned to “FA good standing.

      Please note that when a student’s appeal is approved and the student is placed on Academic Plan status, to continue to be eligible for aid, the student must either meet the minimum SAP requirements during that semester or meet the minimum requirements outlined in their academic plan. Students who do not meet the minimum standards of the Academic Plan will be placed back on FA SAP Restriction for the subsequent term of enrollment and will not be eligible for financial aid. Students in this situation may need to submit another FA SAP Appeal to be considered for regaining aid eligibility.

      Is Financial Aid Probation/ Academic Plan Status the same as Academic Probation?

      No. While the standards are similar, students interested in receiving financial aid are required to meet the FA Standards for Good Academic Standing as explained in the HCC Catalogue as well as the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards explained in this policy. The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards apply only to students interested in receiving financial aid at Howard Community College.

      Where Can Students Get More Information?

      Contact the Financial Aid Services Office at 443-518-1260 or email finaid@howardcc.edu.

      Student Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

      Section 493.A of the Higher Education Act requires post-secondary educational institutions to disseminate relevant, candid information on student financial aid programs available at the college. These rights and responsibilities may be found in the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) publication entitled The Student Guide. This guide is available online at https://studentaid.gov/resources. Any change in a student’s financial situation, address, or school enrollment must be reported to Financial Aid Services. Students have the right to request a review of their financial aid package when a change in family or personal circumstances occurs. Students also have a right to review their financial aid records and may do so during our walk-in counseling hours.

      Information and Dissemination and Report Disclosure

      The U.S. Department of Education requires HCC to disseminate information and disclose certain information to students. This information includes, but is not limited to: Voter Registration, Equity in Athletics, Campus Crime and Security, Completion and Transfer Out Rates, and Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus policies. For further information on the listed topics, please refer to the HCC website at howardcc.edu.

      Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy

      Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Students receiving financial aid are responsible for following the college's withdrawal procedures as outlined in the Howard Community College catalog. The Higher Education Act requires the college to calculate a Return of Title IV funds on all federal financial aid students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) before completing greater than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment they were scheduled to attend.

      Official withdrawal occurs when students follow college procedures and deadlines to withdraw from classes as outlined in the Schedule of Classes. The student must complete a withdrawal form and return it to Records and Registration or use Self Service to officially withdraw. The date entered on the withdrawal form is the official withdrawal date unless the office receives information that notes otherwise. If Self-Service is used to withdraw, the date the student submits the withdrawal request is the official withdrawal date.

      Unofficial withdrawal occurs when the student initially attends a course and at some point stops attending. The instructor will report a last date of attendance, which will be used as the official last date of attendance, and the student will receive an “FW” grade for the course if they did not complete more than 60% of the scheduled days in the course. An unofficial withdrawal impacts both your GPA and your Pace/Completion Rate.

      Calculating Earned & Unearned Aid
      A schedule is used to determine the percentage of the semester the student attended based on the withdrawal date/last date of attendance. This percentage is calculated by dividing the number of days attended by the total number of days in the payment period.

      The number of days counted includes all calendar days in the semester, including weekends and holidays, but excludes college breaks of five or more days. The percentage of the semester the student attended is used to calculate the amount of the student's earned versus unearned federal aid funds.

      When students have not received all of their earned Title IV funds, they may still receive disbursements of this aid in a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement. Grants must be disbursed within 45 days of the date of withdrawal determination. Loans must be offered to the student within 30 days of the date of withdrawal determination, allowing the student at least 14 days to respond to, accept, or decline the funds. Upon completion of the R2T4 review, all post-withdrawal disbursements are applied to the student account first, and any resulting credit balance is handled as noted in HCC’s credit balance policy.

      When students receive more Title IV funds than earned, the unearned portion must be returned to program accounts. The unearned portion of federal aid funds received must be returned to the appropriate aid program per the order of return as mandated by law. The order of return is Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, other Title IV aid.

      The college is responsible for returning the lesser of unearned Title IV aid or unearned institutional charges. Unearned institutional charges are based on the percentage of the semester the student did not attend. The college is responsible for its return of funds first, followed by the student's return of funds.
      The amount the student is responsible for returning is determined by subtracting the amount of aid HCC returns from the amount of unearned Title IV Aid.

      The college must return its portion of unearned Title IV aid (loan and grant) to the appropriate federal program within 45 days from the student's withdrawal determination date. If the amount the student returns includes a federal loan program, the student is responsible for repayment of the loan per the terms of the loan program. If the student's return amount includes grant aid, the student must repay 50% of the grant money received rather than 100%.

      The student must return unearned grant aid to the college within 45 days from the date of notification. Failure by the student to return or make arrangements to return unearned grant aid to the college within 45 days will result in the student being reported to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The student will be considered in an overpayment status and will not be eligible for additional aid at any post-secondary institution participating in Title IV Aid programs. Students reported to ED in an Overpayment Status should contact ED to make payment arrangements to repay the necessary grant funds.

      Students who stop attending Howard Community College may not receive further financial aid disbursements, may lose some or all of the aid that has already been disbursed to their account, may be responsible for repayment of unpaid charges, and may be considered in overpayment status with ED. Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing from the college may be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds calculation at the end of the semester, based on their last date of attendance as determined by the instructor.

      Financial Aid Reminders
      • A student should apply by the March 1 priority filing date to be considered for state financial aid and for best consideration of HCC foundation scholarships.
      • Students should check their HCC email and myHCC portal frequently for communications and updates regarding their application and financial aid eligibility.
      • It takes up to four weeks to process an application for any type of financial aid. Plan!
      • Students and contributors, if applicable, must provide consent to retrieve financial information from the IRS. Contributors who do not provide consent will not be eligible for federal financial aid. If the household income has changed significantly from the previous year, speak with a Financial Aid Services administrator to discuss your circumstances.
      • All students should complete the online HCC Scholarship application and the Required Agreements to be considered for HCC Educational Foundation Scholarships. The HCC Scholarship Application is located at https://howardcc.edu.scholarshipuniverse.com/
      • Students must reapply for each academic year beginning on October 1st
      • For all the options to assist with paying for college, please go to howardcc.edu; click Admissions and select Pay for College.
      • Financial Aid Services provides virtual, on-campus, and community FAFSA workshops throughout the year. Students and families can also come into Financial Aid Services during the hours of operation to work on their FAFSA or MHEC One App, and the HCC Scholarship Application at one of the computers in our lobby. Our staff will be happy to assist students, as needed.
      Pay for College

      HCC recognizes that information about paying for college is important and is committed to helping students prepare for their education. The college offers many services to help students manage college expenses. Proper planning and timely payments help ensure that students can have the classes and schedule of their choice and reduce the concerns often associated with college costs. To find out more visit our Pay for College web site at howardcc.edu/pay. A tuition calculator is also available online, to estimate the cost of attending HCC. The Admissions and Advising staff welcome the opportunity to inform students about programs and services which will contribute to the fulfillment of their goals.

      Honors and Academic Recognition

      Honors and Academic Recognition

      THE FREDERICK K. SCHOENBRODT SCHOLARS PROGRAM

      The Frederick K. Schoenbrodt Scholars Program offers excellent full- and part-time students of all ages flexible opportunities to fulfill their general education requirements as part of a supportive, intellectual community that helps prepare them for more advanced study and transfer. Students enjoy learning with outstanding faculty and peers in stimulating honors courses and through active participation in the college’s academic and cultural events. The Frederick K. Schoenbrodt Scholars Program admits students who meet one or more of the following criteria: A high school or college cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher or a combined score of 1100 on the SAT (critical reading and math) and/or an ACT composite score of 25 or higher An HCC student with an HCC GPA of 3.2 or higher with a minimum of six but no more than 24 college-level credits completed A GPA of 3.2 or better at another institution for applicants who are transferring in to HCC, with a minimum of six but no more than 24 college-level credits completed. In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to students for whom traditional indicators of success are not always valid. Honors students maintain a yearly cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher at HCC and participate in honors-designated events each semester. Students who successfully complete 15 credits of honors coursework and present satisfactory evidence of honors-events participation will receive Honors recognition at graduation. Honors classes have limited enrollments. The college keeps the class size moderate in order to achieve maximum interaction between the instructor and the students. JAMES W. ROUSE SCHOLARS PROGRAM The James W. Rouse Scholars Program is designed for graduating high school seniors. Students must be able to commit to two years (i.e., four semesters) of full-time study (i.e., 12 credits or more each semester) at HCC. With a cohort of other Rouse Scholars, students will progress through a four-semester sequence of Honors seminars that emphasize academic research, civic and community engagement, and leadership development. The seminars culminate in an individual capstone project that gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed over the course of the program (see above). Beyond the seminars and capstone projects, students are required to participate in a minimum of four Honors courses during their time at HCC. PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY Alpha Alpha Sigma is the HCC chapter of PHI THETA KAPPA, the national honor society of two-year colleges. To be invited to join, students must accumulate at least 12 credits in 100- and 200-level courses and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA during the fall and spring semesters in those courses. To remain in the honor society a student must maintain a 3.2 GPA. Induction celebrations are held during both the fall and spring semesters. Phi Theta Kappa students who enroll in honors courses are eligible for a limited number of scholarships. ALPHA BETA GAMMA HONOR SOCIETY Howard Community College is accredited by the Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society to initiate members for business and related professional disciplines. Alpha Beta Gamma exists to reward academic excellence among business honor students and to recognize the contribution to learning and business of professionals. To achieve this goal, Alpha Beta Gamma provides leadership opportunities, forums for the exchange of ideas and the stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. Since its founding in 1970, over 65,000 students from accredited community, junior, and technical colleges have been initiated into the society. Alpha Beta Gamma is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, and an affiliate member of both the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). To be eligible for membership in Alpha Beta Gamma, a student must be enrolled in a business curriculum at HCC and have completed 15 credit hours with at least 12 credit hours applicable to a degree. In addition, the student must have at least a 3.0 GPA. ALPHA DELTA NU HONOR SOCIETY The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society recognizes the academic excellence of students in the study of Associate Degree Nursing. Howard Community College’s chapter is Delta Sigma. The society encourages the pursuit of advanced degrees in the profession of nursing as well as continuing education as a life-long professional responsibility. Additionally, the society participates in the recruitment of qualified individuals into the profession of nursing. Eligible students must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all general education courses, earned a grade of B or better in each nursing course, and have no previous failures of any nursing course. ALPHA ETA HONOR SOCIETY Alpha Eta Honor Society is the national scholarship honor society for the allied health professions. Alpha Eta recognizes the academic achievements of allied health students based upon their overall GPA. Allied health students that have achieved a 3.5 overall GPA are nominated for membership to the society. GRADUATION WITH HONORS Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50-3.74 will graduate cum laude. Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.75-3.99 will graduate magna cum laude. Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 will graduate summa cum laude.

      Information Technology

      HCC provides a variety of computer services and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs to meet the changing technology needs of students and faculty.

      Canvas and Course Materials

      Canvas is the learning management system used by HCC. Students are granted access to course sites three days before the start of the term. All faculty post syllabi and grades in Canvas. Additionally, students may find course materials, quizzes, and other class activities in the Canvas sites. There are many Ways to Learn at HCC:

      	Flexible Online
      	Scheduled Remote
      	Online Hybrid
      	Face-to-Face
      	In-Person Hybrid

      Students use their HCC email and password to access Canvas through the Tools & Resources button on the HCC homepage. For best performance, Canvas recommends using the most current or previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. User can use the guide - What are the browser and computer requirements for Instructure products? - to see if they are using the most up-to-date version.. Students should log in to Canvas regularly to check for announcements, feedback, due dates, and content.

      • Learn about Canvas features using the Canvas Student Training Guide, found within the Canvas Help Center button.
      • Click the New2HCC button in Canvas for an Orientation to Online Learning.
      • Contact 24/7 Canvas Support by chat, phone, or email using the Canvas Help Center button.

      Computer Labs

      HCC provides multiple open computer study labs, which offer a quiet academic environment where students can study, do research and complete class assignments. These labs are located in HSB266, CL203, and DH110and are equipped with PCs offering Internet access, scanners, printers, and software based upon the needs of the academic community. Credit students may log in using their HCC Login ID and password. The DH110 is staffed to assist students. For audio, students should bring their personal headsets. On occasion, you may be asked to relocate to another computer to allow someone to access specialized software, scanners, or raised computer desks. Food and beverages are not permitted. To maintain our quiet study area, please minimize conversations and noise, turn off cell phones or set to vibrate mode, and leave the room to make or receive phone calls. Lab users are expected to adhere to HCC’s Standards of Acceptable Use of Campus Technology below. Students are encouraged to save and back up their work frequently. Computers in the open labs automatically log off and erase files after 15 minutes of inactivity. Both labs are normally closed for college holidays and during breaks. Check the posted hours in the Computer Labs or visit the Computer Lab web pages for the latest computer lab hours and closings.

      File Storage

      Students are encouraged to use cloud storage, such as Google Apps and Microsoft OneDrive, for storage of personal files. To access, visit: • https://drive.google.com/a/howardcc.edu for Google Drive (use your HCC Username and HCC password). • https://onedrive.live.com/ for Microsoft OneDrive (use your HCC email address and HCC email password).

      HCC Login ID and Password

      Use your HCC Login email address and password to access myHCC, HCC email, campus computers, Canvas, Google Drive Microsoft 365, and the HCC wireless network. The Technology Service Center Password Services page, howardcc.edu/PasswordServices allows students to set up and manage their HCC login credentials, and re-set forgotten and expired passwords. Once you have setup your account, please verify your email and cell phone number in case you need to reset your password using the PIN reset feature. The college’s Technology Service Center cannot change your password or challenge questions without proper identification. You will have access to your college accounts as long as you are currently enrolled in HCC courses. For your safety, do not disclose your student ID number and Login ID except when conducting college business with authorized staff. Always log off or shut down and restart the computer when you are finished working on any public computer, including campus computers, to sever the connection to your personal accounts.

      Illegal Downloading and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Notice
      • A criminal penalty of 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines, even for a first offense.
      • A civil penalty of $750 or higher per illegal song

      The college may use several methods to detect and deter illegal P2P file sharing, including:

      • A URL filtering device to identify, block and redirect any discovered illegal P2P traffic.
      • Network traffic monitoring to identify, trace and investigate continuous high bandwidth users.

      Reporting students who engage in suspected illegal behaviors for investigation and possible disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.

      Alternatives to Illegal File Sharing
      Students may seek out legitimate, legal sources of digital content, including numerous sites listed by Educause.com.

      Laptop Loans

      Laptops and hotspots are available for loan to students who have registered for the current semester. Visit the DH110 open computer lab on the first floor of the Duncan Hall building to request a laptop and or hotspot. You will be asked to read and sign a contract acknowledging your responsibilities in caring for the equipment. This program is open to approved full time credit and noncredit students who abide by the terms of the contract.

      Mobile Alert

      HCC’s Mobile Alert system enables you to receive instant notification of important campus information and emergency announcements to your cell phone and email. It will alert you to parking problems, weather delays and closures, as well as on-campus emergencies and drills. Subscribing to the service is free, but standard text messaging charges from your carrier may apply. Visit howardcc.edu/mobilealert to learn more and sign up.

      • Plan and register for classes.
      • Add, drop, or withdrawal from classes.
      • Pay your bill.
      • See your drop, refund and financial aid and scholarship status, and academic course history.

      Choose Self Service in myHCC to take advantage of these and other planning, registration, and financial services. Full registration instructions are provided online and in the printed Schedule of Credit Classes.

      Microsoft 365 For Students

      HCC students are eligible to obtain Microsoft 365/Office 365 software for their personal computer and laptop at no cost! Simply visit https://portal.office.com and login using your HCC email address and password.

      Open Access Computers

      In addition to the open computer lab, students can log in and use open computers located in the lounge areas of Duncan Hall, Kathleen Hetherington Hall (formerly Health Sciences Building), and the Science Engineering and Technology building. Printing from open areas is only available in Science Engineering and Technology and Kathleen Hetherington Hall second floor. Be sure to log off when you finish working.

      Credit students are allocated a limited amount of free printing at the beginning of each semester. Your personal printing fund balance will be displayed on the desktop of a lab computer after login. The free printing allocation is shared across campus computers available in the Library, Learning Assistance Center, Science Engineering and Technology first floor open area and Kathleen Hetherington Hall open lab. To continue printing after depleting your initial allocation, log in to a lab computer. Click the link in the print balance box and follow instructions to purchase more printing funds online using a credit or debit card.

      Standards of Acceptable Use of Campus Technology
      • Downloading or installing external applications.
      • Copying, transferring, or modifying software installed on the college computers.
      • Theft, misuse of, or damage to college computer equipment and supplies.
      • Viewing or distribution of pornographic material.
      • Connecting personal equipment to the college network other than the open wireless network.
      • Interfering with or disrupting other users, services or resources of the college network and computer labs.
      • Propagation of computer viruses, spamming, or transmitting chain letters or slanderous materials.
      • Use of file and music sharing applications
      • Using Peer to Peer connections.
      • Commercial activities or other use of college computer resources for financial gain.
      • Accessing or tampering with the files and electronic information of others without authorization.
      • Disrupting or threatening the viability of the college equipment and network, and networks to which the college’s systems are connected.
      • Illegal distribution of copyrighted information or work
      Student Email

      The College recognizes email as the official method for communication with students. Students are expected to act upon all official communications received at their college email address. Get your email through myHCC, or visit https://outlook.office.com/mail/. If prompted, login using your HCC email address and password. Check your email regularly, delete messages that you no longer need. Your HCC student email address is yourfirstname.yourlastname@howardcc.edu.

      Technology Service Center

      TSC staff are available to assist students having problems with technology. Call 443-518-4444 or visit howardcc.edu/tsc for information, online forms and FAQs.

      Wireless Internet Access

      HCC’s free wireless Internet is available to students and guests in most locations on campus. Using your personal laptop or other device, open a browser ( Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and log in to the HCCSTUDENT wireless network, using your HCC Login ID and password. Non-students are welcome to access the HCCGUEST wireless network without a login ID and password. HCCGUEST wireless network will provide 2 hours of service before requiring a reconnection by the user.

      Library Services

      The HCC Library is open 7 days a week for in-person and online support of learning and research. The library’s hours can be accessed here. Librarians offer live online chat and face-to-face support for students to find, use, and cite credible sources of information. The library also offers excellent spaces for individual and group study. The library even has a family study space for parents who would like their younger ones to accompany them to campus to study.

      Students may borrow from the library’s textbook reserve collection for short-term mostly in-library use. Phone and laptop chargers are available for in-library use. Students may borrow a calculator for an entire semester on a first-come-first served basis. Books from the library’s main stacks may also be borrowed for an entire semester. Fines accrue only if a student fails to return items after the library’s gracious due dates. Refusal to return library materials may result in a delay in registering for classes or in receiving transcripts.

      To check out materials, students must have their HCC ID. Online resources (databases, streaming videos, audio, and digital books) may also be accessed using HCC email.

      Library Etiquette

      Library Etiquette The library staff strive to provide a pleasant and productive study environment for all HCC students. The Standards of Classroom Behavior Policy apply to the library as well. Public Safety Officers will enforce college policy where necessary. Disruptive students may be asked to leave the library for at least one hour or 24 hours depending on the gravity of their conduct. Students are encouraged to be mindful of other library users and to keep noise at reasonable levels.

      The Library's Computer Policy
      • Plagiarism, violation of copyright laws, forgery;
      • Violation of any individual’s privacy;
      • Harassment of any kind;
      • Destruction or misuse of Library hardware or software, including downloading, copying, or tampering by deletion, modification, or addition, any files installed by authorized staff for student use, or the addition of any files from external sources;
      • Game playing;
      • Transmission by electronic mail of threats, chain letters, or spamming tactics;
      • Transmission, printing, or distribution of pornography.

      Students using Library computers also agree to abide by all policies for Standards of Acceptable Use of Campus Technology.