ACT Center - Advising and Transfer Center (Campus Center 102)
An additional resource for assistance with academic advising and transferring to a four-year college. Your one-stop resource center for assistance with academic advising, choosing a major, and assistance transferring to a four-year college.
Athletics and Recreation
The David M. Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation is the focal point of a variety of programs and opportunities for students. This multi-use facility, which is the site for numerous campus-wide events, includes a fitness and wellness center that features cardiovascular and strength equipment, a group exercise room, a three-court gymnasium, a seminar/classroom, a training and assessment room, and steam/sauna areas. Academic courses, varsity sports, recreation, and wellness programs are among the offerings for students. Located adjacent to the outdoor track and soccer field, the Bartley Center (BC) is a resource that enhances the educational experience and lifestyle of students through its programs and activities. For more information, visit BC 204, or call 413.552.2161, www.hcc.edu/student-life/athletics
Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS)
The Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS) provides comprehensive academic support to meet the learning needs of all HCC students. CAPS’ three centers include: Tutoring, Writing/ESL, and Math. CAPS provides a variety of academic support services for students who need help with content-related matters, reading, writing, and math. Learning Coaches are also available which can assist students with strategies related to studying, time management, note-taking, and stress reduction skills. CAPS also provides Supplemental Instruction (SI)- a nontraditional tutoring support that focuses on collaborative group study, learning-strategies, preparing for quizzes/tests, and providing content tutoring.
The Centers’ hours vary and are open in person Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. They are open virtually Monday-Friday [Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.,] and some Saturdays. Services are free to all HCC students. Schedules are available on Moodle and Navigate. CAPS is located in the Donahue building (DON 240). Call 413.552.2584 or email CAPS@hcc.edu for information. CAPS provides a safe and friendly environment in which all students can learn.
Mental Health Counseling
HCC provides free counseling services for students through a partnership with the Center for Human Development (CHD). CHD provides services through a unique, multicultural approach using evidence-based practices designed for college students who are grappling with mental health distress. CHD provides their services in both English and Spanish. In addition to one-on-one counseling, CHD also provides facilitated support groups. CHD is located on campus in the Frost Building, Room 232. Their phone number is 413.552.2626.
Library
The Holyoke Community College Library provides students with the assistance and resources to fulfill their classroom assignments and expand their education beyond the classroom and into their daily lives. The research strategies acquired while learning to use the Library effectively will provide students with lifelong learning skills to assist them in finding appropriate information, evaluating it critically, and synthesizing it into knowledge.
The library’s knowledgeable staff is available to work with students one-on-one, in teams, and in the classroom. Library services can be accessed in person at our service desks or by phone, email, or text message. Located in the center of the College complex, the Library offers two computer labs, two photocopiers with scan-to-email abilities, two group study rooms, and a quiet study area. Students have access to print and electronic books, online periodicals, and streaming educational videos. HCC faculty may place course materials on reserve at the circulation desk for student use. The library also lends technology including Chromebooks, laptops, WiFi hot spots, and calculators. The online catalog and online databases are accessible from both in the Library and from off campus. Easy 24/7 remote access to the Library’s electronic collection means that the Library is always open when you need it.
Holyoke Community College is a founding member of HELM (Higher Education Libraries of Massachusetts) which augments the resources of the HCC Library by providing access to the collections of member libraries. Students at HCC may borrow from HELM libraries by requesting material to be delivered to the HCC Library.
Multicultural Academic Services (MAS)
The Multicultural Academic Services (MAS) program is designed with the goal of helping students of underrepresented groups find the pathways that will help them succeed in college. It caters to students challenged by issues of language, cultural identity, and isolation. Through a one-on-one approach, students are encouraged to develop skills that promote self-authorship, self-advocacy, and leadership. The MAS Program serves as a pipeline for students transitioning from ESL, local high schools, and alternative high schools.
Participants from targeted high schools are identified as soon as they are accepted at HCC. Students receive a variety of services: tips to prepare for the College Placement Test, one-on-one guidance and support on paperwork requirements from the college, support from a freshmen college student mentor who recently graduated from high school, on campus meet and greets in the summer, and direct access to an academic advisor as soon as they apply to the college.
MAS students are eventually encouraged to seek transfer support from the Pathways Program or to transfer to a four-year institution.
MAS also provides support and services to all international students on a student visa. International students are guided, monitored, and advised on their career path and the academic policies and procedures to maintain their student visa.
El Centro is a student-empowering space to gather, network, and provide educational and recreational workshops and talks, in addition to study, rest, and pray. El Centro houses the MAS program and the Orientation and New Students Program. The two programs collaborate to assist new incoming students.
For more information about MAS stop by Campus Center 248 or call 413.552.2346. You can also contact Myriam Quiñones at 413.552.2539, mquinones@hcc.edu or via text at 413.475.6024.
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Bilingual Professional Staff: English/Spanish
New Directions for Adult Learners
HCC’s New Directions college success program serves students age 24 and older, parents, and veterans, including those who have been out of school for many years. We recognize that adults often need help balancing college life with career, family, personal, and/or military responsibilities. New Directions is free - our only goal is to help you succeed at HCC, define your career and educational goals, and discover opportunities for transfer to a four-year college or university. Services include:
- pre-enrollment counseling
- help navigating the admissions process
- information about financial aid
- academic advising
- orientation workshops
- transition to college support
- career and transfer guidance
- assistance with unemployment benefits
Our program includes the Elaine Marieb Center, which is a lounge and study space for non-traditional women.
New Directions also offers a comprehensive "Smart Start" program each semester that assists new students with transitioning academically and socially to college life.
New Directions for Adult Learners, Frost 262, 413.552.2346, https://www.hcc.edu/courses-and-programs/academic-support/new-directions-for-adult-learners.
Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services
The Office for Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSDDS) provides assistance to deaf and disabled students with documented disabilities through assessment of individual academic needs and implementation of accommodations for all college programs and services, classrooms, and campus access, as well as telework/study. Students are encouraged to contact the office during their application process. Early collaboration with OSDDS will assure timely services and assistive technology training . Students should contact the office before beginning their first semester so that services can be provided in a timely manner. Each student’s instructor and appropriate campus services are involved in this process.
Typical accommodations available to students include: arrangement of extended time or proctored testing services, ASL interpreters and C-Print Captionists, and introduction to the HCC assistive technology services. Accommodation plans are developed in conjunction with faculty and community support services, as well as HCC campus services. Additional support services such as electronic/alternative texts, tutorial assistance, and transfer counseling are available through campus or community service providers. For information about services, contact OSDDS at osd@hcc.edu or 413.552.2417.
Pathways Program
The Pathways Program wants you to dream big! We are a transfer support program that helps promising students succeed at HCC and explore transfer opportunities to selective liberal arts colleges such as Amherst, Hampshire, Cornell, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and beyond. The Pathways Program helps students every step of the way with academic and personal advising, workshops, college visits, and assistance with the transfer process. For more information, contact Pathways, Frost 264, at 413.552.2857. For more information visit www.hcc.edu/pathways. It is never to early to think about transfer!
Perkins Secondary to Post-Secondary Initiatives
The college has established numerous articulation agreements between HCC and local high schools in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. These articulation agreements enable students to receive college credits at HCC for courses taken in high school through eligible Chapter 74 approved programs. Recent graduates from the following high schools may be eligible for college credit:
- Agawam High School
- Chicopee Comprehensive High School
- Dean Technical High School
- Easthampton High School
- Franklin County Technical High School
- Gateway Regional High School
- Holyoke High School
- Ludlow Senior High School
- Minnechaug Regional High School
- Pathfinder Vocational Technical High School
- Putnam Vocational Technical High School
- Quaboag Regional High School
- Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
- South Hadley High School
- Southwick Regional School
- Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School
- Westfield Technical Academy
Please contact the office of Admissions at admissions@hcc.edu or 413.552.2321 for more information.
Student Engagement
The Student Engagement Office helps build community and foster college involvement through social and educational programming and leadership development. Opportunities for involvement include the Student Senate, the student member of the Board of Trustees, National Society of Leadership and Success, MassPIRG, and over 25 active clubs and organizations. To learn more, visit Student Engagement at www.hcc.edu/campus-life/student-activities. Students, faculty, and staff participate in a wide variety of programs (multicultural events, music, dance, speakers, and campus celebrations) during the weekly Wednesday activity period (11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.). Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to contact Student Engagement at 413.552.2536 or clubs@hcc.edu.
The Thrive Student Resource Center offers an array of free services for students facing non-academic barriers to participation in academics and campus life. Services include: daily Grab-n-Go snacks, access to the HCC Food Pantry, free and confidential assistance with applications for SNAP (food assistance) and MassHealth benefits, financial literacy coaching and referrals to community resources such as housing assistance programs, Community Legal Aid, and VITA (free tax prep). For more information visit www.hcc.edu/thrive or stop by the Thrive Center, Frost 233. To make an appointment, contact 413.552.2783 or thrive@hcc.edu.
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Programs are federally-funded programs designed to assist students in graduating from HCC and transferring to a four-year institution by providing academic support services that promote and encourage academic excellence and success.
TRIO Student Support Services program provides guidance and individualized support to assist students in course selections, improve financial and economic literacy, transfer to four-year institution and graduation. The goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates amongst our program participants.
TRIO/STEM-Health Sciences SSS program provides guidance and individualized support specifically for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health science fields.
To be eligible for TRIO services:
- Students must be enrolled in three or more classes (9 credits or more) and need academic or financial support.
- Students must qualify under at least one of the following three eligibility factors:
- First generation to college (neither parent(s)/guardian has received a Bachelor's degree),
- Demonstrate financial need (low-income), or
- Have a documented disability
For more information about the TRIO Programs, please call 413.552.2505 or email trio@hcc.edu. A program overview and student application are available online at https://www.hcc.edu/trio or in the TRIO SSS Office (Donahue 240).
Veteran Services
SERVICES Thank you for your service! The Veteran Services office is here to assist our Veterans, Active-Duty, Reservists, Guard members, and military-affiliated dependents navigating the transition to college life. The Veterans and Military Services Counselor is here to help you navigate the Veterans Administration (VA), Commonwealth, and National Guard education benefits. Eligible veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, disabled veterans, and dependents of deceased or 100% total and permanently disabled veterans may qualify for monthly educational benefit payments from the Veterans Administration.
To ensure that our recently discharged veterans and their eligible family members will not have to bear the cost of out-of-state charges while using their Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill® education benefits, HCC is fully compliant with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice & Accountability Act of 2014. Any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 that has provided a certificate of eligibility will not have any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrows additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet their financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of payment from the VA. Certain eligible veterans residing in Massachusetts are also entitled to a Categorical Tuition Waiver to cover the tuition cost for classes. Students with only tuition waivers are responsible for all fees other than tuition. Veterans may also be eligible for health benefits to satisfy HCC’s health insurance requirement. Massachusetts National Guard members in good standing are eligible for a tuition and fee waiver for classes.
Veteran Services consists of the Veteran and Military Services Counselor office, The Bunker, and the Veterans Lounge. The Bunker, located in Donahue 105, is a designated “quiet study zone” that offers separate student access computers with webcams and headphones, a printer,
and a student study lounge. The Veterans lounge in Donahue 138 provides a kitchenette, pantry, and tables and chairs that create the perfect atmosphere for a casual conversation or meeting.
Contact the Veterans Certifying Official (DON 105) at 413.552.2189, veterans@hcc.edu, or visit the HCC Veterans Services webpage, https://www.hcc.edu/student-life/veteran-services, for more information.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about educational benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www. benefits.va.gov/gibill
Pursuant to 38 USC § 3675 and 387 CFR 21.4253. Holyoke Community College operates the following sites under a VA-assigned facility code by the Massachusetts State Approving Agency.
- HCC Main Campus 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke MA 01040 - Owned by HCC - Commonwealth of MA.
- Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center - 206 Maple Street Holyoke, MA 01040 - Leased by HCC
- HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute - 164 Race Street Holyoke MA 01040 - Leased by HCC
- Springfield Adult Learning Center - One Armory Square Springfield MA 01105 - Licensed to HCC by STCC
- Ludlow Area Adult Learning Center - operating remotely through HCC main campus 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke MA 01040
- Education to Employment (E2E) - 23 W. Main Street, Ware MA 01082 - Licensed to HCC by the Quaboag Valley Community CDC
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