Use Language Carefully When Discussing Placement Scores

One of the challenges we sometimes create for ourselves in advising relates to the language we use when discussing placement scores with students. For example, we may tell a student who scores a 4 on the writing placement that he or she is “one point away” from English 101. In reality, that statement is misleading. A student with a 4 on the writing placement is “one score” away (actually about 13%), not one point. Using the language “one point away” could create the impression that by simply adding a sentence, by avoiding a missed comma or a misspelled word, or by using a few better words that the student could create the “bump” needed to reach college level.

A similar issue relates in math placement scores, too, particularly since questions are weighted differently. Thus, being one point or two points away from the “cut score” for the next higher class level doesn’t necessarily equate to getting one or two more questions correct.

Therefore, the suggestion in all placement discussions is to tell a student that he or she is “very close” to the next higher class level and to encourage re-testing for all the benefits related to placing higher. It would also be wise to arm students with the resources to help them prepare for re-testing. Therefore, we'd recommend that you suggest studying with help from the College Board's free Accuplacer app or other resources linked on our placement webpage. 

Transfer Updates -- Temple University

An update to our agreement with Temple effective Fall 2017 outlines how students who complete particular degrees are eligible for the general education to general education transfer of credits:

AA Degrees:
Architecture
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Communications
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Pre-Dietetics
Physical Science
Psychology

AS Degrees:
Computer Information Security
Pre-Health Professions
Engineering
Math/Computer Science

Nurse Aide Cost Increase

The cost for taking nurse aide coursework is going up effective today. 

The tuition is being updated today (May 18) in BANNER to $1098.  Those students that are already registered (before May 18) for Nurse Aide classes starting in July will have their accounts adjusted by $200 by Amy Beth Martin after they begin class. If the student transfers classes they will be required to pay the additional $200.

Since the increase has been applied in Banner, from this point on any student registering for a Nurse Aide class will be charged the $1098 tuition. 

May Graduation Eligibility -- A Reflective Clarification

Due to some confusion resulting from who can participate in graduation ceremonies and whose name ends up in the graduation program, I want to refer you to the graduation website link.

Students are permitted to participate in the May commencement if they are planning on completing in the spring or summer semesters.

Anyone participating in the May commencement must meet the March 1st application deadline or his or her name will NOT be included in the commencement program. Therefore, if a student is borderline for graduating, it is recommended that he or she apply by the deadline, regardless.

Additionally, please know that we, just as most other colleges around the country, do sometimes have students walk in graduation who have not yet met the graduation requirements. A student's official "graduation status" is determined by the records office, not by participation in the ceremony.

FS 101 Courses -- Fall 2017

This link will take you to a flyer for FS 101 courses being offered in the fall semester at all campuses. Please remember that FS 101 can be used to satisfy the 1-credit FYS requirement.

Summary of Plans for KTI Students

With the closure of KTI recently, academic affairs and student affairs staff have outlined this synopsis of how to help KTI students who may wish to transfer in to HACC.

Commonly Accessed Banner Forms

This document outlines some commonly accessed Banner forms. I share it with you as a cheat sheet and a reminder to be used as needed.