COUNSELING

Hill College has a staff of professional counselors and advisors to help students make educational and career decisions, select courses, adjust to college life, understand transfer requirements, improve study skills, and develop personally and socially. Counselors can arrange for testing to identify the student's abilities, special aptitudes, interests, values, and personality traits. Information concerning employment opportunities in various fields is available. For the student who intends to pursue a four-year program, catalogs from many colleges/universities and other resources are available. Other services available include tutoring, individualized workshops, and seminars.

TESTING

Hill College is a testing center for the American College Testing (ACT) Program, the General Educational Development (GED) Program, and is a limited test center for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Hill College is also a testing center for the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), Quick THEA, and ACCUPLACER tests. According to the guidelines set forth by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college readiness program, these exams are utilized as placement instruments for the Hill College Developmental Education Plan. Hill College offers the THEA, Quick THEA, and ACCUPLACER on a regular basis to fulfill TSI requirements. Compass and ASSET scores are also accepted.

The HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) assessment test is required by the Hill College nursing department for entrance into the nursing programs as well as the LPNGAP (L.V.N -A.D.N. Transition Program entrance exam) are also proctored through the Hill College Testing Centers. Additional services are available for online testing, correspondence test proctoring, instructional testing, and accommodations testing.

Hill College Testing Center staff members are continually researching testing needs and adding new testing opportunities to better serve students and surrounding communities. The Centers are located at the Johnson County and Hill County campuses. Please contact the Hill College testing center nearest you for more information about current tests available or to schedule an appointment. All tests are given by appointment only.

Please note: Additional testing information, contact names and phone numbers, and websites for the national test providers listed above can be accessed by visiting the Hill College Testing Centers webpage at: www.hillcollege.edu/StudentServices/index.aspx?id=common/testing.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM

Hill College sponsors the Student Support Services program, a federal TRIO Project funded by the United States Department of Education. The program targets 175 students who are identified as economically disadvantaged, disabled, or first generation college students. The objective of the program is to retain participants in good academic standing in order to facilitate graduation and further educational goals at institutions of higher learning.

Services provided include career planning/interest testing, four-year university transfer assistance, individual/group counseling, comprehensive academic advisement, financial aid assistance, cultural/educational activities, individual/group tutoring (free of charge), standardized testing to determine specific learning needs, study skills information, developmental studies instruction in reading, English, math, study skills, and English as a Second Language, referrals to agencies and resources, student orientation, and services for students with disabilities.

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Hill College is aware of and deeply concerned with the unique challenges that face the disabled student. The College is committed to reducing and/or eliminating the barriers that these students encounter. The Office of Student Services through the Counseling Center coordinates the physical and academic support services for any student who has special needs because of a temporary or permanent disability. The Office of Student Services and the Counseling Center work closely with Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, related federal agencies, and other organizations that provide service and aid to the disabled in order to provide the fullest range of services possible.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibit discrimination in the recruitment, admission, and treatment of students with disabilities. Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students requesting accommodation must provide documentation of the disability (as appropriate), complete an application for special accommodation/modification, and the student must schedule and participate in an interview with a Hill College Counselor in order to review the request for accommodation, determine appropriate services and/or accommodations, and plan their educational program.

Successful accommodation often requires advance planning. Students must make early contact (by the 6th week of a long semester) with the Counseling Center in order to identify needs and to ensure that services will be available in an effective and timely manner.

CARL PERKINS PROGRAM
A Personal Development and Career Awareness Program

Hill College sponsors a Personal Development and Career Awareness Program which is funded by a federal grant under the Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act.

This program is designed to help special populations including the disabled, economically/educationally disadvantaged, persons with limited English proficiency, single pregnant women, single parents, individuals in non-traditional fields, and displaced homemakers. The program is designed to help individuals inventory their strengths and prepare for future employment and career opportunities.

Several workshops are offered throughout each semester and include topics such as study skills, problem solving skills, decision making skills, parenting skills, test taking skills, career planning, financial aid information, time management, stress management, job search and interviewing techniques, resume writing, goal setting and motivation techniques.

Students can participate in computer assisted occupational inventories, job interviews, assertiveness training, and activities designed to encourage positive attitudes toward success. The program is also designed to help individuals identify and work toward their career potential. No fees are charged for any of the services offered by the Carl Perkins Program.

Limited funds are available to provide reimbursement to qualified vocational students for child care or transportation if they enroll at Hill College and meet specific requirements. (Child care must be provided by a licensed or registered day care home.) Call 254/582- 2555 in Hillsboro or 817/641-9887 in Cleburne for details.

THE LEARNING CENTER

The Learning Center is designed to provide students with the basic skills needed to achieve success in college-level courses and to pass TSI requirements. The students served are those who may have test scores that reflect a need for skill building in any or all of the developmental courses, or those students who feel the need to review and develop basic educational skills because of an extended lapse of time since completion of previous schooling. Currently, developmental education courses are offered in math, reading, writing, and ESL.

The instructional formats vary and include individualized, self-paced and lecture approaches. Developmental classes and other support programs are specifically designed to help students gain the skills and self-confidence needed to successfully complete credit courses. Since the fall of 1989, the implementation of Texas House Bill 2182 (TSI) mandated that students who are not ready for college-level courses must take developmental classes.

In addition to the courses, the Learning Center also offers a writing lab used by the freshman composition classes on a referral basis. Basic study skills and test-taking skill seminars may also be scheduled during the semester.

JOB PLACEMENT

Hill College provides placement services in an effort to assist students seeking either fullor part-time employment. Placement services include online job search, online job board, area and region wide job fairs, contacts with local and area businesses including monthly updates from Chambers of Commerce about the job market, online and paper Occupational Outlook Handbook, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and on site job interviews.

Hill College is a member of the Placement Association of Texas (PAT), the Southwest Placement Association of Colleges and Employers (SWACE), the Metroplex Association of College Career Counselors (MAC3), and the National Association of College Career Counselors (NACE).

HEALTH SERVICES

While there are several first aid kits available throughout the campus and the branch campus, Hill College provides no on-campus facilities for treatment of illness or injury. In the event an emergency situation should arise which requires immediate medical attention, the local hospital provides emergency room service.

HOUSING

Hill College provides modern, air-conditioned, apartment type housing for men and two new residence halls for women students. Residence halls consist of spacious, modern suites with window blinds, furnishings, and resident managers. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate handicapped students in designated rooms. All Hill College students are required to live in college housing and eat in the college cafeteria except those who are married, over 21 years of age, or commuters from the homes of parents or relatives. Any exception must be approved. All International Students are required to live in the Hill College dormitories. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director of Student Life.

Each student must complete an application for college housing and pay a nonrefundable room fee of $50 in order to reserve a room. Room assignments are made on the basis of student preference where possible; therefore, early application is desirable. Where no preference is expressed, room assignments are made as applications are received without regard to race, color, age, or national origin. The college reserves the right to make reassignments of rooms or roommates as the need arises.

All residence halls will be closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, between semesters, Easter, and spring break. Food service is not available during these times and additional charges might be incurred for students remaining in the residence halls.

LOST OR DAMAGED PROPERTY CHARGES

Students may be charged for loss of or damages to college property for which they are responsible. Non-payment of these obligations may result in the withholding of grades, transcripts, or graduation.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Student insurance is available to those students who desire insurance by the semester or annually. Information may be obtained from the Office of Student Services.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

The college program of activities is designed to give students the opportunity for self-expression, to increase interest in academic courses, to promote good citizenship, and to provide wholesome recreation. The activities calendar of the college is planned by each campus’s Student Congress under the supervision of their advisor.

THE ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

The Activities Calendar is planned by the Student Congress, class organizations, and other student activity groups. Social activities are under the supervision of the respective Student Services official with their prior approval. Student activities will not be scheduled during the week of or preceding semester examinations.

STUDENT CONGRESS

The Student Congress represents the entire student body. It conducts all student body elections, plans most of the social activities, and handles other matters pertaining to the student welfare.

CLUBS

Campus clubs are organized to develop leadership, to foster cooperative group activity, and to meet social needs. Club meetings are held at the activity period on a schedule prepared for the entire semester. The clubs to be organized during the year depend upon the interests of the students.

HONOR SOCIETIES

Phi Theta Kappa

The Nu Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was chartered by Hill College on November 17, 1964. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honorary scholarship society for community and technical colleges. The purposes of the society are to promote scholarship, develop character, and cultivate fellowship among the students of the junior colleges of the United States. To be invited to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a freshman must have a grade point average of 3.4; a sophomore must have a grade point average of 3.2; the student must be working toward an Associate Degree, and have the approval of a faculty committee which appraises the qualifications, character, and leadership qualities of the student. To remain a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Psi Beta

Psi Beta is a psychology honor society for community and junior college students. For a student to be eligible for membership, they must have an overall 3.0 grade point average with a minimum of 12 semester hours of college credit. In addition, they must have completed one psychology course and earned a least a "B" while maintaining a “B” average in all subsequent psychology courses. Students who desire to be admitted to Psi Beta should have high standards of personal behavior and integrity, and demonstrate a genuine interest in psychology.

THE HILL COLLEGE BANDS

The Hill College Band is the primary instrumental music organization on campus. Membership is open to any student having previous band experience or by the approval of the director. All performances are concert in nature.

Smaller ensembles are drawn from the membership of the main performing organization. These include the Jazz Laboratory Band and the Brass Ensemble.

All of the instrumental groups yield college credit.

THE HILL COLLEGE CHOIRS

The Hill College Chorale is the primary performing vocal music organization on campus. Membership is open. Smaller specialized ensembles are by audition. The chorale and various ensembles perform locally and at various state-wide functions.

THE HILL PLAYERS

The Hill Players are made up of students majoring in or interested in the field of drama. The group produces at least one major production each semester, along with a number of one-act plays and programs performed for local clubs and organizations. To be eligible for participation, a student should enroll in DRAM 1120, since rehearsals are held during the scheduled meeting of this class.

ATHLETICS

Hill College participates as a Division I member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in Region V. The region is comprised of Division I schools in North and West Texas as well as New Mexico. Our programs have won several North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Championships and consistently compete in the playoffs with several trips to the National Championships.

Hill College competes in women’s volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball, and fields men’s teams in golf, basketball, soccer, and baseball.

RODEO

Hill College is a member of and competes in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (N.I.R.A.). The rodeo team has been very successful since the team's beginning in 1977. Hill College has consistently had one of the largest rodeo programs in the country with around seventy competitors every year.

Horse stalls and a practice facility are furnished for team members. Numerous scholarships are available for students who participate in the Rodeo Program.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The college student is considered a responsible adult. The student's enrollment indicates acceptance of those standards of conduct which appear in the Student Handbook and Residence Hall Guide. A copy of the handbooks may be obtained from the Office of Student Services.

OFFICIAL SUMMONS

Administrative officers of the college may request that a student come to the office to discuss matters concerning records, financial affairs, conduct, educational programs or other affairs. These requests are OFFICIAL SUMMONS. Failure to respond to an Official Summons may result in formal disciplinary action.

ABSENCE POLICY

Refer to individual course syllabus and outline for each class. It should be remembered that absences always result in work being missed and that in spite of the best efforts of both the instructor and the student, this usually means that grades will suffer.

RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS & STUDENT ABSENCES

In accordance with Section 51.911, Texas Education Code, Hill College shall allow a student who is absent from class for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence if, not later than the 15th calendar day after the first day of the semester, the student notifies the instructor of each class the student had scheduled on that date that the student would be absent for a religious holy day.

In order for the absence to be considered as "Excusable,” the religious organization must meet the requirements as outlined in the Education Code 51.911-Section 1 as enacted by the Texas Legislature, which states a "Religious holy day means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.

STUDENT RECORDS

A permanent record is defined as one's accumulated record including data confirming a student's eligibility for admission and proof that registration requirements have been met. The procedures for the preparation and maintenance of all records are thorough and in keeping with standard practices. The permanent records are kept in the Office of Enrollment Services.

Personal Information about Students. College personnel are often called upon by outside agencies to give personal information concerning a particular student. When such requests are made, the college may:

1. Indicate whether or not the person is a student of the college;
2. Indicate the length of time that the individual has been a student;
3. Indicate whether the person is a full or part-time student;
4. Indicate degrees and awards received; or,
5. Provide other directory information.

1. Transcripts, grade reports, and disciplinary reports will be released for off-campus use only upon the request of the student or by court order.
2. Requests for personal data on students from loan companies, employing agencies, and other such firms will be honored only upon the written request of the student.
3. Request for information for security checks by governmental agencies will be honored only with the student's permission.
4. Written requests for character appraisals of students from colleges and governmental agencies will be honored only with the student's permission.
5. College officials may use discretion in fulfilling other requests not specified above.

1. Officials, faculty, and staff of Hill College who have a legitimate educational interest in the student's record.
2. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. The student is entitled to a copy of the record forwarded to the other institutions if he/she so desires.
3. Individuals needing the information in connection with a student's application for or receipt of financial aid.
4. State or local officials to which educational data must be reported.
5. Legitimate organizations (A.C.T., C.E.E.B., E.T.S.) developing, validating, or administering predictive tests or student aid programs. Such data is not to be released in any identifiable form and will be destroyed by the organization after the research has been completed.
6. Accrediting agencies.
7. Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
8. In compliance with judicial order or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena.
9. Representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, Secretary of Education, administrative heads of educational agencies, or state education authorities.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

According to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), educational entities have the right to disclose certain “directory information.” Hill College has defined directory information as name, address, telephone number, major field of study, dates of attendance, classification, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous institution attended. This information can be provided to anyone who inquires and usually includes but is not limited to other institutions, prospective employers, or family members.

Each student has the right to request this information not be released. There are forms available in the Office of Enrollment Services to make this request.