GENERAL INFORMATION 2014/2015 STUDENT HANDBOOK
Choose your destination. we’ll help you get there. GENERAL INFORMATION
Alumni
The Heartland Community College Alumni Association offers learning, networking and social opportunities to anyone who has completed a class at the College. Current students and graduates can join at www.heartland.edu/alumni. Members of the association receive quarterly e-newsletters and access to retail and education discounts, free seminars, networking and fun events.
ATM
There is one automated teller machine (ATM) located on the main campus in Normal to the north of the Security station on the first floor of the Student commons Building (SCB). It has been provided by Higher One and supports the heartland OneCard accounts (with no fee), as well as other ATM cardholders (with a fee).
A mail and communications drop box (identified as the “OneAccount Mail and Communications” box) is also installed near the ATM in the Student Commons Building (SCB). This box is to be used as a drop box for delivery of any paper documents that are required to be sent to Higher One, in support of the Heartland OneCard and OneAccount program. Documents placed in the communication box will be express mailed bi-weekly to Higher One. Students are encouraged to contact the Cashier if more urgent delivery is required.
Bookstore
Textbooks are available for purchase at the Heartland Community College Bookstore located on the first floor of the Student Commons Building, on the main campus. The telephone number is (309) 452-9007. Textbooks may be ordered online through the HCC Web site, IRIS, or www.heartland.bkstr.com.The bookstore also offers a rental program for certain text books. Students should contact the bookstore for more information.
In addition to the bookstore, the Pontiac Center offers text book sales for Pontiac students during certain times. Students should contact the Pontiac Center at (815) 842-6777 for the book sale dates at this site.
Bulletin Boards
Posters, announcements, fliers etc. must be submitted to the Student Engagement office for approval. Staff of the Student Engagement office post/remove items from these boards weekly. Unapproved posters and materials placed in unauthorized locations will be removed.
Bus Service
The Connect Public Transit System services HCC’s main campus on Raab Road in Normal with bus service at 10 minutes and 40 minutes after each hour. Buses with a code of “Green A” provide handicapped-accessible service to HCC. In addition, Connect Transit operates a “Heartland Express” bus Monday-Thursday from 12:00pm – 4:50pm with service on the hour and 30 minutes after each hour.
There are three designated pick-up /drop off locations on campus: 1) Intersection of Millennium Boulevard and Vermillion Way; 2) Workforce Development Center (WDC) North Entrance; 3) Front of the Student Commons Building Drive. Specific details on the Connect Transit ”Green A” and “Heartland Express” may be accessed at www.connect-transit.com/
Universal Access is a program that provides free access for students around the community on the Connect System's fixed bus routes, Monday through Saturday as long as they show their valid HCC student ID. Universal Access can be used for any Connect System travel, not just to and from the HCC campus. Detailed information on bus schedules throughout Bloomington-Normal may be accessed at www.connect-transit.com/
Campus Café
Food service for meals from breakfast through dinner (depending on posted schedules) are available at the Campus Café in the Student Commons Building, first floor of the main campus.
Campus Demonstrations
The students of Heartland Community College are free to express their views and beliefs through demonstrations on campus.
However, such demonstrations must not interfere with the business and operation of the College, nor with another student’s right to pursue an education at Heartland. Thus, so that the College may maintain peace and order on campus, the College has reasonable rules regulating demonstrations to accommodate the needs of the College and the rights of its students.
Child Care
Heartland’s Child Development Lab is a nationally accredited demonstration laboratory school that provides high quality care and education to the children of HCC students, faculty and staff. The Center is licensed by The Department of Children and Family Services and has six classrooms, serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years old.
The center operates Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drop-off parking for the Child Development Lab is available in Lot M, near the center, on the northeast corner of the main campus.
Due to limited enrollment, an application process is required. Applications are available at the Child Development Lab, at the Student Services Center online at www.heartland.edu/services/child.html.
Chronic Communicable Disease Policy
Students with a chronic communicable disease may attend the College whenever, through reasonable accommodation, they do not constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or other individuals.
Attendance decisions will be made by the College President in consultation with the Dean of Enrollment Services using this standard in conjunction with current available public health department guidelines concerning the particular disease in question. Individual cases will not be prejudged; rather, decisions will be made based upon the facts of the particular case.
The College shall respect the right to privacy of any student who has a chronic communicable disease. The student’s medical condition shall be disclosed only to the extent necessary to avoid a health and safety threat to the student and others.
Persons deemed to have “a direct need to know” will be provided, subject to applicable law, with the appropriate information; however, these persons may not further disclose such information. Persons deemed to have “a direct need to know” may include:
1. College President and Dean of Enrollment Services 2. Appropriate faculty or administrator 3. College health official
Closing and Cancellation Announcements
On occasions when the College cancels classes and closes offices due to weather conditions or other causes, students should check local radio/TV stations for announcements rather than phone the College campuses. Every attempt will be made to ensure closing information is available by 6:00 a.m. for day classes and 4:00 p.m. for evening classes. Check the HCC Web site (www.heartland.edu) for information on closing due to inclement weather. The following sources may be consulted for cancellation information:
FM o 89.1 WGLT Bloomington/Normal o 92.5 The Chief Champaign o 92.9 WRPW Bloomington/Normal o 93.7 WJBC Bloomington/Normal o 94.5 WLRW Champaign o 96.3 WMNW Atlanta o 96.7 WIHN Bloomington/Normal o 98.9 WJEZ Pontiac/Dwight o 99.1 eXtra Champaign o 99.5 WDQZ Bloomington/Normal o 100.3 WIXY Champaign o 101.5 WBNQ Bloomington/Normal o 104 WBWN Bloomington/Normal o 105.7 WXMP Bloomington/Normal o 107.7 WYST Bloomington/Normal AM o 1230 WJBC Bloomington/Normal TV o WEEK (25) o WMBD (31) o WHOI (19) o WCIA (3) o WYZZ (43)
College Publications
Each student should obtain a current copy of the College Catalog and Student Handbook, and each semester’s schedule of classes. These publications outline all college policies, procedures and degree requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to know college policy and degree requirements. These important publications are free and available in Enrollment Services located in the Community Commons Building and at Pontiac and Lincoln Centers.
Copy Machines
Students may use the coin-operated copy machines located in the library and in various locations in the Student Commons and Instructional Commons Buildings and the Workforce Development Center.
Drug Free Workplace
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690), the Illinois Drug Free Workplace Act of 1986 (PA 86-1459) and Heartland Community College Board of Trustees Policy 6.1 (Drug Free Workplace), the following procedures and programs exist to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the unlawful use and abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
Standards of Conduct – HCC prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing and manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property, at college-sponsored activities, in College vehicles, in transit to or from College activities or business or in any workplace for purposes of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Penalties for Violation of Policy – Students who violate this policy will be governed by the College’s Student Code of Conduct and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and referral for prosecution. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to sanctions, consistent with law and Board policy which shall include appropriate personnel action up to and including termination or a requirement that the employee satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Visitors determined to have violated this policy are subject to eviction from the College premises and are subject to legal action initiated by the College.
Legal Sanctions for Unlawful Possession, Use or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol – Legal sanctions that apply to the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing and manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol are consistent with local, state and federal laws in reference to the Cannabis Control Act, the Controlled Substance Act and the Liquor Control Act. Students and employees are reminded that these laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties which include, but are not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines.
Notice of Convictions – Any Heartland Community College employee who is convicted of violating any federal or state criminal drug statute in the workplace must notify the President within five (5) days of such conviction and the President shall notify any federal granting agency required to be notified in the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 within ten (10) days after receiving notice of the conviction from an employee. Failure to inform the College of such conviction subjects the employee to disciplinary action.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol – The consumption of alcohol and drugs has serious risks to one’s health. For a comprehensive list and more information, consult your physician or your local library.
Drugs and Alcohol Information Sessions and Counseling, Treatment or Rehabilitation or Re-Entry Programs – HCC periodically sponsors information sessions and provides informational materials dealing with the dangers of illicit drug usage and alcohol abuse. Students and employees are encouraged to attend these sessions and read the information publications. In addition, students are encouraged to contact PATH Information and Referral at (309) 827-4005 and employees are encouraged to contact the College's EAP at (800) 433-7916 for information and assistance.
Emergency Procedures
If the fire alarm sounds, you must leave the building. Emergency evacuation instructions are posted inside each room. These instructions are to be followed in case of fire or other emergency.
Health emergencies should be handled by dialing 911.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution. No person, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability or unfavorable discharge from military service or veteran’s status shall be discriminated against in employment, in educational programs and activities or in admissions. HCC complies with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, all as amended from time to time.
Heartland Community College Foundation
The Heartland Community College Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the enhancement and support of student learning and success at HCC. The Foundation receives and administers gifts in many forms, including monetary donations, bequests and real estate. The Foundation organizes a variety of fundraising events to support scholarship opportunities for Heartland students and further strengthen its bonds with the community. Gifts to the Foundation provide scholarships, special equipment purchases, campus enhancements and other projects.
Housing
HCC does not provide housing accommodations. Students needing housing accommodations should check the local community resources for assistance.
Lost/Found Lost and Found is located at Safety and Security Services in the lobby of the Student Commons Building on the main campus. Items will be kept for 30 days before being discarded.
Office Hours
Campus office hours are posted outside each office. To be accessible to students, expanded hours are offered by Enrollment Services, Business Office, and the Academic Support Center.
Parking
Free parking is available at all Heartland facilities. At HCC sites located near businesses, students should only park in spots designated by HCC. There is no ticket system for enforcement of parking regulations; violators will be towed at the owner’s expenses. Handicapped parking is available only to those with physical disabilities requiring close access to buildings. A valid handicapped parking permit is required for parking in these designated spots. Bicycle racks are also available at HCC sites.
Public Display Monitors
Monitors are located in all buildings of the main campus. They provide information on important dates, student club news, registration, financial aid/scholarship information and other items of interest to students and campus visitors.
Safety/Security
HCC’s Safety and Security Services encourages students and employees to be aware of ways they can take responsibility for protecting themselves and their property for their own safety and the safety of others.
Some campus safety measures available include:
1. Code Blue Emergency Call Stations in each parking area that provide audio and visual contact with security staff. 2. Escort service by campus security personnel, available by request at the main campus. 3. In-house campus phones to provide quick access to the Safety and Security Services desk (ext. 8300). 4. Parking and traffic control enforcement and assistance with accidents. 5. Local vehicle towing and locksmith contact information can be obtained at the Security Services desk.
Sales/Solicitations
The College permits controlled sales campaigns and solicitations only by recognized student organizations. Such organizations are encouraged to raise funds to support their activities; fund-raising efforts must have prior authorization from the Dean of Student Success. Sales campaigns and collections are restricted to specific locations and times as approved by the Dean of Student Success. Office-to-office selling of any kind is prohibited on campus.
All non-club solicitation activities must be approved by the Dean of Student Success or her designee and must adhere to specific locations and times as approved.
Scheduling Rooms
Meetings may be scheduled in classrooms/labs and other meeting rooms by requests processed with the Enrollment Services Division Secretary. Call (309)268-8078 for assistance.
School Colors
The official school colors for HCC are silver and blue.
Smoke Free Environment In compliance with state and local ordinances, smoking is prohibited inside all College facilities, in vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the College, and within 15 feet of any College building entrance, air intake or window opening. Designated exterior smoking areas are posted on campus.
Student Feedback
Students are encouraged to comment on the College’s activities, programs and services. Opportunities for feedback include student evaluations of faculty and services and suggestion boxes located throughout all facilities.
If you would like to file a complaint about any campus facilities, activities, employees or another student, you may go to the Dean of Student Success office and complete a complaint form.
Telephones
A pay telephone is located in the Student Commons Building (SCB) 1st floor lobby.
TDD
Students with hearing impairments have several options for accessing campus programs and offices. Students may call (309) 268- 8030 for a direct connection to another TDD, call 711 for access via the Illinois Relay Service or use an Internet relay service, such as www.sprintrelayonline.com.
Voter Registration
In compliance with Public Act 94-0492, Heartland Community College provides voter registration information on its website at www.heartland.edu. Heartland sponsors a series of activities to build awareness and provides students the opportunity to register to vote on campus. Please refer to the website to locate information on these activities or to locate a deputy registrar on campus.