Bulletin of Hill College General HILL COLLEGE Catalog for 2014-2016 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status in the administration of its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. DISABILITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION Federal law prohibits the college from making preadmission inquiries regarding a student's disability. Information regarding a student's disability, voluntarily given or inadvertently received, will not adversely affect any admission decision. If a student requires special services and/or accommodations as a result of a disability, the student must notify the Office of Student Services. This voluntary self identification allows Hill College to prepare appropriate support services and/or accommodations to facilitate the student's learning. Confidentiality of the information will be maintained in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and shared only with College officials with a legitimate educational interest in the information. To the extent reasonably appropriate, the college will provide special services and/or accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability in accordance with Section 504 the Rehabilitation Act. Hill College has designated the Executive Director of Human Resources & Institutional Development as the Section 504 Coordinator. Students should contact the Academic Advising and Success Center to request an accommodation. The College District prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College District policy and is prohibited. Also, Hill College complies with state regulations that allow no illegal drugs on campus. Students caught with such a drug may be suspended and/or expelled from college for a specified period of time. For information about Hill College, write or telephone the following: Hill College 112 Lamar Drive Hillsboro, TX 76645 (254) 659-7500 or visit Hill College on the World Wide Web at www.hillcollege.edu BULLETIN 1 of HILL COLLEGE GENERAL CATALOG for 2014-2016 Hill College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Hill College. Approved by Texas Association of Community Colleges The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Member of American Association of Community Colleges The Association of Texas Colleges and Universities The Texas Association of Music Schools National Junior College Athletic Association Texas Association of School Boards Association of Community College Trustees Texas Community College Association Texas Community College Teachers Association This catalog contains policies, regulations and procedures which were in existence as the publication went to press. The college reserves the right to make changes at any time to reflect current board policies and administrative regulations and procedures. Please refer to the Hill College website at www.hillcollege.edu and/or contact individual departments for changes and updates. This bulletin is for informational purposes and does not constitute a contract. 2 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Students: Thank you for your interest in Hill College. On behalf of our faculty and staff, I look forward to helping you prepare for an exciting and rewarding future as you reach your educational goals. Whether you are interested in acquiring skills in preparation for work, interested in preparing to transfer to a senior institution, or simply fulfilling a personal interest, Hill College has something for you. There are many opportunities awaiting you at Hill College. Hill College has a rich history of providing excellence in teaching and student success. We have dedicated and innovative faculty, as well as knowledgeable and caring staff whose focus is to enrich the lives of the students we serve. We have nationally ranked athletic teams, a show stopping music and fine arts department, high tech academic and workforce training educational programs, a first-class History Museum, and a family-type atmosphere where students come first. We provide excellent teaching and learning experiences, high quality courses and learning environments, innovation and flexibility in the delivery of courses and services, advanced technology, academic and student support services to maximize student success, access to local, state and federal aid and scholarships, and access to and support for lifelong learning. Graduating from college is a predictor of future success. When you consider the economic benefits in acquiring an education in addition to the personal, intellectual enrichment that an education imparts, I think that you will agree that Hill College provides an affordable quality education and is the best choice you can make. We stand ready to share your educational journey with you and equip you with the skills you need to be successful. Best wishes for a successful educational experience at Hill College! Pam Boehm, Ed.D. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I GENERAL INFORMATION II ADMISSIONS III FEES AND FINANCIAL AID IV STUDENT INFORMATION V ACADEMIC INFORMATION VI GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS VII DEGREE PLANS AND PROGRAMS OF STUDY VIII COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IX ORGANIZATION 4 Chapter One-GENERALI INFORMATIONGENERAL INFORMATION Visit the Hill College website at www.hillcollege.edu and/or contact individual departments for changes and updates. 5 PHILOSOPHY OF HILL COLLEGE The Board of Regents, administrators, and faculty at Hill College are committed to the concept that our college be an open door to learning. With this goal in mind, we extend an educational opportunity to students of all ages who can profit from instruction. Every effort is made to provide equal access to the educational opportunities offered at Hill College without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability . In keeping with this philosophy, Hill College recognizes and accepts the responsibility for providing curricula for university-bound students, for students seeking career opportunities in a variety of occupations, and for persons of the community seeking cultural enrichment, short-term skill training, or personal improvement opportunities. The college will seek to achieve these goals within the limits of its legal responsibilities and available fiscal resources. MISSION STATEMENT Hill College provides high quality comprehensive educational programs and services. The college enhances the educational, cultural, and economic development of its service area and assists both individuals and the community to prepare for a more productive life. PURPOSES OF HILL COLLEGE The purposes of Hill College are defined in the Texas Education Code, Section 130.003, and shall be to provide: 1. technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or certificates; 2. occupational programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations; 3. freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences; 4. continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading; 5. compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students; 6. a continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals; 7. workforce development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs; 8. adult literacy programs and other basic skills programs; and 9. such other purposes as may be prescribed by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System, or local governing boards, in the best interest of post-secondary education. Hill College exists to serve these purposes as they relate first to the local service areas, then to the State of Texas, and finally, to the nation. It has accepted the challenge of providing the resources, curricula, instructional support, and personnel required to best serve the many educational needs of its students and adult clients. HISTORY OF HILL COLLEGE The authorization to establish Hill College was issued in 1921 by the Attorney General of the state of Texas under the name of Hillsboro Junior College. The college first enrolled students in September of 1923. At that time there were only two public junior colleges in 6 the state, and Hillsboro Junior College became the first municipal junior college to be chartered in Texas. Hillsboro Junior College operated continuously until July of 1950 when it closed after an attempt to establish a county-wide college system failed. The college lay dormant for eleven years during which time the charter was protected from forfeiture through the efforts of the late Senator Crawford Martin of Hillsboro. On March 3, 1962, through the efforts of the media, local civic groups, and many others, a bond issue was passed for the purpose of building a new campus. The college opened for business in September of 1962 under a new name, Hill Junior College. The new college district was expanded by the voluntary annexation of five Hill County school districts other than