Student Resources and Support, Winter 2023

HawkStrong Fund from HFC

The HFC Foundation has provided the HawkStrong Fund to assist students who have emergency funding needs due to coronavirus-related issues. Information and eligibility criteria are here.

Other funding sources may also be available. Among them:

Perkins Grants:

If you are having trouble covering the cost of household bills (gas, internet, etc.), Perkins Grants may be available to help you.
To initially qualify, you must:

• Be a current student
• Have a Pell Grant
• Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Be in a state-approved Perkins-eligible academic program (these are too numerous to list, but they do not include Liberal Arts or General Studies)

Requests for Perkins Grants should be sent to: Student Outreach and Support: bjhildreth@hfcc.edu

Other funding sources

As we learn more about funding available to students through the federal CARES Act or other sources, we will notify you.

If you have other questions about emergency funding, please reach out to Vice President Reginald Best, arbest1@hfcc.edu

Summary:

There are various options available to assist students who do not have sufficient computer or internet access at home for online coursework.

Details:

For students who will be taking online classes, we strongly recommend that you use a computer or tablet for your coursework, rather than relying on your smart phone. You will find the online interface friendlier and more appealing if you use a larger screen and a keyboard.

Some of the options available to you:

1. Free internet and related services are available from commercial providers for some households. Comcast and Charter Communications have announced that they are providing free wifi internet access and related services to specific audiences. A list of additional free or low-cost options is here. (Note: These are commercial services and are not affiliated, funded, or supported by HFC. If you choose these options, you will need to reach out to them to access these services on your own.)


2. Resource sharing may be an option. You might wish to reach out to classmates, friends, or relatives who could share laptops, tablets, or other computer resources with you for the next two months. If you choose this option, please follow the CDC guidelines for safety (e.g. cleaning the surfaces, hand washing, and social distance practices).


3. HFC has a computer loan program for Chromebooks. If you do not have a computer and none of the above options work for you, please email Director of Academic Affairs Cristina Bailey.

We are here to help you. Contact our Help Desk or Instructional Technology office (information and hours at the top of this website) if you need individual support in getting connected and using the online course interface. You may also contact the Learning Lab for one-on-one online assistance.

Please review the information on this website thoroughly for the best success in and outside of classes.

Check your Hawkmail regularly. Your instructors and the College will need to share important information with you, and this is the fastest and most secure method to make sure we reach all students.

If you have specific questions that have not been answered on this website:

Academics:
Please reach out to your instructor first. If they are unable to help, please contact your School dean's office.

Student Support Services:
Please review the "Student Support Services" section near the top of this page. Feel free to contact our Call Center (contact information at the top of this page) for additional questions.

Personal Support:
This is a stressful time for many. Our Counseling Office is here to provide support if you need someone to talk to. They can also refer you to outside resources as needed.

The Hawks' Nest is open by appointment. If you need food assistance, please call 313-317-1756 or email mlearl1@hfcc.edu.

SAFE@HFC supports a welcoming and safe campus experience for LGBTQ+ students and other community members. We are here for you. If you need support, contact Beth Preston, empreston@hfcc.edu or 313-317-1530.

If you have needs not addressed here, please contact our Call Center for help. Information is at the top of this page.

For students that are not eligible to place by GPA or SAT/ACT scores, we do offer placement testing (assessment) by appointment.

You may email assessment@hfcc.edu to schedule testing. Please remember to follow all required screening and safety measures to be on campus, which may include screening forms and face coverings, etc. For more information and current HFC campus policies, visit the HFC coronavirus safety information page.

Virtual testing is suspended.

In person testing in the Welcome Center

• Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm (you may take until 4:30 to finish your test)
• When you arrive at the Welcome Center you will check-in at the front desk
• Please remember to bring a valid photo ID with you to your appointment

For additional testing information please visit course placement.

Online learning is different from face-to-face learning. To make it a rewarding and productive experience, review the tips below. HFC also offers a variety of support services, listed elsewhere on this webpage, to assist you in reaching your academic and personal goals. We are here for you!

How to use the HFC online class format

Login to your online class at my.hfcc.edu, and select HFC Online Classes (Moodle) at the top. We also offer a variety of other help through the link below.

How to use Moodle and other HFC resources

Tutorial documents with screen shots:
How do I get to my online classes? (PDF)
How do I get to my online classes? (Word)

Good habits for remote learning

• Designate a regular study space
• Practice good time management
• Stay organized and up to date
• Eliminate distractions during study time
• Actively participate in your online classes
• Hold yourself accountable
• Maintain good sleep habits
• Ask for help when you need it

Our student support services remain in place for you. Direct your questions to your instructor, academic advisors, or another of the HFC resources on this webpage.

Still need more help?

Reach out to our Instructional Technology team or Help Desk. Contact information and hours are at the top of this page.