Student Services

• Philosophy and Objectives of Student Services Work
• Advisement Services 
• Counseling Services 
• Student Accessibility Center 
• Student Finance
• Updating Addresses and Personal Information 
• Financial Aid
• Work Study Program
• Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies
• Veterans Services
• Complaint Procedures for Students- Instruction Related
• Complaint Procedures for Students- Non Instructional Related
• Health and Insurance Services
• Recognition and Awards for Excellence
• Online Services
• Student Housing and Residence Life Information
• Single Stop
• Intercollegiate Athletics 
• International Student Services 
• Orientation: Programs, and Credit Course
• Workforce Support And Adult Education Services

Philosophy and Objectives of Student Services Work

The nature of American higher education places great emphasis upon developing the student as an educated “whole” person rather than upon promoting intellectual training alone. Such an emphasis has created a conscious extension of the learning environment beyond the classroom, and the student personnel professionals bear the primary responsibility for facilitating the education which takes place in that setting.
In promoting the Hinds Community College Missions and Goals, Student Services endeavors to establish rapport among all students and student groups, making each individual feel that he or she is an integral member of the College community and of society. Accordingly, the various departments of Student Services strive to provide a means for complementing and supporting the academic, career, technical and continuing education programs. Workable strategies, techniques, and methods are developed on a continuing basis to enhance and promote excellence in both inter-community/junior college and inter-community college relations. Through Student Services, education is viewed as an individualized, success-oriented system which is constantly being refined to meet both student and societal needs. To implement successfully this vitally important system, Student Services personnel strive to fulfill the Mission Statement and Goals of the College as:
EDUCATORS who operate in the challenging and relatively unstructured out-of-classroom setting. Student Services professionals use activities, organizations, special developmental programs and interpretation of institutional and societal rules as tools in the total educational process.
PROVIDERS AND MANAGERS OF STUDENT SERVICES designed to facilitate the student’s overall educational experience and to provide the type of special facilities for academic, career and technical support activities which create an active and productive learning environment.
FACILITATORS OF THE MATRICULATION PROCESS who offer individual growth-oriented assistance to help students successfully progress through a multi-dimensional college experience.
The goals of Hinds Community College Student Services are consistent with Hinds Community College Mission Statement and Goals as cited in the Catalog. The goals of the Student Services Program include:

1. Develop and initiate practical guidelines through which students may achieve life goals that are socially desirable and individually satisfying to their lives.
2. Help students to plan their lives so that their goals can be attained.
3. Assist students to improve their abilities to live with others so that they may effectively promote their own development and their own worthy purposes.
4. Help students experience the satisfactions that come from association with different kinds of people.
5. Prepare students to be partners with those who seek to provide a better society in which to make a living.
6. Provide students with leadership opportunities which enable them to adjust creatively in their own development of life’s goals, to recognize their limitations, their strengths, and to build upon their own peculiar powers and interests while becoming enriched and resourceful persons.

Advisement Services

Academic Services

The Advisement Office is dedicated to a holistic student learning and development approach. Our primary advisement objective is to engage students at their current level, considering their personal, emotional, cultural, and financial backgrounds. Through holistic advising, we collaboratively create actionable plans tailored to each student’s unique circumstances. We aim to empower students on their path to college success and to communicate openly and effectively while assessing their academic and career goals.

Academic and Career Technical Advisement
Our advisors support students in navigating their academic journey, ensuring alignment with both Hinds Community College and prospective senior college requirements. We help students select the right programs of study, explore potential career paths, and make informed choices regarding their courses to align with their educational and occupational aspirations. Additionally, our advisors extend their support through outreach activities, including workshops, presentations, and seminars, engaging with diverse student groups.

Counseling Services

1. What is mental health and why is it important? Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Our mental health is important at every stage of life.
2. Hinds Community College understands the importance of taking care of your mental health. At times life is difficult, and people experience problems they cannot and should not handle alone. There is no shame in reaching out for professional help to get through these tough times. At Hinds, you are NOT alone! You have the unique opportunity to receive help through one of two platforms.
3. What types of mental health services are provided at Hinds? Hinds CC offers free and confidential counseling face to face or telehealth to all currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. We also partner with Pathways Counseling, PLLC located in Flowood, MS so we can offer an outside resource for services when needed. Each mental health opportunity offers counseling services to students and employees for a limited time.
4. 3. How can I receive these services? Services are offered on each campus with a trained counselor within a safe office space. Call 601-857-3219 during regular business hours (8:00 am-4:30pm). You can also go to www.hindscc.edu/student-services/mental-health-services and scroll down to the bottom to complete the inquiry. Someone will respond to you as soon as possible.
5. You can also contact Pathways, LLC directly if you prefer to receive services from a community provider at no cost. Pathways can be reached by phone at 601-502-7984 or email at path2anewyou@gmail.com. Pathways Counseling Center is located at 660 Lakeland East Drive, Suite 200, Flowood, MS 39232.
6. 4. What should I expect during my first therapy session? You will meet with a compassionate, respectful, and supportive counselor that can assess to determine the most appropriate level of care necessary for effective and efficient assistance. Each session is approximately 45 minutes. During the 1st session, we complete an initial assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care necessary for effective and efficient assistance. You will complete intake forms and discuss the process of counseling as well as your specific needs.

Student Accessibility Center

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies:

EEOC Compliance: Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3396 or Email: EEOC@Hindscc.edu

Title IX: Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator P.O. Box 1100,Raymond, MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu.

Hinds Community College seeks to comply with the letter, intent and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Section 504 and ADA require institutions not to discriminate against students with disabilities and to make all offerings and programs of the college accessible.
Hinds Community College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities through Student Accessibility Center (SAC). SAC verifies eligibility for accommodations and works with eligible students who have self-identified and provided current documentation.
Students should schedule an appointment with the designated SAC staff member on their respective campus to establish a plan for reasonable accommodations and services.

Individuals with a hearing impairment may Videophone (VP) 601-526-4918 or email dss@hindscc.edu

 Student Finance 

For security and identity protection reasons, the Student Finance Office staff will communication with student using our official institutional email address rather than a personal email or via Navigator. This measure is in place to safeguard against identity fraud and ensure that all communications remain secure and verifiable.
Financial Obligation:
Upon registration, all costs are considered the responsibility of the student, regardless of expected method of payment. Your financial obligations to Hinds Community College must be paid in full before official transcripts or diplomas may be released. All communications regarding a student’s account, including finances, refunds, etc., will be sent to the student’s college issued email address.
When is payment due?
All charges are due in full prior to the first day of the term, unless satisfactory payment arrangements have been made in advance.

• Fall semester charges are due on August 1st
• Spring semester charges are due on December 1st
• Summer semester charges are due on May 15th

What are considered satisfactory payment arrangements?

1. Financial Aid is considered guaranteed payment after all required documents are processed and eligibility has been confirmed. Any financial aid not posted to your students account by day 14 of your first course will not be considered as confirmed payment.
2. Payment plans are available in Navigator by clicking the Account Summary button then choosing Payment Plan in the Helpful Links section. Any questions concerning your balance should be directed to Student Accounts at finaid@hindscc.edu or by calling 601-857-3223.
3. If you will be using outside funding (military tuition assistance, employer payments, etc.), you must complete the Certification Request in Navigator as well as submit proof of eligibility for consideration as guaranteed payment.

What if I have financial aid?

• Financial aid is an estimated source of payment. Your offer letter is generally always based on full time attendance and living arrangements as noted on your FAFSA. Changes in those items as well as a few others will change your financial aid offer.
• Due to the many regulations surrounding federal aid, including but not limited to your program of study, hours enrolled and prior years of aid received, the full amount of your financial aid may not be confirmed until you attend your first class. Any aid not paid on your account prior to the 20th day of your first course may not be considered as part of your payment arrangement.

What if my employer has a tuition reimbursement plan?
Any tuition reimbursement plan that has an attendance or performance requirement may not be consider as part of satisfactory payment arrangement. The Student Finance team will process all of the necessary paperwork for you and/or your employer. However, other payment arrangements will be required before the first day of class. Any reimbursement made later will be refunded to the student.
What happens if satisfactory arrangements are not made?

1. Holds will be placed on all past due accounts on day 15 of your first course of the term. These Holds will prevent future registration, as well as access to transcripts, etc. Student with account Holds are also at risk of being withdrawn from all courses due to non-payment.
2. Any account that remains unpaid at the end of the semester is at risk of being sent to a collection agency, incurring additional fees up to 30% of the balance owed to Hinds Community College and impacting future credit.
3. If the student is past due, they may be denied continuation of their classes and any future enrollment.

INSTITUTIONAL CHARGES WILL BE REFUNDED AS FOLLOWS:
Tuition and Fees:
100% refund if courses are dropped before the end of the add/drop period of the student first course start date.
0% after drop/add period
Note: Students suspended for student conduct reasons are not eligible for tuition or fees refunds.
 

HOUSING AND MEALS:
1. Room Refunds:
100% Refund: If the room assignment is canceled before the first day of check-in.
75% Refund: If the cancellation occurs before the sixth day of the move-in start date.
50% Refund: If the cancellation occurs before the tenth day of the move-in start date.
0% Refund: If the cancellation occurs after the tenth day of the move-in start date.
2. Meal Refunds:
Full Weeks Remaining: If a student withdraws from the residence hall during the semester, they will be refunded for all full weeks remaining on their meal plan.
Meal Plan Period: The meal plan period runs from Friday through Thursday each week.

Updating Addresses and Personal Information

Students and former students of Hinds Community College can update their addresses and personal information with the College at any time. Those who have access to the student portal can log in to their My.Hinds account user profile using their My.Hinds login and update their information in Navigator. Those who do not have access to the My.Hinds portal can obtain the Personal Information Update form in the Office of Admissions at any Hinds location. This form must be completed fully and returned to the Office of Admissions. Forms may be returned in any of the following ways:

• Mailed to: PO Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154
• Emailed to: records@hindscc.edu
• Brought in person to any Admissions location at any Hinds Community College location

Financial Aid

For security and identity protection reasons, the Student Finance Office staff will communication with student using our official institutional email address rather than a personal email or via Navigator. This measure is in place to safeguard against identity fraud and ensure that all communications remain secure and verifiable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Financial aid is provided to students who have met admission requirements of the college and seeking a degree or certificate from Hinds Community College.
• Eligibility for Federal student aid, including student loans, will be determined by the results of the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• In order to receive financial aid from any Federal Student Aid Program, Mississippi State Aid Program, or Hinds Community College Scholarship, the student must make satisfactory progress in his/her program of study according to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) detailed below.
• Additionally, students in default on a federal student loan or owes a Federal over-payment is not eligible for Federal, State, or Institutional financial aid
• The amount of money available for each award year is limited by the Cost of Attendance regulations detailed below.
• Students without a high school diploma (i.e. occupational diploma) or equivalent (GED®, HiSet, or TACS®) are welcome to enroll in career/ tech programs once admission requirements are met. Federal financial aid may be available to students who complete the “ability to benefit” requirements for career pathway programs. Students who are still in high school and take dual enrollment/dual credit classes are not eligible for financial aid.

Cost of Attendance
As part of establishing federal student aid eligibility, every institution is required by law to establish average costs associated with attending classes throughout the year, also referred to as the Cost of Attendance (COA). The Cost of Attendance is the maximum amount of financial aid from all resources that a student may receive in an academic year. The COA is not limited to only tuition and books, however. It may include:

• on campus living costs or a market average cost for housing and food;
• an average amount for travel to and from class;
• an average cost for classroom supplies;
• as well as a few incidentals

Federal law governs which expenses may be considered in the Cost of Attendance as well as how the institution may determine these averages.
Two key factors in determining how the average costs are totaled each year to arrive at a student’s annual maximum aid eligibility or Cost of Attendance (COA) are:

1. actual tuition costs and
2. the number of weeks actually enrolled.

Enrollment Verification
Each year, to provide notification of your maximum eligibility from all resources available, it is Hinds Community College’s policy to pre-award every student assuming full-time enrollment and four months of attendance each semester. However, situations can arise that prevent a student attending the full semester or meeting the full-time definition. Therefore, as a matter of federal aid compliance, the Student Finance team must verify enrollment schedules prior to disbursing any aid to a student account. Any schedule not meeting the student aid requirements for full-time will require adjustments to the student’s annual cost of attendance.
IMPORTANT: For financial aid purposes, Full-time enrollment for students is 15 hours of coursework each semester. Therefore, during the first month of each semester, we will begin adjusting financial aid offers to reflect your actual term enrollment schedule.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: If you are currently registered for less than 15 hours or drop to less than 15 hours prior to disbursement of your financial aid, your financial aid offer MAY CHANGE.
ALSO NOTE:

1. Should a student drop to less than 12 hours after the disbursement of federal aid, they will very likely owe monies back to the federal government and such debt must be resolved prior to receiving aid for any future semesters.

Student Loan Acceptance
Hinds Community College follows an active confirmation process for all student loans. This means that the College will NOT accept student loans on behalf of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Review their loan eligibility on Navigator.
2. Accept or decline the offered loan amount.

Required Steps Before Loan Disbursement
Before loan funds can be disbursed, students must complete the following:

• Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)
• Direct Loan Entrance Counseling
• PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (if applicable)
• PLUS Loan Counseling (if applicable)

Failure to complete these steps will result in a delay in loan disbursement.
Students are encouraged to check their Navigator account and complete all required actions promptly.
Student Loan Disbursement

• Federal regulations require that student loans be disbursed equally throughout a student’s attendance pattern, with disbursements made each semester. The specific disbursement dates are determined based on the program or semester in which the student is enrolled.
• Most students are assigned a Fall/Spring attendance pattern, meaning their loan amount is split evenly between the Fall and Spring semesters and disbursed accordingly.
• Students will receive a notification when the College requests student loan funds on their behalf. However, this notification does not confirm that the funds have been received. Once the disbursement is made to the student’s account, any eligible refunds from federal aid funds will be available 14 days after the disbursement date.

Students should regularly check their student account and Navigator for updates on disbursements and required action items.
Disbursements and Refunds
Disbursements begin approximately 30 days after the start of each semester to allow time for class participation verification. The exact disbursement date depends on the completion of all required Action Items in Navigator. Students should ensure they have met all necessary requirements to prevent delays.
Important Notes:

• Institutional scholarships generally require a minimum of 15 registered credit hours for disbursement. Students should verify their enrollment status to confirm eligibility.
• A disbursement to a student account does not necessarily mean a refund will be issued.
• Refunds are processed based on a student’s selected refund preference and are typically issued approximately 14 days after disbursement to the student account.

Students are encouraged to check their student account and Navigator regularly for updates on disbursements and refunds.
Return of Federal Aid Funds (R2T4)
Students who withdraw from all classes in a semester may not be entitled to keep all of their federal financial aid. Federal regulations require institutions to return unearned Title IV aid if a student does not complete the semester.

How This Affects You
If a student withdraws, Hinds Community College may:

• Incur the debt on behalf of the student, requiring the student to repay the College.
• Turn the debt over to the U.S. Department of Education, requiring the student to repay the debt to the Department before becoming eligible for federal student aid at any institution.

To determine whether a Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation is required, Hinds Community College follows the federal withdrawal and repayment guidelines outlined in the R2T4 chart below:

Students considering withdrawal should consult with the Student Finance Office to understand the potential impact on their federal financial aid eligibility and repayment obligations.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) POLICY
Federal Student Aid regulations require institutions of higher education to establish and enforce Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for students receiving financial aid. To comply with these regulations, Hinds Community College has established the following SAP requirements.
Impact on Financial Aid Eligibility
Students who fail to meet SAP requirements may lose eligibility for the following financial aid programs:

• Federal Student Aid Programs
• Mississippi State Aid Programs
• Hinds Community College Scholarships

SAP Evaluation

• SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester to determine continued financial aid eligibility.
• To maintain SAP, students must:
• Pass a minimum percentage of all courses attempted.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as determined by Federal Student Aid guidelines.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in the suspension of federal financial aid.
Students should review their academic progress regularly and seek assistance if needed to stay in compliance with SAP standards.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) GUIDELINES
SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester and is based on three key components:

1. GPA Calculation for Financial Aid

• The Financial Aid GPA includes: 
• F grades (failing grades)
• I grades (incomplete grades)W grades (withdrawals) 
• This may result in a Financial Aid GPA that is lower than the student’s Academic GPA.

2. Completion Rate Requirement

• The completion rate is calculated as: (Total Completed Hours ÷ Total Attempted Hours) × 100
• Withdrawals (“W”) and failing grades (“F”) count as attempted but not completed hours.
• Students must maintain a minimum completion rate to remain eligible for financial aid.

3. Maximum Hours Rule (150% Rule)

• A student must complete their program of study within 150% of the published program length.

Example:

• If a degree program requires 60 credit hours, the maximum allowable attempted hours is: 60 hours × 150% = 90 hours
• Once a student exceeds 150% of their program length, they are no longer eligible for federal financial aid.

ADDITIONAL SAP CONSIDERATIONS
Transfer Hours from Other Colleges

• Transfer credits that apply to the student’s program of study count toward attempted and completed hours (quantitative measure).

Developmental Coursework
Not included in attempted hours for SAP calculations.

• Included in GPA calculations.

Break in Enrollment

• If a student stops attending for one or more semesters, they will return with the same SAP status they had in their last semester at Hinds.

Withdrawals & Incomplete Coursework

• Withdrawals (“W”) and incompletes (“I”) are treated as an “F” for SAP calculations, affecting both:
• Attempted hours
• GPA

Repeat Courses

• A student may repeat a course for grade improvement.
• All repeated courses count toward SAP calculations, even if a grade replacement is applied to the academic GPA.
• Courses attempted before an academic restart are still included in SAP calculations.

Change in Program of Study

• Students who change their program of study can request an Evaluation of Credits to have their SAP status re-evaluated.
• Students may change their program a maximum of two times for financial aid purposes within a five-year period.

Notification of SAP Status

• SAP is evaluated and processed at the end of each semester.
• SAP status is posted in the Navigator Student Portal.
• Students receive SAP status emails at all email addresses on file.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Status
At the end of each semester, a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status will fall into one of the following four categories:

1. Passed – Eligible for Financial Aid

• Assigned to students who are meeting all SAP requirements.
• No restrictions on financial aid eligibility.

2. Warning – Eligible for Financial Aid

• Assigned to students who fail to meet SAP standards at the end of the semester.
• Students on Financial Aid Warning are still eligible for aid for one additional semester.
• A financial aid warning letter will be emailed to the student, advising that failure to meet SAP standards in the next term will result in Financial Aid Suspension.
• The Office of Student Success is notified of all students in Warning status to provide support.

3. Failed – Not Eligible for Financial Aid (Financial Aid Suspension)

• Assigned to students who fail to meet SAP requirements after a semester on Financial Aid Warning.
• The student’s appeal was not granted, or the student did not submit an appeal.
• The student will remain on Financial Aid Suspension until they:
• Meet all SAP standards on their own, or
• Successfully appeal and are placed on Probation.

4. Probation – Eligible for Financial Aid

• Assigned to students who successfully appeal their SAP status.
• The student remains on Financial Aid Probation and is eligible for financial aid under an approved academic plan.
• Progress is reviewed at the end of the next payment period to determine continued eligibility based on the following:
• If the student is meeting SAP requirements, or
• If the student is adhering to their academic plan.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Process
Students who fail to meet SAP standards may petition for reconsideration of their federal student aid eligibility through the SAP Appeal Process.
Eligibility to Appeal

• In accordance with Federal Student Aid regulations, students must be able to achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA by the end of their sophomore year to be eligible to appeal.
• A student with a Failed SAP status may submit an appeal under specific circumstances.

Steps to Submit an SAP Appeal
A student must submit the following:

1. SAP Appeal Form

• Available through the Office of Student Finance or Navigator Student Portal.

2. Written Statement (included on the appeal form)

• A detailed explanation of any extenuating circumstances that contributed to the failure to meet SAP, such as:
• Death of a relative
• Injury or illness
• Other special circumstances
• Supporting documentation (e.g., medical records, death certificates, letters from counselors, etc.) is encouraged.

3. Comprehensive Academic Plan

A detailed plan outlining:

• How and when the student will meet SAP standards.
• Steps to improve GPA and completion rate.
• A realistic timeline for academic recovery.

Review Process

• The Student Finance Counselor will review the submitted appeal for eligibility before forwarding it to the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee.
• If approved, the student’s financial aid will be reinstated under the conditions outlined in the academic plan.
• The student must meet specific requirements as determined by the committee.

Notification of Appeal Decision

• Students will receive an official notification regarding the committee’s decision.
• If the appeal is granted, the notice will detail:

Any specific conditions that must be met.

• Failure to comply with these conditions will result in immediate suspension of financial aid.
• Financial aid already disbursed based on the appeal decision may have to be returned if conditions are not met.

Important Notes

• A successful appeal to the Registrar’s Office regarding academic suspension or dismissal does not guarantee a successful Financial Aid SAP Appeal.
• Students must submit a separate appeal to the Student Finance Office for SAP reconsideration.

For further assistance, students should contact the Student Finance Office

Work Study Program

The Work Study Program provides students with the opportunity to offset a portion of their educational costs by working on campus or in the community. Unlike grants or scholarships, Work Study is a job, and earnings are based on actual hours worked. Payments are made directly to the student, unless the student authorizes their earnings to be applied to their student account.
Types of Work Study Opportunities

1. Institutional Work Study

• Funded by the college for specialized positions such as:
• Subject tutors
• Intramural sports administration and assistance

2. Federal Work Study (FWS)

• The largest pool of Work Study positions.
• Eligibility is based on financial need and the availability of federal funds.
• Work Study students typically work 12-19 hours per week.
• On-campus positions pay $10.00 per hour.
• Summer positions may be available for qualified applicants.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Work Study Program, students must:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year.
• Complete all required financial aid documents through Student Financial Services.
• Be offered a Work Study award in their financial aid package.

The award amount indicates the maximum allowable earnings for the year, but actual pay is based on hours worked.

• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Submit a Work Study Application through Navigator.
• Complete all required Human Resources (HR) documents, including:

1. I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification)
2. W-4 Form (Federal Tax Withholding)
3. State Withholding Form
4. Payment Authorization Form
5. IT Agreement (if applicable)

Students interested in the Work Study Program should check Navigator and contact the Student Finance Office for more details on available positions and application deadlines.

Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies

The following policies have been established for administering all Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships. Specific scholarships may have additional requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Have a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (GED®, HiSET or TASC)
2. Submit all admission documents to Hinds Community College
3. Be currently admitted to Hinds Community College
4. Must not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status

Requirements for students to receive Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships

1. Satisfy the requirements for the specific Hinds Community College scholarship.
2. Students must enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours, or—if enrolled in a career or technical program—the maximum number of credit hours required for that semester. Presence must be officially recorded after the drop/add period. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the forfeiture of scholarship funds for the current and future semesters.

Requirements for students to retain Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships

1. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is receiving the scholarship.
2. Must maintain the cumulative grade point average required by the individual department awarding the scholarship. A cumulative GPA includes all credit hours attempted at Hinds Community College, including credit hours while dual enrolled.
3. Any student who does not complete all of the requirements to retain their award will forfeit his/her scholarship for future semesters unless an appeal is filed with and approved by the appropriate person (See list below). In these instances, students will not be required to pay back any tuition portion of their scholarship and no refunds will be issued to these students.
4. Scholarships can be awarded for no more than four semesters unless prior approval is granted. However, the amount as well as, the number of semesters a scholarship may be awarded, may be awarded may vary and is determined by each department.
5. Students receiving scholarships must attend Hinds CC in consecutive fall/spring semesters. (Exceptions to this requirement: Students participating in the Cooperative Job Program must get special permission from the Scholarship Committee to continue their scholarship when they are working alternate semesters.)

Awarding of Hinds Community College and Foundation scholarships

• Scholarship awards will be applied to the student’s account, providing all admission requirements have been met and the student does not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status.
• The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible student’s account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.
• If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remain- ing amount will be refunded to the students’ account according to the disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office, providing the student maintains their enrollment during the semester in which the scholarship is awarded. Students should review their account in Navigator, periodically, to view their charges and awards.

General Information

• The amount, as well as the number of semesters a scholarship may be awarded, may vary and is determined by each department.
• Scholarship awards will not exceed the allowable cost of attendance determined by the College. The Financial Aid Office has the authority to reduce the amount of a scholarship, if necessary, to follow federal awarding guidelines.
• Failure to meet all policies will result in the forfeiture of the scholarship. There is no probationary semester.
• Students suspended/expelled from the College because of a student conduct action will forfeit their scholarship and eligibility for future scholarships.
• Students will be assessed additional fees for enrolling in 22 or more hours in a semester. Scholarship calculations that are based on tuition will not cover additional required fees.
• No institutional scholarship funds may be awarded for scholarships in the summer. (Exception to this requirement is the High School Equivalency Diploma First Class Free Award.) Any exception must be approved by the President of the College.

Appeal Process:
Any student who does not meet all stated criteria to receive and retain a scholarship will forfeit the award. A student may appeal the forfeiture of a scholarship based on the following:

• Cumulative grade point average
• Hours enrolled in and hours completed
• Satisfactory Academic Progress

If a student wishes to appeal the loss of a scholarship, they should follow this process:
The student may submit a written letter of appeal to the appropriate department or committee (see list below) only within 30 days of the end of the semester in which the scholarship was forfeited. There is no probationary period for the loss of a scholarship and no scholarships are reinstated by a new GPA achieved at a later date.
The letter of appeal must be written and submitted by the student and should include all information related to the loss of the scholarship, a plan for successful degree completion, and additional supporting documentation that the student deems necessary.
If an appeal is denied by the awarding department, the student may submit a second appeal to the Scholarship Committee, appointed by the College president. However, Foundation Scholarship appeal decisions made by the Foundation Scholarship Committee are final and may not be submitted to the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship Departments and individuals responsible for specific scholarships and for the appeals of each scholarship:

• *ACT Scholarships - Scholarship Committee Chairperson - Fountain Hall, Raymond
• Art - Art Department Chairperson – Katherine Denton Hall, Raymond
• Athletics and Cheerleading - Athletic Director - Mayo Field House, Raymond
• Band - Band Director - Vashti Underwood Muse Band Hall, Raymond
• *Career/Technical - Scholarship Committee Chairperson - Fountain Hall, Raymond
• Choir - Choir Director - Reeves Hall, Raymond or Bobby G. Cooper Fine Arts Building, Utica
• *Foundation - Foundation Scholarship Committee Chairperson - Fountain Hall, Raymond
• * High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship - Scholarship Committee Chairperson - Fountain Hall, Raymond
• Hi-Steppers - Hi-Stepper Director - Bee Hall, Raymond
• Honors - Honors Institute Dean - Jenkins Hall, Raymond
• Music/Music Industry - Music Department Chair - Reeves Hall, Raymond
• Utica Minority Scholarship - Dean of Students - Walter Washington Hall, Utica
• Utica Cheer/Dance Scholarship - Cheer/Dance Sponsor, George Barnes Technology Building Utica
• *Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship- Scholarship Committee Chairperson - Fountain Hall, Raymond

* See additional information in the specific scholarship sections.
For information on scholarships not listed above, students should contact the Financial Aid Office at 601-857-3223.

Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships
The Hinds Community College Foundation makes over 500 scholarship awards each year. Foundation Scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only. Foundation Scholarship recipients are selected on a competitive basis and are considered for selection based on classroom excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, financial need, desire for achievement, and letters of recommendation. Criteria vary per Foundation scholarship.
Unless otherwise indicated, scholarships are awarded to full-time students who enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours, or if enrolled in a career technical program, the student must be enrolled and marked present in the maximum credit hours required for current semester by the end of the drop/add period for the semester in which they are enrolled. The minimum grade point average varies per Foundation Scholarship, but no scholarship is awarded with less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Students wishing to be considered for scholarships on the basis of financial need should have the results of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sent to Hinds CC prior to the February 15 Foundation Scholarship deadline.

Students should not apply for a particular Foundation scholarship. Completed Foundation Scholarship applications that are submitted by the deadline will be considered for any Foundation Scholarships that are applicable to that particular student. The deadline to apply and submit all requirements is February 15. Awards are generally made in April or May. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Foundation Scholarship Committee, which is appointed annually by the President of the College. Students selected for a Foundation Scholarship will receive notification of the award via email or text from Scholarship Universe.

Foundation Scholarship Application Requirements

In order to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship, the following items must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services on the Raymond Campus no later than February 15:

1. Application for admission to Hinds Community College.
2. Application for a Foundation Scholarship submitted through Scholarship Universe.
3. The applicant will need the following items to complete the application process, and all can be uploaded through the Scholarship Universe portal:
   1. Email addresses of two individuals who will provide letters of recommendation on the applicant’s behalf.
   2. A typed resume, which includes a list of achievements, honors, extracurricular activities, etc.
   3. A copy of high school transcript or equivalency diploma transcript or college transcripts, if applicable transcripts submitted for Foundation Scholarship purposes may be unofficial and will not be used for admission purposes. Transcripts should include a current cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.
   4. ACT scores (or High School Equivalency Diploma scores, if applicable).

How to Submit Scholarship Requirements

The Application for Admission and Application for Foundation Scholarship must be submitted online. All other Foundation scholarship requirements must also be submitted online in the Scholarship Universe portal.

Please note: All requirements must be submitted by February 15th for consideration. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for awards.

Requirements for students to receive Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships:*

Upon a Foundation Scholarship offer, the student must submit the following before the scholarship will be awarded:

1. Students must log into the Scholarship Universe portal, accept the scholarship award, and write a thank-you letter to the scholarship sponsor(s). Any scholarship recipient who fails to accept his/her Foundation Scholarship and submit a thank you letter by the stated deadline will forfeit the scholarship.
2. Enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours every semester unless otherwise stipulated by specific Foundation Scholarship criteria. Presence must be recorded after the drop/add period for the student to considered enrolled in 15 or more hours. Please note: Scholarship funds for the current semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more hours

Requirements for students to retain Hinds Community College Foundation scholarships

1. Must attend the Scholarship Recognition Program each year they receive a Foundation Scholarship. Failure to attend will result in forfeiting the scholarship for the current semester and future semesters, unless prior approval is granted by the Executive Director of the Foundation.
2. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is receiving the scholarship.
3. Must maintain the required cumulative grade point average required for their particular scholarship. A cumulative GPA includes all credit hours attempted at Hinds Community College, including credit hours while dual enrolled.
4. A student receiving a Foundation Scholarship designated for a certain major or campus location will forfeit that scholarship if he/she changes majors or campus locations.
5. Any student who does not complete all of the requirements to retain their award will forfeit his/her scholarship for future semesters unless an appeal is filed with and approved by the Foundation Scholarship Committee. However, some scholarships are awarded only by semester. There is no probationary period after a scholarship forfeiture, and scholarships are not reinstated if a higher GPA is established in a future semester.

Awarding of Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships

• The award as well as the number of semesters a scholarship will be awarded may vary.
• Scholarship awards will be applied to the student’s account providing all admission requirements have been met and student does not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status.
• The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible students’ account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.
• If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be refunded to the students’ account according to the disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office, providing the student maintains their enrollment during the semester in which the scholarship is awarded. Students should review their Navigator account periodically to view their charges and awards.
• Students are eligible to reapply for a Foundation Scholarship for future semesters.

* Foundation Scholarship recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship policies. For additional information, please call 601-857-3800.

ACT Scholarships

Hinds Community College is proud to offer the following ACT scholarships to eligible first-time freshmen:  

Deadline:
The deadline to qualify for the ACT Scholarship is the first day of classes for the semester in which the student enrolls as a first-time entering freshman. No additional scholarship application is required. Students who meet the criteria below by the deadline will automatically be awarded.
Criteria to be eligible to receive an ACT scholarship:

1. Be admitted to the college as an in-state student
2. Have a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (GED® , HiSET, or TASC)
3. Have an official ACT composite score or super score of 20 or above on file in the Office of Admissions by the deadline. A superscore is the average of a student’s highest sub scores in each of the four subject areas from all of their ACT attempts. It is the student’s responsibility to submit an official ACT composite score of 20 or above or to submit all official ACT scores if they wish to be considered for the scholarship based on a super score.
4. Be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds must be the first college you attend after receiving your high school diploma or equivalency diploma. Please note: Students may not receive both the ACT and the High School Equivalency Diploma scholarship.) Students are still eligible for an ACT scholarship if they:

• Attended summer school prior to enrolling at Hinds CC as a full-time student
• Participated in dual enrollment/dual credit classes before receiving a high school diploma or equivalency diploma

Requirements for students to receive the ACT Scholarship*:

Enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours every semester. Presence must be recorded after the drop/add period for the student to be considered enrolled in 15 or more hours. Please note: Scholarship funds for the current semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more hours after the drop/add period.

Requirements for students to retain the ACT Scholarship:

1. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is receiving the scholarship.
2. Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. A cumulative GPA includes all credit hours attempted at Hinds Community College, including credit hours while dual enrolled.
3. Students who do not meet all of the requirements to retain their ACT Scholarship may appeal a scholarship forfeiture according to the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policy (see Appeals section). Appeals are only considered within 30 days of forfeiture. There is no probationary period for the loss of a scholarship, and no scholarships are reinstated by a new GPA achieved at a later date

Awarding of ACT scholarships:

• The scholarship award amount is based on the official ACT scores on file in the Office of Admissions by the deadline.
• Scholarship award amounts cannot be changed by submitting new or additional scores after the deadline.
• ACT Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive fall/spring semester (ACT scholarships do not cover summer terms)
• Once all criteria (shown above) are met, eligible recipients will be awarded this scholarship automatically.
• The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible students’ account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.
• If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be refunded to the student’s account according to the disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office, providing the student maintains their enrollment during the semester in which the scholarship is awarded. Students should review their Navigator account periodically to view their charges and awards.

ACT Scholarship Summer Award Request:

1. ACT Scholarships are not awarded in summer terms unless an exception is made by the President. If funds are available, exceptions may be made on an individual basis for students who may benefit from taking summer term classes within their program of study.
2. Currently enrolled Hinds students who have already been awarded the ACT scholarship for at least one fall or spring term, who have maintained all scholarship requirements to retain their award, and who have at least one semester remaining of future scholarship eligibility may be allowed to submit a Summer Award Request. Students who are eligible to receive the ACT scholarship as incoming freshmen but have not yet attended Hinds for a full fall or spring term after high school graduation do not qualify to submit a Summer Award Request.
3. Current ACT Scholarship recipients who qualify to apply for a Summer Award Request will be notified via their Hinds email account in the spring semester before summer registration begins.
4. The Summer Award Request Form must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee before the first day of summer term classes. No late applications will be considered.
5. Summer Award Requests will be considered by the committee on an individual basis and will take into consideration factors such as the student’s program of study, the student’s progress toward degree completion, the student’s grade point average, and the student’s other sources of financial aid.
6. Students will be notified in writing of the decision made by the Scholarship Committee.
7. For students who receive approval for a summer award, the award amount will be prorated according to the number of hours in which the student enrolls for the summer term:

• 1-5 credit hours 25% of the student’s ACT Scholarship award amount
• 6-8 credit hours 50% of the student’s ACT Scholarship award amount
• 9-11 credit hours 75% of the student’s ACT Scholarship award amount
• 12+ credit hours 100% of the student’s ACT Scholarship award amount

Students who are approved for the ACT Scholarship Summer Award will not receive more money than they were originally awarded upon initial enrollment as a freshman at Hinds. The dollar amount that is awarded in the summer term will be debited against the student’s future scholarship award amounts.
*ACT Scholarship recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies. For more information call 601-857-3744.

Valedictorian & Salutatorian Scholarship
Hinds Community College is proud to offer a full tuition scholarship to graduating seniors who have been named as Valedictorian or Salutatorian from an accredited high school within the Hinds Community College district.
Criteria to be eligible to receive a Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship

1. Submit the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Scholarship application found in Scholarship Universe by the priority deadline of July 1.
2. Submit an official high school transcript verifying class rank as number one or number two.
3. Be admitted to the college as an in-state student.
4. Be a graduate of an accredited high school within the State of Mississippi. Accredited high schools include Mississippi public schools and private schools accredited through the Mississippi Association of Independent schools and do not include home-school associations.
5. Be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds must be the first college you attend after receiving your high school diploma). However, students are still eligible for a Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship if they:

• Attended summer school prior to enrolling at Hinds CC as a full-time student
• Participated in dual enrollment/dual credit classes before receiving a high school diploma

6. Have a standard high school diploma.

Requirements for students to receive the Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship
Enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours every semester. Presence must be recorded after the drop/add period for the student to be considered enrolled in 15 or more hours. Please note: Scholarship funds for the current semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have presence recorded in 15 or more hours after the drop/add period.
Requirements for students to retain the Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship

1. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is receiving the scholarship.
2. Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. A cumulative GPA includes all credit hours attempted at Hinds Community College, including credit hours while dual enrolled.
3. Students who do meet not all of the requirements to retain their Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship will forfeit the scholarship for future semester. Students may appeal a scholarship forfeiture according to the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policy (see Appeals section). Appeals are only considered within 30 days of forfeiture. There is no probationary period for the loss of a scholarship and no scholarships are reinstated by a new GPA achieved at a later date.

Awarding of the Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship

1. Priority in awarding this scholarship will be given to applicants who submit all requirements by the priority deadline on July 1st.
2. Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive fall/spring semesters (does not cover summer school).
3. The award amount will begin transmitting to the student’s account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.
4. If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be refunded to the student’s account according to the disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office, providing the student maintains their enrollment during the semester in which the scholarship is awarded. Students should review their Navigator account periodically to view their charges and awards.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Scholarships recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies. For more information call 601-857-3744.

Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship
The Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to students who place first in a Skills USA, HOSA, FLBLA, DECA, FFA, or TSA competitive event while in high school and wish to continue their education at Hinds in a career or technical program of study. Recipients of this scholarship will be awarded full-tuition for two consecutive semesters (one fall and one spring semester) and must enroll in an approved career and technical program of study at Hinds Community College.
Criteria to be eligible to receive a Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship:

1. Submit the Application for Career & Technical Scholarship Winner scholarship application in Scholarship Universe by a priority deadline of July 1.
2. Submit evidence of your first place award in an approved career or technical competitive event on the secondary level.
3. Enroll in an approved career or technical program of study at Hinds Community College.
4. Be admitted to the college as an in-state student.
5. Have a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (GED®, HiSET®, TASC™, or Mississippi Competency-Based High School Equivalency).
6. Be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds must be the first college you attend after receiving your high school diploma or equivalency diploma. Students are still eligible for an ACT scholarship if they:

• Attended summer school prior to enrolling at Hinds CC as a full-time student or
• Participated in dual enrollment/dual credit classes before receiving a high school diploma or equivalency diploma

*The priority deadline for submitting the scholarship application and its requirements is July 1. If scholarship funds remain after the deadline, awards will be made until funds are exhausted and up until the first day of the fall semester.

Requirements for students to receive the Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship:

1. Enroll in an approved career or technical program of study at Hinds Community College.
2. Enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours every semester. Presence must be recorded after the drop/add period for the student to be considered enrolled in 15 or more hours. Please note: Scholarship funds for the current semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more hours after the drop/add period.

Requirements for students to retain the Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship:

1. Maintain enrollment in an approved career or technical program of study.
2. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is receiving the scholarship.
3. Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above. A cumulative GPA includes all credit hours attempted at Hinds Community College, including credit hours while dual enrolled.
4. Students who do not meet all of the requirements to retain the Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship will forfeit the scholarship. Students may appeal a scholarship forfeiture according to the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policy (see Appeals section). Appeals are only considered within 30 days of forfeiture. There is no probationary period for the loss of a scholarship, and no scholarships are reinstated by a new GPA achieved at a later date.

Awarding of Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarships:

1. The Career & Technical Competition Winner Scholarship is awarded for two consecutive semesters (one fall and one spring semester) providing the student maintains enrollment in an approved career or technical program of study.
2. Once all criteria (shown above) are met, eligible recipients will be considered for this award and notified in writing if selected as a recipient.
3. The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible students’ account 10 days prior to the first day of classes.
4. If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be refunded to the students’ account according to the disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office, providing the student maintains their enrollment during the semester in which the scholarship is awarded. Students should review their My.Hinds self-service account periodically to view their charges and awards. Students should review their Navigator account periodically to view their charges and awards. For more information, call 601-857-3744.

High School Equivalency Scholarships and First College Class Free Award
There are two scholarship awards for High School Equivalency Diploma Recipients:

1. The High School Equivalency Diploma First College Class Free Award
2. The High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship

High School Equivalency Diploma First Class Free Award:
This one-time award allows a new, first-time college student with a High School Equivalency Diploma, to take one, three credit hour class at any of the six Hinds locations or online, free of charge. To receive the First Class Free award, students must:

1. Be admitted to the college as an in-state student.
2. Be 17 years of age or older.
3. Be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds is the first college you attend after receiving your High School Equivalency Diploma).
4. Submit passing scores for an approved high school equivalency diploma: either the GED®, HiSET, or TASC.
5. Submit an application for the High School Equivalency Diploma First Class Free Award in Scholarship Universe.

Please note: High School Equivalency Diploma First Class Free Award may be made in the Summer, Fall, or Spring terms and is not renewable. Students receiving the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship are not eligible for the First Class Free Award.

The High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship: Qualifying students may receive the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per semester.

Criteria to be eligible to receive a High School Equivalency Diploma scholarship:

1. Must be admitted to the college as an in-state student.
2. Must be 17 years of age or older.
3. Must be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds is the first college you attend after receiving your high school equivalency diploma). Students are still eligible for a High School Equivalency Diploma scholarship if they:

• Attended summer school prior to enrolling at Hinds CC as a full-time student.
• Participated in dual enrollment/dual credit classes before receiving the High School Equivalency Diploma.
• Participated in an Integrated Career Pathways (MI-BEST) program at Hinds CC.

4. Submit a High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship Application in Scholarship Universe.
5. Submit one of the following official High School Equivalency scores:

• If the student took the GED® on or before December 31, 2013, a composite score of 577 or higher
• If the student took the GED® on or after January 1, 2014, a composite score of 640 or higher
• If the student took the HiSET, a composite score or 75 or above
• If the student took the TASC, a composite score of 2800 or above

Please note: Students may not receive both the ACT Scholarship and High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship, and students may not receive both the First Class Free Award and the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship.*

Requirements for students to receive the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship*:

1. Enroll in and be marked present in a minimum of 15 credit hours every semester. Presence must be recorded after the drop/add period for the student to be considered enrolled in 15 or more hours. Please note: Scholarship funds for the current semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more hours after the drop/add period.

Requirements for students to retain the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship:

1. Must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which the student is the scholarship.
2. Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above.
3. Students who do not meet all of the requirements to retain their HSE Diploma Scholarship will forfeit the scholarship for future semesters. Students may appeal a scholastic scholarship forfeiture according to the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policy (see Appeals section). Appeals are only considered within 30 days of forfeiture. There is no probationary period for the loss of a scholarship, and no scholarships are reinstated by a new GPA achieved at a later date.

Awarding of the High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship:

• High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive fall/spring semesters (Does not cover summer terms).
• The High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship will not be awarded after the first day of classes.
• The scholarship award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible students’ account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.
• If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be refunded to the student’s account according to the published disbursement schedule published by the Financial Aid Office. Students should review their Navigator account periodically to view their charges and awards.
• High School Equivalency Diploma Scholarship recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies. For more information call 601-857-3744.

Veterans Services 

The Office of Veterans Services is available to assist all eligible veterans and dependents/spouses wanting to utilize their education benefits. The VA provides coverage for both Associate degrees awarded by Hinds as well as career and technical certificates. Every effort is made to facilitate admission into the student’s choice of training programs.

For additional information call the Office of Veterans Services 601-857-3226 or 1.800.HINDS CC.

ADMISSIONS

Students who plan to receive veterans benefits must satisfy the college’s admission requirements

before enrollment certifications can be sent to the Veterans Services Regional Processing Center in Muskogee, OK. In addition, ALL transcripts from schools previously attended must be furnished in order to comply with the Regulations of the Department of Veterans Services.

REGISTRATION

Students receiving veterans’ benefits must at all times have a defined program of study and be enrolled in courses leading to completion of the designated program at Hinds Community College. Only these courses can be represented on an enrollment certification and calculated towards the student’s Rate of Pursuit. Courses that are not required for graduation in the student’s specified Program of Study at Hinds Community College will be omitted from the enrollment certification.

Each student must file a certification request with the Office of Veteran Services at the beginning of the enrollment period they intend to use benefits. Certification requests may be submitted electronically on the Hinds Community College website, or in certain approved circumstances, students may submit a paper copy. The only paper copies of the certification request that are deemed approved are those received from a School Certifying Official on the Raymond Campus.

In any case where a student is taking courses outside of his/her PUBLISHED program, it is the responsibility of the student to present the required documentation to have that course accredited to their Rate of Pursuit. Any of these documents will be considered acceptable documentation:

• A copy of the approved course substitution form;
• An official letter signed by the Department Head for the specific program, approving the course to replace a required course that has not yet been completed in the student’s Program of Study.
• An official letter signed by an Academic Counselor approving the course towards a student’s graduation in his/her declared Program of Study.

Students who are pursuing more than one degree at a time are pursuing dual majors; they must notify the Office of Veteran Services of their intent to pursue multiple degree programs in writing before the start date of classes. The Office of Veteran Services will then review and notify the student whether or not their pursuit is approved by the VA for benefits. Students who do not notify the Office of Veteran Services of their intent to pursue more than one major will only be allowed to use benefits towards the major that is most beneficial for the current semester.

CREDIT FOR SERVICE TRAINING

Students who served in the Armed Forces are encouraged to have an Official Military transcript sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. Military Transfer Coursework is evaluated and applied based on the same policies that regulate academic transfer credit. Educational work done by veterans while in active service is evaluated and credit given when possible. The recommendation of the American Council on Education in its handbook, Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, is used as a guide for the evaluation of all military credit.

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION

Students receiving veteran’s benefits are expected to maintain the same standards of satisfactory progress as all other students receiving financial aid. See Policy on Satisfactory Academic Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits in this section of the handbook.

Exceptions from the Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded

Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits are as follows:

1. “W”s will not be used in calculating the number of semester hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive veteran’s benefits.
2. Veteran’s benefits recipients may attempt additional hours beyond the 93 semester hours allowed in the policy without completing a degree, as long as they are maintaining satisfactory scholastic progress.

NOTE: Policies stated for veterans comply with regulations 14253, 14277, 14278, Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

CHANGING ENROLLMENT STATUS
Students receiving veteran’s benefits must notify the Office of Veterans Benefits whenever there is a change in their enrollment (i.e. Dropped, withdrawn, canceled added courses.) Students who change their rate of pursuit or class schedule after the start date of classes will be liable for repayment of any resulting overpayments (See policy below concerning overpayments).
Once the student’s class schedule has been certified to the Veterans’ Administration (VA), the Office of Veterans Services will place a restriction on the student’s class schedule. Changes to a class schedule after this certification could impact the benefits that the students will receive. Therefore, students receiving benefits must contact the Office of
Veterans Services prior to making any changes to their class schedule (dropping or adding classes) since these changes must be reported to the VA.
Student Actions That Result in Overpayments

1. Withdrawing from a course or school.
2. Receiving a grade which does not count toward your graduation requirements.
3. Failure to have an incomplete grade changed to a grade which counts toward your graduation requirements.

VA Actions Once an Overpayment is Created

1. Add interest charges and collection fees to your debt.
2. Withhold future benefits and apply them to your debt.
3. Turn your debt over to a private collection agency.
4. File suit in federal court to collect your debt.
5. Withhold approval of your VA home loan guarantee.
6. Collect the debt from your federal income tax refund.

Explanation of Mitigating Circumstances
The law requires that the VA must collect all benefits paid to a beneficiary for a course for which the grade assigned is not used in computing the requirements for graduation including a course from which the beneficiary withdraws, unless there are mitigating circumstances.
This means if you drop a course, unless you can show the Department of Veterans’ Services that there are mitigating circumstances, you must return all the money paid to you for pursuit of that course from the start of the term, not merely from the date you dropped the course.
Examples of acceptable mitigating circumstances are prolonged illness, severe illness or death in your immediate family and unscheduled changes in your employment or work schedule. Examples of unacceptable mitigating circumstances include withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, dislike for instructor, and too many courses attempted.
NOTE: Student is required to submit evidence to support reasons before he/she can be accepted by the VA.
Tuition and Fee Overpayments for Chapter 33 Post 9/11
If a student drop, or is withdrawn from a course before the last day drop/add a course in a term, then the appropriated tuition and fees for that course will be sent by the school to the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.
If a student drops or is withdrawn from a course after the last day to drop/add a course in a term, then it becomes the student’s responsibility to pay the appropriated tuition and fees for that course to the Hinds Community College.
In the event that Tuition and Fee payments are requested from the school by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, the school will bill the student for the amount paid on his/her behalf.

Complaint Procedures For Students- Instruction Related

If a student has a specific complaint about classroom instruction or program procedures/guidelines at the campus he/she is attending, the following steps should be taken. A student has the right to appeal a College decision that he/she believes to have an adverse effect on his/her pursuit of an education or participation in College programs (For sexual misconduct or student conduct issues, follow appropriate College guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook or website for student conduct or in Sexual Misconduct Policy).
Step 1: Meet with the Instructor.
The student should discuss the complaint with the person the grievance is addressing–the person closest to the situation (instructor).
Step 2: Meet with the department chair/director.
The student should ask to meet jointly with the instructor and the Department Chairperson/Program Director if the issue has not been resolved in the initial meeting. If the issue is with an online course, email the Distance Learning Department at distancelearning@hindscc.edu.
Step 3: Submit a written complaint to the appropriate dean.
If not resolved at the first two levels, the student should submit a written complaint including related documentation and remedy sought to the appropriate dean responsible for the department. The dean will confirm that the student has followed the appropriate complaint procedures and sought a resolution. The dean will provide the student with a written decision on the resolution of the complaint within seven (7) business days. If the student wishes to progress to the next step in the process, the student has seven (7) business days to respond.
Step 4: Instructional Appeals Committee.
If the student does not accept the resolution from the dean, he/she may request for a review of the written complaint to be sent to the Instructional Appeals Committee. The Committee Chairperson will respond to the written request within seven (7) working days. The Committee Chairperson will send a written response to the student filing the complaint. Results will be filed with the instructional dean or e-Learning Dean and he/she shall maintain written instructional student complaints initiated for that campus.
For complaints violating State law, including laws related to fraud or false advertising, students may follow the State complaint process from the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation (MCCA) at www.mississippi.edu/mcca/student_complaint_process.asp. The MCCA will not respond to complaints until the student has exhausted all grievance procedures provided by the institution.

Complaint Procedures for Students- Non Instructional Related

If a student has a specific complaint about student services or program procedures/guidelines (i.e. Housing, Counseling, Cafeteria, Admissions, Police, etc.) at the campus he/she is attending, the following steps should be taken. A student has the right to appeal a College decision that he/she believes to have an adverse effect on his/her pursuit of an education or participation in College programs. For sexual harassment or student conduct issues, follow appropriate College guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Step 1: Meet with the person with whom the complaint began.
The student should discuss the complaint with the person the grievance is addressing–the person closest to the situation.
Step 2: Meet with the department director (or leader of the department).
The student should ask to meet jointly with the person with whom the grievance began and the department director (or leader of the department), if the issue has not been resolved in the initial meeting. If the issue is with an online student, email the Distance Learning Department at distancelearning@hindscc.edu.
Step 3: Submit a written complaint to the appropriate dean.
If not resolved at the first two levels, the student will submit a written complaint including related documentation and remedy sought to the appropriate dean responsible for the department. The dean will confirm that the student has followed the appropriate complaint procedures and sought a resolution. The dean will provide the student with a written decision on the resolution of the complaint within seven business days. If the student wishes to progress to the next step in the process, the student has seven (7) business days to respond.
Step 4: Local Student Services Committee.
If the student does not accept the resolution from the dean, he/she may request a hearing before the local Student Services Committee. The Committee Chairperson will respond to the request for a hearing within seven (7) working days (Online students may request a video hearing). Results will be filed with the student services and he/she shall maintain written non-instructional student complaints initiated for that campus.

 Health & Insurance Services 

Health Services are available from private practice physicians in each location where Hinds Community College has a campus or center. A list of physicians may be found on line at www.yellowpages.com by searching on “physician” and “city, state.” The College does not operate a student health service and is not responsible for any medical expenses students may incur. The College police, Hall Director, Director of Housing, Dean of Students, directors (personnel available) will assist a student to gain medical emergency assistance. The student and his/her spouse or parents are responsible for payment of all medical and emergency services provided for the student.

Recognition and Awards for Excellence

Hinds Community College honors outstanding students through several different awards programs each year.
The Student Awards of Distinction ceremony is held in the spring and recognizes student recipients of Who’s Who, Award of Excellence, Outstanding Students in Academic and Career Technical Education, All-Mississippi Academic Team and the SOAR Award.
Each fall and spring the Honors Institute recognizes Honors Program members who complete Honors classes and programming. Students are required to meet a particular grade point average and complete a designated number of classes to be considered an Honors Scholar or Distinguished Honors Scholar. Recognition appears on the student’s College transcript and diploma.
Students who hold a 3.5 cumulative GPA on at least 12 transferable credits earned at Hinds are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Each fall and spring semester the Honors Institute runs reports to identify students eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership. The College’s six (6) chapters run membership campaigns and invite students to join.
Deans’ and President’s List Scholars are sent a letter each fall and spring congratulating them on maintaining an outstanding cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Hinds. The student’s transcript for the semester also notes this honor.
Deans’ List Scholar
A Deans’ List Scholar is a student who has maintained an overall 3.5 quality point average with an accumulation of twelve or more semester hours and has a 2.00 minimum term quality point average for the semester immediately preceding OR who has earned a term quality point average for the semester immediately preceding OR who has earned 3.5-3.99 quality point average on twelve or more semester hours for the semester immediately preceding with a minimum 2.00 overall quality point average.
President’s List Scholar
A President’s List Scholar is a student who has maintained an overall 4.0 quality point average with an accumulation of twelve or more semester hours and has a 2.00 minimum term quality point average for the semester immediately preceding OR who has earned a term quality point average for the semester immediately preceding OR who has earned a 4.0 quality point average on twelve or more semester hours for the semester immediately preceding with a minimum 2.00 overall quality point average.

Online Services

Hinds Email, Office365, OneDrive: These services are free to utilize as long as you are a student at Hinds. Your Hinds email account is the official communication channel from college offices to all students. Office365 gives you access to all Microsoft applications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. OneDrive is a file storage service that allows you to sync and share files. Login instructions and other links are provided at the above link, in the orientation course, and on My.Hinds.
Canvas is a web-based software system which is used to support flexible teaching and learning in face-to-face and distance courses. It provides tools and facilities for online course management, content management and sharing, assessment management, and online collaboration and communication. Canvas can be utilized for online, face-to-face, or hybrid courses at Hinds Community College. Login instructions are provided at the above link, in the Distance Learning Student Guide, Canvas (hindscc.instructure.com) or the Online Services page on the Hinds Community College website.
My.Hinds is Hinds Community College’s web interface that allows the Hinds community and our guests to access specific college information. As a student interested in attending Hinds, you can look at course offerings, check the status of your application, and find other information. For current students, faculty, and staff, My.Hinds is used to check attendance/notice of absence warnings/grades, search for classes, register online, add/drop classes, Financial Aid status/awards, and access other information. Some information may be accessed by anyone, such as searching for classes. Other information requires you to log-in with a User ID and password. Login instructions are provided at the above link, in the Orientation, course and in this Handbook.
Library Resources – Library materials can be found using the Discover@Hinds search box located on the library’s homepage libguides.hindscc.edu/home. Searches can be limited to dates or specific material formats (such as articles, books, ebooks, audiobooks, or evideos) on the left side of the search results. HindsNet login and password are required for off-campus access to full-text materials.

Student Housing and Residence Life Information

DEPARTMENT’S MISSION
To Provide a living learning community that supports the institution’s mission by offering high-quality education through diverse programs and resources for persons with various interests and abilities.
RESIDENCE LIFE STAFF
1. Residence Hall Director (HD)
      Each residence hall has a dedicated, live-in professional Hall Director (HD) responsible for overseeing the building and supporting residents. In addition, a professional staff member is available 24/7 for emergencies. Assistance can be requested through the hall staff or campus police.
2. Resident Assistant (RA)
      The Resident Assistant (RA) is a student staff member who lives on your floor and serves as a valuable resource for any questions or concerns you may have. They help create a supportive and engaging community within your residence hall.
3. Desk Assistant (DA)
      Desk Assistants (DAs) are student staff members who work at the front desks in each hall’s lobby. They are responsible for greeting visitors, checking in guests during visitation hours, making announcements, answering phone calls, and handling general desk duties to support hall operations.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMPUS HOUSING
To be eligible for on-campus housing at Hinds Community College, residents must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement

• Students must be at least seventeen (17) years old on or before their first date of occupancy.
• Exceptions may be granted by the Director of Student Housing and/or Dean of Students on the Raymond or Utica Campus.

2. Enrollment & Academic Standing

• Students must be officially admitted to the College and remain enrolled throughout the housing contract term.
• Students must be enrolled in 15 or more credit hours (3 or more hours per summer term). At least 75% of semester hours must be in a traditional classroom setting (e.g., 3 out of 4 classes must meet in person).

Academic Standards:

1. Returning students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher before being assigned a residence hall room.
2. First-time students must earn and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher by the end of their first semester.
3. Mid-term GPA checks will be conducted, and students with a GPA below 2.0 will receive a warning. If the student does not raise their cumulative GPA by the end of the semester, they will be ineligible for housing unless they file a successful appeal.
4. Loss of Eligibility & Contract Termination:

Students who:

• Drop below 15 credit hours,
• Drop below a 2.0 cumulative GPA,
• Fail to enroll in at least six (6) credit hours of face-to-face courses,
• Transfer to a Hinds branch campus that does not offer student housing, or
• Enroll fully online at Hinds CC, may have their housing contract voided or terminated.
• Failure to enroll will result in immediate termination of the housing contract. The student must vacate their assigned space within 48 hours of losing eligibility.

3. Financial Standing

• Students must be in good financial standing with the College, including all Housing & Residence Life fees.
• Balances must be cleared through the student’s Navigator account by August 1st. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the room assignment, which will be given to the next person on the waitlist.
• Students must pay their college bill in full unless they are enrolled in a college-approved payment plan.
• If a student has an outstanding balance on check-in day, they will not be allowed to move in until their bill is settled or a payment plan is established.

4. Behavioral & Legal Requirements

• Students must maintain good behavioral standing with the College and Housing & Residence Life.
• A conviction for a sex offense makes an applicant ineligible for housing.
• Other felony convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Students and the Director of Housing & Residence Life, who have the discretion to deny housing if the applicant presents an unacceptable risk to the residential community.
• Failure to answer and initial the felony question on the student housing application will result in denial of on-campus housing.
• Loss of student status due to academic, disciplinary suspension, or expulsion will result in immediate loss of housing. The student must vacate their assigned space within 48 hours of losing eligibility.

5. Mandatory Participation & Meetings
All students living in student housing must:

1. Attend Student Orientation, a one- or two-day session before the semester starts.
2. Attend all mandatory Department of Housing and Hall meetings.
3. Participate in all mandatory floor meetings.

6. Contract Binding & Renewal

• Signing the housing contract establishes a binding agreement between the student (and guarantor) and Hinds Community College.
• Acceptance of this contract does not guarantee admission to the College.
• Renewal of the contract for an additional term is not guaranteed, even if eligibility requirements are met.

APPLYING FOR CAMPUS HOUSING
Admission Requirements
Admission Status:

1. You must be an admitted student at Hinds Community College to apply for student housing.
2. Hinds ID and Password:

• Use the Hinds ID and password provided in your admission package from the Office of Admissions to log into your My.Hinds account.

3. Accessing the Housing Application Portal

Steps to Apply:

1. Log in to your My.Hinds account and navigate to the housing resources section.
2. Select the appropriate housing application for the term you are applying for and complete all required sections.
3. First-time students are encouraged to apply early to secure Housing Priority status before the deadline.
4. A non-refundable processing fee applies:

$100 for the full academic year (Fall and Spring).
$50 for Spring or Summer term applications.
Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be placed on a waitlist and reviewed as vacancies become available. Students selected from the waitlist will receive an email notification via their Hinds CC email.

4. Room Assignments and Waitlist Information

Room Assignment Access:
Students can monitor their housing status and room assignments through the Housing portal after completing their application.
Waitlist Process:

1. If residence halls reach capacity, a waitlist is created based on application completion date and student enrollment.
2. Students will be notified via email or phone call when a room becomes available

5. Housing Contract Cancellation

How to Cancel Your Housing Application:
Submit a cancellation form through the main housing offices on the Raymond or Utica campuses.
Alternatively, email the completed cancellation form to reslife@hindscc.edu.

III. HOUSING ASSIGNMENTS AND OPERATIONS
1. APPLICATION
a) The housing application process is distinct from the college application process. We encourage students to complete both applications promptly. The receipt of the completed housing application and processing fee determines priority for room assignments. Priority deadlines for the Fall semester are in April or May and for the Spring semester are in November or December. Final deadlines to apply are August 1 for Fall and December 15 for Spring. Additionally, a meal plan is mandatory.

• CONTRACT TERM

a) Housing contracts for college-owned or managed residence halls are for one academic year (the fall and spring semesters), summer semester or for the remaining portion of any academic year if the resident executes a housing contract after the start of the semester for that academic year

2. ASSIGNMENTS

• Room and Residence Hall Assignments

a) Residence hall and roommate assignments are determined based on students who apply before the priority deadline and participate in the online room selection process through the housing portal.

· Students who wish to room together must apply before the priority deadline to receive a roommate request form via their student email.

· Each student must complete the form, listing each other as preferred roommates for verification purposes.

· Preferences should also be indicated in the online student housing portal to ensure proper matching.

b) While every effort is made to accommodate residence hall and roommate requests, assignments are not guaranteed. Students who are not assigned a room due to space limitations will be placed on a waiting list, prioritized by the date their application was received, and will be assigned as soon as space becomes available.

3. RESIDENCE HALL REQUIREMENTS & INFORMATION

• General Housing Requirements

a) All residents in campus housing must meet the following academic standards:

• Maintain a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester.
• Hold a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

• Honors and Specialized Housing Requirements

a) Honors Halls: Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA on 15 or more credit hours and have no student conduct violations or have earned an 25 ACT score upon entering from high school.

• Allen-Dukes-Whitaker Hall & Riggs-Virden Hall

b) Pickett Hall is designated as a specialized residence hall for upperclassmen students.

• Residence Halls by Campus & Gender

a) Raymond Campus:

• Female-Only Halls: Allen-Dukes-Whitaker, Hardy-Puryear, Davis, and Marshall Hall
• Male-Only Halls: Riggs-Virden, Sheffield-Woolley, and Greaves Hall
• Co-Residential Hall: Pickett Hall (accommodating students of all genders)

b) Utica Campus:

• Female-Only Hall: Maggie Dunson
• Male-Only Hall: B.E. Lewis
• Co-Residential Hall: Newton-Walker (accommodating students of all genders)

4. CANCELLATION OF HOUSING CONTRACT AND ROOM ASSIGNMENT

Cancellation by College: A two-term contract, which has been signed and returned by the student and accepted by the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life, constitutes an agreement to reside within the residence hall system or other assigned location during both the fall and spring semesters. The contract may be canceled by the student through written notification as outlined in the Student Handbook, which is part of this agreement by reference.

The housing contract will also be canceled by the College if the student fails to register for classes, drops below a 2.0 cumulative GPA, fails to maintain full-time enrollment (15 academic or technical hours or 6 in-person classes), or if the student fails to pay fees in full, fails to make the first required payment under a payment plan, or fails to provide proof of financial aid coverage for room and meals. In the case of a student’s graduation or completion of program requirements, the contract will be canceled when the student leaves the College.
The College reserves the right to cancel the housing contract if the assigned accommodations are destroyed or made unavailable, and the College is unable to provide alternative housing. The College may also cancel the housing contract for failure to meet the terms and conditions outlined herein or for violations of college or residence hall regulations. Such cancellations may result in eviction, with 48-hour notice, or immediately if the College determines that the student’s continued residency poses a danger to the health, safety, or well-being of the residential community.
The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life may cancel a student’s housing contract under the following circumstances:
• Withdrawal from the College: Official withdrawal from the College is when the student has registered and paid fees but decides to cancel registration and formally withdraws. The student must vacate the residence hall or other assigned location within 24 hours of official withdrawal from the College. Students who withdraw or fail to enroll will be charged an additional nightly fee for reserved/occupied rooms, either by being physically present or by leaving belongings in the space.
• Graduation: A contract will be canceled upon the completion of graduation requirements by the student who subsequently leaves the College. However, failure to notify the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life by December 1st for the Fall graduating semester may result in a cancellation fee. A contract will not be canceled upon the completion of graduation requirements by the student if the student continues enrollment at Hinds Community College following graduation.

• Failure to Occupy Space: Failure to occupy an assigned space does not constitute a release from the housing contract with the College.
• Cancellation by Student: A contract may be canceled by submitting the cancellation form through the main housing offices on the Raymond or Utica campuses or email the completed cancellation form to reslife@hindscc.edu.
• Cancellation prior to the start of the semester: To avoid financial penalties, written notification must be submitted to the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life by August 1st (Fall and Spring) or January 1st (Spring semester only). Students who cancel after August 1st or January 1st, fail to move in within five days of the contract move-in date, or do not confirm their intent to move in after the designated move-in day (refer to section 19 if arriving after the move-in day) will be charged a $150 cancellation fee.
• Cancellation after the start of the semester and check-in: If a student needs to cancel their housing contract after checking into the residence hall during the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms, they must submit a housing cancellation form and complete the checkout process as outlined in Section 25.
• Cancellations made within the first five days of the move-in start date will receive a 75% refund.
• Cancellations made between the sixth and tenth day of the move-in start date will receive a 50% refund.
• Cancellations made after the tenth day of the move-in start date will require the student to pay the full housing charge for the term.
• If a student cancels their housing contract for the fall semester this will automatically cancel the student’s spring housing assignment, as the contract covers the full academic year.
• Cancellation of spring due to December graduation: A student graduating at the end of the fall semester and needing to cancel the spring portion of their housing contract must submit a housing cancellation form by December 1st to avoid financial penalties.

5. MEAL PLAN SELECTION
All students living in on-campus housing at Hinds Community College are required to be enrolled the 19-per-week meal plan as specified in the housing handbook. This plan provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday, as well as brunch and dinner on weekends, ensuring consistent access to meals throughout the week. Additionally, the meal plan includes $250 in Flex Dollars, which can be used at the Raymond and Utica campus eateries such as Pizza Hut, Cones-N-Cups, and Chick-fil-A.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, students are automatically enrolled in the mandatory meal plan program. The meal plan does not apply during fall break, winter break, or spring break. Students with dietary restrictions or those whose class schedules on commuter campuses interfere with meal times can contact Aladdin Campus Dining for alternative meal options.
Meal plans guarantee access to the Residential Dining Hall, and charges for the meal plan are not based on usage. If a student moves off-campus, the meal plan will be prorated based on the move-in and move-out dates. Refunds will be credited to the student’s account. Unused Flex Dollars are non-transferable and non-refundable.
6. ROOM AND HALL CHANGE
For residents seeking a room change, it is necessary to reach out to their current Residence Hall Director (HD). Each Hall Director maintains an office within their respective residence hall and is available to facilitate room change requests for residents. Office hours for Hall Directors are prominently displayed on or near their office door, along with their contact details.
Please note that room change requests are subject to approval at the discretion of the Hall Director and are contingent upon availability. Residents are encouraged to discuss their requests directly with their Hall Director to explore possible options.
Approved room or hall changes may only occur during designated periods each semester. A $50 fee may be assessed for unauthorized room changes, early arrivals, or failure to follow the proper check-in/checkout procedures.
7. ROOM CONSOLIDATION
The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to consolidate rooms to fill capacity during periods of vacancy. In such instances, students may be required to relocate to another room as deemed necessary.
Approval for any room change must be obtained from the Hall Director and the Office of Housing and Residence Life. The relocation process must be completed within three days after receiving notification to consolidate. Failure to do so may result in automatic relocation by the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Room consolidation dates will be communicated each semester for students without roommates. Should a student’s roommate vacate or if a student has never had a roommate, they must adhere to the following guidelines within the stipulated timeframe:

1. Request a room change to an already occupied room.
2. Opt for a single room contract for the remaining semester, subject to availability and additional costs.
3. Be reassigned to a new room with a new roommate by the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life.

8. PRIVATE ROOM
Residents residing in any traditional residence hall have the option to request for a private room at any point during the academic year. However, such requests will only be accommodated each semester once all applicants have been initially assigned double occupancy rooms.
The rate for a private room is set at 1 and 1/2 times the rate of a double room per semester. Upon approval for a private room by the Office of Housing and Residence Life, the additional payment is due. The timing of this payment is contingent upon when the student becomes the sole occupant of the room.
Residents who secure private rooms during the fall semester will automatically retain their private accommodation at the appropriate rate for the subsequent spring semester. It’s important to note that while a residence hall may have sufficient space for private rooms in the fall, this availability may change in the spring due to new assignments.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to assign two residents to a room that was previously designated as private if adequate space is not available elsewhere. In such cases, both residents will be charged the double room rate

9. DISCLAIMER

The Office of Student Housing reserves all rights in connection with assignment and reassignment of all rooms, as well as the termination of the occupancy.

10. CONTRACT RENEWAL: RENEWAL SELECTION VERIFICATION PROCESS (RSVP)

RSVP, or the Renewal Selection Verification Process, serves as the application renewal and room re-assignment period for current residents interested in housing for the upcoming academic year. Please note that assignments are not automatic and are not guaranteed. This process typically occurs in the Spring semester.

Residents will receive instructions via their Hinds email address on how to submit an online application for RSVP. During the RSVP time, students will have the opportunity to choose their rooms online from available spaces after completing the application.

For returning residents wishing to continue living in Student Housing, eligibility for RSVP requires enrollment in a minimum of 15 credit hours for the upcoming semester, including at least six in-person hours (specific deadline will be communicated via email).

To complete the RSVP process, returning residents must:

• Pay the $100 non-refundable housing processing fee.
• The student will be able to reclaim their current space or choose a different room before the deadline.
• Register for 15 or more credit hours for the semester corresponding to the application before the deadline to keep their reservation.

11. ROOM ENTRY AND INSPECTION

The rooms of students will be inspected weekly by authorized College officials to ensure that they are being maintained in a clean and presentable manner. Students are expected to keep their rooms in an orderly and attractive condition. If a room is found to be unsanitary or not properly maintained, the student will receive a written violation for the first offense, with additional fines assessed for subsequent violations.

Periodic inspections will be conducted to check for health and safety violations. If violations are found, students will be given a reasonable amount of time to correct them. Failure to address violations may lead to the student conduct process, and repeated violations could result in judicial action or termination of housing privileges.

College and Housing staff reserve the right to enter a resident’s room or suite for various reasons, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Housing policies and Procedures within the student handbook. This includes cleaning, maintenance, health and safety checks, pest control, repairs, alterations, or to respond to an emergency. Entry may also occur in situations such as building evacuation or abandonment of the room. Entry will be conducted during reasonable hours, and the College may enter as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and the premises.

Authorized College personnel may conduct a search when there is reason to believe that a violation of this contract, College policies, or regulations has occurred or is occurring. Authorized personnel include, but are not limited to, staff from Housing and Residence Life, the Dean of Students’ Office, and Campus Police.

This provision does not restrict the authority of Campus Police to enter a student’s room in the performance of their legal duties. Searches conducted by Campus Police must comply with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure when there is probable cause to believe a violation of state or federal law has occurred or is occurring

12. STUDENT CHECK-IN

• On check-in day, both new and returning students must report to the designated check-in location, which will be communicated via your official Hinds CC student email.
• Students arriving after the move-in day must notify the Hall Director of the building or the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life to confirm their room assignment.
• Residence Hall Directors or Resident Assistants will complete Room Inventory Forms for the condition each room prior to student check-in. It is the responsibility of each resident to review and verify the accuracy of the form for their assigned room within their housing portal before automatic approval within 5 days after check-in.
• While this contract is in effect, the student is required to meet the financial obligations of this contract. Housing fees are charged through the student’s account. Students must pay their accounts according to the policies of that office.

13. CHECK-OUT

Check-out arrangements must be made with the Residence Hall Director or Resident Assistant. These arrangements should include the following steps:

• Remove all personal belongings from the room.
• Thoroughly clean the room.
• Defrost (a day prior) and clean refrigerators.
• Have the Resident Assistant (RA) or Residence Hall Director inspect the room for cleanliness, damages and missing items.
• Return all room keys.
• Sign the check-out from.

Official check-out from a residence hall involves signing the appropriate check-out forms, removing personal belongings, cleaning the room, returning the key(s), and meeting with a Resident Assistant.

Students who fail to follow the proper check-out procedure may be assessed a $50 improper check-out fee. If students schedule a check-out date and time with their Resident Assistant and fail to meet at the agreed-upon time, an additional fee of $50 will apply. Failure to check out by the designated end of the occupancy period may result in an additional $10 per night fee. These fees are in addition to any damage charges, service fees, or other penalties that may apply.

14. ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

When damage occurs within a resident’s room or an area adjacent to it (suites, hallways, bathroom, lobbies, etc.), it is ultimately the responsibility of the occupants to pay for the cost to replace or repair the damaged property.

All residents of a residence hall are financially responsible for their prorated share of loss or damages that occur in the public area of their unit, if damages cannot be attributed to a known individual. Damage to the elevator is assessed to individuals responsible or to all residents when purposely broken. The remaining damages are assessed to all residents of the building on an individual basis.

15. OPENING AND CLOSING OF RESIDENCE HALLS INCLUDING HOLIDAYS

1. The student may occupy the assigned room between the date and time for official opening and closing of the residence hall as designated by the official College Calendar. The residence halls will be closed during all holiday periods as stated in the College Calendar. Students must make plans to be off-campus during all holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, etc.). Students requesting to stay during a holiday break will be charged $10 per night if they are approved to stay. Permission to stay will be granted by the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life. All students are not permitted to stay upon request. It is at the discretion of the Director of Student Housing and Residence Life to grant permission to stay.
2. At the end of each semester, all residents must vacate their room after completing their final exams, unless they are graduating and have received prior approval from the Director of Student Housing to remain.

IV. REGULATIONS REGARDING RESIDENT CONDUCT WITHIN RESIDENCE HALLS

Two objectives of higher education are to develop self-reliance and to form desirable and acceptable habits of conduct. All students living in residence halls within Hinds Community College will be expected to conform to ordinary rules of polite society, to respect the rights of others and to have regard for the preservation of college property as well as private property of others. Should a resident have questions regarding this subject or become involved in a violation of college or housing regulations, their initial point of contact should be their Hall Director or Dean of Students. Hinds Community College students are obligated to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook and the student code of code. Each student will be held accountable for their actions accordingly. We strongly encourage all students to familiarize themselves with these guidelines.

1. ADDITIONAL RESIDENCE HALL REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
LOST ROOM KEY AND/OR ID
Each resident will receive one key to their room and suite. Roommates are not allowed to share keys, and keys or ID cards should never be loaned or duplicated. Lost or stolen keys or access cards must be reported immediately to the residence hall front desk. A $25 replacement fee will be charged for any lost keys. Residents are allowed one free lockout assistance; after that, a $10 fee will be charged for unlocking doors, payable through the student account. Any damage to or tampering with room locks will result in a damage fee and/or additional fines. Residents are responsible for ensuring their room doors are securely locked, and staff or campus police may lock doors left unlocked. Found keys should be returned to a staff member immediately. Keys and/or access cards must be returned upon check-out or relocation. If a key is not returned, the resident will be charged for the cost of a lock change, which will be added to their student account. For the safety and security of all residents, a lock change will be performed if a key is lost or not returned. The cost of re-keying will be charged to the student’s account.
The student ID card serves as the key to access residence halls and dining facilities. If the ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it must be reported immediately to the Housing Department, ID Center on that campus, or Campus Police. There is $10 ID replacement fee that will be charged to the student’s account.

2. OBSTRUCTION OF CORRIDOR, DOOR, LOBBY, LOUNGE, WALKWAYS
In support of State and College Fire Safety evacuation codes and out of respect for students with disabilities, it is most essential that residents comply with the guideline stipulating that all corridors, lobbies, and walkways, in and around the halls must be free of any obstructions at all times. This means that all personal belongings, including: bicycles, skateboards, athletic equipment, motorcycles, and ironing boards, must never be left to obstruct the flow of traffic. Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the interest of residence hall safety. Students using emergency exit doors for non-emergencies will be charged $200 per occurrence.

3. PETS
No animals are allowed in the residence halls except those approved by Counseling and Disability Support Services. Major problems in sanitation, pest control for fleas and flies, allergies, and common courtesy for fellow residents provide the basic rationale for our policy of allowing no pets in the residence halls. Fish aquariums are also included in this policy.

4. ROOM INSPECTION

• The rooms of students will be inspected bi-weekly by authorized College officials to ensure that they are being maintained in a clean and presentable manner. Students are expected to keep their rooms in an orderly and attractive condition. If a room is found to be unsanitary or not properly maintained, the student will receive a written violation for the first offense, with additional fines assessed for subsequent violations.
• Periodic inspections will be conducted to check for health and safety violations. If violations are found, students will be given a reasonable amount of time to correct them. Failure to address violations may lead to the student conduct process, and repeated violations could result in judicial action or termination of housing privileges.
• College and Housing staff reserve the right to enter a resident’s room or suite for various reasons, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Housing policies and Procedures within the student handbook. This includes cleaning, maintenance, health and safety checks, pest control, repairs, alterations, or to respond to an emergency. Entry may also occur in situations such as building evacuation or abandonment of the room. Entry will be conducted during reasonable hours, and the College may enter as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and the premises.
• Authorized College personnel may conduct a search when there is reason to believe that a violation of this contract, College policies, or regulations has occurred or is occurring. Authorized personnel include, but are not limited to, staff from Housing and Residence Life, the Dean of Students’ Office, and Campus Police. This provision does not restrict the authority of Campus Police to enter a student’s room in the performance of their legal duties. Searches conducted by Campus Police must comply with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure when there is probable cause to believe a violation of state or federal law has occurred or is occurring.

5. SOLICITATION

• To protect residents from annoyance or interruption of study, recreation, and rest, regulations have been established to prohibit indiscriminate solicitation and sales in the residence halls. You are not permitted to solicit or promote merchandise or services in the residence halls without written permission of the Hall Director, Director of Housing, and Dean of Student Services.

6. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

• Students are advised to use outlet adapters with surge protectors when connecting multiple appliances; however, any student found to be overloading the circuit will be required to reduce their usage. Extension cords are strictly prohibited within the residence halls.
• In consideration of the rising electrical costs and the risk of electrical overload and wiring issues, only the following list of appliances has been authorized for use in the residence halls: portable electric hair dryers, curlers, curling irons, make-up mirrors, electric razors, crock-pots, clocks, irons, lamps, calculators, and computers.
• Additionally, each room may utilize one of the following: microwave, coffee pot, stereo/radio, or television. All surge protectors and appliances must bear Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Approval.
• Extension cords, electric heaters, George Foreman grills, hotplates, fragrance plug-ins, wax burners, air fryers, and twinkling lights are strictly prohibited within the residence halls. Additionally, open-coiled appliances such as toasters, toaster ovens, hotplates, electric grills with exposed coils, space heaters, air fryers, air fryer microwaves, and deep fryers are not permitted.
• Furthermore, halogen lights or lamps, tubular party lights, rope lights, Christmas lights, twinkle lights, any non-LED string lights, and extension cords are also prohibited. Lastly, wick-burning candles, fragrance plugs, or incense are not allowed in the residence halls. Please review the prohibited item list!

7. VISITATION
Each resident may have only one visitor at a time, and all roommates must agree to the presence of a guest before visitation is permitted. Residents and their visitors are required to check in at the front desk, sign in and out, and leave a government-issued ID such as a Driver’s License or Hinds Student ID. Residents are responsible for their visitors’ actions and must accompany them at all times while in the residence hall. Visitors are not allowed in the residence halls outside of approved visitation hours. The College reserves the right to modify or revoke the visitation policy at any time.
In-Room Visitation

• Residents may host visitors over the age of 17 with proper identification.
• Visitation Hours:
• Sunday – Thursday: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• No in-room visitation on Fridays, Saturdays, or during recognized College closures.
• If the receptionist is not present at the desk, in-room visitation is not allowed.

Lobby Visitation

• Visitors over the age of 13 may access designated residence hall lobbies.
• Lobby Visitation Hours:
• Sunday – Thursday: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• No lobby visitation on Fridays or Saturdays.
• If the receptionist is not present at the desk, lobby visitation is not allowed.

Accountability & Violations

• Residents are responsible for their guests’ behavior while on campus and may face student conduct action for any violations. Unauthorized visitors in restricted areas of a residence hall will result in student conduct charges, including but not limited to a $200 fine per offense. Any violations within Housing and Residence Life facilities will be addressed following the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

8. ROOM DECORATIONS
Room decorations should be nonflammable, and not destructive to walls or furniture. Decorations which hinder exiting in case of fire are prohibited. Residents who damage walls, including paint damages, with tape or other adhesives, are assessed the cost of repainting their room. Rugs and carpet are allowed but must not be attached to the floor in any way. Nails, tacks, and screws must not be driven into any part of the room. Room decorations must not be offensive to others.

9. CURFEW HOURS
The Raymond and Utica campuses will be closed to all unauthorized persons from 12 midnight until 6:30 a.m. each day of the week. Students must be either in the process of entering the residence hall or leaving the campus. Loitering in campus parking lots is prohibited at all times. This procedure is not intended to either penalize or limit students’ entry or exit from the hall, but is intended to provide optimum conditions for security operation.

10. LOBBY HOURS & DRESS CODE

• Residence hall lobbies on the Raymond and Utica campuses will be closed from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and there will be no lobby visitation on Fridays and Saturdays. During these times, lobby access will not be permitted.
• Housing reserves the right close a lobby or lobbies with the approval of the Director of Student Housing.
• Residence hall lobbies are public spaces where students should expect limited privacy. As these areas are frequently shared by individuals of all genders, residents and guests are expected to dress appropriately and exercise mature judgment. Attire should be modest and ensure that undergarments, lingerie, or similar items are not visible at any time

11. QUIET HOURS
College quiet hours are from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. During this time you are asked to be quiet so other people can study or sleep. Stereos and noisy behavior in general must be kept down to a quiet volume and individuals’ room doors are to be kept closed. Courtesy hours are in effect 24/7.. During this period floors are not as quiet as during quiet hours, but individuals are requested to respect those who choose to sleep or study during the daytime. Quiet hours are expanded to include the entire day during exam week. Twenty-four-hour quiet hours begin 8 p.m. the day before exams begin and continue through the final exams.

12. SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY

• Residents are encouraged to visit the Hinds Community College website to enroll in Hinds Alerts. Hinds now offers a new mobile HINDS ALERT system. Instructions for downloading and utilizing the application on smartphones are provided to all students.- This alert system will be utilized for various urgent notifications, such as inclement weather advisories and closures.
• In the event of a Tornado Watch (indicating conditions conducive to hazardous weather), housing staff will inform students and request them to monitor weather updates independently, in addition to checking the student insider.
• If a Tornado Warning is issued (indicating a tornado has been sighted near or on campus)
• Housing staff will instruct students to promptly relocate to the designated safe zone within the residence hall and remain there until the weather clears.
• During severe weather, residents are strongly advised against leaving the building.
• Alongside the institution’s severe weather monitoring, sirens may be activated on campus to alert staff and students of approaching inclement weather.
• It is strongly recommended that all students enroll in the HINDS Alert system to receive updates on inclement weather and campus procedures. While housing staff will provide updates as information becomes available, it is also the collective responsibility of students to stay informed about weather conditions and safely relocate to designated areas during severe weather events.

In the event that you, a guest, or another resident has an accident or becomes ill, contact the Raymond Campus Police at 601-857-3911 or Utica Campus Police at 601-500-1432. If no answer, call 911 or contact Hinds County Sheriff’s Office at 601-857-2600. If dialing from Raymond Campus Police Department phone dial 9-9ll.

14. SAFETY DRILL PROCEDURES
Each building will have instructions for residents regarding the predetermined evacuation plan. In the event of a fire alarm, all residents must promptly evacuate the building.

• Exit quickly and quietly through the designated exit doors.
• Predetermined evacuation location:
• Allen Dukes Whitaker Hall: Moss Hall
• Davis Hall: Commuter lot behind Davis Hall
• Greaves Hall: Parking lot of Mayo Gym
• Hardy Puryear Hall: Hardy Hall Parking Lot or Moss Hall
• Marshall Hall: Moss Hall
• Pickett Hall: Cain Cochran
• Riggs Virden Hall: Hinds Sign/Commuter Lot
• Sheffield Woolley Hall: Corner of Commuter Lot near baseball field
• Utica Residence Halls: Back end of parking lot
• Once outside, gather at a safe distance from the building and await further instructions. Adherence to fire regulations is crucial for your safety. Failure to evacuate during alarm activations will result in immediate disciplinary action.
• Tampering with or misusing fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, is strictly prohibited. Any individual found damaging or misusing this equipment may face disciplinary proceedings, including potential loss of housing privileges and criminal prosecution. Leaving food unattended while cooking is also considered a fire hazard and will be subject to disciplinary measures. The possession of items like burning candles, incense, and open- coiled appliances is strictly forbidden, and housing administration reserves the right to require the removal of such items deemed hazardous. Periodic health and safety inspections will be conducted by housing staff throughout the year.

15. AMENITIES
 • REFRIGERATOR (1 or 2 per room if approved)
A refrigerator will be provided for students that request one. Student can bring a 3.5 micro-fridge if approved.
 • MICROWAVE
1 microwave per room and should not exceed 1,000 watts
Residence hall students have unlimited access to washers and dryers during the fall and spring semesters. The washer and dryers are located in individual halls. For more information regarding our laundry provider visit: www.caldwellandgregory.com/
17. WIFI
WiFi is available in the residence hall if assistance is needed connecting to WiFi, please contact IT Support at 601-857-3344 or HYPERLINK ” mailto:support@hindscc. edu” support@hindscc.edu.
18. DAMAGE OR LOSS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
The College does not assume any legal obligation to pay for the loss of or the damage to the student’s personal property if such loss or damage occurs in its building or on its ground, prior to, during, or subsequent to the period of the contract. Students or parents are encouraged to have suitable insurance coverage to mitigate potential losses. Consider acquiring renters’ insurance (recommended, but not mandatory). Find out more about NSSI Personal Property Insurance for Hinds Community College at https://www.nssi.com/portal/hindscc.
19. HOVER BOARDS
Due to recent safety concerns raised by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, all Hover board-type devices are prohibited from use or storage on Hinds Community College property due to potential hazards. FIRST OFFENSE - Student Conduct Hearing.
20. HOUSING APPEAL
A residence hall student who has been removed from the residence halls because of a below 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or below 15 credit hours, may file an appeal with the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. The Director and/or Associate Assistant Director of Student Housing and Residence Life will serve as the hearing officer(s). The student will be notified in writing of the housing appeal decision. Should a student wish to re-appeal the housing appeal decision, the student will need to contact the Dean of Students’ Office within three (3) business days following receipt of the appeal decision to initiate the process. The Associate Vice President of Student Services or Dean of Students’ Office will be the office of last resort; therefore, the decision rendered will be final. The student’s failure to file the re-appeal within the allowed three (3) business days will make the initial appeal decision final. 

Student Housing Offices

Raymond 601-857-3222

Raymond Residence Hall Directory

Utica Residence Hall

Residence Hall Director: 601-857-7177

Single Stop

Single Stop is a national initiative created to increase economic stability in communities by removing barriers to college success and completion. Single Stop supports the students’ pursuit of their educational and career goals by providing access to the safety net of community resources that are normally found outside of the college environment which will increase students’ chances for academic success.
Benefit Counseling
Each student at Hinds will be screened for possible community benefits and resources after making an appointment and filling out an eligibility application. A Single Stop Coordinator benefits counselor will assess their application and give the best advice accordingly. Each student’s situation is different and every benefit counselor will honor this by upholding a 100% confidentiality standard between the counselor and the eligible student. Students are welcome and encouraged to share any and all life circumstances that are hindering them from completing their degree. It is at this point that Single Stop can do their best work advising and connecting students to EVERY resource that can accommodate that student’s needs.
Service Hours
Single Stop Office hours are typically between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Hours may vary during the Spring and Summer semesters) Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, a student may may complete an intake at app.singlestop.org/hindscc/main or call the campus Single Stop Coordinator that corresponds to their location:
 

Intercollegiate Athletics

Hinds Community College is a member of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference and National Junior College Athletic Association. The purpose of the Hinds Community College athletic program is to provide an opportunity for the participants to develop their potential as skilled performers and provide an educational service to the athletes to pursue an academic, career, or technical degree with emphasis on providing leadership in civic, economic, and cultured growth. The program must satisfy the needs and interests of the individual, be meaningful, enjoyable, challenging, serve toward the enrichment of their immediate and future lives, and provide unity and school spirit for our community college.
RAYMOND–INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
The athletic department is located in the Robert M. Mayo Health and Physical Education Building on the Raymond Campus. Students from all campuses are welcome to try out for varsity football, baseball, golf, soccer, track, tennis, and women’s softball.
UTICA–INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
All sports promote leadership development and personal development and arouse school spirit. Varsity sports include men’s and women’s basketball and cheerleading. Students from all campuses are welcome to try out which at the Boyd Gym.

DRUG EDUCATION AND TESTING PROGRAM FOR ATHLETES
The problems associated with the abuse of certain drugs and alcohol are now of great concern in our society. There is special concern that college athletes be able to avoid those problems. The Athletic Department has developed and implemented a program of drug and alcohol education for all athletes, including a system of testing to identify those athletes who are involved with the use of drugs and/or alcohol. When athletes are identified, special counseling may be recommended that will hopefully enable the involved athlete to become and remain drug and alcohol free. Administrative procedures shall be set forth by which the athlete who is either unable or unwilling to become and remain drug and alcohol free will be removed from the Athletic Program.
SPORTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are awarded in the below named sports according to the rules and regulations set forth by the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges. Selections are made by the coach(s) based on scouting observations and/or performance at annual tryouts. Contact the Athletic Department at 601-857-3325.
The following sports are offered on the Raymond Campus: Baseball, Football, Men’s Golf, Men and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men and Women’s Tennis, Men and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field and Cheerleading.
The following sports are offered on the Utica Campus: Men and Women’s Basketball, and Cheerleading. Tuition scholarships are awarded to those selected during the annual Raymond Campus tryouts. Contact the Athletic Office, 601-857-3325 or the Cheerleader Sponsor, 601-857-3520.

International Student Services

The International Student Program provides the opportunity for international students to pursue their educational objectives within the guidelines of United States immigration regulations. The International Student Office provides leadership and expertise in immigration matters for international students enrolled at Hinds Community College.

Orientation: Programs, and Credit Course

Hinds orientation programs are designed to answer student questions and to provide vital information. While at Hinds, students may meet informally with faculty, staff, and administrators; visit with student orientation leaders and other traditional and non-traditional students in small and large group sessions; and learn of the wide variety of available academic, social, and personal opportunities. Student group leaders are trained to help residence hall students understand policies and procedures and to find assistance and services as new students at Hinds. Full-time students (both first-time and transfers) will be required to take the orientation class (LLS 1312 or RST 1312) the first fall or spring semester they attend Hinds unless the transfer student has successfully completed an orientation class at a previous institution. Orientation is a graduation requirement in all programs of study. The Orientation course includes instructional information about the College, strategies that foster educational success and persistence, information about student services and resources, career exploration and student planning, and financial literacy.

Workforce Support and Adult Education Services

Mission Statement: Provide students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, while creating meaningful connections to industry.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
The Cooperative Education Program awards college credits (from 1 to 3 hours a semester) for on- the-job experience that is related to the student’s academic college major. The student combines periods of college with work periods in business & industry, as documented by the office of Cooperative Education. These work periods are generally part-time, in the afternoons after classes (Parallel Program), but may be full time, every other semester (Alternating Program).
Students must complete a minimum of one semester maintaining a grade point average of 2.0 or better to qualify for this program. Academic credit hours may be earned depending on the number of hours worked. Students must sign up for the Cooperative Education course prior to the beginning of the semester that they will be working. A document must be signed by the employer stating the specifics of the student’s employment in order for the student to receive credit for the course. Students must complete an application process, which includes an education/training agreement signed by the employer, the instructor, the student, and the Work- Based Learning Coordinator. These credit hours will be assigned by a Coordinator of Cooperative Education and may be used toward graduation from Hinds Community College. For more information, contact the Director of Cooperative Education/Work-Based Learning/Supervised Work Experience and Internships at 601-857-3728.

WORK-BASED LEARNING
Work-Based Learning is an educational/training program for career and technical students which combines programs of study with structured on-the-job experiences. Through this program, Work-Based Learning students practice and develop skills and competencies which have been identified by participating businesses and industries. Work-Based Learning participants are better able to see the connection between education and work and are able to earn wages while learning from skilled professionals. This experience also allows students to test potential careers and provides exposure to expanded career possibilities.
All students must be recommended by their major instructor, and all work experience must be in the field of their major. Students must complete an application process, which includes an education/training agreement signed by the employer, the instructor, the student, and the Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Students will receive semester hour credit (maximum of 12 credit hours total) depending on the number of hours worked per week. For more information, see Work-Based Learning on the College website or contact the Coordinator of Work-Based Learning at 601-857-3728.
 

Assessment Center
The Assessment Center is a high-stakes testing facility authorized to deliver internet-based and paper/pencil national, state, and professional certifications, licensure, admissions and credentialing exams. The Assessment Center has 24 computer workstations with audio and video monitoring and offers a fifteen person capacity classroom for paper/pencil testing. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Hinds CC Central Assessment Center- 3925 Sunset Drive Jackson, MS 39213 is committed to upholding the mission of the NCTA Testing Professional Standards and Guidelines.
 

For more information contact:
Director of Assessment 601-857-3823, Secretary 601-857-3384,
Assessment Coordinator 601-857-3650, or Proctor, 601-857-3652.
 

Assessments are hosted from the following vendors:

College Board-ACCUPLACER Test

Certiport Test ACT®

Metro Institute

ATI, INC. (TEAS)

PearsonVue Test

PSI.FAA COMPUTER TESTING SERVICES, INC.

ETS.PRAXIS

CRANE INSTITUTE (IQT)

KRYTERION CERTIFICATION

ISO-QUALITY TESTING, INC.

PROCTOR SERVICES

CLEP

DSST

RESIDUAL ACT