Computer Assistance
The Communications Department provides computers for student use in journalism and mass communication classes and, as well, the office of the student newspaper. The Communication Department encourages students to become computer-literate.

Open Labs
Each college has student labs for supplemental course study and any duly enrolled student with his or her student ID may use the open computer labs.

Library
The HCCS Library System maintains a large database of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines and audiovisual materials covering a wide variety of subjects. A complete description of the resources and library services is found in the HCCS Student Handbook.

HCC-Central
In support of the HCCS mission, Central College libraries provide human and material resources which support, enhance and supplement the educational process wherever programs or courses are located and however they are delivered, by making available a variety of information and related learning services to students, faculty, staff and, when appropriate, to the general community. These include reference and information services, instruction in research and library use, an on-line catalog, circulating books and media, newspaper and periodicals, access to a large variety of electronic resources and Internet access.

For more information contact us at 713-718-6133.

HCC-Southwest
In support of the HCCS mission, HCC-Southwest provides two full-service libraries for students, faculty and staff.

• For information on hours and staff at the Stafford Campus Library, click here.
• For information on the West Loop Center Library, click here.
• HCC-Southwest also provides an Electronic Resource Center at the Alief Campus. For information on this site, click here.
• For information on the full range of services and resources provided through the HCC System Libraries and for access to the HCC catalog and electronic databases, click here.

Financial Aid
A variety of state and federal grants, loans, and scholarships are available to help you with educational expenses through the Financial Aid Office at each college. Most of these programs are available to anyone who demonstrates financial need and qualifies academically.

Grants

Grants do not have to be repaid and are available from federal and state agencies. The Federal Pell Grant (FPELL) is the primary grant. Others include the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), the Texas Tuition Assistance Grant (TTAG) the State Leveraging Education and Assistance Partnership (LEAP), the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Toward Excellence Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant.

Texas Grant money is available to HCCS students who:

• Are Texas residents;
• Have graduated from a public or an accredited private high school in Texas within the past 16 months;
• Completed the recommended or advanced high school curriculum (high school transcript required);
• Have applied for financial aid and demonstrated financial need;
• Have enrolled in at least nine hours in an HCCS degree or certificate program;
• Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance, and
• Have maintained satisfactory academic progress.

If you do not qualify for a TEXAS Grant upon graduation from high school, you may qualify upon graduation from HCCS with an associate degree for a TEXAS Grant to pay for tuition and fees at a university to complete a baccalaureate degree. See a HCCS counselor for details.

Loans

Loans must be repaid. Repayment begins after you complete your educational program or once you are no longer enrolled at least half-time, whichever occurs first. One of the major loans at HCCS is the Federal Stafford Loan.

Emergency Loans

A limited amount of money is available as emergency loans to those who need help to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and textbooks. These loans are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be repaid within 30 days.

College Work/Study Programs

College Work/Study programs (CWS) allow you to work in a job related to your major or in community services. The College offers the Federal College Work/Study (FCWS) and State Work/Study (TXCWS) Programs.

For additional information on HCCS Financial Aid and Scholarships, please visit our Web site at http://www.hccs.edu/System/FINANCIAL_AID/finAidHomepage.html.

Here are some additional useful web sites for financial aid information:

ELM Resources (Student Loan Status Inquiry)
www.fastweb.com
www.hpl.lib.tx.us
www.cashe.com
www.freschinfo.com
www.minorityscholarships.com
www.collegenet.com/mach25
www.sciencewise.com

See the HCCS class schedule or catalogue for office telephone numbers and financial aid deadlines.

Scholarships
HCCS coordinates a variety of institutional, foundation, and private scholarships. There are hundreds of thousands of dollars available to help you finance your education! Visit with a HCCS counselor to learn more and apply as early as possible.

Fine Arts Scholarship

The Central College-Heinen Fine Arts Scholarship is available to Central College Fine Arts students exclusively. Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) hours of Fine Arts courses at Central College each semester and participate in events and activities of the Fine Arts Department as performers, stage hands, student assistants or as otherwise needed during each scholarship semester. The Heinen Fine Arts Scholarship is based on merit with the actual amount determined by student course load. For more information, call 713-718-6600.

Additional sites for your perusal and study:

• Explore Petersons.com for all your educational and career needs
  
• BestCollegePicks.com: a truly unique college-search tool
  
• Help pay for college with Sallie Mae
  
• College grads - tell us about life after graduation
  
• Start Your Grad Search Here
  

Academic Advising
HCCS maintains a staff of professional counselors to assist students. Specific counseling and guidance services are detailed in the HCCS Student Handbook. Faculty members also keep office hours and are available to students for college and career advisement.

HCC-Central College Academic Advisors/Counselors

• Joe Bateki
• Tina Do
• Everlyn Lynch
• Dell McGee
• Sheila Villegas

HCC-Northwest College Academic Advisors/Counselors

• Nasrin Mehrinfar
• Sam C. Dibrell
• Kevin A. Fuller
• Robert Harris
• Julie Hinojosa
• Mary Repp
• Nancy L. Russell

HCC-Southwest College Academic Advisors/Counselors

• Kathleen Lockwood
• Parvin Bagherpour
• Michael J. Farnell
• A. G. Miguel Garcia
• Becky Hauri
• Clennis F. High
• Patricia Jensvold
• Marge Lapham
• Sandra Nemeth

Counseling Services
The Central College Counseling Office offers educational, vocational, and personal counseling to enrolled or prospective students. Students are offered interest assessment, course placement testing, career/life planning, computer-assisted career guidance programs, admissions and registration assistance, GED and Challenge exams, transfer and four-year college information, and a Career Transfer Center.

Additional services include the following:

Academic Advisors
Link referred students to special services provided on campus and ensures that the students are aware of what is available. Advisors clarify institutional policies, procedures and requirements as outlined in the student handbook and catalog. They can serve as liaisons between students and instructors.

The Transfer Resource Center
This Center is a clearinghouse for all Transfer related requests. There you can find Transfer Guides from colleges and universities, catalogs, web addresses etc. Students are encouraged to visit the Transfer Resource Center to get additional information about the college or university of your choice.

Personal Counseling/Life Skills Seminars
As students go through the semester, they may find it necessary to discuss personal issues with the counselors. At this time, we invite you to come and talk to any of our counselors. You can also request or register for the following workshop topics: Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Stress Management and other such topics.

Career Counseling
Students who are undecided and those who are at the crossroads can access the Career Counseling services that are offered regularly at HCC-Central. Student can participate in Self-Directed Search, Myers-Briggs or Strong Interest Inventory. Call the Counseling Office at (713) 718-2505 to find out when you can take advantage of the next career counseling workshop.

The Early Alert Program
The Early Alert System is designed to identify students who are struggling academically within the first four weeks of the semester. Faculty notifies the Academic Advisors, and the Advisors, in turn, make personal contact with the students. The Advisors work closely with faculty and students in order to improve the students' performance.

Useful Links

For Students
Online Student Services
Student Services
Library
Counseling
Child Care
Financial Aid
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