Counseling Center Services
The Counseling Center at Halifax Community College is located in Room 323 in the 300 Building. At the Counseling Center, current and prospective students are assisted with making smooth transitions from high school, work or other settings to an educational program and college life. Services offered through the Counseling Center include academic support such as study techniques, college transfer, disability services, personal counseling, referral to community resources, career counseling and other forms of assistance. The counselors are also available to assist with the HCC admission application process.
Counselors assist students with understanding the differences between high school and college, college-level study skills, time management/prioritizing, test-taking/test anxiety, stress management and academic advising.
We realize that along with academic stressors during the semester, students also have personal problems such as relationship issues, physical or psychological illness- es, financial/job-related concerns, marital or family discord and/or legal problems. Therefore, counseling is made available for students with academic, personal crisis and other life issues. Upon request, an individual may be referred to professional mental health intervention, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, community medical health and other resources as available. Students may be referred to resources on campus such as Student Support Services, Scholarships or the Testing and Tutoring Services.
The Counseling Center serves as the liaison and single point of contact for homeless students less than 24 years of age attending or hoping to attend HCC. For more in- formation about the NC Homeless Education program, go to the National Center for Homeless Education at http://center.serve.org/nche/states/state_resources.php.
Disability Services
Any student wishing to be considered for classroom accommodations must contact and self-disclose
to a counselor from the Counseling Center in Room 323.
Through the Counseling Center, Disability Services serves and supports students with documented disabilities. Our mission is to:
- Follow Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act which reads, “No otherwise qualified person with a disability shall solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in, or benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination by any public or private entity.”
- Provide equal access and comprehensive, quality services to all students with disabilities who experience barriers to academic, personal and social success.
- Coordinate accommodations and support services to all qualified students with disabilities, so they can be self- sufficient and develop their maximum academic potential.
- Observe all the regulations contained in the Family EducationalRightsPrivacyAct(FERPA).
- Refer persons desiring to learn more about the above stated laws to find more information at the links the following links:
- Self-identify as having a disability to a counselor with the HCC Counseling Center—preferably three weeks before classes begin each semester so that Disability Services counselors and instructors have time to plan for your needs. Accommodations cannot be guaranteed for those who notify Disability Services after classes begin. Provide Disability Services with a copy of current documentation on your disability from a qualified professional such as your medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or counselor. HCC is not financially
- Responsible for any costs incurred gathering this information. Once this information is received, a three-week window is required for the counselor to do paperwork and make arrangements for the accommodation.
- Request accommodations at the beginning of each semester in a timely manner so instructors and Disability Services counselors have time to plan for your needs.
- Schedule regular follow-up visits with Disability Services to keep them informed of problems, progress and concerns.
Career and College Services
Since making a career choice is such an important decision, career counseling is made available to all current and prospective students. When students are undecided on occupational choices, career assessments and personality type analysis can provide insight into such decisions. Other resources available include books, catalogs, brochures, information on colleges, college transfer and occupational websites. Counselors are available throughout each semester to assist students with educational, career goals and any academic concerns.