New for Fall
Fall semester classes at HCC begin Sept. 8, Sept. 28 and Oct. 28.
Cannabis cultivation, beer and cider brewing, and winemaking are just a few of the new academic programs being offered this fall at Holyoke Community College.
All three were developed as one-year, 24-credit certificate programs through the college's Sustainability Studies department.
"As the cannabis industry has moved into Holyoke and other area towns, a number of the owners of these enterprises are asking for trained employees," said Kate Maiolatesi, chair of HCC's Sustainability Studies program. "Estimates for new cannabis jobs in the region range as high as 1,500."
One new course, Cannabis Today, provides knowledge of the growing part of the industry. Other requirements for the certificate include classes in agriculture, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Maiolatesi said the college also developed the brewing and winemaking certificates with an eye on expanding industries. Another new course, Fermentation Science, explains the scientific processes of fermentation as it applies to both brewing and winemaking,.
This fall, HCC is also unveiling new certificate and associate degree programs in a range of other academic areas, including behaviorial neuroscience (degree), critical social thought (degree), geoscience (degree), child development (certificate), mental health (certiificate,) and veterinary assistant (certificate).
"Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, HCC continues to be innovative in creating new courses and programs that will set students up to either immediately enter the workforce or prepare them for transfer to four-year schools," said Rachel Rubinstein, HCC vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.
The fall semester at Holyoke Community College begins Tuesday, Sept. 8.
HCC also has two sessions of accelerated, full-credit, late-start classes this fall for students looking for more flexible academic schedules: Late Start I (12-week courses beginning Sept. 28), and Late Start II (7-week courses beginning Oct. 28). All fall courses conclude by Dec. 16.
All classes are being offered this fall in one of three formats: Online, Blended Remote, and Blended Face-to-Face.
Online courses follow a traditional, asynchronous online model with coursework deadlines established by instructors.
Blended Remote courses have both asynchronous online components combined with scheduled class meetings via videoconference platforms such as Zoom.
Blended Face-to-Face combines Blended Remote with some in-person instruction on campus.
This format is limited to culinary arts and health science programs that require clinical assessments: nursing, radiologic technology, veterinary technician, and medical assistant.
"For students who might be reconsidering where they want to go to college this fall, HCC offers a university-calibre education for a fraction of the price," Rubinstein said.
PHOTO: Autumn at HCC
