LEBANON, Pa. – Angie Bentz, an administrative office specialist at the Lebanon Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is approaching her 20th anniversary of employment at the College. In nearly 20 years, HACC has never experienced anything like the global coronavirus pandemic, which forced Bentz and the vast majority of employees to work remotely while campuses are closed. Bentz said, “My biggest challenge has definitely been being isolated from my colleagues. I am truly a people person. I quickly came to realize that a good portion of my work day was spent interacting with people face-to-face, whether it be faculty, staff or students. I genuinely miss that face-to-face interaction with people.”
To help sustain the strong sense of community and camaraderie among faculty and staff at the Lebanon Campus, Bentz began hosting weekly “check-in sessions” through Zoom video conferencing. She said that colleagues use the sessions to connect with each other, provide assistance with technology and share best practices.
“These sessions have been very well received and give everyone something to look forward to each week,” Bentz said.
Although the methods may have changed, the work continues at HACC while students take classes and receive services remotely. Bentz said that since the shift to working remotely, she and her colleagues in the Office of Academic Affairs are “more cohesive than ever.”
Bentz believes “it is imperative that we work to keep everyone engaged and moving forward.”
Photo Caption: Angie Bentz, administrative office specialist, began hosting weekly Zoom sessions to sustain the strong sense of community at HACC.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
