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Lehigh Carbon Community College

Announcements

Middle States Commission on Higher Education- Monthly Update

In October, the Steering Committee and Working Groups strived toward the mid-semester goal of writing 60% of the preliminary draft. Steering Committee members collaborated with working groups to assist in meeting this objective. ALO and VP Larissa Verta reinforced that Steering Committee and Working Group members should prioritize Middle States meetings and assignments in order to finish the preliminary draft by December 5.

At their most recent meeting, the Steering Committee discussed finding documentation to show how the college’s goals have adapted to changing enrollments over the past 4-5 years. VP Verta launched a small team to assess different third-party servicers that students access through the college. Betsy Swope pitched a general plan for winter break, when the Steering Committee will organize the narratives for each standard and manage the Evidence Inventory.

Throughout the month of November, Steering Committee members will be meeting with students and campus clubs. The goal of this outreach is to gather student perspectives on college operations and to discuss progress on each of the MSCHE Standards. This engagement will ensure the student voice is integrated into the final report.

Finally, tri-chairs Jennifer Myskowski, Betsy Swope, and Melanie Turrano will be attending the Middle States Conference on December 10.

Questions should be directed to MSCHE@lccc.edu.

Accounts Payable Holiday Schedule

Check run date the week of Thanksgiving will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Check run Thursday, December 18, 2025, will be the last check run for 2025. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO GET INVOICES to the Finance Office by Monday, December 15, 2025.

KEEP IN MIND the first check run following Winter Break will be Thursday, January 8, 2026.

December Credit Card statements will be due on Friday, January 9, 2025.

December Virtual Bingo

Join the LCCC Spirit Committee for virtual office bingo on Wednesday, December 10, starting at Noon by signing up here! This event is limited to the first 25 sign-ups.

For more information, contact Ginny Hertzog at vhertzog@lccc.edu or Ronnie Blue at vblue@lccc.edu.

Donation Drive

The LCCC Finance Department is currently holding a donation drive to support LCCC students through the Cougar Cabinet. A collection box is set up outside SSC 101B, Mary Decker’s office, and items can be dropped off anytime during office hours. This drive will run through the end of November. Click on the link for the Cougar Cabinet Donation Flyer for a list of items that can be donated.

Donley Center Flex Room Now Open

We’re excited to announce the new Flex room (DC 101) at the LCCC Allentown Donley Center! This versatile space features moveable furniture, presentation-ready technology, and a comfortable design that adapts to your needs. It is perfect for student activities, workshops, small group discussions, or as a quiet area for focused work. To reserve DC 101, please submit your request through 25Live.

Employee Address Review

To ensure accurate communication regarding payroll (W-2) and other LCCC correspondence, please review your profile information in Bannerweb Employee Self Service. To update a home address, please complete a Residency Certification Form and submit it to LCCC’s HR department. Please note there is a form for main campus and one for other campus sites.

Click on this link and navigate to the “Tax Forms” section.

LCCC’s Holiday Hope Chest: Let’s Make Christmas Special for 60 Children!

The Career Development and Student Life departments at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) are collaborating once again for their annual Holiday Hope Chest initiative! This year, we have an ambitious and heartfelt goal: to gather materials and donations to create 60 gift-filled shoe boxes, ensuring a memorable Christmas for 60 children aged 2 to 12 years old in our community.

We are calling on our entire LCCC family! Students, faculty, and administration, join us in this vital collective effort and share the spirit of the season.

Your generous donation, no matter the size, makes a direct and meaningful impact on a child’s holiday. We are seeking three main types of contributions:

New, Unwrapped Gifts

  • We are looking for gifts suitable for children aged 2 to 12 years old.

Need a Suggestion? You have two easy ways to select a specific gift:

Visit the Student Union: Pull a gift suggestion from the Christmas Tree.

Get a Virtual List: Email kbellross@lccc.edu to receive the virtual hope tree list.

Empty Shoeboxes

We need 60 empty, standard-size shoeboxes in great condition to serve as the “chests” for the gifts.

Wrapping Supplies

To make the gifts festive and beautiful, we need donations of:

  • Festive wrapping paper
  • Tape
  • Ribbon

Donations are being collected now! Please note the deadline to drop off all items is December 12, 2025.

You can drop off your contributions at any of the following locations in Schnecksville:

  • Career Development Center
  • Hope Center
  • Rothrock Library
  • Berrier Hall

If you have any questions about the initiative, the gift list, or the deadline, please feel free to reach out to Kescha Bell-Ross at kbellross@lccc.edu

Financial Acumen Training for McLean Packaging

LCCC’s Center for Workforce Development recently finished a six-week training program on Financial Acumen and Business Strategy for McLean Packaging Corporation, a leader in creating high-quality, paper-based packaging and display solutions.

This hybrid coaching and training program for McLean’s Supervisors was designed to bridge the gap between strong leadership and solid business acumen, giving supervisors the tools to see beyond daily operations and make choices that drive long-term results.

Through a blend of targeted training sessions and one-on-one coaching, LCCC’s Professional Development Facilitator, Wendy Beltzner, helped them strengthen their financial awareness, operational understanding, and strategic thinking, ensuring they are ready to contribute at a higher level within their jobs.

Incomplete Grade Recovery Session for FALL 2025–Our Recovery Coaches Are Here for Your Students and You!

If you are assigning an Incomplete (I) grade for the FALL 2025 semester, you can communicate that with your students and enroll them in the Incomplete Grade Recovery Session that will take place during the Winter Session, which runs from December 15, 2025, to January 16, 2026.

Upon enrollment, your students will be assigned a Recovery Success Coach who will communicate with you and your students to recover the incomplete work before the Spring 2026 semester begins. We strongly urge that you require the students to complete their work with the help of a coach before January 16, 20265. Students are more successful when they are held to an earlier due date, and they can progress and enroll in the upcoming semesters.

In order to enroll your students, please complete the Incomplete Grade Recovery Session enrollment form. It is imperative that you fill this form out completely so the process can begin. All questions can be directed to Dr. Melanie A. Turrano, Professor of English and Coaching Commons Coordinator, at mturrano@lccc.edu

Join LCCC in Supporting Our Community – United Way Campaign

We are proud to kick off another year of partnership with United Way.

To participate in this year’s campaign, just click on the link below:

Donate here

The 2025 United Way campaign will run until December 10th.   All donors will automatically be entered in a raffle to win the designated United Way parking spot in Lot B for the year.  There will also be some incentive prizes for the first 10 people to donate.

Please contact Jennifer Baez at jbaez6@lccc.edu if you have any questions on how to contribute.

Thank you for your support.

LCCC XC Saturday Group Runs

LCCC Club XC — Saturday Group Runs Begin Dec. 13!

Looking to stay active this winter? Join the LCCC Club Cross Country team for our weekly group runs starting Saturday, December 13!

Meet: Hope & Coffee, Tamaqua

Time: Arrive by 8:15 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. step-off

Who Can Join: Everyone! Beginner-friendly and welcoming to all paces.

Goal: Training together for the Jim Thorpe Running Festival!

Come out, get moving, and connect with fellow students as we prepare for race day. See you there!

Meet & Greet with Candidates for Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services

You are cordially invited to attend a Meet & Greet with the candidates interviewing for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services.  The Meet & Greet will be on the dates and times listed below:

Candidate:  Jessica Baraket

Date: Monday, November 24th

Time: 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: CSC 203

Zoom: Click Here

Candidate:  Abinet Belachew

Date: Tuesday, November 25th

Time: 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: CSC 203

Zoom: Click Here

Two LCCC Students to be Published in National Literary and Visual Arts Honors Anthology

Phi Theta Kappa recently announced two students from LCCC were selected to be published in the 31st edition of Phi Theta Kappa’s Nota Bene Literary and Visual Arts Honors Anthology.

Robert Omahaboy, a Fine Arts/Studio Arts major from Pottsville had his work, “Untitled”, selected for publication as part of the Visual Arts Anthology.

Caroline McGowan, an early college student from Allentown, had her poem, “Paper Boats on a Stream” selected for publication. She received the Reynold’s Award and will receive a $500 scholarship. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation endows this award and honors the memory of the late Donald W. Reynolds, founder of the Donrey Media Group.

There were over 3,300 entries this year and Robert and Caroline were selected by a national panel of judges. Both students are members of the Alpha Omicron Alpha chapter of PTK here at LCCC and will be featured at the PTK Catalyst 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland as part of the Parade of Scholars.

Administrative Updates

Human Resources News

New I-9 Form

The new version of the I-9 has been released. Please begin using the new version for all new hires. The form can be viewed here.

Nominate a Colleague for Spotlight on Excellence
Is there a faculty or staff member you know who helped smooth over an unexpected bump during a project or event? Do you know someone who went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service? Human Resources invites you to nominate that person for a Spotlight on Excellence recognition. Recognized members of the college community will be announced in the College Voice and will receive a token of appreciation for a job well done. Please use the nomination form to spotlight the excellence of a fellow employee!

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention
Slips, trips, and falls account for a large percentage of medical incidents on campus and are the result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. AttachedWord are tips to aid in the prevention of slips, trips and falls.

Quick Reference for Medical Emergencies on Campus
If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, CALL 911.  After you call 911, call Public Safety at x1169 to inform them you called 911. Public Safety will report to where the injured person is until arrival of the ambulance.
For minor injury or illness, trained personnel should provide basic first aid care. Call Public Safety at x1169. All Public Safety officers are trained in first aid and CPR/AEDS.

No employee shall transport another employee/student to an emergency facility or hospital.

All New Employees:
The college’s online training program is specifically designed for the busy professional but keeps in mind the college’s requirements for training. It is a convenient, easy way to complete our new hire training series at LCCC.

A. Required Online Trainings
Below are the online trainings that will be emailed to you from Knowbe4. This is a single sign-on system that will enable to you log in using your portal username and password. These online trainings must be completed within the first 30 days of hire.

If you want your completion certificate for each training placed in your personnel file, please print it out and send to the Human Resources office, otherwise Human Resources maintains a database of your completed trainings.

FERPA and HIPAA– Privacy and Security Awareness
Creating Strong Password – Security Awareness Training

B. Run-Hide-Fight Video
To view this video, go to the Department of Public Safety website page and click on the Run-Hide-Fight video link.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at x1107 or x1108.

Online Learning News

View the 2025 Summer Edition of the Online Learning Newsletter. This edition includes information about our training programs, current news, updates for Canvas, and more. We want to recognize our badge earners on page 4, and there is a page on some events around the Lehigh Valley this Summer to look forward to. If you have any questions, reach out to us at onlinelearning@lccc.edu.

Online Learning Courses Available
Register online for our live and self-paced trainings. Trainings include: Canvas Course Certification, Remote Course Certification, Excellence in Instruction, Zoom, Canvas Studio, Blooms Taxonomy, and more!

Office Hours
Schedule a meeting with Rachel Peters to ask any questions on training, course development, professional development, and other tools/topics.

Digital Badges
Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to receive digital badges to display on LinkedIn, email signature and other areas, highlighting their professional achievements and commitment to continued learning. A number of different badges are available to anyone who completes the required training or series of trainings. The training requirements for each badge are outlined on the flyer. If you have any questions about the digital badges or the requirements for them please contact onlinelearning@lccc.edu.

College Engagement and Well-Being

Employee Appreciation Shout Outs

A quick and fun way to recognize your amazing colleagues! Celebrate specific actions and achievements. Choose a pre-made Shout Out or write your own personalized message. Shout Outs are a simple way to say “thank you” or acknowledge someone who’s made your day better, perfect for those everyday moments of appreciation! Submit your Employee Appreciation Shout Outs.

Innovation Award

The purpose of the LCCC Innovation Award is to motivate employees to generate new ideas, solve problems creatively, and contribute to the college’s overall innovation efforts. Given to teams, departments or committees within the college that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, originality, and breakthrough thinking in developing new services, processes, or solutions, essentially recognizing and celebrating those who contribute to advancing the organization through innovative ideas and practices. They aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage further innovation within the college.

The LCCC Innovation Award is given annually to one college team, department or committee (minimum 2 people). The Spirit Committee will select one award recipient to be recognized at the annual Staff and Faculty Awards reception. Award recipients will be added to the LCCC Innovation Award perpetual plaque on display in the Student Services Center in addition to receiving an award certificate and celebratory lunch. 

Innovations may be demonstrated through the following ways: 

  1. The creation and implementation of innovative programs, partnerships and/or activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community which results in improved customer satisfaction and/or delivery of programs/related services.  
  2. The creation or improvement of a process and/or policy which results in time savings, workflow enhancements, cost savings, revenue increases, improved service, or increased safety.
  3. Implementation of a new technology application which enhances customer satisfaction and improves the institution’s ability to serve students and the community. 
  4. The innovation is not more than 2 years old at the institution. 

To make a nomination, complete this form. For consideration, your candidate must meet all criteria and have at least one recommendation letter.

Power of Collaboration Award

The purpose of the LCCC Power of Collaboration Award is to recognize a team, department or committee that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, actively supports colleagues, and works effectively together to achieve shared goals, essentially recognizing their outstanding collaborative efforts within the college.

The LCCC Power of Collaboration Award is given annually to one college team, department or committee (minimum 2 people). The Spirit Committee will select one award recipient to be recognized at the annual Staff and Faculty Awards reception. Award recipients will be added to the LCCC Power of Collaboration Award perpetual plaque on display in the Student Services Center in addition to receiving an award certificate and celebratory lunch. 

The following criteria should be considered:

  1. They work positively and productively with other team members whose combined efforts have resulted in significant innovations, solutions, and advancements, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
  2. They have blended their unique skills, knowledge, and efforts to form a powerful synergy, enhancing their collective output. It emphasizes the core of successful collaboration: accomplishing more together than would be possible solo.
  3. The nominees have used innovative approaches, introducing fresh methods, ideas, or solutions to harness their collective creativity to forge new paths and achieve results.
  4. They model clear communication and constructive conflict resolution. They excel in maintaining open channels of communication, fostering a respectful and productive environment.

To make a nomination, complete this form. For consideration, your candidate must meet all criteria and have at least one recommendation letter.

Spirit Awards

The LCCC Spirit Committee invites nominations for the annual Spirit Award, presented at the Employee Appreciation Ceremony each May. One recipient will be selected from each of the following groups: ESP Staff, Administrators, and Faculty.

This award recognizes individuals who exemplify a positive attitude, foster teamwork, support an inclusive campus culture, and go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients demonstrate leadership, empathy, and a strong alignment with the college’s values, contributing meaningfully to the overall morale and spirit of the campus community. Nominate a colleague for the Spirit Award. *Previous recipients are not eligible.

Please use the following criteria to nominate a colleague; be prepared to offer examples of how the employee exhibits these criteria: 

  • Positive Attitude

 Consistently maintains an optimistic outlook, even during challenging situations; brings enthusiasm and energy to the workplace; helps to create a supportive environment. 

  • Team Collaboration

 Actively contributes to teamwork, supports colleagues, and promotes a sense of unity; works well with others to achieve shared goals and fosters a cooperative environment. 

  • Workplace Culture Contribution

 Demonstrates commitment to fostering a positive company culture; engages in activities that promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect within the college. 

  • Going Above and Beyond

Regularly exceeds expectations in terms of performance and initiative; takes on additional responsibilities or offers to help others without being asked. 

  • Leadership and Inspiration

Inspires others through actions and works, helping to motivate and encourage teammates; demonstrates leadership qualities, whether in formal or informal capacities. 

  • Supportive and Empathetic Behavior

Shows genuine care and concern for the well-being of colleagues; actively listens and provides emotional support or encouragement when needed; serves others and is always willing to help; inspires and encourages others. 

  • Creativity and Problem-Solving

Brings innovative ideas to the table and helps solve problems creatively; encourages others to think outside of the box and embrace new approaches. 

  • Commitment to the Organization’s Values

Consistently aligns behavior with the company’s mission, vision, and values; demonstrates ethical behavior and acts with integrity. 

  • Overall Positive Impact

Has a lasting, positive influence on the workplace environment, boosting employee morale and creating a sense of community. 

Reminders

Commission Statement on FY 25–26 State Budget

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) formally acknowledged the passage of the 2025-26 Commonwealth Budget, noting that the final spending plan includes level operating funding of $277.338 million and level capital funding of $54.61 million for the state’s 15 community colleges. While the budget finalization offers clarity for the sector, PACCC President/CEO Dr. Tuesday Stanley emphasized that the static funding posture creates considerable difficulty in maintaining the current breadth of operations and fulfilling the colleges’ mission of providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality educational and workforce development opportunities across the Commonwealth.

Below, please find attached the Commission’s statement, which includes additional information.

PA Community Colleges FY 25-26 Budget Press Release

Cougar Cabinet

The LCCC Cougar Cabinet offers supplemental food options and personal care items to LCCC-registered students, staff, and faculty. This program is free and confidential, and you do not need to provide any documentation of a need. However, a self-declaration form must be completed. We operate using a pre-packaged model, and are asking participants to make an appointment directly with their preferred campus location as listed below:

Locations:

Main campus (Schnecksville) – Contact: communityresources@lccc.edu

Donley Center (Allentown) – Contact: donley@lccc.edu

Cougar Cabinet at LCCC Tamaqua – Contact: morgan@lccc.edu

Congratulations to Adam Bachert, LCCC’s Student Employee of the Month

Career Development is proud to recognize Adam Bachert as our Student Employee of the Month! As the dedicated Front Desk/‘Jack of all Trades’ worker at the Morgan Center, Adam is truly the cornerstone of the campus experience.

Adam sets the standard every day: he always arrives early, greets everyone with a welcoming smile, and serves as a walking encyclopedia of campus knowledge.

Adam’s colleagues praise his reliability and exceptional work ethic. He is known for his impeccable attention to detail on every task, from making copies to assisting confused guests. He is approachable, respectful, and a hard worker who represents LCCC Morgan Campus exceptionally well as one of the first faces visitors meet.

His dedication is year-round and extends off-site, where he provided tremendous assistance at all Career Development events in both Tamaqua and Schnecksville.

Congratulations, Adam, on this well-deserved recognition!

Cougar Campus Crawl – Donley Center to Main Campus

Are your Donley Center students registered for spring classes at Main Campus? Encourage them to sign up for the Cougar Campus Crawl on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (snow day – Wednesday, Jan. 15)! A bus will take students from the Donley Center in Allentown to our Main Campus in Schnecksville for a day filled with campus tours, free lunch, and connection with faculty, staff and other students.

Register here.

For more information, email donley@lccc.edu.

Follow LCCC Rec on Instagram

Follow LCCC Recreation on Instagram @lccc_iwr

Stay up-to-date with intramurals, fitness, and campus recreation events!

Community Resources and Basic Needs

The LCCC Community Resources and Basic Needs Program serves LCCC students who seek basic needs assistance in areas such as food, shelter, and utilities by connecting them with resources that may be available on campus or in the community.

A student interested in this service should complete the Community Resources and Basic Needs Intake Form, and should be as specific as possible in the additional details application field, to help us with matching the area of need with the appropriate resources and their eligibility criteria.

Get ready to celebrate the season with a little Whoville cheer!

Join the Spirit Committee for our Annual Employee Holiday Breakfast, where we’ll be having a “Grinchmas Holiday Celebration” on Thursday, Dec, 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Community Services Center. The Donley and Morgan Centers will hold luncheons on the same date. RSVP using this form before Noon on Friday, December 5. This is a ticketed event; your RSVP is required.

As part of this event, we encourage all attendees to bring a donation(s) for the Cougar Cabinet for a raffle entry to win a customized holiday wreath made by Dr. Ann Bieber, President of LCCC. Find a list of items here.

We encourage you to get into the Grinchmas spirit! Dress in your favorite Whoville attire or a festive holiday sweater. Please remember that all attire must remain workplace acceptable. For questions, contact Ginny Hertzog at vhertzog@lccc.edu.

LCCC Policy and Regulations Manual Updates

College Policies and Regulations Manual

The following revised policies have been approved by the LCCC Board of Trustees on

November 6, 2025:

  1. Policy 3-223 – Lost and Found
  2. Policy 3-604 – Leadership of College
  3. LCCC Organizational Chart

The Policies and Regulations Manual can be found on the College’s website and on the Human Resources portal page.

Turkey Trot 5K

Kick off the holiday season with a Turkey Trot 5K on Tuesday, November 25th at 3 p.m. 5K and 1.5-mile options available.

Start and end in Parking Lot L.

Spirit & Wellness

Spirit Committee Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events, brought to you by the LCCC Spirit Committee!

November 19 – Virtual Bingo (RSVP required)

December 10 – Virtual Bingo (RSVP required)

December 11– Holiday Attire & Holiday Breakfast

December 18 – Potluck Holiday Luncheon

For questions about any upcoming events, please reach out to Ginny Hertzog at vhertzog@lccc.edu.

Wellness Center Winter Hours

Winter Hours Are Here!

As we head into the colder months, our facility hours are shifting.

Stay warm, stay active — see you soon!