| # | Question | Response |
| 1. | Why is HACC restructuring some academic programs? | HACC is committed to improving student success using Guided Pathways, a nationally recognized model. Please note the following:
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| 2. | What is a meta major? | A meta major is a broad academic area such as health sciences; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and social and behavioral sciences that contains several concentrations/majors under one umbrella. For example, instead of separate Associate of Science degrees in physical science and exercise science, students might enroll in a STEM meta major and choose a concentration like exercise science or physical science. This design ensures students build a strong common core of courses, making it easier to change their concentration or major without losing credits. |
| 3. | I heard I am not eligible for financial aid if I’m enrolled in a meta major. Is this true? | No. This is not true. The meta major model will NOT have any impact on financial aid eligibility because you are still enrolled in programs that leads to a degree. |
| 4. | Which programs are being restructured into meta majors? Which programs are being completely sunset? | The following programs will be restructured into meta majors (concentrations) and will no longer accept new students as stand-alone degrees effective fall 2026:
The following programs are being completely sunset, meaning they will no longer be offered at HACC after the phase-out of fall 2026:
All students in these programs will be advised and supported throughout each program's teachout. A teach-out allows current students to finish their program after it has been closed, so they can complete what they started instead of being forced to transfer or stop. |
| 5. | What are the benefits of a meta major? | Meta majors:
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| 6. | If students are currently enrolled in one of the programs listed above, can they still graduate? | Yes. Our students and their successes are our top priority. All currently enrolled students will be allowed to complete their original stand-alone degree. HACC will not force them to switch to the meta major. Please note that students will receive a detailed advising plan to help them complete their requirements before the stand-alone degree is phased out. |
| 7. | My program is being sunset. Is there a meta major I can pursue? | Absolutely! We encourage students to view all of our program offerings to learn which is right for them. |
| 8. | What is the deadline for students to complete their stand-alone degree? | The stand-alone degrees will be fully phased out by the fall 2027 semester. Students must complete all degree requirements by the end of the summer 2027 semester or earlier. Students are encouraged to contact their assigned academic advisor, who will help them map out a timeline to ensure they finish on time. |
| 9. | What if a student cannot finish by summer 2027? | If students are at risk of not completing by the phase-out date, the student’s assigned academic advisor will work with them to transition into the equivalent meta major concentration. Any completed courses will be applied to the new degree structure, so students do not lose progress.No student will be left without a pathway to completion. |
| 10. | My program is being sunset and I need to declare a meta major to finish my education on the timeline I want. What can I do? | Please connect with your academic advisor to ensure you have the academic support you need to succeed! Please visit your myHACC portal or hacc.edu/Advising to learn more. |
| 11. | Can new or returning students enroll in the stand-alone Addiction Recovery Services Associate in Applied Science or Art Associate in Fine Arts? | No. As of the effective date of this change, HACC will no longer accept new students into the stand-alone versions of the programs. New students should enroll in the appropriate meta major with a concentration that aligns with their career or transfer goals. |
| 12. | Students want to enroll in Film and Theatre Associate in Fine Arts or Wellness and Health Promotion Associate in Applied Science. Are those still available? | No. These programs are being completely sunset and will no longer be offered as degrees at HACC. If you are a new student, please meet with an academic advisor to explore alternative programs, including communication studies, general studies, liberal arts or health-related meta majors. Current students in these two programs may complete their degrees according to their existing advising plan. |
| 13. | Will students still get the same advising support during this transition? | Yes. HACC is providing enhanced academic advising for all students affected by this change. Students will receive a personalized educational plan, and advising appointments will focus on ensuring they meet degree requirements before the phase-out or smoothly transitioning into a meta major. |
| 14. | How will my degree be recognized in my field if I graduate with an associate degree in a meta major? | Meta major degrees will include the concentrations that students pursue to showcase expertise in specific areas of specialty within an industry. For example, a diploma may read: Associate in Science in STEM with a Concentration in Math |
| 15. | Will the new meta major degrees still transfer to four-year universities? | Yes. HACC has existing articulation agreements with local universities, including Millersville University, Penn State Harrisburg and Shippensburg University. These articulation agreements are being updated to apply to the meta major degrees and their concentrations. Transferability will be preserved and, in many cases, improved because the core curriculum is better aligned with bachelor’s degree programs. |
| 16. | If students are planning to transfer to a four-year school for a major like social work or engineering, should they be worried? | No. Students’ academic advisors will help them select the appropriate meta major concentration that aligns with their transfer goals. For example:
HACC is actively confirming articulation agreements for all new concentrations. |
| 17. | If a student switches to a meta major concentration, will they lose any credits they already earned? | No. The meta major model is designed specifically to prevent credit loss. All core courses within a meta major are shared across concentrations. For example, if a student switches from a mathematics concentration to a physical science concentration, their general education and foundational STEM credits will still apply. Only a few concentration-specific courses may change. |
| 18. | How will a meta major affect my ability to transfer from HACC to a four-year institution? | Meta majors are widely adopted and becoming commonplace at many academic institutions, including four-year schools. A meta major will not impact your ability to transfer. We encourage you to view all of our articulation agreements with local universities to learn more. |
| 19. | Will this change affect students’ financial aid or scholarship eligibility? | The answer is generally, no, as long as students remain on track for degree completion and take only the courses they need for their concentration and within their meta major. However, if a student switches to a different concentration or takes longer to graduate, they should check with the Financial Aid Department. HACC will work to ensure that no student loses aid eligibility solely due to this restructuring. Current students finishing their stand-alone degree under their original plan will see no change in aid status. |
| 20. | Can students voluntarily switch to the new meta major now instead of finishing their stand-alone degree? | Yes. If a student prefers the meta major structure, they may work with their advisor to switch at any time before the phase-out. Students’ completed courses will be evaluated and applied to the appropriate concentration. This may even benefit some students if they are considering changing their focus area. |
| 21. | When will the meta majors officially begin? | The new meta major degrees with concentrations will go into effect fall 2027. Stand-alone degrees will no longer be available for new students after that point. Current students may continue under the old structure through summer 2027. |
| 22. | How will HACC communicate updates to students? | Students will receive emails to their HAWKMail email address and notifications in their myHACC portal. In addition, students will receive outreach from their assigned academic advisor. HACC will also host information sessions and drop-in advising hours. Please encourage students to watch for announcements from the Registrar and academic advising. |
| 23. | How do I switch from the program I am currently studying to a meta major to ensure I finish on time? | Please connect with your academic advisor to ensure you have the academic support you need to succeed. |
| 24. | Who should I contact if I have more questions? | We encourage students to start with their academic advisor. You can also contact:
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| 25. | How has HACC protected student access and success through this restructuring? | Every decision in this budget was measured first against one question: Does this protect our students' ability to learn, progress and succeed? While the cost-saving measures are significant, equal effort has gone into strengthening student access and success - not reducing it, including:
No currently enrolled student will be left without a path to complete their HACC education. Teach-out plans, course sequencing protections and advising continuity are required elements of every restructuring decision. The College is reducing services that no longer serve HACC's core learning mission given how students learn and what they need today. HACC remains committed to being an accessible, affordable and high-quality option for every student in Central Pennsylvania. Learning for all; learning for life is not just our purpose statement. It is the standard against which every budget decision in 2026-27 was made. |
| 26. | What are the enrollment numbers for programs that are being restructured or phased out? | Please note spring 2026 semester student head counts for programs that are being restructured below:
Please note spring 2026 semester student head counts for programs that are being phased out below:
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| 27. | I don’t understand why HACC is restructuring some programs into meta majors. Why is HACC taking this approach? | Structuring programs into meta majors is a proven reform used to improve student completion and momentum. Meta majors:
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| 28. | Does the meta major approach mean fewer courses? Will there be changes in degree requirements or delivery method? | Meta majors do not require fewer courses. There will be no changes to degree requirements or delivery methods. |
| 29. | Is HACC still offering programs in education for those who want to become teachers in early childcare centers and/or teach in K-12 schools? | HACC continues to offer multiple degree offerings in education including:
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| 30. | Geospatial Technology skills are used in many fields. With the Geospatial Technology Associate of Science and Diploma programs being sunset, will HACC still offer GIS courses? | Yes. HACC is in the planning stages of creating micro-credentials. Micro-credentials are focused on a skill, knowledge or competency area allowing learners to rapidly upskill or reskill for in-demand jobs. GIS is one of the skill areas that is a good fit for offering as a micro-credential. |
| Student Status | Student Actions Required |
| Current student in one of the 12 stand-alone degrees | Continue with advising plan; complete degree by summer 2027 |
| Current student in Film and Theatre, Geospatial Technology or Wellness and Health Promotion program | Complete degree by summer 2027 with advisor support |
| New or returning student after the effective date | Enroll in meta major with a concentration |
| New student interested in Film and Theatre or Wellness and Health Promotion program | Choose an alternative program; meet with an advisor |