Editorial Column for Daily Herald
Publication: 1/23/08

“HCC: 2008 Initiative – Sisters of Standards Mentoring Program”
Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr.
President, Halifax Community College

I mentioned in earlier columns the establishment of our male mentoring program. In order to provide an equal opportunity for our female students, we are in the process of establishing the Sisters of Standards (SOS). This will be a mentoring program consisting of a community of female leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life and making an impact on themselves as well as on the community. The program was conceived by our Dean of Student Services, Barbara Bradley-Hasty, and is being developed and implemented by Carolyn Stuart, our counseling director. The goal is to get this off and running in 2008.

Values of the group include dignity, honesty, integrity, respect and responsibility. These will not just be words, but a way of life for SOS members. Our particular focus will be on the HCC female student population. Members will demonstrate an appreciation of and respect for the diversity not only reflected in the college's students and employees, but throughout the community as well. SOS will also serve as a catalyst for educational and cultural development in the community.

According to Stuart, “I think that throughout one's life, leadership is ongoing. A program like this provides that leadership. If you're 45, there is nothing wrong with being in this group. These ladies will go out and be the leaders in the community, setting the standards in their communities, homes and families. This is not a program for second chances nor will it be second rate. The standards are already set.”

Educational and cultural development will be achieved through activities such as public speaking, reading to children in our child care center, peer to peer mentoring, sponsoring community events, attending conferences and workshops, participating in Book of the Month and Campus Clean-Up as well as other activities sponsored by HCC organizations. Through these activities, members will have opportunities to increase their awareness, knowledge and skills in the areas of leadership, positive lifestyles, effective communication and self-awareness.

All female HCC students who currently have a 2.5 grade point average will be eligible to complete an SOS application packet including a demographic questionnaire, and interest, honor code and success inventories, as well as a pledge to serve contract. SOS members must maintain a 2.5 GPA while they are involved in the organization. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of achievement and pin. Members will attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings and participate in all activities as they occur. A board of directors will be the decision making group for the organization.

Earlier, I alluded to an honor code. The code will embody a spirit of dignity, honesty, integrity, respect and responsibility that is the cornerstone of SOS. Fundamental beliefs reflected in the code include: that trust in a person is a positive force in making that person worthy of trust, and, that the integrity of all SOS members contributes to HCC's belief that Learning Comes to Life in Pursuit of Excellence. This code will forbid violations including cheating, plagiarism, falsification, low grade point average, abusive language, use of alcohol and other substances while representing SOS or HCC, and criminal involvement.

From the President's Perspective, I believe that the Sisters of Standards mentoring program will give our female students a chance to be leaders on campus and in the community. According to their pledge, SOS members will serve in the organization for at least a year, maintain their grades, represent SOS and HCC at all times in a professional and dignified manner, attend regular meetings, participate in activities and provide education and training to fellow students, faculty and staff as well as the community when called on to do so. This organization will positively contribute to the overall environment on campus and in our area.

To find out more about our programs, contact HCC at (252) 536-HCC1 (4221) or visit us on the web at www.halifaxcc.edu. If you have comments about HCC or ideas to share, please email me at president@halifaxcc.edu.