Success Coaching

You Define Success, We Help You Achieve It!

What We Do

Success Coaches help students set goals, make plans, and learn skills to do well in school and life. They give support, share helpful tools, and cheer you on when things get tough. Coaching helps you grow, improve, and think about your future.

Success Coaching Services

Academic 

  • Study Skills  
  • Test-Taking Strategies 
  • Canvas Help 
  • Motivation

Personal  

  • Health and Wellness 
  • Stress Management 
  • Time Management 

Financial 

  • Budgeting and Saving 
  • Paying for College 
  • Emergency Help 

Career 

  • Exploring Majors and Careers 
  • Assessing Interests and Strengths 
  • Planning and Setting Goals for Your Future 

Meet the Coaches

Normal Campus
Placeholder

Ashley Carrel

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
When I started community college, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. I really struggled being able to identify what my strengths were and how to choose a career path that would be right for me. I took personality and career exploration quizzes to help point me in the right direction, but I never had a mentor or a guide to help me process what would be best for me long term. I felt like I was making major decisions about my life and future completely on my own, causing a lot of anxiety. I ended up choosing my major from which classes I enjoyed most at Heartland (Communication and Spanish).

Educational Background

  • Associate of Arts from Heartland Community College
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish from Illinois State University
  • Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hamline University

Special Student Populations

International Students, ESL and Adult Education, Humanities and Fine Arts

Placeholder

Adam McGinnis

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
The biggest struggle I faced as a student was life balance and motivation. As a college baseball player, all I wanted to focus on was playing baseball. It took the maturing process to realize that without school and focusing on my studies that I would not be eligible to play baseball. I had always been a good student and never had to put extra effort into my schoolwork like I did once I got to college. Finding the balance between sport and school was hard in the beginning, but the use of mandatory study hours for the team allowed me to put the effort toward school that was necessary. Not every student has that and may feel like there is no one to help with the transition we all go through. I had coaches that helped along the way and so do you! That is our role as Success Coaches. We are an outlet for the everyday student that needs guidance on their journey towards success.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Business in Management from Western Illinois University
  • Master of Kinesiology in Sport Management from Western Illinois University

Special Student Populations

NexSTEM Program, Student Athletes, Student Emergency Fund

Placeholder

Annie McManaman

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
I believe my greatest struggle during my college years was obtaining balance. I took on too many things. I worked four jobs while attending school. And although I strongly believe in being productive, I believe balance is key. I wish someone would have helped me to see that all aspects of the college experience can prove to be invaluable. I think becoming involved in clubs, organizations, sports or volunteer opportunities on campus will help guide students to become more well rounded. I think these types of experiences open the doors to new relationships, new passions, self fulfillment and true life-long learning. I urge students today to self discipline to maintain balance during their college years paying attention to things like:
strong health (nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise), studies (true focused learning instead of checking things off a list), work (great experience, helps with financial freedoms, possible connections for future career), volunteer opportunities (provides such a sense of self worth oftentimes), clubs, organizations (opens doors to new interests and can provide real life education).

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Nebraska
  • Master of Science in Education from University of Illinois

Special Student Populations

Social/Behavioral Sciences, College NOW Students, Time Management Techniques, Motivation

Placeholder

Ann Schick

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One thing that I struggled with in college was really being focused on making the most of my experience. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the resources and opportunities that were available to me. I did not realize my true goal of working in higher education until a few years after I graduated. If I had focused more on getting engaged while I was working on my Bachelor’s degree maybe I would have realized my dream even earlier. Since I cannot go back and have my college experience again, I try to focus on helping students take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them while at Heartland.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Communication from Illinois State University
  • Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University

Special Student Populations

Health Science Majors, Career Exploration, Workforce 180 & PATH Grant Students, Transfer preparation

Placeholder

Jen Vieley

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
Navigating the college "system" was hugely overwhelming for me. I was a first-generation college student (the first in my family to attend college) so no one in my household had any idea where to begin. Everything from applying for financial aid, registering for classes, buying books, managing a college course load, and getting connected on campus was outside of my comfort zone. There were times during my first year that I wanted to give up rather than deal with the stress of figuring out how everything worked. Over time, I learned a lot from trial and error (and my fellow students!) but spent much of that first year feeling stressed out and confused rather than enjoying the experience. I wish there had been a coaching program when I was a student to help take the mystery out of navigating that first year of college!

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University
  • Master of Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University

Special Student Populations

Veterans and Military Connections, Certified Recovery Support Specialist Program (CRSS) Liaison, HOUSE and Benefits Liaison

Placeholder

Stephanie Walden

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was finding a way to connect in such a large university and get the support I needed. I came from a small town and knew most students in my class of 175. Going to such a large university with 40,000 undergraduate students meant that I had to find a place to fit in and connect with other students. I tried several student groups, organizations, and gatherings before I found the right fit for me. It was stressful adjusting to college life and I want to help students find a way to connect with others here on campus and in the community. Learning to try new things and meet new people helps students feel connected both personally and in classes and is a skill that creates opportunities throughout life.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Illinois

Special Student Populations

Early Childhood Education, Homeschool Students

Placeholder

Kathy Thoma

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was trying to balance everything! It was difficult getting used to a college workload, working a job, getting involved in extracurricular activities and balancing relationships with friends and loved ones. I was also helping care for a sick parent during my college years. It was a very stressful time, and I wish I had access to all the resources that are available here at Heartland for students. I want to help connect students to the appropriate resources and assist them in getting the most out of their college experience

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education from Illinois Wesleyan University

Special Student Populations

PATH Grant Students

Placeholder

Krystal Goodman

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One struggle I faced as a student was learning to ask for help. I always wanted to be independent and figure everything out on my own. Asking for help felt like a weakness to me then. I was very closed-minded to allowing other people give their perspectives or advice. Never letting anyone in was isolating and lonely at times. However, now I have learned that everyone needs a helping hand every once in a while. Now, I think about daunting tasks like climbing mountains. It's much easier to climb when you have someone to guide you and other people to lean on. It's also much more enjoyable once you've made it to the top and get to take in the view with other people. If I were to tell my Freshman self one piece of advice it would be to let people help you along the way and always show gratitude when they do!

Educational Background

  • Associate of Arts from Chipola College
  • Bachelor of Science in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama
  • Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Southern Mississippi 

Special Student Populations

Student Athletes

Placeholder

Tammy Truitt

Success Coach

Normal Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
My greatest struggle in college was procrastination. There were nights when all of a sudden, the sky brightened as I put the finishing touches on a paper I worked on all night. The new freedom that comes with being a college student is wonderful, but it's something that we must make good decisions with. We can use our time to have fun, and we should! We can use our time to work, and we should! However, we really need to plan how we will use our time to get our homework done and make that a priority. I wish I had a Success Coach to help me with my time management skills back when I was in college. I've learned a lot since then and would like to help you not make the same mistakes I did.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Illinois State University
  • Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College

Special Student Populations

Student Conduct and Appeals, Success Education and Global Studies Classes, All things International

Pontiac Campus
Placeholder

John Salzer

Success Coach

Pontiac Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One of my biggest struggles early on was having the intense feeling that I didn’t “belong” at college. Coming from a family and a neighborhood where many had not graduated high school and none had attended any college, I had so much misunderstanding of what college was, who could attend, and so on. As far as I knew, college was where the children of rich people went to become doctors and lawyers. Luckily, I had a High School Guidance Counselor who caught me my Junior year and made me pick a career other than grocery store clerk (my plan at the time), take the ACT, and apply to some colleges. While there was no way for me to attend the schools I liked the most (even with a full tuition scholarship, I couldn’t afford room and board), I found myself with an almost full tuition scholarship at a school to which I could commute, and all of a sudden, college was an option. For me, college was serious business. I needed to keep a 3.6 GPA to keep my scholarship, or I’d lose the chance to finish my degree. [Nobody told me that community colleges existed, so I thought that this was my one and only shot.] And being someone with a 40-minute commute who was working several part-time and seasonal jobs, college was also very transactional. I went to school, attended my classes, went to work, went home, and studied like my ability to continue depended on it. But being surrounded by 18 year olds who were living in the dorms, not working, without a care in the world, treating college like a social thing – I couldn't relate to them. They were from an entirely different world of two story brick houses. I felt like an imposter. Over time, I came to realize that everyone has a different “college experience”. That was their college experience. Mine was my college experience. And while the 18-year old carefree culture is what was most visible, that wasn’t the core culture of the college itself. The core culture of the college itself related to faculty and staff caring about students (including me) and helping each along his or her journey. Once I figured that out and embraced my own path, I knew I was where I belonged. Heartland students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and past experiences, and you ALL belong here. If you ever feel like you don’t belong, come sit with me for a bit. One thing I can tell you for sure is that I’m happy you’re here.

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education from College of St. Francis
  • Masters of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics from University of Idaho Engineering Outreach
  • Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University

Special Student Populations

Livingston County/ Pontiac Campus, Academic Advising, Dog Petting Techniques, Math Anxiety and History of Math, Title IX

Lincoln Campus
Placeholder

Kelsi Edwards

Success Coach

Lincoln Campus

Bio

What is one struggle you faced as a student?
One of my early struggles during college was being a first generation student. No one else in my immediate family had attended college, so figuring out the process was scary and challenging. I had a lot of support from college staff, who encouraged me to continue the process. Figuring out financial aid and navigating the college system was so intimidating, but pushing through the unknowns was so worth it.
A later struggle of mine was having my children while finishing my degrees. I continued going to school full time, working full time, and raising babies. The odds were against me in many ways. I was tired and constantly wondered how much I had left in me. I was motivated to finish my degree to obtain a better career and ensure a good future for my children. Learning and developing time management, self-motivation and interdependence was key to my success! I was lucky to have supportive instructors, family members, and friends who helped when I needed it. Don’t be afraid to seek help and discover ways to work through challenging situations.

Educational Background

  • Associate in Art from Lincoln College
  • Bachelor of Science in History from Illinois State University

Special Student Populations

Logan County/Lincoln Campus, Academic Advising, Transfer Preparation, Motivation

Technology Resources

Do you need help accessing technology to be successful in your classes? Do you need to check drop or withdrawal deadlines or find other important dates? 

Borrow a Device

Online Tutorials

Enhance your skills with expert-led, online video tutorials.

Linked in Learning

More Resources for Success 

  • Academic Success 
  • Study Skills (PDF)  
  • Daily Schedule (PDF) 
  • RAD Success (PDF) 

Personal Success 

  • Goal Setting (PDF) 
  • Success Plan Agreement (PDF) 

Financial Success 

  • Money Matters Guide (PDF)
  • Monthly Budget (PDF)

Career Success

Explore Majors & Careers with Career Coach

Visit Career Coach

Student Emergency Fund

The Heartland Foundation and Dean of Students office work together to oversee the Student Emergency Fund for students who have significant financial need. The Student Emergency Fund provides assistance to students for eligible expenses incurred due to unforeseen hardships that could impact their ability to remain enrolled in school. You will be contacted within 3-5 business days of application submission.  

 *Please note, any awarded funds would be paid directly to the requesting business. For example, rent would be paid directly to the rental agency. A car repair would be paid directly to the repair company. These funds cannot be paid directly to the student. To expedite the payment process, students can request that the payee complete a W9 Form.

Student Emergency Funds do not have to be repaid to the college.

Examples of emergencies to be considered include, but are not limited to:

  • Emergency medical, dental, or mental health services. 
  • Unanticipated vehicle repair. 
  • Replacement of essential personal belongings due to theft, fire, or natural disaster. 
  • Safety-related needs (i.e. changing locks or support shelter for an unsafe living situation) 
  • Sudden loss of housing or homelessness.
  • Overdue utility bills reaching turn-off notice.
  • Required services or materials that are considered essential to a students’ success. 

 Expenses typically not covered by the Student Emergency Fund:

  • Tuition, fees, study abroad costs, and standard expenses associated with attending Heartland Community College.  
  • Non-essential utilities such as cable, internet, or phone bill.  
  • Transportation expenses such as gas, taxi, or Uber. 
  • Legal fees or tickets.
  • Household repairs not related to fire, damage, theft, or natural disaster.
  • Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (bills that are due monthly). 

 Application Process

 In order to be considered for emergency funding, the following criteria must be met:  
  • Applicant must be currently enrolled in classes at Heartland Community College
  • Applicant must have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected incident.
  • All other resources (i.e. loans, scholarships, student aid) must have first been exhausted, or determined to be insufficient or unavailable 

Please provide relevant details regarding the circumstances and upload supporting documentation through the application. 

Please contact Dean of Students office at 309-268-8055 or successconnections@heartland.edu for more information.

Success Education

Current SCED Courses Include: 

SCED 099: Student Success OrientationThis 3-hour orientation is required for all new students and is hosted at the beginning of each semester.  The goal of this orientation is to prepare students to be successful at HCC by walking them through Canvas, Navigate, the HCC Website and MyHeartland Tiles. Students will also learn about the many resources HCC available to them. 0 credit hours 

SCED 100: College Success. A foundational course in active learning strategies and effective study skills that focuses on the learner’s role and responsibility in the learning process. 1 credit hour 

SCED 101: Career Success. Explore significant personal factors such as values, interests, skills, and personality preferences in order to make informed career and lifestyle choices. Students will research potential careers and use labor market information, decision-making strategies, and goal setting to develop an individual career action plan. 1 credit hour 

SCED 102: Personal Success. This course provides an introduction to academic and personal skills essential for success in college and in life. Topics include personal responsibility, goal setting, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Students learn to create success by applying proven principles for active learning, self-motivation, self-management, and interdependence. 1 credit hour 

SCED 105: Life Success. This course will help students gain awareness of their academic, career, and personal selves and facilitate development in each of these areas. Focus will be placed on gaining knowledge of each self, identifying areas of strength and those needing improvement and mastering the tools necessary to achieve growth in these life areas. Students cannot receive credit for both SCED 105 and SCED 100, SCED 101, or SCED 102. 3 credit hours 

SCED 107: Math SuccessThis is a course designed to improve students’ success in mathematics. Topics will include assessing math learning strengths; managing math anxiety, how to understand what you read in a math textbook, how to take effective notes in math class and improving math test scores. 1 credit hour. 

SCED 110: Workplace SuccessWorkplace Success provides students with the tools to be successful in today’s ever-changing workforce. The course combines theoretical information with practical applications. Students will explore a range of both soft and hard skills necessary to get, keep, and excel on the job. Topics covered include motivation, time management, emotional intelligence, and communication. Leadership styles, technology, and cultural diversity in the workplace will also be addressed. 1 credit hour 

Our SCED faculty come from a variety of disciplines including Advising, History, Math, Political Science, English and Reading. 

SCED support and services are available through: 

Academic Standing Overview

What is Academic Standing?

Students earn academic standing at the end of each semester. Academic standing is based on your grade point average (GPA) and the number of credit hours you have attempted. There are four levels of Academic Standing outlined below. 

Academic Standing Description

Good Standing 

Students remain in good academic standing as long as their cumulative GPA remains above the required minimum level based on their number of credit hours. *see chart below for required minimum 

Academic Probation 

Students with a cumulative GPA below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *see chart below for required minimum 

Continuing Academic Probation 

Students who have earned at least 2.0 semester GPA, have been on Academic Probation at HCC in a previous term, and have a cumulative GPA below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *see chart below for required minimum 

Dismissal 

Students on Academic Probation or Continuing Academic Probation who don't earn a 2.0 semester GPA AND their cumulative GPA remains below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *see chart below for required minimum 

Once a student is placed on probation, there are three possible outcomes: 

  • Return to Good Standing: If a student earns at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in the next semester AND raises their overall GPA to the required level, they will return to good standing.
  • Move to Continued Probation: If a student on probation earns at least a 2.0 in the next semester but does not meet the cumulative GPA required, the College will place the student on Continuing Probation. 
  • Move to Dismissed Status: If a student on probation does not earn at least a 2.0 in the next semester and does not meet the cumulative GPA required, the College will place the student on Dismissed Status.

Cumalitive GPA for Good Standing

Total Hours Attempted 

GPA Required for Good Standing 

9-16 

1.50 

17-32 

1.70 

33-48 

1.85 

49+ 

2.00  

What are the Requirements for My Academic Standing? 

Students not in good academic standing will have a hold on their account that prevents enrollment changes until they complete the requirements below: 

  • Step 1: Complete the Academic Success Evaluation on this website. 

*If there were extenuating circumstances  hat impacted your ability to be successful during the semester, you may appeal. Extenuating circumstances are events such as a medical situation, extreme financial hardship, or a family crisis. Students should seek issue resolution immediately.

Students must appeal within 30 business days from the end of the semester in which the issue occurs.

The appeal must be finalized by the end of the next semester. 

For more information on the Appeal process visit the appeals page. 

Special Note for Dismissal: 

  • A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of fall will sit out the spring semester. A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of spring will sit out summer and fall semesters. A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of summer will sit out the fall semester. 
  • Dismissed students will receive an invitation to meet with the Dean of Students to discuss their customized academic standing requirements and a reinstatement plan at Heartland. Which may include: 
  • Meeting with a Success Coach and Academic Advisor to get your enrollment hold removed. 
  • Having consistent meetings with a success coach during the term you plan to reenroll. 
  • Limiting the number of credit hours taken upon reinstatement to the College. 
  • Sitting out the following semester (If you are already enrolled, your courses will be dropped). 
  • Students placed on dismissal may seek advising and coaching assistance during the semester(s) of non-attendance. 

Step 1: Complete Your Academic Standing Evaluation

Step 1: Complete Your Academic Standing Evaluation

Step 2: Schedule Your Success Coaching Appointment

What Should I expect from my Success Coach? 

Our Success Coaches understand that students face challenges, both within and outside their control. We want our students to know that the upcoming semester brings new opportunities for support and improvement. During the initial success coaching meeting, students can expect to:

  • review their academic standing evaluation
  • receive personalized strategies to create a success plan
  • get their enrollment hold removed

Don't Delay, Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you have trouble scheduling your meeting, please email SuccessConnections@heartland.edu or call 309-268-8407.

Is There are way to Appeal My Academic Standing Status? 

Students can use the Student Appeals process when they question a decision. Students can appeal course-related matters or other non-course issues. The most common example of a course-related appeal is to appeal a grade in a course. The most common example of a non-course-related issue is a withdrawal from courses due to physical or financial hardship.

Students should seek issue resolution immediately. 

Students must appeal within 30 business days from the end of the semester in which the issue occurs. The appeal must be finalized by the end of the next semester. 

 For more information on the Appeal process visit the Appeals page. 

For additional resources visit the Support Services page.

Contact Us

Success Connections

WDC 2700

Email: successconnections@heartland.edu 

Phone: 309-268-8407

Schedule a Free Appointment

Dean of Students Office

Office Phone: 309-268-8407

Dean of Students

Jessica Pickel

Phone: (309) 268-805

Associate Dean of Students

Tammy Truitt

Phone: (309) 268-8153

 

Housing and Benefits

Director of Student Success

Jennifer Vieley

Phone: (309) 268-8055