Dean of Students
New Staff Member
Chance Lauf recently joined Heartland as the Assistant Director of the Veterans Center. His first day was on November 1, 2024. Ten days later, he helped lead Heartland’s Veterans Day Celebration to recognize both previous and current military and military-connected students and community members.
Chance is a veteran who served our country in the Army. His time in the Army took him to Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Benning, Italy, and Fort Bragg.
When he finished his military service, he began his education right here at HCC! He took advantage of the services offered by our Veterans Center at that time and completed an AA degree. He went on to ISU and finished his Bachelor's in Recreation Management. He recently completed his Master's degree at ISU in Sports Management at the end of this semester.
We encourage faculty and staff to have military and military-connected students contact Chance’s office. He can be found in the Penn Family Student Veterans Center in WDC 1005. Chance can also be reached by email at chance.lauf@heartland.edu and by phone at 309-268-8782.
Academic Standing Pilot
Success Coaches in Success Connections are piloting a new initiative this semester to connect students on academic probation with additional support. Students on academic probation will be required to meet with a Success Coach to address their obstacles, discuss the requirements of academic standing, and to create a success plan for the semester.
If you have a student who could use additional academic support, consider submitting an alert through Navigate or by emailing successconnections@heartland.edu. A Success Coach can help that student navigate the various resources available at Heartland.
Concern for Students
The Dean of Students office works with offices and stakeholders across campus to identify and support students who may be struggling in or outside of the classroom. If you have a concern regarding a student’s emotional or physical well-being, there are multiple ways to notify our office:
· Submit an Alert through Navigate
· Email the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@heartland.edu
· Contact the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) by calling 309-268-7233 or emailing BIT.Report@heartland.edu
Heartland’s newly formed CARE team will manage the student’s case to ensure the student is connected to the necessary support and intervention.
Keith Gehrand, Camille Springer, and Jessica Pickel hosted a workshop on helping a student in distress on January 7, 2025. A recording and supporting materials will be available at a future time. A second opportunity to participate in the workshop will be available later in the semester.