Hinds Connection
Founded in 1978
Hinds Connection is the student ambassador organization for Hinds Community College! Founded in 1978 by the former, long-time college president, Dr. Clyde Muse, the original duties included serving at teas and official presidential events. In 1979, the first Recruiter was hired at Hinds, and recruiting duties were added to Hind Connection’s responsibilities. Over time, Connection also became a leadership development program that offered college credit. Today, Hinds Connection members are the student recruiters and public relations ambassadors for the College. Hinds Connection is many things: a student organization, a leadership development program, and a college course, but at its core, our true purpose is to serve the College.
We are looking for well-rounded, student leaders who wish to serve and grow their leadership and communication skills. Connection members must represent the college both on-campus and in the public with dignity, professionalism, enthusiasm, and in a manner befitting of our College. Hinds Connection is an elite volunteer organization with limited spots. An application, letters of recommendation, an interview, and a history of service and leadership are considered when selecting new members.
Connection members gain a professional network, great friends and college memories, and exposure to new opportunities and personal growth. If you are interested in both service and leadership opportunities at Hinds, then we invite you to explore Hinds Connection!
Responsibilities Include
- Serve as an ambassador for Hinds at official college events.
- Give campus tours to prospective students.
- Work at recruiting events such as tailgates, senior days, open houses, and more.
- Attend local high schools with Hinds Recruiters.
- Serve at events sponsored by the Office of Advancement such as receptions, golf tournaments, luncheons, legislative events, and more.
Requirements
To qualify for Connection, applicants must meet these requirements and must maintain these requirements for membership:
- Be a high school graduate with a 2.75 GPA or above or an ACT composite score of 20 or higher. Applicants who’ve already completed one semester of college after high school graduation must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or above.
- Be a full-time Hinds student enrolled in 15 or more credit hours, with the majority of your classes located on the Raymond Campus.
- Complete 12 or more hours every semester with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
- Be free of any disciplinary action in high school or college.
- Be of good moral character and integrity.
- Show involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Be supportive of and loyal to Hinds Community College.
- Must follow the Connection Leadership Class attendance policy each semester of membership, which includes two service hours each week in the Enrollment Center and participating at special events and meetings, as needed.
How To Apply
To be considered for selection, complete the following requirements by August 14, 2024:
- Complete the Hinds Connection Application.
- First-time freshmen: submit your high school transcript, showing a GPA of 2.75 or above or an ACT composite score of 20 or higher. College students: submit your college transcript showing a 2.75 GPA or above (We will use the transcripts and scores you have already submitted to the Admissions Office. Current Hinds students do not need to submit a Hinds transcript.)
- Submit two letters of recommendation by email to Connection@hindscc.edu. Recommendation letters should be from individuals who know you well and can attest to your personality, character, and leadership abilities (Teachers, Youth Group Leaders, Counselors, etc. Not family members.)
- View this Connection presentation online to learn more about Connection, the responsibilities, and requirements, and view photos of all we did last year! You may also attend a “Meet & Greet” to meet current Hinds Connection students and learn more about this organization! Meet and Greet times and location for Fall 2024 are TBA.
- After submitting the requirements and either watching the Connection presentation or attending a Connection Meet and Greet, select applicants will be contacted for an interview with the Connection Advisory Board. Final candidates selected for the Fall 2024 Hinds Connection class must attend a mandatory training that is tentatively scheduled for Friday, August 23 from 5 pm – 9 pm and on Saturday, August 24 from 9 am – 8 pm. (Students return home or to their dorm to spend the night.) Students must attend the entire training to confirm their spot in Hinds Connection.
Additional Notes:
Connection is also a Leadership course for which members earn two college credit hours each semester. Therefore, the Connection Class “meets” two hours per week, and attendance is taken for participation. However, those two hours each week are service hours that fall during business hours of the Enrollment Center. Students are assigned two hours around their existing class schedule so it does not interfere with other classes. New members will begin their weekly Connection Hours after the training weekend.
