Pinemont Campus Closure

As an institution, we are charged with not only meeting the workforce demands of today, but the demands of the future. The charge calls for us to be innovative and forward-thinking, while constantly seeking ways that we can improve the College to more effectively support our students and the needs of the community.

As we examined plans for HCC and our future direction, we embarked upon a study to identify the best way we could serve students in the communities surrounding Pinemont Center. The study revealed many factors, including a changing population as well as a trend of decreasing enrollment at Pinemont Center. It became evident that reallocating resources in a different way could provide better options for students in the community.

After careful consideration and upon the recommendation of the recent study, the Houston Community College Board of Trustees voted to close Pinemont Center. While this was certainly a tough decision, we believe that it is in the best interest of the students and communities we serve. The current timeline calls for the Pinemont Campus to close when the lease on the building expires in August 2019. What is known as a Teach-Out Plan, which details the closure process, was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; the regional accreditation organization that oversees HCC. With being said, we are committed to a smooth transition for students, faculty, staff and the community, and we will meet that commitment with communication and transparency.

HCC has been an active and engaged partner in the communities surrounding Pinemont Center for numerous years beginning in the early days of classes being offered at area schools including Waltrip, Booker T. Washington, and Scarborough high schools. As time progressed, our commitment to the community has continued to grow. Since the inception of Pinemont Center, thousands have relied on the campus for an array of educational needs. Whether they were seeking classes for ESL and GED or desiring to complete courses toward a certificate or degree, HCC Pinemont Center has been a beacon in the community.

We are also proud to offer dual credit courses for area students and have partnered with the Houston Independent School District to ensure that students can earn college credit while attending high school. HCC will continue its relationships with area high schools and we will remain engaged in the community. We value our relationships with area community leaders, businesses and community-based organizations and we are committed to growing partnerships for education.

Closing Pinemont Center does not mean that we are scaling back our services to the community. In fact, we are investing resources in a more innovative way to yield the best experience for those we serve. Residents and current students in the Pinemont area will have options to attend class at newer and more technologically advanced campuses that are a short commute away. The new Northline and Acres Homes campuses are within a 10-minute drive and we encourage students to explore the options available at these two campuses. We thank you for making HCC your choice and look forward to continuing to serve you. For more information regarding the campus closure, visit hccs.edu/pinemontclosure or call 713.718.8010.