News
New agreement with Touro/NY Medical Nursing Program
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE SIGNS TRANSFER ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH THE NURSING PROGRAM OF TOURO SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AT NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE – NEW LOCATION BEGINNING FALL 2017 IN VALHALLA, NEW YORK
Westchester Community College, State University of New York, and Touro School of Health Sciences/New York Medical College (NYMC) have combined efforts and collaborated on a new pipeline from the associate’s degree to bachelor’s degree studies in nursing. An agreement between the two colleges was publicly signed on the Valhalla campus of Westchester Community College on Thursday, May 18.
Due to the new partnership, all of Westchester Community College’s graduates of the Associate’s of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better will be given full consideration to the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program offered by Touro/NYMC.. New this coming fall 2017, Touro School of Health Sciences will deliver the RN to BSN program on the NYMC campus in Valhalla, New York. NYMC is a member of the Touro College and University System.
This agreement ensures a smooth transfer experience for students and guarantees junior status for graduates of the A.A.S. degree in Nursing from Westchester Community College. In addition, students can transfer in up to 90 credits to Touro/NYMC, allowing them to take additional requirements at Westchester Community College while enrolled with Touro/NYMC. This generous transfer policy will keep the cost affordable for students.
“This partnership will help our graduates achieve a seamless transfer to Touro College” says Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President, Westchester Community College. “Last week, we celebrated the college’s largest commencement ceremony with a record number of graduates, many of whom are going on to four-year colleges and universities. With this new agreement with Touro, we have created an exciting new pathway for our graduates. At next year’s commencement, we expect to be congratulating students who will be continuing their studies at Touro College.”
“From 1937 to 1962 NYMC graduated nurses from our Flower Fifth Avenue School of Nursing,” said Edward C. Halperin MD MA, Chancellor/CEO of NYMC and Provost for Biomedical Affairs of Touro. “We are proud to return to the education of nurses at NYMC as a member of the Touro family and in partnership with WCC.”
“The NYMC RN to BSN Program will prepare Registered Nurses for enhanced roles in nursing. By bridging academia and practice, the curriculum is focused on inter-professional education. The collaboration between the new program and NYMC will foster professional education with other students in healthcare professions,” said Sandra Russo, Chair and Director of Nursing at Touro School of Health Sciences.
“The articulation agreement between Westchester Community College and Touro College will increase access and opportunity for our community college students and clearly define pathways to success. This agreement will facilitate the completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing for many of our students,” says Lynette DeBellis, R.N., M.A., Assistant Professor of Nursing, Chairperson Department of Nursing, Westchester Community College.
For more information on the program, please visit http://shs.touro.edu/nursing/.
The Touro College and University System
Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 18,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has 29 branch campuses, locations and instructional sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Berlin, Jerusalem and Moscow. New York Medical College; Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus; Touro University Worldwide and its Touro College Los Angeles division; as well as Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Ill. are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System. For further information on Touro College, please visit www.touro.edu/news.
New York Medical College
Founded in 1860, NYMC is one of the oldest and largest health sciences colleges in the country with more than 1,400 students, 1,300 residents and clinical fellows, nearly 3,000 faculty members, and 19,000 living alumni. The college, which joined the Touro College and University System in 2011, is located in Westchester County, New York, and offers degrees from the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, the School of Health Sciences and Practice, a School of dental medicine and a School of nursing. NYMC provides a wide variety of clinical training opportunities for students, residents, and practitioners. For more information, visit www.nymc.edu.
Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College is the largest college in Westchester County, New York enrolling approximately 13,000 credit and an additional 13,000 non-credit students annually. The institution boasts more than sixty academic programs. The college has implemented a new academic organization to help guide students toward their degrees more quickly and more affordably. With student success in mind, Academic Affairs changed from Divisions to Schools with Guided Pathways to help students more easily navigate college systems, processes and degree requirements. The four Schools are Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business and Professional Careers; Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning; and Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. Each School offers “signature experiences” for students including special clinicals, mentorships, and internships. For details on the college, visit www.sunywcc.edu.
College wins prestigious national award
The League for Innovation in the Community College has named Westchester Community College’s Coaching Connection Program as a 2017 Innovation of the Year winner. Established more than thirty years ago, the League’s Innovation of the Year competition was devised as a way to recognize significant innovations at member colleges. These innovations reflect capstone achievements and the continuing renewal of the spirit of innovation and experimentation at some of the nation’s top community colleges. The award is designed to recognize faculty, staff, and administrators who have created and implemented innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies, and activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community.
Westchester Community College is among 53 colleges named for this national competition in 2017.
The Coaching Connection Program provides a personal connection with students to support them through graduation and beyond. Through collaboration with curriculum chairs, faculty and staff, coaches provide targeted outreach to students in need of support services and make referrals to resources across campus while also following up with students to ensure they received individualized support.
Westchester Community College President Belinda Miles stated that, “The Coaching Connection initiative contributed to a 42% increase in our IPEDs graduation year in just two years. This award honors the dedication, commitment, and excellent work of our faculty and staff on behalf of student success at the college.”
In the last two years, Westchester Community College has graduated two of its largest classes since 1946. The college is growing its curriculum, reaching further into the communities to provide access to learning and opportunity, and is laser focused on providing excellent student-centered services.
“Our Coaching Connection Program is one of several initiatives that connect students with necessary services to help students make progress through the curriculum and graduate on time. We are committed to meeting students where there are and our goal is to be a true partner with our students as they fulfil their academic journeys here at the college” stated President Miles.
Support for the development/production of this material was provided by a grant under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 administered by the New York State Education Department.
For more information on the award read here: http://special.league.org/league/competitions/innovations/display/mdisplay/detail.cfm?ioy=2017&ioyid=215
Play Library Jeopardy at New Student Orientation
![Library Jeopardy](http://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/library_jeopardy.gif)
Library Jeopardy is an informative and interactive game presented by Westchester Community College librarians to all new and transfer students during New Student Orientation, August 8-10! Modeled after the original television show, it provides a fun and innovative way to introduce students to all of the resources and services available at the Harold L. Drimmer Library.
Student team members collaborate to provide correct answers to questions in five different categories, all related to areas within the library, including How to Get Help, Locations in The Library, and How Do I?
Giveaways and prizes are included.
To sign up to attend New Student Orientation, please visit www.sunywcc.edu/orientation. All first-time, full-time students at WCC are required to attend. All other are strongly encouraged. Questions about New Studetn Orientation should be directed to getinvolved@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6731.
Cambridge Summer Study Abroad Program 2017
The Cambridge Summer Study Abroad Program, an educational opportunity for Honors students enrolled at Westchester Community College, is now in its 15th year.
170 students have been selected since 2003 to study for two weeks in July at the prestigious Cambridge University in England. This year’s group of 13 students includes those studying Liberal Arts, Business, and Nursing.
Meeting with the faculty member teaching either Cambridge Studies in History (Honors), Cambridge Studies in Literature (Honors) or Cambridge Studies in Science in January, the students develop an individual learning plan of activities before, during and after Cambridge.
During the Spring semester, the students also participate in seminars to orient them to living and studying at Cambridge University.
Competitive scholarships to help defray the cost of the program are available through the Westchester Community College Foundation.
After flying from JFK airport in New York to Heathrow Airport in London, the students live in single rooms in one of the Colleges at Cambridge taking their breakfast and dinner each day in the College Hall. In the living and dining facilities, as well as in their classes, the students will meet other students from all over the world who have come to study at Cambridge. The distinguished faculty for these courses and plenary lectures are from Cambridge University, from other Universities in Britain, the Commonwealth, and the European continent.
During the two week program, the students will function on a daily basis learning about the customs, currency and culture of this foreign country.
Two Westchester Community College faculty members (usually two of the three teachers of the college’s Honors courses) accompany the students. One brings the group over and remains with them for the first week. The second arrives later, assumes the responsibility of mentoring the students, and returns with the students on the group flight on the day after classes end. While at Cambridge the faculty members visits the classes of the students and confers with other accompanying and teaching faculty from the across the world. More than a dozen Westchester Community College faculty members have served as mentors at Cambridge over the years.
Dr. John F.M. Flynn, Director of the Cambridge program, notes that “the most frequently used term by the returning students about the program is that this experience was ‘life changing’. It combines rigorous academic study with independent travel abroad and the opportunity to meet other students from all over the world.”
M & T Bank supports the students
M&T Bank recently granted $10,000 to Westchester Community College Foundation to renew their scholarship support. The M&T Bank Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in business curricula who demonstrate community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. Since 2013, nine students have benefited from their generosity and another four students will be selected for the upcoming fall 2017 semester.
Frank Micalizzi, Regional President and Steve Cavazuti, VP for Government Banking presented the donation on behalf of M & T Bank. The WCC Foundation is grateful for M&T Bank’s loyal support and looks forward to welcoming them back to campus on October 5th for the Annual Scholarship Recognition Ceremony.
Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community. We are committed to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic development and lifelong learning.
Pictured (from left to right): Eve Larner, WCC’s VP of External Affairs and Foundation Executive Director; Frank Micalizzi, Regional President, M&T Bank; Dr. Belinda Miles, President, WCC; Lisa Mitzner, Chief Financial Officer, WCC Foundation; Steve Cavazuti, VP Government Banking, M&T Bank
President Miles welcomes new SUNY Chancellor
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Kristina M. Johnson as the incoming Chancellor for the SUNY System. President Miles on the new SUNY leader:
“Dr. Johnson reflects a real understanding of the role community colleges play in providing broad access and opportunity for individuals entering the higher education pipeline. Her vision for expanded innovation in teaching and learning will engage and inspire learners as they seek opportunities to transfer or earn credentials for entry to the workforce.”
Background on Dr. Johnson:
http://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/04-2017/4-24-17-chancellor-kristina-johnson/
President Miles talks tuition-free college with Soledad O’Brien
President Miles spoke to journalist Soledad O’Brien about the state’s new free college tuition program (Excelsior Scholarship) on the nationally broadcast “Matter of Fact” program that aired April 16, 2017. The scholarship makes higher education more affordable by providing tuition-free college at New York’s public colleges and universities to families making up to $100,000 a year. At Westchester Community College, 90 percent of students who apply for financial aid fall in this eligibility category.
Westchester Community College welcomes a diverse student body attending part-time and full-time in more than sixty degree and certificate programs. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers and some take advantage of one of the more than 300 transfer agreements into bachelor’s degree programs. Westchester students are eligible for federal Pell Grants and the state’s Tuition Assistance Program, which for some students already covers the full cost of tuition. Additionally, the Westchester Community College Foundation provides about $2 million a year in scholarships. For more information on the Excelsior Scholarship and other financial aid programs, click on http://www.sunywcc.edu/student-services/finaid/excelsior-scholarship/ or https://www.suny.edu/smarttrack/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/excelsior/. Or email the college at finaid@sunywcc.edu.
Here are two excerpts from the interview:
http://matteroffact.tv/price-tuition-versus-cost-education-3/
http://matteroffact.tv/price-tuition-versus-cost-education/
Carpool resource for students
The college has a new rideshare program. Check it out today and make new friends, open up additional parking spaces, and help the environment. Save money, too!
http://www.sunywcc.edu/student-services/getinvolved/clubs/ride-share-services-511ny-rideshare-program/
Dr. Miles on Governor’s free-tuition proposal
Statement by Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President, Westchester Community College:
As Westchester County’s largest educational institution, we support the plan to make college more affordable for those seeking relevant 21st Century skills to support themselves and their families. This proposal would help increase access to higher education throughout New York State and help students improve their lives in the future. As more students enter community colleges and complete their studies, they will be positioned to transition to four-year institutions and the workplace where there is a need to fill openings in growing fields such as healthcare, analytics, and information technology.
Removing the affordability barrier is one of the fundamental aspects of the community college “open door” access mission. Some people believe that since community colleges are priced affordably, there is no need for financial aid and other support for incoming students. This is not always the case. Many of our students need scholarships and state and federal financial aid in addition to loans. Directing new financial resources to talent development in New York is a necessary investment that will reap benefits locally, regionally, and nationally.
http://westfaironline.com/84581/cuomo-calls-for-free-suny-tuition-for-families-making-under-125k/
The college signs transfer agreement with Lincoln University
Westchester Community College and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania signed an articulation agreement whereby students from the community college would be admitted with junior status and graduate from the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University within two years. The articulation signing ceremony was held on Lincoln University’s main campus on November 7.
Under this new partnership, a number of Westchester Community College Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are now acceptable for transfer articulation to Bachelor degree programs at Lincoln University. This includes five majors in the College of Science and Technology and four in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College, says “We have created exciting new pathways for our graduates with this signing. The college has expanded our articulation agreement to include this HBCU (Historically Black Universities and Colleges) and our graduates will now be placed in the pipeline to a range of professional careers many of which are seeking qualified individuals to address the issue of underrepresented minorities.”
“This partnership provides a pathway to making a living,” says Richard Green, interim president of Lincoln University. “Lincoln provides a historic and cultural experience which Westchester students will develop and thrive.”
The partnership was several weeks in the making when Westchester Community College called upon Lincoln University to discuss a potential agreement. Lincoln University Provost Patricia Ramsey and a host of faculty and administrators traveled to Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York for a meeting, campus tour and an opportunity to learn first-hand about the SUNY school. What followed was a mutual desire to move quickly toward the articulation agreement. There is also opportunity for faculty of the community college to teach at Lincoln University. Discussions will continue to offer additional pathways between the institutions.
About Lincoln University
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University (PA) is the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The University combines the elements of a liberal arts and science-based undergraduate curriculum along with select graduate programs to meet the needs of those living in a highly technological and global society. Today Lincoln which enrolls a diverse student body of approximately 2,100 men and women, possesses an international reputation for preparing and producing world-class leaders such as Thurgood Marshall, The first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice; Lillian Fishburne, the first African American woman promoted to Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy; Langston Hughes, the noted poet; Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Gahan; and Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria. For more information call 484-365-8000 or visit www.lincoln.edu