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WCC Signs Transfer Agreement With Sarah Lawrence College
Westchester Community College Signs Transfer Agreement With Sarah Lawrence College For Students Pursuing Degrees In Education
Westchester Community College (WCC) has signed a new transfer agreement with Sarah Lawrence College (SLC)for students who have earned either an Associate’s in Science (AS) degree in Childhood Education or an Associate’s in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood.
Students who participate in this program will enter SLC with junior standing and be on track to earn a Bachelor of Arts after completing 60 additional credits. In addition, a participating student who maintains at least a 3.0 GPA during their junior year at SLC will be guaranteed admission into the SLC 2+2+1 Master’s of Science in Education (MS Ed) Art of Teaching graduate program, should they wish to enroll. Art of Teaching students simultaneously earn their New York State teaching credential as well as their master’s degree, and complete the program prepared to serve as teachers in public or private early childhood and elementary schools, as school administrators or curriculum developers, as teacher educators, and/or to enter PhD programs.
“This articulation agreement represents a continuation of a strong historical partnership between Westchester Community College and Sarah Lawrence College, especially in the field of early childhood development,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “This agreement opens the door for community college students to pursue a course of study that prepares them to serve the high demand early childhood education field across a spectrum of roles.”
“Sarah Lawrence College is proud to form this partnership with Westchester Community College to advance our institutions’ collective work as engines of social mobility as well as to open the doors of opportunity to even more students in our region who will benefit from Sarah Lawrence’s one-of-a-kind education,” said Sarah Lawrence College President Cristle Collins Judd. “We are looking forward to welcoming participating students in the fall of 2021 and supporting them in the next chapter of their education as they connect their passions to create their futures.”
Students who are accepted to SLC as part of this pilot, in addition to the College meeting their full demonstrated financial aid need for tuition and fees and entering with junior standing, will also be paired with a faculty advisor prior to enrolling and will receive preferred admission status to specific SLC graduate programs.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State.The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking.The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Joins Campuses Nationwide in Effort to be Voter Friendly
Valhalla, NY – Today, Westchester Community College is one of over 231 campuses in 37 states and the District of Columbia designated as a “Voter Friendly Campus.” The initiative, led by national nonpartisan organizations Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project (CVP) and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, held participating institutions accountable for planning and implementing practices that encourage their students to register and vote in 2020 elections and in the coming years.
The mission of the Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster efforts that help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. Our campus was evaluated based on a campus plan about how we would register, educate, and turnout student voters in 2020, how we facilitated voter engagement efforts on our campus, and a final analysis of our efforts- all in the face of the upheaval caused by a global pandemic. The designation is valid through December 2022.
As part of our effort to be designated a voter friendly campus, Westchester Community College was able to help 920 students register to vote in 2020. Due to the creative work of the campus coalition of faculty, staff and students, students were able to attend various virtual events aimed at informing voters on local, state, and federal issues.
Westchester Community College has made a strong statement about the civic mission of higher education to prepare students to be engaged participants in our democracy and is excited to continue engaging students through 2021, 2022, and beyond.
“WCC is dedicated to serving our diverse community,” said Tiago Machado, Director of Student Involvement at Westchester Community College. “Enabling and encouraging all eligible voters to participate in our democratic process is vital to achieving full equity and access across our society. We are proud of the efforts of our staff who worked hard to help us achieve this notable designation for the third year in a row.”
The institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses. Notably, the list of designated institutions includes many Minority Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The program is ultimately serving millions of students.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.
Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and legal support organization that works to eliminate barriers to voting and improve election administration across the United States. Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.
Westchester Community College Recognized As LGBTQIA+-Friendly Institution
Westchester Community College has received an overall Campus Pride Score of four out of five stars in the most recent ratings of the Campus Pride Index, the second highest score of any community college in the U.S.
WCC scored a perfect five stars for LGBTQIA+ Campus Safety and 4.5 stars for LGBTQIA+ Student Life. No other community college in New York State received such a high score on any inclusion factor.
“WCC is dedicated to making our campus a welcoming destination for members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Tiago Machado, Director of Student Involvement at Westchester Community College. “It is a validation of our efforts to see our great improvement from the last report in 2017 when our overall Campus Pride Score was only 2.5 stars. We will continue pursuing our mission of providing accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community.”
The Campus Pride Index is the premier LGBTQIA+ national benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to create safer, more inclusive campus communities. The free online tool allows students and their families to search a database of LGBTQIA+-friendly campuses who have come out to improve the academic experience and quality of campus life.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Foundation Announces Six New Board Members
The Foundation awards over $2 million to WCC students annually
The Westchester Community College Foundation announced the addition of five new board members to the not-for-profit organization that has been supporting the institution and its students for over five decades. The new board members include Dr. Amy Ansehl, Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Practice, New York Medical College; author Benjamin Cheever; Lisa Denig, Special Counsel for ADR Initiatives in the NYS Office of Court Administration; Doug Greene, Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Guardian Life; Joyce Hirsch, Senior Vice President Relationship Manager (Retired), Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group; and Josh Strauss, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Imperial Dade.
“We are excited and fortunate to have such a distinguished team of new members joining our Foundation’s board,” said Board Chair Joanne Landau. “Each of these new members bring to our organization an expertise and sensitivity to our mission that will be invaluable in continuing our efforts, which is of particular importance as we continue our re-emergence from the pandemic and its corollary economic crisis.”
Dr. Amy Ansehl is a well-respected member of both the clinical and academic communities. In addition to her role as Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College, she also serves as the Chair of the Visiting Nurse Services of Westchester Foundation. Dr. Ansehl has demonstrated educational leadership in her community activities as a coalition leader and chairperson for Westchester County, the New York State Department of Health, the March of Dimes, the American Lung Association, The Hudson Valley Asthma Coalition, the United Way, and the Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and the Bronx.
Benjamin Cheever is a writer and editor. To date he has written four adult fiction novels, one children’s book and two nonfiction books. He edited The Letters of John Cheever, a collection of letters that show John Cheever’s development as a writer and a man. He also hosts a TV show called “About Writing,” of which the 50+ episodes can be seen at PCTV76.org.
Lisa Denig is the Special Counsel for ADR Initiatives to Deputy Chief Administrative Judge George Silver, the third highest ranking judge in New York State. To reach this lofty position in the legal profession, Ms. Denig began her journey by enrolling at WCC after she was married and had two small children. After graduating from WCC, she earned her bachelor’s degree at Vassar College and her J.D. at Pace University School of Law. At this point in her career – which has included serving on the staffs of a NYS Senator and the Putnam County Executive, clerking for a Federal Judge, and working for the Westchester County
DA’s office as Bureau Chief of Special Litigation – Ms. Denig still points with pride to her years at WCC as the formative years that helped set her on the course of professional success.
Doug Greene has held positions of progressively greater responsibility at Guardian Life since 2002, where he is currently the Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer. As a senior information security and IT risk/controls leader he mitigates risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering business results.
Joyce Hirsch retired after a distinguished career in private banking at Wells Fargo and Citigroup. Ms. Hirsch established Wells Fargo’s business relationships with many of the largest global law firms in NYC, growing her portfolio from $0 to $10 million in revenues. Prior to Wells Fargo, Ms. Hirsch held a variety of positions at Citigroup focusing on the bank’s relationship with law firms around the United States. She has served on numerous boards and committees in Westchester, including the Scarsdale Public Library, where she was board president.
Josh Strauss is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Imperial Dade (a Bain Capital Portfolio Company). Imperial Dade acquired his family business, Strauss Paper, where he was the Vice President of Corporate Development. In 2019 Mr. Strauss was named to Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Foundation
Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Recognizing that public education is a public responsibility, the Foundation enables the college to continue to offer access to quality education and the skills for success through its fundraising and programmatic activities.
Westchester Community College Converts Physical Education Building to Temporary Vaccination Facility
Westchester Community College has partnered with the Westchester County Department of Health to convert its Physical Education building into a temporary vaccination facility. To protect the health and safety of the community at large, the College has established a process to separate those coming onto campus for the vaccine from students and employees who utilize the campus facilities for college purposes. No one is permitted on campus for a vaccine without an appointment.
“WCC is proud to support the efforts of our local and state officials in the fight against this public health threat,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Throughout this crisis, WCC has been serving the community at large, implementing food drives for families in need, providing PPE and ventilators to medical staff and facilities, and offering support services like financial aid, technical support and mental health counseling to help our students stay on track toward their academic and professional goals.”
To see if you are eligible for a vaccine appointment through New York State please use these resources:
- Westchester County residents including WCC faculty and students may go to the NYS website to determine eligibility and find a vaccination location at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
- The State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
- Prior to receiving the vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form at https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
WCC Cybersecurity Program Receives National Designation
Westchester Community College has been designated a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). To support the efforts of the Center and create pathways for many students who might not otherwise have such an opportunity, Robert Wiener announced that The Wiener Philanthropy will donate $1 million.
WCC is one of only nine community colleges nationwide to earn this new designation, and the only one located in the tri-state region. Institutions that receive a CAE in Cybersecurity designation have met the rigorous requirements set forth by the federal government. The NSA and DHS award this designation to schools that commit to reducing vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by improving higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise who can fill the 3+ million unfilled positions in this critical field.
The $1 million Wiener Philanthropy grant donation will create the Robert R. Wiener Center for Excellence in Cybersecurity, including a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity lab and technologically advanced classrooms. The grant also covers the cost of faculty development, curriculum development, and adding new degree programs and industry credentials.
In addition, funds have been provided to establish the Robert R. Wiener Cyber Scholars, a scholarship award recognizing the top-performing Cyber students at WCC. The first cohort of 20 promising students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship this year, allowing them to enter an in-demand high skills career pathway with support to develop their talent to full potential.
“WCC is proud to be designated by DHS and NSA as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education,” said John Watkins, Cybersecurity Curriculum Chair. “This program enables us to continue serving our county, our state, and our country with the trained professionals needed in high-demand fields. Our students benefit from the cutting-edge curriculum and wrap-around services our program offers, and they leave our program with a skill-set that will lead to high-paying careers in an exciting field.”
“The support Bob Wiener has provided WCC over the years has been truly remarkable. His generosity and dedication have opened the doors to opportunity for hundreds of students,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “This grant supporting our new Cybersecurity Center shows that Bob is also a visionary. The center that will bear his name will be a state-of-the-art testament to that vision, and a focal point for the critical training that is required to ensure the smooth operations of our region’s economic recovery and growth.”
“This initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of many people within the College community,” continued Dr. Miles. “The support of the Westchester Community College Foundation in securing Bob’s financial commitment has been critical. Our faculty have exhibited tremendous teamwork in preparing our cyber scholars to be lifelong learners who, as cybersecurity experts will be discovering, exploring and solving complex technical problems with passion and purpose. And, of course, the effort, self-motivation, dedication, engagement and accomplishments of our Wiener cyber scholars has been inspirational to us all.”
“I feel that this is the best investment that I’ve ever made because I watch young students move on with their lives with an education and add to the community – This is what’s wonderful to me,” said Bob Wiener, Chair of MAXX Properties. “My own grandfather came to this country in 1906 and, with his mind and his determination, created a business and a rewarding life for himself and his family. Westchester Community College provides today’s students with the same foundation that I hope will lead to hundreds, even thousands, of similar stories.”
Students interested in learning more about this program should visit Cybersecurity – Westchester Community College (sunywcc.edu)
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College is the largest higher education institution in the county, serving over 24,000 full-time, part-time Workforce Development and continuing education students. Students pursue over 60 degree and certificate programs on a beautiful 218-acre campus, at 7 conveniently located extension centers, and online. Westchester Community College reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated an Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Commencement Ceremony To Be Held Virtually On December 22
Westchester Community College will hold a virtual commencement ceremony on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00PM via Zoom. The commencement speech will be given by Mecca Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement for Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Ms. Mitchell has a distinguished career in serving the public in legal and diversity capacities. At WMC she oversees the health network’s development and implementation of its strategic diversity, inclusion, equity and community engagement initiatives. She was recently appointed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to the New York State Minority Health Council. She previously served in other chief diversity roles, and as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County.
Westchester Community College President Belinda S. Miles, WCC Board of Trustees John Nonna, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer will also address those who log into the event. Among the graduates at the ceremony will be the winners of the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence and other honorees. Among the 1,679 graduates, over 100 will be entering the community to keep us safe and healthy from COVID-19 with degrees in nursing and other healthcare fields.
“This year’s commencement is not just a celebration of academic achievement, but an honoring of the grit and determination exhibited by all of these graduates during these unprecedented times,” said Dr. Miles. “Our graduates will continue their academic and career journeys with the tools and character traits necessary to provide the fuel for our region’s economic re-emergence.”
As a result of the postponement of the May ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event will honor all graduates from August 2019, December 2019, May 2020, August 2020 and December 2020.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College is the largest higher education institution in the county, serving over 24,000 full-time, part-time Workforce Development and continuing education students. Students pursue over 60 degree and certificate programs on a beautiful 218-acre campus, at 7 conveniently located extension centers, and online. Westchester Community College reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated an Hispanic Serving Institution.
New Dual Admissions Program between Mercy College and WCC Expands College Pathways in Westchester County
Agreement signed today provides additional opportunities for affordable four-year degrees already utilized by more than 120 WCC-Mercy transfer students per year
Westchester County, New York (December 15, 2020) – Westchester Community College (WCC) and Mercy College have signed a new Dual Admissions Pathway Agreement that enables prospective students to apply to Mercy College and WCC at the same time. Upon completion of their A.A. or A.S. degree at WCC, students are accepted to Mercy College with junior standing. The agreement will commence in the Spring 2021 semester.
WCC and Mercy College share a commitment to the affordability of higher education. WCC’s tuition is the lowest in the county and is fully covered by PELL grants and NYS TAP for students who qualify. In additional to PELL and TAP grants, Mercy also offers multiple scholarships to eligible transfer students, including Transfer Merit Scholarships ranging in value from $1500 to $5000. Details are available here.
“Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the diverse needs of our community,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Our commitment to student success extends beyond their graduation. WCC provides students with a foundation of critical thinking and career-oriented skills that students build upon to achieve their goals. This agreement with Mercy College provides our students with a pathway to continue their studies at a high-quality four-year institution while staying in Westchester County.”
“This is an exciting partnership between two institutions to serve students and prepare them to be future leaders in the communities they serve,” said Mercy College President Tim Hall. “This partnership will provide WCC students a seamless pathway to the next level of their educational journey and receive a four-year degree at Mercy College.”
WCC has nearly twenty transfer agreements, guaranteeing its graduates can transfer to a four-year institution with junior status, thus enabling students to complete their bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. If you are a current WCC student interested in this pathway contact the WCC Office of Transfer Services at transfer@sunywcc.edu. For prospective WCC students contact Mercy or WCC Admissions office at admissions@sunywcc.edu.
Mercy College offers WCC graduates more than 90 degrees and programs to choose from at; opportunities to get involved in more than 40 clubs and organizations across three campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan. In addition, all transfer students will receive a PACT mentor that will help them navigate degree requirements, register for classes, track academic
About WCC
Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
About Mercy College
Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education. Founded in 1950, Mercy is a coeducational and nonsectarian college that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.
Westchester Community College Delivers Over 250 Thanksgiving Dinners
Westchester Community College (WCC) held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Giveaway. Over 250 students were provided with free turkeys, side dishes and a $30 gift card to Shoprite.
This was the 8th year of the Turkey Giveaway. The number of students served by the Turkey Giveaway has more than doubled over the past two years. One significant difference this year is that over 100 of the student recipients – due to financial hardships or concerns about taking mass transit due to the pandemic – had their food delivered by volunteer WCC employees and supporters.
The event was hosted by the Department of Student Support Services with support from the WCC Foundation, Department of Student Involvement, Personal Counseling Department, Security and FSA Dining. The Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links Incorporate donated meal trimmings from Fresh Direct to complement the turkeys from DeCicco & Sons, and Shoprite supplemented their gift card donations.
“Many of our students are struggling this year due to COVID-19, dealing with job loss, financial hardship, food insecurity, childcare, health issues and loss of loved ones,” said Sophia Piñeiro, Assistant Director of Student Support Services and organizer of this year’s giveaway. “It was wonderful to see so many in our community come together to support those of our students in need. This has been such a difficult year for so many, and you could see the gratitude and joy on the faces of those we served.”
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Digital Filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Welcomes First Cohort of SUNY Pathways Scholars
Westchester Community College (WCC) welcomed 105 students into its first cohort of SUNY Pathways Scholars. The State University of New York (SUNY) Pathways Scholars Award program provides support to high-performing students committed to completing their associate and bachelor’s degrees at SUNY institutions in two and four years, respectively.
SUNY Pathways Scholars at WCC will receive a total of $500 during their first year of study, and an additional $1000 award to use for non-tuition related expenses upon completion of their associate degree and enrollment in a SUNY bachelor’s degree program. Scholars will also receive academic counseling, career guidance, and a network of wrap-around support services to keep them on the pathway to success. WCC will help keep students on track and on time by guaranteeing that required courses – or academically approved substitutions – will be available. Once a Scholar selects their transfer college, they will be connected to a Pathways Advisor at their chosen SUNY campus.
To qualify for the SUNY Pathways Scholars Program, students must graduate from a NYS high school with an average of at least 80%, and enroll for the first time as a full-time student in an associate degree program at a SUNY community college.
“By becoming a SUNY Pathways Scholar, I am more delighted and motivated by the effort Westchester Community College and the SUNY system has shown in the development of my academic career,” said incoming WCC freshman Tone Alex. “Getting the top services and tools to having a successful academic life in college, I am more prepared and goal-oriented in completing my degree and getting into the job market as soon as possible.”
“Westchester Community College offers a wide variety of academic programs that serve the diverse needs and interests of our students,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “We are excited to add SUNY Pathways to academic programs like our Honors College that promote degree attainment in two years. Financial incentives for transfer to a four-year SUNY institution upon completion provides powerful motivation for these talented students.”
Students should visit www.sunywcc.edu/suny-pathways for more information.
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Digital Filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.