A Message from the President
Welcome!
The start of the 2023-24 school year has begun with a level of excitement and enthusiasm not seen on this campus since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The campus is alive, in no small part due to our first enrollment increase in over 10 years!
But the excitement level is more than just a result of numbers. The campus is experiencing higher levels of vibrancy as more students are taking advantage of our in-person classes and student services. Walking around campus, you see students walking together from building to building, meeting new classmates, resuming friendships from prior semesters, asking directions, or just sitting on a bench reading while enjoying the serenity of our beautiful campus.
This vibrancy is fueled also by new personnel in key positions, new initiatives, and new programs. This fall SUNY WCC welcomed two new Deans – Dr. Kalpana Jain in the School of Math, Science and Engineering and Dr. Robert Mangione in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. One commonality they share is a dedication to student success through innovation, diversity and experiential learning.
As a result of our continuing efforts at improving the student experience, we are integrating our website’s chatbot with our student information system (PeopleSoft) so students can seamlessly find information about their account and records through Single Sign-On (SSO). Our new Financial Aid Portal provides information on all types of aid that students qualify for based on the FAFSA.
While there are lots of new things to celebrate, we continue to laud our many areas of excellence. Our students are instructed by award-winning faculty, whether in person or online. Students can pursue a degree or certificate in any of 65 different programs, including programs in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Advanced Manufacturing. Students can expand their worldview and gain a strong foundation for further studies in a wide variety of liberal arts and humanities studies, including Communications, Psychology, or Sociology. SUNY WCC also offers programs in technical fields such as Computer Science, Engineering Science, and Accounting. And students are still able to take advantage of the convenience of attending SUNY WCC, with 5 locations across the county, in-person and online.
SUNY Westchester cultivates personal growth by providing an open and welcoming environment for thousands of engaged people from so many diverse backgrounds and life-stories who share their ideas and experiences in informal, impromptu conversations around the college. Students come to SUNY WCC to learn about themselves, develop individual perspectives, and exchange ideas while determining how best to thrive and serve.
SUNY WCC provides students with a wide variety of resources and enriching co-curricular experiences that support their academic, social, mental, and emotional needs. Students seeking support for their personal, emotional, and mental health can reach out to our Health Services office and Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services.
Students who wish to better understand the historical, political or social factors underlying current events can access the rich resources available through our Harold L. Drimmer Library, including free access to a wide selection of media such as HBO documentaries, PBS, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Newsweek, as well as a team of librarians available via live chat to address specific information needs.
As a result of the strong educational foundation, the opportunities that foster personal growth, and the extensive support services available to students, SUNY WCC was ranked 21st nationwide among all 2-year colleges in the measurement of upward mobility for its students. Furthermore, a recent economic impact analysis determined that students gain an additional $4.10 in lifetime earnings for every $1 they spend on their SUNY WCC education, which is why students recognize that SUNY WCC is a great investment in themselves.
Our college motto, Building Minds and Building Futures, is a reminder of how we prepare students for career and transfer opportunities that lie ahead. Our seal contains the phrase Sapere Aude – the Latin phrase meaning “Dare to Know” – which reflects our commitment to knowledge and learning as keys that unlock the door to that future. Together, these ideas guide our work to strengthen our society, prepare our students as contributors, and achieve higher pursuits.
Respectfully,
Belinda S. Miles
President