Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: It’s time! – August 31
August 31, 2018
Colleagues,
Wow! It’s exciting to be on a college campus this time of year!
Students… Following Tuesday’s last in-person new student orientation session, we shattered previous attendance records with 1,580 students and 124 parents and family members attending! This year’s entering class is so energizing, and the OLPAs were simply outstanding, once again. Tiago Machado, Rachele Hall, Juan-Carlos Piñeiro, and their staff and students are a fabulous team.
Faculty… On Saturday, 90 people attended the 4th Annual Adjunct Faculty Professional Development Symposium. It was exciting to welcome new and returning adjunct faculty and hear academic deans and faculty present on a range of student success programs like Viking ROADS, guided pathways, applied learning, and student success hours. Equally compelling were the questions and discussions initiated by our faculty. Hearing student feedback shared by Provost Morest really demonstrated how adjunct faculty in particular have a high positive impact on our students’ learning experiences. Kudos to Associate Dean Hector Graciano for producing an impactful experience for adjunct faculty.
Staff… I repeat my appreciation from last week for staff who have been seeing students non-stop this week to ensure a strong start to the fall semester. This extends to staff who may not primarily work with students, but who directly support functions essential to maintaining and improving operations and keeping the campus safe and beautiful.
Administrators… We welcomed several new and interim administrators this summer who have been acclimating to their roles. They are about to experience a big change as everyone returns to the college next week. The work these individuals do to support student success is appreciated greatly.
…and let’s not forget that we welcome three new Trustees: Debbie Raizes, Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, and Elizabeth Lugones. Some of us have had the pleasure of working with them and have seen their keen insight, commitment to the role, and enthusiasm for the college. The September Board of Trustees meeting will be a great opportunity to see the new board in action.
In lieu of a final reading for the summer, here are two links about events this week involving Westchester Community College: one on a new scholarship for students from Yonkers, and another on preserving federal financial aid support. Enjoy!
http://www.fios1news.com/lowerhudsonvalley/local-yonkers-scholarships#.W4lzmKdKiUk
Thanks for all you do for our students and for Westchester Community College. Have a safe Labor Day holiday weekend!
With gratitude,
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President