Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – October 30, 2015
Dear Colleagues,
Slate published a terrific article about Professor Sheela Whelan’s pre-algebra class at Westchester Community College. You might think that nothing could be more “old school” than teaching algebra, right? Far from it! WCC is at the forefront of educational innovation with its focus on student success by blending classroom instruction and advanced technology. “No More Pencils, No More Books” explains how students master learning outcomes at their own pace.
Westchester Community College is a partner in a U.S. Department of Labor Ready to Work grant for preparing 425 long-term unemployed to transition into in-demand healthcare jobs. Our workforce development team is helping facilitate a six-week boot camp for the long-term unemployed. We provided health career mapping and financial education portions of the boot camp at SUNY Orange this week and will deliver more than a dozen additional similar workshops over the four-year grant period.
We are managing our resources responsibly for a sustainable future focused on our college access and opportunity mission, and this focus on stewardship is evident in athletics. In the short time he has been here, Athletics Director Michael Belfiore has already made a positive impact. He is meeting with coaches regularly and together they are exploring, developing, and implementing best practices. He is designing a new academic support program and is looking for new ways to make the best use of our sports facilities. He is thinking strategically about recruiting and retaining top scholar athletes. With numerous Academic All Americans already here, I predict this department will experience breakout success in the near future!
Professor Sheldon Malev and the President’s Advisory Committee for a Tobacco-Free Campus are celebrating the college’s award of an “A” grade for planning and tobacco free campus policy that earned us a top spot on the Tobacco-Free U 2015 NYS Dean’s List. This achievement showcases our progress promoting a healthier campus culture.
This week’s transfer fair was a huge success with hundreds of students meeting more than 100 college and university representatives about scholarships and transfer opportunities. And several of us represented Westchester Community College at the Business Council of Westchester annual meeting, which brings together business, government, and community leaders.
Happy Halloween—be safe trick-or-treating and don’t forget to turn your clocks back this weekend.
Wow…Student success…workforce…stewardship…community engagement…culture…all at once! Thanks for making it a great week.
Warm regards,
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President