Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – September 25, 2015
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are enjoying this fantastic start to the new academic year. We can be proud that Westchester Community College is such a welcoming and supportive place for our students.
Next week we celebrate our presidential inauguration, which is a momentous occasion on any college campus and especially this one. Along with looking ahead with pomp and circumstance, it provides an opportunity to pause and reflect.
You’ve heard me talk about a new era of student success and service. It is one of the five focus areas that serve as a framework for advancing the WCC mission. I am proud to say that we have already taken steps together that will promote pathways to degrees and certificates.
For example, today you may have seen more than 200 local high school students participating in our new Pathways to College Readiness program. It is spearheaded by Jessica Seessel and Tim Magee, who have done terrific work.
Another example is the schools initiative that I first introduced in August. It would intentionally group academic programs into four schools: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering, and Math; Business, Computer Studies, and Professional Careers; and Health Technologies and Applied Learning. Your feedback from our ongoing dialogue has led to refinements of the initial concept, which has the potential to result in a model of student success and service that will define the WCC experience.
As we contemplate new programs and initiatives, we are also experiencing transition among the administration, faculty, and staff – much of which is due to natural attrition that results from a stable institution that for decades has attracted and retained talented and devoted employees. That attrition may create a sense of loss and uncertainty for some, even as it inspires energy and excitement around new possibilities. As we move forward filling positions, your input is essential. Thanks to all of the faculty and staff members who will serve on one of the search and screen committees. Your service is important and valued.
We have much more to do, and together we will earn the recognition we deserve as one of the best places to work in Westchester County and in our field of higher education.
Thanks for making it a great week.
Warm regards,
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President