Student Handbook 2023-2024
Academic Calendar www.sunywcc.edu/academic-calendar Important dates associated with each semester such as holidays, final dates to withdraw from classes without penalty, etc., are all included in the Academic Calendar. Academic Counseling & Student Success www.sunywcc.edu/counseling The Center for Academic Counseling and Student Success is a resource to assist students before, during, and after their enrollment at the college. Through one-on-one meetings, Academic Counselors help students achieve their short- and long-term educational goals using academic pathways. Career and Transfer Counselors help students meet post-graduation goals. Academic Standards, Procedures, and Policies https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/policies-procedures/ Academic Standards, Procedures, and Policies • General Academic Policies and Procedures • Policies Regarding Courses • Graduating • General Education Requirements General Academic Policies and Procedures • Academic Honesty Policy • Attendance • Grading System • Academic Standing • Report of Grades • Fresh Start • Transcript of Record Policies Regarding Courses • Maximum Credit Load • Developmental Education Courses • Prerequisites and Corequisites • Online Courses • Linked Courses • Repeating Courses
• Auditing Courses • Grades of “Incomplete” • Withdrawal Policies and Procedures • Credit for Work Completed Elsewhere • Advanced Placement Policy • Honors Program • Changing Your Curriculum (Program of Study) Academic Support Center www.sunywcc.edu/asc The Academic Support Center offers tutoring in all mathematics courses as well as reading, ESL (credit and upper level some noncredit), study skills, physics, science, non-major physical sciences, respiratory care, foods/nutrition, computer science, and writing across the curriculum. The Center offers test-taking and topic-specific workshops in addition to Question & Answer review sessions prior to final exams (in certain content areas). In addition, senior tutors (many of whom are also adjunct professors), volunteers from the community, and peer tutors, are available to answer questions. In conjunction with this person-to-person tutorial support, a wide variety of web-based resources and computer software is also available. Alternative Break The Department of Student Involvement offers alternative break trips during class breaks throughout the year.Small groups of students engage in community-based service and cultural immersion off-campus. Each trip focuses on a particular social issue, such as poverty alleviation, education reform, the environment, etc. The trips also educate and expose students to topics such as community, mindfulness, and wellness. Alumni Association www.mysunywcc.org All graduates of Westchester Community College automatically become a member of the Alumni Association upon graduation. Membership in the Association will provide opportunities for you to continue to be engaged with the college and other alumni. You can expect to receive regular outreach in the form of monthly e-newsletters and invitations to various events on campus and in the region. Choose from a variety of benefits offered exclusively to our alumni. In order to take full advantage of your membership, we encourage alumni to join the Westchester Community College Alumni Online Community where you will find a directory of alumni, a list of benefits and how to access them, as well as information and registration for upcoming events. As a student we encourage you to attend various programs on campus featuring alumni speakers or opportunities to directly interact with the alumni and learn from their experiences and guidance. The alumni office also welcomes opportunities to partner with student organizations and professors on campus to provide various programs with a focus on educational and career growth. For additional information, contact the alumni office at wcc.alumni@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6505
Ambassador Program The Admissions Ambassador Program is part of the Office of Admissions and is designed to connect prospective students with current Westchester Community College students. As Ambassadors, students will have the opportunity to get involved in the many facets of our admissions and recruitment efforts. They’ll conduct campus tours for prospective students, visit area high schools with admissions counselors, participate in Open House events, provide admissions and registration assistance, correspond with incoming students, and contribute to an array of special events and activities. This is a selective program. Interested students should contact the Office of Admissions at 914-606-6735. More information is available online at www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/step-up. Appealing a Final Grade Students are expected to discuss their academic progress during the semester in which the grade is earned with the faculty member. If necessary, the student may consult with the Chairperson of the faculty member’s department. If, at the conclusion of the semester, a student believes that the final grade awarded was unfairly determined, the student has a right to pursue a formal appeal of the grade using the steps outlined below. It should be noted that the student may bring one support person to any or all of the meetings during the appeals process. * *The student must submit a completed/notarized WCC FERPA Release of Information Form and list the support person as someone who is eligible to have access to the student’s records prior to an appeal meeting. This form can be obtained in the Registrar’s Office or on the Registrar’s web page. Step 1: Appeal to the Faculty Member The student must request a meeting with the faculty member no later than the third week of the fall or spring semester following the term in which the grade was earned. Failure to do so will forfeit the appeal. The request must be made via email to the faculty member’s WCC email address. The faculty member is expected to grant this request for a meeting within ten business days of the request. The faculty member and student shall communicate to earnestly strive to resolve the problem (either in person/telephone or electronically/virtually). If an agreement is not reached, the Grade Appeal Form should be filled out by the student and faculty member in order to initiate Step 2 of the process. Note: If an in-person meeting was not possible the student should submit any email correspondence regarding the appeal to the Department Chair in addition to the Grade Appeal form. Step 2: Meeting with the Department Chair The student shall request a meeting with the Department Chair if: • The faculty member is unavailable (i.e., Step 1 was not able to be completed), or • Step 1 did not result in an agreement between the faculty member and the student. The request to meet with the Department Chair must be made no later than the sixth week of the fall or spring semester following the semester in which the grade was earned. The Chairperson will make sure that the faculty member has completed his or her portion of the form and then schedule a meeting (with the student and faculty member) in a timely manner. The Chairperson,
faculty member, and student shall communicate (either in person/telephone or electronically/virtually) and will act in a determined manner to address and resolve the underlying issues mentioned in the appeal. However, if the faculty member and student remain at an impasse AND the student indicates an intention to continue to pursue the issue, the Department Chair will complete the appropriate section of the form and forward it to the Dean of the School (in which the course is affiliated), thus initiating Step 3 of the Grade Appeal Process. However, if the appeal is resolved to the student’s satisfaction, and the faculty member agrees to change the grade, then the faculty member should change the grade using the standard grade form. In all cases, all paperwork associated with Step 2 of this process should be filed with the Dean’s Office as an official record of the resolved appeal. Step 3: Meeting with the Dean If a resolution is not agreed upon in step 2, the student must request a meeting with the Dean of the School (in which the course is affiliated) within ten business days of the conclusion of Step 2. The Dean will investigate the matter, meet with the Department Chairperson, the faculty member, and the student in order to work towards a mutual agreement of the appeal. This meeting can take place in person/telephone or electronically/virtually. However, if the faculty member and student remain at an impasse AND the student indicates an intention to continue to pursue the issue, the Dean will complete the appropriate section of the form and forward it to the Provost, initiating Step 4 of the Grade Appeal Process. Step 4: Appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs If the student is discontent with the outcome of Step 3, the student can choose to make a request for an appeal with the Provost. This request must be made within ten business days of the conclusion of Step 3. The student will present the Provost with: • The grade appeal form previously submitted to the Dean • A written summary of what occurred during Steps 1-3, and • A statement documenting why the student wishes to continue the appeals process. After the Provost reviews all written documents concerning the appeal, the Provost will determine if the appeal has been sufficiently vetted through Steps 1-3 AND if the final grade should stand. If the Provost determines the appeal has been properly vetted and the final grade should stand then the Provost will inform all parties involved in Steps 1-3 in writing as to this finding. However, if the Provost determines the appeal was not sufficiently vetted through the process, and/or the appeal still has merit, and the student and faculty member are still at an impasse, then the Provost will meet with members of that department’s D.C. (Departmental Committee) to discuss a possible resolution as soon as possible. The purpose of this meeting is for the Provost to discuss with departmental members the scope of the appeal to try to provide a path for resolution. This meeting can take place in person/telephone or electronically/virtually and must include at least two other members of the department (excluding the faculty member involved in the appeal) from the Departmental Committee. The Chairperson of that department may assist the Provost in identifying these two D.C. members, but the Department Chairperson should not be present at this meeting. After the meeting, the Provost will determine and notify all parties (involved in steps 1-4) in writing of the final outcome of the appeal. The provost will also communicate with the registrar’s office if a change of grade is needed. Athletics www.gowccvikings.com The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors over a dozen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. Our teams are members of Region XV of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Mid-Hudson Conference. While most of our sports compete at the Division III level, Men’s Basketball is Division II and Men’s Baseball is Division II. There is no Division setup in Men’s and Women’s Bowling.
The Westchester Community College Athletic Department offers an excellent opportunity for Westchester students to enjoy their favorite sports and showcase their individual talents prior to moving on to four-year schools or joining the job market. Westchester Community College student athletes range from accomplished student athletes looking to move onto scholarship situations at four-year schools to students just learning a particular sport while seeking technical certificates for immediate entry into the work force. In addition, students can take advantage of multiple types of recreational activities. The Pool, Weight Room, and Fitness Center are located in the Physical Education building and are open to all Westchester students free of charge. A valid Westchester Community College ID is required for entry and proper workout attire is required to use the facilities. Open hours for each facility are posted in the Physical Education Building and are subject to change. Each center offers a wide range of equipment for student use, including strength machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills, and bicycles (both recumbent and upright). In addition, Westchester Community College offers a variety of organized intramural sports tournaments and special events. Auditing a Course Auditing a course means taking a credit course for no academic credit. To audit a course, students must formally register for the course and receive permission from the instructor to receive the AUDIT grade. Students who are permitted to audit a credit course must pay all tuition and fees. The audit grade is designated as AU (No Credit). College credit lecture courses may be audited during fall and spring semesters by Westchester County residents 60 years of age or older on a space-available basis. Courses with labs, foreign languages and hands-on classes, such as computer and art classes, are not qualified. Senior auditors pay $37 in tuition and $13 in registration fees each semester. Senior auditors may take two courses per semester. Proof of age and residency is required. For more information, contact the Mainstream Office at 914-606-6793 or mainstream@sunywcc.edu. Black & Hispanic Male Initiative www.sunywcc.edu/bhmi The mission of the Black & Hispanic Male Initiative (BHMI) program supports male students of color in achieving a better educational outcome at the college and beyond. BHMI works to increase the graduation and retention rates among participating students. We provide our students with information on academic scholarships, assistance in transferring to a fouryear college, and support services such as mentoring, tutoring, and counseling. Through our “contact model” approach we keep an uninterrupted communication with BHMI students during and after each semester. Brightspace www.sunywcc.edu/mycourses Brightspace is our online learning platform. There is plenty of support to get you started and answer any questions you may have to access our Brightspace platform. Please be aware that classes will not be available to students until 6 days prior to your class start date in MyCourses - Brightspace. How to Get Started 1. Be sure to activate your MyWCC Student Profile. See this webpage for instructions: https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/it/email-account-activation/
2. Students should ensure that they are able to log into their SUNY WCC email accounts and secure their accounts via the process of multi-factor authentication with their mobile phones. To see instructions for MFA, see this webpage: https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/it/multifactor/ 3. Check your MyWCC Email Account every day. For more information, please click here: SUNY WCC Student Email & FREE Microsoft Office 365. 4. Log into your courses in Brightspace as much as possible. You should look over the layout of each of your Brightspace course shells and locate the announcements, course content, and your assignments that your professors have posted on Brightspace. Watch for email communication from each of your instructors. 5. Reach out to your instructors with your questions by sending them an email using your MyWCC student email account. Additional Help • Need help with your username and password to log into MyWCC, email MyWCCHelpdesk@sunywcc.edu • Need technical help Brightspace, email SUNYOnlineHelp@suny.edu or call them the SUNY Brightspace Helpdesk @ 1844-673-6786 (844-OPENSUNY) or visit their website https://online.suny.edu/help/. Let them know that you are a Westchester Community College student. • Student Orientation: How to Use Brightspace • Online Student Policies and Procedures Manual Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) www.sunywcc.edu/bookstore Located on the main campus within the Student Center and online at sunywcc.bncollege.com, the Westchester Community College Bookstore is the destination for textbooks, Westchester Community College gear, study aids and supplies. The bookstore price matches new, used, and digital textbooks selected by Westchester Community College professors. See the website or a bookseller for details. Purchases may be made with financial aid when available, cash, check, money order, credit card and Barnes & Noble gift card. Metro cards can be purchased at the Bookstore. For store hours, call 914-347-3858 or check the website. Bursar’s Office www.sunywcc.edu/bursar The Bursar’s Office is located on the first floor in the Administration Building. You can pay your bill online via credit card (MasterCard, VISA and Discover Card are accepted) through MyWCC, or in-person at the Bursar’s Office where cash, personal checks, and credit cards (cardholder must be present) are accepted. Bus Service www.sunywcc.edu/bus The County’s Bee-Line Bus System provides service to and from the campus. Routes #1C, 1X, 15, 40, and 41 and 43 stop at the main campus. Schedules are available in brochure racks in the Student Center. For daily commuters, purchasing a monthly bus pass will save you money. Bus passes can be purchased (cash only) in the College Bookstore. Call Bee-Line at 914-813-7777 for more information. Career Services www.sunywcc.edu/career
Career Services, located on the second floor of the Student Center building, provides career assessment and career planning to help students move forward with their educational goals. Career Counselors will guide students toward successful job or internship search processes, including resume, interview, and job search strategies. They will assist all current and former students in these areas. For job/internship resources, register on our online job board CCN: www.collegecentral.com/sunywcc. Choosing a major or career and looking for a job/internship is an important, and sometimes overwhelming task. Let Career Services help you create a plan for success! CARE Team www.sunywcc.edu/careteam Community Members who observe behaviors exhibited by students that may indicate a potential threat of harm to self or others are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Community Assessment & Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team for support. It is the team’s objective to address reports concerning student behavior or thoughts before they become larger issues for the community and its members. The CARE Team works toward early identification and assessment of behavior that may put the well-being of the individual or the greater community at risk. While there is no single set of warning signs that will reliably predict harm or campus violence, the CARE Team conducts a comprehensive assessment to look for behavioral evidence that someone is planning or preparing to act out inappropriately or carry out some type of threat. If appropriate, the CARE Team will intervene or partner with the community to recommend interventions that help ensure the likelihood of a positive and safe resolution. Students can submit a report by emailing CARETeam@sunywcc.edu or visiting www.sunywcc.edu/incidentreport and clicking on the Student of Concern Reporting Form link. Anonymous reports are accepted. The CARE Team does not respond to emergencies. If you need IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE call Campus Security directly at 6-911 from any campus phone or (914) 606-6911. Cars on Campus www.sunywcc.edu/security Westchester Community College is pleased to offer free parking to students, faculty, staff, and members of the public attending events on campus. To park on campus, students are required to have a parking decal displayed on their vehicle. To obtain a free parking decal, students should go to the Security Office in the Student Center. Students will need their license plate number and Student ID to obtain their parking decal. Students with a valid parking decal are able to park in any numbered lot on campus. Parking lots designated with a letter are reserved for faculty, staff, and administrators. Visitors can park in Lot #1. The college assumes no liability for theft, loss or damage to vehicles on college property. Students are encouraged you to keep their vehicles locked and to remove attractive articles from view. The college encourages all to carpool whenever possible and offers a free carpool service, matching students with other students. Students are encouraged to share rides to help the environment while saving money. Register today at www.sunywcc.edu/rideshare Changing Personal Information http://www.sunywcc.edu/MyWCC
If a student’s personal information changes, the Registrar’s Office needs to know. This can include updated addresses, phone numbers, changes to names, etc. Any change of name needs to be accompanied by documentation. You can update your email contact information online by visiting: http://www.sunywcc.edu/MyWCC. Changing Your Major To change your major (also referred to as Curriculum Program of Study): 1. Make the request to change your curriculum before selection of courses for the next semester. 2. Obtain a Curriculum Change Request Form from your counselor. 3. Consult with your counselor, then see the Curriculum Chair of the program you wish to enter. 4. After obtaining the signature of the chairperson of the curriculum being entered, take the form to the Registrar’s Office for processing. Children in the Classroom & On Campus Children are not permitted in classrooms, lecture rooms, or laboratories at any time that instruction is taking place. A child’s presence in the classroom can be a distraction to the professor, other class members, to the parent, and could expose the child to injury. Children are not permitted on campus except during certain college-sponsored events. When children are on campus, they must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian and may not be left unattended. Childcare www.sunywcc.edu/child-care The Virginia Marx Children’s Center provides care for the children of students, faculty and working parents from the community. The Children’s Center accommodates children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years 9 months and is open 51 weeks out of the year. Financial assistance is available to student parents. The Children’s Center is licensed, nationally accredited and professionally staffed. It is a nurturing environment that allows your child to explore, learn, create, and discover. Contact the Children’s Center at 914-606-6644 for more information. Chosen Name & Pronouns www.sunywcc.edu/ChosenName Westchester Community College recognizes that some students and employees may use a different name other than their legal name and/or may have chosen pronouns. Westchester Community College allows the use of a chosen name and pronouns, wherever possible, for all students and employees, that is consistent with applicable laws and regulations. In some instances, the College is obligated to use a person's legal name and cannot use a chosen or preferred name. In addition, whenever Westchester Community College collects data on sex or gender/gender identity, individuals will be offered the option to select “X” for at least one of these fields. The College will provide all students and employees with the opportunity to enter their chosen name that is different from their legal name as well as their chosen pronouns. Westchester Community College will honor and respect the right of individuals to be referred to as their chosen name, pronouns, and gender markers in all instances permissible under the law. The College reserves
the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to: for the purpose of misrepresentation, to be disruptive, or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation. Westchester Community College will not deliberately refuse to use an individual’s chosen name, pronouns or gender marker based on an individual’s actual or perceived gender identity or expression. Clubs & Organizations www.sunywcc.edu/clubs Westchester Community College has over 50 active clubs and organizations and various leadership opportunities outside of the classroom. These encompass honors societies, cultural organizations, fine and performing arts groups, student publications, curriculum clubs, and special interest groups. Students can explore co-curricular activities as a way to build meaningful relationships with members of the community, develop transferable skills and abilities, and enhance their overall college experience. A student organization is a student-run group that has received approval by the Department of Student Involvement for their operating charters. Student organizations typically receive a percentage of the student activity fee, as determined by the Faculty/Student Association. Student officers of organizations receive support from the staff in Student Involvement who serve as their Advisors. Currently the college has four student organizations: the Student Government Association, the Westchester Events Board, the Viking News, WARY Radio, and the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. A student club is a student-run group of like-minded students who have gathered together to explore, celebrate and share-in a common purpose. They have created a formal operating charter with a unique mission and received formal approval from the Student Government Association. Clubs receive support from members of the faculty, staff, or administration who serve as club advisors. All Advisors are to be confirmed by and kept on record with Student Involvement. All approved clubs & organizations shall be open to all eligible students and will not discriminate against any student on any basis, including, but not limited to: real or perceived age, race, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, sexual history, religious orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, alienage, citizenship, marital or parental status, legally recognized domestic partnership status, national origin, ancestry, creed, political belief, arrest and/or conviction record, or any other criterion prohibited by federal, state or local law. College Catalog www.sunywcc.edu/catalog The College Catalog is a resource for program requirements and course information necessary to complete a degree or certificate at Westchester Community College, as well as overall college-wide information regarding admissions, policies and procedures. Degree and certificate seeking students are reminded to refer to the program requirements that were in place during the year and semester that they enrolled in the program. These requirements can be viewed in the archived editions of the catalog, also available at www.sunywcc.edu/catalog. College Closings Visit our website (sunywcc.edu ) at any time to check if the college has been delayed or closed unexpectedly. We also post delay and closing information on Facebook (sunywcc.edu/Facebook) and Twitter (sunywcc.edu/Twitter). You will receive a text message notification to the cell phone number you provided when registering as well as an email notification to your college email address. If there is no mention of a delay or closure, it means that all classes will meet as scheduled. You also have the option of watching Optimum’s News Channel 12 and listening to WHUD (100.7 FM). You can also call our information line at 914-
606-6900. If the weather gets worse as the day progresses, the decision whether or not to cancel evening classes will be made by approximately 3:00 p.m. Information about holiday closures is available on the academic calendar at www.sunywcc.edu/weather . College Policies and Procedures • Student Code of Conduct • Classroom Conduct Policy • Classroom Recording Policy • Policy on Human Diversity • Involuntary Withdrawal Policy • Campus Safety • Alcohol and Drug Policy • Tobacco-Free Campus • Environmental Policy College Scheduler College Scheduler is an easy and quick way to develop a course schedule and register for your classes that meet your needs and preferences. For “How-To” videos on how to best utilize the College Scheduler tool visit the college website. 1. Launch College Scheduler Login Here 2. Add Courses: For your selected term 3. Manage Breaks: To block off times for no classes 4. Generate Schedules: All possible schedules 5. View Schedule: Each of your class schedule options 6. Send to Shopping Cart: From the “View” screen, click the “Shopping Cart” button to begin registration 7. Register: Finalize your schedule and complete course registration Commencement www.sunywcc.edu/commencement Commencement is the formal name for the graduation ceremony. Thousands of friends and family members come to watch our graduates be recognized for their achievement. Students who want to participate in the Commencement Ceremony need to order a cap and gown. Caps and gowns are provided without charge to all graduates. Graduates will be emailed information about Commencement via their MyWCC email, including notification when caps and gowns are available to order. See GRADUATION for more information on how to apply for graduation and receive your certificate/diploma. Common Hours
Every semester, there are no classes held on Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Take advantage of these Common Hours to attend a club meeting, go to the gym, or be on the lookout for exciting student events that happen every week. Computer Copyright Policy The duplication of copyrighted material is a violation of the federal copyright law and may result in civil and criminal penalties, and disciplinary action by the college. Under federal copyright law, software may not be duplicated for any reason except those stated in the software license agreement. The college prohibits the duplication and sharing of any copyrighted material (software, video, audio) using any electronic means, including peer-to-peer applications. When enrolling at Westchester Community College, students are granted use of the college’s computer facilities for educational purposes only. Students are not permitted to use peer-to-peer applications or perform any activities using college computer equipment that would violate any federal or state laws, including but not limited to, the duplication and/ or distribution of copyrighted material. Because of federal and state laws and the penalties they impose, Westchester Community College students making, acquiring or using unauthorized copies of copyrighted material are in violation of federal and state copyright laws and could be subject to disciplinary actions, including academic dismissal from the college in addition to possible penalties under the law. Possible penalties for copyright infringement include fines and imprisonment. For your information, particularly with regard to penalties, violators of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act who illegally shared copyrighted files are subject to civil penalties of between $750 and $150,000 per song. In the past, pre- litigation settlements offered by copyright owners have ranged from $3,000 to $4,000 and up. Additionally, a court may, in its discretion, grant the copyright owner reasonable attorney fees. Although prosecution of students for this type of file sharing is extremely rare, 17 USC § 506 lays out criminal penalties for intentional copyright infringement which can include fines and jail time. For more information regarding acceptable uses of copyrighted material, please visit www.sunywcc.edu/copyright . Computer Labs There are seven open Computer Labs offering the Microsoft Office suite, internet access, and some specialty software. Locations and hours are available online at www.sunywcc.edu/computer-use . Computer Use Policy www.sunywcc.edu/computeruse Westchester Community College owns and operates a variety of computing systems for student use. These computers are provided to support the college’s programs in education, research, and academic development, and may not be used for any other purposes. Students, faculty, and staff at the college are responsible for using the computing facilities in an ethical and lawful manner. Wireless access is available throughout the main campus and extension centers. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to connect personal devices through these access points at their own risk. College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) For the most up-to-date information regarding CLEP please see our collage catalog.
Dean’s List The Dean’s List is an honor earned by full-time students who have obtained a 3.5 to 3.74 semester grade point average (GPA). Degree Works www.sunywcc.edu/degreeworks Degree Works is an online advising tool to help students, faculty, and counselors track a student’s completion of academic program requirements, determine course selections, track progress toward graduation, and use “what-if” scenarios to see how courses already taken would apply to a different major. Degree Works is user-friendly, has helpful visual cues for completion, and can be accessed from smartphones. To access Degree Works go to www.sunywcc.edu/degreeworks; specific questions may be directed to degreeworks@sunywcc.edu. Please note that Degree Works will show full degree audits for students who began their program plans in fall 2013 or later. Developmental Courses Developmental courses (credit and zero-credit) are given in reading, writing, and mathematics through the English Department, ESL and Reading Department, and the Mathematics Department respectively. Students are placed into these courses on the basis of their performance on a placement exam administered by the Testing and Assessment Center. The courses are intended to help students improve the skills they need to succeed in other college courses. A letter grade is given for performance in the course and is recorded on the student’s transcript. Students may receive supplementary help for these courses through tutoring in the Academic Support Center and the Writing Tutorial Center in the library, as well as tutoring at the Extension Centers. DINING SERVICES www.sunywcc.edu/dining WCC Dining Services, offered through the WCC Faculty Student Association, offers a variety of convenient locations throughout campus to purchase fresh, affordable, and delicious food and beverages: Viking Café The Viking Café (main cafeteria) is located in the Student Center and offers a wide variety of food options, including sandwiches, a salad bar, fresh sushi, a grill station, baked goods, and much more. Crema Café Crema Café is located in the Student Center and is proudly serves a full variety of Starbucks hot and cold beverages as well as a variety of baked goods, sandwiches and salads. Siegel Café Siegel Café is located in the Gateway Center and offers grab & go sandwiches and salads, soups, snacks, Starbucks coffee and assorted beverages.
Students can also purchase Viking Dining Dollars with their financial aid which can be used to make food purchases on the Valhalla campus at all dining locations. Viking Dining Dollar plans are available for $50, $100, $200, and $300 per semester. Students will need to sign up each semester they want to take advantage of the program. Plus, whenever you buy food or beverages at any WCC Dining Services location using Viking Dining Dollars, you will not get charged sales tax, saving you 7.4% on your purchase each time. For more information, please visit www.sunywcc.edu/vikingdiningdollars. Disabilities Services www.sunywcc.edu/disabilities Services for Students with Disabilities parallels the college’s mission to be accessible, community centered, comprehensive, adaptable, and dedicated to lifelong learning for all students. Full participation of students with disabilities is encouraged. Students with a documented disability must request and register for services every semester. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion www.sunywcc.edu/diversity Westchester Community College has established and maintains an environment in which all commit to supporting an atmosphere of inclusion. Furthermore, the college asserts that a student’s education is enhanced when afforded the opportunity to acquire knowledge and appreciation of the rich diversity that we all bring. Respect for, and understanding a of, diversity in all its forms is a strong antidote for prejudice, racism, and discrimination. Accordingly, the college shall strive to find the common elements that unite us, and the positive differences that strengthen us. If the situation arises, however, in which you wish to make a complaint about a faculty member, employee, or another student regarding alleged discrimination, the complaint should be taken to the Chief Diversity Officer in the Gateway Center, Room 134 or you may call 914-606-6313, or file an incident report online at www.sunywcc.edu/incidentreport. In all cases, the discrimination complaint will be dealt with in a timely fashion by each compliance officer. The Department of Student Involvement host many events during annual celebrations of African American, Hispanic, and Asian culture, in addition to a full range of multicultural events designed to enhance and build up our community while offering space for personal growth and development. The college also offers events and provides local and national resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Most notably, the college has a robust network of Viking Allies trained to provide safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information visit www.sunywcc.edu/lgbtq. Dropping a Course www.sunywcc.edu/MyWCC During the first three weeks of the Fall or Spring semester, you may drop courses online using MyWCC or in-person at the Registrar’s Office. There is a $5 fee for dropping a course. Dropped courses will not show up on your academic record, and dropping a course may entitle you to receive a partial tuition refund. It’s a good idea to speak to the instructor, a counselor, or the Financial Aid Office first. Dropping a course after the third week is referred to as a withdrawal, see WITHDRAWAL FROM A CLASS and WITHDRAWAL FROM COLLEGE. For specific deadliness, refer to the academic calendar available at www.sunywcc.edu/academiccalendar
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) www.sunywcc.edu/eop The State University of New York’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic support and financial assistance to students who show promise for mastering college-level work but who may otherwise find the college transition difficult. Offered primarily to first-semester, full-time students who are New York State residents, the EOP accepts students who qualify, academically and financially, for the program. Eligible students receive one-on-one tutoring, as well as academic, career, and counseling. In addition, qualifying students receive a stipend to help with the cost of expenses. Extension Centers & Locations www.sunywcc.edu/locations Looking for a class close to where you live or work? Closed out of sections on the main campus? A wide selection of courses are offered every semester at our nearby extension centers in Mt. Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, White Plains and Yonkers. FERPA www.sunywcc.edu/ferpa The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records (www.ed.gov/ferpa). FERPA protects the education records of students who are currently enrolled or formerly enrolled regardless of their age or status with regard to parental dependency. Records of those who have applied to but not attended an institution are not subject to FERPA guidelines, nor are deceased students. The law applies to all schools that receive funding from an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records until these rights transfer solely to the student when s/he reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. A student can grant the college permission to disclose education record information to a specified person(s) by completing the FERPA Release Form, having it notarized by a Notary Public, and submitting the notarized form to the Registrar’s Office. The FERPA Release Form and other important forms can be found on the website at www.sunywcc.edu/importantforms . Financial Aid www.sunywcc.edu/finaid The Office of Student Financial Assistance is committed to ensuring that the ability to pay is not a barrier to achieving a college education. Student Financial Assistance will help students and families apply for, and receive, the aid to which they may be entitled, including federal grants, loans, work study and scholarships. We also partner with the Bursar’s Offices to administer the NYS TAP (Tuition Assistance Program). Although they are one of the busiest offices on campus, we welcome students to ask for help if they ever need it. Students are encouraged to check their financial aid status online via the Financial Aid Portal. The Financial Aid Portal will provide information on all types of aid you qualify based on the FAFSA, as well as any NYS Aid and Campus-based Aid such as Scholarships. • Student Access to the Financial Aid Portal • Parent/Guest Access to the Financial Aid Portal hyperlink: Student Portal: Login Page The Financial Aid Portal contains information for the 2023/2024 aid year and beyond. All prior aid year information can still be accessed in the Student Self Service Center.
Navigating the Financial Aid Portal: 1. Log into to mywcc.sunywcc.edu 2. Select the Financial Aid Portal tile First time users will be prompted to review and accept an Electronic Consent which will indicate your willingness to interact with the Office of Student Financial Assistance on a digital platform. Note: If you choose not to perform tasks electronically, contact the Student Financial Assistance office directly. 3. Carefully review all Pending items in red on the HOME page. 4. Review any red numbered notification badges in the navigation header. Financial Education www.sunywcc.edu/cfee The Center for Financial and Economic Education (CFEE) is a component of the Gateway Center dedicated to providing an array of financial education programs for the campus community. Each semester the CFEE offers seminars during Common Hour that are open to all students, and which focus on different aspects of personal financial management. Students can also participate in the Money Smart Forum program which provides one-on-one coaching in the basics of financial management. One of the CFEE’s key objectives is to foster financial empowerment for students and adults of all ages. Throughout the year, the CFEE sponsors informational events that are open to the public, including Financial Education Day, a free, half-day conference that is offered during the spring semester. Fine Arts Gallery wccartgallery.com The Fine Arts Gallery is located in the Hankin Academic Arts Building across from the theatre. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Thursdays, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. Professional art exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. Student work exhibitions are held at the close of Fall and Spring semesters. Foundation www.sunywcc.edu/foundation The Westchester Community College Foundation was established in 1969 as an independent not-for-profit organization to raise funds for college and student needs not covered by public funds. The Foundation’s primary objective is to provide student scholarships, but it also provides resources for new initiatives and projects that support student success and faculty development. Faculty Student Association (FSA) The Faculty Student Association of Westchester Community College, Inc, (FSA) was established in 1953 to operate, manage, and promote educationally related services for the benefit of the students and the college community of Westchester Community College. The FSA provides two major retailing operations on campus: The Bookstore (operated by Barnes & Noble College) and Dining Services. It also serves as the fiscal agent for the Athletics Department, Department of Student Involvement, and student clubs and organizations.
Graduation www.sunywcc.edu/graduation Students entering their final semester need to start thinking about graduation early. Graduation from the college signifies that a student has completed all the necessary degree/certificate requirements and is issued a diploma/certificate. Students can graduate at three separate times each year: August, December and May. Students must apply in the Registrar’s Office (Administration Building, Room 107) or online by signing into their MyWcc account.). For details about participating in the Graduation Ceremony held in May, called Commencement, please see COMMENCEMENT. Health Services www.sunywcc.edu/health-services Health Services offers a variety of programs and services to students, including, but not limited to minor first aid, over-thecounter medications, hygiene products, health screenings, wellness counseling, and private resting areas. Registered nurses are available to assist students who may experience an acute illness or injury on campus. All campus emergencies should be immediately reported to the campus emergency number at 6911 (from campus phones) or 914-606-6911. Students enrolled in any Health Sciences curricula must submit annual health reports and physical exams to the Health Services Office before August 1/December 15 for the Fall and Spring semesters respectively. All students in the Health Science curricula must submit an annual Health Report and Physical Examination Form, completed by a physician, and proof of health insurance coverage, the completed forms must be on file in the Health Services Office before a student is allowed into any clinical area. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society www.sunywcc.edu/ptk Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the premier honor society for two-year colleges. Those who have completed twelve credits and have a college grade point average of 3.5 or better will be invited to accept membership. Learn more about the benefits of membership at www.sunywcc.edu/ptk or stop by the PTK office in the Student Center, Room 218. PTK welcomes membership by full- and part-time students from all majors. Honors Program & Honors College www.sunywcc.edu/honors The Honors Program at Westchester Community College is the best way for students to challenge themselves academically. The program, which has grown in size to approximately 150 participants, provides for special courses directed toward Honors students only. These classes move quickly, go into greater depth, and allow for a rich learning experience.
The Honors College was recently launched and accepts 18 new students each year. Honors College students must take 24 Honors credits specifically designed for their major and must maintain a 3.5 GPA to graduate with an Honors Designated- Degree. Through Philosophia, the student club organization of the program, Honors Program and Honors College students attend off-campus excursions and attend cultural events; they also plan and lead the Abeles Dialogues in the spring. In addition, the program gives a select number of students the opportunity to study at the renowned Cambridge University in England. Immunization Requirements www.sunywcc.edu/immunization NY State Public Health Law Section 2165 mandates that ALL students born on or after 01/01/1957 registering for more than 5 credits provide documentation of proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella or be approved for an acceptable exemption. Students will not be permitted to register for classes without proof of Immunization. An immunization hold will be placed on your record and will NOT be lifted until acceptable proof of immunization is submitted and accepted by the college. NY State Public Health Law Section 2167 requires that ALL students, regardless of age, registering for more than 5 credits, have one of the following on file with the College: 1. Proof of immunization in the past five years for meningococcal meningitis disease 2. A signed acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and a refusal of the meningitis immunization To learn more about acceptable proof of immunization, how to submit your documentation, and more please visit www.sunywcc.edu/immunization. International Student Services www.sunywcc.edu/international The Office of International Student Services is committed to providing services necessary to meet the special needs of F-1 international students. International Student Services will educate and inform the F-1 international population of the regulations governing the enrollment of international students and provide programs and services that facilitate international student’s academic transition to and from the college. JobSTAR www.sunywcc.edu/jobstar JobSTAR is a supportive service for low income and public assistance recipients. This collaboration between Westchester Community College and the Westchester County Department of Social Services began in 1990. The program provides both academic advising and counseling. In addition to credit classes, educational training programs are available for those who meet the eligibility qualifications. Leadership Programs www.sunywcc.edu/leadership Commit to Change Leadership Development Program – A 12-week leadership development program where you will learn about yourself and work with your peers to create positive social change at Westchester Community College and the community as a whole. Members of this program go on to hold various student leadership positions at the college and are invited to apply for
and attend the highly prestigious Clinton Global Initiative University. LatinXcellence Leadership Program - A 4-week, leadership development experience for Latinx emerging leaders by providing them with a safe space for individual growth and the formation of relationships among fellow Latinx student leaders. Participants will enhance professional skills, build an understanding of various Latinx cultures, and learn how to pivot leadership potential towards action. Mindful Warrior Program - An 8-week experience for a small group of students to enhance your leadership skills, intentionally elevate your individual self-concept, develop an enhanced awareness regarding your individual life purpose and foster a heightened sense of clarity and compassion towards both self and others. Orientation Leader Program - Each spring semester, there will be a call for outstanding students to serve as Orientation Leaders (OLs). Selected students will be a part of a team of thirty student leaders. and will have an experience unlike any other as they help welcome and transition new students to the college. OLs will work with staff from the Department of Student Involvement and serve as the hosts and guides for new students during the college’s Orientation. This program is a wonderful way to learn mentoring and communication skills, make lifelong friends, make a difference in the lives of your peers, and have a lot of fun doing it! www.sunywcc.edu/OLPA Library www.sunywcc.edu/library At the Harold L. Drimmer Library and Learning Resource Center a dedicated staff is available to assist students 7 days a week during the fall and spring semesters. Students can use their MyWCC login to access materials from off-campus at library.sunywcc.edu. Students can use the Virtual Reference chat widget on the library homepage to chat or Zoom live with a librarian during open hours. They can also send questions by text (914-861-3315) or email (reference@sunywcc.edu) or search our knowledge base of Frequently Asked Questions. The library features more than 80,000 academic and popular books for loan, as well as textbook reserves (available for 2-hour, inlibrary use only). Users will need their campus IDs to check out books and reserve materials. Enrolled students can also access electronic books, periodicals and streaming films with their MyWCC login at any time from any location. There are group study rooms, a second-floor quiet study area, a lounge with vending machines, a multimedia theatre, and many study tables and carrels. The Honors Program, Coaching Connection, Testing and Assessment Center, and Academic Support Center are also located in the library building. Patrons are requested to follow the library policies listed on the website. Eating, drinking, and cell phone use are restricted to the lounge. Everyone’s cooperation is appreciated. For the most up to date hours, please visit the library website. Lockers Lockers can be found in most academic buildings on campus. You may use any of the lockers on campus to temporarily store your books and personal belongings. Just bring a lock and select a convenient locker. At the end of each semester, you must remove the lock and your personal items. Security will remove the lock and empty the items left inside lockers that are not emptied at the end of each semester.
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