A Message from the President
Welcome!
Westchester Community College is a supportive community that is committed to its current and future students and the professionals that serve them — even while facing profound societal shifts and uncertainty. During these challenging times, our doors are open, welcoming you to an environment that promotes learning, supports diverse perspectives, and demonstrates respect for humanity and our differences. Serving one of our nation’s most diverse counties, students come to our campus representing a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives. Here, we provide a safe space for a wide range of individuals to come together, learn about themselves, shape their world view, and exchange ideas while determining how best to thrive within and value our differences.
We are living in times characterized by deep divisions in our society, strong expressions of wildly divergent views, and the need for multiple and sustainable ways for everyone to have voice, be heard, and do so in civil, constructive, and equitable ways. Our institutions of higher learning have a role to play in these pursuits. They develop students’ ability to think critically, to distinguish facts from fancy, and to synthesize ideas that help them excel as they prepare to enter the world of work or transfer to four-year institutions upon graduation.
WCC is dedicated to helping students reach their academic and career goals. Its foundation is a comprehensive and affordable open access mission that extends to our myriad degree and non-degree programs. These programs are supplemented with a variety of resources and enriching co-curricular experiences that support our students’ academic, social, mental and emotional needs.
- Students who wish to better understand the historical, political or social factors underlying our 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.
- Students may reach out to our Personal Counseling Department which is available to any student who would like to process the impact of these events on them and those around them. If you or someone you know may need support, please invite them to visit http://www.sunywcc.edu/personalcounseling for more information.
- Students seeking information about where their education can take them as they look forward to economic mobility and the opportunity to take their place in the world can explore dozens of transfer agreements or visit our Career Services Center to chart out their individual pathway to success.
Our college motto, Building Minds and Building Futures, serves as a reminder of how our curriculum prepares students for a better tomorrow. 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