Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: A GREAT WEEK
A colleague once shared each Friday, “Thanks for making it a great week.” Regardless of challenges we may have faced or what achievements we celebrated, it was important to recognize the ongoing dedication and commitment to our mission, work, and students that we bring to SUNY WCC every day.
The days and weeks leading up to and through our enrollment period are among the most critical and busy of our academic year. Staff members across the institution work tirelessly to get students to and through our systems and processes; faculty busily prepare lessons and syllabi; counselors and deans work to get students into the classes they need to complete their programs of study. IT and Media work to ensure that systems, connections, and equipment are set to go as Physical Plant and Safety team members ensure that buildings and grounds are safe, set, and ready to welcome all to our campus. There are so many moving parts to the start of the semester! In fact, we each have a role in preparing for the new academic year. While we may face occasional hiccups in the first few days, the combination of your dedication and professionalism mixed with your patience and perseverance results in a successful start for students. Thank you!
I enjoyed greeting colleagues and students this week at welcome tents and along pathways and hallways this week. I also joined faculty at the Center for Teaching and Learning meet and greet for new and junior faculty. This year’s theme, “Belonging,” is inspiring and encourages connection and collaboration. We welcome all new colleagues to our college community and invite them – and everyone – to take part in the many programs and learning experiences occurring on our main campus and at our extension locations. Be sure to check the Event Calendar as you’re planning co- and extra-curricular activities and projects for students or things to do during the fall semester. For example, this weekend is Native Plant Weekend at Rosedale Nurseries where you can shop a wide selection of native plants and attend free workshops while supporting our Native Plant Center. If you have an event you’d like posted, please be sure to reach out to Mark Stollar in Strategic Marketing and Communications.
As so many of you have mentioned this week, “we are back!”, and we remain #VikingStrong! We are here – for students and for each other.
Thanks for making it a great week!
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President