Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Celebrating Community College Month – April 7, 2023
April 7, 2023
Colleagues,
It’s Community College Month! This is the time of year when we join our colleagues across the nation to celebrate Community College Month, which, according to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), is “a great opportunity to get the word out about why community colleges matter, how your college is serving your community’s needs today, and why public support for our colleges is more important than ever.”
Eleven years ago, the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) 21st Century Commission Report, Reclaiming the American Dream, Community Colleges and the Nation’s Future, challenged community colleges to “redesign students’ educational experiences, reinvent institutional roles, and reset the system so it better promotes student success.” SUNY WCC’s mission, vision, goals, and strategic plan have mapped our path to increase completion rates, close attainment gaps, get students on pathways to viable career and transfer opportunities, and fulfill our promise to employers as we prepare students for jobs of the future. I thank every faculty and staff member who took on the challenge of doing this work through innovative programs, holistic support for students, and laser focus on outcomes that matter.
Earlier this week, our efforts were acknowledged by AACC where SUNY WCC was recognized as a finalist in the category of Student Success during the Awards of Excellence event at AACC’s annual conference. We were one of six community colleges recognized for innovative work in advancing student success. Kudos to all who participated in the application process – and we look forward to showcasing our achievements next year at this and other national events that recognize the work of community colleges.
Finally, I’m pleased to report that Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President of the Community College of Philadelphia, will serve as the MSCHE self-study evaluation Team Chair for SUNY WCC. The preliminary campus visit will be held on November 27, 2023, and the Team visit will occur March 24-27, 2024. Thanks to our MSCHE Self-Study team for their work, and please look forward to opportunities to participate in this critical accreditation process.
Mark your calendars for the Middle States Town Hall on Thursday, April 20, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This hybrid event will take place at SUNY Westchester Valhalla, Classroom Building – Room 200 and online, via Zoom. Watch your email for additional information.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President