Admissions Newsletter
News & Notes Spring 2024
Newsletters
News & Notes Newsletter
News & Notes
SUNY WCC Is a Great Investment-in Yourself
You may have seen headlines about the rapidly rising tuition levels at colleges across the country. But that is not the case at SUNY Westchester Community College! From 2012 to 2022, SUNY WCC had the lowest rate of increase of any community college in the SUNY system. As a result, SUNY WCC has one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. What does this mean for you? It means that SUNY WCC is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. SUNY WCC has maintained an unwavering focus on offering students a high-quality education while retaining one of the lowest tuition rates in the tri-state region.
If your plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, you can start your higher education career at SUNY WCC and save tens of thousands of dollars before transferring with full junior status to a 4-year institution. Thousands of students have started their higher education journeys at SUNY WCC taking advantage of our many transfer agreements with four-year institutions, our opportunity programs or our many honors programs, before pursuing their academic goals at any of the fine SUNY campuses or such local four-year institutions as Mercy, Lehman, Pace, Purchase, or highly selective universities like Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, Smith, NYU, and Sarah Lawrence.
If you are looking to enter the workforce with the necessary skills as quickly as possible, SUNY WCC is here for you, too! SUNY WCC is a comprehensive educational institution where you can choose from a wide variety of resources and options. SUNY WCC offers 65 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in high-demand fields including Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Nursing, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Care, and Digital Filmmaking.
Just as important as academics is the sense of community that WCC students join. As the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution, the SUNY WCC community reflects the cultural and economic diversity of the region. We are a living, breathing part of Westchester that goes beyond the influence of a typical college and affects the lives of all who enter our doors. We are a showcase for the best of Westchester. When you arrive at Westchester Community College, you will be able to immerse yourself in your passions, or find new ones, with 40+ clubs and organizations, multicultural programs, e–sports and student government. Becoming an active member in clubs/organizations is a great way to meet new friends who share your interests, to learn a new hobby, to expand your understanding of an area of study, to explore new cultures, and to make a positive impact on the community!
SUNY WCC is committed to accessibility, which is why we have many classes and support services, including tutoring, academic advising and personal counseling, offered in person and remotely. Furthermore, the college has five locations around the county, including an expanded Yonkers location in the Cross County Center.
In addition to the lowest tuition rates in the tri-state area, the WCC Foundation disperses more than $2 million in scholarships annually, which combined with other financial aid available, makes SUNY WCC one of the best decisions you can make!
Are you ready to take that serious look at the best deal in local higher education? Stay near and go far at SUNY Westchester Community College!
SUNY Westchester Community College is pleased to introduce our New Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Dante Cantú
VP Cantú, who joined SUNY Westchester earlier this year, has hit the ground running: Within the first 90 days of his appointment, he met with over 100 stakeholders across the college community. This included personal visits to the Peekskill, Ossining, Yonkers, and Mt. Vernon extension centers.
“SUNY Westchester is an absolute gem and the primary source for higher education for Westchester County residents,” says VP Cantú. “Our mission is vitally important to so many, which is why it’s incumbent upon us that we remain aligned with the needs of our current and future students. That’s why one of my goals for my first year is to do all I can to help strengthen the close connections between the college and the County’s K-12 schools.”
VP Cantú is an accomplished postsecondary leader. Over his nearly 20-year career in higher education, he has provided administrative leadership in enrollment management, academic affairs, and student affairs. He acknowledges, however, that his approach is influenced by his early career in industry and his subsequent work in the non-profit sector. “Constant alignment and adaptation is baked into my DNA.”
VP Cantú underscores the importance of meeting with key stakeholders to hear directly from them so that he can better understand and more accurately discern the enrollment challenges as well as the opportunities they may be confronting. By doing so, he says, “we can partner toward an effective college enrollment strategy that aligns with the educational and workforce needs of our many community stakeholders.”
As a product of the California community college system, VP Cantú says the opportunity to join the WCC community, in service to its educational access mission, resonates deeply with him. He has experienced, firsthand, how a student can start at a community college and go just about anywhere, whether that involves improved workforce opportunities upon completing a 2-year degree or the pursuit of additional postsecondary education at a four-year college. “The affordable, high-quality education that WCC offers is second to none,” he said. “In addition to our curricular core, our Viking ROADS program is receiving national recognition by helping more students succeed, we’ve doubled our graduation rates, we have a high-quality Honors program, engaging student leadership and career readiness programming, and so much more.”
VP Cantú says that the SUNY WCC student experience, supported by the collective efforts of so many at the institution, is designed to help students develop skills for college and career. “It’s no real mystery why WCC is recognized as an engine of upward mobility for so many County residents.”
VP Cantú has prioritized the enhancement of the new student onboarding process through his divisional deans and directors leadership group. He’s also begun to envision the possibilities that result from the in-process website redesign, including a robust parent engagement platform. Have an idea for VP Cantú to consider? Email your suggestion to him today at VPSA@sunywcc.edu.
SAVE THE DATE!
FALL 2023 OPEN HOUSE will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
We invite you to visit our beautiful campus!
Open House will begin in the Physical Education Building! Students will receive a warm welcome from the President of the College! Students will get to hear from College officials and a college Alumni! Our Four Schools will be presenting! Meet our deans, faculty and administrators! Learn more about our programs, support services, student involvement, workforce development and community education programs, and so much more! Students can join several demonstrations throughout the event, some of which will include:
- An Admissions Information Session
- A Financial Aid Information Session
- A variety of curriculum related sessions
- Parking is available in Lot 8
For more information and to RSVP, visit www.sunywcc.edu/openhouse.
The Admissions Office Welcomes Our Newest Admissions Counselor
The Office of Admissions is EXCITED to announce our new Adjunct Admissions Counselor, Amina Alam!
Amina would like to share the following message:
With a decade-long commitment to Higher Education Administration in the dynamic landscape of New York City, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. My academic roots started in the City University of New York, where I graduated with a major in English Language Arts and Psychology from Hunter College. Additionally, I hold an AAS in Culinary Arts from Kingsborough Community College, where I also served as a program assistant, offering vital support to new students with their enrollment processes and facilitating campus tours. This comprehensive educational background has not only equipped me with knowledge but has also ignited a fervent passion for assisting students in crafting their paths to success. As a Recruiter and Admissions Specialist at the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy since 2014, I have played a pivotal role in shaping recruitment and admissions strategies.
Outside of my responsibilities in coaching and mentoring students, you will often find me engaged in two pursuits: exploring new destinations through travel or dedicating time in the kitchen, meticulously testing and crafting new and exciting recipes. My role as an Adjunct Admissions Counselor provides a fulfilling avenue to pursue my love for exploring new cultures and my fervor for culinary creativity, perfectly aligning with my overarching dream of fostering connections.
Feel free to reach out to me at amina.alam@sunywcc.edu if you have any questions about SUNY WCC and how we can support your institution.
Taking Steps Toward Successful Enrollment
Applying to WCC
Students are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible at www.sunywcc.edu/apply . We will begin to mail Admissions letters to students applying for the Spring 2024 term (which begins in January 2024) in early October 2023. Students applying for the Fall 2024 term (which begins in September 2024) will be mailed their Admissions letters as of early February 2024. A series of emails from the college’s automated CRM communication system will follow guiding students through their next steps in the enrollment process. Please ask your students to check their emails regularly for updates after they apply.
How Can Students Waive the $50 Application Fee?
Students who financially qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs, whose household income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or are from foster families are automatically eligible for an application fee waiver! By completing the SUNY Westchester Community College online application at www.sunywcc.edu/apply and answering the targeted questions to identify in one of the above mentioned categories, the $50 application fee will automatically be waived upon submission. Other ways to waive the $50 application fee include attending one of our Admissions Information Sessions or attending an Application Day hosted by a SUNY WCC Admissions Counselor at the high school!
If you are interested in having one of our Admissions Counselors set up an Application Day where all your seniors can get their $50 application fee waived, please contact us at Admissions@sunywcc.edu and we will have an Admissions Counselor contact you to set it up!
Sending Official HS Transcripts
Official HS transcripts can be sent from the high school to the Office of Admissions by mail or email to HSTranscript@sunywcc.edu.
Resources for High School Counselors Webpage:
The SUNY Westchester Community College Resources for School Counselors webpage was created just for you! It gives you easy access to SUNY WCC information all in one place! The webpage is easily accessible by visiting www.sunywcc.edu/school–counselor.
Future Students Webpage
The goal of this webpage is to give prospective students a one stop landing page to explore our academic programs, student guide, financial aid assistance guide, opportunity programs, how to apply to the college and more! Please encourage students to visit our Future Students webpage at www.sunywcc.edu/futurestudent.
Admissions Virtual & In-Person Events
- Throughout the academic year, the Office of Admissions will be hosting Virtual and In-Person Admissions Information Sessions to help students learn more about the college, our programs and services, the admissions/enrollment process and the many opportunities that we offer!
- Admissions will also offer Virtual Nursing Information Sessions and Virtual 24-credit HSE Information Sessions!
- In addition to our excellent Virtual Campus Tour, in-person Campus Tours are also being offered!
By attending one of our Admissions Events, students can obtain an application fee waiver code that will help them to waive the $50 application fee! (Please note, the application fee is non-refundable once submitted). To RSVP for our Admissions Events visit https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/visit/
Let’s Get Started Module
SUNY Westchester Community College’s commitment to our access mission and the success of our newly admitted students is demonstrated in the rollout of our new–as of Summer 2023–Let’s Get Started! module for all matriculated new students. We recognize that our students come to us from different backgrounds and experiences and with multiple starting points; as such, we designed this module to provide critical information that all new students need to know, while also providing embedded options for new students to select specialized information that applies to them. Coming to college from high school, whether a student graduated this year or many years ago, can be a daunting experience for new students—especially those who are the first in their family to attend college. On top of that, there is a lot of new information for these students to learn, many steps they must take in order to successfully register and pay for their classes, and multiple offices with which they must interact for placement, document submission, class selection, registration, payment and so on. The new Let’s Get Started! module makes information accessible and provides needed communications in just one place. Furthermore, necessary instructions, web links, secure document upload links and the like are at the new students’ fingertips; a single click will take them to where they need to go, thus eliminating the need for multiple online searches and thereby reducing new student frustration.
All matriculated new students are required to complete the Let’s Get Started! module online before they may move forward in the enrollment and registration processes. New students will need to activate their MyWCC student portal to complete the new module, where they will receive information on important steps they need to take–like submitting transcripts, applying for financial aid, etc.–and will even receive a system-generated certificate upon successful completion of the Let’s Get Started! module. In addition, and as part of this new process, placement surveys will be automatically requested upon completion of the module, which will then be sent to new students’ @my.sunywcc.edu email addresses only. Of course, we are here to help any incoming new student who might have questions about, or need help with, completing the Let’s Get Started! module. Students may contact the student helpdesk at MyWCCHelpdesk@sunywcc.edu for assistance with MyWCC activation, or may sign up to attend one of our weekly workshops at: www.sunywcc.edu/preregistration. We are here to help YOU get started at SUNY WCC!
TRIO Student Support Services
Paola Liriano is the new Director of the TRIO Student Support Services Program at WCC. Paola joined WCC in August 2023. She has a
Master’s in Higher Education Administration from SUNY Stony Brook University and a Bachelors in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College. She is a former opportunity program student, has significant administrative and program management experience working in higher education and opportunity programs, and is eager to work with WCC’s TRIO students and program.
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally-funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a free program designed to provide students the opportunity for academic development, assistance with basic college requirements, and to motivate students towards completion of postsecondary education. At SUNY WCC, TRIO offers support to 170 eligible students. The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the retention, graduation, and transfer of student participants.
Enrollment in this program provides you with the following services:
- Academic Advising
- Transfer Assistance
- Financial Aid Counseling
- Leadership and Study Skills workshops
- Career Coaching
- Tutoring by appointment
- Financial Literacy Education
- Cultural Events
Eligibility Requirements:
- Accepted for enrollment, or currently enrolled, at SUNY Westchester Community College as a first-year student
- Enrolled or placed in at least one developmental education course
- Meet at least one of the following criteria: You are a first-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year degree), have a documented disability and/or family meets federal TRIO income eligibility requirements
- A U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
For more information about the TRIO program, contact TRIO@sunywcc.edu.
Popular Programs Include:
Addiction Counseling A.A.S.
The School of Business and Professional Careers at Westchester Community College, State University of New York, is thrilled to introduce our redesigned Addiction Counseling Program. Our OASIS-Credentialed Addiction Counseling Associates Program is designed to empower young minds with knowledge, skills, and compassion, equipping them for a career that truly makes a difference.
In an era where substance abuse and addiction have become pressing issues affecting countless lives, it is crucial to cultivate a new generation of professionals who can provide much-needed support and guidance. Our program serves as a stepping stone for students eager to embark on a compassion, understanding, and transformation journey.
Why Addiction Counseling?
The field of addiction counseling is not merely a profession; it’s a calling to help individuals find their way back to a healthier, happier life. This program offers students a unique opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the world of addiction counseling, making a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
What Sets Our Program Apart?
- OASIS Accreditation: Our program is proudly accredited by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), ensuring that our curriculum meets the highest industry standards. Our curriculum provides all 350 addiction and counseling education hours required for CASAC eligibility and reduces the experience requirement by 1,000 hours.
- Expert Faculty: Our dedicated and experienced faculty members are not just educators; they are mentors who will guide you through every step of your journey.
- Hands-On Experience: We believe that practical experience is invaluable. Through internships and fieldwork, students will gain real-world insights into addiction counseling, helping them become confident and compassionate professionals.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers various topics, including addiction theory, counseling techniques, prevention strategies, and more, providing a holistic understanding of the field.
- Supportive Environment: We foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and grow both personally and professionally.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Our OASIS-Credentialed Addiction Counseling Associates Program is ideal for students who:
- Are interested in psychology, social work, or counseling.
- Are passionate about helping others.
- Are looking for a fulfilling and meaningful career path.
- Ready to kick start their career as students will acquire skills in counseling, addiction theory, counseling theory, prevention strategies, empathy, and effective communication.
Your Journey Starts Here
By enrolling in our program, you’re taking the first step toward a rewarding career that allows you to be a beacon of hope in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Our graduates have gone on to become respected addiction counselors, social workers, marriage counselors, and guidance counselors, making substantial contributions to the well-being of their clients.
We are excited to welcome the next generation of addiction counselors into our program. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by addiction. If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey or wish to explore our program further, please reach out to our curriculum chair, Majesty Perkins, at mp54@sunywcc.edu.
Engineering & Technology Programs at WCC
Is there a sure shot in life, no, unfortunately not, but the closest thing to that is available to you; That is the need for engineers and a highly skilled, competent labor force. At SUNY Westchester Community College, we are committed to providing topnotch education while keeping the cost affordable, ensuring that every student could pursue their dreams without financial burden. We believe that a first-class experience entails faculty who are experienced professionals and are passionate about developing and teaching cutting edge curriculum.
The School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering at WCC offers associate in science programs and associate in applied sciences in Engineering and Technology. The AS and AAS programs are available in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical disciplines. These programs are led by experts who have real-world experience and teach in demand topics in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to the classroom, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their careers. Electrical labs offer circuit analysis and design equipment, such as breadboard, soldier stations, digital
multimeters, oscilloscopes, solar panels, energy management and storage controls and wind turbines. Our Manufacturing labs offer manual machining with Lathes and Milling machines, MIG and TIG welding, heat treatment furnaces and a dedicated Advanced Manufacturing CNC Lab with Fryer Mills and Lathes. Through state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, students gain skills that are applicable to real-life scenarios. These skills prepare our students to get jobs such as designers, installers, technicians and surveyors in the electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, civil and architectural fields.
SMSE has established partnerships with local businesses and industries like Con Edison, IBM, Safe Flight, MicroMold, Fryer Machines to name a few. Our students take advantage of these partnerships via internships and co-op programs. The college has an ongoing Bright Futures program sponsored by Con Edison which provides students opportunities to network with professionals in the Energy sector via tours, campus visits and presentations and special events.
Our Engineering program is designed to fully transfer to all SUNY engineering programs and to most popular private institutions like Manhattan College, City College of New York, SUNY Maritime, SUNY Buffalo, and SUNY Binghamton. Our transfer rate for the Engineering programs is greater than sixty percent for those completing in two years. The level at which they transfer, thanks to our amazing faculty, is at least on par and frequently ahead of their peers at the transfer institutions. This pathway of starting with Suny WCC for your first two years, offers a tremendous benefit of affordability and flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.
The Engineering club is a student run club which works on activities like a video wall comprised of twelve computer monitors driven by raspberry pi’s and mounted via custom made and 3D printed hardware. These opportunities allow students to connect with like-minded individuals, form lifelong friendships, and develop leadership skills.
In conclusion, your local community college is a one stop shop for a great springboard into engineering and technology that is designed with aspiring students in mind. With experienced faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, industry partnerships, and a supportive environment, students can embark on a journey of growth, knowledge, and success. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and we are committed to providing an exceptional experience that lays the foundation for a prosperous future.
Health Studies A.S. Community Health & Case Management Certificate
We love introducing students to the vast opportunities that exist within the health care industry. Our 62-credit program prepares them for transfer to bachelor degrees and to seek careers in the health care workforce.
It is never too early to start considering a career in health care. This past summer we offered our course called Exploring Health Careers to high school students at our Peekskill Extension Center earning them college credits.
We also offer a 28-credit Community Health and Case Management Certificate that prepares students to work on the frontline in the fields of public health, health care, social work and human services. The certificate includes courses and fieldwork where students learn to apply their knowledge and skills in real work environments. Those who complete their certificate and decide to continue their studies may transfer their completed course credits into the Health Studies A.S., or Human Services A.S.
In collaboration with Workforce Development Community Education, we are working on creating a pathway for students enrolled in non-credit health care-related programs to easily move into the credit-bearing Community Health and Case Management Certificate and the Health Studies A.S.
QUICK BITS:
Winter 2024 and Spring 2024 Registrations begin on October 30, 2023
Fall 2024 Registration is anticipated to begin in March 2024
Please check our Academic Calendar for updates at https://www.sunywcc.edu/academics/academiccalendar
Tuition& Fees
Application Fee: $50
Full Time Tuition (per semester)
- Resident: $2,490.00
- Non-Resident: $5,885
Part-Time Tuition (per credit)
- Resident: $207
- Non-Resident: $493
New Financial Aid Portal
The Financial Aid Portal will provide information on all types of aid you qualify for based on the FAFSA, as well as any NYS Aid and Campus-based Aid such as Scholarships. 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.
Financial Aid Priority Filing Deadline for the 2023/2024 Year
SPRING: October 31
FALL: May 1
Students can apply for Financial Aid now! For information regarding workshop dates and to inquire about what financial information is needed to successfully complete the Financial Aid Forms contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at Finaid@sunywcc.edu.
Westchester Community College Foundation Scholarships
Students must file either a FAFSA (US Citizens and Permanent Residents), TAP (US Citizens and Permanent
Residents) or the New York State DREAM Act Application (Dreamers, DACA or Undocumented) to be automatically considered for a WCC Foundation Scholarship. International Students will need to fill out a Scholarship Financial Need Application (F-1, Other Visa holders).
Priority deadline for filing Financial Aid forms to be considered for a WCC Foundation Scholarship for New students is April 15th for the fall semester! This process will allow the college to provide students with a comprehensive financial assistance package in a timelier manner.
For more information visit: https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/finaid/
Published by the Office of Admissions
- Gloria De La Paz, Director of Admissions
- Donald Whitely, Admissions Counselor
- Stephanie Annunziata, Admissions Counselor
- Shaunyce Jones, Admissions Counselor
- Amina Alam, Admissions Counselor
914-606-6735/ Admissions@sunywcc.edu
Thank you to the WCC Faculty, Staff and Administration for their contributions to the Newsletter