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Assistant Professor Bridget Beilein teaches both in-person and online courses at NCCC

Earn 3 Credits in 12 Days at NCCC This Winter

By News Archive

December 20, 2021

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) offers a variety of opportunities for students to earn college credits at a reasonable price, and winter session allows students to expedite their educational experience by taking an entire class in less than 2 weeks.  NCCC’s winter session runs from Tuesday, January 4 through Saturday, January 15, allowing students to earn 3 credits in just 12 days.

The major benefit of studying at NCCC is that classes are more affordable than nearly all other Western New York colleges, and credits can transfer easily to other institutions.  While students do have other options for winter classes, NCCC has both in-person and online courses offered at one of the lowest tuition rates in the region.

Seats are still available in nearly 30 general education and pre-requisite courses required for meeting program and degree requirements.  During the abbreviated intersession, students can receive credits in classes such as Music Appreciation, Spanish, Introduction to Sociology, Business, and more.

To learn more and to register for Winter Session at NCCC, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/reg/

Assistant Professor Bridget Beilein teaches both in-person and online courses at NCCC

Assistant Professor Bridget Beilein teaches both in-person and online courses at NCCC


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

NCCC Health Studies Program Coordinator, Lynn Brochu

NCCC Increases Online Learning Options

By News Archive

December 16, 2021

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is responding to the growing need for flexible learning options through online degree and certificate programs, as well as HyFlex classes.  The trend to move towards remote learning options accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a strong solution for students who are unable to adhere to a traditional in-person class schedule.

HyFlex is a relatively new option at NCCC, providing students the highest level of flexibility, allowing them to choose between a variety of delivery modes.  Students can attend In-person on campus, attend class virtually, in real-time through Zoom, or complete the coursework 100% synchronously online.  Those enrolled in HyFlex can choose their preference and change the mode on how they attend from one class meeting to the next as needed.

The benefit of online and HyFlex options through NCCC is that classes are taught by faculty in accredited programs that easily transfer to other institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  While students enjoy the benefits of a remote learning environment on their schedule, they can also access a large variety of in-person resources such as advisement, tutoring, and the library on campus if they choose.

Currently, NCCC offers 13 programs and certificates completely online, with plans for more in the future.  Starting in January of 2022, Health Studies will be added to the list of online degree programs. Lynn Brochu, Program Coordinator states, “The Health Studies transfer program prepares students with the opportunity for careers in community-based wellness programs, government health agencies and corporate wellness to name a few.” Some of the courses in the program have the HyFlex option with more to be created in the next few years.  Brochu also has advice for those considering HyFlex: “For students who want the face-to-face interaction, the student who is an independent worker and the student that prefers ZOOM with online and classroom interaction, it provides the best of all learning opportunities for students.”

To learn more about online learning options at NCCC, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/onlinelearning/

NCCC Health Studies Program Coordinator, Lynn Brochu

NCCC Health Studies Program Coordinator, Lynn Brochu


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Dr. Fabio Escobar

Escobar joins NCCC as Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs

By News Archive

October 1, 2021 

Dr. Fabio Escobar

Dr. Fabio Escobar
Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at NCCC

Dr. Fabio Escobar has been named as the new Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Niagara County Community College (NCCC).  He has spent a majority of his career in higher education, most recently serving as Vice Provost at SUNY Erie Community College.

Dr. Escobar has a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from California State University and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo.  In 2015 he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and in 2014 he received the ECC Student Government Association Faculty Appreciation Award.  Outside of his professional activities, Dr. Escobar volunteered on the University at Buffalo Biological Institutional Review Board from 2013-2016 and on the Kaleida Hospital Ethics Committee from 2009-2011.

October 1, 2021 

Dr. Fabio Escobar has been named as the new Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Niagara County Community College (NCCC).  He has spent a majority of his career in higher education, most recently serving as Vice Provost at SUNY Erie Community College.

Dr. Escobar has a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from California State University and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo.  In 2015 he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and in 2014 he received the ECC Student Government Association Faculty Appreciation Award.  Outside of his professional activities, Dr. Escobar volunteered on the University at Buffalo Biological Institutional Review Board from 2013-2016 and on the Kaleida Hospital Ethics Committee from 2009-2011.

Dr. Fabio Escobar

Dr. Fabio Escobar, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at NCCC


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

NCCC to Partner with Keuka College

By News Archive

September 20, 2021 

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is pleased to announce an upcoming partnership with Keuka College.  NCCC President William J. Murabito, Ph.D. and Keuka College President Amy Storey will sign articulation agreements on Friday, September 24th that will facilitate seamless transfer pathways for students enrolled in the Human Services A.A. program at NCCC to a Social Work B.S. program at Keuka College, as well as the NCCC Health Studies A.S. Program to a Community Health and Wellness B.S. program at Keuka College.  These agreements are mutually beneficial arrangements that allow NCCC students to explore clearly defined pathways outlining how courses within a 2-year program at NCCC will meet requirements that lead to a 4-year degree at Keuka College.

A representative from Keuka College began recruiting for this program starting on Monday, September 13th, and they plan to offer the B.S. in Social Work program on NCCC’s campus beginning in the fall of 2022, pending approval from New York State.  Keuka College is the largest producer of Bachelor of Social Work degrees in New York State, and a continued relationship between NCCC and Keuka College could lead to other articulation agreements between the two institutions that ultimately benefit NCCC students.  Discussions are already in the works about the possibility of linking NCCC’s Health Studies Program to Keuka’s Community Health and Wellness program.

“NCCC has hundreds of established transfer pathways for students seeking admission to 4-year institutions after they complete their degree program requirements here,” states Alissa Shugats-Cummings, Assistant Vice President of Student Services.  “This additional articulation agreement is one more way NCCC is helping to set its students up for success after the completion of their degree.”    Whether students complete a few semesters at NCCC, or complete an entire degree or certificate, the Career and Transitional Services Department helps students navigate the transfer process.  For more information on academic programs at NCCC, visit niagaracc.suny.edu


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

NCCC Spring 2021 Dean's List

NCCC Announces Spring 2021 Dean’s List and President’s List

By News Archive

May 17, 2021

A total of 629 students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements for the spring 2021 semester at Niagara County Community College (NCCC).  Both full-time and part-time students were honored for their scholastic successes by being named to either the Dean’s List or the Part-Time Honors List.

To be named to the College’s Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credit hours and have achieved a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better. Students are ineligible if they have incomplete course work, a grade of S, U, W, or a grade below C.

To be eligible for the Part-Time Honors List, a student must be enrolled in six to 11 hours of course work and have a semester GPA of 3.5 or better. Students are ineligible if they have incomplete course work, a grade of S, U, W, or a grade below C.

New for this semester, students with a GPA of 4.0 were recognized through their addition to the President’s List.  143 students met the high standard to be included in this group.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Campus aerial photo

NCCC Announces Fall 2021 Plans

By News Archive

May 7, 2021

Niagara County Community College (NCCC) has announced its academic and extracurricular plans for the fall 2021 semester, with intentions to increase its face-to-face capacity in both areas. Many classes will return to a traditional in-person format, yet the option for a flexible class schedule will remain for students who prefer virtual learning options. This includes completely virtual classes as well as hybrid courses, which alternate between online learning and face-to-face instruction. At least 20 classrooms will be outfitted with new technology to support the array of teaching styles that NCCC has adopted into its degree programs.

Outside of the classroom, NCCC athletics will resume for the 2021-2022 year. The College will follow guidelines from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as well as New York State. Theatre, music, and dance productions are planned to return to the stage and all theatre-related guidelines designated by the State will be followed as well. The Henrietta G. Lewis Library, along with the Academic Center for Excellence will continue to offer both face-to-face and online services. Student Housing will operate as close to full capacity as possible, leaving some rooms available to accommodate quarantine and isolation as needed. NCCC will continue to follow safety recommendations set forth by Niagara County, SUNY, New York State, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information about classes, degree programs, and enrollment information, please visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/reg.

About Niagara County Community College:

Niagara County Community College is one of 30 community colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The College provides more than 50 academic programs and features two locations in Western New York. The Sanborn campus is centrally located minutes from Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY, and offers a traditional college experience with world-class academics, knowledgeable faculty members, state-of-the-art classrooms, NJCAA athletics, and on-campus housing. The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is located in the heart of one of North America’s biggest tourist destinations and is home to Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Hospitality programs. Both of our locations offer a unique environment and provide a career-focused, success-oriented education at an affordable price. For more information visit niagaracc.suny.edu.

Aerial photo of the College

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

NCCC students

NCCC Takes Steps in Making Higher Education More Affordable and Accessible

By News Archive

April 19, 2021

In an effort to reduce college-related expenses, Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is joining a SUNY-wide effort to offer low-cost and zero-cost instructional materials. By utilizing Open Education Resources (OER), students enrolled in courses with this option will have the ability to cut costs dramatically without sacrificing the quality of their education.

A low-cost OER course ensures materials will not exceed $50 for a given class. The zero-cost OER option facilitates access to free course materials, eliminating the necessity of purchasing textbooks and multimedia components. In place of costly course-related supplies, OER allow students to utilize open licenses and public domain resources, which include rentable or downloadable textbooks, journals, articles, labs, lectures, videos, games, and other supporting materials. Resources will also be provided from the course instructor, NCCC’s Barnes & Noble retail shops, Henrietta G. Lewis Library at NCCC, SUNY, and additional vendors.

This initiative is available to all students, regardless of income. Its design is intended to make higher education more affordable. Additionally, Both NCCC and SUNY are making accessibility to these materials a priority. OER will feature adaptive technology for students with disabilities, facilitating new ways of accessible education for all.

This effort is beneficial to instructors as well, providing teaching resources and support. Instructors will have the ability to network with other faculty members to advance the impact of OER. They will also have access to professional development opportunities and can work directly with SUNY OER Services to integrate learning content into their curriculum. OER options give faculty members the freedom to curate a course methodically, allowing them to enrich students’ learning experience precisely.

The OER courses will be available during the summer and fall 2021 semesters in which students are currently registering. Courses which offer low-cost and zero-cost materials are available across many disciplines, satisfying general education requirements as well as classes which are specific to an individual’s program. There are already more than 60 sections with OER planned for fall 2021 at NCCC. To learn more about classes which feature OER, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academics/oer

NCCC students

NCCC is making it possible for students to learn through low cost and zero cost course materials, many of which are available online.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.

NCCC Students Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award

By News Archive

April 16, 2021

Three sophomores at Niagara County Community College have received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Miranda Fiore, Allyson (Ally) Knuutila-Clark, and Arianna (Ari) Morales have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in academics, campus involvement, and community service.

The trio of strong women share many attributes.  All three are Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science majors and they are active members in numerous clubs, including NCCC’s Student Government Association (SGA). Miranda is the student event coordinator, Allyson is vice president, and Arianna is president of the SGA. In addition to planning and attending student events, they have played a vital role in representing NCCC’s student body to faculty, staff, and the SUNY system.

Miranda also serves as a student ambassador, an orientation leader, and has attended NCCC’s alternative spring break twice. This journey is for students who want to give back on their spring break, often times traveling hundreds of miles to complete community service projects. Miranda shares, “NCCC was the smart place to start for me because I met so many amazing people who wanted to help and support me and my journey. I also switched my major a few times and it led me to find what I wanted to do in a cost-effective, caring, and growing environment.”

Ally holds multiple leadership roles at NCCC. She is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, co-founder and co-president of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), is involved with the Campus Activity Board, and is the manager for the NCCC wrestling team. Ally is an exemplary student, earning top grades in her courses. She states, “My proudest accomplishment as an NCCC student was obtaining a 3.58 GPA the semester we were sent home because of the pandemic.”

Ari is a first-generation college student who credits her NCCC family, specifically, the Office of Student Life, for encouraging her to follow her dreams. Arianna is co-founder and co-president of the NSLS and she is the SUNY Student Assembly Community College Caucus chairwoman. Arianna is passionate about mental health awareness and equity in our education system.

Julia Pitman, Vice President of Student Services shared, “Ally, Ari, and Miranda are strong campus leaders here at NCCC. They are extremely invested in our campus community and represent the students well both locally and with the SUNY Student Association. I’m very proud that the three were chosen by SUNY to be honored as Students of Excellence. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a student within the SUNY system and all three are very deserving.”

Miranda, Allyson, and Arianna were recognized for their award on April 14 during a virtual SUNY ceremony. Their next big accomplishments will include successfully completing their final exams and earning their degrees this May.

Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.

(L to R) Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

NCCC Nursing Student

NCCC Nursing Students Excel in Licensing Exams

By News Archive

NCCC Nursing Students Excel
in Licensing Exams

January 25, 2021 

To become licensed as a Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse, students who graduate from a state-approved registered nursing (RN) or practical nursing (PN) program must pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX).  Both of the Niagara County Community College (NCCC) RN and PN programs have routinely received rates above the state and national averages for success in passing these exams.  In 2020, NCCC nursing grads achieved a 94.05% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN and a 100% pass rate was achieved for the NCLEX-PN.  These exams are given via a computer and include various types of questions to test the knowledge of a graduate nurse to perform in the clinical setting caring for patients. A student becomes licensed as an RN or PN by passing this exam after graduation.

When asked about the success of NCCC nursing graduates, Diane Pytlik-Flammia, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Nursing and Allied Health said, “The organization of our curriculum, dedication to student success, and preparation through our faculty teaching is what has provided this foundation for students to be successful on these licensure exams.” She also noted the 100% employment rates for graduates of NCCC’s nursing program.  “Many employers in the area reach out to us on a weekly basis wanting to recruit our students. We have a very good reputation in the area for producing well-prepared nurses.”

For more information on the NCCC nursing program, please visit:  https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nah/

NCCC nursing student

NCCC nursing students receive clinical experience to prepare them for a career after graduation.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Campus aerial photo

NCCC Begins Spring Semester on January 19

By News Archive

January 13, 2021

Niagara County Community College will begin the spring 2021 semester on January 19 at both the Sanborn campus and Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Most classes will operate virtually through February 1 and a limited number of SUNY approved high-contact labs will take place in-person throughout the semester. As the pandemic continues, NCCC has elected to proceed with reduced in-person capacities in order to maintain a safe learning and working environment. The College will continue to follow all federal, state, SUNY, and local guidelines. Several measures will be in place for the spring semester in order to reduce density on campus and curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Classes:
Students can expect many of their courses to pivot to a flexible learning option. There are several types of instructional modalities and they include: online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face courses. The online courses are 100% virtual and flexible. Students can conveniently learn on their own schedule while also having access to their instructors and college resources. Hybrid courses combine online learning and in-person instruction. On-campus instruction or activity may be required for some of these courses. Blended courses are 100% online and require some or all of the online instruction to occur in real-time as scheduled. Every in-person meeting will guarantee classroom sizes which can facilitate physical distancing. Masks will be required for all who enter the campus.

Before teaching in an online or hybrid modality, faculty are trained and provided with abundant opportunities for professional growth in teaching in distance learning formats through NCCC’s departments of Online Learning and the Faculty Resource Center for Academic Excellence.

Returning to Campus:
Returning residents of NCCC’s Student Housing Village will be required to bring a hard copy of their negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours of moving into the dorms. New residents will be required to bring a hard copy of their negative COVID-19 results taken within five days of moving into the dorms. All students, whether commuting or residing on campus, should refer to the Guidelines for Students on NCCC’s COVID-19 webpage for a full list of instructions prior to returning to campus.

Screening Procedures:
The College will continue the COVID-19 screening process for all who enter the premises. Individuals will be required to enter through the Learning Commons, have their temperature checked, and submit a health questionnaire upon arrival. Masks are required upon entering.

Student Services and Activities:
Faculty, staff, and student-centered departments will remain open and available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Students are welcome to make appointments or visit various departments including Admissions, Career and Transitional Services, Cashier’s Office, Financial Aid, Henrietta G. Lewis Library, Records and Registration, Student Success Center, Testing Center, and the Wellness Center to fulfill any need they may have as it pertains to their experience at NCCC.

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) will continue high-quality, professional tutoring services in both virtual and in-person sessions. Regardless of remote or on-campus learning, every NCCC student is welcome to utilize in-person ACE services. During the spring semester, ACE will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to tutoring services, students can utilize printers, computers, and web cameras for their online coursework. ACE’s online tutoring will begin on January 25 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will run from Monday through Friday. STAR-NY tutoring, also available through ACE will begin on February 3 from 7 p.m. through midnight, operating Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Student activities will resume for the semester, though many will take place online. A limited number of in-person events for students will include cultural celebrations and awareness events, Wolf Pack Wake Up events, “Service with a Slice” community outreach, Taco Tuesdays, and Supermarket Sweep games.

NCCC plans to resume intercollegiate athletic competition in February 2021, beginning with its indoor sports of men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and wrestling. Spring sports, including baseball, golf, and softball, along with the traditional fall sports of men’s and women’s soccer, are on track to begin competition in March.

Academic Calendar Changes
NCCC has eliminated their traditional Spring Break recess. The semester will operate steadily through May 2021, ending one week earlier than originally planned. This will mitigate the risk of travel and exposure to the COVID-19 virus and will also move Commencement to May 8, 2021.

NCCC will implement Commencement plans in accordance with New York State, SUNY, and Niagara County Health Department guidance. The College will adjust the method of the celebration based upon the conditions at that time.

The faculty and staff of Niagara County Community College are looking forward to working with returning students and are excited to welcome the newest cohort of freshman, transfer, non-matriculated, and international students. The College will continue to communicate COVID-19 related news in a timely, transparent, and understandable manner. NCCC’s Campus Safety Monitor and Vice President of Administration, Wayne Lynch, states “We are committed to exceeding safety standards just as we are committed to educational excellence.”


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu