Parents’ Guide
Westchester Community College
“Westchester Community College gave Deanna the opportunity to explore her academic options. With the help of faculty and counselors she focused on her studies, is continuing toward her bachelor’s degree, and aspires to a career in Social Work. It was at Westchester Community College that Deanna developed the confidence and maturity to pursue a fulfilling career.”
—Joan Delango, Mother of 2005 Westchester Community College graduate
Parents’ Guide Westchester Community College
Director of Admissions, Teresita B. Wisell
Did you know that nearly half of all college students in the United States begin their college experience at a community college? In fact, each September, over 1,200 high school graduates from Westchester county and surrounding areas enroll at Westchester Community College.
A Letter from
Each student has a special reason for attending the college. Your son or daughter may want a solid start on the way to a bachelor’s degree, or may seek an education which leads them directly to a career. Whatever their goal is, Westchester Community College can serve as the bridge to their success. With more than fifty associate degree and certificate programs, we offer students a wide range of academic opportunities. These programs, combined with a full range of counseling and advisement, academic support, and career and transfer services, provide students with the solid foundation that they need to reach their individual goals. Our students take great pride in their involvement outside of the classroom through their participation in dozens of student clubs, a wide variety of cultural events, and intercollegiate sports teams. From Philosophia, our Honors Program club, to the Student Senate or the Bowling team, there is something for everyone at Westchester Community College. As parents, you play an important role in assisting your son or daughter in their college search process. This brochure will answer some of the questions you may have about your community college. I invite you to contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@sunywcc.edu to learn more about the college and to arrange a visit to the campus. Best wishes to you and to your child as you continue the college search process. Sincerely, Teresita B. Wisell Director of Admissions
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Who Attends
Students seeking financial assistance. Since the college is supported by state and county funds, we can offer the most affordable tuition in Westchester, in addition to numerous options for scholarships and financial aid. Students can complete the first two years of their college education for approximately 1/10 the cost of a private college. Students undecided about their future. With our everexpanding range of programs, there are plenty of academic options to explore. Our Liberal Arts Programs allow undecided students to enroll in general education courses such as English, mathematics, history, and psychology while exploring other academic interests. With more than fifty academic programs, our students have a tremendous range of choices in deciding a major. Students wanting personal attention. Our faculty members are committed to teaching undergraduates. Their focus is on helping students reach their academic goals. Students who seek counseling or academic support to reach their potential are encouraged to make use of our extensive resources.
Westchester Community College?
Education at a community college makes sense for all types of students. Our students range from those undecided about their future to those who are seeking a financially sensible way to begin their college education. Here are just some of those who make up our student body:
Students choosing to study close to home. Since we are centrally located, our students save money by living at home and can easily commute to local part-time jobs. Students seeking careers. Many of our academic programs lead to jobs immediately after graduation.
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Why should your child begin their college experience here?
Our faculty, staff, and students agree that this is the best place to start a college education!
At Westchester Community College, student success begins with our faculty. Our teachers’ primary role is in the classroom. Our small classes are taught by caring instructors who specialize in their fields and have won more of the prestigious State University of New York Chancellor Awards for Excellence than any other faculty at SUNY community colleges. In addition to our excellent teaching faculty, other important reasons to choose Westchester Community College include:
Ease of transfer. If your child chooses to transfer to a four-year school, we make it simple. Our two-year programs include most of the courses required for transfer to other SUNY schools. Plus, we have transfer agreements with many other regional institutions. Preparation for careers. We have programs that will get your son or daughter into their first jobs, as they launch their careers with the help of relevant academic programs and our Career and Transfer Center. Academic and personal support at all levels. In addition to offering extensive basic skills tutoring and counseling services, our highly respected Honors Program boasts graduates who now attend Ivy League schools.
GUISTINA GEITZ is at Pace University now, but she started at Westchester Community College. While a student at Pelham High School, Guistina first became interested in law enforcement through her father, a firearms instructor. Guistina's mother is very pleased with the education and personal attention that her daughter has received while at Westchester. "Under the guidance of Professor David Wedlick, chairperson of the Criminal Justice program, Guistina excelled academically, graduated with her associate degree and earned a $6,000 scholarship to continue at Pace," says Sandra Geitz.
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Who will help guide
your child through the college?
The personal touches make the difference at Westchester Community College. Nowhere is this more evident than in our vast range of counseling services. Your son or daughter will not be going it alone! We have dozens of counselors at all levels ready to help students in a variety of areas including:
• Academic support • Academic counseling • Personal counseling • Faculty advisement Counselors meet with Our Library and The college has a full The college is known students to discuss their Learning Resource staff of counselors who for its dedicated interests and skills. They Center is the home of are experts at assisting instructors who work will help your son or students with issues at a community college the Academic Support daughter pick the right that may impact their because they are Center which provides major and classes. studies. committed to each tutoring services in math, student’s personal and reading, science, writing, • Mentoring academic growth. and English as a Second The Faculty/Student Faculty are readily Language. Your child Mentoring Program available to meet can also get help in our helps students develop a with students outside Writing Center, or can one-on-one relationship the classroom for take any of dozens of with a faculty member advisement, academic workshops on subjects who can become an discussions, and career including study skills advocate and role model. and transfer planning. improvement and Mentoring can take reducing test anxiety. several forms, including Online academic support career exploration and assistance is also offered. life skills development.
OMAR FRANCIS is the first member of his family to go to college. An immigrant from Jamaica, he graduated from Mount Vernon High School and is now one of 2,500 Business majors at Westchester Community College. His commitment to academic success is supported by his instructors. "Omar will do very well in whatever he attempts," says Professor Doris Warmflash. "He is dedicated to his studies and a pleasure to teach. He has the characteristics and academic skills that will make him successful as he pursues his bachelor's degree and a career in finance."
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What special services will be available for your child?
• Financial Aid • Specialized services • Educational for disabled students Opportunity Program The experts in our More than one thousand This state program Financial Aid Office are students annually provides academic there to match students receive assistance support and financial with more than $11 from our Disabilities assistance to those who million in financial Support Services Office may find college transiassistance. Although counselors. Working tion difficult. Offered tuition is affordable, with those facing primarily to full-time many of our students learning, physical, students who are New take advantage of emotional disabilities York State residents, grants, loans, and or impairments, our it accepts those who work study options. staff members serve qualify, academically as advocates for these and financially. students. State-of-theart technology includes enlargers, scanners, Braille printers, and specialized computer software. • TRIO Program Approximately 150 eligible students receive advisement and tutoring services and attend various academic support workshops through this federal program.
ALEKSANDRA GARDIAZ is now at Baruch University, but she looks back fondly at Westchester Community College. Not only is this where she started her college education, but it is also where she met her mentor, Agnes Harris-Mattos of the New York Power Authority. A special college mentorship program links female executives with female students.
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What Special Opportunities are available?
HONORS PROGRAM Hundreds of highly motivated students participate in Westchester Community College’s challenging Honors Program. In addition to intellectually stimulating courses, students are invited to participate in events sponsored by Philosophia, the Honors Program club. After graduation, more than ninety percent of these students go on to leading colleges and universities in the region and throughout the nation. INTERNSHIPS, CO-OPS, AND CLINICALS It’s never too early to gain practical experience. Our Cooperative Education and Internship Program will get your son or daughter started even before they graduate. The Career and Transfer Center has arranged for hundreds of students to work in their chosen field and to earn college credits while they explore career options. Students have worked in entry-level positions for television stations, small businesses, and large corporations in fields including communications, marketing, computer technology, accounting, engineering, graphic arts, and business. Not only do the students get an opportunity to “try out” a
Did you know...
More county high school graduates enroll at Westchester Community College than at any other educational institution. Hundreds of four-year colleges and universities visit our campus each year to discuss transfer opportunities with our students. We may be closer to you than you think! In addition to our centrally located 218-acre main campus in Valhalla, we have large Extension Centers in Peekskill, Ossining, White Plains, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon. We are the largest college in the county with approximately 12,000 credit students and another 12,000 Continuing Education students taking classes for personal and professional development. Graduates and former students include Carolyn Kepcher from The Apprentice television show, Parade magazine publisher Walter Anderson, and Tony award-winning choreographer Wayne Cilento (Aida, Wicked, The Lion King).
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career, they can earn money to help pay for college at the same time. Our students participate in a variety of work opportunities—from the Walt Disney World College Program in which students gain training in customer service positions at the theme park to legislative positions through the New York State Assembly Internship Program. In addition, a number of academic areas offer clinical or field experiences at local schools, hospitals, restaurants, and corporations. INTERNATIONAL STUDY Each summer, a select number of students are given the opportunity to study at England’s renowned Cambridge University. In addition to this Honors Program option, the college offers other students a number of opportunities to study abroad including Italy and Costa Rica. Also, through the State University of New York, there are many other reasonably priced options for international study.
YIRU ZHU “The challenging courses at Westchester Community College have really prepared me for my transition to a four-year university. I’ve learned a lot from my instructors and I can’t wait to apply that knowledge at my next school. I’m considering Columbia University or SUNY Binghamton. Wherever I go, I know I’ll be ready thanks to my education here.”
We have our own theatre and dance troupes. We offer more than fifty certificate and associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences. There are more than seventy student clubs on campus.
Our Physical Education Building houses a swimming pool, basketball court, and several workout and weight rooms. Tuition is the most affordable in the county because students pay for only a third of the cost of their education – the rest comes from state and county funds. Through the Harold Drimmer Library and Learning Resource Center, Westchester Community College students can access the latest research
in their fields of study. Links to area and college library systems extend this access nationwide.
Nationally-known visitors have included Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, former President Bill Clinton, and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton.
Sports teams include men’s More than 2,000 visitors and women’s basketball, attend the college for events women’s softball, and men’s including our full range of baseball. cultural programs featuring music, dance, and drama.
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How will Westchester Community College
prepare your child for life?
Although our students love it on campus and hate to leave, our main focus is to prepare them for their future. Whether it’s transferring to another college or university or starting a career, we will give your son or daughter the tools they need to succeed, as we have for thousands of students before them.
CAREER AND TRANSFER CENTER After graduating from Westchester Community College, the next stage of your child’s life will begin with a new career or transfer to a four-year college or university. The professionals in the Career and Transfer Center will get to know your son or daughter and will help advise them about their options. Together they will develop a plan that will assist your child in reaching their academic and career goals. Here are some of the specific services available to students as they explore career opportunities. Transfer Counseling Career Counseling Transfer Resource Center • Self Assessment through Career Inventories Vassar College Exploring Transfer Program • Researching Careers Scholarship Opportunities including Scholarship Day Visits to Westchester Community College by over 100 Colleges and Universities College Transfer Day “Sit Down with SUNY and CUNY Series” Finding Employment • Full-time and Part-time Job Listings • Internet Job Boards • Job Search Techniques • Resume Writing Workshops • Interview Skill Workshops • Cooperative Education and Internship • Work Experience • Job Fairs • Health Careers Job Fair Here are some of the specific services available to students as they prepare to transfer.
Two of the many programs offered through the Career and Transfer Center are the annual Transfer Day and Transfer Night College Fairs. Over 100 four-year colleges and universities participate in these events at Westchester Community College each year. Representatives meet with our students to provide them with information on the transfer admission process and scholarship and financial aid opportunities. They welcome the opportunity to encourage our students to enroll at their particular colleges after graduation from Westchester. Over 1,000 Westchester Community College students participate in this yearly event.
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How will you pay for
your son or daughter’s education?
The rising cost of higher education has all parents concerned about meeting the educational needs of their children. Although we pride ourselves on being affordable, we find that many of our students, and their parents, need assistance in paying for school. Whether your son or daughter is earning a certificate or a two-year degree, you should find out if you will qualify for financial assistance including financial aid. Our Financial Aid Office distributes millions of dollars in direct aid, loans, or work study opportunities. The knowledgeable staff works with students and hosts information workshops, to help them complete the necessary forms. You should also be aware that we give out nearly $400,000 in scholarships to students who choose Westchester Community College right out of high school, and another $640,000 for current students. In addition, once your son or daughter transfers, don’t forget that we also offer another $375,000 in scholarships for those who transfer to four-year schools.
Community colleges cost significantly less than state or private colleges and universities. They can be a cost-effective way for your child to complete the first two years of college. The money she saves by living at home and going to a local community college can help her pay for her last two years at a four-year college or university.
RYAN CASKEY started his college education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. But when he moved to Westchester, he wanted to find a new college that would give him an education in Computer Science. Ryan chose Westchester Community College, learned all he could about software development, and then won a national award in the field along with a $5,000 scholarship.
—The College Board, 2006 collegeboard.com
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What extracurricular activities exist at Westchester Community College?
We know that college life happens outside the classroom, too! From our nine intercollegiate sports teams to cultural events and student clubs, free barbeques and band performances, there’s plenty to do outside of class:
NJCAA SPORTS TEAMS: Men’s basketball (Division I) Men’s baseball Men’s soccer Men’s golf Men’s and Women’s bowling Women’s basketball Women’s softball Women’s volleyball STUDENT CLUBS INCLUDE: Alpha Beta Gamma Art Club Business Club Drama Club Manufacturing Engineers Club Math Club Paralegal Law Society Phi Theta Kappa Fashion/Retail Club Student newspaper WARY Radio Station Television Station French Club Caribbean Student Association Il Club Italiano Muslim Student Association Car Club Martial Arts Club Ski Club Yoga and Meditation Club and more!
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With more than seventy clubs, there’s something for everybody.
JAMES GARRAD had a lot of choices when he graduated from Carmel High School. His grade point average and his outstanding S.A.T. scores gave him numerous options. He chose to come to Westchester Community College, where he was given a full scholarship due to his high school record. “With its affordable tuition and friendly instructors, I’ve become a big supporter of the community college,” he says.
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Where will your child’s success lead them?
Cornell Iona Purchase Smith Mercy Pace College Yale NYU of New Rochelle Albany UConn Manhattanville Fordham Binghamton Hunter
Bank of America Club Fit Primerica Financial Services Cablevision Commerce Bank Con Edison of New York
Employers
Transfer colleges
White Plains HospitalCommunications Center The Bank of New York The Journal News Verizon
David’s Bridal DORAL ARROWWOOD
What’s your next step?
Now that you’ve found out more about Westchester Community College, it’s up to you and your child to take the next step toward an education. We recommend that you join your son or daughter on a tour of the college, or come in to meet with an Admissions counselor.
For more information, contact: Office of Admissions, Westchester Community College 95 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, New York 10595 Call 914-606-6735; fax 914-606-6540, email admissions@sunywcc.edu, or visit www.sunywcc.edu
“When we first started looking at colleges we didn’t know what to expect from a community college. As I sat at her Westchester Community College graduation I knew that this was the best decision we, as a family, ever made. The college has opened many doors for my daughter's future. Now that we’ve experienced the community college firsthand, we would recommend it to anybody!”
—Carol Fox, Parent of Westchester Community College graduate
PHOTO CREDITS: Peter Finger, Ken Gabrielsen, Don Hamerman Don Pollard, Anthony Fella, Westchester Photographic Society DESIGN: H Plus Inc., Pleasantville, NY
www.
sunywcc.edu
Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, New York 10595 Call 914-606-6735; fax 914-606-6540 Email admissions@sunywcc.edu, or visit www.sunywcc.edu