Student Services

Information on services offered to students at NCCC, as well as co-curricular, extra-curricular activities.

Student Services

The Vice President of Student Services supports and assists students in the achievement of personal and academic success with an emphasis on student development, advocacy, and rights and responsibilities. The office oversees a wide and diversified range of student services which are an important part of college life and some are listed below under the various offices that report to the Vice President of Student Services.

Academic Advisement

Student Development coordinates new student academic advisement and provides academic advisement to non-matriculated students.

Education is an individualized endeavor and academic advising is an essential educational service. The philosophy “let each become all that he/she is capable of being” underlies the concept of good academic advisement. Academic planning involves complex decisions that take into consideration student individuality, interests, abilities, study habits and academic and career goals. It requires the guidance of a knowledgeable advisor who provides accurate information on academic policies, procedures and curricular requirements. Through the academic planning process, the advisor provides direction toward the realization of the student’s personal goals and the enhancement of overall college experience.

Academic advisement is a professional complement to the teaching functions of the faculty at Niagara County Community College. Faculty are the primary agents who deliver academic advisement. Every matriculated student (formally admitted to a degree or certificate program) is assigned a permanent academic advisor who is available for consultation on a regular basis. Student Development also assigns new academic advisors to students who change their curriculum or request a change of advisor. These faculty advisors assist students with appropriate course selection from their chosen field of study and serve as resource persons to guide students to other services available in the college. Additionally, they help students in gathering information regarding the transfer process to upper division schools and career opportunities.

It is the responsibility of each student to satisfy all degree/certificate requirements.

Academic Counseling

The College is genuinely concerned about student success. Student Development staff members have extensive experience working with the diversified student population attending NCCC. They are familiar with the decisions, situations and concerns college students face and they provide a variety of services to help students reach both academic and career goals.

Students who have academic progress concerns (e.g., not passing/attending classes, mid-term deficiency letters) can meet with a professional to discuss options for maintaining academic integrity. Available services include academic counseling, GPA estimates, filing academic appeals, help with Academic Foundation courses, and referrals to other college/community resources.

Athletic and Recreational Programs

Niagara County Community College Intercollegiate Athletics provides extremely skilled students with the opportunity to participate in the highest level of competition offered in the college athletic programs.

Niagara County Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and currently sponsors men’s intercollegiate sports programs in baseball, basketball, golf, lacrosse, soccer and wrestling. Women’s intercollegiate sports programs include basketball, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball. The college prides itself in the excellent coaching staff it has maintained.

The Intramural and Recreation programs provide all students with the opportunity to participate in sports activities in a less formal atmosphere than intercollegiate athletics. Intramural competitions are held such activities as basketball, flag football, floor hockey, racquetball, volleyball and water basketball. Recreational activities are offered in water aerobics, yoga, Pilates and cardio-kickboxing. NCCC currently has a state-of-the art fitness center, recently renovated gymnasium, racquetball courts, swimming pool, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and a par-fitness course that are available for use by students during designated hours.

Career Counseling

It is very common for students to be undecided about their career goals. Student Development professionals can assist through a process intended to increase students’ awareness of various career choices.

Student Development houses a computerized career information system which students may use to explore their attributes and match them with appropriate career choices. Also, a variety of testing instruments are available to help students with career decision making.

As a part of their career planning process, students want to have as much information as possible about specific careers. Student Development maintains an extensive library of materials which provide information on job responsibilities, educational requirements, the type and amount of educational preparation necessary, salary levels and employment projections.

In addition, reading materials dealing with a wide range of personal/social issues are available.

Student Development: Cooperative Education

One of NCCC’s goals is to prepare graduates to assume productive and rewarding careers. Cooperative Education (also known as Co-Op) is an elective career-related work experience taken for academic credit. It is a supervised work-based learning experience that enables students to combine academic work with on-the-job training. A Co-Op experience gives you the opportunity to learn by doing: you apply your academic skills and develop new proficiencies in a practical work setting.

Co-Op placements allow students the opportunity to earn academic credit and to test career interests while gaining valuable experience which enhances employability. Likewise, the employer has access to highly motivated, career-focused, reliable, and qualified employees. The program is based on partnerships between the college, its students, and the business community, including government and nonprofit organizations. We use the words “cooperative” emphasize these partnerships and “education” to stress the importance of this unique experience in meeting academic requirements.

Securing a job placement is competitive and students are not guaranteed an assignment. Employers are not guaranteed that the students will accept offers.

What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education is a method of instruction that combines academic requirements and coursework with supervised work experiences. Students can apply what they learn at NCCC on the job and are exposed to new skills and knowledge at work which supplement the entire academic experience. In addition, students also receive academic credit and a grade. Co-Op courses are open to all majors.

Participation in the Co-Op program is available to students who demonstrate the ability to do above average academic work at NCCC. Once you accept a position, you are expected to remain in Co-Op until ALL requirements have been completed. It is recognized that extenuating circumstances may occasionally arise when you find it necessary to change employment or to resign from the Co-Op program. Resignations must be handled with extreme care and with prior approval from the Co-Op Coordinator. All resignations from Co-Op or from your academic program should be submitted immediately.

Student Benefits

What are the student benefits of participating in a Cooperative Education?

Here are some of the ways students can benefit:

• Learn new skills and enhance your understanding of the work environment
• Gain valuable career-related work experience
• Apply your classroom learning to practical situations
• Gain a better understanding of your coursework
• Explore your career options and help determine career direction
• Build a stronger application for transfer to another institution
• Increase your competitiveness in the workforce
• Network with other professionals in your chosen field

Who is eligible to participate in Cooperative Education?

Students must:

• Be matriculated in an academic program (associates degree or certificate) at NCCC
• Have completed of at least one semester (12 credit hours) with minimum GPA of 2.0 (transfer students must provide an official academic transcript to the Admissions for credit evaluation if they wish to participate in a Co-Op experience in their first semester at NCCC)
• Demonstrate an understanding of requisite skills, knowledge, and attitude of the position desired
• Be able to maintain positive work habits
• Maintain good academic progress toward completion of your chosen degree

Do students receive academic credit?

Students have the option of registering for Co-Op placements that require 40, 80, or 120 hours of work experience. Students establish performance objectives in conjunction with the work supervisor and the Co-Op Coordinator and the student’s overall performance is evaluated. One college credit is awarded for each 40 hours of work experience; the student receives a grade for the course.

• COE 140 - Project-Based Co-op I 
• COE 141 - Project-Based Co-op II 
• COE 180 - Enhanced Project-Based Co-op I 
• COE 181 - Enhanced Project-Based Co-op II 
• COE 198 - Experiential Cooperative Education I 
• COE 199 - Experiential Co-op II 

How do I enroll?

Call Student Development at 614-6290 to make an appointment to discuss Cooperative Education options.

Employer Information

What are the employer benefits of participating in a Cooperative Education?

• Cost-effective recruitment at no cost to employers
• Permits you to observe potential employees before making a commitment for permanent employment
• Lower training cost of new employees
• Continuous flow of pre-screened talent
• Implement special, cyclical, or seasonal projects
• Generates the flow of new ideas and the integration of new talent into your organization
• Encourages you to actively participate in and contribute to the education process

What are the employer responsibilities in Cooperative Education?

• Complete a Cooperative Education Placement Agreement
• Provide NCCC with a job description for posting
• Review resumes and select candidates to be interviewed
• Engage the student in meaningful employment related to his/her field of study and consistent with the student’s ability
• Provide appropriate training, supervision, mentoring, and where applicable, a fair wage

Employers are not obligated to hire anyone if candidates do not meet company needs; conversely, employers are free to hire multiple students if the candidates are impressive.
To enhance the student’s job performance and optimize learning, it is recommended that employers involve the student in frequent feedback and inquiry. In addition to these routine evaluations, the faculty   liaison will schedule an on-site meeting and employers are asked to complete a brief Student Evaluation Form at the end of the work semester. After reviewing this form with the student, employers return it to Niagara County Community College where it becomes a part of the student’s Co-Op record.
  

How do I find out about participating?

Call Student Development at 614-6290 to set up an appointment to discuss Cooperative Education options.

Curriculum Change

Students are very often unsure of their educational and vocational goals. As a result, they may decide to change their major before completing their education. Students who wish to change their curriculum should contact Student Development to make an appointment. The student will have an opportunity to discuss the reasons for the change and its appropriateness in relationship to his or her academic and vocational goals.

International Student Services

Student Development is committed to supporting the needs of our international student population at NCCC. International students are a valuable asset to the NCCC community. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to the academic and social culture of the college and enhance the learning experiences of their academic peers. International students with questions or concerns about maintaining legal status in the United States, seeking authorization for off-campus employment, or any number of issues related to their international status should contact Student Development and make an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO).

Multicultural Student Support Services

Support for multicultural students is available for providing leadership in developing, implementing and coordinating student support services and activities designed to assist the under-represented students’ personal development and academic achievement.

Staff provide guidance and counseling support to minority and international students in all areas relevant to their persistence and success at NCCC, including general adjustment, financial aid, and career selection. Particular emphasis is provided on assisting students who are academically under-prepared or come from backgrounds underrepresented at NCCC.

Staff promote and develop educational opportunities and enrichment activities to help facilitate the educational and personal growth of minority and international students through organized activities and collaborative efforts with other college units.

Staff assist college units and student organizations to create environments and programs which will attract, support and bolster minority students success and continuation at NCCC. Additionally, staff help academic units monitor the progress of students and makes appropriate referrals to Student Development and/or academic units.

Placement Assessment

Student Development staff administer the college’s assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics to ensure proper course placement. Questions pertaining to scheduling and assessment results should be directed to the Student Development Office.

Self-Help Workshops

Academic and personal growth opportunities in a variety of areas are offered by Student Development and the Wellness Center on campus. Seminar topics, dates and times are listed each semester in “The Unschedule” publication.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will find NCCC well suited to their needs. The architectural design of the College provides a barrier-free environment. Most of the campus is street level and there are ramps and elevators where necessary. There are also accessible rest rooms, drinking fountains and classrooms.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. Students must provide relevant documentation by a qualified professional that substantiates eligibility for accommodations. Students should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in Student Development A-167 as soon as they decide to attend NCCC. The coordinator will assist students with academic support and reasonable accommodations. Accommodations will be based upon documented individual needs and course requirements. It is the students’ responsibility to initiate contact with the coordinator in order to receive services. The Wellness Center is also available to assist students.

NCCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities who are registered with the DS Office and provide their instructors with the designated accommodation form(s). It is important to remember that accommodations do not guarantee success nor do they provide an unfair advantage to the student. Their purpose is to promote equal access in the educational environment for students with disabilities.

If a student feels that their approved accommodations are not being honored by a faculty member, the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities should be notified as soon as possible. The Coordinator will make every effort to resolve the issue, communicating with the parties involved.

In situations where a student disagrees with the accommodations that the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities designates as being reasonable, the student should contact the Director of Student Development. If the situation is not resolved, the student would contact the ADA Compliance Officer and the Vice President of Student Services.

Any Inquiries regarding application of and compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 may be directed to the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, Affirmative Action Officer or the ADA Coordinator. Any information pertaining to disabilities will be confidential and will not affect the student’s admission to the College.

Student Conduct

Student conduct regulations are contained in the Niagara County Community College Students Code of Conduct. These regulations, drafted jointly by representatives of the student body, faculty, and administration, are intended to help maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth and to make the process of education positive and successful for all members of the community. Every student is guaranteed due process in all college-related disciplinary matters when a student’s college-related actions go beyond the exercise of inalienable rights guaranteed by law.  It is available online.

Student Employment

Student Employment services provided through Student Development include job placement, employer and recruiter relations, employment-related campus events, and student access to a number of workshops and resources set up to assist students in further developing employment-related skills.  Services are available to current and past students and graduates. 

Student Development also features an extensive career planning and employment topic library and information on a variety of online resources. NCCC has a strong relationship with many local employers, who come to our Job Fair each semester and frequently contact us seeking our students and graduates for employment. We act as an intermediary between students and employers: we direct students to appropriate employment opportunities and we will forward relevant employment documents from qualified student candidates to employers when job opportunities are available.

The Federal Work Study Program provides another opportunity for students seeking employment. Eligibility for this program is strictly based on a student’s Federal Work Study Program grant, which is awarded through Financial Aid. Students seeking placement in an on-campus position funded through the Federal Work Study Program will find out about available positions through Student Development. These positions provide students with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development of employment skills. Students interested in employment should contact Student Development for more information.  

Transfer Counseling

Many students transfer to four-year colleges and universities after completing their education at NCCC.  The following factors need to be considered when choosing a transfer institution: academic program, cost, location, campus size, transfer student services, and others dictated by individual student needs.  Counselors in the Student Development Office are available to assist students with this transfer decision process.  Students should begin to work with their academic advisor or a counselor in Student Development as early as possible to help maximize the transfer of credit to their institution of choice. 

NCCC has established numerous course-to-course articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities to provide students with information to help insure a smooth transition to their transfer institution.  These agreements identify the courses students will need to complete to prepare them to enter the corresponding four-year college major.  

The College is also expanding the Dual-Admission program, a special type of articulation agreement which guarantees admission at junior-level status at a four-year college upon completion of the associate degree.  NCCC currently has Dual Admission agreements with the following institutions: Bryant and Stratton College, Canisius College, Daemen College, D’Youville College, Empire State College, Franklin University, Hilbert College, Medaille College, Niagara University, SUNY College at Brockport, SUNY College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College), SUNY College at Fredonia, SUNY Upstate Medical University (GOLD program available to high school seniors only), and Utica College of Syracuse University. 

For additional transfer information and updated listings of articulation and Dual-Admissions agreements, contact Student Development.

Veterans Benefits & Services

NCCC is an approved training facility for both credit and non-credit programs for receipt of VA benefits. Eligible persons may qualify for federal educational benefits as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. NCCC’s Office of Veteran Services is housed in Student Development and available to help students apply for benefits and to serve as a liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs. NCCC is also responsible for certifying prompt and accurate enrollment and attendance information to the VA.

Applying for G.I. Bill Benefits

Applicants should begin by contacting our Admissions (credit programs) or Division of Workforce & Community Development Office (non-credit) to complete the steps necessary to be accepted into their desired program of study. Any transfer or service transcripts must be sent promptly to our Admissions Office for transfer credit evaluation.

Contact Veteran Services in the Student Development Office for guidance on applying for G.I. Bill educational benefits. First-time applicants will need to complete an application for benefits on www.GIBILL.va.gov. Prior recipients who are changing schools or readmitting to NCCC must initiate a change of enrollment form with our office to restart benefits. Students returning from active duty will work with a Student Development professional to have a seamless re-entry to the college. It is important that a copy of your class schedule is submitted to us each semester to initiate the reporting process.

Student Responsibilities

Students receiving veterans benefits are required to promptly inform our office of any new enrollment, changes in enrollment, and program changes. It is also important to consult with a staff member if repeating a course, enrolling in module classes, taking courses that are not necessary to complete current degree requirements, or making decisions to drop courses or withdraw from classes; these conditions may affect benefit eligibility. Students are expected to attend class and make reasonable academic progress to receive benefits.

G.I. Bill Programs

G.I. Bill educational benefits are available for veterans, members of the Selected Reserves or National Guard, and children or spouses of service connected deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans under one of the following programs. Specific questions on eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration Regional Office, PO Box 4616,130 S. Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14240 or 1-888-GIBILL-1. Detailed information is available on www.GIBILL.va.gov.

Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30)

Individuals entering military service on or after July 1, 1985, who contributed $100 a month for the first 12 months of their service or who were eligible for the Old G.I. Bill (Chapter 34) and meet certain eligibility criteria, may be eligible for benefits under this program. To be eligible for Chapter 30, you must have a high school diploma/GED, an Honorable Discharge, and served two years of continuous active duty.

Post 9/11 G.I. Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 33)

Veterans who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, may be entitled to receive payment of tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, and books and supplies ($1,000 per academic year) depending on their length of service.

Montgomery G.I. Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

Members of the Selected Reserve who enlist, reenlist, or extend an enlistment in the Selected Reserve for a period of at least six years may qualify for full- or part-time monthly educational benefits.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP - Chapter 1607)

Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty on or after 9/11/01 for at least 90 consecutive days on a contingency operation may qualify for this enhanced benefit.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Veterans who have a service-connected disability may be entitled to receive payment of tuition, fees, books, supplies, a monthly subsistence allowance, and career/personal counseling. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Survivor’s and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

Survivors of deceased veterans and dependents of veterans with a permanent and total service connected disability may be eligible for a monthly allowance from the Veterans Administration.

Veteran’s Work-Study Benefits

The VA work-study program permits eligible students receiving veterans benefits to perform services for Veteran Services in the Student Development Office in return for a monetary allowance. VA work-study payments are non-taxable; students may contract for a maximum of 750 hours of service in a fiscal year. Work-study duties at educational institutions may include processing enrollment documents, assisting college officials in maintaining records, and assisting veterans with concerns and questions.

Tutorial Assistance

Tutorial assistance funds may be paid to students receiving VA education benefits to help pay for tutoring expenses. All claims for tutorial assistance are made on VA Form 22-1990T available in the Student Development Office.

Other Education Assistance Programs

NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

Awards up to $450 per year are offered to qualified children of deceased or disabled veterans, prisoners of war or veterans missing in action. File a Children of Veteran Award Supplement to establish eligibility. Qualified applicants must then complete the FAFSA and Express TAP application to process the award. Check with the Financial Aid Office or www.HESC.org for applications and additional information.

Military Service Recognition Scholarship

The Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS) provides financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.  Chech with the Financial Aid Office or complete and submit the Military Services Recognition Scholarship Web Supplement at www.HESC.org . Be sure to print the web supplement confirmation, sign it, and submit it, along with the required documentation. 

NYS Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)

NYS resident veterans who served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan may receive full tuition for full or part-time study. File a NYS Veterans Tuition Award Supplement to establish eligibility. Full-time applicants may complete the FAFSA and link to the Tap Application or a completed Scholarship Gran Payment Application. Part-time students only need to file the VTA supplement. Check with the Financial Aid Office or www.HESC.org for applications and for current deadlines to establish eligibility.

New York State Incentive Programs

Tuition assistance is available for Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Naval Militia meeting select criteria. Applications are processed directly through your unit. Consult your local recruiter or the educational liaison in your unit for the policy for the current fiscal year.

NCCC Veterans Association Club

NCCC’s Veterans Association Club sponsors various fundraisers to assist disabled veteran organizations and to send care packages overseas, coordinates our Veteran’s Day Ceremony each year, and functions to heighten awareness of the needs of today’s veteran within the campus community. Contact Veteran Services in Student Development to get involved.

Wellness Center (Health Services & Personal Counseling)

Health Services

The Wellness Center contains a well-equipped health services component on campus to provide for students and staff. Registered nurses are available days and evenings for emergency treatment of injuries, care for minor illnesses and counseling regarding health and related problems.

Students will be referred to an area hospital, their family physician or community health and/or social service agencies when necessary.

A supply of over-the-counter medications is available in the Wellness Center. Health related programs are conducted and wellness clinics are offered to the college community. A collection of literature on health topics and social concerns is also maintained in the Center.

All students are required to have accident insurance coverage. If students are not covered by their own insurance, they must participate in the plan offered through the College. Optional Basic Sickness and Supplemental Medical Insurance is available to all students. This information is available in the Wellness Center.

Personal Health Counseling

It is normal for many college students to have some personal doubts and to experience problems or challenges.

Counselors are available in the Wellness Center to assist students with these challenges. Services are confidential, free of charge and available throughout the academic year.

Students are welcome to discuss their concerns with a counselor at any time in the Wellness Center. A library of self-help books and videos are available for student use.

Workshops and seminars dealing with various personal issues are offered during the academic year.

Immunizations

Included in the “Acceptance Folder” from the Admissions Department, is the “Health Services Packet” which contains information required by New York State Public Health Laws related to colleges and universities.

Every student born on or after January 1, 1957, is required to provide Niagara County Community College with proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella prior to registration. Proof of immunity includes official documentation of two immunizations or copies of positive blood titer results.

All students (regardless of age) are also required to fill out and submit a Meningitis Response Form to Niagara County Community College. Information regarding the meningitis disease and immunization is included in the “Health Services Packet”. Students need to read this information and make an informed decision whether or not to receive the vaccination. This decision is to be indicated on the response form. Please note: The Centers for Disease Control is recommending all students ages 17-26 receive immunization for the meningitis disease. For further information, please contact the Wellness Center. Students may review their immunization information on file by going to Banner Web, Enter Secure Area, Enter User ID (Student ID), Enter PIN#, Log In, Personal Information, Immunization Data Display. This confidential information can be printed out for personal record keeping.

A self-completed health report is requested of all students. It can be found on the reverse side of the Meningitis Response Form. This confidential report is maintained in the Wellness Center, where blank copies are also available.

Students may also obtain the “Health Services Packet” online at: www.niagaracc.suny.edu. Click on Student, then Student Life, and finally Wellness Center. Completed forms may be submitted to the Wellness Center (C-122).

Physicals

Students in the Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Management, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Phlebotomy programs are required to have a completed NCCC Physician’s Physical form on file in the Wellness Center prior to participating in the clinical area. An annual re-assessment form must be completed for those in two-year programs.*

Healthcare organizations require students practicing in their agencies to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a declination statement as a condition of practicing in the facility. The Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for all Allied Health students, as these are considered high risk professions. This vaccine is a safe and effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection. Please direct any questions to the nurses in the Wellness Center.

Allied Health students must submit required forms and information to the Wellness Center (C-122) one month prior to beginning clinical rotations. Please allow at least five business days for the registered nurses to process these requirements and complete the “Clinical Clearance” forms. No student will be allowed to attend clinical rotations without clearance.

Please Note: No information is accepted/allowed via email. All information contained on these forms is strictly confidential and subject to the Privacy Act and HIPAA Laws.

* All Allied Health Students must submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, regardless of age.

Student Life

In assessing its role in the lives of students, Niagara County Community College considers the total campus environment a part of the college experience. For this reason, the faculty and administration vigorously support and encourage student-directed co-curricular activity. The College recognizes that participation in student government and student activities can be a vital part of an education. Cultural, social, athletic activities, leadership development and volunteer opportunities are provided and a full-range of special interest groups and organizations are open to all students.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Orientation

Each student is expected to participate in NCCC’s orientation program prior to the beginning of his/her first semester at NCCC. Orientation is an important first step for a student’s successful educational experience. Through the orientation program, NCCC will acquaint new students and their parents or spouses to the campus. New students will meet with currently enrolled students and faculty from their curriculum area and obtain valuable academic information, meet current students who will share experiences and guide the new student through the program, participate in discussion on what to expect at NCCC and learn about our services and resources. The most important part is that new students will be able to familiarize themselves with the campus and meet fellow students, staff, faculty and administrators from NCCC.

In addition to the general orientation, specialized workshops are conducted at orientation for students and parents.

The orientation schedule will be mailed prior to the start of the student’s first semester.

Co-Curricular Transcripts

The co-curricular transcript is an official college document which records involvement in student activities at NCCC. Co-curricular involvement is the combination of college-related activities beyond the classroom and the benefits associated with those experiences. Involvement includes, but is not limited to, participation in student clubs, organizations, theatre production, intercollegiate athletics, co-curricular activities, academic projects; attendance at workshops, leadership development; and interacting with NCCC’s faculty, staff and administration. This document provides the opportunity for future employers and upper-division colleges to consider the student’s total college experience when hiring or reviewing an admission application.

Other Specialized Student Support Services

Alumni Association

The College encourages its alumni to maintain an active role and interest in NCCC through the Alumni Association

Any former student who has completed 50 credit hours or obtained a certificate or a degree, is considered part of the Alumni Association.

For more information about the Alumni Association call 716-614-5910.

Bus Transportation

Bus service is available to the campus from Lockport, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls. Schedules are located online at www.nfta.com/metro/routes/.

Child Development (Child Care) Center

The NCCC Child Development Center is a licensed child-care facility. The Center is conveniently located in the middle of the Sanborn campus, which allows parents to visit and/or observe their children throughout the day. This quality program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which recognizes outstanding early childhood programs which meet national standards of quality.

The Center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday during the academic year. Children ages 18 months to 5 years are accepted for enrollment.

Parents pay a $20 registration fee every semester and weekly fees are determined by a sliding scale based on the parents’ combined income.

Space is limited, so early application is advised. Students may call the Center at 614-6245 or you can also go to the NCCC website to download and mail a wait list form and brochure.

Educational Counseling Center at Trott ACCESS Center

Academic advisement and career counseling services are available at the Trott ACCESS Center in Niagara Falls. See the Life Long Learning  section of this catalog for more information.

Handicapped Parking

Anyone requiring handicapped parking must have a permit. These permits may be obtained through the town one lives in. This includes permanent and temporary permits.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus housing is available. The operation, while serving those who attend NCCC, is independently owned and operated. Students who wish to live in the facility must apply directly to The Village College Suites at NCCC. The website is www.nccollegesuites.com.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus student housing is also available in the community. NCCC does not inspect these accommodations nor should conveying the information to students be taken as approval of the property, direct or implied. We cannot assume responsibility for the nature of the property or rental agreements. Also, there is a bulletin board with up to date information for students looking for off-campus housing or roommates. It is located in G-Building near Student Life.

Safety and Security

The NCCC Security Department is a 24/7 operation located in the Student Center, at the exit to the Village College Suites. Security can be reached by calling 614-6400. There are campus emergency phones located outside of the following building entrances: C-North, C-Annex, D-South, F-South, G-North, H-building Southeast, and outside the Wellness Center. Each exterior emergency phone has a blue light. These emergency phones are direct lines to Security.

The NCCC Security Department is responsible for providing a safe campus environment. Officers maintain campus safety by providing internal and external campus patrols, responding to emergencies, enforcing parking regulations, providing escorts, assisting with medical emergencies, issuing identification cards and conducting investigations. Officers must meet Civil Service requirements which include New York State certification, education and work experience.

NCCC complies with federal and state laws and regulations. The Annual Security Report (which includes Clery Act and campus crime statistics) is available at the Campus Security Office and the following web site www.niagaracc.suny.edu/studentlife/campussecurity.php?section=studentlife&subsection=campus-security#01. Clery Act crime statistics are also available at the United States Department of Education web site http://www.ed.gov.

Identification Card

College identification (ID) cards are issued to new students at their first registration. For students who do not receive an ID card at registration, the security department issues IDs on a walk in basis at the Security office G106. Clinical IDs are done at scheduled times. In order to receive a NCCC ID or Clinical ID, students must present an official form of picture ID like a state drivers license and have a current NCCC schedule.

The ID card contains the student’s permanent registration number and the student’s Angel login information. It is valid for entire time they are registered as a student at NCCC. The student ID card must be carried with them at all times on campus. Students are required to present this ID to any college official or faculty member upon request. The ID card will allow use of the Lewis Library, fitness center, computer labs and allows entry to campus events.

A replacement fee is charged for cards that are lost or mutilated.

Student Publications

Two major publications offer opportunities for those interested in any level of publication, writing, graphic arts and design. The student newspaper, the SPIRIT, allows students to work with state-of-the-art computer programs designed for publication. The student can take an active role in the technical aspects of publishing a small newspaper while learning skills needed to work with desktop publishing.

The student newspaper, the SPIRIT, is published bi-weekly and contains information pertinent to the student body.

The student journal, The Writers’ Review, is published during the spring semester. The journal, which is for student work exclusively, serves to showcase writing produced in a variety of genres including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, memoir, essay, profile and humor.

Student Services Policies — Confidentiality of Student Records

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights begin once a student is enrolled in coursework and include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access.
   Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate.
   Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record  they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate.
   If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   Certain directory information may be released without the student’s permission. Niagara County Community College has defined directory information to include: the student’s name, address (including email), telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, photograph, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
   However, a student may prevent the release of such information by completing the appropriate form in the Registration & Records Office.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Niagara County Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901

Public Order on Campus:

Conduct by Students and College Employees

All members of the campus community (students and college employees) are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with local, state and federal laws and in a manner appropriate to the collegiate environment. Any member of the college community whose conduct violates any local, state or federal law or behaves in a manner inappropriate to the college environment is subject to being charged under the law, college policy or collective bargaining provision which governs his/her behavior.

Sources of Information

In addition to this catalog, the College publicizes information in several other sources. The schedule of credit courses that are offered for the fall, spring and summer semesters is posted on our web site. A Community Education magazine provides information about credit-free courses for professional development, recreation, and off-campus credit courses and evening courses.

Compliance with Article 129-A of the Education Law

NCCC is in compliance with the Clery Act and provides crime statistics using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Campus crime statistics are available upon request to students in print form and also available on the web at www.niagaracc.suny.edu.