Academics

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 2008

Wednesday, November 5, follow Tuesday schedule

Winter Semester 2008

No Saturday classes December 27 and January 3

Spring Semester 2009

Summer Session I 2009

Summer Session II 2009

_{Under existing State law (education Law 224-a), campuses are required to excuse, without penalty, students absent from class because of religious beliefs and to provide equivalent opportunity to students to make up study or work requirements missed because of such absences.}

_{Note: The college reserves the right, at any time, to make changes deemed advisable in the calendar, regulations, tuition and fees, and to add, modify, or cancel any course or program as necessary. Information in this edition of the Erie Community College Catalog is accurate as of June 01, 2008. The work presented herein is pursuant to the policies of the Board of Trustees of Erie Community College. Erie Community College is under sponsorship of Erie County and supervision of the State University of New York. The College Catalog is published by Erie Community College and prepared by the Public Relations Department.}

Academic Information

General Education Requirements

SUNY General Education Student Learning Outcomes

The SUNY Board of Trustees has established the mandatory General Education Knowledge and Skill Areas for all SUNY Institutions. Beginning with students admitted in fall 2002, all graduates of SUNY colleges and universities will be required to have satisfied the course requirements for competency in each of the knowledge areas. Erie Community College is committed to ensuring that its graduates, with Associate in Arts and Associate in Sciences degrees, will have met the requirements of seven of these 10 knowledge and skills areas and the two competencies. Every effort will be made to guarantee that ECC graduates will be granted Junior status at all SUNY institutions.

Community college students who have not completed the General Education requirement in two years are eligible to transfer to a four-year SUNY college or university. However, they are required to fulfill the General Education requirements while at the four-year school. Students are advised to complete these requirements at the community college level to make room for academic major requirements at the four-year level.

Following is the listing of knowledge and skills areas and related ECC course offerings which have been approved by the State University of New York. The competencies include Critical Thinking, Reasoning and Information Management. This list of courses is edited on a semester basis and also appears in each semester’s publication of the Course Schedule.

ECC Graduate Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from ECC, a student will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively.
2. Read and think critically.
3. Apply appropriate mathematical procedures and quantitative methods.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes of science and technological change and the impact of that change on the individual, the culture and the environment.
5. Demonstrate a historic perspective and knowledge of artistic and literary traditions.
6. Demonstrate civic responsibility including an understanding of ethics, diversity, citizenship and community involvement.
7. Demonstrate personal and interpersonal integrity and maturity through leadership, perseverance, motivation, adapt-ability, responsibility and respect for self and others.
8. Exhibit the research skills for lifelong learning.
9. Demonstrate adequate preparation for a career or continuing education.
10. Demonstrate competence with computers and technology.

Developmental Education Vision Statement

It is ECC’s vision to be recognized as a college which fosters the development of under-prepared students and assists them in becoming successful life-long learners.

Upon completion of ECC’s Developmental Education Program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, computation, speaking and in basic study skills in order to be successful in credit-bearing course work. Proficiency in these basic skills is consistent with further development of the general education competencies in credit-bearing courses.
• Identify personal, educational and career goals.
• See themselves as active and successful learners, both within and beyond this institution and utilize their personal learning preferences.
• Solve problems, adapt to change and negotiate the college system.
• Use the college support services effectively.

By achieving these developmental education objectives, students will develop effective approaches to learning and enhance their self-images.

The faculty will make every effort to:

• Provide a positive learning environment that encourages human development and enhances students’ self-esteem.
• Provide alternative instructional techniques to accommodate different ways of learning and respect diversity.
• Set personal and professional goals and engage in professional development consistent with the developmental education objectives.
• Know their own learning and teaching styles.
• Reinforce the basic skills competencies in their coursework.
• Maintain high performance expectations of students.
• Participate in out-of-classroom learning, mentoring and advising activities.
• Actively promote college support services through referral and direct involvement.
• Assess the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

Developmental education is a critical component of the college’s mission. The college will provide adequate resources to maximize the potential of under-prepared students in their pursuit of academic progress. The college will also provide resources for faculty development in teaching diverse student populations.

We see ECC as a college where under-prepared students achieve personal growth and academic success within and supported by a “learning community” dedicated to life-long learning.

Developmental Coursework

All developmental coursework must be completed by the time a matriculated student has earned 30 credit hours. Students taking developmental courses will be monitored for progress in satisfying academic standards requirements. Students will be provided academic support services, and those students making insufficient progress will be placed on probation. Students who fail to meet developmental course of study progress standards may be subject to dismissal in accordance with the Academic Probation and Dismissal Policy.

Academic Advisement

Erie Community College believes that academic advisement is a major element of student success. An effective advisement program provides students a forum in which students, in concert with a faculty member, can begin to connect their own academic aptitude with their own educational goals.

At Erie Community College, academic advising is the catalyst for students to achieve their academic potential, objectives and ultimately, to be life-long learners and successful citizens. Maintaining the highest professional standards, advisers will
ensure all students are given the opportunity to connect the advisement process of learning, reflection and academic goal setting to their overall college experience.

The adviser has the responsibility to possess accurate information and to assist students in their efforts to make informed academic decisions. To be successful, the individual student in pursuit of his or her educational goals must take advantage of the opportunities to meet with an adviser and must take responsibility for meeting the specific academic requirements of the college.

All first-time, full-time, matriculating students must receive academic advisement prior to registering.

Academic Freedom

Erie Community College adheres to the policy that free inquiry and free expression are needed to ensure quality instruction and professional development. The exercise of educational rights and privileges, however, may not infringe on public rights or limit the college in its provision of educational service. The college shall not permit its facilities to be used as sanctuary for those who may violate the civil law or college policy. In addition to college policies, the staff will be subject to the rules and regulations of the County of Erie as stated in the Erie County Employee Handbook. Handbooks may be obtained from the ECC Human Resources Department.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend class regularly in every course for which they have registered. Attendance regulations for specific courses are established by the course instructor, announced and distributed in writing at the beginning of the semester, and may have a bearing on the student’s grade. Additional requirements are found in individual course syllabi. Students are obligated to contact their instructors if they are unable to attend class during the first week. Students not attending class during the first week may be dropped from the class by the instructor.

Absences from Class

Students who anticipate an absence should contact the appropriate instructor(s) in advance. In the case of an unexpected absence, students should speak to the instructor(s) as soon as they return to campus or during their absence. Of course, in either case, the student is responsible for all material covered. As required by law, instructors are responsible for keeping accurate attendance records.

Absences Due to Religious Observances

No student will be penalized for missing classes and/or examinations due to the observance of a religious holiday, as prescribed by Section 224 of the State Education Law.

Grading System

The grading system which is utilized by faculty and computed in a student’s quality grade point average (QPA) is described as follows:

Transfer Credit

_{* A final grade of F will be issued for cheating or plagiarism. No other grade will be given.}

_{**Must be completed in one year or it will change to F.}

P (Pass/Fail) - A student may take up to four courses (not in the major field of study) on a pass/fail basis through written agreement with the instructor within the first month of the semester. If passed, the course will be credited toward fulfillment of the degree requirements, if appropriate, but will not contribute to the quality point average. NOTE:Many four-year institutions will not transfer credit for courses taken on a pass/fail basis.

I (Incomplete) - Instructors may give an Incomplete grade to a student who has completed at least three quarters of the required work for a course but because of a personal emergency finds it impossible to finish the coursework within the usual time frame. To receive an “I” grade, the student must sign a contract, prepared by the instructor, outlining the coursework to be undertaken and the time frame for completion. A copy of the contract must accompany the instructor’s grade report. Upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements, the faculty member will submit a change of grade form. In no case may the grade be changed to a “W.” If the student has not completed the contract within the one-year time limit, the grade automatically becomes an “F”.

CR (Credit) -When a student has been awarded credit by virtue of advanced placement courses, transfer courses, departmental examinations, life experiences or non-collegiate education, the credits will carry a CR notation on the official transcript and will not be computed in a student’s QPA.

Z (Audit) - A student may register to audit a course with the permission of the instructor provided there is room in the class. The audit privilege permits the student to attend class and to do the assignments. However, the student may not take examinations or have work evaluated.

NOTE: 1) Regular tuition is charged for audit privileges; 2) Performance courses are generally not available for audit; 3) During the first month of classes, students must inform the instructor that they are auditing the class; 4) A course that is audited will not be calculated in the total number of hours considered for TAP purposes.

W (Withdrawal) - Students may officially withdraw from a course without academic penalty if they do so before the Last Day to Withdraw, as noted in the Academic Calendar of this catalog. A full-time student who withdraws from all registered courses will be considered withdrawn from the college. A student who withdraws from several courses and fails to satisfactorily complete a minimum of six credit hours in a given semester will be placed on academic probation. (For further information, see the Dismissal and Probation Policies section).

Unit of Academic Credit

In general, one credit (a one-semester hour) represents the equivalent of one hour of lecture or recitation or two hours of laboratory work each week for a fifteen-week semester.

Quality Point Average (QPA)

Academic standing is based on the cumulative quality point average (QPA), a mathematical calculation determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the number of semester (credit) hours attempted.

To arrive at the quality points earned in a particular semester, the letter grades earned for each course are translated into numerical equivalents (See Grading System explanation) which are then multiplied by the number of credit hours assigned a particular course. For example, if a student takes four, three-hour courses (12 credit hours for a particular semester) and receives one “A”, two “B’s” and a “C,” this translates into 36 quality points to be divided by the 12 credit hours. The resulting QPA would be 3.0, an above average achievement. The cumulative QPA is derived by dividing the total number of course semester hours taken while at the college into the total number of quality points earned for those courses.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List recognizes all matriculated students who have completed a full-time course of study (12 degree credit hours) for the semester and part-time students upon accumulation of credits in units of 15; for example 15, 30, 45 and 60, and who have achieved a QPA of at least 3.5. Students who received a grade of “F” or “I” in any course are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Academic Standing and Financial Aid

Only students in good academic standing are eligible for financial aid. Students who receive financial aid should carefully review the financial aid section of this catalog for specific academic progress requirements of state and/or federal aid. NOTE: “F’’ and “W’’ grades are both indicators of questionable academic progress. All students, financial aid students in particular, should consult the Counseling Center or the Financial Aid Office before deciding whether to withdraw from a course they are in danger of failing.

Good Academic Standing

The term “in good academic standing’’ means that a student, having met minimum academic standards, is eligible to remain matriculated and to pursue academic coursework toward a degree.

Honors Concentration

Erie Community College offers an Honors Concentration to students of high academic ability and commitment to enriching their education. The Honors Concentration is open to both full-time and part-time students in any degree program.

Admission to the Honors Concentration is based on a student’s final high school average of 90 percent or higher and SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students need a GPA of 3.50. All students are required to have a personal interview with their campus Honors Coordinator.

Students can take a sampling of Honors designated courses and earn a degree as an Honors Fellow or Honors Associate. As an Honors Fellow, students will take at least five courses designated as honors and three semesters of Colloquium for a total of 18 credits. Upon completion of the Honors Fellow requirements, the student will receive an Honors designation on their official college transcript which will indicate completion of the ECC Honors Concentration requirements. As an Honors Associate, students will take at least three courses designated as Honors and one semester of Colloquium. Upon completion of Honors courses, an Honors designation will be acknowledged for each course completed on the official college transcript. All Honors students must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA.

A variety of Honors courses are offered each semester on all three campuses. Students are invited to apply to the Honors Concentration through the Admissions Office or through the Campus Honors Coordinator.

Graduation with Distinction

Students with a cumulative QPA of 3.50 or higher at the time of graduation will be awarded a degree “With High Distinction.” Students with a cumulative QPA of 3.25 to 3.49 will be awarded a degree “With Distinction.”

Academic Probation and Dismissal

If a student falls below a minimum quality point average (QPA) for a specific number of credit hours, he/she will receive a letter of their probationary status or dismissal from a program. The standards for these categories are illustrated in the following chart.

Standards for Dismissal/Probation

1. Probationary status must be removed by the end of the next regular semester or the student will be subject to the Dismissal Policy.
2. Any student with more than one-half of the courses attempted showing a “W” in two sequential semesters will be subject to the Dismissal Policy.
3. Students academically dismissed from a program of study may register in the college as a part-time non-matriculated student. The maximum number of credit hours will be less than 12.
   
   During this period of reduced work, the student should seek advisement regarding the courses to be scheduled and counseling regarding study skills and financial aid. (Financial aid grants and loans will not be awarded to individuals enrolled as non-matriculated students. Therefore, it is important to contact the Financial Aid Office for advice.)
   
   When the QPA has been brought up to acceptable standards, the student may re-apply for admission to matriculated status.
   
   The student may appeal the dismissal by a designated date. An Academic Review Committee will review appeals for readmission. The committee will consist of an assistant academic dean, counselor and a student services representative. The committee will determine the status of the student to be one of the following:
   
   1. Readmission without reservation
   2. Readmission and required registration in GS 111
   3. Readmission part-time matriculated
   4. Readmission upon successful completion of stipulated academic requirement
   5. Remain part-time, non-matriculated
   6. No readmission

Students who were dismissed and are eventually reinstated must meet any new curricula requirements in effect at the date of their reinstatement.

4. Once students have been reinstated, they will receive a letter of this change of status.

Grade Changes

Once a grade has been reported to the Registrar’s Office, it can be changed only if an error has been made in computation or in recording. In such cases, the instructor must submit a Change of Grade form, signed by the Department Coordinator and forwarded to the Registrar within two years after the original grade had been submitted.

Grade Reports

At the end of each semester, a final grade report will be mailed to the student’s permanent address.

Satisfactory Progress

To maintain satisfactory progress, full-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and part-time students must complete all courses for which they have registered. Further, students must have a 2.0 quality point average (QPA), must fulfill department requirements and must not accumulate excessive course withdrawals or incompletes. Questions about satisfactory progress toward a degree may be directed to the student’s academic advisor or financial aid officer.

If a problem occurs, the burden of proof rests with the student, not the college. The student must be able to produce a written document to verify his/her version of the situation.

Here are some of the items that a student should save in a folder for future reference:

1. Letter of acceptance to the college
2. Placement test results or waivers
3. Student copy of drop/add forms or withdrawal forms
4. Bills and schedules of classes
5. Course syllabi
6. Grade reports and unofficial transcripts

Cancellation of Courses

Erie Community College reserves the right to: 1) cancel any course section in which the number of students is deemed insufficient or for which an instructor is not available; 2) set limits on the number of students who will be allowed to enroll in any course or section; 3) cancel courses based on insufficient college budget funding. In the case of a course’s cancellation, all tuition and fees paid for such course will be refunded, or those students who have been affected by course cancellations will be allowed to register in another course or section without additional cost.

Course Prerequisites

A prerequisite course is one that prepares a student for advanced courses in a chosen field. When a prerequisite is required, that information will be noted in the course listing in this catalog or on the schedule of courses. In some cases, a prerequisite may be waived by an instructor, so when there is a question regarding a requirement, the student should speak to the instructor who will be teaching the course.

Program Change

Students who want to change curriculums should consult their faculty advisor and the department chair of the curriculum they wish to enter. The student must then file a program change form in the campus Admissions Office. Approval of the transfer will depend on several factors, including space availability and academic qualifications. Students’ applications for program change will be given the same consideration as all other applicants. Following a change in curriculum, those courses, grades and credit hours specific to the former curriculum, and applicable to the new curriculum as unrestricted electives, can be included in calculating the new cumulative grade point average. Please note that all courses for which a student registers will appear on the transcript. A student may have this rule applied to only one change of curriculum which occurs within the first 36 credit hours attempted at the college.

Associate Degree Requirements Summary

A degree candidate must meet the following requirements:

1. Formal admission to the college as a matriculated student.
2. Satisfactory completion of academic courses as indicated in the degree program of matriculation.
3. Successful completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit at Erie Community College; acceptance of transfer credits is the prerogative of the academic department of the student’s program.
4. Successful completion of any developmental math and English courses by the time a matriculated student has earned 30 credit hours.
5. Proficiency in algebra at MT 106 level. Individual programs may require higher levels of math proficiency.
6. QPA of 2.0 or above.
7. Meet all financial obligations to the college and return all library materials borrowed.
8. File a graduation application form in the Registrar’s Office.

Second Degrees

Consistent with the policy of the State Education Department, a student can earn a double degree if the following qualifications are met:

1. All of the requirements for both degrees have been earned. All general education courses from the previous degree may be applied to the additional degree.
2. Successful completion of requirements for the two degrees requires a minimum of 15 credits of study in addition to the number needed for one degree. No more than two degrees will be awarded at any one time. Two degrees will be awarded concurrently only if the discipline areas are separate and distinct as delineated by different HEGIS codes.
3. A student interested in earning a second degree should contact the Admissions Office for an application for admission as a second degree candidate. The advantage for obtaining a second degree should be explored with a counselor in the Admissions Office or with a faculty advisor.

Transfer Credit

Students transferring to Erie Community College from other accredited institutions of higher education may receive whole or partial credit for courses taken at the other institutions. To arrange for the transfer of credits, the student must have an official transcript of his/her work as well as a catalog from the other institution sent to the campus Admissions Office. Once the official transcript is received, the coordinator in the appropriate academic department will evaluate the transcript and supporting documents and decide on the acceptability of the transfer material and the amount of credit that will be transferred. No transfer credits will be computed in the cumulative quality point average, and no grade below a “C-” will be transferred.

Transferring Courses While Enrolled at ECC

ECC matriculated students who enroll in courses at other institutions may have these credits transferred providing they obtain advance written approval from the department chair and/or head of their academic department at ECC. An official transcript must be sent to that academic department for processing once the course is completed.

Falling Below Full-time Status

Most financial aid programs require that students carry a full-time load (12 or more credit hours per semester). Students receiving financial aid should verify their full-time status.

Individualized Instruction

Under special circumstances, when students can clearly demonstrate a compelling rationale, they may be allowed to receive individualized instruction for a course. The student first contacts his/her academic advisor who will review and determine the appropriateness of the request. If the request is warranted, the advisor will assist the student with the necessary procedures.

Repeat of a Course

Students may repeat a course for which credit has been received with a grade of “F” through “B+.” Exceptions to this policy will be contained in individual departmental policies and procedures.

Only the higher of the two grades will be counted in the computation of a cumulative quality point average. While a student may repeat a course at another college, only the course taken at ECC can be used in computing the QPA.

Withdrawal From the College

A student withdrawing from the college must complete the official withdrawal forms available in the campus Counseling Center by the last date to withdraw as published in the academic calendar. This procedure, once completed, terminates current registration in all courses.

Students who fail to complete the withdrawal procedure will no longer be in good standing. To re-enter the college once the withdrawal procedure has been followed the student must apply for readmission through the college Admissions Office.

Residency Requirements

Students who intend to receive a degree from Erie Community College must successfully complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit at the college. Acceptance of transfer credits is the prerogative of the appropriate college academic department.

The Center for Alternative Course Delivery

Erie Community College provides several alternatives to the typical on-campus, seated class. To make it easier for students to inquire about these alternatives, the Center for Alternative Course Delivery has been created. To inquire about the program, call 851-1998.

Online/Distance Learning

Distance Learning Programs

Customize college to your busy schedule with Erie Community College’s Distance Learning Program.

The following programs are registered at-a-distance:

• Business: Business Administration, A.A.S. 
• Business: Business Administration, A.S. 
• Criminal Justice, A.S. 
• Office Management, A.A.S. 
• Computer Applications for the Office Certificate 
• Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, A.A.S. 
• Homeland Security Certificate 
• Physical Education Studies, A.S. 
• Geographic Information Systems Specialist Certificate 
• Telecommunications Technology, A.A.S. 
• Liberal Arts and Science-General Studies, A.S. 
• Liberal Arts and Science-Humanities and Social Science/Social Science, A.A. 
• Liberal Arts and Science-Humanities and Social Science/Humanities, A.A. 

Distance Learning General Information

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is a formal approach to learning in which the majority of the instruction occurs with the instructor and students separated by geographic distance and/or time. Distance learning courses offer students the flexibility of completing some or all of their coursework and assignments without having to regularly attend classes on an ECC campus.

Distance learning students have the ability to take courses at a place and time that is convenient for them. The distance learning program at ECC serves more than 5,000 students each semester. Distance learning covers a wide range of General Education requirements.
Distance learning is offered utilizing many forms of technology including:

• Internet-based courses
• Video-based courses
• Fiber-optic interactive audio-video based courses

Internet-Based Courses

In an Internet-based course, students access some or all of the course material and participate in course activities over the Internet. Students can work from any Internet connected computer to complete assignments and interact with other students and the instructor. To participate in an online course, students should have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. Students should also have some familiarity with Internet use, e-mail use and file management (saving files, downloading files, attaching files to e-mail). The college uses two platforms for Internet-based courses: the college server and the SUNY Learning Network.

There are three forms of Internet-based courses:

• Online courses (the majority of the course is completed over the Internet, with little or no on-campus time)
• Hybrid courses (a combination of online and seated time)
• Web-assisted courses (a seated course where the instructor uses online materials and activities to supplement the classroom work)

Video-Based Courses

In a video-based course, students use a set of videos as a substitute for the traditional class lecture. Some of the videos are available at the campus library; others need to be purchased from the bookstore. Textbook and other course materials are typically required.

Fiber-Optic Based Courses

A fiber-optic based course is a “live” distance learning course. Erie Community College is a partner in Project Connect, a state of-the-art interactive audio/video network, utilizing fiber optic technology to link several sites together. A host site, with an instructor present, is connected to three other sites which use two-way audio/video links to the host (instructor). Some distance learning courses use this technology as the “seated” portion of a Hybrid course, so students may not have to travel to an ECC campus.

Degrees at a Distance

Erie Community College has been approved by the New York State Education Department to offer the following degrees at a distance:

• Business Administration (A.A.S. and A.S.)
• Computer Applications for the Office (Certificate)
• General Studies (A.S.)
• Homeland Security (Certificate)
• Office Management (A.A.S.)
• Social Science (A.A.)
• Telecommunications Technology (A.A.S.)

Could you be a Distance Learner?

Distance learners tend to be busy people who take advantage of flexible course schedules and delivery methods to fit college classes into their hectic lives. Many are employed full-time, many are parents and some are homebound due to special needs.

To find out if Distance Learning is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I self-motivated?
• Can I work without frequent supervision?
• Do I have the patience to understand if the course does not go smoothly?
• Do I have enough time to take a distance learning course (as some classes require online time)?
• Am I computer literate or do I have the proper equipment (i.e. computer and modem)
• Am I a good time-manager?

If you answered “Yes” to all of these, then you are ready for a Distance Learning course. If you answered “No” to some, then please speak to an Erie Community College academic adviser.

How do I get started?

Register for a distance learning course the same way you would any other course. Purchase supplies and educational materials (text, study guide, etc.) from any ECC bookstore or online at efollett.com. Each campus operates a college bookstore where books and supplies are available at competitive prices. Visit the Distance Learning Department Web site: http://dl.ecc.edu.

Life Experience Assessment Program (LEAP)

The Life Experience Assessment Program (LEAP) allows students to utilize life learning to earn credit toward their degree. The student must prepare a portfolio documenting his/her knowledge which will be evaluated by two faculty members selected by the assistant academic dean in the appropriate area.

After becoming familiar with the requirements for his/her degree program, the student should contact the appropriate assistant academic dean to obtain the instructions for preparation of the portfolio.

Weekend College

Busy during the week? Try a class on the weekend. Explore Erie Community College’s condensed weekend format. Take a 3-credit course in only five weeks. Classes meet Fridays 6–9:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Other Sources Of Course Credit

Advanced Placement

High school students enrolled in advanced placement courses will receive credit for a score of three or more.

Advanced Placement Matrix
 

ECC will award college credit to those students who score at the recommended levels of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The Commission on Educational Credit of the American Council on Education sets the standards and a list may be obtained in the Assistant Academic Dean’s Office at any one of the three campuses. The State University of New York College at Buffalo is the closest test site.

Curriculum Linked Internship and Co-op Office

ECC students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by taking advantage of the internships and co-ops available to all students. ECC provides a wide variety of internship and co-op experiences which are tailored to fit the needs of students. Internships provide hands-on instruction by introducing students to an employer’s corporate culture, technology and manufacturing techniques. Another enriching experience is the co-op, which alternates classroom experiences with hands-on instruction at the work site.Many internships and co-ops lead to full-time employment.

If you are interested in participating in an internship or co-op, please contact your department chair. Please note, participants must be currently registered at ECC and must meet the minimum qualification standards set by the respective academic departments.

Available curricula linked to the college’s internship and co-op programs are:

Architectural/Drafting Technology
Automotive Technology
Baking & Pastry Arts Certificate Program
Building Maintenance
Business Administration
Civil Engineering/Construction Technology
CNC Machining & Programming
Communication & Media Arts
Computer Information Systems
Computer Repair Technology
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood
Electrical Engineering Technology
Fire Protection Technology
General Studies (Disney)
Geographic Information Systems
Graphic Arts
Health, Physical Education & Recreation
Hotel & Restaurant Management
Human Services Certificate/Soc. Science
Humanities
Manufacturing/Industrial Technology
Mathematic/Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Office Management & Administration
Paralegal
Telecommunications

For more information contact your academic advisor, department chair, or Marge Arcadi, Coordinator of Internships and Co-Ops at (716) 270-5312 or arcadim@ecc.edu. 

Credit for Military Service

Students who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces should speak to the campus Veterans counselor. Students may be able to gain credit for learning experiences while in the military. Military personnel on active duty or discharged from the service who are participants in the Concurrent Admissions Program must complete a minimum of one-quarter of his/her program at the college in order to be awarded a degree. A maximum of three-quarter credits earned while in the military will be applied to a curriculum if previous coursework meets appropriate degree requirements.

Three-quarters of the program may be achieved through coursework acquired in military service through any Service Member Opportunity College at levels consistent with the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide; those transcripted by the Community College of the Air Force or from non-traditional testing programs such as CLEP, DSST, ACT/PEP or USAFI.

Reserve Officers’ Training Program (ROTC)

ECC has a cross-registration, tuition-free arrangement with Canisius College for students enrolling in Military Science courses and begin earning an Army Officers’ Commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program. ECC students may enroll in the two-year Basic Course for which no military obligation is incurred. The Basic Course is designed to provide students with fundamental leadership education. For more details, contact the Army ROTC at Canisius College at 888-3239 or at ECC at 851-1693.

ECC Departmental Proficiency Examinations

Certain academic departments offer exams to certify a student’s proficiency in a given area. Students who feel their skills and/or knowledge preclude the necessity for taking a course should speak to the department coordinator regarding the possibility of taking such an exam.

Education Programs in Non-Collegiate Organizations

Students may receive credit for learning and/or training earned through a non-collegiate organization such as in an industrial or corporate program. Guidelines for the award of such credit can be found in “A Guide to Educational Programs in Non-Collegiate Organizations,” prepared by the New York State Education Department or in “A Guide to the Evaluation of Service Educational Experiences,” distributed by the American Council on Education.

Regents College Examinations Introduction

Regents College Examinations (RCEs) are proficiency examinations which measure college-level knowledge in the arts and sciences, business, nursing and education. They are administered several times a year throughout New York State.

In states other than New York, they are administered by the American College Testing Program and are known as ACT/ PEP (Proficiency Examination Program) tests. Regents College Examinations are also available worldwide to the military through the Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.

Credit will be awarded for grades of 45 or better in areas comparable to those listed in the catalog when judged acceptable by the student’s academic program.

United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI)

An academic department can award credit to students who have taken United States Armed Forces Institute courses which are deemed equivalent to one or more of the students’ required courses in their curricula.

Transitional Programs

Pathways To Success

The mission of Pathways to Success program is to increase the successful movement of students from basic educational programs to college completions through linkages and shared information between Erie Community College, Buffalo Public Schools, Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2 BOCES, Ken-Ton and Maryvale school districts, community agencies and local businesses. These partnerships will include a common design of student intake, seamless educational services and timely connections between the aforementioned institutions.

The Pathways to Success program is for individuals at least 17 years of age who are not eligible to be enrolled in high school and wish to enroll in Erie Community College.

Services Offered:

• Assistance with financial aid forms and college application procedures
• Individualized academic and career counseling
• Streamlined admission into a wide range of degree, certificate and vocational training programs

Individualized Workshops:

• GED (General Equivalency Diploma)
• ESL (English as a Second Language)
• Computer Skills-Introductory Level
• Pre-Collegiate Studies: ELA (English Language Arts) and mathematics developmental courses to prepare students for college level courses.

Call 851-1109 to learn how to take advantage of these opportunities.

GED Courses

These workshops provide intense, short-term academic instruction to assist students, who score at least 8.0 on the TABE test (form A or D) in preparing for the GED exam. This option is designed for test preparation and to streamline the transition to ECC. This option is free and located at all three ECC campuses as well as all partnership locations throughout Erie County. Call 851-1109 for more information.

Pre-Collegiate Studies Program

The Pre-Collegiate Studies courses are non-credit and tuition free. They are designed to provide GED qualifiers and high school graduates with opportunities to raise their mathematics, writing, reading, computer and research skills. The courses are interactive and include the use of technology. Completion of these non-credit courses will provide students with skills to enable them to compete at a college level with students in college who have graduated with a traditional New York State Regents high school diploma. Course work includes studies in career exploration, planning, basic technology skills, basic writing skills, basic elementary algebra, research and study skills.

Courses Offered:

Pre-Collegiate Reading/Writing I: This course is the first non-credit level for individuals who are in need of basic skills in reading and writing. Students will learn vocabulary, essay, letter and abstract writing techniques. This course provides students with general study concepts and patterns to promote future educational experiences.

Pre-Collegiate Basic Mathematics: This course is a non-credit course designed for individuals who are in need of basic math skills needed to enter college. This course provides students with general concepts and patterns to promote future educational experiences.

For more information about these opportunities, please call 851-1109.

Middle Early College High School at ECC

Middle Early College High Schools are secondary schools located on college campuses across the country. They educate underserved students who have the potential to benefit from a rigorous academic curriculum offered within a supportive and nurturing environment.

Shared Characteristics of Middle Early College High Schools include:

• Formal collaboration between the high school and the college that is demonstrated by:
  a. Inclusion in the organizational structure of the college;
  b. Integration into the college, with faculty and students sharing educational resources;
  c. Location on a college campus;
  d. Coordination of college and high school schedules and calendars
• Authorization to grant a high school diploma
• Heterogeneous grouping of students
• Implementation of collaborative, project-centered, interdisciplinary curricula
• Expanded teacher role in school governance
• Expectation that teachers are teacher/counselors within a structured system of support for students
• Ongoing embedded professional development
• Student outcomes measured by multiple assessments including performance-based assessments
• Empowerment of students through formal leadership roles in school governance, in guidance programs such as peer counseling, and in academic support services such as peer tutoring
• Career education or community service as part of graduation requirement

At the completion of the fifth year, students will receive an associate degree in one of the following:

• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Building Management and Maintenance
• Computer Information Systems

Admission Criteria:

• Student will be required to submit an application, complete with references
• Student must have a grade point average for 7th and 8th grade between 65-80 percent
• Student and parent must engage in an interview process
• Student cannot have a history of behavioral problems, including, but not limited to, previous formal suspensions
• Student must be recommended as having the ability to succeed in a college environment
• Student must commit to a five-year program, including summer sessions
• Student will be removed from the program if not on track at the completion of each school year

Middle Early College High School at ECC
290 Main Street, 4th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Tel: (716) 851-3763
Fax: (716) 851-3766
E-mail: mchs@buffalo.k12.ny.us

CAST Program

In 1992, the Career and Success Training (CAST) program began offering programs to the welfare target population. Today, this program is offered in the Ellicott Square Building, located at 295 Main Street, Suite 733, in downtown Buffalo. Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) recipients are referred to the program by the local Erie County Department of Social Services (ECDSS).

CAST offers a work experience program utilizing state-of-the-art equipment offered to Erie County TANF recipients. Participants have the opportunity to be placed at a relevant work experience site in order to gain experience and develop important job skills. Some participants also attend G.E.D classes through the Department of Labor.

Additionally, life skills training is offered for enhanced self management. Topics include human communication and job readiness preparation. The CAST program is committed to lifelong learning through workforce development.

Programming has expanded to include:

• Case management
• Work experience placement
• Job search assistance
• Basic computer skills
• Resume and interviewing skills
• Assistance in G.E.D preparation

For more information, please call the CAST program at (716) 851-1230.

Independence Bound

The main focus of the Independence Bound Program is to enhance the educational/vocational options and resources provided to the foster care population. We offer programming that addresses the social, academic, personal and job readiness needs of foster care youth in Erie County. Independence Bound provides assistance to 130 foster care youth between the ages of 14 and 21 with an alternative planned permanent living arrangement. For more information, contact the Independence Bound Program at 851-1030.

Youth Engagement Services (YES)

YES focuses on 30 foster care youth between the ages of 14-18 (and pregnant and parenting between the ages of 14-20) identified as “at risk” of dropping out of school. Youth are eligible to receive Math and English tutorial and life skills instruction through activities and workshops. For more information, contact the Independence Bound Program at 851-1030.

Advanced Studies

What is the Advanced Studies Program?

Erie Community College’s Advanced Studies program is designed for selected high school students interested in beginning their college studies while still in high school.

What is an Advanced Studies Course?

An Advanced Studies course is taken during the high school day and is identical to the ECC course described in the college catalog. Textbooks, course materials and assessments of student work are the same as those used by ECC faculty in the course sections taught at one of the three ECC campuses.

Who Teaches Advanced Studies Courses?

Courses in the Advanced Studies program are taught in the high school by high school teachers who are adjunct faculty members of ECC.

What Does An Advanced Studies Course Cost?

For the academic year, the student will pay a discounted tuition rate of one-third the cost of tuition. This tuition rate is provided under the guidelines of the State University of New York tuition discount. The student will be billed after they register for the course and payment in full will be due. Advanced Studies students are not eligible for financial aid.

What Advantages Are There in the Advanced Studies Program?

In addition to being able to take a college course at a discounted tuition rate, a student completing and earning a grade in the course may transfer the course credit to SUNY colleges and most two- and four-year colleges and universities. An ECC transcript request form must be completed in order to forward grades to other colleges.

What Benefits Do Advanced Studies Students Receive?

Students have access to the same facilities and services as other ECC students. Students are also eligible for transfer advisement and academic counseling services from ECC.

Samples of Advanced Studies Courses

Courses Offered:

For more information, contact:

Advanced Studies Coordinator
Deborah Schmitt (716) 851-1270
schmitt@ecc.edu