Mar 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Support Services




Student Services provides a wide array of programs and services to fulfill the needs of Erie Community College’s diverse student body. Under the direction of the campus Dean of Students, the various Student Services offices focus on realizing the full potential of each student.

It is part of SUNY Erie’s vision to be recognized as a college of excellence that fosters holistic growth for all of its students and as an educational setting where academic achievement and social development are equally valued. To reach this goal, the college will provide students the opportunity to realize self-worth, enhance ethical consciousness, exhibit interpersonal skills, respect cultural diversity, demonstrate critical thinking skills, make informed decisions about their future, demonstrate employment-related skills, function as responsible/productive citizens, enrich others through shared experience and value lifelong learning.

SUNY Erie has developed a comprehensive network of support services to facilitate the academic experience and enrich students’ lives. Information is included on admissions, financial aid, counseling, career planning and placement, registration and records, facilities, athletics, student services and activities. Prior to the registration for classes, all new students will be invited to a Student Orientation where they can become familiar with SUNY Erie.

Auxiliary Services Corporation of Erie Community College

The Auxiliary Services Corporation of Erie Community College is a not-for-profit college service organization that serves as the fiduciary for the disbursement of student activity fees. Activity fees are used to fund student government, clubs, publications, athletics, and a wide variety of student events. Auxiliary Services also operates the college food service and child care centers. The Auxiliary Service Board is comprised of faculty, students and administrators. Regularly scheduled meetings are open to all members of the college community.

Bookstores
 

Auxiliary Services is the liaison for Follett Higher Education Group, the corporation that is contracted to operate a college bookstore on each campus. The bookstores offer books and supplies for sale at competitive prices and a website (www.efollett.com) for convenient on-line shopping.  A textbook rental program is also available through the campus bookstores.  Rental pricing can save students approximately 65 percent off the cost of a new book.  Students can register for the program at www.efollett.com prior to visiting the stores or ordering online.

ASC/SUNY Erie Child Care
 

SUNY Erie is aware of the difficulties students face in juggling the responsibilities of school, work and parenting. The Auxiliary Services Corporation serves these students’ needs by providing quality, affordable childcare services at our City, North and South campuses. Most students are eligible for subsidies to assist them with childcare tuition. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis.

City Campus Child Care Center
 

The City Child Development Center accepts children from six weeks through Pre-K, enabling parents to study and work while offering the finest quality early childhood experience for children.

Hours of service are:

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

For more information regarding scheduling and fees, please contact the City Campus Child Development Center at (716) 851-1152.

North Campus Mary Lou Rath Child Development Center
 

The North Campus Child Development Center was named after New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath due to her efforts in the funding and development of the Center. She worked to obtain a $175,000 grant from the state to fund construction costs and provided an additional $15,000 to ensure that the project could be completed.

The North Center provides the highest quality child care education and programming for infants 6 weeks through Pre-K children.

Hours of service are:

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
 

For more information regarding scheduling and fees, please contact the Mary Lou Rath Child Development Center at North Campus at (716) 851-1437.

South Campus Child Care Center
 

The South Campus Child Development Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and provides the highest quality of child care programming and education for infants 6 weeks through Pre-K children.

Hours of service are:

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

For more information regarding scheduling and fees, contact the South Child Development Center at (716) 648-5219.

Food Service
 

A variety of cafeterias, kiosks, restaurant facilities and catering services are available at all three campuses. Hours of operation vary at each campus. Contact the Auxiliary Services Office at (716) 851-1260 for specific hours of operation. Auxiliary Services Corporation accepts cash, credit and declining balance gift cards, which are available for purchase at the Auxiliary Services Corporation business office South Campus. 

The E.M. Statler Dining Room, City Campus, and the Statler Erie Room, North Campus, are operated by the students of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs at Erie Community College.

Career Services

Career Services, located at each of the campuses of Erie Community College, assists students and prospective students in exploring majors and career options. Using the Focus 2 career assessment tool, students can get a clearer picture of career options and educational opportunities that are available to them. The centers assist with resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills and searching for employment opportunities. Career Services is in contact with local and national employers on a regular basis. They host on-campus recruitment opportunities and job fairs, and they maintain listings of full-time and part-time employment opportunities for students and alumni.

For more information, please visit the Career Services website at www.ecc.edu/crc or call 716-851-1183.

College Safety and Security
 

It is the responsibility of the College Safety and Security Office to provide for the safety and well-being of students, as well tend to the security of the buildings, grounds and equipment of the college. The College Safety and Security Office also maintains a Lost and Found Department. Campus safety and security is important to all members of the campus community. Information regarding campus crime statistics and offenses (from the past three years) can be accessed by visiting the College Safety and Security Office on each campus or by visiting the US Department of Education website at http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/InstList.aspx.

Student Access Center
 

Erie Community College’s Student Access Center assists students with documented disabilities in accordance with the regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. The Student Access Center staff works with each student to acquire appropriate accommodation and/or equal access to college programs, activities and services. Students with disabilities must, with or without accommodation, fulfill the same admission, course, behavior, and program completion requirements as non-disabled students.

Section 504 stipulates that a college is not responsible for providing items or services of a personal nature such as attendant services, wheelchairs, hearing aids, or other personal assisting devices. SUNY Erie has no special classes, programs, or fees exclusively for students with disabilities.

Individuals who require accommodations must self-identify. Checking the box on the SUNY application or a call from a parent or high school or agency representative is insufficient. Within a college setting, students with disabilities are personally responsible for meeting with the campus counselor to identify needs, provide appropriate disability documentation and arrange for accommodations or academic adjustments. Accommodations for the college’s placement test may be made by meeting with the campus counselor and providing documentation of disability. Students must make arrangements for accommodations for courses by contacting the counselor each semester.  Accommodations are made on an individual and as-needed basis. Examples of frequently approved accommodations include extended time for testing, alternate testing location, alternate format for print materials (audio, large print, Braille), access to class notes, readers, computer access, and sign language interpreters. All accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner with the campus counselor. (See below.)

Documentation of disability is the basis for all accommodations. Documentation must demonstrate that the individual has a disability as defined by Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 and delineate the impact which that disability has on one or more major life activities (vision, hearing, thinking, mobility, communicating etc). SUNY Erie has the right to make the final decision as to what accommodations are appropriate and effective.  All information provided pertinent to the individual’s disability is confidential and is maintained by the Student Access Center office.

Students who feel that they have been discriminated against due to their disability should first contact the Student Access Center at (716) 851-1832.

For more information about the specific SUNY Erie campus services available for students with disabilities, contact:

  City Campus: 121 Ellicott Street, Room 266
(716) 851-1189
     
  North Campus: Library, Room D114
(716) 851-1495
     
  South Campus: Building 3, Room 3120
(716) 851-1933

 

Student Health Services
 

The Student Health Services Office at each campus has a registered nurse on staff. Students may seek first aid for on-campus sickness/injury, consultation and/or referrals. Information on accident and health insurance policies is also available. For evening hours, students should check with their campus Student Health Office:

  City Campus: Room 228
(716) 851-1199
     
  North Campus: Room S152
(716) 851-1499
     
  South Campus: Room 5109
(716) 851- 1699


Immunization Requirements
 

Erie Community College reserves the right to withdraw students that do not meet New York State Department of Health regulations as outlined.  Withdrawn students will not be able to return to the College that semester. The law requires that students be withdrawn from college if proof of immunity is not provided within thirty (30) days of the start of classes.  Students who have been withdrawn can attend the following semester, once completion of New York State immunization requirements have been satisfied. 

Additional information concerning college policies for students deemed as non-compliant is available in the College Nurses’ offices on each Campus. 

Mandatory Immunization Information
 

Every student born on or after January 1st, 1957 or later and is enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours at an accredited college or university is required by New York State Public Health Law 2165 to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.  Proof of immunity compliance is accomplished by providing official documentation of two (2) measles immunizations, one (1) mumps immunization, and one (1) rubella immunization or by submitting serological proof of immunity. 

New York State Public Health Law 2167 also requires colleges to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students regardless of age.  Students are encouraged to review the materials provided to them.  The Confidential Health Form must be completed and returned to your Campus Health Office indicating proof of vaccination or declination of immunization. 

Specific questions about college procedures regarding students who are deemed as non-compliant can be directed to the Dean of Students or please see the College Policies  section of this catalog for New York State Law on immunizations.

Global Education and International Student Services
 

Global Education and International Student Services (GEISS) is a welcoming and supportive environment for all international students, assisting in the transition to life and studies in the United States. The office provides information and advice on U.S. immigration regulations, college procedures, academic progress, cultural adjustment, practical issues of life in the United States, and opportunities for involvement on campus. GEISS also assist students who are interested in participating in SUNY Study Abroad Programs. 

North Campus: Global Education and International Student Services
Gleasner Building: Room 155
Phone: (716) 851-1359     Fax: (716) 851-1404
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
 

Please note: Admission to certain competitive academic programs of limited availability (such as nursing or dental hygiene) include additional requirements and deadlines. For more information, please review the Admissions & Registration  section of this catalog.
 

Library Resource Centers 
 

We provide space to create, tools to explore, and inspiration to succeed.

The SUNY Erie Library Resource Centers (https://www.ecc.edu/library) support excellence in teaching and learning in every department and discipline, both within and beyond the classroom.  Each campus library serves as an information center, providing resources in all formats and point of need services focused on the individual needs of students, faculty and staff.  The library staff take pride in carrying out our mission to assist students in attaining their educational goals and in developing life-long research skills.

Library Services
 

  • Reference/Research help
  • Course reserves/materials
  • Laptop lending
  • Library instruction
  • Inter-library Loan
  • Photocopying
  • Scanning
  • Lab workstations
  • Group study areas
     

Space to Create

Each campus has its own Library Resource Center, open six days a week with a reference desk staffed at every hour of operation.  We strive to provide a learning space that is supportive and engaging.  Within each library, students have access to information and educational technologies, a discipline-based book collection, tens of thousands of periodicals – newspapers, magazines and journals – via online databases, and assistance from a dedicated staff.  SUNY Erie libraries welcome faculty, students, and staff to use its services and borrow materials.  Users are not limited to library access within our walls or hours of operation.

Tools to explore

The library home page is the access point for e-books, online databases, inter-library loan services and reference assistance every day, on and off campus, regardless of the hour or the weather at https://www.ecc.edu/library.  Libraries actively participate in the SUNY Connect initiative, a consortium of SUNY libraries organized for the purpose of collective purchasing.  SUNY Erie students with a current ID card may borrow materials from other SUNY libraries.

Inspiration to succeed

Librarians and support staff take great pride in serving the SUNY Erie community.  We are here to help with brief questions and big projects.  Librarians are always available to help with individual research problems and information discovery and access.  Librarians teach classes each semester that are tailored to the needs of student research as requested by faculty.  Reference assistance is from librarians in-person or through text message, email and chat via the online SUNY Erie Library Answers service, accessed through the library homepage.  The SUNY Erie library staff work diligently acquiring and preparing new materials for student use, processing loan requests, and performing other essential tasks.

All library staff strive to anticipate needs and meet them upon request. Please take advantage of all the libraries have to offer!

City Campus Library North Campus Library South Campus Library
121 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 851-1074
6205 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 851-1273
4041 Southwestern Blvd.
Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716) 851-1772

 

Student Transportation (Parking and Bus)

Erie Community College addresses student access and transportation in a broader context. Specifically, students pay a Transportation Fee included in their tuition and fees. SUNY Erie provides a Parking Permit for its on campus and limited leased parking lots, as well as a NFTA Metro unlimited universal bus and rail pass from September 1 - May 31st, to certain students enrolled in credit courses. Most part-time or full-time matriculated or non-matriculated students, regardless of campus location or credit hours, will be charged a fee of $75.00 for each Fall and Spring term. Students are charged a $37.50 fee for summer sessions. Students attending Fall, Spring and Summer could pay transportation fees up to $187.50 a year.
 

The transportation fee enables the college to provide greater access to all campuses, to take courses or attend student activities or athletic events, as well as providing expanded safety and security services, and educational workshops to enrolled students.

Students will receive the following benefits from the transportation fee:

  • NFTA Metro unlimited universal bus and rail pass;
  • parking permit for any of SUNY Erie’s parking lots;
  • expanded blue light emergency telephones at all campuses;
  • workshops focusing on personal safety and security;
  • evening escort service to car;
  • parking lot improvements; and 
  • inter-campus shuttle.

Hours and Locations:

City Campus: Transportation Office
Room 165
(716) 270-5629
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

North Campus: Welcome Center
Room G122
(716) 851-1322

South Campus:
Admissions, Building 5
Room 5200
(716) 851-1655

For more information about student transportation or how to obtain passes for NFTA bus pass program or parking, visit http://www.ecc.edu/studentLife/supportservices/transportation 
 

Student Activities

Education is not limited to the classroom and employers know this. Student activities give students first-hand experience in planning and publicizing an event, managing a budget, recruiting volunteers and being a leader. Many students have found their first job after college through contacts made during their club’s activities.

Through the use of a percentage of student activity fees, the SGA also supports student clubs and organizations and funds a variety of campus events and services that enhance the quality of student life. Officers are elected in the spring semester. To find out whom the current adviser is for a particular club, call the campus Student Activity Office or the Student Government Association. Students, who participate in these activities, take advantage of precious opportunities to meet new friends and to make college a more memorable experience. Most graduates agree that their fondest memories of college are in some way connected to their affiliation with a student club or organization. 

City Campus
Post: Room 276
Phone: (716) 270-5325
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

North Campus
Spring Student Center: Room 12A
Phone: (716) 851-1108
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

South Campus
Building 5: Room 5205
Phone: (716) 851-1662
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association of Erie Community College is comprised of elected student representatives who provide a forum for student input, assists in the coordination of student activities and works closely with the college administration in developing policies which affect students. All students are encouraged to participate in either the Student Government Association or in one or more of the co-curricular clubs. A list of clubs  is outlined in this publication. Any questions should be directed to the Student Activities Office.
 

Student Support Centers And Counseling Services

Support centers and counseling services help to create a holistic approach to education by addressing the life-skill needs of all students. Our services are designed to assist students in making informed decisions affecting their future by addressing such issues as; goal setting, major and career options, class scheduling, time management, four-year transfer, and preparing for graduation. We also explain certain college policies such as withdrawing from classes, academic dismissal, appeals, and curriculum changes.

Academic Counseling

Academic counseling is available to students who need assistance exploring curriculum, discussing academic standards, mapping a road to graduation, and transfer. All students are encouraged to obtain a degree audit which outlines required courses for their curriculum.

Admissions Counseling

Admissions counselors assist with the exploration of degree and certificate program options. Assistance is provided to students returning to SUNY Erie and those requesting campus or curriculum changes. A bilingual Admissions counselor is available at City Campus. For contact information, please visit Admissions.

Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program provides college access and support to historically educationally and financially disadvantaged students. Counselors, mentors, and tutors provide assistance to students to make a successful transition to SUNY Erie. Students must apply for and meet program qualifications as a first semester student prior to the application deadline. Visit Educational Opportunity Program for more information.

Mentoring

Mentors assist students with academic advisement, course selection, persisting in college, and promotion of student skills for academic and personal success.

Personal Counseling

Counselors help students to achieve academic, career, and personal goals. Counselors are available to discuss student issues that may be interfering with their academic performance and educational success. Assistance is provided in accessing campus and community resources.

Student Access Center

The Student Access Center strives to provide equal educational opportunity and participation for students with disabilities. The counselor for students with disabilities determines qualified disability status and assists students in obtaining appropriate accommodations. Technical assistance and labs are also available. Learn more about their services at Student Access Center.

Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors are currently enrolled students serving as liaisons between fellow students and the community.  Ambassadors assist with Open House, Orientation, campus tours, and other events.

Transfer Counseling

Transfer Counselors assist with academic and career goals, the transfer credit evaluation process, college articulation, and dual admissions agreements. You can find more information at Transferring To and From SUNY Erie.

Tutoring

Counselors and mentors provide students with tutoring referrals and provide information regarding help offered by academic and student services departments. On campus tutoring is free of charge.

Locations of Student Support Centers and Counseling Services

City Campus
45 Oak Street, Room 150

P: (716) 851-1188

 

North Campus
Building S, Room 213

P: (716) 851-1488

 

South Campus
Building 5, Room 5200

P: (716) 851-1688