Admissions & Registration

Admissions

Erie Community College provides quality and affordable educational opportunities for all eligible applicants who are seeking post-secondary education on either a part-time or full-time basis. Retention, graduation rates and transfer information are all indicators of student success and are available in the college’s Institutional Research and  Assessment Accreditation and Planning department, North Campus Room G-104.

General Information on Admissions Policies

Erie Community College admits applicants based upon two categories of Admissions: matriculated or non-matriculated.

Students interested in earning an associate degree or certificate must be matriculated in an academic degree program. A matriculated student is one who has been formally admitted into a degree or certificate program at Erie Community College. Applicants will be admitted into a degree program once they have completed and submitted an application and official high school and/or college transcripts.

A student who seeks to matriculate is required to take the college’s placement test or must be granted a placement testing waiver. Matriculation, once granted, remains in effect as long as the student has continuous sequential enrollment at the college and is in good academic standing.

Applicants wishing to seek matriculation will need to:

• complete the matriculated application online by visiting https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html and selecting “Apply Now”
• submit official high school and college transcripts OR High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) to the Admissions Office
• take any required Placement Tests unless you have been granted a waiver (See https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/course-placement-chart.html)

All admission decisions are conditional based upon official proof of graduation from an accredited high school or proof of HSE (High School Equivalency), including the certificate and scores. Final placement in a degree or certificate program is dependent upon the results of the required English and Math Placement Test.

Admission of Non-Matriculated Students

A student may enroll as non-matriculated, taking courses for personal fulfillment not leading to completion of a degree or certificate program. Non-matriculated students are not required to take the college’s mandatory Placement Test nor submit official high school or college transcripts.

Placement Testing

Most incoming matriculated students will receive math and English course placements based on their previous academic record. This includes high school transcripts, college transcripts, and/or TASC/GED scores. Students who are not native English speakers may need to take the ESL placement test.

**Some competitive programs may require additional assessments.

Accommodated Testing is for students with disabilities that require testing accommodations.  An interview with the campus Student Access Center must take place prior to scheduling of the accommodated test. Student Access Centers:  City: (716) 851-1189; North: (716) 851-1495; South: (716) 851-1933.

Minimum Competencies in English

Students who place or score below specified minimums on the reading and writing portion of an assessment must successfully improve their reading and writing skills to achieve a minimum level required for placement into EN022, EN052/ALP or EN031 (EAL students).  Students who place into EN022, EN052/ALP or EN031 must successfully pass the course prior to enrolling in most 100-level or higher college English courses.

Minimum Competencies in Mathematics

Student who place or score below specified minimums on any of the multiple measures of math proficiency must successfully complete any required prerequisite developmental or co-requisite math course required by their major.

Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) testing is required for those applying for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and who do not possess a U.S. high school diploma or its equivalent.  Minimum passing ATB scores: ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension 55, Sentence Skills 60, and Arithmetic 34 or CELSA (ESOL) 97 and ACCUPLACER Arithmetic 34. 

Online Admissions Applications

Erie Community College accepts online admissions applications and online international applications. Complete your application from our Applications page.  If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Admissions Office.

Readmission to SUNY Erie

Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment from one sequential semester to another must complete a new application for admissions. Once the form is processed, the student will receive a new admissions acceptance letter and packet through the mail. Additionally, students may change their program or campus during this process.

Academic Forgiveness Programs

Students who have not registered for courses at the college in the past three years may apply for a Fresh Start status.

Students interested in seeking information or completing a Fresh Start application packet may contact the Admissions Office prior to the start of the semester or before completion of their first semester of reactivation. Application packets may be found at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/special-applicants.html

Applicants interested in consideration for a Fresh Start must follow this process:

• Fresh Start is extended only once during the student’s enrollment at SUNY Erie.
• Students who previously attended SUNY Erie but have not been in attendance for three or more years may choose to take advantage of Fresh Start.
• Candidates for Fresh Start will be identified at the time of admission and will be provided with the criteria for the program. Students must submit the Fresh Start application to the Student Support Center no later than the last day of classes in the semester in which the student re-enrolled following the three-year absence. The application will be reviewed with the student and then forwarded to the divisional dean for final approval.
• Fresh Start may be granted after successful completion of the returning semester as a full-time matriculated student. Successful completion is defined as passing a minimum of 12 credit hours and earning a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher. Part-time matriculated students can also be eligible for the Fresh Start program. In the case of the part time student, a student’s term GPA must be a minimum of 2.5 for every term after readmission until a minimum of 12 credit hours has been reached.
• Following a Fresh Start, cumulative average is determined using only courses with a passing grade prior to the Fresh Start period and all course work taken after readmission.
• As a result of being granted “Fresh Start,” a student will receive credit toward the total degree requirement for only those courses taken prior to the student’s three-year absence from SUNY Erie in which the student earned a passing grade.
• Under this policy, grades that are forgiven will not be used to calculate GPA at SUNY Erie but will remain a part of the official academic transcript.
• The student must accept all current degree and departmental requirements at the time of acceptance into the Fresh Start program.

Students who change their academic program of study may apply for a QPA  Adjustment through the 36 Credit Hour Adjustment:

• The 36 Credit Hour Adjustment program is extended only once during the student’s enrollment at SUNY Erie.
• It allows up to 36 credit hours of grades of C- or lower to be excluded from the cumulative GPA.
• This option is only available to students who change academic programs. The only credit hours forgiven under this program will be those that were taken to satisfy previous program requirements that no longer apply and are not required for the student’s new academic program.
• Students must show academic improvement by earning a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher in the new academic program to be eligible for the 36 Credit hour Adjustment. In the case of the part time student, a student’s term GPA must be a minimum of 2.5 until a minimum of 12 credit hours has been reached.
• Students can apply for the 36 Credit Hour Adjustment program through the Student Support Center.
• All grades earned at SUNY Erie will remain a part of the official academic transcript.
• Students will lose credit hours toward degree completion when a grade is forgiven, and those courses will not count for any degree requirement.

Readmission of Students Having Been Academically Dismissed

After notification of dismissal, students may register for up to 11.5 credit hours at the college as a non-matriculated student. Academically dismissed students will need to reapply for admission as a non-matriculated student by completing an application online at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html

Non-matriculated students are ineligible for financial aid. Tuition and fees will be the responsibility of the student since they are no longer eligible for financial aid. Students may appeal the dismissal decision for matriculation by completing an Academic Dismissal packet. Packets may be obtained by visiting the Student Support Services Centers on their campus. Completed packets may also be returned to the Student Support Services Centers. The Academic Standards Committee will review all completed packets on a monthly basis. All appeal decisions will be mailed to the student after each monthly meeting.

For more information, or to obtain an Academic Dismissal packet please contact the Student Support Services Centers.

Admissions Review Process for Applicants Dismissed from Previous Colleges or Universities

Persons reporting disciplinary dismissals and/or expulsions from previous colleges or universities will need to submit:

• a letter from the previous institution of higher education stating the violation and disciplinary dismissal
• a letter of explanation from the applicant stating specifically the student code of conduct violation or infraction

Applications will remain incomplete and admission decisions will not be considered until the requested documents have been received. Although it is required to report such information, please know these reasons are not automatic grounds for denial of admission. Once all of the information is received, the Admissions Review Panel will meet and make a decision on admittance.

The Admissions Review Committee meets once a month. Only those applicants whose documentation was received in the Admissions Office two weeks prior to the next meeting will be forwarded to the committee. No application for admission to SUNY Erie shall be denied by reason of the applicant having been expelled and/or dismissed from college for disciplinary reasons unless:

• there is direct relationship between the SUNY Erie campus community and one or more of the previous criminal offenses and/or dismissals or expulsions; or
• the granting of admission to SUNY Erie would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

Applicants dismissed or expelled from college for disciplinary reasons must meet the same admissions requirements expected of all entering students. Among those factors that will be included in the admission decision are:

• the seriousness of the offense(s) and/or dismissal or expulsion
• any information produced by the applicant, or produced on the applicant’s behalf, in regard to his/her rehabilitation and good conduct
• the legitimate interest of the college in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public
• a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein
• appropriateness of the applicant’s background for the academic program requested
• the relationship between dismissal or expulsion and the availability of rehabilitative and other services at the college

A campus Admissions Review Committee consisting of three Admissions Counselors, the Director of Admissions or designee and two Deans of Students will be responsible for reviewing all applications of applicants who fall into the categories stated.

If the committee finds that the person’s admission would involve an unreasonable risk to property or the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public as outlined in the Education Law, the applicant will be informed that his or her admission has been denied with no reason given. Under Section 754, should the applicant request it, a written statement of reasons for the denial shall be provided within 30 days of the request.

If the committee does not find that an unreasonable risk exists, the applicant will be notified by the Office of Admissions that he or she has passed the special screening required by college policy.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008, Erie Community College does not discriminate against people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are required to meet the same admission requirements for their academic programs as individuals with non-disabilities. Admission of any student to an individual program of study is contingent upon successful completion of the college’s Placement Test. Individuals who require assistance with alternative testing techniques for the Placement Test due to a disability may arrange for such assistance by contacting the Student Access Center on the campus where they plan to take the test. Alternatives include large print copy, scribes, readers, extended time, interpreters, etc. Individuals who have vision problems, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, etc., who did not have any accommodations made for them at the time of the Placement Test, and therefore, performed poorly on it or who were notified that they do not appear to be eligible for admission can submit documentation of their disability to the campus Student Access Center so that their application can be given a second and more in-depth review. Submission of such information is voluntary and will be kept confidential. Knowledge of an individual’s disability will not adversely affect admission to the college. Individuals who check the voluntary self-identification of disability box on the SUNY application form must still contact the Student Access Center to arrange for services. Additional information on Student Access Center may be found in the Student Services Section  of this catalog.

SUNY Admissions Procedure

Applicants may apply directly to SUNY Erie by visiting https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html and completing the application at no cost. Applicants may also apply via SUNY. First, secure a SUNY undergraduate application from a high school counselor, SUNY Erie Admissions Office or Student Support Services Center. Complete this common admissions application, then send the application and fee to:

State University of New York
Application Processing Center
State University Plaza
Albany, NY 12246

Once the application is mailed or submitted, you may await word from the SUNY Erie Admissions Office regarding the status of the application. Applicants will be notified as early as possible. On average a student will receive notification within 3-4 weeks once his/her file is complete with all the necessary documentation required for admission. All incoming students are required to take their determined placement test or receive a waiver. Location information for all SUNY Erie Admissions offices are as follows:

SUNY Erie City Campus
Admissions Office
45 Oak Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-2698
(716) 851-1155

SUNY Erie North Campus
Admissions Office
6205 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221-7095
(716) 851-1455

SUNY Erie South Campus
Admissions Office
4041 Southwestern Boulevard
Orchard Park, NY 14127-2199
(716) 851-1655

(International Application)
SUNY Erie North Campus
International Student Office, G-128
6205 Main St.
Williamsville, NY 14221-7095
(716) 851-1359

Certificate Programs

Students who plan to enroll full-time or part-time in a college certificate program must complete the same application process and requirements as students applying to a degree program.

Veterans and Military Affiliated Students

With the option of choosing from numerous degree or certificate programs available during the day, evening, weekend or online, SUNY Erie Community College is the first choice among veterans in Western New York for job readiness training or beginning their education with the intention of transferring to a four-year institution.

To address the specific needs of reservists, veterans and their family members, faculty and staff are provided with ongoing training to ease the readjustment from service to scholar. In addition to the numerous support services available, each of the three campuses has a dedicated office staffed with a school certifying official to certify educational benefits under the GI Bill®. Military transfer credits are also accepted and reviewed for possible credit towards degree completion. Scholarship opportunities are offered for veterans and additional grants may be obtained through the Financial Aid Office. A Veterans Leadership Council has been established to engage students, staff and faculty, and the community with camaraderie, information, and mentoring about benefits and services provided at the college and in the community.

In honor of the service of our Nation’s Veterans receiving tuition through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, SUNY Erie Community College does not prevent or delay enrollment, assess late fees, require the student to secure alternative or additional funding, or deny access to resources, classes, or facilities available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fees bill. 

To qualify for this provision, such students are required to produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class, complete a written request to be certified, and comply with all institutional policies for academic progress and attendance.

International Students

To provide a smooth transition for the international student, SUNY Erie Community College provides international student advisement located in the International Student Services office at the North Campus in Williamsville, New York. Prior to class registration, the adviser will guide the student through the SUNY Erie application requirements and U.S. F-1 visa process, including the issuance of the I-20 A-B Certificate of Eligibility.

English Proficiency: Prior to an international student’s acceptance at the college, the applicant must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and scoring a minimum of 48 internet-based (460 paper-based). An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 is also acceptable.

• Canadians: Canadian citizens attending an English language high school do not require TOEFL or IELTS but will be required to take SUNY Erie’s English placement test. 

Required English Classes: All students with a TOEFL score less than 80 internet-based (551 paper-based) or IELTS score less than 6.5 are mandated to take EN132 Reading/Writing III and EN142 Oral/Aural III during the first semester at SUNY Erie.

Adequate Finances: International students must demonstrate that they can adequately finance their stay in the United States. Financial sponsor documentation is required with the SUNY Erie application and for the U.S. Embassy when applying for an F-1 student visa. Financial aid is not available for international students.

Employment: International students should budget their stay in the United States without employment, as employment opportunities are limited for F-1 international students, and are not guaranteed.

Student Housing: Erie Community College does not have on-campus student housing, but does maintain relationships with local housing providers. International Student Services can assist you with locating housing options.

Matriculation: All F-1 international students must be admitted into an academic degree or certificate program.

Full-time Enrollment: All F-1 international students must maintain enrollment of at least 12 credit hours continuously throughout each entire semester. At least 9 credit hours must be in regular seated courses (not internet, hybrid, or distance learning courses). It is the student’s responsibility to abide by these regulations which must be treated seriously. Students not matriculated and maintaining full-time enrollment will be reported to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as out of status.

Application Process:

Apply online at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html. After applying international students will receive instructions for submitting the following documents to International Student Services:

• original high school diploma or graduation certificate - certified true copies also accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official; regular copies or scans are not acceptable
• original high school transcript showing classes taken and grades received - certified true copies also accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official; regular copies or scans are not acceptable
• proof of financial responsibility - signed letter on bank letterhead
• proof of English language proficiency - TOEFL (48 or higher), IELTS (5.5 or higher)
• a copy of passport
• any other documents to support the application
• all documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation

Transfer Students: must also include:

• copy of F-1 visa
• copy of current I-20
• official transcript from U.S. college or university
• transfer Eligibility Form

Canadian Students: Canadians living within 75 mi (120 km) of the border may commute and attend part time. Canadian citizens attending an English language high school do not require TOEFL or IELTS but will be required to take SUNY Erie’s English placement test. Official SAT scores may waive the English or math portion of the Placement Test.

Certificate of Eligibility: To allow sufficient time for verification, processing, and issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, the following are the preferred deadlines:

• Fall (September) Semester - June 30*
• Spring (January) Semester - November 30*

*Some academic programs such as Health Sciences (Dental Hygiene, Nursing, etc.) require advance submission of completed application. These programs are competitive, have limited enrollments, and may require pre-requisites. Acceptance is based on criteria such as grades and courses already taken. International Student Services does not guarantee acceptance into these programs. It is important to understand the conditions, dates, deadlines, and additional requirements for competitive, limited enrollment programs. For more information, visit Majors and Programs.

Acceptance

The student will be notified of acceptance after review and approval of application and all documents. Erie Community College will issue a letter of acceptance and an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student. There is a fee to activate the I-20.

The student will need to apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy in the home country. Prior to arriving in the United States, all international students (except Canadians) must obtain an F-1 visa. Canadian students do not need to apply for an F-1 visa. The I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student is the document needed when crossing the Canada/United States border.

Transfer Students

A transfer student (anyone who has completed at least one course at another college) must follow the admissions procedure as outlined for new students enrolling in a degree or certificate program and must forward an official transcript of all his/her earlier college work to the Admissions Office.

Honors Program

The mission of Erie Community College’s Honors Program is to challenge academically talented students, providing them with an enriched Liberal Arts education in order to nurture learning, build character and promote leadership, ensuring that their undergraduate opportunity is an educationally rewarding experience.

To graduate with recognition from the Honors Program, students must complete at least three Honors courses and a capstone experience. Students will select three Honors-designated courses, with the option to take one Honors course in the student’s major area of study. The capstone experience may be an Honors Capstone Seminar course which focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, or an Honors capstone component added to an already existing class.

Some benefits of the program include: small Honors classes, working with peers who share an enthusiasm for learning, an opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarships and awards, publication and presentation opportunities, and undergraduate research opportunities.

Students may apply to the Erie Community College Honors Program at the time of their admission to the college, or in subsequent semesters. Although a student’s academic record is strongly considered in admitting students to the program, it is not the only consideration. Those students with the ability and a keen interest in education are also encouraged to apply. Admission to the program is through the Honors Coordinator, and a personal interview is recommended. Once accepted into the program, all Honors students must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA.

The Honors Program is open to both full- and part-time students in any degree program. Additional information can be obtained from the Honors Coordinator.

Admissions - Special Programs

Articulation Agreements - earning college credit while still in high school

Articulation agreements allow students to earn college credit by successfully completing a course in high school. Articulation agreements are high school courses that equal entry level college courses. Articulation agreements are made between high school and college faculty to ensure a seamless academic transition from high school to college.

• eliminates the duplication of learning
• reduces the required number of credit hours necessary to graduate from SUNY Erie
• enroll into a program at SUNY Erie with credits already completed in high school
• articulated credit is free and is awarded after the student is accepted at SUNY Erie

• maintain an 85 percent average in the high school course, complete the course, and graduate from your high school
• complete the SUNY Erie application online; indicate on the application that you have been enrolled in a course in high school that may be eligible for credit
• send a copy of your high school transcript to the SUNY Erie Admissions Office at the campus you plan to attend
• inform your adviser at registration about the course(s) you are eligible to receive credit for
• for more information, call the Advanced Studies office at (716) 851-1270

Dual/Joint Admissions Agreements

Erie Community College has entered into a number of Dual/Joint Admissions Agreements with area colleges.

Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in selected areas may begin their program at SUNY Erie. Transfer of credit and entry to a parallel major at the four-year school is guaranteed following completion of an associates degree at SUNY Erie and the specific requirements, grade point average and/or required courses listed in the agreement.

Interested students must indicate their interest in Joint Admissions by the end of their first semester of attendance. (Transfer students are not eligible for this option.) The specific four-year unit and intended major must be included in the SUNY Erie application. Final acceptance will be verified upon receipt of an acceptance letter from the Admission Office of the four-year unit. There is a transfer counselor at each SUNY Erie campus who can further explain the program.  Additional Joint admissions agreements are being negotiated. For more information, contact the SUNY Erie Campus Counseling Center.  Students not accepted or eligible for the Joint Admissions Program can still transfer under the departmental articulation agreements listed in the charts below.

Departmental Articulation Agreements

Listed below is a brief explanation of three main ways in which a student at SUNY Erie may transfer to another college. Should you have any questions with respect to transferring to another college that may not be addressed here, please contact a Student Support Services Center.

• Major to major articulation agreement: This is an agreement between a specific major at SUNY Erie and a specific major at a four year college. This type of agreement informs students that a major taken at SUNY Erie is an appropriate match for the major a student intends on transferring into at the four year college (for example, an associate’s degree in math at SUNY Erie will count as the first two years of a statistics degree at college “X”).
• Course to course articulation agreement: This is an agreement between a particular department at SUNY Erie and a particular department at a four college. Both departments have agreed that a certain course taken at SUNY Erie will transfer as an equivalent match for a course at the four year college (for example, Biology 107 taken at SUNY Erie will count as Biology 110 at college “X”).
• Dual Admission articulation agreement (sometimes called joint admission): This is a special type of major to major articulation agreement for a ‘first time’ college student with no more than 30 credits already completed at SUNY Erie. Some benefits of dual admission include guaranteed* acceptance to the four-year college, access to four-year college advisers while attending SUNY Erie, and advance registration for the four year college while attending SUNY Erie.

 * Acceptance to all four year college programs is always dependent upon meeting minimum grade point average requirements. Any questions relating to this information can be directed to a transfer counselor at one of our three campus locations.

Registration and Records

Student Records

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for all student records. These records are kept confidential and will be released upon approval of the campus registrar to appropriate faculty, administrators or federal, state or county officials.

Campus Registrars are located at the following:

Student Mailings

Students are responsible to notify and ensure that their mailing address is current on the college data files maintained by the campus Registrar’s Office. Mail returned to the college as undeliverable will not be re-mailed. Returned mail will be forwarded to the office issuing the mail and will be held for 30 days, after which time it will be destroyed.

Dropping or Adding a Course

• students who need to make a schedule change should consult their academic adviser to determine which classes to change
• class changes can be made by:
  1. utilizing Workday - log into  https://wd5.myworkday.com/ecc/d/home.htmld and click on the registration area and follow the prompts to make the change
  2. contacting the Registrar’s Office for processing
• course availability is based on class capacity; classes that are at capacity will not be overloaded
• copies of schedule/bills are only available through the student’s Workday account; students are to review their schedule/bill after the schedule change has been processed

Registration transactions are complete once processed through Workday. Attending a class is not a method of official registration. Final grades will not be issued to anyone whose name does not appear on an official roster. It is the students’ responsibility to confirm they are properly registered for a class(es).

Withdrawal from a Course

To withdraw from a course, students should request a withdrawal in Workday under Current Classes. Students may also sign and submit a withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office for processing. The official withdrawal deadline are defined for each semester on the Academic Calendar.

Withdrawal transactions are complete once processed through Workday.

Official Enrollment/Attendance in a Course

Attending a class is not a method of official registration. Final grades will not be issued to anyone whose name does not appear on an official roster. Students who have never attended class within the first three weeks of instruction may be noted by the instructor as “never attended” on the third-week roster and will be deleted from the course section. Students will be financially liable according to New York State law.

Transfer of Credit

The term “transfer” refers to those courses and programs for which students expect to receive credit at any other college or university. All credits to be transferred are subject to review by the receiving institution.

Transcripts

Students who are currently enrolled or attended SUNY Erie may obtain transcripts either by using the Parchment Transcript system or by sending a request to the Registrar’s Office. There is a $5 fee for an official transcript if ordering in person or by mail. Requests made through the Parchment system will be subject to additional processing fees.

Confidentiality of Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:

• 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, 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.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.  Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. 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 or misleading.  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 procedure will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• 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 staff 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; 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; SUNY system Administration who have a legitimate educational interest.  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.  Upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of FERPA is:

Student information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) established by the Department of Education on November 19, 1974. The regulation provides explicit directions governing the disclosure of student information. College Registrars are designated to be the holders of the cumulative academic record. As such, they are charged with the responsibility, other federal/state regulations and professional standards as set by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Offices (AACRAO).

Information regarding a student’s personal file should be disseminated to third parties only by the office responsible for the collection and maintenance of that information. With the advent of an integrated file system, student information is more readily accessible to faculty and staff. Each individual associated with SUNY Erie Community College has a responsibility to be conscious of the rights of students and a need to protect the appropriate office which collects and maintains the information before conveying verbally or in writing information about a student to a third party.

Students may elect to have withheld what is termed Directory Information. The registrars have on file the names of students who have requested that certain information not be released. Individuals may, should they convey information regarding a student to a third party, be in violation of Federal Regulation and a student’s right to privacy.

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

Erie Community College hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or directory information. Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion:

• name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, and class
• previous institution(s) attended, major field of study, awards, honors (includes dean’s list) and degree(s) conferred including dates
• past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes)

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any category of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the campus Registrar’s Office by October 1/February 1. Non-disclosure of information will commence immediately thereafter and be effective until September 30 of the following year. Written notification to withhold disclosure must be made each academic year. SUNY Erie assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of directory information by the deadline date indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Student Right to File Complaints

If a student has exhausted all rights for review of a complaint at SUNY Erie they may pursue a complaint with the SUNY System or with the college’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The address for SUNY complaints is as follows:

State University of NY (SUNY)
System Administration
State University Plaza
Albany, NY 12246

Complaints with the college’s accreditor can be submitted here: https://www.msche.org/complaints/. 

Application for Graduation

Students must apply for program completion in Workday before the end of the students’ final semester.

Students must ensure that all degree requirements have been met. Students who fail to apply for program completion will not be certified as a graduate

Cross Registration Information

Students who would like to attend SUNY Erie under the guidelines of the WNY Consortium Agreement,  please visit: http://www.suny.edu/crossregister. Private college students please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@ecc.edu.

Students must prove residency in New York State for twelve months and Erie County for the six months prior to the start of the semester and provide an Out-of-County Certificate if the student’s residency is out of Erie County, but in New York State.

Tuition and Fees

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

Students are required to affirm understanding of financial obligation to pay all tuition, fees and other associated costs assessed as a result of registration. The Student Financial Responsibility Agreement provides important information about College policies and contractually binds the student to these policies. 

Tuition and Fees

*Tuition and fees are subject to change upon approval of the SUNY Erie Board of Trustees.

College Costs

Students should carefully examine the following chart on tuition and fees. While analyzing the costs involved, students should:

• keep in mind that many funding sources are available to help finance his/her education (see the section that follows)
• remember that excessive part-time employment may jeopardize his/her ability to do well in coursework

Student Service Fees: Specify each fee and the rate per academic year for full-time students and the rate per semester or quarter, credit hour for part-time students.

• Residents of New York State outside of Erie County must submit a Certificate of Residence to the SUNY Erie Student Account Services’ office each year prior to registration. The Certificate of Residence is obtained from the treasurer of the student’s home county. When received, tuition will be lowered to the resident rate, if received prior to the start of the semester.
• Lab fees and distance learning fees are assessed on a course-by-course basis.
• Due to the fluctuating nature of insurance premiums, specific programs may require additional payment.
• A $50 re-registration fee is added if your bill is not paid by the due date and you re-register after cancellation. Students who do not have tuition and fees paid or deferred by the due date may have their registration canceled.
• A $30 registration fee is added to anyone who registers after advance registration. All international students must have International Student Health Insurance or equivalent. Cost may fluctuate depending on age and current insurance rates.

Summary of Important Factors Related to Tuition and Fees:

• Registration Cancellation: Students who do not have their tuition and fees completely paid or deferred by the due date may have their registration canceled. Students who register and are canceled during the first week of classes will be assessed tuition liability.

• Financial Responsibility: Applicants should be financially prepared to pay tuition and meet other expenses incurred during any year of study.
• Collection Costs: Students whose accounts are turned over to a collection agency will be liable for these additional costs. The cost will vary depending on the amount of the debt. The current mark-up will be approximately 30 percent. These accounts may be referred to credit bureaus.
• Due Dates: Students who complete registration must pay all tuition and fees by the statement due date. Failure to pay tuition on time may result in cancellation. Students who register and are canceled during the first week of classes will be assessed tuition liability.
• First Monies: SUNY Erie Community College will deduct unpaid tuition from first monies received.
• Liability: Registration for a course(s) constitutes full financial liability. Failure to attend class(es) for which a student has registered does not absolve them from financial liability.  The formal withdrawal or drop process must be followed.
• Financial Obligations: Students who have not met prior financial obligations to the college will not able to register or receive a diploma.
• Consortium Agreements: Tuition for students with Consortium Agreements is due in full by the due date indicated on the registration bill.
• Medical Malpractice Insurances: Medical Malpractice insurance is mandatory for all students with client contact (full or part time) in the follow Allied Health curricula: Alcohol Counseling, Child Care, Dental Hygiene, Dental Lab, Dietetic Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Ophthalmic Dispensing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Lab Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Substance Abuse Counseling. This fee will be billed and is non-refundable.
• Immunization: Please note that according to NYS Public Health Law, no institution shall permit any student to attend the institution in excess of 30 calendar days if not in compliance with the public health laws. Tuition, fees, and book costs incurred by the student will not be refunded as a result of imposition of New York State Public Health Law sanctions.
• Tuition Refunds: To receive a tuition refund, a student must complete the formal withdrawal process. Liability for tuition is pro-rated based on the date of withdrawal:

SCHEDULE OF STUDENT TUITION LIABILITY

*The first week of the semester shall be deemed to start with the first calendar day of the college semester and shall end on the seventh calendar day of the term. (Fall and Spring semesters only).

• The first day of classes is the day the semester begins.
• All student fees are non-refundable.
• Summer school refunds will be granted only if a drop is processed prior to the first day of instruction.
• Refunds will reach students approximately eight weeks after the start of classes.
• Repayment Policy: A student who withdraws, drops out, or is expelled may be required to repay financial aid that was given directly to the student as a cash disbursement to cover living expenses. Living expenses are a student’s educational costs above and beyond the amount the school charges to the student for tuition and fees. A student’s living expenses include items such as room and board allowances, books/supplies, transportation, child care, and miscellaneous expenses. If the student’s living expenses incurred up to the time of total withdrawal/drop exceed the amount of cash disbursed, the student has not been underpaid. However, if the cash disbursement was greater than the student’s living expenses up to the withdrawal/drop date, the student must repay the excess amount.  This regulation does not affect students who withdraw/drop from some classes but continue to be enrolled in other classes. Only students who have completely withdrawn or dropped and have received cash back for living expenses may owe a repayment. See the Financial Aid Office for details.
• Pro Rata Refund and Title IV: Portion of unearned aid credited to student account must be refunded if a student who receives the Title IV aid withdraws prior to the end of the ninth week of classes. Unearned aid (paid as a refund) to cover cost must be repaid by the student and then returned to the sources of financial aid.
• Legal Permanent Residents: Applicants who are U.S. Visa status of Legal Permanent Residents in the United States must meet state and local residency requirements in order to have their tuition reduced to the in-county rate. All students with a legal non-immigrant U.S. Visa status pay double tuition. Exceptions are for refugee or asylum U.S. Visa holders in legal status. These individuals are considered residents of Erie County as long as they have not resided for a time in a state other than New York and will be charged the in-county tuition rate. An individual college registrant will be considered an Erie County resident and be charged in-county tuition rates when that individual is determined to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and to have had a New York State domicile (i.e., a permanent and principal home in New York) for a twelve-month (six months of which must be in Erie County) durational period prior to registration. Persons who do not meet this twelve-month and six-month durational requirement will be presumed to be out-of-county residents and will be charged out-of-county tuition rates unless satisfactory proof is presented to show that domicile in Erie County has, in fact, been established. Proof of domicile is based upon official Erie County and New York records provided by the individual and other New York State records. Factors relevant to a determination of domicile include New York State Income Tax Forms; New York State vehicle registration or driver’s license; Federal Income Tax Form; deed to real New York State property; marriage license issued in the State of New York; and proof of receiving Social Services Benefits from Erie County. Resident card holder, residency date begins “Resident since mm/dd/yy” on the date indicated on the Legal Permanent Resident card.
• Legal Permanent Resident Students: In-county tuition (single tuition) is only afforded to a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident card holder that meets state and county guidelines (an established permanent and principal residence in New York State for one- year, the last six months in Erie County). The one-year qualification must be one full year previous to the beginning of the semester for which single tuition is being considered. Documentation for proof of residency is limited to “official” items such as license and taxes and must be dated in order to establish the beginning of the student’s claim for permanence in the state and county. For a U.S. Visa status Legal Permanent Resident card holder, residency date begins “Resident since mm/dd/yy” on the date indicated on the Legal Permanent Resident card.

All students with a legal non-immigrant U.S. Visa status pay double tuition. Exceptions are for refugee or asylum U.S. Visa holder in legal status.

Please see Residency Policy

Out-of-County Residents

All students residing outside of Erie County must provide Student Account Services with an out-of-county certificate. Failure to do so will result in double tuition being charged. Certificates can be obtained from the student’s County Treasurer. Certificates must be renewed yearly and filed before the start of the semester of enrollment.

For out-of-county instructions and the application form for an out-of-county certificate, visit Student Account Services’ Web page at www.ecc.edu.

International Students

Mandatory health and repatriation insurance is required of all international students on an SUNY Erie I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. The fee for coverage will be billed to the student in the beginning of each semester.

Online Payment

Online payments can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week by logging into your Workday account and selecting ‘Make a Payment’ on the left side of the page. Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted.

Mail Payment

Payments may be made by check payable to Student Account Services to your campus location. Payments must be postmarked by the tuition bill’s due date.
City Campus Bursar Office, 121 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
North Campus Bursar Office, 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
South Campus Bursar Office, 4041 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127

In-person Payment

Payments can be made in-person at the Student Financials Bursar Office at any of the three campus locations. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and evenings until 6 p.m. as follows: 
Monday - City Campus (evening hours until 6 pm)
Tuesday - North Campus (evening hours until 6 pm)
Wednesday - South Campus evening hours until 6 pm)
*Hours may vary for federal holidays.  Call in advance to ensure the office open.

Student Account Services Main Office, (716) 851-1888
City Campus, Room O150E (45 Oak Street), (716) 851-1164 
North Campus, Room S117, (716) 851-1463 
South Campus, Room 1209 and Room 5223, (716) 851-1889
Accounts Receivable (questions on accounts referred to a collection agency), (716) 851-1627

Tuition Payment Plans

SUNY Erie Community College partners with Nelnet Campus Commerce to let you pay your tuition and fees over time, making college more affordable. The payment plan is available for fall, spring, and summer terms (not winter session). Please enroll before the tuition due date. 

Payment Methods

• automatic bank payment (ACH)
• credit/debit card (additional service fee will be assessed)

Cost To Participate

• $75 nonrefundable application/enrollment fee per term
• $30 nonrefundable returned payment fee

Steps To Enroll

• log into Workday account from the Workday mobile app or web browser*
• click Finances Worklet on the Workday home page
• click Make Payments, Payment Plans, E-Refunds (Nelnet) link
* you may need to temporarily disable your internet browser’s pop-up blocker

All application/enrollment fees are processed immediately!  Important: Students must apply for a Nelnet Campus Commerce payment plan by the due date indicated on their SUNY ECC billing.

www.MyCollegePaymentPlan.com/erie

For additional help, please call Nelnet Campus Commerce at (800) 609-8056. Customer Service Representatives are available Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST. Account information also available online.

Canceling Students for Non-Payment of Tuition and Fees

During the registration process, the College sets a payment due date for students who have pre-registered for classes which is before the start of the semester. Students will be notified prior to the due date that their registration may be canceled unless the full amount is covered by one or more of the following:

• approved financial aid
• enrollment in the Tuition Payment Plan
• financial aid deferment
• full payment

Any student who registers after the cancellation date and whose liability is not covered by approved financial aid, a financial aid deferment, third party sponsorship, or paid in full, will be assessed a late registration fee.

All financial aid, including loan payments, will be applied first to the outstanding amount due for tuition and fees before any funds are disbursed directly to the student. A waiver from this “First Monies in Policy” will be made available to students to meet certain guidelines and procedures as proposed by the college administration.