New Academic Initiatives, New Facilities Mark Opening of GCC's Fall Semester, Board Hears

BATAVIA, NY (09/18/2015)(readMedia)-- New English and Mathematics academic initiatives, modernized dining facilities, and preparation for Genesee's upcoming reaccreditation marked the opening of fall 2015 classes, GCC administrators reported to the Board of Trustees Monday evening. The Board held its regular monthly meeting at the Batavia Campus.

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Kathleen M. Schiefen updated trustees on courses that will help build student success and better prepare students for their careers. Some students whose placement test scores indicate a modest need for English remedial assistance can enroll in the College's basic composition course (English 101), with supplemental services provided in the language learning lab. The College's Business Mathematics course (Math 108) is now available to more students, especially students in A.A.S. degree programs who need statistically-based math instead of calculus-based math. Special emphasis is being placed on GCC's "early intervention and support" program, which helps identify and help students having academic difficulties early in the semester.

Dr. Schiefen also noted that seven college reaccreditation teams are beginning to study and analyze data that will become the basis for the College's self-study report submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Genesee Community College's accrediting body. Professor of Psychology Timothy P. Tomczak and Executive Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness William T. Emm are chairing the multi-year reaccreditation effort.

Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Virginia M. Taylor said that 135 international students have enrolled at Genesee this fall. Dr. Taylor also reported that a record number of eight-week and twelve-week courses are being offered. These begin September 21 and October 19, respectively. These regular college courses are ideal for students who were not able to begin their studies at the start of the semester. Students in area high schools are now being invited to register for GCC college-level courses, and registration will be complete in early October, Dr. Taylor said.

President James M. Sunser noted that trustees, faculty, staff and friends gathered in the College's dining area in the late afternoon Monday, for a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the expanded and modernized dining facilities. The College's Building and Grounds staff removed existing walls and reconfigured space this summer to create a larger and more efficient food service area. The formerly cramped dining facilities were originally constructed when the Batavia Campus opened in the early 1970s and were built to accommodate a much-smaller enrollment.

"We're off to a great start," Dr. Sunser said.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

• Heard Director of Development and External Affairs report that the College Foundation's "Creating Our Future Together" campaign has raised $5.21 million to date. Funds will be used to aid in the construction of the new Student Success Center and Event Center, and create new student scholarships. Mr. Ensman also said that 430 students are residing at the Foundation-operated College Village, Genesee's residence for students. College Village innovations this fall include the opening of "The Root," a split-level basement in Hemlock Hall, containing gathering spaces for students and a multi-purpose classroom, which will host academic classes for students this fall. College Village is also sponsoring a pilot success coaching initiative for up to 75 residential students.

• Continued its ongoing review of College policies. Monday evening, the Board approved updated policies on assessment, collaboration with area high schools, "whistleblower" practices and implementation of college fees.

• Welcomed new GCC staff members at a reception following the Board of Trustees meeting.

• Welcomed Maggie Gabalski as the 2015-2016 student trustee. Ms. Gabalski, a Byron resident, is pursuing a Fashion Merchandising Management degree.

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