Archive for the ‘Academics’ Category

Major Automotive Partnership to Begin August 23 at SUNY Canton

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

SUNY Canton will be partnering with a major car manufacturer to provide advanced training and certification opportunities for automotive technology students.

The College will announce the details of the new public-private partnership at 10 a.m. Thursday (August 23) in the Automotive Technology lab (room 124) in Nevaldine Technology Center. The event is free and open to the public.

 

A birds-eye view of the Automotive Technology Lab, in SUNY Canton’s Nevaldine Technology Center South Room 124.

 

“The partnership will give our students an additional edge as they seek employment after graduating from SUNY Canton’s program,” noted Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. “We certainly want to thank the manufacturer and the dealers who have made a fantastic opportunity available to our students.”

In addition to certification, students will also have access to three brand-new cars and specialized tools, according to Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the automotive technology program. Baldwin sought out this partnership alongside the SUNY Canton College Foundation.

“We provide our students with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment available,” Baldwin said. “Our new partnership takes their education to an even higher level with specialized industry-specific certification.”

The automotive program also recently became a Snap-On Tools Diagnostic Training Center. It is the only designated training center in New York, and one of only about 20 in the United States.

Previously, students in the motorsports performance program have benefitted from a similar partnership with Polaris Industries Inc. Students learn their profession with some of the latest vehicles made by Polaris, and the company hosts specialty training sessions at the College.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

 

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Program to Assist Unemployed Veterans Now Available at SUNY Canton

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Department of Veterans AffairsSome former U.S. Armed Forces personnel planning on attending SUNY Canton are now eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP).

“We very recently received good news that SUNY Canton was among the colleges eligible to enroll veterans seeking VRAP benefits,” said Interim President Carli C. Schiffner. “The program must lead toward a high-demand occupation, making SUNY Canton the ideal choice for veterans in our area.”

The program offers 12 months of financial assistance to veterans who are between 35 and 60 years of age and are unemployed. They also must have been honorably discharged, among other criteria.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves portions of this program for technical education,” noted Patrick S. Massaro, the Military and Veteran Student Service Coordinator. “SUNY Canton is the only College in the area to fit within the regulations for the retraining program.”

Massaro serves both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam as the primary point of contact for active military students, veterans and their families. He is one of the successful hires created through SUNY’s plan to share services between the two colleges. “Being both an alumnus of SUNY Canton and veteran, I see this as a tremendous opportunity for unemployed former military looking to reenter the workforce.”

Veterans looking to take advantage of VRAP must apply before Sept. 30. The program is limited to 45,000 participants in its first year. The program will then be enrolling 54,000 participants from Oct. 1 (2012) through March 31, 2014.

SUNY Canton is among the top “Military Friendly Colleges and Universities” according to Military Advanced Education magazine, and was among the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools to be recognized as a 2012 Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs.

For more information, contact Massaro at his SUNY Canton office, 386-7073, or email massarop@canton.edu.

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Solar Energy Training at SUNY Canton, July 30

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

Builders and contractors can expand their knowledge of alternative heating techniques through a new SUNY Canton seminar.

The College’s Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) will be hosting the five-day solar thermal training beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, July 30, in SUNY Canton’s Nevaldine Technology Center South, Room 133. Registration runs through Friday, July 27.

solar panels

“We’ve specifically designed the 40-hour training to prepare participants for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) entry-level examination,” said Matthew D. Bullwinkel, the instructor for the program and an associate professor at the College. “Builders will be able to install, use and maintain a solar thermal system for residential applications.”

SUNY Canton created CREST to extend renewable technologies to area builders. The Center works hand-in-hand with the alternative and renewable energy program.

For more information about this seminar and future trainings, visit http://www.canton.edu/crest/. To register, contact CREST Site Representative Arthur S. Garno by phone, (315)-386-7197, or by email garnoa@canton.edu.

 

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SUNY Canton’s Camp Invention Near Capacity

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

SUNY Canton’s popular Camp Invention program is filling up fast. Only a small number of spots remain for students from grades one to six.

The registration for the first weeklong science and math-based day-camp program is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center The second section will begin at the same time the following Monday, July 30.

“Camp Invention really makes students think and engages their creativity,” Ronald Tavernier a SUNY Canton biology instructor and camp organizer. “From an educator’s standpoint, I see it as a way to make learning science fun.”

This is the second year that SUNY Canton has hosted the science and math-based learning camp, presented by Invent Now.

The cost of Camp Invention is $200 a week per student. Participants can sign up for both weeks.

Parents should enroll their children as soon as possible to ensure that they can participate. There are three ways to register: on-line at www.campinvention.org, or by calling 1-800-968-4332. The application form is also available by emailing Tavernier at tavernier@canton.edu.

 

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Criminal Investigation Student Wins Award From SUNY Police Chiefs

Friday, June 29th, 2012

A volunteer firefighter and EMT who responded to the SUNY Canton Fire in Cook Hall was awarded for his dedicated volunteerism and work ethic.

Criminal Investigation Student Eli Max Receiving an Award

University Police Lieutenant Brian E. Kurish, University Police Chief Lisa E. Colbert, Criminal Investigation major Eli Max, Criminal Investigation Associate Professor Susan Buckley, and Criminal Investigation Instructor Elizabeth A. Erickson presenting Max with the Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award from the SUNY University Police Chiefs Association.

Eli Max, a criminal investigation major from Freeport who currently resides in Canton, recently received the $500 Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award presented by the SUNY University Police Chiefs Association.

“Eli represents the attributes we look for and foster in our students,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carli C. Schiffner, who will become the College’s Interim President on Sept. 1 following President Joseph L. Kennedy’s retirement. “He’s enthusiastic about his education and has all of the qualities of an exceptional leader. These qualities will serve him well in his future law enforcement career.”

Max is a student dispatcher for the SUNY Canton University Police, a volunteer firefighter and EMT with both the Freeport Fire Department and the Canton Volunteer Fire Department. After graduation, he’s hoping to become a detective with the New York City Police Department. Max is also the secretary for the Criminal Justice Student Organization. He was one of the inaugural members of the “Be Proud” program which is designed around the criminal justice certificate program and offers block scheduled courses mirroring a professional work environment.

“Eli was one of the first firefighters on the scene of our Feb. 10 fire in Cook Hall,” noted Elizabeth A. Erickson. “He’s demonstrated a commitment to his course work and excellent time management skills. He has maintained excellent grades on top of working long nights and weekends.”

The Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award is given annually in recognition of Dr. Bruce McBride, who was instrumental in the evolution of the University Police agency and is heralded as establishing the respected professional requirements for University Police officers.

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SUNY Canton’s Summer Session Breaks Enrollment Records

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Summer Session 2012SUNY Canton’s Summer Session has broken enrollment records for the fifth consecutive year.

“We are very proud of our Summer Session growth and the faculty who continue to make our summer terms successful,” noted Carli C. Schiffner, the College’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our expansion and outreach allow us to help students get ahead or catch up to their graduation timeline goals.”

To date, almost 1,800 students have enrolled this summer, and one more session is about to begin. Currently, total enrollment is up more than 20 percent from Summer Session 2011, which broke the previous year’s records with 1,400 enrollments.

“Almost 150 of our 170 Summer Session courses are being offered through SUNY Canton OnLine, allowing students to enroll from anywhere,” said Kyle Brown, SUNY Canton’s director of online learning and information services. “We’ve seen a surge of students enroll from other colleges around the country and even internationally.”

Much of the growth is attributed to the course selection, which includes many core courses or general education credits applicable to many popular majors at all SUNY colleges and most private universities, according to Brown. Students and faculty members have explained that the abbreviated but intensive online format lends fits well into the summer months, leaving time open for vacations, family obligations and work schedules.

There are also several unique and advanced course offerings during Summer Session including a course on serial killers and their victims taught online by Criminal Investigation Assistant Professor Elizabeth A. Erickson, and a traditional classroom based section of digital photography, taught by Graphic and Multimedia Design Instructor Jason E. Hubbard.

The final term of Summer Session begins on July 9. For more information, visit http://www.canton.edu/courses/summer.html.

SUNY Canton has also set new enrollment records for six consecutive years in overall college enrollment and for five straight years in Winterterm enrollment. The College recently broke its all-time application record for the fourth straight year and has received more than 6,400 applications for the Fall 2012 Semester.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

 

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SUNY Canton Announces New Homeland Security Degree

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

SUNY Canton has added to its number of in-demand, career-oriented majors with the announcement of a new homeland security bachelor of technology degree.

“The Homeland Security Program is the perfect complement to both the criminal investigation and the law enforcement leadership programs,” said SUNY Canton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carli C. Schiffner. “Regardless of their major, students will be able to take advantage of course offerings in any of these programs to individualize their approach to their future careers in criminal justice.”

bridge

The State University of New York and the State Department of Education have both granted approval for the new program. Students can apply immediately for enrollment for the Fall 2012 semester.

“We created this program to add another specialized area of education to our options available in the overall criminal justice field,” said Susan Buckley, an associate professor and the criminal investigation department chair. “The homeland security major will prepare students to deter motivated attacks on private and public assets. They will learn how to protect people, property and infrastructures.”

Buckley explained graduates of the program would potentially be eligible to work in a private security firm, private industry, or a federal, state, or local criminal justice agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (the investigative branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), the International Criminal Police Organization, the FBI, and the Transportation Security Administration, among others.

“Where it differs from our current programs is homeland security students will be able to identify a wide range of threats, both foreign and domestic, and be appropriately prepared to respond to those threats,” said Paul R. Bowdre, an assistant professor and a lead faculty member in the new program.

Among key changes in the scope of learning is the integration of technology to monitor and respond to terrorist threats, including fiscal, human resource, and technological concerns.

SUNY Canton is renowned for its course offerings and esteemed faculty in its criminal justice curricula. Criminal investigation was the College’s first four-year degree and began in 1998.

To view the full program webpage, visit http://www.canton.edu/sci_health/home/.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

 

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SUNY Canton Remembers Librarian and Archivist Mary L. Bucher

Tuesday, June 12th, 2012

Mary BucherA kind-hearted and dedicated member of the SUNY Canton family recently passed away.

College Librarian Mary L. Bucher, 59, of Canton, died on June 6th following an illness. She was a 34-year employee of the College and much revered for her wisdom and helpful nature.

She joined SUNY Canton in in 1978. She was recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Library Service in 1990, and SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy appointed her as university archivist in 1994.

“Mary is deeply missed by all of us,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Molly M. Mott, who oversees the Southworth Library. “She revered our campus and its unique history and she would light up at the chance to relay the stories and reflect on the personalities that made the campus what it is today.”

She was a member of the SUNY Librarians Association and the Eastern New York Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries, in addition to serving as secretary for the College’s chapter of United University Professions.

Mary was an active and dedicated member of the St. Lawrence County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).  She was chair of the committee for their AAUW Endowed Scholarship with the Canton College Foundation.  The scholarship is awarded to a SUNY Canton female student from St. Lawrence County who is planning to transfer into a four-year academic program.

This scholarship program was very close to her heart as she was a strong advocate for its promotion and support of SUNY Canton students.  Those who would like to make a gift to the scholarship as a tribute may do so by donating to the Canton College Foundation, Inc., 34 Cornell Drive, Canton, NY  13617.  Checks may be made payable to the Canton College Foundation. Please note in the memo section, “In Memory of Mary L. Bucher for the AAUW Endowed Scholarship.”

A complete obituary is available at North Country Now.

We invite the campus community and anyone who knew Mary well to leave comments below.

 

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SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam Hire Joint Veterans Affairs Officer

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Patrick Massaro, veteran and alumnus of both institutions is set to serve two campuses.

SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam are pleased to announce the appointment of the first employee who will serve both institutions. Patrick Massaro is a unique fit for the newly created position of veterans and military services coordinator, a joint position that will serve students on both campuses.

Massaro will be the primary point of contact for the military families and serve as an advisor to the veteran’s organizations on each campus.

“This is a great opportunity for me to give back to both colleges and to those that have served and to the families of those that have served,” he said.

The veterans affairs position will enhance the student experience for veterans at both institutions and is the first joint hire to result from the ongoing shared services discussions between SUNY Potsdam’s and SUNY Canton’s Campus Alliance Network.

“Filling this position was a significant step in the goal of greater shared services for our colleges. We learned a lot about the search process and what we need to do in the next years to more efficiently use our resources,” SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy said.

“First and foremost, this hiring will positively impact the lives of service members and veterans working toward their higher education goals at the two colleges,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller. “Both SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton will benefit and learn from the experience of filling our first joint position, as Patrick navigates the unique learning environments at both campuses.”

Patrick Massaro is uniquely qualified to tackle the job, given his military background and the fact that he is an alumnus of both colleges. In 2003, he graduated from SUNY Canton and in 2005 from SUNY Potsdam. The Massena Central High School graduate then served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010, including one tour of duty in Iraq. He now holds the rank of Captain in the U.S. Marine Reserves. Most recently, Massaro completed his Master of Science degree in sports administration while working as the director of hockey operations at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y.

A member of the search committee, SUNY Canton Associate Professor William Fassinger, a retired Military Police First Sergeant, said, “If we could have built a person for this job, it would look like Patrick. He is a graduate of both institutions, with recent military service, and in the past two years having dealt with the Veteran’s Administration for his own education.”

“He will inherit the work done by others at Canton and bring those ideas to Potsdam, and then in turn assess how the things we do well at SUNY Potsdam might benefit Canton,” said SUNY Potsdam Director of Extended Education Thomas Fuhr, who co-chaired the search with SUNY Canton Professor Robert Edwards.

Both SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton have been named military-friendly colleges for their dedication to serving service members, veterans and their families.

About SUNY Canton:

The State University of New York at Canton offers 22 career-driven bachelor’s degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 190 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The College is home to a brand-new athletic facility, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites, offering students single rooms in apartment-style settings while they live on campus.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.


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SUNY Canton Graduates More than 900 Students

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy conferred degrees for approximately 920 students at the College’s 104th Commencement Ceremony.

The ceremony was held today, Saturday, May 19th in the Convocation Athletic and Recreation Center, nicknamed Roos House.

Commencement 2012

“This is my 21st and final commencement at SUNY Canton,” Kennedy said. “I’m very proud of today’s graduates and I’m honored to spend the day with them and their families. I look forward to further growth and development in the College’s academic programs, with the end result of seeing even more students enroll, graduate and launch successful careers in the future.”

The President is scheduled to retire on August 31. He said he is keenly interested in future commencement ceremonies as an indicator of the College’s ongoing success. “I will always feel a sense of accomplishment when I see SUNY Canton students complete their educations,” Kennedy said.

President Kennedy congratulating students.

The top five bachelor’s degrees awarded, listed in order of popularity, were: management, criminal investigation, health care management, legal studies, and graphic and multimedia design.

The top five associate degrees with the most graduates were nursing, liberal arts, criminal justice, veterinary science technology, and business administration.

Notable honoraries at ceremony included:

  • Karen M. Spellacy, professor of economics, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in College Service. Spellacy was awarded for providing dynamic education in her business and economics courses, in addition to her inspirational leadership in a variety of roles. Based on her tremendous service, Spellacy will assume the role of Interim Provost on Sept. 1.
  • John F. Conklin, associate professor of nursing, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Faculty members and students have said Conklin demonstrates a deep and genuine concern for his students and helps them to succeed in any way that he can. He also was instrumental in the development of the college’s practical nursing certificate program, as well as the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
  • SUNY Canton Student Government Association President Daynelle N. Richards, a health care management major from Ozone Park delivered the address on behalf of her fellow graduates. Richards was selected as the recipient of the 2012 David R. Maynard Student Activities Award.
  • Kristen B. Roberts, the College’s associate director of residence life and residence director of the new Grasse River Suites was honored with the Northstar award. This award is completely determined by the student body to recognize a faculty or staff member. Roberts was selected for making a positive impression on students and their parents with her positive, can-do attitude. She’s been a role model for many students and is involved with many student-run organizations. The student government association president presented the award to Roberts.
  • State Senator Patricia A. Ritchie was presented with the Honorary Alumna Award from the SUNY Canton Alumni Association for continually supporting and promoting SUNY Canton. She recently backed the College’s newest educational options to benefit of both students and the greater North Country Community, and has demonstrated a remarkable interest in the ongoing success of the College and its graduates.

During the week prior to Commencement, the David Sullivan-St. Lawrence Law Enforcement Academy held a special ceremony for more than 20 graduates of the semester-long intensive course. Many of the Academy graduates were sworn in as new officers in area police departments.

Commencement 2012

Additionally, nearly 90 graduates of SUNY Canton’s Nursing program were recognized at a special ceremonial pinning ceremony. Registered Nurses are in high demand, and many of the graduates will immediately start their employment at area hospitals and health-care facilities.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

 

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