A simple primer on Gainful Employment

This piece speaks for itself.  I had to share to give an opportunity for understanding.  It was created by APC Colleges.  Read more about the US Department of Education and Gainful Employment rules by clicking here.

Great Parent's Orientation!

On October 14, CW held a great Parent's orientation for parents of our new freshmen students.    Many faculty, staff and administration were present to talk and visit with parents and family members.  We had a great time and much good information was shared.  Thanks to our parents who are the number one advocates and champions of their kids!

Here is my welcome from the event:

   Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here tonight.  I am touched and excited to see that so many of you have been able to participate.  I know you all have many commitments.

   Your involvement in your child’s education is crucial and critical to their success. 

Some of the best things I ever did for my kids was to give them the support they needed as much as I could, and helped them learn how to connect to  support that I could not give them myself.  My girls are now 27 and 29, and while things are not as hands on as it used to be, they still need support; whether emotional, financial or academic.  We all know that this support and attention begins when our children are first with us, and changes as they grow.

   I know it is a daunting task to help your child select the right college.  Thank you for choosing CW.

   College is a time of significant growth and maturity for young adults.  It is fun and exciting for us to be a part of that transformation process.  The College of Westchester has been at it for 100 years, come 2015.  What differentiates our college from others is the caring environment with personalized interest in your son or daughter’s success.

   What I told our newest students at their orientation was this:  it is about showing up, and it is about working hard.  Don’t be absent, ask for help, plow through and work hard.  Though college may be a breeze or it may be tough, on those toughest days, hang in there and don’t forget to ask for help.  College is your oasis, your safe place, the place that you can succeed and do great things for yourself, and we are here at every step of the way!  Set a goal for yourself and remind yourself of that goal, and you are infinitely more likely to reach your goal.  We believe that this combination makes our students successful.  Why?  Because their success is literally supported about all of the people, our provost, staff, faculty, library, learning center, counseling center, financial assistance, admissions, success coaches, advisors and career counselors who are with your kids, every step of the way, celebrating the successes and helping them when they need extra support.

   I would be remiss if I didn’t spend a moment speaking about our faculty.  At CW, faculty are fully credentialed professionals.  Most have spent much professional time in their field of study, whether accounting, business, digital media, networking, allied health or accounting.  They are not focused on research as you find in some larger institutions.  They are focused on students, and student learning outcomes, innovative methods of engagement and instruction.  Courses are taught by our academic department chairs and faculty members, not grad assistants as you might find elsewhere.  Faculty are approachable, all have office hours and a presence on the web in CW’s learning management system and virtual campus online, Campus Cruiser.  You couldn’t have picked a better group to work with your child.  

   So please know that you are not alone in your goal of insuring your child’s success. 

   Our dedication to students, high standards of excellence and unique mission is what leads to graduate success and security.  Our current graduate success rate is on par with prior years:  We anticipate that the vast majority of grads ready willing and able to work are, or well be employed in their field of study or a related field.  A number also continue their education.  We appreciate the opportunity to provide your children with the same great education that thousands before them have achieved.

• ·        Most students choose CW because they want a career focused education that leads to career and financial security. 

• ·        We want to do all that we can to live up to your expectations

• ·        If we don’t, please let us know.  You can always call or email anyone at the college for assistance.  Call your child’s academic advisor, or email me at dearpresident@cw.edu

   My favorite day of the year at CW is commencement, graduation day; excited graduates, proud parents and family members, spouses, children, friends, as well as the CW community, cheering on your kids as they make it to the finish line.  It is always an amazing day, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

   Thank you again for being with us.

100 Years of Excellence

It is hard for me to believe that The College of Westchester will reach it's 100 year anniversary in 2015.  That means thousands and thousands of CW graduates have graced the halls of virtually every company and organization in Westchester County, Rockland, Manhattan, Putnam, Bronx and Orange Counties and surrounding areas.  Thousands of success stories, tens of thousands of families whose lives were made better by our graduates' choice to attend college, persist, work hard, graduate and find employment that changed their lives for the better in so many ways.  Check out this interesting advertisement from 1915 which was placed in the New Rochelle Pioneer on July 24, 1915, when CW first opened their doors:

Back in the day, we were called Westchester Commercial School, then Westchester Business School, then The Westchester Business Institute, and now The College of Westchester.  Though our programs of study have changed to adapt to what the local and regional business community needs, one thing remains the same - we prepare individuals for careers that really matter, that can help make them employable, better their professional earnings potential and enrich their lives....and we still have the greatest instructors and professors!!

Here are a couple of CW Scholar stories.
Shakima:


Louis: