education

After almost two years of planning, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees this week approved a new Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Veterinary Technology. It will now be submitted for final approval by the State University of New York and the New York State Education Department.

The program prepares students to work in partnerships with veterinarians as licensed veterinary technicians. Most veterinary technicians work in animal hospitals and clinics, shelters, research labs and zoos.

In recent years, many prospective Genesee students have asked about veterinary technology programs, said Eunice Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs. The demand for veterinary technologists is expected to grow by 20 percent in New York State over the next six years, and 41percent nationwide.

"This is a very high-demand profession," she told trustees. "The high concentration of farms in our region is one factor in local demand for the veterinary technology profession, and the overall popularity of pets is another."

The college anticipates beginning the program this fall and at least 15 students will be admitted to the first class. That number will more than double during the second year, Bellinger said. It's likely that Genesee will receive many more applications than it can accept.

"We anticipate that this will be a highly competitive program, much like other health care programs at Genesee," she said.

Genesee Community College Veterinary Technology students will complete courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Veterinary Nutrition, Techniques in Laboratory Animals and Exotics, Small Animal Pathology and Nursing, Large Animal Pathology and Nursing, Surgical Nursing and Anesthesiology, Veterinary Radiology and Dentistry, Parasitology, as well as general education courses that include communications and mathematics. Students also complete three "externships" – supervised experience working with animals in a clinical setting.

The entire program consists of 72-credit hours, and can be completed by students pursuing full-time study in two years. Nine of the program's courses include extensive lab work, and the college will develop a veterinary lab at the Batavia Campus, Bellinger said.

The program will prepare students to complete the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is required for veterinary technician licensure in New York State. Genesee will apply to have the program accredited by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

Genesee graduates with an A.A.S. degree in veterinary technology will also have the opportunity to deepen their education in the veterinary management field or even become veterinarians, Bellinger told trustees. The college plans to develop transfer agreements with colleges and universities offering baccalaureate and other advanced veterinary programs.

SUNY Canton, which offers a degree in Veterinary Management Services, and SUNY Delhi, which offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Veterinary Technology, have both expressed interest in developing a transfer program for Genesee graduates. Cornell University and Ross University School of Veterinary Science have also both expressed interest in developing transfer programs for students wishing to become veterinarians.

The new Veterinary Technology Program will be a deep source of pride to Genesee, Bellinger said.

"Our health care programs have long been regarded as among the very best in the northeastern United States," she said. "In our heavily agricultural region, an academic program focusing on animal health is a natural outgrowth of our mission and expertise. We look forward to developing a veterinary technology program that will be held in high esteem by students, the entire veterinary profession and the community."

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday evening approved a new Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Polysomnographic Technology -- the evaluation and diagnosis of more than 100 sleep disorders.

The degree is the first of its kind in any college or university in New York State.

With the Board's approval, the program will now be submitted to the State University of New York for approval, and later, to the New York State Education Department. The college expects the program to begin this fall and anticipates 35 students to be enrolled, according to Eunice Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

Full-time students can complete the intensive 66-credit program in four semesters. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination. New York State is expected to soon require licensing of polysomnographic technologists, and Genesee graduates will be eligible for licensure.

Polysomnographic technology is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine. Its technicians work closely with physicians to diagnose sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients. They usually work in "sleep laboratories," where patients with sleep problems spend one or more nights under intensive clinical observation. Technologists monitor patients' breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone and other clinical variables. They use a variety of highly specialized clinical equipment, such as electroencephalograph, electrooculograph, electromyograph and electrocardiograph machines to assist in diagnosis. Technologists also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Physiology of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Study Instrumentation, Sleep Disorders, Environmental Chemistry, General Psychology, as well as four courses in Polysomnography and general education courses. The academic program also includes two clinical practice courses giving students the opportunity practice their skills in a sleep lab.

Sleep disorders are getting increased attention throughout the medical community. Bellinger told trustees that "sleep disorders are often associated with other medical conditions, such as obesity. Medical technology has given us a variety of ways to assess and diagnose neurological, cardiac and muscular problems during sleep and, ultimately, help patients lead healthier lives. We are looking forward to adding this Polysomnographic Technology program to our academic offerings, and making valuable new contributions to the health of people in our local communities."

Genesee Community College will host a Bio-Tech Science Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday in the Forum at the Batavia Campus.

The Science Fair will involve four schools from throughout the GLOW region, including 225 elementary and 85 high school students.

The third- and fourth-graders will collectively come from Robert Morris Elementary (Batavia), Medina, Perry and York schools.

The participating teens will be from Batavia High School. They will mentor and lead the elementary students through a series of lab experiments and hands-on science activities that will expose them to interesting, challenging and current science topics with an emphasis on biotechnology.

The student teachers will have the opportunity to explore the area of teaching sciences and the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. They will also be encouraged to explore the many opportunities available to them in the world of science as well teaching and education, including the Biotechnology, AS degree offered at Genesee Community College.

All participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use scientific equipment, new technologies and computer software.

"I hope that the Bio-tech Science Fair exposes both our high school students and our elementary students to the exciting world of biotechnology," said Deborah Dunlevy, College Tech Prep coordinator at Genesee. "There is a great need for talented professionals in math, science, and technology. This is a unique opportunity for the students to become familiar with a cutting edge and exciting career field."

The fair is funded in part by the College's Tech Prep program and the President's Innovation Award grant.

For further information please contact Dunlevy, at 343-0055 x 6316 or dkdunlevy@genesee.edu . <http://dkdunlevy@genesee.edu .>

Genesee Community College is accepting nominations for Honorary Associate degrees that are conferred at the annual commencement ceremony each May. Any person is welcome to make nominations. Nominations are due by Feb. 1.

Genesee seeks individuals associated with the college who have achieved business, professional, civic and scholarly accomplishments, as well as made notable contributions to the college or to academic disciplines taught at the college.

Recipients of honorary degrees are individuals whose accomplishments, contributions or leadership are well beyond ordinary standards, and serve as an inspiration to members of the college community and as role models for students and citizens of the region.

Nomination forms can be retrieved online at the following Internet address: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/HonoraryForm.pdf

For Honorary Degree guidelines, please go to:http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/HonoraryGuidelines.pdf

The completed forms should be submitted to: Cathy Costello, executive assistant to the president and secretary to the board of tustees, Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For further information, please call Cathy at 585-345-6812 or email: cecostello@genesee.edu. <http://cecostello@genesee.edu.>
 

An innovative new program called "Pathways" is offered by Genesee Community and Empire State colleges. It gives Genesee students the opportunity to earn bachelor's degrees by spending an extra semester at Genesee and three semesters pursuing study at Empire.

Jonathan R. Franz, Ph.D., dean of Empire State College's Genesee Valley Learning Center, told the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees about Pathways on Monday evening.

Under the program, Genesee students can earn up to 83 credits toward a bachelor's degree at the Batavia Campus, at any of the college's six campus centers or via the online  equivalent of five semesters of study. Most Genesee associate's degrees require between 62 and 64 credits of study.

Students then enter Empire State's program of individualized study for the balance of their baccalaureate education. They can complete their studies at Empire through independent study, group studies or online studies, all guided by highly qualified local mentors. Those who have gained college-level learning through the workplace or other experience may apply for college credit by evaluation.

Although Empire does not offer traditional "classes," the Empire program is rigorous and requires a high level of academic commitment.

"We expect a lot of writing and a lot of reading," Franz told the trustees. "Students are expected to engage in critical thinking, and participate in discussions with mentors and other students, whether face-to-face or online."

The program is especially appropriate for students who may not have the flexibility to drive to a distant campus for classes or participate in a fixed class schedule, Franz said. Students will be able to complete coursework in their own communities, usually on their own schedules. They will participate in designing their own Empire degree programs. The most popular degrees are in Community and Human Services, Business Administration, and Human Development.

Empire State College, a college of the State University of New York, was founded in 1971 to serve motivated adult learners. Originally dubbed a "college without walls," Empire has become widely recognized as an innovative and respected college focusing on the needs of mature students.

Empire State College has about 19,500 students enrolled statewide but does not have traditional "campuses." Instead, it houses operations in seven "learning centers" located throughout the state. In turn, these centers sponsor local "units," which bring Empire services to their respective service areas.

The Genesee Valley Learning Center, which Franz leads, is based on the east side of Rochester and has about 1,200 enrollees. It sponsors units in Canandaigua, Alfred, Corning and Batavia.

The Batavia Unit was originally located at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus, but moved to Ellicott Street three years ago due to space constraints. It serves almost 200 students each year.

"The quality of GCC students is excellent and GCC students who come to Empire are very well prepared," said Edward Warzala, Batavia unit coordinator. "I feel great confidence when I see a student with a Genesee Community College transcript. I know that if they can succeed at Genesee, they can succeed at Empire."

Warzala noted that Steven Schutt, Genesee's student trustee, will be one of the first students to enter the Pathways Program after graduating from Genesee next month.

Genesee Community College Foundation's Annual Campaign is underway. This year's theme is "Extraordinary."

"Everyone has a vested interest in making this campaign a success," said Le Roy resident Robert Boyce, foundation board director and general chair of the campaign. "A stronger Genesee Community College helps make our Western New York region a better place to live and work for all of us. Campaign division chairs share the responsibility to attract and retain students and to promote the value of the college to the community."

He added that there are several divisions in the Extraordinary Campaign. Each division chair is responsible for a portion of the overall $459,000 goal. Division chairs include:

Associates Division: Jane Scott, of Stafford, branch manager, Five Star Bank

Batavia Faculty and Staff Division: Marirose Ethington, of Pavilion, professor of biology

Genesee Division: Michael Grammatico, of Batavia, vice president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisors

Heritage Division: Patrick Forsyth of Batavia, CPA, John J. Forsyth, CPA, PC and foundation board director

Leadership Division: Roger Christiano, of Batavia, president, Christiano Cellular and foundation board director

"Independent auditors estimate a $501 million dollar impact of the college on our region," Boyce said. "The figure includes college spending, faculty, staff and student spending and the increased earning power of graduates who remain in the region.

"This extraordinary impact alone is justification for encouraging students to attend Genesee as high school students obtaining college credit, as potential transfer students to a four-year college, or as students seeking degrees or certificates to prepare for specific careers. As community members, we encourage enrollment at the college through our involvement and our financial support of the foundation's programs."

Leadership Chair and foundation Board Member Christiano said the new campaign theme, Extraordinary, reflects the many positive and special aspects of the college.

"Our financial gifts support excellence in the classroom through scholarship incentives to students with the potential for high academic achievement, and we make higher education available to all area residents who are capable, regardless of their ability to pay," Christiano said. "The economic vitality that the college brings to our region is tremendous as tomorrow's leaders are trained and our local workforce is strengthened through career and certificate programs such as nursing, respiratory care, physical therapy assistant, human services, business, criminal justice, marketing and retail."

The college's enrollment is at a record level this year with over 7,200 full- and part-time students. The Extraordinary campaign's overall goal of $459,000 includes $80,000 for an endowment challenge grant from the federal Department of Education.

"Only a small number of community colleges across the nation receive the endowment challenge grant each year," said Professor Ethington, Chair of the Faculty and Staff Division. "Fortunately, Genesee Community College was awarded one this fall and for five successive years the endowment challenge grant will match, dollar for dollar, every dollar we raise on behalf of students in need, up to $80,000 a year.

"Each year, as we achieve our goal, we will build our endowment by $160,000. This means that after five years the endowment will have $800,000 to support awards to deserving students. Our 2009-2010 campaign is committed to meeting the endowment challenge grant. We are paying ahead for future students and to do this, college employee, corporate and community support is vital."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-'80s as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 30-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders, and last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Contributions for support for the college programs and students may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information contact the foundation (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu.  <http://foundation@genesee.edu>

Just in time for the holiday season! Genesee Community College's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO Club) has expanded its SCHOLARS brand line of products to include the brand new Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix.

The pancake mix is sold as a gift pack with the popular Apple Cider Syrup that was developed last year. The two products combine not only as a delicious meal, but as a great holiday gift.

The syrup and pancake mix gift packs retail for $14.99 and can be purchased from local retailers as well as the Barnes and Noble Book Store at Genesee Community College. The Apple Cider Syrup alone retails for $9.99. Profits from the syrup and gift pack sales will be put back into the program, as well as used to fund student scholarships.

The Apple Cider Syrup project began over two years ago to produce and market a gourmet food product that would provide practical, hands-on business and entrepreneurial learning opportunities for Genesee students. The club developed and now markets SCHOLARS brand Apple Cider Syrup; an apple pie flavored syrup used over pancakes, waffles, French toast, pork recipes and even ice cream. The Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix is an expansion of their line, and a complimentary product to the Apple Cider Syrup.

"The goal of the SCHOLARS brand was to give students hands-on experience marketing and selling a product in the real-world," said Barbara Shine, professor of business and advisor of the CEO Club. "The expansion of the line is doing just that, and at a perfect time for holiday gift giving."

For further information, please contact Professor Shine at 343-0055 x6319.
 

Press release:

Businesses throughout the GLOW region have a new outlet for safety training for their employees thanks to the innovative efforts of The BEST Center at Genesee Community College.

The BEST Center was recently awarded nearly $100,000 from SUNY's Workforce Development Grants to implement various safety training courses and seminars into their collection of course offerings. The grant allows The BEST Center to provide an all-new opportunity for safety awareness to companies of all sizes throughout the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming) region.

Several local companies have already committed to enrolling their employees in various safety courses over the next year. More than 1,600 participants have been confirmed, earning over 700 hours in training classes. The grant funding is dedicated to the development and delivery of a wide range of safety programs, and to offset the enrollment cost of the courses.

The nearly 40 different courses are being offered both at The Best Center locations, as well as on-site at area businesses. The safety courses are OSHA approved and include many topics such as: general industries outreach, NFPA70E electrical training, material handling, construction industry standards, emergency response and many others. For a comprehensive list please go to: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/best/safetytraining.cfm.

"There has been a gap in our region for safety training," Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center said. "External safety consultants can be very costly. With this grant, we are offering local businesses safety training at a very reasonable cost and we can bring it right to the workplace."

Genesee Community College's BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center is a local provider of business consulting, community training and workshops for companies of all sizes and in all industries. The BEST Center offers a variety of tailored programs on-location at businesses across the GLOW region, or at any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations (Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw).

For further information on The BEST Center, please contact Lina LaMattina, director, at 343-0055 ext. 6299 or visit the BEST Center online at www.bestcenter.org.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesees-BEST-Center-Awarded-100-000-in-SUNY-Grants-for-Safety-Training/973166

Genesee Community College has announced that Christopher Caputi, instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, has earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy. It was granted by Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Caputi came to Genesee in the fall of 2007 as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time instructor in January 2008. He currently teaches Kinesiology and Physical Therapy Patient Care courses to first-year students. He is also the academic coordinator of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and is the advisor of the PTA Club.

He has been a physical therapist since 1992 when he worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics and sports medicine. He has also worked as an adjunct instructor at D'Youville College's Physical Therapist program.

He holds a bachelor's as well as a master's degree from D'Youville College in Buffalo and is a certified spine-care specialist by the McKenzie Institute International and a certified clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.

"Chris is a great asset to the Physical Therapist Assistant department here at Genesee," Peggy Kerr, director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program said. "He has a wealth of information to share with his students and empowers students on a daily basis. His doctoral degree truly enhances his abilities as an engaging and well-respected faculty member."

A resident of Tonawanda, Caputi is married to his wife, Melissa, and has a son, Cameron, and a daughter, Nicole. His hobbies include athletics and in his spare time he can be found in the newly renovated gym at Genesee.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesee-Community-College-Professor-Earns-Doctorate-in-Physical-Therapy/959304
 

The Genesee/Wyoming YMCA and Five Star Bank are launching a collaborative initiative called “Five Star KIDS!” designed to help youths served by both organizations.

It kicked off in the Batavia City Elementary Schools and is, or will soon be, at Warsaw Elementary School. The City of Batavia and Warsaw School districts are, of course, also participating.

Five Star KIDS! targets fifth-graders with a goal of engaging them and empowering them through fun events, positive role models and challenging activities. Its central theme throughout the school year is character building.

"Five Star Bank and the YMCA have a long-standing partnership and this program is an extension of that collaboration,” said Five Star Bank Regional President John Witkowski. "Having the opportunity to advance the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to improve health and wellness as well as promote teamwork and leadership in our kids is part of what being a community bank is all about.”

The program will culminate in June with an all-day program at the YMCA’s Camp Hough on Silver Lake. For Batavia City School fifth-graders, that will be the first time they are all together before they going on to Middle School next fall.

Five Star KIDS! works to develop their spirit, mind and body and be supportive of their family and community. Participants will be encouraged to: become active in community organizations or causes; work hard at school and improve their grade; respect their bodies by eating right, exercising and making healthy decisions, strengthen family ties and; get involved and make a difference in their community.

The fifth-graders get Five Star KIDS! "passports" which they display during program days but get to keep throughout the year. YMCA staff and teachers will focus on promoting the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and will recognize demonstrations of character-driven behavior from individual students as well as entire classes.

Students will be able to accumulate recognition stickers throughout the year and turn them in for program rewards in the spring.

The Five Star KIDS! passports represent a ticket to the future,” said Genesee County YMCA branch director Erik Fix. “We hope to show that good behavior, good decisions and hard work can add up and help get kids where they want to go.”

Five Star Bank has made a $7,500 contribution to the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to develop and deliver the Five Star KIDS! initiative during the 2009/2010 school year.

NOTE: AS OF 2010, THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED.

Free parenting classes are being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, focusing on positive child rearing and healthy lifestyles.
 
Parents who participate in these classes learn about key parenting communication skills including setting limits, responsibility, communication and positive discipline strategies. In addition, they gain knowledge about nutrition for healthy growth and development.
 
This six-part series is taught by Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice. There is no cost for Genesee County residents but there is a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties.
 
For more information or to register, contact Mariellen by calling 585-343-3040 ext. 105 or stop by the Extension Center at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
 
Classes are from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building on E. Main. Street of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.
 
Here's the line-up:

Oct. 13 - Anger in the Family: Learn to diffuse anger, encourage positive behavior at the table and about the basics of family nutrition.
 
Oct. 20 - Responsibility and Your Children: Learn to encourage responsibility, teach kids about kitchen safety and how to cook as a family.
 
Oct. 27 - Disciplining Your Children: Learn parenting styles and techniques and how to encourage good food choices.
 
Nov. 3 - Setting Limits and Expectations: Learn to set effective limits and age-appropriate expectations and to reduce cravings with healthy snacks.
 
Nov. 10 - Winning Ways to Talk with Kids: Learn to improve communication with active listening, to educate children about meal planning and how commercialization affects your budget.
 
Nov. 17 - Family Enrichment: Learn to problem solve, teach cooperation, evaluate routines and develop self-esteem.

NOTE: AS OF 2010, THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED.

Three students at Batavia High School have been named Commended Students for 2010 by the National Merit Scholarship Corp..

They are Kristen A. Klein, Devon R. Kleinbach and Allison M. Schelemanow.

They are among 34,000 Commended Students nationwide, out of 1.5 million students who competed in the 2008 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Only students scoring in the top 5 percent received the distinction by demonstrating exceptional academic promise.

The students will receive a Letter of Commendation from Principal Christopher J. Dailey and the National Merit Scholarship Corp..

"Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation," said a spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship in its announcement. "As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success."

***NOTICE OF PUBLIC EVENT***

HAWLEY & BURLING ANNOUNCE FREE

HUNTER EDUCATION & SAFETY COURSE

Free 3-Course Series Begins October 1 at Batavia Rod & Gun Club

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) and Assemblyman Dan Burling (R, C, I – Warsaw) will be hosting a free Hunter Education and Safety Course, taught by Carl Hyde, Jr., beginning October 1, 2009 at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Space is limited so interested persons should sign up today.

“I have worked hard to protect and promote our rural traditions, such as hunting, from excessive and overbearing legislative mandates, but I am a firm believer in responsible gun ownership.  That’s why I am pleased to help promote this free Hunter Education and Safety Course and look forward to offering more opportunities like this in our region,” said Hawley, who, as a member of the Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Committee, brought a number of individual sportsmen and groups to Albany to ensure their voices were heard during this year’s annual “Gun Day.”

“As passionate as I have been in fighting for Second Amendment rights, I have been equally passionate regarding gun safety and education.  Having firearms is not only a right, it is a responsibility.  When it comes to hunting or protecting our families, we owe it to our families and communities to ensure gun safety is practiced by all,” said Burling.

            The first Hunter Education and Safety Course, a three-part series, will begin on October 1 and participants must attend all three classes (Thursday, October 1 from 6 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, October 3 from 8 am to noon; and, Monday, October 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm).  All courses will be taught at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Those interested in signing up should do so in person at Batavia Marine and Sporting Goods, located at 411 West Main Street in Batavia.

            For more information or other inquiries, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or Assemblyman Burling’s office at (585) 786-0810.

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