Academics

Classes are a big part of the GCC experience – find out all the great opportunities that are in store.

Organization Leads to Success

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I was not the organizing type before I made my return to GCC last fall. I quickly learned that I had to get organized fast. In high school, I was never organized because every teacher wanted you to organize differently and this had me confused and unorganized. Everyone has their own way of getting organized so I picked the best ways to get organized according to my needs. By the end of week one of Fall 2013 I devised a plan and stuck to it. To my surprise, it worked! Here’s how I organized my academic life:

Time Management

A major factor of being able to stay organized is time management. I don’t like to be rushed so I have to schedule my life. Everything is so much easier when my bag is packed the night before, coffee’s ready in the morning and outfits are laid out and ready to wear. I’ve also found that if I plan out specific times to write that paper or study for the big test then I will actually do it. This is where Google Calendar and my weekly planner are extra helpful. The GCC Career Service Center will be hosting a Time Management Workshop from 12:45-1:45 on Tuesday, September 23. For more information and to register for the workshop please visit our website. I’ll be going because there isn’t a time management tip I’m not ready embrace. Join me!!

My Weekly Planner

I like multifunctional things so it’s only fitting that I found a three in one organizer. I have a zippered pocket for pens and highlighters, a notebook and a pocket for business cards and other loose items. Each week, I made a to do list and crossed items off as I finished them.

Online Organization

I am a Google fanatic. Gmail is a must and, in my opinion, a far more professional email platform. Google Drive is Google’s version of “the cloud” where you can store your Google Docs, Sheets, Drawings, pictures, and other Google and Microsoft Office Apps. You are allowed 15 gigabytes for free and, if you have a Gmail account, you have a Google Drive. I use Google Drive and Docs to type up all of my homework and papers. It’s a simple way to have everything you need in one place without a thumb drive. The last way I stay organized online is with Google Calendar. At the beginning of each month I sit down and make events for every homework, test, and appointment. This way I’m reminded via email (and push notification on my phone) that something is due or I have somewhere to be.

Class Notes and Handouts:

Many of my classes had their powerpoints posted on Blackboard. I made sure to have them printed out and ready to go. I chose the option that lets you print three slides on one half of the paper and three spaces for notes. I kept separate two pocket folders for each class so I could keep the powerpoints and handouts exactly where I needed them. Finally I used a three subject notebook for the classes that didn’t have powerpoints available on Blackboard. I made sure to take great lecture notes and even better book notes to ensure success in each and every class.


School Locker

One thing I truly dislike is carrying all my stuff around all day long. So I decided to rent a locker for the year from Student Activities. Its only $30 for the year or $15 for a semester and you get a portion of your money back at the end of the year. I loved being able to drop nearly everything off at my locker before classes. A locker at GCC is a must.

So there you have it. That is how I organized my academic life. Check out our Pinterest board about getting ready for classes for more organization tips. Do you have any tips or tricks of your own?

 

8 things all GCC students should know.

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Lists are all the rage on the internet these days so I figured I would compile a list of things that all of us at GCC should know. I’m by no means the final say in this so feel free to make additions in the comments!

1. Winters in Western New York are For Real!

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Snow day? Whats that? Nothing like walking make that running through a snow covered parking lot to get to classes. Not to mention those who commute 20 minute drive? Mother Nature says NO! How about it takes you 45 today. With a little planning and a lot of coffee, you can beat it.

2.) We have a diverse campus.

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Whether its age or gender, race or religion, or sexual orientation and culture we have it all here at GCC. More important we are proud of our diversity as a campus and embrace everyone’s differences. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is something that comes very natural on campus.

3.) We all get along.

Okay! Okay! Maybe we aren’t all like Rachel, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, and Ross. But you have to admit that there is a helping hand wherever you look on campus. People are so willing to take time out to get to know you – its amazing.

4.) Bigger isn’t always better.

So we aren’t a huge University with 100,000 students. What we lack in size we make up for in character. The community that GCC is isn’t something you will always find on a larger campus. Embrace it.

5.) We have clubs and activities for days! (Join one)

Seriously over 50 clubs and organization on campus! What?! Join something you like or make your own! We are all about the activities! The list is here.

6.)The Library is the place to be!

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Okay. So MAYBE it’s not like that night club back home but our library on campus is pretty jumping. Rather than what you expect from high school or the public library, on campus there is a bustle about. Groups working on projects and people asking Librarians for advice. It’s basically the place to be.

7.) The staff is always willing to help.

If its a professor to someone on the cleaning crew they are always willing to point you in the right direction. Never be afraid to ask a question! They are all very knowledgeable and if they don’t know, chances are they have the ability to point you in the right direction.

8.) The experience is yours! Make it count.

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Go for it! Do what makes you happy and above all else chase your dreams!

 

 

 

Ten Reasons Why I’m Excited for Fall 2014 at GCC

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I have to admit. I’m going through GCC withdrawal. I go to the store to pick up some pool supplies and I find myself battling through the back-to-school supplies to find the clearance pool floaties. Part of me gets mad because we haven’t even gotten through July yet, but another part of me becomes nostalgic and I suddenly can’t wait to get back in the swing of things. So I thought I would share a list with the top ten things that I am excited about for the Fall 2014 semester.

10. The GCC Child Care Center

This one is for my daughter. She talks about her classroom, teachers, and friends daily. It is such a relief to know that my daughter is well taken care of at the GCC Child Care Center and she loves every minute of it. Last fall I was beyond nervous about putting her in school but I really had no other choice. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my little lady.

The center has structured schedules, wonderful teachers, and spotless classrooms. Their services are available to children ages six weeks to preschool aged children. Children of students, staff, faculty, and the community are able to use the facility. Visit their website to learn more and to find the contact information for Staci Williams, Director of the Child Care Center, to see if they have openings.

9. Seeing Old Friends and Making New Friends

When I came back to GCC I decided that I would not be a wallflower and that I would force myself to socialize. I encourage everyone to do this. I have made some great friends at GCC and I cannot wait to see everyone. I am also excited to meet a whole new round of friends.

I think everyone should have that genuine college experience. You won’t keep the same circle of friends from high school forever. This is the time to get used to the unknown and learn to put yourself out there. You may not make friends right away but before you know it, you will find a great group of friends.

8. The Student Union

The Student Union is a great place to relax and hang out with friends between classes. My personal favorite thing about the union is the smoothies in the cafe. The cafe also offers subs, pizza and other great food. While you’re hanging out in the union with friends there is usually a few games of pool and ping-pong being played. I’ve never played but I do enjoy watching the seemingly endless games!

The Student Union is also home to the Student Activities Office. Student Activities plans a wide variety of fun events throughout the year like movie nights, dances, and pizza parties. They also run a Leadership Certificate Program to help students develop their leadership skills. This is a great program that is open to any student. To learn more about the Student Activities Office and the Leadership Program please visit the Student Activities website.

7. Clubs!

Fall 2014 Club Fair

There is a wide variety of clubs and organizations at GCC. There is something for everyone and joining one of the clubs is an awesome way to make great friends and memories. Each semester during WOW (Week Of Welcome) Week Student Activities holds a club fair where you can learn more about the clubs from their representatives in the Forum. You can find a list of all the clubs here. Some of the clubs are for certain majors and others are open to the public. All of these wonderful clubs are welcoming new members so feel free to contact the club advisors or meet them in person at the WOW Week Club Fair.

6. Stress

I guess it’s a personal preference. I feel kind of lost without the challenges and stress that comes along with my coursework and extracurricular activities. This is my last semester before I graduate and I cannot wait for the challenges that are ahead of me. I’ve found that as long I keep my work life planned then life is good. One way I do this is by going through all of my schedules and combine them on my Google Calendar. I usually sit down and put about a month’s worth of appointments, exams, and homework into this online calendar. I even set email reminders so I don’t forget about an upcoming event.

5. The T-207 Computer Lab

The T-207 Computer Lab

Whenever I need to buckle down and get a ton of work done I go here. There are usually a lot of computers available and if you’re working on a project that needs a pop of color then you can use their color printer. Don’t go crazy with the color printing. There is most definitely a page limit. This computer lab is on the second floor of the T Building on main campus and their schedule can be found here. Staff at this lab can also help you find or reset your GCC username and/or password as well as help you with your Blackboard account.

 

4. Campus Centers and Online Learning

GCC Campus Center Locations

GCC offers a wide variety of courses online, at the main campus and at six additional campuses across the area. I’m taking full advantage of these conveniences this semester by taking a few online classes, classes at the main campus, and one class at the Medina Campus. If you’re considering taking all or some classes at one of our campus centers please take a look at the Campus Center website.

Did you know that you can earn some degrees with GCC completely online? Yup. It’s true! There are over a dozen degrees that can be completed online, plus another thirty can be completed almost entirely online. Check out this list to see which program fits your schedule.

3. The Alfred C. O’Connell Library

The library at GCC is basically awesome. There are four banks of computer stations, a technology classroom in the back of the library, quiet study rooms for groups, and an endless amount of resources. The librarians are friendly and are more than willing to help you find the proper resources you need to complete your coursework. The library will allow you to check out laptops and textbooks but you cannot take them out of the library. I like borrowing textbooks from the library because it helps me focus and get a lot of work done. One of the newest online resources available to students with a GCC username and password is Mango Languages. Thanks to the Alfred C. O’Connell Library students can now learn over 60 different languages. Check out a recent blog post about Mango Languages to learn more.

2. The City of Batavia 

Over the years I’ve become very impressed with Batavia’s growth. When I started attending GCC for the first time in 2005 there wasn’t much to do. Now the city is booming and there is a better variety of shops, restaurants, and fun times. The Batavia Business Improvement District has set up a great website and Facebook page with information on upcoming events and local businesses. Check out these websites to learn about the Batavia Farmers Market, Jackson Square Concerts, and more.

1.  Student Success Driven Professors, Faculty, and Staff

I truly believe that the biggest reason why I succeed here at GCC is because of the amazing professors and staff. They want to see their students succeed and are more than willing to give their students the tools for success. You can always find help on the Student OneStop website. This is a huge resource that is available to students that need help finding their advisors, learn how to get involved with clubs or sports, and even request your diploma.

photo-1Honorable Mention: The Spring 2015 Fashion Show Although I won’t be a student in the Spring of 2015 I am looking forward to attending the 34th annual fashion show. The talented students and designers work very hard to put together WNY’s longest running fashion show and they never disappoint. Check out our website to learn more about previous GCC Fashion Shows.

What GCC means to me.

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Genesee Community College is my second home. If you met me today you would never know I used to be extremely shy, or have a problem making friends. I believe GCC has had a huge impact on me and deserves a lot of credit for who I am today.

Prior to college, I had a hard time in school. I didn’t fit in well and didn’t have to many friends. I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. In the Fall of 2012, I enrolled at GCC and became a full time student. I was very nervous but also extremely excited. It was a brand new start for me.

My first semester I learned about the leadership certificate program, and thought it was an awesome way for me to enhance my leadership skills. I also felt like it was a good first step in meeting new people and getting myself out there. Then my second semester I learned about Alpha Epsilon Gamma, the service sorority on campus. I was really skeptical at first because I really wasn’t sure I would fit in, or that anyone would like me but I decided to give it a try.

Joining AEG and the leadership certificate program opened so many doors for me. I made a numerous amount of friends, and not just acquaintances, real friends that I can depend on. I had the opportunity to work in the Dean of Students office as a work study, join the GCCA board, become orientation leader and so much more. That is when I realized GCC stopped feeling like school and more like a second home.

I got to chose classes I was interested in and met so many of the awesome faculty on campus. I never had so many professors that cared how I did and would go the extra mile to see me succeed. If I was having a hard time, they would help me or send me somewhere I could get help. They encouraged me and it was a really great feeling.

Like I said GCC has become a second home. I made a place for myself here and because of that I have become more outgoing and confident. I believe that anyone who wants to can find their place as well. There are so many different clubs and organizations on campus that anyone can find something that interests them.

So, I would like to say thank you to all of the people at GCC that have pushed me, helped me, and molded me into the person I am today. For those who feel like they don’t fit in, look a little harder because I guarantee if you do you will find your place too.

Online Class Experience

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Last semester I didn’t have that many options when it came to actually attending a class in person. So I decided to take online courses for the spring semester instead. I had my concerns for it; would I be able to keep up with it and earn a passing grade?

However, it turned out that by the end of the semester that I did alright because I managed to get by with one A and one C. Which is not too bad I suppose! If you’re considering taking any online courses I suggest contacting your professors before that start of the semester to find out if you can get a syllabus. That way you can sort of get an idea of what the class is going to be about.

Also, if you’re class requires discussions as a part of your participation, always get involved. Most of the time everyone is really friendly and positive that it makes you realize what the genuine meaning of the community part of Genesee Community College truly means. So if you’re sort of lost like I was last winter than don’t rule out the option of online classes.

I’m also taking some online courses for this summer semester right now and when I finish with that experience I’ll fill all of you in on what that was like. But meanwhile I hope that you’re all having a fantastic summer and an even a postive start for this coming fall!

A day in the life of an arts major…

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Being a Fine Arts major, my “average” day may not always be so average. There are those who wake up, and get ready, grab their books, and head out to class or what have you; then there’s me.

I am the girl who you’ll see driving over the line in my lane just to reach my coffee so I can wake up, and is blasting my favorite song/band at the time to get inspired for the day.

Once on campus, you can see me making my way through the parking lot, bags upon bags on my arms, and most of the time, you’ll see a large floating canvas before you’ll see me.

I make my journey from the back of the parking lot, to the elevator, which most of the time is down for repairs, so I lug everything up the stairs to get to my classes.

I spend the day thinking of oddly creative things, good conversation, and of course more coffee.

I end my day the same as I started, only this time not as rushed, to get back to my apartment to start working on my projects once more, to then get ready to some rest. To wake up and then do it all over again. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Why I chose GCC…

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Looking back about 5 or 6 years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in the position I am in now. I’ve successfully completed 1 1/2 years of study at GCC, I was selected for the Dean’s list, I am part of the Leadership Certificate Program, and I am currently an Orientation Leader for our new students attending this fall. It seems that so much has happened in such a short span of time, but despite the initial “butterflies” back in the spring of 2013, I feel that I have come a long way.

While I work a full time job for Wegmans, I do my part time studies at GCC. Fortunately I have had this summer off, but previously I had literally spent the entire last year and a half almost non-stop with my studies. I am currently striving for a Computer Repair Certification, of which as a full time student it takes about 2 years to complete, doing it part time, my goal is about 3 1/2 years to complete it. At that point, I will re-assess what has happened up to and including that point, and perhaps I will go for a degree as well.

But going back to why I had chosen GCC. At the time prior, I was at a point in life where I was very unhappy with things. The years would come and go, I would see friends and coworkers come and go at Wegmans, and I just kept thinking “Nothing changes for me”, and “Life is just passing me by”. It took me about 3 years to make the commitment to become a student again. Now keep in mind, I had never gone to college before, although I had taken a few night classes over the years, of which included learning ASL, commonly known as American Sign Language, but since then I have pretty much lost what I have learned since it was many years ago. So prior to that, after I had graduated high school, I was just going from job to job over the years, of which seemed like an endless nightmare of no direction.

At the time I graduated, I had originally thought that I would take a year off and then go back, but when I had started to see what I would qualify for as far as financial aid and etc, I hit a roadblock since I was still living at home and unfortunately my parents made too much money for me to qualify for any sort of help. So as a result of so many set-backs, i pretty much put my life on hold, and consequentially let my life pass by.

At the encouragement of some good friends, and my girlfriend of many years, I decided to take the plunge and give college life a try. Little did I know what was ahead, and yes I was pretty nervous at first. “What am I doing??” and “I must be crazy for doing this” were 2 things that had come to mind as I remember. I’m not much of a risk taker by any means, but I decided that I wouldn’t know anything unless I at least tried and gave it the best shot possible. The rewards thus far have greatly outweighed the risks that I had calculated in my brain.

So as my time At GCC transpires, I look forward to each step along the way, and I embrace the changes in life that will eventually come. New challenges equal new opportunities. My only regret is not having come to the realization sooner. Yes, I may have some regrets,  but in the same instance, if I hadn’t taken the chance like I did, those regrets would become more prominent, and my life would not have any meaning to it. I now have a clear direction, and will continue to follow wherever this path may take me.

 

The Degree You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

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At GCC, we like to remember our middle name – community.

Through our new Food Processing Technology (FPT) A.A.S. degree, we’re continuing to build strong ties to our local community while providing a unique degree option for our students.

We teamed up with economic developers and leading institutions such as Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Rochester Institute of Technology, connecting the program to the greater Western New York area and taking advantage of all it has to offer.

“Area employers are eager to hire well-trained graduates of the program,” explained President Jim Sunser. “Many new job opportunities are available right now, and even more will be available in the coming years.”

That sounds great, but what is Food Processing Technology? Students will be building robots to make our food…right? Not quite.

Food Processing is a broad field that includes a variety of specific industries, including new food and beverage products, packaging and labeling, plant operation and management, food safety, and sustainability. Companies in the industry manufacture and process foods such as meat, seafood, dairy, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and candy. There is a continued demand for food processors and manufacturers, as food consumption and distribution occurs globally!

GCC’s Food Processing Technology A.A.S. degree blends 15 FPT credits such as Food Safety, Sanitation and Hazard Analysis with a solid foundation in English, Biology, Chemistry, Computers, Business, Communication and Economics for a total of 63 credit hours over 4 semesters. Information taught in these courses prepare students to meet the growing need for skilled workers in the food science, manufacturing, and processing industry in Western New York and beyond.

The wide range of courses required to complete the FPT degree provides a foundation for multiple positions, including:

  • Quality Control Technician (approximate salary: $35,000)
  • Food Safety Expert (approximate salary: $40,000)
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor (approximate salary: $55,000)
  • Plant Operations Manager (approximate salary: $90,000)

For a full list of career and transfer opportunities, click here.

Throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region, there are more than 20,000 employees working within the food and beverage cluster. It is expected that 30% of the current workforce will be retiring within the next five years, and combined with GCC’s connection to companies such as Alpina, Barilla, Byrne Dairy, Kraft Foods, Muller Quaker, and Perry’s Ice Cream, graduates of the FPT program have an increased likelihood of directly entering the workforce.

The connections that GCC has worked to create with major food and drink companies also give our students the opportunity to participate in a supervised internship experience in an industry setting. This internship is required for all students in the FPT program, ensuring that they will be able to have tangible, real-world experience before entering the workforce.

Did we mention it’s the only program of its kind at any of SUNY’s 30 community colleges? And that it’s open to all high school graduates and GED recipients?

The FPT Scholarship

We’re offering a $500 scholarship to help students as they begin the FPT program. The scholarship covers the cost of FPT 101, Introduction to Food Processing Technology. The worksheet below should be submitted by August 4, 2014 to GCC Admissions Director Tanya Lane Martin, tmlanemartin@genesee.edu. For more information regarding the scholarship, contact our admissions office at (585) 345-6800.

Find out more about GCC’s new FPT A.A.S. degree here, or get started and apply to GCC today!

Imparare, Apprendre, Kujifunza, Leren.

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mango2It’s easy to say that you want to learn a new language, but now it’s easy to actually do it!

The Alfred C. O’Connell Library has recently released their newest resource – Mango Languages, which offers over 60 foreign languages and 17 ESL/ELL online courses for you to learn. Mango is completely online, which means there are no CDs to buy, subscriptions to pay for, or downloads to keep track of.

As an online resource, Mango allows GCC students to learn everything from Biblical Hebrew to Pirate anytime, anyplace – even using the free app for smartphones! Creating an account is free and easy, but not required to take advantage of the resources for each language.

After logging in, you can quickly dive in to any of the languages offered by selecting “all languages” – producing a list that includes:

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  • Yiddish
  • Scottish Gaelic
  • Turkish
  • Greek
  • Polish

…and did we mention Pirate?

Mango uses quirky videos as part of the continuously expanding Premiere service, alongside “Mango Conversations” to help teach each language. These videos range from “La Moustache” to learn French, to “Soccer Celebration” – a video that uses the current excitement of the World Cup to teach Portuguese.

Some languages, such as Italian and German, have mini courses that teach a specific instance of a language. Italian teaches “Romance” while German will have you navigating “Oktoberfest” in no time!

Did we mention you can learn PIRATE? Get started today!

 

Work and Play in Disney

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pciture5After the first few days of training, we were able to access all the parks including the water parks. In my free time, I enjoyed the benefits of being a Disney Employee. I rode every ride I could, and ate everything I could afford. My Disney experience as a cast member was something I will never forget. Would I ever come back and do the college program again? Yes and no, I loved my experience however, if I were to come back to Disney again, this time I would apply for the professional internship. Professional internships are very competitive and give college graduates training in the areas they hope to work in the future. The professional intern we had at our work location was responsible for everything the other managers were responsible for. A good percentage of professional interns at Disney are later given jobs in the work location they interned for or other locations throughout Disney property.