FLCC Campus News

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 29, 2007) – Three hundred and fifty Finger Lakes Community College students will be moving into Finger Lakes College Suites, apartment-style student residence housing, on September 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Finger Lakes College Suites features fully-furnished and fully-applianced suites that include a common living area, full kitchen, individual student bedrooms, cable television, and high speed Internet access. The facility also includes a fitness center, student lounge areas, laundry facilities, ATM/change/vending machines, and group study rooms. On-site management and maintenance, including 24-hour emergency maintenance, are provided by United Realty Management, Inc.

For more information about Finger Lakes College Suites, contact 585.393.6420 or visit www.flcollegesuites.com.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2007) – This fall, students enrolled in FLCC’s Introduction to Gaming and Tools for Internet Users classes will utilize Second Life, a relatively new and rapidly expanding environment, to meet with and learn from people worldwide.

“Second Life is a 3-D virtual world that is a highly advanced social network,” explains FLCC’s Larry Dugan, coordinator of learning environments. “It allows students and other ‘Second Lifers’ to build and customize their learning spaces and interact with others online. It’s a social networking phenomenon.”

Unlike online games such as The SIMS and World of Warcraft, where players build worlds and work toward a specific endpoint, Second Life allows for real-time interaction in a world designed by the user. Second Life is not a game, although it uses a 3-D game environment; users create avatars—embodiments they design to represent themselves—to interact with others. Avatars from anywhere in the world can connect with other avatars, thus broadening the possibilities for discussion.

“Within the first day of being involved, people on virtual streets will walk up to you and start a conversation,” says Dugan. “Students who spend time in Second Life like the interaction it provides, and this opens new doors in terms of reaching students.”

Second Life debuted in 2003, and today more than eight million people worldwide regularly log on. Realizing its potential as a learning tool, educators at colleges and universities worldwide are increasingly incorporating the site into their curriculum. More than 300 higher learning institutions presently use the site, including 22 SUNY schools involved in a 6-month study, “Project Live,” in which educators are sharing ideas and experimenting in this virtual world. Finger Lakes Community College and Monroe Community College have collaborated to lead the Project Live study.

Dugan is among the educators exploring Second Life’s potential in higher education. In his 2007 Spring Semester e-Commerce class, students interacted with like-minded individuals in Second Life. They discussed ideas, worked on projects, made presentations, and gained knowledge that might not have been available in a standard class environment. “There is no way that I could have had an e-commerce mogul from Singapore physically come to the classroom to share his knowledge and insight with students,” said Dugan. “Opportunities like that are engaging and inexpensive.”

In addition to opening the expanse of knowledge to a worldwide forum, students in distance learning classes are finding that the Second Life virtual world is connecting them more strongly to the College. According to Dugan, “Online learning for some can be isolating, but Second Life is providing an opportunity for students to interact with others.”

Because Second Life is relatively new, educators are still investigating its applications. “Second Life is changing the paradigm of learning. In this virtual world everyone has to actively participate, and as students participate more, they learn more,” said Dugan.

For more information about the FLCC programs of study that are utilizing Second Life, contact Larry Dugan, coordinator of learning environments, by e-mailing duganls@flcc.edu or by calling 585.394.FLCC, ext. 7303.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 23, 2007) – Finger Lakes Community College offers full-semester credit courses in eight-week “minimesters”. The Fall Minimester I runs from Sept. 4 – Oct. 28, 2007 and the Fall Minimester II runs from Oct. 26 – Dec. 21, 2007. Courses are offered at the Canandaigua campus, the Geneva Campus Center, and the Wayne County Campus Center. Classes are held during the day, in the evening, on weekends, and online.

These time-condensed courses offer the same academic quality and total instructional time of the College’s traditional classes but can be completed in the shortened eight-week minimester format. Students can take classes in a variety of subjects such as computers, English, physical education, psychology, and others.

Students must be fully enrolled in courses no later than one week before the start of class. Students are advised to register early as classes fill up fast. For more information, contact the FLCC Registrar’s Office at (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7622, or at registrar@flcc.edu, or visit www.flcc.edu.

Journalist, Special Correspondent for National Geographic’s Explorer TV series brings her world view, “tremendous scope of knowledge” on hard-hitting topics

Canandaigua, New York, August 16, 2007 - Lisa Ling examines issues from around the world as a journalist for the award-winning television series National Geographic Explorer. She will share her perspective on those issues as the 2007 Finger Lakes Community College Foundation’s featured presenter at the fourth Visiting Scholars Series, in conjunction with National Geographic Live!

“We’re very excited to bring Lisa Ling to our campus, and to be working again with National Geographic,” says Judy Newkirk, chairperson of the Visiting Scholars event committee. “Lisa fits perfectly with our mission of bringing world-class programs and speakers to the college.” Last year’s event with Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Robert Ballard was a great success, Newkirk says. “There was no question we wanted to bring in another National Geographic figure. They provide a tremendous scope of knowledge to a wide audience.”

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., September 25, 2007 at the CMAC on the campus of Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, New York.

Ling was the first woman host of the Explorer documentary series, and is now a special correspondent for National Geographic and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Her daring documentary in January 2007 put her undercover in North Korea, to gain a look at life on the inside of the country and its absolute ruler, Kim Jong II.

During Explorer’s 2005 season, Ling examined the phenomenon of female suicide bombers in Chechnya and Israel’s occupied territories and the hidden and dangerous culture inside American prisons. As a National Geographic correspondent, she has covered the looting of antiquities in war-torn Iraq, investigated the increasingly deadly drug war in Colombia, examined the complex issues surrounding China’s one-child policy and journeyed more than 1,600 feet to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in a high-tech submersible in search of gold treasure.

So far, she has reported from more than two dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Colombia, Algeria, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan, India and Iran, and produced eight documentaries for PBS, several of which won awards.

Ling has been working in television for more than 15 years. At age 16, the Northern California native hosted “Scratch,” a nationally syndicated teen magazine show. Ling moved on to become one of the youngest reporters for Channel One News, a network seen in middle and high schools across the country. By the age of 25, she was Channel One’s senior war correspondent, visiting violent hot spots around the globe. In the field, she hunted down cocaine processing labs, reported on refugee crises and shared tea with the Dalai Lama.

Prior to traveling the globe for National Geographic, Ling was known to millions of Americans as co-host of Barbara Walters’ hit daytime talk show, “The View,” where she shared no-holds-barred opinions on current events and everyday issues.

For ticket information, please contact the Foundation at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7386, or by e-mail at foundation@flcc.edu.

The FLCC Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable corporation established to seek financial support for the College from the private sector. The Foundation accepts donations for scholarships, equipment purchases, special projects, and faculty development.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 16, 2007) — Finger Lakes Community College continually meets the rapidly increasing need for nursing assistants through its Nurse Assistant Program in Professional Studies and Continuing Education (PSCE). Whether starting a career, seeking a career change, or desiring to gain new skills for job advancement, the Nurse Assistant Program offers opportunities for students of all ages to prepare for employment in one of the country’s fastest growing professions. The Nurse Assistant Program is usually offered 10 times each year and currently, the only remaining openings for 2007 are in the September class, which takes place Sept. 17-Oct. 12, at FLCC’s Geneva Campus Center.

The four-week intensive course prepares students to take the New York state clinical and written certification examination. The curriculum covers patient safety, infection control procedures, patient communication, diet therapy, pre- and post-operative care, anatomy, physiology, circulation, and respiratory care. The challenging program also goes beyond state requirements by including self-development, job seeking and retention skills, and enhanced on-the-job nurse assistant skills. In addition, students benefit from interacting with future colleagues.

“The program’s success has recruiters setting up interviews with students even before classes have ended, and 84 percent of our graduates are employed after receiving their Nurse Assistant Certification” said Don Friday, dean of professional studies and continuing education. “In just two years, the program has grown from 40 graduates to the projected 95 graduates this year. It is anticipated that by 2008, there will be 125 graduates.”

Students must be at least 18 years of age to enter the program. Candidates for the course may contact their county Workforce Development Offices for possible funding. For more information or to register for the Nurse Assistant Program, contact Professional Studies and Continuing Education at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7660, or e-mail ce@flcc.edu.

The College mourns the loss of President Emeritus Dr. Charles J. Meder, the College’s longest serving president who will be remembered for his sense of humor, optimism and – above all – his love of the College. Dr. Meder served with distinction as dean of the College from 1967 to 1971, acting president from 1971 to 1972, and president from 1972 to 1992.

Dr. Meder is credited with positioning CCFL/FLCC as a strong, contributing member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Throughout his two decade-long tenure, he significantly grew the size of the College from less than 300 students to nearly 4,000.

Dr. Meder’s distinguished career has been honored many times in recent years: in 1992, he was granted President Emeritus standing, the FLCC library was named in his honor, he earned The FLCC Foundation President’s Award, and the Charles J. Meder Scholarship for the Arts was established by the Student Association; and in 2006, he was awarded the FLCC Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award, among others.

Dr. Meder devoted his energies and expertise to the growth of the College. Under his progressive and visionary leadership, the College moved from its original location in the storefronts on Canandaigua’s Main Street to its current location on Lakeshore Drive. Additionally, Dr. Meder is credited with facilitating the development of the Finger Lakes Performing Art Center; he was responsible for the College’s initial accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the National League for Nursing; and two centers were developed in Geneva and Newark. His many and diverse contributions to the Finger Lakes region and to New York state were reflected by his membership in innumerable civic, charitable, professional, and educational associations and boards.

A Rochester native, Dr. Meder earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Brockport, a master’s degree in history from Lehigh University, and a doctoral degree in social science from Syracuse University. Before arriving in Canandaigua he taught at Aquinas Institute, the Rochester City School District, St. John Fisher College, and Mesa Community College in Arizona. He also was a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Dr. Meder is survived by his four adult children and his spouse, Beatrice.

Dr. Meder’s passion for education and his dedication to student success will be fondly remembered.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2007) – The Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 at Finger Lakes Community College will present an exhibition of photographs entitled “Elusive Lights: Digital Photographs by Michael Teres.”

Located on the first floor of the Canandaigua campus, 4355 Lakeshore Drive, the Gallery will host the exhibition Aug. 30 – Sept. 28, 2007. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 1 – 2 p.m. and on Friday, Sept. 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the gallery.

Michael Teres, of Geneseo, NY, is a professor of art at SUNY Geneseo where he has been teaching for forty years. He received a bachelor’s degree in art from Hunter College in New York City, and a master’s degree in art and a master’s in fine arts degree from the University of Iowa. His photographs appear in several major collections at The Houston Museum of Modern Art, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Chrysler Museum in Norfolk Virginia, and The Greenville County Museum of Art in Greenville, South Carolina. Teres’ work can also be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the Ivan Dimitri Collection. His work has been published in many catalogs and he has received numerous grants and awards. Additionally, he has written about photography and has five articles published in books and journals. The exhibition will be a summary of the digital work Teres has been working with since the 1990’s.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Barron Naegel, gallery director and instructor of art, at (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7369, or gallery34@flcc.edu.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (August 8, 2007) – A new teaching assistant certificate program at Finger Lakes Community College recently received final approval from the New York State Department of Education. The College is now accepting applications for this certificate program for the fall 2007 semester. Teacher assistants work individually or with small groups of students in the classroom or as assigned by the school district.

This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for teacher assistant positions in the area of public education. The program, through the Teacher Assistant I and II courses, will focus on the interactions taking place in the classroom and within the school system from the perspective of a teacher assistant. Students will address issues that specifically relate to the duties of the teacher assistant, such as the philosophy and history of education, instructional techniques, current educational trends, and the functioning of a school system. Additionally, students will learn about federal and state laws and regulations, child and adolescent development and learning, classroom and behavior management, and instructional strategies to improve student learning. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the Teaching Assistant Level III certification through the New York state Department of Education after completing the Teaching Assistant certificate program, or progress to the College’s A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences degree program.

Courses in the teacher assistant certificate program include: Freshman English, Introduction to Literature, Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications, Teacher Assistant I, Teacher Assistant II, Introduction to Psychology, and Math for Elementary Teachers.

For more information about the teaching assistant certificate program, visit www.flcc.edu/teaching or contact the FLCC Office of Admissions at admissions@flcc.edu or (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7278.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2007) – Finger Lakes Community College is offering guidance and educational tools to supplement a television course that helps people prepare for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exam. Beginning Sept. 10, “GED Connection” will air on Mondays from 6 – 7 p.m. on FLTV Channel 12, with repeat broadcasts on Saturdays from
l – 2 p.m.

Lessons will also air on WXXI Channel 21 in Rochester and WCNY Channel 24 in Syracuse. Consult your local television listings or contact the television station for more information.

Through the telecourse and FLCC, students will be able to view the lessons, complete workbook assignments, and speak with a tutor each week. The course covers the five major subject areas on the exam: writing, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics. Lessons focus on the workplace and demonstrate practical applications of the skills and knowledge learned for the GED exam. Assigned tutors will be available for assistance in all subject areas. In addition, FLCC will provide the necessary workbooks.

For more information or to register for these free services, contact Sharon Nedrow, FLCC adult basic education coordinator, at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7431.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2007) – Finger Lakes Community College will offer a free course for speakers of other languages who want to improve their English language skills. Classes begin Sept. 5, but people may register at any time, even after classes have started.

Evening classes for the English as a Second Language (ESL) course will meet as follows:
FLCC Wayne County Campus Center, 1100 Technology Parkway, Newark, Mondays and Wednesdays,
6 –9 p.m.
Courtyard Apartments, 10 Goodman Street, Geneva, Wednesdays, 6 – 9 p.m.
FLCC Geneva Campus Center, 63 Pulteney St., Geneva, Mondays and Wednesdays,
6 – 9 p.m.

Day classes will meet as follows:
FLCC Geneva Campus Center, 63 Pulteney St., Geneva, Mondays and Wednesdays,
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

ESL classes will focus on speaking, reading, and writing English. Classes are small and friendly, and they offer students a great opportunity to learn about American culture and customs.

For more information or to register, contact Sharon Nedrow, FLCC adult basic education coordinator, at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7431.