Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Hudson Valley Community College was founded in 1953 as part of the State University of New York system. Hudson Valley Community College has over 13,500 students each semester which makes it the second largest institution in the capital region of New York. HVCC is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Other programs have accreditations from professional organizations like the National League for Nursing and the Board of Engineering and Technology.

Hudson Valley Community College is located on 120 acres in Troy, New York. Troy is an old city established in the 1700’s, but has a rich history preceding the 1700’s time period, dating far back as the area the Mohican Native Americans once inhabited. Later Troy became known for its place by the Hudson River and the Erie Canal making it a hub for transportation and commerce. In fact, its resident Samuel Wilson became the model of Uncle Sam, the nation’s symbol.

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Information Summary

Ranks 193rd in New York and 2836th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	53.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$7,312
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	25 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	57% / 55%
Enrollment Total (all students)	10,896

Academics

Hudson Valley Community College offers over 70 degree and certificate programs. HVCC has four schools: The School of Business, the School of Engineering and Industrial Technologies, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. These schools award Associates in Applied Sciences degrees such as civil engineering technology or computer information systems in e-commerce and Associate in Occupational Studies degrees such as electrical construction and maintenance or manufacturing technical systems. The Applied Science and the Associate in Occupational Studies are programs that allow students to go automatically into the working industry. Associates in Arts degrees consist of physical education studies and individual studies and Associate in Science degree host the degrees for human services and environmental sciences. The Associate in Arts and Associate in Sciences programs give students the ability to transfer from HVCC to four-year colleges or universities. The certification programs prepare students to go directly into occupational careers.

Hudson Valley Community College has what is known as a workforce development institute. This institute offers training for local businesses and government agencies. By providing a much needed space for government training, Hudson Valley distinguishes itself from other institutions of higher education.

Another program that Hudson Valley Community College offers is called the community college program. This program offers education and training support to individuals that are in need of employment. Basic services such as resume and cover letter writing, job retention strategies and training services like learning Microsoft Word and Excel programs are offered. This program is free of charge to those who are accepted in hopes of making such individuals economically self sufficient. Eligibility for this program can be parents with minor children that are eligible to receive public assistance. Hudson Valley Community College is most renowned for its dental hygiene program (the only one of its kind in 150 miles radius) this program trains students for an Associate in Applied Sciences and Licensing.

The Office of Continuing Education and the college’s summer sessions offer courses that are flexible to students not able to pursue college credit through the traditional full-time college degree programs. This continuing education program focuses on adults that may have not finished college or are adult learners trying to seek professional development for their current jobs or new career paths.

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Unique Programs

Hudson Valley operates a well-known online program. If the traditional classroom setting is not what you’re in to, either because of preference, degree offerings, or schedule, a class or two online may be a better fit for you. HVCC wants you to ask yourself the following questions first before you decide to venture to an online program. How do you feel about classroom interaction? How comfortable are you using the internet? How often do you need feedback from an instructor? What are your motivations, learning style, and your willingness to work with deadlines? You should answer these questions honestly before enrolling in an online course or attempting to do an entire semester online. Many individuals mistakenly choose to do online learning because they believe it will be easier, but, this is not the case ,so take time to consider your motivations prior to enrolling.

The education opportunity program is a program designed for New York state schools. This program offers academic support to students that are New York residents, have low GPAs or GED’s, are economically disadvantaged, and are first time, full-time students. Students in the program must attend monthly meetings and counseling appointment with their advisors. These students are have additional access to tutoring services.

Hudson Valley Community College is also quite active in its local community, providing childcare services as well as a heart start program that is directly utitlized by community members and students alike.

Admissions

Hudson Valley Community College has an open door policy. Incoming students must have earned a diploma or GED. To encouragement enrollment in a novel way, HVCC has an annual “instant admission day” in which prospective students are invited to attend the event in order to submit their official high school transcripts and begin the enrollment process.

All students that are admitted to HVCC must take a basic skills placement examination in writing, reading and mathematics. The results of the test are used to determine a student’s college level placement for course selection. This test ultimately determines if a student must enroll in remedial classes or can begin college level courses immediately. Some students will not have to take the placement exam if they meet one of the waiver requirements such as because they have a previous associate degree or higher, 24 college credits that include college math and English courses, their SAT scores were 500 or higher or their ACT scores 23 or higher.

In order to be admitted, international students must show proficiency in English, reaching a score of 500/173 on the TOEFL and submitting translated copy of transcripts.

Financial Aid

The financial aid process is basically the same for all universities. Students must first complete a FAFSA, also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Those who meet established criteria dictated by the federal government depending on the information originally gained from your tax returns, will ultimately determine if you’re eligible for a loan, grant, or possibly work study. The school itself gives scholarship to those who meet certain criteria. Hudson Valley Community College offers over 100 scholarships that makes this school even more affordable. The many scholarships that are given out to HVCC students are based on ACT, SAT scores, GPA and financial need. To complete the FAFSA, simply complete an application online at www.fasfsa.ed. gov.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6239th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New York.

Students

At Hudson Valley Community College there are more than 50 clubs or organizations to join. The circle K international club is a club that promotes leadership training through community services. The early childhood club, primarily made up of students from the teacher preparation program, advocates for children rights through conferences and activities. The Hudson valley dance team provides talent shows and fundraising events to the college; they also perform at athletic competitions. Finally the not a big difference club is a club of students with disabilities promote disability related awareness.

There are many helpful resources for students to make sure the best educational experience is offered. HVCC has the Learning Assistance Center that provides tutoring resources. The collegiate academic support program offers tutoring to high risk students to make sure they maintain the standards necessary to complete their college courses also offered is a peer tutoring program that covers core subjects like math, reading and writing.

HVCC offers students counseling services. The Center for Counseling and Transfer provide help to students that are continuing their education at HVCC become better acquainted with the facilities and college life. The center also provides students with personal and psychological counseling services that help the well being of the student, all services are free of charge. Hudson Valley Community College also has great services tailored particularly to disabled students by giving them educational auxiliary aids.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The Hudson Valley Community College is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The Athletics Department at HVCC just achieved their 100th Conference Championship with the men’s baseball team winning the Mountain Valley Conference.

Hudson Valley Community College offers men’s cross country, basketball, baseball, bowling, lacrosse, soccer, football and ice hockey. The women’s athletic teams consist also of cross country, softball, soccer, tennis, bowling, basketball and golf.

Hudson Valley Community College has outstanding athletic facilities. HVCC has a state of the art health recreation and physical education facility, the Edward F. McDonough Sports Complex. This facility “includes a large field house with three regulation basketball courts, an ice rink (home to many area skating organizations, including the Hudson Valley men’s hockey team), fully equipped Nautilus fitness rooms and racquetball courts, an indoor track (including long jump pit), and a multi-purpose room and conference room for 30 people.” HVCC also has a 4,500 seat baseball stadium named after Senator Joseph Bruno. This baseball stadium hosts the Tri-City Valley Cat’s baseball team.

Bibliography

Hudson Valley Community College. Web. 10 May 2011. <https://www.hvcc.edu/

Light and Power Communications LTD. Troy, New York. Web. May 10th , 2011. <http://troyny.gov/>

Hudson Valley Community College