RCC gazette THE MAGAZINE OF ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FALL 2017
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: MAYRA LEITH, LINA NERIE
»RIBBONCUTTING EVENT PAGE 4
Student volunteers at the Ribbon-Cutting Reception
THE NEW RCC
» NEW STUDENT COMMONS, FOOD SERVICE, BOOKSTORE » RENOVATED MEDIA ARTS CENTER OPEN FOR BUSINESS » STATE-OF-THE-ART HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome » As I begin my fifth year as president of
Roxbury Community College, I am invigorated by the energy surrounding the opening of our new spaces. This energy was especially palpable at our recent Ribbon-Cutting, where we celebrated the completion of renovations to our Media Arts Center, our NEW Health Sciences Building, and the first floor of our Academic Building, which now includes a new bookstore and student commons. I must begin by thanking our faculty, staff, and students for their patience and support throughout these renovations. Although we’ve all faced hurdles throughout construction, we’ve faced them together, and we never lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Without your support, these renovations would not be possible. I also need to extend a warm thank you to the community at large. It was
wonderful to see so many of you at the Ribbon-Cutting Celebration. I hope you enjoyed seeing the new face of RCC as much as we did. For those of you who were unable to attend, you’ll see and read about the Ribbon-Cutting on pages 4-5 and tour our new spaces on pages 6-9. In this edition, you’ll also learn more about our innovative Smart Building Technology Program, get to know some of our alumni, learn more about our Transfer and Articulation programs, and much more. I hope that you enjoy learning about what makes RCC special and unique throughout this edition of the RCC Gazette. And, I hope that you’ll continue to visit the campus and see our new spaces — we’re still under renovation, and we’ll be opening our new library, academic support suite, and testing center in Spring 2018! Thank you, again, for your continued support.
DR. VALERIE ROBERSON PRESIDENT, ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Corporate & Community Education at RCC
REINVENT YOURSELF. JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER IN 2018
HOME INSPECTION TRAINING Become a licensed home inspector and learn more about real estate or pursue various inspection employment opportunities
Spring 2018 Registration is Open Now!
One-Stop Open Registration
Class starts 1/23/18 (13 week) Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Certification: National Home Inspector Examination (course completion & exam) Cost: $1,800 (Payment options are available!)
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING
January 3 - 12, 2018
Classes Begin January 17, 2018
Get a head start by applying online, today! Learn more at www.rcc.mass.edu or call us at 857-701-1200
Gain the knowledge and skills for a new career as a pharmacy technician. Includes 150-hour internship at CVS.
PARTNERSHIP
Class starts 2/26/18 (16 week) Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Certification: PTCB (course completion and exam) Course Requirements: High school diploma or GED, Assessment & CORI Cost: $1,800 (Payment options are available!)
For more information, call
857-701-1601 or 857-701-1602 or visit www.rcc.mass.edu/cce
CONTENTS: FALL 2017
Inside Questions regarding Roxbury Community College’s curriculum, programs, or admissions can be directed to 617-427-0060. Publisher Dr. Valerie R. Roberson, President of Roxbury Community College Managing Editor Jordan Emily Smock Senior Writer Vanessa Lewis Photography Phuong Tang, Pamela Green Designer Daniel Goodwin, BSB Design Copy Editor Sandra Larson, Bay State Banner Visit Roxbury Community College online at www.rcc.mass.edu or call us at 617.427.0060 Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees Mr. Gerald Chertavian, Chair Mr. Mark Culliton, Secretary/Clerk Ms. Amanda Fernandez Ms. Betty Francisco Dr. Jeffrey Greenberg Ms. Chrystal Kornegay Mr. Isrraul “Izzy” Marrero Ms. Josiane Martinez Mr. Steven Tompkins Ms. Amanda Schaefer, Alumni Trustee Ms. Remianna Hearns, Student Trustee Dr. Valerie R. Roberson, President of Roxbury Community College
programs 2 Smart Building Technology Program
3 Updates
from STEM
12 Corporate and Community Education Programs at RCC
cover story
4 The New RCC — Now Open!
spotlight: alumni
10 Mayra Leith 11 Lina Nerie
Mission Statement Roxbury Community College (RCC) provides a nurturing environment, where all community members are welcome, regardless of past education. We transform lives through excellence and innovation, preparing our learners for active citizenry and success in a changing world. Statement of Publication This is an official publication of Roxbury Community College. Course offerings, dates, tuition, fees, and other information are subject to change. The College reserves the right to revise any material described in this publication. The information in this publication is provided for convenience, and the College disclaims any liability that may be incurred. This publication is neither a contract nor an offer to make a contract. Affirmative Action/EEO Statement of Non-discrimination Roxbury Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. All inquiries concerning application of the above should be directed to the College's Affirmative Action Officer, Coordinator of Title IX, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator.
services
14 Transfer and Articulation Services
16 S upport and Enrollment
Chief Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer & Title IX Coordinator, 617-541-5386, Administration Building Room 313 Dean of Student Life and 504 Coordinator, 617-933-7450
FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 1
PROGRAMS: SMART BUILDING TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY LEADERS ASSISTING IN CURRICULUM DESIGN
Skanska, Boston Medical Center, Automated Logic Corporation, the City of Boston, Building Technology Engineers, Inc., EMCOR Facilities Services, APA Inc., MIT, Hancock Software, Johnson Controls, Eversource, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
Students learn about the how solar panels function at RCC.
New Program: Associate Degree in Smart Building Technology COMING IN FALL 2018
» Roxbury Community College is
committed to developing associate degree programs that meet workforce demands in the city of Boston. Boston is seeing fast growth and, with that, an increase in building automation and sustainable design. As such, Boston is seeing a growing demand for technicians to operate buildings specifically designed to be energy efficient. Job opportunities in this industry are growing and employers across the region are looking to address a skills gap that leaves them without an adequate pipeline 2 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
of trained workers to accommodate this growth. To address that gap — while also providing a pathway to good jobs — leaders from several local firms, led by officials from international construction company Skanska, approached Roxbury Community College to design an associate degree program to address this shortage of skilled technicians to operate high-performance buildings, also known as smart buildings. The program is now under development and is expected to be offered at RCC in Fall 2018!
n Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and YouthBuild: both are participating to ensure that high school students and others understand the opportunities in this new career pathway. n Massachusetts Maritime Academy is assisting in the development of the curriculum and hands-on training that will focus on the building controls software that regulates the HVAC, lighting, fire protection, security, and elevator systems in smart buildings. The advantage to this partnership is that students who participate in the program will have the opportunity to use lab facilities on the Mass Maritime campus and transfer seamlessly to Mass Maritime to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field.
FINANCIAL PARTNERS
In September 2017, the City of Boston awarded Roxbury Community College $50,000 in grant funding from the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (Neighborhood Trust Fund), to cover the start-up costs of this new program. Adam Jacobs, energy manager for the City of Boston and part of the consortium planning the new degree program, noted that developing a curriculum for this new career pathway involves a deep understanding of the complicated infrastructure of smart buildings. “Building developers are making an investment in energy efficiency, and it’s important both for the environment and their bottom lines to make sure those investments are paying off,” said Jacobs. “If we plan to meet our ambitious emissions reduction targets at the state and local level, we need to make sure our workforce is ready to meet that challenge.” If you are interested in learning more about the curriculum for this program, please contact Salvador Pina at spina@ rcc.mass.edu or 857-701-1604.
PROGRAMS: STEM
UPDATES FROM RCC’S STEM PROGRAMS
Âť It is a crucial component
of our mission to equip students with the knowledge necessary to successfully enter the workforce in Science, Technology, ONLINE: Engineering, and To learn more about Math (STEM) and our course offerings in STEM, visit: Health Sciences. www.rcc.mass. With upgrades to edu/STEM the laboratories in the Academic Building (Building 3), the recent opening of the new Health Sciences Building (Building 4), and changes to the curriculum in the Science Department, students complete their coursework with a competitive edge in their field. The STEM Division offers a variety of programs and certificates. Since 1989, nearly a thousand women and men have completed science degree and certificate programs and have begun rewarding careers or continued their pursuit of higher education. With new courses like Organic Chemistry offering small class sizes, every student is at the center of the learning environment. Taking Organic Chemistry at RCC provides students a more affordable and flexible learning environment with opportunities to gain lab skills and handson experience with modern laboratory instruments.
Under the guidance of Professor Dong Ma, RCC students enrolled in Organic Chemistry gain both knowledge and practical skills, benefitting from our recently-renovated, state-of-the-art laboratories.
FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 3
COVER STORY
THE NEW ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
OPEN NOW!
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration: October 5, 2017 Âť On October 5, 2017, Roxbury Com-
munity College held a Ribbon-Cutting Celebration to commemorate the completion of renovations to our Media Arts Center, new Health Sciences Building, and the first floor of our Academic Building, which includes a new student commons, bookstore, and food service area. Governor Charlie Baker was the keynote speaker for the event.
1 4 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
Dr. Valerie Roberson, Board of Trustees Chairman Gerald Chertavian, President and Founder of W.T. Rich Walter Rich, Sheriff of Suffolk County and RCC Trustee Steven Tompkins, and Former RCC Trustee and RCC Alumna Mayra Leith also delivered remarks. Elected officials Representative Liz Malia, Representative Chyna Tyler, Representative Russell Holmes, and City Councilor Tito Jackson were also
on hand to cut the ribbon and formally open our facilities. After the ceremony, guests attended a reception in our student commons and went on guided tours of the new Health Sciences Building. Thanks to all who attended, for your support. And thanks to The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) for investing $72.5 million in our College!
COVER STORY
PHOTO 2: DON WEST/FOTOGRAFIKS
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(facing page) From left to right: Representative Russell Holmes, Governor Charlie Baker, Vice President Lorita Williams, President Valerie Roberson, Sheriff Steven Tompkins and Representative Chyna Tyler applaud the formal opening of the Media Arts Center.
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RCC’s senior administration, Board of Trustees, Governor Baker, and distinguished guests cut the ribbon to officially open the renovated spaces at RCC.
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Dr. Valerie Roberson poses with members of RCC’s Sister-2-Sister club at the student commons reception.
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RCC’s senior administrators pose with nursing faculty and guests during a tour of the mock hospital.
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DCAMM Commissioner Carol Gladstone enjoys a tour of the mock hospital.
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President Valerie Roberson and Nursing Department Chair Jennifer Verstreken pose with distinguished guests during a tour of the Health Sciences Building.
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RCC staff pose with the Lady Tigers at the reception in the student commons.
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SURGERY CLASSROOM
COVER STORY
ONLINE: For more information on our Health Sciences associate degree programs, visit www.rcc.mass. edu/hs
PEDIATRICS ROOM
PATIENT ROOM
BIRTHING ROOM
NURSE WORKSTATION
DEBRIEF ROOM
CONTROL ROOM
LOUNGE/STUDY
ONLINE: For more information on our certificate programs in Health Sciences, including Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Interpreter and Home Health Care, visit www.rcc.mass. edu/cce
CNA CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM
6 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
COVER STORY
New Health Sciences Building
DESIGNED TO EDUCATE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS RADIOLOGY LAB
MEETING AREA
NURSING LAB
Âť The RCC community and members of the local medical community share excitement over the transformation of the former student center into a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building. The building includes renovated classrooms, two Timothy Smith labs, a mock hospital, a nursing skills lab, and a mock pharmacy donated by CVS Health. The very realistic hospital features cutting-edge technology designed to train the next generation of health care professionals in Massachusetts. The new building and innovative Nursing Program curriculum, which includes the use of simulated patients that look like real people exhibiting signs of illness, provide students with a platform to build the skills that they need to succeed in a rapidly-changing health care field.
FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 7
COVER STORY
NEW Student Commons, Food Service Area, and Bookstore » The RCC Bookstore is now twice
the size of the previous bookstore, allowing students greater access to the books and supplies required for courses. The bookstore is also your home for RCC T-shirts, bumper stickers, notebooks, and other promotional items. Visit the bookstore to stock up on all the materials needed to show your RCC pride.
» Our new food
service is now open, and we are pleased to announce that Rebecca’s is now the College’s exclusive food service provider. Rebecca's, a cafe, catering, event planning, and contract dining company with over 30 years of experience in the local area, has partnered with RCC to bring a fresh and tasty approach to campus dining. The café is located adjacent to the new student commons, and offers a delicious selection of local, regional, and global foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The café is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.
» With the opening of our student
commons, RCC students have a place to gather, meet, and enjoy a break in classes for the first time in years. The student commons is also the new home for club meetings, transfer fairs, on-the-spot admissions programs, and other student activities. Currently, private space within the student commons is exclusively for the use of the RCC community; however, the community-at-large is welcome to stop by, grab some food, and enjoy non-exclusive use of the space. 8 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
ONLINE: For more information on menu and hours, visit: www.rcc.mass. edu/dining For bookstore information and hours, visit: www.rcc.mass. edu/bookstore
COVER STORY
Attendees at our recent Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony enjoy the plush new seats in our auditorium, one of many enhancements recently made to the Media Arts Center.
Media Arts Center
RENOVATED AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
» After a nine-month renovation, the Media Arts Center
is now fully renovated and open to the RCC community and the community-at-large! The renovations to the Media Arts Center were made possible through a combination of state funds (through DCAMM) and private funds. The DCAMM-funded renovations were completed first, which includONLINE: ed new restrooms, new HVAC equipment, and To learn more about the Media handicapped-access to the mainstage in our Arts Center, visit auditorium. much more than degrees and training programs www.rcc.mass. Next, the auditorium was updated to include — education is about bringing together the edu/media-artsnew chairs, a new sound system, a new lighting community to share ideas and to discuss presscenter system, new drapes, new paint, and new carpeting topics to help our community and our society ing. These renovations were made possible through grow and evolve. In that sense, the Media Arts Center private donors, and a generous $127,000 grant from the is paramount to achieving that goal. Massachusetts Cultural Council, which was matched by the The Media Arts Center will host not only arts and culRoxbury Community College Foundation. tural events, but many community discussions over the The newly renovated Media Arts Center serves a unique months and years. These meetings, which bring together role in RCC’s mission. First and foremost, RCC’s mission our community to discuss difficult and all too timely topis to educate all members of our community, regardless of ics, ensure that RCC serves as a beacon in the community their past education. Education in the broad sense is about for societal evolution and growth. FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 9
MEET OUR ALUMNI
‘NOT UNIQUE, DEFINITELY BLESSED’: MAYRA LEITH (AA ’85)
» Roxbury Community College
is a diverse, multicultural institution. We have no typical or average student. Students come to RCC with different backgrounds and life experiences; however, once they are here, they become part of a supportive and dynamic community and gain the tools and skills needed for success. There’s no better spokesperson for how beneficial this supportive community is to long-term success than Mrs. Mayra Leith. Leith has served in various leadership roles since she began her tenure at RCC in 1984. She’s served as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), alumni president, and most recently as a Roxbury Community College trustee. Her continued presence as an integral member of the RCC community allows her to truly appreciate the transformation RCC has undergone. So, how did this journey begin? The story of Mayra Leith begins in Honduras. Her mother was a trained nurse, supporting the Newsom family. Through a government-sponsored program, the Newsom family sponsored Leith’s mother to travel and work in the United States. Although Leith’s mother was torn by the thought of leaving her children — at the time, Leith was 3 and her brother 1½ years old — she knew going to the U.S. would provide her children other opportunities for success. “My mother valued education. She taught us to be respectful, to have good manners, to be kind, and to READ, READ, 10 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
Mayra Leith delivers remarks on behalf of the student body at RCC's Groundbreaking Ceremony in 1985.
READ,” said Leith. “As a result, I was never afraid of language. I started learning English as a second language while in Honduras.” Leith joined her mother and father in the United States at the age of 9. Although she enjoyed her time at Boston Public Schools, she recalls being bullied for being different. “Most of my classmates had never met an Afro-Latina before me.” Nevertheless, Leith made many friends, and successfully graduated from Madison Park High School. Like many RCC students, Leith wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she graduated from high school. She took a year off, worked at BUMC, and eventually decided she wanted to join the U.S. Navy. She passed the Naval Entry Exam with a score of 82; however, her mother would not allow her to enlist. And Leith knew she couldn’t go against her mother’s wishes. So, she spoke to a counselor at Madison Park, who encouraged her to enroll at Roxbury Community College. During her time at RCC, Leith was heavily involved in campus life. She played basketball for the RCC Expressettes (now known as the Lady Tigers) and was elected president of the SGA. As SGA president, she was asked to speak on behalf of the student body at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for RCC’s current campus, in 1985. “I knew I was participating in something historic, and I was in awe to be sharing a podium with Governor Dukakis and Mayor Flynn,” she said. “I was prepared with talking points, and, I made sure to welcome everyone in both English and Spanish.” Throughout Leith’s time at RCC, and to this day, she is thankful for the support she received from the staff. Staff members like Sheiry Smith, Hazel Bright, and
PHOTO S: COURTESY MAYRA LEITH
SPOTLIGHT: ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT: ALUMNI RCC ALUMNA PUBLISHES BOOK ON ETHIOPIAN BIRD LANGUAGE: LINA NERIE (AS ’16)
Oral dialects are a fundamental part of what bridges a community of people. An example of this is the Ethiopian bird language, which has been around for centuries, though it may sound unusual to the untrained ear. RCC alumna Lina Nerie (AS in Accounting, ’16) deconstructs the bird language and its indigenous Ethiopian history in her first book “Ethiopian Bird Language.” Nerie has lived in Boston for more than five years after moving here from Ethiopia. One of her biggest challenges upon arriving here was affording the cost of higher education in the U.S. Registering at RCC helped her to supplement the costs by taking core requirements and general education courses affordably. Courses at RCC, like the College Experience class, helped her to understand The College how she can have an impact in the real world. Experience “International students allowed me to are welcome here,” says have an impact Nerie of her experience in the real at RCC, “I love the staff world. and professors.” Today, Nerie is — Lina Nerie continuing her studies at UMass, while working on her second book. She credits RCC with teaching her to “fit studies around your work schedule to maintain a work/life balance.”
“
Ruth Hines were always available to help, and not just with academics. “I remember they always had snacks and supplies, purchased with their own money, that they would give to anyone in need.” In fact, it was Sheiry Smith who encouraged Leith to pursue a career in Health and Human Services. “Sheiry said, ‘Mayra, you are always helping people — here and in the community. You should go into Health and Human Services,’” said Leith. “I thought to myself, ‘Why would I want to do that?’ But in the end, she was right.” After graduating from RCC, Leith moved to Germany, where she gave birth to her son, Sir Lawrence. Upon returning to the states, Leith worked full time and enrolled in a program at Northeastern, where she earned a certification in Health & Human Services. She stayed enrolled to complete her bachelor’s degree, which opened her eyes to everything involved in Health &
Mayra Leith poses with her RCC Expressettes teammates and coach.
Human Services, including her true passions: social work and community planning. Leith currently co-owns a company, ML Contracting Services, and works full-time as a resident services coordinator for United Housing Management. She has two children, Sir Lawrence and Nina, both of whom attended RCC. Sir Lawrence graduated with an AS in Business in 2013, and Nina earned a certificate in Biotechnology in 2013. Some might think it would be difficult for Leith to come up with succinct advice for students, given her more-than-30-year history with RCC, but she knew just what to say: “There’s nothing you can’t do because you are part of a community that can. You will have trials and tribulations, but success can be found here.”
”
FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 11
PROGRAMS: SPRING CCE AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Corporate and Community Education Programs at RCC
HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS — NOW HELD IN THE NEW HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING
» At RCC, the Office of Corporate & Com-
munity Education focuses its efforts on providing training and education for a prepared workforce. We work with individuals to sharpen workplace skills and improve marketability as a job seeker. Over the years, we’ve significantly grown our Health Sciences curriculum to meet the needs of Boston’s rapidly growing health care field. Our team works with businesses, leading industry panels, government and nonprofit organizations, and individuals to ensure that our programs remain relevant, and that our program participants have the opportunity to complete internships at a variety of locations. For example, our comprehensive Phlebotomy Technician Training Program provides hands-on training via simulation lab with internship experience, ensuring students complete the program with practical and transferable skills. Internship sites for recent GET IN TOUCH: program participants For more information include Quest Diagnostics on CCE’s Spring 2018 course offerings, visit and Tufts Medical Center. www.rcc.mass. For students like Chrisedu/cce or call tine Clark, who completed 857-701-1606 the Phlebotomy Program in September, the hands-on approach to learning was vital. Shortly after completing her four-week internship at Quest Diagnostics, Clark was hired for a full-time position. “I came into the program as a former CNA with limited medical knowledge, but the Phlebotomy Program was hands on. It was like a crash course in everything you do in the workplace,” she said. Additionally, Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand, relied on heavily for their assistance with the management of inventory in some of our busiest pharmacies. Students who excel in our programs benefit from our partnership with one of the top pharmacies in the country, CVS Health. All participants in this program benefit from Students in the Phlebotomy Program practice live draws during class hours, prior training in our on-site CVS Health Mock to completing their on-site internships. 12 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
PROGRAMS: SPRING CCE AND LIFELONG LEARNING
LIFELONG LEARNING AT RCC Roxbury Community College offers you opportunities to decide how you want to take charge and progress in your life. Our Lifelong Learning courses offer something for everyone, whether you want to develop or hone your skills for professional or personal growth, or you just enjoy learning new things and want to take a fun class. Lifelong Learning courses are non-credit and cater to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Our team of instructors is made up of passionate, knowledgeable individuals focused on sharing their skills and expertise with you in creative, student-centered ways. Whether you are
6 years old or 76, we have a unique program designed with you, our community, in mind. Explore and register for one of our Lifelong Learning courses today! The following courses will be offered starting in January 2018:
which is required to sit for the state licensing exam. In order to sit for the state licensing exam, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Security number.
REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSING
n March 6 – April 26, 2018 n 6-week course, then exam, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Students who successfully pass the exam obtain Level 1 Certified Personal Trainer, and are able to apply for work right away with proof of CPR/ AED certification. Bonus: Students can participate in an
n January 29 – March 26, 2018 n 8 weeks, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Pursue one of your long-awaited goals of becoming a real estate agent! Successful course completion earns you a certificate,
Pharmacy, which was graciously donated and installed by CVS Health in June 2016. Former student Ronia Arsene now works as a Pharmacy Trainee with CVS and credits the Pharmacy Technician Program with her early success in the workplace. Access to on-site experiential learning gives her a competitive edge among other trainees, having spent more time in the field than in a classroom. At work, Arsene relies on her experience in our mock pharmacy to inform her decisions. “This program is a good way to get your foot in the door of the pharmacy,” she said. In addition to the programs listed above, RCC’s CCE Office offers Ronia Arsene a Medical Interpreter Program, a Home Health Care Program and a Veterinarian Assistant Program. All courses are held in RCC’s NEW Health Sciences Building (see pages 6-7), to further prepare students for success in the field.
PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION
optional internship to obtain Level 2 certification.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: START YOUR OWN BUSINESS n March 5 – April 30, 2018 n 8 weeks, Mondays from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Learn how to transform your idea and passion into a sustainable business! Brought to you through a partnership between RCC and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice.
Registration is open! Visit us in Building 4, Room 102 or call (857) 701-1605 or email LHagen@rcc.mass.edu for more information.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO APPLY TO A NURSING OR ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAM THAT REQUIRES THE TEAS EXAM AS PART OF THE ADMISSION PROCESS? GET EXTRA HELP PREPARING FOR THE EXAM! We offer TEAS Prep classes for all subjects (Math; Science; combined English/Reading). Next classes start in January or March – register today!
Limited spotsRegister today!
See us in Building #4, Room 102.
For more information on schedules and pricing, visit www.rcc.mass.edu/LL or contact us at LHagen@rcc.mass.edu or (857) 701-1605.
FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 13
SERVICES: SUPPORT AND ENROLLMENT
Transfer and Articulation Services at RCC » Many students attend Roxbury Community
College with the intent of earning an associate degree and transferring to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. In fact, based on the most recent data, 50 percent of RCC graduates transfer, and approximately 39 percent of non-graduates transfer, as well. Our Transfer and Articulation Services Department assists all students who wish to transfer by providing counseling, information sessions, application fee waivers, scholarship information, and assistance with technology that aids in a seamless transfer process to a four-year college or university. The Transfer and Articulation Services department is always developing new and innovative programs to make transfer as easy as possible for our students.
TRANSFER ACTIVITIES TRANSFER FAIRS
Transfer Fairs are held multiple times throughout each semester, so that students have the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors from four-year schools without having to leave RCC. Fairs are held in both daytime and evening hours, to ensure that all students enjoy this opportunity. Colleges that participated in transfer fairs during the Fall 2017 semester include: n Boston College Woods CE n Eastern Nazarene College n Boston University n Emerson College n Bryant University n Emmanuel College n Cambridge College n Endicott College
“
I was admitted to UMass Amherst through On the Spot Admissions. I gave the admissions rep my transcript and filled out an application — she told me that I was accepted, immediately. I didn’t have to submit an essay, recommendations, or any additional paperwork. It worked out perfectly. UMass Amherst was my first choice for a four-year school. I didn’t even have to apply anywhere else! — Boston Okundaye,
”
14 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
AA in Business Administration ’17, Current Student at UMass Amherst
n Fisk University (HBCU) n Lesley University n New England College n Northeastern University n Northeastern University College of Professional Studies n Pine Manor College
n Regis College n Salem State University n Simmons College n Suffolk University n UMass Amherst n UMass Boston n UMass Dartmouth n UMass Lowell
ON THE SPOT ADMISSIONS (OTS)
At various times throughout the semester, representatives from four-year colleges visit RCC to accept applications from interested students, complete interviews, and offer on the spot admissions to qualified candidates. Recently, 30 students participated in this program in the fall semester, and 50 students participated in the spring semester. Approximately 75 percent of this group of OTS participants received admission to four-year schools.
MAJORS DAYS
Majors Days are held during both the fall and spring semester, over a two-day period. During this activity, all of the departments are present in one room. Students attend to meet and speak with faculty who teach in their major; explore other RCC majors; learn about assessment, advising, academic support, and career services; and acquire information about the RCC Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa honors society.
SERVICES: SUPPORT AND ENROLLMENT
TRANSFER PROGRAMS To further assist students with transferring to a four-year school, RCC has a robust portfolio of transfer programs.
MASSTRANSFER
MassTransfer is a collaboration between the Commonwealth's community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts. Systemwide resources and policies allow for students to transfer seamlessly, stay on track, and minimize the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. Additional information on this program is available on our website, or at www.mass.edu/ masstransfer.
BOSTON BRIDGE @ RCC
The Boston Bridge, a collaboration between the city's Tuition-Free Community College Plan and the state's Commonwealth Commitment program, allows students to earn their associate and bachelor's degrees free of tuition and mandatory fees. Additional information on this program is located on the following pages. Through this program, qualified students can transfer to any Massachusetts state college or university, or any of the UMass campuses.
CROSS-REGISTRATION
Cross-Registration enables students to sample the environment of a four-year college or university while enrolled at RCC. Students sign up for cross-registered courses at the same time they register for RCC courses, earning credit at both RCC and the partner institution. Cross-registration is possible with: n Lesley University n Massachusetts College of Art and Design n Northeastern University n Suffolk University n UMass Boston n Wheelock College
JOINT ADMISSIONS
RCC is pleased to offer Nursing students the opportunity to receive
GET IN TOUCH: For more information on Transfer and Articulation at Roxbury Community College, visit: www.rcc.mass.edu/ transfer or contact Loretta Minor at transfercenter @roxbury.edu or 617-933-7472.
joint admissions to the RCC Nursing program and the RN-BSN programs at Emmanuel College and UMass Boston. Through this program, at the time of applying to the ASN program at RCC, applicants to the ASN program can opt to have their information shared with Emmanuel College and/or UMass Boston for provisional admissions to the RN-BSN program.
FORMAL ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
RCC holds formal articulation agreements in various subjects with the following colleges and universities: n Assumption College n New England College n Bay State College n New England College n Cambridge College of Business n Chamberlain College (online) n Northeastern University n Eastern Nazarene College n Mass College of Liberal Arts n Emmanuel College n UMass Boston n Fisk University n UMass Dartmouth n Lesley University n UMass Lowell n Mass College of Liberal Arts n Wheelock College FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 15
SERVICES: SUPPORT AND ENROLLMENT
FINANCE YOUR STUDIES AT RCC
As a Boston resident, you have two special programs to help finance your studies at RCC:
TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLAN FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADS
Enroll at RCC for Spring 2018 Courses
The Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, in partnership with Boston Public Schools, has rolled out the Tuition-Free Community College Plan to help BPS grads like you better afford college. The plan will pay for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by a student’s Pell Grant. You may be eligible for this program, if you graduated from BPS high school in June 2016 or latONLINE: To learn more about er; have a high school cumulative GPA of these programs, and 2.0 or above; are eligible for a Pell Grant to get started on the (as determined by FAFSA); require application process, visit no more than three developmental www.rcc.mass.edu/ classes by the start of the semester; special-programs and are a Boston resident. Funding is also available for DACA students.
» As you can see, RCC is a college on the move — we have great new facilities,
amazing academic programs, a wealth of transfer opportunities, and more! Spring 2018 classes begin on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Interested in becoming a student? You can start the registration process now! You can get a head start by applying online at www.rcc.mass.edu. Or, you can stop by the Enrollment Center (Building 2, first floor), to speak with an enrollment officer at any time.
JUST ANNOUNCED: BOSTON BRIDGE
The Boston Bridge, offered jointly by the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, links the existing Tuition-Free Community College Plan and the Commonwealth Commitment. The Boston Bridge allows BPS grads who meet the criteria for each program to earn both an associate degree from RCC and a bachelor’s degree from a state university or UMass campus free of charge.
THE COMMONWEALTH COMMITMENT
New students at Roxbury Community College may be eligible to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment, a program offered through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Student who enroll in this program at RCC and complete their associate degree in 2.5 years with a 3.0 GPA are eligible for significant financial benefits upon transferring to a MA state university or UMass campus. All of these programs have specific criteria for participation. 16 | RCC GAZETTE | FALL 2017
corporate & community education at roxbury community college:
REINVENT YOURSELF. JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER IN 2018 PartnershiP
Phlebotomy technician Class starts January 23, 2018 12 week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $1,400
Veterinarian assistant Class starts January 23, 2018 12 week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $1,400
home insPection
community esol
medical interPreter
Class starts January 22, 2018 15 week, various schedules Cost: $350
Class starts Spring 2018 Cost: $970
home health care
Pharmacy technician
Class starts Spring 2018
Class starts February 26, 2018 16 week, Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $1,800
office administratiVe assistant Class starts Spring 2018 10 week, Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
For more information, call
Class starts January 24, 2018 13 week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $1,800
857-701-1601 or 857-701-1602 or visit www.rcc.mass.edu/cce
business communication Class starts Spring 2018 10 week, Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Payment options are available!
corporate & community education Email: cce@rcc.mass.edu | Tel: 857-701-1601 Office: Building #4, Room 102 | Hours: M-Th: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Spring 2018 Course Offerings
Lifelong Learning
Classes offered weeknights & weekends. Check out our website at www.rcc.mass.edu/LL or contact us at (857) 701-1605 for more information.
Whether you’re 6 or 76, find something for the whole family!
• Real Estate Agent Pre-Licensing - Starts January 29 • Conversational Spanish for Beginners - Starts February 5 • Grant Writing: Intermediate - Starts February 7
REGISTER TODAY!
• Community ESOL English Classes - Starts January 22
(Assessment dates in Dec and Jan)
• Financial Empowerment Series - Tuesdays in February (FREE)
• Entrepreneurship Seminar: Start Your Own Business • Grant Writing 101: Fundamentals - Starts March 5 - Starts February 8 • Personal Trainer Certification • Belly Dancing for Beginners - Starts March 6 - Starts February 28 • Self-Defense - Various Dates
Register Early!
Exam Preparation • HiSET® (GED) Exam Prep - Starts January 29 • TEAS Exam Prep - Starts Jan 20 (Nursing/Health Admissions Exam)
Designed for the Young at Heart • Nutrition/Wellness for Seniors • Will Writing • Memoir Writing
Courses fill up quickly and registration typically closes two weeks before the course starts.
ses for Kid las s C
Acting Up Theater Program, Computer Coding, Mini Medical School, Young Investors Club, and more!
RCC offers free parking & is easily accessibly by Public Transportation.
Lifelong Learning Email: lifelonglearning@rcc.mass.edu | Tel: 857-701-1605 Office: Building #4, Room 102 | Hours: M-Th: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. FALL 2017 | WWW.RCC.MASS.EDU | 17
Your
Future
is our Focus
Apply online for
free Get a head start by applying online, today! Enrollment Center
1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120 857-701-1200 enrollment.management@rcc.mass.edu www.rcc.mass.edu
Register Now!
www.rcc.mass.edu | 857-701-1200