Mission and Goals, Values Statement, Freedom of Expression Statement

Westchester Community College is more than just the county’s largest educational institution. It is a living, breathing part of Westchester that goes beyond the influence of a typical college and affects the lives of all who enter its doors.

In 2018, the college outlined its Values Statement.

History

Westchester Community College was founded in 1946 as the New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in White Plains. In 1957, the County of Westchester bought the 360-acre John Hartford estate in Valhalla and designated 218 acres for the community college.

Enrollment

There are approximately 20,000 full- and part-time college credit students. Continuing education students bring the total number served by the college each year to more than 31,000. Precise statistics about the college’s enrollment history can be found in the Institutional Research & Planning pages.

Accreditation

Westchester Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. www.msche.org

The Paralegal Studies degree program is Approved by the American Bar Association.
The Radiologic Technology A.A.S. degree program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
The Respiratory Care A.A.S. degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The AAS degree program in Dietetic Technician is no longer accepting students into the program. Effective June 15, 2021, the A.A.S. degree program in Dietetic Technician will not be accredited by ACEND.
The A.A.S in nursing program at Westchester Community College at the Valhalla campus located in Valhalla, NY has received initial accredited by the Board of Commissioners of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The effective date for initial accreditation of the associate nursing program is May 24, 2017 with the next evaluation visit scheduled for spring 2025. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
Diversity Statement
Westchester Community College fosters an intentionally inclusive campus culture that celebrates and respects the diversity of the community while acknowledging the differences among the lived experiences of individuals. The college will promote equity, disseminate knowledge, and take visible actions to remove barriers to access and advancement that adversely affect individuals from marginalized communities.

Faculty

Westchester Community College’s faculty and professional staff have received more SUNY Chancellors Awards for Excellence than any other community college in the system. More than 98% hold masters or doctorate degrees in their fields. Student/faculty ratio is 16.1:1.

Veteran Friendly Campus

The college, which opened in 1946 in order to train and educate veterans, welcomes those who have served our country. We are considered a “Veteran Friendly Campus” due to our extensive services for those who have spent time in the military.

Degrees

The college offers more than 65 associate and certificate programs. We have three types of associate degrees in 36 subject areas: the Associate in Arts for students transferring to four-year institutions in the liberal arts; the Associate in Science for those transferring to four-year institutions for business, math, science or health careers; and the Associate in Applied Science for those preparing to seek immediate employment, change careers or transfer. In addition, certificate programs typically requiring between 15 to 33 credits are offered in approximately 20 career fields.

Continuing Education

The Continuing Education Division (Workforce Development and Community Education) is the largest such unit in the entire SUNY system. It offers courses for people of all ages considering career choices or changes or personal development; customized training for businesses; innovative programming for older adults; an exciting arts and culture series open to the public.

Academic Year

Spring Semesters – January – May
Summer Session 1 – May – June
Summer Session 2 – June – July
Summer Online Session – July – August
Fall Semesters – September – December
Winter Session – December

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually. Nearly one third of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid.

Library

The Harold L. Drimmer Library / Learning Resource Center contains 198,000 volumes and 600 periodical titles, as well as more than 19 million searchable records and entries from 97 electronically-linked libraries.

Career & Transfer Center

The Career & Transfer Center helps students assess career options, plan career and curriculum, take steps toward transfer to a four-year college, prepare for job interviews, and locate and obtain jobs before and after graduation.

Child Care

Virginia Marx Children’s Center at Westchester Community College (Valhalla campus) provides year-round, fully licensed and accredited care for children of students, faculty, staff and other working parents. Ages six weeks – five years.

Athletics

Intercollegiate teams for men are Baseball, Soccer, Cross Country, Bowling, Golf, Basketball. Women’s intercollegiate teams include Softball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Bowling, Golf, Basketball. The Westchester Community College Fitness Center provides access to cardiovascular equipment, universal, nautilus, and light free weights, pool, and tennis courts. College athletics also include intramural sports and ESports.

Locations

For a complete listing of Westchester Community College locations, click here.

Degree