Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College is a public community college in Ramapo, New York. It is part of the State University of New York. The college, established in 1959, became the 18th community college to join the SUNY system. The college offers 51 programs and offers associate degrees and certificates. Additionally, students can earn other degrees, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in the arts and sciences, Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership, technology, and health professions while attending classes at Rockland through articulation programs with four-year schools. The current enrollment is 6,859 full and part-time students which includes about 125 International students from more than 50 foreign countries and approximately 800 high school enroll in credit courses.
The main campus is in Suffern, New York, but instructions are also offered at an extension sites in Haverstraw, Nyack and Orangeburg. The Spring Valley satellite campus has been discontinued. It was located in the historic North Main Street School.
The college has more than 525 full - and part-time faculty members, including several Fulbright Scholars, SUNY Chancellor's Award winners, and published authors and artists. The faculty-student ratio is 22:1. Rockland has the third highest transfer rate in the SUNY system and has a Continuing Education programs which served about 3,500 each year.
In 2019, Rockland Community College based by Pathways Project led by the American Association of Community Colleges and findings of the Community College Research Center announced that the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Business and Professional Studies, School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Nursing, Health & Wellness and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math is the new configuration of the college as part of SUNY's Guided Pathways integrated approach to student success which focuses on providing structured educational experiences from high school through attainment of credentials at SUNY campuses.
In 2019 Rockland Community College received the federal funded Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. This is the largest grant award Rockland Community College has received in its 60-year history. This grant assist schools in which a minimum of 25 percent of the total enrollment is Hispanic.
History
An institution called Rockland College, chartered by the state Board of Regents in 1878, existed for sixteen years in Nyack, New York.Rockland Junior College, supported by federal funds disbursed through New York State, and sponsored by Nyack High School was established in 1932 as one of several depression-era two-year schools. New York University and Syracuse University accepted two years of credit from the college. Rockland Junior College shut down in 1935.
Rockland Community College came eighteen years and later was organized to be an affordable, two-year college in location convenient for county residents; it was planned that it would raise taxes by only $4 a year. At the time, Rockland County, the state's smallest in geographic area outside of New York City, was growing exponentially in population and in demand for a skilled, educated work force. Between 1956 and 1970, Rockland's population was one of the fastest growing in the state, expected to double from 107,000 to 215,000 and the number of high school graduates was projected to rise from 700 to 2,463.
Large local industries like Avon Products in Suffern and Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River required more skilled workers, and the growth of hospitals such as Nyack Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern warranted the creation of a nursing program.
Some 69 percent of parents polled expressed interest in their children attending a community college in Rockland, and 183 high school juniors indicated a strong interest in and an ability to attend a community college in Rockland.
In 2020, According to the United States Census Bureau, Rockland County is the thirteenth largest county in the State of New York with a population estimated at 325,000. Rockland County 65 public schools population is estimated at 40,000 students which includes 22,000 attending the 10 public high schools which currently has a graduation rate of 87%.
Presidents
Commencements
On June 11, 1961, the college's first commencement exercises honored 39 graduates—22 men, 17 women—who had finished the journey begun by 139 full-time students two years before. In 1962 there were 60 graduates, and in 1963, 115, including the first 24 from the school's nursing program.On May 23, 2010, the college's 50th commencement exercises honored 350 graduates.
Veterans
On October 3, 2013, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs hosted the first induction of RCC students who are veterans into SALUTE - Veterans National Honors Society. SALUTE, established in 2008 is headquartered out of Colorado State University has over 90 chapters in colleges and universities across the country. RCC is the first community college to have a chapter of this organization.Past Events
In the 1970, concerts and big-ticket events were held in the Eugene Levy Field house. Several major artist included, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, Genesis, Meat Loaf, Styx and The Monkees.Campus
The main campus and main entrance on Almshouse Road is located on the crest of a sloping rise in a former farm community known as Mechanicsville, renamed Viola when a post office was established in 1882. The original property included:- A wooden barn that was converted into a theater and assembly room in the second semester.
- Fields leased to local farmers that yielded tomatoes and cabbage. The college later acquired of farmland—100 to the south from the Hurschle Brothers Farm, and 50 to the west from the Springsteen Farm—for its current campus. The barn was used for registration, physical education classes, sports team practices, large classes and final exams, dance classes, student-faculty talent shows, worship services, films, guest lecture series, concert series, even war protest rallies. It also served as the College Barn Theater. The Barn burned in January 1979; in 1983 it was replaced by the Cultural Arts Center.
- A "potter's field" cemetery, the burial grounds for many of the Almshouse residents. Shortly after the college was founded, the county deeded a tract of land in the northern section for establishing a veterans' cemetery, which remains today.
- A small square building with barred windows that served as the first Rockland County jail, later the Ramapo town police headquarters, and still later a police radio station. It was converted into offices and men's locker rooms for the physical education program in the second semester.
- A narrow, tree-lined country lane known as Almshouse Road, which became an interior access road when the current College Road was built.
- The three-story, colonial design Almshouse. In front of the Almshouse is a wooden gazebo that still stands.
- 1959 – Almshouse – Daniel T Brucker Hall is currently the Rockland Community College Administration Building.
- 1964 – Fall semester opening of the Academic I.
- 1972 – Academic II.
- 1972 – Physical Education Building.
- 1972 – The Student Union.
- 1972 – Utility Plant.
- 1973 – Amphitheater.
- 1973 – Library.
- * The library's collection contains more than 125,000 books, more than 23,000 current periodical titles, and approximately 3,000 audio-visual items, all in diverse formats and the college's rapidly growing electronic resources cover all the disciplines offered at Rockland Community College.
- 1974 – Eugene Levy Fieldhouse – Athletic facility. This, indoor multi-purpose facility with synthetic athletic surface is considered the one of the few largest of its type in the northeast.
- *Most Physical Education classes are held in the Fieldhouse that includes a regulation basketball court, four indoor tennis courts, volleyball courts, indoor track and other teaching areas within the arena. Also within the complex is four squash courts, an Olympic sized pool, two gyms for aerobic activities, a weight room and an athletic training room.
- *The department also utilizes outdoor facilities that includes a lighted baseball stadium, six Outdoor Tennis Courts, two soccer fields anoval track and a softball field.
- *Bowling is held at three different bowlings alleys namely New City Bowling Lanes, Pearl River Lanes and Haverstraw Lanes. Golf is held at Spook Rock Golf Course.
- *The fieldhouse is also used as a community building for showcase trade shows, concerts, graduations, and sporting events.
- 1983 – Cultural Arts Center. Site of the Inauguration of the first Rockland County Executive John T. Grant on January 1, 1986.
- 1987 – Spring Valley Extension Center opens
- 1993 – Vehicle Maintenance Facility.
- 2004 – Groundbreaking of Technology Center.
- 2006 – Grand opening of new Haverstraw Extension Center
- 2006 – Student Union renovated.
- 2006 – Grand opening of new Technology Center – Rockland's first LEED certified "Green Building".
- 2007 – Rockland County Department of Transportation increased and enhanced all bus service to the college.
- 2008 – Theresa Morahan Simmons Center for Children and Families – Named in memory of Senator Thomas Morahan's daughter, a dedicated first-grade teacher who taught seven years at Richard P. Connor Elementary School in Suffern. Groundbreaking for new center took place on July 27, 2008.
- 2009 – Grand Opening Theresa Morahan Simmons Center for Children and Families – June 14, 2009 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. In attendance; The Morahan family, representatives from the five Rockland townships, school administrators, staff members, volunteers and most important Children and Families.
- 2011 – Rockland Community College received the in the Government/Education category at the RBA luncheon on October 20, 2011 at the Paramount Country Club in New City.
- 2013 - Haverstraw Extension Center doubled in size, growing an additional. On National Manufacturing Day which fell on Friday, October 4, 2013, Rockland Community College introduced its new "clean tech" training center. This space includes six new class/training rooms, four CAD workstations with SolidWorks software, four 3D printers, a 3D laser scanner donated by the and a science/wet lab. The 3D SMARTT Lab in Haverstraw focus is on 3D design. A second 3D SMARTT Lab is to open at the regional technology innovation center at the IRG campus in Pearl River in the FALL 2016.
- 2015 The Holocaust Museum & Study Center's and administrative office is located in the lower level of the Library. The Museum holds lectures, art exhibitions and commemorations.
- 2016 The Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center located at Rockland Community College Orangeburg site in Orangetown, New York is a NC3 National Leadership Member and is considered a national leader and model facility. Our facility includes five classrooms, a certification room and a Snap-On Certified Lab with 10 lifts and customized Snap-On equipment and uses cutting edge academic technology in the Automotive Technology program. Each instructor is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and have extensive industry and factory training that may qualify a student with an AAS in Automotive Technology degree as well as over 15 Snap-On Industrial Certifications. Suburu Distributors Corporation is the first car manufacturer partnering with Rockland Community College's Automotive Technology Program.
- In 2017 Rockland Shakespeare Company Opened its 20th Season featuring the classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet which was the first play ever performed by the Rockland Shakespeare Company in 1998.
- In April 2017, Rockland Community College opened its first Start-UP New York business, York Analytical in Nyack, New York.
- In June 2017, Rockland Community College Dedicated the Herbert Kurz Peace Garden with a plaque which state that the garden "...symbolizes the College's commitment to encourage coexistence, establish an authentic peace, and prepare students to thrive in a global society that celebrates human diversity"
- In 2019 Rockland Community College opened a new Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, New York. The center with collaboration with Flik International opened Hudson Market on Main in Nyack whereby the public can enjoy tasting of various foods.
- Campus Revitalization - Current Capital Initiatives
- *The Atrium Art Space - Located in the Cultural Art Center will feature of display space.
- * Multimedia Center - Multimedia production will serve as a Multimedia Arts Program with 2 classrooms and 1 computer lab which will feature a video/audio recording studio that consists of a TriCaster video control system, Behringer studio lighting system and Soundcraft mixing system.
- * Residence Hall - Proposed to be located north of the fieldhouse, south of the track and west of the tennis and handball courts will be a 334-bed housing complex that will also feature a Fitness Center, Lounges, Café, Classroom Areas and outdoor seating. Scheduled Opening - Fall 2018.
- * The Rockland Community College Amphitheater, declared unsafe a few years after it opened will be removed and replaced by a new multi-purpose John and Joan Maloney Globe Theater, an outdoor Performance Space and Herbert Kurz Peace Garden. In May 2016, Rockland Community College successfully held a 24-hour online fundraiser which raised over $400,000.00 - $100,000.00 in public donations and 3 matching contributions from the Kurz Family Foundation, State University of New York, and a group of Donors. After completion, the new venue will provide space for the Rockland Shakespeare Company, which performs free theater on campus each summer and many other events.
- *IFG Campus - IRG is a nationwide real estate development and investment plans to open in the Fall 2017 a regional technology innovation center in Pearl River at the location which was formerly Pfizer and will focus on Proof of Concept/Manufacturing Sandbox. The Rockland Community College Innovation Center, partnered with Stony Brook University, Columbia University, Small Business Development Center and the SUNY Research Foundation will provide extensive internships and workplace experiences for students interested in technology and scientific research. The innovation center includes a START-UP center, Technology Incubator, a super 3D SMARTT Lab,, and a Business Innovation Mall.
Gary Onderdonk Rockland Veterans Cemetery
Aesthetics of the Campus
The aesthetics of the campus have been enhanced by more than a dozen sculptures that came to the College through the Model to Monuments Outdoor Sculpture Program developed by world-class sculptor, Greg Wyatt, Sculptor-in-Residence at New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Greg, in collaboration with the Art Students League, received a substantial grant to work with aspiring sculptors to create models to enhance New York City parks. After being displayed in parks in New York City for two years, the sculptures now have a permanent home at Rockland Community College. The College also installed, through the Art in Public Places program, a neon sculpture, TRILOGY, created by the extraordinary Stephen Antonakos.Organization
RCC is sponsored by the County of Rockland and operating and administered by a ten-member Rockland Community College Board of Trustees that is appointed pursuant to New York State Education Law § 6306. Nine of the Trustees serve seven-year terms, with five of those appointed by the County and four by the Governor. The tenth trustee is a voting, student representative. The board in turn appoints a President who hires and supervises the staff. RCC is a community college unit of the State University of New York and is also subject to regulation and visitation by the Regents of the University of the State of New York.Institutional Accreditation
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Some specific programs are also programatically accredited:- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc, formerly National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc..
- American Occupational Therapy Association Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions
Academics
In 2017 Rockland Community College was ranked the best community college in New York for adult learners in Washington Monthly’s recent annual ranking of American colleges and universities. Rockland Community College rated twenty-eighth nationwide out of nearly 1,500 two-year colleges. The following year, the college was name the fifth Campus Pride's 2018 Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities
B.A. programs
Although Rockland Community College does not confer four-year degrees, it cooperates with 4-year institutions:- Purchase College at RCC – Liberal Studies
- SUNY Cobleskill at SUNY Rockland – This 3 + 1 articulation program will enable students to earn a bachelor's degree in most concentrations by studying three years, and in some cases, four years, on campus at SUNY Rockland. Classes are held online and on campus in the evening and on Saturday.
B.S. programs
- Mercy College at RCC – RN-to-BSN Program for registered nurses
Bachelor's Online Program
- Bellevue University, a private, non-profit university, who partners with community colleges across the country and offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees. Bellevue University designed their programs to assist working students complete their bachelor's degree while balancing family and work life.
- Rockland Community College students can now earn a Bachelor of Technology right in Rockland County. The BT in Information Technology is a new offering in the partnership between Rockland Community College and SUNY Cobleskill.
M.A. programs
Since 2016, students are registering for graduate degrees from LIU Hudson by enrolling in evening and weekend courses at the Rockland Community College main campus.
Doctoral Program
In September 2014 a Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership, offered through St. John Fisher College was the first doctoral program at SUNY RocklandCareer Skills Academy
Rockland Community College, recognizing that there is a high demand to fill 'middle-skills' jobs, created Middle Skills Academy to give students the opportunity to earn a certificate that will enable them obtain employment quickly. The programs include courses that may be transferable as college credit in the future.Continuation Education Programs
Rockland Community College continuing education programs include courses forCPA Review,
Clinical Medical Assistant with clinical externship,
Dental assistant,
EKG Technician Certification,
Medical Administrative Assistant,
Medical billing,
Medical classification,
NYS Life, Accident & Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Course
Ophthalmic Assistant,
Pharmacy technician Phlebotomy,
Tax Update and Review
High School Program
The Rockland Community College High School Program began in 2010. Rockland Community College academic departments have oversight of the curriculum, textbooks and student assessments offered at the high schools. High school teachers who are college adjuncts teach the courses at the high schools. Rockland Community College participates in the New York Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, which enables the College to network and share strategies of concurrent enrollment programs offered throughout SUNY community colleges. The program continues to grow yearly.Honors programs
The Samuel Draper Mentored/Talented Students and Management Development programs are for liberal arts and business students seeking to transfer to premier colleges. Graduates transfer to such universities asColumbia,
Cornell,
Duke,
Fordham,
Georgetown,
Harvard,
University of Pennsylvania,
NYU,
Stanford,
Wesleyan,
Yale and
Smith College.
The program was awarded a FIPSE grant from the United States Department of Education to serve as a model for community college honors programs throughout the country. In 2012 Rockland Community College was ranked as the Second Best Community College in the US by the website Community College Transfer Student.
Study Abroad Program
Cambridge University Study Abroad Program
Students must be at least 18 years of age and meet the requirement of a minimum 3.0 GPA and two faculty recommendations when classes begin at Cambridge University in July or August. Students can be from any college but must apply through the RCC Sam Draper M/TS Honors Program Office in Spring to be eligible.Thames Valley University Ealing Campus in England
Thames Valley University offers a range of undergraduate degree programs that are validated by the Council for National Academic AwardsCollege Consortium for International Studies (CCIS)
Rockland Community College as a member in the College Consortium for International Studies, offers students the opportunity to spend a semester in over 25 countries including Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Spain. A student need not be fluent in a foreign language to participate as most instructions are in English.Study Abroad Tours
Rockland Community College in recent years has participated in study abroad tours in China, England, France, Greece and Italy.Articulation agreements
Rockland Community College has articulation agreements with over four dozen colleges including.Academic Success Center (ASC)
The Academic Success Center formerly known as Centers for Academic Progress and Success includes Reading & Writing, Tutoring, Testing and Science Learning centers which provide academic assistance free to all Rockland Community College students.American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center
Rockland Community College is an Authorized American Heart Association Training Center.AT&T Powers Program
's special program grant to the STEM Exploratory Research Fund through the Rockland Community Foundation brings High School Students to learn about STEM Education and Careers.Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The CETL program provides outstanding professional programs and services to faculty and staff as well as one of America's premier psychologists, Dr. Edmund W. Gordon, as scholar-in-residence. Professional development workshops on a wide variety of topics are held throughout the academic year with a full program of workshops offered during January and May.Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Rockland Community College offers a continuing Education program which trains students as a medical assistant and prepares student for a career in health care. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant examination.Construction Management Course
Rockland Community College in 2018 offered a New Construction Management Course which met the Light Construction science general education requirements.Cyber Security Program
On March 8, 2017, Rockland Community College was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two Year Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security becoming just the second SUNY Community College to earn this prestigious designation, Mohawk Valley Community College was certified in 2016. RCC's certificate will be awarded during the 9th Annual Cyber Summit, June 6–8 in Huntsville, Alabama.Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Rockland Community College recently signed an affiliation agreement with the University at Buffalo to establish the accelerated program where students can now obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.Google IT Support Professional program
Rockland Community College students can now obtain a certification by CompTIA, the industry standard for computer support technicians.Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness
Our Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness is part of The Hudson Valley Educational Consortium which is a collaboration with Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Westchester Community Colleges providing broader access to academic programs and workforce training throughout the four county region.Information Assurance Course Validation
Rockland Community College became first New York Community College to Receive Information Assurance Course Validation from the Committee on National Security Systems during the June 2008 CNSS Awards Ceremony held at the 12th Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education.International students
More than 125 international students are enrolled at Rockland Community College yearly.Rockland Community College is ranked number one in the country among two-year institutions for sending students on international study programs.
Language courses
SUNY Rockland Community College offers nine "living" languages which have been approved by the State University of New York – the most of any community college in New York State, which meet the Foreign Language General Education requirement and are mandatory for students seeking a bachelor's degree from a SUNY school. These include;Maritime Studies Program
Rockland Community College now offers the nation's first Maritime Studies Program works with a US Coast Guard-approved partner featuring online training with hands-on classroom instruction at the College's campuses. Through the RCC/Learn America program, Mariners seeking work on board any vessel are required to complete a Coast Guard-approved Basic Training course. Students also are able to sign up for any of the individual elements of the Basic Training course.Partnership
Rockland Community College Partners with IREX on Grant from the Stevens Initiative to Connect Students in the US, Middle East, and North Africa Through Virtual Exchange.Phlebotomy Training
Rockland Community College is offers a 90-hour program to train students to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Once students complete the course, graduates will have the opportunity to pursue the National Healthcareer Association Phlebotomy Technician Exam and become phlebotomy technicians.Pre-Employment Police Basic Course
The course provides the opportunity to begin preparation for a career as a local police officer prior to being hired by a law enforcement agency. A Civil service exam which students will be required to pass in order to be hired by a law enforcement agency, will be given upon completion of the course work at RCC. A candidate from the civil service list who has completed the coursework is more likely to be chosen by an agency, as he or she will not need to attend a twenty-three-week academy.SUNY COIL
Rockland Community College is a participating campus of the SUNY COIL Center's Nodal Network.Seniors adult programs
Senior Adult Audits – Seniors over the age of 60 are eligible to take credit courses free of charge on a space available basis. The seniors are responsible for program fees, are required to meet pre-requisites and cannot enroll in contract courses.Institute for Senior Education – The College's Institute for Senior Education offers courses during the College's regular semesters at modest prices. These informal groups meet once a week and stress independent study within a curriculum adjusted to the needs and interests of the group's members. All ISE courses are open to everyone over 50 years old.
Campus life
The Connection Center
In 2016 Rockland Community College opened The 211 Connection Center which connects students to off-campus resources regarding health and human services such as housing, childcare, food, utilities and legal because "life happens".Athletics
Sports
- Baseball games were played at the Village of Suffern ball field
- Basketball – The School used court time in gymnasiums at Suffern, Haverstraw, and Spring Valley high schools and a few junior highs.
- Bowling at Hi-Tor Lanes in West Haverstraw, NY.
- Calisthenics, jogging, archery, soccer, and golf were held in the fields surrounding the small, peaked-roof building of the former Ramapo police station which housed the physical education office.
- Fencing, gymnastics and varsity wrestling practice were held at the Barn.
- Swimming and lifesaving were taught at the Bader's Hotel outdoor pool in Spring Valley.
- Deer Kill Day Camp in Suffern was rented to teach lifetime skill sports like tennis, handball, and one wall paddleball as well as softball and basketball.
- Eugene Levy athletic facility, known as the Fieldhouse was completed in 1972.
- February 2007 – RCC Fighting Hawks Men's Bowling Team won their first Region XV Championship in school history. RCC made up three of the six All-Region members.
- February 2009 – RCC Fighting Hawks Men's Basketball Team beat Sullivan County Community College Generals 81 – 77 to win the Region XV DIII Men's Championship.
- May 2011 – RCC Golf Team Wins Region XV Championship winning by a four-stroke margin over Nassau Community College.
- 2013 - Region XV Division II Baseball Champions NJCAA
- 2013 - Region XV Tournament Runner-up Women's Basketball Championship
- 2015 - Region XV Women's Singles Tennis Champion - Rockland Community College Elina Arakelyan
- * Elina qualified for NJCAA Division III National Championships, October 22–24 in Peachtree City, Georgia. Finished second. She and teammate Brooke Strieter also qualified to compete in the doubles tournament.
- 2016 - Region XV Division III Runner-up Men's Basketball Championship
- 2016 - Region XV Title - Men's Tennis Team Champions
- 2017 - Region XV Women's Mid-Hudson Championship Volleyball Conference Title
- 2018 - Region XV Men Golf Tournament Team Wins Third Place & three players; John Barna, Sean McGarvey and Anthony Mottolese qualified for Nationals hosted by Jamestown Community College at Chautauqua Golf Club in Chautauqua, New York.
- 2018 Head Athletic Trainer of the Year for Community Colleges Nationwide - Diana Carey
- 2019 - Region XV Baseball - The Hawks won a School record of 26 games in a row and was the first team to go undefeated in regular season play finishing 19–0.
Rockland Boulders
Notable faculty
- Edmund W. Gordon, education scholar
- Dan Masterson, poet
Notable alumni
- Abel Ferrara, film director best known for Bad Lieutenant and King of New York.