Volume 8, No. 1	January 2010

Happy New year! Welcome to our monthly E-Newsletter, an overview of news and activities at ECC. We encourage you to learn more about our College by going through the rest of our web site.

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Spring Registration

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get back into gear. In-person registration for the Spring 2010 Semester is from January 5-8 at both the main and West Essex campuses. Late registration and add/drop are from January 11-15 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Web registration is on-going through January 15. Classes for the Spring 2010 Semester begin January 11 and end April 26.

Students may register for the Spring 2010 Weekend College on the same registration dates. The Weekend College, which runs January 15 to April 24, provides students with compressed instruction Fridays and Saturdays in classes that satisfy basic core requirements for associate degree programs.

Late Start Semester (Spring II 2010) will begin January 29 and in-person registration for those classes is set for January 29 to February 4. Late start classes continue through April 24. For further information on course registration, click here and/or call Enrollment Services at (973) 877-3100, Main Campus, or (973) 877-6590, West Essex Campus.

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ECC Megstructure Named After A. Zachary Yamba

The ECC Board of Trustees passed a resolution on December 15 naming the college megastructure the A. Zachary Yamba Megastructure in honor of Dr. Yamba’s immense contributions as president of ECC for nearly three decades.

It was one more tribute to the many that were bestowed on Dr. Yamba on December 4 at a stunning Celebrating the Legacy gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.  The college community organized the memorable gala as a loving send off to a great leader on the occasion of his upcoming retirement.  Other honors bestowed on President Yamba included the Key to Essex County (from County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo), Key to the City of Newark (from Mayor Cory Booker), naming the University Avenue and West Market Street  intersection the A. Zachary Yamba Plaza (Newark City Council President Mildred Crump and Mayor Cory Booker), and officially entering the December 4 events in the Congressional Record of the United States (U.S. Congressman Donald Payne Sr.). Furthermore, the college trustees proudly bestowed on Dr. Yamba the title of President Emeritus of ECC. 

Photos and video highlights of the event were posted in the December E-Newsletter.  To access the same, click here.

Curricular Developments

New Dietary Manager Certificate Program with UMDNJ

Starting this Spring, ECC’s Division of Nursing and Allied Health is offering a new joint admission certificate program in Dietary Management with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP). The prerequisites for the program will be offered at ECC and the major course requirements at UMDNJ.

ECC students who have already completed the prerequisites may enroll at UMDNJ this Spring.  The program runs from January 29 to April 24.  Students may choose to register for the program at either UMDNJ-SHRP in Newark or UMDNJ-SHRP, Scotch Plains.  For enrollment details, contact Professor Lola Oyedele at ECC (973) 877-3246/1885 or the Program Director Tami Mackle at jonesta@umdnj.edu or call Suzanne Danna at (908) 889-2434 (UMDNJ). You may also click here for curricular information.

On-Line Hybrid Course

CSC 100 Fundamentals of Computer Science will be offered henceforth, starting this Spring, as an on-line/hybrid course.  The course runs from January 21 to April 26.   Enrollment requirements include basic familiarity with computer operations, including opening files, installing programs, and launching applications.  Familiarity is also needed with internet usage including web browsing, sending and receiving email, and on-line chat /instant messaging. Students will be working with PC/Macintosh (with Windows XP/MacOS 10.4 or later) with 1+GB RAM and 200+MB Free HD Space. To register, students should go to Room 5106 and meet with Danielle Reid, Assistant to the Dean of Faculty.

Architecture Students Participate in Seminar at NJIT

A group of ECC Architecture students recently visited the Architecture School at NJIT to participate in a seminar sponsored by the student chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the NJIT Career Development Services Office. The seminar discussed the nuances of obtaining an architecture license in New Jersey. Students learned that prior to sitting for their exam they must participate in an Interim Development Program (IDP) comprised of three years of training in various aspects of architecture. For further information, call (973) 877-4400.

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STEM Students Benefitting from Grants

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students are benefiting from a number of grants aimed at increased enrollment, retention, gradu ation, and transfer rates in STEM disciplines. The grants provide funding for tutoring, mentoring, scholarships, summer bridge programs, textbooks, and other activities and materia ls. The funding agencies are The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) offering $225,240 for five years; The U.S. Department of Education providing $1.2 million for two years (started in summer 2009); the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) with $42,000 for three years (started in Fall 2008); and the National Science Foundation (NSF) providing nearly $1 million for five years (started in Fall 2006). For further information, contact Dr. Jianping Yue at (973) 877-3454.

 

Awards for CFT Students

Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) awarded scholarships of $1,000 each in Summer 2009 to two students, Odner Lapaix and Edward Pingle, enrolled in the Energy Utility Technology program.  PSE&G first established the fund in 2004 to honor its former president, Al Koeppe, who spearheaded the creation of the program.
 
Seven students majoring in Civil Construction and Engineering Technology (CET) received scholarships valued up to $1,500 from the Construction Industry Advancement Program (CIAP) of New Jersey in Summer 2009. The students are Matias Alicata, Darwin Granja, Camilla Grillo, Gina Issa, Ali Mozaffari, Dianand Somwaru, and Tomasz Szarlej. The awards are intended to help the students further their education in the field. 

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Winter Career Fair  

More than 360 students from the Greater Newark area attended the Essex County College Career Fair on December 9.  The event, which involved 43 companies, was sponsored by the Carl D. Perkins Grant and organized by ECC’s Job Development Committee. 

ECC students also benefited from an Employer Panel on December 2. Topper David Perschy from the New Jersey State Police; Kim White, Vice President of Wachovia Bank; Rahman Karriem, retired after 30 years with Verizon; and Karen Bridgett, representing Human Resource at Essex County College, addressed close to 100 students on topics such as work place ethics and preparation for the career fair.  A Resume Clinic on December 3 helped students prepare resumes for the career fair.  

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New Homeland Security Program

The college has launched a new nine (9) credit program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration.  This pilot program includes federal security personnel such as Passenger Screeners, Behavioral Detection Officers and Air Marshals at Newark Liberty Airport. Retired Police Lieutenant Richard Valentine, an instructor at ECC’s Police Academy in Cedar Grove, is teaching the first course, Introduction to Homeland Security.

We presently have an enrollment of 60 students for the Homeland Security course.  Two additional three (3) credit courses will be offered in January and September 2010, Introduction to Interpersonal Communications and Intelligence Analysis and Security, said Maureen Behr, Director of the College’s Corporate and Business Training Center who is managing the Homeland Security Program.

ECC is one of eight community colleges nationwide selected by U.S. Homeland Security to pilot this program, and is the only one in the northeast participating as a new partner with airport security personnel. A promotional piece about ECC’s program was aired on NJN television last month. Click here to access the broadcast.  The college plans to eventually expand the program to enable students to earn a certificate and/or associate degree in Homeland Security, according to ECC’s Dean of Educational Services Dr. Phil Linfante.  

Police Academy Receives State Recertification
   

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The Essex County College Police Academy was recertified last month for the period January 2010 through December 2012 by the Attorney General’s Police Training Commission. Recertification authorizes the Academy to conduct 14 training programs at its facility in Cedar Grove. ECC has operated the academy since January 1999.
    
Six of the 14 major programs are intensive basic training at various levels for police officers, corrections officers, special law enforcement officers, and juvenile detention officers. Other courses include training in firearms, radar operation, vehicle operations for school resource officers, and physical conditioning instructor classes.

In addition to the 14 primary programs, the academy offers classes, workshops, and seminars in a number of areas related to firearms qualifications and emergency medical services; 6,000 – 7,000 people annually take these classes.  The academy also operates a popular summer junior police academy for area teens. 

Free Income Tax Preparation Services for ECC Students

Essex County College has received a $67,500 grant from Single Stop USA for 2010 as part of the organization’s Community College Initiative.  The grant is a renewal of the funding the college received in 2009.  

The grant program is designed to strengthen retention rates at the college by providing students access to various on-site services such as income tax preparation, legal counseling, and financial counseling, all free.  Students can also meet with the Single Stop Coordinator for a free benefits screening, which will identify any public benefits program for which they may be eligible, including Food Stamps, General Assistance, Medicaid, and other social services.  The office can also assist students in applying for these programs.  For further information, contact Kevin Kurdziel, Single Stop coordinator in the Green Area, Room 3175, and Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Kurdziel can be reached at 973-877-1856.  For general information regarding Single Stop Initiatives, click here.

New Appointments and Promotions

The Board of Trustees made the following personnel decisions in December. Congratulations to all!

• Elizabeth Barkley has been promoted to Director of IT Operations for Information Technology.
  
  
• Amy Brown has been promoted to Teacher Coordinator of Child Development Center.
  
  
• Mila Bruan has been promoted to Associate Professor, Division of Bilingual Studies, effective  September 1, 2010.
  
  
• Salah Dami has been promoted to Assistant Director, Technical Services of Information Technology.
  
  
• Juan Estrada has been promoted to Assistant Director, Telecommunication Services of Information Technology.
  
  
• Meimei Gao has been appointed MESA Coordinator of Engineering Technology and Computer Science.
  
  
• Evande Harrison-Madu has been appointed Lecturer of Nursing.
  
  
• Mohamed Seddiki has been promoted to Dean, Information Technology/Chief Information Officer.
  

Coach Hugo Pierre Gains National Recognition

ECC men’s soccer coach Hugo Pierre has been named a regional (east) National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Junior College Coach of the Year.  He gained this honor after he led the Wolverines to a 16-3-3 record and fifth place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament in November.  The team captured both the Region 19 and Northeast District titles before advancing to the national championship bracket of eight teams.

Pierre will receive his award January 15 in Philadelphia. Having received one of the four highest vote totals by his peers in the national vote, he is a finalist for the National Coach of the Year. That honor will be announced at the awards banquet.
Pierre has just completed his second year as head coach of the Wolverines. Prior to being named head coach, Pierre served as an assistant for a decade under longtime former coach Alphonse Prophete. An ECC alumnus, Pierre was a mid-fielder on the Wolverines’ highly successful teams in the mid-1980s. He grew up in Haiti where he played soccer on several Haitian national teams.

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ECC Plays Santa to Disadvantaged Students

The College’s family made the holidays a little brighter for more than 150 children through the Annual Angel Tree Gift program under the direction of the Alumni Association.  Four agencies participated in the program: The Apostles’ House, Light House, Harmony House, and The Covenant House, all in Newark.   Even with the economic crisis at hand, the generosity was flowing from the hearts of the college community. Thanks to everyone who made the children happy during the holiday season.

In Sympathy

The college is saddened to announce the passing of Ghanshyam C. Patel, Physical Plant Engineer Administrator in the Facilities Department, on December 24, 2009. Patel had been employed at the college since 2003.  We extend our condolences to the Patel family. Condolences may also be sent to Mrs. Nilu G. Patel and Family, 33 Cobblewood Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039.

DECEMBER EVENTS

The ECC community took great pleasure in celebrating Kwanzaa and the holiday season last month. The Kwanzaa celebration included lighting seven candle signifying seven principles, dance performances, a student group presentation, and poetry reading. There was free food, cultural displays, African drummers, and more.

The traditional tree lighting ceremony included performances by the college choir under the direction of Professor Richard Alston. Gifts from the college community that were placed under the Xmas tree were distributed to needy children.

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Scenes from Kwansa Celebration at ECC
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Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Next Step Program students at December Recognition Ceremony

Upcoming ECC Events

NCCF Orientation, sponsored by the Evening and Weekend College	January 4 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
Adult Fashion Show Auditions	January 4 – January 28 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Dance Studio, Physical Education Bldg, Main Campus
Spring Registration	January 5-8; 11-15 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Essex Room Main Campus
Urban Issues Around the World Art Exhibition	January 5-31 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.	Gallery Main Campus
Three Kings Celebration Sponsored by the City of Newark	January 6 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments ECC vs. Ocean County College	January 7 5:00 p.m. (Women’s) 7:00 p.m. (Men’s)	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
The Cotillion Program Sponsored by Newark Municipal Council	January 9, 16, 23, & 30 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Dasher Student Center Main Campus
Women’s  Basketball Tournament ECC vs. Orange County College	January 9 1:00 p.m.	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
Women’s  Basketball Tournament ECC vs. TCI	January 12 6:00 p.m.	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
Nursing Seminar	January 15 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
Middle States Steering Committee Meeting	January 19 2:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
Nursing Pinning Ceremony	January 19 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.	Burch Theater Main Campus
Welcome Back Celebration Sponsored by Evening & Weekend College	January 20 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	2nd Floor Forum Main Campus
Colloquium for New Faculty	January 21 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	4th Level Multipurpose Room Main Campus
Ask a Counselor Session Sponsored by Evening & Weekend College	January 21 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	4th Floor Bursar Area Main Campus
Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments ECC vs. Lackawanna	January 21 5:00 p.m. (Women’s) 7:00 p.m. (Men’s)	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
College Bound Tech Special Programs	January 23 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.	Essex Room Main Campus
Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments	January 23 1:00 p.m. (Women’s) 3:00 p.m. (Men’s)	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
Registration	January 25-29 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Essex Room Main Campus
Board of Trustees Meeting	January 26 2:00 p.m.	Dasher Student Center Main Campus
Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments ECC vs. Burlington County College	January 26 5:00 p.m. (Women’s) 7:00 p.m. (Men’s)	Physical Education Bldg. Main Campus
Open Discussion Sponsored by Evening & Weekend College	January 28 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	Main Dining Hall Main Campus

For more information, call (973) 877-3208 or (973) 877-6637 for main campus events and (973) 877-1903 for West Essex Campus events.

Contact Information

This newsletter is prepared by the Office of Publications and Production in cooperation with the Office of Public Relations. Comments and suggestions are most welcome. Please address them to Dr. Lekha Keister at lkeister@essex.edu.