Statewide “Completion Day” Encourages Degree Completion

Students at community colleges throughout the state will participate in a day of activities on Wednesday, October 3, promoting the advantages of completing their associate’s degrees.

The 37 State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) community colleges have set aside October 3 to send a simple message: Students who complete an associate degree have better prospects for jobs, scholarships and transfer to four-year schools.

At RCC, the day will begin at 11:30 am with a welcome by State Senator David Carlucci, RCC Class of 2000, and President Cliff L. Wood. All activities will take place in and around the Student Union from11:30 am through 6:00 pm.

Throughout the day, students will be encouraged to sign a pledge indicating their commitment to complete their associate’s degree within three years.

Activities will include entertainment by RCC Performing Arts students; free refreshments and giveaways; an alumni panel discussion and a transfer college fair. Live demonstrations of careers from 1:00-2:15 pm will include a crime scene investigation; a SIM-man presentation; a salsa preparation workshop; a stage sword fight and a TV broadcast.

For the past few weeks, signs around the RCC campus gave students reasons for degree completion:

• Students who complete an associate degree can expect to earn $400,000 more in a lifetime than a high school graduate.

• Unemployment for community college graduates is typically 30 percent lower than for high school grads.

• New York residents who transfer directly from a SUNY or CUNY two-year college with an associate degree are guaranteed entry to a four-year SUNY college.

For more information about Completion Day, contact Dr. James Siegel, Dean of Student Development, at 574-4307. Visit www.sunyrockland.edu/go/complete for more details.