2016 - Page 7 of 23

International Studies Office Plans Short Courses Abroad to England and Belize

September 19, 2016/in Archive/by review

NECC students during the 2015 study abroad trip to England.

Want to travel and earn college credit? Northern Essex Community College will offer two short-course study abroad trips this spring and it’s not too late to enroll. The courses are open to the public.

Students who enroll in English Professor Barbara Stachniewicz’s “International Experience in Literature” or Economics Professor Trisha Machado’s “Macroeconomics” will travel to England in May. Students in “Biology117: Field Studies in Natural Systems” will visit Belize with Natural Science Professors Marcy Yeager and Ken Thomas.

The literature course will consider the literary, cultural, and historical significance of England through first-hand visits to numerous iconic English sites including The Tower of London, Westminster Abby, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Canterbury, the Bank of England, and an overnight in Bath.

Macroeconomics will examine the foundation of economic principles as they apply to national output, money and banking as well as a comparative analysis of U.S., England, and Global Economic Systems.

Students in Biology 117 will travel to Belize where they will investigate the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and delve into an extensive limestone cave system.

The courses, funded in part by the NECC Foundation, will fulfill literature, social science, and science requirements respectively. All three courses meet for several Saturday mornings before the end of the school year in early May.

These short-term study abroad programs are designed for students, who for financial or family reasons, cannot study abroad for a full year or even a semester. Each trip is approximately 11 days in length.

The cost is $3500 plus tuition. Financial aid can be used to help support these courses.

For additional information on all study abroad programs contact Lizzie Linn Casanave at studyabroad@necc.mass.edu or call 617-281-3331 or visit the NECC Study Abroad website.

Guest Speaker Will Discuss the Education of Afghanistan Women

September 15, 2016/in Archive/by review

Mati Amin will be Northern Essex's first speaker of the "One Geographic Region" Program.

Mati Amin will be Northern Essex’s first speaker in the “One Geographic Region” Program, which explores the issues of the Middle East this semester.

Imagine being a girl and told your government will not educate you? This is the plight of the women of Afghanistan and will be the focus of discussion when Mati Amin, chairman of the School for Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA) visits Northern Essex Community College on Wednesday, October 5, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Bentley Library as part of NECC’s “One Geographic Region” Program which explores varying issues of the Middle East.

This event is free and open to the public.

One Geographic Region is a project developed by NECC’s Office of International Studies in conjunction with the NECC Library. Its intent is to promote learning across disciplines and borders.

Amin, who will visit with two NECC classes before speaking at the library, will discuss the formation and mission of SOLA, what’s involved in founding a nongovernment organization in Afghanistan, and the future of the graduates of SOLA, which is dedicated to furthering educational and leadership opportunities in Afghanistan and the world for the new generation of Afghanistan, especially for women.

SOLA. is Afghanistan’s first boarding school for girls, its long-term goal is to become an internationally-accredited boarding school in Kabul of more than 340 Afghan students with Afghan and international faculty.

SOLA provides college preparatory courses to students aged 11 to 19 representing all major ethnic groups, religious sects, and tribes from Afghanistan. After completing the college prep classes, SOLA helps graduates enter universities worldwide and return to substantive careers in Afghanistan, where they often become the first women to enter their fields.

Mati is the holder of a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Williams College, Mati currently serves as the Controller & Systems Manager at the Technical Training Foundation. He previously founded the Afghan Youth Initiative, a U.S. and Kabul-based nonprofit, and worked as a Senior Associate at Ashoka. A web developer by training, Mati also launched two startups, including a media solutions company. His extensive writing on development issues in Afghanistan have appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, The Diplomat, The Hill and USA Today.

During the 2016-2017 academic year the One Geographic Region program is highlighting the Middle East with speakers, films, and other programming. On Friday, Oct. 7, Dr. Bill Heineman, vice president of academic and student affairs, will present “The Middle East: It is not as Complicated as You Think from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Hartleb Technology Center; on Friday, November 4, Dr. Ligia Domenech will present Introduction to Islam: Some Basic Concepts” in the Dimitry Building in Lawrence from 2 to 4 p.m.; and on Friday, December 2, the film, “Wadjda” will be shown at Opportunity Works from 2 to 4 p.m.

For additional information contact Barbara Stachniewicz at bstachniewicz@necc.mass.edu

Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods, Inc. of Ward Hill is donating an array of snacks including

Cedar’s Hommus, Taboule, Spinach Dip, and Pita Chips.

Vermont Public College Now in Lawrence at NECC

September 14, 2016/in Archive/by review

NECC President Lane Glenn, Student William Vega of Lawrence, LSC President Nolan Atkins, Student Jean Carlos Diaz of Lawrence, and Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera celebrate the partnership between Northern Essex and Lyndon State.

When Jean Carlos Diaz graduated from Lawrence High School in 2013, he chose to pursue an associate degree in computer science close to home at Northern Essex Community College.

Thanks to a partnership announced on Wednesday, September 14, between Northern Essex and Lyndon State College of Vermont, students like Diaz can now complete a bachelor’s degree without leaving the city.

The two colleges formally celebrated the new partnership—the first dual-state collaboration of its kind in Massachusetts—at a launching ceremony held at the Northern Essex El-Hefni Allied Health & Technology Center in Lawrence.

Speakers included Lyndon State College Interim President Nolan Atkins, NECC President Lane Glenn, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, and Diaz, who shared a heartfelt video he produced himself titled “What this partnership means to me.”

The first in his family to go to college, Diaz said, “I was worried about going to a four-year college and being far from home. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience college right where I live.”

As of this fall, Lyndon State is offering bachelor’s degree programs at NECC’s Lawrence Campus in computer information systems, music business and industry, and visual communications. Classes will be taught afternoons and evening at 420 Common St., or in a hybrid format, which combines online learning with traditional classroom classes.

Shown left to right: Senator Barbara L’Italien: Noemi Custodia Lora, executive director of NECC’s Lawrence Campus and community relations; NECC President Lane Glenn; Student William Vega of Lawrence, LSC President Nolan Atkins; Kristin Hunt, Lyndon State College site director; Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera; Student Jean Carlos Diaz of Lawrence; Representative Linda Dean Campbell, and Sean Nelson, deputy commissioner for administration & finance, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; celebrate the partnership between Northern Essex and Lyndon State.

“We have a small but mighty first class this fall,” said Dr. Kristin Hunt, Lyndon State College site director at NECC. “I could not be more thrilled with our first group of students.”

With 1,200 students, Lyndon State College is one of five institutions that comprise the Vermont State College system, according to President Atkins. Atkins said that Lyndon State focuses on experienced-based education and students are encouraged to complete an internship, typically during their senior year.

This is believed to be the first time a Vermont public college has collaborated with a Massachusetts public college to deliver programming in-state. Massachusetts residents taking Lyndon State courses in Lawrence will be charged at the Vermont resident rate.

Expanding higher education options for Greater Lawrence residents is a priority of President Glenn, which is why he approached Lyndon State about a partnership two and a half years ago.

According to Glenn, 13* of Lawrence residents have a bachelor’s degree as compared to close to 50* of the population statewide. “It’s about making all the people in the service area we touch successful,” he said.

Mayor Rivera thanked both colleges for their efforts on behalf of his city. “Lawrence is one of the few gateway cities of its size that doesn’t have a four-year university,” he said. “Lane is making a Herculean effort to fill that gap, and it’s much appreciated by the city.”

At the start of the program, President Lane Glenn (center), who was wearing a blue and gold tie in Northern Essex’s colors, switched ties with Lyndon State College’s Director of Admissions Vincent Maloney (left) who was wearing a green and yellow tie in his college’s colors. Mayor Rivera helped with the symbolic gesture which showed that this is a “full partnership” according to Glenn.

This partnership comes on the heels of a partnership between Northern Essex and Regis, a leading Catholic University that was announced last November. Since last fall, Regis has been offering bachelor degree completion programs in nursing, public health, and health sciences at Northern Essex’s Lawrence Campus.

To learn more about Lyndon State College bachelor’s degree completion programs at Northern Essex’s Lawrence Campus, visit the website tos.necc.lyndonstate.edu or contact Kristin Hunt, 978 655-5930 or Kristin.hunt@lyndonstate.edu.

PACE Puts Haverhill Woman on Path to Success

September 14, 2016/in Archive/by review

Nairoby Gabriel Liberal Arts: Political Science

Nairoby Gabriel was looking for a fresh start. She didn’t do so well in high school, and she wanted to get back on her feet and prove to herself that she could succeed academically. She found her new beginning at Northern Essex Community College.

At Northern Essex, Gabriel participated in the Pathways to Academic and Career Excellence (PACE) Program, a federally-funded student support services program that helps students succeed. Students are eligible for PACE if they are a first-generation college student and they meet federal financial guidelines.

Services include workshops; academic, career, and transfer advising; mentoring; and scholarships.

Karen Mitchell, director of PACE, says they give students a foundation for success. “Generally, we help students transform their lives while they are here and beyond. We establish relationships with the students and give them resources to be successful. They gain confidence, and when they get involved, they really blossom” she says.

Gabriel proved that to be true. In addition to participating in PACE, she was a member of the Student Senate, Amnesty International, and the Student Leadership Development Program. She graduated from NECC in 2014 with honors and a degree in Liberal Arts: Political Science.

She transferred to UMass Boston, studied abroad in France, and then transferred to UMass Lowell where she graduated in May from the Honors College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Gabriel was one of approximately 250 students who participate in PACE annually. The program, which has been at NECC since 1980, has just been approved for a new five year grant cycle from 2016- 2021.

Mitchell says the comment she hears most from students is “PACE changed my life.”

Gabriel would agree. She would like to be a diplomat and work as a foreign services officer, and she just landed a job as a congressional staff assistant for Senator Elizabeth Warren. She credits PACE with helping her find her direction. “PACE was phenomenal. They had a lot of resources, and they really get to know you and your situation. They help you find your perfect path,” she adds.

Gabriel is also thankful to PACE for one more thing: “I met my husband through the PACE program,” she happily exclaims.

PACE is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

To learn more about enrolling at Northern Essex for the fall, visit the website or contact Enrollment Services at, admissions@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3700.

Fall Semester Kicks Off with Convocation

September 13, 2016/in Archive/by review

Dozens of faculty and staff filled the Hartleb Technology Center last week during Fall Convocation.

Growing Grads and Bucking Trends was the theme of the Fall 2016 convocation attended by hundreds of Northern Essex Community College faculty and staff on Tuesday, September 6, in the Hartleb Technology Center.

With that in mind, NECC President Lane Glenn shared a personal story of his brother’s recent graduation from an MBA program before turning the tables on attendees to participate in an ice breaker and share a personal graduation story with someone sitting near them. A few employees volunteered to tell their tale including Brianne McDonough, Guided Pathways to Success in STEM Program manager, who recalled that she and her mom graduated from Bridgewater State University on the same day.

Following the ice breaker, President Glenn went on to share the dais with a number of staff and faculty who updated their colleagues on recent NECC events not the least of which was the declining enrollment and what NECC is doing to boost numbers now and in the future.

Here are a few of the highlights:

thee will be many new faces on campus this semester as well as familiar faces assuming new or additional roles.

There will be many new faces on campus this semester as well as familiar faces assuming new or additional roles.

New Hires

A number of new faculty and staff were introduced and welcomed to the college community. They included, Ada Greenberg, CBE learning coach; Amanda Fregeau, academic advisor; Maria Hernandez, academic advisor; Solanyi Munoz, special programs coordinator/dislocated worker; Denise Torrey, technical assistant II; Thomas Ortiz, admissions and academic counselor; Erin Colstad, part-time laboratory technician II; Jacqueline Dick, program coordinator of the Associate of Science Degree in Public Health; Jean Dyer, Ph.D., interim director of nursing education; Danial Guzman, patient simulation center coordinator; Scott Lancaster, program coordinator of the Emergency Medical Services program; Lance Hidy, accessible media specialist; Rachel Oleaga, instructional librarian, Lawrence campus; Kim Monteforte, library assistant Lawrence campus; Merrimack College Fellows – Joanna DePena, community support and referral, student success and Katie Mara, academic innovations coordinator; Alicia Blain, administrative assistant, Quarrybrook; Karen Hruska, associate director for mental health counseling; Maria Medina, college and career navigator TAACCCT Grant; Michael McCarthy, vice president of administration and finance; Michael Pierce, director of administrative services; Steve DiLeo, maintainer; Shawn Donnelly, maintainer; Joyce Brody, staff associate; Pamela Medina, staff assistant; Chris Severance, administrative assistant; and Dr. Kelly Saretsky, dean of institutional research, planning, and effectiveness.

OER

President Lane Glenn addresses the staff and faculty.

Faculty members Jody Carson and Sue Tashjian gave a quick overview of Northern Essex’s use of Open Educational Resources (OER). To date, 35 NECC faculty members have employed OER in their classes, resulting in $650,000 textbook savings. Now, Carson and Tashjian, who are coordinators of the statewide OER program titled Massachusetts Community Colleges Go Open, put out a call for proposals to encourage other faculty to become involved. They invited NECC faculty to apply for the first round of grant funding to help them incorporate OER in their classes.

Interested faculty can apply now.

Spurk Renovations

Before introducing Michael Pierce, director of administrative services, President Glenn joked that while Boston had the “Big Dig”, Northern Essex has the “Spurk Renovation”, which he said is a “Herculean” undertaking.

Pierce supported his comments showing slides of a now vacant Spurk classroom building. He said that some 500 student desks, 200 filing cabinets, thousands of chairs and hundreds of boxes were moved off the property are currently stored in sheds, storage containers, in Haverhill, Riverwalk and Lawrence campuses.

The year-long renovation will be worth the bother, he said, since it is creating a “more comfortable learning and teaching environment”.

Additional information on renovations can be found here.

Civic Learning

Dawna Perez, dean of student success, speaking on behalf of Janel D’Agata-Lynch, NECC’s civic engagement and service learning coordinator, said that since the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education voted two years ago to include “civic learning and engagement as an expected learning outcome in public higher education” NECC has been actively working with its faculty to incorporate these components into their curricula.

The idea, said Perez, is to create “good citizens”. She encouraged faculty to reach out to D’Agata-Lynch if they believed their course meets the criteria for service learning designation.

Steve Russell informed the attendees of the up coming Teach-In.

Teach-In

History Professor Steve Russell, advisor to the NECC Contemporary Affairs Club, spoke regarding NECC’s involvement in the 2016 Election Teach-In, which is a statewide effort to educate students on the importance of the election and why their vote matters. A total of 10 NECC faculty members have already committed, but Russell said there is always room for more.

“Part of civic learning is actually voting,” he said. “Getting students engaged and rationally understand what’s going on with this P residential election is important.” He quoted Thomas Jefferson who wrote, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” Russell says the 2016 Election Teach-In “puts teeth in it”.

Among other activities, students will be invited to participate in weekly Collegial Conversations, mock presidential debates, and voter registrations. To participate or for more information contact D’Agata-Lynch at jdagatalynch@necc.mass.edu

Study Abroad

Professors Lizzie Casanave, Elle Yarborough, and Barbara Stachniewicz discussed the study abroad opportunities.

Professors Lizzie Casanave, Elle Yarborough, and Barbara Stachniewicz gave a brief presentation promoting NECC’s long term and short term study abroad programs. Students who participate in study abroad programs “experience the viewpoints and cultures of other countries…they share this with their peers and inspire others to travel…they realize education is not a process that happens in a classroom, but an experience to be lived,” said Casanave in a voice over during a short video featuring NECC students on study abroad trips.

Two trips will be offered this year – England and Belize. For more information contact studyabroad@necc.mass.edu or call Casanave at 617-281-3331.

Stachniewicz introduced the Global Scholars Program, which is a transcript designation program that recognizes a student’s work as a “global citizen”.

“We live in a globalized world and NECC is making choices to face this head on by supporting you as a globalized student,” according to a brochure introducing the program. “This program recognizes all the work students are already doing while connecting them with others who are growing as global scholars.”

Enrollment and Retention

President Glenn reported that community colleges historically experience enrollment decreases when the economy is improving. That trend, combined with fewer students of high school graduation age (particularly in the Northeast), competition from other colleges, and changes in the ESL developmental education curriculum, has contributed to a drop in enrollment at NECC.

Even though numbers are down, Glenn noted that all is not bleak:

• The average enrollment at Massachusetts community colleges between 2004-2015 is 92,216

• Current enrollment is 92,707 (slightly above average)

• The average enrollment at Massachusetts community colleges between 2004-2015 accounted for 50.6* of all public higher education enrollment

Bill Heineman, dean of student and academic affairs, Michael McCarthy, vice president of administration and finance, Noemi Custodia Lora, executive director of the Lawrence campus and community relations, and Ron Taber, vice president of marketing and communications, and Tina Favara, dean of enrollment services and interim dean of student life, all spoke on what their areas are doing to improve enrollments and student retentions as well as budget shortfalls.

Heineman said that “micro-gains” have been noticed in course completion in math sections where students used supplemental instructors.

McCarthy noted that human resources have played a role in keeping costs down. Jobs have been merged and there have been delays filling job vacancies. Other measures include one-time savings through rebates and grants and IT contracts have been renegotiated as have rates from various vendors.

Custodia Lora stated that through high school partnerships like Early College NECC is increasing access to higher education to high school students, She cited an increase of 60 Lawrence students in 2008 compared to 260 Lawrence students in 2015 who were enrolled in college classes.

International students are another group Northern Essex is cultivating by making a number of changes including: giving credit for valid foreign credits; offering the Accuplacer test in the Dominican Republic; secure scholarships from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Education; develop study abroad programs.

Taber spoke of the “lost customer” and the importance of using analytics to refine tactics and improve “return on investment”.

Turning more applicants into enrollees is the number one goal, according to Favara. Enrollment will work to increase the number of Hispanic males who are over 25; increase the traditional high school student; strengthen Communiversity and four-year transfer programs; and expand international recruitment.

While mentoring, tutoring, SI, Early Alert, and First Year Seminar are all successful tools NECC has employed in the retention process, Heineman said perhaps it’s time to make these offerings more formal and less random.

Burns spoke on creating a “culture of leadership” for student success that involves becoming a “student-ready college” through learning together, continually improving, and developing leadership at all levels.

NECC Education Helps Methuen Woman Land Dream Job

September 12, 2016/in Archive/by review

Sheri Carter Business Management: Healthcare Practice Option

When Sheri L. Carter received her associate degree in business management: healthcare practice option during Northern Essex Community College’s May graduation, it had already helped her land a job at one of the largest healthcare systems in Boston.

Months earlier, the Methuen resident secured what she calls her “dream” position of security applications coordinator in Boston for Partners Healthcare’s eCare, the new electronic health care record system implemented at all Partner institutions. She now assists new or existing users gain access to the new Epic system.

The road to Carter’s associate degree with honors actually began in 1990, shortly after her graduation from Salem High School in NH. An early marriage and four children pulled her attention from her education as she focused on raising her family and wore the many hats of Girl Scout leader, den mother, cheerleading coach, and elementary school volunteer.

Carter enrolled at NECC a few times, but her children’s schedules and her three, part-time jobs took precedence. In 2009, once her children were older, Carter decided it was time to focus on her own education. She enrolled in two or three classes each semester not quite sure which direction she wanted to study. She was hired as a medical secretary, which lead to a position with a Steward hospital where she became certified as an optimization specialist. Her experience and her NECC education eventually led to the job at Partners, she said.

“The career found me and I developed a passion for it,” she said.

After her return to NECC, Carter earned a 4.0 GPA every semester and embraced her role as a college student. The 45-year-old, nontraditional student, who also earned a certificate in Electronic Health Record Specialist, was a member of Alpha Beta Gamma Omicron, the international business honor society; a member of the iHealth Advisory Board; and a member of the NECC Student Leadership Development Program.

“Some people think Northern Essex is ‘just a community college’,” said Carter. “In my experience Northern Essex opened doors for me.”

One of the doors it opened was to Southern New Hampshire University, where she will begin studying part-time for her bachelor’s degree in business management: health care information.

To learn more about enrolling at Northern Essex for the fall, visit the website or contact Enrollment Services at, admissions@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3700.

NECC Hosts Info Session for Displaced ITT Tech Students

September 9, 2016/in Archive/by review

Northern Essex Community College is reaching out to local students who were impacted by the sudden closing of ITT Technical Institute, which announced earlier this week that they would be shutting down 130 campuses nationwide including a campus in Wilmington, MA.

On Monday, September 12, Northern Essex is hosting an ITT Tech Info Day where displaced students can learn about options available for them through Northern Essex including programs, transferring of credits, and financial aid. The 45-minute information session will be held at 9 a.m. in the Hartleb Technology Center, Room 103A, on Northern Essex’s Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA. It will be followed by a tour of the Haverhill Campus and the opportunity to meet individually with a campus advisor until 5 p.m..

ITT Tech’s Wilmington Campus was located 20 miles from Northern Essex’s Haverhill Campus and 14 miles from the college’s Lawrence Campus.

“We’re hoping that Northern Essex will be a viable option for ITT Tech students who want to continue their education with as little disruption as possible,” said Danny Richer, NECC’s director of recruitment and admissions.

Many ITT Tech students are studying computer science or related fields; Northern Essex has three associate degree programs as well as seven certificate programs in computer and information sciences. Northern Essex offers over 70 degree programs, including business and criminal justice.

Students planning to attend Monday’s information session should bring a photo ID and ITT academic records, including official and unofficial transcripts. Students should also bring a list of courses taken at ITT Tech, including course syllabi or course descriptions, if possible.

Those using the GI Bill should bring the DD Form 214, which is issued on discharge, separation or retirement from military service, and a Veterans Administration Certificate of Eligibility. Veterans should also bring a copy of their Joint Services Transcript.

For additional information, contact Enrollment Services, 978 556-3700, admissions@necc.mass.edu or visit the website www.necc.mass.edu/itt-tech

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 70 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. More than 7,400 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 6,700 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. Northern Essex is the only state college located in the lower Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.

Information Session for Personal Care Attendant Program

September 9, 2016/in Archive/by review

An information session for individuals interested in becoming personal care attendants (PCAs) for the elderly and disabled will be offered Wednesday, September 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. at NECC Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. This is a noncredit, PCA Fundamentals Program offered at Northern Essex Community College.

The 28-hour, eight-day PCA program will be offered September 26 through October 14, (no class October 10) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. This program trains individuals in direct care skills used to help the elderly and disabled populations live independently.

It is strongly recommended that individuals who are interested in attending the program attend this information session. Preregistration for this information session is not required.

This program is ideal for those interested in learning the basic skills and knowledge to enter this in-demand, fast growing field which also serves as a gateway to other health care professions. The current pay for PCAs is $14.12 an hour and work can be part time or full time.

The PCA program reviews the roles and responsibilities of the PCA, consumer rights, confidentiality and ethics, communication, best practices for infection control and reducing worker injury, basic first aid and CPR, life skills, resume writing and interview preparation.

Interested individuals must be eligible to work in the United States to enroll. Participants must attend all training days. For additional information please contact Dianne (Dee) Lahaye at dlahaye@necc.mass.edu or 978-659-1222.

NECC is First Community College in MA to Offer Competency-Based Education

September 7, 2016/in Archive/by review

Victoria Gonzalez of Haverhill was one of the first NECC students to sign up for a competency-based education course at NECC.

Northern Essex Community College is the first community college in Massachusetts to offer a method of learning designed especially for busy adults who need flexibility in order to pursue a certificate or degree.

Northern Essex has launched an eight-course certificate in computer applications as well as two additional art courses—Two Dimensional Foundations and Computer Graphics—delivered online as competency-based education (CBE) courses.

CBE addresses the needs of adult learners, allowing them to start and complete courses online on their own schedule. Each CBE student is assigned a learning coach, who will provide course orientation and advice on how to succeed academically.

These new CBE options will complement Northern Essex’s already robust online learning options which include 19 degree and certificate programs—ranging from business transfer to criminal justice— that are offered fully or almost fully online as well as hundreds of online courses.

Kim Burns, Northern Essex’s dean of academic innovations and alternative studies, says there’s a noticeable difference between CBE courses and traditional online courses. “In a traditional online course, students work at the instructor’s pace. In a CBE course, students are able to work more independently while juggling busy work schedules and personal responsibilities.”

The great majority of Northern Essex students—82 percent—work full-time or part-time while attending college and a large percentage have children. The majority are pursuing a college education in order to advance in their current careers or transition to a new field, and they want to complete their education as quickly as possible.

“College students are no longer 18-years old who are concentrating on their studies full-time,” said Burns. “Our students are working during the day and caring for their families in the evening and we want to be sure we have flexible options available to them.”

Victoria Gonzalez of Haverhill, a business transfer major at Northern Essex, was one of the first students to sign up for a fall CBE course. Gonzalez is a 2014 graduate of Whittier Vocational Technical School, where she majored in marketing business technology, and she’s hopeful that her computer experience will allow her to move quickly through the course modules.

Gonzalez says she’s developed her study habits while at Northern Essex and she’s counting on that plus her computer skills to help her “fly through the class.”

These new CBE options will complement Northern Essex’s already robust online learning options which include 19 degree and certificate programs—ranging from business transfer to criminal justice— that are offered fully or almost fully online as well as hundreds of online courses.

Kim Burns, Northern Essex’s dean of academic innovations and alternative studies, says there’s a noticeable difference between CBE courses and traditional online courses. “In a traditional online course, students work at the instructor’s pace. In a CBE course, students are able to work more independently while juggling busy work schedules and personal responsibilities.”

Students can still enroll for CBE courses starting this fall, says Burns.

Burns hopes that Northern Essex will become a statewide leader in competency-based education. “Our goal is to grow the number of programs and courses that we offer. It’s all about helping more people to access a college education.”

For more information, visit the website or contact Burns at kburns@necc.mass.edu.

Medical Interpreter Information Session Offered at NECC

September 7, 2016/in Archive/by Alexis Fontaine

An information session, for individuals interested in enrolling in a Medical Interpreter Certificate Program at Northern Essex Community College, will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at NECC Riverwalk, Building 9, Entry K, 3rd Floor, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence.

The information session is designed to explore the field of medical interpreting as well as learn about the Medical Interpreter Certificate Program.

The 10-week, noncredit program will be offered Saturdays beginning October 1 and run through December 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NECC Riverwalk. (No class November 26).

To enroll in this 60-hour program, individuals must be fully bilingual, fluent in English and one other language.

For additional information on the information session or program, visit www.necc.mass.edu/med-interpreter or contact Dianne Lahaye at dlahaye@necc.mass.edu or call 978-659-1222.

Trained medical interpreters are in demand. This program is perfect for anyone preparing for an entry-level career as a medical interpreter, as well as working interpreters who would like to prepare for the national board exam.