The faculty and staff at Dutchess regard stu­dent services as an integral part of the total college experience. A conscientious effort is made to know students as individuals and to serve them as such. The Department of Student Services includes the following offices: The Academic Coaching and Transfer (ACT) Center, Admissions, Registrar, Accommodative Services, Student Financial Services, Counseling Services, Health Services, Student Activities, Residential Life and Athletics. They are coordinated and directed by the Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management.

Orientation for New Students
To acquaint new full-time and part-time students with the college’s educational philosophy, and standards, the College expects them to participate in an orientation program prior to their first semester at Dutchess. Orientation each semester consists of a comprehensive program for full- and part-time students. A club fair is held early in the semester to encourage involvement in extracurricular activities.
The goals of orientation are:
• To acquaint new students with the College, its academic programs, facilities, resources, services, activities, policies, and organizations.
• To assist them in taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by the College.
• To provide students with important information about issues and problems frequently encountered by college students as well as the resources and approaches for effective decision making.

Academic Coaching and Transfer (ACT) Center

Academic Advisement
The ACT Center provides holistic academic advisement for students including career and transfer planning. ACT coaches teach students the skills needed to choose a major and design an achievable academic plan. As students continue their studies at Dutchess, they can rely on ACT coaches to deliver academic and transfer programming that will expose them to a variety of occupational and scholastic opportunities. All students may utilize the ACT center. Students are urged to take the initiative in meeting early and regularly with their coach and to take full advantage of the advisement services that are available. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that graduation requirements are met.

Transfer to Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Dutchess Community College graduates transfer to a variety of colleges and universities across the country, both public and private. Students planning to transfer should matriculate, in general, in an associate in arts (A.A.) or an associate in science (A.S.) degree program. These programs are designed as university-parallel programs and offer the student the greatest opportunity to transfer with junior status, with the expectation of completing the baccalaureate degree in an additional two years of full-time study.

The College has a number of articulation or transfer agreements, which facilitate the transfer of A.A. and A.S. graduates to four-year institutions. In addition, an opportunity to continue full-time study at a four-year state university or college is guaranteed to all New York residents who transfer directly from a SUNY two-year college with an A.A. or A.S. degree and who meet the SUNY application requirements. It should be noted, however, that this policy does not guarantee a student admission to the campus or program of his/her choice. Application fee is waived for graduates with an A.A. or A.S. degree for up to 7 SUNY schools.

Students planning to seek immediate employment upon graduation usually matriculate in an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree program. Many A.A.S. graduates, however, transfer to senior institutions. Dutchess Community College has transfer agreements with some senior institutions that facilitate the transfer of students from career programs. In general, however, graduates of career programs should anticipate needing more than two years of full-time study to complete the baccalaureate degree. Students considering transfer are advised to attend a Transfer 101 Workshop and then consult with a transfer advisor in the ACT Center (Student Services Center, Room 301 (845) 431-8600). Students are encouraged to attend transfer fairs and transfer events held throughout the year.

DCC graduates have transferred to all SUNY colleges and universities, as well as to other fine institutions such as Bard College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Fordham University, Marist College, Mount Saint Mary College, New York University, Pace University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Vassar College, Yale University, Tulane University, Smith College and many others.

Bridges to Excellence
Students who participate in the DCC’s accelerated college preparation summer program, Smart Start, are eligible to enroll in the Bridges to Excellence (B2E). This unique opportunity offers students seamless acceptance to Marist College after graduating DCC in two years. B2E students receive the academic and personal support necessary to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years.

The Center for Career and Entrepreneurial Services

Career planning is not a single event that occurs when you declare a major. It is a continuous process of managing work, family, education, and personal activities. This is why our services are available to students, alumni and community members. Our staff can help with everything from choosing a major that leads to the career you want, to conducting a job search to finding employment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a professional, call (845) 790-3750 or come to the Student Services Center, Room 204. Services are also available at DCC South, by appointment only.

Career Development Services
It is increasingly more common for the average worker to have multiple careers over their lifetime. With our assistance, you do not have to move into or transition out of one of those careers alone. During a career development session our staff will guide you to a greater understanding of your interests, values, aspirations, talents, personality, motivators and other personal characteristics and the role they play in your occupational choices. Career assessments are available to current students who may be uncertain as to the career path that is right for them.

Career Coaching Services
If you have an idea of what occupation you wish to pursue or you want to compare multiple occupations we can assist. We’ll help inform your research using a variety of online tools, networking opportunities, informational interviews and industry experts. We’ll also show you where to find important labor market information including:
• Growth industries
• Demand occupations
• Average earnings
• Education requirements
You can find links to the online resources at:
www.sunydutchess.edu/careerservices/

Job Search Services
Work with us to find your next full- or part-time job. Our staff will assist you with all stages of your job search including:
• Resume development/critiquing
• Cover letter development/critiquing
• Identifying your transferable skills
• Tips on how to answer common interview questions
• Interviewing practice
• Navigating the various job databases
• Networking

Events
Throughout the year we create opportunities for you to connect with and hear from our local and regional employers. Through our own events or in collaboration with our community partners you can join us at:
• Job fairs
• Company recruitments
• Industry forums
• Networking events

Office of Accommodative Services (OAS)

The Office of Accommodative Services is committed to providing equal access and an inclusive campus community by providing support services and advocacy. Students who are ADA eligible must identify themselves to the Office of Accommodative Services, present documentation of a disability and complete the registration process by meeting with a staff member. Registration and documentation guidelines are available online at www.sunydutchess.edu/academics/accommodative/. Services include:
• Placement test accommodations
• Classroom and Testing Accommodations
• Alternative Format of textbooks and class material
• Notetaking assistance
• Assistive Technology and Training: screen readers, voice to text programs
• CCTV
• Portable Induction Loop
• Sign Language Interpreters, FM systems and remote caption services
• Transition to College
• Coaching/Academic Success Skills
• Voter Registration
• Advocacy and Referral
• Guidance to parents of incoming students
• Campus Accessibility

OAS works collaboratively with faculty/staff, ACCESS-VR (Adult Career Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation), New York State Commission for the Blind, Taconic Resources for Independence and the Dutchess County Transition Council.

Counseling

The Counseling Center provides campus-wide programs and services for students to enhance wellness and to support personal development and growth. Counseling services are available to students by appointment or by walk-in.

College is a time of great personal development and growth. There are many challenges that people confront during their college years. Successfully navigating these conflicts is an integral part of growth and development at college. To help students succeed, the Counseling Center offers confidential counseling provided by licensed professionals in the fields of psychology, social work, and mental health counseling. Services provided include individual counseling, group counseling, crisis counseling, and psychiatric consultation for medication. Students utilize these services to address a range of concerns including (but not limited to):
• College adjustment
• Stress/anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Depression
• Academic concerns
• Relationship problems
• Family concerns
• Alcohol/drug issues
• Eating/body image problems
• Grief/loss
• Trauma
• Sexual orientation and gender identity support.

Educational Programming
In addition to offering counseling, the Counseling Center provides other wellness-oriented services and educational programming including (but not limited to):
• Alcohol/Substance Abuse Prevention
Educational Sessions
• Anger Management Educational Sessions
• Ally Network (LGBTQ Support)
• Mentors in Violence Prevention –
peer sexual violence prevention program

• Red Watch Band – peer alcohol/substance
prevention program
• Campus-Wide Wellness Fair
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Depression and Anxiety Screening Days
• Mental Health First Aid Trainings
• NARCAN Training
• Smoking Cessation
• My Money Workshops
• “Let’s Talk” Drop-in Support

For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a professional, call (845) 431-8040 or come to the Student Services Center, Room 303. Services are also available at DCC South.