Onondaga Community College (OCC)

141 Furnace Woods Rd, Peekskill, NY

About
Onondaga Community College, located in Syracuse, New York, began operations in 1961. The School is one of 30 locally sponsored community colleges in the State University of New York system. The school is located in central New York state, and is within 350 miles of all major urban centers in the northeastern United States. The school's campus is located in the woodland countryside of New York, offering scenic and quiet environs for study. The school offers over 50 programs of study through its nine buildings, and has recently opened a residence hall, making it one of the few two year institutions to do so. The school also has agreements in place with several SUNY four year institutions, allowing students to pursue a bachelor's degree through the Onondaga Community College campus. The school currently enrolls over 13,000 students a year, and strives to provide these students with a full college experience.

Academics
Onondaga Community College provides a variety of educational opportunities for its community, including transfer programs, vocation and career training programs, as well as adult and continuing education services. Academic transfer programs complete the first two years of a four year education, allowing the student to transfer in order to obtain a bachelor's degree through a four year institution. Due to the low cost of this option, it is a popular option among students pursuing post-secondary education. Career and vocational training programs impart the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. The fields covered by such programs typically require specific training, and once completed the students are qualified to work as professionals at the entry level. Graduates of the program may earn certificates or associate degrees, with certificate programs taking a year to complete and associate programs double that time.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Interior Design
• Liberal Arts

The school also provides non credit courses for individuals who wish to pursue interests without the need for credit. Adult education courses provide educational opportunities for residents who wish to revisit their high school education.

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students who wish to enroll at Onondaga Community College may complete the application online to begin the process. The applicant must provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent, with some programs, particularly in the allied health fields, having additional requirements. Once initial documentation is received, the student will receive a notice of admission at which point he or she must provide proof of immunization and residency status, participate in orientation and take a placement exam. Once these are completed the student may register for classes after which the semester's tuition is due.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may be done online and provides the school with the information necessary in order to determine need, eligibility and awards. The school's financial aid office may request additional financial aid information in order to more accurately disburse funds.

Athletics
Onondaga Community College participates in a number of intercollegiate athletics, and has become known as a school of athletic success, having won five national championships between 2008-2011. The school competes through the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and is the first school in the organization's history to have one simultaneous men's and women's lacrosse national championships. Intercollegiate athletics provide a forum for healthy competition, and allows participants to develop skills, such as teamwork and discipline, which can be applied to one's academic career and future.

Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball (Women Only)
• Tennis
• Volleyball (Women Only)