For Immediate Release
December 11, 2020

"In This Together" Suffolk Tells Students With New Initiative

A team of more than 80 volunteer callers are dialing-up thousands of Suffolk County Community College students as part of the college’s In this Together initiative to personally connect with and help students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The newly launched program by the college’s Office of Academic & Student Affairs has called an average of 300 students per day since the program’s launch on December 7, and offers students guidance and help with registering for classes, financial aid assistance and even virtual advising and course selection assistance via ZOOM with a cadre of at-the-ready specially trained advisers.

“We exist to create opportunities for every student.  We know, as educational professionals, that sometimes personal, social, and, currently, global circumstances get in the way of student perseverance.   As a community college, as the community’s college, we know that opportunities without student support too often become lost. The faculty, staff, and administration of this college labor and volunteer to provide that support today more than ever,” said Suffolk County Community College’s Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Paul Beaudin.

“The program’s goal is to engage students through a multi-pronged approach of telephone contact and virtual meetings combined with instant virtual advising and wrap-around support that features “de-stressors”, including opportunities for students to connect with mental health professionals, and programs ranging from Yoga and art therapy to Zoom gatherings with family pets,” explained Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Munsch.

“Our students appreciate the outreach,” said College Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs Deborah Wolfson, adding that “some students have difficulty registering, or choosing courses and are grateful for our help navigating the college and ensuring they are on the right path to graduation."