News Summary
SUNY Niagara has abruptly canceled evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just days before the new academic year, causing distress among affected students. Those enrolled had invested considerable time and resources into their education, with some struggling to adapt to alternative daytime options. The school’s decision was prompted by staffing shortages, leading to refunds for students and plans to enhance communication in the future. Students express disappointment over the lack of timely information and options to support their diverse needs, especially as many juggle work and family responsibilities.
Niagara Falls, NY —
SUNY Niagara has announced the cancellation of evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just days before the start of the new academic year, causing significant disruption for incoming students. The decision was communicated to students only five days prior to the scheduled commencement of classes, leaving many unprepared and frustrated.
Impact on Students
Among those affected is Felicia Nieves, a student who has invested considerable time and financial resources into the program. She reported taking out nearly $9,000 in student loans for her education. Having already completed three semesters, which included program prerequisites and general education courses, Nieves had planned to continue her studies while managing a full-time job and parenting as a single mother.
Nieves criticized the school’s response to the abrupt cancellation, stating that the only solution offered was to transfer to daytime classes. However, she explained that her personal circumstances prevent her from attending classes during the day, making this alternative unfeasible. She expressed disappointment with the lack of additional options or proactive solutions from the school.
Other Students’ Reactions
Similarly, Luis Garcia, another student enrolled in the evening LPN program, learned about the cancellation just before classes began. He shared that he felt “upset to the point of shock” after discovering the news. Garcia had already invested approximately $400 in textbooks and supplies and had adjusted his work schedule to accommodate evening classes, emphasizing the short notice made it difficult to adapt.
School’s Explanation and Response
SUNY Niagara’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maher Ghalayini, explained that the cancellation was prompted by the departure of multiple evening instructors for other jobs shortly before the semester commence. This staffing challenge led the institution to cancel the evening classes rather than risk offering unsatisfactory instruction.
In response, SUNY Niagara has offered students the opportunity to transition into daytime and morning classes. According to officials, nearly all students—apart from three—were able to adjust their schedules and switch to these alternative class times. The school expressed its intent to hire additional faculty members in time for the spring semester to restart evening classes.
Furthermore, students impacted by the cancellation will be refunded for the costs of books and supplies purchased for the evening program.
Reassurance and Future Plans
Dr. Ghalayini assured students like Nieves that the courses they completed could be applied toward other healthcare fields or as prerequisites for future practical nursing programs. The school acknowledged the inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to resume evening classes in the upcoming semester.
Student Concerns Over Communication and Support
Nieves voiced her dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the situation, criticizing the school for not providing more comprehensive options or considering hiring additional instructors to avoid canceling courses. She highlighted that the lack of communication and limited alternatives added to her frustration after investing significant resources into her education and near completion of her coursework.
Background Context
SUNY Niagara’s decision underscores the challenges faced in maintaining staffing levels in educational programs, particularly during times of workforce fluctuations. The institution is now working to address these issues proactively, aiming to ensure continuity of education for future students and minimize disruptions similar to the recent cancellation. The upcoming semester will see efforts to stabilize faculty availability and improve communication strategies to better serve students’ needs.
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Additional Resources
- WKBW: Three Semesters Wasted
- Wikipedia: SUNY Niagara
- WIVB: Student Speaks Out
- Google Search: SUNY Niagara nursing program cancellation
- WNYPapers: SUNY Niagara Enrollment Up 11%
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- KGN: SUNY Niagara Cancellation
- Google News: SUNY Niagara evening classes cancellation
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