albanyweblog.com
Updated
May 11, 2013
The following email was passed to me by a confidential informant, which concerns the expansion of Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) into downtown Albany. Mr. Fischer works for Albany County Executive Dan McCoy. I am told that despite the executive's objections SCCC will probably be given authorization by the County to offer classes at 112 State Street:
From: Fischer,Bradley
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 5:42 PM
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: SCCC issue raised at May 9th caucus meeting
I am writing to address a concern expressed at last night’s caucus that the SCCC agreement could result in a potential conflict with the Campus Center project due to the proximate location of 112 State Street extension site and the Capital South Campus Center (Campus Center). In speaking with Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) they have indicated there is no issue, at any level, in having proximate locations and actually see the two locations as complimentary to each other in providing the broadest range of offerings to students.
As you may know, the Campus Center project groundbreaking was held last week. This project will provide a nexus of activity for the South End while providing vocational and skills training, education and community functions for the area. The Campus Center will not seek to duplicate or replace educational offerings provided at the SCCC extension site located at 112 State Street. The SCCC extension site, which is proposed to begin offering classes for the spring 2014 semester, will provide general education class offerings to Albany County residents. The 112 State Street extension site location will complement the skills oriented educational offerings provided at the Campus Center and provide a base of operation for the SCCC administration as the Campus Center’s construction takes place.
Another key point to consider is that multiple institutions of higher education will be offering classes at the Campus Center. Hudson Valley Community College, The College of St. Rose, SUNY Albany and Sage College have all expressed interest in working in partnership with the center to provide classroom instruction and vocational education opportunities to the community. The Campus Center facility is set to be complete in two years. By the time the Campus Center has opened its doors, the SCCC extension site at 112 State will have been in its second year of offering classes for students in Albany County.
To reiterate, Schenectady County Community College does not see these two entities as competitors but as complimentary pieces in providing the fullest spectrum of opportunities to Albany County residents. The SCCC extensions site’s general education curriculum will round out the more technically oriented education and training activities offered at the Campus Center. Taken together these initiatives will position Albany County as a leader in connecting students of all ages to educational opportunities and positioning them for the future.
Regards,
Brad Fischer, Esq.
Director of Operations
Office of the Albany County Executive
112 State Street, Room 200
Albany, NY 12207