Erie Community College: A Comprehensive Overview

Erie Community College (ECC), with multiple campuses in Erie County, New York, and Erie County Community College (EC3) in Pennsylvania, provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities. This article will explore various aspects of both institutions, from academics and student life to their missions and future aspirations.

Erie Community College (ECC), New York

Erie Community College, New York State’s first multi-campus public community college outside of New York City, provides affordable educational opportunities for the residents of Erie County, New York, other states, as well as foreign countries. With a long history and a commitment to student success, ECC offers a diverse range of programs and services.

History and Evolution

Erie Community College celebrated its 65th anniversary in April 2011. In the past six decades, the college has grown from a small two-year technical institute to a three campus college serving almost 21,000 students. The institution's roots trace back to 1946 when it was established as the Institute at Buffalo. Two years later, in 1948, when the New York State Legislature founded the State University of New York, the Institute at Buffalo became one of the units of the University. Subsequently, in 1960, the Erie County Technical Institute moved to the present site of the North Campus at 6205 Main Street in Williamsville, NY. The South Campus opened in the fall of 1974, providing accessibility for those in the southern parts of the county.

Campuses and Locations

ECC operates across three campuses: City Campus, North Campus, and South Campus, as well as specialized facilities like the Vehicle Technology Training Center and the One-Stop Center.

City Campus: The City Campus moved to its present site in 1982, following the renovation of the Old Post Office, an architectural landmark, in downtown Buffalo. Bordered by Oak and Ellicott streets, this urban campus is rich in architectural beauty, boasting an expansive skylight, an atrium filled with ferns and trees, high-ceilinged classrooms and gourmet cooking facilities. The offices of the Erie Community College Foundation and Alumni Relations are located at City Campus, 121 Ellicott Street, Room 110 in Buffalo, NY. Erie Community College opened its newest facility, located at 45 Oak Street, across from the college’s City Campus in downtown Buffalo, NY in January 2008. The associate degree programs housed at 45 Oak include Emergency Management, Fire Protection Technology, Nursing, Paralegal and Radiation Therapy Technology. The Burt Flickinger Athletic Center, located at 21 Oak Street in Buffalo, NY opened as a legacy to the World University Games in June 1994. The site of the present City Campus is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places and in 1964 was named in the Historic American Building Survey as one of the 11 most significant buildings in Buffalo.
North Campus: The North Campus, located in Williamsville, NY, is the oldest of the campuses. Spreading over 120 acres, this campus offers its students several buildings, including the Gleasner Administration Building, Dry Memorial Library and Spring Student Center.
South Campus: The self-contained design of the South Campus offers buildings connected by bridges surrounding a center courtyard. Located on Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park, NY, this campus has buildings designated for business and the humanities, math and science, administration and recreation, as well as a two-story Learning Resource Center and the Student Access Center.
Vehicle Technology Training Center: The Vehicle Technology Training Center, located at 5885 Big Tree Road in Orchard Park, NY serves the Automotive Technology Program, MOPAR/CAP Apprenticeship Program and Ford Motor Company ASSET Program and allows for the development of curriculum designed to prepare graduates to meet the challenges of the automotive industry.
One-Stop Center: The Erie Community College One-Stop Center is located at the North Campus, across from Youngs Road in Williamsville. This One-Stop provides cost-free employment resources to ECC graduates and jobseekers in Erie County.

Academics and Programs

Students interested in pursuing an Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S), or an Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S) degree will discover that Erie Community College is responsive to their needs. ECC takes pride in the diversity of its students. More than 100 degree and certificate programs are offered to students in four divisions, including Health Sciences, Business and Public Service, Engineering and Technologies and Liberal Arts. To help students achieve their goals, broad support services are provided.

Accreditation

SUNY Erie Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). Many of the professional curricula are accredited by specialized agencies. Such accreditations are noted in the program descriptions in this catalog. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, established in 1919 is a voluntary, non-governmental, peer-based membership organization dedicated to quality assurance and improvement through accreditation through peer evaluation. It is one of the commissions of the Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools, which work with institutions at different levels for educational improvement through evaluation and accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the only unit which makes accreditation decisions and policies relating to higher education institutions. The Commission defines, maintains and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. Virgin Islands, and several international locations. Today, more than 467,000 students are pursuing traditional study in classrooms and laboratories or are working at home, at their own pace, through such innovative institutions as the SUNY Learning Network and Empire State College. The distinguished faculty is recruited from the finest graduate schools and universities throughout the United States and many countries around the world.

SUNY System

As part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, ECC benefits from the resources and reputation of one of the largest comprehensive university systems in the United States. The State University of New York’s research contributions are helping to solve some of today’s most urgent problems. The State University system’s involvement in the health science education is extensive. Hundreds of thousands of New York’s citizens are served each year by faculty and students in University hospitals, clinics or affiliated hospitals. The University’s economic development services programs provide research, training and technical assistance to the state’s business and industrial community. The Board of Trustees is SUNY’s governing body, comprised of 17 members, 15 of whom are appointed by the governor, by and with consent of the NYS Senate. SUNY’s motto is: “To Learn. To Search.

Leadership

Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor: Elizabeth L.
Stephen J.
Eunice A.

Board of Trustees

The 10-member Board of Trustees of Erie Community College is comprised of four members appointed by the Governor, five members appointed by the Erie County Executive and approved by the Erie County Legislature and a voting student trustee elected by the student body of the three campuses.

Dennis P.
Susan M.
Timothy C.
John V.
Todd P.
Michelle M.
Danise C.

Mission and Vision

The following statements provide the road map and guidebook the organization uses to develop its strategic thinking. These statements indicate where the college is going and helps to prioritize ECC’s strategy options. SUNY ECC will become a national and regional model for the community college of the 21st century. We want to be known as the most student-friendly and accessible college where success begins.

Core Values

Accessibility: SUNY ECC serves the needs and wants of all students, including those not having educational opportunity elsewhere.
Academic Excellence: We expect academic rigor in all curricula and from all students.
Openness and Respect: A broad range of cultures, attitudes and viewpoints creates an environment of respect, caring and trust.
Commitment: All those associated with the college have a commitment to the well being of SUNY ECC and the community it serves.
Perception of quality: There will be broad awareness of the quality of instruction and value of the education offered at ECC.
Diversity: The college will have an inclusive environment that attracts and retains faculty, staff, and students who embrace diversity.
A Valued Resource: ECC will be the partner with whom everyone wants to work.

Erie County Community College (EC3), Pennsylvania

Erie County Community College (EC3) is Pennsylvania’s newest and fastest-growing community college, delivering affordable and accessible education to Erie County residents. EC3 offers a variety of two-year degree programs, post-secondary career certificates, and technical courses that ensure graduates meet and exceed the demands of today’s workforce. EC3 is committed to empowering learners, the community, and the future.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to ECC

Accessibility and Locations

EC3 is close to you! Erie County Community College offers accessible education at four strategic locations throughout Erie and Erie County.

EC3 West: If you want to work in-person with one of our friendly staff, please visit our EC3 West location (2403 W 8th St) during normal business hours - we'll be happy to assist you.
EC3 at YLI: EC3 at YLI serves the lower east side of Erie. The site houses student services, classrooms, and academic support. All classrooms are equipped with instructional technology for faculty presentation and instruction in each classroom. The site includes on-site parking.
EC3 Erie West: EC3 holds classes at EC3 Erie West, an education facility in Millcreek, PA. EC3 Erie West provides an important presence in the outlying Western Erie County area. There is ample parking available on site and in the vicinity. EC3 has wi-fi is available throughout the location. Hours: Scheduled to coincide with classes.
EC3 Summit: EC3 Summit provides access to EC3 courses for students from the southern portion of the city of Erie, as well as a familiar setting for most high school students in the Erie County area. The Skills Center is adjacent to the County's Vocational -Technical School to which many county school districts send students for technical education. The Skills Center is the building to the left of the technical school and has a parking lot immediately in front of it. Hours: Scheduled to coincide with classes.
Corry-Higher Education Council Building (Corry Hi-Ed): EC3 periodically hosts classes at the Corry-Higher Education Council Building (Corry Hi-Ed), an education and training facility in Corry, PA. Corry Hi-Ed provides an important presence in the outlying Eastern Erie County area. There is ample parking available on site and in the vicinity. EC3 has wi-fi available throughout the location.

Programs and Student Body

EC3 students are people who always intended to go to college. EC3 students are full-time learners fresh out of high school. EC3 students are people with a career plan. Affordably earn general studies credits to transfer to a 4-year institution. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in a growing professional field.

Student Experiences

"The staff is all extremely kind and helpful."

"There are students from all walks of life, and the professors are very kind and helpful."

"I love being a part of this college. The staff are so friendly, helpful, and supportive."

Read also: SUNY Erie Community College

Mission

At Erie County Community College, our mission is to provide the people of Erie County with affordable and accessible education in a diverse, supportive, and innovative environment. Whether you’re interested in our two-year degree programs, career certificates, or technical courses, this page is designed to answer your most common questions about admissions, programs, financial aid, and more. We are committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals while contributing to the economic vitality of our region.

Academic Offerings

EC3 offers a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce development courses, and continuing education classes. Most students earn an associate's degree, which can be an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Business (AAB), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), depending on the program.

Erie Community College (General Information applicable to both ECC, NY and EC3, PA where specified)

General Information

Erie Community College's campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 8,364. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 17-to-1. The highest degree offered at Erie Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. The application fee is $25. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 87 different fields. Popular programs include: General Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and Social Sciences, General.

Student Body (Fall 2022)

Full-time enrollment: 5,059
Part-time enrollment: 3,305
Ethnicity Distribution: (Data not provided, but ECC takes pride in its diversity)
Gender Distribution: (Data not provided)
Age Distribution:
- Under 18: 13%
- 18-24: 56%
- 25-64: 31%
- Over 65: 0%

Campus Info and Services (Fall 2022)

Employment services for students: Yes
Credit for life experiences: Yes
Academic/career counseling service: Yes
Placement services for completers: Yes
On-campus day care for students' children: Yes

Paying for School (2022 - 2023)

At Erie Community College, 49 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $6,515.

In-state tuition and fees: $5,722
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $10,769
Books and supplies: $1,100

Applying (Fall 2023)

Total Entering Students: 2,911

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