Have you always wanted to go to college? Are you looking for a new career or the right career for you? Do you need help figuring out your next steps? QVCC is the place to find yourself and your path. Attending Open House on Wednesday, March 30 @ 6 pm is the best way to discover why QVCC should be your choice for starting, continuing, or finishing your college education. Space is limited, so register now at qvcc.edu/openhouse!

Alumni & Student Panel Q&A:
• Get the student perspective
• Includes Q&A

Learn about our programs:
• Allied Health, Business, Computer Science, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Manufacturing, STEM, Transfer Pathways, Visual Arts, and more!
• Staff & faculty will be on-hand to answer questions

Learn about paying for college:
• Financial Aid
• PACT Free Community College
• Scholarships

Tour the campus & apply on the same day:
• If you apply to the college and attend Open House, you may win the $1000 scholarship!

For more information, contact QVCC Admissions at admissions@qvcc.edu.

The following is a message from Terrence Cheng, CSCU President:

Today marks two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I want to thank all of you for all you have done to support our students and institutions over the last two years and your continued efforts to ensure we have a safe and vibrant spring semester.

Several weeks ago, as I reviewed plans for the balance of the semester with campus leaders, we thought we would have to stay the course with our virus mitigation strategies. I am pleased to say that the state is turning the corner on the virus, and we therefore can relax our pandemic response, including ending the mask mandate effective Monday, April 4, 2022 for all 17 CSCU institutions and system office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) have issued updated guidance and mandates which have lifted restrictions on public activities. In particular, the CDC’s new metrics related to the virus have deemed that all of Connecticut is at low risk of spreading of virus. Given these changes in guidance and through conversations with DPH, campus leaders, and COVID Coordinators, our consensus is that we are ready to relax our current protocols. Furthermore, although we had an agreement with the bargaining units on COVID mitigation strategies for the fall semester we did not execute an agreement this spring to continue those strategies.

Our campuses will now shift from pandemic emergency response to routine disease prevention.  Campus leaders and their teams will continue to monitor state and federal guidance and the community virus conditions. They will be prepared to reinstate mitigation strategies as needed to respond to upticks in cases if and when they occur this spring and in future semesters.

On April 4, the COVID reopen plans that were developed in June 2020 will expire. Effective that day, the mask mandate will come to an end. The campuses will shift to a “mask-optional” protocol. No employee has the authority to mandate the use of masks by others. However, mask wearing remains an effective prevention strategy against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, and we fully support and expect all employees and students to respect those who choose to continue wearing masks. Our COVID Coordinators will continue to make masks available for employees and students who want them.

In addition, we will remove physical distancing restrictions in areas such as lounges, cafeterias, conference rooms, and other non-academic setting. However, in most instances, current classroom arrangements will remain as set for the remainder of the semester. Campus leaders are encouraged to plan for more in-person activities including commencements and other special events this spring as well as a full schedule of in-person courses, meetings, convenings, etc. for the summer and fall.

Lastly, we will end weekly testing of employees and students and individual case contact tracing, effective April 1, 2022. We have made provisions to continue PCR testing on campus for any employee or student who wants access to testing through April 1, 2022. In addition, COVID Coordinators will have antigen tests available for those who are concerned about their potential exposure to the virus and would like access to a rapid test.

We expect employees and students to continue to self-monitor their health and stay home whenever they have COVID-like symptoms and follow current CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation. Employees and students who test positive should continue to follow the campus process for notification. Human Resources, Health Services, or the COVID Coordinator, as appropriate, will determine the quarantine and isolation expectations, confirm when it is safe to return to campus or classes, and notify close contacts as needed.

Thank you again for all your hard work over the past two years.  I am very excited that we’ve reached this point and can move forward having learned many lessons along the way about how to support our institutions, our employees and most importantly our students through a public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Quinebaug Valley Community College will host a panel discussion, “International Women’s Day 2022: #BreaktheBias” from 5:00 to 6:20 pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in the Fireside Lounge on QVCC’s Danielson campus, located at 742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT. The event will also be livestreamed to our Willimantic Center at 729 Main Street, Willimantic, CT. The event, organized by the QVCC Cultural Programming Committee, will feature three guest speakers: New London City Councilwoman Reona Dyess, singer-songwriter Lara Herscovitch, and QVCC student Yasmin García-Juárez. Student Government Association President Dana Normandie will facilitate.

Reona Dyess, Councilwoman and President Pro Tempore of New London City Council is a member of the National Association for the Advance of Color People, The National Council of Negros Woman, the League of Women Voters, the Lion Club and the Kiwanis Club of New London. Dyess also serves as executive director of The Center: A Drop-In Community Learning and Resource Center Inc., as a member of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Storytelling, Expressiones, and St. Francis House, and as a youth advisor for the New London Linwood Bland NAACP Youth Council. Dyess is a founding member of the Steering Community of the Community Land Trust. Known as “Ms. D,” she enjoys being a grandmother to Rishad and a voice for families and children in her community.

Lara Herscovitch is a singer-songwriter-poet-performer gem, leading with authenticity, integrity, humor, and heart. As The Boston Globe describes, she brings “a luminous voice and a buoyant stage presence… big-hearted lyrics embrace the sum of life…” Former Connecticut State Troubadour, Sound Waves Magazine called her work “expertly written prose… songwriting at its best… good for your ears AND your soul.” Find out more about Lara at www.LaraHerscovitch.com.

Yasmin García-Juárez came from Mexico when she was 15 years old. She is a mother of three, a full-time worker, and a part-time college student. She began taking classes at QVCC in 2016 and earned her ESL( English as Second Language) Proficiency Certificate in 2020. She is now focusing on completing her medical assisting degree and expects to graduate in 2023.

International Women’s Day (March 8) has been observed annually across the globe for over a century to “celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women” and to “accelerate women’s equality.” The theme for this year’s day is #BreaktheBias. More information can be found at www.internationalwomensday.com.

The panel discussion is sponsored by the Quinebaug Valley Community College Cultural Programming Committee.
For more information contact Jon Andersen at jandersen@qvcc.edu or Norly Germain at ngermain@qvcc.edu.

Current and Future Students Can Apply February 1 – March 11, 2022

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to kick off the annual scholarship application period.  $130,000 will be awarded to students who will be attending QVCC as of the fall 2022 semester. The Foundation continues to support low or no-cost tuition to the residents of Windham County.

Chair of the 2022 Foundation Scholarship Committee and QVCC graduate Mark Light ’02 stated, “Thanks to the support of many donors, the QVCC Foundation will award over $130,000 to local students this year. The average scholarship is $1,500 and the process to apply only takes about 60-minutes. How many of us can say that we earned $1,500 for an hour’s work? We know these funds can help many students achieve their educational dreams and encourage current high school students, returning QVCC students, and PACT eligible students to apply.”

It is a short process to apply for a wide range of scholarships through an online application. The scholarship period begins Tuesdays, February 1 and ends on Friday, March 11. Apply and learn more at www.QVCC.edu/scholarships.

BEGIN THE SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

Scholarship applicants are screened by an impartial committee from the QVCC Foundation. Recipients will be notified by members of the QVCC Foundation by April 20.

Questions should be directed to the QVCC Financial Aid department, 860.932.4003

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FLYPAPER – DOUGLAS DEGGES | SARAH PHYLLIS SMITH

On view from January 31st – February 25th
Closing reception February 22n from 6-7:30pm

Flypaper is an ongoing collaborative project by artists Douglas Degges and Sarah Phyllis Smith. The work explores relationships to land and landscape through the pairing and layering of text and image. At a time when we have immediate access to anything, from sourcing information on the internet to our ability to capture, store, and share images at a moment’s notice, analogue processes seem well poised for critically engaging newer forms of visual expression. This collaborative project is not only a celebration of the corporeal or material world but also a reflection on the speed at which images are produced and consumed. Image-making is approached as an intuitive and physical thinking process where mixed media and raw material become images as well as containers for shared memories.

For Sarah, whose work is often rooted in autobiographical narrative, this work is a move toward improvisation and abstraction. For Douglas, this work marks an embrace of representational imagery and storytelling. This collaborative project, when exhibited, becomes an inquiry into the nature of authorship and heterogeneity, as all works are fully collaborative and make use of hybrid forms and seemingly divergent studio processes and image-making strategies. The work is often exhibited in such a way as to highlight this. Works are installed according to a kind of cadence established by competing visuals and significant jumps in scale, as seen here in the SPIROL Art Gallery.

On Thursday, January 6, 2022, a group of local dignitaries gathered at the Henry Breault Bridge, Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT to commemorate the addition of a permanent bronze plaque for the final stretch of The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation signature fundraiser and race, Tackle the Trail™.

Celebrating this milestone were: QVCC Foundation President Joseph Adiletta, Town of Putnam Mayor Barney Seney, QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement and Tackle the Trail™ Race Director Monique Wolanin, President of the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce, Putnam Business Association Business Coordinator and owner of The Courthouse Bar and Grille Sheila Frost, Putnam Business Association President and owner of WINY Radio Gary Osbrey, and WINY Radio Sports Director (the 2021 race announcer) Mike Brunetti.

QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement and Tackle the Trail Race Director, Monique Wolanin stated, “Thank you all and the Town of Putnam for your continued support of Tackle the Trail™, which proceeds from the race will help hundreds of students each year pursue their educational goals.”

Make Tackle Your Destination brings even more energy to the already vibrant Town of Putnam on the third Saturday of October and coincides with The Great Pumpkin Festival and the Roseland Cottage Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. Runners, fans, volunteers, business owners, and community members will enjoy a warm NE CT welcome and all that our region offers.

The Henry Breault Bridge recognizes Henry Breault, Putnam, CT, Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient, for action at Limon Bay, Canal Zone, Panama on October 28, 1923.  Citation: For heroism and devotion to duty while serving onboard the U.S. submarine 0-5 at the time of the sinking of that vessel. On the morning of 28 October 1923, the 0-5 collided with the steamship Abangarez and sank in less than a minute. When the collision occurred, Breault was in the torpedo room. Upon reaching the hatch, he saw that the boat was rapidly sinking. Instead of jumping overboard to save his own life, he returned to the torpedo room to the rescue of a shipmate whom he knew was trapped in the boat, closing the torpedo room hatch on himself. Breault and Brown remained trapped in this compartment until rescued by the salvage party 31 hours later.

Tackle the Trail™ is a trail race through Northeast Connecticut for marathoners, half-marathoners, and relay teams.  Runners enjoy the quiet solitude of nature with bursts of energetic and supportive fans throughout this point-to-point race. Just 45 minutes from Providence and 1 hour from Boston, Tackle the Trail, a unique race in an amazing place! your gateway to trail racing in New England.

Tackle is always the third Saturday in October and benefits students attending Quinebaug Valley Community College. Learn more about Tackle the Trail™ https://tacklethetrail.org/  .

Released January 10, 2022

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department has expanded in staff, programs, and funding.  With the recent growth of tuition assistance funds, more community members will have the opportunity for low or no-cost training to advance or start a career.

Patricia Meyer, the new Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, comes to QVCC from Fredrick Community College, MD with extensive experience in leading Workforce Development programs. Jennifer Armstrong, Continuing Education Aide and QVCC alumna, previously worked as a student worker at QVCC and is supporting enrollment of Workforce Development students.

The community is invited to attend one of the upcoming open house events to learn more about short-term workforce training options for this spring. Virtual Open House dates are January 13 or 20, from 5 – 6 p.m., and an in-person event is scheduled for the QVCC Willimantic location, 729 Main Street, on January 18 from 3p-4p. QVCC is offering courses in Certified Nursing Assistant, Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Computer Skills, Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, Business Leadership Series, Business Office Professional, Project Management, Dementia Care, MLT National Exam Preparation, and Veterinary Assistant. More courses will be added in the spring including the popular Motorcycle Basic Riders Course.

Twenty-seven years ago, community leaders started Learning in Retirement (now called LiR) at Quinebaug Community College to offer advanced learning and social opportunities for adults in the Quiet Corner. In 2008, as a thank you to the college, LiR started an endowed scholarship fund for those students seeking a college degree and reached a goal of $50,000 in 2012. Bill Brower, former LiR President and QVCC Foundation member stated, “In 2012, LiR decided to endow another fund for students seeking professional certifications which would provide for better jobs/better lives. This year, despite not meeting because of COVID, we reached another $50,000.00 goal.”  QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement, Monique Wolanin stated, “QVCC is made better thanks to our long relationship with LiR as part of our learning community. In addition to their course offerings, LiR Members volunteer at College and Foundation events, serve as QVCC Foundation Members, and thanks to the generosity of many members, provide annual scholarships to both credit and workforce development students. LiR has endowed two funds totaling over $100,000!”.

More information:

To register for an open house event: January 13 OR January 20    January 18 In -person
Learn more about workforce development programs
Application for the application for tuition assistance and payment options

Questions and Contact Information: 860.932.4005 or Email

Released January 7, 2022

On Saturday, January 8, QVCC will host two virtual events: Enrollment Day for students who need to register for the spring semester and Campus Preview Day for prospective students.

Enrollment Day: Any current student or student who will be starting on January 21, 2022 for the spring semester can schedule a virtual appointment for advising and class registration assistance between 9 – 1 p.m. Advisors and financial aid will be available. Advanced registration is required.

Register for an appointment now 

Campus Preview Day: Learn why QVCC is your best & most affordable start for a college education. If you are interested in starting at QVCC in the spring or fall 2022 semester, attend Preview Day, 10-Noon.

·       9 am – 10 am: Drop-in to our virtual office to speak with an Admissions or Financial Aid Representative.

·       10 am – 11 am: Learn about QVCC’s programs, how to enroll, cost savings and more from Admissions & Financial Aid Representatives.

·       11 am – noon: Drop-in to our virtual office to speak with an Admissions or Financial Aid Representative.

Reserve your spot today

Released January 4, 2022

Quinebaug Valley Community College has announced the names of 178 students named to the Fall 2021 semester dean’s list.

Ashford
Laurie Hipsky, Eco Manso-Rich, Katie Renaud

Baltic
Adam Ritchotte

Brooklyn
Laura Bates, Jimmy Benitez, Savannah Buisson, Angelique Caouette, Megan Coraccio, David Craighill, Connor Downing, Victoria Fradette, Sierra Girard, Madeline Guari, Caroline Hamill, Krycia Harlow, Denis Hickey, Zada Jones, Nicole Maxim, Aidan McGennis, Hector Morales, Danilo Palenzuela, Michelle Parmeter, Anwar Shakir, Adam Shinkiewicz, Emma Turner, Kenneth Weatherspoon

Canterbury
Bernardo Barron, Christopher Coury, Adam Exley, Emmalee Fritzsche, Elenore Jolley, Colette Marchand, Matthew Moffitt, Katherine Otto, Tanya Rizer

Central Village
Shania Scharlack, Sean Sweeney

Chaplin
Emily St Dennis

Coventry
Abbie Bragdon, Maria Galarza-Ortiz

Danielson
Jasmine Alvord, Ashley Berube, Kamila Correa, Angela Dean, Jennifer Farquharson, Nikki Flynn, Renee Gates, Lindsey Green, Ibrahim Kamara, Tate Larrow, Saylee Phongsamphanh, Bryce Pratt, Julia Revellese, Christine Sheridan, Samantha Swenson, Victoria Trudeau-Mungham

Dayville
Khamvongsouk Bandith, Mandi Beckman, Philip Davis, Nicholas Hindle, Chase LeClerc, Krystal Maclure, Lynn Paquin, Christopher Perry, Heather Souza

Eastford
Zoe Marshall

Enfield
Lina Mistry

Griswold
Yvonne Dupuis, Mary Hayden, Melissa Thibodeau

Groton
Melissa Soto

Hampton
Miles Lindell, Jessica Woody

Jewett City
Maryam Arshad, Heather Emerich, Vincent Valenti

Lebanon
Amy Roberts

Lisbon
Emily Mirante

Mansfield Center
Arielle Hernandez

Marlborough
Erica Troiano

Middletown
Diana Kostacopoulos

Moosup
Sarah Chamberland, Jakob LaButti, Piotr Malinowski, Elizabeth Schneider, Kennedy Shippee, Kylie Shippee

New London
Rebecca Richards

North Grosvenordale
Rebecca Giles, Kevin Gomes, Lindsey Houghton, Malakai Lima, Emma Nazario, Jennifer Perry, Tyler Persson, Justin Phelps, Gianna Stoico, Evan Torres, Sara Watson, Madison Yost

North Haven
Sumeyra Yavuz

Norwich
Christie Hughes

Pawcatuck
Lydia Miner

Plainfield
Alyssa Aubin, Jesse Fultz, Bernadette Michaud, Cassandra Miller, Gianna Pellegrino

Pomfret Center
Remi Benton, Sydney Feragne, Ryan Lewis, Robert Manifold, Shelby Pendleton

Preston
Ashlyn Chmelecki

Putnam
Morgan Blackmar, Selena Cordero, Trent Dionne, Jennifer Franks, Allison Hall, Anna Ionkin, Jerusha Morrissette, Jordyn Poole, Misty Williams

South Windham
Nicolemarie Gonzalez Figueroa, Kevin McGeary

Sterling
Hannah DeAngelis, Erin DeRouin, Sarah Dexter, Maggie Fallon, Megan Hart, Olivia LaRose, Faith Smith, Angela Stone, Ryan Young

Thompson
Paige Audet, Mikenzi LaBonte

Voluntown
Adam Eaton, Jamie Palazzi

Waterbury
Jonathan Fullbright

Wauregan
Chandler Hebert

Willimantic
Michelle Aguayo Castro, Lorena Alba, Miata Arroyo, Owen Delgado, Yasmin Garcia-Juarez, Dakota Ibarrondo, Gabriela Lopez Barreto, Yarixa Rodriguez, Patricia Todd, Megan Trueblood, Patrick Walker Ayala

Willington
Amanda Hansen

Windham
Ashley Licata

Woodstock
Donna Bayer Carreaux, Liam Blanchflower, Sydney Cournoyer, Aria Gianfriddo, Matthew Gianfriddo, Hannah Hagstrom, Audrey Helmetag, Hailey Klar, Jarod Martin, Molly Millix, Evan Odorski, Payton Peterson, Thomas Robidoux

Woodstock Valley
Jocelyn Foisey, Abigail Kilburn

Fairfield, IA
Thomas Kadar

Charlton, MA
Caitlin Baer, Johnathan Tucker

Dudley, MA
Molly Castano, Brett Spiewakowski

New Bedford, MA
Britney Cabral

Southbridge, MA
Jourhana Colon

Burrillville, RI
Melissa Parent

Coventry, RI
Kerrie Karwoski