News Summary
SUNY Niagara has abruptly canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just days before the academic year begins, leaving affected students frustrated and uncertain about their futures. The decision was made due to a loss of evening instructors, prompting the college to suggest alternative daytime classes. Students, many of whom have made financial and personal commitments toward the program, have expressed disappointment and concern over their educational plans and the handling of the situation.
Niagara Falls, NY — SUNY Niagara Cancels Evening LPN Classes Just Days Before the School Year Begins
The start of the academic year at SUNY Niagara was disrupted when the college announced the cancellation of its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just five days prior to students’ scheduled enrollment. The abrupt decision has left many students, including those who have invested significant time and money into the program, feeling frustrated and uncertain about their educational and career paths.
Impact on Students and Financial Commitments
Among the most affected students is Felicia Nieves, who expressed her disappointment over the cancellation. Having already completed three semesters at SUNY Niagara—covering program prerequisites and general education courses—she has managed to balance her studies with a full-time job and single motherhood. Nieves has taken out nearly $9,000 in student loans to fund her education, making the abrupt cancellation especially disheartening, as she believes her efforts over the past semesters have been nearly wasted.
Similarly, Luis Garcia, another student enrolled in the evening LPN program, learned of the schedule change just days before classes were set to begin. Garcia had purchased approximately $400 worth of books and supplies and made adjustments to his work schedule to accommodate evening classes. His reaction was a mix of shock and disappointment, as he had fully committed to the program and had planned his routine accordingly.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The college’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maher Ghalayini, explained that the cancellation was due to multiple evening instructors leaving for other jobs shortly before the semester’s start. The sudden loss of staffing led to the decision to cancel the evening classes rather than attempt to run the program with substitute instructors or other arrangements.
Alternative Solutions Offered
In response to the cancellation, SUNY Niagara provided students with options to switch to daytime and morning classes. The institution reports that most students, except for three, were able to make the transition—though such shifts may not be feasible for all due to personal commitments.
The college has also indicated its intention to resume evening classes by the spring semester, aiming to hire qualified instructors in the future. Students affected by the cancellation will be refunded for their purchases of books and supplies, alleviating some financial burden caused by the abrupt change.
Reassurance and Future Outlook
Dr. Ghalayini reassured affected students that their previous coursework can be applied to other healthcare fields or used as prerequisites for future practical nursing programs. This provides a pathway for students like Nieves, who have already invested time and money, to continue their education and advance their careers in healthcare.
Student Reactions and Criticism
Despite these assurances, students have expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled. Many believe that SUNY Niagara could have provided more options or solutions, such as hiring interim instructors, rather than solely recommending a switch to daytime classes. Their frustration highlights the challenges faced by students who rely heavily on evening programs due to work and family responsibilities.
Conclusion
The cancellation of SUNY Niagara’s evening LPN classes highlights the vulnerability of program scheduling and staffing. While the college plans to restore the program in the spring, affected students face immediate challenges in adjusting their educational plans. The situation underscores the importance of contingency plans and transparent communication in academic institutions to support students during unforeseen disruptions.
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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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