Daily Archives: October 29, 2018

Campus Life, Features, Home Page Featured News

Connection on campus

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Neec is looking to expand its online courses

Students say online classes are the future of schooling. Flexibility and a straightforward

course schedule is the main draw for many NECC students. And there’s nothing better than learning in your pajamas.​ ​Many students like a mix of both on campus and online classes. Sophia Marcus, communications major, prefers both, “I like half and half so I only have to go to NECC twice a week and have more time to work. I like taking math courses online the most because I can use apps and people to help me do the assignments.”

Some teachers don’t advocate for online learning. “The dropout rate is higher for online classes,” says Ginger Hurajt who taught an online poetry class, “Without facing the instructor, you’re more likely to not do the work.” NECC’s online catalog allows students to be enrolled at the school and graduate without stepping foot on campus. Even though online classes aren’t a new concept, they seem to be growing in popularity.

There’s an unfortunate side to online learning. Students are starting to find flaws in Blackboard. “I dislike that it’s more difficult to ask questions and have things further explained that you don’t understand,” Sophia Marcus adds. It can be frustrating trying to find clarification on problems you come across. Latiny Ke, liberal arts major, says “The way you’re graded on Blackboard is different than in person. It can be confusing trying to navigate. Discussions are not very genuine”.

Teaching styles and approaches are always changing so you’re bound to find an online class that’ll work for you. NECC hopes to add more specialized programs and courses in the upcoming semesters.

Features, Home Page Featured News

Midterm Madness

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Students share their opinions on upcoming elections

As we all know, the midterm congregational, state and local elections are quickly approaching on November 6. These elections in particular have stirred up nationwide conversations, primarily encouraging Generation Z to get out and vote. After speaking to a handful of current students at Northern Essex, they express their thoughts on the upcoming election.

Biology major Yexis Hechavarria, is 22 and currently a sophomore. She expressed that she is not currently registered to vote considering she just became a citizen, therefore she can not participate in the upcoming election. Hechavarria says, “unfortunately I’ve been so busy that I have not yet done research on the three ballot

graphic of a voting absentee ballot
Photo courtesy of boston.gov

questions, but I am interested to find out what they are.” Hechavarria does believe it is important to vote and encourages others to do so.

Charles Pacheco, is a 20 year old Liberal Arts: Writing major and is also a sophomore on campus. He stated that he was not registered to vote and says, “I will not be voting in the upcoming election. The reason being my own personal biases.” Pacheco approached the matter with a unique viewpoint. “If I were to vote, I would be only voting from my own personal perspective, so I think it makes it difficult for me to vote for things that affect other people.” He also stated that he did not know the three ballot questions but “would be intrigued to hear what they are.” However, Pacheco makes an effort to express the importance of voting. “I do encourage other people to get educated and vote. I think Northern Essex does a good job of reminding people to register and vote. Maybe they could also start informing students what they will be voting for to help them out.”

Eighteen year old Mileichali Minaya is a freshman psychology major who has just recently registered to vote. Minaya revealed that she will be participating in this years election and says, I know of 2 of the 3 questions. I am interested in this years ballot questions, so I’m constantly trying to get people to show interest as well.”

Luis Arias 23, is a sophomore at Northern Essex studying Mechanical Engineering. He states that he is currently registered to vote and participated in the last presidential election. Arias says, “honestly, I wasn’t planning to vote on November 6. I personally am not big on politics, and haven’t done much research on what and who exactly we’re voting for. Arias was not aware of the three ballot questions, however expressed some interest upon receiving a short summary of each question. “I think the college has done well in encouraging students to vote. I’ve seen posters around campus reminding people about the upcoming election and registering to vote. As well as booths full of information and people to speak too and ask questions.”

Campus Life, Home Page Featured News

Technical error leads to student refunds on paper checks

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Enrollment Services chose to give paper checks to emsure students got refunds promptly

Technical Error results in students receiving refunds on paper checks

            Due to a technical error, several student refunds were issued on paper checks this semester. Emails and Phone Calls were sent October 9, informing affected students of the change. The paper checks can/could be picked up from the Financial Aid Window on the first floor of the Student Center.

Over 1000 students were affected by the error, according to Alexis Fishbone, the associate dean of enrollment services.

“I expected a mad house of students waiting for their checks,” Susan Waterman, a writing major, said, “but it was only a handful of people, and it seemed to be really well organized.”

Enrollment Services chose to give the returns on paper checks to ensure that students received their returns promptly.

“We did not want students to have to wait,” Fishbone said.

Notification messages were sent to both school and personal emails on file for each student. Shortly following the emails, phone calls were made to all affected students.

The error itself occurred on the evening of Friday, Oct. 5. The error was discovered the next business day, and Enrollment Services was able to reach a solution to the problem by the end of the day.

Students appreciated the prompt response. “Even though it was an error, I honestly hope it happens again!” Waterman said.

Campus Life, Home Page Featured News, Uncategorized

Internships offer real world experience

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Program gives students opportunity to gain credit and work skills

After one semester off, Northern Essex is back to providing students with real world experiences through their internship program.

The internships are provided for students who are majoring in journalism/communications, business, accounting and CIS(computer science).

Students are able to work for a company who has partnered with Northern Essex Community College and gain real life experience.

Students work as interns for 14 hours a week but can go up to a maximum of 40 hours if their schedules allow. Students are required to have a minimum of 168 hours complete by the end of the semester.

[pullquote]Our main focus for an internship is to allow the student an experience in the field they are pursuing at NECC …. This is a three credit course, so not only are you getting experience but you are also receiving credit for your work

– Noreen Fantasia

Internship program coordinator[/pullquote]

Noreen Fantasia the coordinator of the internship program says “Our main focus for an internship is to allow the student an experience in the field they are pursuing at NECC.

Although we would like to have every internship paid, our main focus in on the actual experience.”

Fantasia also says “this is a three credit course, so not only are you getting experience but you are also receiving credit for your work.”

A two hour class that meets every other week is also part of the internship program.

This two hour class helps students with professional development, such as, resume revisions, creating a LinkedIn profile, and mock interviews.

Mock interviews consist of interns interviewing with staff from various companies for 15 minutes each and then receiving valuable feedback.

Ralph Anthony Rentas a current liberal arts student at Northern Essex has heard about this opportunity and hopes to one day be a part of it.

He says “This is a great opportunity for students to gain and build the experience they need.”

Lisbeth Pita a business transfer here at Northern Essex says “I haven’t done the internship here at Northern Essex College but I do recommend it to anyone who is looking for experience in their field and get a little taste of what is out there for them. This will help you identify the field you truly want to be in.”

The internship program will start in Jan. 2018 and will go on to the end of the semester. It will also be offered in the fall semester.

If you are interested in more information regarding the program, please contact Noreen Fantasia at nfantasia@necc.mass.edu or search for Internships on the NECC website.

Campus Life, Home Page Featured News, Sports

Volleyball team wins tournament

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Knights Volleyball team wins Region 21 Tournament

The Northern Essex Women’s Volleyball team swept in both games against Bunker Hill Community College and MassBay Community College to claim the volleyball program’s 7th Region 21 championship for the program. After this win in the region tournament the team will advance to the Districts Tournament set for next weekend in New York the location and time will be announced later in the week.

During the regular season the team’s record was 13-3, they finished the season strong with a win streak of five. Amanda Forgetta (Mallabar, FL), Nashaly Sanchez (Lawerence, MA), Rachel Amiss (Salem, NH), and Sarah Shattuck (Andover, MA) were the players that were named to the All-Region Team for the season their excellent season. First year coach Mike Pelosi was also named the Coach of the Year.

Photo of women's volleyball team standing together holding award
NECC’s Women Volleyball Team Wins Region 21 Tournament NECC Athletics

Throughout the season the team was undefeated in their conference and at home, which was helpful since the Region 21 Tournament was set at Northern Essex. At the end of the season the team had impressive numbers that helped them have a 13-3 record. They average 8.02 kills, 12.9 points, 9.66 digs, and 6.84 assists per sets, it also helped that they scored a total of 643 points with 1019 attacks, with a hitting percentage of .294 which ranks them 4th in the NJCAA Division 3. Northern Essex brought in the 2nd most of fans of 482 total throughout the season. They have won more games this years than the last two years where they went 4-23. Following with the hire of Pelosi this year, everything is going in their favor of playing this well and for years to come.Next weekend’s tournament in New York will be the ultimate test for the squad. Hopefully they know NECC  is with them.