Monthly Archives: October 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.

Home Page Featured News, Sports

Red Sox Clinch AL

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Red Sox advance to 9th World Series, 2nd in five years

The Boston Red Sox are heading back the World Series for the ninth time in team history. The Red Sox recently beat defending champs the Houston Astros 4-1 in the American League Championship Series to capture the pennant and move onto the World Series. They will be facing the National League Champion, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers recently won their game seven against the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1.

At the end of the season the Red Sox lead the league with 108 wins which is a franchise record and the first time since 1946 that the team won 100 games.

There were only three teams that won at least 100 games and the Red Sox beat both those teams in the MLB playoffs.

In the American League Division Series, they beat their rivals the New York Yankees 3-1 then they moved on to beat the Astros.

Though the Sox had home field advantage throughout the playoffs they only won one game at home and the other 6 at their opponent’s stadium. That’s how it was in the regular season. They won most of their games as the road team.

This year’s team is led by the ALCS MVP Jackie Bradley Jr. and the likely MVP of the season Mookie Betts. Though their offense was great in their recent series, the defense and the pitching is out performing.

Former Northern Essex student and Red Sox fan Tyler Thuotte said “This year’s team is amazing, I think they’re better than the 2013 team, though we don’t have Big Papi (David Ortiz) this year. I look forward to the World Series.”

Everybody is looking forward to Tuesday night.

Home Page Featured News, Sports

Athletics Department Bruins trip

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The Department of Athletics is sponsoring a trip to a Bruins game next month.

[pullquote]”So that fact that I’m able to go to some-thing I haven’t done before with my friends at an affordable Price is exciting”

– Brian Chavarria[/pullquote]

The trip will be on November 5th when the Bruins host the Dallas Stars at TD Garden in Boston. Tickets are on sale for $40.

º“It brings a sense of community and brings people together” said Maureen Saliba, who runs the trip. “We just want to offer something different.”

Students should act fast if they want to go as there are only thirteen tickets available to the game.

“We have a fifteen-passenger van, so we have fifteen tickets total. One is for me, I’ll probably have another staff member and the rest are for students but they’ll sell quick.”

The department runs multiple trips a year to not only pro sporting events such as the Bruins game this year and the Celtics last year, but to any other activities students may suggest.

We do a few trips every year, it’s not always to professional sporting events. I always do a ski trip, we do discount tickets to Topsfield Fair, we’ve done paintball” said Saliba.

The trips are popular among students that often hangout around the Athletic Center, as they see it as a way to do something they’ve never done before.

“I’ve never been to a Bruins game” said Brian Chavarria, an undeclared student at Northern Essex. “So that fact that I’m able to go something I haven’t done before with my friends at an affordable price is exciting” Chavarria is a regular on the trips and loves everything about them.

“I’ve been on six trips, we went to Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course, we went to a Celtics game, we’ve done an escape room three times.”

The trips are often filled with a usual cast of characters, but the kids that are regulars on the trips would like to let everyone know that they should feel welcomed to join.

“We have brand new faces all the time” said Chavarria. “I have absolutely made new friends on these trips”

Saliba is also always open to new suggestions on where their next trip should be.

“We have students that come up to her and make suggestions as well” said Chavarria. “I recommended we go to the escape room”

The group recommends students check their emails frequently for announcements on when their next trip might be.

Home Page Featured News, Sports

Runners brave rain for Campus Classic

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By The wind and the rain were no match for the 132 enthusiastic runners who participated in the Sixth Annual Northern Essex Community College Campus Classic 5K held Saturday, Oct. 13, on the Haverhill campus.

The top three runners were under 14 years of age. Jared Khalil, 13, of Newton, NH, ran a record-setting race of 16:53. He was followed by Nathan Lopez, 13, of Lynnfield, who ran 17:12, and Tyson Khalil, 12, of Newton, NH, who ran 18:45.

The top female finishers overall were Anylina Martinez, 22, of Haverhill, with a 20:10 time, Lauren Downer, 11, of Haverhill, who ran 20:45, and Anya Budzinski, 11, of North Andover, who ran 21:49.

There were runners representing different clubs and organizations in the community including Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Middlesex Community College, Borderline Running Club, the NECC President’s Running Club, Winner’s Circle Running Club, Mystic Running Club, Greater Lowell Road Runners, and the Haverhill Elite Running Club which accounted for 30 members.

The Campus Classic 5K is an annual college fundraising event held each year along the Haverhill Campus USATF certified course.  People of all ages and competitive levels, including novices and walkers, in this campus tradition which this year was held in conjunction with NECC Homecoming. Proceeds benefit the NECC Annual Fund for student scholarships and academic programs.

Again this year, Covanta, was the Gold Sponsor of the event. Covanta is one of the world’s largest owners and operators of infrastructure for the conversion of waste to energy as well as other waste disposal and renewable energy production businesses.

Lindsay Graham, NECC director of scholarship, alumni & community relations, said she was pleased to see so many runners brave the less than perfect elements to run.

 

Campus 5k Male Top Finishers
Jared Khalil 16:53 13
Nathan Lopez 17:02 13
Tyson Khalil 18:45 12
Isaac Gower-Hill 18:49 14
Adonis Garcia 18:53 14
Carter Higgins 19:06 17
Marcos Olivieri 20:14 13

Female

Anyelina Martinez 20:10 22
Lauren Downer 20:45 11
Anya Buzinski 21:49 11
Finleigh Simonds 21:59 13
Emma Doherty 22:20 19
Kristen Kortz 22:32 40
Gabriela Olivieri 22:36 12
News

Spurk ATM

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New fee-free ATM to help NECC access cash

 

On Tuesday morning September 25th, students entered the Spurk building to the welcomed surprise of free coffee and breakfast bars, provided by Align credit Union.

Senior Vice president, Joanne McCarthy stood in the front entry way to welcome students and point them in the direction of free coffee, located on a table next to the Align Credit Union ATM, machine located in the lounge area just outside Lucky’s Cafe.

Before the renovation of the Spurk building which reopened in the fall semester of 2017, Students and faculty of NECC had access to cash from an ATM provided by Pentucket bank. One complaint among its users was the transaction charge, rumored to be an exorbitant fee.

Another issue noticed was the limited flexibility in choice of cash requests. The Pentucket Bank ATM only could dispense cash by increments of $20.00 which for some students was too high of an amount.

These observations were noted by just the right people and when word was brought to the attention of Ken Del Rossi, a NECC Foundation Inc. board member and President/ CEO of Align Credit Union. He suggested a change.

The New ATM, provided by Align Credit Union allows students to choose cash by increments as low as $5.00 and charges no transaction fee at the machine.

McCarthy explains that it is actually not an ATM, but rather, a Cash Dispensing machine, as it only dispenses money and allows users to check balances but does not have features for deposits that traditional ATM’s have.                       

  All of the vending machines at NECC are equipped to pay by card transactions, yet students may be hesitant to use their bank/credit cards because warning stickers have been placed on all of the vending machines to inform users about possible complications.

“Your bank will place a hold on your account greater than the amount to purchase one or multiple items in a single vending transaction.” the sticker reads.

In more simple terms, depending on a person’s bank, that single purchase will be “held” at a higher amount until it clears from the bank.

According to Melissa Merrill, cafe associate of Lucky’s Cafe  the CDM is useful at NECC,  “When the credit card machine goes down they [students and faculty] can hit the ATM for cash.”

Staff of the cafe confirmed that the credit card machine did go offline recently and students were able to purchase food because of the availability and flexibility that the CDM provides.

McCarthy was accompanied by Ian Barrett and Felicia Anderson, member service representatives for Align Credit Union. They were ready to answer questions about the CDM and introduce users to its benefits.

“That’s the third person to use it this morning.” Anderson said about the frequency of use of the CDM by students and faculty.

McCarthy hinted that they may be back again in the future.

News

Free PB&J on campus

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NECC seeks to help hungry students stay fed

Northern Essex Community College has teamed up to provide food for students on campus. Pop up peanut butter and jelly stations for the community of Northern Essex. When students get to school there is no supplemental food that’s available at no cost, and students many times can’t pay for these meals sold on campus. The goal is for students to have access to food on campus for free. Karen Hruska who is part of the community counseling group at Northern Essex unites with others from that program to come up with different initiatives that will help the community. They

round table whare you can make a penut butter sandwich
One of the free sandwhich stations to be found around Northern Essex Photo by Melanie Polanco

came up with this wonderful idea of PBJ stations. Hruska says “The idea is for students to have something to eat at no cost, and so that they don’t starve while on campus.” These stations are found at different sites around the school. STEM centers will have them and even the Valley Works site has one already up. Hruska contacted Fantini Bread, and the company Teddy peanut butter. These companies have agreed to donate some supplies. “We even have nut free spread, and gluten free bread for those who need it.” Hruska says. Students all over campus both Lawrence and Haverhill will have access to these stations “Makes me feel like they care. It’s very thoughtful.” Said Janilka Gonzalez an EMT student at Northern Essex. Gonzalez stated that not many people think of college students and their pockets.

Janiliz Gonzalez, a human service major here at northern essex says,  she had no idea about the project. “They understand the struggle. I starve all the time.”  Said Gonzalez in  a humorous manner. After hearing about it she believes students will benefit greatly from free peanut butter jelly sandwiches. They are even providing baggies so students can take some to go. Northern Essex has made it known that they want to take care of their students.