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Cape Cod Community College Officially Opens 37,000 Square Foot Science and Engineering Center

On Thursday, September 29, Cape Cod Community College formally opened the new Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center on their West Barnstable campus. The building, which has been in various stages of development for more than ten years, has been in construction for the past two years in the heart of the College’s main campus in West Barnstable. The 2-story, 37,000 square foot building joins Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in one highly visible hub, and immediately becomes a flagship hub for STEM education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Surrounded by more than 100 faculty, staff, students, Trustees, donors, business partners, legislators, community members, and representatives from the building’s construction teams, 4Cs President John Cox presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony and reflected on the long journey that led to the building’s completion.

“Nearly a decade ago, having understood the background of this Center’s need through the work of my predecessor, President Kathy Schatzberg, and our shared introduction meeting with Mrs. Maureen Wilkens, I never truly envisioned the timeline that lied ahead,” Cox said. “This is truly a labor of love from across our community. We especially recognize the vision and transformational generosity of Mrs. Wilkens and their family commitment to this institution. It has fundamentally changed our ability to better serve our community.”

The project got off the ground in July 2018 following the allocation of $25 million to the College via a bond bill from Governor Charlie Baker. With a total price tag of $38 million, the College put $3 million towards the cost. Another $5 million was donated by Mrs. Wilkens, a longtime benefactor of the institution and one of the most significant individual donors in the history of American community colleges with gifts totaling more than $11 million to Cape Cod Community College. The College’s Educational Foundation has run a Capital Campaign to raise the remaining funds.

Joining President Cox in acknowledging the historic moment in the College’s history was Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who spoke to the need for modern technology and learning spaces to align with the future workforce needs of Massachusetts. Carol Gladstone, Commissioner of the Commonwealth’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), also took to the podium praising the new center as one of her personal favorite projects thanks to it’s seamless integration into the campuses landscape and efficient and creative usage of space. Kathy McNamara, Chief Executive Officer for the Cape Cod Community College Foundation, recognized Mrs. Wilkens and her four sons in attendance with a framed photo of the Center.

The building itself is designed to be LEED certified and was sustainably constructed to preserve energy. Inside students are already making use of new, state-of-the-art labs in Engineering, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, and more. A highlight is the inclusion of the “Toilet of the Future,” the first of its kind in Massachusetts higher education. The toilet is a product of work conducted by the Gates Foundation, and operates with no sewer lines, conserving water and energy. The project, led by President Cox, partnered with Clement Cid from the California Institute of Technology to implement the system on the ground floor of the building, marking the first commercial use of Cid’s award-winning design.

With the Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center complete and open for classes, the College has also set its sights on expanding STEM offerings that take advantage of the expanded and upgraded technology. Earlier this month the College received approval for the launch of a new Associates Degree in Applied Economics of Coastal and Ocean Environments – dubbed the “Blue Economy Degree” – which is now accepting students for a Fall 2023 start. The College has also launched a new Biotechnology Certificate program.

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Academic and Student Resources

At Cape Cod Community College, you will discover dedicated faculty and staff offering a wide range of services and resources to help you reach your goals.

Building on a positive learning-centered environment, we offer programs that help you manage academics and make the most of your college experience. Whether you are looking for academic advice, tutoring help, job hunting tips, special services, or want to join a club and network, we have resources on campus that can help you graduate with more knowledge, experience, connections, and a better chance for success.

• Other Resources

Academic Advising

We want you to succeed!

Academic advising is an important component of the college experience, and it can contribute significantly to your success. Our academic advisors are happy to work with you to develop an academic plan that suits your goals and abilities, and discuss any academic concerns. In addition to academic planning, advisors are a great resource for information about college programs, courses and policies, and campus resources.

In an effort to help students better reach their goals, all matriculated students are required to meet with their assigned academic advisor prior to registering for classes. Students are assigned to an advisor who may be a faculty member or a professional advisor. Students can contact their advisor any time to schedule an appointment.

Adult Learner Advising Services provides academic advising tailored to the unique needs of adult learners transitioning to college. Adult Learner Advising Services is located in the Grossman Commons Building, Room 206E. Visit Adult Learner Advising Services or call 774.330.4318.

Academic Support Services

Our commitment to student success includes helping you manage your academic studies. Students enrolled in credit courses may take advantage of many resources designed to help with the successful completion of their course work. Through a variety of academic support services, we offer tools, strategies, and advice to help students build the academic skills necessary for success at 4Cs.

The Frank and Maureen Wilkens Library is a resource for students and the community. The library offers books, reference materials, journals, local and national newspapers, video, and more. The Library provides students with access to online indexes and full-text databases, containing articles from thousands of scholarly and professional e-books, journals and newspapers. Patrons have access to computers, group study rooms, areas for quiet study, and a networked classroom for information literacy instruction.

The professional and highly qualified staff are readily available to help. Librarians actively work with faculty to provide information literacy instruction to students and the community.

The William Brewster Nickerson Cape Cod History Archives house an extensive Cape Cod history collection, including ship’s logs, diaries and other manuscript material.

Visit: Wilkens Library

The Tutoring Center provides assistance in a variety of subjects in one to-one and small group settings. Peer Tutoring is available as an academic resource that helps students through shared learning.

The Math Learning Center is available to students who want to study in small groups; work on mathematics homework with assistance available; clear up a specific problem; work with a tutor; or, refer to other textbooks covering similar information.

The Math Learning Center, located in Science 112, is staffed by learning specialists and peer tutors.

The Reading and Writing Resource Center is staffed with learning specialists and peer tutors, offers drop-in tutoring for students looking for assistance in their writing and reading assignments. The Reading and Writing Resource Center is also an active work space for those in the process of writing papers.

The Reading and Writing Resource Center is located in Maureen M. Wilkens Hall, Room 108.

The Science Lab (Bone Room) is a place for students to find support and guidance for work associated with Biology and Anatomy & Physiology classes.

Students may work with a tutor one-on-one or in small groups. The open format of the lab provides a welcome atmosphere for learning together. There are skeletons, bones, flat models with veins and muscles, an eye model, slides and more for students to work with.

The Science Lab is located in the Science Building, Room Ground 5.

Online Tutoring gives students access to tutoring every day in math, writing, accounting, statistics, research, and the life sciences. This online service is offered free of charge to students enrolled in credit courses. The link to online tutoring may be found in Moodle, the College's online learning platform.

For more information, call 774.330.4352, or visit: Online Tutoring .

Employment Resources

At 4Cs, we take pride in helping you define short and long-term career goals and find a job. With our knowledgeable staff and wide range of search tools, we provide services and resources to assist you with career decision making and career research, as well as job search preparation.

Career Services

The Office of Student Placement & Career Planning offers tools to help you with career decisions. In addition to career assessment, we can help you prepare your résumé and cover letter, hone your interviewing skills, learn professional networking skills, or build your online profile. You will be able to use our 4CJobLink system or meet with employers on campus to find a seasonal job, a part-time job, or a full-time position. Make an appointment with Student Placement & Career Planning or drop in to the Student Employment Office for a résumé critique or for job search assistance.

Internships

An Internship is a temporary job with an emphasis on on-the-job training. You can use an internship to see if you have an interest in a particular career, build a network of contacts, and gain job experience. At 4Cs, we offer resources to help you find internship opportunities. You may use our 4CJobLink job and internship system or meet with employers on campus.

Make an appointment online at Internships and Co-op Experiences or drop in to the Office of Career Services and Experiential Learning, located in the Grossman Commons Building, Room C204.

Student Employment

The Student Employment Office assists Cape Cod Community College students in locating full-time, part-time and seasonal job opportunities .

Other Resources for Students

Adult Education Center The Adult Education Center provides a wide range of free educational services on Cape Cod and the Islands to individuals, 16 years-of-age or older, to improve their reading, writing, listening, speaking, math, science and social studies skills. We offer High School Equivalency Test preparation courses, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. For qualified students, we also offer career planning and placement services, transition programs, workplace education, and career training programs. Participants in our PACT (Program for Adult College Transition) receive assistance in transitioning to College.

The Adult Education Center is conveniently located in our Hyannis Center location, 540 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601.

Advantage (TRiO SSS) The Advantage Program is a federally funded TRiO Student Support Services program supporting students to complete their Associate's degree and transfer to pursue a Bachelor's degree. Participants must be income-eligible, first-general college goers, and/or students with disabilities. For students who qualify, free services include:

• Individualized tutoring
• Career and transfer counseling
• Academic planning and advising
• Financial aid and scholarship advising
• Transfer trips to local universities
• Specialized workshops
• Community space and computer lab

The Advantage Program office is located in Maureen M. Wilkens Hall, Room 221, 774.330.4321.

Cape Cod Regional STEM Network Cape Cod Community College encourages students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Located in the Science Building, the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network brings together educators, business and industry partners, and community members who share a commitment to inspire young people’s interest in STEM learning and careers. Our mission is to be an inspirational hub for tomorrow's innovators. Join us!

Child Care The Children’s College is a small, friendly school for children ages 2 years 9 months to 7 years of age. It is located on the ground floor of the Life Fitness Complex.

Coaches & Mentors Coaches & Mentors is a comprehensive student support services program that provides assistance to students from the first day they arrive on campus to the day they graduate. This program is especially beneficial for adult re-entry students, students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, students who were enrolled in a non-college bound concentration in high school, or for any student concerned with meeting the challenges of college life. To students who qualify, services include highly individualized support, academic advising, academic planning, career counseling, workshop series, and preparation to launch a successful job search.

College Police The College Police Department at Cape Cod Community College is committed to the safety and protection of the entire College community. College Police are professionals who work collaboratively with local law-enforcement agencies, the West Barnstable Fire Department, and neighborhood partners to safeguard our campus community. They are sworn and armed State Special Police Officers with arrest powers. Our Main Campus Operation Center is located in Grossman Commons, room C-G6 (opposite the cafeteria), with an off-hours/week-end security office located at Nickerson Administration Building lower level outside the building.

Concerns on campus of criminal and/or suspicious activity should be reported to College Police immediately by dialing 774.330.4349, or using an in-house phone dialing x4349. In cases of an emergency Dial 911 immediately.

For more information, including campus safety initiatives: College Police at 4Cs

Computer Labs Computer labs are available for student use in support of academic programs. Open computer lab space is available in the Wilkens Library (first floor), the Lorusso Technology Building (room 116), and in the Hyannis Center (room 108). In addition, several computer classrooms are equipped with presentation equipment and Vision software.

Internet Kiosks for visiting students, visiting faculty, and short-term public use are located in the Cafeteria, the second floor of the Student Commons building, and the second floor of the Wilkens Library.

Additional information: Student IT Support

Disabilities Services The O’Neill Center for Student Access and Support provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Working collaboratively with faculty and other campus resources, we provide a wide range of support services for students who have learning differences, sensory impairments, psychological disabilities or physical conditions.

Students are encouraged to meet with O'Neill Center staff before the start of their first semester to develop an accommodation plan.

The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) offers an opportunity for public high school students with significant intellectual disabilities to participate in the college experience while still in high school.

Fitness Center The Life Fitness Center provides the environment to develop and practice positive health, fitness and recreational behaviors. Open to current students, faculty, staff and alumni, the Center features exercise equipment, a racquetball court, a gymnasium, tennis courts and soccer fields.

Grossman Commons Building The Grossman Commons Building is the hub of student life on campus. On the ground floor you will find the Cafeteria and a dining space with a lounge area and plenty of room for meeting up with friends. The College Bookstore is at one end of the dining space and Campus Security is located right across the cafeteria entrance.

Upstairs you will find more seating areas and the TV lounge. This floor also houses the Office of Student Life, Advising Services, Transfer Advising, the Testing Center, the Dean of Enrollment Management, the Club Room and the Student Govenment Association.

Higgins Art Gallery The Higgins Art Gallery, located in the Tilden Arts Center, is dedicated to supporting the academic needs of higher education in the arts. The gallery hosts faculty and student shows, regional artists, workshops and demonstrations.

For current exhibits: Higgins Art Gallery

Military and Veterans Services It is our privilege to assist veterans in taking advantage of the numerous educational opportunities available through the GI Bill and other programs. Regardless of whether you are a new student, a returning student or transferring to our campus from another institution, we are here to help you find the resources you need to make the most out of your time at 4Cs. The Veterans Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Wilkens Library, Room 201. For more information about services for veterans and military family members:

• Military and Veterans Services Advisor: 774.330.4478
• Director of Financial Aid: 774.330.4391
• Visit: Military and Veterans Services

Moodle At Cape Cod Community College, an online learning platform, Moodle , is used for all online courses and by many faculty to enhance teaching and learning.

My4Cs The My4Cs portal is Cape Cod Community College’s web portal where students, faculty, and staff can access the College's web services, including school e-mail (Office 365), Moodle, CampusWeb, and Rave.

Student Engagement Taking an active role in student activities is a valuable part of your educational experience. The Student Engagement Office is the place to find out how to get involved. Engaging in campus activities opens up opportunities to meet new people, explore new interests, and develop leadership skills. Participation in groups and activities can lead to greater success in school.

Consider getting involved:

• with one of the many 4Cs clubs and organizations
• becoming part of the Campus Crew
• or joining the Student Government Association

Student Readiness The Office of Student Readiness administers the College’s academic readiness assessment program. We also schedule and administer: CLEP (College Level Examination Program), HiSET/GED (High School Equivalency Tests), the Massachusetts Tests for Education Licensure (MTEL), and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS exam) for admission to our Nursing program.

Tilden Arts Center The Tilden Arts Center is a visual and performing arts venue for 4Cs and the community. The Center houses two art studios, a dedicated music classroom, a black box Studio Theater, Tilden Auditorium, and the Higgins Art Gallery. Performing arts students, together with faculty, staff, and members of the community, stage theater productions throughout the year.

Tilden facilities are available for community groups on a space available basis. For more information about the Tilden Arts Center visit About the Tilden Arts Center .

Transfer Office Students who plan to transfer are encouraged to meet with the Transfer Advisor as well as with their assigned advisor, to schedule courses at the College which meet the Freshman and Sophomore requirements of Bachelor’s programs at transfer institutions. The Transfer Advisor is also available to assist students with all facets of transfer, beginning with the exploration of transfer institutions through the application process.

Transportation Cape Cod Community College is a commuter campus. If you travel by car, parking is available free of charge. If you ride a bike to school, you can park it in the bike rack located outside of the Tilden Arts Center. Public transportation is available through the Cape Cod Reginal Transit Authority with the Barnstable Villager bus service and DART (Dial-a-Ride.)

Zammer Hospitality Institute The Linda and William Zammer Institute for Hospitality Management , located in Grossman Commons, supports campus activities for students enrolled in Hospitality Management programs. The Zammer Luncheon Series is hosted each semester – a set of themed luncheons prepared and served by students and open to public seating.