NYCC Winter Grads Earn Degrees; Spring Term Set to Begin Online
The daily operations of New York Chiropractic College (NYCC), like those of colleges and universities across the country, have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This past March, in accordance with New York State PAUSE guidelines, all NYCC course instruction moved to online delivery, employees shifted to work through remote means, and College facilities were closed to all but essential functions. Though instruction and operations have shifted, the work of the College continues on in new ways.
At the completion of the Winter 2020 term in early April, 45 graduates were award-ed their Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees. The D.C. at NYCC is earned after 10 trimesters of study, which include courses such as biochemistry, gross anatomy, neuroscience, nutrition and business management, as well as extensive hands-on clinical experience and research. Because of the pandemic, the Spring Commencement ceremony was canceled; however, Winter 2020 graduates have been extended a special invitation to attend a future ceremony to honor their accomplishments and to walk across the stage for their formal hooding.
Even as one trimester concluded, planning for the next term has been well underway. NYCC has announced that all Spring 2020 courses will begin on time, as previously scheduled, via remote/online instruction. This continuation of remote learning for all programs (including the College's already-100% online master's programs in Applied Clinical Nutrition and Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction) will allow students to continue progressing toward their academic goals even in this unprecedented time. Courses requiring hands-on education will be front-loaded to first deliver foundational material via remote means; the necessary in-person training will then be completed when students are able to return to campus.
"Certainly we look to transition back to face-to-face instruction as soon as we're able, but in the meantime we are grateful for the flexibility, dedication and resiliency of our community that allow us to begin the trimester on time, online," said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anne Killen.
NYCC President Dr. Michael Mestan agrees. "As current and future professionals committed deeply to the health of our global community, we clearly understand that the steps we take today have a real impact on real lives," says Dr. Mestan. "Ensuring the continuation of our student's education via remote learning not only upholds our mission of academic excellence, professional best practices, and leadership, it also supports our students' and society's well-being, as well as acts in full compliance with local, state and federal governments."
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the College will continue to closely monitor the issue. Future modifications to instruction and operations may be made, as needed, to address new developments.