Niagara Falls, NY, September 5, 2025
News Summary
SUNY Niagara has abruptly canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse classes just days before the academic year begins, causing frustration among students like Felicia Nieves and Luis Garcia, who invested significant time and money in their education. With the cancellation attributed to a shortage of instructors, students are left scrambling for alternative options, which may not accommodate their work and personal commitments. While the college is offering refunds and exploring daytime class transitions, many students are anxious about their academic futures and potential disruptions to their career paths.
Niagara Falls, NY – Five days before the start of the academic year, SUNY Niagara has canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes, leaving many students in a state of frustration and uncertainty. This decision has impacted students like Felicia Nieves and Luis Garcia, who are now left scrambling for alternative options just as the school year is about to begin.
Nieves, a passionate student and single mother, expressed resentment over the timing of the cancellation, which comes after three semesters of hard work completing prerequisites and general education courses at SUNY Niagara. She has taken out nearly $9,000 in student loans to pursue her nursing education and feels as though her efforts have been wasted due to the abrupt cancellation of classes. Meanwhile, Garcia, who had planned his work schedule around the evening classes, also expressed deep disappointment. He had spent around $400 on textbooks and supplies in anticipation of the upcoming semester and changing his work commitments specifically to accommodate the nursing program.
Reasons for Cancellation
According to Dr. Maher Ghalayini, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at SUNY Niagara, the decision to cancel evening LPN classes was necessitated by the departure of several evening instructors who accepted other jobs right before the semester began. This sudden staff shortage left the school with no viable options to maintain the evening program.
Alternative Options Offered
In response to the cancellation, SUNY Niagara has proposed that affected students transition to daytime classes. However, this option is not feasible for all students, particularly for those like Nieves, who juggle full-time jobs and parenting responsibilities. Dr. Ghalayini reassured students that most would be able to transition successfully to morning or daytime classes, though a few remain unable to switch. The college is currently in the process of interviewing new instructors with the hope of reinstating evening LPN classes by the spring semester.
Financial Repercussions
The financial impact is also significant for students. SUNY Niagara has pledged to refund students for any class supplies they purchased as they prepared for the semester. However, the emotional and financial toll on students like Nieves and Garcia cannot be understated as they navigate this unexpected setback.
Impact on Student Progress
Students affected by the cancellation are concerned about their academic futures. The school has assured Nieves and her peers that the courses they have completed can still be applied to other healthcare fields, or used as prerequisites for future nursing programs. This assurance provides some relief, but many still feel the school could have proactively sought solutions to avoid the sudden disruption.
Conclusion
The abrupt cancellation of evening LPN classes at SUNY Niagara highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in staffing programs and the resultant impact on students. As the college seeks to resolve these issues, those affected are left hoping for swift solutions to ensure that their academic and career aspirations are not derailed.
FAQ
What happened to the evening LPN classes at SUNY Niagara?
Evening LPN classes at SUNY Niagara were canceled just five days before the start of the academic year due to a departure of instructors.
Why were the classes canceled?
The classes were canceled because multiple evening instructors left for other jobs just before the semester started.
What alternatives has SUNY Niagara offered to affected students?
SUNY Niagara offered students the option to transition to daytime and morning classes.
Will students receive refunds for their supplies?
Yes, SUNY Niagara will refund students for supplies purchased in preparation for the course.
What are the plans for reinstating evening classes?
SUNY Niagara hopes to hire qualified instructors and resume evening classes by the spring semester.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Canceled evening LPN classes |
| Date of Cancellation | Five days before the school year |
| Impact on Students | Frustration, lost investments, and disrupted plans |
| Reason for Cancellation | Departure of evening instructors |
| Alternatives Offered | Transition to daytime or morning classes |
| Financial Assistance | Refunds for supplies; reassurance on completed coursework |
| Future Plans | Hiring instructors to resume evening classes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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