News Summary
SUNY Niagara has unexpectedly canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just days before the new semester, causing distress among students who relied on this program to further their education. Students like Felicia Nieves and Luis Garcia have expressed frustration over the abrupt decision, which has disrupted their academic and financial plans. The university cited instructor departures as the reason for the cancellation and has offered students the option to switch to daytime classes while promising to resume evening classes in the spring semester.
Niagara, NY — SUNY Niagara abruptly cancels evening LPN classes days before the semester begins, leaving students frustrated and uncertain about their educational paths.
Key Details of the Cancellation
SUNY Niagara announced the cancellation of evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes with only five days remaining before the start of the academic year. This sudden decision has affected numerous students enrolled in the program, leaving many in a state of surprise and disappointment.
Impact on Students
Student Reactions and Challenges
Among those impacted is Felicia Nieves, a student who has already completed three semesters at SUNY Niagara, including program prerequisites and general education courses. Nieves is a full-time worker and a single mother, balancing her responsibilities while pursuing her education. She has borrowed nearly $9,000 in student loans for her studies and feels her investment has been compromised by the sudden cancellation.
Nieves criticized the lack of alternative options from the school. The only solution provided was to switch to daytime classes, a plan she cannot follow due to her employment schedule and parental commitments. She expressed frustration over the school’s handling and the limited assistance provided during this abrupt change.
Other Students Affected
Another student, Luis Garcia, learned about the cancellation just prior to the semester’s start. Garcia, who had enrolled in the evening LPN program, had invested approximately $400 in books and supplies. He had also adjusted his work schedule to attend evening classes, making the rise in uncertainty particularly distressing. Garcia described feeling “upset to the point of shock” upon discovering the news.
School’s Explanation and Response
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
Dr. Maher Ghalayini, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at SUNY Niagara, explained that the cancellation was caused by the departure of multiple evening instructors right before the semester started. According to Ghalayini, this staffing issue made it impossible to hold the classes as scheduled.
Options Offered to Students
The school offered affected students the option to transition into morning and daytime classes. Most students, including those impacted, managed to switch their schedules, with only three students unable to make the transition. SUNY Niagara has indicated that it plans to hire new teachers to resume evening classes by the spring semester.
Financial and Academic Support for Students
SUNY Niagara announced that it will refund students for class supplies and expenses incurred due to the cancellation. Additionally, Dr. Ghalayini reassured students like Nieves that the courses they completed could be applied to other healthcare fields or used as prerequisites for future practical nursing programs.
Student Concerns and School’s Response
Nieves expressed disappointment regarding the school’s response, noting that more options could have been provided or that hiring a replacement instructor might have mitigated the disruption. She also indicated that the school’s suggestion to switch solely to daytime classes did not adequately address her needs or those of other students in similar situations.
Background Context
SUNY Niagara has been a part of the state university system dedicated to providing healthcare and other practical programs. The recent staffing issues that led to class cancellations highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent course offerings, especially in specialized programs like LPN training. Students in these programs often invest significant time and money, making sudden disruptions particularly impactful on their education and career plans.
Future Outlook
The school intends to recruit new instructors to resume evening classes by the upcoming spring semester, aiming to restore options for students who rely on evening schedules. Meanwhile, impacted students are receiving refunds and guidance to help them continue their education or transition into other healthcare training opportunities.
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
