University in the High School (UHS) teachers from around the region came together at SCCC in late January for an appreciation luncheon and professional development seminar. It was the first time UHS teachers had been invited to a seminar on the campus. Ed Baker (left), Dean of the Division of Continuing Education, said the college has long been interested in showing its appreciation to UHS teachers and hopes the luncheon becomes an annual tradition.

Several teachers agreed. "I think SCCC should do this once or twice a year. What a great opportunity to network with other teachers in the UHS program - it's also nice to be recognized for the work we do," said Michelle Stopera of Niskayuna High School.

"It's important to interact with others doing the same program and teaching the same courses. We're able to learn from what other schools are doing," said John Sittig of Clayton A. Bouton High School in Voorheesville. He explained to other teachers how his high school likes to have UHS courses connected with AP courses so that outstanding students in those courses have another opportunity for credits rather than solely depending on the one-time test of the AP program.

After a luncheon catered by Chartwells, the teachers viewed a PowerPoint presentation describing the UHS program's growth through the years, and preliminary results of a survey of UHS graduates.

Tom Nelson, Dean of Academic Affairs, shared information about SCCC students and trends. Afterwards, teachers met with others in like disciplines to discuss course issues.

The UHS program has continued to grow, with more than 1,000 students in Fall 2004, a dramatic increase from the 500 registrations in Fall 2003. Spring registrations are expected to total around 400. Mohonasen, Shaker, Schalmont, Schenectady, and Duanesburg are among high schools submitting proposals for more UHS courses for Fall 2005.

About 30 teachers attended the luncheon. These schools were represented: Albany High School, Ballston Spa High School, Galway High School, Guilderland High School, Mohonasen High School, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School, Schenectady High School, Scotia-Glenville High School, Niskayuna High School, Ravena-Coeymans High School, Shaker High School, BOCES Career and Technical High School, and Clayton A. Bouton High School in Voorheesville.

Virginia Donnelly of Guilderland High School

The luncheon was part of an ongoing effort to deepen SCCC's relationship with its UHS teachers. SCCC also has done more classroom observations this year and is allowing students to conduct course evaluations, just as they do on campus at SCCC.

SCCC also is in the process of seeking accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Programs (NACEP) for its UHS program. Accreditation materials will be submitted for review by August . If approved, UHS will be among only a select few college and university programs that have received accreditation from NACEP.