The-Laker-Issue-Fall-2021

campus happenings New viticulture certificate serves returning students Kerry Mallon first learned that FLCC taught vineyard management and winemaking in the Wine Spectator, a magazine that explores wine and wine culture. Kerry has worked in many fields over the years, most recently in delivery with UPS and the U.S. Postal Service as well as passenger transportation. She was fascinated by the Finger Lakes region’s iconic industry, but going back to school was a big step. An inquiry led her to Gina Lee, assistant coordinator of the viticulture and wine technology program. They discussed the one-year certificate, perfect for older adults who want to learn the skills but do not need the general education courses required for a full degree. “As an older, returning student, I was somewhat hesitant about doing it from two perspectives. One, am I out of practice at this level of science? Two, will the industry hire someone like me?” Kerry said. “Now, I would tell anyone to do it, and if you think you’re too old, you’re not. I had to dig deep into the recesses of my brain to pull out some old science and math knowledge to get through, but so far so good.” FLCC launched its viticulture and wine technology degree program in fall 2009 in response to interest among local winemakers for a formal training program. The classes are always a mix of traditional students right out of high school and older students like Kerry. The older students do not always get the degree, and often take only the relevant classes. The new certificate program ensures they have a credential that represents a cohesive educational program employers recognize. Details are at flcc.edu/viticulture. HyFlex: the best of both worlds Professors and students had a wide range of reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic protocols that moved most classes online. Some shrugged it off – they were already fully online students. Others found they preferred remote working and learning. Still others craved face-to-face interactions. All this underscores the community college mission to serve everyone from recent high school graduates to parents to retirees. One increasingly popular mode of instruction has the promise to accommodate a wide range of students: HyFlex. The word is a blend of hybrid and flexible because it marries both concepts. Classes are offered in-person, but students can attend online, either via web conference in real time or by watching a recording later. Students can also switch back and forth between these modalities – that’s the flexible part. For example, a student may prefer to attend in person but opt for online occasionally due to a sick child or a change in a work schedule. FLCC has outfitted a total of 28 rooms at the main campus and campus centers and several meeting rooms with HyFlex technology. An instructor can stand in front of the classroom and interact with the in-person students and those logging in from afar. This fall, the College is offering about 55 HyFlex classes in everything from computer science to graphic design to culinary arts. HyFlex may not be for everyone as it offers more choice and responsibility for the student. The College encourages students to take an online self-assessment, available on the FLCC website, to ensure they have the study and technology skills to succeed. More information is available at flcc.edu/hyflex. 16 | the LAKER Viticulture and wine technology classes are typically a mix of recent high school graduates and older students who want to change careers.