Student life is a defining characteristic of a Five Towns College education. Through its extra- and co-curricular activities, the College encourages every member of its community to come together to explore their mutual interests, share their creativity and ideas, develop leadership and social skills, and become engaged in campus life. Most importantly, the College’s values manifest in a campus culture that is not merely tolerant of diversity in all of its forms, but welcoming to one and all. For students who choose to become part of this community, Five Towns College is not just home – it is the perfect fit.
The College’s activities program plays a vital role in student growth and development. It is designed to provide a wide variety of leisure-time experiences, enable students to organize groups and clubs to explore mutual interests, increase opportunities for leadership and the development of administrative skills, and provide a positive and wholesome influence on student life at the College.
The Student Government Association consists of elected student representatives who play a pivotal role in assuring that campus life reflects the interests of students. SGA is responsible for administering student activity fees, by providing funding and support clubs, organizations and a variety of campus-wide events, such as FTC Fest, Homecoming, and Unity Day.
Student Government leaders meet with the College President and other senior administrators on a regular basis to share ideas, concerns, and suggestions for enhancing student life. This assures that students have a voice in the important decisions that affect them. Students leaders also develop life-long advocacy skills, by meeting with government leaders in Albany and Washington, D.C. to support legislative issues that affect students, such as funding for student financial aid, equity and access to higher education, and standards-based education policy.
Through SGA, students have the ability to organize clubs and events that interest them, to take personal responsibility for the quality of their co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences. Surveys of students demonstrate that those who become actively engaged in campus life have the most impactful college experience. Take advantage of these opportunities: become an active supporter of SGA.
The College Yearbook, produced by interested students with the cooperation of faculty advisors, serves as a record in pictures and words of the graduating class as well as a vehicle for the literary, artistic, and photographic talents of all students. Students in journalism classes generally contribute to this publication.
All vehicles operating on the College campus must be registered with the Public Safety Office where registration forms and parking stickers may be obtained. A valid registration sticker must be properly displayed on the vehicle at all times. Unregistered vehicles may be towed away at the owner’s expense. Students must adhere to all posted traffic and parking regulations at all times. Vehicles parked on campus after 12:00 a.m. must have a resident student parking sticker or a temporary overnight parking pass, which may be obtained from the Public Safety Office. Violations of College parking regulations carry a fine of $25.00.
Resident students may register a vehicle on campus, regardless of their class standing.
The Upbeat Café serves to enhance the educational environment and improve the quality of student life at the College. It is an on-campus performance area where students gather to socialize and music majors can perform to increase and improve their music skills.
The Downbeat Café serves as an alternate venue to students for simple meals and the opportunity to socialize. Located in the Student Center, the Downbeat Café is a favorite area for students to gather informally.
Five Towns College utilizes the Blackboard Connect Emergency Notification System to alert its community about important happenings on campus. When circumstances arise, voice and text messages are sent from the Public Safety Office directly to enrolled telephone numbers. Most students elect to receive emergency notifications on their cell phones and on the landline located at their places of residence. Students may also enroll additional numbers, with many electing to have emergency notifications sent to the cell phones of their parents, guardians, or spouses as well. Students are enrolled into the Blackboard Connect Emergency Notification System during the admissions process, when they receive a discrete user name, password, and instructions on how to make subsequent changes to their enrollment information.
This is important, as students have a responsibility to re- main informed and to keep the Emergency Notification System current, if they change cell phone or landline numbers. Additional information about the Blackboard Connect Emergency Notification System, as well as technical assistance, is available from the Public Safety Office at (631) 656-2196.
The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.
Typically held during the first week of class, Opening Convocation is the ceremony that formally celebrates the start of the new academic year. One of the most popular events of the year, Opening Convocation is ripe with academic tradition and brings together the entire College community to celebrate academic curiosity and to welcome the new class of students. Seating is limited and tickets (no fee) are required.
College Handbooks are distributed to all new students and are available in the administrative offices and are posted online. Students are required to read them and follow all stated codes and policies.
There are several institutional documents, including a Faculty Handbook, Staff Handbook, Residence Life Handbook and a Student Handbook. Also, posted online is an Institutional Policies webpage. The Student Handbook and the Institutional Policies webpage contain the Code of Conduct for Students and Employees. It is available, in part, at https://www.ftc.edu/code-of-conduct/.
The participation of students in the work of selected College standing committees is welcome. Invitations to join these committees are extended at the beginning of each semester.
The advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students on the campus of Five Towns College is strictly prohibited. Any individual visitor, licensee, or invitee found violating this policy shall be banned from the campus.
The use of electronic communication devices in classes without the express permission of classroom instructors is prohibited, except when permitted by College regulation such as to accommodate learning disabilities in furtherance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The use of cellular telephones, text-messaging, and other communication devices during class or during the administration of any examination is strictly prohibited. Using such devices during an examination is deemed to be dishonorable conduct in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and may result in the voiding of test scores, a failing course grade, and further disciplinary action.
Common Hour is typically held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m-1:20 p.m. During this time no classes are scheduled so that students may participate in or attend various campus-wide events, meet with their advisors, socialize with other students, study, or attend to other administrative responsibilities.
At this event held annually, students have the opportunity to speak firsthand with music and broadcast executives and entertainment industry professionals. Internship and career decisions are explored and students can find out directly from the experts about trends in the music industry.
Visiting artists such as Billy Joel, Phil Ramone, Don Grusin, Bernard Purdie, Cyrus Chestnut, Michael Feinstein, and Randy Brecker, Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Norm Lewis (Phantom of the Opera) and David Benoit have performed at special clinics and events for the benefit of the student body. The small intimate environment of these events enhances the educational value of interaction with these artists.
As a condition of acceptance, Five Towns College requires that all students possess Health Insurance. Coverage for U.S. citizens should be consistent with the minimum requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Coverage for Non-U.S. Citizens should also be at a level consistent with that provided by the ACA. In all cases, the coverage should also extend to medical providers located in the Long Island/New York City Metropolitan Region.
Effective as of the Fall 2020 semester, both resident students and student-athletes are required to present proof of Health Insurance Coverage prior to moving onto campus or prior to the first team scrimmage, as the case may be. Students who do not present proof of Health Insurance Coverage will not be permitted to move into College housing and/or to participate in any athletic competition or practice until this requirement is met.
With the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, Five Towns College no longer offers a minimum mandatory student health insurance plan.
Due to its location in a major metropolitan region, Five Towns College does not offer or provide on-campus medical services. When requested, the Public Safety Office will arrange for transportation for resident students to one of the several urgent care, medical offices, or hospitals nearby campus. When accessing medical services off-campus, students should have their personal Health Insurance Cards available. The College will also facilitate telehealth and on-campus visits by concierge medical service providers, such as House MD.
The College seeks to provide a safe and secure campus. Campus crime statistics are reported on the College website, on the Public Safety webpage, in accordance with The Clery Act. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with these statistics prior to entering into an enrollment agreement with the College. All students are advised that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at the College. Violation of such prohibitions will result in disciplinary action.
In accordance with the regulations of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the College has established a Drug Prevention Program. Videos, books, and pamphlets describing the danger of drug abuse are available to all students as well as referral to appropriate agencies for drug counseling or rehabilitation.
Five Towns College maintains a zero tolerance policy regarding any drug or alcohol violations on campus. In fact, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees is prohibited. Federal Trafficking Laws for drug usage have been revised and the link is included below. Students needing assistance and support should consult with the Counseling Office.
In compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, Five Towns College is committed to addressing the problems of alcohol and other substance abuse on the College campus. The College adheres to its alcohol policy and does not sponsor activities on or off campus where alcohol will be served. Violation of the College alcohol policy will not be tolerated. Further, in compliance with The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the U.S. Department of Education’s supporting regulations, Five Towns College adopts and implements programs “to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities” (EDGAR Part 86 Subpart A 86.3).
Applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, or local laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol may be found at Title 21 US Code 801 et. seq.; New York State Penal Law 220-221; and New York State Public Health Law § 3306.
For the most recent and complete Federal Trafficking Penalties information, visit the website of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration at www.dea.gov/agency/penalties.htm.
In compliance with the federal statute, a description of the health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol or use of illicit drugs includes this excerpt from What Works: Schools Without Drugs:
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. (U. S. Department of Education, 1992; retrieved from: (http://www.higheredcompliance.org/resources/resources/dfscr-hec-2006-manual.pdf).
A list of drug and alcohol programs (counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry) that are available to employees or students is available at the Five Towns College Counseling Center. Further, online resources can be found at the National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.nida.nih.gov/.
Five Towns College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees for violations of these standards of conduct, including any of the sanctions mentioned herein, up to and including, expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution.
N.Y. Penal Law, Article 220, Controlled Substances, carries severe penalties for drug violators who sell or use controlled substances ranging from one year in prison to life.
See http://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article220.htm#p220.00 for the full text. No special privileged status is granted to students, and it is expected that all students will abide by the law or be subject to its penalties. Counseling and referral programs will be available for those students or persons who need this type of assistance.
New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law:
The Amendments to sections 65-b and 65-c of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (“ABC” Law) provide:
Effective January 1, 1990, 1) Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing any alcoholic beverage with intent to consume the beverage. Exceptions are provided for consumption in an instructional setting and in cases where the alcoholic beverage is provided by a parent or guardian.
Violators are subject to a fine of up to $50.00 per offense, but are not subject to arrest. If alcoholic beverages are involved in alleged violations of this law, authorized law enforcement officials will seize them.
Effective November 1, 1989, 2) Persons under the age of 21 who present falsified or fraudulently altered proofs of age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages are guilty of a violation, punishable by a fine of up to $100.00 and a community service requirement of up to thirty (30) hours. Previously, violations of this section were punishable only by the imposition of a one- year probationary period and a fine.
Effective October 19, 1989, 3) A person under the age of 21 who presents an altered New York State driver’s license for the purpose of illegally purchasing an alcoholic beverage may be subject to a suspension of that driver’s license for up to ninety (90) days, and may also be required to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a restricted use driver’s license following the suspension.
Five Towns College Performing Arts Center (FTC PAC) is a home for the arts on Long Island. The Center plays an important role in the cultural education of College students, and it helps to enrich the lives of local residents.
During past seasons, the Center has presented musical performances including Great American Songbook, Guitar Extravaganza, Guitar Festivals, Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Chorus and Choir, Chamber Music Society, Cabaret and Musical Tributes. In theatre, the Center presented productions of Broadway musicals, Broadway musical reviews, new theatrical comedies, children’s theatre and classic plays. Recent theatrical performances include Kiss Me Kate, Cinderella, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid Jr., Carousel, Suessical and Disney’s High School Musical, Company, In the Heights, Spring Awakening, Company, For Colored Girls Only, A New Brain, and more. The Center also presented special events including John Lennon Center for Music & Technology concerts, regionally, nationally and internationally acclaimed performers, and magic, comedy and independent films to educate and entertain the public.
The Five Towns College High School Jazz Band Festival is held in the College Theatre. This event is both educationally worthwhile and enjoyable for all of the high school jazz ensembles that participate. Past experience has shown that students enjoy and benefit from the opportunity to perform before an audience of other musicians. The adjudicators for the competition consist of distinguished professional musicians and music educators.
The Sound Athletic Department fields men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports teams in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross-country and e-sports. These teams are governed by various athletic associations and conferences.
USCAA Athletic Programs
The College is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, cross-country, and women’s volleyball are governed by the USCAA.
Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association
Men’s volleyball is a member of the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (ECVA).
Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) and East Coast Conference (ECC)
During the 2020 – 21 academic year, Five Towns College offers e-sports as an associate member of the ECAC. Starting in the Fall 2021 semester, the College will transition to the ECC, where it will offer e-sports as a full collegiate member. E-sports teams are fielded in Rocket League, FIFA, NBA 2K, and Super Smash Mario Brothers.
Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The Sound Athletic Department is a full member of the HVIAC and participates in regular season competition with other conference members in all USCAA sanctioned sports.
Home basketball and volleyball games are hosted right on campus in the Sound Arena. Home soccer and cross-country matches are hosted on campus in the Sound Yard. Many home games are announced and streamed live on Facebook and other media outlets by the Mass Communications Division and its student broadcasters.
Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC)
Five Towns College is an associate member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association for its collegiate e-sports teams. It competes in League of Legends, Rocket League, FIFA, NBA 2K, and Super Smash Brothers.
Athletic Programs Disclosure
Institutions of higher education that participate in athletic programs are required by Federal Regulation, 34 CFR 668.47 to issue annual reports related to athletic program participation and financial support data for the preceding reporting year. The Five Towns College report is available at http://www.ftc.edu/athletics/report.
Eligibility Requirements
For a student to be eligible for any intercollegiate competition, a member institution must ensure that the student conforms to the following regulations:
- High School Graduate or GED
The student must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have earned a graduate equivalent degree (GED).
All students must be enrolled in a recognized academic program and be making progress toward a 2 or 4 year degree at the attending college.
All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at time of participation. If a student is enrolled in less than 12 credits, the student will be considered part-time for eligibility purposes.
Requirements for Students Entering Second Semester
- Second semester of students must have achieved a GPA of 1.6.
Requirements after the First Two Semesters
- All students must pass 24 credit hours the previous academic school year.
Exception:
- If a freshman completes their first term in the spring semester, the student-athlete would remain eligible for their second season of competition by completing 24 credits during the spring and following fall semester.
GPA Requirements after the First Two Semesters
After accumulating 24-48 credit hours, the student must have achieved a 1.75 cumulative GPA. After accumulating more than 48 credit hours, the student must have achieved a 2.0 GPA.
Summer and Inter-term Credit Hours
Summer and inter-term credit hours can be used to satisfy the 24-credit hour rule and GPA requirement.
- Summer credit hours should be attached to the preceding spring term for eligibility purposes.
- Winter term credits should be attached to the fall semester
Resident Student Meal Plan
Five Towns College provides a modified “bucket-type” meal plan, which is mandatory for all students residing on-campus. The plan provides a “dinner bucket” to all resident students each night during the regular fall or spring semester for a value equivalent to $13. The remainder is then credited to the student’s meal account as “declining dollars.” Student meal plans are not currently subject to New York State sales tax, providing an 8.625% bonus to all resident students. Declining Dollars must be used during the semester or period in which they are acquired as described below, and may not be rolled-over or transferred to a future term.
The Upbeat Café is open during the Fall and Spring semesters from approximately 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. lunch, and 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. dinner. Weekend hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for brunch and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. dinner. Late night hours are offered during the regular academic semester from approximately 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Hours of operation are subject to change without notice.
For the traditional academic year and most resident students, the semester cost of seven dinners per week is calculated prior to the start of each semester by multiplying the cost of dinner by the number of dinner meals to be offered for the semester. Meal plans typically begin on the date that the residence halls open for the semester, and end on the date that residence halls close for the semester. The remaining funds are credited to each student’s meal plan account as Declining Dollars, which may be used in College dining facilities at any time for any purchase.
Non-Semester Meal Plan Declining Dollars
The Upbeat Café maintains limited service hours outside of the regular fall and spring semesters. Students residing on campus outside of the regular semester may purchase additional declining dollars for use during these periods only.
Commuter Student Meal Plan
There is a required minimum meal plan for commuter students of $100 per semester. These declining dollars are credited to commuter student I.D. cards may be used for purchases in either the Upbeat or Downbeat cafes. Commuter and resident students may supplement their meal plans by purchasing additional declining dollars in increments of $25 at any time. Declining Dollars are sales-tax free dollars on your student I.D. card that give students the freedom to dine on campus tax free.
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