Laura O’Connell, Communications

I have been a member of the NCC community since I was an incoming freshman 25 years ago and have been immersed in the campus in some capacity ever since. In 2005, I began teaching both freshmen seminar courses and in my area of expertise - Communication Studies. I'm excited to be teaching COM 124 - Communication for Business & the Professions this spring, as this course is closely integrated with my professional background. By taking this course, students in any major will be well-prepared to operate in internship and work environments.

In Fall 2019, I received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. I've never been so honored as "excellence in teaching" is always my goal for my students. In Spring 2020 I was granted a sabbatical to write a book, something that has always been a dream of mine. Tentatively titled "I Got the Internship: Now What? A Workbook to Guide You Through Your Internship," I wrote this to help guide students through their internships with the underlying theme that communication is the key to success in the workplace.

My fondest memory as a faculty member is not just one moment but being witness to many moments. When I encounter a student who started at Nassau at 18, failed or withdrew from courses and is now back thriving in every way; that is "my fondest moment." The student who has achieved high grades in high school and attends NCC to find his/her passion by getting involved in student activities and all the College has to offer - that is "my fondest moment." The student who is the first person in his/her family to go to college and appreciates every moment of it - that is "my fondest moment." And, the student who I only meet for the first time in his/her last semester but have just one conversation that impacts both of us - that is "my fondest moment."

When I arrived at Nassau as a student my world changed. The diversity was invigorating, the courses were interesting, and the professors, advisors and support staff were incredible. I became who I am today because of Nassau. By becoming the Publicity Director for the student organization Nassau Concerts, I discovered the Public Relations profession, obtained my first internship in PR, and achieved my first profession as an entertainment publicist at the same organization where I interned while I was at Nassau. I truly don't know what my path would have been if it were not for NCC's amazing community. I teach at Nassau because I had such an amazing experience as a student and want to provide that type of support to as many students as I can.

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2 days ago

NCC Students: Will you be the next NCC Idol? Virtual auditions for this semester's NCC Idol competition will be held on Tuesday, October 27th and Tuesday, November 17th. If interested, register by sending an email with the audition date that you have chosen to laurie.joseph@ncc.edu or nedra.neal@ncc.edu. You'll receive virtual meeting information and further instructions.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #nextnccidol #nccidolclub #takecontrolofyourdreams ... See moreSee less

2 days ago

Take control of your education this winter at Nassau Community College. Registration is now underway for winter courses at NCC. Winter Session begins December 28, 2020. All winter courses will be offered through remote or online instruction. For more information about Winter Session visit ncc.edu/winter. To apply for Winter Session visit ncc.edu/apply. Questions contact 516.572.7355 or registrar@ncc.edu.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #WinterRegistration #wintersemester #visitingstudents #degreeseeking #PersonalEnrichment #returningstudents #affordabletuition #flexibleclassschedules #RegisterNow #takecontrolofyoureducation ... See moreSee less

2 days ago

NCC Students: Your degree evaluation is an important tool to track your progress to graduate. Join us for a workshop TOMORROW, Friday, October 23rd @ 11 a.m. on how to read and navigate your degree evaluation to understand your requirements and learn how to register for Spring 2021 classes. Info ncc.edu/advisement.

#nassaucommunitycollege #takecontrolofyoureducation #RegisterNow #academicadvisement #advisementworkshops #StudentSupportServices ... See moreSee less

3 days ago

Join us TODAY @ 6:00 p.m. via livestream @Office of the Nassau County Comptroller for a roundtable conversation on the current state of child care in Nassau County featuring our very own Janet Walsh, Director of the NCC Children's Greenhous

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #childrensgreenhouse #childcare #StudentSupportServices ... See moreSee less

3 days ago

NCC Students: To reduce food insecurity among community college students, the New York State SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has been expanded to increase eligibility for students enrolled in career or technical education course work. Students must meet the income (otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/#eligibility) and other eligibility criteria (otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/qanda.asp#students) to qualify for the program.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #foodinsecurity #snap #supplementalnutritionassistance #StudentSupportServices #suny ... See moreSee less

3 days ago

If COVID is keeping you from the Caribbean, let NCC Radio bring the Caribbean to you!

WHPC is still accepting students who want to learn how to be on the radio – from home this semester! Email whpc@ncc.edu for more information.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #WHPC #takecontrolofyoureducation #takecontrolofyourfuture #CaribbeanMix #collegeradio ... See moreSee less

4 days ago

NCC Students: TODAY, Wednesday, October 21, is the last day to apply for an NCC scholarship! To apply online, go to our College-Wide Scholarship System (ncc.academicworks.com). For more information email scholarships@ncc.edu.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #scholarships #ApplyNow #takecontrolofyoureducation #takecontrolofyourfuture #sunycc ... See moreSee less

4 days ago

The NCC Admissions Department has daily virtual group information sessions Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. Led by an admissions counselor, you can learn about the admissions process, hear an overview of academics on-campus, and find out how to register for classes at NCC. Learn why Nassau Community College is the best fit for so many students! For more information go to ncc.edu/admissions.

#nassaucommunitycollege #NCC #GotoNCC #Admissions #Registration #nccisforyou #StayNearGoFar #learnaboutncc ... See moreSee less

4 days ago

What do Northwell Health, Monsters Inc., and New York State have in common? Take a guess…..you can find out the answer @ this time tomorrow (6 p.m. 10/21) during the NCC Foundation Gala. Check out ncc.edu/gala for more information.

#nassaucommunitycollege #nccfoundation #SupportingStudents #NCCAlumni #monstersinc. #northwellhealth #suny ... See moreSee less

5 days ago