Directors Welcome Message

Welcome to the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) at Farmingdale State College! I'm delighted to welcome you and share the exciting opportunities available in our dynamic community engagement programs.

At Farmingdale State College, we understand the vital role of civic and community engagement in nurturing well-rounded individuals and fortifying our society. Our dedication to this principle permeates every aspect of our campus, enriching the experiences of students, faculty, and staff alike.

Through OCCE, we've developed a range of impactful initiatives aimed at empowering our community to actively shape a brighter future. From the "Ramp Up the Vote" campaign by the FSC Student Nonpartisan Voting Coalition, fostering civic participation and voter education, to the FSC Volunteer Corps offering hands-on community service opportunities, our programs inspire meaningful action and enduring change.

Each year, we come together for our Annual Day of Service, making tangible contributions to those around us. Furthermore, we recently launched Community Engagement Week (April 15-19, 2024), promoting community involvement and addressing social issues through diverse service activities and events, both on and off-campus.

In the realm of scholarships, OCCE proudly oversees prestigious awards such as the Community Service Awards, selection of Newman Civic Fellows, and Future Community Engaged Funding Grants for faculty and student clubs. These grants support innovative community projects led by faculty with student involvement, tackling pressing social issues and driving positive impact locally and globally.

As we expand our efforts, we're committed to fostering collaboration among FSC departments, leveraging our collective strengths to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our initiatives. Our overarching aim is to nurture an institutional ethos of social responsibility, public service, and volunteerism, instilling in every community member a profound sense of civic duty and empathy.

Through our leadership in establishing the Carnegie Community Engagement Committee, we collaborate with a dedicated committee comprised of facutly, staff and student leadership to institutionalize community and civic engagement across key focus areas. Together, through our efforts in finance, applied learning, curriculum development, student engagement, and project implementation, we're laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and promising future. The creation of the Community Service Tracker and startegic data gathering mechnisms will allow us to better serve our communities and beyond. 

I invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we work towards making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Together, let's harness the power of community and civic engagement to build a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.

Warm regards,

Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Ph.D. 

Director, Office of Community and Civic Engagement
Farmingdale State College

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