State approves new fish and wildlife degree

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The state Education Department has approved a new fish and wildlife technology degree at Finger Lakes Community College.The College is now accepting enrollment for the program, which begins in the spring 2013 semester.The associate in applied science in fish and wildlife technology is a two-year degree program that replaces the current FLCC fisheries technology degree.The new program gives students more options for further study and employment. Graduates will qualify for transfer to either fisheries or wildlife programs at four-year schools and will be prepared for civil service exams for fish and wildlife careers.“Students come to FLCC with an expectation of more than a textbook education. We provide them with the practical skill necessary to work in the field and succeed at transfer schools,” said professor John Van Niel of Seneca Falls. He will serve as the lead wildlife instructor for the program along with lead fisheries instructor and assistant professor John Foust of Stanley.“The fish and wildlife degree in particular emphasizes field work, and we will set high expectations for professionalism with our students,” Van Niel added. Van Niel is also vice president of the board of directors for Global Wildlife Resources, a nonprofit organization that provides training in humane and respectful capture and handling of wild and feral animals.FLCC has two field stations for hands-on learning: the Muller Field Station at Honeoye Lake Inlet and the East Hill Campus adjacent to the High Tor Wildlife Management Area in Naples. The college is a national leader in providing research experiences to community college students. In 2011, the National Science Foundation awarded FLCC a $3.35 million grant to conduct workshops across the country on incorporating research into community college biology courses. Students currently enrolled in fisheries technology have the option of finishing that program or switching to the fish and wildlife degree.FLCC also offers degrees in environmental studies, natural resources conservation and natural resource conservation law enforcement. FLCC grants the second-highest number of two-year degrees in natural resources and conservation in the nation annually, according to Community College Week magazine rankings.To enroll in the fish and wildlife degree program or get more information, call the FLCC One Stop Center at (585) 785-1000 or email to onestop@flcc.edu.