Niagara, NY, September 5, 2025
News Summary
SUNY Niagara has cancelled its evening LPN classes just days before the new academic year starts, leaving students like Felicia Nieves and Luis Garcia frustrated and uncertain. With options limited to daytime classes that conflict with their jobs and family responsibilities, many students have expressed dismay at the institution’s handling of the situation. Dr. Maher Ghalayini, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, explained that instructor resignations led to the cancellation, but the school is committed to hiring more faculty and restoring evening classes by spring.
Niagara, NY – SUNY Niagara has cancelled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just five days before the new academic year begins, leaving many students feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future plans.
Among those affected is Felicia Nieves, who had invested heavily in her education, taking out nearly $9,000 in student loans. After completing three semesters of prerequisites and general education courses while juggling a full-time job and single parenthood, Nieves expressed dismay over the school’s abrupt decision. She criticized the institution for not offering viable alternatives, noting that the only option provided was to switch to daytime classes, which conflicts with her work and parenting responsibilities.
Another impacted student, Luis Garcia, described his shock upon learning of the cancellation just before the semester was scheduled to start. Garcia, who enrolled in the evening LPN program and spent around $400 on books and supplies, had tailored his work schedule to accommodate his classes. Both Nieves and Garcia share a sense of injustice regarding the school’s last-minute decision and lack of support.
Dr. Maher Ghalayini, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at SUNY Niagara, explained that the cancellation was the result of multiple evening instructors resigning to pursue other opportunities shortly before classes were set to begin. Despite being given the option to transition to morning or daytime classes, only three students could not make the switch, leading to concerns for those still seeking an evening program.
In light of this disruption, SUNY Niagara has committed to refund students for their class supplies and is making efforts to hire additional faculty to reinstate evening classes by the upcoming spring semester. Dr. Ghalayini assured students that the courses they have already completed can be applied toward other healthcare fields or serve as prerequisites for future nursing programs, providing some reassurance for those affected.
The limited options presented to students have drawn criticism, particularly among those who have managed their schedules around evening classes. Nieves has articulated her disappointment with the school’s handling of the crisis, suggesting that more proactive measures could have alleviated the situation.
As the semester approaches, students continue to navigate the implications of these changes. While SUNY Niagara works on retaining faculty for evening courses, the ongoing discourse highlights the challenges adult learners face in balancing education, work, and family commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the cancellation of evening LPN classes at SUNY Niagara?
The classes were canceled due to multiple evening instructors leaving for other employment shortly before the semester began.
What options have been provided to the affected students?
Students were offered the option to transition to daytime or morning classes. However, only three students could not accommodate this shift.
Will students receive any refunds for their expenses?
Yes, students who incurred costs for class supplies will receive refunds.
Is SUNY Niagara planning to resume evening classes?
Yes, the school intends to hire teachers and hopes to resume evening classes by the spring semester.
What will happen to the credits earned by affected students?
Students can apply the credits they have earned toward other healthcare programs or use them as prerequisites for future nursing courses.
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Additional Resources
- WKBW: Three Semesters Wasted
- Wikipedia: SUNY Niagara
- WIVB: Student Speaks Out
- Google Search: SUNY Niagara nursing program cancellation
- WNYPapers: SUNY Niagara Enrollment Up 11%
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- KGN: SUNY Niagara Cancellation
- Google News: SUNY Niagara evening classes cancellation
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