From the desk of Chris Ouderkirk, CDF, Accreditation Committee Chair

• NYSSBGA/SFMI Accreditation: What is it worth? Part I
• NYSSBGA/SFMI Accreditation: What is it worth? Part 2

A college degree, especially in your chosen field, can enhance your credentials like few other honors. As a result of SBGA and SFMI's partnership with Empire State College (ESC) and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), you can earn your Bachelor's Degree, Associate's Degree or technical certificate in school facilities management-right from the comfort of your home or office.

Empire State College, of the State University of New York (SUNY), has partnered with SBGA, SFMI and MVCC to provide a pathway to a bachelor's degree for graduates of the MVCC program in School Facilities and Management.

Students completing their A.A.S. in School Facilities Management from MVCC may transfer to Empire State College and complete a bachelor's degree in Business, Management and Economics with a concentration in Facilities Management.

Courses are available entirely online or through one of our 35 convenient NYS locations. Online academic advising, academic services, and credit for prior learning gained from work or life experience are available.

It's easy to begin your experience with Empire State College and start your path to earn your degree! If you are currently enrolled or just want to register for a class as a nonmatriculated student (without formally applying to the college) use this link for registration.

If you are ready to apply to Empire State College click here to begin. Deadlines for materials are included in the application.

Developed by SFMI, SBGA and Mohawk Valley Community College-a SUNY school-these online programs are designed to sharpen the skills of current directors and prepare future directors for careers in facilities management. Graduates will be prepared to manage and lead change in all aspects of the field: facility operations and maintenance, public health and safety, school budgeting and more. You can choose from two options: the School Facilities Management Certificate or the Associate Degree in Facilities Management. Among the benefits:

• You complete MVCC courses online: no classroom to find, no set time to attend class. You'll contact your professors primarily by e-mail.
• MVCC may accept credit for college courses you've already completed-and for life experience, as well.
• The courses completed for both programs may be applied toward a SUNY Bachelor's Degree.

The School Facilities Management Certificate requires 30 credit hours of study-all of which you can apply to the Associate Degree. To get started, you apply to MVCC, get accepted and (in some cases) take a standard placement test.

"A candidate with a degree in facilities management would have preferred status when applying for a Director of School Facilities position." Gary Valenti – Business Official, Brighton CSD