Onondaga Community College (OCC), located in Syracuse, New York, is a public community college founded in 1962 as part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Serving over 10,000 students annually, OCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year institutions. Known for its open-access policy, the college emphasizes affordable education, career preparation, and community engagement. The campus spans 258 acres with modern facilities including labs, libraries, and athletic centers. OCC's mission focuses on student success through innovative teaching and support services, making it a hub for higher education in Central New York.
Jobs at Onondaga Community College attract educators and professionals passionate about community college teaching. With a student body diverse in age, background, and goals, employees contribute to transformative learning experiences. The college's location in Syracuse provides access to cultural attractions like the Syracuse University area and natural sites such as Onondaga Lake Park.
Established in 1962, OCC began as a response to growing demand for accessible higher education in Onondaga County. It quickly grew from a small institution to a key SUNY community college, introducing programs in liberal arts, business, health sciences, and engineering. Key milestones include the opening of the SRC Arena and Conference Center in 1951 (shared with Syracuse University) and expansion of online learning during the pandemic. The mission centers on providing quality education that prepares students for transfer, careers, or lifelong learning, with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
This history shapes job opportunities, prioritizing faculty who can adapt to evolving educational needs and support non-traditional students.
OCC offers over 100 programs across six schools: Arts & Communication, Business, Health & Wellness, Liberal Arts, Public Safety & Service, and STEM. Popular areas include nursing, computer information systems, and criminal justice. The college excels in transfer agreements with SUNY four-year schools and employers like Crouse Hospital.
Faculty jobs align with these departments, requiring expertise in subjects like biology for STEM or communications for arts programs. Staff roles support student services, advising, and operations.
Career opportunities at OCC include full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, administrators, counselors, and technical staff. Full-time positions offer tenure-track paths, while adjunct roles provide flexible teaching. Common openings: nursing instructors, IT specialists, and enrollment managers. Salaries are competitive for community colleges, with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. For more on types of positions, see university job types.
Explore community college jobs for similar roles.
Adjunct Professor: A part-time instructor hired on a course-by-course basis, often without full benefits, common in community colleges like OCC to meet fluctuating enrollment.
Tenure-Track Faculty: Full-time positions leading to permanent employment after review, emphasizing teaching excellence and service.
Community College: Two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates, focusing on transfer and workforce preparation.
For faculty jobs at OCC, a master's degree in the teaching field is minimum; PhD preferred for full-time roles. Examples: Nursing faculty need MSN, engineering instructors require MS in engineering. Staff positions typically require bachelor's degrees, with advanced degrees for leadership. SUNY standards ensure qualified educators.
Community colleges prioritize teaching over research, but expertise in applied areas like cybersecurity or healthcare simulation is valued. Faculty may engage in grant-funded projects or program development. Preferred: Publications in pedagogy or industry experience. See research jobs for context.
2-5 years teaching experience, especially at community colleges, is ideal. Publications, grants, or professional certifications boost applications. For admin, enrollment management or student affairs experience is key.
Apply via OCC's online portal at sunyocc.edu/hr. Submit CV, cover letter, transcripts, references. Tips:
OCC's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan includes bias training, multicultural events, and support for veterans/LGBTQ+ students. The college has a Diversity Council and hires for underrepresented groups. Examples: TRIO programs for first-gen students, partnerships with HBCUs for transfers.
OCC supports balance with flexible schedules, 35-hour weeks, generous PTO, and wellness programs. Campus life features cafes, gym, events like jazz festivals. Syracuse offers snow sports, arts scene, low cost of living. Employee perks: tuition waivers for dependents, professional development funds.
Onondaga Community College offers rewarding jobs in a supportive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.
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