Parents and Families: Welcome to Dix Hills, Long Island!

Map of Long Island showing location of Five Towns College

Five Towns College welcomes parents and families to be involved in their children’s college experience. While some students live on campus and others commute, there are several times during the academic year when parents and families can attend various campus events.

For instance, the Theatre Arts Division regularly performs shows and musical productions. Check out the FTC Performing Arts Center page for the upcoming productions. The Music Division hosts concerts and guest performances. The Business and Mass Communication Divisions present interesting and esteemed speaker series, and hosts the Music Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) conference that presents panels on many topics related to the College’s mission. And, the Film and Television Division launches a 72- hour Film Festival as well as The Luminaries Award Ceremony, a culminating event for student filmmakers.

The Sound Athletics program offers several options for student athletes. There is the Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball Teams. The Sound Esports has launched and Cross-Country has started, too! The Sound Athletics program is a member of the USCAA, the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) and other collegiate sports associations. This provides student athletes with not only a sound education but a Sound Athletic program that will be exciting, competitive and expands the scope of extracurricular offerings on campus. To learn more about the Sound Athletic program and for team rosters/schedules, please go here.

Parents and families are encouraged to browse the College’s website. Learn more about campus life, explore academic and student life calendars, review the Student and Residence Life Handbooks, get details about financial aid, and discover other information that will be helpful during the next years here.

Further, important federal and state laws and regulations that parents and families need to be aware of are posted here. Learn more about NYS Education law, Article 129-B, Enough is Enough here.

FTC Campus Events Video

Visiting and Touring

Dormitories and campus quad at Five Towns College A campus tour is key to making a college decision. Whether students and their families live nearby or travel from afar, there is much to discover on campus that just can’t be portrayed in the virtual world. And, so, Five Towns College encourages students to schedule a campus tour through the Admissions office. There is nothing like walking through the campus, visiting the Upbeat Cafeteria, the Performing Arts Center, the Film and Television Studios, Audio Labs, Interactive Media Arts Lab, Music and Piano Labs, the WFTU Radio Station and Broadcasting sets, Library/Learning Resource Center, Downbeat Student Center, the Sound Gymnasium and the Residence Halls to really get a glimpse into what college life is like here in Dix Hills, Long Island.

Open Houses are scheduled throughout the year. Potential students and their families will experience a warm and welcoming time, meet current students, learn about academic programs, engage with faculty and staff as well as enjoy a continental breakfast which is typically on the agenda. Five Towns College Admissions staff and Financial Aid leaders are available to answer questions and provide valuable information to help students assess their options while they consider attending college here.

Students celebrating with balloons at Five Towns College Things to do Near Campus

For those who are traveling far and/or want to stay overnight nearby when visiting campus, there are several options. A trip to Suffolk County, Long Island offers many cultural, leisure and educational options. Explore a sampling of the local attractions that may be of interest here.

A few nearby hotels include:

46th/47th Commencement Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are available to my student on weekends?

The Office of Campus Events, Office of Residence Life, Student Government Association (SGA), and our various clubs/organizations sponsor a variety of events throughout the academic year. Many of these events can be found online posted to our Institutional Events and Student Activities Calendars. In addition, there are Sound Athletics games, Theatre Arts Division productions, Music Division concerts, and academic division events. Don’t miss out on our annual signature events such as the STAGE Competition, Pep Rally, MEIS Conference, Multicultural Night, and UNITY Cultural Celebration. These all culminate in our annual end of year celebration: FTC Fest.

Are there activities for commuter students?

Yes, of course! In addition to all of the activities described above, generally, there is plenty to keep commuter students busy in their spare time. Aside from engaging in collaborative activities with peers, the library and computer labs are available to keep students updated academically. Faculty hold regular office hours for students to meet with instructors for additional support. Furthermore, the Upbeat Café provides snacks and meals throughout the day and is a lively hub of student engagement as well as provides a stage for student concerts and presentations.

Students can relax in the Downbeat Student Center featuring recreational equipment, lounge space, television, and a weekend food service counter. The Campus Store and Fader’s Fitness Center are located in the Downbeat. It is used for Common Hour, Student Activities and Residence Life events, recreation, musical, and social events. The Downbeat area showcases student talent throughout the year. Special events and catered parties are also scheduled in the Downbeat.

Video: Live at The Upbeat

Video: “In the Heights” Teaser

Where may parents park when visiting their student on campus?

There is ample parking available on campus. Visitors will need to obtain a Visitor’s Pass to gain entry into the main building and should have identification for this purpose.

Where can my child get medical attention if needed?

The College has identified the three closest Stat Health Services to provide medical care to students. The FTC Public Safety Office will help arrange for transportation, if needed. The FTC Counseling Center is available for advice, assistance and recommendations as well as the Residence Life staff and personnel. Students should seek assistance as necessary without hesitation or ask any of the Public Safety Officers who are on duty 24/7.

Are services available to assist students who are concerned about their grades and being successful?

The Student Success Center is where the Academic Advisement Office, HEOP and Student Access Offices are located. They provide tutoring and academic study skills development programs and assistance for all students. The Counseling Center assists with stress and time management skills and offers other holistic aids to help students relax and focus. Also, private counseling is available in the Counseling Center by appointment. For more information about all of these Academic Support Services, click here.

What happens in the event of campus closings, late openings and/or class cancellations due to inclement weather or emergencies?

The FTC website posts emergency notices. Students are also emailed this information so they should always check their college email address. Also, students should download the FTC APP as notifications are sent there. Closings are also published through local media such as News 12 and now, important notices will always be available through the FTC APP.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NYS EDUCATION LAW,
ARTICLE 129-B, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Under Article 129-B, Section 6447(5) and (6):

Five Towns College will also share information on sexual and interpersonal violence with parents of students. This is accomplished in several ways. One way is by providing information directly to parents, either by mail or to parents attending programming on occasion, either at an Orientation or other event. Also, Five Towns College will be posting information on this webpage just for Parents, so be sure to check back time after time.

Comprehensive information about Enough is Enough is here.

In compliance with section 6447, Five Towns College offers to all students general and specific training in domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault prevention and conducts a campaign that complies with the Violence Against Women Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), to educate the student population. The College, as appropriate, provides or expands specific training to include groups such as international students, students that are also employees, leaders and officers of registered or recognized student organizations, and online and distance education students. The College also provides specific training to members of groups that the institution identifies as high-risk populations.

Further, Five Towns College requires that each student leader and officer of student organizations recognized by or registered with the institution, as well as those seeking recognition by the institution, complete training on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault prevention prior to receiving recognition or registration, and requires that each student athlete complete training on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault prevention prior to participating in intercollegiate athletic competition. This training is offered in addition to the training offered as onboarding to incoming students.