Niagara Falls, NY, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Five days before the new semester, SUNY Niagara unexpectedly canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes, leaving students frustrated and feeling abandoned. Affected students, burdened with loans and preparation costs, are now facing uncertainty as they scramble for alternatives. Although the school is offering transitions to daytime classes and promising refunds for class materials, many students remain dissatisfied with the lack of communication and planning that led to this situation. The incident raises serious concerns about staffing practices in essential nursing programs.
Niagara Falls, NY – SUNY Niagara has canceled its evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes just five days before the onset of the school year, causing significant unrest among students. The abrupt decision has left students feeling frustrated and abandoned, especially those who have already invested time and money into their education.
Among those affected, Felicia Nieves, a dedicated student, expressed her outrage after taking out nearly $9,000 in student loans over the course of her studies. Nieves noted that her last three semesters, aimed at fulfilling program prerequisites and general education courses while juggling a full-time job and raising a child, now seem wasted. Another student, Luis Garcia, also expressed his dismay upon learning of the cancellation right before the semester began, feeling “upset to the point of shock.” He had not only enrolled in the evening program but had also purchased approximately $400 worth of books and materials and adjusted his work schedule to accommodate the now-canceled classes.
According to Dr. Maher Ghalayini, SUNY Niagara’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, the cancellation stemmed from an unforeseen situation where multiple evening instructors left for other job opportunities right before classes were set to start. In response, the school has offered affected students options to transition into daytime and morning classes, accommodating all but three individuals who were unable to make the switch.
In addition to providing alternative class schedules, SUNY Niagara has committed to refunding students for their class supplies and has plans to hire instructors to resume evening classes by the upcoming spring semester. Furthermore, Dr. Ghalayini assured Nieves that the courses she has completed would still hold value, allowing her to apply them to other healthcare fields or as prerequisites for future nursing programs.
Despite these reassurances, displeasure remains prevalent among students. Nieves criticized the institution’s response to the situation, feeling that the administration could have facilitated better options or sought to fill the teaching vacancies rather than solely offering daytime class alternatives. The frustration expressed by students highlights substantial concerns regarding administrative communication and planning.
This event raises significant questions about staffing practices and contingency planning at educational institutions, particularly in essential programs like nursing, where students often rely on flexible class offerings to manage their commitments.
Background Context
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are critical in the healthcare sector, providing the necessary training for those looking to enter the field. Many prospective students juggle multifaceted responsibilities, including work and family obligations, making evening classes an attractive option. The unexpected cancellation of these classes has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by students in pursuit of their educational qualifications.
As the situation develops, SUNY Niagara plans to address the staffing issues and hopefully provide students with the required educational opportunities in the near future.
FAQs
Why were the evening LPN classes at SUNY Niagara canceled?
The classes were canceled due to multiple evening instructors leaving for other jobs right before the semester started.
What alternatives were offered to students affected by the cancellation?
Students were offered the option to transition into daytime or morning classes, with the majority able to switch.
Will students receive refunds for their class materials?
Yes, SUNY Niagara plans to refund students for their class supplies.
When will evening classes resume?
SUNY Niagara hopes to hire teachers soon to resume evening classes by the spring semester.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Affected | Evening Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) classes |
| Cancellation Notice | Five days before the start of the semester |
| Student Frustration | Tuition loans and prior semesters felt wasted |
| Alternative Options | Daytime and morning classes offered |
| Refund Policy | Refund for class supplies |
| Future Plans | Hiring instructors to resume evening classes by spring semester |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
