The Office of Student Success and Development is here for you from the moment you register for your first class until you receive your diploma. When you get accepted, you are paired with a coordinator who can assist you with overcoming personal barriers or just answering your questions. We often help students with navigating SUNY Empire systems and procedures, getting connected to resources, and understanding how to work best with their mentor. We offer workshops throughout every term, which you can learn more about on our website. In addition to our coordinators, we want you to get to know some of our “behind the scenes” team members who keep our office running smoothly. Some of these staff members you may speak with once for assistance, or you may work with them often and maybe you don’t even realize it! Hopefully getting to know our staff in this way will make you feel more comfortable reaching out to us for assistance! 

 

  Meet Carmen Feliciano, Administrative Assistant for Student Success and Development!

 

 

Please provide some background information about yourself.  

I’ve been working here for 46 years. I was a receptionist for 25 years and I assisted the dean’s assistant with xeroxing, setting up rooms, and making sure that the adjuncts had everything they needed when the semester began and during the semester.  

I took the civil service exam for Sec. 1 and passed it. At the time there were two available positions at my location.  One was in the Assessment Office and the other was in the Student Accounts office.  I chose the Student Accounts office.  I always helped students at the front desk with their financial aid and I also entered student registrations manually. I grew to love the job and so it was an easy decision to make.  While in that position I continued to support the dean’s assistant with setting up rooms for workshops, making sure they had everything they needed.  

 

Where are you located? 

My career at SUNY Empire began at the Manhattan location which was at 300 Park Ave. South. We moved several times over the years. My favorite location was Hudson Street. It was modern and the area was vibrant; places to eat and people everywhere. It was close to the Vangard (jazz club) and in the heart of the West Village. 

 
What’s your favorite part of your job? 

My favorite part of the job has always been working with students. I also enjoy problem-solving. It gives me great satisfaction when I can help a student with their questions or submitting documents. When I had an office students would drop by to get candy from my candy dish and that would spark many conversations about school, work, and their struggles or accomplishments with their work. I miss those days a lot. 

 
If you were a potato, how would you like to be cooked? 

LOL. If I were a potato I would like to be cooked well. I would like to be mashed with butter and sour cream with chives. Don’t forget the ribeye. 

 
What is a fun fact you’d like to share? 

I am a kid and love bears. Being with my nieces and nephews and being silly is what I enjoy in my downtime.  I love to just get up and go without planning anything and just have fun. 
 

What is a piece of advice that you would share with a student?  

You made a decision to invest in your education. Take it one day at a time. There will be stumbling blocks but remember always that we are here to help you reach your goal.  Never hesitate to ask for help or an explanation.  Reach for the stars! It can be done.