Founded in 1950 as a predominantly transfer, liberal arts oriented institution, JCC was among the first community colleges within the State University of New York. JCC has remained committed to the humanities and liberal arts while expanding to meet the social imperatives of workforce development and community service. The college serves students desiring transfer programs, provides technical and career programs for those seeking employment immediately after graduation, and offers the community workplace and personal enrichment programs.
Student life
Student clubs and organizations that focus on a variety of interests provide opportunities for creative expression, community service, and cultural diversity. Students are also able to engage in campus life programs, intercollegiate athletics, and intramural activities to develop social connections. The Jamestown Campus provides on-campus living for 340 students in three residence halls.
Student government
The officially recognized student governing body is the Student Senate. Students have a direct voice in all student affairs and many college activities through active participation in student government.
Campus Activity Board
The Campus Activity Board and the College Program Committee are the two organizations that are responsible for bringing activities to campus. CAB is composed of only students. The College Program Committee includes faculty, staff and student representatives.
Weeks Gallery The Weeks Gallery, located on the Jamestown Campus, and the Center Gallery on the Cattaraugus County Campus present significant visual, performing, and interdisciplinary art programs. In 2011, the Weeks Gallery received two significant donations – Ken and Lois Strickler donated Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe serigraph and Larry Diggs donated a small-untitled bronze by Louise Nevelson. Scharmann Theatre Located on the Jamestown Campus, the Scharmann Theatre hosts several cultural events and programs. It's also home to the JCC Uncommoners, a student theatre group that presents at least two productions per academic year. The theatre is named for Robert Lee Scharmann, who taught English and drama at JCC from 1956 until his death in 1976. Museum Without Walls Hallways and open spaces at each of JCC’s sites feature works from the college’s permanent art collection.
On-campus housing
JCC provides on-campus living for 340 students in its three Hillside Suites residence halls. The halls offer students suite-style living, including four to five fully furnished bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area, and two full bathrooms. The suites contain primarily single bedrooms, with a limited amount of double bedrooms available. All buildings are alcohol- and tobacco-free. Meal plans are available for residence hall students at the college’s café.