Adult Student Guide

One of the many considerations in choosing a college is the community in which you will live. We've collected information and resources for you to use in making The CIA and the surrounding area your home for the next few years.

Location
Our Hyde Park campus is located in New York's Hudson Valley, a region rich with natural beauty, economic opportunity, and friendly people. Its proximity to New York City (1 1/2 hours by train), Albany, White Plains, and other exciting North-east destinations make it centrally located for both educational enrichment and fun.

Weather
The Northeast has a varied climate, one that allows you to enjoy four distinct seasons. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and the autumn months are especially noted for an abundance of spectacular foliage. Summers (June–August) can be warm, with average temperatures of 66–82 degrees F. Average winter temperatures (December–March) are 20–30 degrees F, though it can be significantly colder. Snow often falls in the winter, and you can expect rain during any season of the year.

Housing
The CIA has four residence halls and six Adirondack-style lodges (juniors and seniors only), all situated on the banks of the Hudson River. If you prefer to live off campus, you can check out our Off-Campus Housing page to help you locate apartments, houses, condos, and rooms in the area. Other resources you can use to secure off-campus housing include the Poughkeepsie Journal at www.pojonews.com as well as www.craigslist.com.

Part-time Employment
At the CIA, you'll find part-time, on-campus job opportunities ranging from office work to leading tours to catering. To be eligible to work on campus before Block C, you must have transfer credits for writing. Students with Federal Work-Study status receive priority hiring; however, jobs are based on availability and are not guaranteed.

If you'd like to explore off-campus employment, you can find part-time positions in the area's many restaurants and businesses or work at private weddings and parties. Our Career Services Office posts the latest listings of off-campus job opportunities.

Area Employment Opportunities
Do you have a spouse or significant other who will be moving with you to the Hyde Park area and looking for a job? Good news—there are many and varied job opportunities in Dutchess and neighboring Hudson Valley counties. Here are some of the resources available to assist in the job search:

• www.hudsonvalleyhelpwanted.com allows job seekers to post their resumes online and access help wanted ads.
• Manpower offers permanent and temporary job placement at local businesses—including Fortune 500 companies—and has offices in Poughkeepsie (845-462-6000) and Fishkill (845-896-1354).
• The CIA offers full-and part-time positions—check our Web site at www.ciachef.edu/hr.

Schools and Child Care
If you have school-age children, you can find the names and phone numbers of area schools at www.dutchessny.gov. Click on the "School" tab on the left and you can review information about schools in Dutchess County (home of the CIA).

There are many options for child care in the area. Here is a good place to start your search:

• Child Care Council of Dutchess, Inc. provides referrals to local child care services offered in family home, family group, and day care center settings. The council is a licensing agency for family home and family group child care in Dutchess County. Call 845-473-4141 or 1-888-288-4148, or visit www.childcaredutchess.org.

Medical Services
The Hudson Valley is home to state-of-the-art health care facilities and medical services, including two hospitals within three miles of the CIA campus. To find out more about area health care options, begin with one of these information clearinghouses:

• Mid-Hudson Health Physician Finder (1-888-644-3627) or the Dutchess County Medical Society (www.dcms.org) are two resources for locating a physician in the area.

Accident and Health Insurance Program
Because we're concerned with the health and well-being of our students, we offer a Student Accident and Health Insurance Program. Under this program—designed especially for the CIA—all registered students will receive secondary student accident insurance included in their General Fee and have the option of purchasing sickness coverage. To find out more, visit our Health Services page, or contact plan administrator Commercial Travelers Mutual Insurance Company at 1-800-422-6200 or broker Marshall & Sterling at 845-454-0800.

Public Transportation
Whether you want to get around town or head out of town for New York City or other Northeast hot spots, there are many public transportation options:

• Amtrak offers railroad service from nearby Rhinecliff and Poughkeepsie to New York City's Penn Station and many other cities. For schedule and fare information, call 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com.
• Metro-North Railroad trains depart from Poughkeepsie for New York City's Grand Central Station and points south. Call 1-800-638-7646 or visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mnr/index.html.
• The Dutchess County LOOP Bus System provides bus transportation to shopping malls, supermarkets, and other local destinations. You can call 845-485-4960 or visit www.dutchessny.gov for schedules and information.

Area Attractions
When it's time to relax, the Hudson Valley's got just what you're looking for, including entertainment, historic attractions, shopping, restaurants, sports and recreation, and theater. To learn more, contact:

• Dutchess County Tourism
  www.dutchesstourism.com, 1-800-445-3131, or 845-463-4000
• Historic Hudson Valley
  845-631-8200 or www.hudsonvalley.org
• Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce
  845-897-2067 or www.gsdcc.org
• Dutchess County Government
  The www.dutchessny.gov site has information about tourism, libraries, education, government services and contacts, and chambers of commerce in the county.

Plus, the CIA's just a train ride away from the many attractions of New York City—restaurants, shopping, the arts, nightlife, sporting events, and much more.

Addition Resources

• Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce
  845-229-8612 or www.hydeparkchamber.org. Call to request a relocation package.
• Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce
  You can request a Dutchess County relocation packet through their Web site at www.pokchamb.org or by calling 845-454-1700.
• Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce
  845-876-4778 or www.rhinebeckchamber.com
• Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce
  845-897-2067 or www.gsdcc.org
• Dutchess County Government
  The www.dutchessny.gov site has information about tourism, libraries, education, government services and contacts, and chambers of commerce in the county.

Download a copy of the Adult Student Guide (PDF 3.35 MB)

CIA Contacts
Michael Brown '04
Admissions Coordinator
1-800-CULINARY (285-4627)
mi_brown@culinary.edu

Financial Aid Office
845-451-1243
financialaid@culinary.edu

Ken Turow
Associate Dean of Residence Life
845-451-1260
k_turow@culinary.edu

Barbara Campbell
Manager of (On-Campus) Student Employment
845-451-1364
b_campbe@culinary.edu