Greetings from the Parent Relations Coordinator
Parent Satisfaction Survey
Seasonal Student Issues
The Overwhelmed Student: How Parents Can Help
Discover the Discovery Program
You Want to Major in What?
Financial Aid Reminders and Upcoming Events
Residence Hall Closing Information
Senior Challenge 2007
New Men's Basketball Coach Named
Sleep Issues Among Today's Students
University Plaza Now Leasing for 2007-08 Academic Year
Researchers Making News
Construction Projects on the Drawing Board
Dining Services Establishes 2007-08 Meal Plan Rates
Important Dates
GREETINGS FROM THE PARENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
What a busy and exciting time at the University! As the end of the semester nears, it can also be a stressful time for your student. This final PON of the academic year gives advice on how to help your overwhelmed student, including the importance of getting enough sleep. Also included: year-end residence hall closing reminders, information on 2007-08 Financial Aid packages and meal plans, what is new in athletics and important event information.
I extend my heartiest congratulations and good wishes to all of our graduating students and their families! For our returning parents and students, please stay in touch! I will be in touch with another edition of PON in late summer.
Melinda Holicky, Parent Relations Coordinator
parents@binghamton.edu
Binghamton University is participating in a Parent Satisfaction Study conducted by a researcher at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. You will be invited to participate in the survey via a separate e-mail. Your participation is voluntary and none of the survey participants will be identified. The study will help participating institutions improve current practices and policies related to parent programs. I hope you will consider responding to the survey.
There's a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things your student may be experiencing this spring:
• Some students lose their motivation for the final push.
• Spring fever hits and problems arise as students become restless.
• Anticipating the end of the year
• Frustration and confusion develop because of class registration.
• Papers and exams are piling up.
• Summer job panic
• Feeling like they are no longer accountable for their actions – may turn to vandalism
• Sexual assault increases.
• Concerns about moving home for the summer
THE OVERWHELMED STUDENT: HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Chances are that your student has a lot on his mind: the academic crunch leading up to final exams, getting a summer job or internship, personal stuff – it's a lot to handle. Many students feel overwhelmed at this time of year. For some, it's temporary and alleviated by talking with friends or family, exercising or having a good cry. Others, however, can be paralyzed by their overwhelmed feelings.
If you're concerned that your student isn't handling things well, help him break down the commitments in his life into more manageable chunks. For instance, if he has three big projects due, encourage him to write out steps that will lead to the completion of those projects. Tackling “create a bibliography” is much more doable than “get that 30-page paper done.” Also, suggest that he talk with someone in the counseling center or in advising to help him get back on track. Being overwhelmed can be frightening and frustrating; he may just need to express his feelings so they're not bottled up, paralyzing him from moving forward. Or, he may have some anxiety issues to work through so he can learn to better cope when overwhelmed feelings start grabbing hold. Let your student know that you value and love him, no matter what his accomplishments are. That way, he's not working to get good grades for your approval or taking on too many leadership positions in hopes that you'll notice. Instead, he'll be doing things for himself, turning “shoulds” into “coulds.”
Think Your Student is Overwhelmed?
If so, she may be:
• constantly feeling behind
• worried about how others perceive her
• feeling like she's letting people down
• not able to get a handle on her various commitments
• paralyzed by multi-tasking
• consistently disorganized
• not as reliable as she usually is
• frustrated with herself
• burned out
• tense to the point of anger and other intense emotions (crying, swearing, etc.)
As always, the Binghamton University Counseling Center is a resource for students in need of counseling on this and many other topics, including depression, anxiety and stress management. Visit http://counseling.binghamton.edu to learn more about the range of programs, services and resources available.
Did you know there is a wonderful student resource on campus that provides academic and career support, peer tutoring and more? Discovery is a multifaceted program that is available to all Binghamton undergraduate students. It provides opportunities for students to develop greater competence in handling their educational and career responsibilities and to explore ways of making meaningful contributions to society. Through the six Discovery Centers and the 26 Discovery Assistants, the program provides students with easy access to academic, career and experiential learning information, tutoring and assistance with computer-based technology. The free peer tutoring is available both by appointment and on a limited walk-in basis. Discovery also supports courses that are taught by faculty members who maintain a student-centered perspective and support Discovery values and goals. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships and create an online portfolio for use in their graduate school application process or job search. For more information, visit http://discovery.binghamton.edu and encourage your student to visit too!
It is common for parents to be concerned about their student's choice of major. Uncertainty about the career prospects associated with particular paths of study can be the source of anxiety and stress for both students and parents. Click here to learn more about helping your student navigate his or her career decision-making and develop into an employable young professional.
FINANCIAL AID REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
2007-08 Financial Aid Award offers: Students who have applied for financial aid for the 2007-08 academic year will receive e-mail notification that their 2007-08 award offer has been calculated and is ready to view on BUSI. Please encourage your student to go online to the BUSI Web Center to view his or her package by clicking on “Financial Aid Award Offer” under the Financial Aid section. Here students can accept, reduce, or decline aid offers.
Financial Aid Services offers information session again in April!
Debt Management - Wednesday, April 18, 6 to 7 p.m., LH 10.
RESIDENCE HALL CLOSING INFORMATION
All on-campus residents are expected to vacate their rooms 24 hours after their last exam. Students having final exams on Thursday, May 17 may stay in their residence hall or apartment that night. THOSE STUDENTS MUST VACATE THEIR ROOMS BY 11 a.m. ON FRIDAY, MAY 18. We encourage students to transport their belongings the weekend before exams, leaving only clothing and books for the last few days. He or she can take the remaining items on a bus to return home after their last exam.
FRIDAY EXAMS: If the student has a final exam scheduled on Friday, May 18, he or she can request an extension to remain in the residence past 11 a.m. that day.
COMMENCEMENT HOUSING: If the on-campus resident is graduating, working for the University during the Commencement weekend, is a sibling of a graduate or has permission to walk in the ceremonies, he or she may request to remain in residence for Commencement weekend.
For the two scenarios outlined above, the student should go to the Residential Life website in May and submit a late stay registration form. The student will then be notified if he or she has permission to remain in residence.
THE CHECK-OUT DEADLINE FOR GRADUATES AND OTHERS WITH PERMISSION TO STAY DURING THE WEEKEND WILL BE 11 a.m. ON MONDAY, MAY 21.
Parents of graduating seniors have the opportunity to support Senior Challenge 2007, the University's class gift campaign. This long-standing University tradition contributes to campus beautification efforts and provides a way for the senior class to leave a lasting reminder of their time at the University. The class will be prominently recognized for its role in helping to beautify and enhance the campus, and will also receive recognition through a presentation to President DeFleur at Commencement. The Senior Challenge program provides a unique way for the senior class and their families to mark this very special occasion. Information will be sent in the mail in the coming weeks. If you don't want to wait, you can give online at http://giveto.binghamton.edu or call the Binghamton Fund Office at 607-777-6209 for more information.
Binghamton University introduced Kevin Broadus as its new men's basketball coach on March 26. Broadus served the last three years as an assistant at Georgetown University, and has 17 years of college coaching experience. He replaced Al Walker, who stepped down after seven seasons at the helm. Broadus, a 43-year-old Washington, D.C. native, has been a key recruiter for a Georgetown program that advanced to the 2007 NCAA Final Four. He was ranked No. 6 by online publication hoopscoop.com on its list of the “Top 100 Assistant Coaches in the College Game Today” and is known for his strong recruiting ties, particularly in the competitive scholastic hotbed of Washington, D.C.
For more information about Binghamton University Athletics, visit www.bubearcats.com.
SLEEP ISSUES AMONG TODAY'S STUDENTS
Is your student getting enough shut-eye?
Students often find themselves pushed beyond their limits. Overwhelming amounts of academic work as well as personal and co-curricular responsibilities can impact their daily sleep patterns. Many college students underestimate the need for a good night's sleep. It is very easy to fall into a pattern of poor sleeping habits yet students are often unaware that their sleep deprivation (usually self-inflicted) can cause serious problems. They may be so used to being consistently sleepy that they don't realize their lack of sleep is unhealthy or abnormal. You can help them become more knowledgeable about the role adequate sleep plays in their college success.
According to www.sleep-deprivation.com, 47 million American adults – almost a quarter of the population – do not get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important, as being overtired can cause:
• Moodiness
• Less resistance to illness
• Lack of energy
• Stress
• Anger
• Lack of concentration
• Difficulty retaining new information
Because of these effects, lack of adequate sleep often causes students' grades to drop. Staying up late to study and then getting up early in the morning to do it again are counterproductive strategies that can become a vicious cycle.
Quality Sleep
Experts suggest a few simple tactics to help students increase the quality of their sleep:
• Get on a regular schedule.
• Don't make your bed a key study space.
• Don't drink alcohol before bed as it can interrupt a good night's sleep.
• Avoid watching the clock.
• Establish a relaxing routine about a half hour before bed.
• Consider using “white noise” to help fall asleep (like a fan).
• Try to make your bed as comfortable as possible.
• Finish eating about two hours before bed.
• Avoid exercise right before bed.
For more information on the importance of sleep, see the Centers for Disease Control; www.sleepfoundation.org or www.sleep-deprivation.com. Visit University Health Services at http://health.binghamton.edu.
UNIVERSITY PLAZA NOW LEASING FOR 2007-08 ACADEMIC YEAR
It's not too late to start thinking about housing options for next year. University Plaza, the newest apartment complex in the area, is now leasing for the 2007-08 school year.
Each apartment is completely furnished, has a washer, dryer, and high-speed internet. Rent includes local phone service, water, electricity, HVAC, and cable television. The facility is monitored by security and has keycard access. University Plaza is located on the Vestal Parkway, just east of campus. Call (888) 775-4615 or click here. (PAID ADVERTISEMENT)
Binghamton University researchers are making national and international news! Binghamton's emerging research programs are helping to create jobs, make the world safer and expand the realm of possibility through the creation of knowledge. Check out our research website at http://research.binghamton.edu for more information. While there, sign up to receive discover-e, Binghamton's award winning research e-newsletter and subscribe to research RSS and podcasting feeds so that you won't miss any of the hottest BU research news.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON THE DRAWING BOARD
Work on the University Downtown Center, which will house the College of Community and Public Affairs, is on track for completion for the fall 2007 semester. Much of the exterior work has been completed and interior work is substantially complete on the fourth and third floors as the contractor works from the fourth floor down. Painting and installation of floor tiles is also underway in some areas. The building will have 13 classrooms of varying size and will incorporate a number of energy-saving features including:
• High-efficiency mechanical equipment
• High-efficiency lighting
• Energy-efficient windows
• Daylight views to reduce the need for artificial lighting
• Recycled building materials
Meanwhile, plans are underway to renovate the eastern portion of the University Union and the University is reviewing options for renovating or replacing the buildings in Newing College and Dickinson Community. Currently, the building structures are in good condition and full compliance with state regulations, but both communities have been “grandfathered” in by New York State regarding building codes that became effective Jan. 1, 2003. The SUNY Board of Trustees adopted a policy requiring all residence halls to reach a particular level of fire safety by 2010, so any planned upgrades will further enhance safety and provide more attractive housing for our students.
The new 2007-08 meal plan rates are now available on the Dining Services website, www.budining.com. The default plan for resident students will be the “C” plan. Questions about the meal plans may be directed to mealplans@budining.com or any of the following phone numbers: 607-777-6000 (local), 888-858-9167 (toll free) or 607-777-6434 (fax). Meal plan brochures will be available in early June and can also be found on the Dining Services website.
April 12-May 11 Registration and academic advising for Fall 2007
May 11 Last day of classes
May 12-13 Reading period
May 14-18 Final examinations. Residents must vacate residence halls 24 hours after last exam.
May 19 Graduate Commencement
May 20 Undergraduate Commencement - Visit http://commencement.binghamton.edu for more information!
October 19-21 Family Weekend – A schedule will be posted to the parents' website soon!
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