Greetings from the Parent Relations Coordinator
Seasonal Student Issues
Get in the Zone
What Your Student Needs During Finals Week
Home for the Winter Break
Gifts for College Students
Hillel at Binghamton Parlor Meeting
Spring 2008 Commencement
Residential Life
Got Aid? Don't Forget to File a FAFSA for 2008-09
Year-End Giving Reminder
From the Career Development Center
University Launches New Advocacy Website
A Message and Recipe from Dining Services
A "Stay Healthy" Tip from University Health Service
Looking for the Perfect Gift?
From Colonials to Bearcats
Upcoming Calendar and Event Information
University Plaza Now Leasing for 2008-09 Academic Year
GREETINGS FROM THE PARENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
This month’s Parents Online Newsletter is filled with helpful advice, tips and year-end reminders as the first semester concludes and the Winter break approaches.
Overall, the key to a successful extended break is treating your student like an adult. Communicating openly and honestly, listening with care and interest, and working together to establish boundaries will help you and your student continue to develop a more mature relationship.
I extend my best wishes to you and your family as you reconnect and observe traditions important to you this time of year.
PON will resume in February. Happy New Year!
Melinda Holicky, Parent Relations Coordinator
parents@binghamton.edu
There’s a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things some students may be experiencing this month:
• Much panic, fear and cramming as finals and paper deadlines approach.
• High temper because of mounting stress.
• The realization that some friends may not be returning next semester.
• Increased pressure to participate in sexual activity because of the approach of vacation and extended separation.
• Financial strain because of holiday gifts and travel costs.
• Religious conflicts as he or she gets ready to return home after a semester of gaining new perspectives.
• Excitement and anxiety about returning home.
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs.
The University Counseling Center is available to assist students.
Maximizing Students’ Academic and Wellness Potential - Tips for the Extended Break
• Don’t be alarmed if your student comes home exhausted from the stress of taking final exams.
• Don’t be surprised if he or she chooses to spend a lot of time with friends from home and a lot of time sleeping.
• The transition to college can be challenging academically, personally and socially. Recognize the transition as an important milestone in your student’s life and help reflect on their performance and goals.
• Don’t be surprised if your student comes home with unhealthy eating and sleeping habits.
• Winter break is a good time to budget and discuss your student’s expenses over the next semester.
For more information about the “Get in the Zone” project; a collaboration between Discovery and University Health Service, contact Scott Bennett or Bridget McCane Saunders.
• Encouragement
• Knowing that you believe in him or her
• Your understanding about why he or she is not in touch that week
• Something to look forward to
• Concentrated chunks of time to study and prepare
• Good sleep and nutrition
• Not having other things to worry about
• Support, whether it’s a “you can do it!” voice mail message, a fun e-card or just good wishes from afar
Preparing for your students return
Reuniting with your student during the break is your first chance to spend extensive time together since the summer. And, it can be an adjustment! To help you manage the transition positively, keep the following tips in mind:
• Don’t Overplan Your Student. You may want to go shopping, visit relatives, bake, play sports or go to the movies with your student. That’s fine. Just be sure to leave some wiggle time for him or her to spend with friends and to recoup from the semester, too.
• Make Commitments Known Ahead of Time. Let your student in on what’s been planned so far so that he knows what to expect. That way, he’ll feel a part of the family while still feeling like his time is his own, too.
• Find Out Schedules. Some students stay up until 3 a.m. and sleep until noon. Consider asking your student about her sleeping schedule so you’re not expecting her up at 9 a.m. every morning!
• Talk About “House Rules.” Will your student still have a curfew? Can he have friends stay overnight? Talk now, so you can come up with the rules together and avoid arguments.
• Be Prepared for Change. Some of your student’s views may have altered because of things she learned in a class or actions she experienced through a campus organization. This is all part of the college experience as she comes into her own. Change can be good — and, oh, the interesting conversations you’re bound to have! Be open to it.
We asked a few current students to share their ideas for a “gift list” for today’s student:
• A nice piece of artwork or a poster to help make a residence hall room feel more homey.
• Money to help offset costs for academic-related endeavors (and social ones too!).
• Sentimental gifts that help them learn more about you and your “pre-children” life.
• Room accessories they need, such as book shelves, drying racks, desktop lights, etc.
• A massage or something similar to relax and unwind after a busy semester.
• A nice planner or journal to record all of the changes that happen in college.
• A cookbook of traditional family recipes, with space to add new favorites, especially for those students who have access to kitchens.
• An empty photo album, with a note that says you’ll send a couple of pictures from home each month to help stay in touch.
• An iPod and accessories, especially the iPod Touch, which numerous students are hoping to get this holiday season.
• Any practical gift related to the student’s major or area of focused study (i.e. if they’ll be taking a tough math course in the spring, a new calculator might be helpful).
• A homemade gift as a reminder of home away from home, like a collage or a quilt.
• Pajamas and other comfy clothes to wear when lounging around.
• Gift cards to restaurants/grocery stores in the area near campus.
• A vacuum cleaner
Just remember, it’s the thought that counts! In today’s materialistic world, a return to sentimental gifts may be exactly what your student needs. Don’t be afraid to extend yourself in this manner; the longer students are away from home, the more they actually appreciate keeping a piece of you and your family close to heart.
HILLEL AT BINGHAMTON PARLOR MEETING
Please join Hillel at Binghamton for a dessert reception at the home of Dr. Fred and Laurie Kimmelstiel, parents of a Binghamton student and graduate. You will have the opportunity to meet Hillel’s new Executive Director and learn about the organization from students currently involved in the program. Rabbi Lester Bronstein, a fellow Binghamton parent and spiritual leader of Bet Am Shalom will be speaking.
Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: 30 Ethelridge Rd., White Plains, N.Y.
For more information, or to RSVP, contact Kerry Newman by phone at 212-279-6300 ext.15 or by e-mail.
The Spring 2008 Commencement events will be held on campus Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Schools and residential halls will hold undergraduate recognition ceremonies on Saturday; all undergraduate degree candidates will be invited to participate and receive individual recognition. The formal Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies are held in the Events Center on Sunday, May 18. Caps and gowns are required; students are recognized en masse by school or division with their peers, and all guests must provide tickets. Schedule details will be provided online as they become available.
If you have any questions related to the Commencement ceremonies, contact the office by email or by phone at 607-777-3200.
If your student is moving to a new room for the spring semester, please be sure that they have read all the instructions provided to them. They must remove all of their belongings from their current room before leaving for winter break, and cannot move into their spring assignment until they return in January. Please help them make appropriate arrangements for transporting and/or storing their belongings. If your student has decided not to return to Binghamton in the spring, they will also need to remove all of their belongings from their room before they leave. They should work with their Resident Assistant (RA) and Resident Director (RD) to ensure that they check out of their room correctly.
As the semester comes to a close and final exams loom closer, encourage your student to take advantage of the programs going on in their hall. They can expect that their RAs and government leaders will facilitate programs on topic such as study skills, test-taking anxiety, managing stress, and the ever-popular study breaks!
All students should plan to leave within 24 hours of their last final exam. Any student not assigned to break housing (Hillside Community, Susquehanna Community, Mohawk Hall, Lehman Hall, Windham Hall or Bingham Hall) must vacate the halls by 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15. Please work with your student to finalize travel plans, or make alternative housing arrangements.
All students that wish to take advantage of the federal and state funding options available, in addition to non-federal, alternative loans, must file a FAFSA online after Jan. 1. Please be aware that, in order to receive a Parent PLUS loan, a FAFSA must be filed. Binghamton’s FAFSA school code is 002836. Binghamton’s TAP school code for undergraduates is 0880. Feb. 1 is the priority deadline for filing the FAFSA. If you miss this deadline, students can still file. However, funding for need-based financial aid is limited, and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are many reasons for supporting Binghamton University with a gift to the Binghamton Fund. One of the most compelling reasons is, of course, your student. Your Binghamton Fund gift is directed to programs and initiatives that define Binghamton’s transformational experience - the very programs and initiatives that will squarely position your student on the road to success. As the end of 2007 approaches, we want to remind you about the tax benefits associated with supporting Binghamton University and also let you know that, if your employer has a matching gift program, your gift can have an even greater impact. Please call 607-777-6209 for more information, or make your secure, online gift today.
FROM THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)
Students Should Begin Their Summer Internship Search Now!
Some employers have already started hiring interns for next summer. If your student hasn’t done so, it’s time to start looking. Students should begin by thinking about the field in which they’d like to gain experience. What matches their interests, values and passions?
The CDC has a variety of resources to help students with this process. A good starting point is the CDC’s website. In the “Undergraduate” section, there is information on how to begin researching an internship and some links to specific opportunities. One source for internship postings is eRecruiting, an online recruiting tool, also accessed through the CDC website. Every student at Binghamton has an eRecruiting account.
Networking
We are in the process of surveying students to learn about their summer 2007 internship experiences. It’s not surprising that the No. 1 way students found their summer internship was through networking! That means that while students are home during the winter break, they should make connections with people in their field of interest and plan to spend some time setting up an internship for summer 2008. The Alumni Career Network is an invaluable resource for networking. All students can access it through the BUSI web center. For more about networking, check out the CDC Quick Reference Guide on this topic. If students would like assistance in finding an internship, they should come to walk-in hours Monday through Friday.
UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES NEW ADVOCACY WEBSITE
This new website features information about the University’s students, faculty, alumni, partners and achievements. It also provides tools to allow the University community and its supporters to communicate with representatives in Albany and Washington. To find out more, or to join the new advocacy network called the Think Tank, tour the site today.
A MESSAGE AND RECIPE FROM DINING SERVICES
We are pleased to share the following recipe:
Oatmeal Apple Raisin Pancakes
• 2% Milk - 1 cup
• Light Brown Sugar - 1.5 tbsp
• Eggs -1
• Apples -1 small, diced
• Raisins - ¼ cup.
• Margarine- 1 tbsp.
• Salt - ¼ tsp.
• Old Fashioned Oats - 3 tbsp.
• Baking Powder – ½ tsp.
• All Purpose Flour – ½ cup
• Ground Cinnamon – ½ tsp.
Directions
1. Combine milk, brown sugar, apple, raisins, margarine and salt. Mix well.
2. Combine oatmeal, baking powder, flour and cinnamon. Add to milk mixture and mix well.
3. Using a 2 oz. ladle, pour batter onto heated grill or pan, and bake until golden brown on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Makes 8 pancakes. Nutrition information for 2 pancakes; Calories: 262; Protein: 7.5 g;
Carbohydrates: 42 g; Fat: 7 g; Cholesterol: 40 mg; Sodium: 362 mg
Stress & Eating Disorders
Many individuals go through periods of disordered eating in response to transition or stress. While the stress of transition to college can encourage an eating disorder to develop, so can the stress of returning home for winter break. The fear of looking like they gained the “Freshman 15” makes some students feel self-conscious and may contribute to a negative self-image. It is not uncommon for some students to begin crash diets and other destructive eating patterns in early December as they prepare to go home. Focusing comments on weight or appearance during phone conversations and e-mail exchanges will only add to this anxiety. Instead, promote positive behaviors and image concepts by encouraging healthy fitness and nutritional habits while focusing on positive internal qualities.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of the most common eating disorders may help you address any potential concerns. Click here to learn more. Additional information can be obtained by calling University Health Service at 607-777-2221.
Binghamton University basketball season is heating up and now is the time to take advantage of our Holiday Gift Packs, featuring tickets to men’s and women’s home games. While on our site, be sure to check out our wide selection of Bearcat athletic merchandise.
Attention New York City alumni! Come watch the Binghamton men’s basketball team as they take on Fordham University. Join fellow alumni Dec. 28 for a pre-game reception on the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University followed by the Binghamton vs. Fordham game at 7 p.m. Call 607-777-2431 for more information.
Tis the season to make a difference. Contribute to the Bearcat Athletic Fund today and support the academic and athletic achievement of Binghamton’s student-athletes and coaches. Invest in the future of Bearcat Athletics.
A new book by Tim Schum
Over the past 60 years, Binghamton University has undergone a major transformation in its intercollegiate athletic philosophy. Very few other American colleges or universities have seen as dramatic a shift as Binghamton. Loaded with photos and first-hand accounts, From Colonials to Bearcats acknowledges the many individuals who helped shape the University’s athletic program through the years and, along the way, chronicles the events that have defined its sports history. Order your copy today.
UPCOMING CALENDAR AND EVENT INFORMATION
Dec. 7: Last day of classes
Dec. 8-9: Reading period
Dec. 8: Russian Stars of the St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, 2 and 7 p.m., Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, 607-777-ARTS.
Dec. 9: Fall Commencement
Dec. 10-14: Final Examinations
Dec. 15: Residence halls close 11 a.m. - Last date all approved cancellations must vacate room, and all approved Spring 2008 room changes need to be completed.
Jan. 7-25: Winter Session 2008
Jan. 24: Residence halls open 9 a.m. for students
Jan. 25-27: Pre-semester registration, Spring 2008
Jan. 28: Classes begin
Feb. 8: Last day for seniors to submit an application for degree form for Fall 2008
Feb. 8: Course drop/delete deadline
UNIVERSITY PLAZA NOW LEASING FOR 2008-09 ACADEMIC YEAR
It's not too early to start thinking about housing options for next year. University Plaza, the newest apartment complex in the area, is now leasing for the 2008-09 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)
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