Greetings from the Parent Relations Coordinator
A Safe Spring Break
Seasonal Student Issues
Where Should I Live Next Year?
Financial Reminders and Upcoming Events
Greek Life
Off Campus College Internships
Celebrate National Nutrition Month
Staying Healthy at BU
Health Coverage, You and Your Student
Stay Connected, Binghamton Parents!
University Plaza Now Leasing for 2007-08 Academic Year
Hillel at Binghamton April Anniversary Event
Nine Teams, One Goal
Important Dates
GREETINGS FROM THE PARENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
March is upon us and spring is just around the corner (hopefully). As mid-semester approaches, you and your child are likely busy making plans for next year related to housing, classes, and financial aid. This newsletter provides you with information on these and many other topics important to you and your student including spring break safety tips, staying healthy at BU, Greek life at Binghamton, residence hall happenings and much more. Enjoy!
Melinda Holicky, Parent Relations Coordinator
parents@binghamton.edu
Your student may be planning a Spring Break trip to another country or to a more local spot. Either way, some simple safety reminders can help ensure that he has a good time and stays safe in the process. Plus, you'll likely feel better, knowing that you've had this talk.
Keep your wits about you: Be smart with your personal safety and your property. Carry your wallet close to your body so you're not targeted for pickpocketing. Don't get so intoxicated that you make bad decisions and put yourself in dangerous situations. Keep a clear head in order to keep yourself and your friends safe.
Wear sunscreen: If you're doing an outdoor service project or lounging on the beach, sunscreen will prevent the burn that could ruin your break. Plus, it'll save your skin in the long run.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection and also have a hat. Too much sun can damage your eyes.
Keep physical risk to a minimum: It may be appealing to dive into unknown waters or try new sports when on Spring Break. Just be sure that you're with someone who knows what they're doing. And don't undertake any risky events if you're under the influence, as a loss of inhibitions and clouded judgment could easily result in you doing harm to yourself and others.
Don't accept any drinks from unknown origins: No one ever knows if a colorless, odorless liquid date rape drug like GHB or Ketamine has been slipped into the drink with ill intent. If you choose to drink, know where your drink is coming from, don't drink from communal punch bowls and don't trust strangers who give you drinks.
Use the buddy system: In a new place, you'll stay safest if you stick together. When you're all getting ready to leave, account for everyone so that you don't leave anyone behind!
Don't go off with people you don't know: Trusting people you don't know can end in tragedy. Stick with your friends and don't take unnecessary risks.
Don't do anything illegal: The consequences could be dire if you get arrested, especially in a foreign country. You could be detained, incur deep financial costs and run into complicated legal issues.
While this list may seem to suck the fun out of Spring Break, it's really about helping your student tap into common sense so she can enjoy the time away.
There's a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things your student may be experiencing this month:
Mid-semester slump and sickness
Making plans for next year regarding housing, classes and financial aid
Hidden conflicts between roommates and friends begin to arise
Drug and alcohol use may increase
Mid-term anxiety
Seniors thinking about graduation
Excitement or depression about Spring Break plans
Pledging begins for Greek organizations
Cliques become stronger within residence hall communities
Cabin fever and burnout
Vocational choice/internship search causes anxiety
WHERE SHOULD I LIVE NEXT YEAR?
It's time for students to determine their housing plans for next year. What on-campus options would they like to pursue? Is off-campus housing appealing? Help them work through important questions as part of this decision-making process:
WHO? Who should I live with? Is it healthy for my current roommate and I to keep rooming together? Do I want to try living with a group? What if I can't find anyone who wants to share a space with me? Will my friends and I remain friends if we live together?
WHERE? If I live on campus next year, what environment would be best? Should I live in a campus apartment, a suite, a theme house or somewhere else? If I live off campus, should I live with my family? Or should I get a place with some friends? How far away from campus do I want to be? What does that mean transportation-wise? Will I still be able to be involved with activities that are important to me?
HOW? How will I pay for my housing next year? Do I have enough for the deposit that's required now? Where will I store my belongings during the summer? Do I need to find separate housing for the summer? What will I do about a meal plan? Will I need to get a job?
These questions help students look at the big picture. It's not just about holing up with three of their best buddies in an off-campus apartment or an on-campus suite. It's about how this decision will impact other areas of their life, from involvement to finances to wellness and beyond.
Binghamton University's Fall 2007 housing sign-up instructions can be found at http://reslife.binghamton.edu. This process is for current on-campus residents only. Sign up for the two apartment communities (Hillside and Susquehanna) is March 14-16. Sign up for the traditional halls (Dickinson, Newing, CIW, Hinman, and Mountainview) is March 19-23. If a student has a need for break housing (being able to stay in residence during Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break), the applications are due on March 12. If a current resident does not sign up for housing by March 23, they are choosing to live off campus next year. Questions about 2007-08 housing sign-ups may be directed to Grace Hoefner, senior assistant director for residential life at ghoefner@binghamton.edu.
Students wishing to move off-campus can visit Off Campus College (OCC), located at UUW-204, for information on living in the Greater Binghamton community. OCC provides a listing of available off-campus housing, a listing of students in need of a housemate or subletter, lease review, a free legal clinic, and other information pertinent to living off-campus. Visit the website at http://occ.binghamton.edu, call (607) 777-2768 or send e-mail to occ@binghamton.edu.
In order to receive a Financial Aid Award Offer, students must re-apply each year using a Renewal FASFA on the Web. Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/complete004.jsp.
Financial Aid Award Offers are sent via U.S. Mail to newly admitted students. For continuing students, e-mail notifications are sent to their BU e-mail address. Please encourage your student to refer to the BUSI web center http://busi.binghamton.edu to review his or her Financial Aid Award Offer. Financial Aid information for 2007-08 will be posted on the BUSI web center http://busi.binghamton.edu beginning March 1.
Financial Aid Services March Information Sessions:
Summer Financial Aid
Wednesday, March 14, 6 to 7p.m., LH-13
Debt Management
Wednesday, March 21, 12 to 1 p.m., LH-10
Student Loan Consolidation
Wednesday, March 28, 12 to 1p.m., LH-10, and Wednesday, March 28, 2 to 3 p.m., LH-10
Please visit http://bingfa.binghamton.edu for more on these programs and related topics.
Binghamton University has a proud and large fraternity and sorority community. Fraternities and sororities provide an opportunity for students to form lifelong bonds of friendship while at the same time being challenged to strive for excellence. Members of Greek organizations are expected to maintain high academic standards. Students involved in these organizations are also devoted to developing leadership skills, serving the community and becoming active members of campus life. There are 39 respected and time-honored fraternities and sororities on the Binghamton campus. Please visit the Fraternity & Sorority Affairs website at http://greeklife.binghamton.edu for a complete list of our chapters recognized by the National University Fraternity and Sorority Community. You may also contact the Office of Campus Life at (607) 777-2811 to learn more about Greek Life at Binghamton.
OFF CAMPUS COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
Internships provide students with valuable experience that helps to prepare them for the professional world. Encourage your student to participate in an Off Campus College (OCC) internship and they can earn credit, as well as experience for a summer internship! Visit the OCC Internship Program website at http://occ.binghamton.edu to learn about all the wonderful opportunities offered throughout the nation.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
March is National Nutrition Month! This year's theme is 100% Fad Free! Dining Services encourages the campus community to focus on overall health instead of looking to the latest food fads. Use the Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid as a guide for healthy eating. It is important to choose fruits, vegtables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats each day. A single food or meal doesn't make or break a healthy diet. When consumed in moderation, all foods can fit into a balanced plan! Check out http://www.mypyramid.gov for more information.
Sodexho Campus Services and the Eating Awareness Committee kicked off National Nutrition Month with a free program entitled Muscle Bound on March 1. This is a multimedia solo performance about male body image and muscle dysmorphia. The program will be followed with refreshments and a question and answer session. On March 22, Sodexho will host a Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Old Union Hall. Students will have the opportunity to browse through vendor products and sample new and healthy food and drink. In addition, students can have their blood pressure checked, glucose and cholesterol tested, skin screenings, make stress balls, try a yoga class, enjoy a chair massage, sign up for a walking program, and much more. We will conclude National Nutrition Month at the College in the Woods Dining Hall with a Be Healthy, BU event planned for March 28.
Peanutty Energy Bars will be available at some of these events. We are pleased to provide the recipe so you can make these great bars at home! Stay Healthy!
½ cup salted dry roasted peanuts
½ cup roasted sunflower seed kernels or use more peanuts or other nuts
½ cup raisins or other dried fruit
2 cups uncooked oatmeal, old fashioned or instant
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
½ cup peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
Optional: ¼ cup toasted wheat germ
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, oatmeal, and toasted rice cereal (and wheat germ). Set aside.
In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir until blended.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated.
For squares, spoon the mixture into an 8 x 8 pan coated with cooking spray; for bars spoon into a 9 x 13 pan. Press down firmly. (It helps to coat your fingers with margarine, oil, or cooking spray.)
Let stand for about 1 hour, the cut into squares or bars.
Yield: 16 squares or bars (Calories 225, Carbohydrates 30g, Protein 6g, Fat 9g)
University Health Service (UHS) has recently been awarded a gift of $7,500 from Markel Insurance. This special gift will fund two important health promotion and prevention initiatives on campus. The first is the assembly and distribution of 1500 Cold-Flu Self Care kits to students. These kits contain hand sanitizer, tissues, a mask and information cards highlighting good hand washing, cough/mask etiquette and instructions on self-care as it relates to respiratory illness. Prevention keeps our campus community healthy.
Additionally, the funds will support the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment, a nationally recognized research tool that assists college campuses in the collection of data about students' health habits, behaviors and perceptions. This assessment will help to enhance campus wide health promotion and prevention services.
These programs will help keep all BU students healthy. In addition, flu vaccines remain available to students through UHS at a cost of $10/dose. Vaccine clinic hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
UHS reminds all families to consult your insurance carrier regarding the availability and types of services provided by your plan within the Binghamton area. Parents and students are often surprised by the limitations. Please do not assume anything as assumptions can sometimes be very costly!
Be proactive! Educate your student about the limitations or special considerations necessary to secure proper care from a plan-approved provider. This information will empower your student to make the correct decisions if the need arises.
Additional information regarding UHS may be found at http://health.binghamton.edu.
STAY CONNECTED, BINGHAMTON PARENTS!
Join our Parents' Online Network and receive regular communications from the University with links to helpful information for you and your child. E-mail parents@binghamton.edu to register.
UNIVERSITY PLAZA NOW LEASING FOR 2007-08 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 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)
HILLEL AT BINGHAMTON APRIL ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Join Hillel at Binghamton as we celebrate our fifth year on campus and the enduring history of the Jewish Student Union on Wednesday, April 18 at The Westside Loft, 336 W. 37th St., New York, N.Y. For more information and an electronic invitation click here or contact Hillel at Binghamton at (607) 777-3424 or knewman@binghamton.edu.
Binghamton University will host the 2007 America East Women's Basketball Championship at the Events Center from March 8-11. The Events Center is a spectacular venue for college basketball and the Greater Binghamton area is excited to host the women's championship for the first-time in program history. To learn more about the Women's and Men's Championships and other America East sports and teams, visit http://www.americaeast.com.
Spring Break March 8-11
Recess (Passover, Easter) March 31-April 9
Last Day of Classes May 11
Commencement May 20 (Undergraduate)
Family Weekend 2007 will take place October 19-21. Plan to join us!
TOP OF PAGE | PARENTS HOME PAGE | CONTACT US