Greetings from the Parent Relations Coordinator
Student Safety and Security Paramount
Seasonal Student Issues
Get in the Zone
Student Safety Reminders
Spring 2008 Commencement Reminders
Supporting Life-Changing Opportunities
Phase I of Newing College Replacement Begins
Residential Life
Time to File the 2008-09 FAFSA
From the Career Development Center
Parents Encouraged to Think Binghamton
A Recipe from Dining Services
A "Stay Healthy" Tip from University Health Service
March Madness Comes to Binghamton
Theatre Department to Present Little Women
Upcoming Calendar and Event Information
University Plaza Now Leasing for 2008-09 Academic Year
GREETINGS FROM THE PARENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
The safety and health of our students is of the utmost importance to us. This month’s newsletter includes links to Binghamton’s safety measures as well as safety advice to share with your student. You can help us maintain a secure, positive community by talking with your student about the importance of self and community responsibility.
Melinda Holicky, Parent Relations Coordinator
parents@binghamton.edu
STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY PARAMOUNT
Providing students with the tools necessary to keep themselves safe was the clear message from Dean of Students Lloyd Howe in his spring 2008 welcome letter. One such tool is the emergency text messaging system the University put into place last fall. Students are encouraged to register. It’s simple to do and can provide vital information in the event of an emergency. The service has already been used to alert the campus about a power outage, an after-hours fire in a dining hall and cancellation of classes. To register a student, visit http://telecom.binghamton.edu and click on Emergency Notification, then follow the prompts. Read more about safety measures at Binghamton University.
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:
• Low energy levels and restlessness
• Mid-semester slump and sickness
• Making plans for next year – 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
• Changing or deciding on a major
The University Counseling Center is available to assist students.
Maximizing Students’ Academic and Wellness Potential - Advice for Parents of First-Year Students
Encourage your students to use the resources available to them on campus. There is always help available and they need to seek and find it sometimes. It may be challenging, yet they are still your child. It is an adjustment for you as much as them, but you should feel confident in the efforts you made raising them!
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.
Taking Care of Self – Encourage Your Student to:
• Lock her room door. Even though she “knows everyone on her floor”, she can’t control guests and visitors. The same goes for off-campus residences. Students never know who might make their way into the neighborhood.
• Ask who is at the door before opening it.
• Walk with a buddy late at night or in potentially dangerous situations. Take advantage of the University escort service and blue-light emergency phones.
• Be smart about use of alcohol and other drugs. Being under the influence makes it difficult for students to think clearly. Likewise, don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know.
• Be careful about the information he/she chooses to share online. Whether it is in an “away” message or on social networking site, more people have access to these profiles than your student thinks.
• Keep his/her whereabouts “under wraps”. Posting his/her schedule on the door or online is not a good idea.
• Keep his vehicle locked and store valuables out of sight and be cautious and aware when approaching his vehicle late at night.
• Register for the student text messaging service that will notify your student in the event of an emergency. Students may register online here.
• Don’t go off with people you don’t know whether on or off campus and when traveling, including while on Spring Break.
Taking Care of the Community – Encourage Your Student to:
• Unprop propped-open doors to residence halls or other buildings on campus. Propped doors make public safety officers’ job more difficult and compromise the overall security measures already in place.
• Deny strangers access to her residence hall by not letting in people behind her (even if she thinks the person is a student).
• Treat the campus grounds with respect.
• Follow campus policies; they’re in place for students’ safety.
• Report suspicious behaviors to the appropriate campus officials, even if it’s just a hunch. His tip may be one of many being received about an individual. Every little bit of information about a potential threat is critical.
• Cooperate with emergency preparedness drills such as fire drills to assist in ensuring the campus is as safe and prepared as possible.
SPRING 2008 COMMENCEMENT REMINDERS
Spring Commencement will be here in a few short months! Various recognition ceremonies and the Graduate School commencement ceremony will be held on campus on Saturday, May 17. The Undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be at the University Events Center on Sunday, May 18. Visit the Commencement Website for the most up-to-date schedule, forms and deadlines.
If your son or daughter is a Spring 2008 undergraduate degree candidate and you are planning to attend the formal commencement on Sunday, be sure that they have submitted the electronic Commencement RSVP form on the main page of the Commencement website; the deadline to RSVP for the formal ceremony is Friday, April 11. Submitting this form will make your student eligible to purchase the cap and gown and obtain up to six guaranteed guest tickets. Special accommodations for guests with mobility concerns may also be requested with the Accommodations Form, which may be printed from the Commencement website; accommodation requests should be submitted by May 5 for processing. Please direct any questions regarding commencement to 607-777-3300, or commence@binghamton.edu.
SUPPORTING LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES
The Binghamton Fund is the foundation for transformational experiences and one of your best options for immediately meeting the greatest needs at Binghamton University – needs that benefit your student directly. For instance, gifts to the Binghamton Fund support undergraduate research initiatives. They connect current students with alumni who serve as professional mentors. They encourage international travel. In short, your gift to the Binghamton Fund makes life-changing opportunities possible. Our students have begun calling Binghamton parents to request a gift to the Binghamton Fund. When you say yes, it is a vote of confidence – in them, in their goals, and in their future. Make a secure gift online today.
PHASE I OF NEWING COLLEGE REPLACEMENT BEGINS
Work begins in earnest this spring to construct the first new building in Newing College to be ready for fall 2009 occupancy. Residential Life and Physical Facilities staff met with students living in Newing’s Bingham Hall and Dickinson Community’s Champlain Hall – the buildings closest to the construction site.
Construction will generally occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, with no construction during the reading period or finals week. If weekend work is required, students will be notified in advance. The construction area will be cordoned off and temporary walkways and detours will be constructed as necessary to maintain a safe environment.
Bingham and Broome Halls will be demolished in summer 2009.
Students are strongly encouraged to bring any construction-related issue or concern to the attention of Residential Life staff immediately so it can be addressed as quickly as possible. For more information on the project, and frequently asked questions, visit http://facilities.binghamton.edu.
Now that the semester is about half-way through, it’s a good time to check in with your student. How are they doing academically? Mid-terms are quickly approaching; if they are stressed about a course, encourage them to see their Discovery Advisor, stop by the Faculty Master’s office or take advantage of the free tutoring services on campus. Joining study groups is an excellent way to meet new people!
If your student is doing a stellar job in the classroom, but struggling on the social front, encourage them to stop by one of the great programs going on in the residence halls. We have everything from bowl-a-thons to salsa dancing lessons.
As a reminder, the residence halls close at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 21 for Spring Break. Please make sure your student has a safe plan for the break. Visit the ResLife website for information.
To take advantage of federal and state funding options, students must file their FAFSA every year. Apply online today.
The FAFSA is a very simple form that takes 30 minutes or fewer to complete online. It is not necessary to engage the services of a paid consultant. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Legitimate scholarships or scholarship services never charge students a fee to apply. Read more information on scholarship searches online.
Starting in mid-March, returning students will be notified via their Binghamton University e-mail account that their financial aid award offer is available for viewing online. 2008-09 FAFSA information must be on file for award offers to be calculated.
Student Information Sessions on Summer & Financial Aid and Loan Consolidation & Loan Forgiveness will be offered. Watch for dates/times on the Financial Aid Services website.
FROM THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)
March is the time when students begin to think about registering for fall classes. With this often comes anxiety about choosing or rethinking one’s major and how that major relates to future career options. To help ease this ‘major’ anxiety, the CDC reminds students and parents that there are many factors besides one’s major that prepare a student for the future. Employers and graduate programs are interested in students who not only perform well academically, but who are also well-rounded and engaged in their undergraduate experience.
Parents can help by encouraging their student to:
• Choose a major that will allow them to keep their grades up. Employers and graduate schools frequently prefer candidates who have maintained good grades to those with a specific degree or major.
• Join campus organizations and get involved in extracurricular activities. Employers look for leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills in the candidates they hire, and these experiences build resumes and foster personal growth.
• Intern to gain experience, test interests and network.
• Acquire computer skills. No matter what major or career goals, these will be needed.
• Develop oral and written communication skills. Employers consistently rank these as the most important skills a new employee can have.
• Prepare for work in the global economy. Increase global awareness and understanding through academics as well as campus and international activities such as: studying foreign languages, LxC, global studies minor, English conversation pairs, study abroad.
The parent section of the CDC website offers additional information and advice on this topic including “You Want to Major in WHAT? The Value of Liberal Arts Majors” and “Skills Employers Want”.
PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO "THINK BINGHAMTON"
March 4 marks the seventh annual Binghamton University Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Albany. About 125 Binghamton University delegates – including faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders – will meet with policymakers to advocate for support of the University.
Fourteen teams, each comprised of five or six people, will visit state assembly representatives, senators and staff members who are critical in the legislative process. Team members will highlight Binghamton University’s strengths while emphasizing this year’s theme, “Growing Opportunities - Think Binghamton University.” Binghamton delegates will also staff public exhibits in the Empire State Plaza concourse to increase awareness of Binghamton’s accomplishments and to showcase cutting-edge research.
Although much work goes into making Advocacy Day a memorable event, effective advocacy requires year-round effort. Right now, your help is needed to secure state support for a new law school. You can easily send a letter to Gov. Eliot Spitzer and SUNY leaders requesting their support by joining our Think Tank as an advocate for Binghamton University.
We are pleased to share the following recipe:
Millet-Crusted White Bean Cassoulet
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups chopped red bell peppers
• 1½ cups chopped onions
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• 8 ounces yellow squash cut into ½-inch pieces
• 4 ounces fresh green beans cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons purchased harissa paste or ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup millet
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Directions:
• Heat one teaspoon of oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add millet and cook until light golden, about five minutes. Add two cups of water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until millet is tender and liquid is almost absorbed, about 20 minutes. Drain millet. Transfer to bowl and cool. Mix in breadcrumbs and remaining two teaspoons of oil.
• Heat one tablespoon of oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add bell peppers, onions, carrot, and garlic and sauté until tender, about 15 minutes. Add squash, green beans, cumin and harissa paste and stir for one minute. Add tomatoes with juices and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 12 minutes. Mix in cannellini beans and ¼ cup basil. Transfer mixture to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sprinkle millet mixture evenly over vegetables in baking dish. Bake until vegetables are heated through and topping begins to crisp, about 35 minutes. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup basil around edges and serve.
Servings: 8
Per Serving: Calories: 289 | Carbohydrate: 52 grams | Protein: 9 grams | Fat: 5 grams | % Fat: 16
Student-Centered Care is Our Business
University Health Service has begun a new initiative to assist Binghamton University students in accessing health care in a more timely way. Students may now call ahead, during normal daytime hours, to schedule a visit with a registered nurse (RN). Walk-in service, the usual approach to accessing care, continues. Initial feedback from students has been very positive and call-ahead RN appointments will be further developed as student demand increases.
Beginning in the Fall, University Health Service began extended hours on Monday evenings, when classes are in session, to service students with acute illness. The clinic is open until 7:45 p.m. and is staffed by a physician, nurse practitioner and two nurses. Students may walk in for evaluation and treatment.
With cold season upon us, students are to be reminded of the Self-Care Cold Table available at the reception desk of University Health Service, Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This service is covered under the student health fee; there is no charge at the time of service. Additional information can be obtained by calling University Health Service at 607-777-2221.
MARCH MADNESS COMES TO BINGHAMTON
The Binghamton University Events Center will be home to a piece of “March Madness” as the America East Men’s Basketball Championship will be played March 7-9. March is also a good time to experience the Binghamton Philharmonic when it presents “An Evening with Guido Le Bron”. For a quieter time, how about cross-country skiing at Greenwood Park? It’s quality time with your student, for sure! See all of your options.
THEATRE DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT "LITTLE WOMEN"
The Department of Theatre will begin its spring 2008 season with performances of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” The show will follow Emma Reeves’ adaptation of the classic novel for the stage. “Little Women” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 7-8 and 14-15, as well as at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 and 16, in Fine Arts - Watters Theater. Tickets are $12 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, $8 for students and children and $14 for the general public. They may be purchased by calling 607-777-ARTS or online.
UPCOMING CALENDAR AND EVENT INFORMATION
March: Little Women, Watters Theatre
Mar. 6: The Pipes, Drums and Dancers of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Band of the Coldstream Guards, 8 p.m., Osterhout Concert Theatre
Mar. 7-9: America East Men’s Basketball Tournament, Binghamton University Events Center
Mar. 21: Residence halls close 9 a.m.
Mar. 21-30: Spring recess (Easter)
Mar. 30: Residence halls open at 2 p.m.
Mar. 31: Classes resume
Apr. 4: Course withdraw (with a “W”) deadline
TBA: Registration and academic advising for Fall 2008
Apr. 18-21: Recess (Passover) begins 1 p.m.; Residence halls will remain open
Apr. 22: Classes resume
May 9: Last day of classes
May 10-11: Reading period
May 12-16: Final examinations. Residents must vacate residence hall 24 hours after last exam.
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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