Celebrating Binghamton University Families
Seasonal Student Issues
What Students Need From You During Finals
A Summer Curriculum
Taking A Look At Ethics
Get In The Zone Tips
A Message From Residential Life
Move Out Supplies
Summer Is A Good Time To Build And Update Your Resume
Summer Fun
Think Binghamton Advocacy - Law School Status
Financial Aid Services Reminder
Parents of Graduating Seniors - Take the Challenge!
A Stay Healthy Message from University Health Service
A Recipe and Message from Dining Services
Spring Commencement
Encourage Your Graduate to B-Connected
The Countdown
Join Us For Alumni Association Events
Travel With Us
Anderson Center Unveils 2008-09 Season
Upcoming Calendar and Event Information
Binghamton University Family Weekend 2008
University Plaza Leasing for 2008-09 Academic Year
CELEBRATING BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY FAMILIES
The Binghamton University campus has been a home away from home for spouses Geoffrey Gould and Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker for a combined total of 56 years. Geof worked as director of admissions (and later parent relations) for 26 years until his retirement in 2002. Libby has worked for 30 years as a faculty member in the English department and as faculty master of the Dickinson and Apartment communities.
It's only natural their son Peter Gould '08 would feel right at home on campus, too. He attended the Campus Pre-School as a youngster and is a senior sociology student interning with his former kindergarten teacher there. He enjoys the experience and has fond memories of his formative years spent on campus. Read more about this special Binghamton University family.
SEASONAL STUDENT ISSUES
There's a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things that some students may be experiencing this month:
* Anxiety and tension due to realizations that the year is ending and final exams are about to occur
* Senior panic about jobs, finances, etc.
* First-year students are feeling somewhat confident believing they have made it through the first year (almost!)
* Good feelings as summer is near
* Lots of cramming, studying and wrapping things up academically
* End of the year socialization
* Packing and checking out
* Saying goodbye to important people and putting closure on the year
Help is available for students through the University Counseling Center.
WHAT STUDENTS NEED FROM YOU DURING FINALS
Here is what students need from you as they dig into their final academic push of the year:
* Supportive comments
* Encouraging emails, cards and IMs
* Understanding if he/she doesn't call you right back when you leave a message
* Not too much pressure about summer plans
* Useful, fun care packages
* Help in making arrangements for move out, summer storage, etc.
Students need to know that you believe in them and are there to support them as they go through this stressful and emotional time of year.
A SUMMER CURRICULUM
Because your student is in the academic mindset, talking about a summer curriculum might make a lot of sense to her. This just means being intentional about the things she'd like to learn and experience this summer.
Maybe she's been talking about how she misses reading books for enjoyment because she has reading to do for class. This can go on her curriculum. Or maybe she's hoping to learn how to kayak or knit or ride a horse; put it on the curriculum! And, make it a partnership by suggesting that the whole family write out summer curriculums. Then, share them so you can support one another in pursuit of these goals. Here's to a summer filled with learning!
TAKING A LOOK AT ETHICS
Values, Questions & Decision Making
Much growth happens in college. This is really noticeable in the area of ethical development. Students may be pondering questions such as: What do I value and why? Why did my parents teach me to…? What should I do about…? What do I want to be and how does this relate to what's important to me in life?
Karen Kitchener, a researcher who studies college students, offers five ethical principles as a framework for exploring values and making decisions:
* Do No Harm - Make every effort to avoid psychological and physical harm of others, both intentional and unintentional.
* Benefit Others - Aim to promote the personal growth of others and make a positive contribution to others' welfare.
* Respect Autonomy - Remember that everyone has the right to think, choose and act, as long as their actions do not interfere with the welfare of others. They also have the right to privacy, confidentiality and informed consent.
* Be Just - Demonstrate fair treatment of all individuals and fair distributions of goods, services and rewards.
* Be Faithful - Keep promises and be truthful and loyal in all endeavors.
Ethical Decision Making
As students continue to explore their own personal value system and determine what they believe and why, here are some questions they can ask themselves when making decisions:
* Will anyone be harmed as a result of my choice?
* Will my decision promote a win-win situation for all involved?
* Am I respecting myself and others with my choice?
* How will my decision make me feel about myself?
* How would I feel if my family knew about my choice?
* Is my decision in conflict with any of my values?
Some of these values will evolve as students get older and experience more of the world. That's okay! But, as long as they keep Kitchener's principles in mind, they'll be on the road to making good, fair decisions.
GET IN THE ZONE TIPS
Maximizing Students' Academic and Wellness Potential
Much like December, you and your student may have to get used to living in the same house again. This can be a bit stressful for both of you. She has been living on her own for a full academic year now and you might need to reassess some of the ways in which you interacted previously as well as rethink your current house rules and expectations. Discuss your expectations ahead of time so that you can both enjoy the summer! More advice about "The Summer Return" can be found in the spring issue of The Binghamton Parent.
Finally, discuss with your student the importance of acquiring some practical experience over the summer, whether it is a job, an internship, volunteering or shadowing a professional. Encourage her to seek these opportunities to begin establishing her academic and/or career-based network as well as to acquire critical skills that will help her reach her ultimate goals for college. Check out the Career Development Center website for advice.
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.
A MESSAGE FROM RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Moving Out
It's time to prepare for your student to move out of the residence halls. If you are heading to Binghamton to help, please be aware that your student is expected to vacate the halls 24 hours after their last final exam. Closing notices will be posted in each building and may also can be found at the ResLife website.
You may be surprised by how much your student accumulated since they arrived. While, in August, the family easily fit in the car with your student's belongings, chances are you'll need a shoe horn to fit everything in now! Should your student have items they no longer want or need, there will be a bin in their building where they can donate "gently used" items to area agencies. Please note that we do not offer student storage.
To avoid damage or improper check-out fees, please be sure your student removes all personal items and cleans their room; keys need to be turned in too! Have a great summer and we'll see you Aug. 22!
MOVE OUT SUPPLIES
* Boxes
* Packing tape
* A few thick markers
* Car carrier (in case everything doesn't fit inside the vehicle)
* Broom
* Dustpan
* Dusting rags
* Window cleaner
* Paper towels
* Water
* A fan (if it's really warm)
* Patience
SUMMER IS A GOOD TIME TO BUILD AND UPDATE YOUR RESUME
The summer is a great opportunity for students to gain experience and enhance their skills. It is also the right time to capture these experiences and skills on a resume. The Career Development Center (CDC) suggests that students work on their resume over the summer in preparation for events that will occur early in the fall semester, such as the Job & Internship Fair (Sept. 17) and On-Campus Recruiting (application deadlines begin during the first two weeks of classes and continue throughout the school year) .
Great Resume Resources:
* Virtual Resume Program - View this online resume tutorial from anywhere, 24/7! This interactive program provides instruction and a tutorial on resume writing.
* Optimal Resume - Helps all Binghamton students prepare and format a resume using a fully customizable, user-friendly system.
* eRecruiting - All students have an eRecruiting account and should complete/update their profile and upload a resume so they're ready to begin submitting applications early in the fall semester. Waiting could mean missing the perfect opportunity!
* Resume Reviews - It is important that a resume is critiqued by a CDC staff member to ensure that it is of the highest quality. Encourage your student to visit the CDC to have his or her resume reviewed.
SUMMER FUN
Spending quality time with your student
Create some simple rituals to spend quality time with your student this summer:
* Morning walks before work
* Going out for ice cream
* Watching younger siblings' baseball games, plays or whatever!
* Reading the Sunday paper together
* Working on home/garden projects
* Making a quilt together
* Sitting on the front steps, talking about your day
* Preparing meals together
THINK BINGHAMTON ADVOCACY - LAW SCHOOL STATUS
In February and March, Think Tank members advocated for a new law school at Binghamton. In more than 2,100 letters to the governor and key legislators, members noted the many benefits of having a law school at Binghamton for students desiring an excellent, affordable education and for the University, the region and the state. Estimates are that a new law school would annually fuel the economy to the tune of $26.4 million for the region and $33.7 million for the state.
In April, New York state legislators approved $3 million for law school planning. The funds will be used to develop curriculum, determine the facilities needed and decide on the best location for the school.
You can still support the law school initiative, if you have not already done so, by visiting and writing legislators asking for their support.
FINANCIAL AID SERVICES REMINDER
To take advantage of federal and state funding options, students must file their FAFSA every year. Apply online today.
Financial aid award offer notifications are sent to returning students via their Binghamton University e-mail account once the offer is available for viewing online. 2008-09 FAFSA information must be on file for award offers to be calculated.
PARENTS OF GRADUATING SENIORS---TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Parents of graduating seniors should have recently received information in the mail about Senior Challenge 2008 - the senior class gift campaign. This program provides parents of graduating seniors with an opportunity to make a special gift in honor of your son's or daughter's graduation, which will help the Class of 2008 leave behind a lasting mark at the University.
With your help, this year's class plans to support an exciting project in a highly visible area of campus. The University's logo was recently updated, offering the Class of 2008 the perfect opportunity to purchase a new entrance sign for the campus that reflects the new look, and creates an attractive and distinctive entry to campus. Funds raised above and beyond the cost of the sign will be directed toward the Binghamton Fund for Student Affairs, which supports programs and activities that have a direct impact on students.
Please consider making a symbolic gift of $20.08 to this year's Challenge in honor of all that your son or daughter has accomplished. You can make an immediate gift online. For questions about Senior Challenge, contact the Binghamton Fund Office at 607-777-6209 or by e-mail.
A STAY HEALTHY MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE
Health Promotion and Prevention is Always on our Mind
Health and wellness influences academic, personal and professional potential. A healthy lifestyle lived in a healthy environment supports individual and collective short- and long-term health, reduces risk and improves opportunity for success.
University Health Service is pleased to announce the receipt of a $15,000 restricted gift from Markel Insurance Company to fund four health promotion initiatives in the next year. The first initiative will support expansion of the HIV testing program on campus to include rapid testing. Another initiative deals with the reinforcement of health messaging thorough use of ITouch technology during peer educator street outreach and use of DVD players during clinical visits in the Health Service. As students quickly engage in the latest of technology, we are hopeful that this medium for health education will be popular and effective. The remaining two initiatives deal with education for students on self-care when facing viral illness and prevention of skin cancer and skin problems.
For more information, contact University Health Service at 607-777-2221.
A RECIPE AND MESSAGE FROM DINING SERVICES
We are pleased to share the following recipe:
Vegetable Pita Pizza
Ingredients
* 1 whole wheat pita
* ¼ cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 2 tbsp white cooking wine
* ¼ cup diced red pepper
* 2 tablespoon diced onion
* ¼ cup diced zucchini
* ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
* ¼ tsp oregano
* 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Directions
* Preheat an oven to 425º F. Bake the pita bread 3 minutes.
* Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
* In a small skillet, toss together the cooking wine, red pepper, onion, zucchini, mushrooms and oregano. Saute the vegetables for 10 minutes or until tender.
* Spoon the vegetables over the pita bread. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
* Bake in the oven 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Servings: 1
Per Serving: 235 calories, 6 g fat (23% calories from fat), 3 g saturated fat, 13 mg cholesterol, 592 mg sodium, 2.8 g fiber
Meal plans for students not returning in the following semester (Summer or Fall) expire on May 16. Any remaining balance may be used to purchase convenience items, such as bottled water. Remaining funds may also be used to purchase specialty items from catering. Any student not returning for the summer or fall is encouraged to contact a dining hall manager to help them spend any remaining funds.
For returning students, unspent balances will automatically carry over to a new meal plan in the next consecutive semester. If a student is moving to either the Susquehanna or Hillside communities, or is planning to live off campus, they may transfer their remaining balance to a new off-campus meal plan in the Fall (or Summer) semester. If a student does skip a semester, any unspent funds will be lost.
Meal Plan information for 2008-09 will be posted this summer online.
SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Binghamton University will celebrate its 58th Spring Commencement on May 17 and 18. Keep an eye on the Commencement website for all updates, including speaker information. The website will also provide live Internet broadcasts of the cap and gown ceremonies. The weblink will be provided during the week of May 12. Be sure to download the software early to reduce the chances of technical issues on the day of the ceremony.
DVD copies of the Harpur College recognition ceremonies and the formal cap and gown commencements may also be ordered at a cost of $10 each. The order form is also located on the Commencement website. Deliveries will begin approximately four weeks after the ceremonies. We are proud of all our graduates, and hope everyone will enjoy the celebrations!
ENCOURAGE YOUR GRADUATE TO "B-CONNECTED"
We send our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all of our graduating seniors and their families and welcome the Class of 2008 to the Binghamton University Alumni Association. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected to the University through B-Connected, the University's alumni online community. It features an alumni directory, the Alumni Career Network, online giving and, soon to come, a calendar of alumni events with online registration.
In the directory, alumni can update their biographical profile, upload photos, maintain a list of contacts, download business cards, upload their resume and so much more!
The Alumni Career Network is a searchable database of alumni who have volunteered to be contacted by alumni and students regarding career information. Network volunteers can provide direction when pursuing that first job, changing careers or contemplating graduate school. Encourage your graduate to begin creating their network today!
THE COUNTDOWN
The school year is rapidly coming to a close. Whether you are coming to Commencement or making a trip to help bring home your student's personal belongings, take some time to relax! A beautiful May day will call you outside; take a walk on the River Trails or Rail Trails, visit the Cutler Botanic Garden for the early blooms, or dine at an outdoor café. If you prefer some lighthearted fun, explore the "big top" when the Shrine Circus comes to town May 8-11. We are glad to have you and your student in Greater Binghamton. For a complete listing of events, check out this website. If you have a returning student, we'll see you in the Fall!
JOIN US FOR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENTS!
Rent on Broadway
Saturday, May 10
Alumni Golf Classic with BBQ & Blues
Friday, August 1
Traditions at the Glen Resort, Johnson City, N.Y.
Join us for one of the area's premier golf events! Meet up with alumni and friends at this Captain-and-Crew style, 18-hole golf tournament. We'll also have a long drive contest, closest-to-the-pin competition, lunch, drinks on the course, and a dinner reception. Get your foursome together and sign up for this event today! Parents are welcome.
TRAVEL WITH US!
Take part in the Binghamton University Alumni Association Travel Program
Vietnam Surprise: Beyond the Unknown - January 2009
Vietnam is a seductive place - long shrouded in mystery, misunderstood by the western world, and unique in history and tradition.
We are offering an exciting opportunity to explore and discover an emerging nation and economic power in Southeast Asia. Join Theatre Professor Don Boros and journey to a land of breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition and profoundly hospitable people. (Photo by Thomas Schoch, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license.)
View a detailed itinerary.
South American Journey - January 2009
While it's wintertime in Binghamton, it's summer in South America! Join Theatre Professors Tom Kremer and Carol Hanscom as they explore Buenos Aires, a very cosmopolitan European-style capital city.
Santiago (pictured) is a vibrant and colorful cultural center surrounded by the spectacular Andean peaks. We will visit and meet with local faculty and students from DUOC Universidad Católica and gain an understanding of their educational system. Enjoy receptions and possibly a performance or two by local performers. (Photo used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.)
View a detailed itinerary.
ANDERSON CENTER UNVEILS 2008-09 SEASON
The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts' 2008-09 season will begin with three summer concerts, featuring Chuck Mangione, Earth, Wind & Fire and Ingrid Michaelson '01. The season continues in September with a variety of dance productions featuring performers ranging from Turkish Sultans of the Dance to the St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet. The Dublin Philharmonic will also perform. Read more about the upcoming season.
UPCOMING CALENDAR AND EVENT INFORMATION
May 9: Last day of classes
May 10 - 11: Reading period
May 12 - 16: Final exams. Residents must vacate residence hall 24 hours after last exam.
May 17: Graduate School Commencement Ceremony
May 18: Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Summer Session 2008
Term I: May 27 - June 27
Term II: July 7 - Aug. 8
Term III: variable
Read more about the Summer Session.
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY FAMILY WEEKEND 2008
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26
Watch the Parents and Families website for details this summer.
UNIVERSITY PLAZA NOW LEASING FOR 2008-09 ACADEMIC YEAR
It's not too late to arrange housing for next year. University Plaza, the newest apartment complex in the area, is leasing for the 2008-09 school year.
Each apartment is completely furnished and 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 the University Plaza logo.
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