Greetings from the Parent Relations Coordinator
Seasonal Student Issues
Get in the Zone
New Thanksgiving Traditions
Family Weekend 2007
Schedule Fest
DeFleur Honored for Global Education, Leadership
Commencement Reminders
Residential Life
Financial Aid Programs and Reminders
The Many Faces of Support
From the Career Development Center
Student Support Services
A Message and Recipe from Dining Services
A "Stay Healthy" Tip from University Health Service
Bearcat Basketball Tickets on Sale Now
From Colonials to Bearcats
Upcoming Calendar and Event Information
University Plaza Now Leasing for 2008-09 Academic Year
GREETINGS FROM THE PARENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Many families look forward to reconnecting with their students over Thanksgiving break. Possibilities include planning a family game night, going to a coffee shop, sharing photos from the last couple of months, attending a local high school event, or staying up late one night chatting or cooking together.
Look for advice about the upcoming break and supporting your student at exam time in the fall issue of The Binghamton Parent print newsletter that will arrive in your mailbox soon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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 that your student may be experiencing this month:
• Roommate or residence hall floor problems
• Academic pressures because of procrastination, workload or lack of ability
• Burnout
• Not having the stamina to keep up the pace through finals
• Job search stress for holiday break
• Problems because of increased alcohol consumption
• Lack of initiative to find new friends or activities because it seems social groups are already set up
• Worries about going home for Thanksgiving, such as concerns about seeing changes among old friends or how things will be with family members
The University Counseling Center is available to assist students.
Maximizing Students’ Academic and Wellness Potential
• Encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor to learn the class registration process and decide on classes for next semester. Most freshmen will begin registering on or around Nov. 15.
• Try to get a sense of how your student has adjusted to the college environment because he or she may be struggling but not letting on.
• Encourage your student to get one additional hour of sleep each night, which can boost the immune system, particularly at this time of year.
• Encourage your student to visit University Health Service earlier, rather than later, if he or she begins to experience any health-related symptoms.
For more information about the “Get in the Zone” project, contact Scott Bennett or Bridget McCane Saunders.
It’s never too late to start a new tradition! Options include:
• Baking cookies together the night before your student goes back to college so he can share them with friends back on campus
• Taking a Flannel Family Photo in which you all wear flannel shirts or pajamas and strike a wacky pose!
• Instead of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, working as a family to create a holiday package for a local family in need
• Addressing all the holiday cards while sitting around, listening to seasonal music and noshing on eggnog
• Encouraging siblings to stuff notes in your college student’s luggage so she finds them when she returns to campus
More than 1,000 parents and family members visited the Binghamton campus for Family Weekend on Oct. 20-21. Families enjoyed new events, such as a Family Dessert Reception, Multicultural Resource Center Kaleidoscope Luncheon featuring Family Food Favorites, a men’s soccer game in the new Bearcats Sports Complex and a Student Affairs Jazz Brunch.
Look for photos from the weekend on the Parents and Families website soon! And, mark your calendars; Family Weekend 2008 will be held Oct. 25-26.
Schedule Fest 2007 , an event to help first-semester students build aschedule will take place Nov. 14, from 3:30 - 6:15 pm in the Mandela Room. Thisevent will feature advisors of all stripes (orientation, Discovery, peeradvisors, academic advisors in all schools, and undergraduate advisors or theirdesignees from all schools) who are looking to help new students finalize theirplans regarding registration for Spring 2008. Free food and raffles are planned.
DEFLEUR HONORED FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP
Lois B. DeFleur, president of Binghamton University, was honored as a visionary and an innovator in educating students for a global age with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr., Prize in Education. She received the award at a dinner at the New York Public Library.
“I am deeply honored to accept the Harold W. McGraw, Jr., Prize in Education on behalf of myself and Binghamton University,” said DeFleur. “We are proud to be on the cutting edge of global education, which is so important to our students and our nation.”
Read more in Inside BU.
Binghamton University’s Fall Commencement will be held on Dec. 9, 2007. All students will process across the stage for recognition, and professional photography will be provided. Summer and Fall 2007 undergraduate degree candidates must submit the Commencement RSVP form no later than Nov. 9, 2007 if they plan to attend. This form ensures candidates purchase their cap and gown, and allows them to request additional tickets and handicapped accommodations for their guests. Degree candidates submit the Commencement RSVP form online.
If you have any questions related to the Fall 2007 or Spring 2008 ceremonies please contact the Commencement office by e-mail or phone at 607-777-3200.
Roommate Compatibility
Has your student complained about their roommate? If so, encourage them to address the issue directly. If they need help they can ask their RA for advice, to help mediate, or even to revisit the roommate agreement they drafted in September. If your student feels like they just aren’t compatible with their roommate, they can request a room change for the spring semester. Instructions have been delivered to each room and can also be found under Happenings. All requests must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Residential Hall Closing Reminders
With Thanksgiving Break approaching, the halls will be closing for the first time. 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 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Please work with your student to finalize travel plans, or make alternative housing arrangements.
Faculty Masters at Binghamton University
Faculty Masters, the academic leaders of their residential communities, help to break down barriers between students and faculty. These tenured faculty members maintain a student-centered, approachable and supportive presence within their residential communities. The Faculty Masters are also active within their home academic departments through teaching, service, and/or research. They promote students’ personal, academic, and social growth and play an important part in leadership development. Working closely with Residential Life and Discovery staff members, they promote ideas, develop programs, and help to organize Learning Communities.
The Faculty Masters invite faculty and staff Fellows to lunches and dinners with students; many Fellows offer programs in their own areas of interest and expertise. Frequently involved in individual and small-group advising, the Faculty Masters make a special effort to welcome freshmen and transfer students. Learn more about the Faculty Masters.
Financial Aid Services will offer two sessions on Student Loan Consolidation and Loan Forgiveness this month on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. in LH9, and 4 to 5 p.m. in LH10. The sessions are primarily for graduating seniors.
If your student is planning on studying abroad in Spring 2008 and is exploring funding options, have him or her visit the financial aid office for more information. This process should be started early in order to ensure that aid is in place for their experience abroad. Continuing students must file a FAFSA every year to apply for federal and state funding. Binghamton’s recommended filing date is Feb. 1, 2008. After Jan. 1, students should complete the Renewal FAFSA.
Being Upfront About Money
Does your student know how much spending money is available to him or her this semester? Have you discussed where this money will come from? Do you know what credit cards your student currently has? These are important conversations to have so assumptions, poor choices and financial troubles don’t take over.
Tips to consider
BusinessWeek offers “Tips for Staying Out of Debt” as well as “Tips Once You Are in Debt”. Sample tips include:
• Go for a card with an annual percentage rate (APR) no higher than 15 percent.
• Don’t have more than one or two major credit cards; it could hurt your credit score if you have too many.
• Try to pay more than the minimum monthly payment.
• Pay the most on your card with the highest APR.
• Don’t pay by phone; many credit companies charge up to $10 to process payments by phone.
Parent support is critical to your student’s success. That support might be a weekly phone call or an occasional care package. A definite way to ensure your student’s success is to support the Binghamton Fund.
“I feel strongly that all students should have the opportunity to receive the quality education that our son, Brendan, is getting here,” said Michelle Berry, MBA ’92. “That is why our family supports the Binghamton Fund.”
Dr. Anwer & Mary Puthawala, who also support the Binghamton Fund and serve as parent leaders to this year’s campaign, were recognized during Family Weekend. “The Puthawalas were among more than 1,500 parents and families who gave to the Binghamton Fund last year, and this support is having a powerful, immediate and essential impact. The Binghamton Fund is changing the lives of our students, and through them, changing the world,” said President Lois B. DeFleur.
Please join the Berrys and the Puthawalas in their support of our students with a gift to the Binghamton Fund. For more information, contact 607-777-6209 or visit the Binghamton Fund website.
FROM THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)
How can a freshman or sophomore begin to work on his or her career? There are a number of steps first- and second-year students can take to explore careers, develop skills employers want, and build their resumes. Your student can:
• Visit the Career Development Center (CDC) to learn about services and resources
• Meet with a CDC counselor to discuss majors and career options
• Improve writing skills (a skill that employers want most)
• Join at least one student organization or club on campus and take responsibility for an activity within that group
• Gain self-awareness, test interests, get experience and help others by volunteering in an activity of interest
• Use CDC’s website and books for career ideas and to research careers
• Begin using eRecruiting, CDC’s web-based recruiting and career information system to learn about different career fields (All students have an eRecruiting account accessible through CDC’s website).
• Use the Alumni Career Network (available online through BUSI) to see what alumni have done with various majors
• Investigate internships and study abroad programs
• Prepare a first resume using CDC programs, Optimal Resume and review services
• Attend CDC programs and events including employer information sessions
• Take courses that reflect their interests
• Talk with upper class students about their major
The Career Development Center is offering a number of great programs in November that will appeal to first and second year students. Visit the CDC’s web page for parents and calendar of programs and events.
Binghamton University’s Student Support Services (SSS) program is a federally-funded TRIO Program designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation or disabled college students. SSS students receive a variety of services including academic, career and personal counseling, tutoring, and assistance in obtaining financial aid. The office also provides workshops and seminars on a variety of topics, including computer literacy, study skills, time management and career exploration. In addition, SSS students are given the opportunity to attend cultural enrichment events.
A MESSAGE AND RECIPE FROM DINING SERVICES
Many events will be held in the dining halls this month including “Cans Across America” in all dining halls on Nov. 7, “The Peanut Olympics” in College-in-the-Woods on Nov. 13 and “Thanksgiving Dinner” in Dickinson Dining Hall on Nov. 19:
Visit the Dining Services website for more information. Enjoy the following holiday recipe:
SWEET POTATO CRUNCH
Ingredients:
• 3 ½ cups canned sweet potatoes
• 6 tbsp. butter
• 2 eggs
• 3 oz. evaporated milk
• 1 T. imitation vanilla
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup pecan halves
Directions:
1. Drain and mash potatoes with a mixer.
2. Add 4 tbsp of butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and white sugar to potatoes and mix.
3. Place ingredients in pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes, or until internal temperature of 165 degrees.
4. To prepare topping, mix the remaining 2 tbsp of butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans, sprinkle over potato mixture and bake until golden brown.
Help us help them
Remind your student about the Self-Care Cold Table available at the University Health Service reception desk Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This service is for a student suffering with symptoms of the common cold, who might benefit from over-the-counter remedies, but whose illness is not severe enough to require an evaluation from a health care provider. Students are guided to cough and cold products appropriate for their symptoms. The student health fee covers this service. Additionally, flu vaccine is available to students at a cost of $10/dose. Vaccine clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Extended hours
University Health Service will begin extended hours on Monday evenings to serve students with acute illnesses. The clinic will remain open until 7:45 p.m. Students may walk in for evaluation and treatment. Additional information can be obtained by calling 607-777-2221.
Health Assessment
The American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (NCHA) will be launched this month via the web to 5,000 Binghamton students. The NCHA is 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 campuswide health promotion and prevention services. Please encourage your student to complete the survey if they are contacted.
Washing hands helps to stop spread of infection
The University is in the midst of a hand-washing campaign to help decrease the spread of germs during cold and flu season. A recommendation from the University’s Pandemic Flu Committee prompted the installation of hand sanitizers in all dining facilities on campus and students are urged to use them prior to eating. According to Gale Spencer, Decker Chair of Community Health Nursing and chair of the Pandemic Flu Committee, using the hand sanitizers “will help prevent the spread [of germs], and, if people use them and keep their hands clean, 80 percent of infection can be contained.”
In addition, the University Health Service REACH peers are distributing information cards on handwashing, and cold and flu prevention tips.
For more information on the benefits of hand washing, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.
BEARCAT BASKETBALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable and family-friendly activity, come watch the Binghamton University men’s and women’s basketball teams in action at the Events Center. Single game tickets are $12 for men’s games and $8 for women’s. Special group rates are also offered. For business or pleasure, group tickets to basketball games are a great way to entertain employees, clients and family. For groups of 20 or more, receive $2 off the regular ticket price. For more ticket information, visit the Athletics website.
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
Nov. 2: Last day to submit a cancellation request for Spring 2008 housing without incurring a $200 late cancellation fee.
Nov. 5: Nursing Forum, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old Union Hall
Nov. 16: Last day to submit a request to move to a different room and/or community for the Spring 2008 semester.
Nov. 21: Classes recess at 1 p.m. (Thanksgiving). Residence halls close at 2 p.m.
Nov. 25: Residence halls re-open at 2 p.m.
Nov. 26: Classes resume
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.at the 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.
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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