- Q: Where can my son or daughter get help with computer challenges?
Staffers at Computing Services hire and train students to be residence hall consultants. Called 'Res Cons' for short, they help students with personal computer concerns. Each of the 'pods' - areas where University computers are available for student use - also has staff who can assist students using machines there. The Help Desk at (607) 777-6420 is another source of help for all campus computer users. TOP
Q: What health services are offered at Binghamton?
The Health Center is a nationally-accredited ambulatory care clinic offering primary medical care to students on a walk-in basis. Registered nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, two health educators, an alcohol/drug counselor and an HIV test counselor are available for students. There is no inpatient or overnight service but referrals are made to local hospitals as needed. Harpur's Ferry, the student-operated ambulance service, provides emergency care and transportation "24-7" when classes are in session. Please review the Health Services web pages for details. TOP
Q: Does the University require health insurance?
Yes. Full-time undergraduate students are enrolled automatically in the student sickness and accident insurance plan unless proof of alternate coverage is provided when requested. Although campus health services are prepaid by the health fee, off-campus medical expenses often are high. Without adequate health insurance, such expenses can hinder recommended medical treatment, undermine a good family credit rating, or even disrupt schooling. Because some managed care plans severely limit coverage for students not living at home, parents need to learn the coverage limits of their insurance carrier, including coverage for students studying abroad. Enrollment in the University-sanctioned student health plan may be a good investment for your family. The carrier is Niagara National Insurance (800) 444-5530. Details of the Binghamton plan may be seen at http://www.niagaranational.com. TOP
Q: What resources are available for personal or career advice?
Academic advising offices in each school, the Career Development Center, the Discovery Program's mentoring and tutoring services, the Writing Center and EOP's Campos Robeson Tutorial Center all provide services that support student development. Helping students grow personally and academically are very important University goals. Please see the University Bulletin and academic web pages for details. TOP
Q: What is the status of the University’s participation in intercollegiate athletics?
The University’s 20 varsity teams compete in Division I of the NCAA. Many teams compete in the America East Conference, and have made excellent progress in the few years since joining "D1." Details of athletic successes and the academic profile of our teams may be found at http://www.bubearcats.com. The Events Center has added a great deal of class to facilities for athletic and other activities, including Commencement. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to visit during the next basketball season or sooner. TOP
Q: How and when can students change roommates if things haven't worked out well?
If residents, working with their Resident Assistant (RA) or Resident Director (RD), find that differences among roommates cannot be ironed out, changes can be requested. Residents can place their name on a waiting list beginning on Monday of the second week of classes. Depending upon space, changes can be made as early as the third week of classes. Living with a stranger may be difficult at first, but most students soon become friends, and learn much from each other. Some even become best friends. TOP
Q: Is there a safe alternative to walking alone on campus during night or early morning hours?
Yes, the University's Safe Ride and Safe Walk Program provides a trained student or University Police staff member to escort students on campus. Students need only to call 7-2393 from on campus to gain assistance. A Safe Ride van also circles the campus from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. every night during the academic year. All students are urged to take advantage of this service if they do not wish to walk alone on campus. Additional information about University Police services may be found at http://police.binghamton.edu. TOP
Q: Where can students without financial need find part-time employment during the school year?
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Employment helps students find jobs on campus and in the community. Details may be found at http://bingfa.binghamton.edu. Information about scholarships and loans also may be found there. TOP
Q: May students have cars on campus?
All students except freshmen who live on campus may park properly registered vehicles in appropriate spaces on the surface lots. Students should be careful to learn and follow parking regulations in order to avoid being ticketed for infractions. Freshmen who commute from homes locally may register a vehicle. TOP
Q: How important is it to have a car for use during the school year?
Most students can make their way around the community by using the campus-based OCCT blue buses or the Broome County Transit buses, both of which provide several routes between the campus and the community throughout the day and evening. There is no fare to pay when riding either bus, as the transportation fee paid with tuition and other fees take care of costs. When traveling home for vacations, students may use the Ride Board in the University Union and locate another student driving to the same locale, or buy a ticket from ESCAPE, the student charter bus service. Also, Greyhound, Shortline, and Trailways bus companies all have terminals in Binghamton. There is air service from the Binghamton Regional Airport, about seven miles north of the city. ESCAPE charters cost less than other buses, and students get to ride with other students. TOP
Q: To whom can international students turn if they have questions or concerns?
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services offers a very wide range of helpful services for students from abroad. The ISSS-BU listserv and the office's website at http://isss.binghamton.edu are both extremely useful. TOP
Q: Who helps students with physical or learning disabilities?
Services for Students with Disabilities provides a range of services and staff who both care about and advocate for students eligible for their services. Students with physical, learning or other disabilities are welcomed. You or your student may contact the office by phone at (607) 777-2686 (Voice/TT) or visit http://ssd.binghamton.edu. TOP
Q: Where can I order a birthday cake to be delivered to my son or daughter?
The Catering Department of Sodexho dining services is happy to deliver cakes, balloons, flower bouquets, snack baskets, or cookies to students living on campus to celebrate a birthday or other important event. Just call Catering at (607) 777-2925 for assistance. Both standard and custom gift packages are available. Also, you will be notified about how to purchase special "crunch time" packages for final exams when it is timely. TOP
Q: Does the bookstore mail gifts home?
Yes. Gifts may be ordered by phone or website and mailed to your home. If you purchase a gift for your student while he or she is on campus, he or she would pick up the gift at the Bookstore. The Bookstore website at http://binghamton.bkstore.com lists gifts and arrangements for purchasing them. TOP
Q: How can I get information about how my son or daughter is doing in school?
Campus policy on student information provided to parents/guardians has been developed within the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your best source of information about your student is your student. For a detailed statement of the University's position on sharing student information, please see the Parent Handbook. TOP
Q: How do students perform academically at Binghamton?
We are delighted that around 92 percent return for their sophomore year, 70 percent graduate in four years, and about 78 percent in five years. Those figures are far above national averages for almost every group of colleges and universities. Students who work with academic advisors each year typically get the courses they need to graduate on time, and are able to take advantage of many options, including double majors, study abroad, etc. TOP
Q: How can my student participate in faculty research projects?
A student's professors or an academic advisor, mentor or member of the dean's staff can direct a student to faculty whose research is in an area of interest to the student. Students need to be well-prepared in the subject area, whether history or biology or another, then register for independent study in that area. Students work one-on-one or in small groups with a professor and/or his or her research team. In Harpur College, 25 percent of all undergraduates conduct research through the independent study process. TOP
Q: How and when do students get a yearbook photo taken and order a book?
Photos are taken each fall in October or November, then taken again in January for those who missed the fall sessions. Students are reminded of the dates, and parents are notified by letter to remind them to encourage student participation. Yearbooks are handed out in person in May. About 1,000 seniors purchased a book last year. TOP
Last reviewed/updated on 4/22/08.