Family handbook 2012-13

Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs

On behalf of the University administration, faculty and staff, I welcome you to the Binghamton University community. We thank you and your student for choosing Binghamton. We are confident you made a great choice. Binghamton has a tradition of excellence, a tradition that is embraced inside the classroom by faculty who are both leading scholars and dedicated teachers, and outside the classroom by staff who offer a wide array of co-curricular and extracurricular programs to further enrich student learning and campus life.

When I have the opportunity to speak to our newest students during Orientation programs, I offer the following simple advice:

Ask for help. Binghamton will present new challenges to all our students. There is no need for anyone to confront these challenges alone. There are faculty, staff and student peers who want each new student to succeed at Binghamton. Please ask for their wisdom and assistance. It will make a difference in the quality of your experience here.

Get involved. There are quite literally hundreds of student organizations and thousands of campus job and internship opportunities at Binghamton. Please take full advantage of this opportunity to participate, get involved and find something that interests you. Your years here provide a chance to build a network of successful people you can rely upon for the rest of your life. Don't miss the opportunity.

Commit yourself to succeed. Our standards and academic expectations are high. Every student here was one of the top students at his or her high school. Success at Binghamton requires effort and commitment. Your reward is the opportunity to join the ranks of our distinguished alumni. Do not squander that opportunity.

Be proud. This is a truly exceptional institution made up of many talented students, faculty, staff and alumni. Wear your school colors, show your spirit and help us to grow the Binghamton legacy through your future deeds and accomplishments.

I ask for your help and partnership in reinforcing these messages to your student. While on the subject of partnership, we recognize the importance of partnering with parents and guardians. This handbook is only one of the ways in which we will be communicating with you. We welcome your interest. Your support and encouragement of your student will help him or her learn how to be a successful adult. Should you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your student’s experiences, we will be happy to respond.

Let me close with a final piece of advice. To the greatest extent possible, please allow your student to take responsibility to manage his or her day-to-day life at the University. Doing so is part of the student experience at a residential campus, a part that is at times frustrating, but ultimately rewarding for students, parents and mentors.

Best wishes for a rewarding and successful year.

Brian T. Rose
Vice President for Student Affairs