Binghamton University - News Releases

Binghamton University named #4 on the Princeton Review's list: "Top 10 Best Value Public Colleges for 2012"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University is the nation's #4 “Best Value Public” college for 2012 according to The Princeton Review. The MA-based education services company profiles Binghamton University in its newly-published book, The Best Value Colleges: 2012 and on its website at http://www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx

In its profile of Binghamton, the editors at The Princeton Review praise the school for its “top-tier academics and palatable sticker price” and in quotes from student surveys, the University is described as where they are ”saving money while also getting an amazing education.”

Says Robert Franek, Princeton Review's Senior VP/Publisher and lead author of The Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition, “We commend Binghamton University and all of the extraordinary colleges on our 2012 'Best Value Colleges' list for all they are doing to keep costs down and/or offer generous aid to applicants with financial need – all while maintaining excellent academic programs.”

The Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition, subtitled “The 150 Best Buy Colleges and What It Takes to Get In,” features profiles of 75 public and 75 private colleges with detailed information about their campus culture, facilities and financial aid offerings. Of the 75 schools in each group, the top 10 colleges are ranked 1 to 10, and the remaining 65 are listed in alphabetical order. The "Best Value Colleges" list and information about the schools are also posted on a dedicated area of USA TODAY.com, which has been the Princeton Review's online publishing partner for this project since 2009. USA TODAY’s site (http://bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com) features an exclusive database that allows users to view in-depth details about the schools by clicking on an interactive map. Users can explore criteria including cost of attendance and financial aid data, enrollment size, location and The Princeton Review’s analysis of why it chose each school as a “Best Value.”

The Princeton Review selected its "Best Value Colleges" schools based on institutional data and student opinion surveys collected from 650 colleges and universities the company regards as the nation's academically best undergraduate institutions. The selection process analyzed more than 30 data points broadly covering academics, cost, and financial aid. Cost and financial aid data came from the Princeton Review’s fall 2011 surveys of school administrators. Data on academics came from its fall 2010 through fall 2011 surveys of school administrators. Data from students attending the schools over these years included their assessments of their professors and their satisfaction with their financial aid awards.

Binghamton University sponsors compassion fatigue prevention conference

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Center for Trauma and Disaster Mental Health at Binghamton University is accepting registrations for its third conference. Titled “Wellness in Choas: Compassion Fatigue Prevention for Disaster Response, Emergency Management and Trauma Work,” the conference will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Mar. 16, in Old Union Hall on the Binghamton University campus.

This training is geared towards responders and helpers who wish to learn new techniques and gain a better understanding of the range of self-care strategies they can use to preserve professional competence and personal wellness. The primary goal of this four-hour conference is to build responders’ and helpers’ resilience to the undeniable occupational hazards of their work. Participants will become familiar with the warning signs of potentially harmful stress reactions as well as early indicators for compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, secondary traumatic stress and professional burnout. The training will highlight the important role self-care plays in maintaining helper competence, enhancing well-being and managing the stress continuum.

Registration is $65 before Feb. 15, and $75 after Feb. 15. Registration for students is $25. Payments should be made to: “BU Foundation #50353” and can be mailed or dropped off to: Binghamton University Department of Social Work, College of Community and Public Affairs, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, Attn: Amy Edwards.

For additional information, contact the Center for Trauma and Disaster Mental Health Co-directors Brian Flynn at bjflynn@binghamton.edu or Sandy Witt at switt@binghamton.edu in Binghamton University’s Department of Social Work or visit the social work website at http://www2.binghamton.edu/ccpa/social-work/news-and-events/.

SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Karen Bromley receives 2011 Article of the Year award

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Bromley teaches in the Graduate School of Binghamton University

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Journal of College Reading and Learning (JCRL) named Karen Bromley, a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Binghamton University, the recipient of the 2011 Article of the Year award.

JCRL, published in fall and spring, is a national, peer-reviewed forum for the theory, research and policy related to reading improvement and learning assistance at the two-and four-year college level. It publishes reports of original research and articles linking theory, research or policy to practice.

Bromley earned her award for her article, “Picture a World Without Pens, Pencils, and Paper: The Unanticipated Future of Reading and Writing,” published in late 2011. The article includes a brief history of reading and writing, and explores how digital text has quietly evolved and threatens to take over traditional notions of literacy. It goes on to suggest that speech will ultimately emerge as a dominant way of communicating.

Bromley is a noted expert in the fields of reading and literacy. She earned a master's in education from SUNY Potsdam and a doctorate in early childhood/elementary education and reading from the University of Maryland. Her current research focuses on the relationship between reading and writing, and classroom literacy assessment and instruction.   Bromley holds a New York State Reading Association's Reading Educator Award and the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Binghamton University's Campus Pre-School builds "Wall of Friends"

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY -- Binghamton University’s Campus Pre-School will host a tile-making party and fundraiser from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. No advance sign-up is needed. Donors are invited to drop at any time during the event and work on their artwork at stations such as painting and thumb-printing.

The tile-making fund-raiser is open to Campus Pre-School families of current and former pre-school students, faculty, staff and students, as well as community members, businesses and organizations. For a $50 gift, donors will receive a single, 4.25-inch square tile, while a $175 gift will offer a block of four 4.25-inch square tiles. Donors can then create their own artwork, text or logos by using crayons, markers, paint or stamps (no photos) that will be digitally reproduced onto the tile by Silver Graphics studio in Schenectady. A block of four tiles can either have one single image or four individual pieces of artwork.

Even pre-school alumni and families living out of the area can take part in the fund-raiser. Those who live out of town or in another state can mail their donation and artwork directly to the pre-school.

The event will feature a range of activities, such as group yoga, face painting, kids’ games, Valentine’s Day cookie decorating, as well as balloons, food and music.

Kat D’Andrea, a teacher at the pre-school, will design a mural to incorporate the tiles. The entire display will be unveiled in late spring.

More information and a donation form can be found at
http://www2.binghamton.edu/campus-pre-school/support/index.html.

Applications for Ross University and Community Projects Fund now available

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY -- Applications are now available for the 2012 grant cycle of the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund.

Ross, a Binghamton University faculty member, established the fund with the hope of fostering working partnerships between the University and the community.

Over the years, the Ross Fund has supported numerous partnerships including a project to educate students about opportunities in the Greater Binghamton area, which provided a forum for discussion about economic progress and developed ways to expand career opportunities to retain students in Binghamton.

Most recently the fund helped support the Community Literacy Program and the US-Chinese Student Exchange initiative.

In 2012, the fund will award approximately $10,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in partnership with University units. Grant funds are available beginning July 1.

The application deadline is Friday, March 30. Grant applications, full guidelines and further information are available on the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund web site at http://www2.binghamton.edu/giving/ross-fund/.

For more information, contact grant administrator Cindy Lupo at (607) 777-6927 or clupo@binghamton.edu.

Binghamton University hosts grand re-opening celebration for newly renovated East Gym facility

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University will host a grand re-opening celebration for the
newly renovated East Gym facility Jan. 28-29. The renovated Recreation Center at the East Gym will feature an expanded FitSpace with more than 60 cardio machines, renovated locker rooms, improved pool and court spaces, and three new multipurpose rooms.

The Recreation Center will be open all weekend for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community to try out equipment and check out the facility. No memberships will be required. Campus Recreational Services will host a number of activities including guided tours, new equipment orientations in FitSpace, group fitness sampler classes, chair massages, blood pressure screenings, contests/competitions, food, giveaways and more.

The $14 million renovation project includes:

o   A renovated and expanded FitSpace, providing 10,000 square-feet of facility space
o   Three renovated multipurpose rooms for group fitness classes and club practices.
o   Two renovated classrooms.
o   A new, dedicated wellness services suite.
o   Renovated and relocated locker rooms.
o   Renovated Outdoor Pursuits rental center.
o   Improvements to the court area including a state-of-the-art gym floor.
o   Consolidated administrative offices.
o   Upgrades to central mechanical systems, such as HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc

Most of the project was funded through critical maintenance funds that are part of the current SUNY Master Capital Plan. Critical maintenance funds are specifically designated to address areas of highest priority need by maintaining building conditions at an acceptable level. The funds for the East Gym were earmarked to upgrade heating and ventilating, lighting and space utilization within the building.

For more information about the facility, hours or to purchase a membership, visit http://www2.binghamton.edu/campus-recreation/renovation/new.html

Binghamton University's SBDC and NYSERDA offer free energy audits

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Binghamton University, in partnership with the New York State Energy Development Authority (NYSERDA), is providing no-charge energy audits for small business owners to improve their operating efficiency.

The energy audits will review and recommend improvements for:

Lighting, such as finding alternatives for inefficient lighting.
HVAC systems, including finding replacements for old and inefficient heating and air conditioning systems.
Controls, such as improving or adding controls for lighting, heating, and hot water to reduce costs.
Conservative measures, including enhanced insulation, weatherproofing seals, and weather stripping.

This program is open to all small business owners. The SBDC will handle processing of energy review applications for Southern Tier businesses free-of-charge. Contact the Center at (607) 777-4024 to implement the application process.

The Energy Audit and Savings Program is an initiative of the Small Business Administration.

* * * *

About the SBDC: The Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University (SBDC) offers no-cost, one-to-one counseling, which could include assisting start-up and existing businesses in developing strategic business plans, identifying appropriate sources of funding, providing market research, management information and financial analysis. The center works with nearly 500 entrepreneurs annually. Funding for the program is provided by the Small Business Administration, Binghamton University, New York State, and various corporate donors.

Binghamton University graduate student recognized as Social Work Student of the Year

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – Paige Walker, graduate student and vice president for the masters of social work (MSW) Graduate Student Organization, has been awarded the 2012 Student of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Work of New York State (NASW-NYS). Walker is a resident of Binghamton, New York.

Each year, the NASW presents the “Student of the Year” award to one master’s or baccalaureate level social work scholar who has demonstrated academic excellence and who personifies the values of the social work profession.

Walker has worked with organizations such as the Rural Health Network of South Central New York and the SHARE Project in Whitney Point and was recognized as being a notable volunteer during the flood of 2011. She was also instrumental in the planning of a Red Cross disaster mental health, training course which was developed to help flood volunteers.

Walker’s most distinguished leadership skills have been demonstrated through her work as student representatives for Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs Student Advisory Committee and social work department’s field instruction committee.

NASW is a membership organization of professional social workers and its New York Chapter is one of the largest in the United States. With over 10,000 members, NASW-NYS works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Walker will receive her award in March 2012 at the NASW-NYS Spirit of Social Work Awards Luncheon – part of the Annual Power of Social Work Conference.

SUNY BEST hosts "Startup Weekend Southern Tier/Binghamton/Ithaca" discussion

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – The SUNY Business and Education Cooperative of the Southern Tier (SUNY BEST) will host a presentation, titled “Startup Weekend Southern Tier/Binghamton/Ithaca” at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 in room 1324C, Continuing Education and Outreach Office, Library North, located on the University campus. This presentation is free and open to the public.

Mitchell Patterson, managing director for the Emerging Business Portfolio at CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity will host a presentation about the possibility of bringing an established program called ‘Startup Weekend’ to the Southern Tier. The program, a 54-hour event, brings entrepreneurs, would-be entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups.

The ‘Startup Weekend’ program typically kicks off on a Friday with open mic pitches, where attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over the course of the weekend, teams focus on customer development, idea validation, practice lean startup methodologies and build a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening, teams demo their prototypes and receive feedback from a panel of experts.

Patterson manages an IP commercialization fund that has invested over 2 million dollars as well as the investment portfolio of the NY’s Creative Core Emerging Business Competition. In addition, he leads an initiative to attract and develop a network of capital partners from outside the region to support emerging and existing business growth and attraction. Patterson provides support for a multi-county regional growth strategy with a network of business leaders, public officials, economic development organizations, and high education administration.

SUNY BEST is a volunteer group comprised of senior staff members from key economic and educational institutions in the Southern Tier. The group works to forge strong alliances, strengthen industry specific needs and provide information and outreach for business. SUNY BEST also seeks to explore and support the business community workforce needs for traditional and emerging industry clusters such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, photonics, energy conservation and renewal.

Pre-registration is required through the SUNY BEST website at http://ceo.binghamton.edu/bande/. For additional information email dhulbert@binghamton.edu. Participants attending the meeting will be required to pay a parking fee.

Airport projects to be discussed at Binghamton University Forum

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BINGHAMTON, NY – William Ziegler, professor and director of the Binghamton University Scholars program, will discuss “Undergraduates Soar on Airport Projects – A Federal, State, County and Private Partnership,” at the Binghamton University Forum luncheon program, Wednesday, Jan. 18. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start at noon in the Old Union Hall of the University Union.

Since 2009, Ziegler’s undergraduate students, regular participants in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Design Competition for Universities, have won four first-place awards, a second-place award and an honorable mention. The students have presented their award-winning designs in Chicago; Philadelphia; Minneapolis; Denver; Boulder, CO; Oshkosh, WI; and Arlington, VA. One of the designs is currently under construction at the Greater Binghamton Airport as the result of a $1.4 million grant from the FAA.

The technical design competition invites undergraduate and graduate students to tackle airport issues that fall within broad categories including airport operation and maintenance, runway safety/runway incursions, airport environmental interactions and airport management and planning.

Ziegler, recipient of this year’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, is a faculty master of Newing College, a 1,500-student residential living/learning community on campus. Nominated by Binghamton University as U.S. Professor of the Year, a program that celebrates outstanding instructors across the country, Ziegler has been a consultant to and/or supervised student projects at well over 100 organizations including IBM, Lockheed Martin, Borg-Warner, Corning Inc. and NYSEG. In addition, he has authored numerous papers that have been published by organization such as the IEEE, ACM and ASEE.

The Binghamton University Forum is a membership organization comprised of business, professional and community leaders that brings nationally known authorities to speak at functions throughout the year. For more information, call the Forum office at (607) 777-4390.