"Beginnings," an orientation program for new students at Binghamton is presented during the summer. Students may choose one session from a number of two-day events. A concurrent orientation program for parents and family members is also offered. For students entering in the spring semester, the program is scheduled prior to the start of the semester.
The orientation program gives students the opportunity to plan their
academic program with the assistance of faculty and academic advisors,
to learn about the services provided by various administrative offices,
and to meet faculty, staff, and other students in various settings. Each
participating student is charged a fee based on the cost of presenting
the program. After each new student is admitted, an invitation is mailed
from the Campus Activities and Orientation Office, with information about
when and where the program is held and how the fee may be paid.
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Binghamton University has a long-standing appreciation for the importance of supportive communities for students. Through residential colleges and communities, which are fashioned after the early collegial models at Oxford and Cambridge, students obtain a small-college experience within the larger institution.
The residential colleges integrate living and learning opportunities in several ways. Faculty masters, drawn from the ranks of tenured faculty, residential fellows and mentors, serve at each college and play an integral role in its social and academic programming. With offices in the college or community, faculty masters are readily accessible to students and play a key role in the mentoring program that is part of the University’s general education.
To enhance the integrated concept, classrooms, libraries,
cultural programs, activity space and faculty offices are housed within the
residential settings. Formal courses are supplemented by a varied program of
guest speakers, lectures, films, panel discussions, exhibits and workshops.
Residential life provides opportunities for the discovery and development of
such
life skills as leadership, decision making, negotiation, compromise and
assertiveness. It also provides an opportunity for interaction among people of
different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Binghamton has four residential colleges and communities (College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson Community, Hinman College and Newing College) and two residential apartment communities (Hillside and Susquehanna). College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Hinman and Newing house predominantly first- and second-year students. Hillside Community houses returning upperclass students on campus. Susquehanna Community houses graduate students, families, transfer students and undergraduate students who want a quiet lifestyle while living on campus. In all, approximately 5,000 students live in the residential colleges and communities.
All freshmen are required to live on campus for their first academic year, unless they receive permission to live off campus from the Office of Residential Life. Exempt from this policy are families, students living at home and/or students over 21 years of age. Freshmen are housed in the four undergraduate residential colleges and communities (College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Hinman and Newing). Students in these residential areas contract for one of several residential meal plans. Residents of Hillside and Susquehanna may opt to purchase a meal plan. Meal plans are in effect from the first day of registration through examination period, except for vacation periods. Meal contract options include standard diet, kosher, health food or special diet plans arranged by the licensed dietitian.
All residence halls are closed during vacation periods, with the exception of Hillside and Susquehanna communities. Residents who desire housing during vacations and semester breaks should sign up for either Hillside or Susquehanna Community. Hillside also houses summer session students.
Students are actively involved in governing the residential colleges and communities. Elected councils develop programs, govern the use of facilities and recommend changes in policies; each council is also part of the Student Association.
Special Interest Housing enables residents who share a common interest to live together and pursue experiences centered on an academic theme. Current modules (living units) are Community Service; Computers, Robotics and Engineering (CoRE); Fitness; Musical Arts; and Visual and Performing Arts. Additionally, chemical-free and smoke-free accommodations are offered in different areas.
Each of the residential communities consists of four to six individual residence halls (each housing approximately 200-300 students) and a dining hall. Within each residence hall are laundry rooms, vending machines and study and recreation lounges. A typical residence-hall floor accommodates approximately 30 residents. Room styles vary from four- or six-person suites with bath and small lounge to more traditional rooms built as doubles, triples or quads, with common bath facilities for each floor or corridor. All rooms are equipped with a extra-long twin bed, dresser, desk, chair, floor lamp, closet or wardrobe, and venetian blinds for the windows.
Hillside and Susquehanna communities are apartment complexes. Hillside Community houses upperclass and transfer students. Susquehanna Community provides a quiet environment for graduate students, families, transfer students and undergraduate students.
Apartments in Hillside Community are arranged in three configurations: the four-bedroom and six-bedroom apartment, housing four and six students respectively in single bedrooms, and the six-bedroom apartment, accommodating eight students in four single bedrooms and two double bedrooms. Two configurations are also available in apartments in Susquehanna Community: a four-bedroom apartment, housing four students in single bedrooms, and a two-bedroom apartment, housing three students in a single and a double bedroom. Graduate and undergraduate students with families are accommodated in the two-bedroom apartments.
Each apartment in both communities contains a living/dining room, kitchen and private bathroom(s). Apartments are completely furnished (including utilities) and carpeted, and include an outlet for direct access to the campus computer network and campus cable TV system.
After their freshman year, many students choose to live in the communities surrounding the University. Off Campus College (OCC) is designed to serve students living off campus and to connect the University and nearby communities in mutually beneficial ways.
The OCC Office provides updated housing lists and other information to interested students who wish to live off campus.
Most OCC service and academic programs have significant involvement with community agencies and individuals. For example, the OCC Internship Program places student interns in approximately 130 organizations. The Volunteer Program unites hundreds of students with meaningful service projects in local community agencies. The OCC free legal clinics are staffed by a rotating panel of local lawyers.
OCC functions as a resource center for individuals with community- or University-based concerns and is especially interested in reaching students traditionally less involved in University life (local students living at home, for example). The open structure of OCC encourages wide student participation in all aspects of its operation.
Two bus systems serve the campus. Off Campus College Transport (OCCT) buses charge no fare; students need only show ID cards. Transportation for students on the public Broome County Transit buses is funded by a transportation fee; students may ride for free by showing their ID cards. In addition, OCCT operates a lift-equipped van to enable students with mobility impairments to commute to and from campus. Eligibility for this service is determined by the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Rules of Student Conduct and Procedures for Review of Student Conduct, published annually as part of the Student Handbook, outlines University rules for student conduct, student rights and judicial procedures. Students are responsible for obtaining a copy of this document and knowing the contents. These rules and procedures seek to provide an environment in which the rights of all members of the community are protected.
Judicial discipline at Binghamton University is based on Rules of Student Conduct and Procedures for Review of Student Conduct.
The judicial process focuses on student development by encouraging responsibility and by fostering a respect for the rights of all University community members. The University judicial system has two main objectives: to hold students accountable for inappropriate behavior as described in Rules of Student Conduct and Procedures for Review of Student Conduct, and to modify those behaviors in order to maintain a safe environment conducive to living and learning.
The Office of Judicial Affairs, located in College-in-the-Woods 3B, acts as an information source on the judicial process, hearings, board membership, training, judicial review and University rules and expectations.
The University Union is the focus of many social, cultural and recreational activities for students, faculty and staff. In addition to housing meeting and multipurpose rooms, the Union is the location of the Campus Activities, Orientation and University Union offices; Off Campus College; a billiards room, bowling lanes and a game room; a video shop; the campus grocery store; a candy store and newsstand; a food co-op; a dry cleaning service; the Susquehanna Room, the Kosher Kitchen and the Mini Mall (food services); the student radio station, WHRW-FM; BTV (the student TV station), and offices of many organizations such as pipe dream (the student newspaper) and the Student Association (student government).
The director of the University Union supervises the operation of the Union, assisted by students who work part time in the various shops and recreation areas.
The University Union is open throughout the calendar year, except for an occasional holiday when classes are not in regular session; hours of operation are posted at the main entrance.
The Student Association (SA), the undergraduate student government, represents the undergraduates to the University administration and provides a number of services for the student body.
A member of the United States Student Association and the Student Association of the State University, the SA is administered by elected executive officers and representatives of each of the residential areas and Off Campus College.
The SA, through its various committees, oversees the chartering of new student organizations, the disbursement of student activity fees, the planning of SA-sponsored campus events, and the operation of a variety of services. The SA appoints student representatives to University committees and promotes student involvement in all aspects of University life.
More than 170 student organizations flourish on campus, including journalistic, musical and cultural groups, political associations, community service organizations, and sports and special-interest clubs. The Office of Campus Activities and Orientation works in conjunction with the SA and its chartered organizations to plan and provide programming and leadership opportunities for students.
Cultural organizations represent a wide variety of student interests and concerns and present an enriching program of cultural events to the University community. Some of these organizations include the Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Association, Haitian Student Association, Hellenic Cultural Society, Hillel — The Jewish Student Union, Indian International Student Union, Indian Student Organization, Latin American Student Union, Organization for International Connections, Rainbow Pride Union and the Womyn’s Center.
Entertainment organizations, through the University Programming Board, plan many social, cultural and recreational programs for the campus. These events include movies, dances, lectures, popular concerts and the annual Spring Fling.
Fraternities and sororities. Social Greek-lettered organizations currently number 36, making up approximately 10 percent of the student population. Five governing councils oversee the operations of the constituency members. Currently the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) governs 13 nationally affiliated fraternities and one local fraternity; the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) governs six nationally affiliated sororities; the Latino Greek Council (LGC) governs three fraternities and four sororities focusing on service to the Latin community; the Asian Greek Council governs two sororities and two fraternities focusing on the Asian community; and the National PanHellenic Council (NPHC) governs two nationally affiliated fraternities and three nationally affiliated sororities that historically have assisted the African American community. Overseeing and setting policy for the social fraternities and sororities is the Greek Board of Directors, composed of the council presidents, faculty and administration.
Religious interests are expressed through such groups as BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), Hillel — The Jewish Student Union, the Muslim Student Association and the Newman Association.
Sports clubs. Intercollegiate club-level sports competition includes lacrosse, rugby, golf and riding. Other sports clubs such as the Binghamton University Bowling Club, Crew Team and Ski Team also enjoy a full schedule of competition and skill development.
Musical organizations include chamber music ensembles,
Collegium Musicum, Harpur College Chorale, Harpur Jazz Ensemble, Renaissance
Consort, the University Chorus, University Symphony Orchestra and the Wind
Ensemble. In addition, students may audition for the Bingham-
ton Crosbys, Binghamtonics, Harpur Harpeggios, Rhythm Method and Gospel Choir.
Campus media include pipe dream, the twice-weekly newspaper written and edited by students. OFF! is a publication regularly produced by Off Campus College. The Ring, a literary magazine, features original writings and drawings done in and outside of class. The yearbook, Pegasus, is produced by editors from the student body. The Helm annually publishes outstanding student research from various academic areas. Experimental Media Organization distributes a variety of publications concerned with world issues. Binghamton Review is an alternative, conservative newspaper. WHRW-FM, the student-run campus radio station, broadcasts music, public affairs and news to the campus and the Southern Tier seven days a week. BTV presents a variety of programs through the campus cable system.
Special service organizations include the Association for Disabled Individuals; Students for a Barrier-Free Campus; ESCAPE, a group that arranges transportation to the New York City area for weekends and holidays; High Hopes, a peer counseling call-in service; the Womyn’s Center; SADD, alcohol and other drug prevention and education programs; the New York Public Interest Research Group; Harpur’s Ferry, a volunteer ambulance service; and Off Campus College Transport, a student-operated bus service.
The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) represents graduate students and their concerns to the administration. It also disburses the graduate student activity fee and produces the GSO Voice, a newspaper with news of special interest to graduate students.
The GSO executive board is composed of an elected president, vice president and treasurer, and an appointed assistant to the president. Elected senators (at least one per department), one non-voting representative from Susquehanna Community, and one non-voting representative from each GSO-sponsored non-departmental sub-organization comprise the Senate. Senate meetings are generally held biweekly and are open to all graduate students. The GSO is responsible for committee openings and the various appointments of graduate students made throughout the year to ad hoc and standing committees of the University.
In addition to addressing graduate student issues and concerns with University administrators, the GSO provides various services for graduate students. These include discounted photocopying and coffee, a cooperative child-care register, a register of persons offering thesis/dissertation typing and a newsletter announcing events of particular interest to graduate students. GSO sub-organizations sponsor speakers, conferences, cultural events, parties and other opportunities for graduate students to increase their knowledge and meet others with similar interests. The GSO holds an annual orientation "bash" in the fall semester. There is also a graduate student lounge available for quiet study and meetings.
Graduate Student Conference, Travel and Research Fund (GSCTRF). Created by GSO, the Alumni Association and the Binghamton University Foundation, GSCTRF awards funding for individual and group travel for conferences that provide recognition to the University, the program, the department or school and the individual participants. Major emphasis is on travel and related expenses for conferences in which the individual is an invited participant.
Funds are also provided for research requests approved by the GSCTRF awards committee. Although funds cannot be used for typing or copying PhD dissertations, graduate students are encouraged to apply for grants to enhance their academic resources.
The entire campus community is encouraged to participate in the programs offered by the department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics. A wide assortment of opportunities is available, ranging from required and optional physical education classes to intramural and extramural activities, physical fitness, outdoor and leisure pursuits, and intercollegiate athletic competition.
The Office of Campus Recreation (OCR), at 607-777-2113, offers a multifaceted program that presents many opportunities for activity on and off campus for all Binghamton University students, faculty and staff. Open recreation programming hours are offered in both the East and West gymnasia; hours for a given day are available by calling 607-777-PLAY. Indoor facilities include a swimming pool, walking/running track, racquetball/squash/handball courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and weight room. In addition, playing fields, outdoor tennis courts and an outdoor track facility are available for informal and organized play.
FitSpace, a state-of-the-art fee-based fitness facility, offers cardio-fitness equipment, free-weight equipment and a staff of personal trainers. FitSpace offers the campus community a bright, 4,000-square-foot air-conditioned facility with mirrored acoustical walls.
Other OCR programming includes the intramural (IM) program, involving more than one-third of the student body annually, which offers a wide variety of activities in which socialization and healthy exercise are combined. Activities include individual, team and co-ed divisions. The club sports program offers Binghamton students leadership, competitive and recreational opportunities in sports and activities that are played at a higher competitive level than IM competition offers. The Binghamton Outdoor Pursuits program offers the University community a year-’round calendar of events (credit and non-credit courses available) that provide education about the natural environment as well as physical and personal skill development. The range of courses includes white water rafting, kayaking, backpacking, hiking and bicycling (including mountain biking). The Wellness Program designs and implements seminars, activities and newsletters that enhance mental and physical awareness of health. Seminars and programs cover a diverse range of activities and topics, including Tai Chi, yoga, aqua aerobics, wellness walking, blood pressure screening, imagery meditation, nutrition and student all-nighters.
The intercollegiate athletic program offers 19 varsity teams (10 men’s and nine women’s), and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, as well as in the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Effective with the start of the 2001-02 season, Binghamton University will compete as an NCAA Division I member institution. A highly successful and competitive program, varsity sports for men include baseball; basketball; cross country; golf; soccer; swimming and diving; tennis; track and field (indoor and outdoor); and wrestling. Binghamton’s nationally prominent women’s teams compete in basketball; cross country; soccer; softball; swimming and diving; tennis; track and field (indoor and outdoor); and volleyball. Additional opportunities to participate in the varsity program are available as student athletic trainers, managers and cheerleaders. All told, close to 500 Binghamton students have direct involvement with intercollegiate athletic teams each year, and are joined by thousands of supporters from the student body and the greater Binghamton community. As permitted by NCAA legislation, Binghamton University awards athletics financial aid, or scholarships. Scholarship funds are available in all 19 sports.
Intercollegiate athletic programs are conducted in accordance with the regulations of the NCAA and the New England Collegiate Conference; consequently, students who participate must meet the required academic and athletic eligibility standards. Binghamton has declared its intent to reclassify to Division I, and as such is in a two-year compliance period prior to acceptance as a Division I member. All prospective and continuing student athletes must meet academic and athletic standards established by the NCAA. Incoming students may obtain information about the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse from their high school guidance office. Questions involving eligibility should be directed to Binghamton’s NCAA compliance officer (607-777-6996) in the Intercollegiate Athletic Program.
Students must meet three basic criteria in order to be eligible both to practice and compete in intercollegiate athletics: 1) they must be matriculated; 2) they must be in good academic standing (Binghamton University defines "good academic standing" as maintaining a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 for all University courses taken for credit); and 3) they must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Additionally, students must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. That is, students must pass 24 credit hours from the beginning of one fall semester to the beginning of the next fall semester. Note that only six credit hours taken during the summer may be used toward the 24 credit-hour total. A student may also be considered to be making satisfactory progress by passing an average of 12 credits for every regular (fall or spring) semester of attendance. "Satisfactory progress toward a degree" also includes the provision that 25 percent of degree requirements be met by the beginning of the third year of enrollment, 50 percent by the beginning of the fourth year and 75 percent by the beginning of the fifth year.
This certification of degree requirements applies to both transfer and continuing student-athletes.
Students engaged in intercollegiate athletics, by the time they enter their fifth semester of full-time attendance, must declare a specific major or majors, and all courses considered in the computation of satisfactory progress must be counted toward a baccalaureate degree in the major.
Incoming freshmen and some transfer students must be cleared for practice and competition by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Undergraduates in each of the schools rely on their academic advising office for curricular information.
Advice concerning majors or programs is obtained in Harpur College through departmental advising, and in each of the professional schools through the respective advising offices.
Academic advising for graduate students is conducted through the programs, departments and schools in which they are registered.
The Career Development Center (CDC) assists graduate and undergraduate students throughout their years on campus and later as Binghamton alumni. Students are encouraged to visit the CDC early to make full use of services. Additional information about CDC services can be found on their web site home page, which provides "point-and-click" access to career-related sites on the Internet.
The Career Resource Area, with its on-line catalog, "Alchemy," provides an extensive collection of reference materials about different careers, summer and internship opportunities, graduate school options, job search skills, employers and professional vacancies. Numerous CDC publications regarding career exploration, internships, applying to graduate school, and job search skills are provided. Binghamton students serving as CDC peer assistants provide a welcoming environment and introduction to the center.
In cooperation with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, CDC provides access to the Alumni Career Network, a group of Binghamton University alumni eager to speak with current students about their professional lives. Each year the CDC hosts several hundred employers, as well as graduate and professional school admissions representatives, visiting the campus to meet Binghamton students. Degree candidates seeking full-time employment are encouraged to join eRecruiting for Web-based vacancy information.
Visit the Career Development Center website (http://cdc.binghamton.edu) for detailed information about CDC services and special events such as Career Day, the Graduate School Fair, Nursing Forum, Law Day and the Employer Fair.
The University Counseling Center’s mission is to assist in the University’s dedication to enhancing the psychological and personal development of students. The center provides individual and group psychotherapy, referral services, consultations and psycho-educational programs. Consultations are also provided to those concerned about a student’s well-being.
The goals of the UCC are to help students integrate their college experiences and to cope with the stresses that are inherent in a diverse institution of excellence. Services are free and confidential. See the UCC website at http://counseling.binghamton.edu/index.htm for self-help guides and up-to-date information on available services.
All full-time students (12 or more credits) must have a completed health history and physical examination form on file to maintain their enrollment at the University. New students submit their completed forms at the time of admission. Transfers may submit copies of their health forms from their former schools, providing they contain all the information required by Binghamton University Health Service. The health form is due at the Health Service no later than the fifth Friday after classes begin, in the student’s first semester of full-time status or readmission.
All students born since Jan. 1, 1957, are required to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. This is a New York State Public Health Law and a condition of registration. Questions can be directed to the Health Service.
The Health Service regularly presents programs on important health issues to student groups and in the residential areas. In addition, its clinic, located in the Health Service building, is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m., when classes are in session; summer and holiday hours vary. Students must show validated ID cards on each visit to the Health Service. The clinic is staffed by physicians, including a part-time psychiatrist, nurse practitioners, registered professional nurses, health educators and an alcohol/drug counselor. Students with medical problems or concerns see staff nurses on a walk-in basis, with referrals to Health Service physicians or nurse practitioners as needed. The University Health Service does not have an inpatient (overnight) service. Emergency medical care is provided by a student-run ambulance service 24 hours per day, seven days each week in the academic year.
Office visits are prepaid by the health fee; no office charge
is incurred at the time of the visit. The health fee also makes medication and
common medical supplies available at no cost when ordered by Health Service
medical staff. However, students
are responsible for discounted costs of most laboratory tests and any off-campus
referrals.
The University Health Service does not routinely issue medical excuses for missed classes, exams, papers and other academic assignments. Students are encouraged to make individual arrangements with their instructors when illness interferes with coursework. Students may sign release-of-information forms to allow Health Service staff to discuss their medical problems with their instructors, should the instructor choose to phone the clinic.
All student health records are confidential, and no information is released to anyone without the signed authorization of the student to do so.
Students sometimes have medical problems or accidents requiring care that is not provided at the Health Service Clinic. Care in the community is often very costly, and for this reason all students are strongly advised to carry adequate insurance. A basic student health insurance policy, with a private insurance carrier, may be purchased at low cost on campus. Information is available at the Health Service.
Web-based information about the Student Health Service is available at http://health.binghamton.edu.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the more than 800 international students and scholars on campus. Services include processing of required Immigration and Naturalization Service documents; assistance with immigration regulations governing enrollment, employment and travel; administering the mandatory health and accident insurance program; and editing a weekly electronic newsletter, which provides important and timely information on a variety of topics. The office conducts an orientation program for all new international students, coordinates a variety of cross-cultural programs, manages an international alumni network and acts as liaison between students and other University offices, student groups, and U.S. and foreign government agencies.
International students on non-immigrant visas are required to visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services when they arrive on campus, and are encouraged to maintain close contact with the office throughout the year.
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) offers a wide range of assistance to Binghamton University students with physical, learning or other disabilities. Key services include supportive counseling, consultation, advocacy for reasonable accommodation, academic support services, access to an adapted computer lab, the loan of specialized equipment, and eligibility determination for campus disability parking.
The University’s academic buildings are equipped with automatic doors, and various accessible on-campus housing options are available through Residential Life. The Bartle Library and the University’s computing facilities offer access to technology adapted for use by students with various disabilities, and the Anderson Center for the Arts provides assistive listening devices for patrons with hearing impairments. Off Campus College Transport operates wheelchair-accessible transportation to and from campus, and disability parking is available at strategic locations throughout the campus.
For further information or assistance, call the office or write to: Services for Students with Disabilities, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, or visit the web-site at http://www.binghamton.edu/ssd/index.htm.
The University welcomes veterans. The Admissions Office recognizes the maturity of veterans as a positive factor and is sensitive to the impact that extenuating circumstances can have upon academic records. For these reasons, admission criteria for veterans often vary from those used for other applicants. Each veteran is urged to submit, as part of the application, a personal statement on his or her behalf, which the Admissions Office will consider carefully as the admission decision is made.
Enrolled students may be eligible for educational benefits from the Veterans Administration under Chapter 30 — Montgomery GI Bill; Chapter 31 — Vocational Rehabilitation; Chapter 32 — Veterans Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 35 — Survivors/Dependents; or Chapter 106 — Selected Reserves.
Upon acceptance to the University and prior to each semester of attendance, veterans who are enrolling should contact the TRIO/Veterans Office in order to complete and submit the appropriate forms relating to their benefits.
The Campus Pre-School and Early Childhood Center offers full- and half-day programs for children from 18 months of age through kindergarten. It is open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri., for child care. Additionally, the center provides evening drop-in care for children of undergraduate students and other children as space permits. The center is staffed with dedicated professionals who offer developmentally appropriate opportunities to advance perceptual skills, large and small motor coordination, science and nature study, socialization, art, music and movement in a nurturing classroom atmosphere. Children are encouraged to develop independence and celebrate the joy of discovery in a safe, stimulating environment.
Through the cooperation of local clergy and Student Association-chartered organizations, religious advisers provide group and individual religious counseling for students on campus.
In addition, students are welcome to attend the services and join the congregations of the many local churches and synagogues.
The Religious Advisers’ Office is located in the University Union, room 218 (second floor, south wing), 607-777-2262.
The Binghamton University Alumni Association Inc. represents more than 73,000 alumni of the University. The association exists to promote and coordinate alumni support with the purpose of strengthening the high-quality academic, research and public service programs of the University. The association involves graduates in the life of the University through a wide variety of programs. Binghamton Alumni Journal is the major communication link with alumni. Regional clubs across the country, special interest groups such as the Organization of Black and Hispanic Alumni, and alumni clubs affiliated with each of the five schools help to bring the University home to graduates. Alumni volunteers assist in fundraising, career development activities with students, recruitment, internships and legislative relations.
Alumni share their expertise and experiences with students in a variety of ways. Panels of alumni discuss various career options with students and participate in Career Day on campus and the Metro Career Fair in New York City, where students learn firsthand from alumni about various occupations. Alumni visiting campus speak to classes and hold lectures for students throughout the year. The Alumni Career Network provides students with a computer database of 1,300 alumni across the country willing to share career advice, and these contacts are a great asset in developing professional career goals. Alumni are proud advocates for the University and look forward to interacting with undergraduates throughout their stay at Binghamton University.
The Alumni Association promotes an alumni affinity credit card with MBNA Bank for students and alumni. Each time the card is used, it not only demonstrates pride in Binghamton University; additionally revenue is returned to the Alumni Association to help defray the costs of student and alumni programs.
The Alumni and Parent Relations Office links the University with the Alumni Association and with some 12,000 parents. The office sponsors a Family Weekend each fall and publishes the Parents’ Handbook provided to parents of new students during Orientation.