Binghamton University, the State University of New York, is one of this country’s distinguished public research universities and is known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs.
One of the four University Centers of the State University of New York, Binghamton University offers academic programs leading to the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Binghamton’s undergraduate and graduate programs are complementary, drawing upon nationally recognized faculty to create an outstanding academic experience for students at all levels.
A continuing commitment to the liberal arts forms the basis for undergraduate instruction in the arts and sciences and in the professional programs of nursing, engineering, management and education. Graduate education and research emphasize scholarly depth within the disciplines and among Binghamton’s unique interdisciplinary perspectives.
Binghamton University attracts an exceptionally talented student population and challenges academically motivated students to work to their fullest intellectual capacities. In all of its programs, the University seeks to enhance the self-development of students so that they will become informed and effective participants in public affairs and in all of their subsequent educational and vocational pursuits. To that end, Binghamton provides a challenging and supportive living and learning environment that encourages students’ active participation in residential life, in student organizations, in recreational and athletic programs, and in cultural and social events.
As a public institution of higher education, Binghamton recognizes its responsibility to build a multicultural campus community that 1) encourages access to and full participation in all aspects of University life and 2) reflects in its constituencies the broader society of which the University is a part.
In fall 1999, 9,872 undergraduates were enrolled at Binghamton University, of whom 5,251 were women and 4,621 were men. Graduate enrollments totaled 2,692: 1,351 men and 1,341 women.
During the 1999-2000 academic year, full-time teaching faculty members numbered 510, of whom 92 percent held the PhD or the appropriate terminal degree in their fields. Both graduates and undergraduates are taught by a single faculty whose members are committed to teaching, advising and working closely with students.
The institution dates from 1946, when Triple Cities College opened in Endicott, N.Y., five miles west of the present campus, as a branch of Syracuse University. When the college was incorporated into the State University of New York four years later, it was renamed Harpur College in honor of Robert Harpur, a Colonial teacher, patriot and pioneer, who devoted his later years to settling the area around Binghamton.
Until 1953, Harpur College was one of only two public liberal arts colleges in the state. In 1961 the campus was moved across the Susquehanna River to Vestal. Growing enrollments and a reputation for excellence soon led to the selection of Harpur College as one of four doctorate-granting university centers in the state system. In 1965 the campus was formally designated the State University of New York at Binghamton.
Harpur College retained its identity as the undergraduate liberal arts and sciences component of the University, and it became the nucleus of an evolving complex of graduate, research and professional programs. Binghamton University’s professional schools now include Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management and Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Binghamton is centrally located in New York, 50 miles from Ithaca, 70 miles from Syracuse and about 200 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia. Routes I-81, I-88 and NY 17 converge near the city. The campus is set on a wooded hillside near the Susquehanna River, one mile west of Binghamton.
Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City comprise the Triple Cities, an urban metropolitan area that offers a sophisticated cultural life along with easily accessible outdoor recreational opportunities. Major employers are IBM, Martin Marietta, Hughes Training Inc./Link Division, United Health Services, Universal Instruments and the University itself.
Binghamton’s modern campus is compactly designed, well maintained and noted for its scenic setting. The campus is arranged in an irregular oval, with residential colleges on the periphery and classroom buildings in the center. There are about 100 buildings, all built since 1958.
The science laboratories are well equipped and allow students to practice state-of-the-art experimental techniques in their courses and research projects. Extensive and up-to-date computer support is readily available for research and instruction at every level.
Facilities for fine and performing arts are exceptional. In addition to several theaters and recital halls for the performing arts, there are music listening and practice rooms, dance studios, and art, sculpture, printing and graphic arts facilities, including a bronze-casting foundry. The Theatre and Music departments present scores of plays and concerts. The University Art Museum has a permanent collection of art representing all periods, and displays special loaned exhibitions as well as the works of University artists. The Anderson Center for the Arts offers a full schedule of concerts, dance performances and recitals by faculty, students and internationally acclaimed performers.
Extensive recreational and physical education opportunities are supported by two gymnasia, both with swimming pools and one with an indoor track. Outdoor facilities include playing fields, a track and numerous tennis courts. The University has strong intercollegiate teams in wrestling, track, basketball, tennis and soccer. Intramural sports, including Binghamton’s famous "co-rec football," are especially popular.
Binghamton’s wooded campus includes the Nature Preserve, a 190-acre forest and wetland area with a six-acre pond. This diverse natural habitat, containing many forms of plant and animal life, provides special study and leisure opportunities.
The campus takes pride in its modern library system with its on-line catalog and sophisticated bibliographic database services. The collection currently numbers more than three million bound volumes and microform, document and serial holdings, and grows at an annual rate of more than 100,000 total items. In addition to the main collection, housed in the Glenn G. Bartle and the Science libraries, there are the Fine Arts Library, the Max Reinhardt Archive of theater materials, the Conole Archive of Recorded Sound, a map library and a substantial rare book collection. All libraries have open-stack access to most volumes, study carrels and pleasant reading lounges.
The University supports a number of research and organized activities centers established to promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary sponsored research involving faculty and students. Here, exceptional undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to work side by side with post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars and senior faculty in high-level research and, not uncommonly, to publish the results of their findings.
The centers include the Center for Cognitive and Psycholinguistic Sciences; Center for Computing Technologies; Center for Developmental Psychobiology; Center for the Historical Study of Women and Gender; Center for Intelligent Systems; Center for Leadership Studies; Center for Learning and Teaching; Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies; Center for Research in Environmental Systems; Center for Research in Translation; Fernand Braudel Center for the Study of Economies, Historical Systems and Civilizations; Center on Democratic Performance; Roger L. Kresge Center for Nursing Research; Institute for Biomedical Technology; Institute for Materials Research; Institute for Primary and Preventative Health Care; Institute of Global Cultural Studies; Integrated Electronics Engineering Center; and Public Archaeology Facility.
The University Union is the focal point for most social and recreational activities on campus. It houses the offices of many of Binghamton’s student organizations, including the Student Association (undergraduate student government), radio station WHRW-FM, television station BTV and student publications. Other facilities in the building are the Food Co-op, several dining areas, meeting rooms and lounges.
Binghamton University is registered by the Education Department of the State of New York and is approved to grant the degrees listed under "Academic Programs." It is accredited by and holds membership in the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Binghamton’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. All programs in the School of Management are accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business — International Association for Management Education. The University’s electrical engineering and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and its computer science program is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB). Programs are also accredited by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Schools of Music. Requests to review licensing and accreditation documents may be made through the Office of the President.
The campus has chartered chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, the Golden Key National Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honor society. There are, in addition, chapters of the following academic honor societies: Alpha Mu Alpha, marketing; Beta Alpha Psi, accounting; Beta Gamma Sigma, business; Gamma Kappa Alpha, Italian; Gamma Theta Upsilon, geography; Eta Kappa Nu, electrical engineering; Omicron Delta Epsilon, economics; Phi Alpha Theta, history; Phi Sigma Iota, Romance languages; Pi Sigma Alpha, political science; Pi Tau Sigma, mechanical engineering; Psi Chi, psychology; Sigma Delta Pi, Spanish; Sigma Pi Sigma, physics; Sigma Theta Tau, nursing; Tau Beta Pi, engineering; and Upsilon Pi Epsilon, computer science.
Undergraduate programs at Binghamton University are offered in Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Decker School of Nursing, School of Education and Human Development, School of Management and Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. All five schools also offer advanced degrees. All advanced degree programs are administered by the Graduate School.
Programs lead to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of music, bachelor of science, master of arts, master of arts in teaching, master of business administration, master of engineering, master of music, master of science, master of science in education, master of science in teaching, doctor of education and doctor of philosophy degrees.
At the 1999 Commencement ceremonies, degrees were awarded as follows: in Harpur College, 1,475 bachelor’s, 190 master’s and 69 PhD degrees; in the Decker School, 85 bachelor’s and 32 master’s degrees; in the School of Education and Human Development, 174 bachelor’s, 167 master’s and one EdD degree; in the School of Management, 415 bachelor’s, 104 master’s and five PhD degrees; and in the Watson School, 165 bachelor’s, 79 master’s and six PhD degrees.
Harpur is organized in three principal divisions: humanities (including fine arts), science and mathematics, and social sciences. All students select some courses in each division and meet college-wide requirements in expository writing.
Degree programs are offered in a broad range of traditional disciplines
as well as more innovative majors including Arabic,
biochemistry, cinema, classical studies, Judaic studies, medieval studies, and psychobiology. Under
graduates may also select from several interdisciplinary concentrations.
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The strength of the graduate programs in arts and sciences rests on the high quality of a faculty distinguished for its scholarship as well as its teaching. Graduate students typically learn in small seminars and prepare their work with close supervision from faculty members. Departments assign a faculty adviser to help new graduate students choose courses appropriate to their program and interests; as students progress through coursework toward research for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation, they have a mentor in their field of research.
As a selective university center, Binghamton has 16 doctoral programs in arts and sciences. In the humanities, students earn PhD degrees in art history, comparative literature, English and philosophy. In the social sciences, PhD degrees are awarded in anthropology, economics, history, political science and sociology. In science and mathematics, students pursue doctoral studies in biological sciences, chemistry, clinical psychology, experimental psychology, geological sciences, mathematical sciences and psychobiology. These doctoral programs help fulfill one of the University’s crucial missions: to prepare a professoriate ready to think through the problems of the future and to contribute creativity and invention in a variety of disciplines.
All of these programs offer master’s degrees as well, and many collaborate with the School of Education and Human Development to offer MAT and MST degrees for students who plan to teach at the secondary level. Some additional programs in arts and sciences offer graduate work leading only to the master’s degree: Geography provides three tracks of study leading to the MA; Music offers the MA and the MM; Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy offers the MA in theoretical physics and the MS in applied physics; Romance Languages and Literatures offers MA study of French, Spanish and Italian; Theatre offers the MA degree. Certificate programs, most often pursued in addition to a degree program, emphasize interdisciplinary study in various fields. Master’s-level study prepares students for professional practice in a variety of fields and encourages habits of reflection that lead some students to further study in the discipline.
The Decker School of Nursing offers programs leading to the bachelor of science degree with the major in nursing, the master of science with the major in nursing, a post-master’s certificate as preparation for the nurse practitioner role, and the PhD in nursing. The Decker School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing (CCNE) through June 30, 2009. The Decker School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The baccalaureate degree in nursing prepares graduates for first-level positions in professional nursing practice in hospitals, community health care agencies and other health care agencies. Decker School students receive this preparation in a four-year program consisting of a nursing major firmly grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates are eligible for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.
Baccalaureate students may be admitted as freshmen or as transfer students. Transfer students may also be admitted to the liberal arts curriculum of the University before entering the upper-division nursing curriculum. Registered nurse students are admitted as transfer students and may enroll in prerequisite courses before entering upper-division nursing coursework. An accelerated 12-month, three-semester option is offered to persons with an earned baccalaureate or higher degree in another field who wish to make a career change to professional nursing.
The Decker School’s master of science degree students complete a 48-credit nursing program, earning an MS in nursing that prepares them with advanced knowledge and clinical skills in family, community health or gerontological nursing. Students also select a functional-role emphasis: clinical nurse specialist, administrator, educator or nurse practitioner.
A post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate is available to students who already hold a master’s degree in nursing and who desire preparation as a nurse practitioner.
Students who hold a certificate as a nurse midwife and a baccalaureate degree in nursing may complete requirements for a master’s degree in nursing.
For students holding a master’s degree in nursing who wish to pursue advanced knowledge and skills in the nursing of rural populations, a doctoral degree in nursing with a focus on rural health is offered.
The School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) provides undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs to both traditional and non-traditional full-time and part-time students. The school offers undergraduate degrees in human development; a graduate program in interdisciplinary social sciences; a dual master’s degree with the social work program at the State University of New York at Albany; several master’s programs in education, most of which lead to teaching certification; a doctorate in educational theory and practice; and non-credit continuing education programs. Courses are offered at times appropriate for traditional students, as well as those serving internships in area schools and human service agencies.
The school’s programs are housed in three divisions: education, human development, and professional development and research. The translation of theory into practice and practice into theory undergirds the teaching, research, scholarly productivity and public service of each division.
The School of Management offers degree programs to almost 1,600 students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Undergraduates choose between bachelor of science degree programs in either management or accounting. At the graduate level, an MBA, an MS in accounting and a PhD degree are offered.
Both undergraduate programs offered by the School of Management stress breadth of educational experience combined with the specialization. They require liberal arts study at Harpur College, a sound foundation in basic management disciplines, and an awareness of the legal, environmental and societal factors that affect decision making in organizations. The two programs include prominent coverage of ethical and international issues and the use of computers as a decision-making tool. Students receive valuable pre-professional training as well as preparation for study in graduate or professional school.
The MBA program at Binghamton University is designed to meet the needs of today’s managers who are continually challenged by the dynamic changes occurring in the corporate, public and nonprofit sectors. The MBA program, in addition to offering training and background in the traditional functional areas of business administration, emphasizes interdisciplinary decision making, teamwork, internationalization and social responsibility.
The MS in accounting prepares students for work in the areas of public accounting and management accounting. Like the BS in accounting, the MS program satisfies the educational requirements for certified public accountants.
The school’s PhD program offers concentrations in accounting, finance, marketing, operations/production management and organizational behavior/human resources. Students can pursue an interest in management information systems by designing an interdisciplinary program with one of the concentration areas or through a joint information systems program with the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science.
The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science consists of the departments of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Science and Industrial Engineering. The Division of Engineering Design is responsible for the freshman- and sophomore-year engineering program, which is common to all engineering majors. The school is housed in a 121,000-square-foot building designed and equipped specifically for studies in engineering and computer science.
The Watson School offers bachelor of science degrees in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial and systems engineering.
Graduate students may pursue the master of science (MS) in computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering or systems science, or the master of engineering (MEng) degree, which is a practice-oriented graduate degree. The school offers the doctor of philosophy in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems science (with an optional specialization in manufacturing systems).
The Watson School’s undergraduate programs combine a strong theoretical base with extensive practical application through laboratory and design projects as well as some internships. Modern computer facilities support these programs. Students are encouraged to obtain technical experience in local industry during the summer.
The graduate program, which has many evening courses to accommodate professionals from local industry, provides strong research opportunities in the areas of electronics packaging, computing technologies and intelligent systems. There are also strong practice-oriented opportunities in the master of engineering (MEng) program, which culminates in a graduate-level project.
Students may pursue graduate degrees on campus or via EngiNet, the distance-learning component of the Watson School.
The Graduate School administers all advanced degree programs offered in Harpur College, the Decker School of Nursing, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Management and the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The Graduate School prepares students for scholarly study, advanced research, teaching and professional leadership.
The Graduate School was formally established by the faculty in 1975 and is under the administration of the dean of the Graduate School. The faculty of the Graduate School comprises all full professors, associate professors and assistant professors in departments and schools offering instructional programs leading to advanced degrees. The governing body of the Graduate School is the Graduate Council.
The Summer Session is composed of three terms within a 10-week period (Term I, late May-June; Term II, July-August; Term III, variable dates) during which a wide variety of courses is scheduled in most upper- and lower-division areas of the University curriculum. A Summer Session website and Bulletin list and describe the courses to be offered. Students may earn up to 16 hours of academic credit (a maximum of eight credits in Term I and maximum of eight credits in Term II, excluding physical education credits). They are eligible to apply for the Tuition Assistance Program if they are matriculated, enrolled in at least six credit hours and are New York state residents. Students may also apply for a Federal Direct Loan if they are registered at least half time. The director of Continuing Education and Summer Programs (located in the Public Service Programs Center) coordinates and administers Summer Session. The SEHD academic advising office is the central advising service for non-matriculated undergraduates enrolled in summer coursework.
Efforts are made to provide Binghamton students and their instructors with opportunities to learn through study, research and service in cooperation with other educational institutions. These include overseas study programs; five-year programs with schools of engineering; and intercampus doctoral exchange with the university centers at Albany, Buffalo and Stony Brook; the City University of New York; and the College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The University is also a member of the National Student Exchange.
The University Libraries are a member of the Research Libraries Group and the Center for Research Libraries, non-profit organizations operated and maintained by member institutions to increase the library and research materials available to their readers.
Computing Services provides additional computing services to other campuses and community colleges in the SUNY system.
Binghamton University encourages students to study abroad as valuable preparation for an increasingly interdependent world. The programs provide opportunities to live and learn in societies around the world. Semester, academic year, summer or intersession options may be selected. Many disciplines are represented and study in the major is normally possible and encouraged. Graduate study may be possible at some sites.
Binghamton University currently sponsors the following study-abroad programs:
Perth, Australia. Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, offers access to a wide range of subjects with distinguished programs in biological and environmental sciences, Asian studies, physical sciences, mathematics and communication studies. The university is noted for its outstanding student services, friendly and relaxed environment and beautiful natural surroundings.
Graz, Austria. The Karl-Franzens-Universität in Graz is the affiliate for this fall semester program. A full academic program consists of three specially arranged courses for SUNY students and additional courses chosen by the student from the regular offerings of the Graz host institution. All instruction is in German. Tutorials and additional instruction in German are provided as needed. Students in the program may continue their studies at Graz during the spring semester. The program is open to students in all disciplines who have taken at least two years of German. This program is based in the Department of German, Russian and East Asian Languages.
Belize Internships. Pre-professional internships in the fields of public policy, health, communications, environmental studies, small business development and social services take place fall and spring semesters in the Central American country of Belize. The internships deal with various facets of political, economic and social development in the context of the cultural pluralism that is traditional in Belize. English is the official language, but Creole and Spanish are widely spoken as well. Students live with Belizean families. This program is cosponsored with the State University of New York College at Cortland.
Bath, England. The School of Management offers a semester program through the University of Bath’s management school. Students select management courses and electives on the topics of Britain and the European Union. Bath is located in Western England, less than two hours from London. Participants live on campus and have access to all student activities.
British Healthcare System Study Tour. Differences and similarities between the British and American healthcare systems are examined in this study tour to England and Scotland, sponsored by the Decker School of Nursing. The program begins with visits to a variety of British healthcare agencies in London and moves on to Edinburgh, Scotland. The program takes place in May immediately following the end of the spring semester.
Lancaster, England. Lancaster University offers courses in health sciences, biology, chemistry and physics that coordinate well with Binghamton’s counterpart programs. Highly regarded programs in women’s studies, the social sciences and creative writing are also popular. Lancaster University is located in the picturesque city of Lancaster at the gateway to the spectacular Lake Country, equidistant between Edinburgh and London. Participants are fully integrated into student life and have access to a wide range of university courses.
London, England. The London program takes place at the Florida State University London Center in the Bloomsbury section of London. Usually two Binghamton University English department professors accompany the participants and offer several courses in literature and theater. Additional courses in history and art history are offered by British faculty. An internship program is also available. The program is open to all students with at least sophomore standing, whether or not they are English majors. This program is based in the Department of English, General Literature and Rhetoric.
A second program takes place at the London School of Economics (LSE). The LSE invites students from around the world to spend a year in its General Course program. Binghamton University nominates its candidates each November. Participants enroll in regular LSE courses in economics, history, international relations, management, political science, psychology and sociology. Students live in LSE residence halls and participate in all university activities.
Norwich, England. The Philosophy, Politics and Law in Britain program focuses on European thought and its impact on legal, political and social institutions in Britain. The distinguished School of Economics and Social Studies at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is host. UEA is located in the city of Norwich, two hours north of London. Program participants take courses with British and other European students, live in university residence halls and are included in all university activities. Students in any major with interests in history, economics, philosophy or politics may wish to consider this option.
Nottingham, England. The School of Management sponsors semester study abroad at the University of Nottingham, encouraging students to select management courses and courses about the European Union and Britain. Nottingham is a lively city in northern England. Students live on campus and have access to all student activities. This program is cosponsored with the University at Albany.
Paris, France. Students follow the curriculum of the Cours de Civilisation Française at the University of Paris (Sorbonne). All classes are taught in French and are planned specifically for the needs of non-native speakers. Topics include French language, literature, art history and politics. The program welcomes students in all majors with at least the equivalent of the first two years of college-level French.
Leipzig, Germany. Students participate in an exchange program with the University of Leipzig by directly enrolling in regular university courses. A wide selection of courses is available in the humanities, social sciences and sciences, with programs in communications and business administration that may be of particular interest. Semester or academic year participation is possible for students with three years of college-level German or the equivalent.
Northern Ireland. An exchange program with the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland allows students to take regular university courses at any one of four University of Ulster campuses. Courses in a wide array of disciplines are available in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and management. Special programs in peace and conflict resolution and Irish studies are of particular interest. Semester or academic year options are most appropriate for juniors and seniors in any major.
Trento, Italy. The University of Trento in Northern Italy hosts Binghamton students who are directly enrolled in regular university courses in the humanities and social sciences. Italian language courses are also available. Participants require a strong foundation in Italian for most courses. Those interested in the curriculum of the Trento English department may participate with less Italian.
Ifrane, Morocco. Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI)
is an English-speaking university offering courses in the humanities, social
sciences, management and computer science. An Arabic language program and
courses about the Middle East and North Africa are special features of the
program. AUI is located in the magnificent Atlas Mountains and is easily
accessible
to Morocco’s imperial cities. Students live in residence halls with Moroccan
students on a modern campus. During the summer an intensive Arabic language
program is available.
LACAS Field Study. The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program sponsors field research opportunities in several sites outside the United States. Participants must complete the LACAS field research seminar and have a functioning knowledge of the language of the host country. Individual projects are designed in consultation with a LACAS faculty member. Students normally spend one semester abroad.
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Winter intersession in Puerto Rico is the culmination of a fall semester course, Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Education and Human Development in Puerto Rico. School of Education and Human Development faculty and guest lecturers prepare students to complete an ethnographic field research project in Puerto Rico in education or human development. English is the language of instruction, but students who know Spanish have ample opportunity to use it.
Edinburgh, Scotland. Students in any major participate in an exchange program or study abroad at the University of Edinburgh by directly enrolling in regular university courses in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. This program is most appropriate for academic year study during the junior or senior year. The School of Management also offers an exchange program through the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Business Studies.
Dakar, Senegal. The School of Education and Human Development’s course Cross Cultural Perspectives in Education and Human Development focuses on Senegal during the spring semester. In May, students travel to Dakar and are hosted by Cheikh Anta Diop University for two weeks. Participants complete ethnographic field research projects and travel to sites of cultural and historic significance in the Dakar area.
Istanbul, Turkey. Binghamton University’s exchange program with Bosphorus University in Istanbul, Turkey, offers an opportunity to explore a fascinating and important world region, where Europe and the Middle East meet. Students enroll in one of Turkey’s leading institutions, taking regular university courses, living with Turkish students and participating in university activities. All instruction is in English. Semester, academic year and summer options are available. Courses on international relations, global topics, the Middle East and Europe are of particular interest.
Binghamton students may also study abroad on programs sponsored by other campuses of the State University of New York. Programs are available in most world regions: Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Oceania. Credit earned through coursework in other SUNY programs counts as SUNY credits and is transferable to Binghamton. Students in such programs are required to register and pay full tuition at Binghamton for the period of study spent abroad.
Students are urged to begin planning for a study-abroad experience as early as possible, ideally in the freshman year. Study abroad may fulfill requirements for the international studies certificate program (see below) or for international concentrations in some majors. For further information, contact the Office of International Programs (OIP), Nelson A. Rockefeller Center, G-1.
Students desiring to complete a certificate in international studies may obtain information and the application form from the coordinator in the Office of Inter-national Programs, Nelson A. Rockefeller Center, G-1.
The requirements are as follows:
1. Foreign Language: Eight credits of foreign language at the intermediate level or higher. As an alternative, proven advanced oral and written proficiency in a language other than English (as determined by a proficiency exam with approval of the coordinator) and one course (four credits) in language, literature or culture, taken in residency at Binghamton University.
2. International Focus Distribution Courses (non-language skills): Eight credits in multicultural disciplinary areas, selected in consultation with the coordinator. For language majors, these courses must be outside the major.
3. Experiential Learning: A minimum of six weeks of either (1) university-level study abroad or (2) a work internship (in the U.S. or abroad and with the approval of the coordinator) in a setting where knowledge of a second language in addition to the student’s first language is useful and/or cross-cultural skills are essential.
4. Independent Study: One credit. The candidate must submit a personal statement (five to eight pages minimum) reflecting upon the significance of the student’s certificate experience. The independent study supervisor is either the international studies certificate program coordinator, the ISCP adviser from the respective school or a faculty sponsor from the student’s major or concentration.
Binghamton University’s Languages Across the Curriculum (LxC) Program provides unique opportunities for students to apply and enhance their skills in languages other than English in courses outside of the language departments. The primary premise of the LxC program is that foreign languages should be actively used throughout the University and that their use should be linked to the disciplinary interests of students.
Since 1991, LxC has supported undergraduate courses in all three divisions of Harpur College and graduate and undergraduate courses in the international business and accounting programs of the School of Management. Supported languages in one or more of these courses have included Cantonese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Students may contact the Languages Across the Curriculum office to request a list of courses offering an LxC option. The list of LxC-supported courses is also posted on the program’s website at http://lxc.binghamton.edu/.
Faculty who choose to offer LxC options to their students design their courses in such a way that LxC assignments can replace a certain percentage of regular assignments or serve as the basis of a group presentation or paper. Language resource specialists, who are selected for their linguistic background and disciplinary expertise, prepare LxC assignments utilizing non-English resource materials. The language resource specialists lead study groups in which they help participating students understand the foreign-language materials and relate them to the course content.
The extent to which the designated language is spoken in a Languages Across the Curriculum study group is based entirely on the proficiency levels of the students participating in the group. LxC study groups meet for one hour per week for 10 weeks, outside of regular class or discussion section meetings. Except for the weekly study group meeting, the workload for students participating in LxC is normally the same as the workload for non-participating students. Students who choose to participate in LxC in an LxC-supported course receive a zero-credit transcript entry indicating the language and course of their completed study-group participation.
Experiential education is learning by doing. It provides an environment in which students may put theory into practice. Many forms of experiential education are offered at Binghamton University, such as internships, volunteerism, field work, projects, laboratory or clinical experience, studio experience, simulations and student teaching.
Experience prior to graduation helps students develop skills, explore career options, develop contacts, enhance a résumé, gain experience and test their interests.
A number of different areas on campus offer information about experiential education opportunities, including the Career Development Center (credit and non-credit internships, experiential opportunities, volunteer opportunities, international experiences and summer opportunities), Off Campus College (credit-bearing internships, summer internships, and volunteer and community service opportunities), the Office of International Programs (study-abroad opportunities) and individual departments. Many departments offer experiential opportunities, such as for-credit internships.
For more information, contact the experiential education coordinator in the Career Development Center at 607-777-2400.
The University Library System comprises several units, each dedicated to the common goal of meeting the diverse information needs of the University community. These libraries are:
two collegiate libraries in Hinman and Newing residential colleges with attractive study spaces.
The total collections include:
| Bound volumes | 1,669,220 | |
| Documents | 398,855 | pieces |
| Microforms | 1,698,029 | units |
| Sound recordings | 116,068 | |
| Maps | 123,354 | |
| Serial subscriptions | 7,201 |
Access to the collections is provided by ELIXIR, a computerized catalog and circulation system with terminals in each building. ELIXIR is also available to students and campus offices through the University's computer network and to off-campus workstations via modem.
The libraries' collections are supplemented by memberships in several resource-sharing consortia, including the Research Libraries Group, the Center for Research Libraries, and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. Such partnerships, carefully integrated to the borrowing services traditionally provided through the interlibrary loan office, greatly expand the range of materials available for scholarship and research.
The libraries are committed to providing access to the constantly increasing amount of information available in electronic formats. These include a broad range of CD-ROM databases, the wealth of resources and services available via the Internet, and other resources accessible through the library information system, such as journal and newspaper indexes, directories, and full-text and numeric databases.
Highly qualified librarians, with specific expertise in reference, instruction and subject disciplines, are available to assist students and faculty in using this wide range of electronic and printed resources. Point-of-use instruction at the reference desks, library instruction seminars and classes, and individual consultations provide orientation to library services, collections, and information technologies.
Faculty and professional staff, Clinical Campus faculty, emeritus/emerita faculty, and Management Confidential, University Council, volunteers: Limit of 100 items at any one time. Books, microforms, and government documents may be borrowed with a June due date. Bound periodicals may be circulated for three days; current periodicals are due at 5 p.m. the day borrowed.
PhD students: Limit of 100 items at any one time. Books, microforms, and government documents may be borrowed with a June due date. PhD students only, who have passed PhD qualifying examinations and applied for extended library privileges may borrow bound periodicals for a three-day loan period; current issues are available for in-library use.
Graduate students: Limit of 100 items at any one time. Books, microforms, and government documents may be borrowed for a eight-week loan period. Bound and current periodicals are available for in-library use.
Undergraduate students, adult learners, University staff, Sodexho Marriott and Barnes & Noble employees, Campus Pre-School and Early Childhood Center staff: Limit of 50 items at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for a four-week loan period. Bound and current periodicals are available for in-library use.
Local citizens: New York State residents living within a 50-mile radius of the campus may apply for borrowing privileges. Verification of social security number and home address is required. A $10 annual processing fee is assessed. There is a limit of three books at any one time. Books may be borrowed for a four-week loan period.
Alumni: Binghamton University alumni are eligible for borrowing privileges. Verification of Social Security number and home address is required. A limit of three books may be on loan (borrowed) at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for a four-week loan period.
SUNY/CUNY Open Access (including Clinical Campus students, Empire State College students and University in the High Schools Program students): Any current faculty, staff or student member of a SUNY or CUNY institution or participating community college is entitled to borrowing privileges upon presentation of a validated SUNY or CUNY ID card. A limit of 50 items may be on loan (borrowed) at any one time. Books, microforms and government documents may be borrowed for a four-week loan period. SUNY/CUNY Open Access students have reserve borrowing privileges. Delinquencies will be reported to the home institution library.
For other categories of Courtesy Borrowers, consult the Bartle Library circulation desk staff.
Damaged or vandalized library materials are of increasing concern. If the library staff determines that damage of returned materials has resulted from patron neglect or abuse, replacement or rebinding costs will be assessed.
It is the official policy of the library to discourage noise in the library in order to maintain quiet for study and reading. Due to the nature of library services, the reference desk areas will be less quiet than others. When necessary, staff members may ask users to be quiet or leave the area.
Use of photographic equipment in library stack and study areas require the prior approval of the library director or designee. Forms are available at the Bartle and Science Library circulation desks.
The Bartle Library has a paging system that is used to assist with closing procedures. Use in emergency situations requires the prior authorization of the New York State University Police, Binghamton.
Library materials may not be taken from the library unless those materials have been properly checked out or other authorization for removal has been given. The willful mutilation or unauthorized removal of library materials is subject to prosecution under New York State law. The library is equipped with an electronic security system to deter theft. In addition, identified library staff may search bags, brief cases, etc. at the library's exit to assure compliance with these regulations.
Information regarding Binghamton borrowers is considered confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be denied and referred for review by University counsel in consultation with Albany.
Copy cards may be purchased for use in library photocopiers and microform copiers. Cash refunds and refunds for unused amounts on copy cards are not given.
To obtain a refund if a library photocopier or microform copier malfunctions, the patron should report the problem, on the day it occurs, to the Bartle or Science Library circulation desk.
Reserve materials are only available to current Binghamton University faculty, staff, students, adult learners, and current SUNY/CUNY Open Access faculty, staff and students.
Overdue books: 10¢ per day to a maximum of $10 per item.
Recall fines: $1 per day, beginning four days after the recall notice is mailed, to a maximum of $15 per item.
Reserve fines: On one-hour and two-hour loans, $.02 per minute; on one-day, two-day and one-week loans, $3 per day. Maximum reserve fine is $50 per item. Fines accrue when the libraries are closed.
Overdue interlibrary loan books: $1 per day, beginning five days after the book is due.
Lost-book fees: Consult the library fines office. Replacement fees reflect the current market value of the missing book plus a processing fee.
Lost book charges are assessed when a borrower declares a book lost, on books overdue for more than one year, and in response to borrower inquires.
A request for Review of Library Obligation may be submitted for any fines or obligations in dispute. Forms are available at the Bartle and Science Library circulation desks and in the library cashier's office.
Patrons are responsible for all transactions charged with their ID cards. Lost ID cards must be reported to the Circulation Department in either Bartle or Science Library.
On request, the library will provide a written receipt at the time that books are returned to the reserve desk or to the circulation desks at Bartle and Science Libraries. The absence of a receipt does not imply failure to return a book.
For further information, please contact Bartle Reference (777-2345) or
Science Reference (777-2163) 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Computing Services, located in the Computer Center Building, provides central computing support to the University’s academic, instructional and research programs and to campus administrative offices. Major computing equipment includes IBM central hosts, Sun and IBM applications servers, advanced Sun workstations and personal computers linked through a high-speed campus-wide communications network. To assist students and faculty in the use of information technology, Computing Services staff teach short courses, provide computer-based training, consult and advise on computer software and hardware problems, distribute written and Web-based documentation, and maintain an extensive software library.
Open PC labs for student use are located in the Engineering Building, the Center for Academic Excellence, Science II, Science III, and Building A of the Academic Complex. Workstations for student use are also available in the Watson School and the libraries. Residence hall rooms are wired to provide Ethernet connections for all students living on campus. Dial-up connections are available to off-campus students and staff.
All students receive a free e-mail account and disk space for a personal webpage upon enrollment, and approximately 90 percent use computers for course-related work in a given semester. Students are encouraged to use the computer as an appropriate and flexible tool for liberal arts education. All general classrooms have basic audio-visual equipment and Internet connections and approximately 20 percent of the classrooms on campus offer full multimedia capability. The campus is fully networked and the University is a member of the Internet 2 Consortium. With these resources available, students, faculty and staff find that information technology enriches many aspects of the curriculum, and IT solutions to new challenges are readily available to all.