IMPROVING CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE
Some of the major improvements to infrastructure completed over the summer are very visible; others are not. Read in this issue about the many major projects completed by Physical Facilities and Information Technology Services, as well as the new programs offered by the University Center for Training and Development.
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES OPENS NEW BUILDING
The opening of the new, $60-million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University's Health Sciences Campus in Johnson City, N.Y., headlines this quarterly report, but there's also good news about collaborations, external funding and student successes. Read more in this issue.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES SUPPORT STUDENTS
It takes donors at many levels to make Binghamton University successful, and in this issue of the quarterly report, you can read about a number of them. Whether it's AVANGRID offering full-tuition scholarships and capstone project support, or playing golf to benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, the Division of Advancement works with Binghamton supporters.
BINGHAMTON RESEARCH FUNDING SETS RECORD
Binghamton University reported research expenditures totaling $47.5 million in 2017-18, an increase of about 19 percent from the previous fiscal year. The figure tops 2011-12, the campus’ all-time best year for research funding, when just over $40 million was reported. The new record, which follows several years of steady growth, is an important sign of the campus’ creativity and innovation. Healthcare research accounted for nearly a third of expenditures, with electronics packaging and systems engineering following at about 22 percent.
BAXTER THE BEARCAT BOOSTS SCHOOL SPIRIT
The Division of Student Affairs spent the summer hosting students and families for orientation and preparing for the opening of the fall semester. With some new people on board and some others with new duties, it has been a busy time. Not too busy, though, to show Binghamton University pride, as you'll read about the new Baxter the Bearcat Bench in the University Union in this issue.
STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY
Student-athletes continue to shine on and off the courts and fields. The Athletics Department sets high academic standards, and student-athletes surpass them across the board. Read about the accomplishments made by student-athletes in their sports and in the classroom – and check out the videos showcasing fall sports and the new women's head basketball coach, Bethann Shapiro Ord, in this issue.
HELPING TO MAKE THE CAMPUS MORE INCLUSIVE
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to educate and empower everyone on campus in ways that create a welcoming community. From the Udiversity Educational Institute, that holds trainings for students, faculty and staff, to the Multicultural Resource Center and Q Center, the division's offices that work to build bridges and support students though education and events such as Sundaze, part of its Welcome Week programming. Read about the division's recent initiatives in this report.
DONOR SUPPORT ADVANCES BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
The Binghamton University Foundation had a successful 2017-18 year, bringing in the second highest amount of cash ever in support of the University. Read the numbers in this issue of the quarterly report, and learn one way the Foundation celebrates its donors.
Career Exploration Week
To better expose students to career opportunities, educate them on employability skills such as skill articulation and networking, and reach students in areas that destination data demonstrates there is opportunity, Career Exploration Week (CEW) launched in October. Each CEW will focus on a theme, identified from those careers with high student interest, especially from Harpur students; lower employer presence for on-campus recruiting and Job & Internship Fair participation; less formalized or obvious recruiting processes; and that are in competitive and in-demand fields.
The first CEW was held Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, and focused on careers in science and health fields.
What is unique about CEW? It includes large-scale on- and off-campus collaboration from the planning stages through to program development and promotion; it covers niche career education, experiential education, and opportunities for professional networking in a condensed week; it includes local site visits, both on- and off-campus; and, through a collaboration with Educational Communications, sessions were recorded and archived.
Collaborators for the first CEW included Courtney Ignarri, undergraduate advisor in psychology; Julian Shepherd, associate professor of biological sciences; Steve Snyder from UHS; Fran Srnka-Debnar, clinical associate professor of nursing; Michelle Jones, Harpur academic advising; Ashley Serbonich Harpur academic advising; Joyce Kruger-Knuepfer, instructional support associate for environment sciences; as well as staff from the Mood Disorders Institute and the Anxiety Clinic on campus.
The CEW will fulfill a career education and networking need for career fields that were less covered through the Career Development Center (CDC) in the past, and educate and encourage students to explore these fields as possible career options.
The first CEW attracted 300 students and many other students have visited the CDC website to viewed the videotaped sessions. As a result, some students have secured internships and pursued other opportunities.
The next CEW is scheduled for the spring 2014 semester and will focus on communications, media and entertainment fields.