University Statements

End of the academic year

May 30, 2019

Well, we’ve done it! Another academic year is done at Binghamton University. Seniors and graduate candidates have received their degrees, faculty are taking a well-deserved break from teaching, and students have mostly returned home for the summer. This leaves the campus quieter, but still busy.

More than 3,600 students received degrees during our nine (!) Commencement Ceremonies, and, as always, I was fortunate to congratulate each of them as they crossed the Events center stage. I hope that everyone of our graduates finds success on the road ahead – they’ve worked hard and their degree is proof to the world that they are capable and up for any challenge.  Meanwhile, the campus is getting ready to welcome our next batch of freshman. And the academic cycle begins again.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Freedom of speech is fundamental to our mission

May 8, 2019

Dear Students and Campus Community,

A recent incident occurred in the Bartle Library lobby that is currently being investigated by Binghamton University Police and the Dean of Students Office, who will take swift and decisive action once the investigation concludes.

The University deplores all acts of racism and any action that limits the expression of ideas. Freedom of speech is fundamental to the core mission of the University; academic inquiry and the exchange of ideas rest on the principle that all have a right to express their beliefs. We strongly condemn any acts that impede the expression of those beliefs and caution anyone who attempts to inhibit another's free speech. We will protect, support and encourage the right of every individual to express concerns freely and to engage in peaceful protest. Our campus is resolute in its support for those of any race, faith, gender, sexual orientation, background or identity.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Not all stress is bad stress!

Dear Bearcats,

With less than three weeks to go in the semester, now is the time when students really start to feel the pressure and let their stress get the best of them. I'm here to remind you that stress is a normal part of life, especially for students. So don't worry, you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

Over the last few weeks (like all dads out there!) I have been offering tips with some assistance from our knowledgeable faculty. These have included how to eat right, sleep right and keep safe during the end of the school year. To round out these tips, Jennifer Wegmann of the Health and Wellness Studies Department offers five more tips to help you successfully manage stress during one of the hardest times of the semester.

1. Change your expectations about stress. Don't approach this crunch-period expecting to be stress-free, because that will just lead you to stress over being stressed.
2. Attach meaning to your stress. Attaching meaning can positively change the way you interact with your stressors. Remind yourself that all your work is leading you to your goals and aspirations.
3. Use your support system. Reach out to those around you (e.g. parents, friends, professors) and share what you are going through. Research shows that connecting socially is one of the most effective ways to manage and cope with stress.
4. Adopt an attitude of gratitude. When you get stressed, it is easy to forget about the positives and only see the negatives. If you can tap into what is right in your life and express genuine gratitude, you will notice positive changes in how you are experiencing the stressors in your life, which will then make it easier to manage your stress.
5. Change your mindset about stress. While stress can be harmful, it can also make you more productive, focused and even healthy. The way you frame stress can be very powerful. If you adopt a more positive mindset about stress, it may lead to more positive outcomes.

To quote Jennifer, "You can be happier, healthier and more, not in spite of your stress, but through your stress."

Don't forget to check out all of our Stress-free Bing events going on every day, all over campus.

And not to sound too much like a dad, but while you are in the midst of getting all your work done, don't forget to have a little fun and make the most of your time left here.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger
President

A reminder to get enough sleep

Dear Students,

We're approaching that time of year when you might feel pressure to stay up all night to cram in more studying or to put those finishing touches on an assignment.

Well, this week, I, along with Meredith Coles, psychology professor and director of the Binghamton Anxiety Clinic, want to share with you why it is so important to get a full and good night's sleep, especially during this busy season!

The tips below will help you build beneficial sleep patterns to maintain your health, improve your mood and help you perform your best!

1. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night. Inadequate sleep has been linked to poor academic performance. Sleeping one hour less has been shown to be associated with performing two grade levels lower (e.g., someone in grade 9 performing as if they were in grade 7).
2. Aim to go to bed "early." Staying up late may reduce your ability to control your thoughts and behaviors. Research suggests that going to sleep at a late hour (such as 3 a.m.) may have negative consequences on your body and mind.
3. Turn off your phone and computer at least 30 minutes before bed! The light from these devices can trick your body into thinking it is still daytime and cause it to stop preparing for sleep.
4. Try to stick to a regular schedule. For most college students, going to sleep between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and waking between 7 and 9 a.m. works well.
5. Be sure to sleep! Studies have shown that sleep is important for retaining information and that getting more sleep is associated with a higher GPA.

Don't wait to start a good habit. Try out some of these tips tonight; your body will thank you tomorrow.

Here's to a strong and successful rest of the semester!

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger
President

A reminder to focus on healthy eating and exercise

Dear Students,

With just a few weeks left to go in the semester, it is crucial that you remember to make time for your own well-being, in addition to your school work and other responsibilities.

This week I would like to focus on the importance of good food and regular exercise to help manage stress levels and improve your mood.

Lina Begdache, assistant professor of health and wellness studies at the Decker School of Nursing, offers five tips below to help you build healthy and successful patterns to carry you through the rest of the semester.

1. Your food affects your mood! So, make sure you choose each meal wisely.
2. Foods like coffee and carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta) activate our stress response and make us more likely to experience mental distress, so limit your intake of these foods.
3. Meat, fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins that will help boost your mental state and make you feel good, so stock up on these!
4. Eating breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and gives you energy to get through the day. Your brain relies on a routine of eating at the same time every day, so make sure to start each morning with a balanced meal!
5. Exercising at least three times a week leads to the buildup of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, both of which help reduce stress and promote a good mood! So take a walk, hit the gym, get moving!

According to Lina, "If you have good exercise and diet practices, you feel better. And when you feel good, you're more likely to exercise and eat right."

This week we officially launched our campus-wide Stress-free Bing initiative aimed at providing interesting, fun and stress-reducing activities for students as they prepare for finals. 

I hope to see you at some of the activities!

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger
President

A message regarding the death of Shakeel Khan

To the Campus Community,

The murder last week of local business owner Shakeel Khan was a shock to all of us. We are heartbroken by this tragedy and our condolences go out to his family and friends. We understand that many within our community are devastated by what has occurred. We share in those strong feelings. We are also aware that members of our Muslim community and their many community supporters are concerned for their safety following this incident. We have spoken to officials in Johnson City who have been working around the clock on the case. They assure us that they do not believe there is any threat to the public, but they do ask anyone with information to come forward to police.

At the moment, we do not have enough information about this senseless murder to understand the nature of the crime; this is an on-going Johnson City investigation with support from the New York State Police. We are actively following this case and can make a better determination once we learn more.

Binghamton University is committed to the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff and we've significantly increased the resources that support this work. Every campus official, beginning with me, is very aware not only of the need to establish a safe campus, but also to communicate with the community if that safety is compromised. In this case, there was never any immediate threat to students.

The University delivers B-Alerts in situations that concern the immediate safety and well-being of our campus community. Typically, the University does not issue B-Alerts in cases when a crime does not occur on or near University property. However, in rare cases, the University may issue a crime advisory to the campus in order to provide relevant information to the campus community about serious crimes that occur off campus. In deciding whether to issue a crime advisory, the University must consider all of the facts surrounding the incident, such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts. Our commitment to safety is something we take very seriously.

For students in need of counseling services, the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team, along with the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Residential Life, can offer support. If you would like to speak to someone, reach out to the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team by calling 607-777-2804. The UCC can be reached by calling 607-777-2772. To reach a counselor after hours, students should call 607-777-2772 and select #2. In an emergency, call 911.

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger
President

Top five tips on finishing the semester strong

Dear Students,

As you return from Spring Break, it's hard to imagine there are only eight weeks left in the semester. Soon enough there will be finals and paper deadlines looming. The end of the spring semester can be a lot more stressful than it needs to be. So with that being said, here are my top five tips to help you make this final run as stress free as possible:

1. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
2. Eat healthily and exercise.
3. Give yourself a break once in a while.
4. Unplug and reconnect! While often necessary, the internet can also be the worst distraction.
5. Ask for help when needed. The University has tons of resources for those who need extra help or just someone to talk to. binghamton.edu/case-management/support/resources.html

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be supplying you with more tips on how to make this semester a little less stressful. Sorry for worrying about you, but as a dad and a grandfather, I will never stop worrying!

Have a great finish to the year!

Harvey

Binghamton University's growing reputation

To the Binghamton University Community,

It strikes me how many positive things have happened recently that are adding to Binghamton University's growing reputation.

• We are now among the elite universities in the nation that have achieved "very high research" status according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
• We received a seven-figure gift from alumna Ellyn Kaschak '65 to establish the Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls.
• Our Community Schools program was awarded a $1.7 million grant.
• Construction of our expanded Decker School at our Health Sciences Campus is truly taking shape.

These are just a few of the highlights that underscore the excellence and innovation I see everywhere I look. They are public recognition of the ways we continually strive to provide the best education for our students even as we make path-breaking discoveries that will impact us all.

As we move into the last weeks of our semester – and, yes, we are already preparing for Commencement! – I commend everyone at Binghamton University who works to maintain our beautiful campus, build partnerships with our many constituencies and ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Binghamton University is proud to celebrate February as Black History Month

Binghamton University is proud to celebrate February as Black History Month and to acknowledge the many contributions African Americans have made to society. As a University, we welcome this opportunity to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of generations of African Americans, to increase our understanding of the African diaspora and to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights and social justice.

Building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive campus is a crucial part of our efforts to becoming the premier public university. Our educational and research missions obligate us to search for the knowledge that enables our students to thrive in a diverse world. At the same time, a diverse campus broadens the range of insights and experiences that our students, faculty and staff can draw on in their work, so we can ask new questions and find better answers. Education, particularly at places like Binghamton, is essential to building a more inclusive society.

I hope that everyone on campus will take the opportunity this month to engage with the history and heritage that Black History Month honors through the variety of programs planned by the Black Student Union, other cultural student organizations and academic departments, in addition to larger community events.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Partial shutdown of the United States federal government

To the Binghamton University Community,

As the partial shutdown of the United States federal government enters its fourth week, I want to update you regarding its impact on Binghamton University and the steps the University is taking to mitigate its affects.

As you are aware, beginning Dec. 21, 2018, leaders in Washington, D.C., were unable to agree on an appropriations bill to fund several of the government's departments, forcing them to shut down. Included in the shutdown are several federal agencies that interact with academics and institutions of higher education, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result, these agencies have suspended much of their normal activity, which is impacting the University and faculty in various ways.

We are most concerned about the impact on faculty research grants provided by agencies such as the NSF. Currently, processing of new grants is on hold, existing payments due are being withheld and the distribution of articles for peer review is being postponed. Faculty seeking answers to questions regarding their grants are unable to contact responsible parties. Faculty who rely on these grants for research as part of their tenure process are also impacted, and news reports suggest that the backlog at these agencies may take months to fully resolve, which may delay start dates for new research projects.

This has resulted in real hardship for faculty who rely on these grants, and particularly for those graduate students and post-docs whose salaries are funded by them. As of this week, the University is awaiting reimbursement from the NSF of over $300,000, with the amount growing each day the NSF is shut down. Meanwhile, faculty must continue their research and produce progress reports in compliance with NSF contracts. Should the shutdown continue through January, we estimate that the University will have absorbed over $500,000 in unreimbursed NSF expenses. The Binghamton University Research Foundation is advancing funds for these grants so that work can continue unimpeded.

Other campus offices that have been affected by past governmental shutdowns, such as our Admissions Office and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, have not experienced any significant delays or challenges so far. We will continue to monitor the situation and will work to support our students and faculty should any difficulties emerge.

We have spoken to our political leaders in Washington regarding the challenges caused by the shutdown and have urged them to find a speedy resolution to the impasse. In the meantime, I encourage students, faculty and staff to contact my office if you find your work hampered by the current shutdown.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Year-end Statement

To our campus community, friends and supporters,

Join me in taking a deep breath as 2018 comes to an end. The year has been filled with a whirlwind of activity – mostly positive! – and I for one believe we all deserve a brief respite to enjoy time with family and friends.

Our whirlwind included saying goodbye to our Class of 2018 and welcoming our Class of 2022, opening an incredible new building to house our School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, grieving the loss of students, yet celebrating milestones such as 50 years of our exceptional Educational Opportunity Program and wrestling program.

We saw students excel in the classrooms, on the courts and playing fields, the stage and in the community. Our students and faculty made scientific discoveries and advanced areas of inquiry across the social sciences, humanities and the arts.

I couldn't be more proud of our excellence, our resiliency and our progress toward becoming the premier public of the 21st century.

Thank you all, and I wish you a joyous – and relaxing – start to the new year.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

Financial plans for 2018-19 and 2019-20, Part II

We have held three open meetings with faculty and staff over the past two weeks. During those meetings, and from emails and conversations with deans and campus governance leaders, we have been answering questions about the financial challenges we are facing. To distribute those questions and answers, we have created an FAQ page.

We hope these are helpful and address many of your questions. We plan to update these FAQs as we receive and answer additional questions. An important clarification to the previous memorandum is that the exemption of TAs and adjuncts includes all graduate and undergraduate assistant appointments (RPAs, GAs, TAs and UG SAs). Renewal of currently employed lecturers does not require a request for an exception. However, we expect deans to continue to use discretion in authorizing renewals because of budget uncertainty for 2019-20.

Going forward, we are implementing a process to apply for exceptions to the hiring hold as described in this form.

The University is committed to providing all departments with adequate and appropriate administrative support as well as faculty – contingent and tenure-track – that are essential to delivering the quality education that our reputation is built upon. We believe this procedure will allow us to do that and at the same time help us move toward a balanced budget.

We hope that this process will allow us to move forward in this period of uncertainty, and we appreciate the work and effort you are contributing to help us meet our challenges.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

Donald Nieman
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Financial plans for 2018-19 and 2019-20

As described in this year's State of the University address, our campus is facing a financial challenge as we work to generate the revenue necessary to cover the costs of the negotiated, well-deserved and overdue raises for our UUP employees. While we are still determining the complete impact of these raises, we have estimated that we need approximately $4 million in new revenue each year for each of the six years of the new contract from 2016-17 to 2021-22. This means that for the current 2018-19 year, we need approximately $20 million − $8 million in one-time funding to cover the retroactive raises for 2016-17 and 2017-18, and $12 million to bring all salaries to the contract requirements of 2018-19. In preparation, we have been building reserves and generating additional recurring revenue through modest tuition increases and increased enrollment over the past three years.

In context, this challenge appears manageable when we consider that our growth in yearly revenue and expenditures from 2011-12 to 2017-18 was approximately $99 million (up from $293 million/year to $392 million/year), an increase of $16 million/year. See our financial report.

Our growth over the past six years has been made possible through these increased revenues and has been impressive. We have grown our tenured and tenure-track faculty by 31 percent from 475 to 620, while increasing our enrollment by only 14 percent and decreasing our student-to-faculty ratio from 20.6 to 18.9. We have grown our staff by 14 percent, at the same rate we have grown our enrollment. We have renovated several buildings and increased our physical space by 543,000 square feet through strategic investments provided by New York state to build our Center of Excellence building, Smart Energy Building, Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, pharmacy building and pharmacy R&D building, as well as to move the Decker School of Nursing to 48 Corliss Ave. in Johnson City in 2020. All of these capital projects are supporting our growth in enrollment and funded research programs, and simultaneously helped to increase our economic impact in the local region. In addition, over the past six years we have grown philanthropic cash gifts to the University from $5.3 million to $10.7 million per year, research expenditures from $32 million to $47.5 million per year, and our U.S. News & World Report ranking rose from #97 to #80 for all national universities and from #37 to #32 among public universities. All these are impressive gains that we can be proud of and that we can use as examples of what we can accomplish in the future.

Over the past two years, the vice presidents and directors of our eight divisions have built a plan that can meet the anticipated new contractual salary increases described above. An important part of this plan was an expected growth of 530 students this fall – including 380 graduate students and 150 undergraduates. Unfortunately, we did not meet these enrollment targets, which has created a shortfall of approximately $5 million this year for our needed $20 million increase in salary expenses ($8 million one-time and $12 million recurring), and, if enrollment does not grow in fall 2019, this $5 million shortfall will grow to $9 million in 2019-20 and by $4 million each year after that.

To meet these challenges, we will take the following steps:

1. Create a task force to evaluate the long-term enrollment projections for our undergraduate and graduate student populations for New York residents and nonresidents. Growth in enrollment will be challenging due to the decreasing number of high school graduates in the Northeast, decreased international student demand and strong competition for out-of-state students. Don Nieman will lead this effort.
2. Create three task forces to identify alternative revenue sources, including expanding our online education offerings, creating public-private partnerships and capitalizing on our growing intellectual property portfolio. James Pitarresi, Sheila Doyle and Bahgat Sammakia will lead these efforts.
3. We will delay, for 12 months, investments in our University Initiatives developed through the Road Map Renewal process, with the exception of the Presidential Diversity Post Doc program, which is a contractual obligation with SUNY created by the SUNY Performance Improvement Fund. We will, however, pause the development of a college of nursing and health sciences, expansion of the health sciences core facilities and the data science initiative. We will consider restarting them in fall 2019 when we know if we have met our enrollment and revenue targets.
4. We will limit the leadership searches for the dean of students, chief diversity officer, vice president for advancement, director of the Educational Opportunity Program and dean of the Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science to internal, interim appointments, retaining all salary savings to help meet our financial shortfall. We will revisit these searches in the fall of 2019 when we know if we have met our revenue targets.
5. With the exception of adjuncts and TAs, we will put all faculty and staff hiring plans and searches in all divisions and at all levels on hold until we are certain of the fiscal year 2020 state budget and our fall 2019 enrollment and revenue. Exceptions to this will be made when there is a significant impact on our ability to meet future revenue goals, it will negatively impact the health and safety of our campus community, a written offer has been extended or the position is necessary to meet a contractual obligation. Human Resources records show that there are currently more than 60 open positions across campus with a total starting salary estimate of more than $4 million. A review of this list shows that few of these meet the exemption criteria listed above; however, if a vice president or divisional director believes there should be an exception, the request will be made to the two of us for consideration. Exceptions will be reported quarterly to the campus community. Salary savings from the delays of these hires will be applied to our financial shortfall for this academic year. Our intention is to return these lines to the units once we are certain we have met our revenue targets.

As you can imagine, we are not taking these steps lightly, but we believe we will jeopardize our long-term financial position and lose many of the gains we have achieved in the past six years if we fail to take these steps now. We know that this will create hardships, but we are confident that the vice presidents, directors, deans, faculty and staff will work together diligently to overcome them and develop the new sources of revenue necessary to enable us to meet our financial challenges and continue the progress we have achieved during the past six years.

We understand that many of you will have questions, so we have scheduled the following sessions for faculty and staff where we will answer your questions and respond to your concerns:

• Thursday, Nov. 15 − 3:30−4:30 p.m. in the Center of Excellence Symposium Hall
• Friday, Nov. 16 − 3:30−4:30 p.m. in the Anderson Center Chamber Hall
• Monday, Nov. 19 − 1−2 p.m. in the Mandela Room

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger, President
Donald Nieman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh

To the campus community,

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to members of the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh and all who lost family members, friends and colleagues in the violent, anti-Semitic attack that occurred there on Saturday. This appalling act grew out of anti-Semitism, hate and intolerance. It is antithetical to the values that our nation stands for and strives to realize, if imperfectly. It comes in the wake of the murder of two African Americans in a suburb of Louisville, Kentucky, by a man who had attempted and failed to enter an African American church, and mail bombs sent to prominent individuals because of their political views.

At a time when political passions are heated, respect for facts under attack and bigotry is on the rise, Binghamton University reaffirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion, civil discussion of controversial issues, scrupulous respect for facts and the pursuit of truth grounded in rigorous research.

The campus provides support services to students, faculty and staff to help them cope with tragedies, including the Dean of Students CARE Team; the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the University Counseling Center; and the Employee Assistance Program.

Harvey Stenger, President
Donald Nieman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

To the campus community,

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in recognition of the survivors of domestic violence, Binghamton University joins a coast-to-coast effort to raise awareness and engage in activities that support those who are abused. We believe that Awareness + Action = Social Change.

Domestic violence is also a college violence issue, with college-age women experiencing a higher rate of interpersonal violence (IVP) and sexual coercion than any other segment of the population. Over the next few weeks, Binghamton's Division of Student Affairs will develop opportunities for students, faculty and staff to bring attention to the impact violence has on individuals and our communities, as well as to participate in activities designed to reduce domestic violence on campus and in our community.

Numerous events are planned, but we want to highlight a few:

• The One Love Foundation will provide a training for student leaders at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, in SL-206, as well as a workshop for faculty and staff at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, in UU-Old Union Hall.
• Health Promotion and Prevention Services (HPPS) has partnered with the Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) to spread domestic violence awareness through the color purple and will help Paint the Town Purple by lighting the Library Tower purple Friday, Oct. 5. CVAC's official event will be held at 7 p .m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Peacemaker's Stage on Court Street in Binghamton.
• Residential Life will host a bulletin board and door IVP decorating contest running from Oct. 8-31, with judging to take place Monday, Oct. 15. 
• Volunteers will gather at the Peace Quad at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, for The Clothesline Project, where they will create T-shirts representing victims of domestic violence. Around noon, participants will make a human clothesline at various locations around campus.

In addition, the Binghamton University Student Association will sponsor events throughout the month to stand against sexual assault and educate students on issues of consent and interpersonal violence. Activities include a campus pledge against sexual assault, tabling in the MarketPlace and a candlelight vigil, among other events.

Binghamton University is committed to supporting the victims of domestic abuse. The University offers a number of confidential and anonymous resources to assist those who have been or are being abused, including the University Counseling Center, Decker Student Health Services Center, Harpur's Ferry and the University Ombudsperson. If you, or someone you know, is at risk or is being harassed or abused, reach out for support. Additional resources may be found on the IVP website. If you are in immediate danger, call the University Police emergency hotline at 607-777-2222.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
Binghamton University, president

A safe campus, but one that we continually strive to make safer.

To the campus community,

Binghamton University is a safe campus, but one that we continually strive to make safer.

Over the summer, I established four committees to examine our response to the tragic events of the spring 2018 semester: Safety and Security, Counseling and Student Support, Student Engagement, and Communications. Each committee has focused on campus procedures and practices, gathered feedback and worked to implement many of the ideas put forth.

We are committed to making Binghamton a safe and secure campus, and we recognize that this requires the engagement of the entire campus. The actions are also described in the following committee summaries.

I encourage you to email any of the committee leaders with feedback or new ideas that might be relevant to their area.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
Binghamton University, president

Committee Summaries

Safety and Security Committee

JoAnn Navarro, vice president for operations, leads the University's Safety and Security Committee. Enhancements and improvements include:

• The campus has installed the Alertus Enhanced Notification system. This system, which is connected to our B-Alert system, gives our police dispatchers the ability to press one of the "easy buttons" in the University Police (UPD) Dispatch Center to initiate a predetermined set of actions such as the automatic delivery of the following generic message: "B-ALERT: A violent incident has been reported on the Vestal campus. Police are responding. Move indoors — secure doors now. Monitor B-ALERT for additional info."

  Dispatchers are authorized, by specific campus policy, to activate the system without seeking any supervisory approval. In theory, an initial message would be sent within a minute or two of the event.

  In addition, we will utilize the Alertus app to push notifications to individuals who have downloaded it (similar to weather notifications you might get on your phone). This will be operational by early fall.

• Additional security cameras have been installed in residence halls. This summer, approximately 160 cameras have been installed in residence halls that had no camera coverage (Hinman, Hillside, Susquehanna and College-in-the-Woods). During the fall semester, we will upgrade older cameras in residence halls that already have coverage.
• We have purchased an overlay to our current phone system that will allow us to use all office phones as a mass-notification system (an emergency message could automatically come over your speakerphone).This will be operational by mid- fall semester.
• Sixty additional panic buttons have been installed in residential assistant and residential director offices this summer.
• The Distributed Antenna System will improve cell phone reception in the basements of buildings with weak or no reception. The University Union, Academic A and the Glenn G. Bartle Library will be updated during the fall semester.
• The Active Shooter training video is available online on our UPD and Emergency Management websites.
• The Safe Ride Program continued to operate throughout the summer. During the regular academic year, it is operated by Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). In summer, when usage is lower, it is operated through University Police (UPD). TAPS resumes operation of the program this fall; it is open to all members of campus.
• We have also created an "Employee Communication Subcommittee comprising 13 individuals representing leadership from all the unions, Professional Staff Senate, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Auxiliary Services, Emergency Management, Human Resources, and Communications and Marketing.

The group reviewed current methods of communicating with employees, brainstormed ideas for enhanced communication and reviewed suggestions submitted by campus employees.

Current methods include the B-Alert System (Rave), B-Alert page at binghamton.edu/alert/, B-Alert Line at 607-777-7700, Dateline, University website, message boards and signs at the entrances to campus, the Call Center and the siren system. New ideas include the two-way radios used by some Physical Facilities employees, the library PA system and establishing a "testing day" once a semester to test all emergency systems. We will also be including more information in next year's Right to Know Compliance training program.

Counseling and Student Support Committee

The Counseling and Student Support Committee is led by Johann Fiore-Conte, assistant vice president for health and wellness. The committee has been involved in the following initiatives:

• Three full-time positions are being added to the University Counseling Center (UCC). Specialty areas include people with competencies in multicultural, LGBT and trauma counseling. We anticipate these staff will be in place early in the fall semester.
• Binghamton University has been invited to join a Tele-Counseling pilot, sponsored by SUNY. This option is in the process of being implemented.
• The University Counseling Center is looking at creating a dynamic staffing model for the fall, ensuring additional resources are available later in the semester, when demands naturally increase.
• Conversations are underway with the Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) to bring resources to campus for students experiencing negative impacts of a critical incident. This could be in the form of additional direct counseling resources and assistance with outreach efforts.
• A letter has been sent to all new students outlining the scope of on-campus mental health services and the potential of referrals to the community. Assistance is offered in connecting students to appropriate resources while at Binghamton.
• We are increasing support for mental health outreach by hiring a second health educator in Health Promotion and Prevention Services.
• Bystander programs will be expanded to provide broader reach.
• We are reviewing interpersonal violence prevention, and other forms of critical-incident preparation for students. The goal is to provide training that reaches all students periodically and strategically throughout their time here.
• We are investigating ways to build in faculty/staff training on topics such as identifying distressed, disturbed and dangerous students; critical-incident preparation; trauma-informed sensitivity; etc.
• Dr. Ramona Mazzeo, director of psychiatry services in the Decker Student Health Services Center, is expanding the residency program to include Elmira and Guthrie (in addition to UHS) residents. While this will support the training goals of the respective residency programs, it will also increase access to intake appointments for psychiatry on campus.

Student Engagement Committee

The Student Engagement Committee, led by Randall Edouard, assistant vice president for student affairs and interim dean of students, has been involved in initiatives focusing on training and safety. There has been direct engagement with students to provide avenues for feedback through:

• Meetings with all resident assistants, resident directors and central staff to hear concerns and provide information on safety planning.
• Meetings with Windham and Hunter residents, UPD, University leadership and Residential Life staff to discuss ongoing safety concerns and receive feedback.

We have reviewed and updated training and strategies in several areas, including:

• Our Residential Life staff training program — defining guiding principles and re-designing safety training priorities are in process.
• Engagement strategies over the summer — created and rolled out plans for improved safety, and coordinating with summer-student staff and the new Student Association executive board.
• We have analyzed current communication protocols and proposed improvements for regular communication, as well as crisis communication mapping charts and refined strategies, based on student feedback.
• Case management has connected with interpersonal violence prevention to develop training sessions.

Communications Committee

Gregory Delviscio, associate vice president for communications and marketing, leads the Communications Committee. The projects the group is working on include:

• A review of ways to include all students and staff in the B-Alert system. ITS is working with Undergraduate Admissions and the Department of Communications and Marketing to opt all current student cell-phone numbers into the B-Alert emergency notification system. Once completed, a message will pop up in the portal directing students to review the number on file in the system. The target completion date is September 1.

  Another goal of the team was to simplify the process of signing up for B-Alert. Now, students, staff and faculty can log in with their University PODS account and update or edit their contact information.

  To log into the site and verify your phone number, visit: https://www.getrave.com/login/binghamton

• Generic instructional and safety messages were crafted and will be used during future emergencies via the Alertus System. The goal is to reduce response time and quickly deliver a message.
• We are working to improve our ability to push messages and instructions to residential directors quicker and more effectively.
• The University will begin using the B-Alert system to deliver safety messages via email rather than through B-line and Dateline additions. The change provides two advantages for the campus.
  • It utilizes the B-Alert message function so everyone will receive a B-Alert email message, rather than a B-Line/Dateline Addition, and the message can also be pushed out to social media.
  • This will keep the message on the B-Alert system, give more people access to send the message out and enable the University to update social media much more quickly.
• We have created teams to monitor social media during a crisis, which could inform the possible development of an FAQ page in an emergency.

If you have an idea that you think will enhance:

• Campus safety, contact JoAnn Navarro (jnavarro@binghamton.edu).
• Counseling and Student Support, contact Johann Fiore Conte (jmfconte@binghamton.edu)
• Student Engagement, contact Randall Edouard (redouard@binghamton.edu)
• Communications, contact Gregory Delviscio (gregdelv@binghamton.edu)

Looking ahead

Dear University Community,

After a hectic and difficult spring semester, Binghamton University saw about 4,000 students cross the stage to receive bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in May. While we remembered students recently lost at each ceremony, we also celebrated the achievements of students and those who helped them reach their academic goals during our nine separate Commencement ceremonies.

Looking ahead, this summer we are moving forward with a number of initiatives to keep us on the path to becoming the premier public university of the 21st century – including the opening of our $60 million, 105,000 square-foot pharmacy building in Johnson City, N.Y.

We're also reviewing and updating safety and security policies, trainings and Orientation activities to ensure that our students, faculty and staff know what to do in crisis situations. Some initiatives include enhancing our B-Alert emergency notification system to speed messaging to the campus, making the B-Alert system an opt-OUT instead of an opt-IN program for our students, installing additional security cameras in residence halls and adding three counselors to our University Counseling Center staff.

I am proud of the Binghamton University community and how students, faculty and staff support each other and continue to look for ways to make this campus the best it can be.

Thank you all for your good work.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
President

A Letter to Campus on Inclusiveness

Dear University community,

Recently, a number of students, especially students of color, have expressed concern about racism and discrimination on campus and the University's response to it. In addition, LGBTQ students participated in a "Day of Silence" to raise awareness of the challenges they face. We understand these concerns and share with the students a commitment to making this campus a welcoming and inclusive place. Binghamton strives to be a University where students, faculty and staff can learn and work freely and productively, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual identity.

We are committed to combating institutional racism on campus and to supporting our students of color and the LGBTQ community. We hear your criticisms and are actively working with faculty, staff and students to ensure that our University is a safe and equitable community. We take all instances of racism and homophobia very seriously and will continue to make it abundantly clear that we have no tolerance for hateful acts.

Nonetheless, we understand that actions speak louder than words. For this reason, over the past year, the University has supported a number of programs and offices that are focused on reducing racial inequality, fostering inclusivity, supporting civic and political engagement, and promoting social justice. Below are just a few of these programs:

• Residential Life has led 15 programs that addressed race relations, including a forum following the discovery of racist drawings in Newing and a gathering in CIW to develop a community response to similar drawings found in that community.
• The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with Residential Life, provided cultural competency training, racial justice deliberation and mental health support emphasizing the intersectionality of race.
• Binghamton University Police recently participated in training seminars regarding fair and impartial policing perspectives and a cultural competency training. All newly hired officers will attend these programs by the end of the summer.
• Through the Road Map Renewal process, the campus has made a significant investment in a Presidential Post Doc program designed to significantly increase the number of underrepresented faculty at Binghamton University.
• The Provost's Office has sponsored cultural competency training for department chairs to give them the tools to create a more inclusive environment in their departments. In September 2018, Benjamin Reese, vice president of institutional equity at Duke University and Duke University Health System and a licensed clinical psychologist, will conduct a workshop for chairs on implicit bias.
• Faculty and staff within all the schools have been offered a program on cultural competency training.
• The President's Office, the Provost's Office and the Division of Student Affairs provided support for training 20 individuals in mediation and restorative justice to prepare them to resolve conflicts growing out of intergroup conflict that occur on a diverse campus such as ours.
• The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Community and Public Affairs conducted workshops for faculty and staff on cultural competence, macroaggressions and unconscious bias.
• Harpur College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Community of Public Affairs created faculty diversity committees to study diversity and make recommendations on steps that would increase diversity and inclusion.
• In April 2018, the Provost's Office collaborated with the Faculty Senate to sponsor a University-wide convocation, "Campus Speech: What Are the Limits?" The panel explored ways in which our campus can balance its commitment to free speech with its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Health Promotion and Prevention Services staff received cultural competency and LGBTQ training.
• The Sexual Assault Response Team has added three key representatives to expand programs and enhance the provision of services to the diverse populations of Binghamton University.
• The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) has promoted Passion to Action, educational programming on topics ranging from healthcare policy, criminal justice reform and sexual assault to legal rights for activists.
• The Student Conflict and Dispute Management Program (SCDMP) continues to provide mediation and restorative justice to help resolve interpersonal conflicts between students. Established in 2016, in its first year, 22 cases were referred to the SDMP, with 11 of these being resolved through the program.
• Student Affairs established the Student Affairs Divisional Diversity Committee (SADDC) composed of representatives from Student Support Services, the Student Association, the Q Center, Residential Life, the Educational Opportunity Program, Services for Students with Disabilities, the CCE and the Office of Student Conduct. SADDC develops initiatives and programming and financially supports projects that focus on raising awareness and celebrating diversity at Binghamton University.
• The Division of Student Affairs hosts Conscious Conversation brown bag lunches where issues related to inclusion are discussed and best practices are examined with the goal of nurturing an aware, involved community.
• Binghamton University Ombudsperson Bathabile Mthombeni has provided interpersonal dialogue training in Mountainview College.
• Over the summer, the University Counseling Center will add three more counselors to its staff with the focus on bringing in a diverse staff.

Anyone who wishes to participate in any of these ongoing programs or wishes to report incidents of discrimination is encouraged to contact any of these offices for further action:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 607-777-4775 or odei@binghamton.edu
• Multicultural Resource Center at 607-777-4472 or mrc.binghamton.edu
• CARE Team at 607-777-2804
• Dean of Students at 607-777-2804 or dos@binghamton.edu
• University Ombudsman at 607-777-2388
• University Counseling Center at 607-777-2772

Sincerely,

Donald G. Nieman
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Harvey G. Stenger
President

A Letter to Campus on Safety Initiatives

As we take time to process and reflect on the past few weeks, my staff has begun an immediate review of our safety policies and procedures to ensure everyone in our community can feel secure. We've already made progress on ways to further improve our campus safety. In addition, we are addressing other factors beyond just physical changes to our campus infrastructure. As such, I have directed staff to thoroughly review and seek ways to improve our approach to student mental health, conflict resolution and interpersonal violence aspects as well.

To do all this, I have created four teams to begin focusing on different priorities: Safety and Security, Counseling/Student Support, Student Engagement and Communications. These teams are working now to develop effective strategies for positive change. Below are some initiatives that they have identified for immediate change. In the coming weeks and over the summer they will discover and implement more.

Below are some initiatives that we have identified as just our first steps in this process:

• The Alertus Enhanced Notification System will be installed. This system will give us the ability to notify people of an emergency within a few minutes through our B-alert system.
• We will increase the frequency of peer education training, including the bystander, sexual assault prevention and mental health outreach training modules. These are needed to give students strategies and skills to intervene to prevent possible sexual violence.
• Security cameras will be placed in all residential halls that don't already have them. They will be located on the main doors and the elevators and some public areas. Cameras will not be installed where privacy might be a concern.
• We will allocate more resources to mental health and conflict resolution resources. For example, we've secured money from the Parents Leadership Council for our restorative justice program – a form of alternative dispute resolution that brings students together in small groups, empowers them to resolve conflicts and focuses on the needs of all involved, providing a stronger sense of community.
• Our police will continue to train in all aspects of community policing. Recently, the entire department participated in training seminars regarding fair and impartial policing perspectives and in cultural competency training. All newly hired officers will attend these programs by the end of the summer.

This is only the beginning and I pledge to make continuous efforts to ensure our campus is a place where you can feel safe and secure. Over the summer we will also work with RAs and residential staff to gather student feedback. We will continue to review and work to improve ways to protect our students, faculty and staff. Over the coming weeks, look for more updates on our progress.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President

A Letter to Campus on Recent Tragedies

9:52 p.m.

Suspect arraigned and charged with second degree murder

Michael M. Roque, 20, a Binghamton University student, was charged this evening with second degree murder in the stabbing death of 19-year-old freshman engineering student Joao Souza.

Roque has been assigned a public defender who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf at the Broome County Central Arraignment facility.

Roque was taken to the Broome County Jail following the arraignment.

Suspect in custody; message from President Harvey Stenger

5:33 p.m.

Dear Binghamton University Community,
I am deeply saddened to write to you regarding last night's stabbing that led to the death of one of our students, Joao Souza, a 19-year-old freshman engineering student. The entire campus mourns for him. Our sympathies go out to his friends and family, as well as to his classmates and peers. A suspect is in custody. I thank our Binghamton University Police, New York State Police and the Broome County District Attorney's office for their quick work in apprehending the individual as quickly as possible.

As president, my top priority is keeping everyone in our campus community safe. I want to reaffirm to you Binghamton University's commitment to providing a safe learning environment. Unfortunately, we live in a time where violence is part of society, and, as a campus of 17,000+ students and several thousand faculty and staff, there are occasions where violence will intrude on our campus. We will continue to focus on keeping ours a safe campus, with a fully-empowered state law enforcement agency that works closely with the residential communities to protect life and property.

Part of fostering a safe campus involves quick, clear communication with the community. Over the past 18 hours we've sent a number of messages alerting parents, students and faculty and staff. However, to get the alerts, faculty and staff need to sign up for the service by going to https://www.getrave.com/login/binghamton and logging in or going to BU BRAIN in http://my.binghamton.edu to update B-Alert contact information. Subscribers can add up to three email addresses and three cell phone numbers by clicking on "My Information" and updating their information under Emergency Alert Notification (Rave Mobile Safety).

This has been a very difficult semester for me and the entire campus with two student deaths in just a few weeks. These tragedies shake us to the core and we grieve together.

President Harvey G. Stenger
President

2:19 p.m.

University statement

The University has understandably received questions with respect to what actions people on campus should be taking while a suspect remains at large. As previously stated, law enforcement believes the attack was not a random act and that the victim was targeted. University Police have the support of other law enforcement agencies that are currently on campus assisting with the investigation and with other law enforcement responsibilities. If there is any specific action that law enforcement believes people on campus should take in the interest of their safety, the University will communicate that information via the campus alert system and on the binghamton.edu/alert page. We anticipate a return to our normal schedule of classes tomorrow, April 17.

We have always offered safety advice to students living on and off campus. In reminder of those precautions – our residence halls are always locked and only residents of that building have key card access. Do not allow someone unknown to you to follow or tailgate you in. If that happens, report it to hall staff on duty or police.

In addition:
• Keep your Binghamton ID with you at all times. If your ID is lost, it should be immediately reported to University Police.
• Keep doors to your room and/or suite locked and do not share room combination/key information.
• Register for the Binghamton Alert System at https://www.getrave.com/login/binghamton or at BU BRAIN to receive emails and/or text messages about critical campus information and emergencies. You can add up to three email addresses and three cell phone numbers to your account and I encourage you to add your parents as well.
• Report any suspicious activity to University Police at 607-777-2393 or https://www.binghamton.edu/police/

1:53 p.m.

Students are encouraged to subscribe their parents to their B-Alert account by going to https://www.getrave.com/login/binghamton and logging in or going to BU BRAIN at http://my.binghamton.edu to update B-Alert contact information. Students can add up to three email addresses and three cell phone numbers by clicking on "My Information" and updating their information under Emergency Alert Notification (Rave Mobile Safety).

9:41 a.m.

Binghamton University Police and New York State Police are actively investigating the tragic stabbing that took place on campus Sunday, April 15.

At this time, the police are confident this was not a random act. If there is information that relates to the immediate welfare of students and the campus community, we will communicate it via our alert system.

The victim has been identified as Joao Souza, a 19-year-old freshman engineering student. The family has been notified and has requested privacy.

To follow the University's progress on this investigation, visit this website: https://www.binghamton.edu/alert/

For students in need of counseling services, the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team, along with the University Center (UCC) and Residential Life, can offer support. If you would like to speak to someone, reach out to the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team by calling 607-777-2804. The UCC can be reached by calling 607-777-2772. To reach a counselor after hours, students should call 607-777-2772 and select #2. In an emergency, call 911.

7:00 a.m.

Dear Campus Community,

Binghamton University is sad to report that a student has died due to a stabbing on campus that occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15. The deceased is a male, age 19, in his first year at Binghamton University. Further information about the deceased will be provided after his family has been notified. We are in the process of contacting them.

The suspect, described as a light-skinned male wearing dark pants and a dark, Puma hooded sweatshirt, remains at large. Additional details will be provided as soon as possible. Any information that you have should be reported to Binghamton University Police at 607-777-2393.

Investigators from multiple agencies have been interviewing numerous people throughout the night. They have reported that this does not appear to be a random act.

All classes have been canceled for today, Monday, April 16. For those in need of counseling services, the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team, along with the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Residential Life, can offer support. If you would like to speak to someone, reach out to the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team by calling 607-777-2804. The UCC can be reached by calling 607-777-2772. To reach a counselor after hours, students should call 607-777-2772 and select #2. In an emergency, call 911.

Employee Assistance Program staff are available to provide support to faculty and staff dealing with this loss. They can be reached at 607-777-6655 or 607-777-6650 during regular office hours, or an off-campus coordinator can be reached after hours by calling the 24-hour EAP call line at 1-800-822-0244.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
President

A statement about freedom of expression and peaceful protest

Dear Campus Community,

In light of events that occurred at the University Downtown Center (UDC) on March 28, we write to reaffirm our commitment to freedom of expression on campus and the right of members of the campus community to engage in peaceful protest. Early in the morning of March 28, a group of students hung over 100 posters throughout the UDC. The students' intent was to protest racism on campus and to criticize the University for not responding more forcefully. Another student who saw the posters believed that they contained racist images and asked a University Police officer to remove them. Because the posters were hung in violation of the University's posting policy, the officer removed them and questioned a student who was identified as one of the individuals who hung the posters. The officer told this student that he was in violation of University policy and state law. None of the students who hung the posters were charged with a criminal offense or violation of the Student Code of Conduct, nor will they be. Later in the day, the students engaged in their right of peaceful protest by distributing copies of the same posters in front of the UDC and in the University Union on the Vestal campus. We respect our students' commitment to social justice and civic engagement, and we will continue to support their right to express their ideas freely and to engage in peaceful protest.

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Donald G. Nieman
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

A Letter about "Campus Speech: What Are the Limits?"

Dear Campus Community,

Freedom of speech is a fundamental, constitutional value that lies at the core of academic freedom: the freedom to inquire, discover, express ideas and opinions, and debate. Sometimes individuals will express ideas that others consider offensive, hurtful, demeaning and without merit. In some cases, people exercising their right to speak can create a climate that makes others feel marginalized, even threatened.

Across the country, campuses have grappled with the tensions between protecting freedom of speech and creating an inclusive, welcoming campus community.

I encourage you to join us for "Campus speech: What are the limits?" from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the Anderson Center Chamber Hall, featuring:
• Suzanne Nossel, executive director of PEN America, the leading voice of writers in the U.S.
• Jonathan Karp, associate professor of history and Judaic studies and chair of the Faculty Senate
• Jermel McClure, a senior majoring in sociology and politics, philosophy and law, and president of the Student Association

Sponsored by the Faculty Senate and the Provost's Office, this convocation will explore the role of freedom of speech on our campus; our efforts to create a diverse, inclusive community; and what, if any, limits there are to campus speech.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
President
Binghamton University
hstenger@binghamton.edu

A Letter about an offensive email message sent to their listserv

Dear ECE graduate students, faculty and staff,

The Provost and I find the email sent yesterday afternoon by Professor Skormin to this department listserv to be deeply offensive. Both Professor Skormin's comment and the platform used are inappropriate. Clearly, this is neither the level of professionalism that we expect from members of the Binghamton University community nor is it compatible with the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion. We support the mission of the students and faculty active in the National Society of Black Engineers and recognize the important contributions they make to the University, their disciplines, and our society.

We condemn his commentary and hope that he understands the pain that he has caused.

Harvey G. Stenger
President

Donald G. Nieman
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

A Statement on the death of Haley Anderson

With the tragic death of senior Haley Anderson, we have lost a beloved and vital member of the Binghamton University family. Today I had the opportunity to meet with members of Haley's immediate family and learn more about her as a daughter, sister and loyal friend. Haley was just months away from graduation, with a bright future ahead of her, and it is difficult to comprehend that she will no longer be with us.

Haley touched the lives of many classmates, staff, patients, and faculty during her time here, and we mourn her loss. I offer my sympathies to Haley's family at this challenging time, as well as others close to Haley – friends, classmates and coworkers.

For those in need of counseling services, the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team, along with the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Residential Life, continue to offer support. If you would like to speak to someone, reach out to the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team by calling 607-777-2804. The UCC can be reached by calling 607-777-2772. To reach someone after hours or for emergencies, students should call 911 or the UCC after-hours counselor by calling 607-777-2772 and selecting #2.

Sincerely,
Binghamton University President
Harvey G. Stenger

A Message about sexual harassment and sexual assault

Dear Campus Community,

Over the past few months our country has begun to confront a pervasive issue that most of us knew existed, yet frequently remained hidden. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are real and serious problems that happen far too often on college campuses and are reinforced by an inherently permissive culture.

If we want to make genuine headway in addressing this damaging culture, people in leadership positions must step up and speak unequivocally in support of survivors of sexual harassment and assault. I intend to do so and call on all members of our campus community to take action as well.

Be upstanders rather than bystanders. If you witness sexual harassment or assault, step up and stop it. For example, if you see someone getting too aggressive at a bar, let security know. Whether on campus or off, there are many ways to report these types of incidents and provide support to survivors. To learn about the range of resources the University has available for survivors of sexual harassment or sexual assault, go online.

We all need to be part of the solution. Each of us can begin to make a difference by pledging to create a culture of consent, bystander intervention and survivor support wherever we are.

I want to make this abundantly clear: Binghamton University's commitment to preventing violence and to properly investigating and addressing allegations is unwavering.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President
Binghamton University

A Letter about our values

Dear Campus Community,

In 1965, as Harpur College became the State University of New York at Binghamton, our campus identified its values through three words — Unity, Identity and Excellence. Inscribed on our University seal, these values have endured for over 50 years.
Here is what they mean to me:

Unity – We are an inclusive community made of people from diverse backgrounds who come together to learn, discover and serve. We have developed a common bond — the Binghamton bond — that will be ours for a lifetime.

Identity – We are an academically selective community that shares ideas across departments, disciplines and borders. We encourage faculty, students and staff to ask unexpected questions, foster open dialogue and develop innovative solutions to important problems.

Excellence – In all endeavors we choose, we will compete with the best universities; transforming lives and impacting our world. We pursue our goals with determination and strive for intellectual and personal growth.

The three words on our seal — Unity, Identity, and Excellence — are the University's cornerstone, inspiring our students and faculty. These words and the values they represent are today more relevant than ever, and I hope that they will inspire you during your time at Binghamton University.

This is how I interpret our values, but they may have a different meaning to you. I am interested in hearing what they mean to you. Please write me with your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Harvey G. Stenger
President
Binghamton University

DACA remains a major concern for Binghamton University

As the president of a state university that prides itself on access, inclusivity and equality and as a place of higher learning that values each and every one of its students, I am writing to express my sincere concerns about the lack of a solution for those impacted by the approaching end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA).

Through your public statements and your direct communications with my office, I know you are committed to bringing about a legislative remedy. We understand that President Trump is also supportive of a plan that secures these individuals here in the United States. However, I am troubled by the lack of progress on this issue to date.

Their status continues to be up in the air. As legal challenges regarding DACA move through the courts, it is imperative that Congress reach a definitive decision regarding this population.

I am hopeful that you and your colleagues on both sides of the aisle will still be able to come together and find a thoughtful and effective resolution. However, time is running short for these innocent young people caught up in this bureaucratic entanglement. I hope that you and your colleagues will be able to find a solution that will allow these individuals to remain in this country and be allowed to pursue their dreams of a higher education and/or other interests.

On my own campus, I know there are a number of students who are impacted by this change. In my experience with them, they are all law-abiding, committed students. They are working to better their lives and the lives of their families, and are eager to join the workforce and strengthen our communities as employees, entrepreneurs and taxpayers.

During what will surely be a contentious debate, we must remember that at the core of this discussion are young people, many of them just barely adults who, through no fault of their own, were brought to this country. They have embraced this as "their country" and know of no other way of life. Let's work together to make sure that, while we tackle bigger political issues, we never lose sight of these young people and remember our own humanity as we put them and their futures first.

I thank you for your continued support of Binghamton University in your role as this campus' federal representative in Washington, D.C. We thank you and stand ready to help you as you tackle this important issue.

Sincerely,

Harvey Stenger, President
Binghamton University

A Letter about Tax Cut and Jobs Act

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As the semester comes to an end, we want to provide an update on where things stand with provisions in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act that eliminate essential support for higher education. We strongly believe the proposed changes will discourage individuals from pursuing a postsecondary education, make college more expensive for those who do enroll, and undermine the financial stability of public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities.

The version of the bill passed by the House of Representatives treats employer-provided tuition payments as taxable income, a policy that would be devastating to graduate students, universities and the entire nation. The House legislation also repeals the Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) and reduces tax credits for tuition that help students and their families offset college costs. Fortunately, the bill passed by the Senate does not include any of these provisions. Differences in the Senate and House bills will be reconciled in the coming weeks.

The University has advocated forcefully on behalf of our students and against the provisions contained in the House bill. We have expressed our views to our congressional representative, and to our two U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. We have also worked with colleagues from other universities through the Association of State and Land-grant Universities (APLU), which maintains a respected lobbying organization in Washington, and the Council of Graduate Schools, which represents the views of graduate deans across the country to Congress.

It's important to stress that while the situation remains fluid and uncertain, we remain hopeful that these provisions will not be in the final bill. Regardless, we stand in strong solidarity with our students and will continue to explore all avenues to advocate against this bill.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger, President
Donald Nieman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Binghamton University

President Stenger votes in favor of Faculty Senate statement on free expression and inclusiveness

As president of Binghamton University, I have the privilege of being a voting member of the Faculty Senate. I was pleased to vote in favor of the following important statement that was approved overwhelmingly at the Faculty Senate's Nov. 28, 2017, meeting.

Binghamton University Faculty Senate Statement

"Our Mutual Principles of Free Expression and Inclusiveness"

The Faculty Senate of Binghamton University is concerned at a number of recent disturbing trends in American society. As members of that society, we are appalled by the promotion of demonizing rhetoric and restrictive policies designed to marginalize and denounce particular groups of people. As educators, we are alarmed at the parallels between racist policies in this nation's past and present and the current rise of anti-immigrant, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic and other exclusionary ideologies, as well as a resurgent culture of violence and intimidation. And as academics, we are chilled at the promulgation of a "post-factual" stance aimed at discrediting and undermining the pursuit of rational inquiry and the value of expertise.

In the face of such moral and intellectual threats, we, the Faculty Senate at Binghamton University, affirm our commitment to the ideal of inclusiveness and to the fundamental values of free expression and the critical evaluation of truth claims. We therefore oppose prejudicial bans on travel and immigration. We denounce the vilification of the press, the suppression of scientific research, and the erosion of American institutions dedicated to education, culture, the arts, and the environment. As scholars and educators, we commit ourselves to standing against these destructive trends and upholding our core traditions rooted in free intellectual exchange and the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Approved by Faculty Senate
November 28, 2017

A Letter to U.S. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney about Tax Cut and Jobs Act concerns

The following letter was sent to The following letter was sent to The Honorable Claudia Tenney, U.S. Representative for the 22nd Congressional District:

November 7, 2017

Honorable Claudia Tenney
US Representative
555 French Road
New Hartford, NY 13413

Dear Rep. Tenney;

I write to express strong concerns with provisions in H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act that eliminates essential support for higher education. At Binghamton, we strongly believe the proposed changes will discourage individuals from pursuing a postsecondary education, make college more expensive for those who do enroll, and undermine the financial stability of public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities.

As you know, the plan reduces tax credits for tuition that help students and their families offset college costs, moves to treat employer-provided tuition payments as taxable income, repeals the Student Loan Interest Deduction (SLID) and proposes taxing endowment income at prestigious private universities.

While some of the proposals impact our colleagues in private institutions more than public institutions, it is my strong belief that any measure that makes it more difficult to access and pay for higher education is bad for all postsecondary schools.

As a member of the Association for Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the American Council on Education (ACE), Binghamton University joins its association counterparts to encourage our federal representatives to review and consider the potential fallout, and work to come up with a tax reform plan that does not have such negative impacts on higher education.

We share APLU President Peter McPherson's assessment of the plan:

"Reforming our nation's tax code is long overdue and we appreciate the effort that went into crafting this legislation. We recognize that policymakers have many priorities they must balance. But as written, the bill would have deeply negative consequences for access to higher education, the cost of college, and efforts to develop the highly skilled workforce that is needed to propel our nation's economy forward."
— APLU President Peter McPherson.

Thank you for all that you do for the State University of New York and Binghamton University. We
know you have our best interests in mind as you debate and vote on this important issue. We sincerely appreciate any consideration you can give to our concerns outlined above.

Sincerely,
President Harvey G. Stenger
Binghamton University

Police investigating swastika left on Post-it note in residence hall

October 24, 2017

Binghamton University Police are conducting an investigation after a swastika on a Post-it note was found on a lounge window in Digman Hall. We take all instances of this nature very seriously and have zero tolerance for such appalling acts. We are working to ensure the matter is investigated thoroughly and those responsible are held accountable. We will continue to work with our campus and community partners to ensure that all students feel safe and welcome on campus and that incidents like this do not happen again. Anyone with information is encouraged to call University Police at 607-777-2393.

A Message about a racist incident

October 9, 2017

Dear Campus Community,

On Sunday, Oct. 8, another racist comment was found in a bathroom in Onondaga Hall, closely following the discovery of a similar depiction in Endicott Hall.

Let me be unequivocal: These drawings are deplorable and have no place on campus. That Binghamton University should face two incidents of this sort in less than a week shows how immature, ignorant, potentially dangerous and insensitive people can be, even after being admitted to this University. I, and my administration, strongly condemn racist and offensive acts of any kind. Personally, and as a campus community, we reject these acts and we will call them out as long as they persist.

I am appalled that a small number of individuals spew hatred and bigotry and represent ideas that are fundamentally and systematically inconsistent with the values of inclusion and intellectual engagement that Binghamton University stands for. As long as I am president, the University will continue to promote these values and will respond forcefully to those who try to sow division and discord on campus.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

A Message about a racist drawing

October 6, 2017

Dear Campus Community,

On Thursday, Oct. 5, a racist drawing was found on a whiteboard in the Common Room of Endicott Hall in Newing College. Personally, and as an institution, we strongly condemn racist or offensive acts of any kind.

Following an investigation by New York State University Police at Binghamton, two individuals admitted to creating the drawing, which was removed when it was discovered. Police indicated that the students considered the drawing to be a social experiment that was not targeted at any individual.

The residential community and the larger campus community held meetings Thursday evening to discuss the incident and hear student concerns. The meetings were attended by representatives of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as members of Residential Life and Student Conduct. It is important that we continue to have these discussions as a campus now and in the future.

I encourage any individual who requires support to deal with this incident is encouraged to contact any of these offices for assistance:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 607-777-4775 or odei@binghamton.edu
• Multicultural Resource Center at 607-777-4472 or mrc.binghamton.edu
• CARE Team at 607-777-2804
• Dean of Students at 607-777-2804 or dos@binghamton.edu
• University Ombudsman at 607-777-2388
• University Counseling Center at 607-777-2772

Again, racist incidents will not be tolerated at Binghamton University, and in the coming weeks we will look for ways to ensure our campus is continuing to be welcoming and inclusive.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

A letter was sent to The Honorable Claudia Tenney, U.S. Representative for the 22nd Congressional District:

Sept. 12, 2017

Dear Ms. Tenney,

As president of Binghamton University, I thank you for your support and engagement with the campus in your role as United States Representative for the 22nd Congressional District of New York. Your work is deeply appreciated by the Binghamton University community, and we thank you for it. I hope that you will be as supportive of our University on a matter that has recently commanded the attention of campuses across the nation.

As you know, President Donald Trump recently called for the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that gives legal protections to roughly 800,000 young people who were brought into our nation without documentation by their parents. As president of Binghamton University, I am asking that you work with your colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to develop legislation that will restore these protections so that these young people may continue to pursue the American Dream without fear of deportation.

Our University community is deeply concerned about the status of our DACA students. More than 42,000 residents of New York are currently affected by the president's actions; already many of the state's higher education leaders, including the presidents of Colgate University and Hamilton and Union colleges, have issued statements calling for new legislation to protect students who fall under this law. On my own campus, I know that there are a number students who are impacted by this change, though their exact number is unknown. In my experience with them, they are all law-abiding, committed students. They are working to better their lives and the lives of their families, and are eager to join the workforce and strengthen our communities as employees, entrepreneurs and taxpayers.

The DACA decision has special relevance for us at Binghamton University. We are frequently lauded for our academic excellence and value, but these are markers of something even more important — our role as an institution that serves as a ladder up for the economically disadvantaged. We have received accolades for being a campus that does the "most for the American Dream," (New York Times, 2017) and have been highlighted as a college that "helps students get ahead" (CollegeNet, 2015). As such, we are mindful of our responsibility to support students as they pursue their dreams, regardless of their social, cultural or ethnic background.

I urge you to work with your fellow Congressional leaders, many of whom have already expressed support for legislation that would restore protections for individuals covered by DACA. In the meantime, I invite you to visit our campus to meet with students who may be impacted by this change so that you might learn from them both their concerns about their status under the law and their hopes for the future.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

An updated message on DACA

Dear Campus Community,

In support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy enacted in 2012, I strongly endorse the Sept. 2 letter issued by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) calling on Congress to take swift action to protect DACA participants.

In a follow-up to the APLU letter of Sept. 2, the organization's president, Peter McPherson, released a statement urging Congress to, at a minimum, codify the provisions of the DACA program into law. Again, I endorse APLU's strong position regarding DACA.

I remind our campus community that we stand firm in our commitment to protect student confidentiality under the Family Educational and Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition, New York State University Police at Binghamton do not gather information about the citizenship or immigration status of our students and we have no plans to alter this practice.

Students who have questions or concerns about DACA are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office case managers or the Student Legal Clinic, which maintains a privileged attorney/client relationship.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

A message on DACA

Dear Campus Community,

In support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy enacted in 2012, I strongly endorse the Sept. 2 letter issued by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) calling on Congress to take swift action to protect DACA participants.

I remind our campus community that we stand firm in our commitment to protect student confidentiality under the Family Educational and Rights
of Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition, New York State University Police at Binghamton do not gather information about the citizenship or immigration status of our students and we have no plans to alter this practice.

Students who have questions or concerns about DACA are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office case managers or the Student Legal Clinic, which maintains a privileged attorney/client relationship.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

A message on Charlottesville, Va.

In support of the University of Virginia, I want to reiterate what I have said on multiple occasions during my term at Binghamton University: incivility, hate and violence have no place on a university campus and it will be condemned and addressed if it occurs. I strongly endorse the statement issued by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and I stand beside the University of Virginia in the wake of its painful and tragic occurrence.

A message to the University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan

President Teresa A.Sullivan
Office of the President
University of Virginia
Post Office Box 400224
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4224

Dear President Sullivan,

On behalf of the Binghamton University community, I want to extend my support for you and your University during these difficult times. All of us at Binghamton are dismayed by the actions that have transpired over the past week, and join with you in rejecting the hate and bigotry espoused by racists including such groups as Neo-Nazis, the KKK and White Supremacists. It is especially distressing that these events should take place at a campus whose history is linked so closely to the author of the words that define our nation: "that all men are created equal."

Public universities have a unique role in American society; we are at once a place of enlightenment and equality, and we are a space where contentious ideas are weighed and measured. Presidents of these institutions must walk a fine line in balancing the requirements of free speech with the concerns of public safety and order. I stand with you in condemning the groups that were intent on spreading racist views, and I commend you on the manner in which you've handled this challenging situation.

All of us at Binghamton University offer our thoughts and prayers to all members of your campus who have been targeted for intimidation this past week. We honor them for their willingness to stand up for the values of diversity and inclusion that are hallmarks of the University of Virginia.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger
President

A letter to the campus about student protest

Dear Binghamton Campus Community:

We have received inquiries into the origins of the student protest that has led to some students staging a sit-in of the Couper Administration Building and questions about the University response.

Members of an unrecognized student group known as the Frances Beal Society are opposed to an initiative announced in the mayor of Binghamton's February 2017 State of the City Address, whereby the city would install better lighting, security cameras and emergency phones in student neighborhoods with some contribution from the University. At the time of the announcement, the initiative was tentative and based on an informal understanding. The University did not and has not committed to any amount of funding.

We also discussed with the mayor establishment of a Town-Gown Advisory Board based on a model shared by a national association of town-gown groups, and agreed in principle to move forward to create one.

Under the Frances Beal Society name, some students argued for investing University support for city initiatives differently. While we had not anticipated controversy around investments in off-campus safety given long-standing student concerns, we nonetheless thought the Frances Beal perspectives merited consideration. Accordingly, the University contacted the mayor's office on Wednesday, April 26, and indicated additional time was needed to consult student governance on alternative investments before committing to support any specific initiative this year. Some Frances Beal students and a member of the Student Association came to the administration building that evening and were so informed.

Despite having been assured that the University would not be providing support for blue light phones without first having more dialogue with student governance, Frances Beal members began a sit-in at the Couper Administration Building the next day.

On Friday April 28, the University released the statement that links here, confirming that:

• The University will not proceed with providing support for initiatives Frances Beal does not wish us to support now or over the summer
• The University and city of Binghamton will move forward to constitute the Town-Gown Advisory Board (TGAB) with expectations to convene in the fall
• The University is willing to be guided by the TGAB as to any municipal initiative that it will support

Also on Friday, April 28, a University administrator met with the students occupying the Administration Building and presented the statement. Leaders of the assembled students instantly rejected the statement, interrupted any attempt to explain it and berated and verbally attacked the administrator using offensive language. The group then issued new demands and has continued to occupy the Administration Building. Given this response, we will not engage the group in further dialogue.

The University is proceeding with the approach described in its original statement. University officials have been or soon will be in contact with representatives of shared governance groups, including the Student Association, Graduate Student Organization, Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Professional Staff Senate to nominate participants to the TGAB. The city will develop its own process to identify its TGAB representatives. We have no intention of stacking the appointments to the TGAB with individuals having any one perspective or issue. The TGAB is being organized using a model that has been successful in other locations. We will be happy to consider alternatives to investments in safety that fall within the broad purpose of the TGAB and are willing to consider safety initiatives should the TGAB recommend any. We look forward to engaging with students and community members interested in productive discussions through the TGAB process.

Sincerely,
Harvey Stenger, President
Donald Nieman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Brian Rose, Vice President for Student Affairs

A statement about the "blue-light" proposal

Binghamton University has a deep connection to the surrounding community through its students, faculty and staff, its facilities, programs, research and other contributions. Those connections create many contexts for University, community interaction. Most recently, discussions the University has had with the city of Binghamton about possible university support for city improvements aimed at public safety have stirred some controversy on campus. The University's goals have been and remain simple and clear: we aim to be a good community partner and to provide support to our students who live off-campus as well as on-campus.

Given concerns with what is now referred to as the "blue light project," the University will not now provide funding specifically directed at this project. We did agree in principle to provide some support this year to the city of Binghamton and want to honor in some way that commitment. Separately from the recent controversy, we have begun discussing establishing a Town-

Gown Advisory Board with the following broad goals:

• Foster improved communication and collaboration between university students, the city and the university surrounding issues of mutual interest
• Identify mutual concerns and recommend thoughtful responses to those concerns
• Identify opportunities for improving the community through shared initiatives
• Improve utilization of resources available within the city and the university
• Retain Binghamton University graduates in the greater Binghamton area post-graduation

We anticipate launching the advisory board in the fall 2017 semester. To respond to the recent concerns about the blue light project and to also honor our intent to provide some support to the city of Binghamton this year, the University will work with the City to entertain requests for one time funds for projects endorsed by a new Town-Gown Advisory Board that respond to the broad goals noted above. To what extent the University can provide support in future years and at what amounts will be in part a function of the overall university budget. For this year, the projects and amounts funded will be determined by the recommendations of the Town-Gown Advisory Board and review by the city and University.

A letter concerning death of a student

Dear Binghamton Campus Community:

Binghamton University suffered a terrible loss last weekend with the accidental death of freshman Conor Donnelly. Our campus is saddened from the sudden loss of such a bright, popular young man, but I am grateful to the many people on our campus who have made themselves available to assist those who are grieving.

Conor touched many people in his time here, as demonstrated by his election as president of Johnson Hall, and the University continues to offer support to those affected by his death. The University's CARE Team, Residential Life and Counseling Center staff met with approximately 25 students at the hospital on Saturday, arranged to bring them safely back to campus and provided in-person counseling in the University Union both Saturday and Sunday. Staff have been working closely with an additional 55 students who have been affected by Conor's death.

The CARE Team has provided outreach to the faculty of these students.

Late Tuesday afternoon I met with five students who had witnessed Conor's fall. Listening to them made me better understand their inability to focus on academics, so I especially thank faculty who have been working to schedule make-up exams and other accommodations for these students as well as other students who were Conor's friends.

Moving forward, I ask that students who do require help with academics be directed to the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team for assistance in arranging for specific needs with faculty as necessary. I believe this will make a difficult time easier for both students and faculty. The DOS and CARE Team can be reached by calling 607-777-2804.

Other offices that have provided support to students include the University Union and Ombudsman. They join with the DOS, CARE Team, Counseling Center and Residential Life in providing ongoing support to students as needed.

The Employee Assistance Program is available to provide support to faculty and staff who knew Conor, and can be reached at 607-777-6655 or 607-777-6650 during regular office hours, or an off-campus coordinator can be reached after hours by calling the 24-hour EAP call line at 1-800-822-0244.

Members of the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team have also provided support to Conor's parents and have arranged a bus to transport students to the funeral on Thursday.

Conor's family will receive visitors from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, 100 Franklin Ave., Pearl River, N.Y. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at St. Aedan's Church, Reld Dr., Pearl River, with burial to follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Nanuet, N.Y.

Residential Life will coordinate a campus memorial service in the future.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
President

A letter concerning a new Executive Order

Dear Binghamton Campus Community:

On March 6, the White House announced a new Executive Order (Protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States) to replace its earlier order that restricted entry by individuals from seven nations. This new order exempts individuals from Iraq, as well as people who are legal permanent residents, hold dual citizenships and those already granted asylum or refugee status.

If any students, especially those from the affected countries are planning to travel outside the U.S., we encourage them to visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services that will serve as a resource for information on your travel plans.

Other campus resources that can be of assistance to students concerned by the impact of the Executive Order include:

• The Dean of Students Office has appointed case managers, available to students who have questions/concerns.
• The Student Legal Clinic, which maintains a privileged attorney/client relationship, is an available resource for students with immigration law-related issues.

We remind you that the University will continue to protect student confidentiality, not sharing private information about our students in accordance with the (federal) Family Educational and Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition, although the University is bound to comply with state and federal law, enforcement of federal immigration policy primarily rests with federal authorities.

Binghamton will continue to support all its students and scholars and their efforts to make Binghamton University a welcoming, inclusive community.

Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger, President
Donald G. Nieman, Provost
Hari Srihari, Executive Vice Provost for International Affairs

Report on offer of resources to international students

Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

Binghamton University President Harvey G. Stenger released a statement Sunday urging international students and scholars from affected countries to suspend all international travel until further notice. The statement comes after President Donald Trump's executive order barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

"Binghamton University remains committed to the continued success of all of our students and faculty, regardless of religious belief, country of birth or citizenship, and we are here to provide all them with support through this difficult time," Stenger said.