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Cultural Frequency: What It Means & What It Could be Good For

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Cultural Frequency: What It Means & What It Could be Good For
on Display at SUNY Ulster February 7 – March 20, 2020

Participatory Live Performance on Wednesday, March 4 from 1-2 p.m. & 6-7 p.m.

January 27, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery will exhibit “Cultural Frequency: What It Means & What It Could Be Good For” from February 7 – March 20, 2020. The opening reception will be held on Friday, February 7, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and a live performance will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00  p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Does Industry tell us what we need to use technology for or do artists tell us what it could be good for?

Using electronic signal, performance, video, virtual reality, and print, experimental media artists Jason and Debora Bernagozzi, Eric Souther, and Alan Powell answer that question by immersing the audience in an altered reality. Participating artist Alan Powell explains, “We live in an electronically simulated reality. We spend as much time in electronic space as we do in physical reality.”

In the piece entitled, ‘Glitch 2018’ throw away video is layered like abstract expressionism until it becomes its own surface and cultural reflection.

The live event is an audience-inclusive performance in conjunction with the work on display in the gallery that will include sound, video, and virtual reality to envelop the viewers in a freeform improvisational experience referencing culture, nature, biology, and politics.

The Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is located in Vanderlyn Hall 265 on SUNY Ulster’s Stone Ridge Campus. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and closed on college holidays. Contact Gallery Coordinator Suzy Jeffers by phone at 845-687-5113 or email her at jefferss@sunyulster.edu for more information.

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photograph of distorted image with sky and metal

FINAL REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2020 AT SUNY ULSTER: JANUARY 13

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Final Registration for Spring 2020 at SUNY Ulster: January 13

January 2, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY- Final registration for the spring 2020 semester at SUNY Ulster will take place on Monday, January 13 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in Hasbrouck Hall, Room 220, on the Stone Ridge Campus. Representatives from multiple academic departments, Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Student Accounts will be available for advising and information during these hours. Spring 2020 classes begin January 21.

Many Ulster County residents begin their college experience at SUNY Ulster, going on to transfer to four-year colleges and universities or entering the workforce upon graduation. It’s a smart strategy that allows students to gain an excellent education without incurring extraordinary debt. For those transferring, the money saved in the first two years helps finance the last two.

Students just starting the financial aid process may put down a $50 deposit to hold their registration. All other students should sign up for our payment plan or remit payment in full.

For more information on applying or registering, call (845) 687-5022 or visit https://www.sunyulster.edu/admissions.

SUNY Ulster Hosts Continuing Education Open House with Ulster BOCES on January 15

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SUNY Ulster Hosts Continuing Education Open House with Ulster BOCES on January 15

           

January 6, 2020 – Kingston, NY – The SUNY Ulster Office of Continuing and Professional Education will host an open house with information sessions on Wednesday, January 15, from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster, 94 Mary’s Avenue in Kingston. Representatives will be available to provide information on Continuing Education programs, which provide participants with customized career training and special interest classes. During the open house, prospective students have the opportunity to meet with career counselors and course instructors, register for classes, learn about financial assistance, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Advanced Manufacturing

Local manufacturers are looking for skilled workers. Learn how you can gain skills to increase your employability, and ask about the pre-apprentice program. This information session will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Animal Care
Talk with animal professionals to learn about a variety of animal related fields and careers, available internships, mentoring, volunteering, and potential entry-level employment opportunities. This information session is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

CASAC
For those interested in becoming an addictions counselor or for professionals who wish to re-specialize in addiction counseling, this session will address the training, education, and competencies needed. This information session will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Green Careers Academy
Learn about green technology training programs that can provide students with a rewarding career with local companies. This information session will be held from 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

High School Equivalency Diploma (TASC)
Meet the instructors and learn about review classes to help students earn their High School Equivalency Diploma. This information session will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Paint & Sip
Enjoy painting a simple winter scene of cardinals in a fir tree while sipping delicious nonalcoholic beverages. Under the direction of artist and teacher Leslie Bender, you will learn to draw the scene onto canvas, mix colors and paint. All materials will be supplied. $40 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Web Development

Learn about the options for web development training. This information session will be held from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Webinar: Career Step Healthcare

CareerStep is an online school partnering with SUNY Ulster to offer a career-focused education designed to help students quickly enter the workforce. Learn about the following careers: Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Office Manager, and Medical Transcription. This information session is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and a link for the webinar will be emailed to registrants.

For more information or to register, contact SUNY Ulster Continuing and Professional Education by phone at (845) 339-2025 or online at www.sunyulster.edu/continuing_education/info_sessions.

 

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CAMP ULSTER HOSTS MLK BASKETBALL CAMP ON JANUARY 20, 2020

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Camp Ulster Hosts MLK Basketball Camp on January 20, 2020

January 3, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Camp Ulster will host a full day basketball camp for ages six through thirteen on January 20, 2020 in the Senate Gymnasium on the College’s Stone Ridge campus from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Activities for the day include stations and drills in the morning, with competitions and games in the afternoon. Campers will get to learn from college players and watch a basketball orientation movie during lunch. Campers should bring a lunch that requires no refrigeration and a reusable/refillable water bottle.

Justin Maxwell, Head Coach of the SUNY Ulster Men’s Basketball program will lead this camp. Coach Maxwell has led the Men’s Basketball team to one National Championship, one Conference Championship, and three playoff appearances in his four seasons as Head Coach. He has also earned two Coach of the Year awards.

Space is limited and registration can be completed online at www.sunyulster.edu/campulster or by calling (845) 339-2025. The cost is $50.

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Help Protect Our Planet with an Environmental Studies Degree

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Environmental Studies students working in a stream with nets and buckets

Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about nature and wildlife? Would you like to make a difference for the ecosystems that make up our world? If so, an Environmental Studies A.S. degree might be for you!

With environmental issues continuing to grow in severity and importance, Environmental Studies graduates leave Ulster prepared for a field with a steadily expanding job market. Graduates can use their knowledge to help with any issue they’re passionate about, whether that’s food insecurity, climate change, pollution, wildlife endangerment and extinction, resource depletion, or anything else.

Reservoir surrounded by forest at sunset

Graduates have found jobs at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Ulster County Department of Health, as well as at private companies and local municipalities. The demand for environmental expertise is very high in the Hudson River Valley and Catskills Watershed region, so this career path can be great for students who want to stay local.

In the program, students gain skills in and out of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to explore nature and get hands-on experience as part of their classes. The program includes comprehensive courses in biology, environmental science, mathematics, and chemistry, so students are prepared for a variety of careers in environmental and scientific fields. In addition to the program itself, students can join the SUNY Ulster Environmental Club, which has taken part in several exciting sustainability and restoration activities in the last few years.

Monarch butterfly pollinates a flower

Students can take part in studies relating to stream management, wetlands, forestry, invasive species, pollinators, and fisheries through a variety of field‐based internships. Environmental Studies students also have exclusive access to paid internships with the NYC DEP.

Program graduates who decide to begin working immediately after graduation are qualified for jobs as environmental technicians, laboratory technicians, wetland field technicians, and environmental trainees. For those who want to continue their education, the program prepares students for fields like environmental law and environmental engineering. The program is also a terrific foundation for students who choose to pursue careers in other science fields, such as biology. The program affords easy transfer to schools such as SUNY ESF, SUNY Plattsburgh, and SUNY New Paltz, as well as many private colleges.

Assorted vegetables in a pile

One recent graduate began a very meaningful project for the local community! Michael Burke, a 2018 program graduate, was awarded a 2017 Barnabas McHenry Hudson Valley Award from the Open Space Institute to work with the Rondout Valley Growers Association to address food insecurity in Ulster County. The culmination of his work was a forum on campus in which local organizations and the community were invited to discuss the issue of food insecurity and potential solutions.

Another alum, 2016 program graduate Alex Lemus, transferred to SUNY Albany to study biochemistry and molecular biology. He is now a graduate research assistant at SUNY Albany and is pursuing a doctorate. He has already published his first research article!

Whether your goal is to improve pollution policies, study renewable energy resources, or help wildlife in their natural habitats, an Environmental Studies degree can be the perfect place to start! Learn more about the program by contacting admissions@sunyulster.edu.

6 Study Tips for Adult Students

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Adult student on campus holding binder

It can be hard to readjust to a studying mindset once you’re out of the habit for a few years, but with a few tips and some helpful resources, you’ll be studying effectively in no time!

Manage Your Time Wisely

Adult students tend to have more work and family obligations than the traditional student, and that can make it difficult to get classwork done. The solution? Plan ahead. Set aside a quiet time and place each day to catch up on your work, even if it’s just to study your notes and complete textbook readings. Start on your assignments as soon as you get them, just in case anything comes up closer to the due date.

Know Your Computer

If you aren’t confident in your computer abilities, then it’s time to learn to use one! Almost every class you take in college will require using a computer for studying and completing assignments, and online classes are, well, fully on a computer. Get familiar now. Learn how to use Microsoft Word, an internet browser, your course sites, and the Portal, at the very least.

Use a Variety of Resources

Remember that you have more than just your textbook if you need assistance. Many services and programs are available through the Macdonald DeWitt Library. Professors will often post extra information, links, and notes for studying on your class Blackboard site, so make sure you check course sites regularly. You can also take a look at some other great online resources we’ve curated for you.

Get Tips for Memorization

There are lots of different methods for learning and memorizing information, including using mnemonics, mapping, and more. Many suggest that physically writing down notes is an effective way to familiarize yourself with information, so don’t be afraid to use a notebook and pen, even if you’re trying to use your computer more often. Check out some of our other tips for boosting your memory skills.

Get Help if You Need It

Remember: there are special resources on campus if you need extra assistance! Visit the Writing Center and Math Center for help with English or math. Tutoring, study help, and other services are available through the Center for Academic Planning & Support (CAPS), formerly known as the Learning Center. If you need assistance with any course, don’t be afraid to reach out to caps@sunyulster.edu or stop by their offices in VAN 247. The staff and peer tutors in these departments are always happy to help!

Maintain a Balance

Don’t forget to take a breather once in a while! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your coursework and other responsibilities, which only makes studying that much harder. Take advantage of on and off campus opportunities to relax, and make sure you’re eating right and sleeping well. Keeping your mind sharp will do wonders for your grades!

How to Find Great Connections on LinkedIn

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Two people shaking hands with LinkedIn logo over them

LinkedIn serves a special purpose in the world of social media. While sites like Facebook and Instagram primarily connect you with family and friends, LinkedIn is designed to connect you with employers, coworkers, professors, and other professionals in your field. It’s important to have a good mixture in your network, but how do you make that happen? Here’s a few easy ways to get started:

Have a Stand Out Profile

Naturally, one of the most effective ways to be seen by professionals who matter is to have a great profile. Add a professional picture, organize your education and work history, and add a brief summary and headline that showcases what your specialties are. Learn more about how to do that in our post on building a great LinkedIn profile.

Join Groups

… and we’re not talking about the one for your Dr. Who fanclub! Focus on groups with people who have similar education, employment, and career backgrounds to you. A great place to start is your college’s alumni page, since you are likely to find people you know who might have some expertise or job opportunities to share. You should also join ones specific to your niche. Are you a Hudson Valley entrepreneur? Find groups on entrepreneurship and Hudson Valley businesses. Or if you’re a recent Computer Science grad, you can focus on groups working in the same field you want to, like game development or network architecture.

Connect with Employers, Coworkers, Professors, and Students in Your Field

The foundation of your LinkedIn connections should be people you’ve worked with who like and respect you, and who you like and respect in turn. These are the people who will give you positive reviews and interactions, useful feedback, and can alert you (maybe even recommend you!) for employment and engagement opportunities in the future. You can find some of your professors and fellow students by checking out the SUNY Ulster page.

Connect with Other Professionals in Your Field

This one can be a little harder, but it’s certainly not impossible! If you don’t know a professional, you may have to prove to them why they should connect with you. For someone you met at a recent conference or hiring event, you might want to acknowledge where you met and what you discussed. If the person is someone you’ve never interacted with before, but would like to, you might tell them what you enjoyed about a book they published or that you watched/attended a talk they gave. If you have mutual connections with someone, you could ask your mutual to introduce the two of you.

Now Engage!

You’ve got your connections. Great! Now comes the point of actually having them: interaction. If you’ve just connected with an interesting professional, make sure you develop a good relationship with them. Do they post useful information on their status? Be sure to like and comment if you have something to add to the conversation. Similarly, when you have something of value to share or ask, don’t hesitate to share it as a post of your own. Just make sure you keep it professional and relevant to your career!

Get Started Today

By following even a few of these tips, you should see an increase in your accepted connections and have more interaction with the ones you already have! As always, be sure to follow our LinkedIn page. If you’re not sure whether you need a LinkedIn profile or not, check out one of our blog posts that will help you decide.

Serve and Protect Your Community with the Criminal Justice A.A.S.

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Police Academy graduate receives diploma

If you’re interested in a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in the world, consider earning a Criminal Justice A.A.S.! This program differs from the traditional A.S. program, as it is designed for graduates to go directly into police and security work. The degree is often combined with a 30-credit Police Basic Training program.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of police and detectives is expected to increase by 7% between 2016 and 2026. The A.A.S. Criminal Justice degree prepares students for this with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry-level positions as police officers, corrections and community supervisors, and security guards in the private sector. This program is also ideal for corrections or police professionals already working in their chosen fields who are looking to earn a degree for self-improvement and advancement.

More than 80% of graduates who also completed the Police Basic Training program are currently employed as police or corrections professionals. Completion of both programs leads toward New York State municipal police certification. The combined programs provide an ideal situation where students graduate already prepared for employment, saving their communities significant time and community resources for training.

Many Criminal Justice A.A.S. graduates do exceedingly well as developing professionals and are now in leadership positions. Graduates perform meaningful work in their community while also earning attractive salaries and benefits. Potential earnings in New York State average $78,930 at the 50% mark, which increases if employment is found with state or federal entities.

Sophie Epstein, a recent graduate, says, “I loved the Criminal Justice program at SUNY Ulster. I strongly feel that the program helped to better prepare me for success in both Police Basic Training and my career in law enforcement! The professors teach you so much more than what is in the textbooks – they teach based on their experiences in law enforcement, which made class very enjoyable! I would recommend the program to anyone who is considering entering the law enforcement field, or anyone who is looking to learn more about the criminal justice system!”

5 Tips for Managing Your Finances While in College

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Dollar bills sticking out of soil

College is expensive. Even with great scholarships and programs like Excelsior, College Scholars, and federal aid, you still have to pay for housing, food, transportation, textbooks, and more. How can you make sure that you can afford it? Learn about managing finances! Here’s how:

Figure Out Your Budget

Take a realistic look at all your expenses. If this is your second year of college, figure out how much you spent last year, and plan to need at least as much this year, if not a little more. If you haven’t started college yet, just figure out your current budget and research common costs for college for others with your major/living situation. Don’t hesitate to overbudget; it’s better to have too much than too little.

… And Stick to It!

If you can’t pay for it and it’s not in the budget, don’t buy it! Things like new gadgets and electronics, clothes, and getting food and drinks at restaurants should be put on the back burner at this time. Buy used and dependable electronics on eBay, find clothing and room decor at thrift stores, learn to cook, and make your own coffee. These simple changes can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Plan to Save

If you expect to pay out of pocket for tuition at a four year school, start saving now. Every bit you set aside will lower the cost of the loan you have to take out, be it for tuition, housing, or something else. Check out our tips for saving money to get started! Even if you don’t have something you need to save for anyway, try to set aside a little bit as an emergency fund. If you don’t have emergency money and you find yourself in financial trouble while at SUNY Ulster, contact the SUNY Ulster Foundation about Lights for Learning.

Pay Attention to Your Credit Card

Credit cards are usually good. Some offer great rewards programs, and it’s nice not to have to carry a bunch of loose change around all the time. Where you may run into trouble is the “credit” part; just because your card has a super high limit doesn’t mean you should hit it! You should use your credit card just like you would a debit card: be careful where you use it, and don’t spend more than you have available in your bank account. You should be paying off your bill in FULL each month to avoid charges and make the most of your credit card benefits. Doing so will also earn you an excellent credit score for when you actually need to take out a loan or apply for a new apartment.

Manage Your Debt

This is something you want to avoid if it all possible, but you may have to take out a loan, or you may have already accrued some credit card debt. How should you tackle it? It’s recommended that you pay off at least your interest each month, so you prevent unnecessary compounding. Avoid debt by getting scholarships; there’s one for almost everything you could need while a student! Check out SUNY Ulster scholarships whether you’re a new, current, or graduating student, and contact the SUNY Ulster Foundation in Clinton 203 if you need help or have questions!

It can be hard to establish good financial habits, especially if you’re not used to careful budgeting. With a little bit of effort and practice, however, you can achieve all your financial goals and come out ahead!

Preparing for College as an Adult Student

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Adult Student on Computer

If you’re an adult going to college this semester, congratulations! You’ve already taken the first steps toward your future. Now it’s time to get ready. Whether you’re returning to college after a few (or many) years out of academic life or are beginning your college journey for the first time, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when starting. Here’s how to prepare yourself!

Map Your Degree/Certificate Program

Want to stay on track? Even when you know exactly what you’re going for, unexpected things can pop up that make it hard to get all the credits you need. Make a tentative schedule now, before you start, of exactly what courses you need to take and what semester you will take them, based on how many you would like to take per semester and allowing for prerequisites and fall or spring-only classes. If you need help with this, talk to your academic advisor!

Make a List of What You Need to Buy

No matter what your major is, you will need a few things you probably haven’t bought or budgeted for in a while: notebooks or notepaper, pens, pencils, your textbooks (find out which ones you need from your syllabus or by going to SUNY Ulster’s bookstore), a pack to carry everything in, and, if possible, a personal computer or laptop. You may also want to get some hand sanitizer, food for lunches or dinners, and other personal items to take with you. Depending on your classes, you may also need things like specific calculators, special software, tools, or other major-specific supplies. Refer to your syllabus and professor for the specifics of each class!

Prepare a Study Space and Time

As an adult student, you often have responsibilities at work and with your family beyond what a college student straight out of high school would, like a full-time job, children, or aging parents. This makes it all the more important that you set aside a time and place now where you will have as few distractions as possible for studying and writing. While this isn’t foolproof, having a typical schedule and room/cafe/library where you can go get work done will help you stay on track in classes. You can get creative as well, like sitting around the table with your children and doing your homework while they do theirs (provided they aren’t prone to getting distracted).

Plan Finances and Make a Budget

College costs a lot; in addition to your tuition and the items mentioned above, you’ll need to have housing, food, and transportation. If you have children, you may need to pay for childcare. On top of all the additional expenses, you may have less money coming in if you aren’t working as much. Set aside emergency money for things like car and house repairs, and plan out your monthly budget. To help with costs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ulster Community College Foundation. They can help you find scholarships that will help!

Get in the Mindset to Learn and Have Fun!

You can do any number of things to physically set up your new college life, but if you have a negative attitude going in, you’ll have a much harder time. Get excited about learning new things, meeting new people, and starting your path to a new career! College has a lot to offer, through intellectual pursuits and new friends to make (yes, you will find plenty of other adult students to connect with and support). It may take a bit to get back into the swing of things at college, but that’s okay. You’ve got this!