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Over 50 Years of Nursing at SUNY Ulster

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Group photo of nursing students on Campus

Nursing Awards Announcement:

In the Spring of 2018, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Department became the recipients of the PNA Honorary Recognition Award. This award recognizes an agency which has rendered distinguished services or valuable contributions to the nursing profession. This award came as the nursing program celebrated its 50th anniversary of service to the Ulster County community.

The Nursing Programs faculty and staff smiling outdoors on a spring day.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service:

Since its inception in 1968, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has proven itself time and time again as a leader in the healthcare industry of the Hudson Valley. The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has had over 1,900 graduates- many of these graduates have gone on to win awards and be nationally recognized. Jess Robie Class of 2016 won the Future Nurse Leader Award 2017, Dana Wright class of 2015 represented the WMC/Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley on the Today Show in May 2018, and Donna Becker class of 2014 received the Registered Nurse of the Year Award at Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in May 2018.

Our History:

The prestigious 50 year history of the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program is one that is filled with the highest standards of academia, ethical standards, and professionalism. The commitment to student success in the Nursing Program began in 1968 under Head Professor Mrs. Florence Irwin (pictured below) and her original staff made up of Miss. Elizabeth Dunn and Miss Joan Cassavant.

An black and white portrait photo of the first nursing professor.

From the get-go, the Nursing Program has boasted itself as innovative and forward- thinking in its approaches to the healthcare field. In its earliest pubic recruitment efforts, the program made it known it was “-open to Men or Women, Married or Single, with High School or GED Degrees.” By the Fall of 1968, SUNY Ulster proudly announced in a newspaper headline that “50 Students Enrolled in the UCCC Nursing Program.” This first class was made up of 48  women and 2 men; 24 of those students were the first class to graduate from the program in 1971.

Class photo of the original 24 students to graduate the nursing program in 1971.

The photo below is of the 2019 graduating class, which was made up of 34 students and had a pass rate of 97.05% for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which means 33 of the 34 students passed on their first try!

From the start, students in the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program have been exposed to and taught about all the different elements that go into making a healthcare facility reach its appropriate standards. Below is a photograph of students from the 1970’s practicing skills such as bed making and other “practical chores”.

 

Vintage photo of two nursing students making a hospital bed.

Students since 1968 have been gaining experience during clinical settings. Here, a nursing student is exposed to patients of all different ages: infants, children, adults, and the elderly.

Nursing student and Professor take cake of an infant.

SUNY Ulster nurses have always been given the opportunity to practice the skills that make them exceptional: working hands-on with medical equipment, working one-on-one with patients, and working collaboratively at the nursing station.

Silhouette photo of nurse checking fluid bag in hospital setting.

Nursing student checking vitals of another student.

Nurses checking a chart at nursing station. The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program continues to prepare its students for the workplace, by instilling in them the skills needed to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to those in the Hudson Valley community.

4 male nursing students posed together smiling.

The opportunities continue to grow for our nursing students!

During the 2019 Spring semester, there was a collaborative project with the Nursing program of Durban University of Technology of South Africa. It was an opportunity for our nursing students (present and alumni) to travel to South Africa to meet with their collaborating partners and observe their teammates in clinical settings. 

SUNY Ulsters graduates that decide to continue with their education can now look to our recently forged partnership with Empire State College. This partnership is making it easier for Registered Nurses (R.N.) to secure their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in the Hudson Valley. It is designed to support students during their transition from an associate’s degree or diploma to a baccalaureate degree, in both an online and on-site format.

PRESIDENT’S AND DEAN’S LISTS FOR FALL 2019

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SUNY Ulster Announces President’s and Dean’s Lists for Fall 2019  

January 31, 2020- Stone Ridge, NY- SUNY Ulster releases its Dean’s List and President’s List for the Fall 2019 semester.

Full-Time President’s List

A total of 101 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Fall 2019 semester, reported Dr. Alan P. Roberts, President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 and higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Fall 2019 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

Accord:  Joseph Silva, Lauren Skeen, Mary Sommer.

Big Indian:  Florence Stout.

Bloomington:  Bradley Westervelt.

Boiceville:  Derek Boyle.

Callicoon:  Amelia Brooks.

Cornwall-on-Hudson:  Nicole Riccardi.

Cottekill:  Amanda Caseiras.

Eddyville:  David Mano.

Ellenville:  Grace Mannweiler, Riddhi Patel.

Esopus:  Laura Schappert.

Fishkill:  Alexa Ricotta.

Gardiner:  Lindsey Canavan.

Germantown:  Carrington Wood.

Halcott:  Shadow Williams.

High Falls:  Reginald Ade.

Highland: Eryl Bevan.

Holtsville:  John Sioutopoulos.

Hurley:  Matthew Pisano, Nicholas Stott.

Kerhonkson:  Jason Burnett, Andrea Mendoza, Victoria Somer.

Kingston:  Mallory Ameneiros, Lauren Anderson, Summer Brady, Donna Carmody, Scarlett D’Arcy, Haley DeCicco, Maria Elena Ferrer-Harrington, Jonathan Guerra-Ruiz, Camilla Ha, Sydney Haller, Whitney Heredia-Leon, Caelan Marsh, Mandy Seiler, Robert Stoutenburg, Sophie Temple , Alec Tervenski, Zachary Wesolowski.

Millport:  Ethan Smith.

New Paltz:  Jordan Carboy, Jacob Cohen, Noah Cotant, Anna Curreli, Lily Jones-Guida, Elizabeth Medrano,

Summer Mohrmann, Saara Pulkkinen, Kelly Sticca, Patrick Traver.

Newburgh:  Michael Carfora.

Olivebridge:  Amos Diaz.

Palenville:  David Wright.

Pine Bush:  Cassia Bodon, Jocelyn Siegel.

Pine Plains:  Holly Bay.

Port Ewen:  Dakota Terpening-Marino.

Poughkeepsie:  Kristin Brooks.

Queens Village:  Loncey Conyers.

Rhinebeck:  Austin Lunstedt, Abigail Raymond.

Rifton:  Louisa Goodwin, Brenda Robertshaw.

Rosendale:  Ruth Boumboume.

Saugerties:  Molly Dougherty, Constantine Fyffe, Emma Larson, Christopher McCutcheon, Jenifer Monroy,

Gavin Perri, Julia Voerg, Jacqueline Vought.

Shokan:  Spencer Estes.

Spring Glen:  Camryn Hoar.

Staatsburg:  Alyssa Cox, Jolene Region.

Stone Ridge:  Cara Countryman, Anne Palmer.

Tillson:  Emma Britten, Hannah Sheeley, Gabriella Walsh.

Tivoli:  Kathleen Anspach, Jonathan Rhea.

Ulster Park:  Erica Fautz, Devin Kren.

Walden:  Shayla Riggins.

Wallkill:  Matthew Antinucci, Moshe Canty, Tarik Harvey, Ricardo Joseph, Amelia Lukacik, Jermaine Page,

Willie Smith, Carl Taylor, Mason Tremper.

West Hurley:  Garrett Gramzow.

Woodstock:  Rachel Gorman, Maxwell Levin.

Part-Time President’s List

 A total of 33 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Fall 2019 semester, reported Dr. Alan P. Roberts, President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Fall 2019 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

Beacon:  Emma Rudzinski.

Croton-on-Hudson:  Gretchen Grimm.

High Falls: Sloane Lapointe.

Hopewell Junction:  Ashley Hahn.

Hurley: Marleis Rosier.

Kerhonkson:  Karleen Dee, Genevieve Salerno.

Kingston:  Sydney Baisden, Patricia Bowers, Xuemei Dunda, Sarai Howard, Courtney Perry,

Jessica Reis, Tracy Sutton.

Lake Katrine:  Hope Carrubba, Sixto Taveras.

New Paltz:  Kristie Benel, Sharon Otis.

Port Ewen:  Dawn Marie Jankowski, Darrene Zanolini.

Poughkeepsie:  Heather Geib.

Saugerties:  Sabrina Fales.

Shokan:  Lily Savatgy.

Wallkill:  James Clairmont, David Diaz, Carlos Graves, Rashad Hudyih, Vernon Parker, Norman Risden.

Wappingers Falls:  Elyssa Nott.

West Hurley:  Kristen Cannon.

West Park:  Anastacia Cilione.

Willow:  Fenner Osmond-Friedman.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 220 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester, reported Kevin R. Stoner, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Fall 2019 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

Accord:  Alice Gumpel, Jared Lyman, Emily Lyman, Sydnee Rider, Kevin Riopelle, Victoria Schaef.

Amenia:  Rebecca Venezia.

Bayside:  Brittney Cora.

Beacon:  Marissa Schiller.

Bearsville:  Samantha Goralczyk.

Bronx:  Angel Castillo, Brandon Gonzalez.

Brooklyn:  Hunter Paolucci.

Carmel:  Victoria Pourakis.

Clintondale:  Samantha Pisciotta.

Connelly:  Zachary Helzer, Nicholas Palmer.

Cornwall:  Samantha Lamitie.

Ellenville:  Crystal Conklin, Michael Fields, Guilia Ligotino.

Gardiner:  Jonathan Hansen, Jennifer Kozlowski, Yesenia Melendez, Megan Podeszedlik , Alan Strauss.

Glasco:  Brian Tulimero.

Grahamsville:  Monica Kennedy.

Greenville:  Colleen Bowden.

High Falls:  Erik Bogart, Jessica Meyer.

Highland:  Maiya Earley, Emily Giangaspro. Marylena Hono, Steven Long, John Miller, Megan Morgan,

Ashley Morrow.

Hurley:  Alexandra Bailey, Anthony Consiglio, Carly Harjes, Michael Hein, Hannah Mason , Daniel Norman

Lauren Schaffrick, Bixin Zhang.

Hyde Park:  Amandeep Kang, Carley Ronk.

Kerhonkson:  Frank Alicandri, Juliana Bonelli, Amari Brodhead, Madeleine Callan , Courtney Krom,

Daniel Mendoza, Aidan O’Connell, Zachary Smith, Joseph Taylor, Aaliah Williams.

Kingston:  Jacquelinne Barrientos, James Blatz, Brian Bovee, Morgan Camara, Ashley Campbell,

Mehdi Chamas, Jeremiah Childs, Steven Cina, Rachel Collins, Fatima Contreras-Pacheco, Christian Dovel,

Maya Fornari, Katie Hernandez Chavez, Isaias Herrera, Anders Iaconelli, Riley Jacobsen, Sohraab Khan,

Kacie Kiersted, Elizabeth Lemus , Narritah Lomax, Aaron Martino, Ryan McDowell, Heather Metzger-Brodhead,

Sydney Miller, Adam Modeen, Saul Ortiz, Dhyey Patel, Afeefah Peters, Alana Potter, Juliette Rhodes,

Arlene Rider, Charles Rigney, Sandra Sanchez, Carolyn Scopino, Nolan Secreto, Danielle Soldezzo,

Natalie Terbush-Colon, Haley Toman, Steven Valles, Bailey Vines, Alexandria Wilcheck, Shaye Witkus,

Donald Yonta, Cathleen Zeno.

Lake Hill:  Matthew Brady.

Lake Katrine:  Heidian Bartley, Frances Detweiler, Caesar Martinez, Daniel Shambo, Jonathan Traver.

Lindenhurst:  Justin Ventura.

Loudonville:  Mary Rankin.

Marlboro:  Cassie Coutant, Dakota Wolff.

Middletown:  Angel Martinez, Anthony Sacchi, Hannah Van Sickle.

Monroe:  Matthew Yurman.

Montgomery:  Jenna Malloy-Pomales, Lilei Mason, Holly Walters.

Mount Marion:  Jenna Coppey.

Napanoch:  Rylie Lake.

New Paltz:  Nathaniel Bath, Maya Becker, Samuel Berman, Lauren Buther-Jones , Cody Heller, Gregory Hull,

Olivia Johnson, Jacob Jurain, Skyler Lawrence, Marquis Loveless, Sebastian Mazo, Hunter Murawa,

Jennifer Navarro, Brent Stewart, Shan Vitarius.

New Windsor:  James Secreto.

New York:  Henry Pena Mercededes.

Newburgh:  Andrea Freyer.

Olivebridge:  Kayla Sharp, Amanda Summers.

Pawling:  Gabriella Delaski.

Phoenicia:  Gabriel Solis.

Pine Bush:  Brendan Conklin, Brianna Eagan, Michael Finch, Michael Gardner.

Pine Hill:  David Lydick.

Pine Plains:  Lena Kilpatrick.

Port Ewen:  Natalie Robinson, Madison Wenzel.

Poughkeepsie:  Hailey See.

Prattsville:  Alaina Yarger.

Red Hook:  Malia DiGugno.

Rifton:  Nicholas Gerard, Evelyn Myers-McCarthy.

Rock Tavern:  Erin Martin.

Saugerties:  Jackson Baker, Crystal Barlow, Meredith Becnel, Taylor Brooks, Hannakay Burton, Ryan Chrystie,

Jaclyn Davren, Kieran Defino, Skylar France, Aris Henderson, John Hutter, Charles Johnson, Anna Larson,

Tami Mallett-Edwards, Isabel Martinez, Josue Martinez Hernandez, Matthew Monaco, Elizabeth Scott,

Alyssa Wagor, Ernest Williams.

Shokan:  Adam Carroll, Lily Comerford, Mary Dornan, Alyssa Wiswall.

Stone Ridge:  Matthew Foertsch, Andrew Jarvis, Samantha Radliff.

Tillson:  Katelin Gromoll , Alexander Herrling, James Newman.

Tivoli:  Sage Engasser.

Ulster Park:  Christina Johnson, Julia Simonini, Haley Whalen.

Walden:  Kyle Weiskittel .

Wallkill:  Kareena Clark, Jarvis Cromwell , Moses Ervine, Curtis Farrow, Julia Graziano, Sean Gustafson, Savannah Keesler, William Kenney, Alexis Klinger, Faith Martin, Antonio Morales , Veronica Padilla, Daniel Patrikeyev, Earl Payne, Roland Roberts, Genesis Romero , Jake Sweed, Darr Williams,

Kenneth Williams, Rahman Wilson.

Wanaque:  Tyler Guadagno.

Wappingers Falls:  Blake Butler, Erica Grater.

West Hurley:  Kimberly Kearney.

Woodstock:  Jeannie Borschel, Ashley Grandy, Whitney Harris.

Wurtsboro:  Rachel Whitbeck.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 66 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester, reported Kevin R. Stoner, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is at least 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Fall 2019 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

Accord:  Emilie Bunch.

Catskill:  Bridgitte Clarke.

Cornwall:  Logan Colandrea.

Ellenville:  Jeffrey Grey.

Gardiner:  Allison Carlstrom, Michael Makely.

Highland:  Emily Losonczy, Royteisha Wright.

Hopewell Junction:  Jennifer Elie.

Hurley:  Jeffrey Knapp, Morgan Quinn.

Kingston:  Mary Brennan, Danielle Cangelosi, Christopher Coddington, Marina DiBella, Steven Dovel,

Sadie Gordon, Natoya Henderson, Ariana Krom, Cameron Letus, Katlyn McManamon,

KellyAnn Palazzolo, Allison Riche, Jacqueline Soechting.

Lake Katrine:  Moheni Creavalle, Erin Marinho, Ebony Pemberton.

Marlboro:  Jenna Tompkins.

Modena:  Elisa Vasile.

New Hampton:  Katharine Matthews.

New Paltz:  Benjamin Ambrosini, Gabriella Connolly, Shanti Esdelle, Zoe Lewis, Cathleen Senior.

Pine Bush:  Melissa Larson.

Port Ewen:  Tanya Hoefer.

Poughkeepsie:  Monty Robinson .

Ruby:  Francisco Santos.

Saugerties:  Christopher Connolly, Marilyn Cox, Leeta Damon, Brandon Drescher, Gina Ferraro, Christen Padilla,

Nina Palumbo-Torres, Jaime Proper, Michael Quinn, Gregory Sillins.

Sherburne:  Mark Louprette, Jr.

Shokan:  Lauren Lomoe-Thompson.

South Cairo:  Elizabeth Bailey.

Wallkill:  William Brewster, Ray Ray Conner, Mark Crowder, Tramel Cuencas, Joel Guzman, Scott Hall,

Andrew Jones, Raymond Merchant, Joseph Patterson, Andrew Smart, Anatoliy Utenyshev, Emil Vazquez.

Wappingers Falls:  Yanire Mozzone-Wickers.

Woodstock:  Cayenne Fusco.

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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!”