Campus Life

10 Tips for Scholarship Success

by
Woman at the 2016 SUNY Ulster scholarship ceremony holding her award and smiling
It’s now time to apply for scholarships here at SUNY Ulster! The Ulster Community College Foundation General Application is open for students to fill out, and doing so enters them into a pool where they can possibly be matched with one or more scholarships. Both on campus and off, there are many types of scholarships: academic scholarships, need-based (financial) scholarships, sports scholarships, club or member-based scholarships, and more. Here’s some tips for increasing your odds of getting one!

#1: Start ASAP and Apply Early

Many scholarships have early application deadlines, so don’t miss out on these opportunities. You can even apply for college scholarships before you’ve started college! SUNY Ulster has an application period every year in the winter for returning and graduating students and every summer for incoming freshmen.

#2: Search Locally

Don’t stop at just Ulster; look in your community, too! Local banks, grocery stores, clubs, businesses, organizations, and churches are all potential sources for community scholarships. Also check state-funded scholarships. States have lots of money to disperse when it comes to providing education.

#3: Read the Requirements

If you apply to a specific scholarship, make sure you are eligible right from the start, so you’re not wasting your time. Also, never pay to apply for a scholarship, since these are usually scams.

#4: Follow Instructions Carefully

Errors can quickly get your scholarship application denied. Proofread it. Have someone else proofread it as well. Double check your answers to make sure you completely and accurately responded to all questions.

#5: Neatly Presented, Neatly Packaged

If your scholarship application must be mailed, use certified mail or better yet, FedEx, making your application look as professional as possible.

#6: Communicate

Make sure the application is complete and correct. If you are not sure about something in the scholarship application, don’t hesitate to ask someone at the Foundation or whoever is in charge of scholarships where you are applying for one.

#7: Check for School Specific Scholarships

If you’re graduating, check with the college you would like to attend. Usually, there are many school-specific scholarships available. Some scholarships offered through the Ulster Community College Foundation specify a preferred transfer school, so be sure to include your plans in the application to better your chances of getting matched up with these scholarships. Earning scholarships based on a transfer college can also help you make your school choice when the time comes for your final decision.

#8: Be Active, Stay Active

Being in a sports team, club, or doing some type of community service will always better your chances of receiving a college scholarship. Numerous scholarships offered through the Foundation stress community involvement as a requirement.

#9: Maintain your GPA

Keep your grades up. A higher GPA will increase your eligibility for most scholarships, on top of increasing your chances of receiving funds through Financial Aid.

#10: Ask a Foundation Employee for Help

Visiting a Foundation employee in the Clinton 203 suite can help you learn more about traditional scholarships that might be available to you, as well as any aid or special scholarships that fall outside of those covered by the General Application, like Lights for Learning.

*****

Even if you don’t think your chances of getting a scholarship are likely, at least fill out the Ulster Community College Foundation General Scholarship Application; there is one for current students and prospective students. If you have any other questions about Ulster’s scholarships, contact the Foundation by emailing dvoraksg@sunyulster.edu, by phone at 845-687-5293, or stop by the offices in the Clinton 203 suite on campus.

Utilizing The SUNY Ulster Macdonald Dewitt Library.

by
Group of students doing homework together in the library

As final exam pressure begin to mount you may find yourself looking for a place to host a group study group, or rehearse a group presentation without disturbing your peers that may be seeking quiet. Did you know that right here on our SUNY Ulster campus there are rooms you can reserve as a student?

The Macdonald Dewitt LibraryMedia Room (DEW 017) has approximately 24 chairs, a computer, LCD projector, DVD, and VCR player. The projector image is large scale predicted to be “-around 8ft by 10 ft.” by Kari Mack the Director of Library Service. This room is the perfect place to practice any presentations, or group presentations that you and your peers may have.  

At The Macdonald Dewitt Library There are 3 student group study rooms available to be booked: DEW101A – main level next to Circulation Desk, DEW012 – lower level near back exit, Mt View Room – second level adjacent to Catskill Mountain View Room. The Student Group Study Rooms have tables that comfortably seats about 6 people. 

Reservations must be made at least 1 hour in advance. There is a 2 hour time limit for each reservation. Only one reservation may be made per day. When the room is not booked, it will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Dry erase markers and eraser available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.

Step-By-Step-Guide on How to Book a Library Room.

One you have logged on to your SUNY Ulster Portal you will first CLICK Library Resources.

Scroll Down to the sectioned titled Contact the Library and CLICK Book a Room in The Library. From here you can select either the Media Room or Student Study Group Room and CLICK your option.

From here you will be presented with a page that enables you to select the desired date on the calendar. Separate days require separate bookings. 3. Click ‘Continue’ and fill in the required fields. Select ‘Submit My Booking’. To cancel a reservation, use the link provided in your confirmation email.

For more information you can contact the Macdonald DeWitt Library.
Reference Desk: 845-687-5208
Circulation Desk: 845-687-5213
Fax: 845-687-5220
askref@sunyulster.edu
http://www.sunyulster.edu/library/contact.php

12 Tips for Organizing Your College Life

by
Focused woman doing homework in the library

With finals approaching, there’s no better time than the present to get organized. Whether you’re new to college or a returning student, here are some great tips to help you succeed. Try them and find what works best for you!

  1. Be motivated. When the going gets tough, it’s easy to lose track of why you’re putting so much time and effort into college. Keep a list of long-term goals to help you stay focused on what’s important. Tack it up somewhere where you will see it every day.To do list written on paper with blue pen
  2. Keep a planner and/or a planner app. During the school year, using a planner to track classes, assignments, work, and social plans is extremely important. Planners are cheap and are available almost everywhere you can find calendars. If you’re more digitally inclined, there are many free apps and websites you can use that are a Google search away. 
  3. Save all your syllabi and keep them available. If your professor gives you a guide to what your entire semester is going to look like, don’t lose it. You can mark your syllabus with everything you need to remember. Gather all your syllabi together and enter important dates into your planner or calendar app.
  4. Set a schedule and stick to it. Keep to-do lists updated every day. Try to keep the same wake-up and bedtimes every day of the week, even on the weekends and holidays, when there are no classes. This will help you stay on schedule consistently. Also, try to figure out what time of the day you are most productive, and optimize that time for productivity.
  5. Be prepared for the day, before the day happens. When you’re ready for the day even before you wake up, the day tends to run much smoother. You’re less likely to forget important items you need for the day. Having your backpack stocked ahead of time with everything you need is a big time saver. stuffed-pack
  6. Tidy your living and work spaces. Think of the time you spend looking for something in the morning while getting ready to leave the house for the day. Having a clean desk is an excellent start. At the end of each day, get rid of clutter and put things where they belong. This simple nightly routine makes getting ready in the morning much less stressful.
  7. Develop good note organization habits.  Use a color code system, and give each class a color. Match all your binders and notebooks for that class to their color, so that they are easier to find and grab when you are on the go.  Keep separate binders, folders, and/or notebooks for each of your classes. apps-for-keeping-organized-in-college
  8. Set work sessions and use a timer. This step will keep you from wandering into other tasks not coursework related.
  9. Study and hang out in different areas. Work at a desk or in a library, and reserve your room or bed for hanging out and sleeping. Try not to study on the couch in front of the TV, as it’s easy to get distracted by your newest favorite Netflix show.College Study Area SUNY Ulster
  10. Spend time away from the screens in your life. Disconnect from the internet for a few hours a day. Unplugging is a healthy way to curb stress and keep yourself from wasting time. Consider limiting your social media use or cut the habit out altogether, as a quick scroll through your Instagram feed can quickly turn into a hour-long browse.
  11. Remember college is only one piece of your life. If possible, try the 8/8/8 method for balancing your life. It’s a way to divide your time to be responsible and still relax. Try to sleep for eight hours a day, spend eight working, and eight hours for the rest of your life – time with friends, eating, etc.
  12. Go easy on yourself. No one is perfect, and it can be incredibly difficult to stay on top of all your responsibilities. Do your best, but remember, everyone make mistakes. SUNY Ulster has lots of support services to help. And always remember the goal – graduation!

 

SUNY Ulster’s Campus Clubs

by
Front of library in fall with SUNY Ulster's campus clubs written in sky

You’ve been here a while now, and you’ve probably adjusted to classes and college life, but you may not feel really connected to Ulster yet. You may also be struggling to meet new people outside of class. How do you fix this? Well, one easy way is to try one of our many active clubs here on campus! Clubs are organized and run by your fellow students, with help from a faculty advisor. Here is a preview of some of the many interesting clubs on campus:

BIOLOGY CLUB

The Biology Club often works with the Environmental Club to plan and take part in events. The clubs have held panels and events on topics such as the effects of chemical spraying on farms, on the environment, and on consumers. This semester, the club hopes to take part in community volunteering, volunteering on local farms, hosting a blood drive, and possibly holding a bake sale as a fundraiser for those affected by the hurricanes. They are also trying to find a museum or event  to attend. Due to many overlapping interests, the environmental and biology club meet together in HAR 211 on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Contact Nancy Decker at deckern@sunyulster.edu for more information.

BUSINESS CLUB

The SUNY Ulster Business Club presents an opportunity for students to experience and learn from various business-related activities. With speakers, club trips, and many club events, the Business Club can be a fun club for students pursuing a career in any field. Some of their past trips include a tour of YouTube studios and a tour of Wall Street. The meetings are held every Wednesday from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in HAS 208. For more information, contact Mindy Kole at kolem@sunyulster.edu.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLUB

In the past, the Criminal Justice Club has gone to NYC to the “Bodies” exhibit and to the NYPD museum.  They have also had K9 officers and their partners come to school for a demonstrations. The Criminal Justice Club starts a charitable drive to help the less fortunate. They normally meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. in HAR 118. For more information, contact Thomas D’Amicantonio at damicant@sunyulster.edu.

DRAMA CLUB

Members of the Drama Club use their meetings to produce student written work, work on improvisation, and play theatre games. Their writing and acting has been on display at a number of improv shows and student productions put on for the campus community. They meet on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. in the Vanderlyn Rehearsal Room. For more information, contact Stephen Balantzian at balantzs@sunyulster.edu.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

The Environmental Club focuses on educating the campus and surrounding community on environmental issues. They participate in community volunteer cleanup opportunities when possible, such as trail maintenance on I Love My Park Day, preparing the community garden with the Kingston YMCA Farm Project, and cleaning and restoring Kingston Point Beach. This work was recognized by SUNY’s 30 Days of Giving. They also raise money to donate to environmental groups and to preserve rain and cloud forests in areas considered to be most at risk of development. On campus, they have hosted events such as the film showing of “Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds” followed by a discussion panel, a talk by Larissa Walker on the importance of pollinators, and an Earth Day event in which they invited guest speakers and environmental groups. This semester, they will be hosting a forum on food security and the importance on getting food from our farms to the food pantries that need it. They meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays in HAR 211. Contact Jennifer Costello at costellj@sunyulster.edu for more information.

FASHION CLUB 

The Fashion Club promotes fashion awareness on campus and does fundraising events for field trips. In the past, they have made club t-shirts and planned fundraisers. They meet in the HAS 202 Sewing Room at 4:30 one Wednesday a month. Contact Kristin Flynn at flynnk@sunyulster.edu for more information.

FOCUS

FOCUS (Fellowship Of Christian University Students) aims to encourage spiritual growth among the college community, create an atmosphere of studying the Scriptures, establish opportunities for community service both on and off campus, and equip students with skills and experiences that will further develop leadership skills. In the past, club members have sponsored a coffee house and passed out Final Exam Survival Pack goodie bags to the campus community. The club meets on Wednesday afternoons from 1-2 p.m. in the Dining Hall, where they pray together and do a Bible study. Contact Dr. Hans Vought at voughth@sunyulster.edu for more information.

HUMAN SERVICES CLUB

The Human Services club puts their classwork into practice by helping those in need throughout the year. This year, they will be working in collaboration with the Nursing Club to do activities with older adults in a local nursing home. They also plan to help a soup kitchen prepare and serve meals on Thanksgiving Day and host a talent show in the spring. In the past, they have worked together to buy gifts for children who otherwise wouldn’t receive gifts on Christmas. The Human Services Club meets every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Hardenbergh 117a. Interested students can contact Vicky Burgh-Harris at burghhav@sunyulster.edu.

NURSING CLUB

The nursing club is very active on campus and the local community. Members have held health fairs, blood drives, holiday card signing, health walks, and collected and distributed food for the food pantry. They also run the Salvation Army holiday angel tree that pops up in Hardenbergh every Christmas. This year, they will be running a session of holiday arts and crafts at a local nursing home around Thanksgiving. They meet at 1 p.m. the first Monday of every month in the nursing lab. Nursing students interested in participating can contact Ellen Tangney at tangneye@sunyulster.edu.

SUAA

SUAA (SUNY Ulster Art Association) gives students the opportunity to develop personal work for their portfolios.  Last year SUAA painted the mural in Vanderlyn outside of the Vice-President’s office. In the past, they have gone on a museum visit to Boston, made cards at the Woodstock School of Art, and visited the Storm King Art Center. They meet in VAN 261 at 1 p.m., typically on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. For more information, contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

VET TECH CLUB

The Veterinary Technology Club’s primary goal is to help animals in the community. They have hosted pet owner education at SUNY Ulster, raised money for Kevlar vests for Kingston’s Police K-9 unit, donated new instruments to the UCSPCA, paid for students to attend continuing ed seminars by the NYS Association of Veterinary Technicians, and hosted internationally known speaker Temple Grandin in 2012. Students have also volunteered in a TNR program for feral cats with the UCSPCA and arranged rabies and microchip clinics held at SUNY Ulster. They won an award for Collegiate Philanthropy from the Mid-Hudson Fund Raising Professionals Chapter in 2011.  The club meets every other Wednesday (when SGO doesn’t meet) in HAR 207 at 1:15 p.m. Interested students can contact Beth Alden at aldenb@sunyulster.edu or Sandy Wiltshire at wiltshis@sunyulster.edu.

WRITING CLUB

The Writing Club meets every week to share the creative writing of its members. They respond to prompts and bring in their own work for discussion and critique. Some members have published work workshopped at meetings. The club meets in DEW 104 on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Interested students can contact Nicholas Haines at hainesn@sunyulster.edu.

Stories of SUNY Ulster — Marla Gruner: Family Woman, Educator, Library Scientist

by

The Stories team recently got an opportunity to conduct an interview with SUNY Ulster’s own charismatic librarian: Marla Gruner. Invariably seated at the help desk, Marla is known for her pleasant helpfulness and the sagacity of her assistance. Entering her office, we are delighted to the smell of fresh coffee, photographs of her two adorable children, and a glowing presence ready to talk.

“I was an English major in college, and I realized there wasn’t a whole lot I could do with an English degree *Laughs*. So I thought, what are my options? I talked to my advisors and they were iffy about it, and I think I took a career quiz and found out that I could go on and get my masters in library science very easily, and I had also worked in a public library when I was in high school and I liked it! It’s not a thrilling story or anything, I was just fortunate enough to have a direct line to working in this field, sort of a straight path…Mostly it’s the people here that I like working with, there are a lot of energetic, fun people to work with. It’s a small community, and unfortunately a lot of people come here from disadvantaged circumstances, so I really enjoy being able to help them in any way; be it finding a book or navigating the site…I’m teaching at F.Y.E. this semester, so I feel like I’m really able to branch out, talk to people and meet more students — that’s one thing about the library is you don’t always necessarily get to know the students very well, you don’t see them as much as their professors might per se. I feel like this is a great opportunity to know more students better…So, yeah, I just really like the community college environment and feel, and with my job specifically, I’m able to do a lot of things in the library, whereas at a larger institution, there might be like ten librarians. So I get to do the job of ten *Smiles*, but in all seriousness it is wonderful and I enjoy it.”

Interesting Tidbit: When asked about the slow decline of the print book and nationally declining book circulation rates, Marla says she is not concerned. She envisions the library of the future as more of a meeting place and help center, as well as a massive digital database. Forever the optimist, Marla is as much a librarian as she is a friend to the campus at large. The next time you find yourself in the library, keep an eye out for Marla and her infectious smile!

50th Anniversary of Classes at the Stone Ridge Campus

by
View of the Stone Ridge Campus in 1982

September 2017 marks the 50th year we’ve held classes at our lovely Stone Ridge campus! While the buildings and classes have changed over the years, our students’ drive for success and our own commitment to Start Here, Go Far hasn’t.

A Bit of History

The Stone Ridge campus was selected from 28 sites in Ulster County. Located on 165 acres of former farmlands and fields donated by the Leggett and Davenport families, the area that was agreed upon still has the apple trees by the main entrance. The campus was officially dedicated on October 21, 1967, and the first four campus buildings included the Macdonald DeWitt Library, the Business Studies Building, the Science Building, and an all-purpose building. College offices were placed in the library. In addition to classrooms, the all-purpose building included a snack bar, book store, and student lounge.  In 1972, Phase II of a campus development plan added the Senate Gym, Hardenburgh, Vanderlyn, and Algonquin buildings to campus. In 1987, SUNY Ulster’s Children’s Center opened, providing childcare for children of students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Interested in more SUNY Ulster history? Learn more and add your own story to our interactive timeline!

Photo Gallery

SUNY Ulster Stone Ridge Campus Groundbreaking in 1965
Groundbreaking in 1965
Students on the Stone Ridge Campus on Opening Day, 1967
Students on the Stone Ridge Campus on Opening Day, 1967
SUNY Ulster Vice-President Ann Marrott in Early 1980s
Vice-President Ann Marrott during her time as a SUNY Ulster student
SUNY Ulster Nursing Students in 1982
Nursing Students in 1982
SUNY Ulster Soccer Team in 1984
SUNY Ulster Soccer Team in 1984

Ulster Football '89 Sign with Students

The SUNY Ulster Cafeteria in 1993
The Cafeteria in 1993

 

 

Campus Connect 2017: Welcome to SUNY Ulster!

by
New students posed with mascot Senator Sam

The first of our three 2017 Campus Connect orientation sessions was July 11th, and attendees had a great time learning about SUNY Ulster life and meeting their fellow students and future professors. Here’s a few pictures of the fun, thanks to one of our Campus Connect leaders!

If you’re attending SUNY Ulster this fall, remember to sign up for one of the two following sessions on either Thursday, August 3rd or Friday, August 18th. Students attending this mandatory event learn about navigating SUNY Ulster, discover campus resources, find out about fun campus activities available to them, and so much more! Learn more about Campus Connect and register for a session here.

Students playing checkers with SUNY Ulster’s mascot, Senator Sam
New students learning more about life at SUNY Ulster with Professor Mindy Kole
Vice-President Ann Marrott speaks to new students
Campus Connect leaders with Senator Sam
Public Safety Presentation
Free cotton candy for attendees!
Assistant Dean Wendy McCorry’s presentation on advisement
President Roberts’ Opening Presentation

 

The Pfeiffer Technology & Innovation Lab at SUNY Ulster

by
Pfeiffer lab sign with Darlene Pfeiffer

A new technology lab is being constructed this summer at SUNY Ulster! Located off of the student lot section of Hardenbergh, renovated labs and classrooms will be receiving state-of-the-art equipment that can be utilized by both students and industry members, particularly those in STEM fields such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, AutoCAD, 3D printing and web development. Instruction will be available to SUNY Ulster students. This new lab will be named the Pfeiffer Technology & Innovation Lab, after Ulster County resident and Foundation Board Vice Chair Darlene L. Pfeiffer.

Three labs are getting a thorough renovation: the drafting lab, electronics lab, and mechanical lab. The drafting lab will receive dual monitor computers, and the room will be split into two separate labs as well as a 3D printing lab. Industrial technology, drafting, computer, graphic design, art, and fashion students will be able to take advantage of the improved drafting labs, and the 3D printing lab may be open for use, eventually, to all students. The electronics lab will receive new electronic benches, and the mechanical lab (which will be renamed the Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering Lab) will receive new work benches as well as a private outside entrance for industry partners.

In addition to the labs, two classrooms are getting renovated. The computer classroom will receive 18 new computers with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) software. Training units for PLC are being ordered to create a PLC lab, as well. The classroom without computers (located off the current mechanical lab) will be renovated to allow students to learn in the classroom section and then do hands-on experiments in the lab. Both of these classrooms will be available for use by any department.

Renovations are scheduled for completion by August 28th, timely for the start of fall classes. Barbara Reer, Director of Technology Education Programs, states, “We want students and faculty alike to embrace these labs, which will aid in current programs, and hopefully help foster new programs.”

Floor plan for the Pfeiffer Technology & Innovation Lab

College Finals Week: No-Fail Ways to Banish Stress

by
Woman looking anxious with the word stress above her head

With the school year coming to an end and the promise of long, sunny days on the horizon, it’s common for a lot of us college students to get ahead of ourselves and slack off a little towards the end of the semester. The dark and dreary cloud that is “College Finals Week” is enough to vanquish even the most dedicated student. Stress is inevitable, and there might even be tears (especially if you’re opening your textbook for the first time this semester). However, there is no need to fret. Here are six ways you can combat stress during the next two weeks, to ensure a less anxiety-ridden week of cramming for exams, and get the A+ that you so desperately need.

Stress Tip #1: Go To the Study Session/Office Hours

It may not seem important (especially since you could just spend that extra time studying on your own), but study sessions are important because they’re run by your professor and you can count on the teacher to go over the material on the test, as opposed to sitting in the library, staring at your notes and wondering which topics are important. Office hours are even more important because they allow you to have one-on-one time with your professor to go over the most puzzling topics or review a subject over and over without holding back a group session or study group. Be sure to ask what the format of your exam will be. You’d be surprised how much less stress you’ll have when you know exactly what will be on the exam!

Stress Tip #2: Make a Study Plan/Time Block

For the love of all that is holy, make a plan of attack for college finals…and stick to it. It’s so easy to put off tasks until the next day (because how much longer will Gilmore Girls be on Netflix, really) but if you block out your time for the next week, and assign certain tasks to certain blocks, and stick to them, you’d be surprised at how much you get done. For instance, every day I allow myself one hour to review the material and do homework for each class I’m taking. Following that, I’ll then dedicate an extra hour a day to the class that I have an impending test in. You should take note that when you start a task, you should do ONLY that task for the time you’ve allotted yourself. This is a surefire way to focus and get it done.

Stress Tip #3: Go to Bed!

Getting enough sleep is honestly the most important thing when it comes to doing well on your finals. Sleep is vital to survival and it helps the nervous system function properly. Studies reveal that when animals and people fail to get enough sleep concentration, coordination, memory, and mood suffer. You should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night. When you get enough sleep, not only do you need less coffee, but you also will do better on your exams. Studies have also shown that getting a full eight hours of sleep after learning a new task, such as a finger-tapping exercise or after studying a long list of words can boost recall the next day. Even a one-hour nap can improve performance on certain tasks, so if an all-nighter is mandatory, try to fit in a nap.

Stress Tip #4: Turn Off Social Media

All Millennials know that social media websites and apps like Facebook (appropriately titled Face Crack by my mom) and Twitter, will suck your soul and your free time away from you. Not only that, but if you get distracted checking a notification during the time that you’re supposed to be studying, the whole afternoon is lost. You might start off the day reviewing your Calculus I notes, but by the end of the hour, you’re watching the Top 20 Cutest Cats Falling off Tables. How you migrated from Instagram to Youtube without a direct link….no one knows. Do yourself a favor and turn off your phone (or at least the notifications to all distracting apps) and if you have access to “Parental Controls” (all MacBook users do), then get your study buddy (or parent) to set some limits for you. Also, cancel your Netflix subscription for the month. Use that money to buy a stress ball.

Stress Tip #5: Eat Nutritious Food (a.k.a. Not refined shugah)

Healthy Food = Healthy Brain. Make sure to eat plenty of foods that are high in nutrients and low in processed crap. Food is considered medicine in a lot of cultures! So, yes, you can really eat your way to health, but you have to stay away from “death in a plastic wrapper”. You know the deal. That means lots of greens, raw fruits and veggies, healthy fats (like nuts and seeds), whole grains, and lean meats. There will be more info on this topic in another blog post, so stay tuned!

Stress Tip #6: Take a Break!

Sometimes, all you need is to just close your books, go outside, and take a break. College finals stress is one of those tricky things, where you feel like you’ll only get rid of it once you complete the task that is stressing you out in the first place. However, that isn’t always the case. If stress is the thing that is keeping you from finishing the stressful task, it always helps to stop what you’re doing and take a break. This can be anything from taking a nap, to going outside and tossing a football around (or, if you can’t throw – lying in the sun.) All of these things will shift your focus out of that internal hole for doom that you put yourself into, and give you some perspective. Often times, I do this when I get the infamous “Writer’s Block.” It’s inevitable, and won’t go away until you close your computer and distract yourself with a different activity. Often times, once you’ve immersed yourself in something else, inspiration strikes!

Registration is Open for COIL Summer Institute – Join Us!

by
SUNY Ulster President, Alan Roberts with visiting students from Fatec Americana in Mexico.

Join an International Community of Learners to Explore Innovative Global Business Models at SUNY Ulster’s COIL Summer Institute!

Collaborate Online: June 5 – July 3
+
Learn Face to Face: July 3 – July 14

What is COIL Summer Institute?

SUNY Ulster is offering students and community members the unique opportunity to study both online and on campus in their COIL International Summer Institute – a blended course on innovative global business models. The course entitled, Special Topics in Entrepreneurship – BUS 280 – will run online from June 5th to July 3rd and then on the Stone Ridge Campus from July 3rd to July 14th.

It can be taken for credit or noncredit, and is a blended course in which SUNY Ulster students study together with students from

  • Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
  • Fatec Americana
  • Universidad La Salle Noroeste ULSA

to explore the entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and techniques required for the development of new and disruptive business models for a global economy.

Study the growing clean energy, sustainability, and high tech industries of the Hudson Valley as well as those from The Netherlands, Mexico and Brazil. Learn about the importance of social entrepreneurship to all businesses in the 21st century.

Work Online: June 5 – July 3

Explore the intercultural competency, business terminology, and background discussions of the entrepreneurial mindset and disruptive business models of thriving and developing businesses such as Uber, Airbnb or MercyVirtual (a telemedicine firm). Learn about the cultural impact of these businesses and the technology that drives these businesses without borders.

Learn Face-to-Face: July 3 – 14

Students from the International colleges will be traveling to SUNY Ulster to join in face-to-face learning:

  • Visit and shadow local Hudson Valley entrepreneurs to learn their stories, understand their entrepreneurial mindsets and business models.
  • Participate in classes and group work focused on international marketing and cross cultural mindset.
  • Take trips to local maker spaces, tech meet-ups and more.
  • Collaborate in cross-cultural teams in a Biz Model Challenge to develop new business ideas/models.
  • Hear speakers from local businesses:
    • Integral Building & Design – Bringing new products, solar, and passive house designs to fruition for efficiency, health and safety
    • Sustainable Hudson Valley – Holistic approach to sustainability from a community standpoint
    • Evolve Media & HV Tech Meet Up – Community of tech professionals breaking down barriers for synergistic connections
    • Hudson River Maritime Museum – Creating community-based business lines unusual for a museum for growth to 5 million dollar organization
    • Fala Technologies – Tool & die company developing innovative partnerships for a manufacturing community that share clients
    • Applestone Meat

Costs:

For Local Students

The cost for this 3 credit course, Special Topics in Entrepreneurship is $794.50 for local students. It includes all tuition, fees, food during the class, a welcome lunch, a farewell dinner celebration, and a SUNY Ulster t-shirt.

For International Students: $2,850

Lodging is single occupancy, food, activities around the Hudson Valley, transportation including to and from the airport.

For more information:

Mindy Kole
Assistant Professor of Business
Director, Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
kolem@sunyulster.edu

Patrice Macauley
Program Coordinator, Continuing & Professional Education
macauleyp@sunyulster.edu

To Register:

Contact Student Accounts at (845) 687-5099.