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From SATs to SUNY: Adjusting to College Courses

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Student taking notes in class

Are you a recent high school graduate or GED recipient coming to college? If so, we have a few tips for succeeding here at SUNY Ulster and making the transition easier.

Manage Time Wisely

Have you been told that college students need two hours of study for every credit hour? While full-time students will probably not spend 30 hours a week reading their notes, it’s important to consider the rule when designing your job and school schedule. Depending on the classes you take, you could have a relatively relaxing first month of college… only to have three papers, a major presentation, and two tests due right before midterms. Tyler Williams, a recent Ulster grad, says, “Make sure to keep up on every part of your studies; there’s nothing worse than typing a 10 page research paper the day before it’s due and having to sacrifice sleep and the quality of your work.”

Attend Classes

Even though your whereabouts are no longer closely tracked each day, there’s no reason to stop going to class. It may sound obvious, but if you want to do well academically at Ulster you must attend as many classes as you can. Don’t sleep through them, either. Not only is attendance important for getting all assignments and notes, it’s also necessary for staying enrolled. Grades are significantly decreased when you exceed the number of allowed absences, and you can get kicked out of the class altogether if you don’t pay attention to the number stated in the syllabus. It also affects your Financial Aid. Don’t risk it!

Befriend Professors

In college, faculty members are active participants in students’ lives and futures. Professors here at Ulster are happy to help students with their work and careers. In class, they will often give tips about what they want to see in your work. Taking note of this can be the difference between a passing grade and an A. Outside the classroom, they will give you valuable insight about working in your field and can recommend you to future employers and colleges. One will also be your advisor at Ulster, so make sure you start building a relationship with them early on.

Know How the Work Differs

Courses are designed differently in college; rather than having a number of small tests and homework to make up a grade, classes tend to rely on heavily weighing two or three tests and, depending on your major, the contents of your portfolio, a research paper, or a class project. Ulster professor Dina Pearlman stresses the importance of self-motivation, saying, “Often assignments will only be given once. Students are expected to research and follow through on their own. However, if you are struggling with questions, we are all happy to help and guide you.” Professors are ready to help with any material you don’t understand, as long as you take the initiative to go to them.

Take Responsibility

To succeed in college, you must know how to handle your own responsibilities. With the help of your advisor, you will make your own schedule. Be smart with it and register as soon as possible, so you’ll be able to take the classes you want at decent times. A number of classes are only available at one time during the semester, so you’ll want to be sure you get a spot in the class. When it comes to the classes themselves, be organized and know when assignments and exams will be. Ulster student Kristy Lyons has a great tip: “Check your email and portal on a regular basis. Professors send emails and post on the portal for assignments that are due.” Your college email is also how professors let you know about cancellations, so you could save driving in by just taking a few seconds to check the portal.

Know Your Limits

If you’ve never done it before, college work is a big change. Even if you did well in high school, you shouldn’t expect to get straight A’s right off the bat. You will probably have to adjust your methods of studying and thinking about the work. You may find you need some extra help to do well, and Ulster has an abundance of resources to help you. The Learning, Writing, and Math Centers are there for you, and almost all the gen eds have tutoring available from both professionals and peers. Don’t be afraid to go to them for assistance.

Work Hard, and Have Fun!

In the end, you are the only person who can make sure that you are prepared for college and will take your experience seriously. By keeping an open mind about your education and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you, there is a good chance you will be successful and have a great time at Ulster.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose SUNY Ulster

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SUNY Ulster in front of the fountain in fall

Affordable EducationTaraFitzgerald
The cost of attending a four-year college is high and going higher. You can greatly reduce the cost of gaining a bachelor’s degree by graduating from SUNY Ulster and transferring to finish to a four-year institution to finish your degree. At SUNY Ulster, 70% of our students graduate with no debt and more than 200 students per year receive scholarships. Discover how Tara Fitzgerald saved to reach her goals.


Flexible Scheduling
If you need to make college fit in with job and family obligations, SUNY AudreyPottingerUlster offers daytime, evening, weekend and online classes to help you accomplish your educational goals. Did you know, we also offer seven different start dates to help get you going. See how Audrey Pottinger used every scheduling option to get herself across the finish line.

The Power of SUNY
The SUNY System has a policy of seamless transfer for those graduating from a New York community college with an A.A. or A.S. degree. Our Transfer Office can help ensure the credits you earn at SUNY Ulster will earn you placement as a junior in the four-year SUNY college or university of your choice.

Faculty Focus on Teaching VincenzoAgostaroCapture
Our professors don’t just teach a course, they live it. Experts in their fields, they bring real life experiences to the classroom. Classes are small, so faculty have the ability to inspire and mentor.

Support Services for Success
We strive to address the needs of all learners. From academic advising and tutoring to counseling and career services, we help you develop to your fullest potential.

Internships & Real World Experience
From day one, you’ll have the opportunity to register for an internship or academic travel. In addition, many of our programs provide real world experiences such as creating graphics or developing drafting proVictorCuevaCapturejects for real clients.

College & Career Options
If you’re like most students, you may not yet know your career path. SUNY Ulster is ideal for exploring fields that interest you to find your passion. Choose from career-oriented programs if you want to enter the job market with your associate degree, certificate or diploma or from transfer programs if you’d like to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Vibrant Student Life
Join a club. Run for office. See a play. Visit the gallery. Play for one of our athletic teams. Join us for BBQs, workshops, lectures, demonstrations and more.

Caring Community
You can feel it the moment you step foot on campus. We’re a community of helpers and doers, cheerleaders and mentors. You’ll quickly discover that faculty, staff and your fellow students become family.

Global Opportunities
Experiencing the world and connecting with other students from around the globe is easy for SUNY Ulster students. In addition to international and domestic travel, we are a leader in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). COIL classes use Internet-based tools like Skype and Moodle to connect with students from other institutions around the globe, without ever leaving campus. Learn with students from Mexico, Beirut, and Italy, among others.

Final Exam Tips from your Professors

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Keep Calm and Pass Your Exams

It’s that time of the semester again! The sun is out; the Main Quad is beginning to buzz with activity; and you can almost envision your end of the school year Netflix binge. Before you can just sit back, relax and remain in your bed for the next 36 hours, you have to get through those dreaded final exams. Here are some tips from some of our Faculty and Staff on how to make it through those finals:

“Make sure you know what’s on the final exam so you know what you need to study. Then study all your resources: your class notes, your homework, the textbook, and any other resources you have.”

Mindy Kole
Assistant Professor of Business

“Make sure you read the directions for your final exam and projects. If you don’t read the instructions, how will you know what you need to do? Also, check and triple check, the date of your final exam.

Dr. Nichola Harris
Associate Professor of European History

“Don’t wait until the last minute to study. Do not cram!”

Jane Kithcart
Director of Academic Support Services & Placement Director of Learning Center

“Put in the effort, study hard, and just before the exam take a break and relax. You know everything you will know! In the end though, remember your final exam grade doesn’t define you.”

Nicholas Haines
Instructor of English

“Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re remembering to eat and sleep on a regular and healthy basis. Going into an over stressed and deprived of sleep is only going to make it harder for you to focus on the exam.”

Mary Ann Baruth
Associate Professor of Mathematics  

Sports Make a Difference

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SUNY Ulster Senators with symbol

College is scary. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. The teachers are intimidating and the students are scary and as you’re wandering around the campus looking at your schedule you’re wondering if it’s HAR for Hardenbergh Hall or if it was a mistype and had meant HAS for Hasbrouk Hall. For a two year college, it’s harder to meet people because there isn’t any housing on campus like four year colleges and the social life is mostly small circles of kids who already knew each other before entering college.

There is a way around that vicious cycle of “oh my gosh who are these people” and that is joining a sport. As said previously, SUNY Ulster is a two year college and since either you know some people or you know no one, the best bet to meet people and to be most comfortable in your four (or three, two, one) semesters here is to join one of the sports that are offered giving you a great opportunity.

In the fall there is the Men’s Soccer team, the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country team, and the Women’s Volleyball team who made the fourth spot on the Division III NJCAA standings. In the Winter Men’s Basketball is played and in the spring Baseball, Men’s Golf, Men’s Tennis, and Softball are all played. For each season, there is some way for girls and boys to get to know one another and for people to get connected with each other.

Your teammates are there to support you. College is a stressful and difficult time for anyone and to be able to socialize and have someone next to you to pat you on the back makes all the difference. Your teammates motivate you to do your best in your sport and in your studies and your team makes you want to be the best that you can be. It doesn’t matter if your team is one of the better ones in fact it doesn’t even matter if your team is one of the less successful ones. What matters is that the teammates and the athletes have the camaraderie that bind them together.

So, if you are feeling at a loss with this semester with meeting new people, the best idea that there is would be to join one of the four sports that are offered. You can get exercise and get motivated to have a fantastic semester here at SUNY Ulster.

SUNY Ulster President Dr. Alan Roberts

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President Alan Roberts standing with Nick Carchidi

Occupation: SUNY Ulster President
Community College Attended: North Country Community College
First Generation Student

What made you decide to start at a Community College?
Convenience, Affordability, and Accessibility.

When did you figure out your career major?
I began as an accounting major in community college but once I furthered my education I found that I had a passion for more of the marketing and other fields involved with business.

What is the difference between Community College then vs. Community College now?
Technology, I just read that 70% of students need technology to study and 30% can’t leave their phone alone for 10 minutes. Now, with the Technology Revolution though, I can’t leave my phone alone either.

Describe your journey from Student to President.
I began studying Accounting at North Country Community College. Then I worked in the business field for years but wanted a more fulfilling job. I then started working as an Accounting professor at Indian River State College, moving up to a department head, a Dean and now as the President of SUNY Ulster.

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Ulster?
The Instructors: They are exactly what I was hoping faculty would be at every community college. They care about the students. The success of their students is number one in their mind and they go about & beyond in that they spend more time with students, they help, they mentor, they guide, and they love being here.

Pres15vertWhat are your Favorite Places on Campus?
I love the Music and Art Departments since I’m a musician.
The STEM Department interests me because of all the cool technology in the classrooms. And, of course, the Cafeteria because that’s where the students are and I love to interact with them.

What tips do you have for Students?
Start on day one: Get class scheduling, financial aid, book purchasing out of the way before the first day of class. Focus on your studies. Learn how to be a student: Figure out how to be independent and how the college system works while at community college.

Giving Thanks

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Apple on open book in front of blackboard with math equation
Apply on textbook
Now that we are towards the end of the semester, there’s time take a look at your grades, your efforts and your teachers. I looked and realized that there was one adjunct professor that I really felt grateful to. I decided that it would be nice to give her a professional recommendation for her personal file. If there’s a teacher who you feel has gone above and beyond, you may do the same. Don’t worry about whether it’s geeky or not. Yes, being grateful may not look cool to your friends but it’s good karma and you can use all of that you can get, especially when you’re the one looking for a job later.

Here’s my letter, and yes, you may use the format or any style ideas from it to thank the professors who are making a difference for you.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter of recommendation for Heidi L. Ferry because I truly believe she needs some credit for being a terrific math teacher. She is currently teaching Basic Algebra 091 and is the only math teacher that I’ve ever had that could explain to me the “why’s” of the math operations clearly. She has a lot of patience and checks with us to make sure we are getting the concepts right. Before tests, she gives us reviews and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like a hopeless dunce in math. I have an A average; me, the girl who in first grade was told nicely by my math/reading teacher that “It’s okay, not everybody’s a math person.” I thought she was being kind pointing out that it was just the way nature made me. My non-mathematic-English-artsy brain just couldn’t deal with all those number thingies.

Thirty some-odd years later, I’m happy to say she was wrong. It is with the help of Professor Ferry that I have this confidence. Most of my class and I wish she could stay our teacher throughout our college experience but know this cannot be the case. I hope my next algebra teachers will be as thorough and patient as her and I wish her all the best in her career.

A Very Thankful Student,

Jennifer Smith-Jamieson
SUNY-Ulster Community College

Thanks to Professor Heidi L. Ferry.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

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Rachel Weiner being held by her father

For the past year I have been yearning to go back to school. For financial reasons I was not able to return for the Fall 2014. I was determined to return for the Fall 2015 semester. Ever since I found out that I was eligible for Financial Aid I have been over the moon. I had missed being in school. I missed being at SUNY Ulster. Most of all I want to finish my degree. I want to finish what I had started. My educational life has always been a difficult one. I suffer from Dyslexia and ADHD and was never really given the tools to deal with these disorders. My father, who also had Dyslexia, felt there was nothing in this world more valuable than knowledge. This belief extended way past the classroom. My Dad felt that every day brought a new lesson to learn. My grades may never have reflected my love for learning, but make no mistake I love learning.

The Gift of Learning . . . Priceless

Three years ago my dad passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s; a disease that robbed him of the mind he valued so much. My brother and I grew up admiring a man who worked so hard every day of his life so that we would have the opportunities he had to work so hard to obtain. He starting working in a Steel Mill in Baltimore during his teens and worked as a waiter and lifeguard all through college, graduating from both University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins. And went on to be a prominent Eminent Domain Lawyer for the Justice Department and the City of Miami Beach. He loved every minute of it. This was all he wanted for us; find something you love and don’t ever let anything or anyone get in your way of achieving your dream. I know that my life would be different if my dad had not gotten sick when I was so young. I also know that I cannot change what has already happened. I do know that despite how long it may take I will never give up on (his and) my dream of continuing my education and getting that degree.

Day One

So that is what I am doing. I am going back to school, whatever it takes. I will finish my Associates. On Monday, August 24th 2015, I made a promise to myself that this time I will not let anything stop me and I will not crack when things get hard. The days leading up to Monday were definitely nerve-wracking. Like I said I hadn’t been in school in over a year and this time I would be doing it with three jobs at the same time. Being nerves and excited is a common feeling for the first day of school, but once I made it on campus I felt invincible. Every time I walk in to a new class on Monday and Tuesday I felt more comfortable and confident that I could really do this; I could make my dad and myself proud. I have been told that I should reconsider taking five classes, start slow, but with every passing day I feel more empowered and overjoyed to be back that I don’t want to drop a class or two. I don’t want to do less; I want to do more. I want to make up for every opportunity I have ever let pass by me.

Support and Dedication

Going to college is expensive, time consuming and requires dedication. Dedication from the student to be present, attentive, prepared and most importantly read to learn. It takes the dedication of the faculty and staff to help the students succeed. Dedication of friends and family to be supportive and understand. Although it has taken me longer than most to fully commit to school and finishing my degree, this time I’m ready. College does require money, time and dedication, but without a great support system: parents, professors, boyfriend or girlfriend, and friends in general. “No man is an island.” This is especially true for the college student.

We are so fortunate to go to a school where support is everywhere you turn: Trio, Time Square, the learning center, just to name a few. We also have the support of the staff and faculty to go over and beyond to see that we succeed, even when we are ready to call it quits.

Looking Forward

I could have tried to go back to school somewhere else. I decided to come back to SUNY Ulster. The week isn’t over yet, but I can feel the difference already. I am prepared for what is to come and am more confident than ever that this is the right time to go back to school; as well as the right place. I am so fortunate to have the support system I do. I know that this isn’t true for everybody, but find someone, anyone to tell you, “It is okay. You will get through this”. The campus is filled with people who want to help, want to support you in any way they can. I leave you with this never underestimate yourself. Never let anyone underestimate you. Most importantly don’t do it for anybody else, but yourself. That being said I am dedicating this academic year to my dad, a part of my support system that isn’t here anymore), a man who gave me the greatest gift of all curiosity and a love of knowledge.

I wish everybody a great semester and good luck on the coming Academic Year!

Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster Opens 8/18!

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Kingston Center building

If you live or work in or closer to Kingston than to Stone Ridge, we have great news for you. After countless months of planning and construction, the new Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster will have its grand opening on August 18th, in time for fall classes!

The Kingston Center will be the new home of our Police Academy, and will also make it possible for many students to fulfill the general education requirements needed for most of our programs at a location closer to them. And, of course, it will also house our noncredit courses.

Some of the nicest aspects of the new building: the glass-enclosed lobby area with a great view of the Catskills and comfy furniture, ecofriendly plantings and walkways, and wifi throughoutdebphone070215 010debphone070215 002debphone070215 013

Almunus Fulfills Dream of Helping Immigrants

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Victor Cueva, 2009, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor at a NYC Bar Association event.

Victor Cueva, Liberal Arts Humanities and Social Science ’09, is eager to give new immigrants in the Hudson Valley the help his family did not receive when they came to Kingston from Lima, Peru more than a decade ago.

Cueva, who recently earned his juris doctorate degree from Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, is fulfilling his dream of helping immigrants with legal services as a fellow in the Immigrant Justice Corps, an ambitious, still-developing fellowship program begun in New York City last year.

Cueva will work in Catholic Charities’ Poughkeepsie and Newburgh offices part of the week, and the other days in Manhattan at 26 Federal Plaza, New York’s immigration court, serving clients from the lower Hudson Valley region.

His achievements were recently included in a New York Times article on the Immigrant Justice Corps.

After graduating from SUNY Ulster, where he was a former Admissions Ambassador and played soccer for then-coach Hall of Famer George Vizvary, he graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany. He attended Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law as a select number of E. Nathaniel Gates scholars.

Cueva, 25, fondly remembers SUNY Ulster as a close-knit college community with professors who both challenged and supported him academically, and other international students and fellow soccer players who became his friends.

“Never give up. Perseverance is a great quality to have and SUNY Ulster helped me develop that quality,” he said.

For his success story, click here.

First-Time Student Leader Makes a Difference

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Akram Abdulla receving award from Donald Katt

“I wish SUNY Ulster was a four-year school. I wouldn’t leave to transfer.” Akram Abdulla, business administration major and SGO leader, expected graduation spring 2016

Business administration major Akram Abdulla describes a hero as someone who goes beyond to do good for a greater purpose.

He counts his older brother as well as the professors, faculty and administrators at SUNY Ulster among them.

But those that know him say the word is a description of Abdulla who has selflessly given his time and energy to student government and campus life to make SUNY Ulster a better place. Abdulla is currently serving as Student Government Vice President and previously was SGO Treasurer. He also is a Campus Connect leader.

A first-generation college student born in Yemen who came to the U.S. in 2004, Abdulla, 22, is staying focused on his studies and many involvements on campus – despite worries about the safety of his mother, fiancée and other family he still has in the country that is under seize.

For his many accomplishments, he was recognized with a 2015 President’s Award for Excellence in Student Leadership.

Abdulla enrolled at SUNY Ulster in 2014 after taking time off to work and travel. In a year, he’s come a long way in his leadership – going from never being involved in any extra curriculum activities and being intimidated asking 25 fellow students to sign a petition putting him on his first ballot.

But being in the right supportive environment surrounded by encouraging faculty and friendly students with similar interests motivated Abdulla to take a first step into getting involved in the Business Club and volunteering as the club’s representative to SGO.

“I saw how well connected the students were in SGO and how they had a voice,” he says. “It gave me a purpose.”

The many relationships he forged online with students got him nominated as CEO of the award-winning Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project between SUNY Ulster and Fatec Americana in São Paulo, Brazil.

He represented SUNY Ulster at a COIL conference in New York City and the SUNY Student Assembly spring conference in Binghamton. Abdulla even has a voice in who will lead the college’s future as a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee.

Abdulla is putting his leadership skills and business acumen to real-world use in his family’s grocery store, Rondout Market, and plans to transfer to get a bachelor’s degree in business after getting married in October and graduating from SUNY Ulster next spring.

“SUNY Ulster has opened up so many doors that I never thought I could achieve on my own,” he says. “And it is all because of professors and administration that have put student success at the top of their list.”