SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Receive 2020 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

June 12, 2020May 27, 2020 by SUNYUlster

SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Receive 2020 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

May 27, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce that the following faculty and staff members have been awarded the 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

They are: Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History, Social Sciences, History & Education Department – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; Janet Gehres, Adjunct Faculty, Music, Art, Design, Fashion, Theatre and Communication – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching; Sheryl “Sherry” Chisamore, Director of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Academic Affairs – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service; and Elizabeth “Betty” Zeeb, Photocopy Attendant, Central Services – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

The Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are system-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. These programs underscore SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction, and serving the public good. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishment and personal dedication of its instructional faculty, librarians, and professional staff across its campuses.

For more information, contact Deborah Kaufman at kaufmand@sunyulster.edu or by phone at (845) 687-5261.

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Safe Surprise Diplomas

June 12, 2020May 18, 2020 by SUNYUlster

SUNY Ulster President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts Delivers Safe Surprise Diplomas During Virtual Commencement

May 18, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – Although the SUNY Ulster campus and Ulster County community were not able to gather in-person on the Stone Ridge campus to celebrate and honor 2020 graduates, Dr. Alan P. Roberts has traveled over 460 miles throughout the region, hand-delivering diplomas to many of the over 120 graduates who RSVP’d to participate in SUNY Ulster’s 2020 virtual ceremony.

Observing all appropriate social distancing precautions and wearing a facemask, Dr. Al (as he is familiarly called) began his diploma deliveries at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and his deliveries spanned over the last several days. He announced his intention to hand deliver diplomas in his commencement welcome message during Saturday’s virtual ceremony, saying he was making good on a promise he made during orientation.

Images of Dr. Al delivering diplomas to this year’s graduates can be found on SUNY Ulster’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To date, the Facebook post alone has reached over 27,235 people and received over 11,535 engagements and 203 shares.

The graduating class consisted of 284 students. Of this group, 267 received associate degrees and 36 received certificates. The youngest graduate is 14, and the oldest is 59. Of the class, 33 graduated with highest honors, 80 graduated with honors, 6 students graduated with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students were recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 38 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa. There were also 5 students graduating as College Scholars. The first group of New Start for Women students graduated with their certificates.

After Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2017 Commencement and welcome message, video and audio messages continued from Alan Lomita, Chairman of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees; U.S. Senator, Chuck Schumer; U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado; New York State Senator, Jennifer Metzger; Assembly member, Kevin A. Cahill; Ulster County Executive, Patrick Ryan; Chair of the Ulster County Legislature David Donaldson; Chair of the SUNY Ulster Academic Senate, Professor Jim Hobbs; SUNY Chancellor, Dr. Kristina Johnson; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., John Markes; Actress, Melissa Fumero of NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Tay Fisher, Kingston High School alumnus (Class of 2004), Siena College graduate (Class of 2008 and 2018) and ten-year member of the Harlem Globetrotters and Actor & Radio Legend, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie” of Sirius XM’s 60’s on 6.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner spoke on the Academic Achievements of the class of 2020 followed by a presentation of the candidates through virtual slides submitted by participating graduates and voiceovers by Assistant Dean for Student Success, Wendy Beesley and Assistant Dean for Student Services, Matt Brennie. Interim V.P. of Enrollment Management, Matt Green recognized SUNY Ulster’s faculty and staff named as 2020 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.

This year, a combined Invocation/Benediction message was given from Rev. Allison Moore, PhD. from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz, NY.

SUNY Ulster’s 56 th Commencement was pre-recorded and streamed for graduating students and guests on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. from the College’s YouTube Channel, Facebook page, and Website, where it can still be viewed.

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SUNY Ulster Holds 56th Commencement Virtually on May 16

June 12, 2020May 13, 2020 by SUNYUlster

SUNY Ulster Holds 56th Commencement Virtually on May 16

May 13, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s sixth President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts, will virtually preside over the College’s 56th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. President Roberts will present 116 students a degree or certificate via the Commencement ceremony.

Virtual Commencement will be prerecorded and streamed for graduating students and guests. It can be viewed from any remote location at 10 a.m. from SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel and through a Facebook Watch Party where students and other viewers are invited to post congratulatory comments and send emojis. After Commencement, the video will be available for viewing on our Commencement web page and on SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel.

Graduating students and those who wish to celebrate the graduating students are also invited to place one of three Facebook frames on their profile picture by choosing to edit their profile picture and searching for SUNY Ulster in the frames section that appears.

The graduating class consists of 284 students. Of this group, 267 will receive associate degrees and 36 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 14, and the oldest is 59. Of the class, 33 are graduating with highest honors, 80 are graduating with honors, 6 students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students are being recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 38 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa. There are also 5 students graduating as College Scholars. The first group of New Start for Women students are graduating with their certificates.

Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2017 Commencement will open the Ceremony, followed by a welcome from President Dr. Alan P. Roberts. Video and audio messages will continue from Alan Lomita, Chairman of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees; U.S. Senator, Chuck Schumer; U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado; New York State Senator, Jennifer Metzger; Assemblymember, Kevin A. Cahill; Ulster County Executive, Patrick Ryan; Chair of the Ulster County Legislature David Donaldson; Chair of the SUNY Ulster Academic Senate, Professor Jim Hobbs; SUNY Chancellor, Dr. Kristina Johnson; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., John Markes; Actress, Melissa Fumero of NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Tay Fisher, Kingston High School alumnus (Class of 2004), Siena College graduate (Class of 2008 and 2018) and ten-year member of the Harlem Globetrotters and Actor & Radio Legend, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie” of Sirius XM’s 60’s on 6.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner will speak on Academic Achievements of the class of 2020 followed by a presentation of the candidates through virtual slides submitted by participating graduates and voiceovers by Assistant Dean for Student Success, Wendy Beesley and Assistant Dean for Student Services, Matt Brennie. Interim V.P. of Enrollment Management, Matt Green will recognize SUNY Ulster’s faculty and staff named as 2020 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.

This year, a combined Invocation/Benediction message will be given from Rev. Allison Moore, PhD. from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz, NY.

An electronic version of the Commencement Program will display all 2020 graduates.

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Get Involved in Virtual Get-Togethers

April 29, 2020April 27, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Group photo of the E-sports club with Professor Sheehan

So, here we are.

Home. All the time! Boredom setting in. Isolated from our friends. What can we do to stay sane? Let’s figure out how to get out of our chairs, put the remotes down, and be a part of that thing called LIFE!

Well, Get Involved, Of Course!

At SUNY Ulster we have a number of groups and activities reaching out to each other and the community. Thank goodness for modern technology! With so many outlets for communication and participation, we never have to be bored.

An example of a great give-and-take opportunity is the Story Time on Demand available to the entire SUNYUlster family. This provides multicultural themed stories to participants read by fellow students and faculty. You can participate by viewing as well as recording a story for others to access.

For more information about this and other opportunities to interact contact the Coordinator of Campus Life, Meg Sheeley at sheeleym@sunyulster.edu .

Another opportunity for connecting with others is through various clubs at SUNY Ulster. My spotlight is going out to the ESports Club. ESports are a great way to interact while still practicing social distancing. They have an amazing tournament coming up which is open to ALL 64 SUNY schools! Chancellor Johnson wanted to make a way for students to get creatively involved throughout this time.

The ESports tournament will include games like Fortnite and Super Smash Brothers. The tournament will work to raise money for #SUNY Together Student Emergency Funds.

So, come out! Support your school, help your fellow classmates, have a great time!

For more information about the club and its upcoming activities you can contact Professor Sheehan, the Advisor for the ESports Club, at sheehanj@sunyulster.edu or Ryan Shepard, the ESports Club President, at shepardr57@my.sunyulster.edu .

In addition, Adult Education has multiple web-based get-togethers. For more information about these online gatherings contact the Associate Dean of Adult Learning, Mindy Kole at kolem@sunyulster.edu .

Discover The World, Be Involved

Missing nature, long walks, beaches, mountains, and amusement parks, and just, well, everything?
Well then, take a virtual trip to the zoo where you can visit the animals, learn everything about them, and enjoy watching them in their daily habits. There are quite a few places to go but my favorite is the Cincinnati Zoo. I use it every single day for homeschooling my grandson. It is a lot of fun and there is just so much to explore there.

How about hiking up a mountain. The beautiful views, the precarious climb to the summit, and the beautiful scenery. My personal favorite is rafting through the Grand Canyon. It feels like you’re actually there. If you have a virtual reality headset it’s even better! Either way, it’s a great time and there are hundreds to choose from.

Feeling like you need to help out? Well, I found the easiest method for making masks on YouTube. They aren’t medical-grade but they’re great for everyday use. The best thing was that I had plenty of material to use. Didn’t we all clean out our closets over the last month? I know I did! Our first few tries didn’t go that well. But eventually, we got rolling and made 22 masks for our family and friends!

So There You Have It

The SUNY Ulster newsletter gets sent to every single SUNY Ulster student on Fridays. It is packed full of information and opportunities to interact with each other. Take a few minutes and check it out, you won’t be disappointed!

There is a whole world out there to be explored. There are groups, clubs, and activities to stay involved. So put down your remote and set the popcorn aside!

Search, Click, Discover!

The Senators’ Stockade Banner Design Contest

April 17, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Text composition saying "Senators Stockade"

Has Social Distancing Got You Down?

Are you sitting at home feeling isolated and left out? We are still SUNY Ulster! We aren’t going anywhere! Show your school spirit by entering the Senators’ Stockade Banner Design Contest!

Rules & Guidelines

The Senators’ Stockade will be a cheering section at athletic events where we can cheer, chant, yell, sing and otherwise show our support & appreciation for our SUNY Ulster teams & coaches.
The winning design will be proudly displayed on a standing banner.

• Deadline

– EXTENDED until May 10, 2020
– The winner will be announced on the Student Portal on Friday, May 15th.
The winner will also be featured in a blog on the SUNY Ulster Homepage.

• How To Enter

– Submit your entry electronically to: recognition@sunyulster.edu

• Who can Participate

– This contest is open to all currently enrolled SUNY Ulster students –
enter on your own or as a group!

• General Guidelines

– Only digital submissions will be accepted.
– Multiple submissions are accepted separately.
– Submission must be original artwork.
– Aspect: Portrait/Vertical orientation.

• Final File Delivery Requirements

– Hi-Resolution TIFF or EPS files
(avoid JPEGs or GIFs because these formats are compressed and have degraded image quality).
– CMYK format.
– Dimensions: 33”x 80” oriented vertically.
– Minimum resolution of 300 DPI at FULL size.
**SUNY Ulster is responsible for final print-ready format.**

For assistance in in guidelines or specifications
contact Bob Johnson, Director of Graphics (HAS109), johnsonr@sunyulster.edu or 687-5097.

• Ownership & Licenses

-**Submissions become the property of SUNY Ulster**
They may be used in banners, posters, social media,
websites, marketing and advertising.
**SUNY Ulster may edit, alter or add to the final artwork in order to render final banner correctly.**

The SUNY Ulster College Appreciation Committee thanks you for your interest in designing a banner for The Senators’ Stockade.

Top 5 Reasons Community College Is Right For You

April 17, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Phew, Finishing High School…Now What?

Woohoo, graduating High School, the whole world is ahead of you, your future starts now! What do all those cliches mean? Well, it means that it’s time to make some decisions. Do you go to a four-year college? Will you be able to live in the dorms, and live the whole “college” experience? With so much in flux right now, maybe your best move is to attend what BestColleges.com has ranked the #1 Community College in New York State – SUNY Ulster.

There’s No Place Like Home.

Community College allows you to get a real idea of what college is like. You’ll be exposed to new work habits and study habits to find what works best for you. You can find your own learning style while deciding what you really want to study.

The beauty in this is that you would be close enough to home have your friends and family at hand. It’s a big transition from high school to college, and having support and encouragement can be beneficial.

But I Already Know What I Want To Be!

Community colleges offer Job Training/Certification programs and Applied Associates in Science (AAS) degrees. You can get certified in a number of areas that can further your current employment or assist you in obtaining new employment. The AAS degrees will get you started in your desired field and allow you to continue further education at a four-year institution when it’s convenient for you. Or you can simply transfer straight to a four-year college and continue your education while working in your desired field.

Money Makes The World Go ‘Round.

Higher education can get very, very costly. There are many factors to consider. If you go to a community college, you generally have far fewer expenses than going to a four- year institution. You don’t usually have to worry about housing and a food plan. The tuition at a community college is also far less than a four-year college.

At a four-year college you commonly have to pay for housing, food, entertainment, and a multitude of other items. Any toiletries or furniture that you might need has to be added to all of this as well. That is all on top of tuition itself.

According to U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT the average tuition for the Academic year 2019/2020 was $10,116 for in-state public colleges and $36,801 for private colleges. U.S. NEWS & WORLD Report is a multi-platform publisher of news and information, which includes their website and annual print and e-book versions of its authoritative rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools and Best Hospitals. This is an extremely helpful resource for researching your educational choices.

Flexibility Matters

Community colleges offer an array of learning options to accommodate the needs of a diverse group of students. Smaller class sizes allow for a more interactive learning experience. Online classes offer options for those that already have a rather full schedule.

Community colleges are also crucial for the returning student who has been away from the education system for an extended period of time. What about that person who struggled to make it through high school? How intimidating does “COLLEGE” seem to them? Community colleges offer a more personal approach to higher education based on a smaller student body. SUNY Ulster also offers a variety of tutoring outlets, advisement, and counseling for students.

Getting To Know All The Players

Community colleges offer a number of programs, clubs, and activities. These provide an opportunity for students to practice social networking. This can aid in your future career by developing relationships and contacts. If you take on a leadership role in clubs and student government, it looks amazing on a job resume or an application for a transferl institution.

Community colleges also make it easier from day one to obtain internships in your field of study which can give you the hands-on knowledge to add to your resume. This is important in any and every field of study as almost every place of employment will want on-the-job experience.

Where Do I Start?

So now you have some ideas running around your mind. Do some research. Poke around some websites. Get informed! And don’t forget to get your FAFSA done. What is FAFSA? It’s a Free Application For Federal Student Aid. It’s a fairly easy online application, so why wait? Get started on your journey today!

Faculty & Staff Are Here To Help

April 1, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Text composition saying "Together we'll succeed"

You Are Not Alone

Online learning has successfully begun here at SUNY Ulster. Although all classes are being taught through remote instruction it is important to remember that all of SUNY Ulster’s staff and faculty are at your disposal. You are definitely not in this alone! We will succeed together!

Every single department is functioning . Most business is handled by phone, e-mail, and video conferencing. If you need to contact anyone in the SUNY Ulster network simply email them and they will respond quickly.

Access to Resources

If any student needs to access the campus they simply need to go to the Public Safety Office located in Hasbrouck 133 or the lobby of the KCSU facility to sign in. The health of our community is our main concern. Therefore, you will have to get your temperature taken as a safety precaution. Before leaving, just let the Public Safety Office know so they can dispatch Housekeeping to sanitize the area for the next user. You can also call ahead if you are unsure if access will be allowed. The direct phone number to do this is (845) 687-5053.

For additional information on the many resources available and contact information visit: https://www.sunyulster.edu/campus_and_culture/campus_resources/covid-19-resources.php.

We Can Succeed Together!

Do not get discouraged. Your instructors and advisers are an invaluable asset to you. Reach out to them with any questions or concerns. Everyone at SUNY Ulster is invested in your success. We want to see you succeed in this unprecedented time in our institution’s history!

SBDC OFFERS BUSINESSES COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

June 12, 2020March 23, 2020 by SUNYUlster

SUNY Ulster’s Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Offers Businesses Counseling and Support in Applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

March 23, 2020 —Stone Ridge, NY— SUNY Ulster’s Mid-Hudon Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster is offering counseling and support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus that are interested in applying for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

Because New York State has been designated a disaster zone for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations may be eligible for up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Loan amounts are based on actual economic injury and company financial needs. Businesses that believe they might qualify can apply online.

Arnaldo Sehwerert, regional director of the Mid Hudson SBDC affirms, “This is not the first time our region has had to deal with disaster and SUNY Ulster’s Small Business Development Center is putting in place all the experience and expertise gathered after 9/11, Super storm Sandy, and the downturn of 2008. This time around, we are called to face up to a challenge that affects all types of business, at all levels, including our own personal lives. We will be doing our best to bring sensible realistic answers to our clients’ problems by working as a team with the College, the Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Chambers and the County Executive offices of Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange.”

SBDC has a long standing track record for providing Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, Greene, Delaware, Schoharie, and Dutchess counties with award-winning one-to-one counseling, training, and research services to assist with small business start-ups, expansions, or turnarounds. Since its inception in 1985, the advisors of the Mid-Hudson SBDC have worked directly with over 20,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $690 million in the area’s economy, and create or save over 19,000 jobs.

To request SBDC services, interested parties should make a request for an online appointment with one of our counselors at http://www.nyssbdc.or/appointment.html

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Online Classes For All

March 19, 2020 by SUNYUlster

illustration of college grad with computers

At 44 years old, with minimal technological ability, I was going back to school after an 18 year hiatus. One of my first classes was an online class – Technical Writing and I was not confident. I would not only be expected to master the subject matter of the course but the online learning system, Blackboard. How does it work? Who would answer my questions?

Everything You Need To Succeed

I discovered I was unnecessarily worried. The first thing I did was open Blackboard on my SUNY Ulster Student Portal. I explored every clickable item so I knew where to find things. Thank goodness they have a Blackboard Tutorial! After completing the tutorial I felt much more confident about using the online tools available.

However, I still didn’t understand how it would all work. Enter my amazing professor, Kimberly Wozencraft. First, she reached out by email and explained in detail how she ran her class. She explained her expectations, assignment submissions, and discussion forums. She then outlined her calendar for the class which included readings, discussions, assignments, and due dates. Each assignment submission contained a detailed description of what was required for the assignment and how to submit it.

Supportive Faculty

Any time I had a question or was unsure how to manipulate any facet of Blackboard I simply sent Professor Wozencraft a message through Blackboard Messaging. She always responded quickly with a detailed explanation. One of the main technical issues I experienced was opening Blackboard in Internet Explorer. I had some problems with functionality. Professor Wozencraft informed me that Chrome would work better. I followed her advice and had no problems after that.

In addition, we used a Discussion Forum to share thoughts, ideas, and research topics and findings. It was very helpful because the whole class was giving each other feedback on assignments and participating in real world discussions. Professor Wozencraft participated in our discussions and made her presence known in every aspect of the class.

I was amazed at the thoroughness of the lectures and the prompt grading of assignments. Each assignment was returned with a personal breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses, as well as a kind word on participation and progress. I finished the class with an “A” and did not hesitate to register for another online class this semester. All of the staff and faculty at SUNY Ulster want us to succeed. Never hesitate to reach out!

Stay Focused

At the start of the class I realized I was new to time management. It was easy to forget to log into my class. When life is busy, you have to stay focused and make time. Just as we get up each day and go to campus, we have to set aside time each day to do our online classes. I set aside a set time for each class and found a quiet nook to do the work. On the bright side, you can do it all in your pajamas at 2 am if that’s what will make you successful!

Stay Focused…

Stay Organized…

Stay Safe!!!

SUNY Ulster Marks 10 Years As Top Military-Friendly Institution

June 11, 2020March 11, 2020 by SUNYUlster

SUNY Ulster Marks 10 Years As Top Military-Friendly Institution

March 11, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly® School for 2020-2021 in the community college category, marking ten consecutive years earning this distinction.

According to VIQTORY, the sponsoring organization, Top 10 schools are the guidon bearers for military/veteran programs and initiatives, setting the standard for other designations with programs that improve every year.

Military Friendly® is the designation that measures a school’s commitment to veteran and veteran dependent recruitment, retention, and advancement. These are assessed through an analysis of graduation/career outcomes, academic policies, admissions/orientation, culture/commitment, financial aid, and military student support.

SUNY Ulster’s veteran and veteran family member student population has been growing, particularly in dependents and vocational rehab veteran students. These veteran students benefit from a broad array of College-wide support services as well as a number of support services specific to veterans as they work toward their degree:

An accredited part-time Veterans Service Coordinator on campus who provides help navigating the application process for benefits earned through service
A Battle Buddy Center located on campus which offers a quiet place for student veterans and veteran family students to connect and work on projects
The Veterans Club

Ulster is an approved educational institution under the Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill) and the Dependent’s Act. SUNY Ulster also cofounded the Veterans Consortium of the Hudson Valley for Higher Education, which is a culmination of 14 colleges working together on best practices for veteran students. This past June 2019 SUNY Ulster was also awarded a Top Military Spouse Friendly designation.

Manuel Torres, SUNY Ulster’s Veterans Service Coordinator, says, “We work one on one with veterans to maximize the use of benefits to ensure they are able to reach their desired goal. We also work with outside agencies to address any problem our veterans may encounter, from homelessness to mental health issues. By providing the necessary resources we maximize veterans’ chances for success.”

Interested veterans and their families can learn more about SUNY Ulster’s military veteran opportunities by contacting Manny Torres at (845) 688-6003 or torresm@sunyulster.edu.

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