SUNY Ulster News Blog

Go to SUNY Ulster Tuition-Free with the Excelsior Scholarship!

July 10, 2019July 6, 2018 by SUNYUlster

Text composition saying Free SUNY tuition

You may have heard of the Excelsior Scholarship, but what exactly is it? Do you qualify? What does it cover? Read on to find the answers to these questions, and visit www.sunyulster.edu/excelsior to learn even more!

What is the Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship is a scholarship that, combined with other financial aid programs, allows New York students in families making less than $125,000 a year the opportunity to go to SUNY colleges for free.

What is covered by the Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship covers the tuition fee for a college education. It does not cover textbooks, housing, or any other expenses associated with being a college student.

How do I know if I qualify?

New York residents (defined as having resided in New York State for 1 year or longer) who are U.S. citizens in a family making less than $125,000 a year in their combined family household adjusted gross income and who hold a U.S. high school diploma or high school equivalency are eligible. Current college students are also eligible depending on their situation; see links at the bottom for specific details.

So what’s the catch?

Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship must fulfill certain requirements during their time in and immediately following college. They must attend college full-time (30 or more credits a year) for each academic year they receive the scholarship. They must pass all classes each academic year, as well as maintain GPA requirements for any other financial aid they receive in addition to Excelsior. After graduating, recipients are required to live in New York for the same number of years they received the scholarship (for example, an Ulster student who graduates in May 2020 and received the Excelsior Scholarship in 2018-19 and 2019-20 must live in New York until 2022). If the student does not live in New York for the duration following graduation that they received the scholarship for, the scholarship becomes a no-interest loan that must be repaid.

Where can I learn more and apply?

More information is available at www.sunyulster.edu/excelsior and www.suny.edu/excelsior. You can apply online at www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.

An Excelsior Scholarship recipient tells his story:

Experiencing Korea’s Gwangjang Market (광장시장) Through Studying Abroad

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 by Nikki Gould

Flags flying on the ceiling of Gwangjang Market

☆ On the second day after my arrival, I visited Gwangjang Market, Korea’s first permanent market. Gwangjang Market is a very popular tourist attraction located in Seoul. You can find clothes, blankets, handmade crafts, and a large variety of food options. Shown in the picture is the entrance to the market, and it’s a rather pleasant and welcoming one with all of the different countries’ flags dispersed across the ceiling. There were also staff members in red shirts who spoke different languages and were ready to assist tourists from different countries. I found this to be a really cool foreign experience, and I would recommend it to any traveler/tourist! Be warned that if the weather is hot outside, the market will feel a bit confined. ☆

You can learn more about Gwangjang Market by visiting http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu.

Nikki Gould, an Advertising & Graphic Design major at SUNY Ulster, is spending the summer semester studying abroad at the International Summer Campus program at Korea University.

Expanded Scholarships Now Available for New Paltz Residents!

June 20, 2018 by SUNYUlster

The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. is now offering expanded scholarships for New Paltz residents attending SUNY Ulster for the fall 2018 semester. We encourage recent high school graduates and adult learners from New Paltz to apply! Scholarships range from $2,000 annually to a fully paid tuition based on academic merit and/or financial need.

One of the scholarships available for fall enrollment for all New Paltz residents is the Frank G. Elliot Scholarship. This scholarship is available for eligible residents of the Town of New Paltz. There is $30,000 in scholarship funding available for the upcoming academic year, and there is a chance to renew for multiple years of study at SUNY Ulster.

The other expanded scholarship available is the George Devine Future of New Paltz Scholarship. This awards $2,000 annually to residents of the Town of New Paltz. Any student who graduated from New Paltz High School is also eligible.

The deadline for priority consideration for these scholarships is July 18, 2018, but scholarship applications are accepted all year on a rolling basis. New Paltz residents still have time to enroll at SUNY Ulster for the fall 2018 semester and apply for these scholarships. All majors and courses of study are eligible. Students can be day, evening, or online students.

To learn more and get started, contact the Enrollment Center by phone at 845-687-5022 or by email at admissions@sunyulster.edu.

Graduating High School Soon? Apply to Community College!

June 4, 2018 by SUNYUlster

Graduates throwing hats into the air on a field

If you’re about to graduate from high school, you probably have a lot of questions about what the future holds. Many graduates find that heading to college immediately after high school is a great option when life and finances allow. Even if you haven’t decided for sure what you want to do after graduation, it doesn’t hurt to apply to SUNY Ulster! There are a number of reasons to go ahead and apply, and to consider getting a degree from Ulster after you graduate high school rather than waiting until later in life.

You Can Make the Transition Easier

Many students find it difficult to go from high school work to entering the workforce, then going to college later in life. Not only does going into college after high school keep you in the academic mindset, it also increases the likelihood that you will be able to graduate in a 2-4 year time frame. By waiting, you may find that you have other commitments that make attending college more difficult, such as a family or a full-time job. Going to a community college like Ulster makes it all the easier when you start at any stage of life, as you can stay in your community and save money while navigating college life.

You Can Start Your Dream Career Sooner

Don’t know what that is yet? Don’t worry! College will help you figure it out (and teach you valuable skills that can be applied to your career, regardless of major). By earning your degree early on, you can build skills and get started making money doing what you love all the sooner. Additionally, if you’re in a career path that typically requires moving up the ranks to better positions, starting earlier can get you through the more grueling work while you’re younger, leaving more of your later life to do what you enjoy and potentially have more quality time at work and at home with loved ones.

College Can Open New Doors

Most people think going to college is just about getting a degree and entering the workforce. In reality, though, it’s much more than that. You can find a career you never would have thought of before, sure, but you can also meet friends and professors that will stick with you for years to come. You can develop skills that will help you in all aspects of life as you navigate your 20s and beyond. You can find new passions, hobbies, and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. Most of all, college will push you to be a better version of yourself, and you can find new ways of thinking about yourself and the world by experiencing different classes and expanding your skills, confidence, and abilities.

Try SUNY Ulster!

SUNY Ulster can help you start your adult life with all of the above! You can try college and find the right path for you here, for less money and closer to home. We offer the Excelsior scholarship, as well as many other forms of financial aid. If you qualify, you can go to Ulster tuition-free and save thousands. Check out http://www.sunyulster.edu/admissions/ to learn more about the SUNY Ulster experience of Starting Here and Going Far!

Writing a Resume When You’re Fresh Out of College

October 11, 2018May 23, 2018 by SUNYUlster

If you’re applying for jobs or internships after finishing college, you will probably need to provide a resume. While it’s commonly required, it can be confusing to write one yourself. Which jobs should you include? How much detail should you get into? What is “relevant experience” anyway? These tips can help you fit everything you need onto that page.

Write About Your Education

Include your time at Ulster and any other colleges you have attended. Often, you include the years you attended, your graduation month and year, your major and the type of degree you received, and any awards you received during your time there, including academic and merit-based awards. Some people choose to include their GPA if it is particularly high.

Add Jobs

List the jobs you’ve held over your life. If this is a short list, you will want to include them all and give a brief description of what you did at each. If it’s longer, you can be selective and include only the most relevant ones. Generally, it helps to add a brief description of your activities in each position, especially if it is unclear what the job entailed from your job title alone.

Internships

If you’ve had any internships, be sure to list them and what you did during your time at the internship. These are often valuable, particularly for recent college graduates who may not have traditional work experience in the field they’re applying to.

Relevant Experience

Need some more things to add? Especially if you’re trying to get a job related to your major, it never hurts to discuss relevant class and extracurricular activities you have taken part in. COIL projects, SGO positions, and research projects you’ve done in class are all excellent activities to mention that highlight intercultural, leadership, and other skills you’ve developed during your college years.

Volunteering

Potential employers love to see that you’ve been involved in the community! If you have participated in any volunteer efforts over your lifetime (particularly long-term volunteer efforts), it’s great to add to your resume. Not only does it show you’re active in your community and care about giving back, but it also gives you a chance to showcase skills you’ve gotten from doing so. For example, volunteering in an animal shelter could be an excellent source of experience for a graduate looking for jobs as a vet tech.

Get More Help Here!

Don’t forget that Career Services can give feedback on your resume and offer assistance with other steps of the job-finding process. Contact them by phone at 845-687-5091, stop by their offices in VAN 119, or email careerservices@sunyulster.edu.

SUNY Ulster Fashion Design Program Stuns in Runway Show!

August 8, 2018May 18, 2018 by SUNYUlster

A procession of models make their way down the fashion runway.

On Saturday May 12th,2018 SUNY Ulster Fashion Design Program first and second year students showcased their garments in the programs 2nd Annual Spring Fashion Show. The show was presented under the exceptional direction of Fashion Program Coordinator Kristin Flynn.

Kristin Flynn stands at the end of the fashion shows runway as the crowd looks on! — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Glitz and Glamour.

Both the afternoon and evening shows were filled with glitz and glamour. Attendees of the 7 p.m. evening show were given an extended presentation as two student who had gone above and beyond the design programs requirements were recognized for their dedication and passion to Fashion Design during an award presentation.

Ms. Kia Ward was selected for the Outstanding Fashion Student of the Year Award.

While Ms. Patricia Bowers won the Karina Dress Challenge in collaboration with Uptown Kingston designer Karina Cousineau –also known as “Karina Dresses”

Patricia Bowers the winner of the "Karinas Dress Challenge" hold her award and smiles as Professor Kristen Flynn looks at her smiling. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Giving Thanks.

The students and faculty of the SUNY Ulster Fashion Program want to thank everyone who as supported the program since its inceptions and as it continues to grow each year! Below are more stunning photos from the 2018 Spring Fashion Show.

We invite you all to learn more about the Fashion Design Program at SUNY Ulster here: https://www.sunyulster.edu/academics/credit_programs/fashion_design

The president of the college and a student pose at the end of the fashion runway! — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A model with a flowing cape walks down the fashion runway! — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A student poses arms crossed behind his model on the runway. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Student designer poses at the end of the fashion runway with her two models. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A model poses at the end of the fashion runway as the crowd looks on. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A model walks down the fashion runway head held high. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A model in 1970's inspired disco wear poses at the end of the runway while holding a small dog in matching outfit. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A model poses at the end of the runway with a small grin on her face. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

A male model poses at the end of the fashion runway looking in the distance with a moody expression. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Tips and Encouragement for Graduates From Faculty

June 25, 2018May 15, 2018 by SUNYUlster

Congratulations to all our upcoming graduates! To help you Go Far, here’s some helpful quotes and tips from the faculty that have helped get you here:

Professor Mindy Kole:

“Be excited about your future, be optimistic. Work hard, be passionate, engaged, and grateful. The world is in your good hands.”

Professor Linda Farina:

“ALWAYS follow your passion!”

Professor Vicky Burgh-Harris:

“Obtaining your Associate’s Degree is a major accomplishment. You should be as proud of yourselves as your family members, friends, and I are proud of you. This is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, and it’s very exciting. It can also be scary and overwhelming, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. I want to wish you all the best with your future endeavors. Good luck, Graduates!”

Professor Dina Pearlman:

“The highlight of my year as an instructor at SUNY Ulster is to attend graduation and watch the students walk back from the podium with elation and delight written all over their faces. Knowing some of the challenges many of them faced as they pursued their studies here, I am moved by their perseverance and accomplishments. That degree they are holding doesn’t just say ‘I’ve completed 63 credits of course work.’ That degree says: ‘I’ve overcome the challenges of work, family, discrimination, health and mental health issues, transportation, finances, or all of the above PLUS I’ve completed 63 credits of course work.’ That degree says you can do anything you set your mind to. Congratulations, felicidades!”

Epic Diversity Web Page Launch!

June 2, 2022April 17, 2018 by SUNYUlster

hoto of 5 students in their graduation cap and gowns with smiles on their faces with their left hands in the air.

Did you know SUNY Ulster has its very own Diversity Web Page now? Check it out today!

Explore the Diversity Web Page at: http://www.sunyulster.edu/campus_and_culture/diversity.php

Our Mission.

The launch of this web page for the college is highly anticipated and includes the official SUNY Ulster statement on diversity that in part reads: “Our mission is to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion through on-campus programs and activities, and to welcome a variety of voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds on campus.”

Diversity Video Series.

Featured on the diversity web page are SUNY Ulster students’ own stories and experiences of diversity on campus in our “Voices on Diversity” videos series. We are proud to have SUNY Ulster students of various backgrounds speaking about the importance of culture on the college campus. Everyone has a story to tell, and you will surely be inspired by the stories of the individuals who you pass by in the hall and sit next to in class everyday!

You can share your SUNY Ulster Pride on Facebook by using our specially designed “We Are One. SUNY Ulster” Facebook page overlay!

Join us in adding this frame to your Facebook profile picture as we learn and grow together as one campus community.

Official Campus Resources:

Chief Diversity Officer: Lorraine Lopez-Janove at lopezjal@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5131, VAN 212.

Affirmative Action Coordinator: Jennifer Mullan at mullanj@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5101, CLI 213.

Director of Accessibility: Eric Fortune-Reader at disability_services@ sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5121, VAN128E.

Office of Public Safety and Security: publicsafety@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5023, HAS 134.

TRIO Offices: TRIO@sunyulster.edu or 845-688-6054, VAN 101.

The Value of Attending Open House

April 23, 2019April 17, 2018 by SUNYUlster

Prospective students looking at materials during Open House

If you’re a high school or homeschooled student thinking about college, you are probably wondering where to begin your search. While you have to start with finding a college, the next step, naturally, is visiting it! There are many reasons to do this. I recommend visiting the college at least twice before committing: once during an open house and again when it’s a regular school day for students. There are many reasons to attend an open house, including how you can:

Experience Campus Life

The importance of seeing the campus before committing to a college cannot be overstated. There’s something called campus culture that you can only see and feel when you’re at a school and interacting with the people there. For some colleges, the culture is fun and quirky, for others, rigorous and academic, and for some others, sports are the only thing that matters. Know which is the case, so you can tell if the college will be a good fit for you!

Meet the Faculty, Staff, and Fellow Students

Similar to campus culture, it’s important to find out what kind of people work and go to the school. Most colleges, like SUNY Ulster, have a diverse culture and community. However, if the college has a particular niche (say it is almost entirely filled with athletes or mostly filled with business students), it helps to know beforehand, so you can decide if that niche is right for you. It also helps to meet some people and establish relationships before classes begin. It makes you feel less alone on the first day!

Explore Majors and Careers

Many incoming college freshmen have no idea what they’re interested in studying. That’s fine! Attending an open house offers students the opportunity to see what majors are offered and what they can do for careers with those degrees.

Get Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisement

Possibly the biggest concern about college is how to fund it. Open houses have someone on staff who can help you find out how much college will cost for you, as well as how you can obtain financial aid and scholarships. They can also determine a rough estimate of how much financial aid you’ll receive.

Get Application Assistance

If you’re ready to apply, there are admissions officers on campus during an open house that can help you complete an application! This can be a great help when there are questions on the application that you’re not quite sure how to answer.

Attend Today!

SUNY Ulster is having its own Open House on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Stone Ridge campus, where you can experience all the things mentioned above and more! For more information and to reserve online go to: www.sunyulster.edu/visit.

SUNY Ulster COIL Scholarship Recipients Travel To Mexico!

August 8, 2018April 11, 2018 by SUNYUlster

COIL students from Mexico greet SUNY Ulster students

SUNY Ulster Students Travel to Mexico!

During the week of March 16th, 2018, SUNY Ulster students Kia Ward-Fashion Design Major, Kailey Campbell-Human Services Major, John Bove-Independent Studies/Fashion Major, and Natasha-Pico Aulicino-Business and Entrepreneurship Major all traveled to Obregon, Sonora, Mexico (the second largest city in northern Mexico) as recipients of the Sheldon COIL Academic Travel Scholarship!

The Students Arrival!

The recipients were welcomed by students, professors, and staff of Universidad de la Salle NoroEste! The recipients had already met some of these students when 25 of the ULSA students traveled to SUNY Ulster to meet their COIL collaboration team in October 2017.

SUNY Students In The Classroom.

The SUNY Ulster students spent their week in Mexico attending classes and presenting projects to the Universidad de la Salle NoroEste classes they had COIL-ed with previously. The time outside the classroom was spent sightseeing and making lifetime friends with their host families! This was a great opportunity to dive deep into the wonderful and diverse Mexican culture, as well as utilize global citizen skills as ambassadors of SUNY Ulster.

A huge thank you to all the hardworking individuals who helped to make this trip a possibility!