college

Students Artwork Selected For Exhibit in Albany!

by
Painting of the upper back of a slender and sad woman in a steam filled shower.

6 Visual Art Majors Selected for Exhibit in Albany.

Early March 2018 it was announced that 6 Visual Art Majors from SUNY Ulster have been selected to have their work showcased in the Spring 2018 SUNY Student Exhibit in Albany. This exclusive exhibit only happens twice a year to highlight the best student work making its way through the SUNY system. This exhibition is held in the Plaza Gallery on the ground floor of the SUNY Plaza in Albany opened by the SUNY Chancellor. The show runs from March to late May 2018 with a special reception held for the featured artist and their families with a date to be announced.

We want to extend a special congratulations to the selected artist from SUNY Ulster.

This is a huge opportunity for the six students selected. In the past students art work that has been selected for this particular exhibition has then traveled across New York State to various other associated exhibitions and galleries as well as award shows.

Abena Nkrumah – Fine Art/Visual Arts Student. 
Painting of woman blowing bubbles while wearing tall and decorative top hat.

Gwen Lawlor- Fine Art/Visual Arts. Portrait painting of woman with long hair wearing glasses.

Elyssa vanBenschoten- Graphic design class of 2017.Iphone message screen inviting the recipient to Cultural Diversity Day.

Jayne Casey-PhotographyPhotograph of little boy smiling looking upwards at a bug flying above.

Elizabeth Galeano-Graphic Design. Painting of the upper back of a slender and sad woman in a steam filled shower.

Brittany Hannah-Individual Studies/Fine Art.Painting of woman making a kissing face at her cat.

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

4 Ways to Find An Internship.

by
Woman writing in notebook and looking at laptop

As the winter recess approaches you may find yourself thinking that this is the perfect time to consider getting involved with an internship. Here at SUNY Ulster you can earn college credit while participating in the Student Internship Program. To get involved in the Student Internship Program you must have at least a 2.0 GPA and 30 college credits completed, or by permission of the fieldwork coordinator. For further information, contact Linda Farina, Office of Fieldwork and Internships, farinal@sunyulster.edu

You can also check out our Internships page Here:  http://www.sunyulster.edu/student_handbook/internships.php

An internship is not only a beneficial addition to your resume but can also be a fulfilling personal experience as well. Gaining knowledge, building your skills profile, and expanding your network field are all crucial elements in creating the best opportunities for yourself as you continue your success after SUNY Ulster.  

*Important Tip* When reaching out to potential internships put together a resume and a short pitch/ cover letter can help you to appear direct, and respond to your potential internship. Be prepared to have to communicate with people as to why you are deserving of this opportunity.

3 Additional Ways to Find An Internship.

Talk to People You Know.

When it comes to looking for an internship you may find yourself thinking “Where do I even start?”  The answer may be right in front of you in your sphere of influence. Start by asking your professors if they are aware of any opportunities that are available.

Another way to reach out to people you already know is sharing with your friends on social media (Like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) that you are looking for this new venture. You may be surprised by what leads and resources your friends and family have to offer.

Online Websites.

Online job sites like Indeed.com, Monster.com, https://regionalhelpwanted.com are not only for looking jobs! With the websites listed above, you can either use the “Internship” tag or search “Internships” in the website’s search engine. Here all active opportunities are filtered and listed as specific, or unspecific as you would like!

Create Opportunities For Yourself.

Make a list of 5 to 15+ potential places that you can see yourself working in your local area. Research the best contact information for all of these places- and do what is known as a “Cold Contact”. Be professional and friendly while letting them your objective, when you can start, and all the important information they need to know when considering you as a potential intern.

You are capable of manifesting your own opportunities that could in turn into an employment position for you.

Mentor Moment with Instructor Angela Kunz.

by
Angela Kunz surrounded by a fashion class

     On a warm and sunny autumn afternoon, I had a candid conversation with Fashion Design Adjunct Instructor Angela Kunz (or Mrs. K as she prefers to be called by students) on SUNY Ulster’s beautiful campus. We discussed what advice she has for students entering the field of fashion merchandising, design, and the evolving work force as a whole.

Follow SUNY Ulsters Fashion Department on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SUNYUlsterFashionDesign/
Follow SUNY Ulster Fashion Club on  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FDCSUNYUlster/

“What led you to a career in fashion instruction?”

“After studying fashion at Pratt Institute in Lower Manhattan I began working in the fashion industry in the 1990’s.”

After living in New York City and achieving what she thought was her ‘dream’- the success of celebrities and the members of popular television shows wearing her designs, Mrs. K felt herself dealing more with the business side of the industry and less with the creativity side that she loved. “I began feeling completely drained and unfulfilled – that’s when I moved up to the Hudson Valley and began to ask myself “How can I keep fashion in my life without being directly involved in it?””

A few years after moving to and working in the Hudson Valley an adjunct position in the Marist College Fashion Department opened up and as Mrs. K put it  “-it was a manifestation of working adjacent to the fashion industry and with students!”

“Would you change anything about how you got to where you are?”

Mrs. K quickly responded “No!-everything happened in a perfect transition right where I wanted to live and work-It’s all about finding the balance.”  

 “What would be your top advice to someone thinking of entering the fashion industry?”

  “Be willing to fail, and do not settle! Look at your options and find a way to keep your truest dreams alive, and always aspire to reach your full potential.”  

 “4 words you would use to describe a leader in your field?”

 Mrs. K paused and after a moment she said “Innovative, passionate, and simultaneously endlessly motivated about the field, and finally someone who is dedicated.”   

Mentor Moments highlights the mentors that help to make our college great!
Have a mentor you want to feature? Email Terriann at (smitht36@my.sunyulster.edu)

Guide to Surviving Midterm Week.

by
Man working at homework on desk

It may seem hard to believe, but Midterm Week here on campus is quickly approaching!

Over the next few days, you may find yourself wondering how you may ever survive all the projects, and studying that needs to be completed within such a specific span of time!

To survive what may seem like “Midterm Madness” we have put together some of our top tips that can help you get ahead of the game and dominate anything that comes your way!  

Attend Study Sessions.

Attending study sessions is a great way to get a professional and in-depth look at what the upcoming midterm topics. Professors are likely to let similar questions to those on your exams slip during these sessions, and that is an excellent opportunity for you to get a full study experience!

Meet With Your Professors.

Taking advantage of your professors’ office hours as the mid-term looms closer may allow for you get a full analysis on what areas you need to work on, and you may also be able to gauge what topics will be focused on by listening closely to what topics your professor focuses on during your meeting. You can find your professors schedules on their syllabuses, or posted on their office doors.

Stay Healthy.

You may be tempted to pull an all-nighter and spend little to no time preparing healthy food options for yourself. As you increase your brain activity even further this time more than ever your body requires sleep, and nutritious food to keep a clear mind!

Manage Your Time.

As previously stated in our blog post “How to Fight Procrastination this Semester” creating a customized study plan may be an essential part of your success during midterm week. A HUGE part of this is time management- the recommended study session from University of Guelph Learning Commons is studying for 1 hours with a 5-10 break in between.

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!

Top Ten Reasons to Choose SUNY Ulster

by
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.

Field Work on Vacation

by
The Carnival Pride ship from the Lagoon in the water

During the week of September 13th my boyfriend Mark and I went on a cruise to Grand Turk and the Bahamas. Upon my departure I was asked by Professor Jessica Moore, who teaches Planet Earth, if I would mind taking sand samples from the different islands (and as many photos as I could). While I wasn’t able to bring back sand samples from all three islands, I was able to bring back a few other treasures instead.

These are different rocks that I found on the beach in Grand Turk, as well as a Conch Shell (that I found) and a real sponge (that I purchased. It is illegal to harvest them unlicensed).
These are different rocks that I found on the beach in Grand Turk, as well as a Conch Shell (that I found) and a real sponge (that I purchased. It is illegal to harvest them unlicensed).

 

Half Moon Cay is an island in the Bahamas that is owned by Carnival. It was leased to the for 99 years at a little over six million dollars.
Half Moon Cay is an island in the Bahamas that is owned by Carnival. It was leased to the U.S. for 99 years at a little over six million dollars.

 

A storm on the Atlantic Ocean.
A storm on the Atlantic Ocean.

 

A school of Yellow Snapper that were swimming around the Glass-bottom boat we were on.
A school of Yellow Snapper that were swimming around the Glass-bottom boat we were on.

 

Although, it is hard to tell this is Brain Coral. It was taken through Plexiglas, hence the blurriness of the photo.
Although, it is hard to tell this is Brain Coral. It was taken through Plexiglas, hence the blurriness of the photo.

 

A replication of an Arawak Village. The Arawak are the original natives of Half Moon Cay.
A replication of an Arawak Village. The Arawak are the original natives of Half Moon Cay.

 

This is the sole opening in to the Atlantic Ocean from the Half Moon Cay Lagoon.
This is the sole opening in to the Atlantic Ocean from the Half Moon Cay Lagoon.

 

Back in The Port of Baltimore
Back in The Port of Baltimore

First-Time Student Leader Makes a Difference

by
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.”

Fine Arts Student Wins Scholarship to SVA

by
Chelsea Stingel standing in front of painting of flowers

From a young age, Chelsea Stingel wanted to be an artist. But she knew that to get into one of the leading art schools in the country that offered larger scholarships, she would have to build her portfolio.

SUNY Ulster’s Fine Arts Program helped her do just that, earning Stingel a $45,000 scholarship to the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan.

Through the college’s new capstone art classes – Advanced Studio 1 and 2 – Stingel got the time to devote to working on independent portfolio pieces in a mentoring environment with professors and peers, which she says made all the difference for her to reach her transfer goals.

SUNY Ulster added the advanced studio offerings two years ago, after hearing feedback from the top art schools that said its students were producing high-quality work but weren’t doing enough independent projects.

Taught by adjunct arts instructor Chris Seubert and Art Department Chair Iain Machell, students learn how to photograph their work (with photographic equipment supplied by a Title 3 mini-grant), create an online portfolio, write an artist’s statement, and create a successful transfer portfolio and application for a four-year college. They also have the opportunity to work with faculty at the Woodstock School of Art through a partnership. Other community colleges now are creating similar portfolio-building classes.

After graduating in May with her Associate’s in Fine Arts, Stingel will enter SVA as a junior in Illustration and have about half of her tuition paid for by the scholarship over three years. She was awed by the artwork she saw at Acceptance Day and is looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from gifted working artists in NYC.

Stingel will pursue a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in illustration and aspires to work in the commercial side of art doing commissions for movies or games.

The Saugerties resident originally chose SUNY Ulster to make the transition to college life easier and excelled in the fine arts program here.

“I was really impressed with the art program at SUNY Ulster,” she says. “The professors are helpful with our work and easy to talk to outside of class.”

Stingel’s self-portrait currently is on show at the SUNY Spring 2015 Student Art Exhibition at the Plaza Gallery, SUNY Plaza in Albany. This is an exhibition that highlights the projects of art and design programs throughout the SUNY system. Her art work won a further accolade and has been selected for the Best of the Year SUNY Student Art exhibition that will take place at the NY State Museum in Albany in June.