community college Archives - SUNY Ulster News Blog

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!!!

Free Tuition With the College Scholars Program

May 10, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

An excited group of twelve students from various ulster county high school hold action poses and smiles.

Getting good grades in high school doesn’t just look good to colleges. It can also get you a free ride to SUNY Ulster with the College Scholars Program. Students who maintain a status in the top 10% of their high school class qualify for free tuition upon getting their diploma.

A fair skinned girl with blonde hair sits in a brick walled reading room. She wears a deep blue hoodie with stars on it and has a pair of green headphones hanging around her neck. She sits at a desk with a pile of books to her left and leaning her head on her hand which is propped on the desk. In front of her she has an open faced, large, hardcover book with a small bright green apple sitting on top of one of the open pages.

College scholars have a significant step ahead of the other students they are joining at college. Not only are they extraordinarily studious and devoted to learning. They’ve also earned the chance to get up close and personal with Dr. Al, our college president. While all other students eventually have the same opportunity, it’s a bit different for these few. College scholars are privy to a small meeting with executives. During which everyone is introduced and the program awards are given out. Their footholds on campus are strong before they start courses since they’ve made like-minded friends ahead of time.

Get Your Head in the Game Early

Mary Sommers was a recipient of this scholarship thanks to her hard work and diligence. Before she became a collegiate, she always made sure to maintain the best grades and study habits. She says, “It’s something that I’ve always worked for; the option to go to SUNY Ulster for free was so important and attainable.” Her family inspired her from a young age to be an excellent student and make the most out of her potential. They’ve given her the foundation she needs to attain her desired masters degree in child development so she can become a guidance counselor one day. As for where she will end up, she says, “I don’t know exactly where it will take me, but it’s going to be far.”

Stay Focused on What’s Important

A dark skinned man sits at a mac computer and holds his hands on the mouse touch pad and keyboard. He is wearing a grey shirt with a dark blue collar, a watch, and has an earring in his right ear. We cannot see his face

Another conscientious college scholar, Bradley Westervelt, currently uses the program’s funding toward his music degree at SUNY Ulster. He realizes that the program has had a big impact on his education and life. He says, “I definitely believe I was able to achieve more as a student because of my tuition being funded by the school. I think SUNY Ulster is a great place to go to college. I’ve had really wonderful teachers and many cool experiences since coming here.” The time Bradley spends at SUNY Ulster is in preparation to transfer. He wants to earn a Bachelor’s degree before starting his career as a music instructor.

Something to Aspire To

So for those of you high school students and parents out there, make sure to keep those grades up and the motivation high! The chance to attend one of the top five community colleges, as ranked by BestColleges.com, is nothing to pass up on. The even bigger opportunity to attend that college for free is certainly something to pursue. Mary summed it up well when she stated: “I strived and worked hard to make it into the program, and I think that anyone can set the same goal. As long as you make your deadlines and do what you need to do, you can do it too.”

See the application here.

a cartoon notepad lays open with two arms laying on top of it, one holding a pen. There is also a cup of coffee present and a white smart phone with a dark blank screen. The notepad is blank. — Photo by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Food For Thought- The Best Brain Foods For College Students!

October 18, 2018 by SUNYUlster

person holding shopping basket full of vegetables

As a college student, the temptation and accessibility of energy drinks and fast food can be plentiful. We have put together this post with the best brain foods in mind! Scientific research has produced some pretty interesting data about what the diet of a college student should include.

Remember: Food is Fuel!

Most of these foods totally portable and can be kept in your backpack! These snacks can help keep your mind in tip-top study shape!

Coffee!, Coffee!, Coffee!

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Caffeinated coffee in small dosages can aid in concentration. A “small” serving is about an 8-ounce cup (smaller doses help to avoid the caffeine jitters). So pick up some coffee or even a cup of green tea to fuel up and focus!

Did Somebody Say Chocolate?!

https://giphy.com/gifs/spongebob-season-2-spongebob-squarepants-l3nF1OhBQ4szqrguk

Chocolate specifically speaking dark chocolate helps to “increase blood flow to your brain.” The Cocoa density in dark chocolate “is where you are getting the nutrition and the brainpower” explained Web MD. Now you’ll never need an excuse to eat chocolate again!

Remember When Your Mom Told You To Eat Your Vegetables?

https://giphy.com/gifs/cheezburger-cute-eating-lhekVSXhExiYo

Turns out Mom was right when she told you to “eat your greens”! Green vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and brussels sprouts just to name a few all provide your body with Folate- this is an essential vitamin that helps your brain function. Mixing up your greens can provide you with a powerful mix of mineral and nutrients!

Bread!

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Can bread make you smarter? (Well kinda). Whole Grains (yes-even in bread form), pasta, wraps, oatmeal, and even popcorn are all helpful whole grains! Whole grains contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants which are all helpful in your overall mental and physical health.

Blue Berries.

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Blueberries (berries and fruits as a whole) can really pack a punch in supporting your immune system and overall health. Blueberries, in particular, are considered “–One of nature’s perfect foods, blueberries are packed with nutrients that give them their deep-blue color. One study links blueberries to improved learning and memory.” They are the perfect powerful portable snack- great in yogurt or on their own!

Resources For This Article:

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/top-10-smart-foods-college-students#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains#section2

Five Truths of Being An Adult Student!

October 3, 2018 by SUNYUlster

a man sits outside in a warm sweater, happily reading a self-help book

Returning to college in your adulthood can be nerve-racking, but adults pursuing their educations are not alone. Many adult students put off going back to school because of all the “What if” scenarios- “What if this, that, or the other thing”.

Peirce College reports that “ Students over the age of 25 are the fastest-growing segment in higher education”, and that “ From 2000 to 2012, the enrollment of students over the age of 25 has increased by 35%, and by 2019, the share of students over age 25 is projected to increase by another 23%.”

Being an adult student may require some adjustments to your personal and professional life. Here are some of the fun and occasionally challenging scenarios that many adult students experience!

You Will Study In Unexpected Places.

During your kids sports team practice, on your own lunch break at work, and during the commercial breaks of your favorite television show are all potential study opportunities when you’re a hard-working adult student! (You’re going to develop some stellar focusing abilities my friend!)

Organization Will Become Your Best Friend.

Going back to college as an adult student can mean adding even more tasks to an already very full plate. We have put together 12 tips & tricks that can help you keep your personal and educational responsibilities so you never miss a beat! http://blog.sunyulster.edu/12-tips-for-organizing-your-college-life/

Part-Time or Full-Time, You Can Get It Done!

As an adult student, the “traditional” track to graduation may not be fit for your busy life. You may find yourself taking a full-time semester here, and maybe a part-time semester there with Summer, Winter, and Express Semesters sprinkled in along the way. Whatever the roadmap to your graduation or certification looks like- YOU CAN GET IT DONE!

You Can Include Your Kids!

If you are an adult student with a child, try to make homework and study time a group effort. By encouraging your kids to join you in your efforts you can create a bonding experience. You can also make it a fun game, for example, you could say “If we study for 45 minutes, then we get to have a sweet treat.”

The Struggle Is Worth The Reward.

Late nights, fitting a class load in to your already hectic schedule, occasionally choosing to stay in on the weekends, pushing yourself in adulthood to learn and expand your ways of thinking are all the elements of going back for your education as an adult! But so is an improved sense of self, higher paying job opportunities, adding new and improved skills to your repertoire, and gaining mentorship and friendships that can last a lifetime!

Join us at an Info Session | Request more information

Contact:
845-687-5022
admissions@sunyulster.edu

Explore Adult Ed. Opportunities at SUNY Ulster:

Business Administration (AS, Online Program)

Business & Entrepreneurial Studies (AAS)

Entrepreneurship (Certificate)

Computer Science (AS, Online Program)

Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

Criminal Justice (AAS) (traditional 15-week schedule)

Human Services (AAS) (traditional 15-week schedule)

Direct Support Practice (Certificate)

Individual Studies (AS, Online)

Web Development

Fun Free College Resources!

August 16, 2018 by SUNYUlster

overhead view of work table covered in laptops, tea cups, smartphones, pens, cords, and some hands typing

We’ve compiled a small group of free resources that can help to make your time in and outside of class that much more productive! Whether it be studying, staying organized, writing tools, or additional resources for parents we have a little bit of everything included here!

Studying:

Sometimes when you’ve been studying certain materials for an extended period of time you can begin to feel like you aren’t retaining information at a level you are satisfied with. Enter studying resources like SparkNotes.com, Quizlet.com, and Unstuck.com. These study assist websites are designed to help you develop study techniques, provide insights, and take practice quizzes. You can also take advantage of the MacDonald Dewitt Library for some on-campus peace and quiet.

Staying Organized:

Just like you don’t want to have to hunt through your backpack for important papers the same goes for your digital documents. Much of what you work that will be done in your classes will need to be saved and often submitted digitally. Digital saver resources include Google Drive, the free version of Dropbox.com, as well a project tracking resources such as Any.do.

Writing Tools:

If there is one thing you are going to be doing a lot of while in college it is writing. Exceptional writing resources are EnhanceMyVocabulary.com designed by college professors to help students advance their personal vocabularies. Grammarly is an app extension that can be added to your Google Chrome that “-automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in your writing.” Easybib.com is another online resource that can assist in creating bibliographic references as well as formatting in the proper citation writing style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Don’t forget you can also visit the SUNY Ulster Writing Center for some 1-1 writing assistance.

Additional Resources For Parents and Students of Incoming Students:

Go College! Now has multiple resources for both entering students and parents! From preparing, paying, finding a mentor and beyond this site has the answers to many questions.

Have You Considered These 5 Reliable Degrees?

August 9, 2018July 31, 2018 by SUNYUlster

figure of male walking among library stacks

Reliable degrees at SUNY Ulster Community College.

When you begin exploring potential reliable degrees, it is important to consider a field that you are interested in working in, as well as one that is experiencing growth within its own respective industry!

There are many beneficial degrees offered here at SUNY Ulster, but in this particular article we will explore in more detail five of the most reliable degrees offered at SUNY Ulster.

(SUNY Ulster rated 5 out of 25 of the top New York State Community Colleges.)

Public Safety and Criminal Justice:

The Criminal Justice program at SUNY Ulster is designed to offer an educational experience for criminal justice practitioners, individuals seeking employment in the field, and concerned citizens wishing to become better informed about the administration of justice. Various job positions in the criminal justice field consistently have openings, making it one of the most reliable degrees offered at SUNY Ulster!

SUNY Ulster Offers: Criminal Justice (AS), Criminal Justice (AAS), and Police Basic Training (Certificate)

Paralegal:

The Individual Studies Paralegal degree at SUNY Ulster is a jointly registered program with Marist College. Here you can study in a program that is designed to prepare students for employment and transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Graduates of this program at SUNY Ulster earn an Associate in Science in Individual Studies and a Paralegal Certificate from Marist.

SUNY Ulster Offers: Individual Studies/Paralegal (AS).

Technology:

Technology is something we use every day, so it should come as no surprise that the technology field is rapidly growing! If you decide to study technology at SUNY Ulster you will have the opportunity to potentially strengthen your computer science, programming, designing skills set, and beyond. Specific programs require various curriculum levels of mathematics, manufacturing processes, computers, drafting/blueprint reading, communication skills, and liberal arts!

SUNY Ulster Offers: C omputer Game Design (Credential),Computer Science AS,Computer Science Online AS,Green Building Maintenance & Management AAS,Industrial Technology: Drafting & Design AS,Industrial Technology: Drafting & Design AAS,Manufacturing Technology (Certificate),Mobile Application Developer (Credential),Network Administrator AAS,Network Administrator (Certificate),Web Application Developer (Credential).

Engineering:

Engineering at SUNY Ulster provides the basic preparation for students who plan to continue studying engineering at a four-year college. If you plan to attend you should keep in mind that applicants should have above-average grades in high school mathematics and chemistry. High school physics is also recommended for incoming students.

SUNY Ulster Offers: Engineering Science AS, Aeronautical, Civil, Industrial, Mechanical & Nuclear, Chemical, Computer, Electrical.

Technology and Engineering students can enjoy learning in state of the art classrooms as a part of the Pfeiffer Technology and Innovation Lab expansion.

You Can Learn More Here: http://blog.sunyulster.edu/the-pfeiffer-technology-lab-at-suny-ulster/

Nursing:

The Nursing program at SUNY Ulster has a long history of graduating some of the best nurses in the area! The Nursing program can be completed in two academic years or extended and pursued on a part-time basis. Nursing courses, however, must be taken consecutively and it is recommended that they are taken without interruption. Recently, SUNY Ulster and Empire State College announced that they would be partnering up to help allow Registered Nurses (R.N.) to secure their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in the Hudson Valley. A reliable degree with many growing opportunities locally and nationally.

You Can Learn More Here: http://www.sunyulster.edu/academics/credit_programs/nursing-rn-bsn.php

SUNY Ulster Offers: Nursing (AS), Nursing (R.N. to B.S.).

Why You Absolutely Should Attend Campus Connect!

August 8, 2018July 26, 2018 by SUNYUlster

two smiling students with SUNY Ulster folder

Welcome to SUNY Ulster!

If you’ve been accepted to SUNY Ulster and are now enrolled, you may be thinking “Whats next?” By now you have probably received your checklist of things the college requires from you before you start classes. As the first day of the semester approaches you probably have a lot more questions about what you need to fill out, submit, and when you should do so. That’s where Campus Connect comes in!

What is Campus Connect?

Campus Connect is an opportunity for students to meet our faculty and soon-to-be classmates, learn more about your major, pick up your class schedule, and explore our beautiful campus! The purpose of this event is to help answer students’ questions, give them insight about campus life, and allow students to establish themselves for academic success! As a mandatory event, Campus Connect holds great importance in launching your college career.

What Kind of Opportunities are at Camps Connect?

Campus Connect is the perfect opportunity for you as a student to get a guided tour of your campus, take part in an in-person orientation, as well as a chance for you to learn more in-depth about internships, academic travel, the potential of your major, and how advisement will help YOU succeed.

Who Will You Meet?

This event allows you to meet and mingle with other students, student leaders, and faculty. The connections you may make during this event may even lead to internships, employment opportunities, and valuable mentorships. College is a lot of learning, and expanding your social circle, and forming lifelong friendships!

To register for upcoming Campus Connect dates click here: https://www.sunyulster.edu/admissions/info/campus_connect

Have Any Questions?

campusconnect@sunyulster.edu

845-688-6042

5 Fun Ways to Maintain Your Mental Strength This Summer!

August 8, 2018July 19, 2018 by SUNYUlster

Three lawn chairs in a row on a beach with the ocean in the distance.

As the hazy lazy days of summer approach a college student such as yourself may have fallen into a not so productive routine. You may have adopted an unsteady sleep schedule, a habit of not keeping up with news and advancements in the industry that you are studying, as well as watching maybe one (or 5) too many episodes of your latest Netflix binge.

But alas the sharpness of your mind is not completely lost! We have compiled a list of “Five Fun Ways to Maintain Your Mental Strength This Summer”so that you may have a chance at entering into the fall semester knowing maybe even more than you did before the end of the last semester.

Volunteering:

Two women pose together for a photo wearing shirt that read "Volunteer" . — Photo: rawpixel via Upslash.com

Volunteering is a great way to no only lend a helping hand in your community, but make potential employment connections, as well add true substance to your resume! You may consider volunteering at a local nursing home/rehabilitation center working with the elderly, spending some time in a local soup kitchen, joining an environmental clean-up group, as well working with animals in a shelter, or helping kids!

Listen to a Book or Podcast:

This time spent outside of the classroom does not mean that your quest for knowledge has to a stop. Summer provides an awesome opportunity for you to listen to a new book or podcast! The true perks of being able to “read” while on a walk, while you clean, or during the commute to your vacation destination is incredibly valuable. Take advantage of this time where you can choose what you want to “read” before it is time to dive back in to your mandatory textbooks reading!

Go Outside/ Get Active:

Young man standing on top of a mountain hands up in the air. — Photo by Jake Ingle via Unsplash.com

This tip may seem unrelated- but hear me out! The best part of the summer (in my personal opinion) is the ability to get outside and explore! Getting active is a great way to give your mind a chance to absorb and potentially even apply all that it has learned during the past semester. Relieve yourself of stress- explore, learn, think, and be free!

Work on your Resume:

Time outside of the classroom is the perfect chance for you to begin putting together, or sprucing up your existing resume. You never know when an internship or job prospect may present itself and you want to be prepared to apply! Add any skills or certifications you have earned over the past few semester, as well as any volunteer and campus club activities you have been involved in!

Need some tips for writing a resume? Check out our blog post : https://wp.me/p5odWC-7O

Binge a Netflix Documentaries:

Woman in a room on a laptop — Victoria Heath via Upsplash.com

If you absolutely feel the need to chill and watch Netflix (or whatever your preferred streaming service is) why not have it be something that will make you smarter? As of April 2018 there were 1402 movies in Netflix US library. Pick something you know a little about, or a topic that you have not yet explored and expand your horizons!

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!

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