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Close to Home Holiday Family Fun

December 6, 2018 by Roycroft Michaela

A dark forest landscape with set of train tracks leading out of the forest and off the side of the photo, the tracks and the train on top of them are covered and lit completely by rainbow christmas lights

Looking for an inexpensive way to entertain the kids next weekend? Look no further than the SUNY Ulster campus screening of Polar Express! Chris Van Allsburg‘s masterpiece fantasy children’s book will come to life on the big screen. Transporting you and your family to the North Pole in all of it’s enchanting glory.

Winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1987, this book was adapted to the big screen in 2004. The tale of holiday spirit is told through the awestruck eyes of a child, complete with graphics that make you feel like part of the magic. Positivity and hope are the invaluable lessons taught to youngsters through the experience of Polar Express.

Not only character building, but cheap too!

Admission is only $5 for adults and if the kids, under twelve, come in holiday apparel or pajamas, they get in for absolutely free. Just click here to buy tickets. Not only will the kids have fun watching the movie but afterward they will get the chance to see Santa in person, along with Mrs. Claus and their helpers, all included in the donation received as admission. We will be the best Christmas photo-op in town!

Don’t forget that if transportation is an issue, you can always use the affordable UCAT bus service to get to and from campus with ease.

This event is a great opportunity to spend memorable time with your little ones and capture memories to hold on to forever!

Audience members on Saturday get a special deal!

After the screening taking place on Saturday December 15th, at 12:30 p.m. there will be another holiday event on campus, Tuba Christmas. An annual holiday concert where tuba and euphonium players of all ages perform Christmas music from around the world. If you happen to come join us for the Saturday screening, not only will you get to see the movie but you also will receive free admission to our Tuba Christmas concert that begins at 3 p.m., shortly after the screening.

The Truth About Native American Trauma

April 10, 2019November 27, 2018 by Roycroft Michaela

Dawnland is a documentary that has recently exposed the narrative of indigenous child removal in the United States, particularly in Maine. The story depicts Native American children that were taken away from their families by authorities and placed in white households.

First there’s pain, then there’s healing.

The film follows non-Natives sent out by the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission to hear the traumatic tales of those directly affected. Emotions run high as these people work together toward healing the pain and effects from loss of community and culture these people faced in their formative years.

This gut-wrenching film is “a history lesson that you’re ashamed to have never learned but whose truths you’ll likely never forget,” as stated by Crosscut news. This bold emotional journey is remarkable to many folks, from many walks of life. You name an interest you have and this film includes it; criminal justice, psychology, social science and more.

It’s kind of a big deal!

This screening is being talked about all over! Check out the NPR radio broadcast from yesterday featuring the Co-director Ben Pender-Cudlip being interviewed about his work on the project. He sheds some eye-opening information on the subject of his film. A great preview of the full feature that you’ll want to hear.

Or for a shorter read, take a look at the article about this screening in the Daily Freeman!

Your official golden ticket.

We invite you to behold the first-hand stories and emotions of the Natives that were displaced. This documentary is an inside view of a recent event that continues to have lasting effects in an area very close to home. Come and be a part of a historical investigation! By bearing witness to the moving accounts of adults that were devastated as children by the state’s poor child welfare decisions.

The screening (that you are more than welcome to attend no matter who you are) will take place on Wednesday, November

28, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. We will gather in the College Lounge, in Vanderlyn Hall on campus.

For a bit more info, visit our Facebook event page!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Lucky you, not only are you invited to attend this special screening that is being shown for the last time locally here at SUNY Ulster..

We also invite you to bring your notepad and an inquisitive mind along! Filmmaker Ben Pender-Cudlip will be in the house to introduce the documentary and have a discussion after the film. This event is free of charge and open to all members of the community. Experience for yourself the healing on the path toward reconciliation, truth, and the survival of indigenous culture.

Proud To Have Pridesgiving at SUNY Ulster

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018 by Roycroft Michaela

Text composition saying Pridesgiving Potluck

First impressions are quite important, which is why SUNY Ulster wants to kick off our Pridesgiving holiday event with a bang. On campus this November 20th we are having a potluck feast to bring together people of our community that may not be otherwise looking forward to the holiday of Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, it was brought to the attention of the LGBTQA Association that a few of our students, whom we are quite proud of and want nothing more than to support, didn’t have any prospective plans for the upcoming big food & football holiday. The association advisor Brandon Burnett quickly began setting up an all-inclusive event that everyone in our community, whether LGBTQ themselves or simply an ally, could attend comfortably and happily.

Add to our Potluck!

So now that you know, are you just dying to share your grandma’s famous stuffing recipe with us? Well, then you’re in luck because this event is Potluck! Anyone and everyone that can come is invited to bring their favorite dish or even just pick up something to share, that is what the Thanksgiving spirit was founded on after all! Bring that stuffing that will make your grandma proud and tell everyone all about her, better yet, bring her along! Everyone from the community is welcome to join in and there is a quick and easy form you can fill out to bring decorations, desserts, drinks, supplies, or whatever kind of food you want to share.

The holidays can often mean displacement from home for many due to family issues or other circumstances beyond their control. In an effort to end the discomfort this brings for some of our student colleges, we would like to invite you to join us for some good food and great company this upcoming Tuesday, November 20th in the campus life dining hall from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are able to make it are happily invited to stick around afterward if they want to keep the holiday banter going with newfound friends and allies.

We want to keep Pridesgiving going!

This is the first SUNY Ulster Pridesgiving holiday event and first impressions mean more than you know so your attendance could help us make this an annual event for the community to enjoy together.

This occasion is a chance for you to come and show your support to the members of our college community that you may see every week. There are lots of friends to be made and a lot to learn about lifestyles you may not encounter every day, so come on down and be a part of Pridesgiving with us.

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?!

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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?

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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

Fun, Free Events at SUNY Ulster this Fall

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 by SUNYUlster

As the days grow shorter and colder, you may find yourself wondering what to do, especially if you’re on a budget. Good news: there’s always something enriching to enjoy and learn from at SUNY Ulster! The following is a list of upcoming events happening over the next few months that are open to students AND the community, so even if you’ve never been to SUNY Ulster before, you should come by!

New Immigrant & Refugee Visions: Screening and Discussion

Wednesday, September 26, 1:00 p.m.,
College Lounge, Vanderlyn Hall

This event features documentary films by immigrants from around the world who came to America, followed by an audience-led discussion of immigrant issues. Find out more about this series by visiting Community Supported Film’s site. You can also find more events like this one by checking out the Diversity page on our website.

Visiting Artist Andrew Zuckerman: A Message from the Exterior

Thursday, October 11 – Friday, November 2, Slide Lecture/Opening Reception: October 11, 7:00 p.m., College Lounge

Visiting Artist Andrew Zuckerman is an award winning photographer, filmmaker, and curator. Much of his work is concerned with the intersection of nature and technology. Zuckerman’s ongoing portrait practice utilizes both photography and filmed interview formats to examine human perspectives. With the support of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he released WISDOM in 2008 as a book, a feature length documentary film, and a global traveling exhibition. For this exhibition, Andrew will show a selection of works from his series “A Message from the Exterior,” an installation of photographic works from his continued investigation of the human relationship to the natural world.

The Art Force 5

Wednesday, October 24, 9:00 a.m.,
Student Life Center (Cafeteria)

The Art Force 5 uses the accessibility of art and the popularity of superheroes to explore issues of equality, violence, history, community, and empathy. The Art Force 5 is partnering with SUNY Ulster SGO, Multicultural Club, COIL, and Academic Travel to engage the community by inviting students and community members to paint one tile of a 250-piece mosaic tribute. The completed mosaic will be on display on the SUNY Ulster campus.

Annual Project Presentations for COIL

Thursday, October 25, 1:30 p.m.,
Burroughs Hall

For the past two years, SUNY Ulster has collaborated with students from Universidad de la Salle NoroEste from Obregon, Mexico. For a week in October, the students get a chance to meet face-to-face and work on presentations of their projects. This year, we open the doors to the SUNY Ulster community and the public to celebrate these student collaborations and to listen to their presentations.

Library Writers Series: Bruce Littlefield

Thursday, November 8, 1:15 p.m.,
College Lounge

Bruce Littlefield is a best-selling author, lifestyle expert, and an arbiter of American fun. He shares his passionate curiosity (and occasional mischievousness) through his books and TV appearances. Bruce has appeared on NBC, CBS, ABC News, FOX News, MSNBC, The Rachael Ray Show, NPR, Sirius, and numerous other programs and publications.

Tropical Seas & First Forests – New York
400 Million Years Ago

Thursday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.,
College Lounge

A drive through the rocks of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains tells the history of New York long before the dinosaurs. Marine shells and coral reefs in the valley indicate an environment of shallow tropical seas. Fossil trees and strata of the Catskills record a history of some of Earth’s earliest forests and an Andes-scale mountain belt in New England. Time travel to a very different New York State with Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten of the New York State Museum. Part of the John Burroughs Natural Science Lecture Series.

Ernie Shaw: Form of Shadows

Friday, November 16 – Friday, December 14, Opening Reception: Friday, November 16, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Muroff Kotler Arts Gallery

Local resident Ernest Shaw will be exhibiting recent photography in his show, THE FORM OF SHADOWS. This exhibit is primarily focused on photography, a “new” medium in his 50 year career with sculpture, paintings, and drawings. The photographs integrate his lifelong concerns with mortality, the nature of the “self” and shadow, and the relentless search for integration and wholeness, particularly in the consequences of action and gestures, of moments and eons. These themes resonate with Shaw’s other career as psychiatrist, psychotherapist and long-time teacher of mindfulness meditation practices.

Holiday Concert Series

WIND ENSEMBLE & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 p.m.

HONORS RECITAL
Friday, November 30, 3:00 p.m.

STRING ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Monday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY BAND & JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.

CHORAL CONCERT & GUITAR ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Thursday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.

To see more of our events, visit our Calendar of Events page or pick up one of our special events brochures located around campus!

Students Artwork Selected For Exhibit in Albany!

March 12, 2026March 14, 2018 by SUNYUlster

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.

Gwen Lawlor- Fine Art/Visual Arts.

Elyssa vanBenschoten- Graphic design class of 2017.

Jayne Casey-Photography

Elizabeth Galeano-Graphic Design.

Brittany Hannah-Individual Studies/Fine Art.

Utilizing The SUNY Ulster Macdonald Dewitt Library.

December 1, 2017December 1, 2017 by SUNYUlster

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

12 Tips for Organizing Your College Life

November 8, 2017 by SUNYUlster

Focused woman doing homework in the library

With finals approaching, there’s no better time than the present to get organized. Whether you’re new to college or a returning student, here are some great tips to help you succeed. Try them and find what works best for you!

Be motivated. When the going gets tough, it’s easy to lose track of why you’re putting so much time and effort into college. Keep a list of long-term goals to help you stay focused on what’s important. Tack it up somewhere where you will see it every day.
Keep a planner and/or a planner app. During the school year, using a planner to track classes, assignments, work, and social plans is extremely important. Planners are cheap and are available almost everywhere you can find calendars. If you’re more digitally inclined, there are many free apps and websites you can use that are a Google search away.
Save all your syllabi and keep them available. If your professor gives you a guide to what your entire semester is going to look like, don’t lose it. You can mark your syllabus with everything you need to remember. Gather all your syllabi together and enter important dates into your planner or calendar app.
Set a schedule and stick to it. Keep to-do lists updated every day. Try to keep the same wake-up and bedtimes every day of the week, even on the weekends and holidays, when there are no classes. This will help you stay on schedule consistently. Also, try to figure out what time of the day you are most productive, and optimize that time for productivity.
Be prepared for the day, before the day happens. When you’re ready for the day even before you wake up, the day tends to run much smoother. You’re less likely to forget important items you need for the day. Having your backpack stocked ahead of time with everything you need is a big time saver.
Tidy your living and work spaces. Think of the time you spend looking for something in the morning while getting ready to leave the house for the day. Having a clean desk is an excellent start. At the end of each day, get rid of clutter and put things where they belong. This simple nightly routine makes getting ready in the morning much less stressful.
Develop good note organization habits. Use a color code system, and give each class a color. Match all your binders and notebooks for that class to their color, so that they are easier to find and grab when you are on the go. Keep separate binders, folders, and/or notebooks for each of your classes.
Set work sessions and use a timer. This step will keep you from wandering into other tasks not coursework related.
Study and hang out in different areas. Work at a desk or in a library, and reserve your room or bed for hanging out and sleeping. Try not to study on the couch in front of the TV, as it’s easy to get distracted by your newest favorite Netflix show.
Spend time away from the screens in your life. Disconnect from the internet for a few hours a day. Unplugging is a healthy way to curb stress and keep yourself from wasting time. Consider limiting your social media use or cut the habit out altogether, as a quick scroll through your Instagram feed can quickly turn into a hour-long browse.
Remember college is only one piece of your life. If possible, try the 8/8/8 method for balancing your life. It’s a way to divide your time to be responsible and still relax. Try to sleep for eight hours a day, spend eight working, and eight hours for the rest of your life – time with friends, eating, etc.
Go easy on yourself. No one is perfect, and it can be incredibly difficult to stay on top of all your responsibilities. Do your best, but remember, everyone make mistakes. SUNY Ulster has lots of support services to help. And always remember the goal – graduation!

Stories of SUNY Ulster — Marla Gruner: Family Woman, Educator, Library Scientist

June 20, 2018October 5, 2017 by John Motta

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!

Tips to Fighting Procrastination This Semester.

October 3, 2017September 29, 2017 by SUNYUlster

Procrastination is the mindset of “Have fun now, worry about it later” that plagues countless individuals. As the semester moves forward it may feel as if countless due dates, and exam dates continue to fill up your calendar. Here at SUNY Ulster we want our students to have all the necessary tools to fight procrastination and have their most successful semester yet! Here are some tips to help you to get the job done!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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At some point of working on a project it may feel as if all the information you have compiled is no longer making sense, BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE. In addition to asking your professors for addition support there are resources all across campus that are designed to help you succeed in all your classes!

For additional help you can visits these locations:

The Learning Center (VAN 247)

The Peer Tutor Program (VAN 247)

The Gary and Janaki Patrik Math Center (ALG 122)

The Writing Center (DEW 110)

Create a Personalized Plan.

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Creating a personalized road map to the completion of each assignment is one way to put yourself on task to complete your assignment by section and avoid procrastination.For example I divide my projects into levels of Priority. From there I work on the most crucial elements of my project first moving from phase to phase following the personalized plan I have created to completion!

Limited Distractions.

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In today’s world we are surrounded by distractions all day long. Whether it be apps on our phones, the latest Netflix binge, and basically anything other than sitting down and working on the project at hand. If you are looking for a place to tune out your distractions and get work done you may want to check out the library on campus. The Dewitt Library has incredible resources that you mat reference while you work as well as its various levels of peace and quiet to maximize your focus!

Library Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8am-7 pm

Friday: 8am-4 pm

Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

Sunday: Closed

Remember to Reward Yourself.

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I have saved the best tip for last! One of the things that I do when I have a large assignment due is during my initial creation of my “personalized progress plan” I always take a moment to set up what or how I plan to reward myself once I have completed the final task! Whether it be to see a movie, buy a new piece of clothing, or treating yourself to your favorite meal don’t forget to reward your hard work!