Ulster County Boces Graphic & Visual Arts Group Visit SUNY Ulster on Tuesday, February 5th

On Tuesday, February 5th - A group of graphic and visual arts students from Ulster County Boces visited campus to tour the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery currently showing "Design Dialogues", an exhibition focusing on leading designers in the fields of print, furniture, architecture, industrial, museum and exhibition design. These students also had the opportunity to learn about our Advertising Design and Graphic Technology and Fine Arts Programs from Sean Nixon, Assitant Professor and Iain Machell, Professor and Department Chair of Art, Fine Arts and Visual Arts, Music, and Theater.

- Sean Nixon Leads Gallery Tour -

Iain Machell Addresses the Group

- Part I -

- Part II -

YOU'RE INVITED

Panel Discussion on Contemporary Design
Tuesday, February 12

Leading designers in the fields of print, furniture, architecture, industrial, museum and exhibition design will present a panel discussion about the process of design and its influence in our everyday lives on Tuesday, February 12 (snow date February 13), in the Vanderlyn Hall Student Lounge on SUNY Ulster’s Stone Ridge campus. The panel discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Participants will include Woody Pirtle (print), Serena Furman of Christopher Chadbourne & Associates (museum exhibit design), Granger and Robert Moorhead (furniture, exhibition design and architecture), Fred Spector (industrial and home furnishings) and Michael McDonough (green building architecture and industrial design).

The panel discussion will be held in conjunction with the "Design Dialogues" exhibition, which opened on February 2 and will be on display through February 29 at the Muroff Kotler Gallery in Vanderlyn Hall. Sean Nixon, assistant professor of graphic design, curator of the exhibition and panel discussion moderator, has said that both events will serve as "an eye opener with regard to how ubiquitous design is—at once practical and yet a mysterious contributor to one’s consciousness. Anyone who is interested in studying or practicing design but isn’t sure of which area to pursue should consider these events as an opportunity to find out."

The gallery is open 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday but will be closed February 18. For information on the panel discussion and exhibit, phone (845) 687-5113.

Student Admissions Ambassadors Honored at Luncheon

Pictured left to right: President Donald C. Katt, Sarah Krebser, Paula Turner, Cristina Nuzzo, Maliha Khan, Lucia M. Pecore and Benjamin Rounds.

Students who serve in the Student Admissions Ambassador (SAA) program were honored on January 23 at a special Recognition Luncheon by Ulster County Community College President Donald Katt and Program Director and College Admissions Recruiter Lucia M. Pecore.

Honorees attending the luncheon were Maliha Khan of Kingston, Sarah Krebser of Boiceville, Cristina Nuzzo of Lake Katrine, Benjamin Rounds of Saugerties and Paula Turner of Bearsville. Active members unable to attend include Corinne Boughton of Kingston and Casey O’Connell and Sarah Schonbrun of Woodstock. All active members received a certificate of appreciation for their efforts during the fall 2007 semester.

The Student Admissions Ambassador program is give prospective and new students special insight into the SUNY Ulster experience from a student’s perspective. Whether the student is starting college for the first time, has prior college experience or just wants to take a few classes to enrich themselves, SUNY Ulster Student Ambassadors are available to help them make an informed decision about their college choices. Ambassadors lead campus tours, serve as leaders at admissions programs and workshops, join prospective students during Shadow Visits and Class Visitor Days and contribute to the popular college blog at http://www.blogger.com/www.sunyulsterbloggers.blogspot.com.

For more information about how to become a Student Admissions Ambassador, please email Lucia M. Pecore, SAA Program Director and College Admissions Recruiter for SUNY Ulster at pecorel@sunyulster.edu including the words "SAA Application Request" in the subject line of your email. An application and program overview will be emailed to you as an attachement.

We are currently accepting applications for new SAA Members for the Fall 2008 Semester!

Professor James Truitt - Criminal Justice Program & Police Academy Coordinator Hosts UC Boces CRJ Students at the BRC

On Tuesday, December 18th - James Truitt, SUNY Ulster's Criminal Justice Program and Police Academy Coordinator hosted a group of students from Ulster County Boces at SUNY Ulster extension site at the Business Resource Center (BRC) in Kingston, NY. These students are currently studying Criminal Justice under the direction of their Ulster County Boces Teacher Mr. Anthony Sciacca.

Professor Truitt gave the students a sample lecture focusing on legal powers & limitations and the use of force. He also talked about SUNY Ulster's Criminal Justice Program and our Police Academy. He explained that most traditional aged students interested in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice field, just graduating from high school, usually begin their college career at SUNY Ulster in our Criminal Justice Program with plans to earn an associates degree. Upon completion of their degree many continue on with us, entering into SUNY Ulster's Police Academy which will earn them a certificate in Police Basic Training.
In addition to the sample lecture and hearing about the specific programs that we offer, Professor Truitt provided these students with a rare opportunity to participate in a sample training exercise which is an intricate part of our Police Basic Training program. Ulster County Boces students experienced our Firearms Training Simulator (FATS). FATS utilizes multi-media digital interactive training technology that allows officers and students to develop decision-making skills by responding to real-life scenarios where force may be necessary. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment can be responsible for saving lives of officers and making our communities safer.

According to Mr. Sciacca, "The students discussed their experiences (FATS) on the bus all the way back to Ulster County BOCES. The AM session group is excited for their opportunity on January 11th."

For more information about our Criminal Justice Program and/or our Police Academy please feel free to contact SUNY Ulster's Admissions Office at 845-687-5022 or Professor James Truitt at 845-687-5156.

SUNY Ulster Men’s Soccer Team

Coach George Vizvary (top row, left) and the Ulster County Community College men’s soccer team after their play in the 2007 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III national championship series. The SUNY Ulster Senators came in second nationally.

Juan Peralta of Woodhaven, New York (middle row, third from left), with the national record of 28 goals and 13 assists, was chosen for the All-American second team of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

With 506 lifetime victories as coach at the end of the 2007 season, Vizvary was recently elected to the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame. He is also the Regional Coach of the Year of the NSCAA.

Finding the "Right Fit" and the Five Myths about Community Colleges

Choosing the college that is "right fit" for you and your educational aspirations can be quite challenging . It is particularly difficult when you have so many outside sources influencing your decision making process, such as, guidance counselors, teachers, peers, parents, grandparents, older siblings, and so on. Although their support and guidance can be extremely helpful, it can also cause the decision making process to be even more confusing at times.

Ultimately, this is your college career and the responsibility of finding that "right fit" really falls on you--the prospective college student. One thing that I strongly recommend to all students embarking on the college search process is to make every effort to visit all the colleges and universities that you are interested in, including those that are local--like SUNY Ulster. Just because you may live close by to an academic institution, does not mean that you have an accurate picture of what the college can offer you.

Another Obstacle that many prospective college students face in making their college selection is the pressure to "go away" to a 4-year school. Why? "Because everybody else is doing it." Recent studies show that the freshman college drop out rate is on the rise nationally, as seen on a recent news story highlighted this morning on NBC's Today Show. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22324686#22324686

Why might this be happening? Perhaps students are opting to go away to college for all the wrong reasons, without even considering the option to take advantage of the fine academic institutions right in their own backyards. Community colleges are a fantastic alternative to going away, and are often overlooked or are seen as "fall back" colleges.

The fact of the matter is that some students are just not ready to go away and find that attending a community college, like SUNY Ulster and then transferring to the 4-year college - can really be a win-win situation. A recent article published by FASTWEB.COM best illustrates why community colleges shouldn't be overlooked in your college search process. For your convenience, I have posted it below and I encourage you to take this opportunity to read it.

Lucia M. Pecore - College Admissions Recruiter, SUNY Ulster

Five Myths about Community Colleges
Jennifer LeClaire

http://www.fastweb.com/fastweb/resources/articles/index/110262

Like most misconceptions, community college myths are based on elements of truth. But like most misconceptions, these myths lead to mistaken beliefs that could warp your ability to choose the right post-high school educational path.

Knowing the truth about community colleges sets you free from the bondage of what some in educational circles call the “snob factor.” In fact, the facts about community colleges fly in the face of some overblown stereotypes.

“There are many wrong assumptions about community colleges, but the top students at community colleges are among our country’s greatest assets,” says Joshua Wyner, vice president of programs with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, an organization that focuses on community college student development.

Indeed, Walt Disney went to a community college. So did renowned corporate executive H. Ross Perot, transplant surgeon Daniel Hayes and NASA astronaut Eileen Collins. Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners and several governors also graduated from junior colleges. Recently, William D. Green, CEO of Accenture, wrote a column in Newsweek about how his time at Dean College, a two-year college near Boston, helped shape his career.

Nationally, 40 percent of all traditional-age college students start out at community college, according to the U.S. Department of Education. So let’s bust five of the most common myths about community colleges and let the truth speak for itself.

Myth 1:
Students only attend community college because they can’t get in to a four-year university.

Fact:

Statistics deny this assumption. It may be true that, on average, community college students have lower SAT and ACT scores than university students, but many students attend community college for convenience, family, job or financial considerations.

“Community college makes sense, purely for economic reasons. We expect more students to use community colleges in the future because of the sheer cost of a university education,” Wyner explains. Community college students save on tuition and also on boarding because they can live at home during the first two years of school.

Myth 2:

A degree from a community college is not as good as a university degree.

Fact:

A community college degree can take you straight into the workforce or to an elite four-year university. Community colleges educate 62 percent of allied health professionals and over 80 percent of law enforcement officers and firefighters, according to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

“Community colleges are not inferior. It is the first choice for many students because the first two years of college are really exploratory anyway and it costs so much less,” says Victor Somma, a spokesperson for Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Mass.

Myth 3:

Community colleges are inexpensive, so the education is not high quality.

Fact:

Community colleges may be less expensive than four-year universities, but that doesn’t mean you sacrifice a quality education. Classes in honors programs at community colleges are smaller than university classes. The curriculum is often more in-depth and there is more open exchange between teachers and students.

“We are a brand name society. Community colleges tend to be the generic brand, but it’s just a good as foundation as starting at a four-year university at half the price,” says AACC Spokeswoman Norma Kent. “Community college graduates have gone on to Ivy League schools.”

Myth 4:
Community college credits do not transfer to four-year universities

Fact:

The quality of community colleges is getting better all the time. There are more articulation agreements that are seeing four-year colleges agreeing to award credit for comparable courses taken at community colleges.

“You need to know what institution you want to attend, pay attention to their requirements, and choose your classes accordingly,” Kent asserts. “The key is careful planning.”

Myth 5:

Community colleges have low academic standards.

Fact:

While community colleges offer “open admission” that breeds diversity, all courses are not open admission. In fact, students usually have to take placement tests in order to qualify for college level work. Technical and special programs have high standards and students compete to enroll.

“The idea that students go to community colleges because they can’t hack it at a four-year university is ridiculous,” Somma says. “We have stringent policies, but we also offer students the extra support they need to succeed.”

Spring 2008 - Discover SUNY Ulster Days

The best way to get to know SUNY Ulster is to come to our Stone Ridge campus for a visit to "Discover" SUNY Ulster for yourself! You will have the opportunity to attend an Information Session highlighting everything you will need to know in order to have a succesful start at SUNY Ulster. Topics will include: Career Counseling, Transfer Services, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Study Abroad, Internship Opportunites, Student Life, and so much more!!!! After the information session, there will be an opportunity for Q & A and a mini application workshop for those wishing to complete their FREE SUNY Ulster Application for Admissions on the spot with an admissions representative. Lastly, an Admissions Representative or a Student Admissions Ambassador will be happy to take you on a guided tour of the campus. Below you will find the upcoming Discover SUNY Ulster Day sessions scheduled for the Spring 2008 Semester.

If you are interested in attending one

of these valuable sessions,
please contact our Admissions Office

to reserve a seat today, as spaces are limited.

(845) 687-5022 OR Admissions@sunyulster.edu

Wednesday, January 30th
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday, February 27th
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday, April 9th
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, May 14th
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday, June 4th
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Prospective students and their parents and/or gaurdians are encouraged to attend.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Discover Day!

Information Session on Online and Blended Learning - Thursday, December 6

An information session on options in online and blended Learning will be held at Ulster County Community College’s Burroughs Hall, Stone Ridge, at noon, Thursday, December 6. This hands-on workshop will explore the many types of online instruction. Participants will learn to differentiate between courses labeled hybrid/blended, asynchronous, synchronous and OASIS, as they navigate SUNY Ulster’s spring 2008 schedule of classes.

Multimedia instructional designer Hope Windle will demonstrate the features of online course software and discuss how to maximize the benefits of online study. Those who attend will have the opportunity to log in to a self-assessment tool to determine what type of computer-based instruction best suits their personal learning style. Representatives of the admissions office will be available to discuss enrollment options and the application process.

Participants will learn how blended courses provide busy students with flexibility through the mix of online requirements and classroom instruction. Students in a blended course attend regularly scheduled classes with the instructor and classmates, which allows for lectures and class discussions. The online component of a blended course can include participation in discussion groups and message boards, electronic submission of assignments and sharing of online research. Other online course offerings may follow a format where students and the instructor do not meet and participants log in from anywhere in the world.

Anyone with an interest in taking an online course is encouraged to attend. The workshop will include information about hardware and internet requirements as well as the computer resources available to SUNY Ulster students.

This free workshop is open to the community. Reservations are suggested by calling the SUNY Ulster Admissions Office at (845) 687-5022 or by email to admissions@sunyulster.edu.

SUNY Ulster Women’s Soccer Team 2007 Region XV Runners Up

President Donald C. Katt presents a plaque to the SUNY Ulster Women’s Soccer team, runners up in Region XV for their first year of NJCAA intercollegiate competition: (top row, left to right) Katelyn Bartholomew of Kerhonkson, Hilary Miner of Saranac, Erica Stevens of Kingston, Katelyn Pellicane of Stone Ridge; (middle row) Jill Exman of Bloomington, Shana Quigley of Lake Katrine, Danae O’Bryan of Summitville, Melissa Lee of Catskill; (front row) SUNY Ulster President Donald C. Katt, Katina Gattuso of Milton, Athletic Director Shirley Blaser, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Steve Gaschler of Pine Bush. Not in photo: Heidi Erichsen of Highland.

SUNY Ulster's Theater Department Presents: THE FOREIGNER, NOV. 15-18

SUNY ULSTER THEATER DEPARTMENT PRESENTS THE FOREIGNER, HILARIOUS COMEDY, NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17 AND 18. FIRST PRODUCTION OF NEW THEATER ARTS COORDINATOR ...

What happens when a shy and silent young man is mistaken for a suspicious foreigner who doesn’t understand English? That is the premise of the hilarious American comedy The Foreigner, a production of the Ulster County Community College Theater Department, on November 15, 16, 17 and 18 at Quimby Theater on the Stone Ridge campus of the College. Evening performances on Thursday, November 15, Friday, November 16, and Saturday, November 17, will be at 8:00 p.m. There is an afternoon performance on Sunday, November 18, at 3:00 p.m. All tickets will be sold at the door, with a suggested donation of $8. High school and college students with ID may attend free of charge.

Some of the cast and crew of The Foreigner (left to right): front row, Brandon Anders, Jerry Bradley, Matt Condilis; standing, Isadora Newcombe, Lerone Simon, Mary Small, Amber Rodriguez, James Stokes.

The Foreigner is a “devilishly clever play” that demonstrates what can happen when a group of people mistakenly believe they can speak without restraint around someone who doesn’t understand their language. Although the play is a comedy, it deals with a serious theme—what it means to be an outsider—with a light touch. Its appealing characters and happy ending have made it an audience favorite, suitable for the whole family.

The director of this production is Jerry Bradley, the new coordinator of SUNY Ulster’s Theater Program, a two-year associate’s degree program in performance and stagecraft. The new Theater Arts Program is geared toward aspiring actors, designers, directors and stage technicians. Through part-time or full-time study, students can earn an A.A. degree and prepare for transfer to a 4-year program.

Spring classes begin January 22. Those interested should call the Admissions Office at 800-724-0833 for information.

Jerry Bradley’s professional career began in acting, performing over 200 roles in New York, at leading regional theaters and abroad, and working in production on and off-Broadway ranging from The Fifth of July with Christopher Reeve and Swoosie Kurtz to Torch Song Trilogy with Harvey Fierstein. He produced and directed a New York revival of Neil Simon’s Rumors, the musical Earth Girls Are Easy with Tony-winner Kristin Chenoweth, Bizet’s Carmen and numerous new scripts and classic plays, including Shakespeare. With an MFA in acting and directing from the University of Virginia, the Woodstock resident has taught at Cornell University, SUNY Oswego, Emory & Henry College and Marymount Manhattan College.

The participating staff, students and community members are listed under the towns in which they live:Kingston: Brandon Anders, cast as Reverend David Marshall Lee; Adele Calcavecchio, local community cast member, playing Betty Meeks; Maxim von Eikh, cast as Ellard Simms; Ashlee Bakey, cast as Catherine Simms. Max Lydy, SUNY Ulster professional staff, scene and lighting designer; Lerone Simon, assistant stage Manager; Isadora Newcombe, lights; Anthony “Nick” D’Alberto, props; Grace Jarrold, wardrobe; Courtney Constantino, props.Margaretville: Mary Small, props.New Paltz: Aletta Vett, professional guest costume designer.Rosendale: Mike Belluzzi, cast as Owen Musser.Saugerties: Anthony Curtis, cast as Charlie Baker; Angela Perez, production stage manager; Ryan Hunlock, company manager; Amber Rodriguez, wardrobe; Mike Prezioso, props; Matt Condilis, sound.Ulster Park: Biz Goldhammer, set construction and painting.Wallkill: James Stokes, cast as Froggy le Seur.

SUNY Ulster on the Road

It's that time of year again...

I have been very busy travelling out and about visiting area high schools and college fairs over the last few months during this Fall 2007 recrutiment season! I am very pleased to see that so many high school students, including Souphmores, Juniors, and Seniors are taking active initiative to learn more about the many educational opportunities that are out there - particularly at SUNY Ulster!

Here I (Lucia M. Pecore '94) am with two of my Student Admissions Ambassador's, Sarah and Maliha at the Marist College - College Fair in Dutchess County.


Jody Bivona Mesches, Associate Professor & Coordinator of the RN Nursing Program at SUNY Ulster assists a prospective student and her mother, as they collect information about the Admissions process and the Nursing Programs entrance requirements at Kingston High Schools College Fair.

James Truitt, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program and our Police Academy speaks to interested parents at the Kingston High School College Fair providing them with valuable information about our Criminal Justice Program.

Beth Alden, Associate Professor of the Coordinator of Veterinary Programs promotes SUNY Ulster's Veterinary Technology Program at Kingston High School College Fair.

Student Admissions Ambassador's Ben and Cristina help to staff the Kingston High School College Fair by collecting inquiry cards from intersted prospecitve students and sharing their personal experiences as students with them.

I will continue to visit high schools in the area--so listen to your morning announcements and check with your high school guidance counselors for my scheduled visits. I look forward to assisting you with your future enrollment at SUNY Ulster!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPRING 2008 & FALL 2008 ADMISSIONS - PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL AT PECOREL@SUNYULSTER.EDU OR BY PHONE AT (845) 688-1566

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU :)