The Dean's Corner is an online commentary from Dean Stein and his associates in the Office of the Dean of Students to address prevailing and important issues relevant to student life and learning at Stony Brook University.
Welcome back to Stony Brook and for those new students who are joining us for the first time, welcome to our University, your University. I hope that your intersession was productive, relaxing and enjoyable and that you ready for the rigors of a new and exciting semester.
For some reason, the Spring semester seems to go by very quickly and there are so many wonderful traditions we celebrate during the course of the next few months. Staff and student leaders have been busy planning a host of entertaining and educational events to enhance your Stony Brook experience. You can find out about all these events on the Student Life website, the University Calendar and/or you can join the Student Life Distribution List and get timely and direct reminders about many of these programs. If you are interested in your name being added to the over 6,000 who are already on the list, stop by my office on the second floor of SAC – Room 222.
Getting involved in campus life can make all the difference in your college experience. Besides meeting new friends, it can also provide an outlet from some of your stress and help you learn something new. You can also develop organizational and leadership skills which will help you now and in the future when you are applying for jobs.
I hope to update this site on a regular basis so if you have a question or concern, please let me know what topic you would like me to address.
All my best wishes for you to have a wonderful semester.
Dean Stein
Leadership: What's in your suitcase?
By Dr. Susan DiMonda, Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
The Division of Student Life offers many different leadership opportunities outside the classroom where students can sharpen their leadership skills. Leadershops and the Leadstrong Conference offers students a “continuing education” for their own leadership development through educational sessions offered by faculty, staff, and alumni from the university. Stony Brook University offers over 250 clubs and organizations. Through your involvement in campus life you will learn valuable skills that will contribute significantly to your personal and professional success after college.
How about obtaining an internship to see what it is like to work in the real world? An internship is a real world experience related to your career goals and interests. Internships can be done during the semester or during the summer. Some internships are paid, while some are not but will offer you credit towards graduation. You do not need to be a junior or a senior to complete an internships. If interested in completing an internship you should contact the Career Center, your academic department, or even the Division of Student Life. The Division of Student Life offers internships in Student Activities, Campus Recreation and Wellness, and Student Media.
Are you a Stony Brook student that has the desire to “make a difference”. There is nothing more rewarding than to finding a way to devote your time, energy and compassion to help your neighbors and give back to your community. The Career Center can help find the right position for you through the Volunteer for Community Service program.
Today’s job market is highly competitive and students that have completed internships volunteered in their communities, and have held leadership positions in clubs and organizations obtain employment or get accepted to graduate school more quickly following graduation. What are you waiting for? Get off the couch and start filling that suitcase!
Stony Brook University is committed to the concept that leadership development is integral to a student's college experience and overall educational process. There are many opportunities across campus that will allow you to develop many essential skills. Check out this video of some of our student leaders on campus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDDJjgcIA84