Newsletter
October 2009
Cover Story
Division of Student Life
9/11: Never Forget Project
By Dr. Susan DiMonda,
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
Each year, Young America's Foundation helps students across the country properly remember the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks through the 9/11: Never Forget Project. Young America's Foundation began this program in 2003 when they discovered that most college campuses were either completely ignoring the anniversary or holding a politically correct event instead.
This summer, Derek Mordente, from "The Enduring Freedom Alliance" contacted the Dean of Students Office seeking support for hosting the 9/11: Never Forget Project at Stony Brook University. Derek explained that this project would unite the campus community and would properly remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th.
For the next few weeks, Derek and I communicated via e-mail to coordinate the location for the memorial, developed a grid for the flags, and ordering the flags to arrive on time for the anniversary of September 11th. Mark Woodruff, from Facilities and Operations was extremely instrumental in coordinating the site location and put Derek in touch with a group of faculty and staff that layout the pinwheel display on campus each year for the ALS – “Ride for Life” to assist him in the grid design.
On September 10th, Derek and a small group of students from the Enduring Freedom Alliance began placing the 2,977 American Flags on the lawn between the SAC and the Library representing each person tragically killed in the terrorist attacks. Approximately, one hour later the group of volunteers grew from nine students to over twenty students. When asked if they were part of the Enduring Freedom Alliance I was informed that they were not, but wanted to take part in such a special tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. This event was another way to remember those lost and unify the campus community. It is our hope that this memorial becomes part of the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony each year.
Summer 2009
Cover Story:
Campus Recreation Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
By Dr. Susan DiMonda,
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
On Friday, June 5, 2009 the university held the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the long awaited Campus Recreation Center. The event was Dr. Kenny’s last official groundbreaking ceremony as President of Stony Brook University. Former Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Preston returned to the campus for the event. Dr. Preston worked on this project from 1999 to 2005 and was instrumental in securing the funding for this project. This facility at Stony Brook University will be the first Campus Recreation Center constructed in SUNY solely dedicated towards recreation. The Campus Recreation Center will be a student oriented facility programmed to meet the needs of our students. The facility will be a contemporary space to work out; space for a quality intramural program; expansion of a non-credit fitness classes opportunities; space to accommodate sports club team practices and competitions; and enhancement of the open recreation program. The center will include spaces such as a three court gym; multi-activity court for indoor soccer, floor hockey, and badminton; aerobic/martial arts rooms; jogging track; cardiovascular, free weights, and weight machines; locker room facilities; and the Campus Recreation staff offices.
March 2009
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CRC Advisory Board
By Dr. Susan DiMonda,
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
The advisory board for the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) has reconvened this spring to provide feedback and advice on matters concerning mission and policies of the Campus Recreation Center. During the past ten years the Advisory Board has assisted in the development of the Campus Recreation Center by providing feedback on the need for a recreation center, identifying the location and deciding what components should be included in the facility.
The first advisory board was formed in 1999 and was comprised of student leaders and staff from the Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Campus Recreation. The advisory board met in response to inquiries from the student body regarding the lack of recreational facilities on campus. In the weeks that followed the advisory board toured two new facilities at the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University. Upon returning to campus it was evident that Stony Brook University was lacking a comprehensive component of student life – a Campus Recreation Center. However, due to the lack of funding available the project was on hold until all of the necessary funds were secured.
Development of the CRC officially began in 2005 when Stony Brook secured $19.5 million for the project. It was later determined that an additional $18 million was needed to make the center comprehensive and contemporary. Currently in the final design phase, Sasaki Associates, Inc. of Boston is the principle architectural firm on the project. In 2006, a Student Advisory Board met with university administrators and representatives from Sasaki Associates, Inc. to determine the location and facility components.
In 2008, the university received the additional $18 million dollar allocation needed for the construction of the 85,000 square foot Campus Recreation Center (CRC). For the past 3 years administrators have continued working with Sasaki Associates, Inc. on the design of the facility. As they complete the design phase we felt it was necessary to reconvene the advisory board. The advisory board consists of undergraduate students from the Residence Hall Association, Commuter Student Association, Undergraduate Student Organization, Student-Athlete Advisory Board, Campus Recreation student representatives from Sport Clubs, Wellness, and Intramurals, two Graduate Students, and various faculty/staff from the university. The advisory board will serve in an advisory capacity to the Associate Dean and Director of Student Life and the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students.
The advisory board will assist in developing a mission statement and policies for the facility. While opening a new facility will be exciting for the campus community it is important that the administrators of the campus and the managers of the facility do not lose sight of why we constructed the facility in the first place. We are already getting inquiries regarding hosting conferences and special events in the facility. The advisory board will address these issues in the development of a mission statement and will focus on policies to assure that we are meeting the recreational needs of the entire campus community. The Campus Recreation Center has been designed as a student-oriented facility featuring contemporary work out space, space for a quality intramural program and for sport club teams for practice and competition. Ground breaking for the new Campus Recreation Center is planned for summer 2009 and an anticipated opening of fall 2011.
February 2009
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Leadership: What's in your suitcase
By Dr. Susan DiMonda,
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
Have you been thinking about what to put on your resume as you prepare to apply for an internship, graduate school, or your first professional position? Stony Brook University offers a wide variety of opportunities that complement the classroom experience. These opportunities can give you a competitive edge as you enter the workforce or graduate school. You should begin early in your academic career to reap the maximum benefits.
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!
January 2009
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SBU Competes in Regional Flag Football Tournament
By David Hairston,
Manager of Intramurals and Sport Clubs
October 2008
Cover Story:
Facebook: Connecting Students
By Jessica Lai
Division of Student Life Intern
This semester the Division of Student Life has created a way to get in touch with Stony Brook students by using a website familiar to all, Facebook. This social networking website allows students to have personalized individual profiles to stay connected with their friends, join social and academic groups, view photo albums and become aware of events. Since Facebook is checked so frequently, and I can attest to this personally, it has become a quicker and easier way to get in touch with students than emails or flyers. Forming the Division of Student Life group and inviting members to events through this user friendly method is more attractive to students and is a better form of communication. Our group is updated on a weekly basis and offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from Cultural Clubs, Greek Life, Athletics, Art Exhibits, Staller Center movies, Career Center Events and Fall 2008 Leadershops. Joining this group also provides access to the daily fitness class schedule, where you can work out or just have fun with friends at the variety of classes Campus Recreation has to offer. If your interest is in painting, drawing, pottery making, and even bartending, the schedule of Arts and Crafts classes offered by the Craft Center can be found on our group as well. The Division of Student Life group was created for students to have access and to get involved in the abundance of activities and events Stony Brook University has to offer.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about how to make Student Life at Stony Brook University better, feel free to post discussion topics, write on the group wall, or email us at divisionofstudentlife@gmail.com. So the next time you log on to your Facebook account, remember to check out the Division of Student Life group and see what’s happening around campus during the week!
September 2008
Cover Story:
Weekend Life at the Brook
By Susan DiMonda
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
This summer the Division of Student Life conducted a survey of International and out of state students to hear what they had to say about weekend life at Stony Brook University. The assessment was done as a way to determine which areas of student life students were satisfied with and which areas needed to be addressed by the Division of Student Life for the upcoming year.
International and out of state students typically stay on campus every weekend during the academic year. They state that they attend parties, go to the movies, and participate in residence hall programs. Approximately, twenty-five percent that responded state that they will occasionally attend an Athletic game to support the Seawolves.
More than seventy-five percent of respondents visit the SAC, Student Union and the Library on the weekends. However, less than twenty-five percent visit the Sports Complex, Wellness Center, and Residential Fitness Center during the weekend and state that the hours of these facilities are either not convenient or non-existent. Many students complained about lack of availability to use the sports complex, especially the swimming pool.
Besides the recreational facilities, students also are not satisfied with their dining experience during the weekend. Students cited that many of the facilities are closed or have limited hours during the weekends. Students also mentioned extended library hours on the weekend would be a plus, since this is when they state they do most of their studying.
Students were asked what activities they would like to see offered on campus during the weekends. Students want more outdoor recreational trips, concerts, comedians, fitness classes, trips to Broadway shows, and museums. They want more intellectual lecturer hosted on the weekends, when they have more time to attend.
It appears that the Division has many opportunities for improving the quality of student life on campus. We have already begun to address some of the issues this fall during opening of school. We are committed to offering at least one off-campus program per month. Already this September we have six trips scheduled including NY Mets, Bronx Zoo, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Tanger Outlet Center, and a New York City and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum trip. Future trips may include a hiking trip, Six Flags Fright Fest, Broadway Show, and a Holiday trip into Rockefeller Center. Our website has been enhanced to include the “Beyond the Brook” site where you can go to find out what to do and how to travel to events in New York City, Long Island, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, and Southampton.
The departments within the Division of Student Life are committed to addressing many of the concerns of our students and will work hard to enhance the satisfaction of student life on the campus, especially on weekends.
Summer 2008
Cover Story:
Retirement of Norman Berhannan after 37 Years
By Susan DiMonda
Associate Dean and Director of Student Life
Norman Berhannan is retiring after thirty-seven years of service to Stony Brook University. During his tenure at Stony Brook University Norm had the opportunity to see how the university developed into a major national research university. Norm is not short on stories regarding how the campus has changed and what it was like working on campus thirty-seven years ago.
A few years ago when Norm celebrated his thirty-fifth year at the university a student interviewed him for the Campus Recreation newsletter about his time at the university. When asked what are some of the most distinct changes that stick out in your mind? Norm’s responds—”Physically the campus has changed tremendously. When I started there were only a few dorms and academic buildings. There was less than 7,000 students here. There was no Administration Building or Student Union, no Health Science Center or University Hospital. Students were different, the Vietnam War was still going on.”
Norm began his career at Stony Brook in 1971 as a Quad Manager for G Quad (now called Quad Director for Mendelsohn Quad). Norm remained in that position for two years until moving to the position of Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. He was responsible for handling judicial cases related to the student conduct code and other duties for 9 years. From 1983—84, he served as a Student Union and Activities Assistant until becoming the Director of Facilities and Operations at the Sports Complex where he spent the major part of his career. He worked with the Athletics Department for 20 years in facilities, teaching Physical Education, and in Sports Promotion & Campus Community Relations.
In 2004, Norm joined the staff in the Department of Campus Recreation to assist with the management of the new Wellness Center located in the Student Activities Center. In this position, he was responsible for hiring and supervision of student staff, maintenance of equipment, and management of the faculty/staff membership.
Although Norm will miss the university setting and especially the students he will no doubt fill his days scuba diving, fishing, boating, skiing, and spending time with his grandson. We wish you the best of luck in your retirement and know that many on the staff will miss your great stories about way back when...
March 2008
Cover Story:
SAC Gallery - 3rd Annual Long Island Art Competition
By Zhen Huang
The third annual Long Island College Art Competition (LICA) graced the stage of the SAC Gallery. LICA is the largest undergraduate art competition on Long Island. Last year, over one hundred students from fourteen colleges submitted their work, showing the true diversity of the institutions on Long Island. This year we had a record breaking 182 entries. The artwork filled the gallery with stunning visuals and concepts.
The Grand Prize was given to Stony Brook University's Joseph Motroni for his digitally created photo Billions Served. There were nine first prize winners, each receiving an ipod shuffle. The first prize winners were from a full range of schools. They were:
Janine Block (Nassau Community College), Tara McCauley (Molloy College), Christopher Nostrano (CW Post), Robyn Cooper (Adelphi University), Tim Williams (Nassau Community College), Kerri Dornick (Stony Brook), Colleen Newell (Suffolk Community College), Michael Gaughran (Adelphi University), Emily Tweedy (Suffolk Community College).
LICA is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled in colleges and universities of Nassau and Suffolk County to submit work in all media. The winner received not only the bragging rights, but a brand new apple Macbook as well, while first place winners receive i-pods.
The opening reception took place on March 13, 2008 from 5pm to 7 pm. All prizes and awards were awarded during the reception and was well attended by the artists, faculty and the family and friends of the participants..
Casey Ruble, an artist and educator and Karen Shaw, the Curator of the Islip Museum and a working artist, were the judges for the competition. Each were enthusiastically overwhelmed by the range, diversity and quality of the work. And also, since they had to pick the winners, by the great numbers.
Quickly becoming a tradition, this year's LICA was by far the most well attended and generated excitement from Hempstead to Hauppauge. Already the gallery has been receiving inquiries about next year…
February 2008
Undergraduate Student Government
What does USG have to do with student life?
What does the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) have to do with student life? I’m sure that is a question that many of you are asking yourselves. Well, USG has it’s hands in almost every aspect of student life.
Besides all of the clubs, events, and programs that USG funds, USG serves a vital role in advocating for the students. We have fourteen seats on the University Senate, three seats on the Faculty Student Association Board of Directors, and seats on nearly every policy making committee on the campus.
The major student life issue that I will be focusing on this semester is the Food Service Contract. As many of you may know, our current food service contract with Chartwells expires in June of this year. There is a committee made up of many dedicated administrators and students, myself included, to hear the proposals of the prospective food service providesr. The new contract could revolutionize how we dine on this campus. Options being considered include an all-you-care-to-eat option for residential dining halls. Also with a new contract comes the restructuring of the meal plan options offered to adjust to the new dining options. Many people may htink that this issue will only affect residents but that is simply untrue. With a new food provider, comes new food prices. An affordable dining option for commuters is a priority of mine in this process.
On another note, USG is actively looking for students to participate in our free turoring program, also know as PASS. If you have received an A ina course and feel comfortable tutoring in the subject, we would like to hear from you. Also, if you need tutoring in a subject, we would like to hear from you too.
Please visit www.stonybrookusg.org and click on academics to fill out the proper forms. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to stop by SAC 202 or e-mail me at jantonelli@stonybrookusg.org. I wish all of you the best of luck in this upcoming semester.
Table of Contents:
- Commuter Assistance Program
- It's Coming... Red Pride
- Leadershops
- Weekend Life
- National wear Red Day!
- LEADSTRONG
- Chillfest
- New Staff in Student Life
- Calendar of Events
January 2008
Cover Story:
Leadership - What's in your suitcase?
Have you been thinking about what to put on your resume as you prepare to apply for an internship, graduate school, or your first professional position? Stony Brook University offers a wide variety of opportunities that complement the classroom experience. These opportunities can give you a competitive edge as you enter the workforce or graduate school. You should begin early in your academic career to reap the maximum benefits.
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!
Table of Contents:
- Student Media Lunch Beat
- Campus Recreation Intern
- Commuter Student Perspective
- Winter Fitness Classes
- Chillfest
- Black History Month
- Upcoming Events in Student Life
October 2007
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“FRIENDS” Exhibit
One Day, One Wrong Turn
Stony Brook University and Suffolk County STOP-DWI sponsored the Friends Exhibit in the Student Activities Center Gallery from August 13th to September 21st. The exhibit focused on the consequences of drinking and driving. The main message for the exhibit is to make students aware of how quickly people’s lives are affected by DWI tragedies. The Friends Exhibit is very powerful. The Office of Prevention and Outreach along with the Dean of Students Office and Student Activities reached out to many student groups on campus and local high schools in Suffolk County to visit the exhibit. The goal was to educate as many students and to send the message that drinking and driving destroys lives.
On Thursday, September 6, 2007, Stony Brook University and Suffolk County-STOP DWI hosted the opening reception for the Friends Exhibit. Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny, President of Stony Brook University and Steve Levy, Suffolk County Legislator spoke at the reception. The reception was attended by many students, faculty, staff and community members. Dr. Kenny spoke about the importance of the exhibit while highlighting the many resources that Stony Brook University has in place for its students. Steve Levy talked about what Suffolk County is doing in order to stop DWI on Long Island. Several of the students who attended the reception were saying that all students need to see this exhibit to understand how this can change your life forever. Dr. Jenny Hwang, Associate Dean and Director of the Center for Prevention and Outreach encouraged everyone at the reception to speak out and take a pledge to be a Stony Brook University Friend for Life. She encouraged everyone to see the exhibit, tell their friends about it and utilize the resources that Stony Brook has to offer.
The Friends Exhibit did reach out to many students at Stony Brook and across Long Island. Many high schools such as Smithtown Christian, Brentwood and Hampton Bays came to see the exhibit. Stony Brook student athletes, sport clubs, and various clubs/organizations also attended the exhibit. Each of these groups attended a debriefing session to talk about what they saw and how they felt.
Table of Contents:- Commuter Connections
- Commuter Assistants Program
- Outdoor Recreation
- Art Gallery
- Wolfstock-Homecoming 2007
- Wellness Expo
- Leadershops
- Upcoming Events in Student Life
August 2007
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The Division of Student Life is comprised of the Department of Campus Recreation, the Department of Student Activities and the Office of Commuter Student Services. The Department of Campus Recreation sponsors a variety of programs include intramural sports, fitness programs, informal recreation, sport clubs, special events and equipment rentals. Their primary goal is to enchance the quality of life on campus for the students, factuly and staff by providing a diversity of programs and facilities to meet their recreational needs and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The Department of Student Activities recognizes and advises all clubs and organizations on campus including fraternity and sorority groups, and the student media.The Department of Student Activities also offers leisure programs and classes in the craft center and sponsors exhibits in the art gallery.The Office of Commuter Student Services contributes directly and indirectly to the enhancement of the educational experience of all undergraduate commuter students at Stony Brook University. This is accomplished by providing services, programs, advocacy, research and outreach to commuter students. It is our hope that this merger will enhance each programs contributions to the mission of the University by providing programs and services designed to enhance the intellectual, social, ethical, physical, cultural, and spiritual development of our students at Stony Brook University.
The new division has already moved forward with many new initiatives to enhance the visibility of all areas within this new division. This bi-monthly newsletter highlights the three programming areas. Our new website has been launched and will now make it easier for students to understand what is happening within Student Life at Stony Brook University. The website can be found at http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/studentlife/. Through the website students can join the “Student Life” listserv to receive weekly announcements regarding upcoming events. This is just the beginning of some of the great plans to enhance Student Life at Stony Brook.
Table of Contents:
- Commuter Student Services – We’re Here For You!
- New Recreational Sport Court – Langmuir Tennis Court Renovation
- Campus Recreation – Have a Ball with Campus Recreation
- Friend’s Exhibit – One Day. One Wrong Turn
- Fraternity and Sorority Life – We Want You!
- Student Activities – Become Connected By Getting Involved
- Craft Center
- Student Media
- The Office of Multicultural Affairs
- Weekend Life
- Leadershops – Training For the Leader In You!
- Upcoming Events in Student Life
June 2007
Download PDFCover Story: When you hear the phrase Student Life, what immediately comes to mind? For me, Student Life is about choices. Student Life gives me the choice of staying on campus in the gym, or purchasing a railroad ticket to go into the city for the day. Many people have the assumption that good Student Life means more students staying on campus to enjoy the many activities that are put on by the Student Activities Board. My philosophy revolves around the student’s ability to do what they want to do, not what we want them to do. This summer is no exception, as the Undergraduate Student Government Student Activities Board has done a phenomenal job planning activities for both summer sessions. While they might not be as exciting as a large concert, such as NeYo and Gym Class Heroes (Stony Brook hosted both shows for both), there are many things for students to do to pass the time between going to class and studying. President Joseph Antonelli has made it his goal, from day one in office, to have better communication with the students and I echo this goal. Our Student Activities Board has planned events such as a trip to Splish/ Splash, Six Flags Great Adventure, Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom, a carnival, laser tag, a Yankees game, a Mets Game, and last but not least, Paintball! Wow, so much to do this summer! The entire Undergraduate Student Government is proud to serve each and every undergraduate student here at Stony Brook University. We will continue to provide quality programming for the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 academic year. President Antonelli and I with the rest of the USG Board are anxious to hear from you, the students. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to stop by the USG suite located in SAC 202. We’d love to hear from you!
Table of Contents:- Commuter Spring Festival
- Swing into Summer with Recreational Programs
- Crafts Underground (and above)
- Upcoming events in Student Life