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Binghamton University

Coordinates: 42°05′21″N 75°58′12″W / 42.089250°N 75.969890°W / 42.089250; -75.969890
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Binghamton University, State University of New York
File:Binghamton Seal.gif
TypePublic
Established1946
Endowment$52 million (2005)
PresidentLois B. DeFleur
Academic staff
504
Undergraduates11,174
Postgraduates2,844
Location
Vestal
,
NY
,
USA
CampusSuburban, 887 acres (3.6 km²)
ColorsGreen and White
NicknameThe Bearcats
AffiliationsState University of New York
MascotBearcat
WebsiteBinghamton.edu
Map
File:Campusoverlook.jpg
Overlooking center of campus.

Binghamton University, State University of New York, or their officially adopted name, Binghamton University, is a coeducational public research university located in Vestal, New York. The school is the smallest of the four university centers in the SUNY system, with a total enrollment of more than 14,000 students, including graduate students.

The campus is located off Vestal Pkwy. It can be identified at a distance by the Library Tower in the center of campus, which is the tallest building in Vestal. The Campus Includes seven residential communities, a student center, the Library Tower, science complex, various academic buildings, two gymnasiums, and various athletic facilities.

About Binghamton University

History

The Binghamton University, State University of New York, was established in 1946 as Triple Cities College to serve the needs of local veterans returning from World War II. Established in Endicott, New York, the college was a branch of Syracuse University. Originally, Triple Cities College offered local students the first two years of their education, while the following two were spent at Syracuse University, but the inception of the college is dated at 1946 when students could first earn their degree entirely in the Binghamton branch. When the college split from Syracuse and became incorporated into the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1950, it was renamed Harpur College, in honor of Robert Harpur, a Colonial teacher and pioneer who settled in the Binghamton area. Of the four University Centers (Stony Brook, Albany, Buffalo and Binghamton), Binghamton was the first to join SUNY. In 1951, the college began a move to its current location in Vestal, New York. The 387-acre site was purchased from a local farmer, anticipating future growth for the school. Colonial Hall, the original building of the former campus, stands today as the Village of Endicott Visitor's Center. After Harpur was selected as one of the four university centers of SUNY in 1965, it was renamed State University of New York at Binghamton. As other schools were added, Harpur College retained its name as the liberal arts college core, and largest component, of the State University of New York at Binghamton. In 1992, the university officially adopted Binghamton University as its name (legally, it is actually Binghamton University, State University of New York); hence BU began appearing as a commonly used nickname. Harpur College is still the largest of Binghamton's constituent schools, with more than 60% undergraduate and graduate students.

Thomas J. Watson

Thomas J. Watson is an important figure in Binghamton's fabric. Having founded IBM in Greater Binghamton, Watson viewed the region as an area of great potential. In the early 1940s he collaborated with a group of local leaders to initiate the creation of Triple Cities College (of Syracuse University), which would later become Harpur College, SUNY Binghamton and finally Binghamton University. He donated land at and around the original IBM site in Endicott, NY, where the school called home for just a few years. The campus broke ground at its current location in Vestal, NY, in 1954. In 1967, the School of Advanced Technology was established -- the precursor to the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science that was founded in 1983.

Today

The University
File:Academica.jpg
Academic A, School of Management

Binghamton University has grown to include roughly 120 buildings, some of which were recent additions from a $2.2 billion SUNY capital plan. New facilities include a housing complex, academic facilities, an indoor multipurpose Events Center to accommodate the University's commencement exercises, Bearcat athletic events and other activities, an addition to the student union and the partially completed Innovative Technologies Complex. Other significant additions are the Binghamton University Downtown Center in downtown Binghamton which opened for the fall 2007 semester, new outdoor athletic facilities, two new residential communities, renovations to the East Gym and the old University Union, an engineering building, a new science building (Science V), and a great deal of landscaping/campus upgrades.

Lois B. DeFleur is the fifth and current president of Binghamton University and has held the position since 1990.

The campus is spread over 887 acres (3.6 km²) just south of the Susquehanna River. It features a 190-acre (0.8 km²) Nature Preserve, a forest and wetland area that includes a six-acre (24,000 m²) pond that adjoins the campus.

There is also a brand new, state of the art $29 million University Downtown Center in downtown Binghamton. Completed in August 2007, the center houses the new school: the College of Community and Public Affairs.

The school's sports teams are called the Bearcats (formerly the Colonials). They participate in NCAA Division I athletics through the America East Conference.

Colleges and schools

Binghamton University comprises the following college and schools:

  • Harpur College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest of Binghamton University’s schools. It is home to 7,433 undergraduates and 1,231 graduate students in 29 departments and 12 interdisciplinary degree programs in the humanities, natural and social sciences, and mathematics. Notable departments include the political science department, Anthropology and also Historical Sociology.
  • The College of Community and Public Affairs offers an undergraduate major in human development as well as graduate programs in social work and public administration. It was formed in July 2006 after a reorganization of its predecessor, the School of Education and Human Development. With 475 undergraduates and 301 graduate students, it is among Binghamton University's smallest schools.[1]
  • The Decker School of Nursing was established in 1969. With 411 undergraduates and 74 graduate students, it is Binghamton University’s smallest school. Approximately 11 percent of Decker School students are male, compared to the national average of 8 percent.[2] The school offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing.
  • The School of Education was formed in July 2006 as part of the same reorganization that created the College of Community and Public Affairs. It offers master’s of science and doctoral degrees and is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (the only SUNY school to have this distinction).[3]
  • The School of Management is the most difficult undergraduate program to gain admission to at Binghamton University. Approximately two-thirds of SOM students come from the top 5 percent of their high school graduating class.[citation needed]
  • Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the fastest growing schools on campus. Recent advancements include a move to the Innovative Technologies Complex by the Department of Bioengineering and Division of Research, newly renovated facilities and award-winning research programs such as for nano-packaging research. The new state budget includes funding for a $60 million science and engineering facility.[citation needed] New spaces in the library allow for engineering students to utilize their own high-tech lab space beginning in their Freshman year.

Residential communities

Residence halls at Binghamton University are grouped into seven communities patterned after the residential colleges of Oxford University. The apartment communities used to house graduate students, but now house undergraduates. Of the residential colleges, Dickinson Community and Newing College feature corridor-style double-occupancy rooms, while College-in-the-Woods mixes suites and double- and triple-occupancy rooms, and Hinman College and Mountainview College (the newest of the colleges) are comprised exclusively of suites. Susquehanna Community and Hillside Community contain only apartments.

Community Themes
  • Dickinson: Named for Daniel Dickinson, an early settler of New York's Southern Tier. Buildings are named after prominent local figures, including founders of the university.
  • Hinman: Named for New York State Senator Harvey D. Hinman. Buildings are named after former New York State governors.
  • Newing: Buildings are named for Southern Tier towns and counties
  • College-In-The-Woods: Named for its location set into the university's nature preserve, and the fact that it was designed to cut down the least number of trees. Buildings are named after tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • Mountainview: Buildings are named after New York State mountains.
  • Susquehanna: Buildings are named for tributaries of the Susquehanna River, which flows through the city of Binghamton.
  • Hillside: Named for its location at the highest part of the BU campus. Halls are named for New York State parks. The 16 apartment buildings are ordered in alphabetical order clockwise.

The Future

File:DowntownCCPA.jpg
Binghamton University's New Downtown Campus in July 2007

Currently Binghamton University is planning several projects to facilitate the growth of the university in terms of population, research and academic quality.

  • The east campus project will be entirely replacing the Newing and Dickinson residential communities; Construction is anticipated in 2009 and completion in 2011.
  • The Innovative Technology Complex, currently consisting of just the alpha building, will eventually house six buildings at completion. The entire complex is dedicated primarily to venture capital research in the areas of sciences and engineering. The next building is expected to begin construction in 2008.
  • Science V is expected to begin construction in 2008 as well to expand the existing science complex on the main campus. The new facility will host the biology and psychology departments. Once completed, renovations will begin to the existing sciences III and IV.
  • The old university union is expected to undergo major interior renovations. Roughing replacement has already begun, with interior work expected to begin in 2008.
  • The East Gym was set to undergo a major overhaul. However, consistent student voting against the funding of this project has blocked it.

Rankings and statistics

Rankings

In August 2007 Binghamton was ranked 82 on the US News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges: National Universities: Top Schools" [4] It was one of three recipients of the Senator Paul Simon Award for Internationalization along with Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[5] It is 19th in Chemistry, 13th in Historical Sociology, Business/Management is ranked in Business Week's top 40 business schools, in the top 10% percent of all business schools, Top 10 for CPA examination, is in the top 5 Business Schools in New York State., is 15th nationally in Political Science, 19th in the world, and 9th in Anthropology.[6]

According to the College Board, Binghamton was the #1 destination of SAT scores in New York State. [citation needed]

Admissions and finance

Binghamton has a middle 50 percent SAT Score (Math + Verbal): 1200-1380, 1275 average [7] a four-year graduation rate: 70 percent(Third highest among all public schools according to the National Education Trust), an acceptance rate including transfers: 42%,[8] and for the Fall 2006 Semester, Binghamton received over 22,000 applications for over 2,300 spots, and for the Fall 2007, they received over 25,000 applications. [5] The average debt at graduation is $14,734.[8] and the school is in the Top 15 Lowest debt-load in the country.[8]

Noteworthy research, programs and centers

Binghamton University is specifically designated an advanced research institution and has recently been declared a New York State Center of Excellence, which will help provide considerable funding for many of the University's research projects. The following are highlights of some of the research conducted at the University:

The Interdisciplinary Study Group on Africa

Binghamton is home to this group of scholars (mainly PhD and faculty), all of whose research and work focus on issues and areas related to Global Africa (the continent\motherland and the diaspora). Members carry out research in such areas as gender politics, African history, critical race theory, multimedia production, art history, cultural studies, religious studies, education, and performance studies among others.

  • The Evolutionary Studies Program (EvoS) is one of the first programs in the country that explicitly seeks to apply evolutionary insights to all areas of inquiry, including the humanities.[citation needed] The program promotes traditional evolutionary studies in biology, but also has members who study such disciplines and topics as the arts, literature, laughter and education from evolutionary perspectives. The program is headed by biology and anthropology professor David Sloan Wilson.
  • Stirrings Still: The International Journal of Existential Literature was founded in 2003 by members of Binghamton University's English Department.

In addition, Binghamton faculty often develop cross-disciplinary connections that become permanent working relationships. As a result, many of these connections have been formalized through Binghamton University’s Center for Excellence, through organized research centers and institutes for advanced studies. These organizations offer equipment and expertise that may be accessed by faculty across the disciplines and by members of the community who need specialized services, and one of the University's most important links to the larger local, regional and global communities of which it is a vital part. Although not considered a research center, the Geographic Information System (GIS) Core Facility , located within the Department of Geography, is at the forefront of spatial analysis and social research.

Athletics

File:BinghamtonBearcats.png
Binghamton Bearcats logo
Main article: Binghamton Bearcats

Binghamton University has been a member of the NCAA since near its inception to the SUNY system. Originally a Division III school, President Lois Defleur spear headed an aggressive campaign to become Division I. In 1999, Binghamton University completed that transition faster than any other school in history. Today, they are a member of the America East Conference. Alongside the transition to DI, the addition of a state of the art, $33.1 million Events Center for basketball, track and tennis has bolstered the program. In 2007, a $3.6 million stadium with turf fields for soccer and lacrosse, as well as a championship-capable baseball field, will be completed.

  • Binghamton's mascot is the Bearcat, formerly the Colonials prior to the transition to Division I.

Facilities

Binghamton University Libraries

The Glenn G. Bartle Library, named after the University’s first president, contains collections in the humanities, social sciences, government documents and collections in mathematical and computer sciences. Additionally, Bartle Library houses the Fine Arts Collection (focusing on works relating to art, music, theater and cinema) and Special Collections (containing the internationally recognized Max Reinhardt Collection, as well as the Edwin A. Link and Marion Clayton Link Archives). The Science Library contains materials in all science and engineering disciplines, as well as a map collection.

The Libraries offer a wide variety and range of services including research consultation and assistance in person and electronically, a laptop lending program, customized instruction sessions and Library news and updates through a number of Blogs (online weblogs). The online gateway to collections is through infoLINK, the library catalog, metaLINK, which offers the ability to search across multiple resources and Grokker, a new service which categorizes and visualizes information in a topical map format for easy retrieval. Together these services enable Binghamton University Libraries to provide patrons access to information resources such as catalogs, reference databases, citation databases, subject gateways, and e-journals.

Anderson Center for the Performing Arts

This theater complex has three main stages: Watters Theater, seating 550; the Chamber Hall, seating 450; and the Osterhout Concert Theater, seating 1,200. The concert theater has the ability to become an open-air venue, with its movable, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open up to a grassy hill. The Anderson Center has hosted world-class performers such as the Russian Symphony and Ballet, the Prague National Symphony and the Shakespearian Theater Company. In March 2006, an overflow house, filling all of the Anderson Center's theaters, was present to hear guest speaker Noam Chomsky.

University Art Museums

The University's art collection is housed more than one location, but all within the Fine Arts Building. The building's main-level gallery hosts various artifacts which belong to the Permanent Collection, though typically showcases student work on a rotating basis. The Permanent Collection in the basement level of the building showcases ancient art from Egypt, China and other locales. Lastly, the Elsie B. Rosefsky Gallery, just off the Grand Corridor, displays special exhibits and portfolios.

The Binghamton University Events Center

This new addition to campus is the area's largest venue for athletics, concerts fairs and more. Home court to the Binghamton Bearcat basketball teams, the facility seats about 5,300 people for games. For concerts, Commencement and other larger events, the Events Center can hold up to 10,000 people. Home site for the America East Conference Men's Basketball Championships in 2005 and 2006, the court hosted the women's championships for 2007. Major concerts already hosted at the Events Center have included Green Day, Bob Dylan, Incubus, Ludacris and Harry Connick Jr., Kanye West, 50 Cent, My Chemical Romance, O.A.R., Phantom Planet, and Dashboard Confessional, almost all of which were brought to the venue by the Student Association.

Binghamton University Nature Preserve

Nature Preserve, Binghamton University, Vestal, NY

The university's Nature Preserve is a 190-acre plot of land on the southern end of campus. Students have actively worked to make sure the space remains untouched. The preserve features miles of maintained paths, a large lake, marsh areas, vernal pools, tall hills and even a hill-top meadow. A popular hang-out spot is the long wooden boardwalk constructed across one of the marshes, overlooking the lake.

- "The Squid and the Whale"- Prof. Bernard Berkman, played by Jeff Daniels, visits Binghamton University as a guest lecturer.

- "donttellryan.com" - This website featured a 24 hour a day live video feed of a student's dorm room (who was revealed to be a Binghamton University sophomore), set up as a prank. The website received literally millions of hits from countries all around the world.

- "CSI" - One character featured in the show was an alumni of Binghamton University.

- "The Daily Show" - In the November 27th 2006 episode, students Erica Fritz and Aaron Akaberi appeared in a satirical interview/short documentary addresses one student's quest to protest campus food provider, Sodexho, by going on hunger strike.

- "Pardon the Interruption" - In all episodes of PTI, a Binghamton University Bearcat can be seen on the side of the desk of co-host Tony Kornheiser, a Binghamton alum, and self proclaimed intramural sport master.

- Maus - The graphic novel contains a "Harpur College" banner in the ficitonal Art Spiegelman's bedroom. (Spiegelman is an alumnus of Harpur College).

- "Dick's Picks Volume 8: Harpur College, Binghamton, NY" - A release of an outstanding Grateful Dead concert from May 2, 1970, which was recorded live at Harpur College.

- Ernie Gehr's experimental film Serene Velocity was shot in the basement of the Student Wing, where film students edit their movies.

Student Association

The Student Association, also known as the SA, bills itself as "an all encompassing organization that every single student is a member of as soon as they pay their tuition," [9] and functions as Binghamton University's student government. Like the United States federal government, the Student Association is composed of independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with members of the executive and legislative branches elected by popular vote of the student body. Members of the judiciary, known as the Judicial Board, are nominated by the Student Association president and confirmed by the Student Assembly, the legislative branch. Members of the Student Assembly, the legislative branch, are elected by the different communities, with off campus students falling into one off campus community. The association is funded by a mandatory activity fee which must be approved by regular student referendums.

The Student Association retains the sole right to charter and recognize groups on campus, other than social fraternities and sororities. Currently, the SA recognizes approximately 160 student organizations.[10]

The executive branch for the 2007-2008 academic year is:

  • President: David Bass
  • Executive Vice President: Joe Danko
  • Vice President for Finance: Chris Powell
  • Vice President for Academic Affairs: Matt Landau
  • Vice President for Programming: Sandi Dube
  • Vice President for Multicultural Affairs: David Redbord
  • Director of Communications: David Belsky
  • Chair of the Student Assembly: Eric Katz

Prominent Student Groups

Student groups provide a wide range of services, and many are entirely student-run with no faculty supervision or university funding.

The Binghamton Crosbys

The Binghamton Crosbys, or just Crosbys, are the only all-male a cappella group at Binghamton. They are the winning most group in the nation, having gone to the ICCA championships four times and winning in 2003. They are also the oldest group on campus and are a very popular performer for various university and local events.

The Pappy Parker Players

The Pappy Parker Players, an improvisational and sketch comedy group founded in 1992 is the only comedy group on Binghamton's campus to date. The group typically puts on a minimum of four shows a year, not including appearances at fund raisers and other functions. The group has also appeared at the Saratoga Comedy Festival at Skidmore College on numerous occasions.[citation needed]

Harpur's Ferry

Harpur's Ferry, a student-run, 100% volunteer agency, is one of a few Advanced Life Support ambulance agencies operated on college campuses around the nation. Operating two ALS ambulances with 12-Lead monitoring, 2 ALS Fly-Cars with 12-Lead monitoring, one BLS all-terrain Gator and BLS Bike Team Harpur's Ferry is fully equipped to handle any medical emergency on the BU campus year-round

WHRW

WHRW, an FM radio station staffed by students and community members, is one of the few remaining free-format college and community FM radio stations left in the United States.[citation needed]

OCC Transport

Bus transportation on campus and in local neighborhoods with a high density of students is provided by the completely student managed and driven OCC Transport, one of the few student-run bus services in the country.[citation needed]

Economic Impact

According to a 2006 report from the University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Binghamton University faculty, staff, students and visitors spent more than $400 million in the 2004-05 fiscal year, creating an economic impact of about $700 million in Broome County and $894.5 million in New York State alone.

The University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, also found that:

  • For every dollar the state invests in the University, about $8 is returned to Greater Binghamton and New York State.
  • The presence of the University supports 11,900 full-time jobs in New York State, nearly 10,000 of which are in Broome County. The University employs about 1 in 10 residents in the Greater Binghamton area.
  • The University spent $44.3 million on construction projects in 2004-05, resulting in an economic impact of nearly $100 million for the state. Major construction projects are expected to continue.
  • Volunteer services provided by students are appraised at millions of dollars annually.

From the year 2000, the University's economic impact has increased by about 12 percent and is expected to continue growing substantially. It is also estimated that Binghamton alumni pay over $80 million in New York state income tax and over $40 million in sales tax.

Alma Mater

The university's alma mater, "In the Rolling Hills of Binghamton," was composed by David Engel '86, and is performed at the University's Commencement each May. The lyrics are:

"In the rolling hills of Binghamton, ’Neath everchanging skies, Where two gently flowing rivers meet, We form our cherished ties.

Together we spend these years, United in our aim. Through our bold pursuit of excellence, We proudly bear your name.

Refrain: Oh Binghamton, we carry thee With us for all our time And through us individually Forever may you shine. "

Alumni Association

The Binghamton University Alumni Association is nearly as old as the University itself. The Harpur College Alumni Association elected its first officers in 1951, following the first Commencement. As Harpur College grew and became a part of the State University of New York, the Alumni Association has grown and today serves as the umbrella organization for a growing number of alumni groups and activities.

The Association represents more than 90,000 alumni. It is a non-dues paying association and all alumni automatically become members upon graduation.[11]

Mission Statement

The Binghamton University Alumni Association exists to promote and coordinate alumni support with the purpose of strengthening the high-quality academic, research, and public service programs of the University.

Through its programming, the Association seeks to further the personal and professional development and growth of its members. As representatives of their alma mater, alumni are a concerned constituency who act as observers and trustees of the heritage and achievement of the University.

The Association serves the University by facilitating interaction between alumni and the students, faculty, staff, and administration. The Association, working as a partner with the University, encourages financial support for distinguished teaching programs, student scholarships, and general advancement of the University. The Association encourages all alumni to give their time and resources for the betterment of the University, to be proud advocates for the University, and to preserve the present value of their degrees. (Adopted by Long-Range Planning Committee 3/30/85; Amended 6/6/93)[11]

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ "College of Community and Public Affairs: Facts and Figures", ccpa.binghamton.edu, accessed October 30, 2006
  2. ^ "Decker’s male enrollment tops national average", Inside BU, February 10, 2005
  3. ^ "Teacher Education Accreditation Council: Members by Carnegie Classification", www.teac.org’’, accessed October 30, 2006
  4. ^ http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php
  5. ^ a b http://www.binghamton.edu/home/about/facts.html
  6. ^ http://gradschool.binghamton.edu/ps/highlights.asp
  7. ^ http://admissions.binghamton.edu/SUNYBinghamton.pdf
  8. ^ a b c Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges
  9. ^ http://sa.binghamton.edu/index.php?page=other
  10. ^ http://sa.binghamton.edu/index.php?page=grey
  11. ^ a b http://alumni.binghamton.edu/aboutassn.html

World renown authour and war hero fular went to Binghamton

42°05′21″N 75°58′12″W / 42.089250°N 75.969890°W / 42.089250; -75.969890

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