Binghamton University welcomes new dean of students

Binghamton University has a new assistant vice president and dean of students. Amanda Finch came to Binghamton in January, previously having spent 15 years at the State University of New York at Oneonta where she was the associate vice president, student affairs. At Oneonta she provided leadership to departments including residential life, health and counseling, student conduct, student life and leadership, the office of student experience, campus recreation and the center for social responsibility.

Finch will oversee the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS), which provides a variety of support programs and services designed to foster the personal and academic development and success of all Binghamton students. Areas that Finch will support include case management services, The Union, Off Campus College, Fraternity and Sorority Life, TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services, New Student Programs, Parent and Family Programs, Veteran Services and Campus Activities. Finch will also be responsible for managing communications with elected student leaders.

“I’m so excited to be working with the student leadership at Binghamton,” Finch said. “The students are dedicated to serving their constituents and have a passion for enhancing the Binghamton student experience. The team in the DOS office is incredibly strong and working every day to have a positive impact on students. I’m so proud to have joined the team and look forward to supporting the great work they do.”

Programming and leadership development

The DOS takes a holistic approach to student development, working to support students’ overall wellness, with the understanding that academic success is contingent upon success in other areas of life. The student experience outside the classroom is one area the DOS focuses on, providing opportunities to enjoy campus life like University Fest, the Spring Involvement Fair and Spring Fling. Campus Activities coordinates concerts and speaker series, and Late Nite and The Union provide additional opportunities for students to immerse themselves in campus life.

For the many students who live off campus in the local community, the Off Campus College (OCC) within DOS provides assistance navigating any challenges they may face with their off-campus living situation and serves as a liaison to local government officials and others involved in town-gown relations. The OCC offers proactive programming and communication to students living off campus regarding issues that are impactful to them, such as budgeting, understanding lease agreements, local parking regulations, roommate compatibility, etc. Another natural area of convergence is overseeing fraternity and sorority life, which presents more great opportunities for student growth and development outside the classroom. Participation in student organizations can provide the opportunity to develop leadership skills that employers are looking for. Skills such as budgeting, critical thinking and consensus building are all in high demand and can be proven through experiential learning.

Individual intervention

The DOS is also where students can go when they are trying to solve a problem that is affecting them academically or personally. In the case of serious illness, family tragedy, financial struggles and other personal emergencies, Finch and her team can point students in the direction of the help and support they need.

The CARE Team is perhaps the most recognizable entity in the University’s case management services. They help students cope with complex situations through identifying the source of the problem and forming strategies to overcome obstacles to success. Their services are nonpunitive — case managers serve as advocates for students.

In addition to the CARE Team, the dean of students facilitates the Students of Concern committee, with the goal of fostering early identification of concerns about students, which are most often disclosed by referrals to the CARE Team from concerned faculty, staff, students or families.

“As the Dean of Students at Binghamton, my primary goal is to provide education, advocacy and support to all students so that they can achieve success in their academic, social and personal development,” Finch said. “The offices that make up the DOS area are an integral part of student success. From support and advocacy to engagement and fun, we’re here to make a positive impact on the student experience at Binghamton University!”