OCC Newsletter - October 2016
The off-campus college of Binghamton University is proud to introduce OFF.
Produced monthly, OFF is geared toward providing vital information to members of the off–campus community, including in-depth coverage on a variety of topics ranging from personal safety tips, upcoming events, recreational suggestions and more...
If you are looking to stay informed, stay tuned. OFF is your new go-to guide for all things Binghamton.
Meet Milton Chester: assistant dean of students for off-campus programs and services
Milton Chester, whose office is located in UUW-204, serves as an invaluable resource to students who reside off campus.
Any off-campus problem you have, from finding housing, to problems with your landlord, housemates and more…Chester has you covered; and if he’s unable to help, he’ll make sure your questions and concerns are resolved by finding the appropriate office best suited to handle your individual needs.
“My goal is to help students have a successful off-campus living experience,” said Chester. “This is a place where you can come and talk to someone about any issues and concerns you are having.”
Chester provides a myriad of services from his office, but what he believes students take advantage of most is the legal clinic, which is held bi-weekly, Tuesday's at 5:15 p.m. and Wednesday's at 11:30 a.m. in UUW-B08. No sign up ahead of time necessary.
A free resource, the legal clinic offers students an opportunity to seek the advice of legal counsel to discuss any situation that may arise from unresolved tickets, landlord disputes, lease reviews and more.
Last but certainly not least, Chester regularly hosts functions geared toward the off-campus living community. His most recent event – the Off Campus Housing Fair – took place in the University Union’s Mandela Room.
Students were able to speak with experts in their respective fields including landlords, attorneys, the fire marshall, the city code compliance office, financial advisors and more.
“This year was a great success,” said Chester, who was pleased with the turnout and noted that he anticipates next year’s fair to be even better.
“We even held a raffle, which is not uncommon for us to do,” Chester added, congratulating the winners: Rudy Kuang, winner of a FUJI bicycle, and Richard Barley, the proud owner of a brand-new iPad Air.
Be on the lookout for events to come. Notifications to all off-campus students are generally sent via e-mail.
The next winner could be you!
Did you know that we have our very own police officer?
Chris Governanti is the police liaison between Binghamton University and the city of Binghamton. Officer Governanti is employed by both the BPD and UPD and holds office hours at the University Downtown Center from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Here to answer any questions or concerns you may have as a student – and as a resident of Binghamton – Governanti is also available as a resource to all Binghamton University students, whether they live on or off campus.
“I’m a resource in the community,” said Governanti. “Anyone with any student-related issues or school-related issues can come to me for information and I can, at the very least, direct them to the resource they're trying to find.”
Dealing with the police is like dealing with anyone else and cooperation can really go a long way, according to Governanti.
"Follow the golden rule," he said. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, and most importantly, remember to do unto others as you would have done unto you. This type of attitude and mentality pays dividends in society."
Governanti offered some tips for students to stay safe, but warned that students need to be aware of problems that can arise when overindulging in alcohol, particularly when socializing in unfamiliar environments.
“We all have a sixth sense,” said Governanti. “If you feel as if you are in danger, trust your gut and take an extra second to look around.”
He also stressed the importance of good community relations, of being a good neighbor and of trying your best to look out for one another.
“We all know what it looks like when somebody is lost,” said Governanti. “If you see that, throw an olive branch out to them. Building a good rapport with people in your area is equally beneficial to everybody.”
Additional tips and recommendations Governanti offered are to:
- pay attention when walking.
- keep your head up and remain aware at all times.
- stay off of cellphones when not necessary.
- keep headphones out of your ears, or at the very least, keep volume at reasonable levels so you can hear what is going on around you.
- walk with your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
- avoid parking in dimly lit and secluded areas.
“Don’t be afraid to call the police if you need help,” said Governanti. “We’re here to assist you. And remember, there’s strength in numbers, so whenever possible, travel in groups.”
Follow this link for additional safety tips
Welcome to Binghamton, where there’s much more to do than you may imagine.
Did you know that Broome County has the only carousel collection of its kind? And not just in the nation; in the world!
But don’t take our word for it.
Binghamton has amazing museums detailing its rich and unique history. So whether you are looking to enjoy a nice day with the family at one of our many parks, view some scientific exhibits or take a historical journey at one of our incredible museums, Broome County has you covered.
This month’s spotlight: THE BUNDY MUSEUM
This Victorian-style home, located at 129 Main St. on Binghamton’s West Side, is adorned with beautiful relics of the past and was once home to one of Binghamton’s most famous men, Willard Bundy.
At the height of the industrial revolution, business was booming, but modern-day factory owners had no way of officially documenting hours being clocked by their employees. Willard Bundy changed all of that – virtually revolutionizing the way factories did business – with the advent of the first time-recording clock, which initially used a key to record work shifts and eventually transformed into the time-card that is now used in many businesses today.
Willard's brother, Harlow, had a manufacturing company and was the first business to make use of his brother’s innovative and revolutionary creation. The brothers went on to form the internationally recognizable company known as IBM.
From the outside looking in, the Bundy home is appealing, yet modestly constructed, thus easily overlooked. But don’t be fooled. The home is an architectural masterpiece, with handcrafted nineteenth-century woodwork and cathedral-style glass windows, and completely furnished with artisan-like craftsmanship and upholstery, reminiscent of an exciting and nostalgic era.
The museum is home to Bundy’s famous time clock collection, an African art gallery, a barbershop exhibit and a broadcaster’s hall of fame, which, according to the website, honors the pioneers of broadcasting history.
If you are interested in the history of the great city of Binghamton, The Bundy Museum is a must see!
