IMPROVING CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE
Some of the major improvements to infrastructure completed over the summer are very visible; others are not. Read in this issue about the many major projects completed by Physical Facilities and Information Technology Services, as well as the new programs offered by the University Center for Training and Development.
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES OPENS NEW BUILDING
The opening of the new, $60-million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University's Health Sciences Campus in Johnson City, N.Y., headlines this quarterly report, but there's also good news about collaborations, external funding and student successes. Read more in this issue.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES SUPPORT STUDENTS
It takes donors at many levels to make Binghamton University successful, and in this issue of the quarterly report, you can read about a number of them. Whether it's AVANGRID offering full-tuition scholarships and capstone project support, or playing golf to benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, the Division of Advancement works with Binghamton supporters.
BINGHAMTON RESEARCH FUNDING SETS RECORD
Binghamton University reported research expenditures totaling $47.5 million in 2017-18, an increase of about 19 percent from the previous fiscal year. The figure tops 2011-12, the campus’ all-time best year for research funding, when just over $40 million was reported. The new record, which follows several years of steady growth, is an important sign of the campus’ creativity and innovation. Healthcare research accounted for nearly a third of expenditures, with electronics packaging and systems engineering following at about 22 percent.
BAXTER THE BEARCAT BOOSTS SCHOOL SPIRIT
The Division of Student Affairs spent the summer hosting students and families for orientation and preparing for the opening of the fall semester. With some new people on board and some others with new duties, it has been a busy time. Not too busy, though, to show Binghamton University pride, as you'll read about the new Baxter the Bearcat Bench in the University Union in this issue.
STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY
Student-athletes continue to shine on and off the courts and fields. The Athletics Department sets high academic standards, and student-athletes surpass them across the board. Read about the accomplishments made by student-athletes in their sports and in the classroom – and check out the videos showcasing fall sports and the new women's head basketball coach, Bethann Shapiro Ord, in this issue.
HELPING TO MAKE THE CAMPUS MORE INCLUSIVE
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to educate and empower everyone on campus in ways that create a welcoming community. From the Udiversity Educational Institute, that holds trainings for students, faculty and staff, to the Multicultural Resource Center and Q Center, the division's offices that work to build bridges and support students though education and events such as Sundaze, part of its Welcome Week programming. Read about the division's recent initiatives in this report.
DONOR SUPPORT ADVANCES BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
The Binghamton University Foundation had a successful 2017-18 year, bringing in the second highest amount of cash ever in support of the University. Read the numbers in this issue of the quarterly report, and learn one way the Foundation celebrates its donors.
Greek Life update
New Director of Greek Life Lester “LC” Coghill began his duties on Jan. 2. In just a few short months, he has established a process to gather complete information for chapter rosters for the 52 recognized fraternities and sororities on campus, and continues to meet regularly with chapter and council leadership. A scholarship fund was also created to help chapters send members to their regional/national conferences/conventions.
The campus received the report from the Fraternity and Sorority Assessment Coalition, which visited last fall at the request of the campus to review the status of Greek life at Binghamton. Two forums were held to gather feedback on the coalition’s report – the first for chapter and council leadership and the second open to the entire campus. The forums were facilitated by the Greek Life Review Team, which is charged with making recommendations to Vice President Brian Rose about which coalition recommendations should be implemented.
The Office of Greek Life is closely monitoring recruitment/new member intake, which started in February and concludes Saturday, April 13. Later in April, a Greek Weekend is being planned with the help of students.
A Leadership Summit was held Saturday, March 9, for all Greek organizations. The following week, new member meetings were held to help move the community forward and educate the new members on the roles they play in their chapters. The new member meetings covered the issue of hazing and reinforced where students can go for help if they suspect or experience hazing at any level.
There are 52 recognized chapters on campus, and several that are currently not recognized, including Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Chi Rho, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta (or Xi Xi Xi), Kappa Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Pi (APES) and Sigma Alpha Mu (SAMMY).
For more information on Greek Life.