Living/Learning

Student Collaboration on Residential Experiences (SCORE)

This new learning community will launch with the goal of fostering a culture of contemplation, choice and critical thinking at the start of the fall 2024 semester. Residents will take primary responsibility for creating the community they want to live in through:

  • Leading programmatic initiatives
  • Selecting their own housing assignments
  • Creating and adhering to community standards
  • Initiating restorative circles to proactively and reactively address and resolve issues that surface within the community
  • Developing community messaging and marketing 

If you're interested in building skills in empowerment, self-advocacy, autonomy, independence, problem solving, critical thinking, conflict resolution and community building, SCORE could be a valuable opportunity for you.

Housing sign up has opened as of Jan. 22, 2024. Any current Binghamton undergraduate student is eligible to apply for SCORE online. If selected, students will be required to enroll in a CDCI course during the fall 2024 semester, in which they will work together to develop community standards, policies and procedures that will define the 2024-25 SCORE experience.

For more information, email reslife@binghamton.edu.

Public Service Learning Community

Welcome to the vibrant world of Hinman’s Public Service Learning Community (PSLC)! Are you ready to embark on an epic journey of making a real difference while having an absolute blast? Buckle up because this is no ordinary community—it's where passions meet action, and friendships turn into lifelong bonds.

Picture this: Living on the same floor, creating memories that will have you laughing until your sides ache and feeling warm fuzzies for years to come. But wait, there’s more! With PSLC, you’re not just signing up for a place to crash; you’re diving headfirst into a whirlwind of opportunities for growth, fun, and making a positive impact.

Whether you’re itching to lead the charge for change or simply want to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with some good ol’ fashioned volunteer work, PSLC is where your dreams take flight! But hey, it's not all serious stuff around here. We’re masters of the impromptu, turning everyday moments into unforgettable adventures. From intense board game battles to cheering our hearts out at Dorm Wars, there’s never a dull moment in our world. Let's not forget all the deep conversations we have. Diving into rabbit holes of ideas, passions, and dreams with your newfound family. Here in the PSLC, we don't just scratch the surface- we dive deep and come out wiser, stronger, and more connected than ever. 

So what are you waiting for? Join us in the ultimate fusion of fun, friendship, and volunteering! Welcome to the PSLC, where remarkable experiences unfold and dreams take shape!

Why PSLC?

Dorm Tour

Check out the Instagram for all the fun we have: @binghamtonpslc

Contact Professor Campbell if you are interested! - dcamp@binghamton.edu

What kind of things have we participated in?

As the PSLC, we have participated in various activities, from nonprofit groups based in Binghamton to fundraising for humanitarian needs!

What is the community like?

Here is a video of past PSLCers who describe what it is like to be part of this amazing community and their favorite parts about it!

What Non-profit organizations have we worked with?

NOMA, short for "North of Main," is a powerhouse for community building in Binghamton. They're not just about bringing people together but about creating lasting partnerships that benefit everyone involved. With a focus on the West Side, NOMA is a hub for collective resources, events, and local programs. What sets them apart is their extensive network of over 10 local agencies, all dedicated to revitalizing and connecting Binghamton's neighborhoods. Through their tireless efforts, NOMA is helping bridge the gap between residents, businesses, and the broader community, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration essential for the city's growth and prosperity.

ACA, standing for "American Civic Association," is a beacon of hope for immigrants and refugees in the Greater Binghamton region. Nestled in the city's heart, ACA provides invaluable community integration services to newcomers, helping them navigate the challenges of settling into a new country and culture. From language classes to legal assistance, ACA offers a wide range of support programs tailored to the diverse needs of its clients. By promoting understanding and acceptance, ACA is helping individuals thrive and enriching the fabric of Binghamton's multicultural community.

Mom's House is more than just a nonprofit; it's a lifeline for economically disadvantaged single parents in Binghamton. Their mission is clear: to empower single mothers to complete their education, paving the way for financial stability and a brighter future. What makes Mom's House unique is its emphasis on the long-term impact of education on breaking the cycle of poverty. By investing in a single mother's educational journey, Mom's House is changing her life and laying the groundwork for success for future generations. With their unwavering support, single parents are equipped with the tools and resources to achieve their dreams and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their children.

The nonprofits we've mentioned are just a glimpse of the amazing work happening in Binghamton. The chance to collaborate with these groups is incredible. There are countless opportunities to contribute, from volunteering to fundraising. Seeing so many dedicated individuals and organizations working together for a better community is inspiring.

What classes are offered for PSLC?

Get set to jump into the dynamic realm of community-engaged courses at Binghamton University. As a PSLC member, you are not just taking classes—you are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and civic empowerment. 

“Foundations of Civic Engagement” (PAFF 225) will challenge you to explore your core values, ignite your passions, and uncover how your education sets the stage for a lifetime of making a difference in the world. If you are part of the PSLC, enrollment for this class is guaranteed and recommended for every PSLCr. You will get to take this alongside your fellow PSLC friends and be taught by one of the best professors on campus (biased, as he is also our Faculty-in-residence), David Campbell. Further down, you can learn more about Professor David Campbell. 

Another common class PSLCrs take together is Philanthropy in Civil Society (PPL 280), also taught by Professor David Campbell. Although enrollment cannot be guaranteed for everyone, we will try to accommodate everyone as best we can. In this exhilarating course, you’ll dive deeper into themes surrounding public service, building upon the thought-provoking concepts explored in the Foundations of Civic Engagement. This class will challenge you to ponder the role of giving in your life, both now and in the future. Not only that, you will get the incredible opportunity to allocate $10,000 of real money to support local nonprofit organizations. You get to make a tangible impact and see your generosity in action as you empower those making a difference in your community. 

Meet the Professor

David Campbell is a professor in the Public Administration Department who has worked with the PSLC since 2013. He believes very deeply in the importance of civic engagement and working with students to learn together and reflect on what it means to do good, well, and contribute positively to community life in Binghamton. He is the chair of the Voting Engagement Committee on campus, and he teaches in the Masters of Public Administration Program. He is also the founder of the campus Philanthropy Incubator. As a researcher, he studies management and leadership issues in nonprofit organizations and recently co-edited a book on philanthropy in the Muslim World. Right now, he is doing research through Binghamton’s Institute on Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, focusing on the role community-based organizations play in addressing longstanding conflicts.

Meet Professor Campbell