Posted on Dec 3, 2008

 

Hello from Union!

The last time that you received our newsletter was in early November when students were gearing up for finals and looking forward to break. Now you’ve had them around home for a couple of weeks. Hopefully, they are busy working, socializing, and perhaps even doing an internship or mini-term somewhere fun. They are missed on campus, as things are so quiet, but I certainly hope that you are thoroughly enjoying having them at home.

          News from Campus…

Multicultural Affairs and Campus Diversity Office

Union College will celebrate its 215^th Year Anniversary in the year 2010.  In prelude of this celebration, the Multicultural Affairs and Campus Diversity Offices are in the process of planning a special project that will be inclusive of the entire campus community. This project will begin during January 2009 and will end by December 2009. The project will be called the “UNION UNITY QUILT” and the theme will be “Celebrating 215 years of our family history at Union College”.

We are asking all members of the campus community to donate a piece of fabric that will measures 18 inches by 18 inches or create a 12 inches by 12 inches square patch.  During this winter break please find a piece of fabric or create a square patch that will represent your family background, for example: your culture; beliefs; family history; or values.  This piece of fabric or square patch will simply remind you of home and your family.  Some suggestions would be the flag’s from one’s country, a particular custom or ceremony, special proverbs, music lyrics, events, colors, recipes or life styles.  Embellish your creation by sewing, beading, appliqué, cutting and pasting, painting, drawing and by ironing or printing photos. If you choose to write on the fabric, you must use a fabric pen – not a permanent pen.  If you need help creating your square patch or would like to volunteer to assemble the quilt please contact Judi Gordon at gordonj@union.edu. We will be collecting the pieces of fabric and square patches from January 1 to February 1 2009.  Please mail or hand delivers your piece of fabric to the Multicultural Affairs Office @ Union College Reamer Campus Center Room # 304.

Minerva Fellows

If you get a chance over the break, please send a holiday hello to our Minerva Fellows who are hard at work volunteering abroad–and may be missing families and friends over the next month.  You can either write to them on their blogs [link below] or use their Union accounts.  I know they love hearing from us.

• Steve Po-Chedley and Becky Broadwin in Uganda
• Dave Shulman in Malawi
• Alex Butts in India
• Robbie Flick and Jon Hill in Cambodia
• Lara Levine in South Africa 

Catholic Chaplaincy

Students had the opportunity to learn more about the death penalty, the use of which the Church strongly opposes.  We screened the 1995 Oscar-winning film Dead Man WalkingKaczynski, executive director of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty, speak on campus about their shared moral struggles a decade ago in coming to the realization that David's brother, Ted, was indeed the Unabomber and what they learned about how unfairly the death penalty is applied in this country after they turned him in; and then traveled to Troy to hear and meet Sr. Helen Prejean, the subject of Dead Man Walking.  It was good to see Sr. Helen again, who came to campus in 2006 at the invitation of the Catholic Chaplaincy.,the moving story of a Louisiana nun and her ministry with death-row inmates and their victims' families; listened to Linda Patrik, professor of philosophy, and her husband, David 

We had our last Thursday Mass of the term during exam week, praying for everyone's success with finals and for an enjoyable and restorative term break.  This liturgy has become a welcome part of the weekly rhythm of Catholic life on campus and we look forward to starting it up again when winter term begins.  For any of you living in the area or who find yourself on campus on a Thurs. at 1:00, you're most welcome to join us in Memorial Chapel.  

The Becker Career Center

Last month I shared with you the observation that while over 60% of employers recruit most heavily in the fall, students seem to be putting off thinking about employment until the winter or spring. I also indicated that this is not just a Union College phenomenon.

This month, I’d like to share another observation with you. Students are telling us that they don’t want to make an “employment decision.” Students perceive the “employment decision” as either a commitment that is far too long for their liking or selection of employment track that can never be altered. Rather, they would like to do something for a year or two before making such a decision. (Note: We are not referring to students who have planned to take a year or two off before going to law school or grad school).

As such, we think it’s important to deemphasize the notion of making an “employment decision” and emphasize securing post-graduate opportunities that stir their passion, that drive their natural curiosity, and not to worry about whether it’s a one-year, two-year or an undefined time commitment. After all, if you’re not pursuing something in which you have genuine interest you’re more likely to find the experience less fulfilling regardless of the time commitment.

If students do seek post-graduate opportunities that stir their passion they will likely perform better and be justly rewarded. In addition, time will pass quickly and it is very likely that more time will have passed than they would have originally agreed to commit to. 

It is important to remember, regardless of how passionate we are about our pursuits, change is inevitable. Most people will switch jobs several times during their working lives. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, young baby boomers held an average of 10.8 jobs from ages 18-42. As such, it is likely that students will find themselves in a less than desirable situation at some point during their career. When this happens, we want students to have the confidence to make a change, either within the company or outside the company utilizing the skills they developed while securing their first post-graduate opportunity.

In short, we want students to utilize their skills to pursue activities that they are genuinely interested in, rather than make the “employment decision.” We believe that if they do so they will find their post-graduate experience more interesting and meaningful.

Also, parents if you are interested in helping your son/daughter with their career planning, we would suggest starting with the areas below. The Becker Career Center can help your student with all of these areas.  All the student needs to do is call 518.388.6176 or stop in for some assistance.

Finally, if you have or know of internship or full-time employment opportunities we would be happy to post the opportunity for our students.  You can call us at 518.388.6176

From all of us at the Becker Career Center, have a happy holiday season.

Resume

Whether your son or daughter is seeking an internship, full-time employment, or graduate school, a resume will be necessary. 

Cover Letter

For many opportunities, a cover letter is necessary.  Students should know how to craft an effective cover letter.

Networking and Informational Interviewing

The most effective way to learn about and secure opportunities is through networking and informational interviewing.  Networking and informational interviewing are important skills that will help students manage their career for a lifetime.

Interviewing

As with other experiences, the more time the student takes to prepare and practice the more likely they will perform better.

Getting practical experience

Research shows that the value of internships is rising.  More and more employers are utilizing internships and more and more employers are converting interns to full-time employment.

Health Services

Health Services will continue to "fight the flu" this winter by providing the flu vaccine to students.  Students particularly at higher risk of getting the flu should call Health Services. The cost of the vaccine is $27.00 and can be billed to tuition, cash or check. 

Symptoms of the flu include: 

~ fever

~ headache

~ tiredness

~ cough

~sore throat

~ runny or stuffy nose

~ body aches

~ diarrhea and vomiting (more commonly in children) 

Reduce your child's chance of getting influenza by vaccinating them early.

Campus Safety

In September, I outlined a number of important changes related to campus safety. I also mentioned that we were working with the Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office to install surveillance cameras around the perimeter of the campus to help deter crime.

I am pleased to inform you that we are moving forward with that project. Three cameras were recently installed along Nott Street, with the other seven to be added in the coming months.

The College is contributing more than $81,000 to pay for the cameras, part of a project launched by District Attorney Robert Carney. Since 2004, dozens of cameras have been installed on public streets and parking lots throughout the city. Attached to light poles, they can be controlled remotely and have the ability to pan, zoom and tilt to observe activity on the street. The live footage is monitored by trained individuals at police headquarters.

The first three cameras are now operational along Nott Street at Seward Place, Van Vranken Avenue and Foster Avenue. The additional cameras are planned for Seward Place (at Roger Hull Place, Union Street and South Avenue); Union Avenue (at University Place and Union Street) and the South Avenue/Park Place and Lenox Road/Nott Street intersections.

The new cameras are in addition to the 30 cameras on campus that are monitored regularly by the Campus Safety Department.

Surveys have shown that cameras can be an effective deterrent against crime, and many colleges across the country have added them on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods.

I want to emphasize that any information obtained through video monitoring is used exclusively for security and law enforcement purposes.

The College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, employees and staff. If you have any questions about the cameras or general concerns, feel free to contact my office at 388-6911. Happy Holidays, Bill Sickinger

The Parent Fund Corner

 Happy holidays! I hope you are enjoying a vacation, spending time with friends, and relishing these six long weeks when your student is home for winter break.

In this season of giving, please consider making a gift to the Parent Fund. Every gesture, no matter how great or small, supports the faculty and, most importantly, our students at Union. These funds are crucial to improving our students’ education and have an immediate impact. A donation to the Parent Fund is a gift that gives back – even to you – as it is tax deductible.

If you have any questions about the Parent Fund, please call Carol Shotzbarger, Manager of the Parent Fund, at 518-388-6142.

Thank you for your support and consideration of a gift this year. For more information or to donate online, visit the Parents Webpage at https://www.union.edu/Parents/. Vivian Falco (Peter ’09) Parent Fund Chairperson

Science & Engineering Department

Dear Science and Engineering majors,

Union is a member of MentorNet, which provides students with email mentors based on your area of study, kind of job you are interested in, etc. A mentor from "outside" Union can be a fabulous addition to the support and guidance you receive from the faculty here, giving you a chance to get "real world" information, encouragement, advice, and access to professional networks from professionals working in your field. While you are home on break, consider signing up. It's a quick process, and the benefits can be substantial. To learn more about MentorNet, go to http://www.mentornet.net

To get set up with a mentor:

1) Join the MentorNet Community. (http://www.mentornet.net/join )

2) Sign in to the Community and follow the One-on-One Mentoring Program link to create a protégé profile.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Good luck, and enjoy your break! Prof. Barr

 

        Enjoy the rest of your winter break and your holidays together.   I wish you all the best in this festive season, as well as for you and yours, for 2009!

                                                          Happy Holidays,

                                                          Karen Dumonet (Vanessa ’07, Sebastian ’09)

                                                          Parents Association Chairperson

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Posted on Dec 3, 2008

 

For the fourth straight year, students, faculty and staff will immerse themselves in hurricane recovery work in Louisiana as part of Union’s Community Service mini-term.

The group, led by sociology lecturer Janet Grigsby, left Dec. 3.

In December 2005 and 2006, students spent part of their December break in New Orleans helping to rebuild parts of the city that were damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The course that grew out of those experiences, SOC 387, combines community service with the academic study of New Orleans and the hurricane disasters.

This year, the Union group, which includes 18 students, will go to New Orleans and the Louisiana wetlands. While recent hurricanes Gustav and Ike spared New Orleans from major damage, winds from Gustav wreaked havoc on homes in the wetlands, and flooding from Ike also caused major destruction.  

“Many families in the region have to start all over again. There is much for us to do,” Grigsby said.

The Union volunteers will spend two weeks building and repairing homes, and they will also do some gutting in the wetlands. They will meet with environmental experts and local service and recovery workers, as well as study the local culture. The rest of the time is devoted to preparation and debriefing on campus when they return.

In preparing to go, the students spent several hours learning to use power tools at Community Land Trust of Schenectady, an agency that helps low to moderate income families become homeowners. They also watched documentaries and did Web research.

In January, the students will present individual projects at a campus symposium. In the meantime, they’ll be posting their findings and reflections at http://ublog.union.edu/soc387. 

“I can’t wait,” said Graham Kaplan ’09 in a recent blog entry.  “As long as we keep an open mind, listen, and be respectful toward those we are helping, I think this will be a very successful trip.”

“We will be able to spread the message that the people of Southern Louisiana still need help, which many Americans are unaware of,” said Amanda Samuels ’11. “When you see the documentary footage, it is hard to believe that this catastrophe happened in our own country… I am ready to go down there and experience it first hand.”

 

Accompanying Grigsby and the students will be Molly MacElroy, director of Residential Life, and Paul Matarazzo, Union’s capital projects administrator. 

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Posted on Dec 2, 2008

Garnet has gone green.

The College’s U Sustain initiative has been honored as a winner of an Environmental Excellence Award from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The annual awards recognize organizations across the state that promote environmentally sustainable practices.

“One of the best things we can do at Union is to teach the 500 or so students who graduate each year how to live ‘greener’ lives. We are educating the next generation of leaders about the importance of sustainability in any professional field and in their personal lives,” said Jeffrey Corbin, an assistant professor of biology and leader of U Sustain.

The College’s wide-ranging sustainability projects, from recycling efforts to an organic community garden, are monitored by a committee made up of about 70 students, faculty and staff. To learn more about Union’s sustainability efforts, click here.

Corbin and fellow U Sustain leader Laura MacManus-Spencer, assistant professor of chemistry, accepted the award at a ceremony Dec. 3 at DEC headquarters in Albany.

There were more than 40 award applicants, with submissions coming from industry, local governments, advocacy groups, educational institutions and the hospitality sector. A committee of 20 representatives from the public and private sectors selected the winning submissions.

To learn more about all the award winners, click here.

"While many Union College community members had been working to increase sustainability on campus in the past, the creation of U Sustain has given the effort a focus, a terrific talent pool to draw from, and the strength and energy that can only be found in a group working toward a common goal: a greener Union," MacManus-Spencer said.

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Posted on Dec 1, 2008

Renowned for their joyous performances, select Musicians from Marlboro return to Memorial Chapel at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 as part of the Union College Chamber Concert Series.

The concert is open to the public, and general admission tickets cost $20.

Violinists Jessica Lee, Yonah Zur, Miho Saegusa and Scott St. John will perform with violists Maiya Papach and Mark Holloway, and cellists Susan Babini and Na-Young Baek. The group will present Janacek’s String Quartet No. 1, portions of Mozart’s String Quartet in E flat, and portions of Mendelssohn’s Octet in E flat.

Since 1951, talented musicians from all over the world have come together in the small town of Marlboro, Vt. to learn from and inspire each other. Under the direction of celebrated pianists Richard Goode and Mitsuko Uchida, Marlboro is one of the only places leading artists can spend up to seven weeks rehearsing nearly 240 works together.

Following their time together in Marlboro, the artists perform in various combinations across the country. Concerts are held each year in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Greenwich, Conn., and Washington DC. Other shows are given in Los Angeles, Chicago, Iowa City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Brattleboro, Vt.

For the complete schedule of the Chamber Concert Series, click here.

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