“The professors and students in the field were awesome. Very connected and willing to help each other! The professors seemed to really care if you were willing to make the effort!”

-Class of 2007 Graduate

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!

Post written by: Sean Sherwood, Residential Services

Being an on-campus professional for the college, I see students constantly having issues with their free time. With many of these students being freshmen, they come into the four-year college environment thinking that their 9-5 lives will be taken up with classes, schoolwork and studying.

Alas! These students more often than not find that they have an excess of time that allows them to play Guitar Hero, watch YouTube videos, and more likely just sit around contemplating life. This time is valuable opportunities going to waste! Yes, getting to battle Slash in an epic guitar dual is a grand goal to achieve, but the importance of getting involved on campus and beyond is vital to the development of “the student” and very much involved with connecting Faculty and Students.

From a student standpoint, the reasons to get involved are numerous. In one thought, taking up that time with something constructive can help the body and mind. While using that time, the student can learn proper organization skills and scheduling their time more wisely. Trying new and exciting things can also help a students grow as leaders. Getting involved with campus organizations and intramural sports are not only good ways to spend your time, but also great resume builders that will make these students attractive in this ever-competitive job market. Getting an on-campus job, like working for an office or being an RA, AA or APM in the residence halls can give students the opportunity to program for their peers and grow by attending trainings and conferences. These aspects of on-campus living are such great experiences that most students tend to avoid.

For a faculty standpoint, it is so important to be as involved as possible with these student groups. Not only will this be of great leadership value to you, but it gives the students involved an opportunity to connect with their faculty outside of the classroom, which is reasoning for the “Connections Committee,” in the first place. Secondly, being an advisor or a frequent visitor to some of these organizations will build your credibility and rapport with students, as well as something to do after-hours.

As part of the Connections Committee, it is our part to help students and faculty connect in the most basic of ways. But it is truly a part of the faculty AND the students job to make sure that they are as involved as possible with one another, and getting involved on-campus is most definitely the best and easiest way to build those relationships.

“Dr. Best as my advisor was instrumental in my truly believing that I had what it took to be a good student.  She accomplished this by taking the time to be available for me.”

-Class of 2007 Graduate

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!

“Working in career services was the best experience I had in college. The people I worked with taught me so much and were there to listen and advise. I felt like part of the team. The people in that office will always have a special place in my heart. The overall environment of the student affairs division. Truly special people work within the division and made my experience extremely positive.”

Class of 2007 Graduate

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!

“While attending SUNY Cortland I had the opportunity to tutor, be a TA, perform an Independent Study, and present findings at Scholar’s Day.  All of the classes that I took, I have found useful after school, however these more unique experiences have really helped me to refine my goals in life and find direction.”

Class of 2007 Graduate

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!