Settling In: Campus welcomes students during Move-In Day 2018

After Dean of Students Scott Schuhert waved the minivan onward, it pulled up to the designated spot of curb in front of the Student Village. Then the back door opened and a slew of items tumbled out, including a plastic container marked “bubblegum.”

Vice President of Student Development and Chief Diversity Officer Carol Ross swooped in to pick up the errant items, while Dean of Health Sciences Amy Brandt wheeled over a yellow cart.

“Let’s do this!” Dr. Ross exclaimed as she greeted the family members and the Hornet-to-be.

SUNY Broome’s Student Village is home to 360 resident students, as well as 10 resident assistants and two residence directors, Alexandria Donkor and Justin Banks-McDowell. Now in its fifth year, Move-In has evolved into a seamless dance of cars, laundry carts and smiling volunteers, who help students in every way they can, including hauling heavy items.

“It was quick and fast, and everyone was helpful and nice. It was an easy process,” said Coleen Francique, who was already unpacked and had her bed made before the morning was out. A Health Studies major from Brooklyn, her ultimate goal is to become an ultrasound technician.

Why come to SUNY Broome? “They have what I want to do. I like what the school had to offer,” she explained. “I was always interested in healthcare.”

Making connections

During Move-In Day, you never quite know who will help you wheel in your suitcases, your mini-fridge and your ramen stash: deans and vice presidents, professors and support staff, fellow students and alumni – and, of course, an endless parade of proud family members.

“Can I help you unpack?” English Professor Diane O’Heron asked Shyanne Carlton, a Health Studies major from Mount Vernon. Shyanne nodded shyly, as her brother and the professor began carting items into her new room.

“Are you taking English?” Professor O’Heron asked, and chatted briefly with the student about her schedule, making a connection.

Shyanne admitted that she –like many of her peers – is a little overwhelmed by the prospect of starting her college career away from home. She visited the college two years ago and liked it, appreciating its small size. She eventually wants to become a nurse or veterinarian, she said.

Business major Tyianna Campaigner from the Bronx also appreciated the campus’ size, she said.

“I really like how everything is in walking distance. I plan on getting a job at Applebee’s; I worked for them in the city,” she said, indicating the restaurant across the street.

Another plus: The suites, which elicited appreciative comments from her family members. Tyianna had previously lived in the residence hall at Onondaga Community College and SUNY Broome’s Student Village stands out in comparison, particularly the kitchen facilities, she noted.

Campaigner one day hopes to open a Beauty Barn – a salon and cosmetology business – and she hopes that SUNY Broome will teach her the business skills she needs to become a successful entrepreneur. She chose the college because it’s not too far from home, she said. She also reached out to graduates she knows for their input and they recommended the school, she said.

Like many of her neighbors, Lily Harvey came from another part of New York State – in her case, north rather than south. She’s from DeRuyter and chose SUNY Broome because it’s one of the few schools with her chosen major: Event Management.

She hopes to be a wedding planner someday, but for now she’s settling into her new home. “It’s stressful and scary, but I’m still excited,” she said.