Information for the Start of Fall Classes
August 18, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome Back!
I hope you enjoyed your summer break and are ready to begin the Fall 2022 term. As
expected, we are closely approaching our target enrollment with more than 1600 new
first-time, full-time students coming to campus this fall. As we make final preparations
for the start of a new academic year, I am writing to provide you with some updates,
as well as resources and guidance documents to ensure a smooth start to the semester.
Distance Learning
The Distance Learning Team, under the leadership of Ms. Davinder Kaur, has done a
remarkable job in helping FSC’s migration to the new learning management system Brightspace. The targeted focus this summer has been to shift all of our distance learning courses
to this new platform. Please be reminded that the Blackboard LMS will expire on December 21, 2022. Access to this system will no longer be available after this date. Therefore, ALL
grades must be submitted in a timely manner for those using this system. I encourage
everyone to visit https://www.farmingdale.edu/distance-learning/migration-to-brightspace.shtml for additional information from Distance Learning about the migration process and
training opportunities.
A/B Schedule
This will be the last semester of the A/B course schedule. Students have been notified
that they are expected to attend all class sessions in person unless the A/B schedule
is activated in response to a situation that warrants a reversion to social distancing
in the classroom. Instructors that have been assigned to A/B sections have been placed
in classrooms with livestream technology. As listed below, the Information Technology
Department has many training resources and support options available to assist with your teaching needs.
- Classroom Livestream Technology: If you are already comfortable with the in-classroom livestream technology but would
like a quick refresher session, please refer to this website: https://aries.farmingdale.edu/instructional-technology-support-center/instructions/lsc_userguide.shtml. If you require more training than is provided on the website, you can schedule a
15-minute 1:1 in-class equipment training sessionwith an LSC technician by booking
an In Person LSC Presentation Equipment Orientation through this link: https://www.farmingdale.edu/information-technology/training_resources.shtml.
- Please Note that these orientation sessions will only review the operation of the classroom presentation
equipment and are not a replacement for training on a specific platform or learning
management system (Microsoft Teams,Blackboard, Brightspace, Panopto, etc.).
- Microsoft Teams Training Sessions:Take advantage of this session to learn about Microsoft Teams and what you can do
with it to further enhance your technological skills. Live Group Training Sessions
are posted on the IT Training website. https://www.farmingdale.edu/information-technology/training_resources.shtml.
- All Other IT Training - This semester, IT has added new LinkedIn Learning modules to the Training and Computer
Resources page available on its website (https://www.farmingdale.edu/information-technology/). These training sessions will help you better understand how and when to use tools
such as Microsoft Forms, Qualtrics and Google Forms. They’ve also added new training
programs for Microsoft Bookings and Google Meet.
As a reminder, the IT Academic Technicians for each school are:
Mental Health
Occasionally, students may experience problems related to excessive stress, anxiety,
depression, and other mental health issues. All registered students at Farmingdale
State College have access to Campus Mental Health Services, located in Sinclair Hall.
There is no fee for services. A suggested statement for your syllabus to alert students
of these services is provided below:
- CMHS provides both short- and long-term treatment for anxiety, mood disorders, acute
and chronic stress disorders, and other emotional or behavioral problems that may
adversely impact students’ functioning. Additionally, CMHS is available 24/7 for students
who may be in crisis. You are encouraged to contact CMHS at (934) 420-2006 or cmhs@farmingdale.edu if you are having difficulties in the above areas. We are also available for consultation
to help you determine whether or not services may be helpful.
Professional Development Funding
The academic budget cycle for 2022-2023 has restored funding for Professional Development
to support scholarship. Priority will be given to untenured faculty. Details regarding
the application process will be sent out the week of September 2, 2022. In addition,
Summer Scholarship Support funding will be made available for the summer of 2023.
Applications for this funding will due in the spring term.
Acknowledgement and Thank You
I’d like to formally recognize and thank Drs. Erwin Cabrera and Lisa Cullington of
the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) program for their exceptional contributions
to Farmingdale State College. As you may be aware, Drs. Cabrera and Cullington have
accepted positions outside Farmingdale and will leave us effective September 1.
Since starting with FSC in 2016, Dr. Cabrera has consistently gone above and beyond
for the RAM program, the institution, and, most importantly, FSC students. Aside from
his role as Director of RAM, Dr. Cabrera has been a campus leader in grant writing.
Most notably, he serves as Co-Principal Investigator for a $1 million National Science
Foundation (NSF) Scholarship in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM)
Grant. During his time at FSC, Dr. Cabrera received the 2021 FSC President’s Award
for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the 2022 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence
in Professional Service.
Serving alongside Dr. Cabrera since 2019, Dr. Lisa Cullington has been instrumental
in the growth and success of the RAM program. In addition to her work with the students
in the RAM program, Dr. Cullington, has played a critical role in developing the Farmingdale
State College Honors program. As we welcome the inaugural class of students in FSC’s
Honors program, it is important to note that this effort would not have been possible
without the work of Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Cullington.
Please join me in wishing Erwin and Lisa the best of luck as they take on their new
roles outside FSC. The Provost’s Office is committed to supporting the RAM and Honors
programs during this time of transition. I am confident in the RAM team and look forward
to reporting on their continued success in the coming academic year.
My very best wishes for a successful fall term.
Laura Joseph, EdD
Senior Vice President and Provost
