About Me
Mission
In the proud tradition of SUNY, the State University of New York at New Paltz is committed to providing high quality, affordable education to students from all social and economic backgrounds. We are a faculty and campus community dedicated to the construction of a vibrant intellectual/creative public forum which reflects and celebrates the diversity of our society and encourages and supports active participation in scholarly and artistic activity. SUNY New Paltz is an active contributor to the schools, community institutions and economic/cultural life of our region. We are selective in admitting students who show promise of thriving in a learning environment which is challenging, student-centered, and personalized. Our goal is for students to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute as productive members of their communities and professions and active citizens in a democratic nation and a global society.Identity
We are the only residential public university in the mid-Hudson region. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences which serve as a core for professional programs in the fine and performing arts, education, health care, business, and engineering. Our location in the scenic Hudson Valley midway between the State Capital of Albany and metropolitan New York City provides unique opportunities for enriching our academic programs. We are a diverse faculty of distinguished scholars and artists who collaborate across the disciplines and professional areas to inspire our students to a love of learning, a meaningful engagement with the life of the mind, and an involvement in public service.Campus-wide Goals We strive to carry out the above philosophy across the campus through:* Faculty engagement in innovative pedagogy across all disciplines;
* Faculty-student collaboration in research, performance, scholarship, exhibitions and presentations, internships and fieldwork, community service, and international studies and practica;
* Capstone activities through which students can demonstrate expertise in a specialized area;
* Support for risk-taking and innovation in research and scholarly/creative activity;
* Writing intensive courses and seminars;
* Educational and clinical centers that provide professional development and services to the region;
* Library and information technology resources which support the curriculum, independent study, research, and information literacy;
* Lectures, conferences, concerts, gallery shows, theatrical performances (as the largest cultural institution in the Hudson Valley), and other opportunities for life-long learning;
* Leadership opportunities for students in campus and community organizations and college governance;
* A well-rounded program in residence life to support student social, emotional, recreational, and academic needs.Educational OutcomesIntellectual: Students are prepared to go on to graduate study or to enter their professional field of specialization through developing:* Critical thinking, writing, analytical, mathematical, technological, and oral communication skills;
* In-depth exploration of at least one discipline;
* Experience using scientific methods and learning technologies appropriately and critically;
* Knowledge of and participation in the aesthetic experience and the creative process;
* Greater understanding and appreciation for the histories, races and cultures, religions, languages, and customs of our country and those of other nations;
* Knowledge of the rapidly changing political, economic, environmental, and social forces in our world.Civic/Personal: Students develop the confidence and personal qualities necessary to take their place as citizens in our democracy through cultivating:* High personal standards of honesty, integrity, and personal ethics;
* The capacity for self-reflection and empathy for others;
* Appreciation for the value of active citizenship and community service;
* Knowledge, interests, and activities that promote health, well-being, and personal responsibility.To Learn · To Search · To ServeThe Town of New PaltzLocated in the 329 year-old village of New Paltz (founded in 1677 by French Huguenots), the contemporary buildings of the landscaped campus are a fitting contrast to the historic structures of the community and of the farmlands and vineyards beyond. Nestled between the historic Hudson River to the east and the majestic Shawangunk Mountains to the west, New Paltz provides some of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside on the east coast. The community is surrounded by the fertile farmlands of the Wallkill River Valley and hill upon hill of apple orchards and vineyards, making the region one of the prime apple-growing and wine making areas in New York State.New Paltz is an aesthetic blend of commerce and natural beauty and is great for hiking and biking or just strolling along its many quiet tree-lined streets. Restaurants, retail shops and professional offices intermingle with historic stone houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries.New Paltz is most famous for Huguenot Street, the oldest street in America, where visitors are welcome to tour the original stone houses, gaining a glimpse of 17th century colonial life.The local terrain -- from underground caverns to mountain peaks -- is perfect for on-site study in geology. New York City, an educational gold mine, is less than a two hour drive, and benefits business, political science, communication, international relations, and fine and performing arts students with voluminous offerings: the UN, network studies, national publications, Wall Street, Broadway, museums and galleries, -- to scratch only the surface.Regional beauty is but one reason to consider attending New Paltz. The region itself abounds in educational experiences. History students, for example, would be hard-pressed to find a more suitable location for exploring America's past. The nation's oldest street with its original houses is just blocks from campus and ancient Native American artifacts abound. Former US presidents' homes, as well as Kingston's historic Rondout district, become natural labs for history and anthropology students. Political science majors are just a short drive away from the state capital and internships in state government. An abundance of health care agencies offer beneficial observation experience to students with ambitions for medical or allied health careers.
