GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION SURVIVAL GUIDE
1 On behalf of the Graduate School at Stony Brook University, I want to welcome you and encourage you to make full use of this guide. It represents the work of the GSO at its best making sure the student gets the most out of both the university and the lived experience of graduate learning.
Eric Wertheimer Dean and Vice Provost Professor of English and American Studies The Graduate School Stony Brook University--State University of New York
1 Dear New Graduate Student,
Welcome to Stony Brook University! It is my pleasure to welcome you to one of the nation’s most dynamic public universities. As you begin your graduate life here, you’ll quickly realize that Stony Brook University is home to a diverse student population. Our students come from a variety of disciplines as well as cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Our campus community is a respectful and inclusive environment where all students have the opportunity to grow into future leaders.
The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is committed to assisting students in navigating this new and exciting chapter at Stony Brook University. We do this by providing services that promote personal and professional development as well as the academic success and overall well-being of all graduate students. We are proud to provide funding for students presenting their research at conferences and engaging in professional development activities. We support Speaker Series events and conferences in addition to social-cultural events that bring students together to celebrate and have fun outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to seek reimbursement from GSO for their gym memberships and other recreational activities.
The Graduate Student Organization represents all master and doctoral students. Each department has the opportunity to elect their GSO Senators to work on a variety of university committees and contribute their ideas and visions. The GSO actively seeks meetings to voice concerns of graduate students and advocate for those issues that have the most substantial impact on graduate students’ experience. The ultimate goal is to make our University a better place to study, work, and live.
GSO is a place for graduate student leaders who wish to represent their student body and make a lasting impact on the campus community. It is the active participation of our graduate students that enable GSO to continually make differences in every aspect. We strongly encourage you to join a committee, become a senator, start a club, put on an event, or run for the executive board.
Graduate student life can be challenging at times. However, the GSO is always here to help you. We are excited to help you navigate your life at Stony Brook with this Survival Guide filled with important resources and instructions as well as useful information about dining, transportation, housing, recreation, community services, health services, and career development. The survival guide also includes details dedicated to international students. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our senate meetings or committee meetings, at many social or speaker events, or in the GSO office.
Best of luck, Xiaoqing Zhang President, Graduate Student Organization
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE GSO...... 5 Who We Are...... 5 Purpose...... 5 Membership...... 5 The Senate...... 6 GSO FUNDING & SERVICES ...... 7 Student Clubs and Organizations...... 7 General Cultural and Social Events...... 7 Speaker Series/Conferences ...... 8 Departmental Allocation...... 8 Resource Access Project (RAP)...... 8 Distinguished Travel Award...... 8 Professional Development Fund...... 8 Inter-university Doctoral Consortium (IUDC) Travel ...... 9 CSH and BNL Travel...... 9 Seminar Workshop Travel...... 9
2 Internship Travel...... 9 Recreation ...... 9 Fitness...... 9 Culture ...... 9 THE GRADUATE STUDENT EMERGENCY LOAN FUND (GSELF)...... 9 LEGAL/TAX CLINICS...... 10 GETTING STARTED AT.STONY BROOK ...... 11 Basics...... 11 Upon Arrival at Stony Brook ...... 12 HELP AND RESOURCES ...... 13 ON CAMPUS...... 13 HOW TO STAY SAFE ...... 13 SHOW YOUR SEAWOLF SPIRIT & PRIDE...... 14 WHERE ELSE CAN I GO FOR HELP?...... 14 DINING ...... 17 On-Campus Dining ...... 17 Student Activity Center (SAC) ...... 17 East Side Dining...... 18 Jasmine ...... 18 Roth Food Court...... 19 Wolfie Wallet...... 20 Off-Campus Dining...... 20 COMMUTE...... 22 SBU Transit Bus ...... 22 SBU Wolf Ride Bike Share ...... 22 Public Buses...... 22 Train...... 23 Ferry...... 23 Air ...... 23 Car...... 23 Parking ...... 24 HOUSING...... 25 Off-Campus Housing: ...... 25 RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ...... 27 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS...... 28 International Student Arrival Welcome Center ...... 28 Visa and Immigration Services ...... 28 Local Accommodation...... 28 International Friends and Family Program...... 29 Other Services ...... 29
3 FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS...... 30 Graduate Assistantships...... 30 Tuition and Bill Payment...... 31 Finding Job On-Campus...... 31 CPT/OPT ...... 31 HEALTH ...... 32 International Student Health Forms ...... 32 Health Insurance ...... 33 Health Services On Campus...... 33 Medical Clinics...... 33 Student Health Insurance...... 35 Domestic students WITHOUT stipends ...... 35 Domestic students WITH stipends (TA/RA/GA)...... 35 International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa WITH Stipend...... 35 International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa WITHOUT Stipend ...... 35 Visiting Scholars & OPT...... 36 Waivers...... 36 For health insurance waivers, click here ...... 36 CAREER DEVELOPMENT...... 37 Develop Cover Letters for Job Applications...... 37 Write a Teaching Statement...... 38 Develop and Practice Your Job Talk ...... 38 Participate on an Academic Search Committee...... 38 Take Part in Conferences and Workshops Offered by Beyond Academia...... 39 Identify Non-Academic Jobs for Your Discipline and Use Online Career Exploration Tools. . . 39 Develop a Résumé...... 39 Develop Cover Letters for Job Applications...... 39 The cover letter for a job application is a professional genre ...... 40 Participate in an Internship...... 40 GRADUATE STUDENT...... 41 EMPLOYEE UNION...... 41 What is GSEU?...... 41 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE-PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS...... 43 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS...... 44 QUICK REFERENCE DIRECTORY ...... 46 THE WOLFLIST 50 FUN THINGS ON AND OFF CAMPUS...... 47
4 THE GSO
Who We Are The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is the graduate student government at Stony Brook University. GSO is incorporated in the State of New York as a nonprofit organization and is legally and structurally independent of the University administration.
Purpose The Purpose of the GSO is to identify and protect the rights of the graduate students, advance their interests, provide a forum for public debate, and promote graduate student participation in University affairs. We aim to create opportunities for students to engage with the campus community and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Membership GSO consists of graduate students who are currently enrolled at Stony Brook University and paying the Student Activity Fee. All members of the GSO are eligible to vote in officer elections, referenda, and other organization-wide ballots. The GSO has three offices: the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Any graduate student who satisfies the criteria as outlined in the GSO Election Bylaws is eligible to run for office and may serve on any GSO committee.
5 The Senate The legislative power of the GSO is vested in the Senate. Each department or School that has GSO constituents shall elect its own Senator(s) with the restrictions specified in the GSO constitution to represent graduate students in the GSO Senate. The GSO Senate meets once a month any graduate student can attend and participate in Senate meetings and serve on committees, whether or not elected to serve as a senator.
We encourage all graduate students to familiarize themselves with the opportunities provided by the GSO, and we wholeheartedly welcome you to participate in GSO activities and events. We cannot grow strong as an organization without the diversity of talent, training, and experiences available within our student body, nor without the active and enthusiastic participation of all. Be the change you wish to see on campus and participate in the GSO. We strive to ensure that every voice is heard and allowed to flourish in their time at Stony Brook.
To learn more about the GSO, please visit our website.
6 GSO FUNDING & SERVICES
Student Clubs and Organizations Graduate student clubs and organizations recognized by the SBU Office of Student Activities and the GSO can receive annual funding based on the number of graduate students in the club or organization. Student signatures are required to receive funding. The guidelines for the amount of allocation are as follows:
• 4- 50 Graduate Students: $300 • 1-199 Graduate Students: $500 • 200+ Graduate Students: $800 Please contact Melissa (Associate Director for Student Involvement and Leadership) by email at [email protected] for club registration with the University.
General Cultural and Social Events This Payment will be provided to support events aimed at enhancing the graduate student experience at Stony Brook University. Funding for food purchases in any given event must not exceed $350 plus $150 for each additional day. All funding for this line must be approved by the GSO Budget Committee.
7 Speaker Series/Conferences This funding line provides support for the scholarly activities offered to the graduate student population of Stony Brook University. Funding for food purchases in any given event must not exceed $350 plus $150 for each additional day. All funding for this line must be approved by the GSO Budget Committee. Note: the GSO cannot reimburse costs for alcohol or gift cards. For service reimbursement, GSO will issue a check to the service provider (do not pay cash to the service provider).
Departmental Allocation This line is allocated to the departments to enhance a sense of community within each department. Each department shall be allocated a maximum of $800. This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be considered for funding, the group must present a budget proposal and signatures of the required number of students from the department to the GSO Treasurer. The disbursement of funds is at the discretion of the GSO Treasurer. Note: Funds are directly tied to a department’s senator’s attendance at GSO Senate meetings. Only active departments can receive departmental allocation funds Departments can receive up to $800 per fiscal year.
Resource Access Project (RAP) The RAP provides travel grants to graduate students attending scholarly conferences to present their work, thus advancing their respective careers. Each graduate student may receive reimbursement up to $500 each fiscal year (the GSO fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the next year). Note: Funds are directly tied to a department’s senator’s attendance at GSO Senate meetings.
Distinguished Travel Award This line supports graduate students who present their work at prestigious conferences, performances, and professional meetings that will contribute to and build the national and international reputation of their department and the University. This is a competitive award co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the GSO. It is a recognition of the applicant’s outstanding scholarship and the impact of their work both within their field and academia. The Distinguished Travel Award was co-founded in 2011 by the Stony Brook Graduate School and the Graduate Student Organization. Students may receive this award only once during their academic careers at Stony Brook University. Award recipients will be reimbursed after their conference/performance, as per the RAP funding guidelines. Award amounts may not exceed $1,500. Awards are granted each semester, for conferences in the following semester. Note: Funds are directly tied to a department’s senator’s attendance at GSO Senate meetings.
8 Professional Development Fund The Professional Development Fund (PDF) reimburses up to $300 for a variety of professional development projects or activities to assist graduate students in developing their full professional potential or to prepare for career advancement. Note: Funds are directly tied to a department’s senator’s attendance at GSO Senate meetings.
Inter-university Doctoral Consortium (IUDC) Travel Graduate Students enrolled in courses at IUDC universities can qualify for reimbursement of some expenses incurred in traveling to class. The maximum amount for reimbursement is to be decided by the Budget Committee based on the number of applications and may not exceed 50% of the total cost incurred per student.
CSH and BNL Travel Commuters to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSH) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will be reimbursed for 50% of the total costs incurred for their travel using public transportation (such as LIRR or bus services).
Seminar Workshop Travel Graduate students attending an academic workshop or seminar in New York City can qualify for reimbursement of travel costs. Reimbursement is limited to 4 times per semester, with the maximum amount equal to the price of a pre-board round-trip peak ticket from Stony Brook to Penn Station.
Internship Travel Funding in this line will be used towards subsidizing travel for students attending internships or clinical rotations related to their program of study. Students can be reimbursed for up to 50% of the total costs incurred for their travel to and from the location of their internship. The total amount of discount will be determined by the Treasurer based on the number of requests and the total amount in the line, but not to exceed 50% of the student’s cost.
Fall application deadline: December 15, 2019 (for internship travel incurred between July 1, 2019 and December 15, 2019) Spring application deadline: June 15, 2020 (for internship travel incurred between December 16, 2019 and June 15, 2020)
Recreation Fitness Students may apply for partial reimbursements for fitness classes and memberships (including gym memberships, yoga and dance studios, etc.). Students can receive 30% of their costs reimbursed, up to $75. Eligibility for fitness-related reimbursements will be determined by the GSO Treasurer. Culture Students may be reimbursed up to $100 for artistic and cultural events including, but not limited to plays, musicals, dance performances, art museums, Staller Center Events, concerts, etc. The GSO Treasurer will determine eligibility in all cases.
9 The Graduate Student Emergency Loan Fund (GSELF) This fund offers an interest-free, short-term loan to a graduate student who has undergone a financial emergency. The loan amount is no more than $2,000. For more details visit the website.
Legal/Tax Clinics If you are a graduate student with traffic violations or landlord problems, help is available to you. The GSO offers free private appointments with a legal professional to graduate students at Stony Brook who need basic legal advice. These clinics occur once a month and ad-hoc appointments are also available for emergency situations. To find out when the nextlegal clinic is taking place, please email [email protected].
Each spring semester, the GSO holds a series of Tax Clinics serving both domestic and international students. As part of the clinics, students have the opportunity to sit with tax experts and receive specific advice in regards to their tax preparation. For international students, the GSO also offers access to free software for tax preparation, Free or discounted federal filing, and access to experts that are knowledgeable about the unique challenges of filing as an international student
10 GETTING STARTED AT STONY BROOK
Basics SOLAR is Stony Brook University’s primary administrative system. Students use it to register for classes, print schedules, view and pay bills, view transcripts, update personal information, report student employment hours, and more. Log in using your SBU ID number (sent to you previously) and the initial SOLAR password is your date of birth in mmddyy format (i.e.: January 5, 1973 would be typed as 010573). You may change this password later.
SB ALERT Sign up for SB Alert to be in the loop about weather and campus emergencies. Sign up on SOLAR under SB Alert.
NET ID The NetID and SOLAR ID are two different logins! Information regarding your NetID and NetID password is obtained by logging into SOLAR and clicking the NetID Maintenance link. This is where you find out what your NetID is and how to change your NetID password. Use your NetID to access Blackboard, Library Databases, Email, etc.
ID CARD This multipurpose card serves as a campus ID and library card. More information is available here. You will need to bring one form of government-issued photo ID. Tip: Use your ID for discounts at major retailers!
11 EMAIL Go here and use your NetID
ACADEMIC CALENDARS Keep up to date on important deadlines using the Academic Calendar available at here.
Upon Arrival at Stony Brook Get your SBU ID: Right after you settle in, go to the Student Accounts Office in the 2nd floor of the Administration building to get your SBU photo ID. This ID is important for when you study in the library at night, obtain clearance to enter your laboratory and department building, and use it to buy meals at all of the different dining locations at SBU after you add funds to your Wolfie Wallet.
Attend your department orientation: In addition to attending the GSO orientation, it is fundamental to attend your own department orientation. This is a great opportunity to meet all your future colleagues, classmates, professors, and your program director. Get a map of SBU. It is a big campus with many buildings, roads, and important offices throughout. The division of East and West campus might be confusing for some folks. Thus, we highly recommend getting familiar with the University settings and many places to eat. This is of utmost importance for you to arrive early on your very first day of classes. Libraries, recreating centers, gyms, and laboratories are spread throughout the campus.
Become familiar with the campus bus routes. SBU offers six bus routes to travel within and between the West and East Campuses. SBU also offers shuttle service to the Research & Development Park and Stony Brook Southampton. You can use the mobile app “SBU Transit” to find times and bus stop locations. More information is available from theSBU Department of Transportation and Parking.
Meet with your program director and mentor! In addition to attending your departmental orientations, it is a great idea to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your program director, and/or faculty advisor (mentor) in order to get a closer relationship from the start, understand in detail the expectations and goals of the program, ask any questions or clarify any doubts that were not cleared during orientation.
Visit the BURSAR/Financial Aid office: it is extremely important to register for classes that you have a clear balance (no financial holds in your account). Therefore we encourage you to visit the offices of BURSAR and/or financial aid at the administration building 2nd floor.
12 HELP AND RESOURCES ON CAMPUS
How to Stay Safe Illegal access to alcohol and other drugs are associated with serious, and in some cases, fatal consequences. If you choose to drink, please follow all laws regarding alcohol use. Don’t be afraid to stand up to your peers and speak up when something is not right. Call for help when the situation merits it. Stony Brook’s Good Samaritan policy encourages students to call for help without fear of facing University sanctions. Red Watch Band is a bystander intervention program that teaches you how to intervene and save a life. Sign up for training.
Hazing can happen in many shapes and forms, and not only through the use of alcohol or other drugs. It is any action taken or situation that endangers another person’s psychological, emotional, or physical health, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership with any organization, group, or team. Hazing is not tolerated at Stony Brook. If you see something, say something. Stony Brook’s Hazing Amnesty encourages students to report hazing incidents without fear of facing University sanctions in most instances. Report hazing incidents using the “Report” form on our Hazing Prevention website or contact University Police at (631) 632-3333 or 333 from a campus phone.
13 Stony Brook is committed to preventing sexual violence. Green Dot, a bystander intervention program, teaches you how to recognize risky or potentially violent situations. Report any concern or incident to the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity. In addition, the Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist provides 24/7 confidential advocacy and support to students who experience sexual or interpersonal violence. Be mindful of your surroundings when traveling to, from, and around campus. When you are driving, biking, or walking, respect traffic regulations and avoid texting or talking on the phone. If there is ever a situation where you feel unsafe, call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from non-campus phones. Visit our Campus Safety page for more information.
Show your Seawolf Sprrit & Pride Wear RED on Fridays! Get involved by joining one or more of our 375 recognized student clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. Download the CORQ app for real-time information about campus programs and events. And new this year, checking into events just got a lot easier with the mobile check-in option. Download your event pass to your phone and scan it at the event. Cheer on our student-athletes at athletics events, and come to our first home football game at LaValle Stadium on Thursday, August 29 at 7 p.m. It’s free for students! Check out the full schedule of games here.
Where Else Can I Go For Help? Academic rigor, financial worries, relationship problems, and other concerns may cause stress and an inability to focus. Reach out for help and talk to someone you can trust.
Graduate Student Advocate The Graduate Student Advocate (GSA) can help resolve problems students may encounter during their graduate studies at Stony Brook. GSA can assist you with conflicts with faculty advisors, health insurance problems, housing problems, cases of discrimination, questions of academic standing, problems with funding, and other work-related issues. Work-related problems involving Graduate Assistants (GAs) and Teaching Assistant (TAs) are the jurisdiction of the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) and must be referred to union representatives. In cases where the issues are particularly serious or where students may wish to work with an independent professional conflict management specialist, they can refer you to the Ombuds Office. Contact GSA: Phone: 631-632-1947 Email: [email protected] Location: The Graduate School, 2401 (old) Computer Science Building Check GSA office hours Ombuds Office Ombudsmen provide confidential, informal assistance to individuals and groups, and help identify problems and facilitate the fair resolution of problems that arise in their organizations.
14 They serve as an information and communication resource, upward feedback channel, dispute resolution practitioner, and change agent.
The Ombudsman can: • Explain University policies and procedures and help you use them. • Advise you of options and help you pursue them. • Refer you to the right person and arrange a meeting. • Follow up to make sure your concern is resolved. • Recommend changes to the University to correct problem areas.
Email: [email protected] Confidential Phone:(631) 632-9200 Locations: East Campus: The Ombuds Office has a satellite location in the Health Sciences Center (HSC). West Campus: The Ombuds Office is located on the first floor of Psychologythe B Building, Room 137. Psychology B is directly behind the Psychology A building and across from the Humanities building.
CAPS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides inclusive access to on-and-off cam- pus psychological and psychiatric services to help students grow and flourish by hearing them as they wish to be understood. You are able to walk-in to immediately be seen by a trained counselor. Walk-in hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. After this walk-in consultation, you may be referred to CAPS services and/or other on- or off-campus services that best suit your needs. If you can’t make it to CAPS during their hours of operation, consider calling CAPS 24/7 line at 631-632- 6720. You will be asked to supply your student ID number, and then you will be connected to speak with a professional counselor over the phone.
CAPS other services including: -Individual therapy -Group therapy -Couples therapy -Mindfulness meditation -Animal-assisted therapy and more Location: Main Office Student Health Services - Second Floor 1 Stadium Drive Stony Brook, NY 11794-3100
15 Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO) CPO offers a wide range of services to address student concerns about mental health, alcohol and other substances, healthy relationships and sexual violence, including Let’s Talk, an informal and confidential way to speak with a counselor, and QPR, a bystander intervention program for suicide prevention. Student Activities Center, Room 310. (631) 632-2748
Please remember that help for students with urgent mental health needs is available 24/7. At any time of day or night, you can call 631-632-6720 to be connected to a counselor.
The Student Accessibility Support Center The Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC) is the designated support service center to support students with disabilities in developing their academic potential, by making their academic experience accessible. SASC is located in the ECC building, directly behind the Psych A building and diagonally across the back parking lot of the SAC Building. There are automatic door buttons outside the front door and inside the vestibule.
Call at (631) 632-6748 Email: [email protected]
Student Health Services Student Health Center, First Floor. Call or walk-in. M-F 8am-5pm, Tuesday until 7:30pm: (631) 632-6740.
Medical Advice Line After 5pm or on weekends, call the number above and dial option 3 to speak to a registered nurse who can assist with your medical concerns. For more information click here.
Student Support Team Student Activities Center, Suite 222. Call or walk-in. M-F 9am-5pm: (631) 632-7320. Click here for more information.
16 DINING
On-Campus Dining Stony Brook Campus has a number of options to choose from to eat on campus, including Dine-In, all you care to eat options as well as retail/a la carte options, with Kosher, Halal, Vegetarian and Vegan options as well as late-night hours at some locations. Stony Brook Campus dining has also curated a list of healthy dishes offered at the various dining options known as the ‘Eat Well Menu’, according to these criterias.
Below are some of the main dining halls, for a full list of options and hours click here. You can find the menushere .
Student Activity Center (SAC) Located in the center of campus, the SAC offers a la carte options including the following:
Breakfast: Country Breakfast buffet, Omelet station, eggs to order, breakfast sandwiches and griddle favorites from the Grill, Bagel bar, fresh fruit and yogurt, parfaits, Green Mountain Coffee and Farmer Brothers Nitro Brew.
Lunch and Dinner: Deli, Noodle bar, Salad bar, Global Flavours, Skillets,Stir-Fry, Tuscan Italian
17 specialties, Grill burgers, sandwiches and tenders, Kettle soup with heros, Green Mountain Coffee and Farmer Brothers Nitro Brew, Good-To-Go sandwiches, salads, sushi, and snacks. East Side Dining Located near the Wang Center, East Side Dining has the following options:
Dine In: Breakfast: Hot breakfast buffet, omelets, fresh fruit and yogurt, Belgian waffles (available all day), ‘Oasis Station’**, cereal, flavored oatmeal, bagels, muffins, baked goods, and Seattle’s Best coffee.
Lunch and Dinner: Deli, salad bar, pizza, pasta, burgers and sandwiches, international entrées, vegan bar, ‘Oasis Station’**, soup and broth bowls, desserts.
Late Night: Sandwiches, pizza, pasta, burgers, and soup.
Weekend Brunch: Hot breakfast buffet, omelets, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, international entrées, broth bowls, Belgian waffles, breakfast pizza, hot and cold cereal, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
This location offers options for those avoiding gluten, peanuts and tree nuts.
Oasis Grill & Oasis Station offers a menu without the eight major allergens or gluten
Retail Options: Cocina Fresca: Built to order burritos, tacos, bowls, quesadillas, soups
East Meets West Deli: Traditional made-to-order deli and specialty sandwiches Grill with specialty hot sandwiches including a sustainable blended burger, crispy Korean chicken sandwich, and hand-cut fries Open-faced bagel sandwiches
Halal New York: Authentic Greek recipes with gyro, falafel, chicken, shawarma, salad, zoodles, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, fries, and naan
Delancey St. Kosher Deli: New York-style glatt kosher deli menu, grill favorites, soups, sides, and salads
Island Soul: Authentic Caribbean fare by Jamaican Cafe
Italian Express: Pizza slices & whole pies, pasta, calzones and strombolii
Grill Express: Burgers, tenders, fries and daily grill specials
The Emporium: Full-service campus convenience store with health & beauty aids, groceries, supplies, bottled beverages, packaged snacks, fresh fruit, Good-To-Go sandwiches, salads,
18 sushi, snacks, salad bar, bagels, Au Bon Pain soup, Hot Grab n‘ Go, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Farmer Brothers Nitro Brew
Jasmine Located in the Wang Center, Jasmine offers a great variety of Asian food options such as Sushi, Korean, Chinese, and Indian Cuisine in addition to the Jasmine Tea House. West Side Dining Located near Schomburg & West Apartments, West Side Dining offers a Dine-In buffet with a number of options in addition to a Good to Go retail convenience store.
Dine-In Breakfast: Hot breakfast, omelets, fresh fruit and yogurt, ‘Oasis Grill’**, Belgian waffles (available all day), cereal, flavored oatmeal, bagels, muffins, baked goods, and Seattle’s Best coffee.
Lunch and Dinner: Deli, salad bar, pizza, pasta bar, ‘Oasis Grill’**, burgers and sandwiches, international entrées, vegan bar, soup and broth bowls, baked goods and desserts, muffins, toast, and cereal.
Late Night: Sandwiches, pizza, burgers, soup, pastries, muffins, toast, and cereal.
Weekend Brunch: Hot breakfast buffet, omelets, bagels, muffins and cakes, hot and cold cereal, broth bowls, pasta bar, ‘Oasis Grill’**, breakfast pizza, sandwiches and wraps, international entrées and Seattle’s Best Coffee, pastries, muffins, toast, and soup.
Oasis Grill & Oasis Station offers a menu without the eight major allergens or gluten
Retail: The Market @ West Side: Full-service campus convenience store with health & beauty aids, groceries, supplies, bottled beverages, packaged snacks, fresh fruit, Good-To-Go sandwiches, salads, sushi, snacks, salad bar, bagels, Au Bon Pain soup, Hot Grab n‘ Go, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Farmer Brothers Nitro Brew
Roth Food Court Located just above the Life Sciences building, Roth Food Court has an array of retail a la carte vendors and options for students to choose from, including:
Subway: Sandwiches, salads, Fresh Fit choices & breakfast flatbreads
Smash n’ Shake: Smashed burgers, chicken sandwiches, and tenders, veggie burgers, seasoned shaker fries, milkshakes, traditional and boneless chicken wings, rotating specials
Fuze Pan Asian Express: Traditional cooked-to-order wok stir-fry station and ramen noodle station
19 Brunch All Day: Create-your-own omelet or burrito, available all day
Tuscan Bistro: Italian entrées and sides, flatbread pizza, hero and panini sandwiches, create- your-own pasta bowl with handmade pasta & zoodles
Hot Grab n’ Go: Hot entreés and comfort-style sides
Good-To-Go: Sandwiches, salads, sushi, and snacks
Wolfie Wallet Wolfie Wallet is a campus prepaid debit account linked to your student ID card. It is a safe and convenient way to make food purchases from on and off-campus merchants, make purchases from campus stores and vending machines, mail packages in the residential mailroom, and utilize print and copy services. Wolfie Wallet is different from the Meal Plan. The vendors that accept Wolfie Wallet can be foundhere . Often, these vendors will give discounts for anyone using Wolfie Wallet to pay!
For more info or to sign up for Wolfie Wallet, checkhere .
Off-Campus Dining Eating out is expensive on Long Island and more so as a grad student. The best way to try good food is to attend GSO events. We have excellent food from in and around campus for all our events. But if you must go out, here are a few popular options (In no particular order that are worth checking out around campus that offer an interesting selection of food at a reasonable price. If there are other nice restaurants you discover let us know about it. We would love to publish your review on the GSO website.
The Curry Club Address: 10 Woods Corner Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733 Hours: 11:30AM – 10PM Phone: (631) 751-4845 Try their Buffet Lunch priced at $15. They also deliver a fixed takeaway lunch for $15 on campus. When you feel a craving for some hot samosas, who you gonna call?
Lake Grove Diner Address: 2211 Nesconset Hwy, Lake Grove, NY 11755 Hours: 7AM – 2AM Phone: (631) 738-6704 It’s chrome and open late. Nutella Pancakes cure all woes.
Se-port Delicatessen Address: 301 Main St, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733 Hours: 5AM – 8PM Phone: (631) 751-2432 The legendary deli as seen on ESPN. Get a sandwich, think about life. You know how it goes.
20 New Golden Buffet Address: 141 Centereach Mall, Centereach, NY 11720 Hours: 11AM – 10PM Phone: (631) 588-5188 For when you’re at Walmart on a Sunday and in the mood for an elaborate Asian spreadBambu Address: 2350 Nesconset Hwy, Stony Brook, NY 11790 Hours: 11AM – 8PM Phone: (631) 364-9360 Vietnamese Coffee and Bánh mì sandwiches. Need we say more?
Istanbul Café Address: 2139 Middle Country Rd, Centereach, NY 11720 Hours: 11AM – 10PM Phone: (631) 738-6704 Be transported to the banks of the Bosphorus. The Iskander Kebab and Lahmajun are exqui- site. Drown your sorrows in Ayran.
Green Tea Restaurant Address: 1015 North Country Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM – 10PM Friday-Saturday, 11AM – 10:30PM Sunday, 11:30AM – 9:30PM Phone: (631) 689-1111 Chinese take-out conveniently located by campus.
Saigon Casa Address: 4747 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 Hours: Wednesday-Monday, 11am – 9:30PM Phone: (631) 509-1000 Pho, Bánh mì, and other Vietnamese cuisine.
China Station Address: 1015 NY-25A, Stony Brook 11790 Hours: 11:30AM – 10PM Phone: (631) 751-6888 Hand-pulled noodles and other Chinese dishes, right by Stony Brook Station!
Ichi Sushi Ramen Address: 700 N Country Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 AM – 10PM Friday, 11:30 AM – 11 PM Saturday, 12 -11 PM Sunday 12 – 10 PM.
Like this list? We will keep updating with new restaurants and reviews on the GSO website.
21 COMMUTE
Your Transportation Fee each semester helps fund the transportation infrastructure on campus so make sure to make use of everything SBU offers to make your travel easier and greener
SBU Transit Bus Pro Tip: Use Stony Brook Smart Transit (available as an app for your phone) to monitor in real- time the location of the bus. Also allows you to monitor the shopping route Bus on weekends. Call (631) 632-FIND for Bus Information. Check the bus routes and schedules here.
SBU Wolf Ride Bike Share SBU Wolf Ride Bike Share has plenty of pick-up and drop-off locations on campus. First 60 minutes are free for Stony Brook students once you sign in with your ID card.
Public Buses There are public buses from the surrounding area that stop at the campus, with stops at Stony Brook Long Island Railroad (LIRR) station, the Student Health Center, and the Hospital. Consult the Suffolk County transitwebsite for updated routes and schedules. For a map of the Suffolk County bus system, check thiswebsite .
22 Suffolk Transit Connection is the bus routes that take you to the nearby Smith Haven mall: For more information click here and here. Port Jefferson (PJ/SBU) Shuttle: For more information clickhere .
Train Many students commute to campus from locations around Long Island and New York City on the commuter train system called the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Conveniently, Stony Brook has its own station off the Port Jefferson Branch of the LIRR with trains starting and ending in Manhattan’s Penn Station. If you want, you can transfer at certain stops to go to Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn or get off early to get off in different parts of Long Island. The Stony Brook stop is located at the north side of campus. For more train options and slightly faster train line, you may consider driving to the Ronkonkoma LIRR train station, a 15-20 minute drive from campus. It costs the same to take the train from Stony Brook or Ronkonkoma. You can buy tickets at kiosks on located around each station, from a teller at select stations, on the MTA eTix app, or on the train itself. Keep in mind that if you purchase a ticket on the train you will pay extra than if you buy a ticket before you board the train so make sure you give yourself enough time to purchase a ticket. Use the MTA LIRR TrainTime app or go to mta.info to check the schedules on your phone. Call (631)231-LIRR for information. Use the LIRR to commute to Brookhaven Labs, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, JFK, and LaGuardia Airports and to visit NYC. If you take the train often, there are monthly and/or 10-ride tickets you can buy at slightly reduced prices.
Ferry The Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry connects to Bridgeport, CT from where you can take the Metro North Train to head up the northern East Coast (and connecting with Amtrak in New Haven to reach Boston and other cities. Depending on where you need to go, it can be faster and more direct than traveling through Long Island and New York City. For more information click here.
Air The Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, NY (near Ronkonkoma) offers commercial flights. NYC airports, LaGuardia and JFK, are the area’s major flight hubs. If you take the LIRR to JFK, there is the AirTrain that connects you to the airport from the Jamaica Station Stop. Laguardia has a shuttle bus connection from the LIRR Woodside Station or the 71st Street-Roosevelt Ave Subway Stop in Queens. Go to mta.info to see routes and schedules. JFK is generally more convenient.
Accessibility Services Check this website or call (631) 632-6748 for more information about para-transit, handicapped parking, Suffolk County Accessible Transportation, and other accommodations.
23 Car If you have a car, there are some to-do items. If you are not already a New York resident, be sure to go to the New York State DMV and change your driver’s license and plates/registration to New York State. Secondly, you are required to have car insurance in New York State Geico, Liberty Mutual, and All-State are just some of the popular insurance companies you can shop for the best prices (expect to pay between $100-$200/month on insurance).
Parking Parking on campus can be tricky, and campus police do ticket if you are not parked in an appropriate place or do not have a permit. Green zones are for commuters. Red Zones are for Faculty and Staff. Residential Parking has multiple colors depending on the location of the parking lot. If you are a TA, GA, or RA, you qualify for a Faculty/Staff permit. You can also pay daily/hourly for the garage or lots with meters.
Find more information: Parking Services and Permits Parking Map Parking FAQ section
24 HOUSING
Off-Campus Housing: Stony Brook has a wide array of housing accommodations for its students both on and off-campus. While some graduate students may decide that on-campus housing is better for them, many choose to live off-campus. When thinking about moving off-campus, there are several important points to consider:
• How much can I afford per month for rent? You should generally not spend more than a third of your income on rent. • Do I want a roommate? • How long will it take me to get to school, work, etc.? • Can I afford the cost of utilities, food, gas, cable, etc.? • Does my landlord have a good reputation/references? • What is the neighborhood like? • Who will be responsible for damages? Repairs? Landscaping?
This is by no means a comprehensive list but remember to take these questions into account when looking for a place to live.
The options of off-campus housing are far more diverse than living on-campus, as are the prices, and the potential problems. Rental prices in the area vary widely. For a room in a private
25 home, usually with some kitchen privileges, expect to pay $600 - $900/month. For a room in a house that is shared with other students, the going rate is $600 - $900. A studio apartment, often in a separate part of a private home, usually goes for $750 - $1200 (this is generally one large room, with a private bathroom and a small kitchen). Expect to pay $850 - $1200 for a one-bedroom apartment, and over $1500 for an apartment with two or more bedrooms. Stu- dios and apartments sometimes include utilities. Basement apartments can be cold, damp, and dark, but they are also the most plentiful and cheapest. Cottages (usually with two or three bedrooms) and houses are variably priced, starting at $2000 and go up to $2500 or more but can be shared with multiple people to reduce cost.
Location to campus is key for some students. Since Stony Brook is a suburban town, public transportation is limited so it is important to know how you will be getting to and from campus. Commuting to school by bus and by train can be viable options. Port Jefferson Village, Port Jefferson Station, Huntington, and St. James can be considered for off-campus housing due to their proximity to a LIRR station. Your options are much more open if you have a car, and there are many other towns around Stony Brook that relatively cheap housing.
The landlord-tenant relationship will mainly be about business, but it is not hurtful to be friendly in the process. Do not sign a lease with anyone you feel uncomfortable with or if you have either not seen the actual living space or read the contract. Make sure to time to familiarize with your rights as a tenant. Before signing a contract to move in (the lease)find out exactly what utilities and extra costs you will be liable for.
The rent is usually not your total cost to live. If something in the apartment breaks, make sure the landlord is aware and able to deal with the problem to ensure you are in a safe living environment. Renter’s insurance normally costs $10-$20 per month and can replace many of your belongings in the event of theft, fire, or being lost. The Off-Campus Housing website (see below) lists some apartments but there are facebook pages and many other websites to find housing.
Other tips, tricks, and links:
• Most apartments do not include utilities in the cost of rent – you will often have to pay for electricity, heat, internet, and cable (if you want it) in addition to your rent. • Electricity and Heating bills can vary based on the season • Some landlords can be temperamental: be wary of anyone who does not wish to make a rental contract, requests cash as a form of payment, or is not forthcoming with specifics about the living situation. • Be aware of who you are living with before you enter a living arrangement. It can be diffi cult to exit a lease before the contract is up • Living off-campus means you have to commute if you don’t drive you will be waiting for the bus or train, even in the SNOW.
For more information on renting off-campus, listing of major apartment complexes in the SB area, finding roommates, and other campus resources checkCommuter Student Services & Off Campus Living website. For further questions, speak to our friends at the Office of Commuter Student Services and Off-Campus Living!
26 RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Wellness and Recreation The Department of Campus Recreation coordinates many programs for the University community, including Intramural Sports, Wellness Programs, Sports Clubs, informal Open Recreation, Special Events, and Equipment Rental. Stony Brook offers recreational facilities in the form of a gym, the university pool, and many other activities. At the wellness center o, you can get on an exercise machine or lift weights until 10 pm. The University pool has limited hours, so check the website to see when the open swim hours are. There are racquetball courts in the indoor sports complex and basketball hoops, handball and plenty of space to run next to the Stadium.
Staller Center for the Arts The Staller Center for the Arts, offers a wide variety of world class performances from September through May and presents the Stony Brook Film Festival every July. Over 50 professional performances, as well as approximately 450 events generated by the departments of Art, Theater Arts, and Music, are part of the Staller Center season and supplemented by those outside presenters such as the Seiskaya Ballet, which presents The Nutcracker.
Student Activities The Office ofStudent Activities strives to develop the whole person by providing education, advisement, resources and support to enhance our students’co-curricular and experiential opportunities.
27 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Student Arrival Welcome Center The Welcome Center is located in the Administration Building, 1st floor. The Welcome Center is staffed by Orientation staff and the International Student Ambassadors. They will be assisting you with move-in and answer questions you may have.
Visa and Immigration Services If you have questions about your student visa, immigration, I-20, or planning for your arrival, contact the office ofVisa & Immigration Services. This office is located on theth 5 floor of the Melville Library.
Local Accommodation If you will be traveling to campus and spending the night in the area, there are several options for overnight accommodations.
Hilton Garden Inn The Hilton Garden Inn is located directly on campus. When making a reservation, please call (631) 941-2980 and request the Stony Brook Visitor Rate of $159 per night. Each room offers a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and complimentary wireless internet. The hotel offers
28 complimentary shuttle transportation from the Stony Brook train station, Port Jefferson and Stony Brook Villages, and the Smith Haven Mall.
Holiday Inn The Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook is located less than 2 miles from Stony Brook University Campus. The hotel offers free shuttle service from Islip MacArthur Airport, Stony Brook Train Station, Port Jefferson Ferry, and door to door to all SBU Campus buildings and to restaurants and attractions in a 3 mile radius. Rate includes free hot breakfast buffet and free wireless internet. To make a reservation, call (631) 471-8000 ext. 709 or email [email protected]. com and request the Stony Brook University discount rate.
International Friends and Family Program IFFP provides newly admitted international students for the fall semester with continuing friendship and involvement with volunteer community members and families in the United States. Click here to Apply.
Other Services MASLOW: Modular and Student-Centered Learning of Writing (MASLOW) is an online writing support platform where graduate students can complete the learning modules of their choice and at their own pace. For more information click here. ESL Classes: If you are looking to improve your English, the Emma Clark Library in Setauket offers an ESL Conversation Group on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email [email protected] or call the Adult Reference Desk at (631) 941-4080 ext. 127.
Interfaith Center: The Interfaith Center reflects the many diverse religious traditions on our campus. Worship services are held and opportunities are provided to learn about and appreciate diverse religious traditions.
International Student Organization: The International Student Organization (ISO) supports international students and encourages engaging in meaningful experiences at Stony Brook University. ISO strives to help international students have more opportunities to experience American culture and to get involved on campus. ISO gives a helping hand to incoming students in their transition from their home life to the new atmosphere at SBU.
29 FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students are not eligible for Federal or State aid. The only form of aid available to an international student is a private loan. This is a loan offered through a lending institution of your choice. You must apply directly with the lender. The lender may require that you have a cosigner. Some may require that the co-signer is a permanent resident, others require US citizenship. Click here to learn more about loan options. Stony Brook University’s Bursar Office does offermonthly a payment plan for paying your university charges. For other helpful links click here and here. As a nonimmigrant student, you will be issued a SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 on the basis of financial affidavits and proof of financial ability to cover the costs of your proposed program of study. If there is an adverse change in your financial circumstances, do not come to the University with inadequate financial support. Please contact International Services for advice regarding your individual circumstances.) Please check this link for more information.
Graduate Assistantships Academic departments make decisions about graduate teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and tuition scholarships based on the funds budgeted to the department by the University and on funds available through faculty research grants. These awards are merit-
30 based, and as such are not provided to every student. Proficiency in spoken English is required for those who are offered teaching assistantships.
Tuition and Bill Payment The University accepts the following payment instruments: cash, check, credit card, demand draft and Flywire transfer (for international payments only).
Demand Drafts are common payment methods for international students. Demand drafts should be made payable to “Stony Brook University,” and be presented to the Bursar’s Office upon arrival at the University. International students are not expected to pay their balances until they arrive at the University. Additional Tuition, Fees and Payment information may be found on the Bursar’s website.
Billing statements will be available in SOLAR, upon enrollment. No paper billing statements will be printed or mailed. The University’s semester payment plan - the “Time Option Payment Plan” (TOPP) is available through SOLAR. For wire transfer information, please contact the Bursar’s office at (631) 632-9316.
Finding Job On-Campus Your F-1 student status allows you to work on-campus at Stony Brook University while you are enrolled in a full course of study. You are allowed to work 20 hours a week during the regular semester and 29 hours a week during the summer. A good resource for finding on-campus jobs isHandshake and/or GradConnection. You can make an appointment with the Career Center staff for more guidance.
CPT/OPT You are not allowed to work off-campus legally unless you havean approved CPT or OPT. OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, this allows F1 students to work on a full-time basis for one year after they have completed their studies, in a field related to their major. CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training and allows F1 Students to work for up to 20 hours a week in a field related to their major while engaging in studies.
In order to be eligible to apply for CPT or OPT, you must attend a workshop offered by theVIS Office. Information on workshop dates can be found here.
If you are offered an employment opportunity, legally you will be required to apply for a Social Security Number. Please follow this link to see more information about applying for an SSN card.
Filing Taxes All students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to file Federal Tax Returns with the IRS each year, even if they have not earned any income. For more information click here. You can use Sprintax to file your taxes electronically. This is a service that fills out tax files for international students. Every Spring semester, GSO holds a series of Tax Clinics, offering legal advice forinternational students. For more information click here.
31 HEALTH
International Student Health Forms Keeping you safe and healthy is a top priority at Stony Brook. Toward that end, you must com- plete and return the following three forms before the required date or you will be unable to register for your classes. All new students are required to complete the following three health and immunization forms:
• Immunization/Meningitis Form: Due at least 3 weeks prior to your Orientation . • Meningitis Response Form: All students must read the medical information about menin- gococcal meningitis, and complete and return the Meningitis Response Form at least three weeks before attending orientation and enrolling for classes. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may use SOLAR to submit the response form. • Health History and Physical: Due before the first day of classes.
Submitting Forms: • Via the Patient Portal: You MUST set up your NetID prior to use of the portal. The Patient Portal can be accessed here. After signing in, go to the Immunization tab. You will see instruc- tions on how to enter the dates of your immunizations. When you are finished entering the dates you must go to “Upload” area and follow the instructions on how to upload your docu-
32 ments so that the dates can be verified. • If you are unable to submit forms through the patient portal you can mail the forms to: Stony Brook University, Student Health Service, 1 Stadium Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3191 . Make photocopies of these forms and bring them with you to orientation as well. Student Health Services will place blocks on your course registration if these requirements have not been met. This means that you will not be able to register for classes. For a complete list of health forms, visit the Student Health Services website.
We recommend that you have a physician in your home country complete your health form. It is possible to have a physical exam and receive inoculations after coming to Stony Brook, but this type of care is very expensive and is not covered by your SUNY international student insurance plan. For more information, contact the Student Health Center (631) 632-6740 or visit the website.
Health Insurance In the United States, health insurance pays your necessary medical bills. Stony Brook University requires that all students have comprehensive medical insurance, including hospitalization, coverage for medical visits and testing, and coverage for pharmacy medicines plus medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. All international students are therefore required to purchase the mandatory State University of New York Health Insurance Plan. The Plan fee is automatically billed to all F and J students upon class registration. Coverage begins on August 15 or January 15 of the semester.
F-2 and J-2 dependent spouses and children must also have health insurance coverage while in the USA and must purchase the SUNY Plan within 31 days of arrival in the USA or at Stony Brook. A separate enrollment form, available at the Health Insurance Office, is used for dependent enrollments. Failure to enroll and maintain J-2 dependent insurance is a violation of status, requiring termination of the student program through SEVIS, and prompt departure from the USA. An in-depth mandatory orientation will be offered to all new international students before classes begin. You may contact the Student Health Services Office at (631) 632-6740 or in person. You may see the International Student Health Insurance website under the Office of Student Health Service for more information.
Health Services On Campus The Student Health Service offers comprehensive and cost-effective health services for both medical and psychosocial health problems. The staff includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, and a social worker.
Medical Clinics Medical care includes professional service, i.e., visits to a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician, laboratory tests, and medications available from the pharmacy. There are charges for certain medications and certain laboratory tests.
33 Nutrition Services / Dietician
Women’s Center/GYN Clinic The Women’s Center is staffed by gynecologic nurse practitioners, physicians and registered nurses. The Women’s Center is located within the Student Health Service on the first floor. Appointments are strongly suggested. Walk-in service is available on a limited basis. The Women’s Center provides the following services:
• Complete gynecologic exams. • Breast exams. • STD screening and treatment. • Pap smears. • Contraceptive methods. • Menopausal issues. • Premenstrual Syndrome issues. • Screening for hyperlipidemia, thyroid disorders and other conditions in females. • Patient education related to achieving a wellness lifestyle nutrition, and sexuality issues. • Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. • Depo-Provera injections. • Pregnancy Testing and Counseling.
Laboratory Basic routine tests are performed in the lab, such as:
• Venipunctures • Complete Blood Counts • Monospots • Glucose (Fingerstick) • Pregnancy testing • Urinalysis • Stool blood • Cultures (throat and urine) Tests not performed in the campus lab are sent to and billed by an outside lab. HIV: For anonymous counseling and testing call: (800) 462-6786
Counseling and Psychological Services Please check this section.
The Student Health Services Center is located in Stadium Road, opposite to the Student Union Building. You can make an appointment by calling (631) 632-6740. • Services Provided are • Dietician/Nutrition Services • Gynecologist Clinic • Laboratory
34 • Medical Clinics • CAPS / Social Work Services Services provided are confidential counseling, support, and advocacy CAPS is located at Student Health Services - Second Floor. For questions and appointments: (631) 632-6720 • Immunization Upon arriving on campus, you will need to submit your Immunization History Form and other Health Form to this office to remove the related hold on your student account. • Pharmacy - Prescriptions are filled for registered students who have paid the health fee and the pharmacy will only fill prescriptions written by student health service providers • Self-Care Clinic - here you could pick up non-prescription items that may be useful for your particular minor health needs such as cold, cough and allergies • Medical Advice Line - provides advice on how to care for an illness or injury at home or guidance about whether and when to see a healthcare provider. • Travel Medicine.
Student Health Insurance Domestic students WITHOUT stipends • All full-time, matriculated, domestic students at Stony Brook are automatically billed for the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at the beginning of each semester. • More information about this plan, other available options, and comparison between SHIP and NYS Marketplace, are provided at Student Health Service website, you can also visit Student Health Insurance Office located in Stony Brook Union, Suite 250, Phone: (631) 632-6054
Domestic students WITH stipends (TA/RA/GA) • As a Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA) and in some cases Graduate Assistant (GA), you are eligible to enroll in Student Employee Health Insurance Plans and you can/should waive “SHIP”. Waivers must be completed on SOLAR at the start of every academic year by the due date. • For more information, check Human Resources website, Benefits or visit Human Resource Services located in 390 Administration Building, Phone (631) 632-6180
International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa WITH Stipend • Eligible TA and GA students and their dependents have the option to obtain coverage under the SUNY Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP), NYSHIP • Eligible RA students could enroll for health insurance plan provided by Research Foundation of SUNY • Once you enroll in the employee health insurance and payroll deductions begin, apply for waiver through your solar account to remove the mandatory health insurance fee from your student bill. • Please note failure to have or sign up for employee health insurance within 30 days of your appointment date will make you liable for full payment of the mandatory international student health insurance charge
35 • For more information, check Human Resources website, Benefits or visit Human Resource Services located in 390 Administration Building, Phone (631) 632-6180
Please note if your employment status changes from State to Research Foundation (GA/ TA to RA) or from Research Foundation to State (RA to GA/TA), you MUST sign up AGAIN for employee health insurance within 30 days of your appointment date.
International Graduate Students on F-1 Visa WITHOUT Stipend • International Students will be automatically enrolled for mandatory Student Health Insurance (ISHI). • Spouse and/or children on F-2 or J-2 visa must also have health insurance and you must pay the additional cost for dependent coverage. This MUST be done through Student Health Insurance Office within 30 days of arrival of your dependents into the country, OR within 30 days of the birth of a new baby, or your marriage, OR within 30 days of the beginning of an enrollment period. • For more information click here.
Visiting Scholars & OPT • You MUST have the SUNY International Health Insurance coverage while researching, studying, or teaching at Stony Brook University. • United States Federal Law requires you have adequate insurance coverage while in the United States in J-1 or J-2 status. • If you become a regular paid employee of the University, you can enroll in the coverage offered through the Human Resources office located in Suite 390, Administration. • For more information click here.
Waivers For health insurance waivers, click here.
36 CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Career exploration and preparation are the building blocks to every successful career. This guide provides two different career explorations that any graduate student can pursue: Academic and beyond academic career.
Develop Cover Letters for Job Applications The cover letter for a job application is a professional genre as such, it will necessarily differ in form and content across fields and professions. Research what different cover letters look like for your field: your department may retain a file of successful cover letters from previous students, or you may be able to consult more advanced students to track down examples. Once you have compiled a collection of sample letters, develop different versions of your own for the types of academic positions you are considering. For advice on writing an academic cover letter, check: • “Academic Job Search, Cover Letter,” University of California, Berkeley, Career Center
• “The Basics of Cover Letter Writing,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2000)
• “How to Write Appealing Cover Letters,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2000)
37
• and “What You Don’t Know About Cover Letters,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2002).
Write a Teaching Statement Applications for academic positions often ask candidates to submit a teaching statement or philosophy that reflects their pedagogical experience and philosophy within their particular discipline. To get started with writing a statement of teaching philosophy, consider attending the GSI Teaching & Resource Center’s workshop on Developing a Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Teaching Portfolio. See workshop slides and resources in the Center’s online library. Other resources from The Chronicle of Higher Education that may be helpful to you in writing a teaching statement include: • How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy • 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy • How to Write a Teaching Statement that Sings
Develop and Practice Your Job Talk Before presenting your research in an on-campus interview, you should practice in front of multiple audiences, in a timed setting, and get feedback on the content and delivery of your talk. Many departments create opportunities for graduate students to give practice job talks in a departmental seminar series or in the context of research group meetings. Ask the audience to anticipate and pose questions that may also be asked in the actual on-campus rendition of the talk. Ask for feedback on various aspects of your delivery: how clear it was, whether you spoke quickly or slowly, if you engaged the audience, etc. For advice on how to prepare an academic job talk, check: • “Nailing the Job Talk or Erudition Ain’t Enough,” University of California, Berkeley
• “How to Deliver a Halfway-Decent Job Talk,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2014)
• “Talking the Good Talk,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2012)
• and “Giving a Job Talk in the Sciences,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2001).
Undertake the Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education The Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is designed to help you develop your classroom skills, to prepare for teaching as a future faculty member, and to professionally document your work as a teacher. The activities that are part of the certificate program include general and discipline-specific teaching skills such as developing a teaching portfolio, creating course syllabi, cultivating strategies for efficient and effective grading, and synthesizing and presenting feedback from student evaluations of your teaching.
38 Participate on an Academic Search Committee Some departments include a graduate student on search committees for academic positions. Take advantage of such opportunities as it will provide you with first-hand experience and an understanding of the academic job search from the perspective of a hiring committee. In addition to being invaluable for your own job search, serving on a search committee will prepare you for responsibilities you will assume as a future faculty member. Should you not be able to participate on a search committee, be sure to attend job talks of candidates your department is considering and reviewing candidate materials such as CVs and teaching statements that your department may make available.
Participate in Workshops and Consultations at the Career Center The Stony Brook Career Center can help students in applying for careers beyond the academy. The center can help you explore interests, identify positions, and reframe skills you have developed in graduate school in applying for these positions.
Take Part in Conferences and Workshops Offered by Beyond Academia Beyond Academia is a student-initiated program that hosts a two-day conference each spring and several excellent workshops during the fall and spring to help graduate students explore career options and prepare to apply. Beyond Academia’s career resources page features a wealth of professional development resources.
Identify Non-Academic Jobs for Your Discipline and Use Online Career Exploration Tools Find out what previous recipients of your degree in your discipline have done with their training. Some departments maintain an alumni database or LinkedIn alumni group as a resource for graduate students who are applying for positions. The ImaginePhD project seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between Ph.D. training and the realm of career possibilities for humanities and social science Ph.D.’s. Spearheaded in large part by UC Davis and UCLA, the group is creating an online tool to assist graduate students in career exploration, goal-setting, and professional development.
Connected Academics: Preparing Doctoral Students of Language and Literature for a Variety of Careers: A project of the Modern Language Association (MLA), funded by the Mellon Foundation. Includes programming and online resources to help graduate students use their humanistic training in a broad range of occupations.
Career Diversity for Historians: The American Historical Association (AHA), in conjunction with the Mellon Foundation, has developed a set of institutes and resources to assist faculty and graduate students in preparing for careers beyond the academy. These resources are also useful to faculty and graduate students beyond history.
Beyond Academia: Professional Opportunities for Philosophers: Originally published in 1984, this publication provides guidance in the form of resources, information, and advice to philosophers who are interested in exploring a wide range of professions outside of academia. It includes links to resources for non-academic career opportunities
39 data on non-academic careers, including new academic placement data and analysis and biographical essays of philosophers who have successfully found ways to use their philosophical training outside of academia.
Develop a Résumé While CVs are the gold standard for academic positions, you will need to convert your CV to résumé to successfully apply for positions beyond academia. Many resources are available to guide you in this process. See “From CV. to 1-Page Resume,” Chronicle of Higher Education (2013). See also “Reimagining My Resume,” University of California, Santa Barbara GradPost.
Develop Cover Letters for Job Applications The cover letter for a job application is a professional genre. Find out what it should look like and develop different versions for the multiple careers you might consider.
Participate in an Internship Internships can enable you to test the waters while obtaining valuable experience and mentoring. They can also position you to apply successfully for career positions which may require prior experience. Some internship opportunities are listed on the Career Center website. A number of units on campus offer graduate student positions that function as internships, including the GSI Teaching & Resource Center, the Townsend Center, and the Institute of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies, among others.
40 GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEE UNION
What is GSEU? The Graduate Student Employee Union is a labor union that represents all Graduate Employees working for the State of New York. Our sister union, the Research Assistant Union, covers all Graduate Employees working for the Stony Brook Research Foundation.
Not sure which one you are? Here’s an easy test: State employees get paid on Wednesday, and RF employees get paid on Friday. Both GSEU and the RA union are part of Local 1104 of the Communications Workers of America. The local is headquartered in Farmingdale in nearby Nassau County. As a Graduate Employee your working conditions, wages, health insurance, and other benefits are governed by our labor contract with the State. We work to ensure that we all have a voice on the job and that our labor is valued. A majority of instructional and research work at Stony Brook is performed by members of GSEU and RA union. SUNY cannot function without our labor. We want to ensure you are not mistreated or overworked and that your work is properly valued, both in terms of compensation and respect.
41 GSEU Structure The GSEU is a democratic organization run by and for graduate employees. We have regular general membership meetings where we decide the direction of the union and members can raise thoughts questions and concerns. We also have regular social events, usually monthly. The GSEU is a member-led union and is only as strong as its members. Each department/program has 1-3 mobilizers, if you’re not sure who your mobilizer is, feel free to contact GSEU directly. The mobilizer is the eyes and ears of the union. They help address membership problems and concerns outside of general meetings. We are always looking for more mobilizers, so contact us if you’re interested! In addition to mobilizers, we have a 3 person campus leadership team composed of the Campus Chair (Business Agent), the Chief Steward, and the Campus Organizer. You can find their contact info at the end of this section.
Why Join GSEU? GSEU is only as strong as its membership, that’s why a supermajority of Graduate Employees are signed members of GSEU. Only signed members can participate in the union. This includes voting on contracts. We have a contract vote in a few weeks and the contract covers the next 4 years. If you want a say in how the next 4 years of your work is organized, join GSEU and vote on our next contract.
GSEU members also get exclusive benefits such as free drinks at union social events, paid training, and political education (meaning you get paid to attend), and other fringe benefits such as discounted pet insurance and discounts on telephone connections among other things. Most importantly, by joining GSEU, you show our employers NY State that we are united and strong, which gives us greater leverage in contract negotiations.
Email: Amy Solar Greco Facebook.com/SBUGSEU/ Twitter @GSEU_SBU
Campus Chair: Andrew Dobbyn Chief Steward: Anand Aiyer
42 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE-PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS
The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) is a student-run national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of graduate & professional students across the United States. Founded by student leaders in 1987, NAGPS is the only national organization that represents the interests of graduate & professional students in public and private universities at local, state, regional and national levels.
THE NAGPS VISION The vision of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) is to be a nationally representative and internationally recognized association that advocates for institutional and structural changes to improve graduate and professional education in the United States.
The GSO is an organizational member of NAGPS representing graduate students at Stony Brook University. Feel free to explore the website and enjoy all the benefits that NAGPS has to offer.
43 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
If you have an emergency and the Student Health Center is closed, please contact University Police at 333 or dial 911 from a non-campus phone (cell) call (631) 632-3333.
Police (EMERGENCY ONLY) (631) 632-3333
Student Health Center (Infirmary) Front Desk (631) 632-6740
Ambulance On-campus: 632-3333 Off-campus (police): 911 On-campus (police): 333 / 911 non-campus phone (cell) call (631) 632-3333
Fire Department Off-campus (Stony Brook Fire Dept.): (631) 751-3434 Off-campus (Setauket Fire Dept.): (631) 941-4441
44 Emergency Rooms University Hospital: (631) 444-2465 Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson: (631) 473-1320 St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson: (631) 474-6156 St. Catherine of Siena, Smithtown: (631) 862-3111
Poison Control Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Police University Police: 333 / 911 non-campus phone (cell) call (631) 632-3333 Off-campus: Dial 911
Dental Clinics SBU Dental Clinic: (631) 632-8989
Walk-in Clinics CityMD (Lake Grove): (631) 731-4449 North Shore Immed Care (Port Jefferson Sta): (631) 331-1100 City MD Health (Port Jefferson Sta): (631) 474-5900 City MD Health (Smithtown): (631) 630-5900 Walk-In Medical Care (Miller Place): (631) 849-5900
Health Center Elsie Owens Health Care Center (Coram): (631) 320-2220
Counseling Response Hotline (Crisis counseling): (631) 751-7500 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (631) 632-6720 Victims Information Center: (631) 360-3606
Self Help Hotlines Alcoholics Anonymous: (631) 669-1124 Narcotics Anonymous: (631) 937-6262 Nicotine Anonymous: (631) 665-0527 A1-Anon: (631) 669-2827
45 QUICK REFERENCE DIRECTORY
Bursar’s Office ...... (631) 632-9316 Campus Recreation ...... (631) 632-7168 Campus Residences ...... (631) 632-6750 Career Center ...... (631) 632-6810 Child Care Services ...... (631) 632-6930 Commuter Services & Off-Campus Living ...... (631) 632-7353 Counseling & Psychological Services ...... (631) 632-6720 Disability Support Services ...... (631) 632-6748 Faculty Student Association ...... (631) 632-6517 Financial Aid Services ...... (631) 632-6840 Graduate School ...... (631) 632-4723 Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) ...... (631) 512-0587 Graduate Student Organization (GSO) ...... (631) 632-6492 Ombud’s Office ...... (631) 632-9200 Registrar’s Office ...... (631) 632-6175 STALLER Box Office ...... (631) 632-2787 Student Accounts ...... (631) 632-2455 Student Health Insurance ...... (631) 632-6054 Student Health Services Center ...... (631) 632-6740 Title IX Office ...... (631) 632.6280 Veterans Affairs ...... (631) 632-4143 Visa & Immigration Services ...... (631) 632-4685
46 THE WOLFLIST 50 FUN THINGS ON AND OFF CAMPUS
1. Sign up for Campus Announcements to receive a compiled weekly email announcement ranging from administrative reminders, training announcements, workshops, advertis ments for hospital seminars and lectures, dates for charitable, cultural, and entertainment events, and more.
2. Attend seminars/ grand rounds in other departments. There are seminars to attend eve week if you look for them.
3. Walk or bike along the Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path.
4. Visit one of Long Island’s beautiful beaches.
5. Visit Stony Brook Village and Avalon Park.
6. Check out the Zuccaire Art Gallery on campus.
7. Make 10 friends from 10 other departments talk research, go to seminars in other departments, and be sure to connect with the pre senter. The future is interdisciplinary!
47 8. Talk to your seniors and peers. Get social, knowledge is power!
9. Visit International Student Day, even if you aren’t an international student! Make new friends!
10. Sign up for a gym or fitness class. GSO offers partial reimbursements to the first 100 or so students who apply every year.
11. Get your Red on! Wear Stony Brook Gear and show off your school pride.
12. Take a selfie with our beloved mascot Wolfie.
13. Visit every food court on campus: Tell us your favorite one!
14. Take the campus bus to Hospital / Chapin. Read up about Harry Chapin, Bertrand Golberg, and Brutalist Architecture.
15. Visit East Setauket and Port Jefferson. Take the bus from SAC or the LIRR. Buy local.
16. Attend a Broadway show in NYC. GSO offers partial reimbursements for 1 show a year to the first 100 or so students who apply.
17. Go thrift shopping! Ask us for recommendations. Start with the closest one in Setauket United Methodist Church.
18. Join a Graduate Student Club or start a new one! Ask us how to.
19. Meet your department’s GSO Senator. If your department doesn’t have a senator, contact us!
20. Learn a new skill every semester: Tell us about it, if you feel like sharing. Let’s celebrate together!
21. Try new cuisines: Write to us about your experience and give us recommendations.
22. Read flyers on campus and your Stony Brook emails regularly for announcements and fun events
23. Visit the Career Center and find out what they do!
24. Visit the Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS) and learn more about the research they do.
25. Support the Seawolves. Attend a game and cheer your heart out.
26. Apply for the Professional Development Fund (PDF) every year and grow as a professional!
27. Do original research and apply for the Research Access Project (RAP) travel fund every year. Travel the world. Go Far Beyond!
28. Apply for summer internships! GSO sponsors partial travel to your internship if not cov
48 ered in your contract.
29. Attend workshops in NYC and get travel costs reimbursed by GSO.
30. Visit our Southampton campus.
31. Visit the R&D Park. Apply for jobs at cutting edge startups incubated by CEWIT.
32. Attend every GSO Productions Social Event! Tell us your favorites. Suggest new events.
33. Host a GSO sponsored cultural event, conference, or speaker series! Apply for up to $1200 in funding to bring an expert to campus or throw a cultural celebration!
34. Take your work outside to the Staller steps for an afternoon.
36. See the geese on Roth Pond. Say hello to a turtle basking in the sun. Take a selfie with the Magnolia trees.
37. Celebrate diversity on campus. Be an ally! Participate and educate!
38. Stand up to injustice. Speak up. Tell us about it. We are here to listen.
39. Meet the Graduate Student Advocate (GSA). Learn about what they do.
40. Meet the International Student Advocate (ISA). Learn about what they do.
41. Meet the Policy Action Chair (PAC). Learn about what they do.
42. Say no to plagiarism and unethical practices. Stay true to your code of ethics, values, and principles. The journey is the reward. Don’t take shortcuts.
43. Communicate your concerns and difficulties with mentors and peers.
44. It is ok to feel like an impostor sometimes. Welcome to grad school! Be there for your peers.
45. Volunteer. Engage with the community.
46. Don’t forget self-care. Sharpen the saw. Take a break and recharge!
47. Keep a journal. Take pictures. Preserve memories.
48. Participate in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition. Learn to communicate the importance of your research in under 3 minutes. Prizes are awarded to the best pitches!
49. Graduate and make the world a better place!
50. Always remember your roots!
49