“Stony Brook University will be your home away from home. You will receive a valuable education, be at the center of diversity, establish new friendships, meet distinguished faculty and staff and gain promising experiences through the many opportunities offered.” — KAREEM, STONY BROOK STUDENT

About Stony Brook

Stony Brook University was founded in 1957 as the State University Long Island Center. When the College opened in September of that year, there were fourteen faculty members and 148 undergraduate students. Today, the undergraduate student population has grown more than one hundred times that number to more than 15,500! The College was originally housed on an estate in Oyster Bay that is now Planting Fields Arboretum. Ward Melville, a local philanthropist, donated a large parcel of land in Stony Brook to the State University. In 1962, the College moved to the Stony Brook site and became the State University of New York at Stony Brook. From that moment, Stony Brook quickly grew to great stature as a premier research university both nationally and worldwide. In 2001, Stony Brook was admitted to the Association of American Universities, a group of 62 elite North American research universities founded in 1900. A number of recent studies show Stony Brook to be among the top universities in the world-based on our research and education. As we say around here, “Stony Brook is Red Hot!”

Stony Brook University is situated on Long Island’s North Shore, 60 miles east of New York City and 50 miles west of Montauk Point. Physically and academically integral to Stony Brook is its academic health center, which includes a number of schools and programs in the health professions as well as the Stony Brook University Hospital. A study published by Johns Hopkins University Press (The Rise of American Research Universities, by Hugh Graham and Nancy Diamond, 1997) places Stony Brook among the top three public research universities in the country in terms of per capita faculty research productivity. Stony Brook University Hospital has been ranked among the top 15 teaching hospitals in the country.

 

Stony Brook is also known for its distinguished and accomplished research faculty. In October 2003, Paul Lauterbur was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his invention of nuclear magnetic resonance imagery(MRI) technology at Stony Brook, and James Glimm, Chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics, received the National Medal of Science for his work on shock wave theory. This medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the government, and is awarded annually to about ten people. In 2005, Robert Aumann, a founder of Stony Brook’s Center for Game Theory, shared the Nobel prize in Economics, while a second Stony Brook mathematician, Dennis Sullivan, received the National Medal of Science. And as recently as the fall of 2007, four faculty members, Robert Cess, Minghua Zhang, Edmund Chang, and Marv Geller, in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Science were recognized for their contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that led to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize. This Nobel Peace Prize was shared with former Vice President Al Gore for their combined efforts to control global warming.

In keeping with a tradition of improving upon excellence, Stony Brook has a five-part mission:

• To provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional education of the highest quality;
• To carry out research and intellectual endeavors of the highest international standards that advance theoretical knowledge and are of immediate and long range practical significance;
• To provide leadership for economic growth, technology, and culture for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region;
• To provide state-of-the-art innovative health care, while serving as a resource to a regional health care network and to the traditionally underserved;
• To fulfill these objectives while celebrating diversity and positioning the University in the global community.

Stony Brook offers more than sixty majors to its undergraduate students through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the College of Business (COB), the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), the School of Health, Technology, and Management, the School of Journalism (SOJ), the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Welfare (SSW), the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SOMAS), and the School of Professional Development (SPD). New York State’s provisional teaching certification is available in the sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, social studies, English, and in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

For Full List of Major & Minors, please visit the Undergraduate Bulletin or the Appendix.

Stony Brook Traditions

Stony Brook has a number of traditions that together mark the passage of the academic year. Some of these recur weekly or monthly while others occur on an annual basis.

Battle of the Undergraduate Colleges

The Battle of the Undergraduate Colleges was created in 2010 and is designed to promote and encourage Stony Brook spirit and UGC pride. Throughout the course of the academic year, there will be a series of events where each UGC will have the opportunity to earn points. The events cover a wide range of categories, including school spirit, community service, athletic and academic teamwork. Points will be awarded to each UGC based on how each team ranks in each event.

What is your Undergraduate College’s current standing? To view this and see a full list of events visit: Battle of the Undergraduate Colleges

Campus Life Time

Campus Life Time takes place every Wednesday during the academic year from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. During this time, no lectures are scheduled and many of the year’s most exciting events take place. A great time for residents and commuters alike to get involved with student life, Campus Life Time often has carnivals, student expo fairs, live entertainment, speakers, and free food and giveaways. It is a great time for students to meet up with friends and enjoy a break from the daily grind of classes.

Diversity Months

Each month during the academic year is devoted to the celebration of a different aspect of our diversity: Hispanic Heritage Month (October), Diversity of Lifestyles Month (November), Diversity of Religions Month (December), Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), and Asian-American Month (April). Campus clubs and organizations join faculty and staff in developing and promoting educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs that take place during each of these months.

Red Hot Fridays

We celebrate the many achievements of our students and faculty in academics, scientific and medical research, community service, and athletics by declaring our pride with a catchy phrase; Stony Brook is Red Hot! To show our unity and spirit, a new campus tradition has been born; all students, faculty, and staff proudly wear Stony Brook red every Friday.

“First On Us”—Staller Center for the Arts

Stony Brook has begun a new tradition to welcome and introduce students to the Staller Center for the Arts. All new students receive a voucher during “Experience Stony Brook” for a FREE ticket to any performance at the Staller Center. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity—simply visit www.stallercenter.com for a complete listing of upcoming performances and bring your completed voucher to the Box Office on the first floor of the Staller Center for one ticket to the performance of your choice. Not only is your “first on us,” but you will also receive a special half-price discount on all future ticket purchases at the Staller Center.

Midnight Breakfast and Midnight Scream

At midnight during finals week, Stony Brook students are still hopping (or screaming). Midnight Breakfasts bring thousands out to the Stony Brook Student Union to eat their favorite breakfast foods and get a second wind while studying for finals. It is a great diversion where students can laugh, socialize, and take a well-deserved break from studying.

“Midnight Screams” offer another final exam diversion. A kind of wake-up call, students all across campus who are studying for finals open their windows or step outside to let loose ear-curling screams. The camaraderie and cool air rejuvenates students and gets them motivated for a few extra hours of late-night studying.

“Sandy Shore”: Our Alma Mater

The University’s First Alma Mater was written in 1962 by the founding member and head of the University’s Music Department, Isaac Nemiroff. Our current Alma Mater, Sandy Shore, was adopted in 1985 through a competition after Dr. Peter Winkler wrote the winning submission. Winkler is a professor in the Department of Music. His lyricist, Winston Clark has worked on several other compositions over the years. Carol Marburger, wife of President John Marburger, is credited as being the guiding spirit behind this alma mater.

Sandy Shore
Music: Peter Winkler
Words: Winston Clark

1. Sandy shore
2. Meeting the Northern sea
3. Ancient ground where newborn dreams arise
4. Scarlet, gray
5. Under azure skies
6. The morning of a lifetime lies in Stony Brook
7. Raise a grateful cheer for Stony Brook!

1. Youthful joys
2. Youthful folly, too
3. Ancient wisdom seen through youthful eyes
4. Lifelong friends
5. Bound by youthful ties
6. The morning of a lifetime lies in Stony Brook
7. Raise a grateful cheer for Stony Brook!

Stony Brook Fall Semester Events

Homecoming/ Wolfstock 

Stony Brook’s first NCAA football game took place in 1983, and the University celebrated its first official University-sanctioned Homecoming Weekend the following year. A highlight of the weekend is the Homecoming King and Queen Competition, along with the Homecoming Parade. In 2002, Stony Brook’s annual Homecoming Weekend was named Wolfstock. Events at Wolfstock over the years have included the football game, Homecoming Parade, Wolfstock Village, alumni get-togethers, music, children’s rides, hospitality tents and expo areas.

History Behind the Seawolves
During the early 1950’s, when the Stony Brook campus was located in Oyster Bay, the University’s teams were known as the Soundmen or Baymen. From 1960 through 1966, we competed as the Warriors. We became the Stony Brook Patriots/Lady Patriots in 1966, and held that name for nearly 30 years. In 1994, in an effort to create an exciting new team identity in line with our move to the Division I level, then-Stony Brook President Dr. John H. Marburger III proclaimed a new team nickname: the Seawolves.

Undergraduate College Commons Day

Stony Brook welcomes the author of the First-Year Reading to campus every Fall Semester. The author gives various presentations, interviews, and book signings throughout the day.

Stony Brook Spring Semester Events

Chill Fest

As an exciting start to the spring semester, the Student Activities Center (SAC) collaborates with various campus departments to plan a full schedule of social, athletic and academic events that begins with Opening Activities in January and lasts through February. Activities have traditionally included First Night Out, Winter Barbecue, Bingo for Books, Scoopin’ out Success, Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, Open Mic Nights, RHA Superbowl Extravaganza, Involvement Fair, Ski and Snowboarding Trips, and much more. A complete calendar of activities is updated and posted annually on the SBU website.

URECA Celebration (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities)

The Annual URECA Celebration in April showcases the research and creative talents of all of our students. Faculty, staff, students, and the local community come out to see just how special our students are. It is a day of learning, excitement, interaction and good food.

Earthstock

Celebrated in late April on or around Earth Day, this day features exhibits, displays, lectures and concerts to promote and support environment-friendly living. Although Earth Day celebrations have been in existence for a number of years, it was officially named Earthstock in 2004.

Strawberry Festival

Just imagine strawberries all along the academic mall: strawberry shortcake, strawberry crepes, chocolate covered strawberries, and just plain strawberries! Students, faculty and staff come out in the hundreds to enjoy this fun-filled day in the sun. This event has been traditionally held on the last Wednesday in the month of April during Campus Life Time, and includes entertaining music and dance performances.

Campus Landmarks

Ashley Schiff Memorial Park Preserve
Dr. Ashley Schiff was a dedicated and popular professor of Political Science and avowed naturalist in the early days of Stony Brook University. In 1970, a 26-acre woodland, lined with oak and maple trees, often walked by Professor Schiff and his students, was set aside to honor him. Fauna spotted in the area include garter snakes, Virginia opossums,rabbits, chipmunks, and box turtles. The preserve is located between Roth Quad and the Marine Science Research Center.

Boulders
Scattered about the Stony Brook campus are several hundred granite boulders, 20,000 year-old leftovers from the Ice Age glaciers that once blanketed Long Island. During the extensive excavations that accompanied the initial construction of buildings and roadways on campus, these boulders were unearthed and incorporated into the landscape. Today, many of these ancient rocks serve as brightly painted totems for fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations. (Word to the wise: Don’t go tagging rocks just because you’re feeling inspired; permission from the Office of Student Activities is strictly required!)

Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path
Stony Brook’s campus is set among 1,100 wooded acres, complete with a nature preserve. The Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path, six miles of pristine pavement for biking, running, and rollerblading, encircles the campus. The path is dedicated to the memory of Paul Simons, a former Stony Brook student and avid cyclist. The path will ultimately connect to the proposed Town of Brookhaven trail.

Stony Bones
It’s a long way from Cretaceous-era Madagascar to present-day Long Island—8,600 miles and 70 million years, to be precise—but Manjungasaurus crenatissimus looks right at home in the lobby of our Administration Building. The exact replica of the Cretaceous meat-eater is patched together from specimens unearthed on Madagascar by a team of Stony Brook University paleontologists, led by Dr. David Krause of the Department of Anatomical Sciences. The fearsome skeleton has even acquired a nickname: “Stony Bones.”

Zebra Path
The Zebra Path is a striped geometric walkway connecting the Academic Mall with northern sections of campus beyond John S. Toll Drive. The eye-catching path lies in front of the Career Center and behind the Melville Library. In March 1981, as part of an advanced seminar in public art, Stony Brook student Kim Hardiman won a grant to beautify the campus. Her 232′ x 12′ handpainted walkway, regularly refurbished with new coats of paint, constitutes one student’s lasting tribute to the Stony Brook campus.

9/11 Memorial
The Memorial Arch, located in front of the Humanities Building, was donated by the Stony Brook Alumni Association in memory of the 21 Stony Brook alumni who were lost on September 11, 2001. Their deaths strengthen our resolve as a University community to foster the most basic ideals of freedom and equality. Each fall, we honor their memory in the Commemoration of September 11 ceremony.