Residential Life Director Amanda Bingel
(Photo by David Thai '17)
By Dorothy Hazan '16
Hometown: Plattsburgh, N.Y.
College: B.A., the College of Saint Rose, Albany; M.S., Canisius College, Buffalo
Before Union: Residence life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., for almost 10 years, and at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., before that.
Res Life responsibilities: I not only oversee operations, including the housing assignments and selection process, but I’m also responsible for ensuring that students have a quality residential experience that enhances their education outside of the classroom.
Goals: I would like to build on the countless amazing things our professional staff and student workers have accomplished, and challenge students to reach further and achieve more. I want to give students as many tools as possible to build a memorable college career.
Favorite part of my own college experience: I was heavily involved in student government and student activities, including as an RA for three years and president of the student events board. Those experiences greatly influenced my decision to pursue college administration as a career, and helped me build lasting connections with friends, faculty and staff. That’s why I always encourage students to get involved in college.
Advice for successful roommate relationships: Develop mutual respect for one another, and set some guidelines and expectations early on in the term. Don’t wait until there's a problem to try and negotiate – it’s always best to talk openly and candidly about living together when emotions are not dominating the conversation. Pick a mutually beneficial time to sit down with your roommate early on and discuss the issues that are important to each person. Remember, you don’t have to be best friends with your roommate. Sometimes it’s better if you’re not close, so you have a neutral space to go home to at night.
What I like most about Union so far: The welcoming people and the gorgeous campus.
Favorite campus spot: Jackson’s Garden. I sometimes detour through the garden after work to enjoy a few moments of peace and soak in the beauty.
Hobbies/interests: Kayaking; hitting up live music events; walking my dog in local parks and the Adirondacks.
Favorite meal: On campus, sushi at Dutch. Off campus, the grilled chicken sandwich at Johnny’s.
Recent read: Dan Brown’s Inferno. I love the study of cryptology. Perhaps I should look into taking the course on cryptology offered by the Math Department.
People don’t know that I: Took many years of piano and saxophone lessons and competed in statewide music competitions throughout middle and high school. Even though I don’t play regularly now, I still love music and enjoy going to different types of concerts and performances.
Final words: I encourage everyone to stop by my office to say hello. Also, if you have a great campus event, performance or program that you’re passionate about, invite me!