Objectives of Discovery

Student participation in Discovery is encouraged throughout their undergraduate years. All activities emphasize collaborative learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, reflection and self-assessment.

The recommended achievements for each year are as follows:

Discovery I - Foundations

Transition and integrate into the campus community.
Connect with campus resources and departmental activities and programs.
Select appropriate courses and learn the course registration process.
Enroll in student-centered courses offered through the Learning Communities or the College Students in Transition course.
Improve skills in written and oral communication and computer literacy.
Begin to establish connections with faculty, staff, peers and alumni.
Access support services as academic issues and concerns are encountered.

Discovery II - Reflections, Career Exploration and Action Planning

Explore academic and career interests.
Refine the art of self-reflection.
Learn about creating a portfolio to capture and document achievements.
Develop a plan of action outlining personal and professional goals and steps towards achievement.

Discovery III - Experiential Education

Engage in an activity or service on campus or in the community.
Assess learning from the experience outside the classroom.

Discovery IV - Capstone

Complete a capstone course/activity that is a culmination of college experiences.
Finalize a portfolio of achievements that could be used in a graduate school application process or job search.

For Current Students

Discovery is a multifaceted program that is available to all Binghamton University undergraduate students. It provides opportunities for students to develop greater competence in handling their educational and career responsibilities and to explore ways of making meaningful contributions to society.

Through the seven Discovery Centers and the 28 Discovery Advisors, the program provides students with easy access to academic support and student-living services on campus. Free peer tutoring is also available both by appointment and on a limited walk-in basis. Discovery also supports courses that are taught by faculty who maintain a student-centered perspective and support Discovery values and goals.There are three types of Discovery courses: stand-alone, links and ABC (area-based courses). Students are also encouraged to participate in internships and create an online portfolio for use in their graduate school application process or job search.

Student participation in Discovery may involve the use of any or all of the components of Discovery. However, Discovery has developed a 4-year program to allow students to incorporate more of the components and get the most beneficial experience possible.

More information for current students:

Choices Planner: Discovery’s online educational and career exploration and assessment tool

Discovery’s innovative online tool, Choices Planner, which can be accessed 24/7, provides the following features: interest and skills assessments, career plan builder, school and career finder, job search links, as well as an online portfolio for you to develop and enhance. To access Choices Planner, you will need to use the following to login: user site id- 0108231, and password- discover. While Choices Planner is relatively easy to navigate through, you are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of a Discovery Assistant (DA) to help get you started. Furthermore, you are strongly encouraged to follow up with your DA upon utilizing Choices Planner.

For Prospective Students

The transition from high school to college can be uncertain, confusing, and overwhelming and may be a little frightening, but it doesn't have to be. The Discovery Program at Binghamton University is here to help you make that transition and provide opportunities for you to explore academic interests, intellectual development, and social growth.

There are seven Discovery Centers located in College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Hillside, Hinman, Newing, Mountainview and Susquehanna Residential Communities and 28 Discovery Advisors who live in these communities. In addition, there is a DA who works through the Off Campus College Office in UUW 204 to assist true commuter students (local students who attend Binghamton University). Through these services, students receive easy access to academic support and help in developing a sense of identity and community through the on-campus living experience.

In addition, Discovery supports courses that are taught by faculty who maintain a student-centered perspective that emphasizes collaborative learning, critical thinking and problem solving, and reflection and self-assessment. There are three types of Discovery courses: stand-alone, links and ABC (area-based courses). Free peer tutoring is also available both by appointment and on a limited walk-in basis. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and create an on-line portfolio for use in their graduate school application process or job search.