Project Renaissance is an innovative program that offers a small college atmosphere as it introduces first-year students to the world of opportunities available at the University at Albany. This project was designed with the belief that by giving our freshmen an interdisciplinary research-based course of study, they will better be able to take advantage of the rest of their educational experience and the opportunities a research institution offers them.

Project Renaissance courses are interdisciplinary and designed to introduce our students to a community of inquiry. In addition, these courses fulfill some of the general education requirements needed to graduate from the University. Students may choose from a number of different tracks within the program depending on their individual interests: Arts & Humanities, Pre-Business/Economics, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Psychology/Sociology, or the General Program, which is designed for students who are undecided about their major.

Participation in Project Renaissance is open to all freshmen on a first-come, first-served basis. Application to the program is made in the spring after acceptance to the University.

Living and Learning

Students who participate in Project Renaissance live and learn together. Conversations that begin in the classroom will continue in dining areas and residence halls, and freshmen find it easier to make new friends as they begin their university experience.

At the heart of Project Renaissance is a team approach to freshman year. Each team of students in Project Renaissance lives in the same residence hall and shares a 12-credit "general education" interdisciplinary curriculum. Students meet with their Project Renaissance professors, who are highly experienced faculty from a wide range of disciplines, three to five times a week in classes of twenty or fewer students. Most of these smaller classes are held in the residence halls where students live and where many faculty hold their office hours.

All students receive special instruction in computer technologies, learning to design web pages and harness online resources. Many students participate in community service projects on campus or at agencies in the Albany area.

Pre-Professional Opportunities

All freshmen, regardless of planned major, may participate in Project Renaissance. The program has special tracks for those with interests in certain liberal arts and pre-professional areas - Arts & Humanities, Pre-Business/Economics, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Psychology/Sociology. Students in a track take a "linked" course in an academic department and a 3-credit Project Renaissance course complementary to the track (so that the two courses together offer an interdisciplinary experience similar to the General Program). These tracks are appropriate for students considering many different majors.

Proven Results

Many students tell us that Project Renaissance eased the transition from high school to the university setting. Statistics reveal another positive benefit: 94% of students enrolled in Project Renaissance return to the University for their sophomore year.

Project Renaissance students excel in many aspects of University life. They have gone on to be leaders in the Student Association, conduct important research with prominent faculty members, and have earned internships with some of the area's leading companies and organizations.

Student Evaluation

Students currently participating in Project Renaissance are quick to identify the many benefits of the program. Collectively, they point to the friendships and social networks that are developed through the living-learning experience. Getting to know faculty and becoming more aware of the numerous resources available throughout the University are frequently mentioned advantages. Additional highlights of the program are some small classes (20 students), cultural exposure both on and off campus, and personal and academic support. While benefits are unique to each student, there is unanimous affirmation for the program and obvious pride in participation.

How to Apply

Project Renaissance accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is filled by students who have been accepted to the University and have paid their admissions deposit. Please feel free to contact the Project Renaissance office by phone at (518) 442-5333 or via email at projren@albany.edu with further questions about Project Renaissance.