This Opening Days newsletter was prepared for the students, faculty and staff of the University at Albany to facilitate the efficient opening of the Fall 1999 semester. The following items address many common inquiries.
This Opening Days newsletter was prepared for the students, faculty and staff of the University at Albany to facilitate the efficient opening of the Fall 1999 semester. The following items address many common inquiries.
Residential Life & HousingResidence hall check-in will be held on Friday, September 3rd, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., for new Freshman students. Freshmen and transfers who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference can check in on Wednesday, September 1st, between 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. Residence Hall check-in for all other students will be held on Saturday, September 4th, and Sunday, September 5th, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. All students will check in at their assigned quads. Project Renaissance students will check in on Thursday, September 2nd, between 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Indian Quad.
Meals for those participating in the Fall Orientation for Freshmen Program will begin with dinner on Friday, September 3rd, in the Indian and State quad dining halls (the Kosher kitchen will be open on Dutch Quad only for those on the Kosher meal plan). For freshmen and transfers who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference and who plan to live in the residence halls, meals will begin with dinner Wednesday, September 1st, in the Alumni and Dutch Quad Dining Halls. The dining halls will open for all other students beginning Saturday, September 4th, for dinner.
Students with questions about their quad assignment should go to the Department of Residential Life and Housing, located on State Quad, or call (518) 442-5875 or 1-800-4RESLIFE.
Contract meals for all students will be served in all of the quad dining halls beginning with dinner on Saturday, September 4th, according to the following fall semester schedule:
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Continuous Dining Sat & Sun: 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. September 3 8:30 am-7:30 pm (Alden/Dutch/lndian/State only) November 24 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. November 25–27 Closed December 22 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Welcome Tent 1999New students and parents are invited to the Alumni Association's Welcome Tents located on Indian Quad on Thursday, September 2nd, and on Indian Quad and State Quad on Friday, September 3rd, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy refreshments while you're moving in on Opening Day! If you ordered Who's New, you can pick up your copy here, too. The event is co-sponsored by University Auxiliary Services.
Parents' Orientation SessionThe Parents' Orientation Session (for parents of new students who did not attend a 1999 Summer Planning Conference) is Wednesday, September 1st, from 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m.
Freshman Candle-Lighting CeremonyThe Opening Convocation will be held at 9:00 pm Friday, September 3rd, at the football field. All new students and their parents are encouraged to attend this traditional ceremony that celebrates the official welcoming of new students to the University community.
Orientation, Advisement, & Registration for New StudentsFreshmen — Freshmen who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference will attend an orientation, advisement, and registration session (according to information mailed to them) Thursday and Friday, September 2–3, and the Fall Orientation for Freshman program that occurs from September 3–6.
Transfers — Transfers who did not attend Summer Planning Conference will attend a Fall Planning Conference for advisement and class registration (according to information mailed to them) occurring on Thursday, September 2nd, or Friday, September 3rd.
Fall Orientation for FreshmenAll Freshmen, including those who attended a Summer Planning Conference, are expected to attend this University Orientation Program. A brochure detailing events will be distributed as students check into residence halls. Information will be mailed to commuter students at their permanent address. The program dates are September 3–6.
Orientation For All New International StudentsThis will be held from Tuesday, August 31, 1999 through Friday, September 3rd. Temporary housing will be available during the program, starting at 12 Noon on Monday, August 30, 1999. Registration for the Orientation Program will begin on Tuesday, August 31st at 8:30 a.m. in Lecture Center #1. All new international students must register on arrival and check in with the Director of International Students (LI 66), regardless of whether they plan to attend the Orientation.
GA/TA Health Insurance OrientationGraduate and Teaching Assistants who have at least a half assistantship and who have an annual stipend of at least $3,767 ($1,883.50 per semester) are eligible for coverage in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP). Enrollment packets, including information about deadlines for enrollment and a series of meetings for interested students, will be sent to eligible graduate and teaching assistants in care of their departments by August 19, 1999. Be sure to check your department mailbox during the first week of classes for this important and time-sensitive information. Contact Employee Benefits at 442-3155 if you have questions.
Academic Advisement ServicesThe Advisement Services Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The office will be open Monday, September 6th. Any students who have not yet activated their computer accounts are urged to do so as soon as possible so that you will receive the e-mail messages sent from your advisor.
Academic Computing CenterThe Academic Computing Center Helpdesk (LC-27) is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Students may activate their computer accounts via the Web using WEBCAAP. (You will need your campus ID and Pin#.) Public user rooms on the main podium (LC-3, LC-4) are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
For details on using email, opening accounts, and downtown computing facilities go to the Academic Computing Web Site at: https://www.albany.edu/academic_computing/
Academic RegistrationThe Fall 1999 Final Registration Day will be conducted via the Voice Response Registration system (518-442-9000, 9-442-9000 from on campus) for all students on Tuesday, September 7, 1999. Students who have not yet registered may call Voice Response Registration from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on September 7, 1999. The system may be accessed from any public or private touch-tone telephone. Two telephone lines will be available in CC-B25 for students who want assistance using the Voice Response System from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on September 7th. The University has established deadlines for registration, late registration, dropping, and adding courses. The deadlines are published in the Schedule of Classes and on the University's Web page under "Academic Calendar." Students are responsible for accomplishing registration activities within those deadlines.
Office of Student AccountsThe Student Accounts Counter Fall hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Office will be closed on September 6th. Special extended hours are scheduled for September 8–9, when the Counters will be open until 5:30 p.m. To avoid standing in long lines, you should pay your bill by mail, using the return envelope provided. Students with Stafford Loans from banks not using electronic transfer of funds will receive a postcard when the check arrives on campus. Go to the Bursar's Office (CC-26) at that time to endorse it. Students awarded Perkins Loans should come to the Billing Counter (CC-26) during the extended hours period noted above to sign their promissory notes. All financial aid disbursement checks will be mailed or, with your authorization, electronically deposited into your SUNYCard Citibank debit account. Disbursement checks are not held for pick-up. EOP Stipend checks will be available on September 7th in the EOP Office. After that date, stipend checks will be located in the Bursar's Office (CC-26). If you would like to review the status of your account on the University's web page go to http://paws.ubs.albanv.edu, then click on Student Accounts. You will need your campus ID# and PIN# to access your account.
Financial AidThe Office of Financial Aid is located in the basement of the Campus Center, Room B-52. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is recommended that only students with emergency needs visit the office during the first week of classes. New students will have a reasonable amount of time during the first few weeks of the semester to resolve any outstanding financial aid issues without penalty. Federal Work-Study Program students who did not receive their job assignments in the mail in August should come to the Office of Financial Aid after the first day of classes to obtain student employment information. If you have not applied for financial aid and wish to do so at this time, application forms are available in the Office of Financial Aid. The only form required to apply for federal student aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students interested in the Federal Stafford Loan will, in addition, need to submit the loan application. New York State residents will receive a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation about a month after filing the FAFSA. If you don't receive a TAP application, you may request one by calling (888) 697-4372.
University Health & Counseling ServicesThe Health Center will resume academic year hours on Thursday, August 26th. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on weekends. For information call 442-5454, and for an appointment call 442-5229.
Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service will also begin service on Thursday, August 26th and may be reached by calling 442-5151 (emergency number) or 442-5555 (administration).
The University Counseling Center, located on the second Floor of the Health and Counseling Services Building, provides a range of health promotion, prevention education, and treatment services to assist students with personal concerns and in optimizing their academic productivity and health. Services include psychological counseling and short-term psychological testing of academically underachieving students. Health promotion and prevention education activities addressing a range of health and mental health issues are offered to the University community. Located in the Health and Counseling Building our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 442- 5800 to request a brochure or arrange for services.
Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program provides peer education and peer theater, as well as undergraduate students trained to help other students with problem solving, information, or referrals. Call the Middle Earth Hotline at 442-5777 for confidential and anonymous service. Open Noon–Midnight, Monday through Thursday and 24 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Peer education programs may be requested by calling 442-5891. Middle Earth also provides training with the option of receiving course credits. Project SHAPE (Sexual Health and Peer Education} offers undergraduate and peer education and training in HIV/AIDS prevention. Call the Center for more information.
University Bus ServiceAccess to the University Bus System (including CDTA's routes 10, 11, 12, and 17 for evenings and weekends) is free via their SUNYCard for full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who pay the full comprehensive fee (billed by Student Accounts). Faculty, staff, and graduate students who are GSEU-represented employees may ride with $1.00 ride coupons (University buses only, $1.00 cash on CDTA), or via their SUNYCard if they purchase a $70.00 semester unlimited ride bus fee. For further information, please contact the Office of Parking Management at 442-3121.
Date Bookstore Hours Sept. 4–5 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sept. 6 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sept. 7–9 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Sept. 10 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sept. 11 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Sept. 12 Closed Sept 13–16 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Sept. 17 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sept. 18 12 00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Sept. 19 Closed Sept. 20 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Regular Bookstore Hours Resume on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1999
Mon. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Tue.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–5 :30 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun. CLOSED
Personal Safety and Off-Campus AffairsThe Office of Personal Safety & Off-Campus Affairs, located in Campus Center room 110, assists students who want to live off-campus by providing free apartment listings and other essential information on how to survive off-campus. The office's homepage found on the University's web site at (https://www.albany.edu/opsoca/off_campus_housing/, lists off-campus apartments and is updated every Friday afternoon except during recesses. Use the search engine to search the listings and display the apartments that meet your specific needs. For more information and current office hours, please call the Office of Personal Safety & Off Campus Affairs at 442-5886.
LibrariesRegular Fall Session Hours are effective September 7–December 22, 1999. For exceptions, call the Library's Hours Line, 442-3600. For information on library services, call the University Library at 442-3600 or the Dewey Library at 442-3691, or consult the Libraries' web page at: https://www.albany.edu/library
University Library Intersession Schedule: August 14–September 6 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Regular Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.–11 :00 p.m. Sunday Noon–11:00 p.m. Gov. Thomas E. Dewey Graduate Library for Public Affairs and Policy Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday Noon–8:00 p.m. September 6 Labor Day–Closed
The New SCI/TECH LibraryThe new library building, with a project opening date of mid-September is a multi-purpose building with a strong focus on technology and network access. The five story building contains: laboratory facilities for computing and digital imaging, information retrieval and instructional technology; electronic multi-media classrooms and seminar rooms; a Science Library on three floors with networked databases, more than 500 seats for users, including individual and group study facilities with data and computing access. Library and computing facilities in this building will take advantage of the most recent technologies in computing and telecommunications to respond to new opportunities and the expanding options for access and delivery of information resources in a variety of formats.
Student Employment AuthorizationThe Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that all new employees provide proof of identity and authorization to work. This is a simple process, but must be completed no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in the delay of your paycheck. Questions related to this procedure and the verification itself should be directed to the Office of Human Resources according to the job titles listed:
- Student Assistant, College Work Study, Graduate Assistant, Resident Assistant, Teaching Assistant — 442-3135 (Adm 315);
- Research Project Assistant, Senior Research Aide, Research Aide — 442-3165 (Adm 334).
Department of Public Safety InformationThe Department of Public Safety (University Police Department) is staffed at all times. Thefts of property occur frequently during the hectic opening days period. Remember to secure your property; do not leave it unattended in unlocked vehicles or rooms. Security of property is primarily the owner's responsibility. In addition, Public Safety assists the Office of Parking Management with enforcement. The University Police 24-Hour Phone Number is 442-3131 or 911 for an emergency.
ParkingInformation regarding University parking may be obtained from the Office of Parking Management located in the Public Safety Building, (518) 442-3121. Customer Service hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Campus maps and parking brochures are available from the University Police desk officer 24 hours a day. To find out more information, please visit the Parking Management website at http://chef.fab.albany.edu/deptment/parking/
SUNYCardThe SUNYCard functions as a universal card for all University students, faculty, and staff. It serves as a photo identification, library, building access, and meal card. The SUNYCard also accesses the Podium Plus and Munch Money accounts. In addition, students can receive their financial aid electronically via the SUNYCard, with individual student authorization, much more quickly than the current check disbursement system. Students who choose to open a debit account with Citibank will be able to use their card to access off-campus sales locations and ATM machines utilizing the NYCE or Cirrus networks. Students who open a Podium Plus Account will be able to use their SUNYCard to access on-campus sales locations such as the bookstore, laundry machines, and any of the food court vendors. Off-campus students who sign-up with MCI will be offered very competitive long-distance rates and an opportunity to obtain a calling card to stay connected to MCI as they travel within the U.S. and internationally. Summer hours at the SUNYCard Office are from Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and hours during the academic year are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Opening weekend hours will be as follows: Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mon. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the help line at 442-3061.
Albany AthleticsThe University at Albany will upgrade its intercollegiate athletics program for men and women to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I status, effective in the 1999–2000 academic year. The University currently has 19 varsity athletic teams that will compete at the Division I level. For more information regarding University at Albany Athletics call 442-DANE, or visit the Website at: https://www.albany.edu/sports/athletic.html
Important Phone Numbers Academic Computing Help Desk 442-3706 Advisement Services Center 442-3960 Athletics 442-DANE Bookstore 442-5690 Student Life 442-5566 Counseling Center 442-5800 Financial Aid 442-5757 Five Quad Ambulance: Emergency 442-5151 Business 442-5555 Health Center: Information 442-5454 Appointment 442-5229 Library: University (Info.) 442-3558 Dewey 442-3691 Middle Earth Peer Assistance: Hotline 442-5777 Business 442-5890 Parking Management 442-3121 Public Safety: Emergency 442-3131 or 911 Non-Emergency 442-3132 Registrar 442-5540 Residential Life/Orientation 442-5875 Student Accounts 442-3202 Student Association 442-5640 SUNYCard (Help Line) 442-3061 University Switchboard 442-3300
