Freshmen Fall

Looking forward to beginning college? Excited and anticipating a great experience, yet just a little anxious? How is college life different from high school? How challenging are classes? What is there to do on campus? Will I have help if I need it? When do I finalize my classes? What is it like to live on campus? Will I meet people I'll like? Will I be successful?

You’ll learn the answers to these questions and many more when you attend Freshman Orientation. Academic advisors, student Orientation Assistants, faculty and staff will provide information about the academic and social expectations and environment at UAlbany and you’ll finalize your class schedule, receive your student ID card and meet new classmates. With guidance, correct information and an idea of what to expect of the University community, you'll be off to a great start!

Freshman Orientation Date:

Thursday - Friday, August 25-26, 2011

Fall Orientation consists of a two day planning conference followed by "Great Dane Beginnings."

"Great Dane Beginnings" is the name of the Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen Program which occurs on Thursday, August 26 through Sunday, August 29. A full schedule of programs and activities are planned for both commuter and resident students to give you a jump-start on your college experience. For more information about "Great Dane Beginnings" visit: www.albany.edu/studentsuccess/openingweekend

How To Reserve Date?

1. Send your $150 Admissions Deposit to the Student Accounts Office.
2. Set up your UAlbany email account.
3. Go to  the University Welcome Website & click on Freshman.
4. As you act on your "To Do List", click on Orientation to register for Orientation.
5. Complete and sumbit the Orientation Reservation Form on the Welcome Website.
6. Pay $205 Orientation fee* at http://epay.albany.edu/.
7. When the Orientation Office acts on your request, you will receive confirmation materials at your UAlbany email account.

Subsequently, you will receive confirmation materials by mail.

* Orientation Fee covers all costs associated with the 5-day student program, including special staff, some meals, and all materials you receive and is payable when you reserve your Orientation date.

Freshmen FAQ's:
Q1: When is freshman orientation? What will happen during Orientation?
Q2: I have a long drive to get to campus. Can I stay on campus the night before Orientation?
Q3: Is there a Parent/Guardian Orientation program?
Q4: What do I need to prepare/complete before coming to Orientation?
Q5:  I am going to commute to UAlbany for classes from my home. Must I stay overnight during Orientation?
Q6: What is the Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen Program?

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Q1: When is freshman orientation? What will happen during Orientation?
Freshman Orientation consists of a 2 day Planning Conference followed by 3 days of activities called "Great Dane Beginnings".

At Orientation, faculty, academic advisors, professional staff and student Orientation Assistants are excited to meet and guide you and your group throughout the program. During this time, you will: 

1. attend a number of information sessions covering academic requirements, the academic and social environment on campus, and what it takes to be successful at Albany, both academically and personally
2. meet with your academic advisor
3. receive your student ID card
4. meet and get to know your classmates

Plan to check in on Thursday, August 26 between 9:00 - 9:20am. Your 1st meeting begins immediately after Check In. You will participate in many programs throughout the 1st day including the Welcome Candlelighting Ceremony and Danes After Dark First Night Fest. On Thursday, August 25, Orientation resumes at 10:00am on Friday. Students will meet with their advisor at some point during these 2 days. The Planning Conference ends at about 3pm on Friday and is immediately followed by "Great Dane Beginnings" activities.

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Q2: If I am living on campus, when can I move in?

If you are attending the Fall Orientation program, plan to arrive on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 to check into your residential hall by going to your Quad Information Center (located on every Quad) between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

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Q3: Is there a Parent/Guardian Orientation program? 

Parents may opt to attend a parent orientation that is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24 from 2:15-5:00pm to be held in Lecture Center 19. 
Please note that parents may not attend the student orientation program. 

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Q4: What do I need to prepare/complete before coming to Orientation?

Review New Freshman Advisement Information found at:  http://www.albany.edu/advisement/
Activate your myUAlbany and University email accounts and memorize your Net ID and password. 
Write down all your questions or you may not remember to ask them.

Additionally, be certain you have completed each step included on the Freshman To Do List.

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Q5: I am going to commute to UAlbany for classes from my home. Must I stay overnight during Orientation?

No, you will be commuting to the Fall Planning Conference. 

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Q6: What is "Great Dane Beginnings"?

Freshman participate in an additional orientation called "Great Dane Beginnings" that occurs immediately before classes begin in the fall (Thursday August 25 - Sunday August 28, 2011).  Many of the programs focus on academics and the intellectual environment at UA.  In addition, you will be able to attend a variety of social programs so you can meet many more of your classmates which will help you feel part of the campus community right away. For more information, visit www.albany.edu/studentsuccess/openingweekend.