University at Albany, State University of New York
Contact UAlbanyDirectoriesCalendars & SchedulesVisitorsSite IndexSearch
AdmissionsAcademicsResearchIT ServicesLibrariesAthletics
Orientation Homepage
Freshmen
Transfer
Parents
UAlbany Parents Website
Staff
Directions
Maps
Project Renaissance
2005 Freshman Opening Weekend Schedule

2005 Transfer Opening Weekend Schedule

An Acrobat Reader is necessary to read and print the above schedules. To download the free reader for your PC, click on the Acrobat Reader icon.

Get Acrobat Reader

E-postcards

Students Events and Activities

Join UAlbany's Pep Band



Orientation
 
Freshmen Orientation
2005

  Why Orientation?
Dates
Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend
Reserve Your Date
Parents
   – Maps
   – Motels Closest to Campus
   – Albany Visitors Bureau
First Year
Freshmen FAQ's
Freshmen Parent FAQ's
Advisement Guide

Why Orientation?

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 register for classes? What is it like to live on campus? Will I meet people I'll like? Will I be successful?

Woman in Fountain

The answers to these questions and many more are answered when you attend Freshman Orientation. In fact, you will attend a summer Orientation and a fall Orientation just before the start of classes. This gives you plenty of time to meet people, get to know the campus better, and to take care of all the most important processes in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with lots of assistance from current students, faculty, academic advisors and staff. It is also during the summer Orientation that you will meet your academic advisor and register for classes. You will receive your SUNYCard student ID, sign up for your University email account and much more!

With assistance, correct information and an idea of what to expect of the University community, you'll be off to a great start!. You'll also be able to make well-informed decisions that will help you to take advantage of all the University offers you.


Freshman Orientation Dates:

All freshmen attend a 2-day program in the summer that includes a one night stay in a residence hall. This program is called Summer Planning Conference.

In addition to the summer program, all freshmen participate in an additional Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend that occurs just before the start of classes.

  Cheerleaders


Summer Planning Conference Dates are as follow:

During the 2 days, you will:
  • meet with your academic advisor and register for classes
  • receive your SUNYCard Student ID, sign up for your University email account
  • attend information sessions about the academic and social environment on campus
  • experience a 1-night stay in a residence hall
  • meet new classmates and become familiar with the campus
June 27 – 28 (M-T)            July 18 – 19 (M-T)
June 30 – July 1 (Th-F)            July 21 – 22 (Th-F)
July 7 – 8 (Th-F)            July 25 – 26 (M-T)
July 11 – 12 (M-T)            July 28 – 29 (Th-F)
July 14 – 15 (Th-F)            Aug 1 – 2 (M-T)


Student with Laptop


"Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen" Program Dates are:

Friday evening, August 26 through Sunday, August 28.

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.  (Complete schedule will be on our web site and will be mailed in August)


Fountain Day


How To Reserve Date?

  • Send your $150 Admissions Deposit to the Student Accounts Office by the May 1 deadline.
  • Orientation Office mails you a reservation packet by mid-May.
    (Students who pay their Deposit after May 1 will receive Orientation information on a rolling basis.)
  • Select 3 dates you are able to come to Summer Planning Conference. Rank order your preferences.
  • Return your Reservation Card and $180 Orientation fee*. Subsequently, you will receive a confirmation of the date to which you are assigned, along with material you must act on before you arrive.
* Orientation Fee covers costs associated with summer and fall student programs, including special staff, meals, and all printed materials and is payable when you reserve your Orientation date.


First Year:

Adjustment and transition program opportunities are available to freshmen throughout their 1st year within their residence halls through a program called S.A.I.L. (Supporting Academic and Intellectual Leadership).


Freshmen FAQ's:


When is freshman orientation? What will happen during Orientation?

Freshman Orientation consists of 2 days in the summer (Summer Planning Conference) and an additional 2 days just before the start of classes in the fall (Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen Program). Summer Planning Conference (SPC) marks the beginning of your orientation to the campus community and will provide you with the information necessary to make your transition as smooth as possible. Every freshman will attend one of the ten 2-day conferences between June 27 and August 2.

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

  • 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
  • meet with your academic advisor and register for classes
  • receive your student ID card
  • sign up for your University email account (one way advisors/faculty keep in touch with students)
  • attend a computer workshop to learn how to use the new integrated computer system that will permit you to update your personal information (name, address, phone, etc.), check your student account, register for classes on line, access your grades and much more.
  • meet and get to know your classmates
Plan to check in on the 1st day of your conference between 10 and 10:30am. Your 1st meeting begins immediately after you check in. You will participate in many programs throughout the 1st day and into the evening. The 2nd day, workshops begin bright and early and students will meet with their advisor and register for classes that day. The conference ends at about 3pm.


Do I need to attend one of the 1st summer Orientations to get the classes I want?

The high demand courses for freshmen are distributed evenly throughout the sessions, so it doesn't matter which date you select. You should select dates that best suit your/your family's summer plans.


What should I bring to summer Orientation?


How can I carpool with a friend(s) who is also planning to attend UAlbany?

Students who would like to attend the same Conference should mail their Reservation Cards and fees in the same envelope and add a note that you would like to carpool. All students planning to carpool should select the same 3 dates in priority order. While we will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, this is not always possible.


Can I bring a friend to Orientation?

If you would like to carpool with another new student, please follow the directions as stated in "How can I carpool with a friend(s)?" above. You will not likely be in the same group, but you will certainly have opportunities to spend time together periodically. You will not be able to bring a friend who is not coming to the University as a new student. No accommodations can be made for others who are not assigned to your Orientation date and you will be busy attending mandatory sessions and completing numerous important administrative processes.


I have a long drive to get to campus. Can I stay on campus the night before Orientation?

Yes, there are overnight accommodations available the night before your orientation.

Apartment style accommodations are available on Empire Commons. These feature air conditioning and full size beds, but there is no phone or TV in the apartment. While you will have your own bedroom/bathroom, you may be assigned to share an apartment with someone else as there are two separate bedroom/bathrooms located within each apartment. Towels, linens and blankets are provided. There is access to a Community Building until 8:00 pm that houses a TV, Fitness Center, pool table, and foosball table. Call (518) 956-6250 for reservations. The cost is $50/bedroom.

Students stay on State Quad the night of their actual orientation which is covered by their orientation fee. No linen is provided for the student on their orientation night. Parents do not reside with students on their orientation night.


Will I stay with my parents?

Students stay with their group and their group's Orientation Assistant, a current student, on State Quad. Parents may opt to make reservations for:


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


What do I need to complete prior to the fall?

Attend a Freshman Planning Conference, meet with your academic advisor and register for classes. Go to http://www.albany.edu/orientation, then hit "Freshman"

Planning to live on campus?
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the housing web site at:  http://www.albany.edu/housing/living/manage/new.html

Health Forms — All new students must complete and return several Health Forms to the University Health Center. Hit "Forms/Immunizations" for Forms and more information.
http://www.albany.edu/health_center

Complete Admissions Process — Be certain that final official transcripts of all college coursework, CLEP and AP credit have been sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Click on "Freshman Admissions" at http://www.albany.edu/main/index_admissions.html

Financial Aid — To be eligible for any form of financial aid, you must first apply. Information for new students can be found at http://www.albany.edu/financial_aid


I am going to commute to Albany from my home. Must I stay overnight?

Yes, all freshmen, whether they plan to live on campus during the academic year or commute from home, attend the full 2-day summer orientation program that includes one night on campus. There is much to be learned about the University and how you will relate to it, and our program sessions begin early and end late on the 1st day. There are social events that night that provide an excellent opportunity for all students to get to know one another. We begin again early the 2nd morning and meetings continue until 3:00 pm. Information learned is equally applicable to both commuter and resident students.


Will my roommate at Orientation be my roommate during the academic year?

There is no relationship between the person(s) with whom you stay overnight at Orientation and the person(s) with whom you will live during the academic year. Roommates are assigned randomly for your Orientation night.


What is the "Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen Program"?

Freshman participate in an additional 2 days of orientation occur immediately before classes begin in the fall. This fall portion of the program continues with more detail than you learned in the summer program. 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.

Among last year's events were:


When do I move in for the fall semester, if I plan to live on campus?

Students living in Eastman Tower on State Quad or Mohawk Tower on Indian Quad on floors 11-21 can move in on Thursday, August 25, while all other freshmen move in on Friday, August 26. The "Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen" program occurs from Friday evening, August 26 through Sunday, August 28.


What if I can't make it in the summer?

In most cases, students who attend orientation in the summer feel better prepared for a successful start to the school year. They meet with their advisor, register for classes and become acquainted with the campus, its community and services, faculty, staff and classmates in a relaxed summer environment. However, if it is impossible for you to attend a summer program, you should select the 2-day Fall Planning Conference that occurs on August 25–26. As all other freshmen, you will also attend the extended "Fall Orientation Welcome Weekend for Freshmen" program that continues through Sunday, August 28. An abbreviated Fall Parent Information Program occurs on Wednesday, August 24 from 2:15–5:00 pm.



Freshmen Parent FAQ's:


Is there a parent summer orientation program?

Yes, there is a 2-day summer Parent Orientation Program. Although it is an optional program, we do encourage parents to attend if at all possible. Parents/Guardians of freshmen overwhelmingly indicate that they learn a great deal and feel more comfortable with the University community, even if they have visited campus prior to Orientation. It is a great way to get the most up to date information, meet faculty and staff, and to learn of the campus resources that will help your son or daughter to make a successful transition. This program is concurrent but separate from the student program. Due to the student's schedule, it is not likely that there will be interaction between family members and students until you are ready to depart from campus.

Typical topics covered in the Parents Orientation Program are:

The Parent Program Fee is $30 (for 1 or 2 parents). The fee includes continental breakfast items at Check-in, coffee on the 2nd morning and light refreshments on the second day. This fee does not include meals or lodging. You can reserve your place for the program by indicating your choices on your son/daughter/s Reservation Card.

Information about lodging options both on and off campus for parents is sent with the student's confirmation-of-date information.


What is the fee for the optional Parent Orientation Program?
What does it cover?

The fee for the Parent Orientation is $30 for 1 or 2 parents. The fee covers costs associated with the program including continental breakfast items during Check-In on the 1st day, coffee on the 2nd morning, and light refreshments on the afternoon of the 2nd day.

The parent fee does not cover lodging or meals.

Parents may purchase a Luncheon Pass at Check-In. This allows you to participate in the more formal luncheon program in the Campus Center Ballroom on the 2nd day (cash only please).


Are there on-campus accommodations for parents who wish to stay overnight?

Yes, there are overnight accommodations available the night before orientation for parents and/or students who may need to arrive early and for parents on the night of orientation.

Apartment style accommodations are available on Empire Commons. These feature air conditioning and full size beds, but there is no phone or TV in the apartment. While you will have your own bedroom/bathroom, you may be assigned to share an apartment with someone else as there are two separate bedroom/bathrooms located within each apartment. Towels, linens and blankets are provided. There is access to a Community Building until 8:00 pm that houses a TV, Fitness Center, pool table, and foosball table. Call (518) 956-6250 for reservations. The cost is $50/bedroom.

Listed below is a list of several nearby motels with air conditioning, TV and phones for parents who prefer this option or you may visit the Albany Visitors Bureau site for a more complete list of local lodging and eateries.  http://www.albany.org/

Please note:  Students stay with other freshmen on State Quad the night of their orientation, which is covered by their orientation fee. No linen is provided for the student on their orientation night on State Quad. Parents may not reside with students on their orientation night.


What should parents bring?

Depending upon your situation, you may wish to consider:


How can parents make reservations for motels in close proximity to campus?

Motels

For parents only:  Motels located closest to campus are listed below:

Best Western Sovereign Hotel
1228 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 489-2981
1-800-WESTERN
Includes full breakfast, pool, and free local calls.

Holiday Inn Express
1442 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 438-0001
(888) 651-0040

Fairfield Inn by Marriott
1383 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 435-1800
1-800-228-2800
Includes continental breakfast, pool, spa, wireless Internet access and free local calls

Thruway Courtyard by Marriott
1455 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 435-1600
1-800-321-2211

Extended Stay America
1395 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 446-0680
1-800-EXT-STAY

There are many additional motels/hotels available throughout the area. For more information about the Albany area, lodging, area attractions and events by the month, visit http://www.albany.org.

last updated 3/7/2005
 
 

University at Albany Home Page

Contact UAlbany | Directories | Calendars | Visitors | Site Index | Search
Admissions | Academics | Research | IT Services | Libraries | Athletics