Welcome Families and Supporters!
Families and supporters are valued members of our UAlbany community and critical partners in supporting new student transitions. We offer several resources to support family members during Orientation and throughout the academic year.
Summer 2026 Orientation Programs
Family members and supporters are welcome to attend a Family and Supporter Connection Day program that is concurrent with the student programs. Multiple options are available between June 23 and July 14, 2026. We will have information sessions and resources designed to answer your questions and help you acclimate to the University at Albany community.
Registration for Orientation is available through the Application Portal. Students should register family members during Connection Day registration. There is no additional fee for Family and Supporter Orientation.
Connection Day
The Family and Supporter Program during Connection Day includes several sessions designed to share resources and acclimate you to the UAlbany campus. Topics include:
- Academic Support Services
- Campus Support Services
- Health and Well-being
- Financing your Education Q&A
- Campus Tour
- Connecting with University Resources
Family members are also invited to purchase lunch at one of our Campus Center retail venues (credit card only). Lunch for students is provided in a residential dining hall.
Only service animals are permitted in the Campus Center. Please view the Animals on Campus policy.
Please note that there is not a Family program offered during Welcome Week Orientation. We encourage all families and supporters to join us back on campus in the fall for Great Dane Family Weekend.
Learn about more resources and events on our Parent and Families website.
Transportation and Overnight Accommodations
- If you are traveling to UAlbany from the New York City area and are looking for public transportation options, OurBus is offering routes directly to and from the UAlbany campus on select Connection Days (6/26, 6/29, 7/2, 7/6, and 7/10). There are two pick up options, one in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan. Please select "Albany, NY" as the destination when searching, then select the route with "SUNY Albany Collins Circle" as the final destination.
- You may also choose to stay overnight in one of our on-campus apartments prior to your scheduled Connection Day for a cost of $75. Please use the Empire Commons Reservation Form to request overnight accommodations.
- There are also many Hotels Near Campus and you are welcome to review our driving directions.
- Please contact our office at [email protected] if you need further assistance or have additional questions about traveling to campus for Connection Day.