This Opening Days Newsletter was prepared by University Web, for the students, faculty, and staff of the University at Albany to facilitate the efficient opening of the Fall 2002 semester. The following items address many common inquiries.
This Opening Days Newsletter was prepared by University Web, for the students, faculty, and staff of the University at Albany to facilitate the efficient opening of the Fall 2002 semester. The following items address many common inquiries.
Residential Life & Housing
Residence hall check-in will be held on Saturday, August 31st, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., for new Freshmen students. Freshmen who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference can check in on Wednesday, August 28th, between 11 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Transfer students who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference and who plan to live in the residence halls may check in between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday August 27 or Thursday, August 29th.
Residence Hall check-in for all other students will begin on Saturday, August 31st and continue through Monday, September 2nd, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All students will check in at their assigned quads.
Students with questions about their quad assignment should go to the Department of Residential Life, located on State Quad, or call (518) 442-5875.
For Freshmen and Transfer students who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference and who plan to live in the residence halls, meals will begin on their move-in day. These students should check their Quad Information Center for times and location of meals.
Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 pm Sunday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Continuous Kosher dining services are offered on Dutch Quad as listed below:
Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. * Friday dinner meal and Saturday brunch/dinner meal are available by individual arrangement with Dutch Residential Dining Manager. Service hours and locations may vary during University recognized breaks, holiday observances and long weekends; these hours will be posted in advance in all dining halls and in the Campus Center in front of Babb's.
Welcome Tent 2002New students and parents are invited to the Alumni Association's Welcome Tents located on Indian Quad and State Quad on Saturday, August 31st, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy refreshments while you're moving in on Opening Day!
Parents' Orientation SessionThe Parents' Orientation Session (for parents of new students who did not attend a 2002 Summer Planning Conference) is Wednesday, August 28nd, from 2:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m.
Freshmen Candle-Lighting CeremonyThis year's Freshmen Candle-lighting Ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, August 31st at 9:00 p.m. at the University Football Field. This annual event serves as the University's formal welcome of the Class of 2006. Faculty members will draw from the University's Torch of Knowledge and light the candle of each member of the incoming class, symbolizing their inclusion in the University's academic community. The ceremony includes greetings by President Karen R. Hitchcock and a welcome from student body president, Kirk Douglas.
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, August 29–30, and the Fall Orientation for Freshmen program that occurs from August 31–September 2.
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 Wednesday, August 28th or on Friday, August 30th.
Fall Orientation for Freshmen
All Freshmen, including those who attended a Summer Planning Conference, are invited to attend this University Orientation Program. A flyer detailing events will be distributed as students check into residence halls. The program dates are August 31–September 2.
Orientation For All New International Students
This will be held from Monday, August 26, 2002 through Thursday, August 29, 2002. Temporary housing will be available during the program, starting at 12 Noon on Sunday, August 25, 2002. Registration for the Orientation Program will begin on Sunday, August 25th at 12 noon in Waterbury Hall, Alumni Quad and Monday, August 26th at 9 a.m. in Lecture Center #1.
It is MANDATORY for all new international students to report to International Student Services, located in LI-84 (phone: 518-442-5495 / email: [email protected]), upon arrival in Albany!
Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation ProgramThe 2002 New Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation Program will take place Thursday, August 29th. All new graduate teaching assistants are urged to attend. Each attendee will receive a packet of resources including the 2002 edition of The Graduate Teaching Assistant Handbook. Call 437-3920 to register by Monday, August 26th.
GA/TA Health Insurance OrientationGraduate and Teaching Assistants who have at least a half assistantship and who have an annual stipend of at least $3,800 ($1900 per semester) are eligible for coverage in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP). Enrollment packets, including information about deadlines for enrollment and meetings for interested students, will be sent to eligible graduate and teaching assistants in care of their departments. Be sure to check your department mailbox during the first week of classes for this important and time-sensitive information. Contact Janice Green in Human Resources at 437-4730, if you have questions.
Academic Advisement ServicesThe Advisement Services Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. During the first week of classes students will be seen by their advisor on a first come, first served basis. Regularly scheduled appointments will begin the second week of classes and continue for the remainder of the semester. 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.
ComputingThe Computing Helpdesk (LC-27) is open Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., and Sunday 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Students may activate their computer accounts via the Web using WEBCAAP. (You will need your campus ID and Pin#.)
Public User Room HoursFor details on using email, opening accounts, and downtown computing facilities go to the Academic computing website.
Computer StoreUniversity Auxiliary Services is proud to partner with Dell and IBM to supply the University at Albany community quality computers and peripherals at special academic pricing.
Our computer kiosk, located in the University at Albany Bookstore, showcases a number of specially designed systems to fit every budget. Each system is preloaded with productivity software, has guaranteed connectivity to the University Resnet system, and carries a three-year, on site, warranty.
A visitor to our kiosk can place an order on line. Of course, display models are available for hands-on inspection, and there are brochures for the taking.
If you wish to talk to a University representative, please contact Ms. Charlene Polito at 518 442-3644. Or visit our web page at http://chef.fab.albany.edu/compstor/.
Academic RegistrationThe Fall 2002 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 3, 2002. Students who have not yet registered may call Voice Response Registration from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on this date. 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 3rd. You will need your Advisement Verification Number (AVN)from your adviser PRIOR to calling the registration system. Additional details can be found at https://www.albany.edu/registrar/reg-final.html
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 2nd. Special extended hours are scheduled for September 3rd – 5th and September 9th, 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. Please 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. Disbursement checks are not held for pick-up. EOP stipend checks will be available on September 3rd 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 https://chewy.albany.edu/paws_main.htm, 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. Contact them at (518) 442-5757 or (518) 442-5480.
University Health & Counseling ServicesThe Health Center will resume academic hours on Tuesday, September 3rd. Health Center hours for the Academic year are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 12 noon – 3:30 p.m., and Sundays closed. For information call 442-5454, and for an appointment call 442-5229.
* Semester breaks — 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m (long term breaks only)
Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service may be reached by calling 442-5151 (emergency number) or 442-5555 (administration). Five Quad will be in service 24 hours a day.
The University Counseling Center, located on the second Floor of the Health and Counseling 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 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.
The Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program provides a student-staffed hotline service, peer education and peer theater, and a credit-bearing training program for undergraduate students interested in helping other students with problem-solving, education, information, or referrals. Call the Middle Earth Hotline at 442-5777 for confidential and anonymous hotline service. Beginning Monday, September 9th, the Middle Earth hotline is open Noon - Midnight, Monday through Thursday and 24 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when classes are in session. Peer education or peer theater programs may be requested by calling 442-5891 or emailing the Middle Earth Director at [email protected]. Applications for membership in Middle Earth may be picked up on the second floor of the Health and Counseling Building.
Project SHAPE (Sexual Health and Peer Education} offers undergraduate and peer education and training in HIV/AIDS prevention. Call Carol Stenger at the University Counseling Center (442-5896) for more information.
University Bus ServiceAccess to the University Bus System (including CDTA's routes 10, 11, and 12) 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 coupons (University buses only, CDTA full fair), or via their SUNYCard if they purchase a $70.00 semester unlimited ride bus fee. For further information, contact the Office of Parking Management at 442-3121. Please contact University Albany Transportation at 442-3420.
Also, the University Administration Building Shuttle runs between the RACC/New Library and the new University Administration Building/Management Services Center building during the week. There is no weekend service. Check here for the daily schedule: http://chef.fab.albany.edu/bus/admin.asp
University at Albany Bookstore Hours
Off-Campus Housing OfficeThe Off-Campus Housing Office is located in the offices of Residential Life, which is in the basement of Eastman Tower in the State Quadrangle on the uptown campus of the university. The office 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 Off Campus Housing Office at 442-5886.
LibrariesRegular Fall Session Hours are effective September 3–December 20, 2002. For exceptions, call the Library's Hours Line, 442-3600. For information on library services, call the University Library at 442-3558,the Dewey Library at 442-3691,the Science Library at 437-3945, or consult the Libraries' web page at: http://library.albany.edu
For a complete list of hours check the Library Hours webpage.
Student Employee OrientationStudent employee orientation is intended for all new University at Albany College Work Study and Student Assistants. While it is not specifically applicable to Graduate Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Resident Assistants or student employees of the Research Foundation, employees in these categories may benefit from reading the sections on Forms, General Rules and Policies.
Orientation will help you develop the skills you need, and ensure you are paid accurately and promptly.
The orientation materials (available on the web) have been organized to provide you with a road map through the different aspects of working on campus. The orientation is divided into modules, designed to be reviewed in order.
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. (See complete emergency number listing)
ParkingInformation regarding University parking may be obtained from the Office of Parking Management located in the Parking Management Building on the west side of campus near Tricentennial Drive, (518) 442-3121. Customer Service hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Campus maps and parking brochures are available from the Office of Parking Management, the Circle Visitor's Booth or Campus Center Visitor Booth (near Indian Quad). To find out more information, please visit the Parking Management website at http://chef.fab.albany.edu/deptment/parking/ and take a moment to note the various parking changes that have occurred over the summer.
In an effort to accommodate students, the Office of Parking Management will be open Saturday, August 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SUNYCardSUNYCard functions as a universal card for all University students, faculty, and staff. It serves as a photo identification, library, building access, and meal card. SUNYCard also provides access to Podium Plus and Munch Money accounts. Munch Money is a debit account associated with your meal plan, and may be used for any food purchase on campus, including all of the food court retail outlets in the Campus Center, and the residence dining halls.
Podium+ is a debit account that works just about everywhere on campus — all our food vendors, residence hall dining programs, any campus vending machine, the University Bookstore, laundry facilities, Rapid Copy and selected Uniprint locations in the Lecture Centers, libraries and Draper Hall. You can even pay your parking fines using Podium+!
This year we're proud to announce PodiumNet — internet access to your Podium+ account. Adding funds is easy — just go online to www.albany.edu/uas and add funds using most major credit cards. No more waiting at the SUNYCard office or on the phone. Check your Podium+ account balance, review where you've spent money on campus — you can manage your Podium+ account from the privacy and comfort of your own computer, 24 hours a day/7 days a week!
In addition, Financial aid credit may be deposited electronically to your Podium+ account, with your written authorization.
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 are Saturday, August 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, September 1, from 12 p .m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, September 2 (Labor Day), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call the SUNYCard help line at 442-3061.
Albany AthleticsThe University at Albany's intercollegiate athletics program for men and women competes at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level. UAlbany, a member of the America East Conference, has 19 varsity teams (11 for women, 8 for men). Football, a NCAA Division I-AA program, is an associate member of the Northeast Conference. For more information, regarding UAlbany Athletics, call 442-DANE (3263), or visit the athletics website at, https://www.albany.edu/sports/. For athletic ticket information (student admission to home events is free with UAlbany ID), call 442-4683.
