Welcome to the University at Albany

This Opening Days Newsletter was prepared for the students, faculty and staff of the University at Albany, to contribute to an efficient opening of the Fall 1997 Semester. The following are items of information that address many common inquiries.


Residential Life & Housing

Residence Hall check-in will be held on Saturday, August 30th, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., for new freshmen students. Freshmen and transfers who did not attend a Summer Planning Conference can check in on Wednesday, August 27th, between 12 noon and 5:00 p.m.. Residence Hall check-in for all other students will be held on Sunday, August 31st, and Monday, September 1st, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. All students will check in at their assigned quad.

Meals for those participating in Fall Orientation for Freshmen Program will begin with breakfast on Saturday, August 30th, in the Indian, Colonial, and Alumni 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 on Wednesday, August 27th, in the Alumni and Colonial Quad Dining Halls. The Dining Halls (dining schedule listed below) will open for all other students beginning Sunday, August 31st, for brunch (11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). Students with questions about their quad assignment should go to the Department of Residential Life, located on State Quad, or call (518)442-5875 or 1-800-4RESLIFE.

Monday-Friday:
Breakfast 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. All Dining Halls
Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Indian, State, Waterbury
Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Colonial, Dutch
Dinner 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Colonial, State, Indian, Dutch
Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Waterbury
 
Saturday:
Breakfast 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. All Dining Halls
Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. All Dining Halls
Dinner 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Colonial, State, Indian, Dutch
Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Waterbury
 
Sunday:
Brunch 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All Dining Halls
Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. All Dining Halls


Opening Day Events � Saturday, August 30

Alumni Association Welcome Tent
Indian and Dutch Quadrangles
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Complimentary Barbecue for Freshmen & Families
Indian, Colonial, and Alumni Quadrangles
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies
Main Fountain Area, Academic Podium
8:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ice Cream Social
Small Fountain Area, Academic Podium
9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Welcome to Albany Party
Small Fountain Area, Academic Podium
9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.


Parents Orientation Session

The Parents Orientation Session (for parents of new students who did not attend a 1997 Summer Planning Conference) is on Wednesday, August 27th, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Terrace Lounge. Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m..


Orientation, Advisement, & Registration for New Students

New undergraduates who did not attend a 1997 Summer Planning Conference will attend their Orientation, Advisement, and Registration programs as follows:


New Faculty Fringe Benefit Orientation

Sessions are scheduled for Tues., Sept. 9th at 9am and Thurs., Sept. 25th, at 2pm. Both sessions will be held in CC-373 and will last about 2 hours. Details to be discussed include different retirement systems and health plans. Please bring your fringe benefit package with you.


Health Insurance Orientation

Sessions for Graduate and Teaching Assistants will be held on Thurs., Sept. 4th, at 2pm in CC-375; Mon., Sept. 8th, at 10am in CC 375; Wed., Sept. 10th, at 9am in Draper 313; and Thurs., Sept. 18th, at 9am in CC-375.


Academic Advisement Services

The Advisement Services Center is open on Thursday, August 28th and Friday, August 29th, ONLY for new students who are not registered for fall classes. Beginning Tuesday, September 2nd, advisers are available to see their students for program adjustment.


Academic Registration

Fall 1997 Final Registration Day will be held via the Voice Response Registration system (518-442-9000, 9-442-9000 from on campus) for all students on Tuesday, September 2, 1997. All graduate students, general studies students, new freshmen, new transfers, and returning matriculated undergraduate students who have not yet registered may call Voice Response Registration from 12:01am until 11:59pm on September 2nd. The system may be accessed from any public or private touch-tone telephone. Two telephone lines will be available in AD-B5 for students who want assistance using the Voice Response System from 9:00am until 6:30pm on September 2nd. The University has stated deadlines for registration, late registration, dropping, and adding courses. The deadlines are published every term in the Schedule of Classes. Students who miss these deadlines and cannot demonstrate extenuating circumstances will not be allowed to register for, add, or drop a class(es). Having an administrative hold is not a cause for an exception to the rules. Students are responsible for registering, late registering, dropping, and adding within the calendar deadlines. There is no guarantee an exception will be granted for those who miss one of these deadlines.


Office of Student Accounts

The Student Accounts Counter Fall hours are 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday. The Office will be closed on September 1st. Special extended hours are scheduled for September 2-4, when the Counters will be open until 5:30pm. 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 (BA B20) at that time to endorse it. Students awarded Perkins Loans should come to the Billing Counter (BA B19) 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 2nd in the EOP Office. After that date, stipend checks will be located in the Bursar's Office (BA B20).


Financial Aid

The 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. The office will also be open on Saturday, August 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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. If you are a New York State resident and wish to apply for a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award, you should complete and submit the New York State TAP application in addition to the FAFSA.

University Health & Counseling Services

The Health Center will resume academic year hours on Wednesday, August 27th. Hours are 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday - Friday. 8:00am to 4:00pm on weekends. For information call 442-5454, and for an appointment call 442-5229. Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service will also begin service on Wednesday, August 28th 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 education, prevention and treatment services to assist students in both adjusting to university life and in optimizing their academic productivity. Services include psychological counseling and short-term psychotherapy for emotional, social, and academic concerns, as well as psychological testing of academically underachieving students. Prevention education programs addressing a range of health and mental health issues are offered to the University community. Office hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The phone number is 442-5800. Please call to ask questions about any of our services or to request a brochure. There is no charge for center services. Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program provides student volunteers trained to help other students. We will lend a listening ear, assist with problem-solving, and provide information or referrals. Call the Middle Earth Hotline (442-5777), or come in person to Room 204 in the Health and Counseling Building. Services are confidential and anonymous. Open Noon-Midnight, Monday through Thursday. Open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, there is no need to make an appointment for service. Immediate individual peer assistance services are available. Middle Earth also provides training with the option of receiving course credits. If you are interested in volunteering at Middle Earth, please pick up an application at our agency or call our business line at 442- 5890.


University Bus Service

Access 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.


Campus Center Building & Service Hours

Date C.C. Building Hours
Aug. 25-29 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 30 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Aug. 31 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 1 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 2 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 3-4 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 5 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 6 9:00 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 7 12 noon - 11:00 p.m.
Sept. 8 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 9-11 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 12 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sept. 13 9:00 a.m. - 12 mid.


Regular Building Hours Resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1997

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 12 mid.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12 mid.
Sunday Noon - 11:00 p.m.
For Holiday or Special hours call 442-5566.


Information Desk : The information desk is staffed for the majority of the day and set hours will be posted during the first week of class.


University at Albany Bookstore Hours

Date Bookstore Hours
Aug. 25-29 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 30 12 noon - 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 31 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 1 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 2 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 3-4 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 6 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sept. 7 Closed
Sept. 8 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9-11 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 12 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sept. 13 12 noon - 5:00 p.m.


Regular Bookstore Hours Resume on Sunday, Sept. 14, 1997

Mon.: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tue-Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun: CLOSED


Campus Center Food Service Hours

Date Cee Cees Pizza Hut Zepps
Aug. 28-9 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Aug. 30-1 Closed Closed Closed
Sept. 1 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Closed


*All other units are closed on these dates.


Regular Hours Begin on Sept. 2nd (May be subject to change)

CCK Cafeteria 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Patroon Room 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
KFC M-Th 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. F 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Nathan's M-Th 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. F 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Freshens M-Th 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. F 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Chun Wok M-Th 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. F 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Cee Cees M-F 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Sat/Sun 12 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Pizza Hut M-Th 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. F 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat/Sun 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Taco Bell M-F 11:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Zepps M-Th 11:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m. F 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sat/Sun 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


Libraries

Regular Fall Session Hours are effective September 2nd-December 19th, 1997. 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:

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 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.


Student Employment Authorization

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that all new employees provide proof of identity and authorization to work. Final Employment eligibility verification must be completed no later than the third day of employment. Questions related to this procedure and the verification itself should be directed to the Office of Human Resources according to the job titles listed:


Department of Public Safety Information

The 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.


Parking

Information 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, 8:00am-8:00pm, Friday 8:00am-7:00pm. Campus maps and parking brochures are available from the University Police desk officer 24 hours a day.


SUNYCard

The 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 Quads Plus 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 free, prepaid 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 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and hours during the academic year are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Labor Day 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.


Selected Upcoming Events, Fall 1997

Aug. 30th: Freshmen Move-In and Welcome Day Events
Aug. 31st: NCBI Community Bridge Building
Sept. 2nd: Classes Begin at 8am
Sept. 5th: En Masse/Club Unity 9pm, Campus Center Ballroom, 9:00 p.m.
Sept. 13th: Football vs. Sacred Heart, University Field, 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 17-19 Homecoming/Family Weekend 1997
Oct. 18th: Homecoming football game vs. Stony Brook, University Field, 2:00 p.m.

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

Advisement Services Center 442-3960
Athletics 442-DANE
Bookstore 442-5690
Campus 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