Congratulations and Welcome to UAlbany!
You have chosen a world-class university with an incredible array of opportunities. We've collected these instructions and resources to help you get acclimated and inform you of the many resources available to assist with your transition.
The entire faculty and staff at UAlbany are available to support you as you achieve success in scholarship, research and student life. We wish you all the best as you embark on an academic journey full of opportunities.
New Graduate Student Checklist
To help ease your transition into your graduate program, make sure to complete the items below as soon as possible.
Please also contact your academic department regarding a program-specific orientation.
Step 1: Pay your enrollment deposit
The University requires a $250 non-refundable Graduate Enrollment Deposit to secure your confirmation of admission.
Your admission letter may list a deadline for submitting your enrollment deposit. If one is not listed, we recommend depositing as early as possible to get access to University resources and get started with advisement.
Your deposit will be applied toward your first tuition bill. Learn more about billing.
Waivers
The enrollment deposit can be waived for Graduate Opportunity Program tuition scholarship recipients, fully funded doctoral students, veterans receiving GI Bill funding and other students with other special funding circumstances.
Please email [email protected] to request a waiver.
Deferral
Students who decide to defer their application to a future term will have their deposit applied to the future term. To defer your term of entry, you must pay a $20 fee via the Graduate Admission Deferral Request Form.
If you are enrolled in coursework, you will need to drop your courses via your MyUAlbany portal before a defer request can be processed. If coursework is not dropped you may incur financial liability for the coursework you are registered for.
Applications can be deferred for up to one year of your original application term. Please note that your admission is not guaranteed when you request a deferral, and your application may be reconsidered within the pool of applications received for the new term.
Step 2: Activate your email and MyUAlbany accounts
A few days after you’ve paid your enrollment deposit, the University will send you important information to the personal email address you provided in your admissions application.
- The first email will contain your AlbanyID, a 9-digit University identification number. This number is also available in your admission letter.
- The second email will contain your PIN, along with instructions for activating your MyUAlbany portal account and University email account. MyUAlbany is the University’s primary portal for internal information.
If you do not receive a PIN email within three business days of confirming your acceptance or you have forgotten your MyUAlbany login information, contact ITS at 518-442-3700.
Step 3: Fulfill immunization requirements
You're required to fulfill several immunization and health requirements before you can register for classes. Generally, you will be able to access your next steps one business day after these requirements are fully met.
Step 4: Submit final transcripts
Submit final transcripts to the Graduate School.
Transfer credits
If you would like outside graduate credits to be considered, you will also need to complete a Transfer Credit Request Form for Master's and Certificate Students.
Please keep in mind that total number of credits accepted is at the discretion of your academic department and all outside credits may not transfer.
Visit the Graduate Bulletin for more information on the University’s transfer credit policies.
Step 5: Contact your advisor and register for classes
Your academic department assigns your advisor. Their name and contact information is listed on your admission letter.
Contact your advisor to obtain your Advisor Verification Number (AVN), which you’ll need to register for classes.
Once you have your AVN, you can register for classes.
Step 6: Accept your financial aid awards and set up your E-Pay account
Financial Aid
If you haven’t already, complete all the necessary steps to apply for financial aid.
Be sure to accept your awards and secure the aid you’re awarded. If needed, you can also apply for additional scholarships and aid.
Note: International students are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Billing & Accounts
Bills are posted around the 20th of each month and due on the 15th of the following month. You’ll use E-Pay to review and pay your bill online.
Visit the Cost & Aid website’s Billing & Accounts webpage for detailed information on E-pay, other payment options, payment plans, refunds, holds, authorized users and more.
Step 7: Request a UAlbany ID card
Your UAlbany ID card serves as your library card, bus pass, building access card and more. Visit the UAlbany ID Card webpage to request an ID card, download your mobile ID and more.
Step 8: Order textbooks
AcaDamien’s Bookstore is where you'll buy course materials, textbooks, UAlbany gear, Commencement regalia and other necessities.
Step 9: Purchase a parking permit (optional)
If you plan to drive to campus, be sure to purchase a parking permit. You can also use your UAlbany ID card to access CDTA and UAlbany buses for free.
Campus Resources
Getting Started
Campus Maps & Directions: Access maps for UAlbany’s campuses and buildings, as well as driving directions to the University’s main campus, the Uptown Campus.
Information Technology Services: ITS provides access to a wide range of technology tools and services, including OneDrive, UAlbany email, campus WiFi and Zoom, as well as help and support. Manage your account and access quick logins.
Graduate Student Association: All graduate students are members of this student-run organization, which funds graduate student organizations, organizes events, offers grants and provides opportunities for shared governance and advocacy.
The Graduate School: Access resources across the University, as well as funding opportunities, workshops, counseling and guidance, dissertation and thesis guidance, career resources, and more.
Graduate Bulletin: The Bulletin outlines graduate degree requirements, program curriculum, academic policies, course descriptions and more.
International Student and Scholar Services: ISSS provides resources and information to new and current international students and visiting scholars as they transition to life at UAlbany and in the U.S.
Teaching & Learning
Brightspace: Instructors use Brightspace to share syllabi, course materials, assignments and grades, while students use it to submit coursework and participate in online discussions. Access Brightspace instructions for students and Brightspace instructions for instructors from Information Technology Services (ITS).
Registrar’s Office: Access the Academic Calendar and Schedule of Classes. Review resources for students (including class registration, degree audit and chosen identity marker information) and resources for instructors (including grading and classroom information, and student privacy rules).
University Libraries: UAlbany has three libraries — the University Library and Science Library on the Uptown Campus, and the Dewey Graduate Library on the Downtown Campus — that provide comprehensive library, research and information services. Access the Graduate Students Library Guide.
Standards of Academic Integrity: All students are responsible for understanding and abiding by the University’s academic integrity rules. Instructors must report violations, and students who commit acts of academic dishonesty are subject to penalty.
Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning, and Online Education: CATLOE provides teaching support and resources, including workshops, courses, personalized consultations, career development tools, guides and more.
Writing Center: Meet with a trained peer tutor to discuss all types of writing, regardless of your academic program. Free one-on-one sessions are offered in person or virtually.
Center for International Education & Global Strategy: CIEGS provides guidance and support to graduate students interested in dual diploma (dual degree) programs, education abroad opportunities, international scholarships and fellowships, and other global opportunities.
Mail Services & Rapid Copy: Mail Services handles, distributes and processes all campus mail, and the Rapid Copy Center offers high quality, professional copying and printing services.
Research
Division for Research & Economic Development: The University's total research and development expenditures, investment in graduate scholarships and the number of scientists working on cutting-edge research in state-of-the-art facilities ensures UAlbany’s place among the top-tier Carnegie Research-1 institutions.
- Award Lifecycle: From funding to award closure, review the six critical stages of a research award — from finding funding to closing a completed project — and access detailed instructions for completing each step.
- Office of Regulatory & Research Compliance: ORRC supports and promotes ethical research practices on campus, ensuring all researchers comply with applicable policies, laws and regulations. Be sure to complete all required training before starting research at UAlbany.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation: UAlbany offers programs and services that help researchers collaborate with industry partners, bring innovations to market, license intellectual property and develop startups.
Career & Professional Development
Career & Professional Development: Get help searching and applying for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews, writing cover letters, CVs and resumes, exploring career options, and more.
Internships, practica and field courses: Many graduate programs provide experiential learning opportunities for students. Check with your academic department about availability and requirements.
Graduate Pathway for Scholars: The GPS program aims to recruit and retain exceptional UAlbany graduate students as faculty members at the University. Current PhD candidates are invited to apply annually.
UAlbany Postdoc Network: The UAlbany Postdoc Network (UPN) supports the professional and personal growth of postdoctoral scholars by providing resources for research success, career development and community building.
UAlbany Career Advisory Network: UCAN connects students and alumni with fellow Great Danes for advice and insight into a particular career or career-related interest.
Graduate & Teaching Assistantships
Visit the Funding Graduate Studies page for graduate scholarships, assistantships and fellowships guidelines.
- Human Resources: Access student employment information, including details on on-boarding, benefits, payroll, timesheets and more. Search job openings.
- Graduate Student Employees Union: CWA 1104 GSEU represents all Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs) across the SUNY system. The labor union negotiates contracts and benefits, provides legal representation, and more.
Health & Wellness
Student Health Services: SHS provides compassionate and inclusive healthcare to all registered UAlbany students. Most in-person and telemedicine services are covered by your tuition and fees.
Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS provides compassionate, confidential and inclusive mental health care to registered UAlbany students. All services are covered by your tuition and fees.
Office of Health Promotion: OHP provides a wide range of programs and services, including sexual violence support and advocacy, alcohol and other drug use recovery support, wellness coaching, and more. All services are covered by your tuition and fees.
Recreation & Wellness: Purchase a graduate student membership to access UAlbany’s recreation and wellness center, fitness centers, group exercise classes, and other facilities and programs.
Student Supplemental Services: All students can access the Purple Pantry, UAlbany’s campus food pantry, and Purple Threads, the University’s professional clothing closet. This office also offers emergency grants, off-campus food assistance services and homelessness support.
International Health Insurance: International students are automatically enrolled in the University’s health insurance plan, unless they apply for a waiver. Students traveling internationally for a study abroad program or non-credit experience are also required to enroll.
Inclusive Excellence
Division of Inclusive Excellence: The division offers educational programs and grants, responds to reports of bias incidents and Title IV misconduct, and ensures that diversity in our people and ideas drives excellence in everything we do at UAlbany.
Student Engagement & Belonging: UAlbany’s Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Interfaith Center and Women's Resource Center foster intersectional spaces and community building through peer-led programming.
Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services: DAISS works with each student individually to determine appropriate disability-related reasonable accommodations. The team also educates the campus community about disability access and inclusion.
Veteran and Military Student Services: This office helps veteran and military-connected students secure military educational benefits and strengthens our community through veteran-centered events and activities.
Student Financial Services
Tuition & Fees: As a public research university, UAlbany costs considerably less than most private institutions offering the same rigorous academic experience.
Financial Aid: The Office of Financial Aid helps UAlbany students fund their education through both merit- and need-based aid. Apply for financial aid.
Billing & Accounts: The Office of Student Accounts handles billing and helps students manage their student account, including holds, refunds, authorized users and more.
Scholarships: Students applying to UAlbany may be eligible for merit- and need-based scholarships. New and continuing students can also apply for additional scholarships from the UAlbany Foundation and Alumni Association.
Academic Requirements: Students who receive New York State and/or federal financial aid must meet certain academic requirements to continue receiving that aid.
Financial Liability: Consult Student Financial Services before withdrawing from UAlbany or dropping a course to learn how your enrollment affects your awards and billing.
Veteran and Military Student Services: This office helps veteran and military-connected students secure military educational benefits.
Safety & Conduct
In an emergency, call 911 from any campus phone or dial 518-442-3131 from a cell phone.
University Police Department: UPD patrols and responds to calls for help on UAlbany’s campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their officers also offer community policing programs and safety training to the campus community.
Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service: Five Quad is a state-certified ambulance agency operated by UAlbany students. They provide Basic Life Support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the fall and spring semesters.
Emergency Alerts: UAlbany Alerts — the University’s official platform to communicate emergencies — are automatically sent to all students’ UAlbany email addresses. You can opt into receiving alerts via text, phone call and/or personal email.
Office of the Title IX Coordinator: This office oversees University-wide compliance with UAlbany policies, state laws and federal laws that prohibit discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Community Standards: This office administers the student code of conduct, called Community Rights & Responsibilities, and ensures students understand how to uphold those principles.
Urgent Medical & Mental Health Concerns: Access support for urgent medical and mental health concerns, including instances of sexual violence.
CARE Reports: Report concern for a student or another urgent issue. Access UAlbany's support services.
Housing, Dining & Childcare
Residential Life: UAlbany offers several on-campus apartment complexes. Move into a fully furnished, stylish apartment — no credit check or cosigner required!
Off-campus Student Resources: This office provides guidance on how to safely live off campus and get involved in the community. Check out the Off-campus Housing Marketplace portal.
Dining & Vending: UAlbany offers a diverse range of residential and retail dining options, as well as dozens of vending machines across campus. Select a meal plan tailored to your needs to save money on campus dining!
SUNY Child Care Centers: Childcare subsidies are available through SUNY’s Child Care and Development Block Grant for eligible student parents. Capital Milestones provides priority childcare services to UAlbany faculty, staff and students.
Note: County social services may also provide a subsidy for childcare services. Contact your local office for more information and available childcare facilities in your area.
Campus Life
Parking & Mass Transit Services: Use your UAlbany ID card to access CDTA and UAlbany buses for free. If you plan to drive to campus, be sure to purchase a parking permit.
Locker Rentals: Campus Center Connections offers locker rentals for the semester or academic year for a nominal fee.
UAlbany Sports: Cheer on UAlbany’s Division I Athletics teams year-round! Tickets are required for football, basketball and lacrosse games, and all other sporting events free and open to the public.
Spirit Friday: Every Friday is Spirit Friday at UAlbany! Students and employees show their Great Dane pride by wearing purple or any UAlbany apparel.
About UAlbany: Learn about UAlbany’s over 180 years of history and tradition!
About the Capital Region: In Albany, you’ll find plenty of activities, restaurants and attractions to suit your interests.