University at Albany Information

 


 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The University at Albany, State University of New York, was the first state-chartered institution of higher education in New York. As Northeastern New York's premier academic institution and one of four university centers in the SUNY system, Albany offers graduate and undergraduate education in a broad range of academic fields at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels.

Albany has a broad mission of undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service.  Our students receive a top-quality education from renowned faculty members at an affordable price.

An active research program stems from the awareness of a responsibility to contribute to the expansion of knowledge and understanding. The University actively assists and encourages its members to engage in scholarly and creative research and to make the results widely available.

The University also understands its special role as an intellectual resource. Scholars are encouraged to share their skills and competence, and the University regularly invites the community to use its talents, resources, and facilities.

Non-Discrimination

Pursuant to University policy, the University is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction.

Employees, students, applicants or other members of the University community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law, or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

The University’s policy is in accordance with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. More information can be found at https://www.albany.edu/ir/rtk/.

Inquiries regarding the application of all laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination and/or the application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may be directed to Dr. Tamra Minor, Chief Diversity Officer & Assistant Vice President, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, University Hall 207, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222; Email: [email protected]; PH: (518) 956-8110; FX: (518) 956-8111.

Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be directed to Ms. Chantelle Cleary, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, Office of the President, University Hall 104, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222;

Email: [email protected]; PH: (518) 956-8168; FX: (518) 956-8022.

Inquiries may also be directed to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005-2500; Email: [email protected]; PH: (646) 428-3800.

Organization

The University enrolls students in nine degree-granting schools and colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Criminal Justice, School of Education, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, School of Public Health and School of Social Welfare.

The Office for Research and the Office of Graduate Education are responsible for advanced-degree programs and research activities.

Description

The University at Albany is the center of higher education in northeastern New York, enrolling approximately 17,000 students, including 5,000 graduate students. Nationally and internationally renowned scholars are among some 700 full-time faculty members who are committed to maintaining the high academic standards which have characterized the University at Albany since its founding in 1844.

The uptown campus was designed by Edward Durell Stone. The setting is highlighted by a podium of 13 academic buildings on a common platform, all connected by a continuous roof and a lower-level corridor. Although most classrooms and laboratories are on this campus, the School of Criminal Justice, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and School Social Welfare are located on the downtown campus. The downtown campus includes residential, instructional, clinical, and research facilities. Units of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are at several locatons as are units of the School of Public Health, including an administrative base at the University's East Campus in Rensselaer. Bus shuttle service is provided between the campuses.

The University at Albany is the on-line University -- a place where students and faculty communicate via electronic mail. Computer user rooms around campus assure that every student has access to a computer and the resources of the campus computer network. Students and faculty can tap the power of multimedia learning in the impressively equipped Interactive Media Center in the main Library. Our libraries contain 1.8 million volumes with many specialized collections and an on-line catalogue.

Albany's sports facilities are among the finest in the Northeast. For outdoor sports there are tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, an all-weather track, and fields for football, soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, and rugby. The SEFCU Arena has an indoor track, racquetball and squash courts, and a fitness room with Nautilus machines, stationary bikes, and weight-training equipment. Concerts and other community and University events are also held in the arena which seats 4,800.

Location

The University is within minutes of the State Capitol, Legislature, courts and state agencies. The city of Albany is highlighted by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, which includes the New York State Museum and Library, as well as performing arts and convention facilities, and a 17,000-seat major performance and sports venue, the Times Union Center.

The Capital Region, including the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Saratoga, has a population of more than 750,000. Within a short distance are the Berkshires, the Catskills and the Adirondack Mountains. The University at Albany is close to major cities such as Boston, New York and Montreal. I-90 and the Northway meet within a mile of the uptown campus, and the airport, AMTRAK and bus terminals are only minutes away.

Accreditation

The University is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State, which has registered all of its degrees and programs and fully approved its professional programs through the State Education Department.  UAlbany is also a member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the U.S., and is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.  UAlbany enjoys specialized program accreditation from the following accreditors:

  • American Chemical Society
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • New York State Office of Professions
  • Planning Accreditation Board
  • Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
  • Libraries

    The University maintains library facilities on both campuses. The University Libraries provide an innovative learning environment that takes full advantage of emerging information technologies. Through a combination of computer-based user interfaces, electronic archives, and links to local and global computer networks, the University Libraries offer a broad range of powerful search and retrieval tools. New formats and new services are constantly being developed, evaluated, and offered to students, faculty, and staff. Library personnel are available to instruct and assist you in the use of these tools and services.

    Electronic resources, including directories, indexes to periodical literature, statistical databases, government reports and other reference materials are available in various formats to supplement the rich print collections. Librarians assist users to identify and use these sources, which cover disciplines in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences.

    The Dewey Graduate Library of Public Affairs and Policy, on the downtown campus, serves the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. The Dewey Graduate Library facilitates and assists cross disciplinary, doctoral-level research. It provides both materials and access to information in a variety of formats and locations. Cooperative agreements on the local, regional, and national levels facilitate this flow of materials and information.

    Collection Development bibliographers in both libraries assist faculty and students in the selection and use of library materials. Other available services include tours, films, orientation sessions, and instruction in the techniques of bibliographic research. In addition, there are special facilities to aid the visually handicapped. The library on the uptown campus provides individual student carrels and study rooms for faculty and doctoral research.

    The Interactive Media Center (IMC), located in the main University Library on the uptown campus, contains an impressive array of commercially produced software and media. Instructional media titles in optical and electronic format are available to be used.

    The University Libraries also have archival collections on particular subjects. Membership in the Center for Research Libraries provides access to the center's three-million-volume collection. The University is also a member of the Association of Research Libraries and The Research Libraries Group.

    All students may enter the buildings and use a number of library services and resources without registering. However, many of our services, such as borrowing books, checking out reserve materials, and using most IMC resources, require that you be a registered user of the Libraries. This is an easy process; simply bring your valid student ID card and stop at the Circulation Desk in either library. The staff will process your library registration.

    Information Technology Services

    Information Technology Services: ITS provides technology systems and support for the University community. ITS is composed of 6 units which report to the Chief Information Officer: Client Support Services, Extended Learning, Research IT, Systems Management and Operations, Telecommunications and University Applications Development.

    ITS provides an extensive array of information technology tools and support. Visit the ITS website at www.albany.edu/its for an overview of products and services available for students, faculty and staff. This site contains extensive information about email and LAN services, ITS accounts, technology-equipped facilities, training opportunities, ITS policies and additional technology services available to the University community. Alerts and notices of service interruptions, as well as items of special interest are provided on the web. There is also more information about the individual units that make up the ITS organization and the services they provide.

    To learn more about our student, faculty and staff self-service web site MyUAlbany go to www.albany.edu/myualbany. This is the 'portal' through which students and faculty access information in the student records database. Students use MyUAlbany to enroll in courses, add or drop classes, view their academic record and update personal information. Faculty can use MyUAlbany to generate class rosters, enter grades and view advisee information. All Staff can update their demographic information, and professional staff can submit leave information to Time Records online.

    The ITS HelpDesk located in LC-27 is available to answer questions about ITS-provided services. Faculty, staff and students can submit questions at https://www.albany.edu/its/help.

    Student Health Services

    Student Health Services, located next to the uptown campus, provides medical services for the University community during regular academic semesters. Students who have a (required) health form on file are eligible for continuing care at Student Health Services. We also provide emergency care and referral for faculty, staff and visitors.

    Our telephone number is 442-5454. Call for an appointment or, when necessary, visit our urgent care unit. We also offer a Self-Help Cold Clinic stocked with over-the-counter medications from our pharmacy.

    Address: University Health Center, University at Albany, 400 Patroon Creek Blvd, Suite 200, Albany, NY 12206. Website: https://www.albany.edu/health_center/.

    Counseling and Psychological Services

    Counseling and Psychological Services is available to help students reach their educational goals.

    Some of the factors that interfere with educational accomplishments and influence persons to seek psychological services are feelings of depression and anxiety, concerns about academic performance, family and social relationships, and issues of sexuality, harassment, and discrimination. Counseling and Psychological Services offers confidential psychological assessment, referral, and/or short-term psychotherapy to students enrolled at the University at Albany.

    Students seeking personal assistance typically come to Counseling and Psychological Services, complete a self-assessment (20 minutes) and receive an appointment time. Appointments can usually be scheduled within one to three days.

    Consultation regarding student-related issues is available to all members of the University community. Call for assistance.

    Educational programs and workshops are offered by Counseling and Psychological Services to students, faculty, and staff. Descriptions of our programs will be provided upon request.

    Counseling and Psychological Services clinical staff are psychologists. Graduate students from the Clinical and Counseling Psychology programs also provide services under the direction of clinical staff.

    It maintains confidential records which are separate from official University educational records.

    Address:
    Counseling and Psychological Services
    University at Albany
    Suite 104, 400 Patroon Creek Blvd
    Albany, NY 12206

    Phone: 442-5800

    Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program

    The Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program provides student volunteers trained to help other students by offering support, information, and referral services. Developed in 1970 in the spirit of students helping students, the agency's members are trained in communication, problem-solving, and prevention skills and are supervised by a professional director and four graduate student program coordinators. Individuals seeking services may call the Middle Earth Hotline (442-5777). Services are confidential and, when using the hotline, callers may remain anonymous. Middle Earth is open during the academic year when classes are in session. Open noon - midnight, Monday - Thursday and 24 hours on Friday - Saturday, there is no need to schedule an appointment for service.

    Middle Earth also provides training to graduate and undergraduate students at the University who are interested in agency administration/supervision or hotline/outreach education work. Graduate Assistantships are available, and undergraduate students have the option of receiving course credit for their work within the agency. Middle Earth provides excellent opportunities for individuals who are planning to enter any of the helping professions. Further information concerning training opportunities at Middle Earth is available by calling our business line at 442-5800.

    Services to Persons with Disabilities

    The University is particularly suited to the academically qualified person who has a physical or a learning disability. The main campus is modern and has been designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

    The Disability Resource Center coordinates services for persons with disabilities, including pre-admission counseling, individual orientation for new students, personal and career counseling, coordination of assistants (e.g., readers, note-takers, and attendants), and a host of other services. The staff works with faculty and staff in other departments to ensure the maximum utilization of instructional and nonacademic programs by students with disabilities. For further information write to Disability Resource Center, BA 120, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, or call 518-442-5490.

    Parking Information and Policies

    Campus parking rules and regulations are available from the Office of Parking and Mass Transit.  Maps of the campus are available on the following website https://www.albany.edu/map/index.php.

    The campus parking program has been established to provide safe, well-maintained, and convenient parking to members of the University community, visitors, and guests. The University at Albany has developed parking regulations which are designed to provide the best possible service to our community. These regulations are in effect 24 hours a day, every day, including holidays.

    All members of the University community who operate and park a vehicle on University property must display a valid University decal. Vehicles may be registered either by mail or in person at the Office of Parking and Mass Transit.

    Questions regarding University parking should be directed to the Office of Parking and Mass Transit, 442-3121.

    Student Consumer Information

    Federal regulations require the University to provide all prospective and enrolled students with information on subjects with which you should be familiar. This information can be found at www.albany.edu/ir/rtk. The subjects include student financial aid (description of aid programs available, eligibility criteria, how to apply, the method of award and distribution, satisfactory progress standards, loan terms and deferrals); tuition and other costs; refund and withdrawal policies; information about academic programs, personnel and facilities; facilities and services available to disabled students; retention and graduation rates; and athletic program participation rates and financial support data. Also available is the University’s Annual Security Report which includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. Information regarding parent and student rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to access to and the release of  student education records is also available.