UAlbany Welcomes Students Back to Campus for Fall Semester
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 26, 2025) – Last week, the University at Albany welcomed students back to campus for the Fall 2025 semester, including more than 2,900 first-year students.
The Class of 2029 brings together students from across New York State, the nation and the world, representing a broad range of backgrounds and experiences:
- The class boasts an overall high school average of 91 percent
- Over 380 students are joining the University’s Honors College
- More than 500 students are from the Capital District
- Students come from 30 states and 40 countries
After moving into their residence halls, the new Great Danes attended the University's traditional Welcome Week orientation, introducing new students to the campus community. The week was highlighted by the University's Convocation by Candlelight Ceremony held on Aug. 21, followed by the annual class photo taken the next day. (The class photo is available for download) Both events were held at Entry Plaza.
Students Begin UAlbany Journey at Convocation
The opening Convocation ceremony marked the students’ entry into higher education and the Great Dane community. The 30-minute ceremony included remarks from University leadership, Grand Marshall Janell Hobson, professor in the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Student Association (SA) President Trevor Pettit and Vice President Allison Mitchell.
Provost Carol Kim encouraged students to "use your time at UAlbany to explore. Try new things, make mistakes, and try again... My challenge for each of you is to keep your eyes open to the countless opportunities around you. Take advantage of this unique time in your life to explore.”
SA President Pettit assured his fellow students that “each and every one of you has what it takes not only to succeed here at UAlbany, but to thrive far beyond this campus. While you should absolutely keep an eye on your future, don’t let it keep you away from the present. And never be afraid to say yes to new experiences.”
SA Vice President Mitchell highlighted that UAlbany "is full of incredible experiences and memorable moments. It’s all about connection. Also be yourself. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul. You’re from diverse backgrounds. Be unapologetically you.”
Connecting to the Great Dane Legacy
The candle-lighting ceremony took place following a rendition of the UAlbany Fight Song led by the University’s Marching Band and its director, Justin Miller. The ceremony represents the symbolic joining of each student to the University’s flame of knowledge, with the presentation of the class torch representing students from the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
“Remember that this simple act of lighting candles connects you to all those Great Danes who came before you – and all who will come after you,” said Michael Christakis, vice president for student affairs & enrollment. “One flame becomes many, and together they create something bright and enduring. Welcome to the University at Albany. Welcome to your new beginning. And welcome to a tradition that is now yours to carry forward.”
The University also held its annual Great Danetopia on Aug. 23. Held at Casey Stadium, the Saturday event introduced students to campus resources, including over 60 academic and student affairs departments.
Along with new student faces, 53 new faculty members are also joining the campus community this fall.