Welcome First-Year Students!
First-Year Orientation is a two-phase program designed to support your transition to UAlbany: Connection Day and Welcome Week Orientation.
Connection Day
Connection Day is a one-day, in-person program. You will have the opportunity to connect with your Orientation Leader and peers, meet your Academic Advisor, learn about UAlbany resources, and explore campus. The final Connection Day program for the Fall 2024 semester is offered on Wednesday, August 21. If you are living on campus, you may move in to your residence hall on August 19 or August 20 prior to attending Connection Day and Welcome Week Orientation.
Family members and supporters are welcome to join us for a separate but concurrent Connection Day program.
Registration for Connection Day is available through your Application Portal. Please note that Connection Day registration is available to all deposited students that have met the immunization and health requirements.
All first-year students are required to attend a Connection Day program.
Welcome Week Orientation
First-Year Welcome Week Orientation is a two-day program for all first-year students on Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23. Please see below for an overview of the Welcome Week Orientation schedule. You will receive a customized schedule with times and locations via email prior to the start of Welcome Week.
Note: You may have additional scheduled activities prior to those listed below if you are an International Student or a member of the Honors College or a Living-Learning Community. Please reference communications from those offices as well as your Welcome Week Orientation schedule.
Wednesday, August 21st:
- Candlelighting Ceremony
- Movie under the Stars
Thursday, August 22nd:
- Orientation workshops:
- Intersections: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Health and Well-being
- Great Danes Get Consent
- Dean of Students Overview
- Welcome Lunch
- Choose-your-own Activities:
- Recreation options (fitness centers, basketball, lawn games, and more!)
- Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Pre-Education Information Sessions
- Career Interests Session
- Laboratory Tours
- Esports Showcase
- Geocaching
- Find your classes
- Pick up your Class of 2028 t-shirt!
- And more!
- Interactive evening programs
Friday, August 23rd:
- Community Service: Choose your activity on Engage UAlbany
- Opening Convocation and Class Photo
- President's Picnic
- Silent Disco
Saturday, August 24th:
- Great DANEtopia
- Glow Party
Classes begin on Monday, August 26th!
The Welcome Lunch (8/22), President's Picnic (8/23), and Great DANEtopia (8/24) meals are provided for free to all new students. Students should use their meals plans or credit card for other meals in the dining halls or Campus Center. Visit the UAS website for more information on dining hours.
Registering for Classes
When you register for Connection Day, you will complete the Course Request Questionnaire, answering questions about your academic and career interests. Your completed form will be sent to Academic Advising, where your assigned Academic Advisor will review your information as they create your schedule.
Once your schedule is finished, your advisor will reach out to discuss your schedule and interests, and to address any questions or concerns you may have. You'll also be able to meet with your advisor during Connection Day to discuss your academic plan further.
New Student Fee
The New Student Fee supports UAlbany undergraduate students throughout their undergraduate careers. Programs supported by this fee include:
- Virtual and in-person Orientation programs for all incoming students
- Class programming for first and second year students
- Class programming for third and fourth year students
- Student Success based programming
The New Student Fee is mandatory for all students, excluding students enrolled in online degree programs, IELP, certificate programs, continuing education and EOP.
The 2024-2025 New Student Fee for First-Year Students is $265.