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 you Orientation Leader and peers, meet your Academic Advisor, learn about UAlbany Resources, and explore campus. The final Connection Day program for the Fall 2026 semester is offered on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Family members and supporters are welcome to join us for a separate but concurrent Connection Day program.
Registration for Connection Day begins in April and is available through your Application Portal. Certain dates fill up quickly and availability varies. Please note that Connection Day registration is available to all deposited students who 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 20 and Friday, August 21, 2026. Please see below for a brief overview of the Welcome Week Orientation Schedule. You will receive a customized schedule with all the details including times and locations of each activity 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, ACE Program, or a Living-Learning Community. Please reference communication from those offices as well as your Welcome Week Orientation Schedule.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Class of 2030 T-Shirt Pick Up From 10AM - 3PM by the Campus Center Fountain
- Late Night at The Fountain at 8PM in the University at Albany Main Fountain
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- Class of 2030 T-Shirt Pick Up From 10AM - 3PM by the Campus Center Fountain
- Class Photo at 7:30PM In Collins Circle
- Convocation by Candlelight at 8PM On Entry Plaza
- Movie Under The Stars Immediately Following Convocation By Candlelight
Thursday, August 20, 2026
- Orientation Workshops In The Morning From 9:00AM - 4:00PM [Please Check Your Email For Details]
- President's Welcome Picnic From 11:30AM - 1:30PM
- Choose Your Own Activity Night From 8:30PM - 10:30PM
1. Zen Zone
2. ThinkFast Trivia Game Show
3. Roller Skating
4. Live Music
5. And More!
Friday, August 21, 2026
- Community Service: 17 Rooms Of Service In The Morning From 10AM - NOON
- Choose Your Own Activities From 1PM - 3PM
- Silent Disco From 9PM - Midnight
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Great DANEtopia From 3:45PM - 7PM
- Late Night Carnival From 9PM - Midnight
Classes begin on Monday, August 24, 2026!
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, discuss your schedule and interests, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
New Student Fee
The New Student Fee supports UAlbany undergraduate students throughout their undergraduate careers. Programs supported by this fee include:
- Connection Day and 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 2026-2027 New Student Fee for First-Year Students is $265.