The First Year Experience and Orientation Office works with new freshmen and transfer students as well as their parents during their first year at the College. We are here to provide all new students with assistance as they transition to SUNY Oneonta, whether from high school or from another college. We want you to thrive at the College.

Our services for new students begin with Orientation, which includes course registration. At Orientation, new students are introduced to SUNY Oneonta’s academic and behavioral expectations; exposed to College values, traditions, and social opportunities; as well as connect with other new students, returning students, faculty and staff members. For students starting their journey at SUNY Oneonta in the fall semester, we offer orientation sessions in July and August (click to view dates for 2012). During the July Orientation Sessions, there is a concurrent parent orientation program. Students can add a parent to their orientation session when they enroll. Learn more about our Orientation program by visiting the FRESHMAN Orientation web page. Get the details on Transfer Orientation here. Spring semester new students attend orientation in January.

The FYE (First Year Experience)Team collaborates with the Residence Life Department on our First Year Residence Halls. We program specifically for freshmen in those living areas. These residence halls focus on the social and academic transition that freshmen will makes as they enter the College. These halls offer outlets for social activities, as well as programs on topics that range from the every-day skills that students need to the esoteric.

The FYE Team also works with the faculty members who teach the First Year Seminar. This is a one credit class that is taught by a full-time faculty member and a student peer education (Very Influential Peer). First Year Seminar is not a required class, however, it assists new freshmen in making the transition to the College.

We look forward to meeting you at orientation and at the many different events and activities sponsored by the First Year Experience and Orientation Team. Again, welcome to our new freshmen and transfer students.

~Monica Grau
Director of First Year Experience & Orientation

Pass through the Pillars is a campus tradition. All new students gather the night before classes begin to pass through the Pillars of Old Main.