SUNY Potsdam

Our Mission Statement

The State University of New York at Potsdam prepares students to act as engaged global citizens and to lead lives enriched by critical thought, creativity and discovery.  As an inclusive scholarly community, rooted in our historic role in providing exemplary teacher and music education and our leadership in the fine and performing arts, we are committed to the liberal arts and sciences as an academic foundation for all students.  With an abiding sense of responsibility to our region and to the world beyond, SUNY Potsdam fosters an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human experience.

The Potsdam Pledge

Being more than a collection of individuals, SUNY Potsdam is a community dedicated to the pursuit of common goals. While these goals can be elusive and controversial, the community described in this document reminds us not only of what we are seeking to become but of all that we share in common. Therefore, let it be known that SUNY Potsdam strives to be:

• An Educational Community sharing academic goals and in  which students, faculty and staff  work together to strengthen teaching and learning;
• An Open Community uncompromisingly protecting freedom of thought, belief and expression;
• A Civil Community expressing disagreements in rational and non-threatening ways and treating all individuals with consideration, decency and respect;      
• A Responsible Community accepting obligations under clearly articulated principles of behavior designed to support the common good; 
• A Safe Community respecting each other’s rights, privacy and property;
• A Healthy Community respecting and promoting physical and emotional wellness; 
• An Ethical Community reflecting honesty, integrity and fairness in both academic and extracurricular activities; 
• A Diverse Community celebrating our differences and learning from our diversity; 
• A Socially Conscious Community seeking to contribute to the betterment of the campus, the local community, the nation and the world;
• A Watchful Community remaining alert to the threats posed by hatred, intolerance and other injustices and ever-prepared to combat them. 

What's SUNY Potsdam All About? YOU!

From student activities to classroom studies, SUNY Potsdam's liberal arts education allows you to tailor your experience to your personal interests and career goals.

Time after time, students, faculty and alumni say what makes Potsdam different from other colleges is the caring and nurturing environment it provides and the sense of community you feel.

Learn a little bit more about Potsdam here and then stop by to see for yourself why we say "Only at Potsdam."