Orientation

Congratulations on joining the SUNY Potsdam community!  

Starting college is exciting, but it can also bring many questions. You, your family and your supporters may be wondering what to do before arriving on campus. This webpage will help guide you through the next steps as you begin your transition to Potsdam. 

What is Orientation?  

We are so excited to welcome you to SUNY Potsdam! New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to jump start your college experience. During NSO, you will meet other students, learn about campus resources, get helpful information for academic success and prepare for life in and out of the classroom. Prior to your arrival in August, you will need to complete several required enrollment steps, which are outlined below.  

Please Note: Students enrolling in fully-online degree programs are exempt from the following: 

• In-person NSO
• Submitting health information
• Campus housing and meal plan selections

More information about support for fully online students will be shared soon.  

When is Orientation?  

New residential students will move into their campus housing assignment on Thursday, August 27. NSO kicks off that evening with one of our signature events, Sundaes with Suzanne, where you, your family and your supporters can: 

• Make your own ice cream sundaes
• Meet Dr. Suzanne Smith, SUNY Potsdam's president
• Meet other campus leaders
• Learn about campus support services

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, students will complete a series of required educational sessions and optional social programming. You will be placed in a small group with other new students led by Orientation Leaders (OL), who are trained student mentors who help you adjust to college life. 

Students will receive their final NSO Schedule, group assignment and other relevant information when they check in on Friday morning.

How Do I Know What I Have to Do?

After you confirm your enrollment at SUNY Potsdam, you will receive your campus computer account information by email. You will also receive your New Student Checklist, which is a series of requirements to help you prepare for your arrival on campus. These steps also give you important information about things like: 

• Academic advising (the relationship between a student and their advisor that helps students define, plan, and achieve their educational goals in college)
• Class scheduling
• Billing
• Submitting required health information
• Registering for housing
• Choosing a meal plan and Bear Express
• Getting your campus card
• Ordering textbooks
• And much more!

It's crucial that you complete your checklist before you arrive on campus in the fall, so if you have questions, please contact us using the information below.  

Orientation Fee

First-Year Orientation Fee: The $200 fee includes all activities and transitional support programs throughout your first year. This fee will be included in your first college bill and should be paid along with all other billed charges.  

Questions About Orientation? 

Orientation FAQs

You can also contact us with any questions or concerns: 
First Year Experience Programs 
Meghan Delsite Coleman, Director 
(315) 267-2117
orientation@potsdam.edu 

Important Dates 

See the Fall 2026 section of the Academic Calendar.

Get Started On Your New Student Checklist Today!