Helping students find the people, programs and resources they need to thrive.
At SUNY Potsdam, students are supported by a wide network of offices, services, programs and staff members who are here to help them navigate challenges, build skills and succeed throughout their college experience.
At some point in their college career, students will need help. Some students seek support for academics. Others may need help with health and wellness, adjusting to college life, finding community, resolving concerns or accessing practical resources. Whatever the need, students do not have to navigate it alone.
This webpage is designed to help families, friends and supporters better understand the many ways students are supported at Potsdam, and where students can turn when they need help.
How Support Works at Potsdam
Students often benefit most when they are encouraged to take the lead in reaching out, asking questions, and connecting with support. That might mean:
- sending an email to a campus office
- visiting a staff member during office hours
- making an appointment
- asking for help after a concern comes up.
Support may look different for every student, but one thing remains true: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
When to Encourage Your Student to Reach Out
It may be helpful to encourage your student to connect with campus resources if they are:
- struggling academically
- feeling overwhelmed or isolated
- having difficulty adjusting to college life
- navigating a health or wellness concern
- experiencing conflict or a challenging situation
- needing support with planning, belonging or next steps
- simply unsure where to start
Students do not need to wait for a crisis to seek support. Many campus resources are designed to help students build confidence, stay on track, and feel more connected.
Concerned About a Student?
If you are worried about your student’s well-being, safety, or ability to succeed, it is okay to reach out for help. If the concern is urgent, contact the appropriate campus office immediately. If this is an emergency, call University Police or 911. If you are unsure where to start, the First Year Experience Programs office can often help connect students and supporters with the right resource.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Students do not always know exactly which office is the “right” one to contact first. That’s okay. Many campus offices can help students figure out the next best step, make referrals and connect them to additional support. If your student is unsure where to begin, encourage them to start somewhere. Reaching out to one office often opens the door to other helpful resources.
Students can access a variety of academic resources to help them navigate coursework, build skills, strengthen confidence and stay on track toward their goals.
- Academic Advising Center
The mission of the Academic Advising Center at SUNY Potsdam is to foster dynamic and interactive relationships between advisors and advisees.
- ACE
Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) is a comprehensive support program designed to help students complete their bachelor's degree in four years.
- Tutoring
Tutoring is free of charge and is available for various undergraduate and graduate level courses.
- College Libraries
- College Writing Center
The "Writers' Block" is a friendly community where student writers find peers to support them in their college writing assignments. The Writers' Block services are free to all students.
- CSTEP
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is designed to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields.
- TRIO
TRIO Student Support Services’ goal is to increase retention and graduation rates among its participants and help them remain in good academic standing (a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above).
- EOP
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY Potsdam is designed to provide access, support and opportunities for traditionally underserved students who demonstrate strong academic potential but face academic and financial challenges that could limit their ability to attend college.
- Bridges
The Bridges Program at SUNY Potsdam is designed for incoming first-year students who have shown strong potential to succeed in college, even if they didn’t meet all traditional admissions benchmarks.
Student well-being matters. These offices help support students’ physical health, emotional well-being, access needs and overall success.
- Student Health Services
Student Health Services (SHS) is committed to providing our students with a safe, welcoming environment providing culturally competent and inclusive healthcare.
- Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is here to support and enhance student mental health and wellness by providing person-centered services.
- Accommodative Services
The mission of the Office of Accommodative Services is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to opportunity throughout their engagement in the university’s programs and activities.
- Bear Care Program
The Bear CARE Program is SUNY Potsdam's Case Management program. CARE stands for Consultation, Advocacy, Referral, and Education. The Bear CARE Program offers confidential comprehensive support to students who need assistance with difficult or unexpected life events during their time in college.
- Fitness Center
The Shane T. Shaul Fitness Center contains over 8,000 square feet of space and houses an extensive collection of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, taking an innovative approach to fun and fitness.
A strong sense of connection can make a big difference in the student experience. These programs and offices help students find involvement, belonging and community.
- First Year Experience Programs
- Campus Life
There is always something going on at SUNY Potsdam and the Campus Life Office provides many opportunities to get involved.
- Dining (PACES)
PACES Dining Services accommodates a wide array of dietary needs, ensuring that options are available for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy or gluten restrictions.
- Residence Life
The entire community is invested in ensuring that the student living environment is safe and clean, the experience is supported by resourceful staff, and educational goals are made more readily attainable through the living arrangement.
- Center for Diversity
The Center for Diversity exists to assist all students, with an emphasis placed on students of color and diverse backgrounds, in their educational and personal transition and development at SUNY Potsdam.
- Athletics
As charter members of the Division III SUNYAC conference, the SUNY Potsdam Bears have a long history of competition.
- Intramurals
The goal of intramural sports and recreation activities is to establish a fun and inviting playing environments for all skill levels.
These offices help students navigate concerns related to safety, well-being, accountability and community care.
- University Police
The University Police Department at SUNY Potsdam is an accredited Police Department through the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services (DJCS) Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council.
- Student Conduct and Community Standards
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards works closely with students, faculty, staff and the local community on concerns related to conflict resolution, appropriate citizenship, academic integrity and other quality of life issues.
Visit the One Stop webpage, to find information for following topics:
- Bill / payment information
- Student records / student data / student schedules
- Financial aid / scholarships
Email Contact Information
- Financial Aid: finaid@potsdam.edu
- Student Accounts: student-accounts@potsdam.edu
- Registrar: registrar@potsdam.edu
Figuring out the best path to a student's chosen career can be challenging. These offices help students connect with practical experiences, funding opportunities, career resources, and more in support of finding the perfect fit.
- Lougheed Center for Applied Learning
The Lougheed Center for Applied Learning is the first integrated academic opportunity center of its kind in SUNY. Our formal mission is to provide coordinated experiential learning opportunities that broaden and integrate students' knowledge and skills, to foster self-discovery for engaged and life-long academic, personal and career success.
- Career Services
Career Services supports students in exploring their career interests, identifying strengths and opportunities, applying for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews and learning professional skills.