State University of New York at New Paltz: Student Orientation and Registration

Why do I need to attend an Orientation?
Orientation is an essential part of entering college and registering for classes. It is required for all incoming New Paltz EOP freshmen to attend a session.

How long does the program run?
The program includes 3 1⁄2 days of jam-packed required activities, so it is essential that students select a session for which they can make the 3 1⁄2 day commitment. Check-in at the residence halls is between 7:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. If you are travelling by bus, a please ask the driver to drop you off at SUNY New Paltz. Information on Adirondack Trailways Bus Line will be included in your ConfirmationPacket.

Do students attend the Orientation program with family members?
We encourage family members to attend Orientation. It is a great opportunity for family members to meet important campus contacts, have all of their questions and concerns about college addressed, and partake in leisure activities. Many students are accompanied by family members and siblings.

An EOP Family Member Scholarship Fund is available to waive the cost of Orientation for one family member per household. These funds are applied on a first-come, first-served student's basis (30 scholarships are available). To be eligible, family members must be the student's parent, grandparent or guardian, and be able to participate for the full 3 1/2 day Family Program. You will be notified in writing if you are a recipient(refer to the "Orientation Reservation Form" on page 13).

How is the Parent and Family Program structured?
The program runs parallel to the Student Orientation and provides a separate forum for family members to experience the same content as the students while being parent-family therefore, all guests follow the Parent and Family program and overlap with their students for one meal and one activity. Parents and family members, including siblings and other guests, reside in a separate residence hall from the students.

Is the housing for family members separated by gender?
If members of the same family attend together, they will be housed together (If two members of a family need separate accommodations, please be sure to so indicate.) Family members attending alone will be housed in an area specific to their gender. All attendees will want to bring a robe and slippers, as there are shared bathroom facilities on your floor of the residence hall.

What if a parent cannot attend the entire program?
In extenuating circumstances, a parent can choose to attend either Day One or Day Two of the program. Please pay $40 and indicate the day you will be attending; you can purchase meals on a cash basis.

I live in the Hudson Valley. Is it necessary for me to stay on campus overnight?
Many mandatory meetings, activities and informal advising sessions take place late into the evening. For the student's social adjustment, we require every EOP student participating to stay on campus, even if he or she resides in New Paltz!

Do you take AP (Advanced Placement) credits?
Any student receiving a score of 3 or better will receive college credit. The Advising Handbook you will receive at Orientation will provide details. You must request official test scores from ETS to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at New Paltz.

What if I've taken a college level course during high school?
New Paltz will accept most college courses, for which you have received a C or better. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at New Paltz.

Will I receive any further information regarding Orientation?
Once you have returned your reservation form, you will first receive a confirmation postcard confirming the dates of the session to which you have been assigned. Prior to the session, you will receive a confirmation packet with a checklist of what to pack, directions to the campus,and a description of the academic placement exams which will be administered during Orientation.

When is the Health Report and Proof of Immunization Form (signed by a physician) due?
The Health Center requires that you have your family doctor complete and send the paperwork directly from the doctor's office by the end of the first week in August. Do not be concerned if the physical is not complete before youattend Orientation.

When will I receive official Financial Aid award information?
A preliminary eligibility estimate is sent to all accepted students once their FAFSA is on file. When your aid application is complete and on file at New Paltz, all students who have returned the Pre-Enrollment Deposit Form will receive an official award letter.

When will I find out information about fall housing?
During Orientation, you will receive information on signing up for a room and will have the opportunity to request a specific style of hall and/or a roommate. You
will be notified of your fall housing assignment before you return to New Paltz in August. Please note: If you plan to live off-campus, you must receive pre-approval from EOP and the Department of Residence Life before you can sign up for Orientation. For further information on housing, please contact EOP at 845.257.3226.

When are final payment arrangements due for tuition, housing, meal plan, and associated fees?
You can expect to receive a bill from the Office of Student Accounts approximately two weeks after you have attended Orientation. The bill will include your financial aid package as payment or you may need to request a deferral of payment, if your financial package is not complete. Your bill must be signed and returned to the Student Accounts Office by the due date indicated or you will be charged a $30.00 late fee. Additional details about your financial aid and bill will be discussed at Orientation. After attending Orientation and Course Registration you can see your bill on my.newpaltz.edu.

Will Family Orientation fees be refunded if we have to cancel?
Refunds can only be issued if we are notified in writing at least 72 hours before your session begins.

State University of New York at New Paltz: Student Orientation and Registration - Questions

EOP Students > FAQ's