Why do I need to attend an Orientation?
Orientation is an essential part of entering college and registering for classes. It is necessary for all incoming New Paltz freshmen to attend a session. New Paltz has a 99% attendance rate for Orientation.

How long does the program run?
The program includes 2 1⁄2 days of jam-packed required activities, so it is essential that students select a session for which they can make the 2 1⁄2 day commitment. Check-in at the residence halls is between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Extra-night housing is available for those who wish to arrive on Monday evening between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at a cost of $20.00 per person, which includes breakfast. Please indicate “extra-night housing” in the box on your reservation form. (Extra-night housing check-in procedures will be in your confirmation brochure.) If you are travelling by bus, information on Adirondack Trailways will be included in your Confirmation Packet.

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.

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 specific. Student Orientation groups are designed to encourage social bonding between incoming students; 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. Please remember that the student residence hall is not air conditioned, however the Parent & Family Resident Hall is air- conditioned.

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.

Do you award credit for IB courses?
Students who receive a score of 5 or better on an IB subject exam will receive credit as assigned by the particular academic department. You must request an official IB score report be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

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. Meals are not included. 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 strongly urge every 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. Academic departments determine if elective or major credit will be granted based on the score; in some cases a score of 4 or higher is required to receive credit for a course that meets an academic requirement. Your advisor at Orientation will help you determine what course credits you will receive. You must request official test scores from ETS be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at New Paltz. Credits will not be granted until the scores are received.

What if I've taken a college level course during high school?
New Paltz will accept most colleges course for which you have received a grade of C or better. You must request official transcripts be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at New Paltz. Credits will not be granted until the transcripts are received.

Will I receive any further information regarding Orientation?
Once you have returned your reservation form with payment, you will first receive a confirmation postcard confirming the dates of the session to which you have been assigned. A few weeks 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 you attend Orientation.

When will I receive official Financial Aid award information?
Accepted students who have filed a FAFSA by March 15th should receive an estimate of aid eligibility on or shortly after April 1st. Families are encouraged to visit the the financial Aid Office Web site online presentation (under General Information) "Managing The Price of College" for detailed cost and financing options.

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. Please note: If you plan to live off-campus, you must receive pre-approval from the Department of Residence Life before you can sign up for Orientation. For further information on housing, please contact them at 845.257.4444.

When is final payment due for tuition, housing, meal plan, and associated fees?
Payment must be received in the Office of Student Accounts by the stated due date that appears on the bill. You can access your bill, accept your charges, and make payment or payment arrangements online at my.newpaltz.edu.

Will 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.

Special Note: This year, the Parent & Family
program’s residence hall is approximately a
5-10 minute walk from the various program
locations. As parking near some buildings
may be limited, participants who choose to
stay on campus are advised that a fair amount
of walking is involved.

Note: Those who pay for Orientation receive a nametag to enter each session of the program. Those who do not pay in advance are welcome to stay through the Official Welcome which ends at noon.