Q.Why do I need to attend Transfer Course Registration and Orientation?
A. Orientation is an essential part of entering college. This is when you will register for classes. It is critical for all incoming transfer students to attend a session.
Q.How long does the program run?
A. The average program lasts 4-5 hours, depending upon your specific advising needs and course registration process.
Q.How is the program structured?
A. The program begins with an official welcome to the University. It also includes a review of academic degree requirements and the tools necessary to build your course schedule. In addition to receiving advising by a faculty member in your major, and registering for classes, you will be able to ask questions about financial aid, payment plans, athletics, student clubs and organizations, and many other student services.
Q.Will I meet one-on-one with an advisor?
A. No. There is normally one faculty advisor per major group. You will be expected to work on your own to develop your schedule, in consultation with the faculty advisor.
Q.When will I find out what major requirements I need to meet?
A. Most departments have websites that list their major requirements. A good way to prepare for transfer advising is to look at the departmental website and see what courses you may have taken and which ones you will still need. At Orientation the faculty advisor will evaluate your transfer credits with respect to major requirements and tell you what is still required. Major requirements are also in the complete college catalog, which can be only viewed online at the Under Graduate Catalog. Ccourse catalogs can also be viewed through specific Departmental Web sites .
Q.How will I know what courses are being offered?
A. The Schedule of Classes is available from the New Paltz Web site, www.newpaltz.edu/classes. You can search for courses by academic department, day/time or general education category. The Schedule of Classes will give you a course description and will also tell you how many seats are still available. A good way to prepare for Orientation is to view the Schedule of Classes a few days before you arrive on campus. The availability may change slightly, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Q.Will my transfer coursework meet the University's General Education requirements?
A. Transfer Admissions will do a course by course evaluation of your transfer credits toward general education requirements. Students transferring from a SUNY or CUNY school will retain any SUNY-GERS met prior to transfer and will only need to meet the remaining Board mandated areas. All students will receive a Comprehensive Transfer Credit Evaluation in the mail.
Q.Will I get a copy of my final schedule at Orientation?
A. Yes! At Transfer Course Registration and Orientation, you will register for your classes and receive a printout of your schedule.
Q.How many credits can I expect to transfer to New Paltz?
A. New Paltz accepts up to a maximum of 70 academic credits from two-year schools and a maximum of 90 credits from four-year schools or a combination of two-year and four-year schools, including up to 30 credits in non-liberal arts coursework. Developmental (remedial) coursework and some religious coursework is subject to deduction.
Q.What if I come in as an undeclared major?
A. While Transfer Admissions requires students with 45 credits or more to choose a major as part of the admission process, there is some flexibility. If you are transferring to New Paltz with 60 or more credits, you are required to declare a major to be eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. If you have 75 or more credits, you must declare a major to register for classes. The actual major declaration process occurs during advising and the faculty advisor you meet with will only be knowledgeable about the requirements of your intended major. Therefore, it is important that the major you report to Admissions is accurate. Academic Advising staff will be available at Orientation to advise undeclared students and to answer questions for those students who are choosing between majors, but the only way a student can declare a major is by meeting with a faculty advisor from an academic department.
Q.What if I want to change the major I indicated on my application?
A. You are free to choose any major (if you meet the department's specific entrance requirements) whether or not you identified that major on your initial application. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (845) 257-3200 and ask to speak to a Transfer Advisor if you change your mind prior to Orientation. Changes on the day of Orientation are only allowed with special permission of the Office of Transfer Admissions or Student Advising.
Q.When is the Health Report and Proof of Immunization Form (signed by a physician) due?
A. The Student Health Center requires that you have your family doctor complete and send the paperwork directly from the doctor's office a few weeks before you begin classes. Do not be concerned if the physical is not complete before you attend Orientation. Whether you plan to live on or off campus, according to NYS Public Health Law no institution shall permit any student enrolled for 6 or more semester hours (credits) to attend the institution in excess of 30 days without submitting a completed Pre-Enrollment Health Report, as well as the Meningitis Information Response Form. If you need an additional copy of the meningitis form, it can be found at the Health Center's Web site.*
Q.What if I have had a physical in the past two years?
A. If you have had a physical in the past two years, you may have your physician send a copy of that health report directly to the Student Health Center at New Paltz. Immunization records on file with the college from which you are transferring should be copied and sent to the Student Health Center at New Paltz as well.
Q.When will I receive official Financial Aid award information?
A. Accepted transfer students who have paid an enrollment deposit will be sent an aid award letter once their completed FAFSA is on file at New Paltz.
Q.When is final payment due for tuition, housing, meal plan, and associated fees?
A. You can expect to receive a bill from the Office of Student Accounts approximately two weeks after you have attended Orientation. The bill will have an assigned payment due date and payment information. Your bill must be signed and returned with any balances due.
Q.Do I need a permit and parking tag to park on campus during the school year?
A. All students parking on campus are required to purchase a parking permit. Further information will be included in your packet when you attend Orientation, so that you can mail in your payment and a copy of your vehicle registration to receive your parking tag.
Q.Will I receive any further information regarding Orientation?
A. Shortly before your session, you will receive a confirmation postcard confirming the date of the session to which you have been assigned. In the materials enclosed you are receiving directions to the appropriate campus parking area for the Transfer Student Course Registration and Orientation session.
Q.How can I sign-up for Transfer Course Registration and Orientation?
A. The very first step is to pay your Pre-Enrollment Deposit of $150 if you have not already done so. Your Transfer Credit Evaluation Packet will not be prepared until this deposit is received. Complete the enclosed Transfer Course Registration and Orientation Form and return it with your conference fee in the enclosed envelope. If you are paying the Transfer Orientation program fee with a credit card, you can register online!
Q.Is there anything I need to bring with me on the day of the program?
A. Yes! On the day of your program, you will need to bring $20.00 (which is the fee required) for your College I.D. card application. We also strongly recommend that you bring your Social Security number and a handwritten list of the courses you are currently completing.
Q.Will Orientation fees be refunded if I have to cancel?
A. Refunds can only be issued if we are notified in writing at least 72 hours before your session.
Important Phone Numbers and Web Sites
The College Catalog is now provided to students online at www.newpaltz.edu/ugc.
Financial Aid
845-257-3250
Student Accounts
845-257-3150
Student Advising
845-257-3015
Residence Life
845-257-4444
Disability Resource Center
845-257-3020
Center for Student Development
845-257-3088