Completed in the Accepted Student Portal, the responses in this survey is the first snapshot that the advisor will get regarding each students previous academic history. We ask students about their current goals at New Paltz and about anticipated coursework already completed. The information provided in this survey helps the advisor prepare for advisement at orientation.

All New Paltz students are required to take at least one math course. The ALEKS exam assigns students a Math Placement Level (MPL) and places students into the appropriate course based on their current mathematical skills and abilities. Students are encouraged not to use a calculator or receive outside assistance when completing the exam. Students can take the exam up to three times and the highest score  dictates their MPL. The ALEKS can be found on your students my.newpaltz page. For many students, course registration is dependent on their MPL. More information about ALEKS can be found on the website.  

This introduction to Advising & Registration at New Paltz will help prepare students to create their first semester schedule. Students will get a glimpse of the overall degree requirements, important advising tools, and policies such as Academic Standing. It is highly encouraged students complete this before orientation. Brightspace can be found in my.newpaltz.

Academic Advisors are assigned to all students who have paid their enrollment deposit. This will begin the first week in May and students will begin receiving their Welcome Emails on Monday May 5. This email outlines all the important advising steps, how to request a major change, and what to expect at orientation. Students should check their personal and New Paltz email for this message. Please note that all communication to university staff and departments should be sent by the students from their @newpaltz.edu account. 

Our OAA advisors are excited to meet your student! For those who would like to begin the advising conversation early and in a one on one setting, we will be offering virtual Advising Overview sessions. During these meetings, our advisors will take the opportunity to learn more about your student, their previous academic experiences, and their goals at New Paltz. Students can sign up for a virtual meeting through Starfish. They are not mandatory but highly encouraged for those who have questions, are bringing in transfer credits and students who are Undeclared-Exploratory.

Advisor assignments and orientation groups are based on a student’s intending major. If your student would like to change their major, please have them reach out to their currently assigned advisor as soon as possible for a link to the major change form. Depending on the change, your student may receive a new advisor.

All course registration will take place on day two of orientation. Students will have the opportunity to work with professional and faculty advisors to begin establishing a framework for what to expect academically at New Paltz. Registration will take place in a group setting with other students in the same major or academic school. OAA advisors do a lot of prep work to prepare for this session and will “pre-load” necessary courses into a students My Schedule Planner.

It is very possible that some students may need to continue making schedule changes and/or additions after attending orientation. OAA advisors will have virtual meeting availability beginning Thursday, July 31 all the way through the first day of classes to assist with changes. All students need to get permission to change their schedule from their advisor.