Do I have to attend the Orientation program?
In a word . . . Yes! All new students must attend an Orientation program.  Attending an Orientation program is the best way to begin your college career.  If you have special circumstances that prevent you from attending Orientation, please contact the office at (315) 312-5522 or by email at orient@oswego.edu

Is there a fee to Orientation?
Your Orientation fee is included on your tuition bill.  The fee to have family and guests attend with you is an additional charge and needs to be paid separately.


What time does the program begin and end?
Your arrival time will be indicated on your confirmation letter. Attending the entire program is necessary.

What should I wear to Orientation? Dress is casual at Orientation.  Although you may wish to have a sweater or jacket as you may find some meeting areas chilly due to the air-conditioning.

How do I find my Student ID number?
Your Student ID number is on your acceptance letter and your bill.  You can also get your Student ID number by logging onto myOswego.

What happens at Orientation?  Is it different from the Open House I attended?
At Orientation you will participate in activities and workshops specifically designed to help you prepare for your arrival in the fall.  You will attend a variety of workshops aimed at facilitating your adjustment to college life.  In addition to registering for your fall classes, you will gather detailed information on campus life, technology, food service, parking and so much more!  You will also have the opportunity to make new friends as well as form a connection to our special community.

What about my tuition bill and other charges?

• Bills for the upcoming semester and fees will be mailed. Payment is due prior to the beginning of spring classes. Students may view the charges and payments posted to their account online through myOswego.
• Automobile registration and parking fees are payable upon arrival on campus in the fall or the online parking department site.
• Textbook preordering and payment is available online on the College Store prepack site.

What should I bring to Orientation?

• Advanced Placement verification (if you have earned AP credit)
• Transcript of college coursework, if applicable
• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• A tote bag to carry your program materials and important paperwork
• Your Orientation confirmation information which will contain very important information on when and where to report
• Clothes and other items for an overnight stay

When will I register for classes?
While at Orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes for the upcoming semester.

When can I move into my residence hall?
Check the academic calendar for important dates, including move in day.

Will I be able to tour my assigned residence hall that I will live in this fall? Unfortunately, no.  Most residence halls are occupied by summer session students as well as by conference attendees.  The remaining residence halls are being prepared for fall occupancy.  However, information regarding the room dimensions and layout can be found online on the Residence Life and Housing webpage.

When do fall classes begin?
Check the academic calendar for important dates, including when classes begin, end, and are cancelled.

How will I know whether or not I got my choice of orientation session? You will receive a written confirmation through your Oswego email account.  Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation of your program dates.

How do I know which classes to take?
At Orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor who will assist you in selecting classes appropriate for your major.  You will not be able to register for classes until you meet with your academic advisor.

Why haven't I received information about orientation yet?
Invitations to orientation were mailed out on April 15th to all students who have paid their $100 tuition deposit.  Subsequent mailings will be sent out on a weekly basis.

Can I bring guests with me to Orientation?
We have a separate and concurrent Orientation program for parents and guests.

Can my guests and I get on-campus overnight accommodations?
Yes.  We have on-campus accommodations available and the amount depends on the type of lodging requested.

Will I have a roommate during my stay on campus at Orientation? Yes. Every student will be paired with another student of same gender, which is a typical housing arrangement throughout the academic year.

How can I find out available majors and requirements for majors at Oswego? 
Oswego majors

Where can I read about the courses available at Oswego?
Course Search

How can I find out about clubs and organizations at Oswego?
Clubs and Organizations

Does Oswego offer Service Learning?
Service Learning Opportunities

Where can I find out important dates and deadlines?
Academic Calendar

Is public transportation available at Oswego?
Auxiliary Services provides students with free transportation around campus via regularly scheduled shuttle buses. CENTRO, the regional bus system, provides regular service within the City of Oswego and to surrounding towns including Syracuse. Trailways offers weekend transportation to the Rochester/Buffalo area.  Charter service to the New York metro area is also available through the easily accessed Regional Transportation Center in Syracuse, New York.

What safety measures does SUNY Oswego utilize?
The University Police Office, located in Pathfinder Hall, is staffed by professional police officers and is available to respond to campus needs 24 hours a day. In addition, to year-round vehicle and bicycle patrols, the university has instituted an electronic residence hall card access system as well as a campus wide emergency notification system (voice and text) which is capable of sending emergency messages to all registered students and staff or limited subpopulations.