Do I need to attend Orientation with my student?
We strongly encourage parents and family to attend Orientation because this is a time of adjustment for all of you.  However, Orientation is a requirement for all incoming first year students.

We have a separate and concurrent program for family and guests which is designed with your needs in mind.  You will gain valuable information about the programs, resources and services available at Oswego.  You will also have the opportunity to meet other parents and campus faculty, staff and administration.  Come and let us welcome you to the SUNY Oswego family.  We have SO much to share with you!

Are there activities for our younger children?
Siblings are welcome; however, we do not have specific activities/events planned for them.  Unfortunately, we do not have childcare provisions.

What overnight accommodation options are available for family and guests?  On-campus housing is available at a modest price - the amount depends on the type of lodging requested.  Parents and guests will be housed in Johnson Hall, home to our First Year Residential Experience (FYRE) program.  Johnson underwent a $14 million dollar renovation and re-opened for the 2003-2004 academic year. The hall is air-conditioned and a standard room contains two twin beds, two desks, two dressers and two armoires or closets.  Separate male and female bathroom and shower facilities are located down the hall.  A limited number of handicap-accessible rooms are available upon request.  For those who prefer the comfort of an area hotel/motel, follow the link to a list of local accommodations.

We will be driving a long distance.  What if we need to arrive the night before our program?  On-campus housing is available for first year students and their families attending a two-day program for the nominal fee of an additional $15 per person.   You will remain in the same room for the entire program.

My student does not know anyone attending the same Orientation session.  Is it possible for me to room with my student during Orientation?   In a word, no.  Students will be paired with another student of the same gender.  They will reside in a different residence hall so they should pack separately.  The student schedule runs until approximately midnight so they will be busy attending workshops and social activities to get them acquainted with their peers as well as with life on campus.  Parents and guests will be housed in Johnson Hall with their own family members or if attending alone, they can opt to room with another parent of the same gender.  That also reduces the amount of the guest fee.  Parents and guests have opportunities to mingle and get to know one another.

How do we get to campus if we travel by plane, bus or train?
Making travel arrangements to Oswego

When will our Orientation session begin and end?
That depends on whether your student is a first year or transfer student.

Is one Orientation program better than another?
All of our Orientation programs are the same so choose the session that works best for you and your family.  Be sure to check with your student about his/her end of year event schedule.  Once you have been confirmed for a program, it is difficult to reschedule.  We can only accommodate change requests resulting from extenuating circumstances.

Will students and parents attend all the same activities?
We have a separate program for family and guests so the time you will spend together with your student is limited.  You will be running on different schedules but may meet up for meals.  However, don't be disappointed if your student decides to dine with his/her peers.  We want them to feel connected before they arrive for classes in the fall.

Will I be able to attend my student's academic advisement session?  We understand that the family is an integral part of a student's support system.  As a result, we hope you will discuss possible class choices with your student but parents are unable to attend their student's advisement session.  Students will meet with a specially-trained faculty advisor who will assist them in choosing appropriate classes and ensure that classes are taken in the proper sequence.  First Year students will be able to make changes to their schedule when the open add/drop period begins (August 27th).

What if I am unable to accompany my student to Orientation.  Will someone be available to help him/her?
Not to worry.  Our Orientation staff is made up of dedicated individuals with your student's best interest at heart.  Students will room with another student of the same gender so they will begin making important connections with his/her peers before arriving in the fall.  Each program participant is placed in a small group led by a Laker Leader.  Our Laker Leaders serve as guides throughout the program.  They are current Oswego students who have received extensive training to prepare them to provide information about the campus from a student's point of view.  A Laker Leader resides on each floor where program participants are housed.   They serve as positive role models for new, incoming students.  They quickly become an invaluable resource to the newest members of the Oswego community.

What if one of my family members has a special need?  Students with special needs should complete the Students with Special Needs Identification Form to request reasonable accommodations.  Family members with access, mobility, sight or hearing challenges should indicate their special need at the point of registration or may do so by email at orient@oswego.edu or by calling 315-312-5522.

What should I bring to Orientation?

• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• a sweater or sweatshirt for air-conditioned meeting areas
• toiletries, personal care and haircare items
• a bathrobe, shower shoes and a shower bag or caddy, if you decide to utilize our on-campus accommodations
• 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

* Note: Students should pack separately from their parents, family and guests as they will be staying in a different residence hall.

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.

Why is there a fee for Orientation?  Orientation is a comprehensive program for new students which enlists the assistance of various campus departments and services.  There is an immense amount of preparation that goes into coordinating each program. We do not receive state funding for this program.  The fee covers meals, beverage breaks, receptions, lodging (if requested), staffing and other operational costs such as technical assistance and program materials.

Will I be able to tour my student's assigned residence hall that (s)he 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.

Still want additional information?  Follow the parent resources link for the COMPASS to find out more about what you and/or your student can expect over the next few months or years.