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Building a Strong Foundation

Our mission is to help you create a strong foundation that will help you sail through the rest of your college years. 

Through thoughtful campus collaborations, First-Year Experience empowers students to integrate into the SUNY Oswego community by engaging you with campus-wide resources, services, and experiences that will help you to thrive in your academic and personal lives.

Here's just a snapshot of the support and experiences you'll have access to during your first-year at SUNY Oswego:

student sitting on the campus lawn

ACADEMIC SUCCESS
You're here to learn a lot, and while there's a ton of fun things to do, studying comes first. In your first semester, you'll take a First-Year Experience Course and you will get connected with your first-year advisor. Your instructors and advisors are here to help you with time management and studying, to inspire you to learn, to keep you on track for graduation, and to help you get engaged in our campus community.

MEANING-MAKING & PURPOSE
What it all boils down to, is that no one has it figured out just yet. When you are open to trying new things and exploring new ideas, you'll begin to see a clearer picture of what your future has in store-- whether it's a lifestyle, travel, or a career you love

student sitting in hearth lounge

COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION 
It's important to us that you feel welcomed and celebrated as a valued member of our community. Our campus is a melting pot of students from all backgrounds, and we can help connect you to resources and interest groups centered around race and culturereligionabilitysexual orientation, and more.

LEARNING WHERE YOU LIVE
Your residence hall (a fancy word for dorm) is a great place to make friends and to get some extra advice from your peer Resident Assistants and Mentors. There are tons of hall programs and socials to help you get connected to your new neighbors. And you're looking for a community-oriented experience in an all first-year building, check out the Johnson Hall First Year Residential Experience (FYRE).

 

involvement fair

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
From club meetings, to performances, to guest speakers, to frisbee in the quad--there's always something going on. Play the "new kid card" and join one of our many clubs and student organizations. Participate in our campus traditions like Welcoming TorchlightWhiteout WeekendHomecoming, and the celebrated Chicken Patty Day.


Want to make a difference? Volunteering in your community is a great way to help others and meet new people. You can start right away by opting into a service-learning course, participating in the Focus-Forward school mentoring, going on an alternative break trip, or by volunteering on your own.

student with computer

PERSONAL SUCCESS & WELLNESS
A healthy student is a successful student. Take care of yourself by choosing one of our many nutritious dining options and by working up a sweat at our fitness centersMany students like to earn some extra cash and gain marketable experience through our federal work-study program, on-campus employment and other campus leadership positions. 

If you're feeling a little run down, we have a caring staff of counselors and nurse practitioners that can get you back in tip-top shape.